TWI864282B - Pillow and method for using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A purpose of the present invention is to provide a cushion body whose shape can vary along the shape of a person or according to the expectations of the person when the person sits or lies thereon. The present invention attains the purpose by a pillow which is a pillow for humans having a bag body at least a part of which is stretchable, and a filling material inside the bag body, wherein the filling material includes foamed beads; when the pillow is erected on the ground in such a way that the longest direction of the pillow is in parallel with the direction of the gravity, and the top of the pillow is extended upward in such a way that the contact area between the ground and the pillow does not change, the space where the filling material does not exist is formed in the upper part of the pillow with a length of 1/10 to 2/3 of the maximum length of the pillow; and when a person is lying on the pillow with at least his buttocks abutting against the pillow which is placed on the ground such that its maximum length direction is in parallel with the ground, the buttocks touch the bottom of the pillow.

Description

Pillows and how to use them

The present invention relates to a pillow. More specifically, according to the present invention, it relates to a pillow whose shape can be changed in various ways along the person's appearance or according to the person's expectations, for example, when the person is sitting or lying down.

As for the cushion body including the pillow, various shapes are known.

For example, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-223002 (Patent Document 1), it has been proposed that "a soft cushion body is formed by enclosing foamed resin particles of 1.1 to 3.5 times the volume of the bag body as a filler in a stretchable bag body."

In addition, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-230137 (Patent Document 2), a soft mattress that can be used to prevent bedsores has been proposed.

[Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-223002

Patent document 2: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-230137

The soft cushion body described in Patent Document 1 is a bag body in which an excess amount of filler is enclosed (overfilled) relative to the contents of the bag body. The overfilled filler is not easy to move in the bag body, so the soft cushion body has a harder touch.

In recent years, there are cases where mobile information terminals such as smart phones are used in prone or supine positions. In this usage mode, a soft cushion with a harder touch, for example, is not easy to change its shape along the person's body shape when the person is sitting or lying down, and will give the person local pressure, so it is not suitable for long-term use in prone or supine positions.

Especially when using a mobile information terminal in a prone position, the back muscles are bent, which will cause a burden on the waist. In order to reduce this burden, its shape must be changed along the human body so that local pressure is not applied to the chest to the front of the thigh. However, if a soft cushion with a harder touch is used, such a change cannot be expected.

In addition, Patent Document 2 states that a soft cushion that sinks into the bed will cause bedsores. It does not suggest a soft cushion that sinks into the bed.

Thus, according to the present invention, a pillow for human use is provided, which has at least a bag body at least part of which is stretchable, and a filling material in the bag body;

The aforementioned filling material includes foam beads;

When the pillow is placed on the ground in such a manner that the longest direction of the pillow is parallel to the direction of gravity, and the top of the pillow is extended upward in such a manner that the contact area between the ground and the pillow does not change, a space without the filling material will be formed on the upper part of the pillow with a length of 1/10 to 2/3 of the maximum length of the pillow;

When a person lies down with at least the buttocks resting on the pillow placed on the ground in a manner that the longest direction is parallel, the buttocks will touch the bottom of the pillow.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, a pillow for human use is provided, which has at least a bag body at least part of which is stretchable, and a filling material in the bag body;

The aforementioned filling material includes foam beads;

When the pillow is placed on the ground in such a manner that the longest direction of the pillow is parallel to the direction of gravity, and the top of the pillow is extended upward in such a manner that the contact area between the ground and the pillow does not change, a space without the filling material will be formed on the upper part of the pillow with a length of 1/10 to 2/3 of the maximum length of the pillow;

When a person lies down with at least his buttocks resting on the pillow placed on the ground in a manner that the longest direction is parallel, the buttocks will touch the bottom of the pillow;

When the person turns over on the pillow, the foam beads located under the buttocks will act as a rotating body, making it easier to turn over.

In addition, according to the present invention, a pillow is provided, which has at least a bag body at least part of which is stretchable, and a filling material in the bag body;

When the pillow is placed on the ground in such a manner that the longest direction of the pillow is parallel to the direction of gravity, and the top of the pillow is extended upward in such a manner that the contact area between the ground and the pillow does not change, a space without the filling material will be formed on the upper part of the pillow with a length of 1/10 to 2/3 of the maximum length of the pillow;

When a disc with a diameter of 20 cm is placed tightly against the pillow and a force of 1 to 20 kg is applied to the disc in the direction of gravity, the disc will touch the bottom of the pillow.

The pillow of the present invention can be transformed into various shapes by having a sunken bottom of an appropriate range.

Therefore, for example, when used in a prone or supine position, the shape of the pillow changes along the person's outer shape. Therefore, the pillow of the present invention can be used in a prone or supine position for a long time. Furthermore, by moving the filling material, the pillow can be deformed into a desired shape.

In addition, when you sit or lie on the pillow, it will greatly transform into something that embraces your body, so you can get a great healing effect (like the feeling of a rising cloud).

Furthermore, when a person turns over on the pillow, the foam beads under the buttocks will play the role of a rotator, making it easier to turn over.

1: Pillow

1a: Jacket

2: Disc

3:Heavy objects

4: Cloth

5: Sofa

6: Seaming section

7a: Small air chamber

7b: Atmosphere chamber

a: The contact area between the ground and the pillow

X: Maximum length

X1: Maximum length (length)

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of applying force to the pillow.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of applying force to the pillow.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of applying force to the pillow.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the pillow of implementation type 1.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the pillow of embodiment 1.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the pillow of embodiment 1.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the pillow of embodiment 1.

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the pillow of embodiment 1.

Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the pillow of embodiment 1.

Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the pillow of embodiment 1.

Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the pillow of embodiment 2.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the pillow of embodiment 2.

Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the pillow of embodiment 2.

Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the pillow of embodiment 2.

Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the pillow of embodiment 2.

Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the pillow of embodiment 2.

Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the pillow of embodiment 2.

Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the pillow of implementation type 3.

Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the pillow of embodiment 3.

Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the pillow of embodiment 3.

Figure 21 is a schematic diagram of the pillow of embodiment 4.

The following description assumes that the pillow (cushion) of the present invention is mainly used by humans (adults, children, women, men, etc.), but in addition to humans, the pillow of the present invention can also be used by pets (such as dogs, cats, etc.).

The pillow of the present invention has the following properties (i) to (iii).

(i) When the pillow is placed on the ground in such a way that its longest direction is parallel to the direction of gravity, and the top of the pillow is extended upward in such a way that the contact area between the ground and the pillow does not change, a space without the aforementioned filling material will be formed at the top of the pillow with a length of 1/10 to 2/3 of the maximum length of the pillow.

(ii) When a person lies with at least the buttocks resting on a pillow that is placed on the ground with its longest dimension parallel (when used in a supine position), the buttocks will touch the bottom of the pillow.

(iii) When a person turns over on the pillow, the foam beads under the buttocks will play the role of a rotator, making it easier to turn over.

Therefore, the pillow can be transformed into various shapes. For example, when used in a prone or supine position, the shape of the pillow changes along the person's appearance. As a result, the pillow of the present invention can be used in a prone or supine position for a long time. Furthermore, the pillow can be transformed into a desired shape by moving the filling material with the hands or feet.

In addition, when you sit or lie on the pillow, it will greatly deform to embrace your body, thus providing a great healing effect.

Furthermore, when a person turns over on the pillow, the foam beads under the buttocks will play the role of a rotator, making it easier to turn over.

The so-called buttocks touching the bottom of the pillow (sunken bottom) means that the inner surface of the part of the bag body that touches the buttocks and the inner surface of the part that touches the ground are actually in contact. The so-called actual contact means that the inner surface of the part of the bag body that touches the buttocks and the inner surface of the part that touches the ground are completely in contact without any filling material in between. It also includes the situation where a part of the inner surface is directly in contact and there is filling material in the part outside.

Nature (i)

By forming a space without filling material at the upper part of the pillow with a length of 1/10 to 2/3 of the maximum length of the pillow, the pillow can be greatly deformed to accommodate the body in any situation of lying prone, lying on one's back, or sitting up.

As a method for measuring the length of space, for example, the method shown in Figures 1(a) to (c) can be cited. Figures 1(a) and (b) show the state of placing the pillow on the ground without applying any external force other than gravity. Figure 1(a) is a side view, and Figure 1(b) is a top view. In Figures 1(a) and (b), "a" refers to the contact area between the ground and the pillow. Figure 1(c) shows the state of extending the top of the pillow upward in a manner that the contact area between the ground and the pillow does not change. In Figure 1(c), X refers to the maximum length of the pillow, and X1 refers to the maximum length of the space.

The length of the space is preferably 1/7 to 1/2 of the maximum length of the pillow, and more preferably 1/5 to 1/3. The lower limit of the length of the space can be selected from 1/10, 1/9, 1/8, 1/7, 1/6, 1/5 of the maximum length of the pillow, and the upper limit can be selected from 2/3, 3/5, 11/20, 1/2, 9/20, 2/5, 1/3.

The maximum length of the pillow can be appropriately set in the range of 10 cm to 3 m according to the purpose of the pillow. The maximum length can be set to 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm, 70 cm, 80 cm, 90 cm, 1 m, 1.25 m, 1.5 m, 1.75 m or 2 m.

When the pillow is placed parallel to the ground in its longest direction, it can have an average thickness of 5 to 100 cm. The average thickness can be set to 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm, 70 cm, 80 cm or 90 cm. The average thickness refers to the thickness when the pillow is flattened so that the thickness of the placed pillow becomes as fixed as possible. The average thickness can be set to 1/2 to 1/10 of the maximum length.

The contact area between the ground and the pillow when the pillow is erected in a manner such that the longest direction of the pillow is parallel to the direction of gravity is not particularly limited, but can be appropriately set within the range of ^0.005m2 to ^5m2 according to the purpose of the pillow. The contact area of the pillow can range from 0.005m ² , 0.0075m ² , 0.01m ² , 0.015m ² , 0.02m ² , 0.025m ² , 0.03m ² , 0.035m ² , 0.04m ² , 0.05m ² , 0.075m ² , 0.1m ² , 0.125m ² , 0.15m ² , 0.2m ² , 0.25m ² , 0.3m ² , 0.4m ² , 0.5m ² , 0.6m ² , 0.7m ² , 0.75m ² , 0.8m ² , 0.9m ² , 1.0m ² The range represented by a combination of any upper limit value and lower limit value selected from 1.25m ² , 1.5m ² , 1.75m ² , 2.0m ² , 2.5m ² , 3.0m ² , 3.5m ² , 4.0m ² , 4.5m ² , and 5.0m ² .

Nature (ii)

When a person lies down (using it in a supine position) so that at least the buttocks are against the pillow placed on the ground in a manner parallel to the longest direction, the buttocks will touch the bottom of the pillow (the sunken bottom), so that the pillow can be greatly deformed to accommodate the body in any situation of using it in a prone position, using it in a supine position, or sitting. In addition, the person here is, for example, a person with a weight of more than 40kg, assuming an adult. In the case of an adult, it is assumed that the weight applied to the sunken bottom is the weight around the buttocks, that is, about 44% of the body weight.

