Pillow and pillow core unit

Abstract

We offer a new pillow with an improved structure for enhanced comfort. [Solution] The pillow 1 comprises a core unit 12 that includes a plurality of cylindrical members 18 arranged in a grid pattern, with their top surfaces 23 aligned with the pillow surface 3 of the pillow body 2, and the cylindrical members 18 are composed of a three-dimensional mesh structure that is elastic as a whole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pillow and a core unit of the pillow.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, pillows with various structures have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pillow (pillow core material) with the following structure. That is, a gradually upward slope is provided on the surface of the pillow core material 2 from the head part 4 of the pillow toward the neck part 5, and one bump part 9 that bulges in a mountain shape is formed at the opposite part of the bent part 6. And a cavity part 10 is formed between the bump part 9 and the bent part 6, and a plurality of horizontally semi-cylindrical convex parts 7 project from substantially the entire surface of the pillow core material 2, and horizontal groove-shaped concave parts 8 are provided between these convex parts 7 respectively. According to Patent Document 1, it is possible to provide a pillow with excellent comfort.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the field related to pillows as in Patent Document 1, it is always required to make the pillow more comfortable for the user, and in order to meet this requirement, there has been a search for providing a pillow with a new structure that improves comfort.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a pillow with a new structure that improves comfort.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention has the following configuration: a pillow comprising a core unit including a plurality of columnar members that stand upright in the height direction of the pillow body and whose top surfaces are arranged in a grid pattern along the surface of the pillow body, wherein the columnar members are composed of a three-dimensional mesh structure that is elastic as a whole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] As described above, the present invention provides a pillow core unit composed of a three-dimensional mesh structure in which columnar members are arranged in a grid pattern, and the columnar members as a whole are elastic. Therefore, when a user places their head on the pillow, the independent columnar members elastically deform and rebound in response to the external force applied to each individual cylindrical member, so that the top surface of each cylindrical member faces the head, thereby supporting the head. As a result, the pressure (body pressure) from the head is appropriately distributed across the top surfaces of the multiple columnar members, and the head is stably supported in a state where it is gently cradled by the multiple top surfaces, improving the user's comfort. Furthermore, when a user moves their head on the pillow, the individual cylindrical members elastically deform and rebound in response to the external force associated with the movement, so that the top surface of each cylindrical member faces the head, thereby supporting the head. In this way, the head is supported by the top surfaces of the multiple columnar members throughout the movement of the head and after the movement, supporting the movement of turning over in sleep, thereby improving the user's comfort. In other words, the present invention provides a pillow with a new structure that improves comfort. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] (A) is a plan view of the pillow, (B) is a bottom view, and (C) is a left side view. [Figure 2] (A) is a plan view of the internal unit, and (B) is a perspective view. [Figure 3] This is a bottom view of the cushion unit. [Figure 4] This is a left side view of the internal unit and cushion unit as they are housed in the pillowcase. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the core unit. [Figure 6] This is a plan view of the core unit. [Figure 7] (A) is a front view of the core unit, and (B) is a left side view. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of a cylindrical member. [Figure 9] This is a diagram used to explain the manufacturing method of the support unit. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the core unit in a modified form. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view of the core unit in a modified form. [Figure 12] This is a front view of the core unit according to a modified example. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of a cylindrical member cover according to a modified example. [Figure 14] This diagram shows the arrangement of the columnar members. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1(A) is a plan view of the pillow body 2 of the pillow 1 according to this embodiment. The plan view is a view of the pillow body 2 placed on a mounting surface in a normal usage manner, seen from a position opposite the mounting surface toward the mounting surface. Figure 1(B) is a bottom view of the pillow body 2. As shown in Figure 1(A), in this embodiment, when the pillow body 2 is viewed from above, the direction pointing upward is defined as "upward body direction," and the direction pointing downward is defined as "downward body direction," and the direction including both upward body direction and downward body direction is defined as the "depth direction." Also, when the pillow body 2 is viewed from above, the direction pointing to the right is defined as "rightward body direction," and the direction pointing to the left is defined as "leftward body direction," and the direction including both rightward body direction and leftward body direction is defined as the "width direction." Figure 1(B) is a bottom view of the pillow 1, so the upward body direction and downward body direction are reversed compared to Figure 1(A). Figure 1(C) is a left side view of pillow 1 (a view of pillow 1 as seen from the left side of the main body towards the right side of the main body). As shown in Figure 1(C), when pillow 1 is viewed from the left side, the direction pointing upward is defined as "main body forward," and the direction pointing downward is defined as "main body rearward." The direction including the main body forward and main body rearward is defined as the "height direction." In each drawing, the main body upward, main body downward, main body right, main body left, main body forward, and main body rearward are simply expressed as up, down, right, left, front, and rear. Also, in each drawing, the width direction, depth direction, and height direction are simply expressed as width, depth, and height. In the following explanation, for each component, the length in the width direction is simply referred to as "width," the length in the depth direction as simply "depth," and the length in the height direction as simply "height."

