Japanese futon

Abstract

To provide a Japanese futon with improved heat retaining properties by preventing gaps from being formed around the shoulders, neck and face.SOLUTION: A Japanese futon comprises: a futon body 10 including an edge part having a pair of first sides 10a and a pair of second sides 10b respectively extending in a direction intersecting the first sides, a recess part 11 recessed from the first sides toward a center of the futon body, and two body extension parts 12 and 12 located on both sides of the recess part and extending toward the first sides; and a shoulder cover 30 including a base part 31 provided closer to the center of the futon body than the recess part and two inner extension parts 32 and 32 extending from the base part, and provided on a back side face of the futon body, where the two inner extension parts are spaced apart from each other and overlap the recess part and the body extension parts, and where an opening between the two inner extension parts is narrower than the recess part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a futon that can be used as a comforter or a mattress. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are comforters filled with filling materials such as feathers or cotton. Because people turn over many times while sleeping, turning over in bed can cause the comforter to move significantly and curve, causing the edge of the comforter to separate from the mattress, creating a gap between the comforter and the mattress, allowing cold air to get in through the gap. Particularly around the shoulders, the comforter edge is often lifted from the surface of the mattress because the length from the body to the comforter edge is insufficient, making it easy for gaps to form, making the shoulders, neck, and face more susceptible to cold.

[0003] To address this problem, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a quilt in which a recess is cut out on one side of the outer fabric, this recess is covered with a lining that extends toward the outer fabric, and the outer fabric and lining are sewn together along the periphery of the recess. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 64-51470 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The comforter in Patent Document 1 has a recessed area where the soft lining fits around the neck and face, but because the recessed area is closed by the lining, it is not possible to position the head further inside the recessed area and move the body significantly from the edge of the comforter to the center. The length from the shoulders to the edge of the comforter is not sufficiently secured, and gaps at the edge of the comforter create a problem where the shoulders get cold, so the problem cannot be solved.

[0006] This invention was made in consideration of the above points, and its purpose is to provide a futon that positions the head toward the center of the futon, ensures sufficient length from the shoulders to the edge of the futon, prevents gaps from forming around the shoulders, neck, and face, and has improved heat retention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the futon according to the present invention is provided with a shoulder cover in the recess where the head is positioned.

[0008] Specifically, the first invention is: a futon body having an edge portion including a pair of first sides and a pair of second sides extending in directions intersecting the first sides, a recessed portion recessed from the first sides toward the center of the futon body, and two body extension portions located on both sides of the recessed portion and extending toward the first sides; a base provided closer to the center of the futon body than the recess, and two inward extending portions extending from the base; and a shoulder cover provided on the back side of the futon body, The two inner extensions are spaced apart from each other and overlap the recess and the main body extension, and the opening between the two inner extensions is narrower than the recess.

[0009] According to the above configuration, by positioning the user's head in the recess, the user can move their shoulders closer to the center of the futon body than with conventional futons. Therefore, when using a futon with the above configuration as a comforter, the length from the shoulders to the edge of the futon is sufficient, and there is no risk of gaps at the edge of the futon causing the shoulders to get cold. Furthermore, because the user exposes their head between the inner extensions in the recess, gaps are less likely to form between the futon body and the user around the neck and face. Because the shoulder cover is attached to the back side of the futon body, the inner extensions are held down by the weight of the main body extensions, making it less likely to slip even when the user turns over in their sleep, and less likely to form gaps.

[0010] Furthermore, when used as a comforter, the main extension covers the upper part of the inner extension, which further enhances the effect of keeping the comforter warm. It also further enhances the effect of preventing the inner extension from lifting up from the mattress when turning over in sleep.

[0011] Because the comforter has a double structure consisting of an inner extension portion and a main body extension portion, for example, when the comforter is raised by the shoulders when turning over in sleep, the inner extension portion follows the shoulders, while the main body extension portion covers the entire shoulder without following the shoulders, so the inner extension portion always keeps the area around the shoulders warm, and the main body extension portion can cover any gaps that the inner extension portion cannot cover. When turning over a lot in sleep, the gaps that occur also become larger, and it is not easy to close all of the gaps, but the double structure of the inner extension portion and the main body extension portion increases the effectiveness of preventing gaps. The inner extension portion and the main body extension portion do not overlap and move together, but move separately while shifting, making it possible to prevent gaps doubly on the inside and outside of the comforter.

