U.S. patent application number 10/494088 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-24 for body support device.
Invention is credited to Matsushima, Seiya, Yoshitake, Makoto.
Application Number | 20050040685 10/494088 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 19185741 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050040685 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Matsushima, Seiya ; et
al. |
February 24, 2005 |
Body support device
Abstract
A body support assembly (1) capable of providing a fitting
feeling to a user according to the user's body shape by holding the
shape thereof matching the user's body shape. The body support
assembly (1) comprises a supporting member (4) including a
plurality of granulated materials (2) coated with a
moisture-curable resin, and a stretchable cloth (3) covering the
supporting member (4). The body support assembly (1) is used such
that the cloth (3) is allowed to come in contact with the portion
of the user's body so as to allow the granulated materials (2) to
move relative to one another, and thus the supporting member (4) is
deformed in a shape matching the portion of the user's body. Then,
the moisture-curable resin is cured. The relative movements of the
granulated materials (2) in the supporting member (4) are
controlled by a frame (5) embracing an outer peripheral edge of the
supporting member (4).
Inventors: |
Matsushima, Seiya;
(Niiza-shi, JP) ; Yoshitake, Makoto; (Niiza-shi,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AKERMAN SENTERFITT
P.O. BOX 3188
WEST PALM BEACH
FL
33402-3188
US
|
Family ID: |
19185741 |
Appl. No.: |
10/494088 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
December 10, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP02/12890 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/284.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/18 20130101; B60N
2/7005 20130101; A47C 7/40 20130101; A47C 7/029 20180801; A47C
31/126 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/284.3 |
International
Class: |
A47C 003/025 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 11, 2001 |
JP |
2001-377878 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A body support assembly comprising: a supporting member
including a plurality of granulated materials coated with a
moisture-curable resin; and a moisture permeable member deformable
by press and covering said supporting member, said body support
assembly being used by allowing: said moisture permeable member to
contact a portion of a user's body so as to move said granulated
materials relative to one another; said supporting member to deform
in a shape according to the portion of the user's body; and said
moisture-curable resin to cure, wherein: said body support assembly
further comprises a control means for controlling relative
movements of said granulated materials, said control means defining
a contour of said body support assembly; and said control means
comprises a frame embracing an outer peripheral edge of said
supporting member.
2. (Canceled)
3. A body support assembly comprising: a supporting member
including a plurality of granulated materials coated with a
moisture-curable resin; and a moisture permeable member deformable
by press and covering said supporting member, said body support
assembly being used by allowing: said moisture permeable member to
contact a portion of a user's body so as to move said granulated
materials relative to one another; said supporting member to deform
in a shape according to the portion of the user's body; and said
moisture-curable resin to cure, wherein: said body support assembly
further comprises a control means for controlling relative
movements of said granulated materials, said control means defining
a contour of said body support assembly; said moisture permeable
member comprises a molded container having flexibility and moisture
permeability; and said control means is arranged so as to cover
said supporting member from one side thereof with said molded
container and seal off an open side of said molded container.
4. A body support assembly comprising: a supporting member
including a plurality of granulated materials coated with a
moisture-curable resin; and a moisture permeable member deformable
by press and covering said supporting member, said body support
assembly being used by allowing: said moisture permeable member to
contact a portion of a user's body so as to move said granulated
materials relative to one another; said supporting member to deform
in a shape according to the portion of the user's body; and said
moisture-curable resin to cure, wherein: said body support assembly
further comprises a control means for controlling relative
movements of said granulated materials, said control means defining
a contour of said body support assembly; said moisture permeable
member comprises molded containers each having flexibility and
moisture permeability; and said control means is arranged so as to
cover a whole circumference of said supporting member with said
molded containers.
5. A body support assembly comprising: a supporting member
including a plurality of granulated materials coated with a
moisture-curable resin; and a moisture permeable member deformable
by press and covering said supporting member, said body support
assembly being used by allowing: said moisture permeable member to
contact a portion of a user's body so as to move said granulated
materials relative to one another; said supporting member to deform
in a shape according to the portion of the user's body; and said
moisture-curable resin to cure, wherein: said body support assembly
further comprises a control means for controlling relative
movements of said granulated materials, said control means defining
a contour of said body support assembly; said moisture permeable
member comprises a hardening layer of said granulated materials
coated with said moisture-curable resin, said granulated materials
being hardened in a predetermined shape as a whole; and said
control means has said hardening layer.
6. A body support assembly comprising: a supporting member
including a plurality of granulated materials coated with a
moisture-curable resin; and a moisture permeable member being
deformable by press and covering said supporting member, said body
support assembly being used by allowing: said moisture permeable
member to contact a portion of a user's body so as to move said
granulated materials relative to one another; said supporting
member to deform in a shape according to the portion of the user's
body; and said moisture-curable resin to cure, wherein: said body
support assembly further comprises a control means for controlling
relative movements of said granulated materials, said control means
defining a contour of said body support assembly; said moisture
permeable member comprises moisture permeable flexible sheet
members; and said control means is arranged so as to cover both
sides of said supporting member with said sheet members, said sheet
members being seamed in grids so as to divide said supporting
member into a plurality of sections.
7. The body support assembly according to claim 4, wherein said
body support assembly further comprises a volume variable means for
said supporting member, said volume variable means defining a
contour of said supporting member.
8. A body support assembly comprising: a supporting member
including a plurality of granulated materials coated with a
moisture-curable resin; and a moisture permeable member deformable
by press and covering said supporting member, said body support
assembly being used by allowing: said moisture permeable member to
contact a portion of a user's body so as to move said granulated
materials relative to one another; said supporting member to deform
in a shape according to the portion of the user's body; and said
moisture-curable resin to cure, wherein: said body support assembly
further comprises a volume variable means in said supporting
member, said volume variable means defining a contour of said body
support assembly; said volume variable means changes a volume of
said supporting member by allowing: at least one side of said
supporting member to be covered with a molded container having a
predetermined shape; said molded container to be formed with a
plurality of open-able sections; an open side of said molded
container to be covered with a deformable-by-press moisture
permeable member; said moisture permeable member to come in contact
with a portion of a user's body in order to deform the supporting
member and increase a pressure from said granulated materials
inside said supporting member so that said plurality of open-able
sections are opened, while said granulated materials are discharged
from said opened open-able sections.
9. A body support assembly comprising: a supporting member
including a plurality of granulated materials coated with a
moisture-curable resin; and a moisture permeable member deformable
by press and covering said supporting member, said body support
assembly being used by allowing: said moisture permeable member to
contact a portion of a user's body so as to move said granulated
materials relative to one another; said supporting member to deform
in a shape according to the portion of the user's body; and said
moisture-curable resin to cure, wherein: said body support assembly
further comprises a volume variable means in said supporting
member, said volume variable means defining a contour of said body
support assembly; and said volume variable means is provided inside
said supporting member and serves as a buffering member absorbing a
change of volume of said supporting member.
10. The body support assembly according to claim 9, wherein said
buffering member comprises a foamed member.
11. A body support assembly comprising: a supporting member
including a plurality of granulated materials coated with a
moisture-curable resin; and a moisture permeable member being
deformable by press and covering said supporting member, said body
support assembly being used by allowing: said moisture permeable
member to contact a portion of a user's body so as to move said
granulated materials relative to one another; said supporting
member to deform in a shape according to the portion of the user's
body; and said moisture-curable resin to cure, wherein: said body
support assembly further comprises a control means for controlling
relative movements of said granulated materials, said control means
defining a contour of said body support assembly; and said
supporting member is arranged to include a foamed member so as to
change a volume thereof.
12. The body support assembly according to claim 1, wherein: said
supporting member is provided on a backrest of a seat, said
supporting member comprising a waist supporting member and a
shoulder supporting member; and said supporting member is formed
such that thickness thereof decreases toward said shoulder
supporting member.
13. The body support assembly according to claim 1, wherein said
supporting member comprises: a backrest corresponding member placed
on a backrest of a seat; and a bottom corresponding member placed
on a bottom of said seat.
14. (Canceled)
15. The body support assembly according to claim 1, wherein: said
supporting member is placed on a backrest of a seat; and holding
members are formed on right and left ends of said supporting
member.
16. The body support assembly according to claim 1, wherein: said
supporting member is placed on a bottom of a seat; and holding
members are formed on right and left ends of said supporting
member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF T-HE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a body support assembly
which is used when a user sits down in, for example, a seat, a
chair or the like and can provide a fitting feeling to the user
according to the user's body shape by holding the shape thereof
matching the user's body shape.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] A seat, a chair, such as an automotive seat, an office chair
and a wheelchair are manufactured so as to fit an average user.
Accordingly, they do not fit properly in some users.
[0005] Consequently, various kinds of cushions have been proposed.
For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-224796
discloses a body support assembly which comprises a molded member
employing a structure such that a predetermined amount of
granulated materials coated with a moisture-curable urethane
prepolymer are covered with a water-permeable material, the
water-permeable material having a plurality of openings each
smaller than the granulated material, while the water-permeable
material is coated with a moisture-impermeable material. The
moisture-curable urethane prepolymer and the water-permeable
materials are unreactable with each other, exhibiting a low
adhesive property relative to each other.