[0010] Pillow 1 is a bedding / cushion intended to be placed on a futon, mattress, or other object, and to be used by the user to rest their head on while sleeping. As shown in Figure 1(A), the pillow body 2 has a pillow surface 3 on the front side where the head rests. In the normal use of pillow 1, the user's neck is positioned at the outer edge 3a of the pillow surface 3 on the downward side of the body. Also, as shown in Figure 1(B), the pillow body 2 has a pillow back surface 4 on the rear side where the pillow body 2 is placed, which faces the surface where the head rests during normal use. The pillow body 2 exemplified in Figure 1 has a width of approximately 62 cm, a depth of approximately 40-42 cm, and a height of approximately 7.5-9.5 cm.

[0011] The pillow body 2 is composed of a pillow cover 5. In this embodiment, the pillow cover 5 is integrally formed with the cushion unit 8 (described later), and the surface of the pillow cover 5 corresponding to the pillow surface 3 constitutes the cushion sheet 13 of the cushion unit 8. The pillow cover 5 as a whole is made of a breathable and stretchable fabric, while the area of ​​the pillow cover 5 corresponding to the pillow surface 3 is made of a highly cushioning material. This improves the user's sleeping comfort. However, the fabric material of the pillow cover 5 can be appropriately selected considering not only breathability, stretchability, and cushioning, but also feel, texture, and other factors. Of course, different types of pillow covers 5 may be used by different users.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1(A) and (B), the outer edge 3a of the pillow surface 3 on the side facing downwards has an arched shape, with the center in the width direction being the most upwardly facing part of the pillow, and the shape shifts downwards as it moves outwards from the center (to the right and left). Due to this configuration, even if the user turns over in their sleep, their head is less likely to fall off the pillow body 2. Also, as shown in Figure 1(C), the downwardly facing and upwardly facing ends of the pillow back surface 4 are raised from the surface on which the pillow body 2 is placed, and gaps SP1 and SP2 are formed between the pillow back surface 4 and the surface on which it is placed. Due to this configuration, it is easy to place shoulders or hands between the pillow back surface 4 and the surface on which it is placed.

[0013] The pillow body 2 is configured by accommodating an internal unit 7 (Fig. 2) and a cushion unit 8 (Fig. 3) in a pillow cover 5. An opening for accommodating the internal unit 7 and the cushion unit 8 is formed on the back surface 4 of the pillow body 2, and a fastener 9 for opening and closing the opening is provided.

[0014] (A) of Fig. 2 is a plan view of the internal unit 7, and (B) is a perspective view. Although the details of the internal unit 7 will be described later, it includes a core unit cover 11, a core unit 12 with a considerable thickness accommodated in the core unit cover 11, and ears 10 provided on both the upward side and the downward side of the main body of the core unit cover 11.

[0015] Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the cushion unit 8. Since Fig. 3 is a bottom view, it shows the state of the cushion unit 8 seen from the back side of the main body toward the front side of the main body. In the figure, the upward direction is "downward of the main body", and the downward direction in the figure is "upward of the main body". Although the details of the cushion unit 8 will be described later, the cushion unit 8 includes a sheet-like cushion sheet 13, a thick lower pipe accommodating portion 14 extending in the width direction at the end on the downward side of the main body of the cushion sheet 13, and a thick upper pipe accommodating portion 15 extending in the width direction at the end on the upward side of the main body of the cushion sheet 13. As described above, the cushion sheet 13 constitutes a part of the pillow cover 5, and its surface functions as the pillow surface 3.

[0016] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the left side view of the internal unit 7 and cushion unit 8 as they are housed in the pillowcase 5. In Figure 4, for the sake of clarity of explanation, each component has been greatly simplified, and the dimensions of each component do not match the actual dimensions. The same simplification and dimensional considerations apply to Figures 6, 7, 9, 12, and 14. As shown in Figure 4, the internal unit 7 and cushion unit 8 are housed in the pillowcase 5 in an assembled state. In detail, the internal unit 7 and cushion unit 8 are assembled with the part of the internal unit 7 corresponding to the core unit 12 (and core unit cover 11) fitting between the lower pipe housing 14 and the upper pipe housing 15 of the cushion unit 8. In this state, the cushion sheet 13 extends from the front-facing side of the core unit 12. Also, the ear portions 10 extend from the rear-facing sides of the lower pipe housing 14 and the upper pipe housing 15, respectively. In other words, when the user's head is resting on the pillow body 2, the cushion sheet 13 is interposed between the core unit 12 and the head.

