FOLDABLE AND TRANSFORMABLE THICK MAT

Abstract: A foldable and transformable thick mat comprising: a cushion base (1) including a plurality of juxtaposed block plates (10) each having a predetermined cushion property and thickness, said block plates (10) being foldably connected together at the adjacent upper periphery thereof, said cushion base (1) having a fold line (14) extending almost in the center thereof and a plurality of parallel fold lines (15) intersecting said fold line (14); a cushion member (2) covering the upper surface of the cushion base (1) and having fold lines (27, 28) corresponding to the fold lines (14, 15) of the cushion base (1); and connection means (3) for detachably connecting the cushion base (1) and the cushion member (2), so that the mat is transformable into various forms by folding the cushion base (1) and cushion member (2) along the fold lines (14, 15; 27, 28).

Description: The present invention relates to a thick mat which is foldable and transformable and is capable of holding the folded condition so that the mat can be transformed into a desired shape for use as lounge, sofa, bed etc. The conventional thick mat has some flexibility and seems to be usable in a bent condition. Actually, however, this mat tends to return to its original, flat condition when load or other bending stress is removed, and therefore, this mat lacks shape-keeping stability and is not applicable to various purposes. Thus, separate attachments for supporting arms, back, legs are necessary for this conventional flat mat. Use of such attachments is disadvantageous to users because they are so bulky that it is inconvenient to keep them in a room having a limited space. Further, it requires deposit space and stock management and thus is disadvantageous to manufactures and distributors in that it increases costs. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a mat of a predetermined thickness which is foldable and transformable into a desired shape and utilizes a wall as a support to maintain its transformation so that it is applicable as various purposes, without using of the attachments. Another object of the present invention is to provide such mat comprising a cushion base and a cushion member easily detachable from each other so as to facilitate exchange or cleaning of the damaged or soiled cushion base and cushion member. Still further object of the present invention is to provide such mat which allows the cushion member to easily follow the bend of the cushion base. Still further object of the present invention is to provide such mat with improved comfort. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description. In accordance with the present invention there is provided a foldable and transformable thick mat charactorized by comprising: a cushion base including a plurality of juxtaposed block plates each having a predetermined cushion property and thickness, said block plates being foldably connected together at the adjacent upper periphery thereof, said cushion base having a fold line extending almost in the center thereof and a plurality of parallel fold lines intersecting said fold line; a cushion member covering the upper surface of the cushion base and having fold lines corresponding to the fold lines of the cushion base; and connection means for detachably connecting the cushion base and the cushion member, so that the mat is transformable into various forms by folding the cushion base and cushion member along the fold lines. Preferably core materials are inserted in the cushion member at the opposite side edges thereof so as to provide a rigid swell thereat. Desirably each block plate of the cushion base comprises a continuous, foamed, air permeable body. One example of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a mat showing a cushion to be used additionally; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the folded and transformed mat as seen from the bottom; Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the mat; Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on the line of IV-IV; Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken on the line of V-V; Fig. 6 is a top plan view with the cushion member partially cut away to show the cushion base; Fig. 7 is a side view taken on the line of IV-IV of Fig. 6 with a portion cut away to show the internal structure; Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the cushion member as seen from the bottom showing the condition of inserting a core material therein; and Figs 9 to 11 are perspective view of the mat showing various applications. Referring to Figs. 1 to 8 the mat comprises a cushion base 1, and a cushion member 2 detachably connected to the cushion base 1 and covering its upper surface. The mat has a shape and dimension suitable for supporting the whole body of the user, and is adapted for use on the floor. In the embodiment shown, the mat is somewhat oval with both ends formed as semi-circular. The cushion base 1 is assembled from a plurality of block plates 10 shaped to define a predetermined shape and dimension of the mat when connected together. Each block plate 10 comprises a continuous foamed urethane resin plate 11 having a required thickness and preferably having air permeability so as to improve user comfort, a thick cloth 12 enveloping the plate 11, and bendable connection members 13 connecting the upper periphery of the adjacent block plates 10 and permitting relative bending at the upper periphery. The block plates 10 are divided and connected by a