Bathtub cushion

Abstract

It supports the body in accordance with the human skeleton. [Solution] The bathtub cushion comprises a main body 10 and a plurality of pin portions 20. The main body 10 includes a flat portion 100 and a curved portion 110. The curved portion 110 is curved so as to protrude from the flat portion 100 toward the first surface 11. An annular portion 120 is provided to elastically support the curved portion 110. When the plurality of pin portions 20 are pressed from the tip 25 side by supporting a part of the user's body, the curved portion 110 elastically deforms so that the height of its protrusion from the flat portion 100 decreases, and the plurality of first pin portions 21 located on the curved portion 110 among the plurality of pin portions 20 curve so that, when viewed from the first surface 11 side, their tips 25 converge toward the center 111.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bathtub cushion.

Background Art

[0002] As a prior art document that discloses the configuration of a self - pressure massager for a bathtub, there is Japanese Utility Model Laid - Open No. 07 - 000361 (Patent Document 1). The self - pressure massager for a bathtub described in Patent Document 1 includes a self - pressure massager main body having a plurality of self - pressure protrusions. Massage is performed by utilizing the body weight when leaning against the plurality of self - pressure protrusions in the bathtub.

[0003] As a prior art document that discloses the configuration of a mat used by submerging it in a bathtub, there is Japanese Utility Model Laid - Open No. 06 - 061188 (Patent Document 2). The mat used by submerging it in the bathtub described in Patent Document 2 has rubber protrusions provided on the surface of a rubber sheet. By submerging the mat in the bathtub and using it, massage of the body is performed during bathing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When taking a bath using a bathtub cushion, in order for a person to feel comfortable being supported by the bathtub cushion, it is required that the bathtub cushion support the body corresponding to the human skeleton. In the configurations of the massager described in Patent Document and the mat described in Patent Document 2, supporting the body corresponding to the human skeleton is not considered.

[0006] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a bathtub cushion that can support the body in accordance with the human skeleton. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The bathtub cushion according to the present invention comprises a main body and a plurality of pin portions. The main body includes a first surface and a second surface. The second surface is located on the opposite side from the first surface. The plurality of pin portions protrude from the first surface. The main body includes a flat surface and at least one curved portion. The at least one curved portion is curved so as to protrude from the flat surface toward the first surface. The at least one curved portion is annular in shape when viewed from the second surface side. At least one annular portion is provided that protrudes annularly from the inner wall of the second surface side of the at least one curved portion concentrically with respect to the center of the annular shape and elastically supports the at least one curved portion. When the plurality of pin portions are pressed from the tip side by supporting a part of the user's body, the at least one curved portion elastically deforms so that the height of its protrusion from the flat surface decreases, and the plurality of first pin portions located on the at least one curved portion of the plurality of pin portions curve so that their tips converge toward the center when viewed from the first surface side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the body can be supported in accordance with the human skeleton. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the use of a bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a front view showing the configuration of a bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a side view showing the configuration of a bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the tip shapes of the multiple pin portions provided in the bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a rear view showing the configuration of a bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the annular portion according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the bathtub cushion configuration, taken from the direction of the VII-VII arrow. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention when a pressing force is applied from a part of the body to the tip of a plurality of pin portions of the bathtub cushion. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the bathtub cushion when additional pressure is applied to it from a part of the body through the tips of multiple pins. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view showing the state of a bathtub cushion when pressure is applied from a part of the body to the tip of multiple pin portions of the bathtub cushion according to the comparative example. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of multiple pin portions provided in a bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the use of a bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a front view showing the configuration of a bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a rear view showing the configuration of a bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a side view showing the configuration of a bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 16] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the bathtub cushion configuration as seen from the direction of the arrow XVI-XVI. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, the bathtub cushion according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the following embodiments, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] In the drawings, the longitudinal direction of the bathtub cushion is taken as the X direction, the lateral direction of the bathtub cushion is taken as the Y direction, and the thickness direction of the bathtub cushion is taken as the Z direction. Also, in the cross-sectional view of the bathtub cushion, for the sake of convenience, the configuration of the bathtub cushion is schematically shown.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a usage example of the bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the bathtub cushion 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is attached to the upper part of the bathtub 2. The bathtub cushion 1 can be elastically deformed according to the shape of the bathtub 2 and attached to the bathtub 2. The bathtub cushion 1 can support the head 3 and neck of a person taking a bath.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side view showing the configuration of the bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0015] Note that the flat part in the main body part of the bathtub cushion 1 described later in this specification indicates a state in which the flat part extends on a plane when the bathtub cushion 1 is placed on the flat installation surface 2A. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, when the bathtub cushion 1 is attached to the bathtub 2, the flat part may be curved.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the bathtub cushion 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention includes a main body part 10 and a plurality of pin parts 20.