[0017] The internal unit 7 and cushion unit 8 will be described in detail below.

[0018] <Description of internal unit 7> First, let's describe the internal unit 7. As mentioned above, the internal unit 7 comprises a sheet-like ear portion 10, a core unit cover 11 attached to the ear portion 10, and a core unit 12 housed in the core unit cover 11 (see Figures 2 and 4). The ear portion 10 is a sheet-like member, and its surface shape and size correspond to the shape and size of the pillow surface 3. The ear portion 10 is composed of a sheet-like three-dimensional mesh structure and a cover that houses it.

[0019] The three-dimensional mesh structure is a structure in which numerous crimped filamentous fibers are intertwined, and their contact points (not all contact points) are welded together, thereby forming a three-dimensional shape as a whole. The raw material for the filamentous fibers is a thermoplastic resin, and in this embodiment in particular, a polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer. Polyester-based thermoplastic elastomers ensure durability in terms of compression and heat resistance. However, the raw material for the filamentous fibers is not limited to that of this embodiment, and can be, for example, a polyolefin-based resin / elastomer (polyethylene-based resin / elastomer, polypropylene-based resin / elastomer, etc.). A mixed resin may also be used as the raw material for the filamentous fibers. The thickness of the filamentous fibers is, for example, about 0.8 mm. The filamentous fibers may be solid or hollow.

[0020] Due to the structural and material properties of the three-dimensional mesh structure described above, an object composed of the three-dimensional mesh structure will have elasticity as a whole. That is, no matter what direction an external force (pressure) is applied to the object, it will elastically deform and repel it. Furthermore, the object will have high breathability. That is, because the inside of the three-dimensional mesh structure is a state in which many crimped filamentous fibers are intertwined, many gaps are formed, and as a result the object will have high breathability. The above matters concerning the three-dimensional mesh structure will also apply to the base member 17, cylindrical member 18, and other members composed of the three-dimensional mesh structure, which will be described later.

[0021] Regarding the ear portion 10, the cover that houses the three-dimensional mesh structure is made of a highly breathable mesh fabric. The material of the mesh fabric is a material mainly composed of polyester (for example, 100% polyester). However, the material of the fabric is not limited to the examples given, and may be nylon, for example. The above matters concerning the material of the mesh fabric are the same for the core unit cover 11 and other members made of mesh fabric. Since the ear portion 10 is constructed by housing a sheet-like three-dimensional mesh structure in a mesh fabric cover, it has high breathability and elasticity due to the properties of the three-dimensional mesh structure.

[0022] The core unit cover 11 is a case-shaped member with a space formed inside for housing the core unit 12. The core unit cover 11 is made of mesh fabric and has high breathability. The shape of the space inside the core unit 12 corresponds to the shape of the core unit 12. As shown in Figure 2, the ear portion 10 extends across the entire edge of the core unit cover 11 facing upwards towards the pillow. Similarly, the ear portion 10 extends across the entire edge of the core unit cover 11 facing downwards towards the pillow.

[0023] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the core unit 12. For ease of explanation, the cylindrical member 18 (described later) is also shown in Figure 5. Figure 6 is a plan view of the core unit 12. Figure 7(A) is a front view of the core unit 12 (viewed towards arrow Y1 of the core unit 12 in Figure 6), and (B) is a left side view of the core unit 12 (viewed towards arrow Y2 of the core unit 12 in Figure 6). As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the core unit 12 is composed of a flat base member 17 and a support unit 19 connected to the front-facing surface of the base member 17. The connection of the support unit 19 to the base member 17 will be described later.

[0024] The base member 17 is composed of a flat, three-dimensional mesh structure. The width of the base member 17 is approximately the same as the width of the pillow body 2. The height of the base member 17 is approximately 2 cm. Because the base member 17 is composed of a three-dimensional mesh structure, it has elasticity and breathability.

[0025] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the support unit 19 comprises cylindrical members 18 (columnar members) arranged in a grid (matrix) pattern, with eight in the width direction and three in the depth direction, and a cylindrical member cover 20 (columnar member cover) that houses each of the cylindrical members 18. Hereafter, the combination of all 24 cylindrical members 18 will be referred to as the cylindrical member unit 21. Furthermore, in the support unit 19, the portion corresponding to one row of eight consecutive cylindrical members 18 in the width direction will be referred to as the "support unit row portion 22" (see Figure 6 and Figure 9 described later).

