Seating cushion

Abstract

It provides appropriate support for the ischial and sacral regions according to differences in pelvic shape and sitting posture. [Solution] The seat cushion has a plurality of regions 6 in the front-to-back direction of the seat, and is configured to include a seat body 1 having a storage section 4 formed in each of the regions 6, and a filling 2 that is removably stored in the storage section 4.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a seating cushion. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, cushions that can be used in various modes according to different usage patterns are disclosed in, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0003] The cushions disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have two regions with different thicknesses that can be folded when used.

[0004] However, none of the cushions mentioned above fully considers the differences in pelvic width and shape between men and women, and there is no mention of the ability to freely adjust the seat shape and fill amount (amount of padding) to suit individual preferences and differences in physique. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3136347 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 2-112157 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a seating cushion that can adequately support the ischial region and sacrum region according to differences in pelvic shape and sitting posture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a means for solving the above problem, the present invention provides a seat cushion comprising a seat body having multiple regions in the front-to-back direction of the seat, with storage sections formed in each of the regions, and a filling material that is removably stored in the storage sections.

[0008] According to this configuration, the seating condition in each area can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of filler stored in the storage section, thereby making it possible to obtain a desirable seating condition.

[0009] The partitions between the regions preferably have curved portions that are uniformly spread apart from the center of the seat body.

[0010] With this configuration, combined with adjusting the amount of inner material stored in each storage section, it is possible to adjust the force acting on the buttocks and other areas, making it possible to achieve an even more favorable sitting position.

[0011] One of the curved portions is preferably positioned along the sacrum when seated in position.

[0012] This configuration allows the sacrum, which is important for seated posture, to be supported in an appropriate position.

[0013] One of the regions is a central region that is located above the sacrum when seated, and at least one rear region is located behind the central region, and it is preferable that the rear region be thicker than the central region.

[0014] With this configuration, when the user is seated, a force can be applied from the rear region toward the central region that supports the portion corresponding to the sacrum, making it possible to stabilize the support state.

[0015] At least one front region is disposed on the front side of the central region, and the front region is preferably thicker than the central region.

[0016] This configuration increases the friction on the bottom surface in the front region, making it possible to effectively prevent forward slippage.

[0017] Two front regions and two rear regions are disposed on the front and rear sides of the central region, respectively, and it is preferable that the thickness increases toward the front and rear.

[0018] According to this configuration, the seat can be gradually recessed toward the central region, making it possible to stabilize the support state by making the seating posture appropriate.

[0019] The rear curved portion of the partition between the two rear regions preferably has a smaller degree of curvature than the central rear curved portion of the partition between the central region and the rear region.

[0020] With this configuration, the force acting from the rear region toward the front region can be concentrated on the central rear partition, making it possible to further stabilize the support state of the sacrum portion.

[0021] The front curved portion of the partition between the two front regions preferably has a smaller degree of curvature than the central front curved portion of the partition between the central region and the front region.

[0022] With this configuration, the supporting force from the front side can be directed toward the center, making the supporting state even more stable.

[0023] The inner material is preferably made of a plurality of elastic bodies.

[0024] This configuration allows the support state in each area to be adjusted more precisely and freely to suit the user's preferences.

[0025] The bottom surface of the seat body preferably has an anti-slip structure.

[0026] This configuration can reliably prevent the seat body from shifting regardless of the seating position, making it possible to stabilize the seating state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the present invention, the capacity of the inner material can be adjusted, so that the ischial region and sacrum region can be appropriately supported according to differences in pelvic shape and sitting posture. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seat cushion according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the seat cushion shown in FIG. 1 as seen from below. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the seat cushion shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the seat cushion shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, terms indicating specific directions or positions (e.g., terms including "upper," "lower," "side," and "end") will be used as necessary. However, the use of these terms is intended to facilitate understanding of the invention with reference to the drawings, and the meanings of these terms do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of dimensions, etc., may differ from those of the actual objects.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a seat cushion according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, this seat cushion is composed of a seat body 1 and a padding 2 housed within the seat body 1.