[0017] The main body portion 10 extends mainly in the XY plane. The main body portion 10 has a longitudinal direction in the X direction. The main body portion 10 has a short direction in the Y direction. The thickness of the main body portion 10 in the Z direction is thinner than the length of the main body portion 10 extending in the X or Y direction.

[0018] The main body portion 10 includes a first surface 11 and a second surface 12. The first surface 11 is the surface located on the front side of the main body portion 10. The first surface 11 mainly extends on the XY plane.

[0019] The second surface 12 is the surface located on the back side of the main body 10. In other words, the second surface 12 is the surface located on the opposite side from the first surface 11. The second surface 12 extends mainly on the XY plane, approximately parallel to the first surface 11.

[0020] The main body portion 10 includes a flat portion 100 and at least one curved portion. In this embodiment, the main body portion 10 includes one curved portion 110.

[0021] The flat portion 100 is a flat area extending on the XY plane. When viewed from the Z direction, the flat portion 100 is located on the outer periphery of the bathtub cushion 1.

[0022] The curved portion 110 is the curved part of the main body portion 10. The curved portion 110 is positioned so as to be surrounded by the flat portion 100. In the longitudinal direction (X direction), the curved portion 110 is located approximately in the center of the bathtub cushion 1. In the short direction (Y direction), the curved portion 110 is positioned offset to one side in the Y direction from the center of the bathtub cushion 1. As a result, when the bathtub cushion 1 is placed in the bathtub 2 with one side in the Y direction facing upwards so that the head portion 3 abuts against the curved portion 110, the bathtub cushion 1 is easy to attach to the bathtub 2 even if the edge of the bathtub 2 is narrow. Details of the configuration of the curved portion 110 will be described later.

[0023] The main body 10 is made of, for example, resin. The main body 10 is made of, for example, thermoplastic elastomer, silicone rubber, or urethane rubber.

[0024] Multiple pin portions 20 protrude from the first surface 11. In this embodiment, the multiple pin portions 20 protrude substantially perpendicularly from the first surface 11 toward one side in the Z direction. The tips 25 of each of the multiple pin portions 20 are spaced apart from each other when no pressing force is applied to each of the multiple pin portions 20.

[0025] Multiple pin portions 20 are provided across the entire surface of the first surface 11. The area ratio occupied by the multiple pin portions 20 on the first surface is, for example, 10% to 60%.

[0026] Each of the multiple pin portions 20 is longer in the protruding direction than its diameter. The amount of protrusion of each of the multiple pin portions 20 relative to the first surface 11 is, for example, 20 mm or more and 35 mm or less. The diameter of each of the multiple pin portions 20 is, for example, φ1 mm or more and φ8 mm or less.

[0027] Each of the multiple pin portions 20 elastically deforms so as to tilt from the protruding direction (Z direction) when a part of the body makes contact with the tip 25. Each of the multiple pin portions 20 has a moderate stiffness so that it does not bend enough to make contact with the first surface 11 even when a part of the body makes contact. The hardness of each of the multiple pin portions 20 is, for example, between 30 and 60 degrees on the Shore A hardness scale. The above hardness is measured using a durometer (a spring-type hardness tester manufactured by Shore).

[0028] The multiple pin portions 20 include multiple first pin portions 21 and multiple second pin portions 22. The multiple first pin portions 21 are located on the curved portion 110 of the multiple pin portions 20. The multiple second pin portions 22 are located on the flat portion 100 of the multiple pin portions 20.

[0029] The thickness of the multiple first pin portions 21 is thinner than the thickness of the multiple second pin portions 22. This ensures that even if the multiple first pin portions 21 elastically deform and collapse, gaps are maintained between them, allowing the water in the bathtub to flow easily through these gaps. Note that the multiple first pin portions 21 and the multiple second pin portions 22 may be the same thickness.