[0026] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the cylindrical member 18. As shown in Figure 8, the cylindrical member 18 is a cylindrical member composed of a three-dimensional mesh structure. The height of the cylindrical member 18 is approximately 4 cm, and the diameter is approximately 7 cm. In the cylindrical member unit 21, each of the cylindrical members 18 is upright in the height direction, with its axial direction coinciding with the height direction. Note that "coincidence" does not mean perfect coincidence, but a certain degree of deviation is acceptable. In the cylindrical member unit 21, a circular top surface 23 (see also Figures 6 and 7) is formed on the upper surface of the cylindrical member 18 on the front side of the pillow, and a bottom surface 24 (see also Figure 7) is formed on the opposite side of the top surface 23. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, in the cylindrical member unit 21, each top surface 23 of the cylindrical member 18 is flush with the pillow surface 3. Coinciding with the pillow surface 3 means that it is somewhat aligned with the pillow surface 3, but does not mean that it is perfectly parallel to the pillow surface 3. "Flushness" does not mean that each of the top surfaces 23 is perfectly positioned on a single virtual plane, but also includes a state in which they are somewhat aligned with that virtual plane. Because the cylindrical member 18 is composed of a three-dimensional mesh structure, it has elasticity as a whole and also high breathability.

[0027] The cylindrical member cover 20 is equipped with a cylindrical member housing section 26 (columnar member housing section) that accommodates each of the cylindrical members 18, and multiple cylindrical member housing sections 26 are connected in a grid-like arrangement. Inside the cylindrical member housing section 26, a housing space 27 (Figure 7) is formed that corresponds to the three-dimensional shape of the cylindrical member 18, and the cylindrical member 18 is housed in this housing space 27. When the cylindrical member 18 is housed in the housing space 27, the axial tilt of the cylindrical member 18 is restricted by the cylindrical member housing section 26 that surrounds it. The cylindrical member housing section 26 is made of a breathable mesh fabric.

[0028] Ignoring the cylindrical member housing section 26 and focusing on the cylindrical members 18, the cylindrical members 18 are arranged in the core unit 12 in the following manner. That is, as shown in Figure 6, multiple cylindrical members 18 (eight in this embodiment) are arranged in the width direction (first direction) with adjacent members in close proximity, and multiple cylindrical members 18 (three in this embodiment) are arranged in the depth direction (second direction intersecting the first direction) with adjacent members in close proximity.

[0029] The support unit 19 is manufactured by the following method. Figure 9 is a diagram used to explain the manufacturing method of the support unit 19. First, as shown in Figure 9(A), eight cylindrical members 18 are housed in a bag-shaped covering member 29 corresponding to the row portion 22 of the support unit. The covering member 29 is made of mesh fabric that constitutes the cylindrical member housing portion 26. The shape and size of the covering member 29 are determined to be appropriate based on the final shape of the manufactured support unit 19. Figure 9(A) shows a simplified schematic of a plan view of the covering member 29 in which each of the eight cylindrical members 18 is housed.

[0030] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 9(B), the opposing fabrics of the covering member 29 are sewn together between adjacent cylindrical members 18. This creates a cylindrical member housing section 26 with the sewn portion 30 (see also Figure 9(B')) as the boundary, and a support unit row section 22 is manufactured in which the cylindrical member housing sections 26 are arranged in a row in the width direction. Adjustments (cutting, sewing, bonding, etc.) to shape and reinforce the support unit row section 22 are appropriately performed. Figure 9(B') is an enlarged view of the support unit row section 22 shown in Figure 9(B) as seen towards arrow Y3. As shown in (B'), in the support unit row section 22, a sewn portion 30 is formed between adjacent cylindrical member housing sections 26, and this sewn portion 30 separates the cylindrical member housing sections 26.

[0031] As shown in Figure 9(C), after the three support unit row portions 22 are manufactured, as shown in Figure 9(D), when the three support unit row portions 22 are properly arranged, adjacent cylindrical member housing portions 26 in the depth direction are connected by sewing at the sewing portion 31. In this way, the support unit row portions 22 are connected to each other and the support unit 19 is manufactured. Figure 9(D') is an enlarged view of the support unit 19 shown in Figure 9(D) as seen towards arrow Y4. As shown in (D'), adjacent cylindrical member housing portions 26 in the depth direction of the support unit 19 are sewn and connected at the sewing portion 31 in the center in the height direction.

