JP5904584B2 - cushion - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a cushion. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cushion having an excellent effect in preventing skin disorders such as congestion and pressure ulcers.

  Conventionally, soft cushions with high cushioning properties have been used for cushions, pillows, and car cushions. In addition, cushions are disclosed for use in preventing pressure ulcers that occur when the same posture is maintained for a long time on a bed, a wheelchair, or the like (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

  However, the above-mentioned conventional cushions, pillows, and cushions for cars, etc. are complicated in construction and costly to manufacture, but from the viewpoint of pressure distribution and reduction of the load on the greater gluteal muscle and skin. It was not enough.

JP 2010-063745 A JP 11-151140 A

  Therefore, the present invention provides a cushion that exhibits a particularly excellent effect in the prevention of skin disorders such as congestion and pressure ulcers, in which the dispersion of overload is better, the load on the skin can be further reduced. With the goal. It is another object of the present invention to provide a cushion that can be manufactured by an easier method than before, is easy to handle, and has wide applicability.

In order to achieve the above object, the cushion of the present invention comprises:
A frame,
A flexible main member provided in the frame of the frame,
From the both sides of the main member to the frame body, each consisting of a plurality of cushioning members arranged side by side,
The main member has a deformability that spreads at least to both sides when compressed in the downward direction under heavy load from above,
When each buffer member receives deformation due to compression of the main member, each buffer member can move toward the frame, and the frame can be deformed outward.

Further, it is preferable that at least one buffer member has a quadrangular prism shape and is inclined from the main member toward the frame.
In addition, it is preferable that the cross section of at least one buffer member is a quadrangular prism having a parallelogram shape.
The main member is preferably composed of a triangular prism, a quadrangular prism, or a pentagonal prism.
Moreover, it is preferable that the cross section of the main member has a trapezoidal shape or a triangular shape.
In addition, when the cross section of the main member is a triangle, it is preferable that a surface having a base of the triangle is an upper surface and a side having a vertex facing the base is provided downward.
In addition, when the cross section of the main member is trapezoidal, a surface having a long side of the upper base or lower base of the trapezoid is used as an upper surface, and a surface having a short side is provided as a lower surface. Is preferred.
Further, it is preferable that each member of the cushion is constituted by a flexible member having a vertical fiber blending structure.
In addition, it is preferable that an elastic cloth is provided on at least one side surface of the at least one buffer member.
Further, it is preferable that the frame body, the main member, and each buffer member are individually independent and can be removed or replaced.
Further, it is preferable that the frame body, the main member, and each buffer member are connected by a connecting member.
Moreover, it is suitable that a connection member is a hook-and-loop fastener.
It is also preferred that the cushion is a congestion prevention or pressure ulcer prevention cushion.

When a person sits down, not only is the vertical (up and down) pressure applied to the periphery of the sciatica or sacrum, but also the surrounding soft tissues such as muscle tissue and fat such as the greater calf muscle are compressed. At this time, a force spreading outward is also generated in the compressed soft tissue. On the other hand, the cushion is shaped so that the part that receives the most weight sinks, and the part where the soft tissue comes into contact is inward because the center sinks contrary to the force that the soft tissue tries to spread outward (especially left and right). Force directed. For this reason, the shearing force (displacement force) between the cushion and the skin also increases, which may cause skin disorders such as congestion or pressure sores.

