Cushioning core material and cushion

Abstract

To provide a cushion core material and cushion that are easier to carry and store. [Solution] According to one embodiment, the cushion core material 1 is a cushion core material made of a flexible material and comprises a seat portion 2 that supports the user's buttocks from below, a back portion 3 that supports the user's back from behind, and a folding portion 4 located between the back portion 3 and the seat portion 2, which allows the back portion 3 to rotate relative to the seat portion 2, with the seat portion 2, back portion 3 and folding portion 4 being formed as an integral part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cushion core material and a cushion.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a cushion including a lumbar support made of a flexible material and a cushion portion located below the lumbar support. The cushion portion has a seating portion on which a user sits. The lumbar support and the cushion portion are separately configured.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, places where cushions are used can vary widely, such as at home, in the workplace, and inside automobiles. In this case, for example, it may be necessary to carry a cushion from home to the place where it is used. Therefore, it is desired that the cushion be easier to carry. Also, when not using the cushion, it may be stored in a place different from the place where it is used. Therefore, it is desired that the cushion can be stored compactly.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cushion core material and a cushion with improved ease of carrying and ease of storage.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) The cushion core material relating to this disclosure is a cushion core material made of a flexible material and comprises a seat portion that supports the user's buttocks from below, a back portion that supports the user's back from behind, and a folding portion located between the back portion and the seat portion, which allows the back portion to rotate relative to the seat portion. The seat portion, the back portion and the folding portion are formed as a single unit.

[0007] In this cushion core material, the seat, backrest, and folding section are integrated, simplifying the construction of the cushion core material. Because the seat, backrest, and folding section are integrated, it is possible to create a continuous shape while maintaining the unique shape of each section. Therefore, compared to cushion core materials composed of multiple parts, this cushion core material is easier to carry. Furthermore, since the folding section is located between the backrest and seat, and the backrest is rotatable relative to the seat, the backrest and seat can be brought closer together, allowing the cushion core material to be folded. The folded cushion core material is compact, making it easy to carry and store.

[0008] (2) In (1) above, the seat, backrest and folding part may be formed by urethane molding. In this case, the seat, backrest and folding part can be easily formed integrally. Furthermore, since the seat, backrest and folding part formed by urethane molding are flexible, the cushioning properties of the cushion core material can be enhanced. Molded urethane is a material that is highly flexible and has relatively high rebound elasticity. Therefore, when the seat, backrest and folding part are formed from molded urethane that is continuous with each other, the range of motion of the cushion core material in the direction in which the cushion core material is folded becomes larger, so the cushion core material becomes easier to fold, and the foldability and storage of the cushion core material can be enhanced.

[0009] (3) In (1) or (2) above, the folding part may be curved toward the rear when viewed from the side of the user seated on the seat. In this case, the cushion core material can be easily folded so that the seat and backrest are closer together. Furthermore, because the folding part is curved as described above, it is possible to suppress the concentration of stress at a specific point when the cushion core material is folded. This improves the durability of the cushion core material. Also, since the durability is improved by the shape of the cushion core material, it is not necessary to make the cushion core material thicker for the purpose of improving durability. Therefore, the cushion core material can be molded to be thin.

[0010] (4) The cushion according to the present disclosure may comprise any of the cushion core materials described in (1) to (3), a cover having an internal space for housing the cushion core material, and a belt member fixed to the cover. The belt member may have a first fixing portion fixed to the cover on the left side of the back as viewed from a user seated on the seat, a second fixing portion fixed to the cover on the right side of the back as viewed from a user seated on the seat, and an extending portion extending rearward and to the right from the first fixing portion and extending to the second fixing portion as viewed from a user seated on the seat.

[0011] In this cushion, a space is formed between the belt member and the cover by a first fixing part, an extended part extending rearward and to the right from the first fixing part, and a second fixing part connected to the extended part. For example, when placing the cushion on a chair, the cushion can be attached to the chair by inserting the chair's backrest into this space. Also, when the cushion core material is folded together with the cover, causing the seat and back to be in close contact with each other, the extended part of the belt member can be moved below the seat, allowing the seat and back to be secured by the belt member. This allows the cushion to be kept in a folded state. Therefore, the cushion can be made compact and easy to store.

[0012] (5) The cushion according to the present disclosure may comprise any of the cushion core materials described in (1) to (3) and a cover having an internal space for housing the cushion core material. The cover may have a plurality of fabrics arranged along the surface of the cushion core material and sewn together by seams. The surface of the cushion core material may have irregularities, and these irregularities may be located inside the seams of the cover.

