cushion

Abstract

To provide a cushion and an adjustment member that can provide a preferable sitting feeling irrespective of a type of a chair to which the cushion is used.SOLUTION: A cushion 100 is used for a chair. The cushion 100 includes: a core material 1 including a seat part 2 with a hip support part 4 on which a hip part of a user is placed; and a fabric 20 for covering the core material 1. The fabric 20 includes an adjustment member housing part 25 capable of storing and removing an adjustment member 30 for adjusting a distance K1 between an outside surface 22 of the fabric 20 and an outside surface of the core material 1 between the fabric 20 and the core material 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cushion and an adjustment member on which a user's buttocks are placed.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-48972 describes a seat cushion placed on a chair. The seat cushion includes a cushion portion placed on the seat portion of the chair and a closing member that covers between a plurality of leg portions located on the front side of the chair. The cushion portion has a rectangular shape in a plan view. The closing member is detachable from one side of the cushion portion in a plan view and is attached so as to hang downward from the one side to the front side and the lower side.

[0003] In the seat cushion, the escape of warm air from the lower side of the seat portion of the chair is prevented by the above-described closing member. The cushion portion is formed by covering a cushion material with a cover. The cushion material used for the cushion portion is urethane, cotton, or the like. The cover of the cushion portion is formed by making a fabric into a bag shape, and the cushion material can be taken in and out.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in the cushion used for a chair, in order to improve the sitting comfort, a cushion having a non-rectangular irregular shape is known. However, even for a cushion with a contrived shape or the like, there is a current situation where the sitting comfort for the cushion depends on the chair on which the cushion is used.

[0006] In other words, the firmness and tilt angle of the seat can vary depending on the type of chair. Therefore, even if a cushion is specially designed in terms of shape, the height or firmness may differ depending on the type of chair, potentially resulting in an uncomfortable seating experience. Thus, there is a need for a cushion that can provide good seating comfort regardless of the type of chair.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a cushion and adjustment member that can improve seating comfort regardless of the type of chair in which the cushion is used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The cushion relating to this disclosure is a cushion used in a chair. The cushion comprises a core material having a seating portion with a buttock support portion on which the user's buttocks rest, and a fabric covering the core material. The fabric has an adjustment member housing portion between itself and the core material, through which an adjustment member for adjusting the distance between the outer surface of the fabric and the outer surface of the core material can be inserted and removed. The fabric has a first fastener that allows the core material to be inserted and removed from the inside of the fabric. The adjustment member housing portion has a storage space for the adjustment member through which the adjustment member can be inserted and removed. The adjustment member housing portion has a second fastener that opens and closes the storage space. The adjustment member housing section has an inner fabric that contacts the core material and an outer fabric that contacts the mounting surface, which is the upper surface of the chair seat. The housing space is defined by the inner and outer fabrics. The adjustment member housing section has a partition fabric that connects the inner and outer fabrics to each other inside the adjustment member housing section. The housing space is partitioned by the partition fabric.

[0009] In this cushion, the core material has a seating section, and the seating section has a buttock support section on which the user's buttocks rest. The cushion is covered with fabric, and the fabric has an adjustment member housing section between it and the core material, which allows an adjustment member to be inserted and removed. The adjustment member adjusts the distance between the outer surface of the fabric and the outer surface of the core material by being inserted and removed. Therefore, by inserting and removing the adjustment member into the adjustment member housing section, the distance from the fabric to the core material can be changed, thereby improving the seating comfort of the user of the cushion who sits on the outer surface of the fabric. Thus, even if the height or hardness of the chair seat changes depending on the type of chair in which the cushion is used, the height or hardness can be adjusted by inserting or removing the adjustment member. As a result, seating comfort can be improved regardless of the type of chair.

[0010] The adjustment member housing may be a lower housing formed between the lower surface of the core material, which is oriented vertically downward, and the outer surface of the fabric. In this case, the height of the seat can be changed by inserting or removing the adjustment member from the lower housing. Therefore, the height of the cushion's seat can be changed according to the height of the chair seat, etc. Thus, the comfort of the cushion can be improved regardless of the height of the chair seat, etc.

[0011] The core material may have a lumbar support portion that contacts the user's lower back from behind when seated on the seat. The adjustment member housing portion may be a rear housing portion formed between the surface of the lumbar support portion facing away from the user and the outer surface of the fabric. In this case, the core material has a lumbar support portion that contacts the user's lower back from behind, and the rear housing portion is formed between the surface of the lumbar support portion facing away from the user and the outer surface of the fabric. Therefore, the distance from the chair's backrest to the lumbar support portion can be adjusted by inserting or removing the adjustment member from the rear housing portion. Thus, the inclination of the lumbar support portion relative to the chair's backrest can be adjusted by inserting or removing the adjustment member, which can further improve seating comfort.

