Elastomer fiber module cushion, method and kit based on such a cushion

Abstract

The invention relates to a cushion comprising:- at least one module (M) comprising one or more filaments (F) of at least one elastomer with intertwined strands joined to each other, delimiting an internal volume of air between the strands;- at least one cover (H) enveloping said modules, characterized in that said cover comprises at least one non-slip means, preferably a non-slip fabric. The invention further relates to a method and a kit based on such a cushion. The cushion is in particular anti-decubitus, orthopedic, comfort, mattress for deckchair, pillow for people and for dogs, or for toilet seat. The joint use of the 3D polymer fiber core and the 3D mesh fabric cover makes it possible to machine wash, by water jet or by high-pressure jet, without first removing the covers of the cushions. Abstract figure: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Elastomer fiber module cushion, method and kit based on such a cushion

[0001] The invention relates to a cushion, in particular an anti-decubitus cushion, comprising polymer fibers, in particular for adult and children's wheelchairs, shower chairs and armchairs, strollers, car seats, or even for toilet seats.

[0002] The invention further relates to the manufacture of cushions, in particular anti-decubitus cushions, orthopedic cushions, and comfort cushions, comprising polymer fibers.

[0003] The cushions currently on the market are generally made from several types of foam, the most commonly used being polyether foams, high resistance (HR) foams, Bultex™ foams, and so-called memory foams.

[0004] Specifically regarding water closet goggles, they are generally provided with a rigid structure that is very uncomfortable, or with padding permanently fixed to the goggle.

[0005] It is difficult to find toilet seat covers that are comfortable, elastic, and easy to clean. The foams are often covered in a waterproof material that is easy to clean, but uncomfortable when sitting for long periods and when sweating.

[0006] Comfortable fabric foams are dirty because there is generally no removable cover provided.

[0007] Furthermore, these foams are of different qualities. The firmness and flexibility of these foams vary depending on the desired comfort.

[0008] The disadvantage of these foams is that they lose their technical qualities due to the breakage of the microalveoli that compose them. Thus, over time they collapse. In addition, they cannot be washed, so they retain dirt, odors, and bacteria.

[0009] The cover that envelops these cushions of the prior art is generally removable and washable. However, once the cover is clean, it is put back on a foam cushion that is dirty.

[0010] The objective of the invention is to propose a cushion and a system making it possible to remedy the defects of the prior art, in particular to propose a cushion which is both effective and easy to maintain.

[0011] To this end, the invention proposes a cushion for a toilet seat, comprising: - at least one module comprising one or more filaments of at least one elastomer with intertwined strands and joined to each other, delimiting an internal volume of air between the strands; - at least one cover enveloping said modules, characterized in that said cover comprises at least one non-slip means, preferably a non-slip fabric.

[0012] We can speak of a module or alternatively of a core comprising said filaments.

[0013] According to a variant, said anti-slip means comprises at least one hook strip and at least one corresponding loop strip, one being fixed to the cover, and the other being configured to be fixed to the toilet seat, said module having at least partially a toilet seat shape.

[0014] According to one variant, said elastomer comprises a polyolefin elastomer, or polyester. The polyester is recyclable. It is permeable to air and moisture.

[0015] According to one variant, the cushion comprises springs between superimposed modules, preferably plastic springs.

[0016] According to one variant, the cushion comprises modules of different elasticities on one face relative to the other.

[0017] According to a variant, the modules are preferably welded by ultrasonic welding; or preferably glued by heat-stable glue at 60°C or by hot glue applied with a glue gun.

[0018] The assembled modules allow the thickness or width of the cushion to be adapted in a fixed and stable manner.

[0019] According to a variant, the cushion comprises a central longitudinal comfort groove or a central comfort orifice or bore.

[0020] Advantageously, the cushion object of the invention does not sag, the spring effect is guaranteed for a long time. It can be machine washed without removing the cover.

