Connection-type tatami mat

Abstract

To compactly fold a connection type laid Tatami in which a plurality of Tatami panels are connected in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and the Tatami panels hardly slide with respect to a construction surface.SOLUTION: In the connection type laid tatami in which a plurality of tatami panels P having the same size and the same shape are connected, the plurality of tatami panels P are arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and all the tatami panels P are connected along one route R forming a bent line shape. An upper side connecting part β connecting the edge parts of the adjacent tatami mats P on the upper surface side and a lower side connecting part α connecting the edge parts of the adjacent tatami mats P on the lower surface side are alternately arranged along a route R, and the plurality of tatami mats P can be folded from a developed state in which the plurality of tatami mats P are arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns to a folded state in which the plurality of tatami mats P are folded on each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an interconnected tatami mat made up of multiple interconnected tatami panels. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to create a Japanese-style space in a Western-style room with a wooden floor, tatami mats are laid on the floor. These tatami mats are not laid over the entire floor, but are laid in a specific area of ​​the floor. Generally, tatami mats are square or rectangular in plan view, and by laying these tatami mats side by side vertically or horizontally, a Japanese-style space can be created in a targeted area of ​​the floor.

[0003] However, if multiple tatami mats are simply placed side by side on a construction surface such as a wooden floor, there is a risk that the tatami mats will slip and move when people walk on them. If the tatami mats move, gaps will form between adjacent tatami mats, which not only looks bad but also poses the risk of people walking on them falling. In light of this situation, tatami mats with anti-slip surfaces on their undersides have been proposed. For example, Figure 1 of Patent Document 1 discloses a tatami mat with a fixing sheet 16 (anti-slip surface) on its underside. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-183547 [Patent Document 2] Publication No. 3202380 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-209551 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the underside of a tatami mat is usually covered with a lining such as nonwoven fabric, and the anti-slip material is fixed to the underside of this lining. In the tatami mat of Patent Document 1 mentioned above, the fixing sheet 16 (anti-slip material) is also fixed to the nonwoven fabric layer 19 (lining). For this reason, if an anti-slip material is provided on the underside of a tatami mat, when a horizontal force is applied to the tatami mat from the soles of the feet of a person walking on the tatami mat, the area on the underside of the tatami mat (lining such as nonwoven fabric) where the anti-slip material is provided will be pulled locally. As a result, there is a risk that the lining in that area will tear.

[0006] In the past, multiple tatami panels, each equivalent to a single tatami mat, have been connected together. For example, Figure 1 of Patent Document 2 discloses a tatami mat mat consisting of multiple tatami mats (tatami panels) connected together with connectors 5. By connecting multiple tatami panels in this way, it is possible to prevent gaps from forming between adjacent panels, even when a person walks on them. Furthermore, the frictional force exerted on a tatami panel by the construction surface increases the greater the contact area between the tatami panel and the construction surface. Therefore, multiple tatami panels connected together can be considered as a single large tatami panel. Therefore, connecting multiple tatami panels can also prevent each panel from moving relative to the construction surface. However, connecting multiple tatami panels using connectors, as in the tatami mat mat of Patent Document 2, requires a lot of effort.

[0007] In this regard, interlocking tatami mats, in which multiple tatami panels are pre-connected, have also been proposed. For example, Figure 1 of Patent Document 3 shows a floor-mounted interlocking tatami mat (interlocking interlocking tatami mat) in which multiple tatami units 1 (tatami panels) are pre-connected via hinges. This eliminates the need to connect the tatami panels. This type of interlocking interlocking tatami mat is often designed to be compactly folded. However, the interlocking interlocking tatami mats proposed so far have a structure in which multiple tatami panels are lined up and connected in a single linear row. Therefore, when arranging tatami panels in multiple rows and columns, multiple sets of interlocking interlocking tatami mats must be used. For example, to arrange tatami panels in two rows and two columns, two sets of interlocking interlocking tatami mats (two sets of interlocking interlocking tatami mats each consisting of two tatami panels connected in one row and two columns) must be used, and to arrange tatami panels in three rows and three columns, three sets of interlocking interlocking tatami mats (three sets of interlocking interlocking tatami mats each consisting of three tatami panels connected in one row and three columns) must be used. It would be nice to have a connected type tatami mat made by connecting multiple tatami panels in multiple rows and columns, but because tatami panels have a certain thickness, such connected type tatami mats cannot be folded compactly.

[0008] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an interconnected type tatami mat in which multiple tatami panels are connected in multiple rows and columns, so that the tatami panels do not easily slide against the installation surface, yet can be folded compactly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The above issues are: A connecting type tatami mat in which multiple tatami panels of the same size and shape are connected together. Multiple tatami panels are arranged in multiple rows and columns, All of the tatami panels are connected along a single, curved path, and upper connecting sections that connect the edges of adjacent tatami panels together on the upper surface and lower connecting sections that connect the edges of adjacent tatami panels together on the lower surface are arranged alternately along the path. The tatami mat can be folded from an unfolded state in which a plurality of tatami panels are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns to a folded state in which the plurality of tatami panels are folded over one another. The characteristic of this interlocking tatami mat is that This is solved by providing Hereinafter, the path for connecting the tatami panels may be referred to as the "connecting path."

