cushion

Abstract

This cushion can be used during the postpartum period by women who have undergone suture surgery around the perineum, to alleviate perineal pain when sitting for long periods, to provide a comfortable sitting experience with less heat, and to be easily cleaned when soiled with lochia, etc. [Solution] A cushion 100 comprising a three-dimensional mesh structure 1 made of a continuous linear body made of a thermoplastic resin composition and having a three-dimensional random loop joint structure, and a covering material 2 that covers at least a part of the outer surface of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1, wherein the cushion has a user side and an opposite side which is located on the opposite side from the user side, and the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 has a user-side recess 10 in the center of the user side, and the apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in the user-side recess 10 is greater than the apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in a part of the user side different from the user-side recess 10.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cushion having a three-dimensional mesh structure and a covering material. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, three-dimensional mesh structures are being widely used as cushioning materials in furniture, bedding such as beds, and seats in vehicles such as trains, automobiles, and motorcycles. In particular, the use of three-dimensional mesh structures as cushioning materials for women during the postpartum period is being considered.

[0003] During childbirth, an incision may be made using scissors in the left or right side of the mother's perineum, midline towards the anus, to facilitate the delivery of the fetus (episiotomy). Tears may also occur in the perineum and vaginal wall during childbirth (perineal laceration). Women who have undergone suture surgery around the perineum due to such an episiotomy or perineal laceration experience severe pain in the perineal area, discomfort from the sutures, swelling, and redness for several weeks postpartum. For this reason, postpartum cushions have long been proposed for women who have undergone suture surgery around the perineum to sit on.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a donut-shaped cushion made by sewing together a surface fabric material and a back fabric material, each having a through hole in the center, and filling the space between them with a cotton-like cushioning material made of synthetic resin. Patent Document 2 discloses a donut-shaped cushion made by welding together two rubber sheets, one above the other, each having a through hole in the center, and filling the space between them with air. Patent Document 3 discloses a donut-shaped cushion made by punching a through hole through the center of a plastic foam material or a rubber foam material and covering the surface with a cover. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3031011 (Publication) [Patent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-15015 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-71054 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, Patent Document 1, mentioned above, uses a cotton-like synthetic resin as a filling material to support the human body, which has the problem that the thickness decreases after about 10 minutes of sitting, worsening pressure distribution and causing pain in the perineum. Patent Document 2 uses air as the filling material, which has the problem that the air pressure changes with slight body movements, making it difficult to sit stably. Also, because the surface material is a rubber sheet, when sitting, body heat is stored, and moisture evaporated from the body condenses on the rubber sheet, causing stuffiness and stickiness, making the sitting experience uncomfortable. Patent Document 3 uses foamed plastic or foamed rubber as the filling material, which has the problem that when sitting, the heat stored from body heat and the retention of moisture evaporated from the body cause a feeling of heat. Furthermore, during the postpartum period, bleeding and secretions called lochia are discharged from the uterus, which often soils the cushion when sitting. To remove the soiling, the filling material needs to be washed with water. However, in the case of plastic foam or rubber foam, it takes a very long time for the water absorbed during washing to dry, making it practically impossible to wash with water, thus creating a problem in keeping the cushion clean.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a cushion that can be used during the postpartum period by women who have undergone suturing surgery around the perineum, which can alleviate perineal pain when sitting for long periods of time, provides a comfortable sitting experience with less heat sensation, and can be easily washed when soiled with lochia, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The cushion according to an embodiment of the present invention is as follows. [1] A cushion comprising a three-dimensional network structure composed of continuous linear bodies made of a thermoplastic resin composition and having a three-dimensional random loop bonding structure, and a covering material that covers at least a part of the outer surface of the three-dimensional network structure, It has a user side which is the side facing the user, and a opposite side which is the side opposite to the user side, The three-dimensional mesh structure has a user-side recess in the center of the user's side, A cushion in which the apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure in the user-side recess is greater than the apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure in a portion of the user side that is different from the user-side recess. [2] The cushion described in [1], wherein the sum of the displacement Da of the three-dimensional mesh structure at a pressure of 33N / φ100 in the user-side recess and the depth H of the user-side recess is greater than the displacement Db of the three-dimensional mesh structure at a pressure of 33N / φ100 in a portion other than the user-side recess. [3] The cushion according to [1] or [2], wherein the cut surface of the continuous linear body is not exposed in the user-side recess. [4] The three-dimensional mesh structure has a front portion which is located in front of the user and a rear portion which is located behind the user, The cushion according to any one of [1] to [3], having a concave recess on the rear portion of the opposite side. [5] The rear portion comprises a right rear portion located to the right of the user and a left rear portion located to the left of the user. The cushion as described in [4], wherein the right rear portion and the left rear portion each have the opposite recess. [6] The cushion according to [4] or [5], wherein the area of ​​the portion enclosed by the opening edge of the opposite recess is smaller than the area of ​​the portion enclosed by the opening edge of the user-side recess. [7] The opposite recess has a plurality of, The cushion according to any one of [4] to [6], wherein the total area of ​​the portion enclosed by the opening edge of the opposite recess is smaller than the total area of ​​the portion enclosed by the opening edge of the user-side recess. [8] In a plan view from above the user side surface of the three-dimensional network structure, the position of the opposite-side recess overlaps at least partially with the position of the user-side recess. The cushion according to any one of [4] to [7]. [9] In the three-dimensional network structure, the fiber diameter of the continuous linear body constituting the user side surface is smaller than the fiber diameter of the continuous linear body constituting the opposite side surface. The cushion according to any one of [1] to [8].

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] As causes of pain in the perineum that occurs during sitting of a parturient who has undergone a suture operation around the perineum due to an episiotomy or perineal laceration, there are physical stimuli to the perineum due to the seat and a decrease in blood flow due to pressure on the perineum. Therefore, reducing the pressure around the perineum during sitting is important for reducing pain. The three-dimensional network structure of the present invention has a user-side recess at the center of the user side surface that serves as the seating surface, so that the contact between the cushion in the region that becomes the front of the groin and the perineum during sitting is very small or non-existent, thereby reducing the pressure around the perineum and reducing pain in the perineum. In addition, since the user-side recess of the three-dimensional network structure is a recessed portion having a bottom rather than a through hole, the sense of stability as a cushion is hardly impaired.

[0010] Further, since the material used as the filling material of the cushion is a three-dimensional network structure having a three-dimensional random loop joining structure, the feeling of heat during sitting can be reduced and a comfortable sitting feeling can be obtained. Furthermore, since the cushion can be easily washed even when it gets dirty, a clean state can be maintained.