[0021] According to one variant, said hook strip or said loop strip is sewn to the cover, and the other is configured to be glued to a toilet seat. In particular, said hook strip is sewn to the cover, and said loop strip is configured to be glued to a toilet seat.

[0022] In particular, said module and said corresponding cover are in the form of a pair of modules and covers.

[0023] According to a variant, the cushion comprises longitudinally at least one seat zone and at least one free zone, characterized in that said hook strip or said loop strip is fixed at the level of said free zone.

[0024] The invention further relates to a toilet seat comprising a cushion according to the invention.

[0025] The invention further relates to a kit comprising a cushion according to the invention; a hook strip; and a corresponding loop strip, one of the strips being to be fixed on said cushion; and the other strip being to be fixed on a seat or more particularly a toilet seat.

[0026] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a cushion according to the invention, comprising a step of assembling the modules adjacently and / or superimposed; and a step of fixing the modules together by ultrasonic welding or by gluing.

[0027] In the case of gluing, it is preferably done using hot glue applied with a glue gun.

[0028] Another object of the invention relates to a method of maintaining a cushion according to the invention, characterized in that it comprises a step of washing the entire cushion in a washing machine or with a water jet.

[0029] The invention will be further detailed by the description of non-limiting embodiments, and on the basis of the appended figures among which: - [Fig.l] is a diagram illustrating elastomer fibers of a cushion according to the invention; - [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a front view of a cushion with modules assembled according to a variant of the invention, with two faces of different elasticity; - [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a view in space of a cushion with modules assembled according to another variant of the invention, with the cover partially removed and the modules delimiting a longitudinal comfort groove; - [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a view in space of a plastic spring usable in the cushion according to another variant of the invention; - [Fig.5] schematically illustrates a top view of a cushion according to another variant of the invention; and - [Fig.6] schematically illustrates a sectional view along VLVI of [Fig.5].

[0030] In the variant illustrated in [Fig.l], the cushion is composed of POE polymer fibers F (elastomer type) in parallelepiped, cubic or other modules M. We can speak of a fiber core. For certain models, plastic springs R are arranged between two modules M of fibers F. The assembly is wrapped in a cover H. The springs R can be prismatic, for example cylindrical, or in the shape of an “X” as illustrated in [Fig.4]. Springs of the SPACERFLEX ™ brand can also be used.

[0031] The materials used are preferably compatible in order to allow assembly by ultrasonic welding or by gluing, for example with a hot glue gun.

[0032] The design of these cushions is composed of 90% air which has the advantage to be ventilated from the inside. This considerably reduces the risk of overheating, especially in summer or when sitting for long periods.

[0033] The use of PoE F fiber and plastic R springs makes it possible to obtain good weight distribution and a much wider variety of comfort than that obtained by prior art foams.

[0034] For this, it is necessary to prepare modules M in fibers F of different size and thickness to obtain different elasticities. The preferred variant does not include springs R.

[0035] The arrangement of these elements in the cover H is decisive for comfort (firmer or more flexible).

[0036] In this way, it is possible to make cushions adapted to the weight of adults or children. For example 40 x 40 x 8 cm for adults (soft or firm: up to 75 kg); 40 x 45 x 10 cm from 75 kg up to 120 kg and more; and 35 x 35 x 6 cm for children (less than 30 kg).

[0037] In addition, the way of positioning these M modules makes it possible to produce a reversible cushion with a firm side and a softer side (illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0038] The cover H of these cushions is made either of breathable fabric or of waterproof fabric that can be cleaned with a wipe or sponge. Preference is given to a 3D mesh fabric, i.e. the mesh has a three-dimensional structure that is preferably non-slip.

[0039] The fabric on one or preferably two sides of the cushion is preferably breathable (ventilated in and / or between the meshes) and non-slip.

[0040] Thus, these two covers can be machine washed.

[0041] Alternatively, to prevent the cushions from slipping, a Velcro strip or pads may be provided, with the hook part sewn onto the cover H and the loop part equipped with at least one adhesive strip for the seat of the chair (wheelchair for example); or vice versa (adhesive hooks for the seat, and loops sewn onto the cover H).