[0030] When the multiple pin portions 20 are not being pressed, each tip 25 of the multiple pin portions 20 is located on a virtual inclined surface P1 that is inclined with respect to the flat portion 100. In other words, each tip 25 of the multiple pin portions 20 is substantially flush with the virtual inclined surface P1.

[0031] The tip 25 is inclined such that one side in the Y direction is further away from the flat portion 100 than the other side. In this embodiment, one side of the tip 25 in the Y direction contacts the head 3 side, and the other side of the tip 25 in the Y direction contacts the neck side.

[0032] The tip 25 of the multiple pin portions 20 refers to the point of the multiple pin portions 20 that is furthest from the first surface 11. For example, if one end of the multiple pin portions 20 that protrude upward from the first surface 11 bends downward, the tip will not be the end that protrudes upward, but rather the point furthest from the first surface 11.

[0033] Suction cups 30 are provided on the second surface 12. Multiple suction cups 30 are provided on the entire surface of the second surface 12, spaced apart from each other. The bathtub cushion 1 is fixed to the bathtub 2 by the suction cups 30 coming into contact with the bathtub 2.

[0034] The suction cup 30 is relatively small in relation to the size of the main body 10. The suction cup 30 is smaller than the annular portion 120, which will be described later. By reducing the diameter of the suction cup 30, the bathtub cushion 1 is easier to remove from the bathtub 2. There are at least two different diameters of the suction cup 30. By placing suction cups 30 of different diameters in appropriate positions, the suction force of the suction cup 30 can be improved.

[0035] The main body 10 is provided with a through hole 40. The through hole 40 is located on the other side of the flat portion 100 in the Y direction. Since the bathtub cushion 1 can be suspended by hooking it with a hook or the like through the through hole 40, it can be easily dried. As a result, the bathtub cushion 1 can be dried well and stored hygienically.

[0036] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the tip shapes of the multiple pin portions provided in the bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0037] Each tip 25 of the multiple pin portions 20 has a spherical surface. The multiple pin portions 20 are made of the same material as the main body portion 10. In this embodiment, each tip 25 of the multiple pin portions is covered with a resin coating layer 26. The coating layer 26 is, for example, polyurethane resin.

[0038] By providing the coating layer 26, when the body comes into contact with the multiple pins and the multiple pins elastically deform to support the body, the multiple pins 20 are less likely to catch on the body, allowing for smoother support. Note that the coating layer 26 is not necessarily required.

[0039] Figure 5 is a rear view showing the configuration of the bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the annular portion according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the bathtub cushion configuration of Figure 2, viewed from the direction of the line VII-VII.

[0040] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the curved portion 110 is curved so as to protrude from the flat portion 100 toward the first surface 11. The curved portion 110 has an outer edge 105. The curved portion 110 is connected to the flat portion 100 at the outer edge 105 and is smoothly continuous with the flat portion 100.

[0041] The curved portion 110 has an annular shape when viewed from the second surface 12 side. The center 111 of the annular shape of the curved portion 110 protrudes most towards the first surface 11 side.

[0042] At least one annular portion 120 is provided on the inner wall 101 on the second surface 12 side of the curved portion 110. In this embodiment, two annular portions 120 are provided on the inner wall 101 on the second surface 12 side of the curved portion 110.

[0043] The annular portion 120 protrudes in an annular shape from the inner wall 101 on the second surface 12 side of the curved portion 110, concentrically with respect to the center 111 of the annular shape. From the viewpoint of ensuring strength, it is desirable that the thickness of the annular portion 120 be about the same as the thickness of the flat portion 100.

[0044] The annular portion 120 extends to the other side in the Z direction. The diameter of the annular portion 120 increases as it moves away from the inner wall 101 from the portion extending to the other side. As a result, when the annular portion 120 elastically supports the curved portion 110, as will be described later, the direction of the elastic deformation of the annular portion 120 spreads radially, allowing the annular portion 120 to stably support the curved portion 110 with a wide support area.

[0045] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the annular portion 120 is provided with notches 130 that make the annular portion 120 discontinuous in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, a plurality of notches 130 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the annular portion 120.