Therefore, the present inventors can move independently of the material deformation, that is, the deformation of the material in three axial directions (x, y, z) with respect to the cushion that has been focused on the evaluation of pressure reduction. By using multiple materials in combination, we found that compared to conventional cushions, we can increase the contact area of the buttocks, reduce the displacement force, and redistribute excessively well. It has been possible to develop a cushion that is highly effective in preventing congestion and pressure ulcers.
Therefore, in the present invention, when the main member hits the periphery of the sciatic bone or the sacrum when sitting down and is placed at a position (center of gravity) that receives the excessive weight, when the main member receives the excessive weight and is compressed up and down, it spreads horizontally and vertically. The shape is deformed (triaxial deformability), and the force generated by this spread propagates to a plurality of buffer members arranged from the left and right of the main member to the frame, and these buffer members fall toward the frame. As a result of moving so as to be pushed or spread, an important feature is that the frame itself also has a configuration that spreads to the left and right (slightly spreads in the vertical direction due to the triaxial deformability of the main member). is there. At this time, at least a part of the soft tissue around the center of gravity of the buttocks, such as the greater gluteal muscle, overloads the at least one buffer member, and the buffer member spreads outward (particularly to the left and right) of the soft tissue. Together, the shape spreads outward, and the pressure can be distributed while reducing the displacement force applied to the skin.

By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to provide a cushion that is highly effective in preventing congestion and pressure ulcers while spreading the contact area to the skin and reducing the load per unit area, and at the same time, spreading the pressure especially to the left and right. it can.

In this application, the terms up / down, left / right, and vertical are used. When the cushion is placed on a normal flat ground, the top / bottom corresponds to the vertical line (Z axis) and the left / right is horizontal. Corresponding to the direction (X axis) and the direction from the main member to the buffer member arrangement direction (lateral direction), the vertical direction (Y axis) corresponds to the horizontal direction (X axis) and the direction perpendicular to the Z axis, and the XY plane. Corresponds to the seating plane of the cushion.

Each member of the present invention may have any shape as long as the above object is achieved. However, if the main member is a triangular prism or a quadrangular prism with a cross-section and is arranged so that its width narrows downward, it achieves the purpose of increasing the lateral extension due to overload, and adjacent to it. This is particularly preferable because the object of moving the buffer member disposed on the frame toward the frame can be achieved at the same time.

It is preferable that a plurality of buffer members are provided from the left and right side surfaces of the main member, and that each of the buffer members is provided as a quadrangular column so as to receive the spread of the main member from side to side and fall into the frame body like a domino. The number of cushioning members provided on the left and right is appropriately set according to the shape, size, material, etc. of the frame, but it is preferable to provide three or more, more preferably about five on each of the left and right. Further, if the cross section is configured as a quadrangular prism having a parallelogram, it is preferable because both the seating surface and the bottom surface can be maintained flat and can easily fall down toward the frame. Even in other shapes such as a trapezoid, a configuration in which the cushioning member moves so as to fall toward the outer frame while maintaining the flatness of the seating surface as much as possible is preferable. Note that the buffer member in contact with the frame may be a triangular prism instead of a quadrangular prism as a result. The frame body is not particularly limited as long as it has a frame shape that receives the main member and the buffer member. However, a square or rectangular shape in plan view (viewed from above) is preferable because it is easy to manufacture as in the examples described later. In addition, in this invention, it is not the meaning which excludes arrange | positioning a buffer member also to the vertical direction of a main member. Since the buffer member is also formed of a flexible member, when moving outward, the portion that received the most force moves the most and appears to be bent in plan view.

As long as the cushion of the present invention is a flexible member having triaxial deformability, for example, various cushion materials such as a urethane material and a sponge material can be used as a material. In particular, a material sold as V-lap (registered trademark) by Teijin Fibers Limited is most suitable. This material is a non-woven fabric that combines a structure in which fibers are uniformly arranged in the thickness direction (vertical direction) and raw cotton with high functionality, and has high pressure dispersibility and is more flexible and flexible than conventional non-woven fabrics. It is also excellent in properties.

By using the same material for the frame, the main member, and the cushioning member, it is possible to feel a sense of unity when sitting, and it is possible to make up by cutting and cutting from a single sheet. It is also ideal for making softer cushions with superior pressure reduction and right and left pressure diffusion. In addition, it is preferable to use a separate material for each member because the labor for material procurement and the cost for the material are not required.

Since the individual body weight, the size of the buttocks, the position of the center of gravity, the way of sitting, etc. vary greatly among individuals, the optimal size of the main member and the buffer member, the number of the buffer members, etc. may vary depending on the individual, but this configuration of the present invention. According to the report, it is easy to customize, and it is more effective for those who need to prevent congestion and pressure ulcers.

