cushion

Abstract

In addition to hygiene, we provide cushions that offer improved usability and functionality. [Solution] This technology provides a cushion comprising a waterproof bag, one or more ventilation holes formed in the bag, a filter covering the ventilation holes, and beads housed inside the bag. In the cushion of this technology, the volume occupied by the beads housed inside the bag is smaller than the volume of the bag.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This technology relates to cushions.

Background Art

[0002] In situations such as caregiving and nursing, in order to prevent bedsores, contractures, etc. that can develop in a person who remains lying down for a long time (hereinafter referred to as a patient), a caregiver, etc. (hereinafter referred to as a user) may change the posture of the patient and maintain that posture. In order to maintain the changed posture, a cushion or the like is placed between the patient and the bed or futon. Such a cushion is required to have functionality to appropriately maintain the changed posture of the patient, as well as hygiene, which is easy to manage from a hygiene perspective, and usability, which is easy to use for the user.

[0003] Cushions and the like that can ensure hygiene have been known conventionally. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pillow that suppresses the intrusion of bacteria and the like inside. The pillow described in Patent Document 1 has a waterproof cover, a ventilation hole formed in the cover, a filter provided in the ventilation hole, and a filler held inside the cover.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The inventor believed that applying the pillow described in Patent Document 1 to a cushion would ensure the hygiene of the cushion, but came to the conclusion that it would not satisfy usability and functionality requirements. In situations such as nursing and caregiving, there is a demand from users to pre-deform the cushion in order to make it easier to insert the cushion between the patient and the bed or futon. Deforming the cushion is possible by pushing the air inside the cushion outwards. However, with the pillow described in Patent Document 1, even if the user deforms the shape of the pillow, the outside air is drawn back into the pillow through the vents, so the pillow returns to its original shape relatively quickly. Therefore, applying the pillow described in Patent Document 1 to a cushion does not meet the user's demands and consequently fails to satisfy usability requirements. Furthermore, even if the pillow described in Patent Document 1 is applied to a cushion, the cushion's property of easily returning to its original shape may cause excessive rebound force on the patient or the cushion's position relative to the patient to shift. Therefore, functionality requirements are not met.

[0006] Therefore, the main objective of this technology is to provide cushions that offer improved usability and functionality in addition to hygiene. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, this technology provides a cushion comprising a waterproof bag, one or more ventilation holes formed in the bag, a filter covering the ventilation holes, and beads housed inside the bag, wherein the volume occupied by the beads housed inside the bag is smaller than the volume of the bag. Furthermore, with respect to the cushion according to this technology, the volume occupied by the beads contained inside the bag may be 30 to 90% of the volume of the bag. Furthermore, with respect to the cushion according to this technology, the bag is formed from a sheet made of synthetic resin. In this case, the sheet may have a thickness of 0.05 to 2.00 mm, a tensile strength of 20 to 120 N, and a rigidity of 20 to 110 mm. Furthermore, with respect to the cushion according to this technology, the average particle size of the beads may be 1.5 to 10 mm. Furthermore, the shape of the beads may be selected from at least one of the following shapes: roughly cylindrical, roughly columnar, roughly ellipsoidal, roughly grain-of-rice, or roughly go-stone-shaped. Furthermore, the beads are formed from foamed resin, and the foaming ratio may be 20 to 60 times. Furthermore, with respect to the cushion according to this technology, the diameter of the ventilation holes may be 0.5 to 5.0 mm. In this case, the air permeability of the air passing through the ventilation holes via the filter may be 3 seconds / 300 mL or less. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This technology can provide cushions that offer improved hygiene, usability, and functionality. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Perspective view showing a cushion according to an embodiment [Figure 2] Section II-II in Figure 1 [Figure 3] Section III-III in Figure 1 [Figure 4] A perspective view showing the state in which the air inside the cushion according to the embodiment is exhausted. [Figure 5] A perspective view showing the state in which the cushion has been deformed due to the exhaust of air from inside the cushion according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] A side view showing how the cushion according to the embodiment is inserted between the patient and the bed. [Figure 7] Side view showing how the cushion according to the embodiment maintains the patient's posture. [Figure 8]A diagram showing another example of the cushion according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples of representative embodiments of the present invention, and this will not narrow the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied in combination with any of the following embodiments and their modifications.