[0013] According to the cushion described in (5) above, the seams of the cover are located outside the uneven surface of the cushion core material, making it easier for each of the multiple fabrics to conform to the uneven surface of the cushion core material. If the seams are not located outside the uneven surface, the fabric may not follow the uneven surface of the cushion core material and may become taut between the uneven surfaces. In contrast, if the seams are located outside the uneven surface, the fabric can be prevented from becoming taut between the uneven surfaces, making it easier for the cover to conform to the uneven surface of the cushion core material. Furthermore, if the seams are located outside the cushion core material, the cover is less likely to become taut even when the cushion core material is placed inside the cover, making it easier for the shape of the cushion core material to be revealed. Therefore, the shape of the cushion core material is more easily revealed even when it is placed inside the cover, allowing the shape of the cushion core material to be utilized even when it is placed inside the cover. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this disclosure, portability and ease of storage can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view showing the core material for the cushion. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the core material for the cushion. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a rear perspective view showing the core material for the cushion. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a side view showing the core material for the cushion. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cushion core material along the V-V line in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cushion core material. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top view showing the cushion. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a bottom view showing the cushion. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a rear view showing the cushion. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the cushion. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the cushion in the folded state. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view showing the cushion according to the modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the state in which the cushion according to the modified example is folded.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the cushion core material and the cushion according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted as appropriate. The drawings may be drawn with some parts simplified or exaggerated for ease of understanding, and dimensional ratios and the like are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a front view showing the cushion core material 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the cushion core material 1. FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view showing the cushion core material 1. The cushion core material 1 and the cushion 100 (see FIG. 7) are used, for example, by being placed on the seating portion of a chair having a seating portion for a user to sit on and a backrest portion. The cushion core material 1 and the cushion 100 are used, for example, by being placed on an office chair and a seat of an automobile.

[0018] The cushion core material 1 comprises a seat portion 2 extending horizontally, a back portion 3 extending upward behind the seat portion 2, and a folding portion 4 located between the seat portion 2 and the back portion 3. The cushion core material 1 is made of a flexible material. "Flexible material" refers to a cushioning material that deforms when a body is placed on it and subjected to a load. The cushion core material 1 is made of, for example, foamed urethane. "Cushion core material" refers to the core material of the cushion, which is, for example, housed in a cover.

[0019] The seat portion 2, the backrest portion 3, and the folding portion 4 are formed as a single unit. "Formed as a single unit" means that multiple parts are made of the same material, that multiple parts cannot be separated from each other nondestructively, and that multiple parts are continuous.

[0020] The seat portion 2, backrest portion 3, and folding portion 4 are made of the same material (foamed urethane). The seat portion 2, backrest portion 3, and folding portion 4 are formed as a single unit, for example, by urethane molding. The hardness of the material constituting the cushion core 1 is, for example, 100N or more and 400N or less. The rebound elasticity of the material constituting the cushion core 1 is, for example, 30% or more and 80% or less.

[0021] The seat portion 2, back portion 3, and folding portion 4 cannot be separated from each other without damaging the seat portion 2, back portion 3, folding portion 4, or the parts connecting them to each other. The seat portion 2, back portion 3, and folding portion 4 are continuous and each is part of the same component (cushion core material 1).

[0022] The seat portion 2 extends in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 that intersects the first direction D1. The first direction D1 is the left-right direction as viewed from the user seated on the seat portion 2, and the second direction D2 is the front-back direction as viewed from the user seated on the seat portion 2. The seat portion 2 has thickness in a third direction D3 that intersects both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. For example, the third direction D3 is the vertical direction.

[0023] In the following, the direction forward as viewed from a user seated on the cushion core material 1 and cushion 100 may be referred to as "front," "front side," or "forward," and the opposite direction of this forward direction may be referred to as "rear," "rear side," or "backward." Similarly, the direction to the left as viewed from a user seated on the cushion core material 1 and cushion 100 may be referred to as "left," "left side," or "leftward," and the opposite direction of this leftward direction may be referred to as "right," "right side," or "rightward." Furthermore, the direction upward as viewed from a user seated on the cushion core material 1 and cushion 100 may be referred to as "up," "upper side," or "upward," and the opposite direction of this upward direction may be referred to as "down," "downward," or "downward." However, these directions are for the convenience of explanation and do not limit the position or orientation of each part.

[0024] The seat 2 is the part on which the user sits. The seat 2 supports the user's buttocks from below. The seat 2 has a buttock support section 21 on which the user's buttocks rest and a thigh support section 22 on which the user's thighs rest. The buttock support section 21 and the thigh support section 22 are arranged to be aligned along the second direction D2. The buttock support section 21 has a pair of ischial support sections 23 that support the ischial tuberosities of the user when seated on the seat 2.

[0025] For example, the seat portion 2 has ventilation holes 2a. The ventilation holes 2a are formed, for example, on the upper surface of the buttock support portion 21 and the upper surface of the thigh support portion 22. The ventilation holes 2a penetrate the seat portion 2 in a third direction D3. The upper end of the inner wall defining the ventilation hole 2a may be rounded with an R chamfer. In a plan view, a plurality of ventilation holes 2a are arranged in a line from rear to front.

[0026] For example, in a plan view, multiple (three as an example) ventilation holes 2a may be arranged on each side (left and right) of the first direction D1. For example, three ventilation holes 2a are formed on each side of the first direction D1.

[0027] For example, two ventilation holes 2a are arranged along a first direction D1, and the distance between the two ventilation holes 2a arranged along the first direction D1 increases as you move from the buttock support portion 21 toward the thigh support portion 22 (as you move forward). As an example, the multiple ventilation holes 2a are arranged to form a V-shape in a plan view.

[0028] For example, in the cushion core material 1, the ischial support portion 23 is formed by urethane molding, and the ventilation holes 2a are formed by punching. In this case, the part of the mold used to manufacture the cushion core material 1 that forms the ventilation holes 2a can be made unnecessary, thus simplifying the shape of the mold. Furthermore, when molding liquid urethane with this mold, a path for air to escape from the liquid urethane can be secured, resulting in a cleaner finish for the cushion core material 1.