[0031] The seat body 1 is made by overlapping two sheets 3 (first and second sheets 3a and 3b) and sewing them together around the perimeter and dividing them in half in the center, and then sewing four more sheets 3 (third to sixth sheets 3c to 3f) to the bottom. Here, the first and second sheets 3a and 3b are made of nylon, and the third to sixth sheets 3c to 3f are made of rubber. The third to sixth sheets 3c to 3f are arranged on the bottom side, and when placed on the seat of a chair, they increase frictional resistance with the seat, acting as a non-slip surface.

[0032] The six sheets 3 form six storage sections 4. That is, the first and second sheets 3a and 3b are divided into two at the center to form the first and second storage sections 4a and 4b, and the third to sixth sheets 3c to 3f form the third to sixth storage sections 4c to 4f. On the bottom surface, as shown in FIG. 3, the sections sewn together at predetermined intervals in the front-to-rear direction form the divider section 5. When viewed from the bottom in FIG. 3 while also referring to FIG. 2, the regions 6 divided by the divider section 5 are the first to fifth regions 6A to 6E. Although the divider section 5 cannot be seen from the top surface, the respective regions 6 can be projected and considered in the same manner.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 3, each partition section 5 is either comprised of straight sections 7 on both sides and a curved section 8 in the middle, or comprised of only the straight section 7. In this case, the curved section 8 is formed in an arc shape.

[0034] The first partition 5a has a large width (length in the left-right direction in FIG. 3) of the front curved portion 8a, making it the second longest after the fifth partition 5e. The radius of curvature of the front curved portion 8a is also the second longest after the fifth partition 5e.

[0035] The second partition 5b has a small width dimension of the central front curved portion 8b, which is the second shortest after the fourth partition 5d, and also has the second smallest radius of curvature after the fourth partition 5d.

[0036] The third partition 5c is composed only of a linear portion 7 that is a strip of a fixed width, and divides the third region 6C into two. The provision of this linear portion 7 allows the seat cushion to be folded in half. Folding it in half makes it compact and easy to store. In addition, when folded in half, it can also be used as a pillow, backrest, or other cushion instead of a seat cushion.

[0037] The fourth partition 5d has the shortest width and smallest radius of curvature of the central rear curved portion 8c of the curved portion 8. This central rear curved portion 8c plays a role in supporting the part corresponding to the sacrum (sacral portion) when the user is seated in the correct position.

[0038] The fifth partition 5e has the longest width dimension of the rear curved portion 8d among the curved portions 8, and also has the largest radius of curvature. As will be described later, the rear curved portion 8d acts to apply force toward the central rear curved portion 8c of the fourth partition 5d when the core material 2 is stored in the sixth storage section 4f and the user is seated.

[0039] Two openings that can be opened and closed by fasteners 9 are formed on either the left or right side of the periphery of the overlapping portion of the first and second sheets 3a and 3b (the two on the left side in Figure 1). The openings allow the first storage section 4a and second storage section 4b to store the inner material 2 described below. In addition, the third to sixth sheets 3c to 3f also have openings that can be opened and closed by fasteners (not shown) at four locations along the overlapping portion with the second sheet 3b. However, openings may be formed on both sides, and there are no restrictions on the location or number of openings as long as the inner material 2 can be stored in the storage section 4.

[0040] 1, the first and second storage sections 4a and 4b are located on the seating surface side, and reflect the shapes of the third to sixth storage sections 4c to 4f that store the inner material 2 when seated. In other words, when placed on the seating surface of a chair or the like, the shape becomes gradually deeper towards the center.

[0041] 2 and 3, the third storage section 4c is located in the first region 6A, which is the frontmost region. When the filling 2 is stored in the third storage section 4c, the first region 6A is configured to be thicker than the other regions 6. This increases the frictional force of the seat cushion against the support surface of the third seat 3c, effectively preventing forward slippage.

[0042] The fourth storage section 4d is located in the second area 6B, which is second from the front. When the inner material 2 is stored in the fourth storage section 4d, the thickness of the second area 6B is configured to be thinner than the first area 6A.

[0043] The fifth storage section 4e is located in the fourth area 6D, which is the fourth area from the front. When the inner material 2 is stored in the fifth storage section 4e, the fourth area 6D is configured to have approximately the same thickness as the second area 6B.

[0044] The sixth storage section 4f is located in the fifth region 6E, which is the fifth from the front. When the inner material 2 is stored in the sixth storage section 4f, the fifth region 6E is configured to have approximately the same thickness as the first region 6A.