[0010] In this way, all the tatami panels are connected along a single curved path (connection path), and the upper and lower connection parts alternate along this path, making it possible to fold the connectable tatami mat compactly. That is, a pair of adjacent tatami panels connected via the upper connection part can be folded so that their upper surfaces face each other and touch each other (hereinafter referred to as "upward folding"), thereby creating a state where they overlap each other (a 180° folded state). Furthermore, a pair of adjacent tatami panels connected via the lower connection part can be folded so that their lower surfaces face each other and touch each other (hereinafter referred to as "downward folding"), thereby creating a state where they overlap each other (a 180° folded state). By making these upper and lower connecting parts alternate along the connecting path, the connecting type tatami mat can be folded compactly by repeatedly folding it upward and downward along the connecting path until it has the same area as a single tatami panel (until all the other tatami panels are neatly stacked on top of one another).

[0011] This point will be explained in more detail below. Here, we will assume that a total of N tatami panels, from the first tatami panel to the Nth tatami panel, are connected in that order along a curved linear connecting path, with the first and second tatami panels connected at the upper connecting part, the second and third tatami panels connected at the lower connecting part, the third and fourth tatami panels connected at the upper connecting part, and so on, with all tatami panels being connected alternately at the upper connecting part and the lower connecting part, and that adjacent tatami panels are not connected in any other places.

[0012] In this connecting type tatami mat, for example, [1] Fold the second tatami panel upward over the first tatami panel. [2] Fold the third tatami panel downward over the second tatami panel. [3] Fold the fourth tatami panel upward over the third tatami panel. [4] Fold the fifth tatami panel downward over the fourth tatami panel. [5] From then on, fold the next even-numbered tatami panel upwards onto each odd-numbered tatami panel, and fold the next odd-numbered tatami panel downwards onto each even-numbered tatami panel, until the N-1th tatami panel is folded over the N-1th tatami panel. By performing this operation, the interlocking tatami mat can be folded compactly until N tatami panels are neatly stacked in N layers.

[0013] The connecting path of the tatami panels is a single curved line (a curved line that can be drawn in one stroke) with no branches or merges, so when one tatami panel is folded over another, no other tatami panel will be folded over onto the same side of the first tatami panel as the other tatami panel was folded over. This means that all adjacent tatami panels can be folded neatly over one another without interfering with each other.

[0014] In the interlocking type floor tatami mats of the present invention, the upper and lower connecting parts may connect the tatami panels via a separate member (such as fabric) other than the pair of tatami panels they connect. However, in this case, the number of separate members increases, which may increase the manufacturing cost of the interlocking type floor tatami mats. Furthermore, if the separate member is exposed on the top surface through the gaps between the tatami panels of the interlocking type floor tatami mats in the unfolded state, it may deteriorate the appearance of the interlocking type floor tatami mats after they are laid.

[0015] For this reason, it is preferable to realize the upper and lower connecting parts by directly sewing the tatami panels together. In this regard, each tatami panel that makes up a connecting-type floor tatami mat typically comprises a panel body (a panel whose upper surface is made of tatami facing (a mat made of rush stalks or the like woven with hemp thread or the like)) and a tatami edge that runs along the edge of the panel body and wraps around that edge. The area where the tatami edges of adjacent tatami panels are directly sewn together can be used as the upper connecting part or the lower connecting part. That is, the area where the upper corners of the tatami edge (the corners formed between the part of the tatami edge that covers the top surface of the panel body (top covering part) and the part that covers the side edge of the panel body (side edge covering part)) are sewn together can be used as the upper connecting part, and the area where the lower corners of the tatami edge (the corners formed between the part of the tatami edge that covers the bottom surface of the panel body (bottom covering part) and the part that covers the side edge of the panel body (side edge covering part)) are sewn together can be used as the lower connecting part.

[0016] However, if the upper or lower corners of adjacent tatami panels are simply sewn together, the stitching threads (sewing threads) will stretch when a force is applied to the tatami panels that pulls them apart after installation, making it easier for large gaps to form between the panels. Such gaps can lead to poor appearance of the connected tatami mats after installation. Furthermore, if excessive force is applied to the sewing threads, they may break.

[0017] Therefore, it is preferable to overlap and sew together the portions (tugs) of the tatami edges pinched from the upper and lower corners of adjacent tatami panels. Specifically, the upper connecting section is preferably created by overlapping and sewing together the upper tugs pinched from the upper corners of adjacent tatami panels, and the lower connecting section is preferably created by overlapping and sewing together the lower tugs pinched from the lower corners of adjacent tatami panels. This allows the upper and lower tugs of the tatami edges to fill in the gaps between the tatami panels even when forces acting in the opposite directions widen the gaps between them after installation, preventing the underside of the tatami panels from being exposed and improving the appearance of the interlocking tatami mats. Furthermore, the upper and lower tugs can absorb the force applied to the stitching thread, preventing excessive force from being applied to the stitching thread and preventing it from breaking.