[0012] The futon with the above configuration can also be used as a mattress, and by placing a pillow in the recess and folding the inner extension part over the user's shoulders, it is possible to keep the shoulders and neck warm. Also, by folding the main extension part over the inner extension part so that it covers the user's shoulders, it is possible to doubly keep the shoulders and neck warm with both the inner extension part and the main extension part.

[0013] The second invention is the first invention, The recess is characterized by including a gap cover provided in a strip shape along the edge of the recess.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the gap cover that extends in a strip shape along the recess can deform more finely and flexibly than the futon body even when the user turns over in sleep, thereby preventing gaps from occurring between the futon body and the shoulder cover, and between the futon body and the body.

[0015] The third invention is the second invention, The gap covers are further provided along the pair of first sides and the pair of second sides, and the gap covers for the pair of first sides and the pair of second sides are provided on the futon body independently of each other.

[0016] According to the above configuration, the gap cover can prevent gaps from occurring between the comforter and the mattress even at edge parts other than the recessed parts of the futon body, thereby further improving heat retention.

[0017] The fourth invention is the second or third invention, The gap cover is a tubular member that is separate from the futon body and is folded back into a U shape, with its opening ends overlapping and sewn together, and is connected to the futon body with its opening end facing toward the futon body.

[0018] When the end of the futon body is pulled upward (above the direction in which the futon and mattress overlap), to the left or right of the user, or diagonally when the user turns over in sleep, a typical futon without a gap cover is subject to tension, resulting in large, wavy deformation and difficulty in fine, flexible deformation. This makes it prone to separating from the top surface of the mattress or bed mattress, creating gaps between the futon and mattress. The problem is that cold air can enter through these gaps. With the above configuration, the gap cover is a separate component rather than an integral part of the futon body, preventing such tension and large, curved deformation at the connection between the futon body and the gap cover. When used as a futon, the gap cover hangs down from the end of the futon body, sealing the gap between the futon body and the mattress or bed mattress, making it difficult for cold air to enter. Furthermore, the gap cover follows the movement of the futon body while allowing for even finer movement at the end. For example, when the futon body curves significantly due to turning over in bed, the connecting part of the first gap cover follows the curved shape of the futon body, but as it moves away from the connecting part, it moves more finely and flexibly, conforming to the top surface of the mattress or bed mattress, so it can close even the smallest gaps between the futon body and the mattress or bed mattress.

[0019] The gap cover is a tubular member that is folded back into a U-shape and sewn with its open ends overlapping, creating a space inside. The first gap cover can retain air in the internal space and expand, providing heat retention at the ends of the comforter. The first gap cover configured in this way is both lightweight and heat-retaining, further enhancing the functionality of the comforter as a warm and comfortable comforter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a futon that prevents gaps from occurring around the shoulders, neck and face and has improved heat retention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a futon according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the futon according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a comparison between the comforter according to the present embodiment and a conventional comforter. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the state in which the comforter according to this embodiment is used as a quilt. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the state in which the comforter according to this embodiment is used as a quilt. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a front view showing the state in which the comforter according to this embodiment is used as a quilt. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the state in which the futon according to this embodiment is used as a mattress. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the state in which the futon according to this embodiment is used as a mattress. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partial plan view of a futon according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The futon according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the left-right direction as seen from the user in Fig. 1 will be referred to as left and right, the head side of the user will be referred to as the front, the foot side of the user will be referred to as the rear, and the up-down direction as seen from the user (the direction in which the mattress and comforter are stacked) will be referred to as up-down.

[0023] The present invention relates to a futon filled with filling material such as cotton or feathers, which can be used as both a comforter and a mattress. Fig. 1 is a plan view of the futon according to this embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a bottom view. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the futon 1 of the present invention comprises a futon body 10, gap covers 20a, 20b, and 20c provided around the periphery of the futon body 10, and a shoulder cover 30 provided on the back side of the futon body 10.

