Cell mat, air bed, and method for manufacturing cell mat

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide: a cell mat that does not require a large storage space, becomes usable by a simple operation, and can provide high-quality sleep; an air bed; and a method for manufacturing the cell mat. For said purpose, a plurality of rod-shaped cells are transversely and sequentially connected, the rod-shaped cells at both left and right ends each have a larger diameter than those of the rod-shaped cells therebetween, and the plurality of rod-shaped cells are in communication with each other and have attached thereto an air injection part comprising a check valve. As a result, the cell mat does not require a large storage space, becomes usable by a simple operation, and can provide high-quality sleep.

Description

Cell mat, air bed, and method for manufacturing a cell mat

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, a cell mat, an air bed, and a method for manufacturing a cell mat used in a shelter in the event of a disaster. In particular, it is devised so that it does not require a large storage space, can be put into use with simple operations, and can provide high-quality sleep.

[0002] As conventional air beds, those described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 are known. First, the air mat according to the invention described in Patent Document 1 has the outer peripheral sides of two sheets welded together, and a plurality of partition sheets are arranged inside at intervals, and small air chambers are formed between the partition sheets.

[0003] Next, the air mat according to the invention described in Patent Document 2 houses an air blowing mat inside and uses it as bedding. The air blowing mat has a cross-sectional shape provided with a plurality of ridges, and is used in a state of being inflated by supplying air inside with an air pump. Further, air blowing holes are provided at the vertices of the plurality of ridges of the air blowing mat, and air is ejected from the inside of the air blowing mat. As a result, the bag-shaped sheet spreads and the generation of wrinkles in the bag-shaped sheet is prevented.

[0004] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-204229 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-280750

[0005] The conventional configuration described above had the following problems. First, in the case of the air mattress according to the invention described in Patent Document 1, the configuration had horizontally extended air chambers connected vertically, resulting in poor sleeping comfort and the inability to obtain high-quality sleep. For example, the large number of air chambers meant that they all protruded onto the user's body, causing discomfort. Also, the height of the horizontally extended air chambers was constant horizontally, so when the user turned over in their sleep, they would sometimes roll off the air mattress to either the left or right. Furthermore, in the case of the air mattress according to the invention described in Patent Document 2, the configuration had horizontally extended peaks connected vertically, resulting in the same problems as the invention described in Patent Document 1.

[0006] The present invention is based on these points and aims to provide a cell mattress, an air bed, and a method for manufacturing a cell mattress that do not require a large storage space, can be made ready for use with simple work, and can provide high-quality sleep.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the cell mat according to claim 1 of the present invention is characterized in that a plurality of rod-shaped cells are connected horizontally, the rod-shaped cells at both the left and right ends are larger in diameter than the rod-shaped cells in between, the plurality of rod-shaped cells are connected to each other, and an air injection member equipped with a check valve is attached. Furthermore, the cell mat according to claim 2 is characterized in that, in the cell mat according to claim 1, the plurality of rod-shaped cells are connected by welding both ends in the vertical direction of a film tube body and intermittently welding along a plurality of welding lines provided at intervals in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the cell mat according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in the cell mat according to claim 1, there are a plurality of rod-shaped cells between the rod-shaped cells at both the left and right ends, and the number is odd. Furthermore, the cell mat according to claim 4 is characterized in that, in the cell mat according to claim 1, there are a plurality of rod-shaped cells between the rod-shaped cells at both the left and right ends, and the number is even. Furthermore, the cell mat according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in the cell mat according to claim 1, the check valve normally closes the flow path and deforms to open the flow path when air is supplied. Furthermore, the cell mat according to claim 6 is characterized in that, in the cell mat according to claim 5, the check valve is detachably attached to the flow path. Furthermore, the air bed according to claim 7 is characterized in that a plurality of rod-shaped cells are arranged horizontally, the rod-shaped cells at both ends are larger in diameter than the rod-shaped cells in between, the plurality of rod-shaped cells are in communication with each other, and an air injection member equipped with a check valve is attached to the cell mat, and the cell mat is enclosed in an outer bag. Furthermore, the air bed according to claim 8 is characterized in that, in the air bed according to claim 7, the plurality of rod-shaped cells of the cell mat are welded at both ends in the vertical direction of a film cylinder and intermittently welded along a plurality of weld lines provided at intervals in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the air bed according to claim 9 is characterized in that, in the air bed described in claim 7, the air injection member penetrates the outer bag and is exposed to the outside.Furthermore, the air bed according to claim 10 is the air bed according to claim 9, characterized in that the check valve is attached to the air injection member, normally blocks the flow path, deforms to open the flow path when air is supplied, and deforms to open the flow path when the injected air is released. Furthermore, the air bed according to claim 11 is the air bed according to claim 10, characterized in that the check valve is detachably attached to the flow path. Furthermore, the air bed according to claim 12 is the air bed according to claim 7, characterized in that the outer bag is made into a bag shape by sewing. Furthermore, the air bed according to claim 13 is the air bed according to claim 12, characterized in that the outer bag is made by sewing a flat yarn woven fabric that is not laminated. Furthermore, the air bed according to claim 14 is the air bed according to claim 7, characterized in that the outer bag is made into a bag shape by heat welding. Furthermore, the air bed according to claim 15 is characterized in that, in the air bed according to claim 7, the end of the cell mat is fixed to the outer bag. Furthermore, the air bed according to claim 16 is characterized in that, in the air bed according to claim 7, a gripping portion is provided on the outer bag. Furthermore, the air bed according to claim 17 is characterized in that, in the air bed according to claim 16, a rope is installed on the gripping portion. Furthermore, the air bed according to claim 18 is characterized in that, in the air bed according to claim 17, the folded state is maintained by the rope and used as a sofa. Furthermore, the air bed according to claim 19 is characterized in that, in the air bed according to claim 16, the gripping portion is composed of a pair of gripping portion elements, and is attached so as to sandwich a part of the outer bag with the gripping portion elements. Furthermore, the method for manufacturing the cell mat according to claim 20 is characterized in that the longitudinal ends of a cylindrical body made of film are welded together, and then intermittently welded along a plurality of welding lines provided at intervals in the transverse direction.

