Mattresses and mattress units

Abstract

To provide a mattress with improved pressure distribution. [Solution] A mattress having an upper surface, a lower surface, and side surfaces, characterized in that it has auxetic portions that extend from the upper surface toward the lower surface and are formed in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, and deform into a dome shape when a load is applied from the upper surface toward the lower surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a mattress and a mattress unit.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a mattress that forms groove portions to support the body (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the mattress described in Patent Document 1 is connected on the bottom surface side, there is a risk that it may not be able to effectively support the body unless the thickness of the mattress is increased or the hardness of the mattress is adjusted.

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention provide a mattress and a mattress unit with improved body pressure distribution.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The mattress according to the embodiment includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and a side surface, and has an otic portion that extends from the upper surface toward the lower surface, is formed side by side in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, and is dome-shaped when a load is applied from the upper surface toward the lower surface.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention can provide a mattress and a mattress unit with improved body pressure distribution.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing a mattress according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] These are side and top views showing the mattress placed on the bed. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the characteristics of auxetic shapes. [Figure 4] This is a plan view showing an enlarged view of section A in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the mattress as seen from the direction indicated by arrow CC. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationships between multiple grooves. [Figure 7] This is a plan view showing the end shape of the groove. [Figure 8] This is a plan view showing the state when a load is applied from above to the top surface of the mattress in Figure 4. [Figure 9] This is a rear view of the mattress shown in Figure 8, viewed from the bottom. [Figure 10] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the mattress as seen from the direction indicated by arrow DD. [Figure 11] These are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the auxetic portion of a mattress according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram showing a mattress unit formed by stacking multiple mattresses. [Figure 13] This is a plan view showing a mattress unit consisting of a mattress and a sleep sensor. [Figure 14] This is a plan view showing a mattress according to the first modified example. [Figure 15] This is a plan view showing the auxetic portion related to the second modified example. [Figure 16] This is a plan view showing the auxetic portion related to the third modified example. [Figure 17] This is a plan view showing the auxetic portion related to the fourth modified example. [Figure 18] This is a plan view showing the auxetic portion related to the fifth modified example. [Figure 19] It is a plan view showing the aesthetic part according to the 6th modification example. [Figure 20] It is a plan view showing the aesthetic part according to the 7th modification example. [Figure 21] It is a plan view showing the aesthetic part according to the 8th modification example. [Figure 22] It is a plan view showing the aesthetic part according to the 9th modification example. [Figure 23] It is a plan view showing the aesthetic part according to the 10th modification example. [Figure 24] It is a plan view showing the aesthetic part according to the 11th modification example. [Figure 25] It is a plan view showing the aesthetic part according to the 12th modification example. [Figure 26] It is a plan view showing the aesthetic part according to the 13th modification example. [Figure 27] It is a plan view showing the aesthetic part according to the 14th modification example. [Figure 28] It is a plan view showing the aesthetic part according to the 15th modification example. [Figure 29] It is a plan view showing the aesthetic part according to the 16th modification example.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] The mattress and mattress unit according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 27.

[0010] FIGS. 1 to 10 show the mattress according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the mattress according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view and a plan view showing the state where the mattress is placed on the bed. FIG. 2(a) is a side view showing the state where the mattress is laid on a bed with an undulating bottom. FIG. 2(b) is a plan view of the mattress in FIG. 2(a) viewed from the direction of arrow B-B.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the mattress 100 comprises an upper surface 101, a lower surface 102, and side surfaces 103. The mattress 100 is made of, for example, urethane foam or polyester.

[0012] The mattress 100 has an auxetic section 10 and a seat section 12. In this example, the mattress 100 has two types of auxetic sections 10 (first to third auxetic sections 10a to 10c and fourth and fifth auxetic sections 10d and 10e). The auxetic section 10 has a plurality of grooves (first to third grooves 21 to 23 and fourth and fifth grooves 31 and 32) that penetrate from the upper surface 101 to the lower surface 102.

[0013] The first auxetic portion 10a is provided on the front end side of the mattress 100. The first auxetic portion 10a is the part that supports the head and shoulders of the user lying on the upper surface 101 of the mattress 100.