[0032] As the support unit 19 is manufactured using the method described above, adjacent cylindrical member housings 26 are connected to each other. For example, when considering the cylindrical member housing 26a in Figure 9(D), the cylindrical member housing 26a is connected to the cylindrical member housings 26 located in the upward, downward, rightward, and leftward directions of the main body. As a result, each of the cylindrical members 18 arranged in a grid is positioned so as to maintain their grid-like arrangement.

[0033] The core unit 12 is constructed by connecting a support unit 19 to a base member 17. In this embodiment, the support unit 19 is connected to the base member 17 by heat-compression bonding using a stick-type hot-melt adhesive. More specifically, as shown in Figures 7(A) and (B), the contact points between the bottom surface 33 on the rearward-facing side of each cylindrical member housing section 26 and the base surface 32, which is the frontward-facing side of the base member 17, are bonded together by heat-compression bonding using a stick-type hot-melt adhesive, thereby connecting the support unit 19 to the base member 17. Once the support unit 19 is connected to the base member 17, the positions of each cylindrical member 18 relative to the base member 17 are determined. Thus, in this embodiment, adjacent cylindrical member housing sections 26 are connected by sewing, and the cylindrical member housing sections 26 are connected to the base member 17 by adhesive. As a result, even if an external force is applied to the core unit 12, the cylindrical member 18 will not twist in the axial direction relative to the base member 17, nor will it tip over due to further axial twisting.

[0034] As described above, the internal unit 7 is housed in the pillowcase 5 in combination with the cushion unit 8. When the internal unit 7 is housed in the pillowcase 5, the movement of the ear portion 10 on the pillowcase 5 is restricted within the pillowcase 5, and as a result, the relative position of the core unit 12 with respect to the pillow body 2 is determined. The area A1 shown by the dashed line in Figure 1(A) indicates the position (area) of the core unit 12 on the pillow body 2. The position (area) where the core unit 12 is placed on the pillow body 2 corresponds to the range in which the head of a user using the pillow 1 in a normal manner may be positioned.

[0035] The internal unit 7 (particularly the core unit 12) is configured as described above, resulting in the following unique effects. Specifically, in the core unit 12, cylindrical members 18, which are columnar members, are arranged in a grid pattern, and the cylindrical members 18 as a whole are composed of a three-dimensional mesh structure that is elastic. Therefore, when a user places their head on the pillow surface 3 of the pillow body 2, the state in which the cylindrical members 18 are arranged in a grid pattern is maintained, and each independent cylindrical member 18 elastically deforms and repels in response to the external force applied to each cylindrical member 18, so that the top surface 23 of each cylindrical member 18 faces the head, thereby supporting the head in the appropriate position. The state in which the head is supported is stably maintained by the repulsive force of each cylindrical member 18, due to the fact that each cylindrical member 18 is composed of a three-dimensional mesh structure. Therefore, the pressure (body pressure) from the head is appropriately distributed across the top surfaces 23 of the multiple cylindrical members 18, and the head is stably supported in a state where it is gently cradled by the multiple top surfaces 23, thereby improving the comfort of the user of the pillow 1. Furthermore, because the head is supported by the multiple cylindrical members 18 composed of a three-dimensional mesh structure, the fit to the head is enhanced and neck wobbling is suppressed.

[0036] Furthermore, when the user moves their head on the pillow body 2, the individual cylindrical members 18 elastically deform and rebound in response to the external force associated with the movement, so that the top surface 23 of each cylindrical member 18 faces the head, thereby supporting the head in the appropriate position. As a result, the head is supported by the respective top surfaces 23 of the multiple cylindrical members 18 both during and after the movement of the head, supporting the movement of turning over in sleep and improving the comfort of the user using the pillow 1.

[0037] In other words, when focusing on the core unit 12 of the pillow 1 according to this embodiment, the surface is formed not as a single continuous surface, but as an aggregate of the top surfaces 23 of multiple different independent cylindrical members 18, and each surface is designed to expand and contract independently through elastic deformation. Furthermore, the cylindrical members 18 are composed of a cylindrical (columnar) three-dimensional mesh structure. With this configuration, the pillow 1 excels in pressure distribution, ease of turning over in bed, stability in head support, and fit between the head and the pillow 1. The effects of this embodiment cannot be achieved if the surface of the core unit (pillow core material) is composed of a single continuous surface.

