Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02371860 2001-08-14
SPACER
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a spacer such as
used concerning seat cushions, underlying futons, chairs,
sofas, shoes insoles, schoolchild's satchels (ransels),
construction materials, closet mats, refrigerator trays,
tatami underlays, and duckboards.
BACKGROUND ART
There have been frequently used rattan seat cushions
during a hot season such as summer. Rattan seat cushions
are woven out of rattan with coarse meshes, to thereby
allow air to naturally flow through the cushions themselves
and to thereby allow users sitting thereon to feel coolness
at their hips. Such rattan seat cushions can be regarded as
serving as spacers which support hips of users and allow
air to flow through the spacers.
However, such rattan seat cushions have narrower
spaces for flowing air therethrough and have larger areas
contacting with the hips, thereby failing to obtain a
sufficient cooling effect. Further, rattan seat cushions
are relatively hard, to thereby cause rugged feeling upon
sitting, complicate fabrication, and hinder mass-production.
As such, there have been desired realization of spacers
which can be substituted for such rattan seat cushions,
have an improved ventilating ability, and have excellent
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mass-productivity.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been carried out in view of
the conventional technical circumstances, and it is
therefore an object of the present invention to provide a
spacer adapted to improve a ventilating ability and having
excellent mass-productivity.
To achieve the above object, the present invention
resides in a spacer formed in a substantially flat shape so
as to contact with an object by at least one surface of the
spacer which is substantially perpendicular to the
thickness direction of the spacer, the spacer comprising: a
plurality of column-shaped members having length components
in the thickness direction of the spacer, and one or a
plurality of connecting members for connecting one ends of
the plurality of column-shaped members; wherein the
plurality of column-shaped members are integrally formed to
be physically continuous.
The plurality of column-shaped members and the one or
plurality of connecting members are preferably formed by
injection molding of plastics. By integral forming in such
a manner, the plurality of column-shaped members and the
one or plurality of connecting members are free of
overlapping with other members of the spacer via space
along the thickness direction of the spacer. Then, the
spacer may further comprise a sheet member fixed to that
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side of the spacer, which side is at the other ends of the
plurality of column-shaped members.
Further, the number of the column-shaped members to
be connected to the one connecting member is preferably at
least three. It is further preferable that the plurality of
connecting members are formed into frame shapes,
respectively.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1(a), FIG. 1(b) and FIG. 1(c) are a schematic
plan view, a schematic side view of a spacer according to
an Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and a schematic
perspective view of a projecting portion of the spacer,
respectively;
FIG. 2(a), FIG. 2(b) and FIG. 2(c) are a schematic
plan view, a schematic side view of a spacer according to
an Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and a schematic
perspective view of a projecting portion of the spacer,
respectively;
FIG. 3(a), FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 3(c) are a schematic
plan view, a schematic side view of a spacer according to
an Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and a schematic
perspective view of a projecting portion of the spacer,
respectively;
FIG. 4(a), FIG. 4(b) and FIG. 4(c) are a schematic
plan view, a schematic side view of a spacer according to
an Embodiment 4 of the present invention, and a schematic
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perspective view of a projecting portion of the spacer,
respectively;
FIG. 5(a), FIG. 5(b) and FIG. 5(c) are a schematic
plan view, a schematic side view of a spacer according to
an Embodiment 5 of the present invention, and a schematic
perspective view of a projecting portion of the spacer,
respectively;
FIG. 6(a), FIG. 6(b) and FIG. 6(c) are a schematic
plan view, a schematic side view of a spacer according to
an Embodiment 6 of the present invention, and a schematic
perspective view of a projecting portion of the spacer,
respectively;
FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 7(b) are a schematic plan view,
and a schematic side view of a spacer according to an
Embodiment 7 of the present invention, respectively;
FIG. 8(a), FIG. 8(b) and FIG. 8(c) are a schematic
plan view, a schematic side view of a spacer according to
an Embodiment 8 of the present invention, and a schematic
perspective view of a projecting portion of the spacer,
respectively;
FIG. 9(a), FIG. 9(b) and FIG. 9(c) are a schematic
plan view, a schematic side view of a spacer according to
an Embodiment 9 of the present invention, and a schematic
perspective view of a projecting portion of the spacer,
respectively;
FIG. 10(a) is a schematic partial plan view of a
spacer of an Embodiment 10, FIG. 10(b) is a schematic
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cross-sectional view of the spacer as viewed from an A-A
arrow direction, and FIG. 10(c) is a schematic perspective
view of a column-shaped member of the spacer;
FIG. 11 is a view showing a situation where a seat
cushion applied with the spacer of the Embodiment 9 is
placed on a chair;
FIG. 12(a) is a schematic plan view of the seat
cushion of FIG. 11, and FIG. 12(b) is a schematic cross-
sectional view of the seat cushion as viewed from a B-B
arrow direction;
FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a
schoolchild's satchel applied with the spacer of the
Embodiment 9;
FIG. 14(a) is a schematic plan view of a flooring
member applied with the spacer of the Embodiment 9, and FIG.
14(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flooring
member as viewed from a C-C arrow direction;
FIG. 15(a) is a schematic front view of a leisure mat
applied with the spacer of the Embodiment 9, and FIG. 15(b)
is a schematic cross-sectional view of the leisure mat as
viewed from a D-D arrow direction;
FIG. 16(a) is a schematic partial perspective view of
a gypsum-aimed bandage applied with the spacer according to
the present invention, and FIG. 16(b) is a view showing a
state where the gypsum-aimed bandage is wound around a
patient's forearm;
FIG. 17 is a view showing a modified embodiment of
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projecting portions of the spacer of the present invention;
and
FIG. 18 is a view for explaining a conventional
vibration isolating material.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
There will be described hereinafter the best mode for
carrying out the present invention, with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
Generally, spacers are used to keep a distance
between two objects (including user's body) constant. For
example, it is possible to keep an object at a constant
height from a floor surface, by placing the object on a
spacer on the floor. Meanwhile, there should be obtained
various merits, if an object could be floated in the air
without contacting with the object. Namely, it is possible
then that the whole surface of the object is allowed to
contact with the naturally flowing air, to thereby improve
the ventilating ability around the object. Further, the
object can be then isolated in the air, to thereby
substantially preventing heat conduction to the object from
other objects. Moreover, impingement of fluid or powder
onto the object never causes the object to be sunk such as
in fluid. Other various merits will be also obtained. It is
of course impossible to keep an object in a state floated
in the air without contacting with the object. Herein, it
is assumed that a spacer capable of bringing an object
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closer to a floating state in the air by placing the object
on the spacer shall be called "ideal spacer".