[0006] Meanwhile, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
2000-51255 discloses a body support assembly as a
position-upholding tool which comprises an assembly including: a
predetermined amount of granulated materials each having
elasticity; and moisture-curable resin each having elasticity even
after curing, in which a sufficient amount of the moisture-curable
resin is mixed with the granulated materials so as to bond one
granulated material to another when cured, while the granulated
materials can move relative to one another according to a user's
body shape before the moisture-curable resin cures.
[0007] Those body support assemblies are ones such that the
moisture-curable resin cures after the granulated materials such as
foamed polyurethanes are moved to take a specific shape as a whole
according to a user's body shape, and thus the materials become
immobilized in order to hold the specific shape. Those body support
assemblies can rapidly and reliably support individual user's body,
while the production process thereof is simple, and thus those body
support assemblies are especially suitable for medical application
to support a patient's head, etc.
[0008] Those body support assemblies, however, have the following
problems when applied to a seat, a chair or the like to which they
are installed in a limited installation area. Namely, those body
support assemblies fit to a user's body by allowing the granulated
materials such as foamed polyurethanes to move relative to one
another, while a supporting member thereof containing the moving
granulated materials is flattened by a pressure from the user's
body in order to fit thereto, and thus the area of the supporting
member is enlarged. Moreover, the enlargement of the area due to
this flattening varies according to the individual user's body and
the pressure therefrom, so that the resultant shape of the
supporting member becomes irregular. Accordingly, those body
support assemblies can not be used as they are for a seat or a
chair whose size such as width is subjected to predetermined
restrictions.
[0009] Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a body
support assembly which is able to not only solve the
above-explained problems, but also support a user's body reliably
while dispersing a pressure from the user's body with superior air
permeability, since the product's value thereof can be
improved.
[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above
problems and it is accordingly an object thereof to provide a body
support assembly which can hold its shape matching a user's body
shape so that the user can get a fitting feeling in accordance with
the user's body shape.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In order to attain the above object, according to a first
aspect of the present invention, there is provided a body support
assembly comprising: a supporting member including a plurality of
granulated materials coated with a moisture-curable resin; and a
moisture permeable member, the moisture permeable member being
deformable by press and covering the supporting member, the body
support assembly being used by allowing: the moisture permeable
member to contact a portion of a user's body so as to move the
granulated materials; the supporting member to deform in a shape
according to the portion of the user's body; and the
moisture-curable resin to cure, wherein the body support assembly
further comprises a control means for controlling relative
movements of the granulated materials, the control means defining a
contour of the body support assembly.
[0012] The body support assembly employing the above-explained
structure is moisturized, and then placed between: a portion of a
seat coming in contact with hip, waist, back or the like of a user,
namely, the portion of the seat necessary to hold the user; and the
user's body. When the user sits down, pressing the body support
assembly, the granulated materials in the supporting member move
relative to one another and deform the whole shape to the specific
shape fitting to a portion of the user such as hip, waist or the
like. When the moisture-curable resin cures, the granulated
materials with the specific shape are immobilized, and thus the
shape matching the individual user's body is held. At that moment,
since the relative movements of the granulated materials in the
supporting member are controlled, the supporting member does not
get out of shape when deformed. Accordingly, the body support
assembly is suitable for a seat, a chair or the like. Specifically,
since each of the granulated materials has elasticity, the position
of the user's body can be reliably supported, while the pressure
from the user's body can be dispersed, ensuring superior air
permeability.
[0013] In the above-explained body support assembly, since the
control means may comprise a frame embracing an outer peripheral
edge of the supporting member, the granulated materials in the
support assembly does not protrude out of the frame, and thus the
body support assembly can hold its contour along the frame.
[0014] In the above-explained body support assembly, since the
moisture permeable member may comprise a molded container having
flexibility and moisture permeability, while the control means is
arranged so as to cover the supporting member from one side thereof
with the molded container and seal off an open side of the molded
container, the granulated materials are moved to take the specific
shape as a whole in association with the deformation of the molded
container, and then immobilized by curing, with the specific shape
fitting to the portion of the user such as hip, waist, back or the
like. Accordingly, the specific shape matching the individual
user's body can be held, and thus the body support assembly can
take its shape in accordance with the molded container.
[0015] In the above-explained body support assembly, since the
moisture permeable member may comprise molded containers each
having flexibility and moisture permeability, while the control
means is arranged so as to cover the whole circumference of the
supporting member with the molded containers, the granulated
materials are moved to take the specific shape as a whole in
association with the deformation of the molded containers, and
immobilized by curing with the specific shape fitting to the
portion of the user such as hip, waist, back or the like.
Accordingly, the shape matching the individual user's body can be
held, and thus the body support assembly can take its shape in
accordance with the molded containers.
[0016] Also, in the above-explained body support assembly, since
the moisture permeable member may comprise a hardening layer of the
granulated materials coated with the moisture-curable resin, the
granulated materials being hardened thereby in a predetermined
shape as a whole, while the control means includes the hardening
layer, whereby the granulated materials which are not immobilized
yet are surrounded by the hardening layer, and are moved inside
thereof relative to one another and deformed. Accordingly, the body
support assembly can have a shape matching the hardening layer of
an outside surface. Moreover, the supporting member and the
moisture permeable member can be made from the same material at a
time, the productivity and economical efficiency of the body
support assembly can be improved.
[0017] Moreover, in the above-explained body support assembly,
since the moisture permeable member may comprise flexible sheet
members, while the control means is arranged so as to cover both
sides of the supporting member with the sheet members, the sheet
members being seamed so as to divide the supporting member into a
plurality of sections, the granulated materials are allowed to move
only within each section, and thus the body support assembly can
have a shape according to the one defined by the flexible sheet
members.
[0018] Alternatively, according to a further aspect of the present
invention, the body support assembly may further comprise a volume
variable means in the supporting member, the volume variable means
defining a contour of the support assembly. The body support
assembly employing the above-explained structure is moisturized,
and placed between: a portion of a seat coming in contact with hip,
waist, back of a user or the like, namely, the portion of the seat
necessary to hold the user; and the user's body. When the user sits
down, pressing the body support assembly, the granulated materials
in the supporting member are moved relative to one another and
deform the whole shape thereof to the specific shape fitting to a
portion of the user such as hip, waist or the like. When the
moisture-curable resin cures, the granulated materials with the
specific shape are immobilized, and thus the shape matching the
individual user's body is held. At that moment, the granulated
materials are flattened in accordance with the amount of depression
the granulated materials are subjected to, and thus the whole area
thereof is liable to be enlarged. However, by changing the volume
of the supporting member in accordance with the flattening of the
granulated materials and the enlargement of the area thereof, the
body support assembly does not get out of shape. Accordingly, the
body support assembly is suitable for the ones having only a
limited installation area for installing the body support assembly,
such as a seat, a chair or the like. Specifically, since each of
the granulated materials has elasticity, the position of the user's
body can be reliably supported, while the pressure from the user's
body can be dispersed, and thus the body support assembly can have
superior air permeability.
[0019] In the above-explained body support assembly, the volume
variable means may be one which changes a volume of the supporting
member by allowing: at least one side of the supporting member to
be covered with a molded container having a predetermined shape;
the molded container to be formed with a plurality of open-able
sections; an open side of the molded container to be covered with a
moisture permeable member that is deformable by press; the moisture
permeable member to come in contact with a portion of a user's body
in order to deform the supporting member and increase a pressure
from the granulated materials inside the supporting member so that
the plurality of open-able sections are opened, while the
granulated materials are discharged from the opened open-able
sections. When the granulated materials in the supporting member
are pressed and the pressure thereof increases, the open-able
sections of the molded container are opened, while the granulated
materials are discharged from the opened open-able sections.
Accordingly, the volume of the supporting member can be changed so
as to hold the contour of the body support assembly, and thus it
does not get out of shape when deformed.
[0020] Moreover, the volume variable member may comprise the
buffering member, provided in the supporting member so as to absorb
the change of volume thereof, and thus the volume of the supporting
member can be changed by allowing the granulated materials to come
into the buffering member, to thereby hold the contour of the body
support assembly. Accordingly, the body support assembly does not
get out of shape when deformed.
[0021] Also, the buffering member may comprise a foamed member.
[0022] Further, the supporting member provided with the control
means may be arranged to include a foamed member.
[0023] Still further, the supporting member may be provided on a
backrest of a seat, including a waist supporting member and a
shoulder supporting member, and the supporting member may be formed
such that thickness thereof decreases toward the shoulder
supporting member. Alternatively, the supporting member may
comprise a backrest obverse portion placed on a backrest of a seat
and a bottom obverse portion placed on a bottom of the seat.