[0014] The second auxetic section 10b is located in the center of the mattress 100 in the front-to-back direction. The second auxetic section 10b supports the lower back and buttocks of the user lying on the upper surface 101 of the mattress 100.

[0015] The third auxetic section 10c is located at the rear end of the mattress 100. The third auxetic section 10c supports the legs of the user lying on the upper surface 101 of the mattress 100.

[0016] The first to third auxetic sections 10a to 10c are located in the center of the mattress 100 in the left-right direction. The left-right dimensions of the first to third auxetic sections 10a to 10c are set to correspond, for example, to the movement of a user lying on the mattress 100. The first to third auxetic sections 10a to 10c have a configuration that provides excellent pressure distribution for a user lying on the mattress 100. The specific configuration of the first to third auxetic sections 10a to 10c will be described later.

[0017] The fourth auxetic section 10d is located between the first auxetic section 10a and the second auxetic section 10b. The fifth auxetic section 10e is located between the second auxetic section 10b and the third auxetic section 10c.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the fourth auxetic section 10d is located between the back bottom 201 and the waist bottom 202 of the bed 200. The fifth auxetic section 10e is located between the knee bottom 203 and the leg bottom 204. The fourth and fifth auxetic sections 10d and 10e have shapes that correspond to, for example, the contours of the bottom of the bed 200. The specific configurations of the fourth and fifth auxetic sections 10d and 10e will be described later.

[0019] The seating portion 12 is provided on both the left and right sides of the first to third auxetic portions 10a to 10c. The seating portion 12 is the part on which the user sits when getting on or off the mattress 100. The upper surface of the seating portion 12 is formed to be flat, for example, without grooves. As a result, the rigidity of the seating portion 12 is greater than that of the auxetic portion 10. Consequently, the user can assume a stable seated position on the seating portion 12.

[0020] The end seat portion 12 may be provided on only one of the left or right sides of the first to third auxetic portions 10a to 10c. Alternatively, the end seat portion 12 may be provided on the side of at least one of the first to third auxetic portions 10a to 10c.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, in this example, the mattress 100 is formed symmetrically in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. Therefore, the mattress 100 can be used in the same way even when reversed front-to-back and up-to-down.

[0022] Next, the characteristics of the auxetic section 10 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the characteristics of auxetic shapes.

[0023] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) show the state when a load F is applied to structures 300 and 305, which do not have an auxetic shape. On the other hand, Figure 3(c) shows the state when a load F is applied to structure 310, which has an auxetic shape. In Figure 3(c), the auxetic shape is omitted. Also, in Figure 3, the thickness of structures 300, 305, and 310 is reduced for ease of explanation.

[0024] The structure 310 shown in Figure 3(c) is formed by auxetic shapes arranged in a plane (left-right and front-back directions). The auxetic shapes have a negative Poisson's ratio. That is, when the structure 310 is stretched in the front-back direction, it also stretches in the left-right direction. Conversely, when the structure 310 is reduced in the front-back direction, it also reduces in the left-right direction.

[0025] Furthermore, when a load F is applied perpendicularly to the plane on which the auxetic shapes are arranged, the structure 310 having an auxetic shape deforms into a dome shape. On the other hand, as shown in Figures 3(a) and (b), when a load F is applied perpendicularly to the structures 300 and 305 that do not have an auxetic shape, they deform into a saddle shape or a semi-cylindrical shape.

[0026] The mattress 100 effectively distributes the body pressure of the user lying on it by having an auxetic shape. The mattress 100 shown in this example has two types of auxetic shapes: the first to third auxetic sections 10a to 10c and the fourth and fifth auxetic sections 10d and 10e. The mattress may have one type of auxetic shape or three or more types. The type and shape of the auxetic shape provided in the mattress are appropriately determined according to the function and use of the mattress.

[0027] Figure 4 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of section A in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the mattress shown in Figure 4, viewed from the direction indicated by arrow CC. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationships between multiple grooves. Figure 7 is a plan view showing the end shape of the groove. Figures 7(a) and 7(b) show an example where the end of the groove is formed on a curved surface.