[0011] <Cushion> As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the cushion 1 comprises a bag body 2 that forms the exterior, a plurality of ventilation holes 3 formed in the bag body 2, a filter 4 (see Figure 3) that covers the plurality of ventilation holes 3, and a plurality of beads 5 (see Figure 2) housed inside the bag body 2 S (see Figure 2).

[0012] The cushion 1 according to this embodiment can support the back 33 of a patient 32 lying on a bed 31 (see Figure 7). Hereinafter, the horizontal direction along the body axis of the patient 32 will be defined as the left-right direction, and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the left-right direction will be defined as the front-back direction.

[0013] <Bag body 2> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the bag 2 may be formed by joining multiple pieces of fabric. In this embodiment, the bag 2 has a first piece of fabric 8 that is cylindrical and open in the left-right direction, and a pair of second pieces of fabric 10 that are joined to the first piece of fabric 8 so as to close both the left and right sides of the first piece of fabric 8. The interior S of the bag 2 is defined by the inner surface of the first piece of fabric 8 and the inner surface of each of the second pieces of fabric 10 (see Figure 2).

[0014] The length of the first fabric 8 in the left-right direction may be set to approximately the length of the back 33 of the patient 32 in the body axis direction. The first fabric 8 is provided with a positioning mark line 9 extending in the left-right direction. The second fabric 10 is formed in a substantially triangular shape. Thereby, when the bag body 2 is placed on the bed 31, a part of the first fabric 8 is inclined with respect to the upper surface of the bed 31.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 3, the joint portions of the plurality of fabrics 8 and 10 may be folded inward. Specifically, the left and right peripheral portions 8A of the first fabric 8 and the corresponding peripheral portions 10A of the second fabric 10 are joined to each other in a state of being folded to the inner side S of the bag body 2. The left and right peripheral portions 8A of the first fabric 8 and the corresponding peripheral portions 10A of the second fabric 10 may be joined to each other by, for example, heat welding. Alternatively, the left and right peripheral portions 8A of the first fabric 8 and the corresponding peripheral portions 10A of the second fabric 10 may be joined by sewing them together. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the liquid outside the bag body 2 from permeating toward the inside S of the bag body 2 at the joint portions of the plurality of fabrics 8 and 10. Thus, when forming the bag body 2 using a plurality of fabrics, the structure of the joint portion between the fabrics is not particularly limited to the above-described structure as long as it exhibits the above-described effects.

[0016] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first fabric 8 and each of the second fabrics 10 forming the bag 2 are made from a synthetic resin sheet 11. The synthetic resin sheet 11 is waterproof (impermeable to liquids). In this embodiment, in addition to being waterproof, the synthetic resin sheet 11 is also non-permeable. Examples of materials for the synthetic resin sheet 11 include polyurethane; polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate; polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene; olefin copolymers such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA), and ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer (EMMA); polyamide; and thermoplastic resins such as silicone. These materials may be used individually or mixed in groups of two or more. The synthetic resin sheet 11 may have a single-layer structure or a laminated structure in which multiple (two or more) sheets are laminated. In this embodiment, each of the fabrics 8 and 10 is made from a synthetic resin sheet 11 having a single-layer structure. As a result, the bag 2 is waterproof. More specifically, the bag 2 is waterproof and non-breathable. If the synthetic resin sheet 11 has a laminated structure, it can be made by laminating a fibrous sheet such as a nonwoven fabric, woven fabric, knitted fabric, or net onto another synthetic resin sheet. By using a laminated sheet including such a fibrous sheet, the strength, stretchability, and feel of the bag 2 can be adjusted.