[0013] This adjustment member can be inserted into and removed from an adjustment member housing formed between the cushion's core material and the fabric, and by inserting or removing it, the distance between the outer surface of the fabric and the outer surface of the core material is adjusted. Therefore, the distance from the fabric to the core material can be changed by inserting or removing the adjustment member from the adjustment member housing. Thus, the seating comfort of the cushion user sitting on the outer surface of the fabric can be improved, and even if the height or hardness of the chair seat changes depending on the type of chair the cushion is used in, the height or hardness can be adjusted by inserting or removing the adjustment member. Therefore, seating comfort can be improved regardless of the type of chair. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this disclosure, cushions can improve seating comfort regardless of the type of chair used. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the core material of the cushion according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing the core material in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a bottom view showing the core material in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 2. [Figure 5] This is a side view showing the core material in Figure 1. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing the fabric of the cushion, the adjustment member housing, and the adjustment member according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] (a) is a schematic bottom view showing the adjustment member housing section of the cushion in Figure 6. (b) is a schematic bottom view showing the adjustment member housing section according to a modified example. [Figure 8] (a), (b), (c), and (d) are cross-sectional views of an adjustment member showing various examples of an adjustment member according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing the fabric of the cushion, the adjustment member housing, and the adjustment member according to a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Embodiments of the cushion and adjustment member according to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numeral, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate. For the sake of ease of understanding, some parts of the drawings may be simplified or exaggerated, and the dimensional ratios, etc., are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0017] In an embodiment, the cushion is composed of a flexible material. The "flexible material" refers to a cushioning material that deforms when a body is placed on it and receives a load. The cushion is used for a chair. The "chair" is for the user of the cushion to sit on. The cushion includes a core material having a seating portion with a hip support portion on which the user's buttocks are placed, and a fabric covering the core material. That the cushion is "used for a chair" indicates that the cushion is used together with a chair. For example, that the cushion is "used for a chair" indicates that the cushion is attached to the chair, such as being placed on the chair or strapped to the chair. Hereinafter, an example in which the cushion is placed on a chair will be described.

[0018] The "user" refers to the user of the cushion, for example, a person sitting on the cushion. The "buttocks" refers to the bulging part at the lower back of the body, which is the part of the body located below the waist and above the thighs. "Sitting" indicates sitting on the cushion. The "seating portion" refers to the part of the cushion that the buttocks contact when sitting on the cushion. The "thighs" refer to the part of the leg from the hip to the knee. The hip support portion has, for example, a pair of ischial support portions. The "ischium" refers to the part located at the lowest part of the pelvis when the user sits on the seating portion.

[0019] The "core material" refers to the material constituting the interior of the cushion. The "fabric" refers to the cloth covering the core material. The fabric has an adjustment member accommodating portion between the fabric and the core material, into which an adjustment member for adjusting the distance between the outer surface of the fabric and the outer surface of the core material can be inserted and removed. The "adjustment member" refers to a member accommodated inside the fabric to adjust at least any one of the height, tilt angle, and softness of the cushion.

[0020] As will be described in detail later, the "adjustment member" is, for example, a sheet member made of a flexible member, a bag-shaped member that allows air to be inserted and removed from the inside, and a bag-shaped member that allows stuffing to be inserted and removed from the inside. The "distance between the outer surface of the fabric and the outer surface of the core material" refers to the thickness of the space formed between the fabric and the core material. The "adjustment member housing section" refers to a space formed on the inside of the fabric that can house the adjustment member. The "adjustment member housing section" may be a space formed between the fabric and the core material, or it may be a bag-shaped portion of the fabric.

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the core material 1 of the cushion 100 (see Figure 6) according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the core material 1 comprises a seating portion 2 extending horizontally and a lumbar support portion 3 extending upward from the seating portion 2. The core material 1 is made of a flexible material. For example, the core material 1 is made of foamed urethane.

[0022] As an example, the core material 1 is formed by urethane molding. When the core material 1 is made of foamed urethane and formed by urethane molding, the core material 1 made of a flexible material can be easily manufactured. The core material 1 is used, for example, housed in the fabric 20 (see Figure 6) of the cushion 100.

[0023] The flexible material mentioned above includes, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer. This flexible material may also be a material with elasticity that deforms in response to the load when a body is placed on it. This flexible material may also be a resin (for example, polypropylene, polyester, or polyethylene) that deforms when a body is placed on it and subjected to a load. The type of flexible material can be changed as appropriate.

[0024] The seating portion 2 extends in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 that intersects the first direction D1. The first direction D1 is the front-to-back direction as viewed from the user seated on the seating portion 2, and the second direction D2 is the left-to-right direction as viewed from the user seated on the seating portion 2. The seating portion 2 has thickness in a third direction D3 that intersects both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. For example, the third direction D3 is the vertical direction.

[0025] In the following, the direction forward as viewed from the user seated on seat 2 may be referred to as "front," "front side," or "forward," and the opposite direction may be referred to as "rear," "rear side," or "backward." However, these directions are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the position or orientation of each part.

[0026] Figure 2 is a plan view of the core material 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the seating section 2 has a buttock support section 4 on which the user's buttocks rest and a thigh support section 5 on which the user's thighs rest. The buttock support section 4 and the thigh support section 5 are arranged to be aligned along a first direction D1. The buttock support section 4 has a pair of ischial support sections 6 that support the ischial tuberosities of the user when seated on the seating section 2.

[0027] For example, the seating portion 2 has ventilation holes 2b. The ventilation holes 2b penetrate downward from the upper surface 4b of the buttock support portion 4 or the upper surface of the thigh support portion 5. The upper end of the inner wall defining the ventilation holes 2b may be rounded with an R-chamfer. In a plan view, multiple ventilation holes 2b are arranged in a line from rear to front.

[0028] For example, in a plan view (a plan view in which the lumbar support portion 3 is positioned above the seat portion 2), multiple (for example, six) ventilation holes 2b may be arranged on each side (left and right) of the second direction D2. For example, three ventilation holes 2b may be arranged on each side of the second direction D2.