[0011] When sitting on the cushion, the three-dimensional network structure at the parts of the right and left buttocks that come into contact with the user's side surface, which serves as the seating surface, sinks. However, since the continuous linear bodies having a three-dimensional random loop joining structure are joined in the direction of the user's side surface, the area between the right and left buttocks rises, and the perineum area comes to receive pressure from the three-dimensional network structure that is the cushion's core material. Furthermore, it has been found that a phenomenon peculiar to the three-dimensional network structure, in which the skin of the perineum is pulled left and right by the tension generated on the user's side surface due to the deformation of the three-dimensional network structure during sitting, induces pain in the perineum. By arranging the opposite-side concave portion at a portion facing the area that supports the user's buttocks on the opposite side surface, the area of the three-dimensional network structure that supports the buttocks is more likely to deform in the thickness direction, suppressing the rising of the area between the right and left buttocks, and making it possible to reduce the tension generated on the user's side surface. Therefore, the pressure around the perineum decreases, and the force pulling the skin of the perineum left and right is reduced, particularly reducing the pain in the perineum when sitting on the cushion for a long time.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] [Figure 1] Represents a perspective view of the cushion according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Represents a plan view of the three-dimensional network structure of the cushion shown in FIG. 1 on the user's side surface. [Figure 3] Represents a plan view of the opposite side surface of the three-dimensional network structure shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] Represents a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV of the three-dimensional network structure shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] Represents a perspective view of the cushion according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Represents a plan view of the three-dimensional network structure of the cushion shown in FIG. 5 on the user's side surface. [Figure 7] Represents a plan view of the opposite side surface of the three-dimensional network structure shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] Represents a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII of the three-dimensional network structure shown in FIG. 6.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples, and it is possible to implement it with appropriate modifications within the scope that is consistent with the spirit of the preceding and following descriptions, and all such modifications are included within the technical scope of the present invention. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted. For the sake of ease of understanding, some parts of the drawings may be simplified or exaggerated, and the dimensional ratios, etc., are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0014] The cushion of the present invention is composed of a continuous linear body made of a thermoplastic resin composition and comprises a three-dimensional random loop joint structure, a three-dimensional mesh structure, and a covering material that covers at least a part of the outer surface of the three-dimensional mesh structure, the cushion having a user side which is the side facing the user and a opposite side which is the side facing the opposite side, and having a user-side recess in the center of the user side, the apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure in the user-side recess is greater than the apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure in a part of the user side other than the user-side recess.

[0015] The cushion 100 of the present invention is used by the user sitting on the cushion 100. In particular, it can be suitably used as a postpartum cushion for women who have undergone surgery to repair the perineum area due to an episiotomy or perineal tear.

[0016] The three-dimensional mesh structure 1 of the cushion 100 of the present invention is composed of continuous linear bodies made of a thermoplastic resin composition and has a three-dimensional random loop joint structure. Specifically, the thermoplastic resin composition is melted and extruded in an extruder, and a plurality of continuous linear bodies discharged from the orifice of a multi-row die are bent and twisted in a molten state to form random loops, the continuous linear bodies are brought into contact with each other and the contact parts are fused, and the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 is formed by cooling and solidifying. Therefore, even if the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 is subjected to a large deformation by a very large stress, the entire three-dimensional mesh structure 1 having a fused and integrated three-dimensional random loop joint structure can deform and absorb the stress, and when the stress is released, the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 can recover to its original form by the elastic force of the thermoplastic resin.

[0017] The three-dimensional mesh structure 1 is composed of continuous linear bodies and has a three-dimensional random loop joint structure, which reduces the feeling of heat when sitting and provides a comfortable seating experience. Furthermore, even when the cushion 100 becomes dirty, the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 and the covering material 2 can be easily washed, allowing for the maintenance of a clean state.

[0018] The thermoplastic resin composition is not particularly limited as long as it can be bent and twisted to bring the continuous linear bodies into contact with each other and fuse the contact portions between the continuous linear bodies. Examples include polyester thermoplastic elastomers, ethylene / α-olefin copolymers obtained by copolymerizing ethylene and α-olefin, polyolefin thermoplastic elastomers, polyurethane thermoplastic elastomers, polyamide thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, polylactic acid, polybutylene adipate, and polybutylene adipate terephthalate. Among these, the thermoplastic resin composition is preferably a thermoplastic elastomer, and more preferably a polyester thermoplastic elastomer because it has excellent compressive durability and heat resistance.

[0019] The polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer preferably comprises a hard segment and a soft segment, wherein the hard segment comprises a thermoplastic polyester, and the soft segment preferably comprises polyalkylene glycol, aliphatic polyester, or a combination thereof. It is more preferable that the soft segment comprises polyalkylene glycol.

[0020] Various additives can be added to the thermoplastic resin composition constituting the continuous linear body as needed. Examples of additives include antioxidants, lightfasteners, antibacterial agents, mite repellents, fluorescent whitening agents, fillers, flame retardants, flame retardant enhancers, and organic and inorganic pigments.

[0021] The fiber diameter of the continuous linear members constituting the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 is preferably 0.3 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less. A fiber diameter of 0.3 mm or more ensures an appropriate thickness for the continuous linear members, providing the necessary hardness when the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 is used as the core material for the cushion 100. Furthermore, a fiber diameter of 2.0 mm or less results in a finer three-dimensional random loop joint structure for the three-dimensional mesh structure 1, improving compressive durability.

[0022] The cross-sectional shapes of the continuous linear bodies constituting the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 include solid cross-sections, hollow cross-sections, and irregularly shaped cross-sections.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2, 3, 6, and 7, the shape of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in plan view can be circular, oval, elliptical, polygonal, rounded polygonal, teardrop-shaped, egg-shaped, or a combination thereof. The three-dimensional mesh structure 1 can be formed into a desired shape by cutting a plate-shaped three-dimensional mesh structure 1 with a vertical cutter, punching it out with a die, or thermoforming it while applying pressure with a mold.

[0024] The cushion 100 has a covering material 2 that covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1. The covering material 2 can be arbitrarily selected from materials that are highly breathable and washable, or materials that are highly waterproof. Examples of highly breathable and washable materials include circular knitted fabrics with a mesh structure that has a high opening ratio, double raschel, and three-dimensional knitted fabrics. Examples of highly waterproof materials include fabrics in which urethane is laminated to one side of woven fabrics or circular knitted fabrics. The covering material 2 may also be equipped with an opening for inserting or removing the three-dimensional mesh structure 1, and a zipper, hook-and-loop fastener, button, string, etc. for opening and closing the opening.