Holding members may be provided on the supporting member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a body support assembly
according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional plan view showing the body
support assembly of FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view showing the body support
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a frame included in the body
support assembly of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an applied condition of
the body support assembly of FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a side view showing the applied condition of the
body support assembly shown in FIG. 5;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a transverse cross sectional view showing the body
support assembly of FIG. 5 in the applied condition;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a body support assembly
according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view showing the body support
assembly of FIG. 8;
[0033] FIG. 10 is a vertical cross sectional view showing a body
support assembly according to a third embodiment of the present
invention;
[0034] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a body support
assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view showing the body support
assembly of FIG. 11;
[0036] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a body support
assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view showing the body support
assembly of FIG. 13 along a line A-A;
[0038] FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view showing the body support
assembly of FIG. 13 along a line B-B;
[0039] FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view showing the body support
assembly of FIG. 13 along a line C-C;
[0040] FIG. 17 is a cross sectional viiew showing a container of
the body support assembly of FIG. 13;
[0041] FIG. 18 is a plan view showing a body support assembly
according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view showing the body support
assembly of FIG. 18;
[0043] FIG. 20 is a cross sectional view showing a body support
assembly according to a seventh embodiment of the present
invention;
[0044] FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view showing a mold used for
manufacturing the body support assembly of FIG. 20;
[0045] FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view showing a modified example
of the body support assembly shown in FIG. 20;
[0046] FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view showing a body support
assembly according to a eighth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0047] FIG. 24 is a body support assembly according to a ninth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 25 is a transverse cross sectional view showing the
body support assembly of FIG. 24;
[0049] FIG. 26 is a side view showing an applied condition of the
body support assembly shown in FIG. 24;
[0050] FIG. 27 is a cross sectional view showing the applied
condition of the body support assembly of FIG. 25;
[0051] FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a body support
assembly according to a tenth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0052] FIG. 29 is a cross sectional view showing the body support
assembly of FIG. 28;
[0053] FIG. 30 is a cross sectional view showing an applied
condition of the body support assembly of FIG. 28;
[0054] FIG. 31 is a cross sectional view showing an modified
example of the body support assembly shown in FIG. 28;
[0055] FIG. 32 is a side view showing an applied condition of a
body support assembly according to an eleventh embodiment of the
present invention;
[0056] FIG. 33 is a side view showing an applied condition of a
body support assembly according to a twelfth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0057] FIG. 34 is a side view showing an applied condition of a
body support assembly according to a thirteenth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0058] FIG. 35(a) is a perspective view showing a frame included in
the body support assembly shown in FIG. 34, while FIG. 35(b) is a
perspective view showing the body support assembly;
[0059] FIG. 36 is a side view showing an applied condition of a
body support assembly according to a fourteenth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0060] FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing the body support
assembly of FIG. 36;
[0061] FIG. 38 is a cross sectional view showing the body support
assembly of FIG. 37 along a line A-A;
[0062] FIG. 39 is a side view showing an applied condition of a
body support assembly according to a fifteenth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0063] FIG. 40 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 39 along a line
A-A; and
[0064] FIG. 41 is a perspective view showing a frame included in
the body support assembly of FIG. 39.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0065] A first embodiment of the present invention will now be
explained with reference to the accompanying drawings FIGS. 1 to 7.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a body support assembly 1 according to
this embodiment comprises: a supporting member 4; and a frame 5.
The supporting member 4 includes: a plurality of granulated
materials 2 coated with a moisture-curable resin; and a cloth 3 as
a moisture permeable member which is deformable by press and made
from a stretchable knitted fabric, textile fabric, non-woven cloth
or a monofilament. The frame 5 is provided in the supporting member
4 as a framework. The frame 5 is essentially octagonal in a plane
but bent three-dimensionally. In order to hold in a manner like
wrapping a portion of the user's body from right and left sides
thereof, the cloth 3 employs a structure such that the size thereof
is set to be slightly larger than that of the portion of the user's
body so as to provide a well supporting effect. According to this
embodiment, the frame 5 serves as a control means for controlling
relative movements of the granulated materials 2 within the
supporting member 4. Meanwhile, the cloth 3 may be fixed to the
frame 5. For example, the cloth 3 may be adhered to the frame 5, or
stitched thereonto.
[0066] For the granulated material 2 in the above-explained body
support assembly 1 is preferred one having adequate elasticity and
nonreactive with a moisture-curable resin (described later), or one
finished so as not to be reactive with the moisture-curable resin
in a non-cured condition. For example, olefin-base granulated
materials such as those made from polyethylene, polypropylene or a
copolymer thereof with elasticity added thereto by softener or
plasticizer, as well as those made from rubber-base materials with
elasticity added thereto in a similar way or having elasticity
themselves, such as vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl chloride,
polystyrene, polyester, polyether, polyurethane, neoprene,
polybutadiene, silicon or any other rubber-base material are
preferable. Moreover, an elastic material or a gelatinous material
that are nonreactive with the moisture-curable resin may also be
used therefor.
[0067] To be more precise, the following products can be used as
the granulated material 2, :COSMOGEL (commercial product made by
Cosmo instruments Co., Ltd); MNCS (made by Bridgestone Co., Ltd);
ALPHAGEL (made by Seagel Co., Ltd); TORAYPEF (made by Toray
Industries, Inc); MITSUFUKU FOAM (made by Mitsufuku Industries Co.,
Ltd); EXCESEAL (made by Inoac Kabushiki Kaisha); CALSOFT (made by
Takiron Co., Ltd); NEOPLEN Rubber (made by Yamamoto Chemical Ind.
Co., Ltd); CR Rubber (made by Daiwabo Co., Ltd or Marushinkakou
Kabushiki Kaisha); SILICON sponge (made by Chiyoda Gomu Kabushiki
Kaisha, Inoac Kabushiki Kaisha or Shinetsu Kagaku Kougyou Kabushiki
Kaisha), etc.
[0068] Each of the above-described granulated materials 2 may be
formed in spherical shape, bar-shape, cubical shape, cuboidal
shape, cylindrical shape, discotical shape, or other suitable
shapes. It is preferable that the granulated material 2 is formed
in corner-free shape, specifically, spherical shape. Moreover, from
a standpoint of the elasticity of the body support assembly 1, the
granulated material 2 is preferably formed so as to be solid, to
have hollows, or to be foamed. In a case where the granulated
material 2 is a foamed one, it is preferable to form each of the
granulated material 2 to be a closed cell so that the
moisture-curable resin (described later) would not permeate inside
the granulated material 2. Specifically, one having a skin layer on
the surface is suitable.
[0069] The size of each granulated material 2 varies depending on:
the position to use the body support assembly 1; the material of
the granulated material 2; and types or kinds of the
moisture-curable resin. Large granulated material 2 results in high
permeability to air, but if it is too large, it causes decrease in
deformability and surface smoothness thereof, and thus the fitting
comfort of the body support assembly 1 would be inferior.
Accordingly, the granulated material 2 of less than about 8
cm.sup.3 is preferable, more preferably that of 0.125 cm.sup.3 or
below allows the body support assembly 1 to be easy-to-use and to
have a smoothed surface. Alternatively, the granulated material 2
can be made from two or more kinds of above materials having
different qualities, shapes, characteristics and/or sizes.
[0070] Further, the hardness of the material of the above-explained
granulated materials 2 is set to be about 2 kg/cm.sup.2 or below
under 25% compressive strength test for cushioning soft urethane
(JIS K6401 5.4), and preferably, set to be about 1.0 kg/cm.sup.2 or
below. Still further, compressive residual strain thereof (JIS K
6401 5.5) is set to be about 15% or below, preferably, about 13% or
below. In a case where the compressive strength is over 2
kg/cm.sup.2 or the compressive residual strain over 15%, the
granulated materials 2 are so hard that a distortion thereof would
be developed during the use, and thus it is not desirable.
[0071] For the moisture-curable resin for coating the
above-described granulated materials 2, hydraulic urethane
prepolymer is preferable since it easily cures when water is
applied. The hydraulic urethane prepolymer is prepolymer having
isocianate group in a terminal obtained by a reaction of polyol and
polyisocianate. Meanwhile, other moisture-curable resin such as
moisture-curable silicon resin may be used. As the moisture-curable
resin, one having an appropriate elasticity after cured is
preferable. Alternatively, the granulated material 2 may be one
which bonds to the moisture-curable resin when the moisture-curable
resin cures by the addition of water, or one which is immobilized
without bonding to the moisture-curable resin in a state where it
is embraced by the moisture-curable resin. A catalytic agent, a
fixing agent, an anti-forming agent, an antioxidant, a coloring
agent, a thixotropy adding agent, a bulking agent, etc. can be
accordingly added to the moisture-curable resin from the
standpoints of the hardening time, preservation-stability,
acceleration of defoaming when cured, finished color tone and so
on. As those additives, well-known compounds can be selected
according to the composition of the moisture-curable resin.
[0072] In a case where the moisture-curable resin comprises
hydraulic urethane prepolymer, bis (2,6-dimethyl molpholino)
diethyl ether, triethylene diamine, cyclohexylamine, dimethyl
ethanolamine, substitution-molpholine, dimethyl piperazine, or the
like can be used as a curing catalyst. In a case where a
thixotoropy adding agent is added, maldistribution of the
moisture-curable resin can be prevented when the moisture-curable
resin is preserved in a mixed condition with the granulated
material 2, and thus a state where both the moisture-curable resin
and the granulated material 2 are homogeneously mixed can be held.