[0017] The thickness of the sheet 11 is preferably in the range of 0.05 to 2.00 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.08 to 1.50 mm, and even more preferably in the range of 0.10 to 1.00 mm. Here, as described above, in this specification, numerical ranges indicated using "~" indicate a range that includes the numerical values ​​before and after "~" as the minimum and maximum values, respectively. In numerical ranges described in stages in this specification, the upper or lower limit of a numerical range in one stage may be replaced with the upper or lower limit of a numerical range in another stage. By making the sheet 11 thickness 0.05 mm or more, even if excessive force is applied locally to the bag 2, such as when a user or patient 32 scratches the bag 2, the sheet 11 will be less likely to be damaged, and consequently the bag 2 will be less likely to be damaged. In addition, the patient 32 will be less likely to feel the unevenness formed by the arrangement of the numerous beads 5 through the bag 2, thus reducing the discomfort felt by the patient 32. Because the thickness of the sheet 11 is 2.00 mm or less, the user can deform the bag 2 with relatively little force. Also, when the patient 32's load acts on the bag 2, the bag 2 easily deforms to conform to the surface of the patient's back 33, thus ensuring a sufficient support area between the patient 32 and the cushion 1. Furthermore, because the thickness of the sheet 11 is 2.00 mm or less, the flexibility of the sheet 11 is ensured while maintaining sufficient rigidity to suppress deflection of the sheet 11 due to its own weight. Therefore, even if the bag 2 is deformed by the user, the bag 2 can maintain its deformed shape.

[0018] The tensile strength of Sheet 11 is preferably in the range of 20 to 120 N, more preferably in the range of 30 to 100 N, and even more preferably in the range of 40 to 80 N. The tensile strength of Sheet 11 was measured in accordance with JIS K7311. As the test piece, a dumbbell-shaped test piece collected by punching Sheet 11 with an appropriate punching die was used. As the testing machine, a tensile testing machine (Autograph AGS-X 1 kN, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation) was used. The measurement conditions were a tensile speed of 300 mm / min and a chuck distance of 6 cm between the gripping tools. The measurement was carried out in an environment with a temperature of 23 ± 2°C and a humidity of 50 ± 5%. Under these conditions, the maximum load until the test piece was cut was measured as the tensile strength (N).

[0019] Also, the 100% elongation force of Sheet 11 is preferably in the range of 2 to 30 N, more preferably in the range of 3 to 25 N, and even more preferably in the range of 4 to 20 N. The 100% elongation force of Sheet 11 was measured using the same test piece as the above tensile strength and a tensile testing machine in an environment with the same temperature and humidity as the above tensile strength, and the load when a 100% elongation was given to the test piece was measured as the 100% elongation force (N).

[0020] The stiffness of Sheet 11 is preferably in the range of 20 to 110 mm, more preferably in the range of 25 to 100 mm, and even more preferably in the range of 30 to 90 mm. The stiffness was measured in accordance with Method A (45° cantilever method) of JIS L1096. As the test piece, Sheet 11 formed with dimensions of 150 mm in length and 20 mm in width was used. The measurement was carried out in an environment with a temperature of 23 ± 2°C and a humidity of 50 ± 5%. Under these conditions, the lengths of movement of the front and back of 5 test pieces were measured respectively. The stiffness in this embodiment is the average value of these.

[0021] The tensile strength of sheet 11 is in the range of 20 to 120 N, the rigidity of sheet 11 is in the range of 20 to 110 mm, and the 100% elongation force of sheet 11 is in the range of 2 to 30 N. As a result, even if excessive force is applied to the bag body 2 by the user, sheet 11 will not break, and consequently the bag body 2 will not break. Furthermore, even if the weight of the patient 32 is applied to the bag body 2, sheet 11 will not break, and consequently the bag body 2 will not break, maintaining an appropriate shape for supporting the patient 32. In addition, even if the patient 32 moves, the bag body 2 will adapt to the curved parts of the body, ensuring a sufficient support area between the patient 32 and the cushion 1.