[0025] The covering material 2 only needs to cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1, but it is preferable that it covers the entire outer surface of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1. In other words, it is preferable that the entire three-dimensional mesh structure 1 is covered by the covering material 2. Because the covering material 2 covers the entire outer surface of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1, the user does not come into direct contact with the three-dimensional mesh structure 1, and pain in the perineum and other areas is less likely to occur.

[0026] The covering material 2 may conform to the outer shape of the user-side recess 10, but it is preferable that it does not conform to the outer shape of the user-side recess 10, as shown in Figures 1 and 5. By not conforming to the outer shape of the user-side recess 10, the outer shape of the user-side recess 10 can be hidden by the covering material 2, thereby reducing the user's sense of embarrassment.

[0027] The three-dimensional mesh structure 1 has a user side, which is the surface facing the user, and an opposite side, which is the surface opposite to the user side. The user side is the seating surface that comes into contact with the user when the user sits on the three-dimensional mesh structure 1, and is the surface of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 when in use. The opposite side is the surface opposite to the seating surface that does not come into contact with the user when the user sits on the three-dimensional mesh structure 1, and is the back surface of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 when in use.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2, 4, 6, and 8, the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 has a user-side recess 10 in the center of the user's side. Having the user-side recess 10 in the center of the user's side significantly reduces, or eliminates, contact between the front of the cushion 100 (the groin area) and the perineal area when the user sits on the cushion 100. Therefore, the pressure on the perineal area from the three-dimensional mesh structure 1, which is the core material of the cushion 100, is reduced when the user sits on the cushion 100, thereby alleviating perineal pain. Note that the user-side recess 10 does not support the human body; in other words, it is not intended to support bodily protrusions such as the sacrum.

[0029] The shape of the user-side recess 10 in a plan view from the user's side can be circular, oval, elliptical, teardrop-shaped, egg-shaped, polygonal, rounded polygonal, or a combination thereof. Among these, the shape of the user-side recess 10 is preferably oval or rounded polygonal. When the shape of the user-side recess 10 is oval or rounded polygonal, the cushion 100 is less likely to come into contact with the area around the perineum when the user sits on the cushion 100.

[0030] Methods for forming the user-side recess 10 include cutting the central part of the user-side of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 using a cutting tool such as a CF cutter, stacking a three-dimensional mesh structure 1 having a through hole in the center and a three-dimensional mesh structure 1 not having a through hole in the center, and thermoforming the central part of the user-side of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 while applying pressure with a mold.

[0031] Furthermore, the user-side recess 10 has an area of ​​25 mm² in the portion enclosed by the opening edge of the user-side recess 10 on the user's side. 2 This refers to the bottomed recesses mentioned above, and the gaps between the continuous linear bodies constituting the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 on the user's side are not treated as user-side recesses 10. The opening edge of the user-side recess 10 is the edge of the opening located on the opposite side from the bottom of the user-side recess 10.

[0032] The apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in the user-side recess 10 is greater than the apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in parts of the user's side other than the user-side recess 10. In other words, the apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 at the bottom and sides of the user-side recess 10 is greater than the apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in parts of the user's side other than the user-side recess 10.

[0033] The apparent density is measured as follows: A predetermined section of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 is cut to a size of 10±0.5cm × 10±0.5cm × thickness, and a sample is taken. The height of four points is measured using a Polymer Instruments FD-80N thickness gauge, and the average value is taken as the sample thickness (d0) (unit: mm). The above sample is placed on an electronic balance and measured to obtain the sample weight (W) (unit: g). Using the obtained sample thickness (d0) and sample weight (W), the apparent density is calculated using the following formula (average value for n=3). Apparent density (g / cm³) 3 ) = (W × 10) / (10 × 10 × d0) ... (1)

[0034] When seated, the area around the user-side recess 10 is compressed by the vertical load from the user. On the other hand, although the bottom surface of the user-side recess 10 does not receive a vertical load when seated, a vertical load is applied to it due to the compression around the user-side recess 10. If the rigidity of the user-side recess 10 is low, the deformation around the user-side recess 10 tends to cause the bottom surface of the user-side recess 10 to bulge, and a part of the bottom surface of the user-side recess 10 may come into contact with the perineal area. By making the apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in the user-side recess 10 greater than the apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in a different part of the user's side, the rigidity of the user-side recess 10 is higher than that of other parts of the user's side, and the bottom surface of the user-side recess 10 is less likely to bulge when seated on the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 cushion 100. As a result, the cushion 100 is less likely to come into contact with the perineal area, pain in the perineal area can be reduced, and a comfortable seating experience can be obtained.

[0035] The apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in the user-side recess 10 is preferably 1.05 times or more, more preferably 1.1 times or more, and even more preferably 1.2 times or more, than the apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in a part of the user's side other than the user-side recess 10. By setting the lower limit of the ratio of the apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in the user-side recess 10 to that of a part of the user's side other than the user-side recess 10 to the above range, it becomes easier to increase the apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in the user-side recess 10 compared to the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in a part of the user's side other than the user-side recess 10, and the bottom surface of the user-side recess 10 becomes less likely to bulge when sitting on the cushion 100. Furthermore, the apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in the user-side recess 10 is preferably 10 times or less, more preferably 8 times or less, and even more preferably 5 times or less, than the apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in a part of the user's side other than the user-side recess 10. By setting the upper limit of the ratio of the apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in the user-side recess 10 to a portion of the user-side recess 10 that is different from the user-side recess 10 to the above range, it is possible to improve the overall cushioning of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 and enhance stability when sitting on the cushion 100.

[0036] Methods to increase the apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in the user-side recess 10 compared to the apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in parts of the user-side surface other than the user-side recess 10 include, for example, manufacturing the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 such that the apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in the part located in the user-side recess 10 is high; stacking a three-dimensional mesh structure 1a having a through hole in the center and a three-dimensional mesh structure 1b having a higher density than the three-dimensional mesh structure 1a and not having a through hole in the center, and arranging the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 with a higher apparent density in the part located in the user-side recess 10 than the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in other parts; and increasing the apparent density by heating and applying pressure to the part of the user-side recess 10.