[0029] For example, two ventilation holes 2b are arranged along a second direction D2, and the distance between the two ventilation holes 2b arranged along the second direction D2 increases as you move from the buttock support 4 towards the thigh support 5 (as you move forward). As an example, the multiple ventilation holes 2b are arranged to form a V-shape in a plan view.

[0030] For example, in core material 1, the ischial support portion 6 (for example, the through hole 6c described later) is formed by urethane molding, and the ventilation holes 2b are formed by punching. In this case, the part that forms the ventilation holes 2b in the mold used when manufacturing core material 1 can be made unnecessary, so the shape of the mold can be simplified. Furthermore, when molding liquid urethane with this mold, a path for air to escape from the liquid urethane can be secured, so the finished core material 1 can be made cleaner.

[0031] The ischial support portion 6 is formed on the upper surface 4b of the buttock support portion 4 and is recessed relative to the upper surface 4b. The buttock support portion 4 has a pair of ischial support portions 6 aligned along the second direction D2. The ischial support portion 6 has a recess 6b that is recessed from the upper surface 4b of the buttock support portion 4. In plan view, the shape of the ischial support portion 6 is such that it has a major axis and a minor axis. For example, in plan view, the shape of the ischial support portion 6 is an oval shape (one example being an ellipse shape). However, the shape of the ischial support portion 6 in plan view is not limited to an oval or ellipse shape, but may also be rectangular, a rounded rectangular shape, a rhombus shape, or a rounded rhombus shape, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0032] The extension line L1 of the long axis of one of the pair of ischial support parts 6 intersects with the extension line L2 of the long axis of the other of the pair of ischial support parts 6. The intersection angle θ1 of extension lines L1 and L2 is, for example, 40° or more and 150° or less. The intersection angle θ1 may also be 50° or more, 60° or more, 75° or more, or 90° or more. Alternatively, the intersection angle θ1 may be 135° or less, 120° or less, or 110° or less. As an example, the intersection angle θ1 is 100°.

[0033] The intersection point P of extension line L1 and extension line L2 is located closer to (forward of) the thigh support portion 5 than the pair of ischial support portions 6. The intersection point P is located closer to the thigh support portion 5 than the center of each ischial support portion 6 in a plan view. The intersection point P is located on the opposite side from the lumbar support portion 3 when viewed from the pair of ischial support portions 6. As a result, the pair of ischial support portions 6 exhibit an inverted V shape in a plan view (a plan view when the lumbar support portion 3 is positioned above the seating portion 2).

[0034] The distance between the centers of a pair of ischial support parts 6 (distance between the centers of a pair of ischial support parts 6) is, for example, 7 cm or more and 15 cm or less. For example, this distance is 10 cm. The distance from the lumbar support part 3 to the center of the ischial support part 6 is, for example, 5 cm or more and 15 cm or less. For example, this distance is 10 cm. When each length and each distance is within the above range, the user's ischial bones can be more suitably fitted to each of the pair of ischial support parts 6.

[0035] For example, each ischial support portion 6 has a through hole 6c that penetrates downward from the upper surface 4b of the buttock support portion 4. Each ischial support portion 6 has an inner wall that defines the through hole 6c and a tapered surface 6f located between the inner wall and the upper surface 4b. Figure 3 is a bottom view showing the core material 1. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the area of ​​the ischial support portion 6 when viewed from above is larger than the area of ​​the ischial support portion 6 when viewed from below.

[0036] The core material 1 has a lower surface 1b that contacts the mounting surface S (see Figure 4) on which the core material 1 is placed. For example, the inner wall defining the through hole 6c connects the lower surface 1b and the tapered surface 6f to each other. At least one of the ends of the inner wall of the through hole 6c on the lower surface 1b side and the end of the inner wall on the tapered surface 6f side may be rounded with an R-chamfer.

[0037] The tapered surface 6f forms a recess 6b that is recessed relative to the upper surface 4b. The tapered surface 6f is inclined such that the diameter of its open end widens towards the upper surface 4b. For example, the area of ​​the tapered surface 6f in plan view is larger than the area of ​​the through hole 6c in plan view. The tapered surface 6f may include a curved surface, which is a portion of the tapered surface 6f that is rounded by an R-chamfer.

[0038] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 2. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the seating portion 2 has an inclined surface 7 that extends diagonally from the buttock support portion 4 toward the thigh support portion 5. For example, the seating portion 2 has a pair of inclined surfaces 7 aligned along the second direction D2. For example, in a cross-section along a plane extending in the first direction D1 and the third direction D3, the inclined surfaces 7 are linear. The inclination angle θ2 of the inclined surface 7 with respect to the lower surface 1b of the core material 1 is, for example, 5° or more and 15° or less.

[0039] When the inclination angle θ2 is 5° or more and 15° or less, the ischial tuberosities of the user seated on the seating portion 2 can be made even less likely to slide forward. In contrast to the above example, the inclined surface 7 may be curved in cross-section along the planes extending in the first direction D1 and the third direction D3 (for example, a curved surface that curves so that the inclination angle θ2 increases as it approaches the thigh support portion 5).

[0040] Figure 5 is a side view of the core material 1 as seen from the front. As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the seating portion 2 has a pair of thigh support portions 5 aligned along the second direction D2 and a protrusion 8 located between the pair of thigh support portions 5. Each of the pair of thigh support portions 5 is located on the front side of the inclined surface 7.