[0038] If the columnar member corresponding to the cylindrical member 18 were to include a spring, the columnar member would contain a considerably rigid component, which could restrict the way the pillow is used, necessitate countermeasures against the rigid component, or hinder the overall flexibility of the pillow 1. According to this embodiment, since the cylindrical member 18 is made of a three-dimensional mesh structure, it is possible to avoid including a rigid component such as a spring in the cylindrical member 18. Furthermore, because the cylindrical member 18 is made of a three-dimensional mesh structure, the overall flexibility of the component is higher compared to a spring, allowing the top surfaces 23 of each cylindrical member 18 to face the head more flexibly when the head is placed on the pillow body 2. This contributes to improved user comfort. Also, while a spring provides appropriate resilience against external pressure applied in the axial direction, it cannot provide appropriate resilience against external pressure applied from the side to its lateral surface. Therefore, a pillow containing a spring is basically only used in a way that the head is placed facing the top surface of the spring. On the other hand, in the pillow 1 according to this embodiment, the cylindrical member 18 is made of a three-dimensional mesh structure, and this cylindrical member 18 is appropriately elastically deformed even in the face of external pressure from the side, and is provided with a moderate resilience, thus allowing for a variety of ways in which the user can use the pillow 1.

[0039] In this embodiment, the cylindrical members 18 constituting the core unit 12 are cylindrical. Because the cylindrical members 18 are cylindrical in shape, when the cylindrical members 18 are arranged side by side so that adjacent cylindrical members 18 are close together in the width direction (first direction) and depth direction (second direction), as in this embodiment, a gap SP3 (see Figure 6) can be formed between one cylindrical member 18 and the cylindrical members 18 located around it. This gap SP3 provides a place for the strain generated when the cylindrical members 18, which are made up of a three-dimensional mesh structure, undergo elastic deformation, thereby reducing the expansion and contraction noise when the head is placed on the pillow body 2 and improving the stability of the head.

[0040] In this embodiment, the cylindrical member 18 is made of a three-dimensional mesh structure, and the member itself has high breathability. Due to this configuration, high breathability can be ensured for the entire pillow 1. High breathability leads to improved user comfort and also improves the ease of drying the pillow 1 when washed. The effect on breathability is significant even when compared to a case where, for example, the member corresponding to the cylindrical member 18 is made of a foam such as expanded polyurethane. In this embodiment, both the core unit cover 11 and the cylindrical member cover 20 are made of a highly breathable mesh fabric. Furthermore, the base member 17 is made of a three-dimensional mesh structure. Furthermore, the ear portion 10 is made of a three-dimensional mesh structure and a mesh fabric cover. Therefore, combined with the high breathability of the cylindrical member 18, the overall breathability of the pillow 1 is very high.

[0041] Furthermore, in the pillow 1 according to this embodiment, the base member 17 is made of a three-dimensional mesh structure, and the ear portion 10 is also made including a three-dimensional mesh structure. In other words, both the base member 17 and the ear portion 10 are elastic. For this reason, the pillow 1 has high cushioning properties, and this high cushioning property results in high comfort during use.

[0042] <Description of cushion unit 8> Next, the cushion unit 8 will be described. As mentioned above, the cushion unit 8 is composed of a cushion sheet 13, a lower pipe housing section 14, and an upper pipe housing section 15. The cushion sheet 13 is a member that extends along the pillow surface 3 when the cushion unit 8 is housed in the pillow cover 5 (see Figure 4). The cushion sheet 13 is made of a material that has sufficient cushioning and flexibility.

[0043] A considerable amount of pipe is housed in the lower pipe housing section 14. For example, the pipe is a cylindrical member with a length of approximately 8 mm and a diameter of approximately 5.5 mm. In this embodiment, the pipe is made of a viscous elastomer pipe, thereby improving durability, reducing noise generated when turning over in bed, and improving sleeping comfort. The shape and dimensions of the pipe are not limited to those exemplified in this embodiment, nor are the materials limited. A considerable amount of pipe is also housed in the upper pipe housing section 15, similar to the lower pipe housing section 14. Here, the amount of pipe in the upper pipe housing section 15 is greater than that in the lower pipe housing section 14.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, the lower pipe housing section 14 has the smallest (narrowest) cross-sectional area in the center in the width direction, and the cross-sectional area becomes larger (wider) as you move towards the right or left of the main body. Furthermore, in the lower pipe housing section 14, the amount of pipe present on the cross-section is smallest in the center in the width direction, and the amount of pipe present on the cross-section increases as you move from the center towards the right or left of the main body. In other words, the lower pipe housing section 14 has a larger cross-sectional area and a larger amount of pipe present on the cross-section as you move outward from the center in the width direction of the pillow body 2. The same applies to the upper pipe housing section 15.