[0037] The average thickness of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 is preferably 35 mm or more, more preferably 40 mm or more, and even more preferably 45 mm or more. The average thickness of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 refers to the average thickness of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in the portion that does not have the user-side recess 10 or the opposite side recess 50, when the cushion 100 is not being sat on and no pressure is being applied to the three-dimensional mesh structure 1. By setting the lower limit of the average thickness of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 within the above range, it is possible to make the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 such that the feeling of bottoming out is less likely when sitting on the cushion 100, and the cushioning is good. Furthermore, the average thickness of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 is preferably 80 mm or less, more preferably 75 mm or less, and even more preferably 65 mm or less. By setting the upper limit of the average thickness of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 within the above range, the sitting posture when sitting on the cushion 100 becomes more stable.

[0038] The average depth of the user-side recess 10 is preferably 5 mm or more, more preferably 10 mm or more, and even more preferably 15 mm or more. When sitting on the cushion 100, the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 is compressed by the pressure of sitting, reducing its thickness, and thus the depth of the user-side recess 10 also appears to decrease. By setting the lower limit of the average depth of the user-side recess 10 within the above range, it is easier to maintain the recess shape of the user-side recess 10 even when sitting on the cushion 100, and high pressure is less likely to be generated in the perineal area. The upper limit of the average depth of the user-side recess 10 is not particularly limited as long as the user-side recess 10 is a recess with a bottom, but it can be set to, for example, 50 mm or less, 40 mm or less, or 35 mm or less, as it makes it easier to form the user-side recess 10.

[0039] The length of the user-side recess 10 in the width direction is preferably 50 mm or more, more preferably 70 mm or more, and even more preferably 90 mm or more. By setting the lower limit value of the length of the user-side recess 10 in the width direction within the above range, it is possible to reduce the contact between the area that becomes the front part of the crotch and the perineum area during sitting. The upper limit value of the length of the user-side recess 10 in the width direction is not particularly limited, but it is preferably 250 mm or less in terms of ensuring the width of the area supporting the thigh part.

[0040] The area of the portion surrounded by the opening edge of the user-side recess 10 is preferably 19 cm 2 or more, more preferably 35 cm 2 or more, and even more preferably 60 cm 2 or more. By setting the lower limit value of the area of the portion surrounded by the opening edge of the user-side recess 10 within the above range, it is possible to reduce the contact between the area that becomes the front part of the crotch and the perineum area during sitting. The upper limit value of the area of the portion surrounded by the opening edge of the user-side recess 10 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably 490 cm 2 or less in terms of ensuring the overall rigidity of the cushion 100.

[0041] Preferably, the sum of the displacement Da of the user-side recess 10 under a 33 N / φ100 pressurization and the depth H of the user-side recess 10 is greater than the displacement Db under a 33 N / φ100 pressurization at a portion different from the user-side recess 10. That is, it is preferable that the formula Db < Da + H holds.

[0042] The displacement Da of the user-side recess 10 under a 33 N / φ100 pressurization refers to the displacement when a pressure of 33 N is applied to the bottom of the user-side recess 10 with a circular compression plate having a diameter of φ100 mm. The displacement Db under a 33 N / φ100 pressurization at a portion different from the user-side recess 10 refers to the displacement when a pressure of 33 N is applied to a portion different from the user-side recess 10 with a circular compression plate having a diameter of φ100 mm. Here, the portion different from the user-side recess 10 refers to a portion where both the user-side surface and the opposite-side surface are smooth in the vicinity of the user-side recess 10.

[0043] The 33 N / φ100 pressure corresponds to the stress generated in the three-dimensional network structure 1 when a woman sits on the cushion 100. The reason is explained below. In academic research, the average weight of a woman immediately after childbirth is around 55 kg. Also, the load on the buttocks during sitting is about 55% of the body weight. That is, when an average woman immediately after childbirth sits down, a load of about 30.25 kg is applied to the buttocks. On the other hand, from another academic research, the average body surface area of adult Japanese women is 1.43 m 2 , and since the ratio of the body surface area of the buttocks to the total body surface area is 5%, the average body surface area of the buttocks of adult Japanese women is 71,500 mm 2 . From the above, the pressure received by the cushion 100 from the buttocks during sitting is 0.00042 kg / mm 2 , and when converted to a circular pressure plate with a diameter of 100 mm, it corresponds to 33 N / φ100.

[0044] Since the sum of the displacement Da in the 33 N / φ100 pressure of the user-side recess 10 and the depth H of the user-side recess 10 is greater than the displacement Db in the 33 N / φ100 pressure in a part different from the user-side recess 10, even when a female user sits on the cushion 100 and the three-dimensional network structure 1 is deformed, the bottom of the user-side recess 10 does not bulge upward more than the part different from the user-side recess 10. As a result, the three-dimensional network structure 1 is less likely to come into contact with the perineum area, and it becomes possible to reduce the pain in the perineum.

[0045] The method for measuring displacement under a 33N / φ100 pressure is as follows: The sample is cut to a size of 10±0.5cm in width, 10±0.5cm in length, and the sample thickness. After leaving it unloaded for 24 hours in an environment of 23℃±2℃, the center of the sample is compressed at a pressure plate speed of 10mm / min using a universal testing machine (Instron universal testing machine manufactured by Instron Japan Company Limited) in an environment of 23℃±2℃, with a diameter of φ100mm, a thickness of 5±1mm, and a flat bottom surface with a C1 chamfered edge. The thickness is measured when the universal testing machine detects a load of 1.25N±0.1N, and this is used as the hardness tester thickness. Taking the position of the pressure plate at this time as the zero point, compress the hardness tester to 75% of its thickness at a pressure plate speed of 100 mm / min, then immediately return the pressure plate to the zero point at a pressure plate speed of 100 mm / min, and continue compressing again at a pressure plate speed of 100 mm / min. Measure the displacement when the load is 33 N ± 0.5 N, and define this as the displacement at 33 N / φ100 pressure (unit: mm, average value for n=3). The above measurement is performed by applying pressure from the side of the user. If the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 is composed of multiple stacked three-dimensional mesh structures, the sample should also be measured with multiple stacked three-dimensional mesh structures.