[0018] As already mentioned, the interlocking type floor tatami mat of the present invention is made by connecting multiple tatami panels along a single connecting path that forms a curved line. In other words, the interlocking type floor tatami mat of the present invention is made by joining multiple tatami panels together in a single curved line. Therefore, even if a pair of adjacent tatami panels are in an unfolded state of the interlocking type floor tatami mat, these tatami panels are not necessarily directly connected (connected via an upper or lower connecting part).

[0019] For example, if a connecting type tatami mat is made up of four tatami panels arranged in two rows and two columns, the tatami panel arranged in the first row and first column ("Tatami Panel P 1,1 ") and the tatami panel ("Tatami Panel P 1,2 ") and the tatami panel P arranged in the first row and second column are connected at the upper connecting part. 1,2 and the tatami panel placed in the second row and second column ("Tatami Panel P 2,2 ") are connected at the lower connecting part and placed in the second row and second column. 2,2 and the tatami panel placed in the second row and first column ("Tatami Panel P 2,1When the connecting type tatami mat is connected at the upper connecting part, when the connecting type tatami mat is in the unfolded state, the tatami panel P 1,1 and tatami panel P 2,1 Although they are placed next to each other, they are not directly connected via the upper or lower connecting parts. 1,1 and tatami panel P 2,1 The tatami panel P 1,1 and tatami panel P 2,1 Other tatami panels located between 1,2 ,P 2,2 They are only indirectly connected via

[0020] This tatami panel P 1,1 and tatami panel P 2,1 As shown above, even if a pair of tatami panels are adjacent when the connecting type floor tatami is unfolded, a pair of tatami panels that are not connected at the upper or lower connecting part are sometimes called "a pair of adjacent tatami panels that are off the connecting path." 1,1 and tatami panel P 1,2 And tatami panel P 1,2 and tatami panel P 2,2 And tatami panel P 2,2 and tatami panel P 2,1 A pair of tatami panels connected by an upper connecting part or a lower connecting part, as shown above, is sometimes called a "pair of tatami panels adjacent along a connecting path."

[0021] Thus, in the interlocking type tatami mat of the present invention, there are a pair of adjacent tatami panels that are off the connecting path, and if a force that moves the pair of tatami panels away from each other is applied, such as when a person walks on the interlocking type tatami mat after it has been laid, the pair of tatami panels may move far apart, which could disrupt the arrangement of the tatami panels that make up the interlocking type tatami mat.For this reason, it is preferable that the interlocking type tatami mat of the present invention be provided with detachable connecting means that connects the pair of adjacent tatami panels that are off the connecting path to each other.

[0022] Examples of detachable connecting means include hook-and-loop fasteners, strings, snap buttons, and magnets. This allows a pair of adjacent tatami panels that are off the connecting path to be connected to each other after the fact when laying the connecting-type tatami mat. Furthermore, by using detachable connecting means, when folding the connecting-type tatami mat, the detachable connecting means can be removed, allowing the pair of adjacent tatami panels that are off the connecting path to be separated again. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] As described above, the present invention makes it possible to fold up a connected type tatami mat compactly, while also allowing multiple tatami panels to be connected in multiple rows and columns, making it difficult for the tatami panels to slide against the installation surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing the state in which the interlocking type floor mat of the first embodiment is in an unfolded state as seen from the top side. [Figure 2] This is a bottom view showing the state in which the interlocking type floor mat of the first embodiment is in the unfolded state as seen from the underside. [Figure 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the connecting type floor tatami mat of the first embodiment in the unfolded state is cut along a vertical plane passing through the connecting path R shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the state in which the linked tatami mat of the first embodiment is being folded. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the state in which the linked tatami mat of the first embodiment is being folded. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the state in which the linked tatami mat of the first embodiment is being folded. [Figure 7] This is a plan view showing the state in which the interlocking type floor mat of the second embodiment is in an unfolded state as seen from the top side. [Figure 8] This is a bottom view showing the state in which the interlocking type floor mat of the second embodiment is in the unfolded state, as seen from the underside. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the state in which the connecting type tatami mat of the second embodiment is being folded. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the state in which the connecting type tatami mat of the second embodiment is being folded. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] An embodiment of the interlocking type floor mat of the present invention will be explained using the drawings. Below, two embodiments (first and second embodiments) will be given as examples to explain the interlocking type floor mat of the present invention. However, these embodiments are merely preferred embodiments, and the technical scope of the interlocking type floor mat of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The interlocking type floor mat of the present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope that does not impair the spirit of the invention.