[0024] The futon body 10 has a generally rectangular outer periphery formed by a pair of first sides 10a and a pair of second sides 10b extending in directions intersecting the first sides 10a. In Figures 1 and 2, the first sides 10a are located toward the user's head and feet when in use, and the second sides 10b are located on the left and right sides of the user when in use. The futon 1 of this embodiment is large enough to cover the upper half of the user's body, and has a generally elongated rectangular shape with the length of the first sides 10a being longer than the length of the second sides 10b.

[0025] The futon body 10 has a recess 11 on the first side 10a on the side closest to the user's head. The recess 11 is recessed from the first side 10a on the side closest to the head toward the center of the futon body (toward the feet). The recess 11 is a rectangular opening formed by cutting out approximately the center of the first side 10a on the side closest to the head in the left-right direction. The recess 11 is large enough to accommodate the user's head. The dimensions of the recess 11 are, for example, 60 cm left-right and 30 cm front-to-back, but are not limited to these and can be changed as needed. The futon body 10 has two body extensions 12, 12 on both the left and right sides of the recess 11. The body extensions 12, 12 extend toward the first side 10a on the side closest to the head.

[0026] The gap covers 20a, 20b, and 20c are provided in a strip shape along the periphery of the futon body 10. The gap covers are connected to the first side 10a, the second side 10b, and the edges of the recess 11 of the futon body 10. In this embodiment, the futon body includes a first gap cover 20a extending in the left-right direction along the first side 10a, a second gap cover 20b extending in the front-rear direction along the second side 10b, and a recess gap cover 20c extending along the recess 11. Two first gap covers 20a on the head side are provided on both sides of the recess 11. Three recess gap covers 20c are provided along the three straight lines that form the recess 11. The recess gap cover 20c prevents gaps in the recess 11, thereby improving the heat retention effect. By further providing the first gap cover 20a and the second gap cover 20b, gaps are also prevented at the edges of the futon body, further improving the heat retention effect.

[0027] The first gap cover 20a, the second gap cover 20b, and the recess gap cover 20c are connected to the futon body 10 independently of one another. The gap covers 20a, 20b, and 20c are adjacent to each other at the corners of the futon body 10 and the recess 11, but their adjacent ends are separated from each other by the corners. In this way, the gap covers 20a, 20b, and 20c are each independent and spaced apart from each other at their adjacent portions, allowing them to move independently without interfering with each other. Therefore, they move flexibly in response to the movement of the futon body 10, and each can fully demonstrate the effect of preventing gaps from forming between the mattress and the body when used as a comforter, and between the mattress and the comforter when used as a mattress.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. Note that FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view, and since the gap covers are made of fabric, their cross-sectional shape is not limited to that shown in FIG. 3 and can be flexibly changed depending on the presence or absence of a filler and the type of filler. As shown in FIG. 3, the gap covers 20a, 20b, and 20c are tubular members formed by folding a narrow piece of fabric into a U-shape along the longitudinal direction, overlapping and sewing its open ends, and are produced separately from the futon body 10. The gap covers 20a, 20b, and 20c are connected to the futon body 10 with their sewn open ends facing the futon body 10. Specifically, for example, the open ends of the gap covers 20a, 20b, and 20c are first overlapped to form a tube shape, and the longitudinal ends are closed to form a bag shape. The futon body 10 and the gap covers 20a, 20b, and 20c are each filled with a filler 40. The open ends of the gap covers 20a, 20b, and 20c are sandwiched between the outer and inner fabrics of the futon body 10 and sewn together with the outer and inner fabrics to be connected. The filler 40 of the futon body 10 and the filler 40 of the gap covers 20a, 20b, and 20c are spaced apart from each other.