[0046] As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 has a front end 21 located on the front side of the user and a rear end 22 located on the rear side of the user. The shortest distance D1 between the rear end 22 and the opening edge of the user-side recess 10 is preferably 50 mm or more, more preferably 60 mm or more, and even more preferably 70 mm or more. By setting the lower limit of the shortest distance D1 between the rear end 22 and the opening edge of the user-side recess 10 to the above range, it is possible to prevent the area supporting the buttocks from becoming too narrow and to improve stability when sitting. There is no particular upper limit to the shortest distance D1 between the rear end 22 and the opening edge of the user-side recess 10, but if the shortest distance D1 between the rear end 22 and the opening edge of the user-side recess 10 is long, depending on the sitting position, the user-side recess 10 and the perineum may separate, reducing the effect of further reducing perineal pain. Therefore, the shortest distance D1 between the rear end 22 and the opening edge of the user-side recess 10 is preferably 200 mm or less, more preferably 160 mm or less, and even more preferably 120 mm or less.

[0047] The maximum distance D2 between the front end 21 and the opening edge of the user-side recess 10 is preferably 150 mm or more, more preferably 180 mm or more, and even more preferably 200 mm or more. By setting the lower limit of the maximum distance D2 between the front end 21 and the opening edge of the user-side recess 10 to the above range, it is possible to prevent the length supporting the thigh from becoming too short and to improve stability when seated. There is no particular limit to the upper limit of the maximum distance D2 between the front end 21 and the opening edge of the user-side recess 10, but considering the length of a woman's thigh, it is preferably 400 mm or less, more preferably 390 mm or less, and even more preferably 380 mm or less.

[0048] In the user-side recess 10, it is preferable that the cut surface of the continuous linear body is not exposed. In other words, it is preferable that the cross-sections of one end and the other end of the continuous linear body constituting the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 are not exposed at the bottom or side of the user-side recess 10. By preventing the cut surface of the continuous linear body from being exposed in the user-side recess 10, when sitting on the cushion 100, the ends of the continuous linear body are less likely to come into direct contact with the user through the covering material 2 or by penetrating the covering material 2, thus reducing pain in the perineal area and making the sitting experience more comfortable.

[0049] To create a three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in which the cut surface of the continuous linear body is not exposed in the user-side recess 10, for example, methods such as thermoforming the user-side recess 10 while applying pressure to the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 with a mold, attaching fabric, nonwoven fabric, or film material to cover the bottom and sides of the user-side recess 10, or covering the cut surface of the continuous linear body in the user-side recess 10 with molten resin or the like.

[0050] As shown in Figures 3, 4, 7, and 8, the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 has a front portion 30 located in front of the user and a rear portion 40 located behind the user, and preferably has an opposite recess 50 on the opposite side of the rear portion 40. In Figure 8, the position of the opposite recess 50 is shown by a dashed line.

[0051] When a user sits on the cushion 100, the parts of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 that contact the right and left buttocks on the user's side become concave. However, because the random loop fibers of the continuous linear body are joined in the direction of the user's side, the area between the right and left buttocks becomes raised, and the area around the perineum receives pressure from the three-dimensional mesh structure 1. Furthermore, the tension generated on the user's side of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 due to the deformation of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 pulls the skin of the user's perineum from side to side. It has been found that this phenomenon unique to the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 induces pain in the perineum. The presence of an opposite concave part 50 on the posterior part 40 on the opposite side of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 makes the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 more susceptible to deformation in the thickness direction in the posterior part 40 of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1, which is the area that supports the user's buttocks when seated. Therefore, the bulging of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in the area between the user's right and left buttocks when seated is suppressed, reducing the tension on the user's sides and decreasing pressure around the perineum. As a result, the force pulling the skin of the perineum in the lateral direction when seated is reduced, making it possible to further alleviate perineal pain, which is especially likely to occur when sitting on the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 for a long time.

[0052] The front portion 30 refers to a part of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 on the front side of the user when seated on the cushion 100, and supports the user's thighs. The rear portion 40 refers to a part of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 on the rear side of the user when seated on the cushion 100, and supports the user's buttocks. In particular, it is preferable that the front portion 30 is the part located on the front side of the user when the length of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in the anterior-posterior direction of the user is divided into two equal parts, and the rear portion 40 is the part located on the rear side of the user. In other words, it is preferable that the rear end of the front portion 30 is in contact with the front end of the rear portion 40.

[0053] The shape of the opposite recess 50 in a plan view on the opposite side can be circular, oval, elliptical, teardrop-shaped, egg-shaped, polygonal, rounded polygonal, or a combination thereof. Among these, the shape of the opposite recess 50 is preferably circular. The circular shape of the opposite recess 50 makes it easier to deform the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in the thickness direction at the rear portion 40 of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1.

[0054] Methods for forming the opposite side recess 50 include, similar to the method for forming the user-side recess 10, cutting the rear portion 40 of the opposite side of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 with a cutting tool such as a CF cutter, stacking a three-dimensional mesh structure 1 having through holes in the rear portion 40 with a three-dimensional mesh structure 1 that does not have through holes in the rear portion 40, and thermoforming the rear portion 40 of the opposite side of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 while applying pressure with a mold.

[0055] Furthermore, the area of ​​the opposite recess 50 is 25 mm², which is the area of ​​the portion enclosed by the opening edge of the opposite recess 50 on the opposite side. 2 The term refers to the bottomed recesses mentioned above, and the gaps between the continuous linear bodies constituting the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 on the opposite side are not treated as opposite recesses 50. The opening edge of the opposite recess 50 is the edge of the opening located on the opposite side from the bottom of the opposite recess 50.

[0056] The average depth of the opposite-side recess 50 is preferably 2 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more, and even more preferably 5 mm or more. Setting the lower limit of the average depth of the opposite-side recess 50 within the above range makes it easier to maintain the recess shape of the opposite-side recess 50 when sitting on the cushion 100, and makes it easier to suppress the bulging of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in the area between the user's right and left buttocks. The upper limit of the average depth of the opposite-side recess 50 is not particularly limited as long as the opposite-side recess 50 is a recess with a bottom, but it can be set to, for example, 15 mm or less, 13 mm or less, or 12 mm or less, as it makes it easier to form the opposite-side recess 50.

[0057] As shown in Figure 7, the rear portion 40 has a right rear portion 41 located on the right side of the user and a left rear portion 42 located on the left side of the user, and it is preferable that the right rear portion 41 and the left rear portion 42 each have opposite recesses 50. Because the right rear portion 41 and the left rear portion 42 of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 each have opposite recesses 50, the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 is more easily deformed in the thickness direction in the rear portion 40 of the area corresponding to the right and left buttocks of the user when sitting on the cushion 100, and the effect of suppressing the bulging of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in the area between the right and left buttocks of the user when sitting is further enhanced.

