Posture correction devices

Abstract

This invention provides a posture correction device that can correct a user's hunched back or rounded back to the correct posture while lying down, by ensuring that the posture correction pad is precisely fitted to the user's body shape, thereby maximizing the corrective effect of the posture correction pad. [Solution] A sheet-like intermediate material 1 is housed inside a cover body 2, and the intermediate material 1 and the cover body 2 are joined by linearly crushing them at predetermined intervals, forming a bulge 4 between these parallel joints 3. The position of this bulge 4 constitutes a posture correction pad 5 corresponding to the position of the vertebrae V of the user's thoracic and lumbar spine when the user is lying down, and elastically deformable cushion mats 6 with different hardness depending on the area are attached to and laminated on the lower surface of the posture correction pad 5.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an improvement of a posture correction device, and more particularly, to a posture correction pad that can correct a hunchback or a round back of a user into a correct posture when lying down, and can surely match the posture correction pad to the body type of the user to maximize the correction effect of the posture correction pad.

Background Art

[0002] As one of the means for correcting a hunchback or a round back into a correct posture, a method of lying on a laying pad having a body pressure dispersion function is known. As an improved product thereof, the present inventor has previously developed a posture correction pad described in <Patent Document 1>.

[0003] In such a posture correction pad, since the position of the bulging portion formed on the surface of the pad corresponds to the positions of the vertebrae of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae of the user when lying down, when lying down, the bulging portion is crushed by the weight and sinks in and extends in the longitudinal direction, widening the interval between the vertebrae and stretching the muscles near the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae to make them easier to relax.

[0004] By the way, when this pad is laid and used on a completely flat surface such as a floor or a ground, the pad becomes flat and does not follow the unevenness of the user's body type. In some parts, the body pressure may become too large or too small, resulting in unevenness in the stretching effect.

[0005] In addition, there is also a scene where this pad is laid and used on a futon or a cushion. However, the contents of the futon or the cushion have a uniform hardness and no accent in the amount of deformation, and it only has a slight buffering effect compared to the case of a floor or a ground. Still, the pad tends to become flat, and the degree of matching to the user's body type and the like tends to be insufficient.

[0006] Furthermore, a user's comfortable posture and sense of fit can vary depending on their daily physical condition, and even over the long term, their body shape may change and their posture may deteriorate with age. Therefore, in order to achieve a high corrective effect, the product must be able to adapt to these changes. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-74283 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] This invention was made in view of the problems with conventional posture correction devices as described above, and its purpose is to provide a posture correction device that can reliably match the posture correction pad, which corrects the user's hunchback or rounded back to a correct posture when lying down, to the user's body shape, thereby maximizing the corrective effect of the posture correction pad. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The means employed by the inventor to solve the above technical problems will be explained below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0010] In other words, the present invention involves housing a sheet-like intermediate material 1 inside a cover body 2, and joining the intermediate material 1 and the cover body 2 by linearly crushing them at predetermined intervals, thereby forming a bulge 4 between these parallel joint portions 3, The position where this bulge 4 is formed constitutes a posture correction pad 5 that corresponds to the position of the vertebra V of the user's thoracic and lumbar spine when the user is lying on their side, On the lower surface of the posture correction pad 5, elastically deformable cushion mats 6 with varying hardness depending on the area are placed in contact and laminated. The posture correction device was completed by employing a technical means that the bulge 4 on the lower surface of the posture correction pad 5 sinks into the upper surface of the cushion mat 6 due to the user's own weight, thereby restricting the displacement of the posture correction pad 5 and allowing the user to lie down in a position where the posture correction pad 5 adapts to the contours of the user's body shape.

[0011] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention may also employ, if necessary, a technical means of dividing the cushion mat 6 into at least three parts: a head piece 61, a torso piece 62, and a leg piece 63, in addition to the above means.

[0012] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention may also employ, if necessary, a technical means of constructing the cushion mat 6 by laminating mats with different hardness levels on the front and back sides, in addition to the above means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] This invention involves housing a sheet-like intermediate material within a cover body, and joining the intermediate material and the cover body by linearly compressing them at predetermined intervals, thereby forming bulges between these parallel joints. The position of these bulges corresponds to the position of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae of the user when they are lying down, forming a posture correction pad. Furthermore, elastically deformable cushion mats with varying hardness depending on the area are laminated and placed in contact with the lower surface of the posture correction pad. The user's own weight causes the bulge on the lower surface of the posture correction pad to sink into the upper surface of the cushion mat, restricting the displacement of the posture correction pad and allowing the user to lie down with the posture correction pad conforming to the contours of their body shape.