[0028] First, the first to third auxetic sections 10a to 10c will be explained. Since the first to third auxetic sections 10a to 10c have the same configuration, they will be explained by referring to section A of the second auxetic section 10b shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of section A in Figure 1.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, the second auxetic portion 10b has multiple (three types) grooves (first groove 21 to third groove 23) that extend in different directions from each other. The first groove 21 extends between adjacent second grooves 22. The second groove 22 extends between adjacent third grooves 23. The third groove 23 extends between adjacent first grooves 21. In this case, the angle between each of the first grooves 21 to third grooves 23 is 60 degrees. Multiple first to third grooves 21 to 23 are formed at predetermined intervals from each other.

[0030] As shown in the center of Figure 4, the second auxetic portion 10b has two first grooves 21 to three grooves 23, which form a hexagonal prism 25 in the center. The second auxetic portion 10b then has six triangular prisms 27 around the hexagonal prism 25, which are formed by the first grooves 21 to three grooves 23.

[0031] The second auxetic section 10b consists of a hexagonal prism 25 and six triangular prisms 27 formed around it as a single unit. The second auxetic section 10b is constructed by arranging these units in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions of the mattress 100. The mattress 100 has patterns formed by the auxetic section 10 on its upper surface 101 and lower surface 102 (surface surface). This improves the aesthetic appeal of the mattress 100.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5, the first to third grooves 21 to 23 penetrate the mattress 100 from the upper surface 101 to the lower surface 102. The first to third grooves 21 to 23 are not connected to each other. This prevents the first to third grooves 21 to 23 from separating even though they penetrate the mattress 100 from the upper surface 101 to the lower surface 102.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, the distance between both ends 21a of the first groove 21 and the two second grooves 22 facing each end 21a of the first groove 21 is 20 mm or more (L1-L2≧20 mm). The same applies to the dimensional relationships between the second groove 22 and the third groove 23, and between the third groove 23 and the first groove 21. Also, as shown in Figures 7(a) and (b), the end 21a of the first groove 21 is a curved surface. This prevents tearing from the end of the groove when a load is applied to the mattress 100. As a result, the mattress 100 can achieve both durability and deformation performance. The same applies to the second groove 22 and the third groove 23.

[0034] Next, we will explain the case when a user lies down on the top surface 101 of the mattress 100 (i.e., when a load is applied to the mattress 100). Figure 8 is a plan view showing the state when a load is applied from above to the top surface of the mattress shown in Figure 4. Figure 9 is a rear view of the mattress shown in Figure 8, viewed from the bottom. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the mattress shown in Figure 8, taken from the direction indicated by arrow DD.

[0035] The second auxetic section 10b supports the buttocks of the user lying on the mattress 100. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, when a load is applied to the second auxetic section 10b from above, the first to third grooves 21 to 23 expand. In this case, for example, comparing the first groove 21 on the upper surface 101 shown in section X1 in Figure 8 with the first groove 21 on the lower surface 102 shown in section X2 in Figure 9, the first groove 21 expands more on the lower surface 102 side. The same applies to the second groove 22 and the third groove 23. In other words, when a load is applied from above, the first to third grooves 21 expand significantly from the upper surface 101 to the lower surface 102.

[0036] Furthermore, when a load is applied to the second auxetic section 10b from above, all of the first grooves 21 to the third grooves 23 expand. This causes the hexagonal prism 25 to rotate slightly on the plane (counterclockwise in this example). As a result, the second auxetic section 10b deforms into a dome shape when a load is applied from the upper surface 101 to the lower surface 102.

[0037] Therefore, as shown in Figure 10, the second auxetic section 10b deforms to envelop the user's buttocks H. As a result, the contact area between the user's buttocks H and the mattress 100 increases, improving pressure distribution. The first auxetic section 10a deforms to envelop the user's head and shoulders when they lie on the mattress 100. The third auxetic section 10c deforms to envelop the user's legs (heels) when they lie on the mattress 100. Thus, the auxetic sections 10 make the mattress 100 more comfortable to sleep on.

[0038] Next, the fourth and fifth auxetic sections 10d and 10e will be described. Since the fourth and fifth auxetic sections 10d and 10e have the same configuration, they will be described with reference to the fifth auxetic section 10e shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0039] The fifth auxetic portion 10e has multiple (two types) grooves (fourth groove 31, fifth groove 32) that extend in different directions from each other. The fourth groove 31 and the fifth groove 32 penetrate from the upper surface 101 to the lower surface 102 of the mattress 100.