[0046] The notch 130 is provided on the tip side of the annular portion 120. The notch 130 has a wave shape in the circumferential direction of the annular portion 120. When the notch 130 has a wave shape, it is easier to ensure the strength of the annular portion 120 compared to other shapes. The notch 130 may also be a slit or a hole that penetrates a part of the annular portion 120. In addition, the annular portion 120 may be provided with an annular rib on the inside (see Figure 6).

[0047] Multiple ribs 140 are provided in the curved section 110. When viewed from the second surface 12 side, the multiple ribs 140 protrude from the inner wall 101 and extend radially from the center 111. The multiple ribs 140 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the curved section 110.

[0048] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention when pressure is applied from a part of the body to the tip of a plurality of pin portions.

[0049] As shown in Figure 8, in the bathtub cushion 1 of this embodiment, it is assumed that the head 3 will come into contact with the multiple first pin portions 21. The head 3 has a curved shape that conforms to the human skeleton. The multiple first pin portions 21 protrude from one side in the Z direction perpendicular to the curved portion 110 and the flat portion 100.

[0050] When a part of the user's body (head 3 in this embodiment) begins to come into contact with the bathtub cushion 1, a force F is applied to the bathtub cushion 1 from the Z direction. As the multiple first pin portions 21 are pressed from the tip 25 side while supporting a part of the user's body, the curved portion 110 elastically deforms so that its protrusion height from the flat portion 100 decreases.

[0051] When the curved portion 110 undergoes a predetermined elastic deformation, the tip of the annular portion 120 comes into contact with the installation surface 2A. As a result, the annular portion 120 elastically supports the curved portion 110.

[0052] The multiple first pin portions 21 are inclined from the Z direction in accordance with the elastic deformation of the curved portion 110. Of the multiple pin portions 20, the multiple first pin portions 21 are curved such that, when viewed from the first surface 11 side, their tips 25 converge toward the center 111. In Figure 8, the tips 25 of the multiple first pin portions 21 are curved toward the DR1 direction.

[0053] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the bathtub cushion shown in Figure 8 when additional pressure is applied to the tip of multiple pins from a part of the body.

[0054] As shown in Figure 9, when the head 3 is in further contact with the bathtub cushion 1, a force F is applied to the bathtub cushion 1 from the Z direction. As the head 3 (part of the user's body) is supported and the multiple pin portions 20 are pressed from the tip 25 side, the curved portion 110 undergoes further elastic deformation so that its protrusion height from the flat portion 100 decreases.

[0055] The annular portion 120 elastically deforms so that its diameter expands further after contacting the installation surface 2A. The curved portion 110 elastically deforms so that it becomes approximately flat.

[0056] The multiple first pin portions 21 are curved such that, when viewed from the first surface 11 side, their tips 25 converge further toward the center 111. In Figure 9, the tips 25 of the multiple first pin portions 21 are further curved toward the DR1 direction.

[0057] By supporting a part of the user's body, at least some of the pin portions 20 are pressed from the tip side, causing at least some of the pin portions to elastically deform and curve, with their tips 25 separated from the first surface 11. In this embodiment, the head 3 is supported, and some of the multiple first pin portions 21 and multiple second pin portions 22 elastically deform, with their tips 25 separated from the first surface 11. This allows hot water to flow between the bathtub cushion 1 and the head 3.

[0058] The multiple second pin portions 22 are curved so that their tips 25 move away from the center 111, in accordance with the skeleton of the head 3, when viewed from the first surface 11 side. In Figure 9, the tips 25 of the multiple second pin portions 22 are curved toward the DR2 direction.

[0059] A water flow path W is formed between the tip 25 side of the multiple first pin portions 21 and the tip 25 side of the multiple second pin portions 22. The water flow path W is larger than the gap between the multiple pin portions 20 when the multiple pin portions 20 are not elastically deformed. This ensures that a water flow path W is maintained around the area where the multiple pin portions 20 elastically deform when the bathtub cushion 1 is used.

[0060] Here, a bathtub cushion relating to a comparative example will be described with reference to the figure. The bathtub cushion relating to the comparative example differs from the bathtub cushion relating to Embodiment 1 of the present invention in that it lacks an annular portion; therefore, the same configuration as that of the bathtub cushion relating to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will not be explained again.

[0061] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the state of a bathtub cushion according to a comparative example when pressure is applied from a part of the body to the tips of multiple pins.