[0029] The gap covers 20a, 20b, and 20c thus provided have internal spaces. The internal spaces of the gap covers 20a, 20b, and 20c can hold air and expand, providing heat retention at the ends of the futon body 10. Furthermore, the gap covers 20a, 20b, and 20c configured in this manner are both lightweight and heat-retaining, enhancing the functionality of the futon as a warm and comfortable futon.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram comparing a futon according to this embodiment with a conventional futon. The upper part of FIG. 4 is a side view of a typical futon without a gap cover, and the lower part of FIG. 4 is a side view of the futon according to this embodiment. A typical futon without a gap cover has tension at the ends. When the ends of the futon body are pulled upward or to the left or right as a result of turning over in sleep, the tension of a typical futon causes it to deform and curve significantly. Even if a gap occurs between the futon and the mattress or bed mattress, it is difficult for the futon to deform finely and flexibly to fill the gap. As a result, the futon easily separates from the mattress or bed mattress, allowing cold air to enter through the gap. In the futon 1 of this embodiment, the gap covers 20a, 20b, and 20c are separate components from the futon main body 10, so there is no tension like in a typical futon at the connection parts 50 between the futon main body 10 and the gap covers 20a, 20b, and 20c, and when used as a futon, the gap covers 20a, 20b, and 20c hang down from the ends of the futon main body 10, so that they serve to close the gaps between the futon main body 10 and the mattress at the edges of the futon 1 and the gaps between the futon main body 10 and the body in the recesses 11, making it difficult for cold air to get in. Furthermore, the gap covers 20a, 20b, and 20c can follow large movements of the futon main body 10 while allowing for even finer movements at the ends.

[0031] The shoulder cover 30 is formed by sandwiching a filler material such as cotton or feathers between the outer and inner fabrics. The shoulder cover 30 is separate from the futon body 10 and is attached to the inner fabric side of the futon body 10. The shoulder cover 30 has a base 31 and two inner extensions 32, 32 that extend from the base 31 toward the first side 10a (head side). The base 31 is located on the back side of the futon body 10, closer to the center of the futon body than the recess 11. The width of the base 31 in the left-right direction is wider than the width of the recess 11 in the left-right direction. The two inner extensions 32, 32 are located at a distance from each other and overlap the recess 11 and the main body extension 12. The opening between the two inner extensions 32, 32 is narrower than the recess 11, and part of the inner extension 32 is exposed from the recess 11 to the outer side. The size of the opening between the two inner extensions 32, 32 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, equal to, slightly narrower than, or slightly wider than the width of the user's head. Between the two inner extensions 32, 32, the head-side end 31a of the base 31 is located below the recess gap cover 20c and is not exposed to the front side.

[0032] The following describes the use of the comforter of this embodiment as a comforter and its function, based on Figures 5 to 7. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, comforter 1 covers the upper half of the user's body. A standard comforter or blanket can be layered on top of comforter 1. Comforter 1 is used by positioning the user's head within recess 11 and exposing the face between the inner extensions 32, 32 of shoulder cover 30. Recess 11 allows the user to move their body toward the center of the comforter body more than with a standard comforter, ensuring sufficient length from the shoulders to the edge of the comforter. Furthermore, shoulder cover 30 has base 31 positioned over the user's chest, with inner extensions 32, 32 positioned on either side of the user's head to cover the chest and shoulders. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, shoulder cover 30's recess 11 can prevent gaps at any angle, including gaps caused by turning over in bed or unevenness caused by pillow Y. Because the shoulder cover 30 is located on the underside of the futon body 10, it is held down by the weight of the futon body 10, preventing gaps from rising up when the user turns over in bed. The shoulder cover 30 prevents gaps around the user's face and neck in the recess 11, improving heat retention. It also double-covers the chest and shoulders together with the futon body, improving warmth. Furthermore, although the shoulder cover 30 has a double structure with the inner extension 32 and the main body extension 12, the inner extension 32 and the main body extension 12 move independently, for example, when the user turns over in bed. This allows the inner extension 32 to constantly insulate the area around the shoulders, while the main body extension 12 can cover gaps that the inner extension 32 cannot cover, resulting in a high heat retention effect. Furthermore, by providing the recess gap cover 20c in the recess 11, it is possible to prevent even the slightest gaps between the futon body 10 and the shoulder cover 30, and between the futon body 10, the shoulder cover 30, and the body, further enhancing the heat retention effect. Furthermore, by providing the first gap cover 20a and the second gap cover on the edge portions other than the recess 11, it is possible to prevent gaps from occurring between the comforter 1 and the mattress.