For example, when used in a supine position, the buttocks, where the center of gravity of the entire body (body center of gravity) is located, will sink into the occipital area. On the other hand, since there is filling material from the shoulders to the head and the lower part of the thighs, a lifted state can be formed. In this state, the waist will be in a moderately bent position. In the past, in bedding mattresses, it has been believed that maintaining an upright posture (S-position of the spine) and deforming along the human shape has helped to improve healing properties and sleep quality. However, considering that humans evolved from animals that walked on all fours, it is believed that adopting a posture close to that of a fetus (a posture in which the knees are gently pulled close to the chest and the spine is slightly bent) is more conducive to improving healing properties and sleep quality. The pillow has the effect of relieving physical and emotional tension and achieving peace of mind, just like a baby stops crying by adopting the fetal position. In addition, the posture that can be achieved by using the pillow can also be said to be equivalent to a neutral posture. The so-called neutral posture refers to the posture in which astronauts feel the least burden in a zero-gravity state. In other words, it is known that in a zero-gravity state, the back will be slightly bent and the thighs will be raised, and the tension of the muscles or the load on the spine will be minimal. This neutral posture can be achieved by lying on the pillow.

Nature (iii)

When a person turns over on the pillow, the foam beads under the buttocks play the role of a rotator, making it easier to turn over.

When turning over, the bag body will also stretch and contract, and the filling material (foam beads) will also flow (playing the role of a rotating body), so that the pillow 1 can easily change shape in accordance with the changes of the body. Specifically, in the part where the pillow contacts the body (such as the buttocks), the body (buttocks) will touch the bottom of the pillow, and in the part adjacent to the contacted part, the filling material will flow so that the pillow bulges along the shape of the body. Therefore, any posture can properly disperse the body pressure without concentrating the body pressure on one point. Therefore, the body can be accommodated in any situation of using it in a prone position, using it in a supine position, and sitting.

Other properties

When a person lies down with at least the buttocks against the pillow, a concave portion may be provided. The concave portion is formed by the filling material moving in such a way that the buttocks touch the bottom of the pillow while the upper body and thighs do not touch the bottom. By providing this concave portion, the above-mentioned fetal position and/or neutral position can be easily assumed. The size of the concave portion is formed by the movement of the filling material, so it can follow various changes in the person's physique.

The pillow may also have the property that when a disc with a diameter of 20 cm is placed against the pillow and a force of 1 to 20 kg is applied to the disc in the direction of gravity, the disc will touch the bottom of the pillow.

There is no particular restriction on the position where the disc is pressed against the pillow. In addition, the disc may cover the entire pillow and touch the bottom, or only a portion of it may touch the bottom.

The position of the pillow against which the disc is pressed can also be near the center of the top of the standing pillow when the longest direction of the pillow is parallel to the direction of gravity. If it is in this position, the pillow can be greatly deformed to accommodate the body in any situation of lying prone, lying on its back, or sitting.

The following is the reason why the diameter of the disc is set to 20cm.

The diameter of 20cm is the diameter of the circle when the area where the buttocks touch the ground is assumed to be a circle from the perspective of sitting down with the pillow leaning on it during measurement. When the buttocks touch the ground, the body pressure is concentrated on the two ischial tuberosities at the bottom of the pelvis. In addition, the diameter of the circle needs to be determined by considering the condition of the bottom and including the area showing higher body pressure around the ischial tuberosities. Here, according to the literature on the research on the force applied to the buttocks (Journal of the Japanese Prosthetics Society Vol.29 No.3 pp168-174 2013), it is known that the distance between the two ischial tuberosities is 8 to 15cm for adults. When the buttocks touch the ground, the peripheries of the two ischial tuberosities also touch, so the diameter of the disc is set to 20cm in consideration of the periphery.

In addition to 20cm, the diameter of the disc can also be selected from 30cm, 40cm, 50cm and 60cm. If the disc has a larger diameter, the pillow may be more deformed, so it can be used for a longer time in a prone or supine position, and it will be more deformed to accommodate the body when sitting.

The force applied can be selected in the range of 1 to 20kg according to the purpose of the pillow. For example, if it is a pillow to be sat on, a larger force can be selected, and if it is a pillow to be laid on, a smaller force can be selected. The force applied can also be set to 2kg, 3kg, 4kg, 5kg, 6kg, 7kg, 8kg, 9kg, 10kg or 15kg.

The following is the reason why the upper limit of the applied force is set to 20kg.

The upper limit of force, 20kg, is determined based on the weight around the buttocks from the perspective of sitting down on the pillow. For example, according to a document published by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Technology in 2007, the average weight of women over 16 years old is about 53kg, and according to a document published by Nishikawa Co., Ltd. in 2019 (a survey on topic analysis aimed at making a benchmark decision on the evaluation method for sleep optimization such as bedding), the body pressure distribution rate of the waist and buttocks is about 44%. In other words, a force of about 23kg (53×0.44) acts on the bottom of the pillow where the buttocks touch. By setting the upper limit of force to 20kg, even adult women can reliably achieve bottoming.

In addition, since the average weight of adult men is heavier than that of adult women, the upper limit of force is 20kg to reliably achieve bottoming.

In addition, for lower grade elementary school students (6 to 7 years old) who may actively use pillows, when sitting or lying on the pillow, the feet will also be placed on the pillow, so it is assumed that almost the entire body weight will be added to the bottom of the buttocks. Here, according to Tables 2 to 6 of "Average values of height and weight, sex, year and age" in Chapter 1 of the Health and Welfare Statistics Guide of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (Reiwa 1 (2019)), the weight of this age group is about 23kg. In order to achieve the bottom of the sinking, it is appropriate to set the upper limit of the force to 20kg.