[0022] <Beads 5> The beads 5 are preferably formed from a foamed resin. The foamed resin is not particularly limited, but in one embodiment it may be polypropylene, polystyrene, or polyurethane, with polypropylene being preferred. The foaming ratio of the beads 5 is preferably 20 to 60 times, and more preferably 25 to 55 times.

[0023] It is preferable that the beads 5 are not formed in a spherical shape. Specifically, the beads 5 may be at least one shape selected from approximately oval, columnar, ellipsoidal, rice grain-shaped, or go stone-shaped. Here, the "approximately" shape means not only that the shape is exactly one of these shapes, but also that it includes shapes that are close to these shapes. For example, if it is approximately columnar, it includes rounded triangular prisms and rounded square prisms. In this embodiment, the beads 5 are formed in an approximately oval shape. The average particle size of the multiple beads 5 housed inside the bag body 2 is preferably 1.5 to 10 mm, more preferably 2 to 8 mm, and even more preferably 3 to 6 mm. In this embodiment, the particle size of the beads 5 is the longest diameter at the cross-section of the bead 5. The particle size of the beads 5 may be measured by, for example, a ruler or caliper. The average particle size of the multiple beads 5 housed inside the bag body 2 is the average value obtained by measuring the particle size of each of the multiple beads 5 to be housed inside the bag body 2 and averaging these particle sizes. Because the beads 5 are in at least one shape selected from roughly cylindrical, columnar, ellipsoidal, rice grain-shaped, or go stone-shaped, the surface area in contact with the patient 32 is larger compared to the case of spherical beads with the same average particle size. In addition, the friction and snagging between multiple beads 5 are also increased, making it difficult for the beads 5 to move within the bag 2. As a result, the shape of the cushion 1 can be maintained, and the patient 32 can be stably supported.

[0024] The interior S of the bag 2 contains numerous beads 5, but the volume occupied by the multiple beads 5 contained in the interior S of the bag 2 is smaller than the volume of the bag 2. The volume of the bag 2 is the size of the interior S of the bag 2. The volume occupied by the numerous beads 5 relative to the volume of the bag 2 is called the filling rate. The standard volume of the bag 2 used in calculating the filling rate is the maximum volume in which the beads 5 can be packed into the interior S of the bag 2 without each fabric 8, 10, or more specifically, the sheet 11 forming each fabric 8, 10, stretching. The filling rate is preferably 30-90%, more preferably 40-80%, and even more preferably 45-75%.

[0025] <Ventilation hole 3> As shown in Figure 3, the multiple ventilation holes 3 are formed to communicate the inside S of the bag body 2 with the outside. In this embodiment, the multiple ventilation holes 3 are formed in each second fabric 10 (only one is shown). The shape of each ventilation hole 3 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, each ventilation hole 3 is formed in a substantially circular shape (see Figure 1). The diameter of each ventilation hole 3 is preferably smaller than the average particle size of the beads 5. Specifically, the diameter of each ventilation hole 3 is preferably 0.5 to 5.0 mm, more preferably 0.75 to 4 mm, and even more preferably 1.0 to 3.0 mm. This allows the air 23 inside the bag body 2 to be exhausted relatively quickly when the air inside the bag body 2 is exhausted to the outside. It also prevents the beads 5 from escaping to the outside of the bag body 2.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, a single pattern may be formed by combining multiple ventilation holes 3. In this embodiment, six ventilation holes 3 are arranged at corresponding vertices of a hexagon, and one ventilation hole 3 is located in the center of the hexagon. In other embodiments, one ventilation hole 3 may be formed in each second fabric 10.