[0033] Next, with reference to Figures 8 and 9, the state and function of the futon according to this embodiment when used as a mattress will be described. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the mattress 1 can be placed under the user's upper body. This mattress 1 can be used by placing a regular comforter or blanket over the body. The mattress 1 can be used in the state shown in Figure 8, with the pillow Y placed in the recess 11 and the inner extensions 32, 32 of the shoulder cover 30 folded over the shoulders, with the face exposed between the inner extensions 32, 32. From the state shown in Figure 8, the main body extensions 12, 12 can also be folded over the shoulders to use the state shown in Figure 9. When the futon 1 of this embodiment is used as a mattress as shown in Figures 8 and 9, gaps around the shoulders and neck can be prevented, improving heat retention.

[0034] <Other embodiments> Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the recess 11 in a futon of another embodiment. In the above embodiment, the gap covers 20a, 20b, and 20c are completely separated to leave space at the corners of the futon body 10 and the recess 11, respectively, but, for example, as shown in Figure 10, either of the gap covers 20a and 20c adjacent to each other at the corner may extend to the edge to cover the corner. In this case, the gap covers 20a and 20c come into contact with the short sides butt against the long sides, but are separated from each other without being connected.

[0035] The position where the gap cover is connected to the futon body does not necessarily have to be the very end of the futon body as shown in Figure 3, but can be anywhere around the end of the futon body. For example, even if the gap cover is connected to the bottom side of the futon body, further inward than the very end, the gap blocking effect can be obtained.

[0036] The gap cover does not necessarily need to be filled with a filler. Because the gap cover has a tubular shape that allows for the formation of a space inside, it can retain a certain amount of air even without filling with a filler, and can provide gap shielding and heat retention effects. However, filling with a filler makes it easier to retain air, further enhancing these effects. The comforter of this embodiment can also be used as a blanket.

[0037] In this embodiment, the end of the inner extension portion is located closer to the center of the futon body than the end of the main body extension portion, but the effect of sealing the gap can be achieved even if the inner extension portion is configured to be longer than the main body extension portion.

[0038] When the futon of this embodiment is used as a comforter, it is sized to cover only the upper body so that a regular comforter or blanket can be placed on top of it, but it may also be sized similarly to a regular comforter in which the second side 10b is longer than the first side 10a, so that the comforter 1 alone can cover the entire body of the user.

[0039] When using the futon of this embodiment, a general comforter or blanket that is used in layers can be layered under the futon of this embodiment, rather than on top of the futon of this embodiment. The futon of this embodiment can also be used sandwiched between a general comforter and a blanket. When using the futon of this embodiment in combination with a general comforter, mattress, blanket, etc., the futon can be layered in any order, such as on top of the mattress, on top of the comforter (topmost), between the comforter and blanket, or between the mattress and blanket.

[0040] For example, when a general blanket and comforter are used together and the comforter is used on top of the blanket, the comforter of this embodiment may be placed below the blanket, above the comforter, or between the blanket and the comforter.Furthermore, when a general blanket and comforter are used together and the blanket is used on top of the comforter, the comforter of this embodiment may be placed below the comforter, above the blanket, or between the blanket and the comforter.

[0041] The above-described embodiments are essentially preferred examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 1 futon (comforter, mattress) 10 Futon body 10a Side 1 10b Side 2 11 Recess 12 Main body extension 20a First gap cover 20b Second gap cover 20c Recess gap cover 30 Shoulder Cover 31 Base 32 Inner extension 40 Filler 50 Connection part X Futon Y pillow

Claims

1. a futon body having an edge portion including a pair of first sides and a pair of second sides extending in directions intersecting the first sides, a recess recessed from the first sides toward the center of the futon body, and two body extension portions located on both sides of the recess and extending toward the first sides; a base provided closer to the center of the futon body than the recess, and a shoulder cover having two inward extensions extending from the base and provided on the back side of the futon body; The two inner extension portions are spaced apart from each other and overlap the recess and the main body extension portion, and the opening between the two inner extension portions is narrower than the recess.

2. The futon according to claim 1, further comprising a gap cover provided in a strip shape along the edge of the recess.

3. The futon described in claim 2, wherein the gap covers are further provided along the pair of first sides and the pair of second sides, and the gap covers for the pair of first sides and the pair of second sides are provided independently of each other on the futon body.

4. The futon according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the gap cover is a tubular member separate from the futon body, which is folded back into a U-shape and sewn with its opening ends overlapping each other, and which is connected to the futon body with its opening end facing toward the futon body.

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