[0029] The ischial support portion 23 is formed on the upper surface of the buttock support portion 21 and is recessed within the buttock support portion 21. The buttock support portion 21 has a pair of ischial support portions 23 aligned along a first direction D1. The ischial support portion 23 has a recess that extends from the upper surface of the buttock support portion 21. In plan view, the shape of the ischial support portion 23 is such that it has a major axis and a minor axis. For example, in plan view, the shape of the ischial support portion 23 is an oval shape (one example being an ellipse shape). However, the shape of the ischial support portion 23 in plan view is not limited to an oval or ellipse shape, but may also be rectangular, a rounded rectangular, a rhombus, or a rounded rhombus, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0030] The intersection point where the extension of the long axis of one of the pair of ischial support parts 23 intersects with the extension of the long axis of the other ischial support part 23 is located closer to (forward of) the thigh support part 22 than the pair of ischial support parts 23. As a result, the pair of ischial support parts 23 exhibit an inverted V-shape in a plan view.

[0031] Furthermore, the ischial support portion 23 may have a through hole that penetrates the buttock support portion 21 in a third direction D3. In this case, the ischial support portion 23 has an inner wall defining the through hole and a tapered surface located between the inner wall and the upper surface of the buttock support portion 21. For example, the area of ​​the ischial support portion 23 when viewed from above is larger than the area of ​​the ischial support portion 23 when viewed from below.

[0032] The seat portion 2 may have an inclined surface that extends diagonally from the buttock support portion 21 toward the thigh support portion 22. This inclined surface extends diagonally upward from the buttock support portion 21 toward the thigh support portion 22. This inclined surface is inclined with respect to the second direction D2 such that the seat portion 2 becomes thicker as it moves from the buttock support portion 21 toward the thigh support portion 22. The seat portion 2 has a pair of thigh support portions 22 aligned along the first direction D1 and a seat portion protrusion 24 located between the pair of thigh support portions 22. The seat portion protrusion 24 indicates a portion that protrudes upward between the pair of thigh support portions 22.

[0033] The upper surface of the seat portion 2 slopes downward as it approaches the center of the thigh support portion 22 from the seat portion protrusion 24, and slopes upward as it approaches the outer edge 22a of the thigh support portion 22 from the center of the thigh support portion 22. The outer edge 22a of the thigh support portion 22 is located above, for example, the seat portion protrusion 24.

[0034] The back of the user's thigh rests on the thigh support portion 22. The thigh support portion 22 supports the back of the user's thigh. For example, the thigh support portion 22 has a recess 22b that is recessed in the thickness direction (third direction D3) of the seat portion 2. The recess 22b of the thigh support portion 22 is formed, for example, on the upper and lower surfaces of the seat portion 2. For example, the recess 22b formed on the lower surface of the seat portion 2 in the thigh support portion 22 defines a space between it and the mounting surface, which is the surface on which the cushion core material 1 is placed. This space makes it easier for the thigh support portion 22 to sink in when the thigh is placed on it.

[0035] The back portion 3 is the part that comes into contact with the back of the user when seated on the seat portion 2. The back portion 3 supports the back of the user seated on the seat portion 2 from behind. The back portion 3 extends in both the first direction D1 and the third direction D3. The back portion 3 has a support portion 31 that supports the user's lumbar spine and sacrum, a pair of side portions 32 that support the user's ilium from the sides, and a pair of connecting portions 33 that connect the support portion 31 to each of the pair of side portions 32.

[0036] For example, in a plan view (when viewed along the third direction D3), the back portion 3 has an M-shape. In this case, the part that protrudes downward in the center of the M-shape in a plan view is the support portion 31, and the parts that extend upward and downward in a plan view at both ends of the M-shape are the side portions 32. The parts that extend from the upper end of each side portion 32 in a plan view to the support portion 31 are the connecting portions 33.

[0037] The support portion 31 is formed in the portion of the back portion 3 that includes the center in the first direction D1. The support portion 31 extends in the third direction D3. The length of the support portion 31 in the third direction D3 is, for example, longer than the length of the side portion 32 in the third direction D3. Due to the longer length of the support portion 31 in the third direction D3, the support portion 31 can support the sacrum in addition to the lumbar spine of the user. This maintains the user's pelvis at an appropriate angle and corrects the user's posture. The support portion 31 has a convex shape that protrudes forward. That is, the support portion 31 protrudes forward on the front surface (front-facing surface) of the back portion 3. For example, the support portion 31 has a projection 31a that protrudes toward the user's back and a support portion recess 31b that is recessed from the projection 31a and extends along the third direction D3, which is the height direction of the user's body.

[0038] For example, the protruding portion 31a has a curved shape that protrudes forward. The height of the protrusion of the protruding portion 31a on the front surface of the rear surface portion 3 increases as it approaches the center in the first direction D1 of the rear surface portion 3. The support recess 31b is a portion that is recessed rearward from the protruding portion 31a.

[0039] The support recess 31b is the part of the back surface 3 into which the user's lumbar spine fits. Furthermore, by visually locating the support recess 31b, the user can easily understand that they should position their back against the back surface 3 so that their lumbar spine fits into the support recess 31b. In other words, the support recess 31b can be used as a marker for the support surface 31.