[0027] <Filter 4> As shown in Figure 3, the filter 4 prevents external liquids from entering the interior S of the bag 2 through each ventilation hole 3, and also prevents bacteria and other particles present in the external air from entering the interior S of the bag 2 through each ventilation hole 3 along with the external air. Therefore, it is preferable that the filter 4 has not only breathability but also waterproofness (liquid impermeability) and bacterial barrier properties. The material of the filter 4 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, the filter 4 is formed from a nonwoven fabric. The filter 4 preferably has a thickness of 0.1 to 2.0 mm, and more preferably 0.2 to 1.0 mm. In addition, the basis weight of the filter 4 is 20 to 100 g / m². 2 Preferably, it is 40-80 g / m 2It is even more preferable that the thickness and basis weight of the filter 4 are within the aforementioned range. When the filter 4 of the cushion 1 is used in a position where it comes into contact with the patient 32, it adapts well to the curved parts of the body, can properly support the patient 32, and does not give an unpleasant feel to the skin. The filter 4 is provided on the inner surface of each second fabric 10 so as to cover the plurality of ventilation holes 3. The shape of the filter 4 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, the filter 4 is formed in a circular shape. The peripheral portion of the filter 4 is positioned outside the six ventilation holes 3 that are located at the vertices of the hexagon.

[0028] The filter 4 is bonded to the inner surface of the second fabric 10 by heat welding. Specifically, an adhesive sheet 14 is placed between the filter 4 and the inner surface of the second fabric 10. The adhesive sheet 14 may be formed in the same shape as the filter 4. In this case, through holes 15 are formed in the portion of the adhesive sheet 14 corresponding to the multiple ventilation holes 3. By heating the adhesive sheet 14, the filter 4 is bonded to the inner surface of the second fabric 10 via the adhesive sheet 14. This prevents external liquids and bacteria present in the air from passing between the ventilation holes 3 and the filter 4 and entering the interior S of the bag 2. In other embodiments, the adhesive sheet 14 may be placed on the peripheral edge of the filter 4.

[0029] <Air permeability of filter 4 and multiple vents 3> The air permeability of the air passing through the multiple vents 3 via the filter 4 is preferably 3 seconds / 300 mL or less, more preferably 2 seconds / 300 mL or less, and even more preferably 1 second / 300 mL or less. In this embodiment, the air permeability is the time required for 300 mL of air to pass through the multiple vents 3 via the filter 4, using an air permeability resistance tester (also called a Gurley tester). As a result, when exhausting the air inside the bag 2 to the outside, the air inside the bag 2 is exhausted to the outside relatively quickly.

[0030] In the cushion 1 described above, since the bag body 2 is waterproof, even if liquid adheres to the bag body 2, it is possible to suppress the penetration of the liquid into the interior S of the bag body 2. In particular, if the liquid is the saliva or excrement of the patient 32, it becomes difficult for bacteria to enter the interior S of the bag body 2 along with the liquid. Therefore, the hygiene of the cushion 1 can be maintained by wiping the surface of the bag body 2 with disinfectant, etc. Thus, the hygiene of the cushion 1 can be ensured. Because the bag body 2 is non-breathable, it is possible to suppress the penetration of bacteria, etc. from the outside air into the interior S of the bag body 2 through the parts of the fabric 8, 10 other than the multiple ventilation holes 3. Thus, the hygiene of the cushion 1 is further improved.

[0031] Since the filling rate of the multiple beads 5 housed inside the bag body 2 is 30-90%, deformation of the cushion 1 is permitted by exhausting the air 23 inside the bag body 2 to the outside (see Figure 4). That is, the deformation of the bag body 2 and the movement of the beads 5 within the bag body 2 allow the cushion 1 to be easily deformed into the shape intended by the user or into an appropriate shape to support the posture of the patient 32 without significant elastic deformation of the multiple beads 5. For example, if the filling rate of the multiple beads 5 housed inside the bag body 2 is 100% or more, that is, if multiple beads 5 are filled inside the bag body 2, or if a single elastically deformable cushioning material having a size approximately equal to the volume of the bag body 2 is used instead of multiple beads 5, the deformation of the cushion 1 will be accompanied by the elastic deformation of the filled multiple beads 5 or cushioning material. That is, even if a force is applied to deform the cushion 1, once that force is released, the filled multiple beads 5 or cushioning material will try to return to their original shape relatively quickly. As a result, the cushion 1 will return to its original shape relatively quickly. Therefore, in the cushion 1 according to this embodiment, the cushion 1 can be easily deformed into the intended shape without significant elastic deformation of the numerous beads 5, and thus the cushion 1 can maintain its deformed shape. Consequently, as will be described later, even if the user deforms the cushion 1 before it is inserted between the patient 32 and the bed 31, the cushion 1 can maintain its deformed shape. Thus, the ease of use of the cushion 1 for the user can be ensured.