[0008] As described above, according to the cell mat according to claim 1 of the present invention, multiple rod-shaped cells are connected horizontally, the rod-shaped cells at both the left and right ends are larger in diameter than the rod-shaped cells in between, the multiple rod-shaped cells are connected, and an air injection member equipped with a check valve is attached, so it does not require a large storage space, can be made ready for use with simple work, and can provide high-quality sleep. Furthermore, according to the cell mat according to claim 2, in the cell mat according to claim 1, the multiple rod-shaped cells are connected by welding both ends in the vertical direction of a film tube and intermittently welding along multiple welding lines provided at intervals in the horizontal direction, so it does not require a large storage space, can be made ready for use with simple work, and can provide high-quality sleep. Furthermore, it is easy to manufacture. Furthermore, according to the cell mat according to claim 3, in the cell mat according to claim 1, there are multiple, odd-numbered, rod-shaped cells between the rod-shaped cells at both the left and right ends, so it does not require a large storage space, can be made ready for use with simple work, and can provide high-quality sleep. Furthermore, according to the Cell Mat according to claim 4, in the Cell Mat described in claim 1, there are multiple, even number of rod-shaped cells between the rod-shaped cells at both the left and right ends, so it does not require a large storage space, can be made usable with simple work, and can provide high-quality sleep. Also, there is a concern that if the user lies in the center in the width direction, the rod-shaped cells in the center in the width direction may come into contact with the spine and cause discomfort, but since the center in the width direction is between the rod-shaped cells, such discomfort can be eliminated. Furthermore, according to the Cell Mat according to claim 5, in the Cell Mat described in claim 1, the check valve normally closes the flow path and deforms to open the flow path when air is sent in, so it does not require a large storage space, can be made usable with simple work, and can provide high-quality sleep. Also, the air injection work is easy.Furthermore, according to the Cell Mat according to claim 6, in the Cell Mat according to claim 5, the check valve is detachably attached to the flow path, so when injecting air, it can first be done with the check valve removed from the flow path, and once most of the air has been injected, it can be done with the check valve attached to the flow path and the check valve functioning, and when discharging air, it can be done with the check valve removed from the flow path, allowing for efficient injection and discharge of air. Furthermore, according to the Air Bed according to claim 7, a plurality of rod-shaped cells are arranged horizontally, the rod-shaped cells at both ends are larger in diameter than the rod-shaped cells in between, the plurality of rod-shaped cells are connected, and the Cell Mat comprises an air injection member equipped with a check valve and an outer bag in which the Cell Mat is housed, so it does not require a large storage space, can be made ready for use with simple work, and can provide high-quality sleep. Furthermore, according to the air bed of claim 8, in the air bed of claim 7, the multiple rod-shaped cells of the cell mattress are welded at both ends in the vertical direction of a film tube and intermittently welded along multiple weld lines provided at intervals in the horizontal direction. Therefore, it does not require a large storage space, can be made ready for use with simple work, and can provide high-quality sleep. Furthermore, it is easy to manufacture. Furthermore, according to the air bed of claim 9, in the air bed of claim 7, the air injection member is exposed to the outside by penetrating the outer bag. Therefore, it does not require a large storage space, can be made ready for use with simple work, and can provide high-quality sleep. Furthermore, the air injection work is also easy. Furthermore, according to the air bed of claim 10, in the air bed of claim 9, the check valve is attached to the air injection member and normally closes the flow path, deforms when air is supplied to open the flow path, and deforms to open the flow path when the injected air is released. Therefore, it does not require a large storage space, can be made ready for use with simple work, and can provide high-quality sleep. In addition, air injection and deflating are also easy.Furthermore, according to the air bed of claim 11, in the air bed of claim 10, the check valve is detachably attached to the flow path, so when inflating, the check valve can be removed from the flow path first, and once most of the air has been inflated, the check valve can be attached to the flow path and the check valve can be activated, and when discharging air, the check valve can be removed from the flow path, allowing for efficient inflation and deflation. Furthermore, according to the air bed of claim 12, in the air bed of claim 7, the outer bag is made into a bag shape by sewing, so it does not require a large storage space, can be made ready for use with simple work, and can provide high-quality sleep. Furthermore, it is easy to manufacture. Furthermore, according to the air bed of claim 13, in the air bed of claim 12, the outer bag is made by sewing flat yarn woven fabric that is not laminated, so it does not require a large storage space, can be made ready for use with simple work, and can provide high-quality sleep. Furthermore, it is easy to manufacture. Furthermore, according to the air bed of claim 14, in the air bed of claim 7, the outer bag is formed into a bag shape by heat welding, so it does not require a large storage space, can be made ready for use with simple work, and can provide high-quality sleep. It is also easy to manufacture. Furthermore, according to the air bed of claim 15, in the air bed of claim 7, the ends of the cell mattress are fixed to the outer bag, so it does not require a large storage space, can be made ready for use with simple work, and can provide high-quality sleep. It is also easy to handle. Furthermore, according to the air bed of claim 16, in the air bed of claim 7, a gripping part is provided on the outer bag, so it does not require a large storage space, can be made ready for use with simple work, and can provide high-quality sleep. It can also be used to transport a person by grasping the gripping part. Furthermore, according to the air bed of claim 17, in the air bed of claim 16, a rope is attached to the gripping part, so it does not require a large storage space, can be made ready for use with simple work, and can provide high-quality sleep.Furthermore, it can also be used to transport a person by gripping the rope. Furthermore, according to the air bed of claim 18, in the air bed of claim 17, the folded state is maintained by the rope and used as a sofa, so it does not require a large storage space, can be made ready for use with simple work, and can provide high-quality sleep. Furthermore, it can also be used as a sofa. Furthermore, according to the air bed of claim 19, in the air bed of claim 16, the gripping part is composed of a pair of gripping part elements, and is attached by sandwiching a part of the outer bag with the gripping part elements, so it does not require a large storage space, can be made ready for use with simple work, and can provide high-quality sleep. Furthermore, it is easy to manufacture. Furthermore, according to the method for manufacturing a cell mat of claim 20, both ends of the film tube in the vertical direction are welded, and then it is intermittently welded along a plurality of welding lines provided at intervals in the horizontal direction, so it is easy to manufacture.