[0026] 1. First embodiment of interlocking tatami mat First, we will explain the connectable type floor mat of the first embodiment. Figures 1 to 6 show the connectable type floor mat of the first embodiment. Figure 1 is a plan view showing the connectable type floor mat in the unfolded state as seen from above, and Figure 2 is a bottom view showing the connectable type floor mat in the unfolded state as seen from below. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the connectable type floor mat in the unfolded state cut along a vertical plane passing through the connecting path R shown in Figure 1. Figures 4, 5, and 6 are perspective views showing the connectable type floor mat being folded.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, connecting type tatami mats are made up of multiple tatami panels P connected along a single connecting path R. All of the multiple tatami panels P have the same dimensions and shape. As shown in Figure 3, each tatami panel P consists of a panel body 1 and a tatami border 2.

[0028] The panel body 1 is a panel-shaped component whose upper surface (front side) is made of tatami matting. This panel body 1 usually has a multi-layer structure consisting of a tatami matting and a core material layered on top of each other. Examples of core materials that can be used include insulation boards (materials made by breaking down wood into fibers and mixing them with synthetic resin, adhesives, etc., and then drying them) and synthetic resin foam. Multiple tatami mats layered and integrated together can also be used as the core material. Cushioning material may be placed between the tatami matting and the core material. A lining is also provided below the core material (the bottom layer of the panel body 1). Using a nonwoven fabric, rubber sheet, or the like as the lining can provide the lining with anti-slip properties. The underside of the lining can also be provided with multiple anti-slip protrusions (such as dot-shaped protrusions made of latex-based material).

[0029] On the other hand, the tatami edge 2 is a strip-shaped member provided along the edge of the panel main body 1 so as to wrap around said edge. The tatami edge 2 is made of a woven fabric made of natural or chemical fibers. As shown in FIG. 3, the tatami edge 2 has an upper surface covering portion 2a that covers the upper surface of the panel main body 1, side edge covering portions 2b that cover the side edge surfaces of the panel main body 1, and a lower surface covering portion 2c that covers the lower surface of the panel main body 1. An upper corner 2d is formed between the upper surface covering portion 2a and the side edge covering portion 2b, and a lower corner 2e is formed between the lower surface covering portion 2c and the side edge covering portion 2b.

[0030] The first embodiment of the interlocking type tatami mat is made up of a total of six tatami panels P (tatami panel P 1,1 ~P 2,3 In this specification, of the total M × N tatami panels P arranged in M ​​rows and N columns (M and N are integers of 2 or more), the tatami panel P arranged in the mth row and nth column (m is an arbitrary integer of 1 or more and M or less, and n is an arbitrary integer of 1 or more and N or less) is referred to as "P m,n " is indicated by the symbol ".

[0031] Tatami Panel P (Tatami Panel P 1,1 ~P 2,3The connecting path R of the tatami mats 1 and 2 is a single curved line that starts at point S and ends at point E. The connecting path R is a single line that does not have any branch points (points where one line branches out into multiple lines) or merging points (points where multiple lines merge into one line), but it does have bending points C in multiple locations. In the connecting type floor tatami mats of the first embodiment, the connecting path R has bending points C in three locations (bending points C1 to C3). The tatami panel P (tatami panel P 1,1 ~P 2,3 ) is the tatami panel P from the start point S of the connecting route R to the end point E. 1,1 , Tatami Panel P 2,1 , Tatami Panel P 2,2 , Tatami Panel P 2,3 , Tatami Panel P 1,3 , Tatami Panel P 1,2 They are arranged in the order of and connected in this order.

[0032] Tatami Panel P 1,1 and tatami panel P 2,1 are connected via the lower connecting portion α1. 2,1 and tatami panel P 2,2 are connected via the upper connecting portion β1. 2,2 and tatami panel P 2,3 are connected via the lower connecting portion α2. 2,3 and tatami panel P 1,3 are connected via the upper connecting portion β2. 1,3 and tatami panel P 1,2 are connected via the lower connecting portion α3. In this way, a pair of adjacent tatami panels P along the connecting path R are connected to each other via the lower connecting portion α (lower connecting portions α1, α2, α3) and the upper connecting portion β (upper connecting portions β1, β2). The lower connecting portion α and the upper connecting portion β appear alternately along the connecting path R.

[0033] Here, the lower connecting part α is the part that connects the edges of adjacent tatami panels P on their undersides, as shown in Figure 3. In the first embodiment of the connectable floor tatami, a lower tab 2e1 is provided at the lower corner 2e of the tatami edge 2 of the tatami panel P, pinched out from that lower corner 2e, and the lower tabs 2e1 of adjacent tatami panels P are overlapped and sewn together with sewing thread T to create the lower connecting part α. A pair of tatami panels P connected to each other via the lower connecting part α can be folded downward (see arrow A2 in Figure 5(a), arrow A4 in Figure 6(a), and arrow A5 in Figure 6(c)) to overlap each other (folded back 180°).

[0034] In contrast, the upper connecting part β, as shown in Figure 3, is the part that connects the edges of adjacent tatami panels P on the upper surface side. In the first embodiment of the connectable floor tatami, an upper tab 2d1 is provided at the upper corner 2d of the tatami edge 2 of the tatami panel P, pinched out from that upper corner 2d, and the upper tabs 2d1 of adjacent tatami panels P are overlapped and sewn together with sewing thread T to create the upper connecting part β. A pair of tatami panels P connected to each other via the upper connecting part β can be folded upward (see arrow A1 in Figure 4(b) and arrow A3 in Figure 5(c)) to overlap each other (folded back 180 degrees).