[0045] As described above, the cushion unit 8 is housed in the pillow cover 5 in combination with the internal unit 7. When the cushion unit 8 is housed in the pillow cover 5, the relative positions of the lower pipe housing 14 and the upper pipe housing 15 with respect to the pillow body 2 are determined within the pillow cover 5. In Figure 1(A), the reference numeral A2 indicates the position (area) where the lower pipe housing 14 is located, and the reference numeral A3 indicates the position (area) where the upper pipe housing 15 is located. As shown in Figure 1(A), in the pillow body 2, the lower pipe housing 14 is located on the downward-facing side (lower side) of the core unit 12 and extends in the width direction. Similarly, in the pillow body 2, the upper pipe housing 15 is located on the upward-facing side (upper side) of the core unit 12 and extends in the width direction.

[0046] As described above, the lower pipe housing 14 and upper pipe housing 15 are positioned on the lower and upper sides of the core unit 12, respectively. This arrangement provides firm support to the user's neck when using the pillow 1, reducing the load on the user during sleep. In this embodiment, the upper pipe housing 15 contains more pipes than the lower pipe housing 14. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1(C), the upward-facing side of the pillow body 2 is taller than the downward-facing side. This allows the user to selectively position the upper pipe housing 15 or the lower pipe housing 14 towards their neck, according to their physique and comfort level.

[0047] Furthermore, the lower pipe housing section 14 has a larger cross-sectional area as it extends from the center of the pillow body 2 in the width direction outwards, resulting in a greater quantity of pipes on the cross-section. When a user lying on their back using the pillow 1 turns over and turns their face to the side, the position of their neck shifts to the side, and the gap between their neck and the support surface increases. Based on this, the above configuration allows for an increase in the amount of pipes present in the area corresponding to the neck when the user turns over, improving head stability and the fit between the head and the pillow 1, and ultimately improving the user's comfort.

[0048] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above embodiment is merely an example of how the present invention can be implemented, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by it. That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its gist or its main features. The following are modifications of the above embodiment. The following modifications may be applied in combination if they can be combined. In each of the following modifications, the same reference numerals are used for elements that are the same as in the above embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0049] <Variations concerning the core unit 12> In the above embodiment, the core unit 12 was constructed by connecting a support unit 19 to a base member 17 made of a three-dimensional mesh structure. In this regard, the base member may be made of a breathable fabric (e.g., mesh fabric). Figure 10 is a perspective view of the core unit 12A according to this modified example. As shown in Figure 10, the core unit 12A is made of base members 17A and 17B made of a breathable fabric, and a support unit 19 connected to the base members 17A and 17B. Any means of connection is possible, in addition to thermocompression bonding. Even with this modified configuration, the effects of the above embodiment can be achieved, except for the effects arising from the base member being made of a three-dimensional mesh structure.

[0050] In the above embodiment, with respect to the core unit 12, each cylindrical member 18 was housed in a cylindrical member cover 20, and this cylindrical member cover 20 was connected to the base member 17. In this regard, the bottom surface of the cylindrical member may be directly connected to the base member. Figure 11 shows the core unit 12B according to this modified example. In the core unit 12B, a plurality of cylindrical members 18 are arranged in a grid pattern and directly connected to the base member 17. This connection is made by fixing the bottom surface 24 of the cylindrical member 18 to the base member 17 by thermocompression bonding or other means. Even with the configuration of this modified example, the effects of the above embodiment can be achieved, except for the effects derived from the cylindrical member cover 20. In this modified example, the bottom surface 24 of the cylindrical member 18 may be directly connected to a base member made of mesh fabric or other breathable fabric (for example, base member 17A in Figure 10) instead of the base member 17.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the core unit 12 was constructed by connecting a support unit 19 to a base member 17. On the other hand, the core unit may be constructed including a base member made of a three-dimensional mesh structure and a columnar member (not limited to a cylindrical member) integrally constructed from the same material as the base member and standing upright relative to the base member. Figure 12 is a front view of the core unit 12C according to this modified example. As shown in Figure 12, the core unit 12C is constructed including a base member 17C made of a three-dimensional mesh structure and a columnar member 18C integrally constructed from the same material as the base member 17C and standing upright relative to the base member 17C. As an example, the core unit 12C is manufactured by the following method. That is, a sheet-like three-dimensional mesh structure with sufficient thickness is hollowed out (cut) between the columnar members 18C, and the columnar members 18C are formed in this way.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the core unit 12 was composed of a base member 17 and a support unit 19. In this regard, the core unit 12 may be configured to not include the base member 17 and to be composed only of the support unit 19.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the cylindrical member cover 20 of the core unit 12 was constructed by processing three covering members 29. In this regard, the cylindrical member cover may also be constructed by connecting a plurality of independent bag-shaped members. Figure 13 shows the cylindrical member cover 20D according to this modified example. As shown in Figure 13, the cylindrical member cover 20D is constructed by connecting bag-shaped cylindrical member housing sections 26D (columnar member housing sections) that house one cylindrical member 18. Figure 13 shows how each of the cylindrical member covers 20 is housed with a cylindrical member 18. In addition, the specific configuration of the columnar member cover is not limited to the configuration exemplified in the above embodiment or in this modified example.