It is preferable that at least one side surface of the at least one buffer member is provided with an elastic fabric (an elastic fabric having a small friction coefficient) that reduces friction compared to the contact between the buffer members. This is to make each other slippery and to cause large movement and pressure diffusion. As the stretchable fabric having a small friction coefficient, various known fabrics such as polyester fabric can be used, and can be bonded by a known means such as hot melt.

Each member may be integrally formed (for example, the bottom surface is connected, etc.) as long as the above-described purpose is achieved. However, the frame body, the main member, and each buffer member are independent of each other. It is preferred that each can be removed or replaced. This is because it is easy to apply pressure so that only damaged or dirty members can be replaced. In this case, for example, if the members are connected to each other using a hook-and-loop fastener near the frame (near the edge), even if the cushion is lifted, the members are prevented from falling and the force is propagated while improving the adhesion to some extent. This is preferable because it can be maintained. However, this is not intended to exclude other means, such as providing a flat bottom member on the bottom, or storing it in a cover having stretchability, breathability, water repellency, waterproofness, and the like.

With the above configuration of the present invention, the dispersion of overload is better, the load on the skin can be further reduced, and a particularly excellent effect can be exhibited in the prevention of skin disorders such as congestion and pressure ulcers. . Furthermore, it is possible to provide a cushion that can be manufactured by an easier method than before and has a wide handling applicability.

It is a figure which shows the cushion of this invention. It is a figure which shows the frame of the cushion of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cut main member and a buffer member. It is a figure which shows the buffer member of the left half. It is a data figure which shows the seat surface pressure at the time of the cushion non-use of this invention. It is a data figure which shows the seat surface pressure at the time of cushion use of this invention.

An example of the form of the experiment of the present invention is shown below.
FIG. 1 is a view showing a cushion 1 of the present invention. A triangular prism main member 4 is arranged in the center of the inside of the frame 2, and a plurality of quadrangular columnar buffer members 5 having a parallelogram cross section are arranged on the left and right sides of the triangular prism main member 4. Has been. The buffer member 3 that is farthest from the main member 4 and is in contact with the frame 2 has a triangular prism shape (see FIG. 3). If a general adult is a subject, the width of the main member 4 and the buffer member 5 in FIG. 1 is about several centimeters to 30 cm, and the width of the main member 4 is configured wider than the buffer member 5.
Although the cushion 1 of the present invention is originally composed of a single sheet, a plurality of layers of sheets of the same material or different materials may be stacked and compressed and heated to result in a single sheet. V-lap (trademark registration) is used as the material in this embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a view showing the frame 2 of the cushion 1 of the present invention.
The frame body 2 can be manufactured, for example, by cutting out from a single sheet-like flexible member. As the hollowing-out method, various known methods such as cutting with a blade or punching can be used.

FIG. 3 is a view showing the cut main member 4 and the buffer members 3 and 5, and can be formed by cutting the cut sheet-like flexible member described above.
In other words, the hollow sheet-like flexible member includes a triangular prism-shaped main member 4, a triangular prism-shaped buffer member 3, and a plurality of quadrangular prism-shaped buffer members 5 having a parallelogram cross section disposed therebetween. Shows the state of being cut.

  FIG. 4 is a view showing the left half cushioning member as viewed from the direction of FIG. 3 (the right half is omitted because it is symmetrical with the left half). A stretchable cloth 6 having a small coefficient of friction is bonded to one side of each of the members 3, 4, and 5, and a pair of hook-and-loop fasteners 7 are adhered to the vicinity of the ends close to the frame 2. Accordingly, the inner triangular triangular main member 4, the plurality of square columnar buffer members 5, and the triangular columnar buffer members 3 arranged so as to contact the left and right sides of the inner side of the frame 2 are bonded to each other to form the frame 2. In the case of storing in a separate state, the members 3, 4, and 5 can be stored without being separated, and they will not fall even when stored and lifted. In the case where there is no connecting member such as the hook-and-loop fastener 7, a cover can be provided, or a support flat member can be provided on the bottom.