[0009] Figure 1(a) is a perspective view of the air bed as seen from the air inlet side, and Figure 1(b) is a perspective view of the air bed as seen from the opposite side of the air inlet. Figure 1(b) is a perspective view of the air bed as seen from the opposite side of the air inlet, as shown in the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1(b) is a perspective view of the air bed as seen in the first embodiment of the present invention, with part of the outer bag omitted from the illustration and the internal cell mat exposed. Figure 2(b) is a plan view of the internal cell mat as seen in the first embodiment of the present invention, with air not being injected. Figure 3(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the air bed as seen in the first embodiment of the present invention, with the lid of the air bed closed, Figure 4(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the air bed as seen in the first embodiment of the present invention, with the lid of the air bed closed, Figure 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the air bed as seen in the first embodiment of the present invention, with the lid of the air bed open, and Figure 5(c) is a cross-sectional view of the air bed as seen in the first embodiment of the present invention, with air being injected. Figure 7(a) shows a perspective view of the air bed in an unloaded state, illustrating a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7(b) shows a perspective view of the air bed viewed from the air inlet side, illustrating a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8(a) shows a perspective view of the air bed used as a sofa, illustrating a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8(b) shows a plan view of the internal cell mat in an uninflated state. Figure 8(b) shows a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the air injection member, illustrating a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8(b) shows a perspective view showing the configuration of the air bed, illustrating a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9(b) shows a plan view showing the configuration of a pair of gripping elements constituting the gripping part, illustrating a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the air bed 1 according to this first embodiment consists of an outer bag 3 and an inner cell mat 5 housed inside the outer bag 3. The outer bag 3 is made of a low-stretch material, for example, a single sheet of unlaminated flat yarn woven fabric that has been sewn into a tubular shape to form a bag. Flat yarn is a flat thread made by cutting (slitting) a film of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) into strips and stretching it to give it strength, and such a thread is used to make a woven fabric. For example, polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) are considered as materials for the outer bag 3. In the case of polyethylene (PE), it can be heat-sealed, but in the case of polypropylene (PP), the seal strength is weak even if heat-sealed, so it is sewn.