[0040] The fourth groove 31 extends in the left-right direction (short side direction) of the mattress 100. The fifth groove 32 extends in the front-back direction (long side direction) of the mattress 100. Multiple fourth and fifth grooves 31 and 32 are formed at predetermined intervals. Multiple fourth grooves 31 extend parallel to each other. Multiple fifth grooves 32 also extend parallel to each other. The fourth groove 31 is provided at a position corresponding to the boundary between the knee bottom 203 (first bottom) of the bed 200 and the leg bottom 204 (second bottom) which is flexible relative to the knee bottom 203.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the fourth groove 31 is formed to be longer than the fifth groove 32. The fifth groove 32 extends in the front-to-back direction between adjacent fourth grooves 31. In other words, the fourth groove 31 and the fifth groove 32 are formed alternately. The fourth groove 31 and the fifth groove 32 are not in communication with each other.

[0042] Even in the fifth auxetic section 10c configured in this way, it deforms into a dome shape when a load is applied from above. This effectively distributes the body pressure of the user lying on the mattress 100.

[0043] Here, among the multiple fourth grooves 31, the fourth groove located at the left-right ends of the mattress 100 is designated as an end groove 31a. This end groove 31a extends to the left-right sides 103 (left side and right side) of the mattress 100.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, when the mattress 100 is placed on the bottom of the bed 200, the fifth auxetic portion 10e is located above the boundary between the knee bottom 203 (first bottom) and the leg bottom 204 (second bottom). In other words, the end groove portion 31a is provided at a position corresponding to the boundary between the knee bottom 203 (first bottom) of the bed 200 and the leg bottom 204 (second bottom) which is flexible relative to the knee bottom 203.

[0045] The length of the fourth groove 31 is greater than the length of the fifth groove 32. Furthermore, the end groove 31a of the fourth groove 31 extends to the left and right sides 103. This allows the fifth auxetic portion 10e to stretch more easily in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, the fifth auxetic portion 10e can bend smoothly when the leg bottom 204 is bent relative to the knee bottom 203. As a result, the mattress 100 is prevented from lifting or bouncing up from the bottom. Note that the fourth groove 31 does not necessarily have an end groove 31a. That is, the mattress 100 may only have the fourth groove 31 extending in the left-to-right direction in the central part.

[0046] Furthermore, the fifth auxetic portion 10e supports the knees of the user lying on the mattress 100, and is not a portion subjected to heavy loads. Therefore, the fifth auxetic portion 10e only needs to be provided as needed. For example, the fifth groove 32 may not be formed, and only the fourth groove 31 and the end groove 31a may be formed. Even with such a mattress, lifting and bouncing of the mattress in response to bending of the leg bottom 204 can be suppressed.

[0047] As shown in Figure 2(a), in this example, the fourth auxetic section 10d is located at the boundary between the back bottom 201 (first bottom) and the waist bottom 202 (second bottom). Similar to the fifth auxetic section 10e, the fourth auxetic section 10d suppresses the lifting and bouncing of the mattress 100 when the back bottom 201 is uneven. Furthermore, the fourth auxetic section 10d can reduce the feeling of pressure on the user's abdomen when the back bottom 201 is uneven.

[0048] Next, a mattress according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 11. The auxetic portion of the mattress according to the second embodiment is characterized by having columnar bodies that form a grid pattern in a plan view.

[0049] Figure 11 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of the auxetic portion of a mattress according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11(a) is a plan view of a part of the auxetic portion viewed from above. Figure 11(b) is a cross-sectional view of the auxetic portion in Figure 11(a) viewed from the direction indicated by arrow EE.

[0050] The auxetic section 40 is formed in a grid pattern by columnar bodies 42 extending from the upper surface 101 to the lower surface 102. The columnar bodies 42 are made of resin materials such as polyurethane, polyester, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, ABS resin, and PET resin. The columnar bodies 42 have a plurality of first columnar bodies 42a extending in a zigzag (wavy) pattern horizontally, and second columnar bodies 42b connecting opposing first columnar bodies 42a.