As the thixotoropy adding agent for hydraulic urethane prepolymer,
the followings can be used: silica; titanium oxide; organic
polyalkylene-modified compound comprising polyalkylene glycol whose
hydroxyl end group is treated with a hydroxyl treatment agent, such
as polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol or a copolymer thereof
treated with methyl chloride or a fatty acid; aromatic carboxylic
acid esters; benzylidene sorbitols, zytrylidene sorbitols or the
like synthesized by acetal reaction of D-sorbitol with aromatic
aldehyde. The amount to be used is about 0.01 to 6%, preferably
about 0.05 to 3% relative to hydraulic urethane prepolymer.
[0073] Hydraulic urethane prepolymer is suitable as the
moisture-curable resin since it has the following desirable
properties, though they depend on the use thereof, such that: the
apparent strength thereof enabling a user's weight to be applied as
a load can be obtained in about 3 to 30 minutes' curing time after
water is applied; the change of volume thereof due to a reaction is
small; harmful effect against human body such as the producing of
fever, stimulation or the like seldom occurs; and stability of
preservation is high.
[0074] Sufficient amount of the above-explained moisture-curable
resin is appropriately mixed so that the surfaces of the all
granulated materials 2 are coated. Normally, more than about 7.5 g
of the moisture-curable resin per 1 litter (volume) of the
granulated materials 2 is sufficient, which is preferably about 45
to 420 g. The granulated materials 2 and the moisture-curable resin
are mixed by a versatile mixer, a concrete mixer or any other
suitable mixer or the like, preferably under an environment in
which mixing temperature is 20 degrees centigrade and relative
humidity (RH) is 20% or below, such that dry nitrogen gas is filled
in a chamber of the above mixer, and then a predetermined amount of
the granulated materials 2 is put therein and stirred while a
predetermined amount of the moisture-curable resin is mixed
therewith, until they are mixed in a homogeneous state.
[0075] After mixing, each of the granulated materials 2 is coated
with the sufficient amount of the moisture-curable resin for
sticking one granulated material 2 to another. Each of the
granulated materials 2 is gathered in a mass by the non-cured
moisture-curable resin, but in a condition such that each of them
can move relative to one another. The mixture of the granulated
materials 2 and the moisture-curable resin can be preserved so as
to remain non-cured, by storing it in a moisture-proofed one such
as a packaging bag or sheet including an aluminum foil, a box and a
can.
[0076] The cloth 3 is made for example from: synthetic fibers of
polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyacrylamide,
polyurethane, styrene-isoprene-styrene-copolymer (SIS), polyamide
or other kinds of synthetic fibers; regenerated fibers of rayon,
cotton, linen or the like; and inorganic fibers such as natural
fibers, glass fibers, etc. A material of the cloth 3 reactive with
the moisture-curable resin or having a large moisture content may
be subjected to preliminary surface treatment to have
non-reactivity, or dried to be dehydrated. For hydraulic urethane
prepolymer, a preferable material of the cloth 3 is one which does
not react with the none-cured urethane prepolymer, such as
polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, SIS or the
like. Specifically, fibers of polyester, polypropylene,
polyethylene, polyurethane or SIS, each having heat sealing
characteristic, or blended fabrics of either one of them are
preferred. Those materials are formed in a knit, textile, non-woven
cloth, molten-net or the like, but it is desirable to form them
flexible and extendible enough to fit well to the contour of the
portion of the user's body when applied. For such flexibility and
extendibility, one having at least 15% elongation percentage in
either direction of longitudinal or transversal directions is
preferable. Less than that percentage of elongation may result in a
poor compatibility with the user's body when deforming its
shape.
[0077] The frame 5 is made from a material having a certain level
of rigidity and elasticity such as a steel-made wire, synthetic
resins and so on. For example, the steel-made wire may be three
dimensionally bent in a desired shape and both ends thereof may be
jointed by a caulking portion 5A so as to shape the frame 5.
Alternatively, the frame 5 may be made from a synthetic resin such
as foamed polystyrene which is formed in a similar shape.
[0078] The body support assembly 1 of this embodiment is put into a
non-illustrated moisture-proof bag and sealed therein.
Consequently, the granulated materials 2 are not exposed to
moisture in this sealed condition, and thus the curing of the
moisture-curable resin is certainly prevented, while the
moisture-curable resin coating the granulated materials 2 can be
cured in a short time by opening the moisture-proof bag and then
applying water or spraying a catalyst solution thereto so as to
allow the moisture-curable resin to be exposed to moisture. As
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the above-explained body support assembly 1
is placed on a seat cover 12 of an automotive seat 11 or the like.
To be more precise, the body support assembly 1 of this embodiment
is placed on a backrest 11A of the seat 11 such that upper edge 5B
and lower edge 5C of the frame 5 serve as supporting points.
Namely, the body support assembly 1 serves as a cushioning which
supports a user's body from back to waist thereof. By putting a
cover sheet (not shown), such as a stretchable fabric or the like
which is proper for the automotive seat, over a back cover 12 A,
the body support assembly 1 is completely hidden, and thus the
favorable appearance of the seat 11 equipping the body support
assembly 1 can be obtained. Meanwhile, reference number 13 in FIG.
13 denotes a headrest, while reference number 14 denotes a bottom
of the seat 11. The body support assembly 1 supports the user's
body from shoulder to waist, and employs a structure such that
thickness thereof gradually decreases from the portion for
supporting the waist of the user to the portion for supporting the
shoulder of the user. Accordingly, the user's shoulder is supported
without an inter-space between the user's back and the backrest
11A. This makes it possible to stably support the user's head by
the headrest 13.
[0079] Next, operations of the body support assembly 1 employing
the above-explained structure will now be explained. First of all,
the body support assembly 1 is taken out from the moisture-proof
bag (not shown). The moisture-curable resin starts curing when
water is forced into the cloth 3 (the moisture permeability member
of the body support assembly 1) by pressingly putting an atomist
spray or the like to the cloth 3. Then, the frame 5 is placed on
the backrest 11A of the seat 11, while the cover sheet is put over
there if necessary.
[0080] Next, when the user (not shown) sits down while pressing
his/her body to the body support assembly 1, the stretchable cloth
3 stretches, while the granulated materials 2 in the supporting
member 4 move relative to one another and rapidly deform the whole
shape thereof to the specific shape fitting to the user's body.
When the moisture-curable resin coating the surfaces of the
granulated materials 2 cures in a short time (3-5 minutes), the
granulated materials 2 are immobilized and thus the specific shape
thereof can be held. At the central portion of the supporting
member 4, the granulated materials 2 become thinner corresponding
to the amount of the pressure from the user and thus the planer
shape of the supporting member 4 is urged to be changed by the
granulated materials 2, but the supporting member 4 does not
protrude outside the frame 5 since the supporting member 4 is
embraced by the frame 5. As a result, both right and left edges of
the supporting member 4 inflate and hold the user's body in a
manner like wrapping the user's body from right and left sides.
[0081] Since the body support assembly 1 can instantly and easily
deform its shape matching the individual user's body shape while
the portion of the body support assembly 1 facing the seat 11 can
deform its shape smoothly in accordance with the seat 11 and then
harden, the body support assembly 1 can be placed without a
displacement relative to the seat 11. Moreover, whilst the body
support assembly 1 holds its shape by allowing the moisture-curable
resin coating the granulated materials 2 to cure, yet it can have
an appropriate softness as well as hardness since each granulated
material 2 has elasticity. Further, it can also have an air
permeability so as to essentially prevent the user from getting
sweaty when used for a long time since there is a space between
each of the granulated materials 2. Therefore, it can provide a
comfortable holding and cushioning performance to the user.
[0082] Moreover, since the body support assembly 1 employs a simple
structure such that the granulated materials 2 coated with the
moisture-curable resin are covered by the cloth 3 while the frame 5
is used as a framework, it can be simply designed, and is excellent
in mass-productivity. Therefore, the body support assembly 1 can be
manufactured at a low-cost. Further, since the body support
assembly 1 is preserved in the moisture-proof bag and sealed
therein, the granulated materials 2 can be prevented from getting
immobilized due to the granulated materials 2 sticking to one
another. Accordingly, the supporting member 4 can be prevented from
becoming solid unless the body support assembly 1 is taken out of
the moisture-proof bag, and thus the body support assembly 1 has
excellent transporting, distributing and storing abilities, and is
extremely easy to handle.
[0083] As explained above, according to this embodiment, the body
support assembly 1 comprising: a supporting member 4 including the
plurality of granulated materials 2 coated with a moisture-curable
resin; and a cloth 3 as a moisture permeable member being
deformable by press, the cloth 3 covering the supporting member 4,
the body support assembly 1 being used by allowing: the moisture
permeable member to contact a portion of a user's body so as to
move the granulated materials 2 relative to one another; the
supporting member 4 to deform in a shape according to the portion
of the user's body; and the moisture-curable resin to cure, wherein
the body support assembly 1 further comprises a frame 5 as a
control means for controlling relative movements of the granulated
materials 2, the frame 5 defining a contour of the supporting
member 4. Thus, the relative movements of the granulated materials
2 in the supporting member 4 are controlled by allowing the frame 5
to surround the outer peripheral edge of the supporting member 4.
