Posture holding tool

Abstract

To provide an easy-to-clean posture holding tool having gas permeability, a light weight, excellent handleability and a small storage volume when not in use.SOLUTION: A posture holding tool T1 is a tool for holding a posture of a user and includes: a body part 1 formed of a first resin sheet, filled with gas and having a cylindrical shape with an isosceles triangular cross section perpendicular to an axial direction; partition walls 2a to 2d formed of a second resin sheet and having openings 21, which divides the inside of the body part 1 into a plurality of chambers; and a plug body 3 formed on a surface of the body part 1, which enables filling of gas into the inside of the body part 1 and discharge of the gas from the inside of the body part 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for maintaining the posture of a user. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART It has been customary to insert a block with an inclined surface between a bedridden sick person or elderly person (user) and the bed to prevent bedsores and maintain a predetermined posture.

[0003] As an example of such a block, Patent Document 1 proposes a posture stabilization cushion formed in the shape of a triangular prism, with a recess with an R-shaped cross section extending axially formed on at least one of the three sides. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-247886 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Previous posture stabilization cushions, including the one in Patent Document 1, were made of elastic materials such as urethane. Although urethane has excellent cushioning properties and pressure dispersion, it has poor breathability, so it can become stuffy when used for long periods of time due to temperature increases caused by body heat. Furthermore, large posture stabilization cushions can become heavy and difficult to handle. They also require a large storage space. Another issue is that they are difficult to clean when soiled with vomit or other substances.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve these problems, and its object is to provide a positioning device that is breathable, lightweight, easy to handle, requires a small storage volume when not in use, and is easy to clean. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one embodiment of the present invention provides a positioning device for maintaining the position of a user, characterized in that it comprises a main body made of a first resin sheet, filled with gas, and having a cylindrical polygonal cross section perpendicular to the axial direction; partition walls made of a second resin sheet and having openings that divide the inside of the main body into multiple compartments; and a stopper on the surface of the main body, which allows gas to be filled into the inside of the main body and gas to be discharged from the inside of the main body.

[0008] In the positioning device having the above configuration, it is preferable that a plurality of the partition walls are provided at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the main body.

[0009] In the positioning device having the above-described configuration, the first resin sheet is preferably water-repellent.

[0010] In the positioning device having the above-described configuration, it is preferable that the opening is formed in a corner of the partition wall.

[0011] In the posture support device having the above-described configuration, it is preferable that the cross section of the main body portion perpendicular to the axial direction is an isosceles triangle or a trapezoid. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The positioning device according to the present invention is breathable, lightweight, easy to handle, requires a small storage volume when not in use, and is easy to clean. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a positioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the structure of the plug. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of how to use the positioning tool shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a positioning device according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. In this specification, the axial direction, up-down direction, and front-rear direction refer to the axial direction, up-down direction, and front-rear direction shown in Figures 1 and 4.

[0015] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a body position support tool (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "support tool") according to one embodiment of the present invention. The support tool T1 shown in Fig. 1 has a main body 1 filled with gas and having an isosceles triangular cross section perpendicular to the axial direction, four partition walls 2a to 2d (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "partition walls 2") that divide the inside of the main body 1 into five rooms, and a plug 3 for filling and discharging air (gas) into and from the inside of the main body 1. Each component will be described below.

[0016] (Main body) The main body 1 is made of a first resin sheet and has an isosceles triangular cross section perpendicular to the axial direction. The main body 1 has a rectangular bottom wall 11 that abuts on the installation surface, a pair of isosceles triangular side walls 12a, 12b that are joined to both axial edges of the bottom wall 11 and extend in the vertical direction, a rectangular rear wall 13 that is joined to the rear edge of the bottom wall 11 and the rear edges of the pair of side walls 12a, 12b and extends in the vertical direction, and an upper wall 14 that is joined to the front edge of the bottom wall 11, the upper edges of the pair of side walls 12a, 12b, and the upper edge of the rear wall 13 and extends in the front-to-rear direction.

[0017] When the cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the main body 1 is an isosceles triangle, the bottom wall 11 and the top wall 14 have the same shape, making it possible to use the bottom wall 11 and the top wall 14 without distinguishing between them. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the angle θ between the bottom wall 11 and the rear wall 13 is an acute angle, making it difficult for the holding tool T1 to slip while the user's posture is being maintained.