[0045] The position where the third to sixth storage sections 4c to 4f are not present is the third region 6C, which is the third from the front. This third region 6C is the thinnest, and when a man sits down, the part corresponding to the ischial bones is placed on the front half, and the part corresponding to the sacrum is placed on the rear half. Note that for a woman, the part corresponding to the ischial bones may be placed on the second region 6B.

[0046] The main seat body 1 can be made of fabrics such as polyester, cotton, and rayon. Fabrics with various weaves, such as felt, satin, knit, mesh, and brushed fabric, can also be used. Seasonal fabrics, such as cool-feeling fabrics for summer and warm fabrics for winter, can also be used. The main seat body 1 can also be reupholstered. For example, the main seat body 1 can be easily reupholstered using a hook-and-loop fastener. The main seat body 1 may also be quilted, with a thin layer of cotton sewn onto the surface facing the storage section. The bottom surface is provided with a non-slip portion (here, the third to sixth sheets 3c to 3f play this role) made of a material such as rubber. The non-slip portion may be formed as a part of the bottom surface of the main seat body 1, or may be a separate piece that can be removed by gluing, sewing, or using a hook-and-loop fastener. Figure 4 shows an example in which the third to sixth sheets 3c to 3f are sewn to the bottom surface of the second sheet 3b, and multiple elastic bodies are housed in the space formed inside.

[0047] The filling 2 is made up of an elastic medium, which may be a single or multiple elastic bodies.

[0048] The filling material 2 contained in the first and second storage sections 4a and 4b contains a lump or a single elastic body, which may be made of, for example, cotton, polyester cotton, urethane foam, or low-resilience urethane.

[0049] The core 2 contained in the third to sixth storage sections 4c to 4f contains multiple elastic bodies. These elastic bodies can be, for example, numerous marshmallow beads, soft pipes, or urethane pieces. Here, marshmallow beads are cylindrical foamed plastics such as polyethylene or polypropylene (though, strictly speaking, marshmallow beads are viscoelastic rather than elastic. Therefore, these can be collectively considered granular bodies). Similarly to marshmallow beads, soft pipes are cylindrical pipes made of plastics such as polystyrene or polypropylene. Soft pipes are more rigid and breathable than marshmallow beads. Here, soft pipes are used. It is preferable to provide deodorizing effects for marshmallow beads and soft pipes using techniques such as charcoal coating, charcoal-blended resin, or activated carbon particle fixation, or to use resins containing antibacterial agents.

[0050] Next, a method for producing the seat cushion having the above-described structure will be described.

[0051] The fasteners 9 are opened and the filling material 2 is inserted into the first and second storage sections 4a and 4b through the openings. As mentioned above, the filling material 2 is a single elastic material such as cotton or a single elastic material such as urethane. The third to sixth storage sections 4c to 4f contain multiple elastic materials such as soft pipes. The third and sixth storage sections 4c and 4f contain a larger amount of elastic material, making them thicker than the other sections. Here, the third and sixth storage sections 4c and 4f contain more elastic material than the fourth and fifth storage sections 4d and 4e. Here, the third and sixth storage sections 4c and 4f contain a total weight of 40 g, and the fourth and fifth storage sections 4d and 4e contain a total weight of 30 g, which are the standard amounts. As a result, the first and fifth regions 6A and 6E are thicker and heavier than the second and fourth regions 6B and 6D.

[0052] The third and sixth storage sections 4c and 4f may have a larger internal volume than the fourth and fifth storage sections 4d and 4e and the same density of the elastic material stored therein, or may have the same internal volume and a larger density of the elastic material stored therein. The balance between volume and density may also be adjusted by combining these. The third to sixth sheets 3c to 3f may be made of an elastic material and may have a larger volume due to the elastic material stored therein.

[0053] Furthermore, various variations can be considered regarding the amount of elastic body accommodated in the third to sixth accommodation portions 4c to 4f, taking into consideration the manner of use.

[0054] For example, if the user is a woman, the amount of elastic material stored in the fourth and fifth storage sections 4d and 4e is increased relative to the standard amount. This is because the female pelvis is wider in the width (left and right) and front and back directions than the male. On the other hand, if the user is a man, the amount of elastic material stored in the third storage section 4c is increased relative to the standard amount.