[0011] As shown in Figure 3, the internal cell mat 5 is made by welding both ends of a cylindrical body 11 made of soft film in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) to welded parts 15 and 16, and welding multiple welded lines 17 (four in this embodiment) at a predetermined pitch in the short direction (horizontal direction). As a result, multiple rod-shaped cells 21 (five in this embodiment) are extended in the longitudinal direction and connected in the short direction (horizontal direction). The welded lines 17 have multiple non-welded parts 23 at equal intervals, and these non-welded parts 23 form multiple ventilation holes 25 that connect adjacent rod-shaped cells 21.

[0012] As shown in Figure 4, of the multiple rod-shaped cells 21, the two at the left and right ends are large-diameter rod-shaped cells 21, 21, and three small-diameter rod-shaped cells 21, 21, 21 are provided between these large-diameter rod-shaped cells 21, 21, 21, resulting in a total of five rod-shaped cells 21, 21, 21, 21, 21 being connected in series.

[0013] As shown in Figure 4(a), in an unloaded state, the large-diameter rod-shaped cells 21, 21 at the left and right ends of the rod-shaped cells 21 of the internal cell mat 5 are in contact with the usable side and the non-usable side of the outer bag 3, while the small-diameter rod-shaped cells 21, 21, 21 are not in contact with at least one of the usable side (upper side in Figure 4) or the non-usable side (lower side in Figure 4(a)) of the outer bag 3. The outer bag 3 is in an unfolded state in this manner.

[0014] As shown in Figure 4(b), when user A lies down on the usable side of the air bed 1 and a load is applied, the small-diameter rod-shaped cells 21, 21, 21 also come into contact with both the usable side (upper side in Figure 4(b)) and the non-usable side (lower side in Figure 4(b)) of the outer bag 3. The outer bag 3 is then stretched in this state. The outer bag 3 and the inner cell mat 5 are arranged in a dimensional relationship that allows the above state to be achieved.

[0015] The welded portion 15 is provided at one end of the internal cell mat 5 in the longitudinal direction (upper end in Figure 3), and the welded portion 16 is provided at the other end of the internal cell mat 5 in the longitudinal direction (lower end in Figure 3). The welded portion 16 is provided inward by a predetermined width from the welded portion 15, and the portion outside the welded portion 16 (lower portion in Figure 3) is sewn together with the outer bag 3. In this way, the internal cell mat 5 is integrated with the outer bag 3.

[0016] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, an air injection member 31 is installed in the air bed 1. As shown in Figure 5, the air injection member 31 consists of a substantially cylindrical bag penetration member 28, a substantially cylindrical valve seat 29 inserted into the bag penetration member 28, and a lid 30 inserted into the valve seat 29 from the outside. One end of the valve seat 29 has a bottom portion 33 with a flow path 32.

[0017] As shown in Figure 5(a), the bag penetration member 28 is positioned to penetrate the through-hole 26 of the outer bag 3 and the air inlet 27 of the inner cell mat 5. As shown in Figure 5, a check valve 35 is attached to the inner portion of the valve seat 29 inside the inner cell mat 5. Normally, the flow path 32 is closed by the check valve 35, but as shown in Figure 5(c), when air is supplied from the outside of the valve seat 29, the check valve 35 deforms and the flow path 32 is opened. To release the sealed air, the check valve 35 can also be deformed to open the flow path 32.