The following method is used to apply a force of 1 to 20 kg. First, as shown in FIG2, place the disk 2 on the pillow 1. Next, as shown in FIG3, place the weight 3 on the disk 2. The weight 3 is adjusted so that the total weight of the weight 3 and the disk 2 becomes a predetermined force. After placing the weight 3, press the disk 2 lightly and rotate it for about one minute. The disk 2 touches the bottom of the pillow 1, which means that there is substantially no filler in the bag directly below the disk 2. In addition, the so-called substantially no filler refers to the situation where there is no filler at all, and also includes the concept of the situation where a part of the cloth constituting the bag is directly in contact, and there is filler in the part outside it.

In addition, Figure 2(a) and Figure 3(a) are side views, and Figure 2(b) and Figure 3(b) are top views.

In addition, a force of 3 g or more per unit area (cm ² ) of the bottom of the disk may be applied.

In the cross section of the pillow in the gravity direction when the disk hits the bottom, the upper left and right parts of the pillow can be tapered from bottom to top as shown by the dotted line in Figure 3(a). By forming a tapered shape, the pillow can be deformed in a more appropriate state. In the tapered shape, the degree of the taper is not particularly limited and can also be changed according to the size of the pillow, the volume of the filling material, the content volume of the bag, etc. In addition, the so-called upper part refers to the part of about 1/3 of the maximum length in the gravity direction from the top of the pillow.

When the position of the pillow against which the disk is pressed is near the center of the top surface of the erected pillow when the longest direction of the pillow is parallel to the direction of gravity, it is preferred that the disk only touches the bottom near the center, and the height of the pillow before the disk is applied is substantially the same as the height of the pillow when the disk touches the bottom. By being substantially the same, the pillow can be deformed in a more appropriate state.

The size of the pillow is not particularly limited. For example, when the pillow is placed on the ground in a manner that the longest direction is parallel to the ground, and a person (for example, an adult: 150 to 170 cm in height) sits or lies on the pillow in a supine position, the pillow may have a size that is suitable for placing only the head, only the shoulders, only the spine, only the buttocks, only the thighs, from the head to the shoulders, from the head to the spine, from the head to the buttocks, from the head to the thighs, from the shoulders to the spine, from the shoulders to the buttocks, from the shoulders to the thighs, from the spine to the buttocks, from the shoulders to the thighs, from the spine to the buttocks, from the spine to the thighs, from the spine to the buttocks, from the spine to the thighs, or from the buttocks to the thighs.

The shape of the pillow is not particularly limited. For example, various shapes can be listed, such as cylindrical, egg-shaped, spherical, pyramidal, rectangular, cubic, oval, sheet, elliptical, and character-shaped (such as animals, cartoons, or comic characters).

Pillows are suitable for use on softer structures such as beds, quilts, sofas, carpets, and straw mats.

(1) Bag body and filling material

The pillow has at least: a bag body at least part of which is stretchable; and a filling material in the bag body. The materials constituting the bag body and the filling material are not particularly limited as long as they can provide the property of allowing the disk to touch the bottom of the pillow through the force applied by the disk.

(1a) Bag body

The bag body only needs to have at least a part that is stretchable. In other words, the bag body can have a non-stretchable part and a stretchable part. From the perspective of being able to be transformed into a wider variety of shapes, it is better for the entire bag body to be stretchable.

The bag body can be made of woven fabric, knitted fabric, non-woven fabric, plastic sheet and other fabrics. The thickness of the fabric is not particularly limited as long as it can provide appropriate elasticity for the bag body. The material constituting the bag body can be any one of cotton, linen, silk, wool, synthetic fiber (such as spandex, polyurethane elastic yarn), etc., and can also be blended.

The bag body preferably has a stretchability of 10 to 500%. The stretchability is more preferably 50 to 400%, and particularly preferably 100 to 300%. Here, the stretchability refers to a value measured, for example, in the following manner. A test piece with a stretching interval of 10 cm × a width of 2.5 cm is cut out from the bag body. The test piece is stretched at a speed of 30 cm/minute using a general tensile testing machine, and the elongation at a load of 9.8 N is calculated using the following formula. This measurement is performed in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the test piece. The average value of the elongation in the longitudinal and transverse directions is set as the stretchability.

Elongation (%) = {length of test piece at 9.8N load (cm) - 10} ÷ 10 × 100

(1b) Filling material

There is no particular limitation on the filler, for example, foam beads, foamed urethane, cotton, non-woven fabrics, resin tubes, three-dimensional bonds of resin fibers, gel, rubber, sand, air, etc. These fillers can be used alone or in combination. The filler preferably contains foam beads (for example, more than 50% by weight, more than 55% by weight, more than 60% by weight, more than 65% by weight, more than 70% by weight, more than 75% by weight, more than 80% by weight, more than 85% by weight, more than 90% by weight, more than 95% by weight), or all of them can be foam beads.

The foam beads under the buttocks act like a rotating body like a ball bearing when turning over on the pillow, so that turning over is easy. This effect is more effective when lying down so that at least the buttocks are against the pillow placed on the ground in a parallel manner with the longest direction, and the buttocks touch the bottom of the pillow. The foam beads are easy to carry static electricity, so they are easy to adhere to the bag body, so it is not easy to be completely removed at the bottom. Therefore, a part of it will remain at the bottom, so it is easy to play the role of a rotating body.