[0054] In the embodiment described above, the columnar member was a cylindrical member 18. However, the columnar member is not limited to a cylindrical member. For example, the columnar member may be a columnar member with a triangular, quadrilateral, or other polygonal cross-section. In this modified example, it goes without saying that the base member and the columnar member of the core unit may be integrally constructed from the same member.

[0055] <Other variations> • In the above embodiment, the dimensions of several components were specifically shown, but the dimensions shown are merely examples. The shape, structure, and combinations of the cushion unit 8 are not limited to those exemplified. For example, the pipe housing section that accommodates the pipes may be located on either the upward-facing side (upper side) or the downward-facing side (lower side) of the core unit 12, rather than on both sides. The structure (mechanism) that maintains the state in which the cylindrical members 18 are arranged in a grid is not limited to the structure exemplified in the above-described embodiment. In other words, any structure is acceptable as long as the state in which the cylindrical members 18 are arranged in a grid is maintained against external forces. Regarding the arrangement of the cylindrical members, "lattice-like" does not mean only the state shown in the above embodiment. For example, it may also mean the state shown in Figure 14. In the case of Figure 14, the direction indicated by reference numeral D1 corresponds to the "first direction," and the direction indicated by reference numeral D2 corresponds to the second direction that intersects the first direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1 pillow 2 Pillow body 3 Pillow surface 12, 12A, 12B, 12C Core Units 13 Lower pipe housing 14 Upper pipe housing 17, 17A, 17C Base members 18, 18C Cylindrical member (columnar member) 19 Support Unit 20, 20D Cylindrical Member Cover (Columnar Member Cover) 23 Top surface 24 Bottom 26, 26D Cylindrical member housing section (columnar member housing section) 27 storage space

Claims

1. The core unit includes multiple columnar members that stand upright in the height direction of the pillow body and are arranged in a grid pattern with their top surfaces aligned with the surface of the pillow body, The columnar member is composed of a three-dimensional mesh structure that is elastic as a whole. A pillow characterized by the following features.

2. The columnar member cover comprises a columnar member cover in which a storage space corresponding to the shape of the columnar member is formed, and a plurality of columnar member storage sections made of breathable fabric are connected in a grid-like arrangement, The aforementioned core unit is Each of the columnar member housing portions of the columnar member cover is configured to include a support unit in which the columnar member is housed. The pillow according to feature 1.

3. The core unit is constructed by connecting the bottom surface of the columnar member housing portion of the support unit to a plate-shaped base member. The pillow according to feature 2.

4. The base member is composed of a three-dimensional mesh structure. The pillow according to feature 3.

5. The base member is made of a breathable fabric. The pillow according to feature 3.

6. The core unit is constructed by connecting the bottom surface of the columnar member to a plate-shaped base member. The pillow according to feature 1.

7. The base member is composed of a three-dimensional mesh structure. The pillow according to feature 6.

8. The base member is made of a breathable fabric. The pillow according to feature 6.

9. The core unit comprises a base member composed of a three-dimensional mesh structure and a columnar member integrally formed from the same material as the base member and standing upright relative to the base member. The pillow according to feature 1.

10. The core unit is positioned on at least one side, either above or below, and includes a pipe housing section that extends in the width direction of the pillow body and houses a plurality of pipes. The pillow according to feature 1.

11. The pipe housing section has a larger cross-sectional area and a greater quantity of pipes on its cross-section as it moves outward from the center of the pillow body in the width direction. The pillow according to feature 10.

12. The columnar member is a cylindrical member, In the core unit, a plurality of the cylindrical members are arranged in a first direction with adjacent members in close proximity, and a plurality of the cylindrical members are arranged in a second direction that intersects the first direction with adjacent members in close proximity. A pillow according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The pillow's core unit is located inside the pillow itself. It includes multiple columnar members that stand upright in the height direction of the pillow body, with their top surfaces aligned with the surface of the pillow body and arranged in a grid pattern, The columnar member is composed of a three-dimensional mesh structure that is elastic as a whole. A pillow core unit characterized by the following features.

Images