[0018] A flange 34 is provided on the outer circumference of the bag penetration member 28. The outer bag 3 and the inner cell mat 5 are welded together between the flange 34 and a fixing ring 36 installed inside the inner cell mat 5, thereby fixing the air injection member 31 to the outer bag 3 and the inner cell mat 5.

[0019] The lid 30 and the valve seat 29 are connected by a strip-shaped connecting portion 37, and the valve seat 29 is connected to a ring-shaped fixing portion 39 by a strip-shaped connecting portion 38. The fixing portion 39 is attached to the bag penetration member 28.

[0020] When not in use, the air bed 1 is stored in a folded state with no air filling the internal cell mat 5. When in use, an air gun (not shown), for example, is inserted into the air injection member 31 to inflate the internal cell mat 5 and make the air bed 1 usable.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, a gripping portion 41 is provided on the outer circumference of the outer bag 3. The gripping portion 41 has tab portions 43, 43 provided on both sides in the width direction of the outer bag 3. Multiple rope through holes 45 are provided in the tab portions 43, and eyelets 47 are installed in the rope through holes 45. An annular rope 49 is installed on the outer circumference of the outer bag 3, passing through the eyelets 47. As shown in Figure 4(b), user A is placed on the air bed 1, and the air bed 1 is lifted and moved by gripping the rope 49.

[0022] Next, the operation of this first embodiment will be explained. First, when not in use, the air bed 1 is stored in a folded state with no air filled into the internal cell mat 5. When using the air bed 1, for example, air is injected into the internal cell mat 5 via the air injection member 31 using an air gun (not shown) to inflate it and make it usable.

[0023] The air bed 1 described above is in the state shown in Figure 4(a) when unloaded. The large-diameter rod-shaped cells 21, 21 at the left and right ends of the rod-shaped cells 21 of the internal cell mat 5 are in contact with the usable side (upper side in Figure 4(a)) and the non-usable side (lower side in Figure 4(a)) of the outer bag 3. The small-diameter rod-shaped cells 21, 21, 21 of the rod-shaped cells 21 are not in contact with at least one of the usable side (upper side in Figure 4(a)) or the non-usable side (lower side in Figure 4(a)) of the outer bag 3. The outer bag 3 is in an expanded state in this manner.

[0024] When user A lies on the usable side of the air bed 1 and a load is applied, the state shown in Figure 4(b) is reached. The small-diameter rod-shaped cells 21, 21, 21 of the rod-shaped cells 21, 21, 21 of the internal cell mat 5 also come into contact with both the usable side (upper side in Figure 4(b)) and the non-usable side (lower side in Figure 4(b)) of the outer bag 3. The outer bag 3 is then stretched in this state. The change in the state of the internal cell mat 5 of the air bed 1 between the unloaded and loaded states allows user A to obtain a comfortable user experience.

[0025] To explain the above point in more detail, when user A lies down on the air mattress 1, their weight is first applied to the small-diameter rod-shaped cells 21, 21, 21 directly below them. The pressure inside the small-diameter rod-shaped cells 21, 21, 21 under the user's weight increases, and this pressure increase propagates to the large-diameter rod-shaped cells 21, 21 at both ends. The large-diameter rod-shaped cells 21, 21 at both ends tend to expand in diameter due to the increase in internal pressure, but since the outside is covered by the outer bag 3, this ultimately results in an increase in the tension of the outer bag 3. This increase in tension functions as a force to support user A's weight. In other words, user A's weight is not supported by the internal cell mat 5 alone, but also by the increased tension of the outer bag 3. At that time, since the outer bag 3 is made of a breathable material, the outer bag 3 itself does not become an air bladder.

[0026] Next, we will explain the case where the air bed 1 is used as a stretcher. In this case, as shown in Figure 4(b), the user A (person to be transported) is laid down on the inflated air bed 1, and as shown in Figure 1, several people are positioned around the air bed 1 to grasp the rope 49. In this state, the air bed 1 is lifted and transported to the designated location.