[0062] As shown in Figure 10, the main body 90 of the bathtub cushion 9 according to the comparative example includes a flat portion 900 and a curved portion 910. The curved portion 910 does not have at least one annular portion.

[0063] When the head 3 is in contact with the bathtub cushion 9, a force F is applied to the bathtub cushion 9 from the Z direction. If the curved portion 910 does not have an annular portion, when the curved portion 910 elastically deforms so that its protrusion height from the flat portion 900 decreases due to the pressure of the multiple pin portions 91 by the force F, the curved portion 910 is not supported by the annular portion, resulting in uneven deformation of the curved portion 910. The curved portion 910 deforms in a wave-like manner.

[0064] If the deformation of the curved portion 910 is uneven, the elastic deformation of multiple first pin portions 92 among the multiple pin portions 91 will also be uneven. As a result, the contact of the multiple first pin portions 92 with the head portion 3 will be uneven.

[0065] Specifically, in the first region R1 where the deformation of the curved portion 910 is small, the elastic deformation of the multiple first pin portions 92 increases, so the area in contact with the head 3 increases. On the other hand, in the second region R2 where the deformation of the curved portion 910 is large, the elastic deformation of the multiple first pin portions 92 decreases, so the area in contact with the head 3 decreases. As a result, uneven contact occurs in the multiple first pin portions 92 that support the head 3, so the contact with the head 3 is not uniform, and variations occur in the force with which the multiple first pin portions 92 support the head 3. Consequently, discomfort may occur when using the bath cushion 9, and people may not feel comfortable.

[0066] On the other hand, in the bathtub cushion 1 of this embodiment, by providing an annular portion 120 on the curved portion 110, the deformation of the curved portion 110 becomes uniform, so that variations in the force that the multiple first pin portions 21 exert on the head 3 can be suppressed. As a result, when using the bathtub cushion 1, people can feel comfortable without any discomfort.

[0067] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of multiple pin portions provided in a bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0068] As shown in Figure 11, when viewed from the first surface 11 side, the multiple first pin portions 21 are arranged in a line on multiple circumferences C1 that are concentric with respect to the center 111 of the curved portion 110.

[0069] A gap is secured between multiple concentric circles C1 without the need for multiple first pin portions 21. This prevents the multiple first pin portions 21 from hindering the deformation of the curved portion 110 when the curved portion 110 undergoes elastic deformation.

[0070] In the bathtub cushion 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, when a person leans against the bathtub cushion 1 from the first surface 11 side in the bathtub 2 and supports a part of their body (head 3 in this embodiment) with the multiple pin portions 20, the curved portion 110 is pressed from the first surface 11 side and, as the curved portion 110 is compressed while supporting a part of the body, the annular portion 120 provided on the curved portion 110 comes into contact with the installation surface 2A, causing the entire curved portion 110 to elastically deform uniformly and providing the entire curved portion 110 with an appropriate rebound force. As a result, each of the multiple first pin portions 21 positioned opposite the curved portion 110 can uniformly support the body in accordance with the human skeleton (skeleton of the head 3). Consequently, the bathtub cushion 1 can support the body in accordance with the human skeleton.

[0071] Some people have a posterior prominence at the back of their head (a condition known as a greater occipital protuberance). Others may have stiffening of the ligaments in the neck near the head, known as balsony syndrome. These individuals may find it difficult to stably lean their heads 3 against the bathtub 2. The bathtub cushion 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention can properly support the head 3 even in people with a greater occipital protuberance or balsony syndrome because the curved portion 110 undergoes uniform elastic deformation. Thus, the bathtub cushion 1 is particularly effective when supporting body parts with protruding shapes using the curved portion 110.

[0072] In the bathtub cushion 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, in addition to maintaining the strength of the curved portion 110 in the circumferential direction by the annular portion 120, the strength of the curved portion 110 can also be maintained in the direction in which the curved portion 110 expands radially by arranging a plurality of ribs 140 radially. Therefore, even if force is applied to the curved portion 110 from various directions, the curved portion 110 can be given an appropriate rebound force.