The body support assembly 1 is moisturized, and set between the
seat 11 and the user's body. When the user sits down while pressing
the body support assembly 1, the granulated materials 2 in the
supporting member 4 move relative to one another and deform the
whole shape thereof to the specific shape fitting to the portion of
the user's body such as hip, waist or the like. When the
moisture-curable resin cures, the granulated materials 2 with the
specific shape are immobilized, and thus the shape matching the
individual user's body is held. Since the relative movements of the
granulated materials 2 in the supporting member 4 are controlled,
the supporting member 4 does not get out of shape when deformed.
Accordingly, the body support assembly 1 is suitable for a seat, a
chair or the like whose width is subjected to restrictions.
Specifically, since each of the granulated materials 2 has
elasticity, the position of the user's body can be reliably
supported and the pressure from the user's body can be dispersed,
and the body support assembly 1 can have superior air
permeability.
[0084] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will now
be explained with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. The body support
assembly according to this embodiment essentially employs the same
structure as that of the first embodiment, and thus the same
reference numbers will denote the same structure portions, while
detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. In the body support
assembly 1 of this embodiment, the supporting member 4 employs a
structure such that the plurality of granulated materials 2 coated
with the moisture-curable resin are contained in a molded container
21 having deformability, while an open surface side of the molded
container 21 is covered with a film 23 or the like. In this
embodiment, the control means for controlling relative movements of
the granulated materials 2 within the supporting member 4
comprises: the molded container 21 covering one surface of the
supporting member 4; and the film 23 or the like covering the open
surface of the molded container 21. The molded container 21 is made
up of a plastic mesh material having elasticity and
moisture-permeability. As shown in FIG. 8, the molded container 21
is a box whose planer shape is octagonal, like a rectangular whose
edges are cut in crosswise. Meanwhile, the deformable molded
container 21 mentioned in this specification is one made from a
material having flexibility or fragility. As the material having
flexibility may preferably be used one having air permeability and
moisture permeability, such as a cardboard, a denim fabric or a
plastic mesh made of polypropylene, nylon or the like.
Alternatively, various kinds of a plastic sheet or film having no
air permeability and moisture permeability but having flexibility
can be used in the same way by being formed with a plurality of
pores. On the other hand, the material having fragility is one
which is not collapsed when a stress is applied but cracked and
deformed, so that it can acquire air permeability and moisture
permeability. To be more precise, a shell of a thin glass, acrylic
resin or calcium carbonate can be used as the material having
fragility.
[0085] In the above-explained body support assembly 1, the
granulated materials 2 and the moisture-curable resin are the same
as ones in the first embodiment. Further, the body support assembly
1 of this embodiment is also put into a non-illustrated
moisture-proof bag and sealed therein.
[0086] Next, operations of the body support assembly 1 employing
the above-explained structure will now be explained. First of all,
the body support assembly 1 is taken out from the moisture-proof
bag (not shown). The moisture-curable resin coating the granulated
materials 2 starts curing when water is applied to the molded
container 21 by spraying or the like. Then, a cover sheet is put
over the molded container 21 if necessary, while the body support
assembly 1 is set at the automotive seat 11 in the similar way
explained in the first embodiment so that the molded container 21
of the body support assembly 1 faces up. Next, when the user sits
down while pressing the user's body portion(s) such as waist, back,
legs, etc. to the body support assembly 1, the molded container 21
deforms, while the granulated materials 2 in the supporting member
4 move relative to one another, and rapidly deform the whole shape
to the specific shape fitting to the user's body and hold this
specific shape by being immobilized when the moisture-curable resin
coating the surfaces of granulated materials 2 cures in a short
time (3-5 minutes). The shape of the supporting member 4 is urged
to be changed in accordance with the amount of press the granulated
materials 2 are subjected to, but the supporting member 4 does not
protrude out of the molded container 21 since one side of the
supporting member 4 is covered by the molded container 21 so that
relative movements of the granulated materials 2, which occurs in a
direction toward the one side and in a lateral direction relative
to a bottom surface 21B embraced by a peripheral wall 21 A of the
molded container 21, is controlled. Accordingly, the body support
assembly 1 can be deformed in a shape controlled by the molded
container 21. Moreover, whilst the body support assembly 1 is one
which holds its shape by allowing the moisture-curable resin
coating the granulated materials 2 to cure, it can have an
appropriate softness as well as hardness since each granulated
material 2 has elasticity, while it can have an air permeability so
as to essentially prevent the user from getting sweaty when used
for a long time since there is a pore space among the granulated
materials 2. Therefore, it can provide a comfortable holding and
cushioning performance to the user.
[0087] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will now
be explained with reference to FIG. 10. The body support assembly
according to the third embodiment essentially employs the same
structure as that of the second embodiment, and thus the same
reference numbers will denote the same structure portions, while
detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. In the body support
assembly 1 of this embodiment, the supporting member 4 employs a
structure such that the plurality of granulated materials 2 coated
with the moisture-curable resin are contained in a pair of the
molded containers 21 each having deformability. In this embodiment,
the control means for controlling the relative movements of the
granulated materials 2 within the supporting member 4 comprises the
pair of molded containers 21 covering all periphery of the
supporting member 4. Each of the molded containers 21 comprises a
plastic flexible mesh material having moisture-permeability. In the
above-explained body support assembly 1, the granulated materials 2
and the moisture-curable resin are the same as ones in the first
embodiment. Further, the body support assembly 1 according to this
embodiment is also put into a non-illustrated moisture-proof bag
and sealed therein. The body support assembly 1 according to the
third embodiment can be used in the same way as explained in the
second embodiment. Specifically, since both sides of the supporting
member 4 are molded containers 21, the body support assembly 1 can
be used irrespective of which side of the body support assembly 1
faces up and which side thereof faces down.
[0088] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will now
be explained with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. The body support
assembly 1 according to the fourth embodiment essentially employs
the same structure as that of the second embodiment, and thus the
same reference numbers will denote the same structure portions,
while detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. In the body
support assembly 1 of this embodiment, the supporting member 4
employs a structure such that the plurality of granulated materials
2 coated with the moisture-curable resin are contained in a molded
container 24 having deformability, while open side of the molded
container 24 is covered by a film 23 or the like. In this
embodiment, the control means for controlling the relative
movements of the granulated materials 2 in the supporting member 4
comprises: the molded container 24 covering the supporting member 4
from one side thereof; and the film 23 or the like covering the
open side of the molded container 21. The molded container 24
comprises a plastic flexible mesh material having
moisture-permeability and, as shown in FIG. 11, it is formed in a
box shape such that it is rectangular in a plane but having tapered
portions 25 on the upper and lower ends thereof, the tapered
portions 25 having smooth slopes. In the above-explained body
support assembly 1, the granulated materials 2 and the
moisture-curable resin are the same as ones in the first
embodiment. Further, the body support assembly 1 of this embodiment
is also put into a non-illustrated moisture-proof bag and sealed
therein.
[0089] The body support assembly 1 of the fourth embodiment can be
used in the same way as explained in the second embodiment.
Specifically, since the tapered portions 25 having smooth slopes
are formed on the upper and lower ends of the molding portion 24, a
bump between the body support assembly 1 and the automotive seat 11
is not essentially created when the body support assembly 1 is
placed on the automotive seat 11. Therefore, the user essentially
does not feel uncomfortable.
[0090] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will now
be explained with reference to FIGS. 13 to 17. The body support
assembly according to the fifth embodiment essentially employs the
same structure as that of the second embodiment, and thus the same
reference numbers will denote the same structure portions, while
detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. In the body support
assembly 1 of this embodiment, the supporting member 4 employs a
structure such that the plurality of granulated materials 2 coated
with the moisture-curable resin are contained in a molded container
26 having flexibility, while open side of the molded container 26
is covered by a film 23 or the like. In this embodiment, the
control means for controlling the relative movements of the
granulated materials 2 in the supporting member 4 comprises: the
molded container 26 covering one side of the supporting member 4;
and the film 23 or the like covering the open side thereof. The
molded container 26 comprises a plastic mesh material having
flexibility and moisture-permeability. As shown in FIG. 13, it is
formed in a box shape such that it is rectangular in a plane but
having thicker hold portions 27 on the right and left ends thereof.
In the above-explained body support assembly 1, the granulated
materials 2 and the moisture-curable resin are the same as ones in
the first embodiment. Further, the body support assembly 1 of this
embodiment is also put into a non-illustrated moisture-proof bag
and sealed therein. The body support assembly 1 according to the
fifth embodiment can be used in the same way as explained in the
second embodiment. The body support assembly 1 of this embodiment
is bucket seat type having thicker hold portions 27 on the right
and left sides of the molded container 26. In general,
manufacturing one having such a complicated contour needs a lot of
work. The body support assembly 1 according to this embodiment,
however, can be shaped in such complicated contour by shaping the
molded container 26 correspondingly, and thus the body support
assembly 1 is suitable for being formed in various kinds of
shape.
[0091] Moreover, in the body support assembly 1 according to this
embodiment, since the supporting member 4 is placed on the backrest
11A of the seat 11 while the hold portions 27 are formed on the
right and left sides of the molded container 26, the body support
assembly 1 can hold the back of the user from both right and left
sides. Accordingly, the user can sit down in a condition without a
stress applied to the muscles from the waist to the back, and thus
a stress to the waist of the user can be reduced.