[0041] The back of the user's thigh rests on the thigh support portion 5. In other words, the thigh support portion 5 supports the back of the user's thigh. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the thigh support portion 5 has a recess 5b that is recessed in the thickness direction (third direction D3) of the core material 1. The recess 5b is formed on the lower surface 1b of the core material 1.

[0042] The core material 1 has a pair of recesses 5b, for example, the pair of recesses 5b are provided at positions spaced apart from each other. The depth of the recesses 5b increases as they move away from the lumbar support portion 3 (towards the front). For example, the thigh support portion 5 has recesses 5b that define a space between it and the mounting surface S on which the core material 1 is placed. The mounting surface S is the upper surface of the seat of the chair. As an example, the space defined between the recesses 5b and the mounting surface S is formed to expand as it extends forward.

[0043] The protrusion 8 represents the portion that extends from the inclined surface 7. In a plan view, the width of the protrusion 8 increases towards the front. For example, in a plan view, the shape of the protrusion 8 is a parabola that widens towards the front. The height of the protrusion 8 increases towards the center of the core material 1 in the second direction D2.

[0044] For example, the seating portion 2 has a pair of protrusions 9 located on both ends of the second direction D2 on the inclined surface 7. The protrusions 9 are the parts that connect the lumbar support portion 3 and the thigh support portion 5 to each other. The protrusions 9 extend along the first direction D1. With the above-described protrusions 8 and 9 provided, the thigh support portion 5 is formed at each of the positions on both sides of the protrusion 8 in the second direction D2 between the pair of protrusions 9, making it easier for the user's thighs to rest on the thigh support portion 5.

[0045] The core material 1 has an inclined portion 9c that slopes toward the center of the second direction D2 of the core material 1 as it moves from the protrusion 9 toward the lower surface 1b. The core material 1 has, for example, a pair of inclined portions 9c aligned along the second direction D2. As an example, the core material 1 has a boat shape that protrudes outward as it moves away from the lower surface 1b.

[0046] The lumbar support portion 3 extends upward from the end (rear end) of the seating portion 2 in the first direction D1. The lumbar support portion 3 includes, for example, a general portion 10 that extends in both the second direction D2 and the third direction D3, and a sacral support portion 11 located in the center of the general portion 10 in the second direction D2. The general portion 10 represents the portion of the lumbar support portion 3 other than the sacral support portion 11.

[0047] As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the sacral support portion 11 has a convex shape that protrudes forward. The sacral support portion 11 protrudes forward from the general portion 10. For example, the shape of the sacral support portion 11 when viewed from the front has a shape with a long axis and a short axis. For example, the shape of the sacral support portion 11 when viewed from the front is an oval shape (an ellipse as an example).

[0048] For example, the sacral support portion 11 has a protruding surface 11d that has a curved shape and protrudes forward. The height of the protruding surface 11d from the general portion 10 increases from the outer edge of the protruding surface 11d toward the inside of the protruding surface 11d. The sacral support portion 11 may also have a recessed portion 11f that is recessed posteriorly from the protruding surface 11d. The recessed portion 11f is the part in which the sacrum of the user of the cushion 100 fits.

[0049] The recessed portion 11f extends in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. For example, the length of the recessed portion 11f in the third direction D3 is longer than the length (width) of the recessed portion 11f in the second direction D2. The shape of the recessed portion 11f as viewed from the first direction D1 may be a groove shape (or oval shape) extending in the third direction D3.

[0050] The recessed portion 11f includes a bottom surface 11g and an inner surface 11h that connects the bottom surface 11g and the protruding surface 11d. When viewed from the first direction D1, the inner surface 11h has an annular shape surrounding the bottom surface 11g. The inner surface 11h may include a rounded surface that connects the bottom surface 11g and the protruding surface 11d.

[0051] In a plan view, the bottom surface 11g is curved so as it moves away from the end of the recessed portion 11f in the second direction D2, it curves backward. In a cross section perpendicular to the second direction D2 (side cross section), the recessed portion 11f (bottom surface 11g) is curved so as it moves away from the end of the recessed portion 11f in the third direction D3, it curves backward.

[0052] As shown in Figure 6, the core material 1 is housed in the fabric 20 of the cushion 100. The cushion 100 can be made more comfortable to sit on by modifying the shape of the core material 1. However, the comfort of the cushion 100 may depend on the surface S of the chair on which it is placed.

[0053] For example, the hardness of the support surface S and the inclination angle of the support surface S may vary depending on the type of chair. Even if the core material 1 is designed with ingenuity in its shape, the height or hardness may change depending on the condition of the support surface S (or the type of chair), which may affect the seating comfort. Therefore, a cushion 100 that can provide good seating comfort regardless of the type of chair (support surface S) is required.

[0054] The cushion 100 comprises a core material 1, a fabric 20, and an adjustment member 30, and the core material 1 and the adjustment member 30 can be inserted into and removed from the fabric 20. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section of the cushion 100 when the cushion 100 is cut along a plane extending in the first direction D1 and the third direction D3. In Figure 6, the illustration of the core material 1 is simplified.

[0055] For example, the fabric 20 has a zipper 21, and the core material 1 can be inserted into and removed from the inside of the fabric 20 by opening the zipper 21. As an example, the zipper 21 extends along the third direction D3 in the lumbar support portion 3. However, the location of the zipper 21 is not limited to the above example, and for example, it may extend in the second direction D2 in the seating portion 2.