[0073] In the bathtub cushion 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, when the multiple pin portions 20 are not pressed, the tips 25 of each of the multiple pin portions 20 are positioned on a virtual inclined surface P1 that is inclined with respect to the flat portion 100, so that one side of the tip 25 in the Y direction contacts the head 3 and the other side of the tip 25 in the Y direction contacts the neck. As a result, the body can be supported along the head 3 and the neck. Consequently, the bathtub cushion 1 can support the body in accordance with the human skeleton.

[0074] In the bathtub cushion 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, when the annular portion 120 is crushed and comes into contact with the installation surface 2A, the outer and inner sides of the annular portion 120 can be connected by providing a notch 130 in the annular portion 120. This prevents the annular portion 120 from being attracted to the installation surface 2A like a suction cup and prevents the curved portion 110 from remaining crushed.

[0075] In the bathtub cushion 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, since the multiple first pin portions 21 are arranged in a line on multiple circumferences C1 concentric with respect to the center 111 of the curved portion 110, gaps are secured between the multiple concentric circumferences C1 without the multiple first pin portions 21 being provided between them. Therefore, when the curved portion 110 undergoes elastic deformation, it is possible to suppress the multiple first pin portions 21 from hindering the deformation of the curved portion 110.

[0076] In the bathtub cushion 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, when a person leans against the bathtub cushion 1 in the bathtub 2 and supports their body with the multiple pin portions 20 from the first surface 11 side, the multiple pin portions 20 elastically deform and curve, and their tips 25 move away from the first surface 11, thereby maintaining a space for water to flow. As a result, water can flow between the head 3 and the bathtub cushion 1 to keep the head 3 warm, while the body can be appropriately supported by the multiple pin portions 20.

[0077] The bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will now be described with reference to the figures. The bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention differs from the bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention mainly in the configuration of the curved portion, so the configuration which is the same as that of the bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will not be repeated in the description.

[0078] (Embodiment 2) Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the use of a bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0079] As shown in Figure 12, the bathtub cushion 1A according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention is attached to the bottom of the bathtub 2. The bathtub cushion 1A can support the buttocks 4 of a person bathing.

[0080] Figure 13 is a front view showing the configuration of a bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 14 is a rear view showing the configuration of a bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 15 is a side view showing the configuration of a bathtub cushion according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the bathtub cushion configuration of Figure 13, viewed from the direction of the arrow XVI-XVI.

[0081] As shown in Figures 13 to 16, the bathtub cushion 1A according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention comprises a main body portion 10A and a plurality of pin portions 20A.

[0082] The main body 10A includes a flat portion 200 and at least one curved portion. In this embodiment, the main body 10A includes two curved portions 210.

[0083] The two curved sections 210 are curved so as to protrude from the flat section 200 toward the first surface 11. When viewed from the Z direction, the two curved sections 210 are located near the center of the bathtub cushion 1, surrounded by the flat section 200. The two curved sections 210 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction (X direction).

[0084] The multiple pin portions 20A include multiple first pin portions 21A and multiple second pin portions 22A. The multiple first pin portions 21A are located on the curved portion 210 of the multiple pin portions 20A. The multiple second pin portions 22A are located on the flat portion 200 of the multiple pin portions 20A.

[0085] When the multiple pin portions 20A are not being pressed, each tip 25A of the multiple pin portions 20A is located on a virtual plane P2 parallel to the flat portion 200. In other words, each tip 25A of the multiple pin portions 20A is substantially flush with the virtual plane P2.

[0086] It is preferable that the tips 25A of the multiple pin portions 20A are not coated. This makes it less likely for the buttocks 4 to slip even when they come into contact with the tips 25A of the multiple pin portions 20A, and helps to prevent the buttocks 4 from shifting position during bathing. However, the tips 25A of the multiple pin portions 20A may be coated.

[0087] The two curved sections 210 include a first curved section 211 and a second curved section 212. At least one annular section 220 is provided on the inner wall 201 on the second surface 12 side of each of the first curved section 211 and the second curved section 212. In this embodiment, two annular sections 220 are provided on the inner wall 201 on the second surface 12 side of each of the first curved section 211 and the second curved section 212.

[0088] The first curved section 211 and the second curved section 212 are positioned to correspond to the ischial tuberosities in the buttocks 4. The first curved section 211 and the second curved section 212 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (X direction) by a distance L1 between their respective centers. The distance L1 between centers is, for example, 120 mm. It is desirable that the distance L1 between centers be between 110 mm and 130 mm to accommodate individual differences in ischial tuberosity width.