[0092] Meanwhile, since the body support assembly 1 according to
this embodiment employs a complicated form such that it has the
molded container 26 having flexibility or fragility, the hold
portions 27 might be deformed during the preservation and
transportation thereof. In this connection, the body support
assembly 1 may be covered by a container which is made from, for
example, expanded polystyrene so that the deformation of the molded
container 26 can be prevented. As shown in FIG. 17, this container
comprises: an upper part covering member 28 having a concaved
portion corresponding to the upper-half shape of the body support
assembly 1; and a lower part covering member 29 having a concaved
portion corresponding to the lower-half shape of the body support
assembly 1. The molded container 26 is kept in its initial shape by
covering the same with the upper part covering member 28 and the
lower part covering member 29, and then the body support assembly 1
with the molded container 26 is put into the moisture proof bag 30
and sealed therein so as to prevent external force from being
applied thereto. Accordingly, the deformation of the molded
container 26 can be prevented. Needless to say, such external force
blockage container comprising the upper part coveting member 28 and
the lower part covering member 29 can be used in the other
embodiments.
[0093] Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will now
be explained. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, in the body support
assembly 1 according to this embodiment, the supporting member 4
employs a structure such that the plurality of granulated materials
2 coated with the moisture-curable resin are covered by two sheets
of stretchable cloths 3 made from knitted fabrics, textile fabrics,
non-woven cloths or monofilaments formed by strings of a fiber
assembly as a moisture permeable member deformable by press. Two
sheets of the cloths 3 are sewed in grids so as to form a plurality
of sections 4A. In order to hold and wrap the portion of the user's
body from right and left sides for achieving a well supporting
effect, the cloth 3 employs a structure such that the size thereof
is set to be slightly larger than that of a portion of the user's
body to be supported by the body support assembly 1. In the body
support assembly 1, the granulated materials 2 and the
moisture-curable resin are the same as ones explained in the first
embodiment. Further, the body support assembly 1 of this embodiment
is also put into a non-illustrated moisture-proof bag and sealed
therein.
[0094] Operations of the body support assembly 1 employing the
above-explained structure will now be explained. First of all, the
body support assembly 1 is taken out from the moisture-proof bag
(not shown). The moisture-curable resin starts curing when water is
applied into the cloths 3 (the moisture permeability member of the
body support assembly 1) by, for example, spraying the water to the
cloth 3. The frame 5 is placed on the backrest 11A, and a cover
sheet is put over there.
[0095] Next, when the user sits down while pressing the user's body
to the body support assembly 1, the stretchable cloths 3 elongates,
while the granulated materials 2 in the supporting member 4 move
relative to one another, and rapidly deform the whole shape to the
specific shape fitting to the user's body and hold this specific
shape by being immobilized when the moisture-curable resin coating
the surfaces of granulated materials 2 cures in a short time (3-5
minutes). At the central portion of the supporting member 4, the
granulated materials 2 become thinner in accordance with the amount
of press they are subjected to, and thus the planer shape of the
supporting member 4 is urged to be changed by the granulated
materials 2. The granulated materials 2, however, do not protrude
out of the sections 4A since they are divided by the sections 4A.
As a result, both right and left edges of the supporting member 4
only inflate and hold the user's body so as to wrap the user's
body.
[0096] Since the body support assembly 1 can instantly and easily
deform its shape to the specific shape matching the individual
user's body while the portion of the body support assembly 1 facing
the seat 11 can deform its shape and hardens corresponding to the
shape of the seat 11 smoothly, the body support assembly 1 can be
essentially placed without a displacement. Moreover, the body
support assembly 1 holds its shape by allowing the moisture-curable
resin coating the granulated materials 2 to cure, but it can have
an appropriate softness as well as hardness since each granulated
material 2 has elasticity, while it can have an air permeability so
as to essentially prevent the user from getting sweaty when used
for a long time. Therefore, it can provide a comfortable holding
and cushioning.
[0097] Further, the body support assembly 1 can be simply designed
and have good mass-productivity since the body support assembly 1
employs a simple structure such that the granulated materials 2
coated with the moisture-curable resin are covered by the
stretchable cloths 3. Therefore, the body support assembly 1 can be
simply manufactured at a low-cost. Still further, since the body
support assembly 1 is preserved while being put into the
moisture-proof bag and sealed therein, the granulated materials 2
can be prevented from sticking one another and being immobilized.
Accordingly, the supporting member 4 can be prevented from becoming
solidified as long as putting the body support assembly 1 in the
moisture-proof bag, and thus the body support assembly 1 has
excellent transporting capability, distributing ability and storing
ability.
[0098] As explained above, the control means of this embodiment,
the control means is arranged so as to cover both sides of the
supporting member 4 with cloths 3 as the sheet members, the cloths
3 being seamed so as to divided the supporting member 4 into a
plurality of sections 4A for controlling the relative movements of
the granulated materials 2, the supporting member 4 containing a
plurality of the granulated materials 2. The granulated materials 2
in the supporting member 4 can only move inside the respective
sections 4A, and thus the body support assembly 1 can have a shape
matching the flexible cloths 3. Specifically, since each of the
granulated materials 2 has elasticity, the position of the user's
body can be reliably supported, while the pressure from the user's
body can be dispersed and thus the body support assembly 1 can have
superior air permeability.
[0099] A seventh embodiment of the present invention will now be
explained in detail. As shown in FIG. 20, in the body support
assembly 1 according to this embodiment, the supporting member 4
employs a structure such that a mass of the plurality of granulated
materials 2 coated with the moisture-curable resin is cured on its
outside surface only so as to form a hardening layer 2A as the
moisture permeable member, in a desired shape. In this embodiment,
the control means for controlling the relative movements of the
granulated materials 2 within the supporting member 4 comprises the
hardening layer 2A. Since the granulated materials 2 are embraced
by the hardening layer 2A and the granulated materials 2 move
inside the hardening layer 2A and deforms inside thereof, the
deformation of the granulated materials 2 is controlled by the
hardening layer 2A. Accordingly, the granulated materials 2 do not
deform significantly. The body support assembly 1 according to this
embodiment can be used in the same way as explained in the first
embodiment. Specifically, the productivity and economical
efficiency of the body support assembly 1 can be improved since the
supporting member 4 and the moisture-permeable material can be made
from the same material at once.
[0100] The body support assembly 1 according to this embodiment can
be manufactured as follows: as shown in FIG. 21, a mold 31 having a
cavity 32 formed in the same shape as one surface of the body
support assembly 1 is manufactured in advance, and the granulated
materials 2 are thinly spread in the cavity 32, then water is
applied by spraying or the like for allowing the moisture-curable
resin to cure so as to form one side surface 33 of the hardening
layer. The other side surface 34 of the hardening layer is formed
in the same way, while both one side surface 33 and the other side
surface 34 of the hardening layer are bonded so as to enclose the
non-hardened granulated materials 2. Meanwhile, the above
explanation is a conceptual one, and various modifications can be
made. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, by placing a surface skin
material 35 on the mold 31, spreading the granulated materials 2
thereon, and then forming the hardening layers 33, 34 integrally
with the skin material 35, the breakup of the hardening layers 33,
34 can be prevented and thus the appearance of the body support
assembly 1 can be improved.
[0101] Like the second to seventh embodiments, the control means
can be in various modes as long as it can control the relative
movements of the granulated materials 2 within the supporting
member 4.
[0102] Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will now
be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 23. The body support
assembly 1 according to the eighth embodiment essentially employs
the same structure as that of the third embodiment, and thus the
same reference numbers will denote the same structure portions,
while detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. In this
embodiment, the body support assembly 1 of the third embodiment has
a foamed member 41 such as foamed polyurethane or the like in the
center portion of the supporting member 4, the foamed member 41
having elasticity. In this embodiment, the foamed member 41 serves
as a volume variable means, while the volume variable means forms
the contour of the body support assembly 1. Moreover, the foamed
member 41 is provided inside the supporting member 4 so as to
absorb the change of volume of the supporting member 4 as a
buffering member.
[0103] With the structure such that the supporting member 4
includes the foamed member 41 inside thereof, when the user sits
down while pressing the user's body to the body support assembly 1,
the molded container 21 deforms, and the granulated materials 2 in
the supporting member 4 move relative to one another, while the
foamed member 41 contracts and rapidly deforms in the specific
shape fitting to the user's body. The moisture-curable resin
coating the surfaces of the granulated materials 2 cures in a short
time (3-5 minutes), and thus the granulated materials 2 are
immobilized. Accordingly, the foamed member 41 is allowed to hold
the deformed shape, and thus the body support assembly 1 can hold
the deformed shape. Specifically, the body support assembly 1 of
this embodiment has excellent flexibility since it includes the
foamed member 41 as well as the granulated materials 2 each having
elasticity. Further, the amount of the granulated materials 2
coated with the relatively expensive and delicate moisture-curable
resin can be reduced.