[0035] By forming the lower connecting portion α and the upper connecting portion β as described above, the gap between a pair of tatami panels P connected via the lower connecting portion α or the upper connecting portion β is filled with the tatami edge 2 (the lower tab portion 2e1 and the upper tab portion 2d1), making the gap less noticeable. Furthermore, when an external force is applied to the pair of tatami panels P in directions that move them away from each other, the force is absorbed by the lower tab portion 2e1 and the upper tab portion 2d1, making it less likely that excessive load will be placed on the suture thread T. This prevents the suture thread T from being cut. It is also possible to prevent gaps from forming between adjacent lower tab portions 2e1 or adjacent upper tab portions 2d1.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, when the connecting type tatami mat is in the unfolded state, the tatami panel P 1,1 And the tatami panel P in the first row and second column 1,2 Although they are adjacent to each other, they are not connected to each other at the lower connecting portion β or the upper connecting portion α. ​​Similarly, the tatami panel P in the first row and second column 1,2 And the tatami panel P in the second row and second column 2,2 The tatami panels are not connected to each other. 1,1 and tatami panel P 1,2 The direction of the connection and the tatami panel P 1,2 and tatami panel P 2,2 The direction connecting the above does not follow the connecting path R, and thus a pair of tatami panels P that do not follow the connecting path R (a pair of adjacent tatami panels P that deviate from the connecting path R) are not connected via the lower connecting part β or the upper connecting part α. A pair of adjacent tatami panels P that deviate from the connecting path R are separated from each other.

[0037] Because the interlocking type tatami mat of the first embodiment has the structure described above, it can be folded from the unfolded state shown in Figure 4(a) to the states shown in Figures 4(b) and (c), Figures 5(a) to (c), and Figures 6(a) to (c), and then to the folded state shown in Figure 6(d).

[0038] First, as shown in Figure 4(a), the tatami panel P of the interlocking type tatami mat in the unfolded state 1,2 ,P 1,3 As shown in Figure 4(b), 2,2 ,P 2,3 The tatami panel P is folded upward (arrow A1) at the upper connecting portion β2 as shown in FIG. 2,2 ,P 2,3 Next, fold the tatami panel P 1,2 As shown in Figure 5(a), 1,3 The tatami panel P is folded downward (arrow A2) at the lower connecting portion α3 as shown in FIG. 1,3 Then, as shown in Figure 5(c), the tatami panel P 1,1 ,P 2,1 Tatami Panel P 2,2The tatami panel P is folded upward at the upper connecting portion β1 (arrow A3) as shown in FIG. 2,1 Tatami Panel P 2,2 Fold it over onto the top side.

[0039] And tatami panel P 1,1 As shown in Figure 6(a), 2,1 The lower connecting portion α1 is folded downward (arrow A4) to form the tatami panel P 2,1 Finally, as shown in Figure 6(c), the tatami panel P 1,1 ,P 2,1 ,P 2,2 Tatami Panel P 2,3 The lower connecting portion α2 is folded downward (arrow A5) as shown in FIG. 6(d). 2,3 Fold it over onto the bottom side.

[0040] This allows the interlocking type tatami mat to be folded compactly until the total of six tatami panels P, which are arranged in two rows and three columns in the unfolded state (Fig. 4(a)), are folded on top of each other in the folded state (Fig. 6(d)). This makes the interlocking type tatami mat easy to carry and also allows it to be stored compactly. Furthermore, because all of the tatami panels P that make up the interlocking type tatami mat are connected to one of the other tatami panels P, the tatami panels P do not get scattered or lost. This prevents the tatami panels P from getting lost. In addition, it is easy to change the interlocking type tatami mat from the unfolded state (Fig. 4(a)) to the folded state (Fig. 6(d)) (folding operation), and to change the interlocking type tatami mat from the folded state (Fig. 6(d)) to the unfolded state (Fig. 4(a)) (unfolding operation). The unfolding operation can be performed by reversing the steps described above.

[0041] When using interlocking tatami mats, they are laid out on the construction surface (such as the floor) in an unfolded state, as shown in Figure 1. The underside of the interlocking tatami mat (the side shown in Figure 2) is in contact with the construction surface, and the top side (the side shown in Figure 1) faces upward. When unfolded, the interlocking tatami mat consists of six tatami panels P arranged in two rows and three columns, widening the contact area with the construction surface. Furthermore, because the six tatami panels P are connected along the connecting path R, some tatami panels P cannot move independently of the others (their movement is restricted by the other tatami panels P). This prevents the interlocking tatami mat from sliding against the construction surface. Even if anti-slip projections are provided on the underside of the tatami panels P (the underside of the lining mentioned above), providing these projections evenly across the entire interlocking tatami mat allows for horizontal external force to be distributed throughout the entire interlocking tatami mat. This makes it possible to make the lining of the tatami panel P less likely to tear.