[0056] Figure 7(a) is a bottom view of the fabric 20. As shown in Figures 6 and 7(a), the fabric 20 has an adjustment member housing section 25 from which an adjustment member 30 can be inserted and removed between it and the core material 1. The adjustment member housing section 25 is designed to allow the insertion and removal of an adjustment member 30 for adjusting the distance K1 between the outer surface 22 (bottom surface 22b) of the fabric 20 and the outer surface (bottom surface 1b) of the core material 1. The adjustment member housing section 25 is, for example, a lower housing section 25A located below the core material 1.

[0057] The fabric 20 covers, for example, the entire core material 1. The outer surface 22 of the fabric 20 includes a lower surface 22b that contacts the mounting surface S, a front surface 22c extending upward from the front end of the lower surface 22b, and a rear surface 22d extending upward from the rear end of the lower surface 22b. Furthermore, the outer surface 22 includes a first upper surface 22f located above the seating portion 2, a curved surface 22g extending upward along the sacral support portion 11 from the rear end of the first upper surface 22f, and a second upper surface 22h located above the lumbar support portion 3.

[0058] The adjustment member housing section 25 has a housing space 26 for the adjustment member 30, from which the adjustment member 30 can be inserted and removed. For example, the adjustment member housing section 25 has a plurality of housing spaces 26, and each of the plurality of housing spaces 26 is capable of housing an adjustment member 30. The adjustment member housing section 25 has an inner fabric 27 that contacts the core material 1 and an outer fabric 28 that contacts the mounting surface S, and the housing space 26 is defined by the inner fabric 27 and the outer fabric 28. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the adjustment member housing section 25 has a partition fabric 29 that connects the inner fabric 27 and the outer fabric 28 to each other inside the adjustment member housing section 25, and the housing space 26 is partitioned by the partition fabric 29.

[0059] The adjustment member housing section 25 has a fastener 25b for opening and closing the housing space 26. As an example, the multiple housing spaces 26 include a first housing space 26b located below the thigh support section 5 and a second housing space 26c located below the buttock support section 4. The fastener 25b is positioned corresponding to the first housing space 26b and the second housing space 26c, respectively.

[0060] In other words, the adjustment member housing section 25 has two fasteners 25b, with one of the two fasteners 25b allowing the first housing space 26b to be opened and closed, and the other fastener 25b allowing the second housing space 26c to be opened and closed. As an example, the two fasteners 25b are arranged to be aligned along the first direction D1 at the end of the adjustment member housing section 25 in the second direction D2.

[0061] However, the number and arrangement of the storage spaces 26, the arrangement of the zippers 25b, and the number of zippers 25b are not limited to the above example. Figure 7(b) is a bottom view showing an adjustment member storage section 25C according to a modified example. As shown in Figure 7(b), the adjustment member storage section may have three or more storage spaces 26. For example, the number of zippers 25b may be one. Also, the zippers 25b may be omitted, and a fold may be provided at the entrance of the adjustment member 30 in the adjustment member storage section 25C, and the adjustment member 30 may be stored in the adjustment member storage section 25C by this fold. In addition, the partition fabric 29 may be a three-dimensional gusset. Furthermore, instead of the partition fabric 29, the storage spaces 26 may be partitioned by a quilted lining. In this case, for example, in order to secure a spacious area, the adjustment member storage section 25C may be loosened into a bag shape and the inner fabric 27 may be sewn to the outer fabric 28. In this way, it is also possible to omit the partition fabric 29.

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 7(b), the adjustment member housing section 25C has four storage spaces 26. The four storage spaces 26 are arranged along the first direction D1. The adjustment member housing section 25C has a plurality of partition cloths 29, which are also arranged along the first direction D1. In the adjustment member housing section 25C, the adjustment member 30 can be inserted into and removed from each of the plurality of storage spaces 26.

[0063] For example, multiple adjustment members 30 can be inserted into and removed from the storage space 26. In the example shown in Figure 6, two adjustment members 30 are housed in the first storage space 26b and the second storage space 26c, respectively. The distance K1 is adjusted by inserting and removing the adjustment members 30 into and out of the adjustment member storage section 25 (for example, the storage space 26).

[0064] In other words, when the adjustment member 30 is housed in the adjustment member housing 25, the distance K1 increases, and when the adjustment member 30 is removed from the adjustment member housing 25, the distance K1 decreases. This makes it possible to adjust the thickness of the outer portion of the core material 1 in the cushion 100.

[0065] If the adjustment member housing section 25 has multiple housing spaces 26 and the adjustment member 30 can be inserted into and removed from the multiple housing spaces 26, the height and softness of the cushion 100 can be partially changed. For example, if the number of adjustment members 30 in the first housing space 26b located at the front is greater than the number of adjustment members 30 in the second housing space 26c located at the rear, the thigh support section 5 can be tilted further upward. Also, if the number of adjustment members 30 in the first housing space 26b located at the front is less than the number of adjustment members 30 in the second housing space 26c located at the rear, the buttock support section 4 can be tilted further upward.