Among the foam beads, polystyrene foam beads with a flow promoter attached to the surface and an average particle size in the range of 200 to 2000 μm are preferred. Since the polystyrene foam beads have higher fluidity, they can provide pillows that can be deformed into more diverse shapes. The average particle size is more preferably in the range of 400 to 1500 μm, and particularly preferably in the range of 400 to 1000 μm.

The average particle size can be measured by stacking sieves of predetermined meshes and grading them by vibrating them. For example, the following method can be used for measurement. The sieves are graded using JIS standard sieves with mesh sizes of 4.00 mm (4000 μm), 3.35 mm, 2.80 mm, 2.36 mm, 2.00 mm, 1.70 mm, 1.40 mm, 1.18 mm, 1.00 mm, 0.85 mm, 0.71 mm, 0.60 mm, 0.50 mm, 0.425 mm, 0.355 mm, 0.300 mm, 0.250 mm, 0.212 mm, and 0.180 mm (180 μm). Based on the cumulative weight distribution curve obtained from the result, the particle size (median size) at which the cumulative weight becomes 50% is set as the average particle size. Alternatively, the sieves having the above mesh values can be made into sieves with smaller mesh values, such as mesh 0.180mm, mesh 0.212mm, mesh 0.250mm, mesh 0.300mm, mesh 0.355mm, mesh 0.425mm, mesh 0.50mm, mesh 0.60mm, mesh 0.71mm, mesh 0.85mm, mesh 1.0 0mm, mesh 1.18mm, mesh 1.40mm, mesh 1.70mm, mesh 2.00mm, mesh 2.36mm, mesh 2.80mm, mesh 3.35mm, mesh 4.00mm are all overlapped and graded, and the particle size (median diameter) with a cumulative weight of 50% is set as the average particle size based on the obtained cumulative weight distribution curve.

(2) Others

The pillow can also be covered by a cover. The size of the cover can be the same as the size of the pillow or larger. On the other hand, the size of the pillow can be replaced by the volume of the bag. The size of the cover can be set to about 1 to 3 times the size of the pillow (content volume ratio). Regarding the content volume, the bag and cover are made of non-stretchable film of the same size, and the volume of the air filled in the cover can be replaced.

The outer shell can be made of the same fabric and structural materials as the bag body. The fabric and structural materials of the outer shell and the bag body can be the same or different. The elasticity of the outer shell is preferably the same as or higher than the elasticity of the bag body.

(Implementation Type 1)

Figures 4 to 10 show the pillow of embodiment 1. The bag body constituting the pillow is made of elastic fiber woven fabric (85% polyester, 15% polyurethane) with an elasticity of about 250%, and the filling material is polystyrene foam beads with an average particle size in the range of about 400 to 1500 μm.

Figures 4(a) and (b) are photos showing the state where the pillow 1 is placed on the ground in a manner such that the longest direction of the bag is parallel to the direction of gravity. Figure 4(a) is a side view, and Figure 4(b) is a top view.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the pillow 1 is not overfilled with filler material, so the top is sunken into the pillow 1. In this state, for example, as shown in the photo of FIG. 5 (a), the pillow 1 can be used by sitting on the top. By sitting on the top, the pillow 1 will be greatly deformed to embrace the body due to the movement of the filler material and the expansion and contraction of the bag body, so a great healing effect can be obtained. The pillow 1 can also be used in a prone position as shown in the photo of FIG. 5 (b). In this usage mode, the curvature of the waist in the prone position can be alleviated. When the prone position is adopted for a long time, the waist may sometimes be painful due to the curvature of the waist. As shown in FIG5(b), since the curvature of the waist can be reduced by deforming the pillow 1, the pillow 1 has the effect of preventing waist pain even when lying prone for a long time.

As shown in FIG4(c), when the top of the pillow 1 is extended upward, a space (gap) where no filling material exists can be formed on the upper part of the pillow 1 with a length (X1) of 1/3 to 1/5 of the maximum length (X) of the pillow 1. In addition, the maximum length of the pillow 1 is about 1m.

When a disc with a diameter of 20 cm is placed tightly against the pillow 1 and a force of 1 to 20 kg is applied to the disc in the direction of gravity, it is confirmed that the disc touches the bottom of the pillow.

Figures 6(a) and (b) are photos showing the state of placing the pillow 1 on the ground with the longest direction of the bag body parallel to the ground. Figure 6(a) is a side view, and Figure 6(b) is a top view. The maximum length in this state is about 1.5m, and the average thickness is about 40cm.

As shown in FIG6 , the pillow 1 is not overfilled with filling material, so the pillow 1 expands parallel to the ground. In this state, for example, as shown in the photos of FIG7 (a) and (b), the pillow 1 can be used in a supine or prone position. The pillow 1 is large enough to accommodate the head to the buttocks. By using the pillow in a supine or prone position, the pillow 1 will be greatly deformed to accommodate the body by stretching forward, backward, left and right relative to the ground due to the movement of the filling material and the expansion and contraction of the bag body, so that a great healing effect can be obtained.