Such an ideal spacer is required to satisfy the
following requirements. Namely, it is firstly required to
increase an opening ratio in the direction perpendicular to
the thickness direction of the spacer. This widens the
space within the spacer to thereby enable air to readily
pass through the space. Secondly, it is required to
increase an opening ratio of the spacer also at the side
thereof contacting with the object. This reduces the
contacting area between the object and spacer to thereby
allow to bring the object closer to a floating state in the
air, and allows air to sufficiently contact with that
surface of the object which contacts with the spacer. In
addition, there are required various requirements such as
corresponding to usage of the spacer. For example, it is
required for the spacer to have a lower density and to be
sufficiently lightweight, in view of the portable
expediency. Further, the spacer is required to have
flexibility of a certain degree, in case of using the
spacer by contacting it with a user's body. In using the
spacer as an underlying futon, for example, the spacer is
required to have a sufficient strength to support a body
weight . It is further required to prevent the spacer from
damaging the object supported by the spacer, and from
providing uncomfortable feeling such as rugged feeling for
the user sitting on the spacer.
CA 02371860 2001-08-14
The aforementioned conventional rattan seat cushions
fail to fully satisfy the requirements, so that such seat
cushions are said to be far from the ideal spacer. Contrary,
the spacers according to the present invention have been
worked out so as to sufficiently satisfy the aforementioned
requirements to thereby approach the ideal spacer as close
as possible.
There will be hereinafter explained the structural
features of the spacers according to the present invention.
Each spacer of the present invention is formed to be
substantially flat, contacts with an object at that one
surface of the spacer which is perpendicular to the
thickness direction of the spacer, and comprises: a
plurality of column-shaped members having length components
along the thickness direction of the spacer; and one or a
plurality of connecting members for connecting the tip ends
of the plurality of column-shaped members. Herein, to be
called "projecting portion" is the portion constituted of
one connecting member and those column-shaped members
connected by the connecting member, in case of providing
the plurality of connecting members.
Actually, such a spacer is integrally formed such
that the column-shaped members are physically joined to
become continuous via base member. This is because,
separating column-shaped member complicates manufacturing
of the spacer, and is impractical. Only, it is unnecessary
for the spacer to be wholly integral, in use. It is
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CA 02371860 2001-08-14
possible to use the spacer by dividing it into a plurality
of segments, or to use duly arranged smaller 5-cm square
spacers.
Concretely, each spacer of the present embodiment can
be readily manufactured such as by injection molding of
soft plastics. Namely, the spacer is formed by pouring
heated and fluidized plastics into a metal mold. Since the
spacer is integrally formed by using the metal mold, the
spacer has no portions which overlap with other portions of
the spacer via space in the thickness direction of the
spacer upon such integral forming. Apart from this
limitation, the shapes of the connecting members and
column-shaped members can be extremely freely determined.
This provides such an advantage that the spacer of the
present embodiment can be applied to various purposes. Note,
when the spacer has been fabricated by attaching a sheet-
like reinforcing member to the base member after integral
formation, the sheet-like reinforcing member may overlap
with other segments via space in the thickness direction of
the spacer.
The present embodiment adopts soft plastics as a
material of the spacer, thereby providing such advantages
that the material cost is reduced and the adjustment of the
strength of the spacer can be readily conducted. Among
plastics, it is desirable to adopt polyethylene, because
polyethylene is so inexpensive and has a less affection to
the environment such as upon incineration.
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CA 02371860 2001-08-14
In such a spacer, how the allocation density of
column-shaped members and the shapes of the column-shaped
members and connecting members are to be designed shall be
determined in consideration of the strength of the material
and the usage of the spacer and so forth. It is possible
here to adjust the weight resistance and flexibility of the
spacer, by varying the material and shape of the spacer.
The thickness of the spacer is also mainly determined
correspondingly to its usage. For example, in case of using
the spacer so as to contact with a user's body, the
thickness of the spacer is required to be within a certain
range in consideration of feeling upon usage and of the
strength of the spacer. On the other hand, the thickness of
the spacer can be roughly determined where the spacer is to
be used as a closet mat, since it is then enough for the
spacer to carry a futon thereon without collapse of the
spacer to thereby ensure a flow passage of air. It is
typically desirable that the thickness of the spacer is
within a range of 2 mm to 50 mm.
Each spacer of the present embodiment is typically
used such that an object contacts with the connecting
member side of the spacer. As such, wider distances between
projecting portions of the spacer in using it to contact
with a user's body will cause rugged feeling due to the
projecting portions when the user is placed on the
projecting portions. To restrict such rugged feeling, it is
necessary to restrict the upper limit of the distances
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between projecting portions themselves. Concretely, such as
when one connecting member connects three or four column-
shaped members together, it is desirable to set the
distance between the column-shaped members themselves at 30
mm at the utmost. However, this is not true, when the
spacer is to be applied to a particular usage such as a
construction material or large sized structure.
Each spacer of the present embodiment also has its
purpose to allow air to naturally flow through the spacer.
Thus, it is necessary to increase the opening ratio of the
spacer in the direction perpendicular to the thickness
direction of the spacer to a certain extent so as to
improve the ventilating ability for air. Concretely, such
an opening ratio is preferably 30 % or more . On the other
hand, it is also necessary to increase the opening ratio of
the spacer at the side contacting with the object, so as to
increase the ratio at which the air naturally flowing
through the interior of the spacer contacts with the object.
Concretely, such an opening ratio is preferably 20 % or
more. In this way, the spacer of the present embodiment is
capable of improving its ventilating ability and reducing
the contacting area of the object with the spacer, to
thereby have reduced heat conduction and an improved heat
insulating ability. Thus, such as in using the spacer as a
seat cushion, the spacer provides a cooling effect to
prevent a sweaty condition of hips of a user and to allow
the user to feel coolness at hips.
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In each spacer of the present embodiment, it is
desirable that at least three column-shaped members are
connected to the one connecting member. This allows the
connecting member to have a shape approximating a surface,
rather than a point or a line. This allows to increase the
contacting area with the object to be supported, to thereby
further reducing the rugged feeling. It is further
desirable to form the connecting member into a frame shape.
This also allows the connecting member to have a shape
approximating a surface, to thereby further reducing the
rugged feeling. Moreover, this provides an advantage to
allow an increased opening ratio of the object-contacting
side of the spacer.