[0055] In either case, it is preferable to leave the amount of elastic body stored in the sixth storage section 4f at the standard amount, thereby ensuring the force acting from the fifth region 6E to the fourth region 6D and stabilizing the support state of the sacrum. Furthermore, these adjustments are merely examples, and may be determined taking into account individual differences in physique, regardless of gender.

[0056] In addition, assuming that the user sits in a forward-leaning posture for long periods of time, such as during office work, the amount of elastic body accommodated in the sixth housing portion 4f can be increased relative to the standard amount to make the fifth region 6E thicker, or the amount of elastic body accommodated in the third housing portion 4c can be decreased to make the third region 6C thinner, or both can be adopted. This allows for a configuration that supports a forward-leaning posture.

[0057] On the other hand, assuming a relaxed sitting position, it is possible to reduce the amount of elastic body accommodated in the sixth housing portion 4f compared to the standard amount to make the fifth region 6E thinner, or to increase the amount of elastic body accommodated in the third housing portion 4c to make the third region 6C thicker, or to adopt both. This makes it easier to sit in a relaxed position by raising the pelvis.

[0058] Because the first region 6A is thicker and heavier than the second region 6B, when the user leans their upper body backward or moves against the seat cushion, the downward vertical pressure on the front portion is reduced, preventing the user from slipping forward. Furthermore, because the fifth region 6E is approximately twice as thick as the fourth region 6D, a force acts from the fifth region 6E to the fourth region 6D when the user sits down, allowing the user to easily maintain an appropriate seating posture. Furthermore, the amount of elastic body accommodated in each accommodation section 4 can be adjusted, allowing for an appropriate seating position to be achieved, taking into account differences in physique and sitting situation.

[0059] Next, a method of using the seat cushion having the above-described structure will be described.

[0060] This seating cushion is used by sitting facing the direction indicated as "forward" in Figure 1. In this case, the center of the seating cushion is lowest, making it easy to find a comfortable position. That is, the area corresponding to the sacrum (sacral region), particularly the area corresponding to the coccyx (coccyx), is guided by the central rearward curved portion 8c. Therefore, by sitting in this position, it is easy to find a comfortable position. In addition, this seating position is the zero (neutral) position in which the pelvis is extended vertically, and forces are applied to the central rearward curved portion 8c by the fourth region 6D and the fifth region 6E behind it, properly supporting the sacrum and stabilizing the seating position.

[0061] Furthermore, the area where the ischial bones are located (ischial region), particularly the area where the ischial tuberosities are located (ischial tuberosity), is the front half of the third region 6C, and in the case of women it is located further forward than in the case of men (the dimensions of each region in the front-to-rear direction may be set so that in the case of women it is located in the second region 6B). In this case, if the amount of elastic body accommodated in the fourth accommodation section 4d is changed between men and women, as described above, the support state of the ischial region (particularly the ischial tuberosity) can also be stabilized.

[0062] Furthermore, taking into consideration cases where the user often leans forward or sits in a relaxed position, or where there are differences in gender and individual physiques, as described above, the amount of elastic material accommodated in each accommodation section 4 can be adjusted to change the thickness of each region 6, thereby making it possible to optimize the support state in each region 6. This also makes it possible to prevent shifts in seating position and uneven distribution of force.

[0063] The seat cushion having the above-described structure provides the following effects. (1) The seat is divided into multiple areas 6 in the front-to-back direction when seated, and the inner material 2 stored in each area 6 can be removed, allowing the height of each area 6 to be adjusted to suit individual preferences. By making the rear side thicker, it can be made suitable for a forward-leaning posture, and by making the front side thicker, it can be made suitable for a relaxed posture. In addition, by making the center recessed, it becomes easier to set the zero position, allowing for a stable seated posture. In other words, it is highly customizable. (2) The provision of a central rear curved portion stabilizes the support state of the sacrum, making it possible to obtain an appropriate sitting posture. (3) The use of soft pipes in multiple elastic bodies provides excellent breathability, reduces stuffiness, and provides a comfortable seating environment. In addition, the elastic bodies can be removed from the seat body 1, making it easy to clean, such as by washing the seat body 1.