[0058] The right rear portion 41 refers to a part of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 located on the rear and right side of the user when seated on the cushion 100. The left rear portion 42 refers to a part of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 located on the rear and left side of the user when seated on the cushion 100. In particular, it is preferable that the right rear portion 41 is the part located on the right side of the user when the length of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in the left-right direction of the user is divided into two equal parts in the rear portion 40, and the left rear portion 42 is the part located on the left side of the user. In other words, it is preferable that the left end of the right rear portion 41 is in contact with the right end of the left rear portion 42.

[0059] As shown in Figure 8, it is preferable that the average depth of the user-side recess 10 is greater than the average depth of the opposite-side recess 50. When the average depth of the user-side recess 10 is greater than the average depth of the opposite-side recess 50, the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 is less likely to come into contact with the area around the perineum while maintaining the cushioning properties of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1, thereby enhancing the effect of reducing pain in the perineal area.

[0060] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, it is preferable that the area of ​​the portion enclosed by the opening edge of the opposite recess 50 is smaller than the area of ​​the portion enclosed by the opening edge of the user-side recess 10. Furthermore, if there are multiple user-side recesses 10 and opposite recesses 50, it is preferable that the area of ​​the portion enclosed by the opening edge of one opposite recess 50 is smaller than the area of ​​the portion enclosed by the opening edge of one user-side recess 10. By making the area of ​​the portion enclosed by the opening edge of the opposite recess 50 smaller than the area of ​​the portion enclosed by the opening edge of the user-side recess 10, it is possible to suppress the bulging of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in the region between the right and left buttocks on the user's side when seated, while maintaining the rigidity of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 on the opposite side, thereby improving the stability of the seated posture.

[0061] The area of ​​the portion enclosed by the opening edge of the opposite recess 50 is 35 mm². 2 It is preferable that it be greater than or equal to 50 mm 2 More preferably, the amount is 65 mm or more. 2 It is even more preferable that the above is true. By setting the lower limit of the area of ​​the portion enclosed by the opening edge of one opposite recess 50 to the above range, the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 becomes more easily deformed in the thickness direction in the rear portion 40 of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1, which is the area that supports the user's buttocks when seated. Furthermore, the upper limit of the area of ​​the portion enclosed by the opening edge of one opposite recess 50 is not particularly limited, but for example, 300 cm 2 The following is possible:

[0062] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 has multiple opposite-side recesses 50, and it is preferable that the total area of ​​the portion surrounded by the opening edges of the opposite-side recesses 50 is smaller than the total area of ​​the portion surrounded by the opening edges of the user-side recess 10. By having multiple opposite-side recesses 50, and by having the total area of ​​the portion surrounded by the opening edges of the opposite-side recesses 50 being smaller than the total area of ​​the portion surrounded by the opening edges of the user-side recess 10, it is possible to suppress the protrusion of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in the area between the right and left buttocks on the user's side when sitting on the cushion 100, while increasing the cushioning properties of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 and making it easier to improve stability and comfort when sitting.

[0063] Preferably, the right rear portion 41 and the left rear portion 42 of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 each have a plurality of opposite-facing recesses 50. By having a plurality of opposite-facing recesses 50 in the right rear portion 41 and the left rear portion 42, the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 is more easily deformed in the thickness direction in the rear portion 40 of the area corresponding to the right and left buttocks of the user when seated, and the effect of suppressing the bulging of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in the area between the right and left buttocks of the user when seated is improved.

[0064] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, in a plan view from above of the user's side of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1, it is preferable that the position of the opposite recess 50 overlaps with the position of the user-side recess 10 in at least a portion of the space. By having the position of the opposite recess 50 overlap with the position of the user-side recess 10 in at least a portion of the space, when seated, the overlapping portion of the position of the opposite recess 50 and the position of the user-side recess 10 sinks to the side opposite to the user's side, preventing the area near the space between the right and left buttocks in the user-side recess 10 from bulging, and making it easier to prevent the cushion 100 from coming into contact with the perineum and the skin around the perineum from being pulled from side to side, which can cause pain.

[0065] In the three-dimensional mesh structure 1, it is preferable that the fiber diameter of the continuous linear members constituting the user's side is smaller than the fiber diameter of the continuous linear members constituting the opposite side. By making the fiber diameter of the continuous linear members constituting the user's side smaller than the fiber diameter of the continuous linear members constituting the opposite side, the rigidity of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 is maintained by the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 on the opposite side, while the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 on the user's side becomes flexible, thereby reducing the pressure the user receives from the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 when sitting on the cushion 100, and resulting in a comfortable seating experience.

[0066] The fiber diameter of the continuous linear fibers constituting the user side refers to the average diameter of 10 fibers of continuous linear fibers arbitrarily sampled from a region 2 to 5 mm inside the user side in the thickness direction of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1. When measuring the fiber diameter of the continuous linear fibers constituting the user side, continuous linear fibers located in the user-side recess 10 shall not be sampled. The fiber diameter of the continuous linear fibers constituting the opposite side refers to the average diameter of 10 fibers of continuous linear fibers arbitrarily sampled from a region 2 to 5 mm inside the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 in the thickness direction of the opposite side. When measuring the fiber diameter of the continuous linear fibers constituting the opposite side, continuous linear fibers located in the opposite recess 50 shall not be sampled.

[0067] The continuous linear elements constituting the user's side preferably have a single fiber diameter. Having a single fiber diameter for the continuous linear elements means that the difference in fiber diameter of 10 continuous linear elements, arbitrarily sampled from a region 2-5 mm inside the thickness direction of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 from the user's side, is 1.2 mm or less. Similarly, the continuous linear elements constituting the opposite side preferably have a single fiber diameter.

[0068] The three-dimensional mesh structure 1 comprises a solid linear body layer composed of continuous linear bodies with a solid cross-section, a hollow linear body layer composed of continuous linear bodies with a hollow cross-section, and a mixed layer having both continuous linear bodies with a solid cross-section and continuous linear bodies with a hollow cross-section. Preferably, the solid linear body layer constitutes the user's side, the hollow linear body layer constitutes the opposite side, and the mixed layer is arranged between the solid linear body layer and the hollow linear body layer in the thickness direction of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1. By having the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 comprise a solid linear body layer on the user's side, a hollow linear body layer on the opposite side, and a mixed layer in between, the feel of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 on the user's side becomes flexible, and the pressure the user receives from the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 when seated can be easily reduced.