There will be hereinafter described concrete
embodiments of the spacers according to the present
invention.
FIGS. 1 through 10 are views for explaining various
spacers. In FIGS. 1 through 9, there are shown small pieces
of spacers such as 5 cm x 4 cm.
[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1(a), FIG. 1(b) and FIG. 1(c) are a schematic
plan view, a schematic side view of a spacer according to
an Embodiment 1, and a schematic perspective view of a
projecting portion of the spacer, respectively.
The spacer l0a shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality
of projecting portions 11a which are arranged on a
rectangular base member 15. The spacer l0a is formed in a
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substantially flat shape as a whole. The projecting
portions lla are physically joined to become continuous via
base member 15.
As shown in FIG. 1(c), each projecting portion ila
comprises four column-shaped members 12a and a square
frame-shaped connecting member 13a. Each column-shaped
member 12a is drawn obliquely upwardly from the base member
15. Each column-shaped member 12a has its tip end connected
to one of corners of the connecting member 13a. Further,
each column-shaped member 12a of each pertinent projecting
portion lla has a lower end connected to lower ends of
column-shaped members 12a of three projecting portions lla
adjacent to the pertinent projecting portion lla, so that
all projecting portions lla are arranged regularly.
[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 2(a), FIG. 2(b) and FIG. 2(c) are a schematic
plan view, a schematic side view of a spacer according to
an Embodiment 2, and a schematic perspective view of a
projecting portion of the spacer, respectively.
The spacer lOb shown in FIG. 2 includes a plurality
of projecting portions llb which are arranged on a
rectangular base member 15. The spacer lOb is formed in a
substantially flat shape as a whole. Namely, the projecting
portions llb are physically joined to become continuous via
base member 15.
As shown in FIG. 2(c), each projecting portion 11b
comprises three column-shaped members 12b and a circular
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frame-shaped connecting member 13b. Each column-shaped
member 12b is drawn obliquely upwardly from the base member
15. The tip ends of column-shaped members 12b are connected
to the connecting member 13b. Herein, adjacent two column
shaped members 12b form an angle of 120° therebetween when
viewed from the above of the spacer lOb as shown in FIG.
2(a). Further, each column-shaped member 12b of each
pertinent projecting portion 11b has a lower end connected
to lower ends of column-shaped members 12b of two
projecting portions lib adjacent to the pertinent
projecting portion lib. Thus, the respective projecting
portions lib are arranged regularly, and present a
substantially honeycomb pattern when viewed from the above.
[Embodiment 3]
FIG. 3(a), FIG. 3(b) and FIG. 3(c) are a schematic
plan view, a schematic side view of a spacer according to
an Embodiment 3, and a schematic perspective view of a
projecting portion of the spacer, respectively.
The spacer lOc shown in FIG. 3 is a modified
embodiment of the spacer lOb of FIG. 2, such that mainly
the connecting member has a modified shape . In the spacer
lOc of FIG. 3, each projecting portion llc comprises three
column-shaped members 12c and a connecting member 13c which
is an equilateral triangle shaped frame. Each column-shaped
member 12c has its tip end connected to one of corners of
the connecting member 13c. The other structure is
substantially the same as the spacer lOb of FIG. 2.
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CA 02371860 2001-08-14
[Embodiment 4]
FIG. 4(a), FIG. 4(b) and FIG. 4(c) are a schematic
plan view, a schematic side view of a spacer according to
an Embodiment 4, and a schematic perspective view of a
projecting portion of the spacer, respectively.
The spacer lOd shown in FIG. 4 is a modified
embodiment of the spacer lOb of FIG. 2, such that mainly
the connecting member has a modified shape. In the spacer
10d of FIG. 4, each projecting portion lld comprises three
column-shaped members 12d and a connecting member 13d which
has an inverted "Y" shape. Each column-shaped member 12d
has its tip end connected to one of tip ends of the
connecting member 13d. The other structure is substantially
the same as the spacer lOb of FIG. 2.
[Embodiment 5]
FIG. 5(a), FIG. 5(b) and FIG. 5(c) are a schematic
plan view, a schematic side view of a spacer according to
an Embodiment 5, and a schematic perspective view of a
projecting portion of the spacer, respectively.
The spacer l0e shown in FIG. 5 is a modified
embodiment of the spacer 10b of FIG. 2, such that mainly
the connecting member has a modified shape. In the spacer
l0e of FIG. 5, each projecting portion l0e comprises three
column-shaped members 12e and a connecting member 13e which
has a double-circle ring shape. The other structure is
substantially the same as the spacer lOb of FIG. 2.
[Embodiment 6]
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CA 02371860 2001-08-14
FIG. 6(a), FIG. 6(b) and FIG. 6(c) are a schematic
plan view, a schematic side view of a spacer according to
an Embodiment 6, and a schematic perspective view of a
projecting portion of the spacer, respectively.
FIG. 6 shows a spacer lOf including a plurality of
projecting portions llf which are arranged on a rectangular
base member 15. The spacer lOf is formed 1n a substantially
flat shape as a whole. The projecting portions llf are
physically joined to become continuous via base member 15.
As shown in FIG. 6(c), each projecting portion llf
comprises two column-shaped members 12f and a rod-like
connecting member 13f. Each column-shaped member 12f is
drawn vertically upwardly from the base member 15. Each
column-shaped member 12f has its tip end connected to one
of tip ends of the connecting member 13f. The projecting
portions llf are regularly arranged at predetermined
intervals such that the longitudinal directions of
projecting portions llf are aligned.
[Embodiment 7]
FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 7(b) are a schematic plan view,
and a schematic side view of a spacer according to an
Embodiment 7, respectively.
The spacer lOg shown in FIG. 7 is a modified
embodiment of the spacer lOf shown in FIG. 6, in which only
the way to arrange projecting portions llf is modified.
Namely, there are regularly and alternately arranged those
rows of projecting portions 11f having the longitudinal
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directions thereof directed laterally of the spacer, and
those rows of projecting portions llf having the
longitudinal directions thereof directed longitudinally of
the spacer. Thus, the projecting portions lif are arranged
in a substantially square-meshed pattern when viewed from
the above. Other structure is substantially the same as the
spacer lOf of FIG. 6.
[Embodiment 8]
FIG. 8(a), FIG. 8(b) and FIG. 8(c) are a schematic
plan view, a schematic side view of a spacer according to
an Embodiment 8, and a schematic perspective view of a
projecting portion of the spacer, respectively.