[0040] In a plan view (when the back portion 3 is viewed along the third direction D3 in an orientation where the back portion 3 appears M-shaped), the connecting portion 33 extends diagonally upward from the support portion 31. That is, each of the pair of connecting portions 33 extends diagonally backward from the support portion 31 as viewed from the user whose lumbar spine is supported by the support portion 31.

[0041] The connecting portion 33 has a plate-like shape in plan view. For example, the thickness of the connecting portion 33 in plan view is thinner than the thickness of the side portion 32 in plan view. As an example, the thickness of the connecting portion 33 in plan view is thinner than the thickness of the parts other than the connecting portion 33 in plan view. This allows the support portion 31 and the connecting portion 33 to be easily deformed.

[0042] In this embodiment, the rear portion 3 has a pair of tops 34 located at the rear end of each connecting portion 33. The tops 34 are located at the end opposite to the support portion 31 when viewed from the connecting portion 33. The height of the connecting portion 33 increases as it moves away from the support portion 31, with the tops 34 being the highest. In a plan view, the pair of tops 34 correspond to a pair of protrusions located at the upper end of the M shape of the rear portion 3.

[0043] The side portion 32 is the part that extends forward from the top portion 34. The side portion 32 has a triangular shape when viewed from above. The length of the side portion 32 in the first direction D1 becomes shorter as it approaches the front end of the side portion 32. The side portion 32 includes an outer edge 32a in the first direction D1 and an inner edge 32b located on the opposite side of the outer edge 32a. The inner edge 32b is curved to protrude toward the user seated on the seat portion 2. The inner edge 32b is curved to follow the first direction D1 as it approaches the front end of the side portion 32. The outer edge 32a is curved to follow the second direction D2 as it approaches the front end of the side portion 32.

[0044] The side portion 32 has an iliac support portion 35 that supports the lower part of the ilium of the user seated on the seat portion 2. The iliac support portion 35 is located below the midpoint in the third direction D3 of the side portion 32. The iliac support portion 35 is recessed posteriorly as it extends downward from the midpoint (approaching the seat portion 2 in the third direction D3). The iliac support portion 35 protrudes in a curved shape on the inner surface of the side portion 32. In plan view, the iliac support portion 35 protrudes in an arc shape. For example, the lower end of the user's ilium is supported by a pair of iliac support portions 35.

[0045] The folding section 4 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a side view showing the cushion core material 1. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the cushion core material 1 along the VV line in Figure 2. The folding section 4 connects the backrest section 3 to the seat section 2. The folding section 4 extends in a first direction D1. The folding section 4 is recessed towards the rear as it approaches the center of the cushion core material 1 in the first direction D1. As shown in Figure 5, the center 4a of the folding section 4 in the first direction D1 is located behind the end 4b of the folding section 4 in the first direction D1. In a plan view, the folding section 4 is curved toward the rear. In a plan view, with the backrest section 3 exhibiting an M-shape, the folding section 4 exhibits an inverted U-shape.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, the folding section 4 is curved towards the rear when viewed from the side of a user seated on the seat 2. In this embodiment, the end portion 4b is curved in an arc towards the rear when viewed from the side of a user seated on the seat 2. For example, in the folding section 4, the end portion 4b is located at the foremost position, and it extends towards the rear as it moves from the end portion 4b towards the middle portion 4c, and further extends towards the rear as it moves from the middle portion 4c towards the center portion 4a.

[0047] The folding section 4 allows the backrest section 3 to rotate relative to the seat section 2. "The folding section 4 allows the backrest section 3 to rotate relative to the seat section 2" means that the backrest section 3 can be brought closer to the seat section 2 around the folding section 4 without damaging the cushion core material 1, and that in the folded state, the backrest section 3 can be moved away from the seat section 2 around the folding section 4. When viewed from the side of a user seated on the seat section 2, the folding section 4 is curved towards the rear, which gives the cushion core material 1 a tendency to fold so that the backrest section 3 moves closer to the seat section 2. As a result, the cushion core material 1 can be folded without damaging it.

[0048] If, as viewed from the side of a user seated on the seat 2, the folding section 4 connects the seat 2 and the backrest 3 in a straight line, a crease extending in the first direction D1 may be formed at a specific point when the cushion core material 1 is folded. If the backrest 3 is brought closer to the seat 2 with the crease as the center, stress will concentrate at the crease, raising concerns that the folding section 4 may be damaged starting from that crease. On the other hand, as viewed from the side of a user seated on the seat 2, the folding section 4 is curved towards the rear, making it difficult for a crease to form even when the backrest 3 is brought closer to the seat 2, and making it easier to bend overall. As a result, it is difficult for a specific point where stress concentrates, like the crease described above, to form, and the folding section 4 is less likely to be damaged.