When used in a supine position, the buttocks where the center of gravity of the entire body (body center of gravity) is located will sink to the bottom of the pillow 1. On the other hand, since there is a filling material from the shoulders to the head and the lower part of the thighs, it becomes a lifted state. In this state, a concave part is formed due to the movement of the filling material, so that the waist is in a moderately bent position. In the past, in bedding mattresses, it has been believed that deforming along the human shape in a way that maintains an upright posture (S position of the spine) has been helpful in improving healing properties and improving sleep quality. However, if we consider that humans evolved from animals that walked on all fours, it is believed that adopting a posture close to that of a fetus (a posture in which the knees are gently pulled close to the chest and the spine is slightly arched) is more helpful in improving healing properties and improving sleep quality. The pillow has the effect of relieving physical or emotional tension and achieving peace of mind, just like a baby stops crying by adopting a fetal position. Even adults can achieve peace of mind by relieving physical or emotional tension. In addition, the posture that can be achieved by using the pillow 1 can also be said to be equivalent to a neutral posture. The so-called neutral posture refers to the posture in which a space pilot feels the least burden in a zero-gravity state. In other words, it is known that in a zero-gravity state, the back will be slightly bent and the thighs will be raised, and the tension of the muscles or the load applied to the spine will be minimal. This neutral posture can be achieved by lying on the pillow 1.

Furthermore, by floating the upper body, it is possible to improve the symptoms of various diseases such as reflux esophagitis, circulatory or respiratory diseases (such as sleep apnea syndrome), diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury, cerebral polio, venous tumors, chronic venous insufficiency, lower leg ulcers, eczema, arrhythmia, insomnia, migraine, edema, frequent urination, etc.

When used in a prone position, the filling material can be moved to make the pillow 1 into a desired shape. For example, by moving the filling material from below the waist to below the shoulders, the curvature of the waist in the prone position can be alleviated. When the prone position is taken for a long time, the waist will be painful due to the curvature of the waist. Since the curvature of the waist can be reduced by deforming the pillow 1, the pillow 1 has the effect of not easily causing waist pain even if the prone position is taken for a long time.

As shown in Figures 8(a) to (c), it is easy to turn over on the pillow 1. In particular, when the buttocks, where the center of gravity of the entire body (body center of gravity) is located, are used as the fulcrum, it is easy to turn over. Figure 8(a) shows a photo of the person leaning up before turning over, Figure 8(b) shows a photo of the person facing sideways during turning over, and Figure 8(c) shows a photo of the person lying prone after turning over.

When turning over, the bag body will also stretch and contract, and the filling material (foam beads) will also flow (playing the role of a rotating body), so that the pillow 1 can easily change shape in accordance with the changes of the body. Specifically, in the part where the pillow contacts the body (such as the buttocks), the body (buttocks) will touch the bottom of the pillow, and in the part adjacent to the contacted part, the pillow will bulge along the shape of the body due to the flow of the filling material. Therefore, any posture can properly disperse the body pressure without concentrating the body pressure on one point.

Using a body pressure distribution meter, it was confirmed that by using a pillow, body pressure from head to toe can be distributed more evenly than when no pillow is used, regardless of the posture.

Furthermore, when turning over, the bulges on the left and right sides can be maintained, and the plane position of the body (buttocks) before and after turning over can be made roughly the same. This is due to the elasticity of the bag body and the role of the foam beads as a rotating body. Here, the so-called maintaining the bulges on the left and right does not have a strict meaning, but means that any numerical value of the width, height, area when viewed from above, area when viewed from the side, volume, etc. of the bulges on the left and right sides will become substantially the same as the pillow 1. For example, these numerical values are allowed to vary within the range of ±50%, ±40%, ±30%, ±20% or ±10%. On the other hand, in order to keep the plane position roughly the same, the front, back, left, and right positions of the buttocks when viewed from above are allowed to vary by ±30cm, ±20cm, ±15cm, ±10cm, or ±5cm before and after turning over.

Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 9(a) and (b), the pillow 1 has the effect that after a person lies on the pillow 1 in a prone or supine position with a cloth (e.g., a cloth with low elasticity) 4 interposed therebetween, a caregiver (other person) can easily change the body position with less force (e.g., compared to the case of sitting directly on the cloth without a pillow) by pulling the cloth 4. Fig. 9(a) is a photo showing the case of lying on the pillow 1 in a supine position with a cloth 4 interposed therebetween, and Fig. 9(b) is a photo showing the case of changing the body position to face the side by pulling the cloth 4. The mechanism by which the body position change becomes easy is because the filling material under the cloth plays the role of a rotating body between the ground and the cloth 4. The pillow 1, which is easy to change the body position with less force, can prevent bedsores from forming on the contact surface of the pillow 1 for people who have difficulty turning over due to taking the same posture. Furthermore, since the force required by the caregiver to change the body position of the person being cared for can be reduced, the caregiver can also be prevented from having back pain. In addition, it can be seen from Figures 9 (a) and (b) that the plane position of the buttocks before and after pulling is roughly the same.

The pillow 1 is also suitable for use on a sofa. For example, it can be used as shown in Figures 10(a) and (b).

Figure 10(a) shows the state of sitting on the pillow 1 placed on the sofa 5 from the buttocks. In this state, the pillow 1 will be greatly deformed along the shape of the back from the thigh to the neck, and the side of the body will also form an elbow due to the movement of the filling material. Therefore, the whole body can be accommodated, so that you can sit on the sofa more relaxedly.

Figure 10(b) shows a state where the back is leaning against the pillow 1 placed along the side of the sofa 5. By pressing the back against the side of the sofa 5, the pillow 1 is greatly deformed along the shape of the back, and the filling material moves to the side of the body to form an elbow rest. Since the amount of the pillow 1 on the back is greater than the amount of the back from the buttocks, the body on the back can be more contained than in the case of Figure 10(a).

(Implementation Type 2)

Figures 11 to 17 show the pillow of embodiment 2. This pillow uses the same elastic fiber woven fabric (bag body) and polystyrene foam beads (filler) as embodiment 1. Embodiment 2 is intended to be used mainly as a pillow.

