JP7766538B2 - cushion - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to the structure of a cushion.

Cushion structures in which a filler material is enclosed within a bag are disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-131443 (Patent Document 1), Utility Model Registration No. 3050136 (Patent Document 2), Utility Model Registration No. 3181787 (Patent Document 3), Utility Model Registration No. 3225037 (Patent Document 4), Utility Model Registration No. 3230083 (Patent Document 5), Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-336093 (Patent Document 6), Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-112191 (Patent Document 7), Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-146064 (Patent Document 8), and Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 3-118066 (Patent Document 9).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-131443 Utility Model Registration No. 3050136 Utility Model Registration No. 3181787 Utility Model Registration No. 3225037 Utility Model Registration No. 3230083 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-336093 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-112191 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-146064 Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. 3-118066

In the cushions disclosed in the above documents, a fabric material is used for the bag body. Because the fabric material itself is breathable, the firmness of the cushion can be adjusted by adjusting the amount and material of the filler, etc.

In recent years, cushions have come to be used in a variety of areas, and there is a growing demand for cushions with a new feel to differentiate them from other products.

This invention was made in light of these issues, and aims to provide a cushion that provides a pressure sensation different from conventional cushions.

A cushion according to the present disclosure comprises a bag body and a filler material sealed within the bag body, the bag body including a non-air-passing region that does not allow air to pass easily and an air-passing region that allows air to pass through, and the surface area of the air-passing region of the bag body is smaller than that of the non-air-passing region.

In another form of cushion, the bag body is made of one or more air-tight fabrics, with the edges sewn together, and the air-tight areas are formed by using a material that does not easily allow air to pass through the fabric, while the air-passing areas are formed by the sewn areas of the fabric.

In other cushion configurations, the fabric has a double structure consisting of a top fabric and a backing fabric, and the backing fabric is made of a resin material that does not easily allow air to pass through.

In other cushion configurations, the backing fabric is EVA resin.

This disclosure makes it possible to provide a cushion that provides a different pressure sensation than previous cushions.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the cushion of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a right side view of the cushion of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cushion of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the cushion of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cushion of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fabric used in the cushion of the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a first schematic diagram showing air escape when the cushion of the present embodiment is pressed. FIG. 10 is a second schematic diagram showing the escape of air when the cushion of the present embodiment is pressed. FIG. 10 is a third schematic diagram showing the escape of air when the cushion of the present embodiment is pressed. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the shape of a cushion according to another embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the shape of a cushion according to another embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the shape of a cushion according to another embodiment.

Cushions according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, when reference is made to numbers, quantities, etc., the scope of the present invention is not necessarily limited to those numbers, quantities, etc., unless otherwise specified. The same reference numbers will be used for the same or equivalent parts, and overlapping descriptions may not be repeated. It is intended from the outset that the configurations in the embodiments will be used in appropriate combinations.

(Overall composition: 1 cushion)
For example, when used in a beauty salon, the cushion 1 allows a customer to place the cushion 1 on their lap and rest their arms on it during a haircut or coloring session, allowing them to relax and read a magazine or tablet, thereby providing a comfortable experience for the customer. Furthermore, the cushion 1 of this embodiment can be used in a variety of settings, including waiting rooms, offices, moving vehicles, and living rooms at home, providing a relaxing experience, without being limited to beauty salons. The overall configuration of the cushion 1 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 1 is a front view of the cushion 1 of this embodiment, FIG. 2 is a right side view, FIG. 3 is a plan view, FIG. 4 is a bottom view, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view.

The cushion 1 of this embodiment has a crescent-shaped outer shape, and measures, for example, a width (W) of approximately 60 cm to 70 cm, a height (H1) of approximately 40 cm to 50 cm, a height (H2) of the curved recess of approximately 30 cm to 40 cm, a maximum width (D1) of approximately 20 cm to 30 cm, and a base width (D2) of approximately 10 cm to 20 cm. The cushion 1 is not limited to these sizes, and the optimum size can be adopted depending on the intended use of the cushion 1.

For example, if a user is sitting in a chair and places the cushion 1 on their lap with the recessed side facing their abdomen, the recessed part will fit around their abdomen, and by placing their arms on the cushion, it is a comfortable size that allows them to read a magazine or the like in comfort.

In this embodiment, the cushion 1 comprises a bag body 10 and a filler material 20 sealed inside the bag body 10. The bag body 10 comprises a first fabric 111, a second fabric 112, and a third fabric 113, the ends of which are sewn together to form the bag body 10. The first fabric 111 and the second fabric 112 are crescent-shaped, while the third fabric 113 has a narrow boat-like shape with narrowed ends. The first fabric 111, the second fabric 112, and the third fabric 113 are all made of fabrics that do not easily allow air to pass through. Therefore, the surfaces of the first fabric 111, the second fabric 112, and the third fabric 113 form the non-air-passing regions 11a. The fabric that makes up the bag body 10 may be a structure in which one piece of fabric is folded over to form a bag and sewn together at the periphery, or a structure in which two pieces of fabric are sewn together to form a bag, or a structure in which four or more pieces of fabric are sewn together to form a bag, without being limited to the three pieces of fabric used in this embodiment.

Here, fabrics that do not allow air to pass easily include not only those that do not allow 100% air to pass through, but also materials that, for example, allow air to gradually escape through tiny holes when left for a long period of time, but do not allow air to pass through immediately when pressure is applied. The most suitable materials for this type of fabric will be described later.

A predetermined amount of filler is enclosed within the bag 10. While various materials can be used as the filler depending on the cushion's optimal fit, in this embodiment, 100% polyester is used as the batting. The batting used has a diameter of 70 tex, a length of 51 mm, and a regular filament content. Furthermore, the batting fibers are hollow-fiber entangled, and the weight of the batting used is 600 g for a total cushion weight of approximately 830 g.