[0051] In this example, the first columnar body 42a extends in the left-right direction, and the second columnar body 42b extends in the front-back direction. However, the direction in which the first columnar body 42a and the second columnar body 42b extend is arbitrary. For example, the first columnar body 42a may extend in the front-back direction and the second columnar body 42b may extend in the left-right direction, or the first columnar body 42a and the second columnar body 42b may extend diagonally.

[0052] For example, adjacent first columnar bodies 42a are arranged in a state where they are inverted in the front-to-back direction. In other words, adjacent first columnar bodies 42a are arranged so that one corner 42c is shifted parallel to the left-to-right direction. The second columnar body 42b connects the corners 42c of adjacent first columnar bodies 42a that are at a distance from each other. A space 42d is formed in the area enclosed by the first columnar bodies 42a and the second columnar body 42b. This space 42d penetrates, for example, from the upper surface 101 to the lower surface 102. As a result, the auxetic portion 40 is formed in a grid pattern in plan view by the columnar bodies 42.

[0053] When the auxetic section 40 is extended, for example in the left-right direction, it extends so that the space 42d expands in the front-back direction. Also, when a load is applied from the upper surface 101 to the lower surface 102, the auxetic section 40 deforms into a dome shape.

[0054] Thus, the auxetic portion 40 of the mattress according to the second embodiment also deforms to envelop the user lying on the mattress, similar to the auxetic portion 10 in the first embodiment. As a result, the contact area between the user and the mattress increases, improving pressure distribution. Therefore, the auxetic portion 40 makes the mattress more comfortable to sleep on.

[0055] Next, a mattress unit 50 made by stacking multiple mattresses will be described with reference to Figure 12. By stacking mattresses, a mattress unit 50 can be provided that suits the preferences of multiple users. In this example, the case in which two mattresses are stacked vertically will be described.

[0056] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a mattress unit when multiple mattresses are stacked. Figure 12(a) is a plan view of the second mattress viewed from above. Figure 12(b) is a side view showing the deformation when a load is applied from above to the auxetic portion of the first mattress.

[0057] The mattress unit 50 comprises a first mattress 100 and a second mattress 110 located below the first mattress 100. The first mattress 100 is the mattress 100 according to the first embodiment described above. The second mattress 110 is located below the auxetic portion 10 of the first mattress 100 and has an absorbent layer 61 that can absorb deformation of the auxetic portion 10.

[0058] As shown in Figure 12(a), in this example, the absorbent layer 61 of the second mattress 110 is located below the second auxetic portion 10b of the first mattress 100. The absorbent layer 61 is configured to absorb the deformation of the second auxetic portion 10b of the first mattress 100 (upper layer).

[0059] For example, the absorbent layer 61 is designed to absorb deformation of the auxetic portion 10 of the first mattress 100 through its absorbent material, thickness, and grooves. In this example, the absorbent layer 61 is the same auxetic portion as the fourth and fifth auxetic portions 10d and 10e of the first mattress 100.

[0060] For example, if the user's weight is large, the second auxetic section 10b may bottom out if only the first mattress 100 is used or if the second mattress 110 does not have an absorbent layer 61. As shown in Figure 12(b), the mattress unit 50 can effectively envelop the user's body by having the absorbent layer 61 absorb the deformation of the second auxetic section 10b. This makes the mattress unit 50 comfortable for multiple users.

[0061] The mattress unit 50 may also have another mattress (not shown) placed on top of the first mattress 100. In this case, the second mattress 110 may be omitted. This other mattress is, for example, softer or thinner than the first mattress 100 so as not to hinder the deformation of the auxetic portion 10 of the first mattress 100.

[0062] Other mattresses may be provided, for example, to improve the user's tactile sensation. For example, since the auxetic portion 40 according to the second embodiment described above is formed in a grid pattern, it may have a poor tactile sensation if it comes into direct contact with the user. In such cases, the user's tactile sensation can be improved by laying another mattress, for example made of urethane foam, on the upper surface 101 of the first mattress 100. The mattress unit may consist of three or more layers of mattresses stacked together. In this case, the mattress 100 having the auxetic portion 10 may be provided at any position in the vertical direction.

[0063] Next, a mattress unit consisting of a mattress and a sleep sensor will be described with reference to Figure 13. Figure 13 is a plan view showing a mattress unit consisting of a mattress and a sleep sensor.