[0042] In the first embodiment of the interlocking type floor tatami mat, as shown in Figure 1, when the mat is unfolded, even if a pair of adjacent tatami panels P are in a mutually adjacent state, they are not directly connected. For example, the tatami panel P in the first row and first column 1,1 and the tatami panel P in the first row and second column 1,2 are adjacent to each other in the left-right direction in FIG. 1, but are not connected to each other via the upper connecting portion β or the lower connecting portion α. ​​Similarly, the tatami panel P in the first row and second column 1,2 and the tatami panel P in the second row and second column 2,2 1, they are adjacent to each other in the vertical direction, but are not connected to each other via the upper connecting portion β or the lower connecting portion α. ​​In this way, a pair of adjacent tatami panels P that are off the connecting path R are not connected to each other via the upper connecting portion β or the lower connecting portion α, and are separated from each other. For this reason, when the connectable type floor tatami mat of the first embodiment is unfolded, there is an L-shaped gap γ in a plan view.

[0043] However, if such a gap γ exists in an interlocking type floor tatami mat in an unfolded state, there is a risk that the gap γ will open when a person walks on the interlocking type floor tatami mat, disrupting the arrangement of the tatami panels P that make up the interlocking type floor tatami mat. In this regard, the interlocking type floor tatami mat of the first embodiment is provided with detachable connecting means 3 that connects a pair of adjacent tatami panels P to each other, away from the connecting path R, as shown in Figure 2, so that the gap γ will not open when the interlocking type floor tatami mat is unfolded. The detachable connecting means 3 can be removed when not in use. Therefore, when performing the unfolding and folding operations described above, simply removing the detachable connecting means 3 allows these operations to be performed without any problems.

[0044] The detachable connecting means 3 may be provided on the top surface of the connectable type floor tatami (tatami panel P) or on the side edge surface of the tatami panel P. However, providing the detachable connecting means 3 on the top surface of the tatami panel P will make the connectable type floor tatami look bad when unfolded, and providing the detachable connecting means 3 on the side edge surface of the tatami panel P will make it difficult to operate the detachable connecting means 3. For this reason, in the connectable type floor tatami of the first embodiment, the detachable connecting means 3 is provided on the underside of the tatami panel P.

[0045] The detachable connecting means 3 may be provided at a location that connects all adjacent tatami panels P apart from the connecting path R, but in the case of the connecting type tatami mat of the first embodiment, the detachable connecting means 3 is provided at a location that connects all adjacent tatami panels P apart from the connecting path R. 1,1 and the tatami panel P in the first row and second column 1,2 If the tatami panels P in the first row and second column are connected by the detachable connecting means 3, 1,2 and the tatami panel P in the second row and second column 2,2 The gap γ is less likely to open even if the gaps are not connected with the detachable connecting means 3. If the detachable connecting means 3 is provided near the end of the gap γ that reaches the outer edge of the connecting type floor tatami mat (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "open end of the gap γ"), the gap γ can be prevented from opening.

[0046] The detachable connecting means 3 is not particularly limited in its specific structure, as long as it can detachably connect a pair of adjacent tatami panels P away from the connecting path R. Examples of the detachable connecting means 3 include those using hook-and-loop fasteners, strings, snap buttons, and magnets. In the first embodiment of the connecting type floor tatami mat, as shown in FIG. 2, the detachable connecting means 3 is composed of a fastening belt 3a and a fastened sheet 3b. A hook-and-loop fastener is provided on the upper surface of the tip of the fastening belt 3a. The base end of the fastening belt 3a is fixed to the tatami panel P. Meanwhile, a hook-and-loop fastener (with a male-female reverse to that of the hook-and-loop fastener on the fastening belt 3a) is provided on the lower surface of the fastened sheet 3b. The upper surface of the fastened sheet 3b is fixed to the tatami panel P.

[0047] 2. Second embodiment of interlocking tatami mat Next, we will explain the connecting type floor tatami mat of the second embodiment. The connecting type floor tatami mat of the second embodiment will be explained mainly focusing on the configuration that is different from the connecting type floor tatami mat of the first embodiment. For the configuration of the connecting type floor tatami mat of the second embodiment that is not specifically mentioned, the same configuration as that described for the connecting type floor tatami mat of the first embodiment can be adopted.

[0048] Figures 7 to 10 show the interlocking type tatami mat of the second embodiment. Figure 7 is a plan view showing the interlocking type tatami mat in the unfolded state as seen from above, and Figure 8 is a bottom view showing the interlocking type tatami mat in the unfolded state as seen from below. Figures 9 and 10 are perspective views showing the interlocking type tatami mat being folded.