[0018] Examples of the first resin sheet used in the present invention include resin sheets made of vinyl chloride resin, polyethylene resin, etc. Among these, the first resin sheet is preferably water-repellent. If the first resin sheet is water-repellent, the main body 1 can be easily cleaned when it becomes dirty.

[0019] (Partition wall) The partition walls 2 are made of a second resin sheet, have the same shape as the side walls 12a, 12b of the main body 1, and divide the interior of the main body 1 into multiple compartments. The partition walls 2 are provided at equal intervals in the axial direction of the main body 1, and are joined to the bottom wall 11, rear wall 13, and top wall 14 of the main body 1, respectively. There are no particular limitations on the number of partition walls 2 provided inside the main body 1, and the number may be determined appropriately depending on the axial length of the main body 1, the material of the first resin sheet, etc.

[0020] Divided circular openings 21 are formed at each of the three corners of the partition wall 2. The openings 21 allow adjacent rooms to communicate with each other, allowing air to be filled into the entire interior of the main body 1 and air to be exhausted from the entire interior of the main body 1. The positions at which the openings 21 are formed are not limited to the corners of the partition wall 2, but from the standpoint of the strength of the partition wall 2, it is preferable to provide the openings 21 at the corners of the partition wall 2. Furthermore, from the standpoint of smoothly filling the entire interior of the main body 1 with air, it is preferable to provide the openings 21 at all corners.

[0021] Examples of the second resin sheet used in the present invention include the same as the first resin sheet.

[0022] (stopper) The stopper 3 is used to fill the interior of the main body 1 with air and to expel air from the interior of the main body 1. The stopper 3 is provided in approximately the center of the side wall 12a of the main body 1. Of course, the attachment position of the stopper 3 is not limited to this, and the stopper 3 may be attached to any position on the main body 1.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of a plug 3 that can be used in the present invention. The plug 3 shown in FIG. 2 has a hollow, truncated conical base 31, a cylindrical, bottomed vent pipe 32 whose outer periphery in the axial center is joined to the upper wall of the base 31, a band-shaped connecting portion 33 that extends radially outward from the outer periphery of the upper end of the vent pipe 32, and a columnar portion 34 joined to the tip of the connecting portion 33. A ring-shaped flange portion 35 is provided on the outer periphery of the lower end of the base 31. The flange portion 35 is joined to the side wall portion 12a, thereby attaching the plug 3 to the main body 1. In addition, a tongue-shaped grip portion 36 that protrudes radially outward is provided on the outer periphery of the base end of the columnar portion 34. The plug 3 is integrally molded from an elastic resin material such as vinyl resin.

[0024] A circumferentially continuous notch 323 is formed at the joint between the peripheral wall 321 and the bottom wall 322 of the vent pipe 32, allowing a portion of the bottom wall 322 of the vent pipe 32 to open only toward the interior of the main body 1. In other words, the bottom wall 322 of the vent pipe 32 functions as a check valve. When air at a pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure is supplied to the vent pipe 32 from the outside, a portion of the bottom wall 322 of the vent pipe 32 opens toward the interior of the main body 1, allowing air to be supplied into the main body 1. When the internal pressure of the main body 1 becomes greater than the external air pressure, the internal pressure of the main body 1 constantly applies a force to the bottom wall 322 of the vent pipe 32 in a direction returning it to its original state, i.e., in a direction closing the bottom wall 322. As a result, even when air is no longer supplied to the vent pipe 32 from the outside, air inside the main body 1 does not leak out.

[0025] When air is supplied to the main body 1 and the main body 1 expands to a desired size, the supply of air into the main body 1 is stopped, and the cylindrical portion 34 is fitted into the vent pipe 32 of the plug 3 (FIG. 2(b)). As described above, the check valve action of the bottom wall 322 of the vent pipe 32 prevents the air inside the main body 1 from leaking out, but fitting the cylindrical portion 34 into the vent pipe 32 more reliably prevents the air inside the main body 1 from leaking out.

[0026] When the supply of air into the main body 1 is completed and the cylindrical portion 34 of the stopper 3 is fitted into the vent pipe 32 to seal the vent pipe 32, an external force is applied to the stopper 3 protruding from the surface of the main body 1 in the direction toward the inside of the main body 1, causing the flexible base 31 of the stopper 3 to deform so as to be recessed inside the main body 1, and the stopper 3 is left in a state where only the cylindrical portion 34 and the upper surface of the gripping portion 36 protrude slightly from the outer peripheral surface of the main body 1 (Figure 2(c)).

