Cushion

Abstract

To provide a cushion capable of stably supporting a person to be cared by adjusting sinking into the cushion when supporting a part of the body of the person to be cared by the cushion, and coping with it without excessively increasing the kinds of cushions prepared at a job site.SOLUTION: A cushion material, an outer bag cloth member filled with the cushion material, and a stretchable portion in which a partial region of a surface of the outer bag cloth member is replaced with a stretchable fabric member having higher stretchability than the outer bag cloth member are provided, a recessed portion that receives a body of a user is formed in the stretchable portion, the outer bag cloth member has a V shape in a plan view, a first arm portion and a second arm portion are connected to each other at a central portion, and the stretchable portion is provided in a part of the first arm portion and a part of the second arm portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cushion, and more particularly to a cushion that allows the user's body to fit more easily into the cushion by adjusting the stretchability of the fabric on the surface of the cushion. [Background technology]

[0002] When a person requiring assistance sits or sleeps, cushions of various shapes are used to support the body's posture. Cushions have a moderate amount of elasticity, so they are used to fill gaps in chairs, bedding, etc., and to maintain the person's posture. Since a person requiring assistance cannot easily change their position, direct contact can easily cause pain in the area of ​​contact. This is where cushions come in handy.

[0003] The elasticity and softness of the cushion can be adjusted by changing the cushioning material filled inside the cushion. For example, combinations of cotton, beads, sponge, etc. have been disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] However, in the current cushions described in Patent Document 1, the elasticity and softness are adjusted as a whole bag-shaped cushion. In other words, the degree of expansion and softness of the cushion depends on the cushion itself, so it is not easy to adjust it to fit the body part of the person being assisted. This results in the hassle of preparing and using multiple cushions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-188157 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and provides a cushion that can stably support a person being assisted by adjusting the degree of sinking into the cushion when supporting parts of the body of the person being assisted with the cushion, and that can be adapted without excessively increasing the number of types of cushions that need to be prepared on site. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In other words, the cushion of this embodiment comprises a cushioning material, an outer bag cloth member filled with the cushioning material, and an elastic portion in which a portion of the surface of the outer bag cloth member is replaced with an elastic fabric member that has higher elasticity than the outer bag cloth member, and is characterized in that a recess that supports the user's body is formed in the elastic portion.

[0008] Furthermore, in the cushion, the outer bag cloth member may be V-shaped when viewed in a plane, the first arm portion and the second arm portion may be connected at the center, and an elastic portion may be provided in a portion of the first arm portion and a portion of the second arm portion.

[0009] Furthermore, in the cushion, the outer bag cloth member may be rectangular in plan view and divided into a first cushion portion and a second cushion portion, the first cushion portion and the second cushion portion may be connected via a valley groove portion, and an elastic portion may be provided in a portion of the first cushion portion and a portion of the second cushion portion.

[0010] Furthermore, in the cushion, the first cushion portion and the second cushion portion may be folded via the valley groove portion, and the second cushion portion may be overlapped on the first cushion portion.

[0011] Furthermore, in the cushion, the first cushion portion and the second cushion portion may each be provided with a handle portion.

[0012] Furthermore, in the cushion, gathers may be provided in the stretchable portion to form recesses in the stretchable portion.

[0013] Furthermore, in the cushion, stitches may be provided in the stretchable portion to form recesses in the stretchable portion.

[0014] Furthermore, in the cushion, when stretched in one direction, the stretchable fabric member may have a stretch amount of 105 to 220% of that of the outer bag fabric member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The cushion of the present invention comprises a cushioning material, an outer bag cloth member filled with the cushioning material, and an elastic portion in which a portion of the surface of the outer bag cloth member is replaced with an elastic fabric member that has greater elasticity than the outer bag cloth member, and a recess that supports the user's body is formed in the elastic portion.Therefore, when supporting parts of the body of the person being assisted with the cushion, the sinking into the cushion can be adjusted to provide stable support for the person being assisted, and there is no need to increase the number of types of cushions that need to be prepared at the site too much. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall plan view of a cushion according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the cushion of FIG. 1 in use. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an overall plan view of a cushion according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a first schematic diagram of the cushion of FIG. 2 in use. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a second schematic diagram of the cushion of FIG. 2 in use. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a first partially enlarged schematic view of a recess. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a second partially enlarged schematic view of the recess. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The cushion disclosed as an embodiment is primarily used for purposes such as maintaining the body posture and relieving pain of a care recipient whose muscles have weakened due to illness, injury, or aging. As will be described later, it is used to support the arms when seated in a chair or wheelchair, and to maintain the posture of the lower body and legs when sleeping. Of course, the cushion's performance can be utilized for purposes other than nursing care.