[0104] Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will now
be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 24 to 27. In the
body support assembly 51 according to this embodiment, the
supporting member 4 employs a structure such that the plurality of
granulated materials 2 coated with the moisture-curable resin are
contained between molded containers 52, 53 each having
deformability. The molded container 52 forming one side (rear side)
of the supporting member 4, while the molded container 53 forming
the other side (front side) of the supporting member 4. The molded
containers 52, 53 have moisture permeability and comprise mesh
materials made from flexible synthetic resins. As shown in FIG. 24,
the body support assembly 51 is a bucket type support assembly such
that it has a rectangular shape in a plane, with thick hold
portions 54 on the right and left sides thereof
three-dimensionally. Moreover, a plurality of openings 55 each
having a larger diameter than that of the granulated material 2 are
formed on the sidewalls of the molded container 52, while the
sidewalls form the right and left hold portions 54. The openings 55
are each formed on the respective sidewalls of the molded container
52 by forming intermittent lines in a circle to have perforated
tear portions. The openings 55 are arranged such that the
perforated tear portions would be cleaved so as to open circular
pores when the pressure inside the supporting member 4 increases as
explained later.
[0105] In the body support assembly 51, the granulated materials 2
and the moisture-curable resin are the same as ones in the first
embodiment. Further, the body support assembly 51 according to this
embodiment is also put into a non-illustrated moisture-proof bag
and sealed therein when preserved. Accordingly, the granulated
materials 2 are not moisturized in this put-in condition, and thus
hardening thereof is certainly prevented, while the
moisture-curable resin coating the granulated materials 2 can cure
in a short time by applying water, spraying a catalyst solution so
as to be moisturized when the moisture-proof bag is opened. By
putting over a cover sheet (not shown) which is proper for an
automotive seat, for example, a stretchable fabric, the body
support assembly 51 is completely hidden, and thus the
significantly favorable appearance in this equipping condition can
be obtained. The body support assembly 51 according to this
embodiment is placed on the seat cover 62 covering the automotive
seat 61. Meanwhile, reference number 63 denotes a headrest.
[0106] Next, operations of the body support assembly 51 employing
the above-explained structure will now be explained. First of all,
the body support assembly 51 is taken out from the moisture-proof
bag (not shown). The moisture-curable resin starts curing (FIG.
27(a)) when water is applied through the moisture permeating pores
by spraying the water or the like to the molded containers 52, 53
(the moisture permeability member of the body support assembly 51).
Then, the body support assembly 51 is put on the backrest 61A of
the seat 61. Next, when the user presses the body support assembly
1 with the predetermined portion(s) of the user's body such as
waist, back, legs and so on, the molded containers 52, 53 having
flexibility, specifically, the molded container 53 forming the
front side of the supporting member 4 deforms, and the granulated
materials 2 in the supporting member 4 move relative to one
another, the pressure from the granulated materials 2 in the
supporting member 4 increases, and thus the perforated tear
portions of the openings 55 are cleaved so as to open circular
pores. The pressure inside the supporting member 4 increases in
accordance with the amount of press the granulated materials 2 are
given by the user, while the shape of the supporting member 4 is
urged to be changed due to the pressure. In this embodiment, since
the openings 55 are formed on the molded container 52, the openings
55 are opened (cleaved) when the pressure from the granulated
materials 2 becomes greater than the predetermined amount of the
pressure. A certain amount of the granulated materials 2 in
accordance with the pressure, that is, the user's body shape are
discharged from the openings 55 slowly due to the gelatinization
thereof that accompanies the curing of the moisture-curable resin
(FIG. 27(b)). Accordingly, the supporting member 4 rapidly deforms
its whole shape to the specific shape fitting to the user's body
shape, the moisture-curable resin coating the surfaces of the
granulated materials 2 starts curing in a short time (3-5 minutes),
while the molded containers 52, 53 become solidified with the
specific shape associated with the immobilization of the granulated
materials 2. Then, the granulated materials 2 discharged from the
openings 55 are cut (FIG. 27(c)). As explained above, since the
supporting member 4 is covered by the molded container 52 from one
side thereof and the openings 55 are formed on the hold members 54,
the granulated materials 2 are discharged from the openings 55 in
accordance with the user's body shape so that the supporting member
4 is not deformed in any irregular shape. Moreover, the body
support assembly 1 holds its shape by allowing the moisture-curable
resin coating the granulated materials 2 to cure, but it can have
appropriate softness as well as hardness since each granulated
materials 2 has elasticity, while it can have air permeability so
as to essentially prevent the user from getting sweaty when used
for a long time since there is a pore space among the granulated
materials 2. Therefore, it can provide a comfortable holding and
cushioning performance to the user.
[0107] As explained above, the body support assembly 51 of this
embodiment comprising: a supporting member including a plurality of
granulated materials 2 coated with a moisture-curable resin; and
molded containers 52, 53 as moisture permeable members being
deformable by press and covering the supporting member 4, the body
support assembly 51 being used by allowing: the molded members 52,
53 to contact a portion of a user's body so as to move the
granulated materials 2 relative to one another; the supporting
member 4 to deform in a shape according to the portion of the
user's body; and the moisture-curable resin to cure, wherein the
body support assembly 51 further comprises a volume variable means
in the supporting member 4, the volume variable means defining a
contour of the body support assembly 51. The volume variable means
changes a volume of the supporting member 4 by allowing: at least
one side of the supporting member 4 to be covered with a molded
container 52 having a predetermined shape; the molded container 52
to be formed with a plurality of open-able sections; open side of
the molded container 52 to be covered with the molded container 53
as a moisture permeable member that is deformable by press; the
molded container 53 to come in contact with a portion of a user's
body in order to deform the supporting member 4 and increase a
pressure from the granulated materials 2 inside the supporting
member 4 so that the plurality of open-able sections 55 are opened,
while the granulated materials 2 are discharged from the opened
open-able sections 55. The outer form of the body support assembly
1 can be defined by employing the above-explained structure. When
the granulated materials 2 in the supporting member 4 are depressed
and the pressure from the granulated materials 2 increases, the
open-able sections 55 of the molded container 52 are opened and
thus the granulated materials 2 are discharged from the opened
open-able sections 55 and thus the volume of the supporting member
4 is changed in order to keep the outer form of the body support
assembly 1. Accordingly, the supporting member 4 does not get out
of shape. Therefore, the body support assembly 51 is suitable for a
seat, a chair or the like. Specifically, since each of the
granulated materials 2 has elasticity, the position of the user's
body can be reliably supported, while the pressure from the user's
body can be dispersed and thus the body support assembly 51 can
have superior air permeability. Moreover, the user can get a
comfortable sitting feeling by the holding member 54.
[0108] Further, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will
now be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 28 to 31. In the
body support assembly 71 according to this embodiment, the
supporting member 4 employs a structure such that the granulated
materials 2 coated with the moisture-curable resin are contained
between molded containers 72, 73. The molded container 72 forms one
side (lower side) of the supporting member 4, while the molded
container 73 forms the other side (upper side) of the supporting
member 4. The molded containers 72, 73 are deformable or fragile,
each having moisture permeability and comprising a mesh material
made from flexible synthetic resins. As shown in FIG. 28, the
planer shape of the body support assembly 71 is a rectangular with
waney edges, while as shown in FIG. 29, the shape thereof at a
cross section is one such that it has a hemispheric dorm portion 74
at the center thereof. In the body support assembly 74, the molded
containers 72, 73 are made from synthetic resins, while on the dorm
portion 72A of the molded container 72 forming the lower side,
open-able sections 75 are each formed by forming intermittent lines
in a circle. The open-able sections 75 are arranged such that the
perforated tear portions would be cleaved so as to open circular
pores when the pressure inside the supporting member 4 increases as
explained later.
[0109] The volume variable means according to this embodiment
comprises: the molded container 72 with a predetermined shape which
covers at least one side of the supporting member 4; the open-able
sections 75 formed on the molded container 72; and the molded
container 73 which covers the open side of the molded container 72
as a flexible and deformable moisture-permeable member. The volume
variable means changes the volume of the supporting member 4 by:
increasing the pressure from the granulated materials 2 in the
supporting member 4 by allowing the molded container 73 to be put
the portion of the user's body in order to be pressed and deformed;
opening the open-able sections 75 by the increased pressure; and
discharging the granulated materials 2 from the open-able sections
75.
[0110] In the body support assembly 71, the granulated materials 2
and the moisture-curable resin are the same in the first
embodiment. Further, the body support assembly 71 according to this
embodiment is also put into a non-illustrated moisture-proof bag
and sealed therein when stored. Accordingly, the granulated
materials 2 are not moisturized in this put-in condition, and thus
immobilization thereof is certainly prevented, while the
moisture-curable resin coating the granulated materials 2 can cure
in a short time by adding water, spraying a catalyst solution so as
to allow the moisture-curable resin to be moisturized when the
moisture-proof bag is opened. By putting over a stretchable cloth
(not shown), the appearance of the body support assembly 71 can be
improved. The above-explained body support assembly 71 according to
this embodiment is placed in, for example, a shoe so as to align to
a planer arch of the user's foot.