[0027] Next, the effects of this first embodiment will be explained. First, it does not require a large storage space, can be made ready for use with simple work, and can provide high-quality sleep. That is, when not in use, the internal cell mat 5 is not filled with air and can be stored in a small storage space by folding the whole thing. Also, when in use, it can be made ready for use simply by injecting air into the internal cell mat 5 via the air injection member 13 using an air pump. Furthermore, when in use, the weight of user A is not supported by the internal cell mat 5 alone, but also by the increased tension of the outer bag 3, so user A does not feel the protrusion of the rod-shaped cells 21 of the internal cell mat 5. Also, even if the load-bearing area changes due to turning over in sleep, etc., there is no sudden change because the load is not supported locally, and the discomfort and fluffiness associated with air movement are effectively reduced, providing a stable and good sleeping experience. In addition, the rod-shaped cells 21, 21 at both ends of the rod-shaped cells 21 are large in diameter, so it is possible to prevent them from falling out when user A turns over in sleep.

[0028] The internal cell mat 5 is constructed by welding a soft film to form a plurality of rod-shaped cells 21, making it easy to manufacture. Furthermore, since the outer bag 3 is made by sewing together unlaminated flat yarn woven fabric, the air bed 1 with appropriate elasticity for use as bedding can be easily obtained with a simpler construction.

[0029] Furthermore, since the internal cell mat 5 is made of a soft film and the outer bag 3 is made of unlaminated flat yarn woven fabric, the air bed 1 can be folded with the air removed from the inside via the air injection member 31, thereby reducing the space required for storage.

[0030] Furthermore, the end of the internal cell mat 5 on the side of the welded portion 16 is sewn together with the outer bag 3, and the internal cell mat 5 is integrated with the outer bag 3, so that displacement of the internal cell mat 5 within the outer bag 3 can be prevented.

[0031] Furthermore, since the air bed 1 is provided with a gripping portion 41, it can be easily moved with user A on it, as shown in Figure 4(b). In addition, the gripping portion 41 has an annular rope 49, which has the advantage of making it easy to grip the air bed 1. Moreover, the lid 30 and valve seat 29 of the air injection member 31 are connected by a strip-shaped connecting portion 36, the valve seat 29 is connected to a ring-shaped fixing portion 38 by a strip-shaped connecting portion 37, and the fixing portion 38 is attached to the bag penetration member 28, so the loss of the lid 30 can be prevented.

[0032] An experiment was conducted to confirm that the device can provide high-quality sleep. First, the pressure on various parts of user A's body was measured while user A lay or sat on the air mattress using this embodiment. The results showed that no phenomenon of pressure concentration in specific areas occurred. For example, the occurrence of pressure ulcers in people requiring care who are lying down is also reduced.

[0033] In another experiment, user A lay on the airbed 1 according to this embodiment for a predetermined time, and the waveform changes of the pectoralis major, external oblique, erector spinae (right side), erector spinae (left side), rectus femoris, and gastrocnemius muscles were measured. The user turned over multiple times within the predetermined time. As a result, there were no significant changes in the waveforms of the pectoralis major, external oblique, erector spinae (right side), erector spinae (left side), rectus femoris, and gastrocnemius muscles even when turning over. This means that the user was able to turn over without strain. Both experiments were conducted at the Shizuoka Prefectural Industrial Technology Center.

[0034] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 6. The air bed 101 according to this second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the air bed 1 according to the first embodiment, but uses an internal cell mat 103 with a different configuration. The internal cell mat 103 has substantially the same configuration as the internal cell mat 5 of the air bed 1 according to the first embodiment, but has two small-diameter rod-shaped cells 21, and is composed of a total of four rod-shaped cells 21.

[0035] Furthermore, the other components are the same as in the first embodiment described above, and the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the figures, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0036] In this second embodiment, the same functions and effects as in the first embodiment can be achieved. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, there is a concern that when user A lies down in the center in the width direction, the rod-shaped cells 21 in the center in the width direction may come into contact with the spine and cause discomfort. However, in this second embodiment, the center in the width direction is between the rod-shaped cells 21, so such discomfort can be eliminated.

[0037] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 7. The air bed 201 according to this third embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the air bed 1 according to the first embodiment and the air bed 101 according to the second embodiment, but uses an outer bag 203 with a different configuration. The outer bag 203 is made by sewing the outer edges of two flat yarn woven fabrics 205 and 207 together to form a bag.

[0038] A gripping portion 211 is provided on the outer periphery of the outer bag 3. Multiple tabs 213 are provided on the gripping portion 211. The multiple tabs 213 are attached to the outer periphery of the outer bag 3 together with the flat yarn woven fabrics 205 and 207 by sewing their base ends together. The tabs 213 are provided with rope through holes 215, and eyelets 217 are installed in the rope through holes 215. A rope 49 is installed on the outer periphery of the outer bag 203, passing through the eyelets 217. The other configurations are the same as in the first and second embodiments described above, and the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the figures, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0039] In this third embodiment as well, the same functions and effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be achieved.