The spacer lOh shown in FIG. 8 includes a plurality
of projecting portions llh which are arranged on a
rectangular base member 15. The spacer lOh is formed in a
substantially flat shape as a whole. The projecting
portions 11h are physically joined to become continuous via
base member 15.
As shown in FIG. 8(c), each projecting portion llh
comprises four column-shaped members 12h and a cross-shaped
connecting member 13h. Each column-shaped member 12h is
drawn vertically upwardly from the base member 15. The tip
end of each column-shaped member 12h is connected to one of
tip ends of the connecting member 13h. Further, the
projecting portions llh are regularly arranged at
predetermined intervals.
[Embodiment 9]
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FIG. 9(a), FIG. 9(b) and FIG. 9(c) are a schematic
plan view, a schematic side view of a spacer according to
an Embodiment 9, and a schematic perspective view of a
projecting portion of the spacer, respectively.
The spacer l0i shown in FIG. 9 is a modified
embodiment of the spacer lOh of FIG. 8, such that mainly
the shape of the connecting member is modified. In the
spacer l0i of FIG. 9, each projecting portion lli comprises
three column-shaped members 12i and a connecting member 131
which is a square shaped frame. Each column-shaped member
12i has its tip end connected to a center portion of one
side of the connecting member 13i. Other structure is
substantially the same as the spacer lOh of FIG. 8.
There will be hereinafter explained those items
common to the spacers 10a, lOb,.., l0i of the Embodiments 1
through 9.
In each of spacers 10a, lOb,.., l0i of the
Embodiments 1 through 9, the diameter of each column-shaped
member in a section cut along a plane perpendicular to the
thickness direction of the spacer is set at 0.2 mm to 1 cm,
for example. Further, the distance between column-shaped
members themselves is set at 2 mm to 30 mm, for example.
Thus, the number of column-shaped members per 1 cm2 is 0.1
to 25 when viewed from the thickness direction of the
spacer. Moreover, the thickness (height of the projecting
portion) of each of the spacers 10a, lOb,.., l0i a.s set at
about 10 mm. Such thinness of the spacer never causes a
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CA 02371860 2001-08-14
problem of a storage place of the spacer in disuse thereof.
These features are also true in an Embodiment 10 to be
described hereinafter.
Further, in each of spacers 10a, lOb,.., IOi, the
projecting portions are arranged at intervals of about 1 cm,
longitudinally and laterally. This reduces rugged feeling
of the spacer even when it is used to contact with a user's
body. To further restrict the rugged feeling, it is
sufficient to provide a meshed material on the connecting
members.
Each of the spacers 10a, lOb,.., l0i is integrally
formed such as by injection molding of soft plastics. Thus,
the column-shaped members and accompanying connecting
members are continuous in a seamless manner as a matter of
course, and some of column-shaped members continuously and
smoothly transfer to the connecting member depending on the
shapes of the column-shaped members and connecting members.
By virtue of such integral formation, none of the spacers
10a, lOb,.., l0i has portions which overlap with other
portions of the spacer via space along the thickness
direction of the spacer. Thus, in each of the spacers 10a,
lOb,.., l0i shown in (c) of FIG. 1 through FIG. 9, there is
formed a predetermined hole 17a, 17b,..., 17i such as at
those areas of the base member, which oppose to the column-
shaped members drawn obliquely upwardly from the base
member and which oppose to the connecting member.
In addition, there exist the following methods to
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obtain a larger spacer such as in a size of 2 m x 2 m from
those spacers made of small pieces as shown in Embodiments
1 through 9. Namely, it is possible to readily fabricate a
larger spacer by arranging and mutually abutting sides of
respective pieces and by heat welding them, when the
material of the spacer is plastics. Alternatively, it is
possible to ultrasonically fuse respective pieces with one
another. Such a method allows to readily fabricate a spacer
of a desired size. At this time, it is possible to readily
obtain a spacer of a smaller size or of a particular shape,
by cutting it out of a larger spacer. It is also possible
to fabricate a large spacer by adhering the respective
pieces onto a large plate, or by connecting the respective
pieces by connectors such that the respective pieces can be
folded relative to one another.
The features of the spacers of the Embodiments 1
through 9 include a reduced degree of rugged feeling, since
each spacer has a large number of connecting members per a
unit area when viewed from the thickness direction. Further,
each spacer has increased flexibility and is capable of
bearing a heavier load, considering the light weight of the
spacer. Moreover, each spacer can be used for various
applications, since the projecting portions of the spacer
can be formed in various shapes. For example, the spacer
l0a having the square framed connecting members shown in
FIG. 1 is capable of bearing a considerably heavy load, by
increasing the thickness of respective members. Thus, the
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CA 02371860 2001-08-14
spacer can be used as an underlying futon, for example.
Conversely, reducing the thickness of respective members
extremely reduces the weight and improves the flexibility,
to thereby allow to use the spacer to bear a lightweight
object. In this way, the spacers of the present invention
have versatility.
In each of the spacers of Embodiments 1 through 9,
projecting portions have been formed independently,
resulting in a possibility that the projecting portions are
collapsed due to excessively large pushing forces from the
above. Thus, when it is desired to increase the strength of
each spacer, it is possible, for example, to provide
reinforcing members for mutually connecting adjacent
column-shaped members themselves or adjacent connecting
members themselves, concerning some of the plurality of
projecting portions.
Meanwhile, in those spacers of the aforementioned
Embodiments 1 through 9 , it is desirable to form a lot of
large holes in the base members, as required. Namely, those
spacers having the plurality of projecting portions
arranged on the respective base members shall be used to
face the respective base members downwardly and to place
the user's body on the upper ends of the projecting
portions, in case of using each spacer as a seat cushion.
However, it is certain that a seat cushion is used
invertedly. As such, forming large holes in the base member
reduces that area of the spacer which contacts with the
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user's body, to thereby allow to use the seat cushion
invertedly. Moreover, forming a large number of large holes
in the base member further lightens the spacer to thereby
advantageously increase the flexibility of the spacer.
[Embodiment 10]
FIG. 10(a) is a schematic partial plan view of a
spacer 20 of an Embodiment 10, FIG. 11(b) is a schematic
cross-sectional view of the spacer 20 as viewed from an A-A
arrow direction, and FIG. 10(c) is a schematic perspective
view of a column-shaped member of the spacer 20.