[0064] The present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the curved portion 8 is formed in an arc shape, but it may be formed in any shape, such as an ellipse, a sine curve, etc. In short, it is sufficient if the shape is symmetrical with respect to the center line dividing the seat body 1 into left and right halves and gradually widens from the center position.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the sheets 3 are integrated by sewing them together, but they can also be integrated by adhesive, a double-sided sheet, etc. In addition, if the sheets 3 are made of chemical fibers, they can also be integrated by thermocompression bonding or ultrasonic bonding.

[0067] In the above embodiment, six sheets 3 are used, but two sheets 3 may be integrated at the periphery and at a predetermined interval in the front-to-rear direction to form a space capable of accommodating elastic bodies. Alternatively, a double structure may be used in which multiple elastic bodies to be accommodated inside are accommodated in a bag-like bag, and then housed in the bag-like main sheet body 1. In this case, the opening of the main sheet body 1 may be opened and closed with snap buttons, a hook-and-loop fastener, or the like.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the seat body 1 is rectangular in plan view, but is not limited thereto and may be various shapes such as circular, elliptical, etc. The point is that it is sufficient that a plurality of thickness-adjustable regions 6 are formed in the front-rear direction when seated.

[0069] In the above embodiment, soft pipes or the like are used for the core material 2 made up of a plurality of elastic bodies, but gas (air, etc.) or liquid (water, etc.) can also be used.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the front and rear directions are specified, but the front and rear directions may be reversed to allow for different usage patterns and body sizes. For example, by reversing the front and rear directions, the height of the rear side can be increased or decreased to make it easier to adopt a forward leaning posture or a relaxed posture.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the area is divided into five regions 6, but it may be divided into less than five or more than six. Dividing it into less than five allows for a configuration with the minimum necessary functions. For example, it can be configured to only effectively support the sacrum. This allows for a simplified configuration of the seat cushion and inexpensive production. Furthermore, dividing it into six or more regions allows for more detailed settings, making it possible to flexibly respond to user needs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1...Seat body 2…Medium material 3...Sheet 4. Storage area 5...Partition 6…Area 7...Straight section 8...Bend 9...Zipper

Claims

1. a seat body having a plurality of regions arranged along a front-rear direction of the seat, and a storage portion formed in each of the plurality of regions; A filler material that is removably accommodated in each of the accommodation sections and defines the shapes of the plurality of regions; Equipped with One of the regions is a central region where the sacrum is located superiorly when seated, The seat cushion has a plurality of front regions disposed in front of the central region, the thickness of the plurality of front regions increasing from the central region forward.

2. a seat body having a plurality of regions arranged along a front-rear direction of the seat, and a storage portion formed in each of the plurality of regions; A filler material that is removably accommodated in each of the accommodation sections and defines the shapes of the plurality of regions; Equipped with One of the regions is a central region where the sacrum is located superiorly when seated, The seating cushion has a plurality of rear regions disposed rearward of the central region, the thickness of the rear regions increasing from the central region toward the rear.

3. a seat body having a plurality of regions arranged along a front-rear direction of the seat, and a storage portion formed in each of the plurality of regions; A filler material that is removably accommodated in each of the accommodation sections and defines the shapes of the plurality of regions; Equipped with One of the regions is a central region where the sacrum is located superiorly when seated, The partitions between the respective regions are symmetrical with respect to a center line dividing the seat body into left and right halves, and have curved portions that gradually widen from the center position, A plurality of rear regions are disposed on the rear side of the central region, The seating cushion has a curved portion located rearward of the central region that is wider than the curved portion formed in the rear region.

4. A seat body having a plurality of regions arranged along the front-to-rear direction of the seat, with a storage section formed in each of the plurality of regions; A filler material that is removably accommodated in each of the accommodation sections and defines the shapes of the plurality of regions; Equipped with One of the regions is a central region where the sacrum is located superiorly when seated, The partitions between the respective regions are symmetrical with respect to a center line dividing the seat body into left and right halves, and have curved portions that gradually widen from the center position, A plurality of front regions are disposed on the front side of the central region, The seat cushion has a curved portion located forward of the central region that has a greater degree of expansion than the curved portion formed on the front region side.

5. The seating cushion according to claim 1 , wherein one of the curved portions is positioned along the sacrum when the user is seated in the correct position.

6. 5. The sitting cushion according to claim 1, wherein the inner material is made of a plurality of elastic bodies.

7. The seat cushion according to claim 1 , wherein the bottom surface of the seat body has an anti-slip structure.

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