longitudinal fold line 14 and a plurality of lateral fold line 15 across the fold line 14. The cushion base 1 can be folded upward along the longitudinal and lateral fold lines 14 and 15. The block plates 10 may if desired be interconnected by being sewed together at the upper periphery rather than by the connection members 13. The cushion member 2 includes a cloth, bag-like wrapper 20 of such a shape and dimension that it can cover the upper surface of the cushion base 1, and a synthetic cotton material 21, such as polyester cotton, is provided as a filling in the wrapper 20 so as to provide a predetermined softness and thickness. The cushion member 2 cooperates with the cushion base 1 to provide the user with a comfortable cushion. Preferably core materials 22 are inserted in the cushion member 2 on the longitudinal side edges thereof so as to provide desired rigid swell and a stable support for the user. Fig. 8 shows the step of inserting the core material 22. Along the opposite sides of the lower surface of the cushion member 2, there are openings 24, each openable by an opening means 23 such as a fastener. The core materials 22 are inserted through the openings 24 and then the openings are closed. The upper surface of the cushion base 1 and the lower surface of the cushion member 2 are formed flat so that the cushion member 2 can be stably placed on and supported by the cushion base 1. The cushion base 1 and the cushion member 2 are detachably connected and united in one body by connection means 3 such as a fastener surrounding the outer periphery thereof. Further, it is preferable to make the cushion base 1 and the cushion member 2 detachable from each other and prevent the relative slippage in the central portion thereof by applying thereat a velvet type fastener, the combination of a pile-like sheet 25 and a sheet 26 made of thicker yarn and having hooks. It is to be noted that this type of connection means may be used to join the outer periphery. The cushion member 2 is formed with a longitudinal and plural lateral fold lines 27 and 28 in alignment with the fold lines 14 and 15 of the cushion base 1, respectively so as to allow the cushion member 2 to transform in correspondence to the fold along the lines 14 and 15 of the cushion base 1. The lines 27 and 28 are preferably formed in stiches. Handles 29 are attached to the cushion base 1 at the opposite ends in the longitudinal direction, so as to facilitate transportation of the mat. The above-constructed mat is foldable upward along the longitudinal fold line 14 and also along the lateral fold lines 15. The mat can have an extremely stable folding posture because the lower surfaces of the fold lines split and open wide when folded. Therefore, the mat can be used as a sofa if it is folded longitudinally along the fold line 14 and rested against the wall of a room, as shown in Fig. 9. On the other hand, the mat can be used as a lounger suitable for a nap if folded along the lateral fold line on the extreme end and reclined on the wall. Further, the mat is also available as an armchair if folded along the middle laterial fold line 15 and leaned agains the wall, as shown in Fig. 11, with the core materials 22 functioning as a posture stabilizer and also as arms. If the mat is laid flat on the floor, it can be used as a bed like a futon (Japanese bed). In this case, the user can sleep in a stable posture and a quilt cushion 30 may be laid over the mat. Although the mat described above is a bulky thick product, the mat has a longitudinal and plural lateral fold lines opening wide at the lower surfaces thereof and, if folded along the fold line and rested against the wall or the like it can maintain its folded condition for ever unlike the conventional mat. Thus, the mat of the present invention has abundant characteristics as an interior furniture and is sufficient for daily use without purchasing a suite of furniture such as sofa, lounge, armchair, etc. and also without requiring attachments for supporting arms, back and legs. Therefore, the present invention is economical and space-saving and has a good merit not only for general users but also for manufacturers and distributors.

Claims: 1. A foldable and transformable thick mat charactorized by comprising: a cushion base (1) including a plurality of juxtaposed block plates (10) each having a predetermined cushion property and thickness, said block plates (10) being foldably connected together at the adjacent upper periphery thereof, said cushion base (1) having a fold line (14) extending almost in the center thereof and a plurality of parallel fold lines (15) intersecting said fold line (14); a cushion member (2) covering the upper surface of the cushion base (1) and having fold lines (27, 28) corresponding to the fold lines (14, 15) of the cushion base (1); and connection means (3) for detachably connecting the cushion base (1) and the cushion member (2), so that the mat is transformable into various forms by folding the cushion base (1) and cushion member (2) along the fold lines (14, 15; 27, 28). 2. A mat as claimed in claim 1 charactorized in that core materials (22) are inserted in the cushion member (2) at the opposite side edges thereof so as to provide a rigid swell thereat. 3. A mat as claimed in claim 1 charactorized in that each block plate (10) of the cushion base (1) comprises a continuous, foamed, air permeable body.

Inventors: KOBAYASHI, KOUICHI
Applicants: MARUICHI SELLING KK
Application year: 1987
Main classification: A47C17
IPC codes: A47C27, A47C23, A47C17