[0018] FIG. 1 is an overall plan view of a cushion 1A of the first embodiment. The cushion 1A is filled with a cushion material (not shown) and is provided with an outer bag cloth member 10a as the outer skin of the cushion material. A portion of the surface of the outer bag cloth member 10a is replaced with a stretchable fabric member with higher stretchability than the outer bag cloth member 10a, and is arranged as a stretchable portion 20a. Furthermore, a depression 40 is formed in the stretchable portion 20a as needed. The depression 40 is a moderately recessed portion formed in the surface of the cushion, and the body of the person being assisted is supported by the depression 40. The depression 40 of the cushion 1A of the first embodiment is a depression in the cushion that is mainly for supporting the forearm.

[0019] In the illustrated cushion 1A of the first embodiment, the outer bag cloth member 10a has a V-shape in a plan view. The outer bag cloth member 10a is composed of two sections, a first arm section 11 and a second arm section 12, which are bent and connected at a central section 15. The bending angle of the V-shape of the outer bag cloth member 10a is approximately 60° to 120°. Furthermore, the stretchable section 20a arranged in a partial area on the surface of the outer bag cloth member 10a is provided as a first arm stretchable section 21 in a portion of the first arm section 11 and a second arm stretchable section 22 in a portion of the second arm section 12. In the illustrated cushion 1A of the first embodiment, the first arm stretchable section 21 and the second arm stretchable section 22 are arranged continuously via the central section 15 in the outer bag cloth member 10a.

[0020] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cushion 1A of the first embodiment in use. In the illustrated example, a person being assisted U is seated in a wheelchair WC. In this case, the wheelchair WC has armrests, but these are located directly above the wheels. Therefore, even though the upper arms of the person being assisted U can rest on the armrests, the wheelchair WC itself does not have a member that supports the forearms of the person being assisted U in an appropriate position. Therefore, after the person being assisted U sits in the wheelchair WC, the cushion 1A of the first embodiment is placed on the armrests.

[0021] The forearm of the person being assisted U is placed on the cushion 1A and its stretchable portion 20a (first arm stretchable portion 21, second arm stretchable portion 22). As can be seen from the illustration, the forearm UA of the person being assisted U is supported by the cushion 1A, and the weight of the forearm UA is not placed on the upper arm, thereby reducing pain in the upper arm and shoulder. In addition, the stretchable portion 20a (first arm stretchable portion 21, second arm stretchable portion 22) is made of a fabric that is relatively more stretchable than the outer bag cloth member 10a. Furthermore, although optional, a recess 40 (depression) that matches the general shape of the arm is formed on the surface of the outer bag cloth member 10a. Therefore, when the load of the forearm UA is applied to the stretchable portion 20a, the stretchable portion 20a (each of the first arm stretchable portion 21 and the second arm stretchable portion 22) becomes more stretchable than the outer bag cloth member 10a, and the forearm UA is guided toward the recess 40, and the forearm UA is held in an appropriate position in the cushion 1A.

[0022] FIG. 3 is an overall plan view of a cushion 1B of the second embodiment. The cushion 1B is filled with a cushion material (not shown) and is provided with an outer bag cloth member 10b as the outer skin of the cushion material. A portion of the surface of the outer bag cloth member 10b is replaced with a stretchable fabric member with higher stretchability than the outer bag cloth member 10b, and is arranged as a stretchable portion 20b. Furthermore, a recess 40 is formed in the stretchable portion 20b as necessary. The recess 40 is a moderately recessed portion formed in the surface of the cushion, and the body of the person being assisted is supported by the recess 40. The recess 40 of the cushion 1B of the second embodiment is a recess in the cushion that is mainly for supporting the lower leg.

[0023] In the illustrated cushion 1B of the second embodiment, the outer bag cloth member 10b has a rectangular shape in a plan view. The outer bag cloth member 10b is divided into two rectangular portions of similar size, a first cushion portion 13 and a second cushion portion 14, which are connected at a central valley groove portion 16. The valley groove portion 16 is formed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the cushion 1B (the horizontal direction on the paper). The cushion 1B has two cushion portions, the first cushion portion 13 and the second cushion portion 14, arranged in parallel, and the first cushion portion 13 and the second cushion portion 14 are connected via the valley groove portion 16.