The spacer 20 shown in FIG. 10 comprises a first mesh
member 21, a second mesh member 22, and a plurality of
column-shaped members 23. The first mesh member 21 includes
a plurality of first upper rails 21a and a plurality of
second upper rails 21b. The plurality of first upper rails
21a are laterally extended at predetermined intervals in
the vertical direction in FIG. 10(a), while the plurality
of second upper rails 21b are vertically extended at
predetermined intervals in the lateral direction in FIG.
10(a). In the above, the predetermined intervals for the
first upper rails 21a are the same as those for the second
upper rails 21b, to thereby form each of meshes of the
first mesh member 21 into a square shape.
The second mesh member 22 includes a plurality of
first lower rails 22a and a plurality of second lower rails
22b. In FIG. 10(a), the plurality of first lower rails 22a
are arranged at predetermined intervals in a state inclined
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CA 02371860 2001-08-14
to the lateral direction by 45 degrees in the
counterclockwise direction, while the plurality of second
lower rails 22b are arranged at predetermined intervals in
a state inclined to the lateral direction by 45 degrees in
the clockwise direction. In the above, the predetermined
intervals for the first lower rails 22a are the same as
those for the second lower rails 22b, to thereby form each
of meshes of the second mesh member 22 into a square shape.
Further, the mesh of the second mesh member 22 is formed to
be larger than the mesh of the first mesh member 21.
The first mesh member 21 and second mesh member 22
are arranged such that, when viewed from the bottom, the
intersections between the first lower rails 22a and second
lower rails 22b coincide with the intersections between the
first upper rails 21a and second upper rails 21b. Each of
the column-shaped members 23 is provided to interconnect
each intersection of the second mesh member 22 and the
corresponding intersection of the first mesh member 21.
Only, the column-shaped members 23 are provided at every
other intersection between the first upper rails 21a and
second upper rails 21b, in both of the longitudinal
direction and the lateral direction. Thus, the plurality of
column-shaped members 23 are physically joined to become
continuous, via first mesh member 21 or second mesh member
22. Further, each column-shaped member 23 has its
substantially equilateral octagonal cross section taken
along a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction of
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CA 02371860 2001-08-14
the spacer.
In the Embodiment 10, the first mesh member 21 (or
second mesh member 22) corresponds to the connecting member
of the present invention, and the second mesh member 22 (or
first mesh member 21) corresponds to the base member such
as referred to in the Embodiment 1. In considering so, the
connecting member is regarded as being singular.
The spacer 20 of this Embodiment 10 can be formed
such as by injection molding of plastics. Thus, the spacer
20 has no portions which overlap with other portions of the
spacer via space in the thickness direction.
Since the spacer 20 of the Embodiment 10 has upper
anc~ lower meshes, the spacer 20 provides reduced rugged
feeling, is extremely lightweight, and has larger
flexibility. Further, such a spacer 20 has a feature of an
unchanged function even if inverted. Thus, the spacer 20
can be used invertedly. Further, when the spacer 20 is
required to have increased strength, it is sufficient to
thicken the column-shaped members 23. The spacer 20 of this
Embodiment 10 approximates the aforementioned ideal spacer,
to the maximum.
The spacers of the present invention can be
classified into several categories, from the standpoint of
objects to be supported by the spacers. Such categories
include those spacers aiming at supporting a user's body or
a part thereof, those aiming at supporting objects other
than a user's body, and those aiming at other purposes.
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CA 02371860 2001-08-14
Those spacers aiming at supporting a user's body or a part
thereof can be used concerning seat cushions, chairs, sofas,
underlying futons, shoes insoles, flooring member and
artificial lawns as construction materials, leisure mats,
bath aimed duckboards, beach sandals, and gypsum (Gaps),
for example. Further, those spacers for supporting objects
other than a user's body can be used concerning closet mats,
refrigerator trays, tatami underlays, tatami interlays,
kitchen draining tools, for example. Those spacers for
other purposes can be used concerning schoolchild's
satchels and rucksacks, and anti-insect clothes. There will
be individually explained hereinafter application examples
of the spacers of the present invention.
[Application Example to Seat Cushion, Chair and Sofa]
FIG. 11 is a view showing a situation where a seat
cushion applied with the spacer of the Embodiment 9 is
placed on a chair . FIG . 12 ( a ) is a schematic plan view of
the seat cushion of FIG. 11, and FIG. 12(b) is a schematic
cross-sectional view of the seat cushion as viewed from a
B-B arrow direction.
As shown in FIG. 11, such a seat cushion 50 is used
by placing it on a chair X. The seat cushion 50 can be of
course used such as by placing it on a bench or sofa. As
shown in FIG. 12, the seat cushion 50 comprises a square
spacer l0i of a size of 400 mm x 400 mm and a cloth sheet
51. Namely, this example adopts the spacer l0i shown in FIG.
9. Typically, the seat cushion 50 is placed such that the
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CA 02371860 2001-08-14
connecting members 13i of the spacer come to the upper side.
The cloth sheet 51 covers the upper and lower sides
of the spacer 10i. The-material of the cloth sheet 51 may
be whatever readily allows air to sufficiently permeate
therethrough. Such a cloth sheet 51 is provided for
comfortable feeling to a user sitting thereon.
By virtue of the spacer 10i, this seat cushion 50
ensures an air flow passage just under hips of a user
sitting on the seat cushion 50. Since the spacer 101 has a
larger opening ratio at its upper side and an improved
ventilating ability, sitting for a long time causes no
increase of the temperature of those portions of the spacer
l0i which contact with hips because of the user's body
temperature, to thereby prevent a sweaty condition and to
thereby provide comfortable feeling. Providing a lot of
large holes at the base member 15 of the spacer l0i allows
to keep a ventilating ability and to prevent a sweaty
condition even when the seat cushion 50 is used invertedly.
The seat cushion 50 can be also used, in case of
sitting on an outdoor bench. Namely, users are to place the
seat cushion 50 on the bench and sit thereon. In this case,
the seat cushion 50 can be readily rounded and carried, by
virtue of the flexibility and light weight of the spacer
10i. Particularly, even in sitting on an outdoor bench in
the blazing midsummer, the spacer l0i exhibits extremely
lower heat conduction from the bench to hips, so that hips
will be never heated.
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' CA 02371860 2001-08-14
The seat cushion 50 is not necessarily provided with
the cloth sheet 51. Such a cloth sheet 51 is provided for
improving the sitting feeling. Thus, merely and densely
forming the projecting portions of the spacer l0i prevents
rugged feeling, for example.