[0032] Furthermore, because the air permeability of the air 23 passing through the multiple vents 3 via the filter 4 is 3 seconds / 300 mL or less, the air 23 inside the bag 2 becomes easier to expel as the cushion 1 deforms. Therefore, the usability of the cushion 1 is improved.

[0033] <Example of Cushion 1 usage> Referring to Figures 4 to 7, an example of the use of the cushion 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the example of use disclosed here, the cushion 1 is used to maintain the lateral position when the posture of a patient 32 lying on a bed 31 is changed from supine to lateral.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, first, the user places the cushion 1 on the bed 31 so that the positioning mark line 9 on the first fabric 8 faces upward. At this time, the user may shake the cushion 1 to eliminate any unevenness in the arrangement of the numerous beads 5 contained inside the bag 2 S. When the cushion 1 is placed on the bed 31, a portion of the surface of the first fabric 8 with the positioning mark line 9 is inclined with respect to the upper surface of the bed 31. More specifically, when the cushion 1 is placed on the bed 31, a portion of the surface of the first fabric 8 with the positioning mark line 9 faces forward and upward.

[0035] Next, the user deforms the cushion 1. The user presses downwards with their hand 21 on the side of the first fabric 8 marked with the positioning guide line 9, while moving their hand 21 from the center outwards to the left and right. This action may be performed once or multiple times. This causes the air 23 inside the bag 2 to be exhausted to the outside, thus deforming the cushion 1. The user may further deform the cushion 1 or adjust its shape by performing other actions as needed. The shape of the cushion 1 should be such that it is easy to insert between the patient 32 and the bed 31. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the cushion 1 may be deformed so that its thickness decreases towards the patient 32 side, and so that the side of the first fabric 8 marked with the positioning guide line 9 is curved.

[0036] Next, the user changes the patient's position from supine to lateral. As shown in Figure 6, when the patient's position changes to lateral, a gap 35 is formed between the patient's back 33 and the bed 31 at the rear of the patient 32. Next, the user inserts the cushion 1 forward into the gap 35 formed between the patient 32 and the bed 31. At this time, the user should insert the cushion 1 forward into the gap 35 formed between the patient 32 and the bed 31 until the positioning mark line 9 attached to the first fabric 8 touches the patient's back 33 or is no longer visible from above. The positioning mark line 9 attached to the first fabric 8 serves as a marker, making it easy to position the cushion 1 relative to the patient 32.

[0037] Next, the user releases the support of the patient 32. As a result, the patient's weight is applied to the cushion 1, as shown in Figure 7. The patient's weight causes the air 23 inside the bag 2 to be further expelled to the outside, and the cushion 1 deforms further so that the patient's lateral position is properly maintained.

[0038] <Function and effect of cushion 1> Normally, when changing the patient's position from supine to lateral, the user needs to support the patient to maintain the lateral position. In this state, the user needs to insert the cushion 1 between the patient 32 and the bed 31, deforming it so that it can be inserted into the gap 35 formed between the patient 32 and the bed 31, i.e., towards the front. Therefore, by deforming the cushion 1 in advance, the burden on the user when inserting the cushion 1 between the patient 32 and the bed 31 can be reduced. Thus, the usability of the cushion 1 is improved.