[0066] For example, multiple types of adjustment members 30 with different degrees of softness (or height) may be provided. In this case, the portion of the storage space 26 can be made harder by housing a harder adjustment member 30 in the storage space 26, and the portion of the storage space 26 can be made softer by housing a softer adjustment member 30 in the storage space 26. Also, the portion of the storage space 26 can be made higher by housing a taller adjustment member 30 in the storage space 26, and the portion of the storage space 26 can be made lower by housing a lower adjustment member 30 in the storage space 26.

[0067] The number of adjustment members 30 housed in the storage space 26 can be adjusted, for example, by the user of the cushion 100. In this case, the user of the cushion 100 can adjust the number of adjustment members 30 themselves. Alternatively, a manual on how to insert the adjustment members 30 may be provided. This manual may describe, for example, the appropriate number and method of inserting the adjustment members 30 depending on the type of chair on which the cushion 100 is placed and the circumstances. In this case, the user can adjust the number and arrangement of the adjustment members 30 according to the circumstances while referring to the manual, thereby achieving a comfortable seating experience for themselves.

[0068] The number of adjustment members 30 housed in the storage space 26 may be adjusted, for example, by a cushion salesperson or cushion specialist. In this case, the number of adjustment members 30 will be adjusted appropriately by the cushion salesperson, etc., making it possible for them to provide appropriate seating comfort. Alternatively, the salesperson, etc. may adjust the number of adjustment members 30 while referring to the manual mentioned above.

[0069] As mentioned above, there are various types of adjustment members 30. Figures 8(a) to 8(d) are cross-sectional views of adjustment members 30 showing various examples of adjustment members 30. As shown in Figure 8(a), the adjustment member 30 may be an adjustment member 30A which is a flexible sheet. The adjustment member 30A is made of a flexible material. The adjustment member 30A may be sponge-like. As an example, the adjustment member 30A is a urethane sheet.

[0070] As shown in Figure 8(b), the adjustment member 30 may be a bag-shaped adjustment member 30B that contains the flexible contents 31. The adjustment member 30B may be designed so that the flexible contents 31 can be inserted into and removed from it. In this case, the thickness and softness of the adjustment member 30B can be adjusted. For example, the adjustment member 30B may have a fastener 32, and the flexible contents 31 can be inserted into and removed from the adjustment member 30B with the fastener 32 open. The flexible contents 31 may be, for example, cotton (granular cotton as one example).

[0071] As shown in Figure 8(c), the adjustment member 30 may be a bag-shaped adjustment member 30C in which the hollow contents 33 are contained. The adjustment member 30C may be designed so that the hollow contents 33 can be inserted and removed. The adjustment member 30C has a fastener 32, similar to the adjustment member 30B. The hollow contents 33 are, for example, pipe material. The adjustment member 30C may contain solid contents instead of the hollow contents 33. The solid contents are, for example, buckwheat hulls, adzuki beans, or cypress wood.

[0072] As shown in Figure 8(d), the adjustment member 30 may be a bag-shaped adjustment member 30D filled with multiple elastic foams 34. The adjustment member 30D is filled with multiple elastic foams 34 in a compressed state relative to the maximum volume of the adjustment member 30D. The elastic foams 34 are rectangular parallelepipeds in their state at room temperature and pressure when not filled into the adjustment member 30D. The elastic foams 34 may be, for example, polyurethane foam in a rectangular parallelepiped (cube-like) shape. Since air is contained inside each elastic foam 34, the elastic foams 34 can be compressed and expanded.

[0073] For example, the adjustment member 30D has a plurality of internal spaces 35 in which the elastic foam 34 is housed, and the plurality of internal spaces 35 are separated from each other by a partition cloth 36. For example, the plurality of internal spaces 35 include a first internal space 35b facing forward and a second internal space 35c facing rear.

[0074] Elastic foam 34 is contained in the first internal space 35b and the second internal space 35c, respectively, and the adjustment member 30D is capable of adjusting the amount of air in the first internal space 35b and the second internal space 35c, respectively. The adjustment member 30D includes a first intake / exhaust valve 37b for adjusting the amount of air in the first internal space 35b and a second intake / exhaust valve 37c for adjusting the amount of air in the second internal space 35c.

[0075] For example, the first intake / exhaust valve 37b is rotary, and the first internal space 35b can be opened and closed by rotating it by the user. When the first intake / exhaust valve 37b is rotated and the first internal space 35b is opened, air enters the first internal space 35b from the first intake / exhaust valve 37b as the elastic foam 34 expands, and the front part of the adjustment member 30D becomes thicker.

[0076] Furthermore, when an external force is applied to the adjustment member 30D with the first internal space 35b open, air is discharged from the first internal space 35b through the first intake / exhaust valve 37b. By closing the first intake / exhaust valve 37b in this state, the front portion of the adjustment member 30D becomes thinner. In this way, the thickness of the front portion of the adjustment member 30D can be adjusted.

[0077] For example, the configuration of the second intake / exhaust valve 37c is the same as that of the first intake / exhaust valve 37b. In this case, when the second intake / exhaust valve 37c rotates and the second internal space 35c is opened, air enters the second internal space 35c from the second intake / exhaust valve 37c as the elastic foam 34 expands, and the rear portion of the adjustment member 30D becomes thicker. On the other hand, when an external force is applied to the adjustment member 30D while the second internal space 35c is open, air is discharged from the second internal space 35c through the second intake / exhaust valve 37c, and by closing the second intake / exhaust valve 37c in this state, the rear portion of the adjustment member 30D becomes thinner.