[0064] The mattress unit 70 comprises a mattress 100 and a sleep sensor 120 located beneath the mattress 100 to detect the sleep state of the user on the mattress 100. The sleep sensor 120 is formed, for example, in the shape of a plate extending in the front-to-back direction and is used by being placed under the mattress 100.

[0065] The sleep sensor 120 detects the heartbeat and breathing vibrations of the user lying on the mattress 100, and measures the heart rate and respiratory rate. Based on this, the sleep sensor 120 determines the user's sleep state (sleep or wakefulness) on the mattress 100.

[0066] The sleep sensor 120 detects the user's heartbeat and breathing vibrations, so making the mattress firmer makes it easier to determine the user's sleep state more accurately. However, making the mattress firmer may worsen the distribution of the user's body pressure, potentially resulting in an uncomfortable sleeping surface.

[0067] In this regard, the mattress 100 has an auxetic section 10. The auxetic section 10 allows the use of a hard material. That is, the auxetic section 10 deforms to envelop the body of the user lying on the mattress 100. As a result, the contact area between the auxetic section 10 and the user's body increases. Therefore, even if a hard material is used for the mattress 100, the user's sleeping comfort can be improved. Furthermore, by making the mattress 100 hard, the vibrations of the user's heartbeat and breathing can be efficiently transmitted to the sleep sensor 120. This makes it possible to create a mattress unit 70 that improves both the user's sleeping comfort and the accuracy of sleep state determination.

[0068] For example, the auxetic portion 10 of the mattress 100 may be formed to have a larger area than the sleep sensor 120. As shown in Figure 13, the auxetic portion 10 covers the sleep sensor 120 in a plan view. In other words, the first to fifth auxetic portions 10a to 10e may extend along the sleep sensor 120.

[0069] Figure 14 is a plan view showing a modified mattress. In the embodiments described above, a mattress 100 in which the first to third auxetic parts 10a to 10c have the same shape and configuration was used as an example. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and for example, as shown in the modified example in Figure 14, the auxetic part 10 of the mattress 130 may have multiple auxetic parts with different rigidity. That is, the auxetic part 10 may have a low-rigidity part that deforms greatly under load and a high-rigidity part that has higher rigidity than the low-rigidity part. For example, even if the auxetic part 10 has the same shape, its ease of deformation and durability can be adjusted by changing its dimensions or magnification.

[0070] The mattress 130 shown in Figure 14 has a ratio of the third auxetic section 10c1, which corresponds to the heel area with a small load area, to a ratio smaller than that of the second auxetic section 10b, which corresponds to the buttocks area with a large load area. In other words, the second auxetic section 10b is a low-rigidity section, and the third auxetic section 10c1 is a high-rigidity section. As a result, the mattress 130 makes the second auxetic section 10b more easily deformable than the third auxetic section 10c1, while also improving overall durability. The low-rigidity section and the high-rigidity section may be spaced apart or continuous. By providing auxetic sections with different rigidities at arbitrary positions, mattresses can be provided to suit the preferences of multiple users.

[0071] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, a mattress 100 having first to third auxetic sections 10a to 10c and fourth and fifth auxetic sections 10d and 10e was used as an example. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this, and for example, there may be one auxetic section 10 or three or more. For example, one type of auxetic section may be provided throughout the mattress, or three or more types of auxetic sections may be distributed throughout the mattress. Also, a mattress may have both the auxetic section 10 according to the first embodiment and the auxetic section 40 according to the second embodiment.

[0072] Next, Figures 15 to 27 show other examples of auxetic portions. The auxetic portions shown in Figures 15 to 20 show other examples of auxetic portions 10 formed by the gap described in the first embodiment. Figure 15 is a plan view showing the auxetic portion according to the second modified example. Figure 16 is a plan view showing the auxetic portion according to the third modified example. Figure 17 is a plan view showing the auxetic portion according to the fourth modified example. Figure 18 is a plan view showing the auxetic portion according to the fifth modified example. Figure 19 is a plan view showing the auxetic portion according to the sixth modified example. Figure 20 is a plan view showing the auxetic portion according to the seventh modified example. Figure 21 is a plan view showing the auxetic portion according to the eighth modified example. Figure 22 is a plan view showing the auxetic portion according to the ninth modified example.