Further, each spacer of the present invention can be
also used such as by incorporating it into a seat portion
of a chair or sofa.
[Application Example to Underlying Futon]
Each spacer of the present invention can be used as
an underlying futon. Such an underlying futon may have the
substantially same constitution as the aforementioned seat
cushion. Only, the spacer is not necessarily covered by a
cloth sheet, since the underlying futon is typically used
by covering it by a normal sheet.
Such an underlying futon ensures an air flow passage
by virtue of the spacer just under a body of a user lying
thereon, to thereby prevents the temperature of those
portions of the spacer which contact with the user's body
from being increased by the user's body temperature even
after sleeping for a long time, and to thereby prevent a
sweaty condition and provide comfortable feeling. The
present inventors have conducted an evaluation test of such
an underlying futon. The test result has shown that using
the present underlying futon at tropical night at the
temperature of 25°C or higher provides sufficient cool
feeling to thereby allow a calm sleep.
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CA 02371860 2001-08-14
[Application Example to Shoes Insoles]
Each spacer of the present invention can be used as
shoes insoles. In this case, there can be readily obtained
shoes insoles tailored to a user, such as by cutting foot
shapes out of spacers of 30 cm x 15 cm. Adopting the shoes
insoles fabricated from the spacers allow to prevent sweaty
conditions of soles by virtue of the ventilating abilities
of the spacers, and to provide an advantage of an excellent
cushioning ability and foot comfort by virtue of the
flexibility of the spacers. Particularly, such as small
stones happened to enter the shoes will drop from the
connecting member side toward the base member to thereby
prevent uncomfortable feeling of feet due to the small
stones.
Note, in using the spacers as shoes insoles, it is
necessary to thicken the column-shaped members to a certain
degree, for example, in view of the increased supporting
weight (pressure) per unit area of the spacers.
[Application Example to Schoolchild's Satchel and
Rucksack]
FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a
schoolchild's satchel applied with the spacer of the
Embodiment 9. FIG. 13 shows the spacer in a simplified
manner.
As shown in FIG. 13, such a satchel 60 includes a
satchel body 61 and a spacer l0i attached to that portion
of the satchel body 61 which contacts with the back of a
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CA 02371860 2001-08-14
user. The spacer l0i is removably attached to the satchel
body 61 such as by a planar tape such that the connecting
members face to the user's back.
In case of a conventional satchel, putting a lot of
loads thereinto, for example, may cause the satchel to push
a user's back to thereby cause a sweaty condition at the
user's back, resulting in a lot of perspiration. The
satchel 60 shown in FIG. 13 ensures an air flow passage
between the user' s back and the satchel body 61 by virtue
of the spacer l0i when the satchel 60 is carried on the
user's back, to thereby prevent a sweaty condition and a
lot of perspiration on the user's back.
Similarly to the situation of satchel, the spacer of
the present invention can be applied to rucksacks, for
example.
(Application Example to Flooring Member and
Artificial Lawn]
FIG. 14(a) is a schematic plan view of a flooring
member applied with the spacer of the Embodiment 9, and FIG.
14(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flooring
member as viewed from a C-C arrow direction.
While flooring members as construction materials
generally include carpets, tatami mats, wooden plates, the
spacers of the present invention can be used as such
flooring members. As shown in FIG. 14, such a flooring
member 70 includes a square spacer l0i of 30 cm length x 30
cm width, and a cloth sheet 71.
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CA 02371860 2001-08-14
The cloth sheet 71 is to cover the connecting member
13i side of the spacer 10i. The material of the cloth sheet
71 may be whatever has a good ventilating ability and is
tough. Such a cloth sheet 71 is fixed to the connecting
members 13i by ultrasonic fusion. Providing the cloth sheet
71 restricts rugged feeling. To further restrict the rugged
feeling, it is enough to interpose a meshed material
between the cloth sheet and the connecting members.
In use, the flooring members 70 of 30 cm x 30 cm are
fully laid over the floor surface such that the connecting
members 13i of the spacer l0i are brought to the upper side.
According to such a flooring member 70, the spacer
l0i has an improved heat insulating ability so that a user
will not feel coldness even by walking on the flooring
member 70 by naked foot during cold winter, similarly to a
situation of a carpet. Still more, the spacer 101 has an
excellent ventilating ability, to thereby prevent a sweaty
condition due to night sweat from a body of a user lying on
the spacer during a hot season. Further, the spacer l0i has
excellent flexibility, to thereby provide comfortable
feeling to a user walking thereon, and with a small
footfall similarly to a carpet. Further, even tumbling on
the spacer never leads to severe injuries. Moreover,
covering the surface of the spacer by the cloth sheet 71
prevents entrance of dust and rubbish and simplifies
cleaning as compared with a carpet. Still more, unlike
carpets, no mite and tick are caused.
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CA 02371860 2001-08-14
Concerning the flooring member 70 shown in FIG. 14,
there has been described a situation where the cloth sheet
71 is previously fixed to the predetermined size of spacer
10i. However, it is possible to fix a single cloth sheet to
the upper surface of spacers l0i of predetermined sizes
after laying them over the floor surface. To fix the cloth
sheet to spacers l0i then, it is enough to apply ultrasonic
waves to predetermined connecting members 13i through the
cloth sheet, to thereby fuse the cloth sheet and the
connecting members 13i in a spotted manner. This allows to
cover all spacers l0i by a single cloth sheet, to thereby
completely prevent entrance of dust and rubbish and to
thereby extremely simplify the cleaning of the spacers 101.
The spacers of the present invention can be used as
artificial lawns, similarly to the situation of the
aforementioned flooring member. Only, it is required to
color the spacers in green. Further, the spacers are to be
used as they are without covering them by a cloth sheet
thereon, in view of the function of artificial lawns.
Typically, whether spacers are to be covered by a cloth
sheets) is determined depending on usage of the spacers.
Such artificial lawns adopting the spacers are different
from conventional artificial lawns densely formed with
artificial leaves, to thereby provide an advantage for
allowing an easy cleaning operation by a cleaner.
It is also possible to use the spacers of the present
invention, as poolside flooring members. Usually, since
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CA 02371860 2001-08-14
poolsides are made of concrete, trying to walk thereon by
naked foot in the blazing midsummer has frequently resulted
in failure of walking due to the heated poolsides. Since
the spacers of the present invention have improved heat
insulating abilities, using these spacers as poolside
flooring members leads to the substantially unraised
temperature of the flooring members even in the blazing
midsummer, so that walking thereon by naked foot never
leads to feeling of heat. Still more, water splashed onto
the flooring members falls down to lower sides of the
spacers, thereby resulting in a good water draining ability
of the flooring members.