[0027] When air is to be discharged from inside the main body 1, the vent pipe 32 of the plug 3, which is immersed in the main body 1, is pulled up so that it protrudes from the surface of the main body 1. Then, the cylindrical portion 34 is removed from inside the vent pipe 32. Next, the user pinches the vent pipe 32 with their fingers so that the bottom wall 322 of the vent pipe 32 opens toward the inside of the main body 1. This allows the air inside the main body 1 to be discharged to the outside.

[0028] (Expansion and contraction of holding devices) When the holder T1 is used, air is injected into the interior of the main body 1 through the plug 3. The air injected into the main body 1 passes through the opening 21 in the partition wall 2 and enters the entire main body 1, causing the main body 1 to expand uniformly overall, becoming a cylindrical shape with an isosceles triangle cross section perpendicular to the axial direction. Since a resin sheet generally has a higher elongation rate in response to a force perpendicular to the resin sheet than to a force parallel to the resin sheet, as shown in FIG. 1, the surface of the holder T1, in which the main body 1 is filled with air, has valleys where it joins the partition wall 2 and peaks that bulge outward in other areas. In other words, irregularities are formed on the surface of the holder T1.

[0029] By forming the unevenness on the surface of the holding tool T1, when the user's posture is held, the depressions create a gap between the holding tool T1 and the user, ensuring ventilation and preventing stuffiness. In addition, since the holding tool T1 is mainly made of a resin sheet, it is lightweight and easy to handle and carry.

[0030] When the holder T1 is not in use, the air stored in the main body 1 is discharged to the outside through the stopper 3. Discharge of air from the inside of the main body 1 to the outside can be achieved, for example, by applying external pressure by pressing the surface of the main body 1 with a hand, or by suction using a conventionally known suction device. The holder T1 can be contracted to the combined thickness of the first resin sheet and the second resin sheet. In addition, the contracted holder T1 can be folded to reduce its volume. This significantly improves storage ease when not in use compared to conventional holders T1. When the holder T1 is to be used again, air is filled into the main body 1 through the stopper 3, and the main body 1 becomes a cylindrical shape with an isosceles triangular cross section perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0031] (Use of holding equipment) FIG. 3 shows an example of how to use a support device T1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3(a), the support device T1 is inserted from the left or right side of the upper body, and the body is held in a sideways position. This can prevent bedsores in bedridden patients and elderly people. In FIG. 3(b), the support device T1 is inserted from the head side toward the toes, and the upper body is held in a slightly upright position. In FIG. 3(c), the support device T1 is inserted from the toes side toward the head, and the lower legs are held in a raised position.

[0032] (Other variations) In the above-described embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the holding tool T1 perpendicular to the axial direction of the main body 1 is an isosceles triangle, but this is not limited to this and may be any polygonal shape that can maintain the user's posture. For example, as in the holding tool T2 shown in Fig. 4, the cross-sectional shape of the main body 1 perpendicular to the axial direction may be trapezoidal.

[0033] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible within the scope of the spirit of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above description, but is limited only by the scope of the appended claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0034] The positioning device according to the present invention is breathable, lightweight, easy to handle, requires a small storage volume when not in use, and is easy to clean. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 1 Main body 2, 2a~2d Partition wall 3 Plug body 21 Opening T1,T2 Posture support equipment

Claims

1. A tool for maintaining the user's posture, a main body portion formed of a first resin sheet, filled with a gas, and having a polygonal cylindrical cross section perpendicular to the axial direction; a partition wall made of a second resin sheet and having an opening, which divides the inside of the main body into a plurality of rooms; a plug on a surface of the main body portion that allows gas to be filled into the inside of the main body portion and gas to be discharged from the inside of the main body portion; A positioning device characterized by having:

2. 2. The body positioning device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the partition walls are provided at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the main body.

3. 3. The postural support device according to claim 1, wherein the first resin sheet has water repellency.

4. 3. The postural support device according to claim 1, wherein the opening is formed at a corner of the partition wall.

5. 3. The body positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the cross section of the main body perpendicular to the axial direction is an isosceles triangle or a trapezoid.

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