[0049] Referring to Figure 6, the surface irregularities of the cushion core material 1 will be described. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the cushion core material 1. The cushion core material 1 has a plurality of protrusions 5 and a plurality of recesses 6 formed on its surface. The protrusions 5 are raised portions on the surface of the cushion core material 1. The recesses 6 are recessed portions on the surface of the cushion core material 1. The plurality of protrusions 5 include the seat portion protrusion 24, the support portion 31a, the side portion 32, and the top portion 34. However, the protrusions 5 included in the cushion core material 1 are not limited to these. The plurality of recesses 6 include the folding portion 4, the support portion recess 31b, the recess of the connection portion 33 to the support portion 31, and the recess located in the center of the M shape of the back portion 3 in plan view. However, the recesses 6 included in the cushion core material 1 are not limited to these.

[0050] Next, the cushion 100 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 7 to 10. Figure 7 is an overhead view of the cushion 100. Figure 8 is a bottom view of the cushion 100. Figure 9 is a rear view of the cushion 100. Figure 10 is a side view of the cushion 100. The cushion 100 comprises a cushion core material 1 and a cover 101 that houses the cushion core material 1. The cover 101 has an internal space. The cushion core material 1 is housed in the internal space of the cover 101. The cushion core material 1 is not exposed to the outside of the cover 101.

[0051] The cover 101 has multiple fabrics 103 and a zipper 104. The multiple fabrics 103 are arranged along the surface of the cushion core material 1. The multiple fabrics 103 are sewn together via seams 103a. The multiple fabrics 103 include a seat top fabric 131, a core material bottom fabric 132, a back side fabric 133, a back center fabric 134, a back top fabric 135, a folding part fabric 136, a core material back fabric 137, and a core material side fabric 138. Except for the core material bottom fabric 132, the multiple fabrics 103 are made of stretchable fabric.

[0052] The seat top fabric 131 is a fabric that covers the top surface of the seat 2. The multiple fabrics 103 include, for example, two seat top fabrics 131. The two seat top fabrics 131 are aligned in a first direction D1. The two seat top fabrics 131 are sewn together via a seam 141. The seam 141 has an L-shape when viewed from the side. More specifically, the seam 141 extends from the front end of the seat 2 toward the rear on the seat 2, extends from the front end of the folding part 4 toward the rear on the folding part 4, and extends upward from the lower end of the backrest 3. The two seat top fabrics 131 have a rectangular shape when viewed in plan, for example.

[0053] The core material bottom fabric 132 is a fabric that covers the bottom surface of the cushion core material 1. The core material bottom fabric 132 is made of, for example, a non-slip and stretchable fabric. The core material bottom fabric 132 is the fabric that comes into contact with the chair when the cushion 100 is placed, for example, on a chair. If the core material bottom fabric 132 is made of a non-slip and stretchable fabric, an appropriate frictional force acts between the core material bottom fabric 132 and the chair, preventing the cushion 100 from sliding off the chair. The core material bottom fabric 132 is, for example, rectangular in shape. The area of ​​the core material bottom fabric 132 may be larger than the total area of ​​the two seat top fabrics 131. A zipper 104 is sewn to the periphery of the core material bottom fabric 132. The zipper 104 extends in a U-shape when viewed from below. For example, the zipper 104 is sewn to both edges (left and right edges) in the first direction D1 and to one edge (for example, the back edge) in the second direction D2 of the core material bottom fabric 132.

[0054] The rear side fabric 133 is a fabric that covers the inner surface of the side 32. The multiple fabrics 103 include, for example, two rear side fabrics 133. The rear side fabric 133 has a triangular shape when viewed from the front. The length of the third direction D3 at the outer edge of the rear side fabric 133 is shorter than the length of the third direction D3 at the outer edge of the rear 3.

[0055] The central back fabric 134 is a fabric that covers the front surface of the back 3, different from the inner surface of the side 32. The multiple fabrics 103 include, for example, two central back fabrics 134. The two central back fabrics 134 are aligned in a first direction D1. The two central back fabrics 134 are sewn together via seams 141. The two central back fabrics 134 are sewn to each of the two side back fabrics 133 via seams 142.

[0056] The upper back fabric 135 is a fabric that covers the upper surface of the back section 3. One piece of upper back fabric 135 covers the upper surface of the support section 31, the upper surfaces of the pair of side sections 32, and the upper surfaces of the pair of connecting sections 33. The upper back fabric 135 has an M-shape when viewed from above. The upper back fabric 135 is sewn to two pieces of side back fabric 133 and two pieces of central back fabric 134 via a single seam 143. The seam 143 has an M-shape when viewed from above.

[0057] The folding section fabric 136 is the fabric that covers the folding section 4. The multiple fabrics 103 include, for example, two folding section fabrics 136. The two folding section fabrics 136 are aligned in a first direction D1. The two folding section fabrics 136 are sewn together via seams 141. The folding section fabric 136 has a rectangular shape, for example. The length of the folding section fabric 136 in a third direction D3 increases as it approaches the center of the cushion core material 1 in the first direction D1. The folding section fabric 136 is sewn to the seat top surface fabric 131 via seams 144.

[0058] Multiple seams 103a include two seams 144. The two seams 144 have a curved shape that protrudes forward. The two seams 144 extend along the boundary between the folding section 4 and the seat section 2. The folding section fabric 136 is sewn to the back central fabric 134 via seams 145. Multiple seams 103a include two seams 145. The two seams 145 have a curved shape that protrudes upward when viewed from the front. The two seams 145 extend along the boundary between the folding section 4 and the back section 3.