Moreover, the spacers of the present invention can be
used as flooring members in livestock barns such as cattle
sheds. In this situation, those excrements dropped onto
such flooring members can be readily cleaned up, by merely
brushing them while sprinkling water thereon. Further, such
flooring members are always dried and extremely hygienic,
by virtue of the improved water draining abilities thereof.
[Application Example to Leisure Mat and Beach Mat]
FIG. 15(a) is a schematic front view of a leisure mat
applied with the spacer of the Embodiment 9, and FIG. 15(b)
is a schematic cross-sectional view of the leisure mat as
viewed from a D-D arrow direction.
The leisure mat 80 shown in FIG. 15 comprises a
spacer l0i and a plastic film 81 as a sheet member. The
plastic film 81 is fixed to a base member 15 from the lower
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CA 02371860 2001-08-14
sides of the spacer 10i. The provision of the plastic film
81 is required, because leisure mats are typically used by
spreading them on the ground so that directly using the
spacer l0i itself as a leisure mat leads to entrance of
soil and sands from many holes formed at the base member of
the spacer 101.
To fix the plastic film 81 to the spacer 10i, it is
enough to use an adhesive suitable for the material of the
plastic film 81. Alternatively, it is possible to heat weld
the spacer l0i and plastic film 81 by joining them after
heating one of them to thereby slightly fuse it.
Particularly, smaller sizes of the leisure mat 80 allows to
readily fuse the spacer l0i and plastic film 81, by
contacting them with each other after partly fusing one of
them by means of ultrasonic waves.
Even when such a leisure mat 80 is spread over a
considerably rough ground surface, users sitting on the
leisure mat 80 are substantially prevented from feeling the
roughness, by virtue of the flexibility of the spacer 101.
Further, even when a user has stepped on the leisure mat 80
while wearing shoes to thereby contaminate the connecting
members 13i such as by soil, such soil can be readily
dropped from the connecting members 131 to the base member
15 thereunder by simply manually sweeping the soil. Further,
even when spilt water drops onto the base member 15, the
surfaces of the connecting members 13i exhibit lesser
sticky feeling. Thus, the leisure mat 80 provides excellent
- 33 -
CA 02371860 2001-08-14
operability, in addition to the good ventilating ability
and the lesser heat conduction.
Note, the spacers of the present invention can be
also applied to those beach mats having the same usage
purpose as the leisure mats . Such beach mats may have the
same constitution as the aforementioned leisure mats.
[Application Example to Bath Aimed buckboards]
The spacers of the present invention can be also used
as bath aimed duckboards. Such a duckboard has features
that the temperature of the duckboard is not immediately
changed by virtue of the excellent heat insulating ability
of the spacer and that the duckboard has a good water
draining ability by virtue of many holes formed in the
spacer.
[Application Example to Beach Sandals]
The spacers of the present invention can be applied
to beach sandals. In such beach sandals, the spacers are
placed on the foot placing surfaces of the beach sandals,
respectively, such that the connecting members are faced
toward feet soles. In this case, it is desirable to use
spacers having larger opening ratios at those sole
contacting sides of the spacers. In this way, sands and
water falling onto the beach sandals such as during play on
a sandy beach will drop from the upper surfaces of the
spacers onto lower surfaces thereof, resulting in lesser
adherence such as of sands to the feet soles.
[Application Example to Gypsum]
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CA 02371860 2001-08-14
Typically, gypsum is used to tix an affected part of
a patient by pasting plaster onto a bandage wound around
the affected part and by solidifying the plaster, such as
in a case of bone fracture. However, provision of gypsum
deteriorates the affected part, to thereby cause a sweaty
condition and itchy sensation, resulting in severe pain of
the patient . Such a problem can be solved by applying the
spacer of the present invention to a bandage for gypsum.
FIG. 16(a) is a schematic partial perspective view of
a gypsum-aimed bandage applied with a spacer according to
the present invention, and FIG. 16(b) is a view showing a
state where the gypsum-aimed bandage is wound around a
patient's forearm. The gypsum-aimed bandage 90 shown in FIG.
16(a) comprises a spacer l0i and an adhering portion 91.
FIG. 16(a) shows the spacer l0i in a simplified manner.
This spacer 101 is formed into an elongated belt having a
thickness on the order of about 3 mm. Thus, the gypsum-
aimed bandage 90 has improved flexibility. The adhering
portion 91 is formed along one of the longitudinal sides of
the spacer 10i, so as to be continuous with the base member.
Such a spacer l0i and adhering portion 91 are integrally
formed by injection molding of plastics. Further, there is
applied an adhesive to that surface of the adhering portion
91 which is the same side as the connecting members of the
spacer 10i.
For example, in case of bone fracture of arm, the
gypsum-aimed bandage 90 is wound around the affected part
- 35 -
CA 02371860 2001-08-14
such that the connecting members are faced to the affected
part. At this time as shown in FIG. 16(b), the gypsum-aimed
bandage 90 can be assuredly fixed to the affected part, by
overlapping and adhering the adhering portion 91 with and
to a part of the base member of the spacer 101. Such a
gypsum-aimed bandage 90 is extremely thin, so that the
gypsum-aimed bandage 90 can be smoothly wound around and
fixed to those substantially cylindrical portions such as
of arm and/or leg, in a shape-adapted manner. In case of
slight bone fracture, simply winding the gypsum-aimed
bandage 90 in the above manner allows to sufficiently fix
the affected part. In case of severe bone fracture, the
affected part is to be fixed by further applying plaster
onto the gypsum-aimed bandage 90.
Such a gypsum-aimed bandage 90 preserves the
ventilating ability of the affected part by the spacer, to
thereby dramatically improve problems of the sweaty
condition of and itchy sensation at the affected part.