[0049] The connecting type tatami mat of the second embodiment is made up of a total of nine tatami panels P (tatami panels P) arranged in three rows and three columns, as shown in FIGS. 1,1 ~P 3,3 The connecting path R of the tatami panel P has four bending points C (bending points C1 to C4), and is bent in an S-shape in a plan view. 1,1 ~P 3,3) is the tatami panel P from the start point S of the connecting route R to the end point E. 1,3 , Tatami Panel P 1,2 , Tatami Panel P 1,1 , Tatami Panel P 2,1 , Tatami Panel P 2,2 , Tatami Panel P 2,3 , Tatami Panel P 3,3 , Tatami Panel P 3,2 , Tatami Panel P 3,1 They are arranged in the order of and connected in this order.

[0050] Tatami Panel P 1,3 and tatami panel P 1,2 are connected via the lower connecting portion α1. 1,2 and tatami panel P 1,1 are connected via the upper connecting portion β1. 1,1 and tatami panel P 2,1 are connected via the lower connecting portion α2. 2,1 and tatami panel P 2,2 are connected via the upper connecting portion β2. 2,2 and tatami panel P 2,3 are connected via the lower connecting portion α3. 2,3 and tatami panel P 3,3 are connected via the upper connecting portion β3. 3,3 and tatami panel P 3,2 are connected via the lower connecting portion α4. 3,2 and tatami panel P 3,3 are connected via the upper connecting portion β4. In the connecting type floor tatami mat of the second embodiment, a pair of adjacent tatami panels P along the connecting path R are also connected to each other via the lower connecting portion α (lower connecting portions α1, α2, α3, α4) and the upper connecting portion β (upper connecting portions β1, β2, β3, β4). The lower connecting portion α and the upper connecting portion β appear alternately along the connecting path R.

[0051] The interlocking type tatami mat of the second embodiment has the structure described above and can be folded from the unfolded state shown in Figure 9(a) to the states shown in Figures 9(b) and (c) and Figures 10(a) to (c), and then to the folded state shown in Figure 9(d).

[0052] First, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the tatami panel P of the interlocking type tatami mat in the unfolded state is 1,3 ,P 1,2 As shown in Figure 9(b) and (c), the tatami panel P 1,3 Tatami Panel P 1,2 Fold downward at the lower connecting part α1 (arrow A 10 ) and tatami panel P 1,2 Tatami Panel P 1,1 Fold upward at the upper connecting part β1 (arrow A 11 Next, the tatami panel P 2,2 ,P 2,3 ,P 3,2 ,P 3,3 As shown in Figure 10(a) and (b), the tatami panel P 2,3 ,P 3,3 are tatami panel P 2,2 ,P 3,2 Fold downward at the lower connecting parts α3 and α4 (arrow A 12 ) and tatami panel P 2,2 ,P 3,2 are tatami panel P 2,1 ,P 3,1 The upper connecting parts β2 and β4 are folded upward (arrow A 13 )do.

[0053] In the state shown in FIG. 10(b), the first row of tatami panels P 1,1 ,P 1,2 ,P 1,3 The tatami panels in the second row are folded over each other. 2,1 ,P 2,2 ,P 2,3 The third row of tatami panels P 3,1 ,P 3,2 ,P 3,3 The tatami panels in the first row are folded over each other. 1,1 ,P1,2 ,P 1,3 And the second row of tatami panel P 2,1 ,P 2,2 ,P 2,3 And the tatami panel P on the third row 3,1 ,P 3,2 ,P 3,3 As shown in Figure 10(c) and (d), the tatami panel P 1,1 Tatami Panel P 2,1 Fold downward at the lower connecting part α2 (arrow A 14 ) and tatami panel P 2,3 Tatami Panel P 3,3 The upper connecting part β3 is folded upward (arrow A 15 )do.

[0054] This allows the interlocking tatami mat to be folded compactly until the nine tatami panels P, which were arranged in three rows and three columns in the unfolded state (Fig. 9(a)), are folded onto one another in the folded state (Fig. 10(d)). The unfolding process of the interlocking tatami mat from the folded state (Fig. 10(d)) to the unfolded state (Fig. 9(a)) can be carried out by reversing the steps described above.

[0055] 3.Other In the first embodiment of the interlocking type floor tatami mat described above, a total of six tatami panels P are arranged in two rows and three columns, and in the second embodiment of the interlocking type floor tatami mat, a total of nine tatami panels P are arranged in three rows and three columns, but the arrangement of the tatami panels P that make up the interlocking type floor tatami mat is not limited to these.

[0056] The number of rows M and columns N of the tatami panels P that make up an interlocking type floor tatami mat can each be set appropriately within the range of 2 or greater. However, if the number of rows M or columns N of the tatami panels P that make up an interlocking type floor tatami mat is set too high, the number of tatami panels P that make up the interlocking type floor tatami mat (M x N) will be too large, which could complicate the folding and unfolding of the interlocking type floor tatami mat. For this reason, it is preferable that the number of rows M and columns N of the tatami panels P that make up an interlocking type floor tatami mat be set to 10 or less. It is more preferable that the number of rows M and columns N of the tatami panels P that make up an interlocking type floor tatami mat be set to 7 or less, and even more preferable that they be set to 5 or less.