[0040] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8. The air bed 301 according to this fourth embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the air bed 1 according to the first embodiment. However, as shown in FIG. 8(a), it is bent at the central portion in the length direction, and the rope 303 is passed through the hem 47 on the end side and held in a bent state so as to be used like a sofa.

[0041] An internal cell mat 305 is used for the air bed 301. The internal cell mat 305 has substantially the same configuration as the internal cell mat 5 of the air bed 1 according to the first embodiment. However, as shown in FIG. 8(b), a plurality of welded portions 307 extending in the width direction (vertical direction in FIG. 8(b)) are provided at the central portion in the length direction (left - right direction in FIG. 8(b)) so as to be easily bent.

[0042] In the case of this fourth embodiment as well, in addition to having the same actions and effects as those of the first to third embodiments, it can also be used as a sofa.

[0043] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9. In the case of this fifth embodiment, the configuration of the air injection member 31 described in the first embodiment is partially improved. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the valve seat 29 of the air injection member 2 is attached to the bag - penetrating member 28 in a detachable state. Incidentally, other configurations are the same as those in the case of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same parts in the figure and their descriptions are omitted.

[0044] According to the above configuration, when injecting air into the internal cell mat 5, first, as shown in FIG. 9, the valve seat 29 is pulled out from the bag - penetrating member 28 to make the air injection port 27 fully open. An air gun is inserted therein to efficiently inject air. With a large amount of air injected into the internal cell mat 5, the valve seat 29 is inserted into the air injection port 27 so that the check valve 35 functions. In that state, an air gun is inserted and air is injected until the exterior body 3 is in an extended state.

[0045] When extracting air from the internal cell mat 5, the valve seat 29 is pulled out from the bag - penetrating member 28 to make the air injection port 27 fully open.

[0046] According to the above configuration, the same effects as those in the case of the first embodiment can be achieved, and since the valve seat 29 of the air injection member 2 is attached to the bag penetration member 28 in a detachable state, air can be efficiently injected and discharged.

[0047] Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. Three gripping portions 401 are detachably attached to the left and right tab portions 43, 43, respectively, on the left and right. As shown in FIG. 11, the gripping portion 401 is composed of a pair of gripping portion elements 403, 405. A plurality of protrusions 407 project from the gripping portion element 403 at a plurality of locations. A plurality of through holes 409 are formed in the gripping portion element 405 at a plurality of locations. A gripping concavo-convex portion 404 is provided inside the gripping portion element 403. Similarly, a gripping concavo-convex portion 406 is provided inside the gripping portion element 405.

[0048] The pair of gripping portion elements 403, 405 sandwich the tab portion 13 from the front and back, and with the tab portion 43 sandwiched, the protrusions 407 are inserted into the through holes 409. In this way, the gripping portion 401 is attached to the tab portion 43. At that time, the gripping concavo-convex portion 404 and the gripping concavo-convex portion 406 are combined to form a finger engagement portion. A cut 411 is made in the tab portion 43 surrounded by the gripping portion 401 with a cutter not shown. Insert a finger into the cut 411 and grasp the gripping portion 401. At that time, the finger will engage with the finger engagement portion. In this sixth embodiment, there are no staples or ropes provided in the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those in the case of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same parts in the drawings and the description thereof is omitted.

[0049] Therefore, the same effects as those in the case of the first embodiment can be achieved, and the gripping portion 401 can be provided with a simpler configuration. Also, there is a concern that a staple may cause a child to insert a finger and get injured, but there is no such concern in the case of the gripping portion 401. In this embodiment, three gripping portions 401 are provided on the left and right, but it is not limited thereto, and two or four or more may be provided.