[0073] As shown in the second modified example in Figure 15 and the third modified example in Figure 16, auxetic portions 80 and 81 may be formed by gaps 82 extending in the front-rear and left-right directions. As shown in the fourth modified example in Figure 17, auxetic portions 83 may be formed by arranging radially spreading gaps 83a on a plane. As shown in the fifth modified example in Figure 18 and the sixth modified example in Figure 19, auxetic portions 84 and 85 may be formed by arranging curved gaps 86 on a plane. As shown in the seventh modified example in Figure 20, auxetic portions 87 may be formed by arranging S-shaped gaps 87a on a plane. As shown in the eighth modified example in Figure 21 and the ninth modified example in Figure 22, auxetic portions 88 and 89 may be formed by arranging crank-shaped gaps 88a.

[0074] The auxetic portions shown in Figures 23 to 29 represent other examples of the auxetic portion 40 formed by the columnar bodies described in the second embodiment. Figure 23 is a plan view showing the auxetic portion according to the 10th modified example. Figure 24 is a plan view showing the auxetic portion according to the 11th modified example. Figure 25 is a plan view showing the auxetic portion according to the 12th modified example. Figure 26 is a plan view showing the auxetic portion according to the 13th modified example. Figure 27 is a plan view showing the auxetic portion according to the 14th modified example. Figure 28 is a plan view showing the auxetic portion according to the 15th modified example. Figure 29 is a plan view showing the auxetic portion according to the 16th modified example.

[0075] As shown in the 10th modified example in Figure 23, a wedge-shaped space 90c may be formed by connecting two types of columnar bodies 90a and 90b that extend in a zigzag pattern on a plane at their corners, thereby forming a lattice-like auxetic section 90. As shown in the 11th modified example in Figure 24, a columnar body 91a that extends in a wave-like pattern in the left-right direction and a columnar body 91b that extends in a wave-like pattern in the front-back direction may be connected to form a gourd-shaped space 91c with a constricted center, thereby forming a lattice-like auxetic section 91.

[0076] As shown in the 12th modified example in Figure 25 and the 13th modified example in Figure 26, auxetic parts 92 and 93 may be formed by inverting or connecting swastika-shaped columnar bodies 94. As shown in the 14th modified example in Figure 27 and the 15th modified example in Figure 28, auxetic parts 95 and 96 may be formed by a circularly formed columnar body 97a and a columnar body 97b connecting the columnar bodies 97a. As shown in the 16th modified example in Figure 29, auxetic part 98 may be formed by a star-shaped columnar body 98a and a columnar body 98b connecting the columnar bodies 98a.

[0077] As examples of mattresses and mattress units based on the embodiments described above, the following embodiments are conceivable.

[0078] The first embodiment is a mattress having an upper surface, a lower surface, and side surfaces, characterized in that it has auxetic portions that extend from the upper surface toward the lower surface and are formed in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, and deform into a dome shape when a load is applied from the upper surface toward the lower surface.

[0079] A second embodiment is a mattress characterized in that, in the first embodiment, the auxetic portion has a plurality of grooves that penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface.

[0080] A third embodiment is a mattress characterized in that, in the second embodiment, the plurality of grooves are not in communication with each other.

[0081] A fourth embodiment is a mattress characterized in that, in the second or third embodiment, the end of the groove is a curved surface.

[0082] A fifth embodiment is a mattress characterized in that, in the third or fourth embodiment, the distance between both ends of the groove and the two grooves facing each end of the groove is 20 mm or more.

[0083] The sixth embodiment is a mattress characterized in that, in any one of the first to fifth embodiments, the auxetic portion has columnar bodies that form a grid pattern in a plan view.

[0084] The seventh aspect is a mattress characterized in that, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the auxetic portion has a low-rigidity portion that deforms greatly under load and a high-rigidity portion that has higher rigidity than the low-rigidity portion.

[0085] The eighth aspect is a mattress having a groove extending in the left-right direction in any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the groove is located at a position corresponding to the boundary between a first bottom of the bed and a second bottom that is bendable relative to the first bottom.

[0086] A ninth embodiment is a mattress characterized in that, in any one of the first to eighth embodiments, it further comprises an end groove extending to the side located in the left-right direction, wherein the end groove is located at a position corresponding to the boundary between a first bottom of the bed and a second bottom that is bendable relative to the first bottom.