[Application Example to Anti-Insect Clothes]
The spacers of the present invention can be applied
to anti-insect clothes which are to be worn to cover the
whole body of an operator such as upon conducting a
honeycomb removing operation or a bee-keeping operation. In
preparing such anti-insect clothes, those spacers formed
into substantially flat shapes by injection molding of
plastics are firstly formed into shapes corresponding to
respective parts of a user's body by thermoforming. Then,
- 36 -
CA 02371860 2001-08-14
sewing up these spacers of respective parts provides the
anti-insect clothes. In this case, it is further required
such as to densify or decrease the arranging distance
between projecting portions of the spacers and to increase
the height of column-shaped members to a certain extent,
lest the user wearing the anti-insect clothes is stung by a
bee. Such anti-insect clothes are capable of assuredly
preventing the operator from being stung by a bee, and of
allowing the operator to readily conduct a predetermined
operation by virtue of the excellent ventilating ability of
the spacers.
[Application Example to Closet Mat]
The spacers of the present invention can be used as
closet mats. Stacking up futons in a closet sometimes
results in wetness of those portions of futons contacted
with the closet floor, by dew formation. Closet mats are to
be laid over a closet floor to thereby improve the
ventilating ability between the floor and futons.
Conventional closet mats include frequently used wooden
duckboards which are so thick to bear the load of futons
and have increased contacting areas with futons, thereby
failing to ensure a sufficient ventilating ability. Wooden
duckboards have a further problem of an increased
manufacturing cost.
Contrary, thickening the column-shaped members of the
spacers of the present invention to a certain degree allows
the spacers to bear loads such as of futons and ensures
- 37 -
CA 02371860 2001-08-14
sufficient ventilating abilities. Thus, utilizing the
spacers of the present invention as closet mats assuredly
prevent wetness of futons. The spacers have a further
advantage of a reduced manufacturing cost. Moreover,
cutting predetermined sizes of pieces out of a large spacer
allows to readily obtain closet mats of sizes suitable for
individual closets.
[Application Example to Refrigerator Tray]
The spacers of the present invention can be applied
as refrigerator trays. In refrigerators, cooled air is
circulated internally. When refrigerator trays carry
thereon foods, for example, it is required to cause cooled
air to impinge onto the whole surfaces of the foods, in
order to sufficiently and uniformly refrigerate the foods.
Since the spacers of the present invention have larger
opening ratios at object contacting sides and are adapted
to be formed with a lot of holes along the vertical
direction or the thickness direction of the spacer, those
refrigerator trays fabricated of such spacers allow those
objects such as foods placed on the trays to be
sufficiently exposed to the air flowing in the vertical
direction. This allows to sufficiently refrigerate such
foods or the like and to uniformly refrigerate respective
parts of the foods.
[Application Example to Tatami Underlay and Tatami
Interlays]
The spacers of the present invention can be used as
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CA 02371860 2001-08-14
tatami underlays to be laid between a floor board and a
tatami mat. Simply laying a tatami mat on a floor board may
result in wetness of the underside of the tatami mat
contacting with the floor board, and in decay of the wet
portion of the tatami mat. Since the spacers of the present
invention have excellent ventilating abilities and heat
insulating abilities, using such a spacer as a tatami
underlay allows to prevent decay of the underside of the
tatami mat.
Meanwhile, recent tatami mats include those
inexpensive ones only a surface of each of which is tatami-
styled while including an interlay made of urethane.
Substituting the spacers of the present invention for
urethane in such tatami mats enables to improve the
ventilating abilities. Adopting the spacers of the present
invention as tatami interlays also allows to provide tatami
mats at the same prices as those in case of urethane.
[Application Example to Kitchen Draining Tool]
The spacers of the present invention have excellent
water draining abilities, and thus can be utilized as
kitchen draining tools. Particularly, excellent flexibility
of such spacers prevents them from breaking even upon
dropping such as dishes and cups thereto.
As explained above, each of the spacers according to
the present invention includes: a plurality of column-
shaped members having length components in the thickness
direction of the spacer; and one or a plurality of
- 39 -
CA 02371860 2001-08-14
connecting members for connecting one ends of the plurality
of column-shaped members. This allows air to naturally flow
through the interior of the spacer and to improve the
ventilating ability thereof, and enables to reduce the
contacting area of an object at that side thereof which
contacts with the spacer, thereby providing lower heat
conduction and an excellent heat insulating ability.
Further, the mass-productivity of the spacers of the
present invention is improved by integrally forming the
plurality of column-shaped members to become physically
continuous such as by injection molding of plastics. Thus,
such spacers are preferably used for seat cushions,
underlying futons, chairs, sofas, shoes insoles,
schoolchild's satchels, construction materials, closet mats,
refrigerator trays, tatami underlays, and duckboards and so
forth.
Note, the present invention is not limited to the
aforementioned embodiments, and can be variously modified
within the scope of the gist of the invention.
For example, those spacers shown in FIGS. 1 through 9
have been described about a situation where the plurality
of projecting portions have been formed at the upper
surfaces of the base members, respectively. However, the
projecting portions may be formed on both of the upper and
lower surfaces of the base members, respectively.
Further, those spacers shown in FIGS. 1 through 9
have been described about a situation where the column-
- 40 -
CA 02371860 2001-08-14
shaped members have been formed linearly. However, the
column-shaped members may be formed curvedly if they are
formed by injection molding. FIG. 17 shows an example of a
projecting portion llj having its curvedly formed column-
shaped members 12j. Curvedly forming the column-shaped
members 12j in this way allows the projecting portion llj
to have suitable elasticity in each of vertical direction,
fore-and-aft direction and lateral direction.
Utilizing the elasticity of such projecting portion
11 j allows the spacer of the present invention to be used
as a vibration isolating material or shock isolating
material. Vibration isolating materials are used such as by
interposing them between an object and a floor one of which
is vibrating, for the purpose of preventing vibration of
the vibrating one from transmitting to the other.
Conventional vibration isolating materials include one made
of rubber having many plate-like projecting portions
arranged at predetermined intervals such as shown in FIG.
18. However, such a vibration isolating material made of
rubber had an unsatisfactory vibration isolating effect.
Contrary, the spacer having the projecting portion llj as
shown in FIG. 17 has excellent elasticity, so that those
vibration isolating materials applied with such spacers
have vibration isolating effects superior to the
conventional. Such a spacer also has an advantage to
facilitate to take countermeasures against vibrations in a
predetermined frequency band which is desired to be
- 41 -
CA 02371860 2001-08-14
restricted.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
As explained above, the spacers according to the
present invention are capable of improving the ventilating
ability and have excellent heat insulating abilities and
excellent mass-productivity, so that the spacer can be
utilized such as concerning seat cushions, underlying
futons, chairs, sofas, shoes insoles, satchels,
construction materials, closet mats, refrigerator trays,
tatami underlays, and duckboards.
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