Figures 11(a) and (b) are photos showing the state where the pillow 1 is placed on the ground in a manner such that the longest direction of the bag is parallel to the direction of gravity. Figure 11(a) is a side view, and Figure 11(b) is a top view.

When the top of the pillow 1 is extended upward, as shown in FIG11(c), a space (gap) where no filling material exists can be formed at the top of the pillow 1 with a length (X1) of 1/3 to 1/5 of the maximum length (X) of the pillow 1. In addition, the maximum length of the pillow 1 is about 90 cm.

When a disc with a diameter of 20 cm is placed tightly against the pillow 1 and a force of 1 to 20 kg is applied to the disc in the direction of gravity, it is confirmed that the disc touches the bottom of the pillow.

Figures 12(a) and (b) are photos showing the state of the pillow 1 being placed on the ground with the longest direction of the bag body parallel to the ground. Figure 12(a) is a side view, and Figure 12(b) is a top view. The maximum length in this state is about 1m, and the average thickness is about 20cm.

As shown in FIG. 12 , the pillow 1 is not excessively filled with filling material, so the pillow 1 expands parallel to the ground. In this state, for example, as shown in the photos of FIG. 13 (a) and (b), the pillow 1 can be used in a supine or prone position. The pillow 1 is large enough to accommodate the head to the buttocks. By using the pillow in a supine or prone position, the pillow 1 will be greatly deformed to accommodate the head to the buttocks due to the movement of the filling material and the expansion and contraction of the bag body, and will be extended forward, backward, left and right relative to the ground, so that a great healing effect can be obtained.

In addition, at the part where the pillow contacts the head to the buttocks, the buttocks touch the bottom of the pillow, and in the part adjacent to the contacted part, the filling material flows, so that the pillow 1 bulges along the shape from the head to the buttocks. Therefore, the body pressure can be appropriately dispersed in any posture without concentrating the body pressure on one point.

Furthermore, when turning over, the bag body will also stretch and contract, and the filling material will also flow (playing the role of a rotating body), so that the pillow 1 can easily change shape in accordance with the changes of the upper body. For example, in the photo of Figure 13 (c), it shows the state of turning sideways from lying on one's back to lying on one's stomach.

Using a body pressure distribution meter, it was confirmed that by using a pillow, body pressure from head to toe can be distributed more evenly than when no pillow is used, regardless of the posture.

In addition, it was confirmed that the pillow of Embodiment 2 is also the same as Embodiment 1, (i) the buttocks will touch the bottom of the pillow, and (ii) when turning over on the pillow, the foam beads under the buttocks will play the role of a rotating body, making it easy to turn over.

In addition, when using it in a supine position, the buttocks are sunken into the pillow 1. On the other hand, from the shoulders to the head, there is a filling material moving from the vicinity of the buttocks, so that it is lifted. In this state, the head to the buttocks are contained by the pillow 1, and the waist is in a moderately bent position. By adopting this posture, it can be expected that the healing effect will be improved and the quality of sleep will be improved.

Furthermore, the pillow 1 can also be covered with an outer cover 1a as shown in the top view of FIG. 14(a), the back view of FIG. 14(b), and the side view of FIG. 14(c). The outer cover 1a is made of a stretchable material like the pillow 1. The outer cover 1a preferably has a greater stretchability than the bag body. The outer cover 1a can be made of the same fabric as the bag body, or a different fabric from the bag body (e.g., a fabric made of polyester and polyurethane).

The pillow 1 is suitable for use in the same manner as the embodiment 1, such as sitting on the top and lying on the top as shown in Figures 15(a) and (b), and on the sofa as shown in Figures 16(a) and (b). Moreover, as in the embodiment 1, it is easy to change the body position with less force through the low-stretch fabric 4 as shown in Figures 17(a) and (b).

(Implementation Type 3)

Figures 18 to 20 show a pillow of Embodiment 3. This pillow uses the same elastic fiber woven fabric (bag body) and polystyrene foam beads (filler) as Embodiment 1. Embodiment 3 shows a pillow designed to be used from the head to the shoulders.

Figures 18(a) and (b) are photos showing the state where the pillow 1 is placed on the ground in a manner such that the longest direction of the bag is parallel to the direction of gravity. Figure 18(a) is a side view, and Figure 18(b) is a top view.

When the top of the pillow 1 is extended upward, as shown in FIG18(c), a space (empty space) where no filling material exists can be formed at the top of the pillow 1 with a length (X1) of 1/3 to 1/5 of the maximum length (X) of the pillow 1. In addition, the maximum length of the pillow 1 is about 55 cm.

When a disc with a diameter of 20 cm is placed against the pillow 1 and a force of 1 to 20 kg is applied to the disc in the direction of gravity, it is confirmed that the disc touches the bottom of the pillow.

Figures 19(a) and (b) are photos showing the state of placing the pillow 1 on the ground with the longest direction of the bag body parallel to the ground. Figure 19(a) is a side view, and Figure 19(b) is a top view. The maximum length in this state is about 1m, and the average thickness is about 30cm.

As shown in FIG. 19 , since the pillow 1 is not overfilled with filling material, the pillow 1 expands parallel to the ground. In this state, for example, as shown in the photos of FIG. 20 (a) and (b), the pillow 1 can be used in a supine or prone position. The pillow 1 is large enough to accommodate the head to the shoulders (upper body). By using the pillow in a supine or prone position, the pillow 1 will be greatly deformed to accommodate the upper body by stretching forward, backward, left and right relative to the ground due to the movement of the filling material and the expansion and contraction of the bag body, so that a great healing effect can be obtained.