[0024] In the cushion 1B of the second embodiment, the stretchable portion 20b arranged in a partial area on the surface of the outer bag cloth member 10b is provided as a first cushion stretchable portion 23 in a part of the first cushion portion 13 and as a second cushion stretchable portion 24 in a part of the second cushion portion 14. In the cushion 1B of the second embodiment, as in the cushion 1A of the first embodiment, recesses 40 are provided in the stretchable portions 20b (first cushion stretchable portion 23, second cushion stretchable portion 24). In other words, recessed portions provided in the bulges of the first cushion portion 13 and second cushion portion 14 are formed in the stretchable portions 20b.

[0025] Additionally, the cushion 1B of the second embodiment is provided with four handles 30 to make it easier to grip the cushion 1B itself. The handles 30 are used, for example, when pulling the cushion 1B on a bed to adjust its position. In the illustrated embodiment, two handles are provided at intervals on each of the first cushion part 13 and the second cushion part 14. Note that, because the handles 30 are easily pulled, they are reinforced by using thick fabric or by using strong stitching. Of course, the shape and size of the handles 30 may be any shape as long as they can maintain their strength.

[0026] 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a state in which the cushion 1B of the second embodiment is in use. In the illustration, the lower limbs, mainly the lower leg UL, of the person being assisted U are placed on the cushion 1B. The right lower leg UL of the person being assisted U is placed in the recess 40 of the first cushion expansion / contraction portion 23 of the first cushion portion 13, and the left lower leg UL is placed in the recess 40 of the second cushion expansion / contraction portion 24 of a part of the second cushion portion 14. The cushion 1B is used, for example, during treatment of a fracture or pulled muscle in the lower limb, or for patients suffering from insufficient circulation in the lower limbs due to varicose veins in the lower limbs.

[0027] The cushion 1B is placed directly under the lower limbs (lower legs UL) of the person being assisted U, and by placing it between the lower limbs and the bed, congestion in the lower limbs is easily relieved. Also, in the case of the person being assisted U who complains of knee pain, the knees are bent moderately, which is used to relieve the pain in the knees.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the use state of the cushion 1B of the second embodiment. In the cushion 1B of the second embodiment, the first cushion portion 13 and the second cushion portion 14 are folded via the valley groove portion 16. Then, the first cushion portion 13 and the second cushion portion 14 are stacked. If the position of the lower limb (lower leg UL) of the person being assisted U is to be raised higher than the height of the first cushion portion 13 or the second cushion portion 14 of the cushion 1B, a separate member for adjusting the height is required. Therefore, the height to which the lower limb is lifted is determined by bending the cushion 1B itself. For example, when lifting one lower limb due to a fracture or the like, the cushion 1B is folded in half at the valley groove portion 16 as shown in FIG. 5, and the right lower leg UL is placed on one side (the first cushion portion 13 in the figure).

[0029] The recess 40 of the first cushion expandable portion 23 of the first cushion portion 13, or the recess 40 of the second cushion expandable portion 24 in a part of the second cushion portion 14, is a moderate depression. Therefore, in both the state of Fig. 4 and the state of Fig. 5, the right lower leg UL of the person being assisted U fits into the recess of the recess 40, and the lower leg UL does not easily roll out of the recess 40. This reduces the need for assistance from a caregiver every time the lower leg UL of the person being assisted U comes off the cushion 1B, which reduces the burden on the caregiver at the site.

[0030] In both the cushion 1A of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the cushion 1B of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the cushion material can include polyurethane foam, urethane chips (crushed pieces), feathers, wool, cotton, polyethylene, resin beads such as styrofoam, buckwheat husks, etc. In other words, any material can be used as long as it ensures the lightweightness of the cushion and the flexibility of the outer bag fabric member 10a. The cushion material may also be a combination of multiple materials. In the case of polyurethane foam (molded polyurethane), since it can be molded into the desired shape from the beginning, it is molded into a shape with recesses 40 already formed at the positions of the stretchable portions 20a and 20b.