[0050] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the first to sixth embodiments described above. First, in the first to sixth embodiments, the case of manufacturing the internal cell mat using a cylindrical body made of a flexible film was given as an example, but the internal cell mat may also be manufactured by welding two flexible films together. Also, in the first to sixth embodiments, the cases of having five and four rod-shaped cells were given as examples, but the invention is not limited to these, and various cases for the number of rod-shaped cells are conceivable. In addition, it is conceivable to fold the air bed according to the first to third embodiments, as in the air bed according to the fourth embodiment, and use it as a sofa. Also, in the first to sixth embodiments, the case of using the air bed for use in evacuation shelters during disasters was given as an example, but the invention is not limited to this, and its application can also be considered as an air bed for outdoor use such as camping, or as an air bed for use in normal times. Furthermore, while the first to sixth embodiments were described using the example of forming the outer bag by sewing, the method is not limited to this, and it is also possible to form the bag by heat welding, for example. In addition, the integration of the outer bag and the inner cell mat can also be done by heat welding. Furthermore, while the first to fifth embodiments were described using the example of attaching a rope around the outer body, the method is not limited to this, and a configuration without attaching a rope, as in the sixth embodiment, is also possible, and the configuration without attaching a rope is not limited to the configuration in Figure 10. Other illustrations are merely examples.

[0051] The present invention relates, for example, to a cell mat, an air bed, and a method for manufacturing a cell mat, which can be used in evacuation shelters during disasters. In particular, it relates to a product that does not require a large storage space, can be made ready for use with simple work, and can provide high-quality sleep. It is suitable, for example, for bedding used in emergencies such as disasters.

[0052] 1 Air bed 3 Outer bag 5 Inner cell mat 17 Welded reinforcement 21 Rod-shaped cell 25 Ventilation hole 41 Grip part 101 Air bed 103 Inner cell mat 201 Air bed 203 Outer bag 205 Flat yarn fabric 207 Flat yarn fabric 211 Grip part 301 Air bed 305 Inner cell mat

Claims

1. A cell mat characterized by having multiple rod-shaped cells arranged horizontally in series, with the rod-shaped cells at both ends having a larger diameter than the rod-shaped cells in between, the multiple rod-shaped cells being connected to each other, and having an air injection member equipped with a check valve attached.

2. The cell mat according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of rod-shaped cells are connected by welding both ends in the longitudinal direction of a cylindrical body made of film, and intermittently welding along a plurality of welding lines provided at intervals in the transverse direction.

3. A cell mat according to claim 1, characterized in that there are multiple, odd-numbered, rod-shaped cells between the rod-shaped cells at both the left and right ends.

4. A cell mat according to claim 1, characterized in that there are multiple, even number of rod-shaped cells between the rod-shaped cells at both the left and right ends.

5. A cell mat according to claim 1, characterized in that the check valve normally blocks the flow path and deforms to open the flow path when air is supplied.

6. A cell mat according to claim 5, characterized in that the check valve is detachably attached to the flow path.

7. An air bed characterized by comprising: a cell mat having multiple rod-shaped cells arranged horizontally in a series, with the rod-shaped cells at both ends having a larger diameter than the rod-shaped cells in between, the multiple rod-shaped cells being connected, and having an air injection member equipped with a check valve attached; and an outer bag in which the cell mat is placed.

8. An air bed according to claim 7, characterized in that the plurality of rod-shaped cells of the cell mat are welded at both ends in the longitudinal direction of a cylindrical body made of film, and intermittently welded along a plurality of welding lines provided at intervals in the transverse direction.

9. An air bed according to claim 7, characterized in that the air injection member penetrates the outer bag and is exposed to the outside.

10. An air bed according to claim 9, wherein the check valve is attached to the air injection member, normally blocks the flow path, deforms to open the flow path when air is supplied, and deforms to open the flow path when the injected air is released.

11. An air bed according to claim 10, characterized in that the check valve is detachably attached to the flow path.

12. An air bed according to claim 7, characterized in that the outer bag is formed into a bag shape by sewing.

13. An air bed according to claim 12, characterized in that the outer bag is made of flat yarn woven fabric that is not laminated and is sewn together.

14. An air bed according to claim 7, characterized in that the outer bag is formed into a bag shape by heat welding.

15. An air bed according to claim 7, characterized in that the end of the cell mat is fixed to the outer bag.

16. An air bed according to claim 7, characterized in that the outer bag is provided with a gripping portion.

17. An air bed according to claim 16, characterized in that a rope is installed on the gripping portion.

18. An air bed according to claim 17, characterized in that it is used as a sofa by maintaining a folded state with the rope mentioned above.

19. An air bed according to claim 16, characterized in that the gripping portion is composed of a pair of gripping elements and is attached by the gripping elements in such a way that it sandwiches a part of the outer bag.

20. A method for manufacturing a cell mat, characterized by welding both ends of a film-made cylindrical body in the longitudinal direction, and then intermittently welding along a plurality of welding lines provided at intervals in the transverse direction.

Images