[0042] To facilitate transport, two fabric "legs" are sewn on one side of the cushion. These legs are also used to attach the cushion to a chair.

[0043] In a variant, the cushion has in its middle on one side and over its entire length, a deep groove G which allows to free up support points in sensitive areas such as the coccyx, hemorrhoids, or urinary catheter. Furthermore, the groove G allows good positioning of the pelvis by centering the user in the middle of the cushion.

[0044] The groove G can be implemented by spacing the modules M as illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0045] In another variant, the cushion comprises a pair of arcuate modules M for a toilet seat L. Each module M is equipped with a cover H, preferably non-slip, on the underside. Alternatively, each module M may comprise at least one hook strip C and at least one corresponding loop strip B (Velcro™ type), one being fixed, in particular sewn to the cover H, and the other being fixed, in particular glued, to a toilet seat L. An adhesive side is for example provided on the strip intended for the seat L.

[0046] In this case, preference is given to the loop band B on the seat L so that the water closet remains usable if the cushion is removed for machine washing.

[0047] Preferably, the fabric of the cover H is also permeable and non-slip for greater comfort in use. The cushion is machine washable without removing the cover.

[0048] In use, the seating of a user U on the glasses L is mainly done on an intermediate part of the module M as illustrated in [Fig.5]. We can speak of a seating zone ZA. The other zones of the module M form a free zone ZL.

[0049] Preferably, the hook and loop strips (or pads) B, C are placed on the free areas ZL, in particular at the rear and front ends of each cushion. This provides greater comfort because these strips do not hinder the flexibility of the module M in the seating areas ZA, as shown in [Fig.5].

[0050] The 3D polymer fibers used in the design of the cushions are much more effective and durable than the generally used foams which sag quickly.

[0051] According to a manufacturing process, a module assembly step makes it possible to produce reversible cushions adapted to the weight of the people and the desired comfort (firmer or softer).

[0052] The design of these 3D POE polymer fiber cushions composed of 90% air has the advantage of being ventilated from the inside.

[0053] The cover of these cushions is made of breathable and non-slip 3D mesh fabric. The combined use of polymer fibers and 3D mesh fabric makes it possible to wash them in the washing machine, by water jet or by high-pressure jet, without first removing the cover from the cushion.

Claims

Claims

1. Cushion comprising: - at least one module (M) comprising one or more filaments (F) of at least one elastomer with intertwined strands joined to each other, delimiting an internal volume of air between the strands; - at least one cover (H) enveloping said modules, characterized in that said cover comprises at least one non-slip means, preferably a non-slip fabric.

2. Cushion according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said one non-slip means comprises at least one hook strip (C) and at least one corresponding loop strip (B), one being fixed to the cover, and the other being configured to be fixed to the toilet seat (L), said module having at least partially a toilet seat shape.

3. Cushion according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said elastomer comprises a polyolefin elastomer, or polyester.

4. Cushion according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said hook strip (C) or said loop strip is sewn to the cover (H), and the other (B) is configured to be glued to a toilet seat (L).

5. Cushion according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said hook strip (C) is sewn to the cover (H), and said loop strip (B) is configured to be glued to a toilet seat (L).

6. A cushion according to any preceding claim, characterized in that said module and said corresponding cover are in the form of a pair of modules and covers.

7. Cushion according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises longitudinally at least one seat zone (ZA) and at least one free zone (ZL), characterized in that said hook strip (C) or said loop strip (B) is fixed at the level of said free zone (ZL).

8. A kit comprising a cushion according to any preceding claim; a hook strip (C); and a corresponding loop strip (B), one of the strips being to be fixed to said cushion; and the other strip being to be fixed to a toilet seat (L).

9. A toilet seat comprising a cushion according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. Method for maintaining a cushion according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a step of washing the entire cushion in a washing machine or with a water jet.

Images