[0111] Next, operations of the body support assembly 71 employing
the above-explained structure will now be explained. First of all,
the body support assembly 71 is taken out from the moisture-proof
bag (not shown). The moisture-curable resin starts curing (FIG. 29)
when water is applied from the pores by spraying the water or the
like to the molded containers 72, 73 (the moisture permeability
member of the body support assembly 71). Then, the body support
assembly 71 is put in the shoe so as to align to the planer arch of
the user's foot. Next, when the user puts his/her leg into the
shoe, the molded containers 72, 73 with flexibility or fragility,
specifically, the molded container 73 on the upper side is
deformed, and thus the granulated materials 2 in the supporting
member 4 move relative to one another. The pressure from the
granulated materials 2 in the supporting member 4 increases, and
thus the perforated tear portions of the open-able sections 75 are
cleaved so as to open circular pores. The pressure inside the
supporting member 4 increases in accordance with how much the
granulated materials 2 are pressed by the user, while the shape of
the supporting member 4 is urged to be changed due to the pressure.
In this embodiment, since the open-able sections 75 are formed on
the molded container 72, the open-able sections 75 are opened when
the pressure from the granulated materials 2 becomes greater than
the predetermined pressure. A certain amount of the granulated
materials 2 in accordance with the pressure, that is, the user's
body shape are discharged from the open-able sections 75 slowly due
to the gelatinization thereof that accompanies the curing of the
moisture-curable resin (FIG. 30). Accordingly, the supporting
member 4 rapidly deforms its initial shape to the specific shape
fitting to the user's leg, the moisture-curable resin coating the
surfaces of the granulated materials 2 cures in a short time (3-5
minutes), while the molded containers 72, 73 become solidified with
the specific shape associated with the immobilization of the
granulated materials 2. As explained above, the body support
assembly 71 according to this embodiment can be used as a small
type supporting member such as an inner sole. Meanwhile, a foamed
member 76 made from foamed polyurethane and have elasticity may be
provided on the center portion of the supporting member 4 as shown
in FIG. 31. By allowing the supporting member 4 to include the
foamed member 76 as the volume variable means, the granulated
materials 2 in the supporting member 4 move, while the foamed
member 76 contracts and rapidly deforms in the shape fitting to the
user's foot. Then, the moisture-curable resin coating the surfaces
of the granulated materials 2 cures in a short time (3-5 minutes),
the granulated materials 2 are immobilized, while the foamed member
76 can keep its contracted shape and hold its contracted shape.
[0112] Next, an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will
now be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 32. The body
support assembly 1 of this embodiment supports the body of the user
U from the shoulder U1 to the waist U2, and arranged such that the
thickness thereof decreases toward a shoulder supporting member 101
from a waist supporting member 102. Accordingly, an inter space
between the back of the user U and the backrest 11A is not
essentially created, and thus the head of the user can be stably
supported by the headrest 12 since the user's shoulder can be
supported by the body support assembly 1. Meanwhile, the body
support assembly 1 according to this embodiment can employ the same
structures explained in each of the above embodiments. Moreover,
the shoulder supporting member 101 and the waist supporting member
102 constitute a backrest obverse portion which is placed on the
backrest 11S.
[0113] As explained in this embodiment, the supporting member 4 is
placed on the backrest 11A of the seat 11, it has the waist
supporting member 102 and the shoulder supporting member 101 while
it becomes thinner to the shoulder supporting member 101, and thus
an inter space between the shoulder U1 of the user U and the
backrest portion 11A is not essentially created. Therefore, the
head of the user U can be stably supported by the headrest.
[0114] Next, a twelfth embodiment of the present invention will now
be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 33. The body support
assembly 1 of this embodiment has a backrest obverse portion 81
contacting the backrest 11 and a bottom obverse portion 82
contacting the bottom 14 of the seat 11. The backrest obverse
portion 81 extends beyond the waist U2, while the body support
assembly 1 is formed in a shape such that it occupies a corner
space K between the front lower portion of the backrest 11 and the
rear upper portion of the bottom 14. In a case where the seat 11 is
reclining type as illustrated, a stress is applied to the waist U2
due to the generation of the corner space K. However, the body
support assembly 1 according to this embodiment can improve the
seating feeling of the user U by occupying the corner space K.
Meanwhile, the body support assembly 1 of this embodiment can
employ the structures explained in each of the above explained
embodiments.
[0115] As explained, since the supporting member 4 has the backrest
obverse portion 81 placed on the backrest 11A of the seat 11 and
the bottom obverse portion 82 provided on the bottom 14 of the seat
11, the body portion of the user U from the waist U2 to the
shoulder U3 can be held, while an area to be supported by the body
support assembly 1 is enlarged, and thus a stress partially applied
to the waist U2 can be reduced. Therefore, a generation of a
backache due to driving a car in a driving position can be
prevented.
[0116] Next, a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention will
now be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 34 and 35. The
body support assembly 1 according to the twelfth embodiment has a
frame 5. As illustrated, the body support assembly 1 is formed in a
triangular prism shape in profile, while it has: a backrest
contacting plane 1A coming in contact with the backrest 11A; a
bottom contacting plane 1B coming in contact with the bottom 14;
and an inclined plane 1C in its triangular cross section. The
length LA of the backrest contacting plane 1A is longer than the
length LB of the bottom contacting plane 1B, while the length LC of
the inclined plane 1C is longer than the length LA. The body of the
user U comes in contact with the inclined plane 1C. Moreover, the
frame 5 serves as the controlling means, and has triangular
portions 91 corresponding to the side ends of the body support
assembly 1. The triangular portions 91 are coupled with each other
by a coupling frame member 92 placed in the width direction of the
body support assembly 1, while the edges of the triangular portions
91 are formed by bending. Since the frame 5 does not occupy the
spaces above and below of the inclined surface 1C, the user U does
not feel the frame 5 when sitting.
[0117] In this embodiment, the control means comprises the frame 5
embracing the outer peripheral edge of the supporting member 4, and
thus the body support assembly 1 can hold its contour along the
frame 5.
[0118] Next, a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention will
now be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 36. The body
support assembly 1 according to this embodiment has the frame 5 as
the control means. The body support assembly 1 is bucket seat type
such that hold portions 111 are formed on the right and left ends
of the backrest obverse portion 81 placed on the backrest 11A.
Meanwhile, the upper portion of the backrest obverse portion 81
extends to the shoulder U1 of the user U. Each of the hold portions
111 has: a concave portion 112 concaving toward the backward and
provided on the center in the direction of its height; convex
portions 113, 114 protruding toward the frontward and provided on
the upper and lower portions of the concave portion 112,
respectively. The upper convex portion 113 holds the shoulder U1 of
the user U, while the lower convex portion 114 holds the portion of
the user's body around the waist U2. FIG. 38 shows a cross
sectional view of the body support assembly 1 before used. The hold
portion 111 is formed such that the edges of the backrest obverse
portion 81 are preliminary bent toward the frontward with slopes.
Moreover, the frame 5 is formed in a shape such that it follows the
upper and lower portions of the backrest obverse portion 81 and the
front ends of the hold portions 111 provided on the right and left
of the backrest obverse portion 81. The hold portions 111 are
placed so as to wrap the body of the user U from the right and left
thereof.
[0119] As explained above, since the supporting member 4 is placed
on the backrest 11A of the seat 11, while the hold portions 111 are
provided on the right and left ends of the supporting member 4 in
this embodiment, the back of the user U can be held from both sides
thereof and thus the user U can sit down without a stress to
his/her muscle from the waist to the shoulder thereof. Therefore,
the stress to the waist can be reduced.
[0120] Next, a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention will
now be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 39 to 41. The
body support assembly 1 according to this embodiment has a frame 5
as the control means, and placed on the bottom 14 by laying or the
like. Thicker hold portions 121 are provided on the right and left
ends of the supporting member 4. The hold portions 121 are formed
such that the right and left ends of the supporting member 4 are
bent upward with angles respectively and aligned so as to hold the
body of the user U from the right and left thereof. Moreover, as
shown in FIG. 41, the frame 5 has side portions 131 on right and
left sides thereof relative to the hold members 121, while the
right and left side portions 131 are coupled with each other by a
coupling frame member 132.
[0121] As explained above, the supporting member 4 is placed on the
bottom 14 of the seat 11 while the hold portions 121 are provided
on the right and left ends of the supporting member 4 in this
embodiment, the hip U3 of the user U can be held from the right and
left thereof, and thus the user U can correctly hold a seating
position.
[0122] The above-explained embodiments are intended to illustrate
the present invention, not to limit the scope of the present
invention, and various embodiments and changes may be made
thereonto without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the
invention. For example, in order to change the volume of the
supporting member, the granulated materials coated with the
moisture-curable resin may be covered with a moisture permeable
member deformable by press such as the stretchable cloth 3, while
the gathering portion may be provided on the ends of the cloth 3.
Further, as the deformable-by-press moisture permeable member, any
material can be used as long as it is deformable by press, having
moisture permeability, and thus it is not limited to a cloth or a
container made from plastic, but can be paper, natural or
artificial leather, etc. Further, the material may be one which
essentially does not have moisture permeability but is given the
property by being formed with openings, by a needle punch or the
like. A film or sheet made from synthetic resin may be used as the
material in that case.
* * * * *