  Since the main member 4 is disposed at the center, the main member 4 receives the most weight when the person sits down. And the main member 4 which received overload is compressed and spreads toward the outer side. Under the force of the spread, the plurality of square pillar-shaped buffer members 5 and 3 spread so as to fall down toward the frame, and finally the frame 2 also spreads left and right (and vertically). At this time, because the cross section of the buffer member 5 is a parallelogram, it is easy to move to the left and right, while the flatness of the seating surface is maintained to a considerable extent, and the seating comfort is hardly adversely affected. In addition, a part of the soft tissue around the center of gravity of the buttocks such as the greater gluteal muscle is overloaded with respect to some of the right and left buffer members 5. Then, along with the spread of the soft tissue to the outside (particularly to the left and right), the buffer member 5 also spreads outward together, and pressure distribution can be performed while reducing the displacement force applied to the skin.

  FIG. 5 is a data diagram showing a seating surface pressure when the cushion of the present invention is not used, and FIG. 6 is a data diagram showing a seating surface pressure when the cushion of the present invention is used. Comparing FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, it can be seen that the pressure is clearly distributed and the burden is reduced when the present invention is used. Specifically, the body weight of this test subject was 85 kg, and the contact pressure in the wheelchair sitting position was measured with a mapping device. As a result, the maximum pressure was 110 mmHg when the cushion was used, and 200 mmHg when the cushion was not used. SD (standard deviation) was about 19 mmHg when the cushion was used, and about 36 mmHg when the cushion was not used.

  Thus, according to the above configuration of the present invention, it is lightweight, has good air permeability, is triaxially deformable and has high pressure diffusibility, reduces the burden on the skin, and prevents skin disorders such as congestion and pressure ulcers. An optimal cushion can be provided. Furthermore, since each member is used in combination, it is possible to partially replace each member, and it becomes easy to produce a custom-made cushion according to the weight deviation and body surface shape.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cushion 2 Frame 3 Buffer member 4 Main member 5 Buffer member 6 Elastic cloth 7 Surface fastener

Claims (12)

A frame,
A flexible main member provided in the frame of the frame,
From the both sides of the main member to the frame body, each consisting of a plurality of buffer members arranged side by side,
The main member has a deformability that spreads at least to both sides when compressed in the downward direction under heavy load from above,
When each buffer member is subjected to deformation due to compression of the main member, each of the buffer members is movable toward the frame, and the frame is deformable toward the outside.
A cushion characterized in that at least one buffer member is inclined from the main member toward the frame so that the upper part is on the frame side with respect to the lower part . Cushion according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cushioning member is quadrangular prism.   The cushion according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a cross section of at least one buffer member is a quadrangular prism having a parallelogram shape.   The cushion according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the main member is a triangular prism, a quadrangular prism, or a pentagonal prism.   The cushion according to claim 4, wherein a cross section of the main member has a trapezoidal or triangular shape.   When the cross section of the main member is a triangle, the top surface is the surface having the base of the triangle, the side having the apex facing the base is provided downward, and the upper base of the trapezoid is when the cross section of the main member is a trapezoid The cushion according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a surface having a long side of the lower base is provided as an upper surface, and a surface having a short side is provided as a lower surface.   The cushion according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each member of the cushion is constituted by a flexible member having a vertical fiber blending structure.   The cushion according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein an elastic fabric is provided on at least one side surface of the at least one buffer member.   The cushion according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the frame body, the main member, and each buffer member are independently independent of each other and can be removed or replaced.   The cushion according to claim 9, wherein the frame body, the main member, and each buffer member are connected by a connecting member.   The cushion according to claim 10, wherein the connecting member is a hook-and-loop fastener.   The cushion according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the cushion is a congestion prevention or pressure ulcer prevention cushion.