[0078] The adjustment member 30D allows for individual adjustment of the thickness of the front and rear portions. However, the adjustment member 30D may have one internal space 35 and one intake / exhaust valve. In this case, the partition cloth 36 can be omitted. Various examples of the adjustment member 30 have been described above. However, the configuration of the adjustment member can be further modified. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the stuffing material may be directly inserted into and removed from the housing space 26 of the adjustment member housing 25. In this case, the "stuffing material" is the adjustment member 30.

[0079] The "filling" mentioned above may be, for example, a flexible filling 31 such as cotton, a hollow filling 33 such as pipe material, or a solid filling such as buckwheat hulls. In this case, the thickness and softness of the cushion 100 can be freely adjusted by adding or removing the filling from the storage space 26. Alternatively, for example, the adjustment member housing section 25 may be equipped with an intake / exhaust valve (for example, an intake / exhaust valve similar to the first intake / exhaust valve 37b mentioned above), allowing air to be added to and removed from the storage space 26 via the intake / exhaust valve.

[0080] Next, the effects and benefits obtained from the cushion 100 and adjustment member 30 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail. In the cushion 100, the core material 1 is provided with a seating portion 2, and the seating portion 2 has a buttock support portion 4 on which the user's buttocks rest. The cushion 100 is provided with a fabric 20 that covers the core material 1, and the fabric 20 has an adjustment member housing portion 25 from which the adjustment member 30 can be inserted and removed between the fabric 20 and the core material 1. The adjustment member 30 adjusts the distance K1 between the outer surface 22 of the fabric 20 and the outer surface of the core material 1. Therefore, by inserting and removing the adjustment member 30 into and out of the adjustment member housing portion 25, the distance K1 from the fabric 20 to the core material 1 can be changed, thereby improving the seating comfort of the user of the cushion 100 who sits on the outer surface 22 of the fabric 20. Thus, even if the height or hardness of the seat of the chair changes depending on the type of chair on which the cushion 100 is placed, the height or hardness can be adjusted by inserting and removing the adjustment member 30. As a result, seating comfort can be improved regardless of the type of chair.

[0081] In this embodiment, the adjustment member housing 25 is a lower housing 25A formed between the lower surface of the core material 1, which is oriented vertically downward, and the outer surface 22 of the fabric 20. In this case, the height of the seat portion 2 can be changed by inserting and removing the adjustment member 30 into and out of the adjustment member housing 25, which acts as the lower housing 25A. Therefore, the height of the seat portion 2 of the cushion 100 can be changed according to the height of the chair seat, etc. Thus, the seating comfort of the cushion 100 can be improved regardless of the height of the chair seat, etc.

[0082] Next, the modified cushion 200 will be described with reference to Figure 9. Some of the components of cushion 200 are the same as some of the components of cushion 100 described above. Therefore, in the following, the same reference numerals will be used for explanations that overlap with those of cushion 100, and parts will be omitted as appropriate. Cushion 200 comprises a core material 1, a fabric 220, and an adjustment member 30, and the configuration of the fabric 220 differs from that of the fabric 20.

[0083] The fabric 220 includes the aforementioned adjustment member housing section 25 and an adjustment member housing section 225 as a rear housing section 225A located behind the waist support section 3. The adjustment member housing section 225 is designed to allow the insertion and removal of an adjustment member 30 that adjusts the distance K2 between the outer surface 22 (rear surface 22d) of the fabric 220 and the outer surface of the core material 1.

[0084] The adjustment member housing section 225 has a housing space 226 for the adjustment member 30, from which the adjustment member 30 can be inserted and removed. For example, the adjustment member housing section 225 has multiple housing spaces 226, and the adjustment member 30 can be housed in multiple housing spaces 226. The adjustment member housing section 225 has an inner fabric 227 that contacts the core material 1 and an outer fabric 228 that contacts the front of the chair backrest, and the housing space 226 is defined by the inner fabric 227 and the outer fabric 228.

[0085] Furthermore, in this modified example, the adjustment member housing section 225 has a partition cloth 229 that connects the inner cloth 227 and the outer cloth 228 to each other inside the adjustment member housing section 225, and the housing space 226 is partitioned by the partition cloth 229. Each of the multiple housing spaces 226 is openable and closable, just like each of the multiple housing spaces 26 described above.

[0086] Multiple storage spaces 226 are arranged along a third direction D3 (for example, the vertical direction), and an adjustment member 30 can be inserted into and removed from each of the multiple storage spaces 226. For example, multiple adjustment members 30 may be inserted into and removed from the storage space 226. The adjustment member 30 adjusts the distance K2 by being inserted into and removed from the adjustment member storage section 225 (for example, the storage space 226).

[0087] In other words, the distance K2 increases when the adjustment member 30 is housed in the adjustment member housing 225, and decreases when the adjustment member 30 is removed from the adjustment member housing 225. This makes it possible to adjust the thickness of the rear portion of the core material 1 in the cushion 200.

[0088] If the adjustment member housing section 225 has multiple storage spaces 226, and the adjustment member 30 can be inserted into and removed from the multiple storage spaces 226, it is possible to partially change the inclination of the lumbar support section 3 of the cushion 200. For example, if the number of adjustment members 30 in the upper storage space 226 is greater than the number of adjustment members 30 in the lower storage space 226, the upper part of the lumbar support section 3 can be tilted further forward. Also, if the number of adjustment members 30 in the upper storage space 226 is less than the number of adjustment members 30 in the lower storage space 226, the upper part of the lumbar support section 3 can be tilted further backward.