[0057] Furthermore, the number M×N of tatami panels P that make up the interlocking type floor tatami mats is preferably 4 or more (arranged in 2 rows and 2 columns), and more preferably 6 or more (arranged in 2 rows and 3 columns).The number M×N of tatami panels P that make up the interlocking type floor tatami mats can also be increased to 8 (arranged in 2 rows and 4 columns), 9 (arranged in 3 rows and 3 columns), 10 (arranged in 2 rows and 5 columns), 12 (arranged in 3 rows and 4 columns or 2 rows and 6 columns), 14 (arranged in 2 rows and 7 columns), 15 (arranged in 3 rows and 5 columns), or 16 (arranged in 4 rows and 4 columns or 2 rows and 8 columns). However, if the number M×N of tatami panels P that make up the interlocking type tatami mat is too large, the folding and unfolding operations will become complicated, as described above, so it is preferable that the number M×N of tatami panels P that make up the interlocking type tatami mat be 100 or less (arranged in 10 rows and 10 columns), more preferably 49 or less (arranged in 7 rows and 7 columns), and even more preferably 25 or less (arranged in 5 rows and 5 columns).

[0058] Furthermore, the shape of the tatami panels P that make up the interlocking type floor tatami mats is not particularly limited, as long as they are in the form of panels with a planar shape that can be laid out. Examples of shapes that can be laid out include equilateral triangles, rectangles (including squares), and regular hexagons. Of these, rectangles are preferred, as they allow the tatami panels P to be arranged in a grid pattern, and squares are particularly preferred. In both the first and second embodiments of the interlocking type floor tatami mats described above, the tatami panels P have a square planar shape.

[0059] Furthermore, the dimensions of the tatami panels P that make up the connectable tatami mats vary depending on the number of tatami panels P (M×N) that make up the connectable tatami mats, and are not particularly limited. However, if the dimensions of the tatami panels P are too small, the number of tatami panels P (M×N) that make up the connectable tatami mats will increase in order to ensure a certain level of surface area for the connectable tatami mats when unfolded. For this reason, it is preferable that the length of one side (vertical or horizontal) of each tatami panel P be 40 cm or more. It is more preferable that the length of one side of each tatami panel P be 50 cm or more, and even more preferable that it be 60 cm or more. However, if one side of each tatami panel P is too long, the connectable tatami mat will not be very compact when folded, which may make it difficult to carry and store. For this reason, it is preferable that the length of one side (vertical or horizontal) of each tatami panel P be 120 cm or less, and more preferably 100 cm or less.

[0060] The thickness of the tatami panels P that make up the interlocking type floor tatami mats is not particularly limited. However, if the tatami panels P are too thin, it becomes difficult to ensure the rigidity of the tatami panels P and to achieve the texture of tatami. Furthermore, the significance of connecting adjacent tatami panels P with the upper connecting portion β and the lower connecting portion α is diminished. For this reason, the thickness of the tatami panels P is preferably 10 mm or more. The thickness of the tatami panels P is more preferably 13 mm or more, and even more preferably 15 mm or more. However, if the tatami panels P are too thick, when the interlocking type floor tatami mats are laid out on a surface in an unfolded state, a large step will be formed between the surface and the top of the tatami panels P. In addition, when the interlocking type floor tatami mats are folded, the overall thickness of the overlapping tatami panels P becomes large, making it difficult to make the interlocking type floor tatami mats compact. For this reason, the thickness of the tatami panels P is preferably 30 mm or less. The thickness of the tatami panels P is more preferably 25 mm or less, and even more preferably 20 mm or less. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1 Panel body 2 Tatami border 2a Top covering part 2b Side end surface coating 2c Bottom covering part 2d upper corner 2d1 Lower knob 2e Lower corner 2e1 Lower knob 3 Detachable connection means P tatami panel α Lower connection part β Upper connection part γ Break

Claims

1. A connecting type tatami mat in which multiple tatami panels of the same size and shape are connected together. Multiple tatami panels are arranged in multiple rows and columns, All of the tatami panels are connected along a single, curved path, and upper connecting sections that connect the edges of adjacent tatami panels together on the upper surface side and lower connecting sections that connect the edges of adjacent tatami panels together on the lower surface side are arranged alternately along the path. The tatami mat can be folded from an unfolded state in which a plurality of tatami panels are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns to a folded state in which the plurality of tatami panels are folded over one another. A connecting type tatami mat that is characterized by its design.

2. Each tatami panel is The panel body and A tatami edge provided along the edge of the panel body so as to wrap around the edge. Equipped with The upper connecting part is The upper tabs are pinched out from the upper corners of the tatami edges of adjacent tatami panels, and are then overlapped and sewn together. The lower connecting part is The lower tabs, which are pinched out from the lower corners of the tatami edges of adjacent tatami panels, are overlapped and sewn together. The interlocking type tatami mat according to claim 1.

3. 3. A connecting type floor tatami mat according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a detachable connecting means is provided to connect a pair of adjacent tatami panels that are not connected by either the upper or lower connecting portion when unfolded.

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