The edges of the first fabric 111, second fabric 112, and third fabric 113 are sewn together. The stitching is done with a plain stitch, with 11 stitches per inch. Polyester thread (count 40SX2) is recommended for sewing.

The seams of the fabric form air passage areas 11b, which allow air to enter and exit the bag body 10. In terms of the surface area of the bag body 10, the air passage areas 11b are smaller than the non-air passage areas 11a.

(Fabric composition)
Next, the fabrics used for the first fabric 111, the second fabric 112, and the third fabric 113 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the first fabric 111, the second fabric 112, and the third fabric 113.

The fabric has a double structure, with an outer fabric A1 on the side that comes into contact with the user and an inner fabric B1 located on the inside. The inner fabric B1 is made of a resin material that does not easily allow air to pass through. The outer fabric A1 should be made of a fabric that feels comfortable to the user when touched. In this embodiment, the outer fabric A1 is made of micro velour with a thickness (X1) of approximately 3 mm. Micro velour is a brushed material with a glossy finish, providing a comfortable feel. A variety of fabrics suitable for cushion outer fabrics can be used for the outer fabric A1.

The lining fabric B1 is made of a resin material that does not easily allow air to pass through, and is made of EVA resin (ethylene vinyl acetate) with a thickness (X2) of approximately 1.2 mm. The use of EVA resin prevents air from passing through easily, giving the fabric elasticity without compromising the texture of the outer fabric A1. The resin material used for the lining fabric B1 is EVA resin bonded to the back of the outer fabric A1.

EVA resin has the following advantages: In terms of "elasticity and flexibility," it is more elastic and flexible than polyethylene resin. It does not harden easily even at low temperatures. In terms of "lightweight," because it is a foam, it contains a lot of air and is significantly lighter than materials made simply from rubber. In terms of "durability, elasticity, and flexibility," it is resistant to moisture and can withstand use in wet areas (it is also highly resistant to light and ozone, so it is also resistant to UV rays). In terms of "environmental," it is environmentally friendly and safe; as it is a chlorine-free material, it does not produce dioxins when incinerated and is easy to recycle (it is safe because it does not contain harmful substances).

The lining fabric B1 is not limited to EVA resin, and materials with equivalent properties may also be used.

(Actions and Effects)
The effects of the cushion 1 having the above configuration will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Figures 7 to 9 are first to third schematic diagrams showing the escape of air when the cushion 1 is pressed.

As described above, in this cushion 1, the surface of the fabric forms the non-air passing area 11a, and the seams of the fabric form the air passing area 11b. As a result, in terms of the surface area of the cushion 1, the air passing area 11b is significantly smaller than the non-air passing area 11a. As a result, when the user applies pressure F to the cushion 1, the air inside does not escape through the non-air passing area 11a, but instead gradually escapes through the air passing area 11b (arrow A in Figures 7 and 8).

In this way, the cushion 1 traps air inside like a balloon inflated by the filler 20, giving the cushion 1 a firm feel when used. At the same time, the air inside the cushion 1 gradually escapes to the outside through the air passage area 11b, which is the seam between the cushion 1 fabric, allowing the cushion 1 to be compressed while maintaining its firmness, as shown in Figure 9.

On the other hand, when pressure F is released, the repulsive force of the internal filler 20 causes air to gradually fill the interior again through the air passage area 11b.

In this way, the cushion 1 of this embodiment creates a soft, bouncy sensation while maintaining a certain level of tension in the cushion 1, allowing for a unique feeling of relaxation and providing a cushion with a pressure sensation different from that of conventional cushions.

For example, if the cushion 1 of this embodiment is used in a beauty salon, customers can place the cushion 1 on their lap and rest their arms on it while getting their hair cut or colored, allowing them to relax and read a magazine or tablet, providing a comfortable experience for the customer. Furthermore, the cushion 1 of this embodiment can be used in a variety of settings, not just beauty salons, such as waiting rooms, offices, moving vehicles, and living rooms at home, providing a relaxing experience.

(Other cushion shapes)
Other external appearances of the cushion will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. Figures 10 to 12 are diagrams showing the shape of a cushion according to another embodiment.

In the above embodiment, the cushion 1 is described as being crescent-shaped, but it is not limited to this shape. As long as the cushion has the air-blocking area 11a and air-passing area 11b described above, the same configuration as the cushion 1 can be used for all cushions with shapes that can be used for cushions, such as the heart-shaped cushion 1A shown in FIG. 10, the circular cushion 1B shown in FIG. 11, the rectangular cushion 1C shown in FIG. 12, and others.

The cushion of the present disclosure has been described above in the embodiments, but the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

1, 1A, 1B, 1C: cushion; 10: bag body; 11a: non-air-permeable area; 11b: air-permeable area; 20: filling material; 111: first fabric; 112: second fabric; 113: third fabric; A1: outer fabric; B1: inner fabric.

Claims (1)

A bag body,
a filler material sealed in the bag body,
The bag body is
an air-non-passing region that does not allow air to pass through easily;
an air passage area for passing air therethrough;
The surface area of the bag body is smaller in the air passage region than in the non-air passage region,
The bag body is made of one or more air-impermeable fabrics, the edges of which are sewn together,
The non-air passing region is formed by using a material that does not allow air to easily pass through the fabric,
The air passage area is formed by the stitched area of the fabric,
The material that does not allow air to easily pass through the fabric is EVA resin,
The filler is a hollow fiber batting of polyester,
In an initial state, the cushion traps air inside like a balloon inflated with the filling material.
cushion.