[0014] Therefore, the posture correction device of this invention has considerable industrial value because it can reliably fit the posture correction pad, which corrects the user's hunched back or rounded back to a correct posture when lying down, to the user's body shape, thereby maximizing the corrective effect of the posture correction pad. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is an overall perspective view showing the structure of the posture correction device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory sectional view showing the structure of the posture correction device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory side view showing the usage state of the posture correction device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an overall perspective view showing a modified example of the cushion mat according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an overall perspective view showing a modified example of the cushion mat according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention will be described based on FIGS. 1 to 5. First, the configuration of the posture correction pad 5 of this embodiment will be described. First, the sheet-like intermediate material 1 is housed in the cover body 2. Basically, only the intermediate material 1 is housed in the cover body 2, but if necessary, a rod material or the like for enhancing shiatsu can also be inserted. The size of the pad is set to 190 cm in the longitudinal direction and 60 to 120 cm in the width direction so that an adult can lie down horizontally.

[0017] In this embodiment, as the intermediate material 1, for example, a product manufactured by Allai Co., Ltd. shown in "Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-94692", in which fibers are entangled to form granular fiber grains, and a plurality of these fiber grains are three-dimensionally arranged to form a sheet shape, can be adopted. By doing so, appropriate hardness and elasticity can be provided.

[0018] More specifically, the plurality of fiber grains are three-dimensionally entangled by protruding fibers from the mass of the fiber grains to the outside. The fiber grains are preferably substantially spherical, and from the viewpoint of elasticity, it is preferable that the average particle diameter is within the range of 3 to 10 mm.

[0019] The material of the fiber particles can use synthetic fibers or natural fibers, etc. As synthetic fibers, polyolefin fibers such as polyester, acrylic fibers, polyamide fibers, cellulose fibers, etc. can be adopted, but polyester fibers are preferred because good elasticity can be obtained. Also, the fiber length of the fibers constituting the fiber particles is preferably within the range of 5 to 50 mm, and the thickness (fineness) of the fibers is preferably within the range of 1 to 40 denier.

[0020] Also, as the fabric of the cover body 2 covering the pad surface, a double raschel knitted fabric can be adopted, which can exhibit excellent air permeability and extensibility. As the material constituting the fabric, like the intermediate material 1, synthetic fibers or natural fibers, etc. can be used, but polyester fibers are adopted.

[0021] Next, the intermediate material 1 and the cover body 2 are linearly crushed and joined at a predetermined interval to form a bulging portion 4 between these parallel joining portions 3. The shape of the joining portion 3 can adopt various shapes such as straight lines, curves, broken lines, etc., but in order to impart appropriate elasticity and extensibility, it is preferably a plurality of parallel straight lines formed across the width direction. Incidentally, this joining portion 3 also becomes the fold line when folding the pad.

[0022] And the formation position of this bulging portion 4 can be made to correspond to the positions of the thoracic vertebra and lumbar vertebra V of the user when the user is lying down.

[0023] In this embodiment, the joining portions 3 can be provided at an interval of 6 to 8 cm, and more preferably, it is set to 7 cm which is the median value. That is, in the average build of an adult, the interval between the thoracic vertebra and lumbar vertebra V is about 3.5 cm, so this value of 7 cm corresponds to about twice the interval between the thoracic vertebra and lumbar vertebra V.

[0024] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the maximum thickness of the bulging portion 4 can be made 4 cm or more, and more preferably 5 cm or more. In this way, in this invention, by making the spacing between the joints narrower than that of conventional mattress pads and increasing the thickness of the bulging portion, elasticity can be improved and the stretch effect can be greatly enhanced.

[0025] While methods such as sewing or bonding can be used to form the joint 3, the process can be simplified by using thermoplastic resin for the intermediate material 1 and the cover body 2, allowing them to be formed by heat fusion. This heat fusion method involves joining the parts by heat pressing the desired position using an ultrasonic vibration horn. Furthermore, the intermediate material 1 and the cover body 2 are securely fixed together as a single unit, preventing the intermediate material 1 from tearing or moving inside the cover body 2.

[0026] Next, the configuration of the cushion mat 6 of this embodiment will be described. The size of the cushion mat 6 is approximately the same as that of the posture correction pad 5, and the material is preferably one that has appropriate resilience, recovery, and breathability. In this embodiment, a mat (4-8 cm thick) made of polyester honeycomb mesh laminated structure (three-dimensional woven fabric) can be used. It is lightweight, sturdy, and elastically deformable, and even if there is a history of deformation due to repeated use and load, it can be easily restored to its original shape by simply applying hot air with a hairdryer or the like to that area.