[0031] When using a material other than polyurethane foam, recesses 40 are provided later at the positions of the stretchable portions 20a, 20b. Figures 6 and 7 are partially enlarged schematic views of the recesses 40. These are examples of the recesses 40 formed by processing the fabric of the stretchable portions 20a, 20b. Of course, the stretchable portions 20a, 20b can be processed into the fabric by any suitable method other than sewing as shown in the figures, such as heat sealing or tape bonding.

[0032] In the example of Figure 6, gathers 41 are provided in the stretchable portions 20a, 20b, and depressions 40 are formed in the stretchable portions 20a, 20b. The illustrated gathers 41 are formed by gathering the stretchable fabric members of the stretchable portions 20a, 20b together and sewing them while overlapping them appropriately. As a result, pleats 42 extend from the gathers 41, and the fabric in the areas where the gathers 41 are present is gathered together, creating a relative depression. In this way, depressions 40 are formed in the stretchable portions 20a, 20b.

[0033] In the example of Figure 7, stitches 45 are provided in the stretchable portions 20a, 20b, forming depressions 40 in the stretchable portions 20a, 20b. The illustrated stitches 45 are formed by sewing the stretchable fabric members of the stretchable portions 20a, 20b together with thread while appropriately gathering them together. As a result, wrinkles 46 extend from the stitches 45, and the fabric in the areas where the stitches 45 exist is gathered together, creating a relative depression. In this way, depressions 40 are formed in the stretchable portions 20a, 20b.

[0034] In both the cushion 1A of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the cushion 1B of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the fabric of the outer bag cloth members 10a, 10b is selected from a material such as a synthetic fiber fabric, such as polyester fiber or acrylic fiber, a cotton fabric, or a blend, which serves as the outer skin of the cushion material and is excellent at maintaining the shape of the cushion. In contrast, the stretchable fabric member of the stretchable portions 20a, 20b is selected from a material with a higher stretch rate than the fabric of the outer bag cloth members 10a, 10b. The stretchable fabric member of the stretchable portions 20a, 20b is selected from a synthetic fiber fabric, such as polyester fiber, acrylic fiber, or urethane fiber. In other words, when the body (forearms, lower legs, etc.) of the person being assisted U is placed on the cushion, the stretchability of the fabric facilitates guiding the body of the person being assisted U into the depression 40. The depression 40 then serves to hold and support the body.

[0035] As a characteristic of the stretchable fabric material of the stretchable sections 20a, 20b, when stretched in one direction, it is preferable that the stretchable fabric material of the stretchable fabric material of the stretchable sections 20a, 20b have an elongation amount of 105 to 220% of that of the outer bag cloth members 10a, 10b (i.e., 1.05 to 2.2 times the initial elongation). Furthermore, the elongation amount is preferably 115 to 215% (1.15 to 2.15 times), and more preferably 130 to 215% (1.3 to 2.15 times). The stretchable fabric material of the stretchable sections 20a, 20b has such an elongation amount (ease of stretching), making it easier to guide the body of the person being assisted U into the depression 40 without strain. If the elongation amount is less than 105%, the desired elongation will not be achieved, and the point of changing the fabric will be diminished. Furthermore, if the stretch amount exceeds 220%, the stretchable fabric members of the stretchable portions 20a, 20b will stretch excessively, causing a large amount of sinking into the outer bag cloth members 10a, 10b, which is undesirable.

[0036] The degree of stretchability of the stretchable fabric material of the stretchable sections 20a, 20b can be changed by the type of threads constituting the fabric, the weaving method of the fabric, etc. Also, in order to regulate the direction of stretch, it is possible to weave the fabric by changing the warp and weft threads. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of breathability and stretchability, mesh fabric can also be used as the stretchable fabric material of the stretchable sections 20a, 20b. In addition, the stretchability of the stretchable fabric material in the stretchable sections 20a, 20b may be changed to change the ease of stretching of the fabric in parts. For example, the type of stretchable fabric material may be changed depending on the location.

[0037] The fabrics of outer bag fabric members 10a, 10b and the stretchable fabric members of stretchable sections 20a, 20b can be measured, evaluated, and compared in accordance with the elongation standard (Method A) of JIS L 1096:2000, a fabric testing method for woven and knitted fabrics. The physical properties of the fabrics of outer bag fabric members 10a, 10b and the stretchable fabric members of stretchable sections 20a, 20b are determined according to the standard, making relative comparisons easy. When measuring according to this standard, the elongation is calculated from the displacement when a tensile force of up to 4.9 N is applied.