[0059] The core material back fabric 137 is a fabric that covers the back surface of the cushion core material 1. The multiple fabrics 103 include, for example, two core material back fabrics 137. The two core material back fabrics 137 are aligned in a first direction D1. The two core material back fabrics 137 are sewn to each other via seams 146. The core material side fabrics 138 are fabrics that cover the sides of the cushion core material 1. The multiple fabrics 103 include, for example, two core material side fabrics 138. The core material side fabrics 138 have an L-shape when viewed from the side. The core material side fabrics 138 are sewn to the core material back fabric 137 via seams 147. The multiple seams 103a include two seams 147.

[0060] The core material back fabric 137 is sewn to the back upper fabric 135 via seam 148. The core material side fabric 138 is sewn to the back upper fabric 135, the back side fabric 133, the back center fabric 134, the folding fabric 136, and the seat upper fabric 131, respectively, via seam 148. The seat upper fabric 131 is sewn to the core material bottom fabric 132 via seam 149. Thus, seam 149 is formed in a ring shape. The cover 101 is equipped with piping 105 sewn along seam 148. The core material back fabric 137 and core material side fabric 138 are sewn to the zipper 104 via seam 149.

[0061] The uneven surface of the cushion core material 1 is located inside seams 141, 142, 146, and 148. Inside seam 141 are the support recess 31b of the support part 31, the folding part 4, and the seat protrusion 24. The support recess 31b, the folding part 4, and the seat protrusion 24 are aligned along seam 141. Inside seam 142 is the boundary between the side part 32 and the connecting part 33. Inside seam 146 is the recess on the rear side of the back part 3. Inside seam 148 is the top part 34.

[0062] Inside seams 143, 144, 145, 148, and 149 are intersections, which are the boundaries (ridges) of multiple surfaces of the cushion core material 1 that intersect with each other. Inside seam 143 is the intersection between the top surface of the backrest 3 and the front surface of the backrest 3. Inside seam 145 is the intersection between the front surface of the backrest 3 and the front surface of the folding section 4. Inside seam 144 is the intersection between the front surface of the folding section 4 and the top surface of the seat section 2. Inside seam 149 is the intersection between the side surface of the cushion core material 1 and the bottom surface of the cushion core material 1. Inside seam 148 are the intersections between the side surface of the cushion core material 1 and the top surface of the seat section 2, the intersection between the side surface and the front surface of the folding section 4, the intersection between the side surface and the front surface of the backrest 3, and the intersection between the side surface and the top surface of the backrest 3.

[0063] The folded cushion 100 will be described with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the cushion 100 in a folded state. The cushion 100 can be brought closer to each other, with the seat portion 2 and the back portion 3 centered on the folding portion 4. When the cushion 100 is folded, among the multiple fabrics 103, the core material side fabric 138 folds, and the core material bottom fabric 132 (see Figure 8) is stretched. A crease is formed in the part of the core material side fabric 138 that is located to the side of the folding portion 4. The part of the core material bottom fabric 132 that is located below the back portion 3 is stretched. As mentioned above, if the core material bottom fabric 132 is made of a non-slip and elastic fabric, the core material bottom fabric 132 becomes easier to stretch, so the force on the cushion 100 when folding it can be reduced.

[0064] Next, the effects and advantages obtained from the cushion core material 1 and cushion 100 according to this embodiment will be described. In the cushion core material 1, the seat portion 2, back portion 3, and folding portion 4 are integrated, which simplifies the construction of the cushion core material 1. Because the seat portion 2, back portion 3, and folding portion 4 are integrated, it is possible to create a continuous shape for the integrated seat portion 2, back portion 3, and folding portion 4 while maintaining the unique shape of each of them. Therefore, the cushion core material 1 can be easily carried compared to the case in which the cushion core material consists of multiple parts.

[0065] Because the cushion core material 1 is integrated, it is not possible to lose any part of the cushion core material 1, making management easier. In addition, the folding section 4 is located between the backrest 3 and the seat 2, and the backrest 3 is rotatable relative to the seat 2, so the backrest 3 and seat 2 can be brought closer to each other and the cushion core material 1 can be folded. The folded cushion core material 1 becomes smaller, making it easy to carry and store.

[0066] In the cushion core material 1, the seat portion 2, back portion 3, and folding portion 4 are integrated. When a user sits on the seat portion 2 and leans back against the back portion 3 so that their back touches the back portion 3, the back portion 3 tilts backward appropriately. At this time, if the cushion core material 1 is placed on a chair or the like, the backward tilt of the back portion 3 causes the pair of tops 34 of the back portion 3 to contact the backrest of the chair, preventing the tops 34 from moving backward. Furthermore, as the user leans back against the back portion 3, the support portion 31 approaches the tops 34 supported by the backrest of the chair. The back portion 3, which was M-shaped in plan view, deforms appropriately to take on an inverted U-shape. Along with this deformation, the side portions 32 move inward, and the iliac support portion 35 appropriately grips the user's body in the first direction D1. As a result, the user's body fits into the cushion core material 1, and the user can obtain a sense of fit.