[0069] Furthermore, it is preferable that the average fiber diameter of the solid cross-section continuous linear members constituting the solid linear layer is smaller than the average fiber diameter of the hollow cross-section continuous linear members constituting the hollow linear layer. By making the average fiber diameter of the solid cross-section continuous linear members constituting the solid linear layer smaller than the average fiber diameter of the hollow cross-section continuous linear members constituting the hollow linear layer, it becomes possible to further reduce the pressure that the user receives from the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 on the user's side when sitting on the cushion 100, while maintaining rigidity with the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 on the opposite side. For example, the average fiber diameter of the solid cross-section continuous linear members can be 0.5 mm, and the average fiber diameter of the hollow cross-section continuous linear members constituting the hollow linear layer can be 0.7 mm. [Examples]

[0070] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited by the following examples, and can be implemented with modifications within the scope that is consistent with the spirit of the preceding and following descriptions, and all such modifications are included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0071] [Example 1] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the three-dimensional network structure 1 of the cushion 100 according to Example 1 of the present invention will be described. In Example 1, a polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer was used as the thermoplastic resin composition. Specifically, a polyether ester block copolymer elastomer A was used, which was obtained by polycondensation of dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD), and polytetramethylene glycol (PTMG: average molecular weight 1000), with a PTMG ratio of 43 wt% and a melting point of 191°C.

[0072] A spinneret Nz-1 was prepared with an effective surface measuring 520 mm in width and 46.5 mm in thickness, on which orifices with a 5.0 mm outer diameter and triple-bridge hollow-forming cross section were arranged in a staggered pattern with a hole pitch of 8 mm. The molten polyether ester block copolymer elastomer A extruded from the extruder was discharged downwards through the spinneret Nz-1 at a spinning temperature of 240°C and a single-hole discharge rate of 3.0 g / min. Next, after passing through a cooling space with an ambient temperature of 25-35°C, without blowing cooling air, cooling water was placed 25 cm below the spinneret surface, and a pair of take-up conveyors made of 150 cm wide stainless steel endless nets were placed parallel to each other with openings spaced 25 mm apart so that they partially protruded above the water surface. The molten discharged line was bent and twisted to form loops, and the contact parts were fused to obtain a three-dimensional random loop joint structure. The molten three-dimensional random loop joint structure was sandwiched between two conveyor belts and drawn into cooling water at a rate of 2.73 m per minute to solidify, flattening both sides. After that, it was cut to a predetermined length and dried with hot air at 105°C for 30 minutes to obtain a three-dimensional mesh structure 1a.

[0073] Furthermore, a three-dimensional mesh structure 1b was obtained under the same conditions as the three-dimensional mesh structure 1a, except that the pickup speed was set to 2.24 m per minute.

[0074] The three-dimensional mesh structure 1a on the user's side is composed of continuous linear bodies with a single fiber diameter. Specifically, the three-dimensional mesh structure 1a is formed by continuous linear bodies with a hollow cross-section and an average fiber diameter of 0.7 mm, made of the polyether ester block copolymer elastomer A. The apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1a is 0.045 g / cm³. 3 It was 20mm thick, 500mm wide, and 500mm long.

[0075] The three-dimensional mesh structure 1b on the opposite side is composed of continuous linear bodies with a single fiber diameter. Specifically, the three-dimensional mesh structure 1b is formed by continuous linear bodies with a hollow cross-section and an average fiber diameter of 0.7 mm, made of the polyether ester block copolymer elastomer A. The apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1b is 0.055 g / cm³.3 It was 20mm thick, 500mm wide, and 500mm long.

[0076] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 is circular in shape when viewed from above. A three-dimensional mesh structure 1 with a diameter of 500 mm is formed by cutting rectangular plate-shaped three-dimensional mesh structures 1a and 1b using a vertical cutter or a die-cutting blade, and then stacking the three-dimensional mesh structures 1a and 1b.

[0077] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 has a user-side recess 10 on the user's side and an opposite-side recess 50 on the opposite side. Specifically, a circular user-side recess 10 was formed by cutting a portion of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1a located on the user's side with a Thomson blade. Similarly, an oval-shaped opposite-side recess 50 was formed by cutting a portion of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1b located on the opposite side with a Thomson blade. The area of ​​the portion enclosed by the opening edge of the user-side recess 10 is 254.5 cm². 2 The depth H of the user-side recess 10 was 20 mm. The area of ​​the portion enclosed by the opening edge of the opposite side recess 50 was 226.3 cm². 2 The depth of the opposite recess 50 was 20 mm. Furthermore, the cut surface of the continuous linear body was exposed in both the user-side recess 10 and the opposite recess 50.

[0078] The displacement Da of the user-side recess 10 under a 33N / φ100 pressure is 3.9 mm, and the displacement Db of a portion of the user-side surface different from the user-side recess 10 under a 33N / φ100 pressure is 5.7 mm. The sum of the displacement Da of the user-side recess 10 under a 33N / φ100 pressure and the depth H of the user-side recess 10 is greater than the displacement Db of a portion of the user-side surface different from the user-side recess 10 under a 33N / φ100 pressure.

[0079] The resulting three-dimensional mesh structure 1a located on the user's side and the three-dimensional mesh structure 1b located on the opposite side are laminated to form a material with a basis weight of 200 g / m² made of polyester long fibers. 2By storing the cushion in a cover made of double raschel knit fabric with a thickness of 5 mm, a cushion 100 for use during the postpartum period was obtained that has a perfect circular shape when viewed in plan.

[0080] [Example 2] Referring to Figures 5 to 8, the three-dimensional network structure 1 of the cushion 100 according to Example 2 of the present invention will be described. In Example 2, a polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer was used as the thermoplastic resin composition. Specifically, a polyether ester block copolymer elastomer B was used, which was obtained by polycondensation of dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD), and polytetramethylene glycol (PTMG: average molecular weight 1000), with a PTMG ratio of 59 wt% and a melting point of 159°C.