[0039] Because the beads 5 are formed in a roughly cylindrical shape, when the patient's load 32 is applied to each bead 5 via the bag 2, a relatively large portion of each bead 5 comes into contact with the inner surfaces of other beads 5 or the fabrics 8 and 10. Therefore, even when the patient's load 32 is applied to the cushion 1, the displacement of each bead 5 relative to other beads 5 or to the fabrics 8 and 10 is suppressed. These displacements can induce deformation of the cushion 1 over time. Therefore, by suppressing these displacements, the cushion 1 can maintain its shape even when it deforms to ensure an appropriate posture for the patient 32. Thus, the functionality of the cushion 1 in properly maintaining the patient's changed posture can be ensured. Furthermore, when the patient's load 32 is applied to each bead 5 via the bag 2, each bead 5 can support the patient 32 over a relatively large area via the bag 2. Therefore, the patient 32 can be supported stably. In other words, the functionality of the cushion 1 is improved. Furthermore, since the beads 5 support the patient 32 through the bag 2 with a relatively large surface area, the unevenness formed by the arrangement of numerous beads 5 can be suppressed. Therefore, the discomfort felt by the patient 32 can be reduced.

[0040] Conventionally, in order to suppress the shifting and deformation of the cushion over time, it was necessary to use a relatively dense filling material or to fill the bag to its fullest extent, thereby making the entire cushion heavy. In this respect, the cushion 1 according to this technology uses the beads 5 described above, which makes the beads 5 lighter and allows for a relatively small number of beads 5 to be contained inside the bag 2 S. As a result, the cushion 1 can be made lighter and its bulkiness can be suppressed. Therefore, it becomes easier for the user to carry the cushion 1. In other words, the usability of the cushion 1 is improved. Depending on how the cushion 1 is used, the patient 32 may hold the cushion 1. In this case, the weight of the cushion 1 is applied to the patient 32, which may cause the patient 32 to feel uncomfortable. By making the cushion 1 lighter, the discomfort felt by the patient 32 can be reduced.

[0041] The above example of the use of cushion 1 is disclosed for maintaining the patient 32 in a supine position, but the use of cushion 1 is not limited to this. For example, cushion 1 may be used to support the lower limbs of the patient 32.

[0042] <Another form of cushion 1> The shape of cushion 1 may be changed as appropriate. For example, as shown in Figure 8(A), cushion 101 may be wave-shaped, with a rectangular bag-like body 102 in plan view having multiple seams 103 extending in the vertical or horizontal direction. This cushion 101 may be used, for example, to support the lower limbs of the patient 32. Also, as shown in Figure 8(B), cushion 201 may be egg-shaped, formed in plan view on an ellipse. This cushion 201 may be used, for example, to support the head of the patient 32. Other shapes of cushion 1 can be rectangular (square, rectangle), boomerang-shaped, stick-shaped, etc., and shapes suitable for the area of ​​use and purpose of use can be adopted. Furthermore, these cushions 1, 101, and 201 may be used in combination to change the posture of the patient 32 to a desired posture and maintain that posture. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0043] 1, 101, 201: Cushion 2: Bag body 3: Ventilation holes 4: Filter 5: Beads 11: Sheet S: Inside the bag

Claims

1. A waterproof bag, The bag body has one or more ventilation holes formed therein, A filter covering the aforementioned ventilation hole, The bag contains beads inside, A cushion in which the volume occupied by the beads contained inside the bag is smaller than the volume of the bag.

2. The cushion according to claim 1, wherein the volume occupied by the beads contained inside the bag is 30 to 90% of the volume of the bag.

3. The bag is formed from a sheet of synthetic resin, The aforementioned sheet is The cushion according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the thickness is 0.05 to 2.00 mm, the tensile strength is 20 to 120 N, and the rigidity is 20 to 110 mm.

4. The cushion according to claim 3, wherein the average particle size of the beads is 1.5 to 10 mm.

5. The cushion according to claim 4, wherein the shape of the beads is selected from at least one of the following: roughly bale-shaped, roughly columnar, roughly ellipsoidal, roughly rice grain-shaped, and roughly go stone-shaped.

6. The cushion according to claim 5, wherein the beads are formed from foamed resin and the foaming ratio is 20 to 60 times.

7. The cushion according to claim 3, wherein the diameter of the ventilation holes is 0.5 to 5.0 mm.

8. The cushion according to claim 7, wherein the air permeability of the air passing through the vent hole via the filter is 3 seconds / 300 mL or less.

Images