[0089] When a part of the user's body (in this embodiment, the buttocks 4) is in contact with the bathtub cushion 1A, a force is applied to the bathtub cushion 1A from the Z direction. As the buttocks 4 are supported and the multiple pin portions 20A are pressed from the tip 25A side, the first curved portion 211 and the second curved portion 212 elastically deform so that their protrusion height from the flat portion 200 decreases.

[0090] The multiple first pin portions 21A and a portion of the multiple second pin portions 22A support the buttocks 4, and their tips 25A are separated from the first surface 11. This allows hot water to flow between the bathtub cushion 1A and the buttocks 4.

[0091] Multiple second pin portions 22A have multiple third pin portions 23A (pin portions within the dotted circle in Figure 13). The multiple third pin portions 23A are provided at positions corresponding to the coccyx in the buttocks 4. The central position P23 of the multiple third pin portions 23A serves as a guide for aligning with the coccyx.

[0092] Viewed from the first surface 11, the multiple third pin portions 23A are arranged on multiple circumferences concentric with respect to the central position P23. Gaps are maintained between the multiple concentric circumferences without any multiple third pin portions 23A being provided between them. This makes it easier for the multiple third pin portions 23A to elastically deform toward the central position P23. As a result, the coccyx can be reliably supported by the multiple third pin portions 23A.

[0093] The central position P23 is located approximately midway between the centers of the first curved section 211 and the second curved section 212 in the longitudinal direction (X direction). In the short direction (Y direction), the central position P23 is positioned at a distance L2 from the centers of the first curved section 211 and the second curved section 212. The distance L2 is preferably between 90 mm and 95 mm, for example, to match the human skeleton. The positional relationship between the first curved section 211, the second curved section 212, and the central position P23 allows the body to be supported in accordance with the ischium and coccyx.

[0094] In the bathtub cushion 1A according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, when a person leans against the bathtub cushion 1A from the first surface 11 side in the bathtub 2 and supports a part of their body (buttocks 4 in this embodiment) with the multiple pin portions 20A, the first curved portion 211 and the second curved portion 212 are pressed from the first surface 11 side and, as the first curved portion 211 and the second curved portion 212 are compressed while supporting a part of the body, the annular portions 220 provided on the first curved portion 211 and the second curved portion 212 come into contact with the installation surface 2A, and the entire first curved portion 211 and the second curved portion 212 are uniformly elastically deformed, providing an appropriate rebound force. As a result, each of the multiple first pin portions 21 positioned opposite the first curved portion 211 and the second curved portion 212 can uniformly support the body in accordance with the human skeleton (ischium of the buttocks 4).

[0095] In the bathtub cushion 1A according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, when the multiple pin portions 20A are not pressed, the tips 25A of each of the multiple pin portions 20A are located on a virtual plane P2 parallel to the flat portion 200. Therefore, when force is applied to the multiple first pin portions 21A due to contact with the buttocks 4, the tips of the multiple first pin portions 21A are recessed in accordance with the deformation of the first curved portion 211 and the second curved portion 212, thereby supporting the body along the skeleton of the buttocks 4. This suppresses displacement of the supported body.

[0096] The bathtub cushion described above has its main body and multiple pin sections molded as a single unit, but it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the pin sections of the bathtub cushion may be connected to the main body by adhesive or other means using a different material. Also, curved sections are not necessarily provided. For this reason, the main body may have a completely flat configuration.

[0097] [Note] As described above, this embodiment includes the following disclosures.

[0098] [Configuration 1] The main body includes a first surface and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface, It comprises a plurality of pin portions protruding from the first surface, The main body includes a flat portion and at least one curved portion that curves outward from the flat portion toward the first surface. The at least one curved portion is annular in shape when viewed from the second surface side. At least one annular portion is provided that protrudes in an annular shape from the inner wall on the second surface side of the at least one curved portion, concentrically with respect to the center of the annular shape, and elastically supports the at least one curved portion. A bathtub cushion wherein, when the plurality of pin portions are pressed from the tip side while supporting a part of the user's body, the at least one curved portion elastically deforms so that its protrusion height from the flat portion is reduced, and the plurality of first pin portions located on the at least one curved portion of the plurality of pin portions are curved such that, when viewed from the first surface side, their tips converge toward the center.