[0067] The seat portion 2, back portion 3, and folding portion 4 are formed by urethane molding. The seat portion 2, back portion 3, and folding portion 4 can be easily formed as a single unit. Furthermore, since the seat portion 2, back portion 3, and folding portion 4 formed by urethane molding are flexible, the cushioning properties of the cushion core material 1 can be enhanced. Molded urethane is a material that is highly flexible and has relatively high rebound elasticity. Therefore, when the seat portion 2, back portion 3, and folding portion 4 are formed from a continuous piece of molded urethane, the range of motion of the cushion core material 1 in the direction in which it is folded becomes larger, making the cushion core material 1 easier to fold and improving its foldability and storage capabilities.

[0068] The folding section 4 is curved towards the rear when viewed from the side of a user seated on the seat 2. Therefore, the cushion core material 1 can be easily folded so that the seat 2 and the backrest 3 are closer together. Furthermore, because the folding section 4 is curved as described above, it is possible to suppress the concentration of stress at specific points when the cushion core material 1 is folded. This improves the durability of the cushion core material 1. In addition, since the durability is improved by the shape of the cushion core material 1, there is no need to make the cushion core material 1 thicker for the purpose of improving durability. Therefore, the cushion core material 1 can be molded to be thinner.

[0069] In cushion 100, the seams 103a of the cover 101 are located outside the uneven surface of the cushion core material 1, making it easier for each of the multiple fabrics 103 to conform to the uneven surface of the cushion core material 1. If the seams 103a are not located outside the uneven surface, the fabric may not follow the uneven surface of the cushion core material 1 and may become taut between the uneven surfaces. In contrast, if the seams are located outside the uneven surface, the fabric can be prevented from becoming taut between the uneven surfaces, making it easier for the cover 101 to conform to the uneven surface of the cushion core material 1.

[0070] Furthermore, if the seam 103a is located on the outside of the uneven surface of the cushion core material 1, the cover 101 will not be as taut even when the cushion core material 1 is placed inside the cover 101, making it easier for the shape of the cushion core material 1 to be revealed. Therefore, even when the cushion core material 1 is placed inside the cover 101, its shape can be preserved.

[0071] Next, a modified cushion 100A will be described in detail with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 is a rear perspective view of cushion 100A. Figure 13 is a side view showing cushion 100A in a folded state. Cushion 100A differs from cushion 100 in that it further includes a belt member 102. Cushion 100A comprises a cushion core material 1, a cover 101, and a belt member 102 fixed to the cover 101. The belt member 102 is a strip-shaped member. The belt member 102 fixes cushion 100A to a chair on which it is placed, for example. The belt member 102 also maintains the folded state of cushion 100A.

[0072] The belt member 102 includes a first fixing portion 121 which is fixed to the cover 101, a second fixing portion 122 which is another part fixed to the cover 101, a buckle 123, a first extension portion 124 (extension portion) extending from the first fixing portion 121 to the buckle 123, a second extension portion 125 (extension portion) extending from the buckle 123 to the second fixing portion 122, and an adjustment portion 126 for adjusting the length of the second extension portion 125.

[0073] The first fixing portion 121 is the part fixed to the cover 101 on the left side of the backrest 3 as viewed from the user seated on the seat 2. The first fixing portion 121 is the part where the first extension portion 124 and the core material side fabric 138 are sewn together. The first fixing portion 121 may also be the part where the first extension portion 124 and the backrest central fabric 134 (see Figure 7) are sewn together. The first fixing portion 121 may also be the part where the first extension portion 124 is sewn to the fabric 103 via piping 105.

[0074] The second fixing portion 122 is the part fixed to the cover 101 on the right side of the backrest 3 as viewed from the user seated on the seat 2. The second fixing portion 122 is the part where the second extension portion 125 and the core material side fabric 138 are sewn together. The second fixing portion 122 may also be the part where the second extension portion 125 and the backrest central fabric 134 (see Figure 7) are sewn together. The second fixing portion 122 may also be the part where the second extension portion 125 is sewn to the fabric 103 via the piping 105.

[0075] The buckle 123 is a detachable component. The buckle 123 has a male member and a female member to which the male member is detachably connected. For example, the male member is connected to the end opposite to the end where the first fixing portion 121 of the first extension 124 is located, and the female member is connected to the end opposite to the end where the second fixing portion 122 of the second extension 125 is located.

[0076] The first extension portion 124 and the second extension portion 125 are detachably connected to each other via a buckle 123. When connected via the buckle 123, the first extension portion 124 and the second extension portion 125 extend from the first fixing portion 121 to the second fixing portion 122. The first extension portion 124 extends rearward and to the right from the first fixing portion 121. The second extension portion 125 extends rearward and to the left from the second fixing portion 122. The first extension portion 124 and the second extension portion 125 are not fixed. Therefore, the first extension portion 124 and the second extension portion 125 are movable relative to the cover 101.

[0077] A space is provided between the first extended portion 124, the second extended portion 125, and the buckle 123, and the core material back fabric 137 of the cover 101. For example, the cushion 100A can be attached to a chair by inserting the chair's backrest into this space. When the cushion 100A is attached to a chair in this way, the belt member 102 supports the cushion 100A when it is about to fall off the chair, thus preventing the cushion 100A from falling off the chair. The chair only needs to have a backrest, and examples of such chairs include the driver's seat and passenger seat of a car.