[0038] Three different types of fabric (Fabric 1, Fabric 2, and Fabric 3) were prepared as fabrics intended for use in the cushions 1A and 1B of the embodiment. The results of measurements in accordance with the above standards were as follows. Fabric 1 is a fabric that exhibits almost no stretch and is intended for use in the outer bag fabric members 10a and 10b. In contrast, Fabric 2 has a higher stretch rate than Fabric 1, and Fabric 3 has a higher stretch rate than Fabric 2. Fabrics 1 and 2 are preferably used for the stretchable portions 20a and 20b. The use of Fabric 1 and Fabric 2 is appropriately selected taking into consideration the size, shape, and degree of sinking of the cushion, etc.

[0039] Fabric 1: Stretch rate 0.6% Fabric 2: Stretch rate (vertical) 17.7% Same as above: Growth rate (horizontal) 34.1% Fabric 3: Stretch rate (vertical) 8.1% Same as above: Growth rate (horizontal) 111.0% The amount of displacement when each fabric was stretched to 4.9 N was measured (average of n = 3), and this "amount of displacement" was divided by the distance between the chucks of the tensile tester (initial distance between the gripping parts (200 mm)) and converted to a percentage. In other words, the elongation rate is a comparison of the length of the fabric before stretching and the length of the fabric after stretching. Therefore, taking into account the amount of displacement (elongation rate) of Fabrics 2 and 3, an appropriate range for the amount of elongation is 105 to 220% (1.05 to 2.2 times), preferably 115 to 215% (1.15 to 2.15 times), and more preferably 130 to 215% (1.3 to 2.15 times).

[0040] As explained above, cushions 1A and 1B are ideal for supporting the arms, legs, and other parts of the body of a care recipient and maintaining posture during caregiving. In particular, by replacing a portion of the surface of outer bag fabric members 10a and 10b with stretchable fabric members to form stretchable sections 20a and 20b, the body of the care recipient is properly guided and supported, reducing the burden on the care recipient using the cushion. Furthermore, because the body of the care recipient is supported in recesses 40 in stretchable sections 20a and 20b, posture can be maintained appropriately for the care recipient, even with a limited number of cushions, without increasing the number of cushions more than necessary. This reduces the burden of cushion deployment and storage. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1A, 1B cushion 10a, 10b Outer bag cloth member 11 1st arm 12 Second arm 13 First cushion section 14 Second cushion section 15 Central part 16 Valley groove part 20a,20b Telescopic part 21 1st arm extension part 22 Second arm extension part 23 First cushion expansion section 24 Second cushion expansion section 30 Handle 40 depression 41 Gather 42 pleats 45 stitches 46 Wrinkles U Person being assisted UA forearm UL Lower Leg WC wheelchair

Claims

1. Cushioning material and an outer bag cloth member filled with the cushioning material; A stretchable portion is provided in which a part of the surface of the outer bag cloth member is replaced with a stretchable fabric member having higher stretchability than the outer bag cloth member, A recess is formed in the stretchable portion to receive the user's body. A cushion characterized by:

2. The cushion of claim 1, wherein the outer bag cloth member is V-shaped when viewed from above, the first arm portion and the second arm portion are connected at the center, and the stretchable portion is provided on a portion of the first arm portion and a portion of the second arm portion.

3. The cushion described in claim 1, wherein the outer bag cloth member is rectangular in a planar view, divided into a first cushion portion and a second cushion portion, the first cushion portion and the second cushion portion are connected via a valley groove portion, and the stretchable portion is provided on a portion of the first cushion portion and a portion of the second cushion portion.

4. The cushion according to claim 3 , wherein the first cushion portion and the second cushion portion are folded via the valley groove portion, and the second cushion portion is overlapped with the first cushion portion.

5. The cushion according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first cushion portion and the second cushion portion each include a handle.

6. The cushion according to claim 1 , wherein gathers are provided in the stretchable portion to form the recesses in the stretchable portion.

7. The cushion of claim 1 , wherein the elastic portion is provided with stitches to form the recesses in the elastic portion.

8. 2. The cushion according to claim 1, wherein the stretchable fabric member stretches by 105 to 220% of the outer bag fabric member when stretched in one direction.

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