[0099] [Configuration 2] The bathtub cushion according to configuration 1, wherein, when viewed from the second side, a plurality of ribs are provided that protrude from the inner wall and extend radially from the center.

[0100] [Configuration 3] A bathtub cushion according to configuration 1 or configuration 2, wherein, when the plurality of pin portions are not being pressed, the tip of each of the plurality of pin portions is located on a virtual plane parallel to the flat portion.

[0101] [Structure 4] A bathtub cushion according to configuration 1 or configuration 2, wherein, when the plurality of pin portions are not being pressed, the tip of each of the plurality of pin portions is located on a virtual inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the flat portion.

[0102] [Composition 5] A bathtub cushion according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein at least one annular portion is provided with a notch that makes the at least one annular portion discontinuous in the circumferential direction.

[0103] [Composition 6] A bathtub cushion according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein, when viewed from the first surface, the plurality of first pin portions are arranged in a line on a plurality of circumferences concentric with respect to the center.

[0104] [Composition 7] The main body includes a first surface and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface, It comprises a plurality of pin portions protruding from the first surface, A bathtub cushion that supports a part of the user's body, and when at least some of the multiple pin portions are pressed from the tip side, at least some of the pin portions elastically deform and curve, with their tips separated from the first surface.

[0105] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and do not constitute a limiting interpretation. Therefore, the technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Furthermore, all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalence to the claims are included. In the description of the embodiments above, combinatorial configurations may be combined with each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 1,1A,9 Bathtub cushion, 2 Bathtub, 2A Installation surface, 3 Head, 4 Buttocks, 10,10A,90 Main body, 11 First surface, 12 Second surface, 20,20A,91 Multiple pin sections, 21,21A,92 Multiple first pin sections, 22,22A Multiple second pin sections, 23A Multiple third pin sections, 25,25A Tip, 26 Coating layer, 30 Suction cup, 40 Through hole, 100,200,900 Flat section, 101,201 Inner wall, 105 Outer edge, 110,210,910 Curved section, 111 Center, 120,220 Annular section, 130 Notch section, 140 Multiple ribs, 211 First curved section, 212 Second curved section, C1 Circumference, P1 P2 is a virtual inclined surface, P23 is a virtual plane, R1 is the first region, R2 is the second region, and W is the flow path of the hot water.

Claims

1. A main body including a first surface and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface, It comprises a plurality of pin portions protruding from the first surface, The main body includes a flat portion and at least one curved portion that curves outward from the flat portion toward the first surface. The at least one curved portion is annular in shape when viewed from the second surface side. At least one annular portion is provided that protrudes in an annular shape from the inner wall on the second surface side of the at least one curved portion, concentrically with respect to the center of the annular shape, and elastically supports the at least one curved portion. A bathtub cushion wherein, when the plurality of pin portions are pressed from the tip side while supporting a part of the user's body, the at least one curved portion elastically deforms so that its protrusion height from the flat portion decreases, and the plurality of first pin portions located on the at least one curved portion of the plurality of pin portions are curved such that, when viewed from the first surface side, their tips converge toward the center.

2. The bathtub cushion according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed from the second side, a plurality of ribs are provided that protrude from the inner wall and extend radially from the center.

3. The bathtub cushion according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, when the plurality of pin portions are not being pressed, the tip of each of the plurality of pin portions is located on a virtual plane parallel to the flat portion.

4. The bathtub cushion according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, when the plurality of pin portions are not being pressed, the tip of each of the plurality of pin portions is located on a virtual inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the flat portion.

5. The bathtub cushion according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one annular portion is provided with a notch that makes the at least one annular portion discontinuous in the circumferential direction.

6. The bathtub cushion according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, when viewed from the first surface, the plurality of first pin portions are arranged in a line on a plurality of circumferences concentric with respect to the center.

7. A main body including a first surface and a second surface located on the opposite side of the first surface, It comprises a plurality of pin portions protruding from the first surface, A bath cushion that supports a part of the user's body, and when at least some of the multiple pin portions are pressed from the tip side, at least some of the pin portions elastically deform and curve, with their tips separated from the first surface.

Images