[0078] Furthermore, when the cushion 100A is folded and the first extended portion 124 and the second extended portion 125 are passed beneath the lower surface of the cushion 100, and the first extended portion 124 and the second extended portion 125 are connected to each other via the buckle 123, the seat portion 2 can be positioned in the space enclosed by the back portion 3, the first extended portion 124, and the second extended portion 125. In other words, with the cushion 100A folded, the belt member 102 can fasten the seat portion 2 and the back portion 3. When the back portion 3 tries to move away from the seat portion 2, the belt member 102 comes into contact with the seat portion 2, so the cushion 100A does not open. As a result, the cushion 100A is maintained in a folded state.

[0079] Next, the effects and benefits obtained from the modified cushion 100A will be explained. In cushion 100A, a space is formed between the belt member 102 having a first fixing part 121, a first extending part 124, a buckle 123, a second extending part 125, and a second fixing part 122, and the cover 101. For example, when placing cushion 100A on a chair, the cushion 100A can be attached to the chair by inserting the backrest of the chair into this space.

[0080] Furthermore, when the cushion core material 1 is folded together with the cover 101, causing the seat portion 2 and the back portion 3 to be in close contact with each other, the first extended portion 124 of the belt member 102 can be moved from the first fixing portion 121 to below the seat portion 2, and the second extended portion 125 can be moved from the second fixing portion 122 to below the seat portion 2, thereby securing the seat portion 2 and the back portion 3 with the belt member 102. This allows the cushion 100A to be kept in a folded state. Therefore, the cushion 100A can be made compact and easy to store.

[0081] The embodiments of the cushion core material and cushion described herein have been explained above. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the gist described in the claims. That is, the shape, size, number, material and arrangement of each part of the cushion core material and cushion described herein can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the gist described above.

[0082] In the above-described embodiment, the seat portion 2, the back portion 3, and the folding portion 4 were formed by urethane molding. However, the seat portion 2, the back portion 3, and the folding portion 4 may be integrally formed by a method other than urethane molding. The seat portion 2, the back portion 3, and the folding portion 4 may be made of a resin mesh or a bag-shaped member that is inflated by the injection of air.

[0083] In cushions 100 and 100A, the bumps and indentations were located inside the seam 103a of the cover 101. However, the bumps and indentations do not need to be located inside the seam 103a of the cover 101, and the cover 101 may be made from a single piece of fabric.

[0084] In the embodiments described above, an example was described in which the belt member 102 has a first extending portion 124 and a second extending portion 125 that are detachable via a buckle 123. However, instead of having a buckle 123, a first extending portion 124, and a second extending portion 125, the belt member 102 may have a single extending portion. This extending portion may, for example, extend rearward and to the right from the first fixing portion 121 as viewed from a user seated on the seat portion 2, and extend to the second fixing portion 122. The belt member 102 may also be a rubber band.

[0085] The cover 101 may further have a handle. By lifting the handle, the user can easily carry the cushions 100 and 100A. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1...Core material for cushioning, 2...Seat, 2a...Ventilation hole, 3...Backrest, 4...Folding part, 4a...Center, 4b...End, 4c...Middle part, 5...Convex part, 6...Concave, 21...Buttock support part, 22...Thigh support part, 22a...Outer edge, 22b...Concave, 23...Ischial support part, 24...Seat convex part, 31...Support part, 31a...Protruding part, 31b...Support part concave, 32...Side, 32a...Outer edge, 32b...Inner edge, 33...Connecting part, 34...Top, 35...Ilium support part, 100, 100A...Cushion, 101...Cover, 102...Belt member, 10 3...Fabric, 103a, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149...Seams, 104...Zipper, 105...Piping, 121...First fixing part, 122...Second fixing part, 123...Buckle, 124...First extension part, 125...Second extension part, 126...Adjustment part, 131...Seat top fabric, 132...Core material bottom fabric, 133...Back side fabric, 134...Back center fabric, 135...Back top fabric, 136...Folding part fabric, 137...Core material back fabric, 138...Core material side fabric.

Claims

1. A cushioning core material made of a flexible material, A seat that supports the user's buttocks from below, The aforementioned back portion supports the user's back from behind, A folding section is located between the backrest and the seat, and the backrest is rotatable relative to the seat. Equipped with, The seat portion, the back portion, and the folding portion are formed as a single unit, forming a cushion core material.

2. The cushion core material according to claim 1, wherein the seat portion, the back portion, and the folding portion are formed by urethane molding.

3. The cushion core material according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the folding portion is curved toward the rear when viewed from the side of the user seated on the seat.

4. A cushioning core material according to claim 1 or claim 2, A cover having an internal space for housing the cushion core material, The belt member fixed to the cover, Equipped with, The aforementioned belt member is A first fixing part is fixed to the cover on the left side of the back of the seat as viewed from the user seated on the seat, A second fixing part is fixed to the cover on the right side of the back of the seat as viewed from the user seated on the seat, An extending portion that extends rearward and to the right from the first fixing portion as viewed from the user seated on the seat, and extends to the second fixing portion, A cushion having

5. A cushioning core material according to claim 1 or claim 2, A cover having an internal space for housing the cushion core material, Equipped with, The cover has a plurality of fabrics arranged along the surface of the cushion core material and sewn together with seams, The surface of the cushioning core material has irregularities, A cushion in which the protrusions and indentations are located inside the seams of the cover.

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