[0027] Furthermore, the cushion mat 6 of this embodiment is configured so that the hardness (rebound force) differs depending on the area. This allows the torso, where the weight ratio is large, to be made harder to prevent it from sinking too much into the mat, and painful areas to be made softer, thus allowing it to be tailored to the user's body type, characteristics, and condition. In this case, the difference in hardness depending on the area can be created by adjusting the type of material, mesh density, etc., and the position can be selected arbitrarily.

[0028] In this embodiment, the cushion mat 6 is placed in contact with the lower surface of the posture correction pad 5 and laminated (see Figures 1 and 2). By housing both the posture correction pad 5 and the cushion mat 6 together in an outer cover made of a thin fabric (not shown), they can be laminated more securely without shifting. Furthermore, since only the outer cover can be washed, it is hygienic. It should be noted that the outer cover being made of a thin fabric with a smooth surface, flexibility, and elasticity does not affect the function of the posture correction pad 5 and the cushion mat 6 at all.

[0029] When a user lies on their side on the upper surface of the posture correction device configured in this way, the bulge 4 on the lower surface of the posture correction pad 5 sinks into the upper surface of the cushion mat 6 due to the user's own weight, thereby restricting the displacement of the posture correction pad 5 and allowing the user to lie on their side in a position where the posture correction pad 5 conforms to the contours of the user's body shape (see Figure 3).

[0030] In this embodiment, by laminating the posture correction pad 5 with the cushion mat 6, the posture correction pad 5 can be reliably fitted to the user's body shape, thereby maximizing the corrective effect of the posture correction pad 5.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the posture correction pad 5 reliably supports the vertebrae V with its bulging portion 4. When lying on one's side, the bulging portion is compressed and sinks under the body weight, extending in the longitudinal direction, widening the spacing between the vertebrae V, and also stretching and loosening the muscles around the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.

[0032] In particular, when used while sleeping, it allows for prolonged stretching, and since muscles relax during sleep, the stretching effect is enhanced. Furthermore, movements such as turning over in bed loosen the muscles around the thoracic and lumbar spine, making it possible to correct thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis.

[0033] As a modified example of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the cushion mat 6 can be constructed by dividing it into at least three parts: a head piece 61, a torso piece 62, and a leg piece 63. This makes it easy to change the hardness of each part and allows for compact storage when not in use.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the cushion mat 6 can be constructed by laminating mats with different hardness levels on the front and back. In this case, for example, the hardness of the mats can be set to three levels: "hard," "slightly hard," and "soft," and pre-assembled into a unit with a front and back pair. This method also makes it easy to change the hardness depending on the area, improving usability, and since the number of combinations increases dramatically, it is possible to reliably match the body shape and maximize the effect of the posture correction pad.

[0035] Although this invention is generally configured as described above, it is by no means limited to the illustrated embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the "Claims for Utility Model Registration." For example, the material, length, and thickness of the fibers constituting the intermediate material 1 of the posture correction pad 5 can be changed as appropriate.

[0036] Furthermore, the fabric of cover body 2 is not limited to double raschel knit; woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, and other materials can also be used.

[0037] Furthermore, the structure of dividing the cushion mat 6 is not limited to the three longitudinal parts of the head piece 61, torso piece 62, and leg piece 63, but can also be divided in the width direction, and all of these fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 1. Intermediate material 2 Cover body 3 Joint 4 Bulge 5 Posture Correction Pads 6 Cushion Mat 61 Head Piece 62 Body Pieces 63 Leg Pieces V vertebrae

Claims

1. A sheet-like intermediate material is housed within a cover body, and the intermediate material and the cover body are joined by being linearly compressed at predetermined intervals, with bulges formed between these parallel joint portions, The position of this bulge corresponds to the position of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae of the user when the user is lying on their side, thus forming a posture correction pad. On the lower surface of the posture correction pad, elastically deformable cushion mats with varying hardness depending on the area are in contact and laminated. A posture correction device characterized in that the bulge on the lower surface of the posture correction pad sinks into the upper surface of the cushion mat due to the user's own weight, thereby restricting the displacement of the posture correction pad, and allowing the user to lie down while the posture correction pad is adapted to the contours of the user's body shape.

2. The posture correction device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cushion mat is divided into at least three parts: a head piece, a torso piece, and a leg piece.

3. The posture correction device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cushion mat is constructed by laminating mats of different hardness on the front and back sides.

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