In addition, at the part where the pillow contacts the upper body, the upper body touches the bottom of the pillow, and in the part adjacent to the contacted part, the filling material flows, causing the pillow 1 to bulge along the shape of the upper body. Therefore, in any posture, the body pressure can be appropriately dispersed without concentrating on one point.

Using a body pressure distribution meter, it was confirmed that by using a pillow, body pressure from head to toe can be distributed more evenly than when no pillow is used, regardless of the posture.

Furthermore, when turning over, the bag body will also stretch and contract, and the filling material will also flow (playing the role of a rotating body), so that the pillow 1 can easily change shape in accordance with the changes of the upper body. For example, in the photo of Figure 20 (c), it shows the state of turning sideways from lying on one's back to lying on one's stomach.

In addition, it was confirmed that the pillow of Embodiment 3 is also similar to Embodiment 1. When lying down with the buttocks against the pillow, (i) the buttocks will touch the bottom of the pillow, and (ii) when turning over on the pillow, the foam beads under the buttocks will play the role of a rotating body, making it easy to turn over.

(Implementation Type 4)

In embodiments 1 to 3, a pillow with a bag body as one air chamber is exemplified. The pillow of the present invention may also have a structure in which the bag body is divided into a plurality of air chambers of more than two air chambers by partition walls. The above properties (i) and (ii) are only required to be possessed by at least one of the plurality of air chambers. The other air chambers may or may not possess the above properties (i) and (ii). The partition wall may be formed by adding another cloth to the bag body or by directly adding the bag body. When a plurality of air chambers are provided, the type of filling material may or may not be changed for each air chamber. Furthermore, the filling rate may also be changed for each air chamber.

FIG. 21 is a schematic top view showing a state where a pillow 1 with two air chambers is placed on the ground with its longest direction parallel to the ground. The pillow in FIG. 21 is divided into two air chambers by directly sewing the bag body. In the figure, 6 refers to the seam, 7a refers to the small air chamber, and 7b refers to the large air chamber.

For example, by overfilling the small air chamber 7a and making the large air chamber 7b have the above-mentioned properties (i) and (ii), the small air chamber 7a can be used as a pillow and the large air chamber 7b can be used as a cushion. This pillow-integrated cushion has the advantages of being able to turn over very easily and being able to hold the head at an appropriate height.

1: Pillow

a: The contact area between the ground and the pillow

X: Maximum length

X1: Maximum length (length)

Claims (11)

A pillow for people, which has at least a part of a stretchable bag body and a filling material in the bag body: the filling material includes foam beads; when the pillow is placed on the ground in a manner that the longest direction of the pillow is parallel to the direction of gravity, and the top of the pillow is extended upward in a manner that the contact area between the ground and the pillow does not change, a space without the filling material is formed on the upper part of the pillow with a length of 1/10 to 2/3 of the maximum length of the pillow; when a person lies down with at least the buttocks against the pillow placed on the ground in a manner that the longest direction is parallel, the buttocks touch the bottom of the pillow. As described in claim 1, when the person turns over on the pillow, the foam beads located below the buttocks will act as a rotating body, making it easier to turn over. A pillow as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the pillow placed on the ground will bulge on the left and right sides of the buttocks due to the movement of the foam beads; when the person turns over, the bulge on the left and right sides is maintained by the elasticity of the bag and the role of the foam beads as a rotating body, and the plane position of the buttocks before and after turning over is roughly the same. A pillow as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein after a person sits on the pillow in a prone or supine position through the cloth, if another person pulls the cloth, the foam beads located under the cloth will function as a rotating body, making it easy to change the body position with less force, and the plane position of the buttocks before and after the pulling is roughly the same. A pillow as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein when a person lies down with at least the buttocks against the pillow, the pillow has a concave portion, and the concave portion is formed by the filling material moving in such a way that the buttocks touch the bottom of the pillow while the upper body and thighs do not touch the bottom. A pillow as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the maximum length of the pillow is 20 cm to 3 m. The pillow as described in claim 1 or 2 is of a size that can accommodate the body from the head to the buttocks when the pillow is placed on the ground in a manner that the longest direction is parallel to the ground and a person sits or lies on the pillow in an upward position. A pillow as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the bag body has a stretchability of 10 to 500%. A pillow as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the aforementioned person is an adult. For a pillow as described in claim 1 or 2, when a disc with a diameter of 20 cm is placed tightly against the pillow and a force of 1 to 20 kg is applied to the disc in the direction of gravity, the disc will touch the bottom of the pillow. A method for using a pillow, which is a pillow for human use and has at least a part of a bag body that is stretchable, and a filling material in the bag body. The pillow is used in the following manner: the filling material includes foam beads; when the pillow is placed on the ground in a manner that the longest direction of the pillow is parallel to the direction of gravity, and the top of the pillow is extended upward in a manner that the contact area between the ground and the pillow does not change, a space without the filling material is formed at the top of the pillow with a length of 1/10 to 2/3 of the longest length of the pillow; when the pillow is placed on the ground in a manner that the longest direction is parallel to the ground, the space without the filling material is formed at the top of the pillow with a length of 1/10 to 2/3 of the longest length of the pillow. When the pillow is placed on the ground, the pillow is large enough for a person to place from head to buttocks; When a person lies down so that at least the buttocks are against the pillow placed on the ground in a manner parallel to the longest direction, the buttocks will touch the bottom of the pillow; when the pillow is placed on the ground in a manner parallel to the longest direction, the buttocks will touch the bottom of the pillow; because there is a filling material in the area from the shoulder to the head of the pillow, the shoulder to the head is in a lifted state; because the filling material moves to form a concave portion, the waist is in a moderately bent position.

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