[0081] A spinneret Nz-2 was prepared with a nozzle effective surface measuring 420 mm in width and 74.7 mm in thickness. The orifice shape consisted of triple-bridge hollow orifices with an outer diameter of 3 mm and an inner diameter of 2.6 mm arranged in a staggered pattern with a hole pitch of 6 mm in width and 5.2 mm in thickness for rows 1 to 8 in the thickness direction, and solid orifices with an outer diameter of 1 mm arranged in a staggered pattern with a hole pitch of 6 mm in width and 5.2 mm in thickness for rows 9 to 15 in the thickness direction. The molten polyether ester block copolymer elastomer B extruded from the extruder was discharged downwards from the spinneret Nz-2 at a spinning temperature of 220°C and a single-hole discharge rate of 1.2 g / min. Next, the material passed through a cooling space with an ambient temperature of 25-35°C, without blowing cooling air. Cooling water was placed 20 cm below the spinneret surface, and a pair of pull conveyors, each made of 150 cm wide stainless steel endless net, were placed parallel to each other with openings spaced 65 mm apart, partially above the water surface. The molten discharged wire was bent and twisted to form loops, and the contact points were fused together to obtain a three-dimensional random loop joint structure. Both sides of this molten three-dimensional random loop joint structure were sandwiched between the pull conveyors and drawn into the cooling water at a pull speed of 0.85 m per minute to solidify, flattening both sides. After that, it was cut to a predetermined length and dried with hot air at 105°C for 30 minutes to obtain a three-dimensional mesh structure.

[0082] The three-dimensional mesh structure 1 is made of the polyether ester block copolymer elastomer B described above, and is formed from a three-dimensional mesh structure 1 having a fine fiber region consisting mainly of solid fibers with an average fiber diameter of 0.5 mm, a coarse fiber region consisting mainly of fibers with an average fiber diameter of 0.7 mm, and a mixed region located between the fine fiber region and the coarse fiber region, where fine and coarse fibers are mixed. The fine fiber region consisting of solid fibers with an average fiber diameter of 0.5 mm constitutes the user side, and the coarse fiber region consisting of fibers with an average fiber diameter of 0.7 mm constitutes the opposite side. In the parts of the three-dimensional mesh structure that do not have the user-side recess 10 and the opposite side recess 50, the apparent density is 0.06 g / cm³. 3 Its dimensions were 60mm thick, 400mm wide, and 420mm long.

[0083] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 has the shape of a rounded rectangle in plan view. The three-dimensional mesh structure 1 with the shape of a rounded rectangle is formed by cutting a plate-shaped three-dimensional mesh structure using a vertical cutter or a die-cutting blade.

[0084] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 has a user-side recess 10 on the user's side and an opposite-side recess 50 on the opposite side. Specifically, the user-side recess 10 and the opposite-side recess 50 were formed by thermoforming under pressure in a mold heated to 160°C. The thickness of the three-dimensional mesh structure 1 after thermoforming is 55 mm, and the area of ​​the portion enclosed by the opening edge of the user-side recess 10 is 265 cm². 2 The depth H of the user-side recess 10 was 10 mm. The total area of ​​the portion enclosed by the opening edge of the opposite side recess 50 was 44 cm². 2 The depth of the opposite recess 50 was 5 mm. Furthermore, the cross-section of the continuous linear body was not exposed in the user-side recess 10 and the opposite recess 50. As shown in Figure 6, the user-side recess 10 is a rounded rectangle with a major axis of 200 mm and a minor axis of 160 mm. As shown in Figure 7, the opposite recess 50 is a circle with a diameter of 20 mm, and has multiple opposite recesses 50 in the right rear portion 41 and the left rear portion 42, respectively.

[0085] The displacement Da of the user-side recess 10 under a 33N / φ100 pressure was 16.7 mm, and the displacement Db of a different portion of the user-side surface under a 33N / φ100 pressure was 19.8 mm. The sum of the displacement Da of the user-side recess 10 under a 33N / φ100 pressure and the depth H of the user-side recess 10 was greater than the displacement Db of a different portion of the user-side surface under a 33N / φ100 pressure.

[0086] The resulting three-dimensional mesh structure 1 is made of polyester long fibers with a basis weight of 200 g / m². 2 By storing the cushion in a cover made of double raschel knit fabric with a thickness of 5 mm, a cushion 100 for use during the postpartum period was obtained, which has the shape of a rounded rectangle when viewed in plan. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1: Three-dimensional mesh structure 1a: Three-dimensional mesh structure 1b: Three-dimensional mesh structure 2: Covering material 10: User-side recess 21: Front end 22: Rear end 30: Front part 40: Rear part 41: Right rear part 42:Left rear part 50: Opposite side recess 100: Cushion D1: The shortest distance between the rear end and the opening edge of the user-side recess. D2: The longest distance between the front end and the opening edge of the user-side recess.

Claims

1. A cushion comprising a three-dimensional network structure composed of continuous linear bodies made of a thermoplastic resin composition and having a three-dimensional random loop bonding structure, and a covering material that covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the three-dimensional network structure, It has a user side which is the side facing the user, and a opposite side which is the side opposite to the user side, The three-dimensional mesh structure has a user-side recess in the center of the user's side, A cushion in which the apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure in the user-side recess is greater than the apparent density of the three-dimensional mesh structure in a portion of the user side that is different from the user-side recess.

2. The cushion according to claim 1, wherein the sum of the displacement Da of the three-dimensional mesh structure at a pressure of 33 N / φ100 in the user-side recess and the depth H of the user-side recess is greater than the displacement Db of the three-dimensional mesh structure at a pressure of 33 N / φ100 in a portion other than the user-side recess.

3. The cushion according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cut surface of the continuous linear body is not exposed in the user-side recess.

4. The aforementioned three-dimensional mesh structure has a front portion located in front of the user and a rear portion located behind the user. The cushion according to claim 1 or 2, having a concave recess on the rear portion of the opposite side of the opposite surface.

5. The aforementioned rear portion has a right rear portion located to the right of the user and a left rear portion located to the left of the user. The cushion according to claim 4, wherein the right rear portion and the left rear portion each have the opposite recess.

6. The cushion according to claim 4, wherein the area of ​​the portion enclosed by the opening edge of the opposite recess is smaller than the area of ​​the portion enclosed by the opening edge of the user-side recess.

7. It has a plurality of the aforementioned opposite recesses, The cushion according to claim 4, wherein the total area of ​​the portion enclosed by the opening edge of the opposite recess is smaller than the total area of ​​the portion enclosed by the opening edge of the user-side recess.

8. The cushion according to claim 4, wherein, in a plan view from above of the user side of the three-dimensional mesh structure, the position of the opposite recess overlaps with at least a portion of the position of the user-side recess.

9. The cushion according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fiber diameter of the continuous linear body constituting the user side of the three-dimensional mesh structure is smaller than the fiber diameter of the continuous linear body constituting the opposite side.

Images