[0087] A tenth embodiment is a mattress unit comprising a first mattress and a second mattress located below the first mattress, wherein the first mattress has auxetic portions formed side by side in the front-rear and left-right directions between its upper and lower surfaces, which deform into a dome shape when a load is applied from the upper surface toward the lower surface, and the second mattress is located below the auxetic portions and has an absorbent layer capable of absorbing the deformation of the auxetic portions.

[0088] An eleventh embodiment is a mattress unit comprising a mattress and a sleep sensor located below the mattress for detecting the sleep state of a user on the mattress, wherein the mattress has auxetic portions formed in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions between an upper surface and a lower surface, which deform into a dome shape when a load is applied from the upper surface toward the lower surface.

[0089] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 10 Auxetic Section 10a-10c 1st-3rd auxetic parts 10c1 Third Ausetic Section 10d, 10e: 4th and 5th auxetic parts 12. End seat 21-23 First groove to third groove 25 Hexagonal prism 27 Triangular prisms 31 Fourth groove 31a End groove 32 Fifth groove 40 Auxetic Section 42 Columnar body 42a 1st columnar body 42b Second columnar body 42c Corner 42d space 50 mattress units 61 Absorption layer 70 Mattress Unit 80, 81, 83, 84, 85, 87, 88, 89 Ausetic section 82, 83a, 86, 87a, 88a gap 90, 91, 92, 93, 95, 96, 98 Auxetic section 90a, 90b, 91a, 91b, 94, 97a, 97b, 98a, 98b columnar body 90c, 91c space 100 mattresses 101 Top surface 102 Bottom surface 103 Side view 110 Second Mattress 120 Sleep Sensors 130 Mattress 200 beds 201 Back Bottom 202 Waist Bottoms 203 Knee Bottom 204 Leg Bottoms 300, 305, 310 structures F load H Buttocks

Claims

1. A mattress unit comprising a first mattress having an upper surface, a lower surface, and side surfaces, and a second mattress located below the first mattress, The first mattress has an auxetic portion that extends from the upper surface toward the lower surface and is formed in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, and which deforms into a dome shape with the lower surface becoming convex when a load is applied from the upper surface toward the lower surface. The mattress unit is characterized in that the second mattress is located below the auxetic portion and has an absorbent layer capable of absorbing the dome-shaped deformation that forms the convex portion of the auxetic portion.

2. The first mattress has an end seat provided on at least one side of the auxetic portion in the left-right direction, The mattress unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper surface of the end seat portion does not have a groove.

3. The mattress unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the auxetic portion is provided in at least one of a first portion that supports the user's head and shoulders, a second portion that supports the user's waist and buttocks, and a third portion that supports the user's legs.

4. The mattress unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the auxetic portion has a plurality of grooves that penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface.

5. The mattress unit according to claim 4, characterized in that the plurality of grooves are not in communication with each other.

6. The mattress unit according to claim 5, characterized in that the end of the groove portion is a curved surface.

7. The mattress unit according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the sum of the dimension between one end of the groove in the longitudinal direction and the groove opposite to the one end, and the dimension between the other end of the groove in the longitudinal direction and the groove opposite to the other end, is 20 mm or more.

8. The mattress unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the auxetic portion has columnar bodies that form a grid pattern in a plan view.

9. The aforementioned auxetic portion is A low-rigidity part that deforms greatly under load, A high-rigidity part having higher rigidity than the low-rigidity part, The mattress unit according to claim 1, characterized by having the following features.

10. The first mattress has grooves extending in the left-right direction, The mattress unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the groove is provided at a position corresponding to the boundary between a first bottom of the bed and a second bottom that is bendable relative to the first bottom.

11. The first mattress further comprises end grooves that extend to the side surfaces located in the left-right direction, The mattress unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the end groove portion is provided at a position corresponding to the boundary between the first bottom of the bed and the second bottom which is bendable relative to the first bottom.

12. The mattress unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the absorbent layer of the second mattress has an auxetic portion.

13. The mattress unit according to claim 1, further comprising a sleep sensor located below the second mattress for detecting the sleep state of the user on the first mattress.

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