[0089] In this modified example, the core material 1 has a lumbar support portion 3 that contacts the user's waist from the rear when the user is seated on the seating portion 2. The adjustment member housing portion 225 is a rear housing portion 225A formed between the surface of the lumbar support portion 3 facing away from the user (rear surface) and the outer surface 22 of the fabric 220. Thus, the core material 1 has a lumbar support portion 3 that contacts the user's waist from the rear, and the rear housing portion 225A is formed between the surface of the lumbar support portion 3 facing away from the user and the outer surface 22 of the fabric 220.

[0090] Therefore, the distance from the chair's backrest to the lumbar support 3 can be adjusted by inserting and removing the adjustment member 30 into the rear storage section 225A. Thus, the inclination of the lumbar support 3 relative to the chair's backrest can be adjusted by inserting and removing the adjustment member 30, which further improves seating comfort. In this modified example, an example was described in which the fabric 220 has an adjustment member storage section 25 located below the core material 1 and an adjustment member storage section 225 located behind the core material 1. However, the fabric may not have an adjustment member storage section 25, but only an adjustment member storage section 225.

[0091] The embodiments and modified versions of the cushion and adjustment member relating to this disclosure have been described above. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments or modified versions described above, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the gist described in the claims. That is, the shape, size, number, material and arrangement of each part of the cushion and adjustment member relating to this disclosure can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the gist described above.

[0092] For example, in the embodiment described above, a core material 1 comprising a seating portion 2 and a lumbar support portion 3 was described. However, the shape, size, and material of the core material 1 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the height of the lumbar support portion 3 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the height of the upper end of the lumbar support portion 3 may be the height of the user's back, the height of the user's shoulders, or the height of the user's head, and is not particularly limited. In this case, the cushion can be used as a chair such as a gaming chair.

[0093] For example, the cushion may have a foldable lumbar support section relative to the seating section. In this case, the cushion can be used as an office chair, recliner, or full-flat seat. The cushion may also be a seat used in transportation machinery such as automobiles, railway vehicles, or aircraft. As described above, the cushion may be a seat for transportation machinery, a gaming chair, etc., and may be integrated with a chair. Furthermore, the cushion may be a cushion used in a chair for working from home (teleworking), a study chair, a chair placed in an office space, or a chair for nursing care, and the use of the cushion can be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1...Core material, 1b...Bottom surface, 2...Seat area, 2b...Ventilation hole, 3...Lumbar support area, 4...Buttock support area, 4b...Top surface, 5...Thigh support area, 5b...Recess, 6...Ischial support area, 6b...Recess, 6c...Through hole, 6f...Tapered surface, 7...Inclined surface, 8,9...Convex part, 9c...Inclined part, 10...General part, 11...Sacral support area, 11d...Protruding surface, 11f...Recess, 11g ...bottom surface, 11h...inner surface, 20...fabric, 21...zipper, 22...outer surface, 22b...bottom surface, 22c...front surface, 22d...rear surface, 22f...first top surface, 22g...curved surface, 22h...second top surface, 25,25C...adjustment member housing section, 25A...lower housing section, 25b...zipper, 26...storage space, 26b...first storage space, 26c...second storage space, 27...Inner fabric, 28...Outer fabric, 29...Partition fabric, 30, 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D...Adjustment members, 31...Flexible contents, 32...Zipper, 33...Hollow contents, 34...Elastic foam, 35...Internal space, 35b...First internal space, 35c...Second internal space, 36...Partition fabric, 37b...First intake / exhaust valve, 37c...Second intake / exhaust valve, 100 ,200...cushion, 220...fabric, 225...adjustment member housing section, 225A...rear housing section, 226...storage space, 227...inner fabric, 228...outer fabric, 229...partition fabric, D1...first direction, D2...second direction, D3...third direction, K1,K2...distance, L1,L2...extension line, P...intersection, S...mounting surface, θ1...intersection angle, θ2...inclination angle.

Claims

1. A cushion used for chairs, A core material having a seating section with a buttock support section on which the user's buttocks rest, The fabric covering the aforementioned core material, Equipped with, The fabric has an adjustment member housing section between it and the core material, which allows an adjustment member to be inserted into or removed for adjusting the distance between the outer surface of the fabric and the outer surface of the core material. The fabric has a first fastener that allows the core material to be inserted into and removed from the inside of the fabric. The adjustment member housing section has a housing space for the adjustment member from which the adjustment member can be inserted and removed. The adjustment member housing section has a second fastener that opens and closes the housing space. The adjustment member housing section has an inner fabric that contacts the core material and an outer fabric that contacts the mounting surface which is the upper surface of the seat of the chair. The inner fabric and the outer fabric define the storage space. The adjustment member housing section has a partition cloth that connects the inner cloth and the outer cloth to each other inside the adjustment member housing section. The aforementioned partition cloth divides the storage space. cushion.

2. The adjustment member housing portion is a lower housing portion formed between the lower surface of the core material and the outer surface of the fabric, which are oriented vertically downward. The cushion according to claim 1.

3. The core material has a lumbar support portion that contacts the user's lower back from behind when the user is seated on the seat, The adjustment member housing portion is a rear housing portion formed between the side of the waist support portion facing away from the user and the outer surface of the fabric. The cushion according to claim 1.

Images