Headgear and method of evaluating impact absorption performance thereof

Abstract

To provide a headgear having an impact absorbing member suitable for wearing during sports, and a method for evaluating the impact absorbing performance thereof. A headgear (1) has a headgear main body (2) to be worn on the head, and an impact absorbing member (3) provided to the headgear main body (2), the ratio of the amount of impact input to the head via the impact absorbing member during a football game to the amount of impact input to the head without the impact absorbing member during a football game is set to 57% or less, and the bending recovery of the impact absorbing member is set to 29 gf·cm / cm or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to headwear and methods for evaluating its shock absorption performance. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, during sports activities, the head is sometimes impacted due to contact between athletes, falls, etc. For example, Non-Patent Document 1 specifically discloses a requirement to mitigate the impact on the head caused by heading the ball during soccer during the developmental period (early childhood to U-15), as well as the impact on the head caused by collisions between heads, between the head and elbows, or the ground during heading games. In response, Patent Document 1 discloses a soccer cap as a headwear device equipped with an impact-absorbing component (impact-absorbing component) that absorbs the impact on the forehead when the ball contacts the forehead during heading sports such as soccer.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-200540

[0006] Non-Patent Literature 1: JFA Technical Committee and JFA Medical Committee, “JFA Guidelines for Headball Learning During Development (Early Childhood to U-15)”, 1st Edition, April 30, 2021. Summary of the Invention

[0007] (The problem that the invention aims to solve)

[0008] Since the impact-absorbing component disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a highly absorbent sheet used for cooling the forehead, Patent Document 1 does not disclose any content related to performance such as the impact absorption rate based on the impact-absorbing component. Furthermore, it does not specify any criteria or methods for measuring the appropriate impact absorption performance in headwear designed to address non-Patent Document 1 requirements.

[0009] For example, impact absorption performance is sometimes evaluated using the rebound coefficient (the so-called GB coefficient) associated with impact absorption. In contrast, the applicant of this application focuses on the fact that, since the rebound coefficient is a coefficient evaluating resilience, it is difficult to determine whether impact suppression of the head has been achieved by evaluating only the rebound coefficient, as it differs from the actual impact volume that may be input to the athlete's head. The applicant of this application has discovered a new issue: the amount of impact absorbed sometimes varies due to factors other than the rebound coefficient, thus requiring a direct evaluation of the impact volume input to the head. Furthermore, the applicant of this application has also discovered a new issue: depending on the structure used to reduce impact volume, discomfort sometimes occurs during wear, and there is room for improvement in terms of wearability.

[0010] In order to solve at least one of the aforementioned new problems, the present invention provides a headwear having an impact-absorbing component suitable for wearing while playing football, and a method for evaluating its impact-absorbing performance.

[0011] (Technical solution used to solve the problem)

[0012] One aspect of the present invention provides a headgear comprising: a headgear body worn on the head; and an impact-absorbing member disposed on the headgear body. The headgear is configured such that a second impact quantity that can be input to the head via the impact-absorbing member during a football match is 57% or less relative to a first impact quantity that could be input to the head during a football match assuming the headgear body is not used. Each impact quantity that can be input to the head is expressed as the head acceleration after the impact is input to the head, and the first impact quantity is set to a head acceleration of 340 m / s². 2 The bending recovery of the impact absorbing component is set to be below 29 gf·cm / cm.

[0013] As an impact measure, impact force or impact acceleration can be used. In this specification, impact force is the value obtained by multiplying the impact acceleration G by the mass (kg) of the colliding object. Furthermore, as an impact measure, a numerical value representing the degree of damage to the brain and skull caused by the impact, namely the head injury baseline value (HIC value), can also be used.

[0014] The bending recovery property is measured using the KES method, also known as the Kawabata Evaluation System (an objective measurement method for fabric hand feel style), detailed in "Standardization and Analysis of Hand Feel Style Evaluation (Second Edition)" by Kawabata Sueo, published by the Japan Textile Machinery Society (Showa 55). Specifically, the measurement is performed using the KES-FB2 pure bending tester (manufactured by KATOTECH Co., Ltd.). The smaller the bending recovery property 2HB value, the better the shock-absorbing component recovers from bending deformation, meaning the shock-absorbing component has a springy feel. In other words, the smaller the bending recovery property 2HB value, the easier it is for the shock-absorbing component to recover from a bent state to its original state.

[0015] According to the present invention, since the degree of reduction in the amount of impact input to the head is appropriately set, it is possible to absorb, for example, the impact on the head when the head hits the ground during a fall, when athletes' heads come into contact with each other, when the head comes into contact with the elbow, or when the ball comes into contact with the head during a header. When the second amount of impact input to the head via the impact-absorbing member exceeds 57% of the first amount of impact that would otherwise be input to the head without the impact-absorbing member, the impact absorption on the head tends to become insufficient.

[0016] Generally, to increase shock absorption, one can consider increasing the deformation (stroke) of the shock-absorbing component during a collision. However, increasing the stroke of the shock-absorbing component increases its thickness, leading to discomfort when wearing a sports headband, which is therefore not preferable. In contrast, by setting the flexural resilience to 29 gf·cm / cm or less, shock absorption performance can be improved without increasing the thickness of the shock-absorbing component.

[0017] More specifically, it can be inferred that by appropriately setting the flexural resilience, the impact-absorbing component can absorb impact force through deformation, and further absorb the impact amount corresponding to the restoring force generated by the flexural resilience of the impact-absorbing component in resisting deformation. In other words, it is conceivable that, with the same amount of deformation of the impact-absorbing component, the amount of impact force absorbed by the deformation of the impact-absorbing component can be increased compared to cases where the restoring force exceeds 29 gf·cm / cm. Therefore, by increasing the amount of impact force absorbed without increasing the thickness of the impact-absorbing component, it is easier to mitigate the impact force transmitted to the head after the impact-absorbing component has been compressed and deformed.

[0018] For example, when the flexural resilience exceeds 29 gf·cm / cm, the impact absorbing component can absorb the impact force through deformation. However, compared with the case where the flexural resilience is below 29 gf·cm / cm, it can be assumed that the restoring force generated by the flexural resilience used to resist deformation is insufficient, and therefore it is difficult to adequately mitigate the impact force transmitted to the head after the impact absorbing component is squeezed and deformed.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention provides a headwear comprising: a headwear body for wearing on the head; and an impact-absorbing component disposed on the headwear body, wherein the rebound coefficient of the impact-absorbing component is set to 34% or less, and the flexural recovery of the impact-absorbing component is set to 29 gf·cm / cm or less.

[0020] In this invention, the GB coefficient is used as the rebound coefficient. The rebound coefficient is determined by dropping a golf ball (manufactured by Bridgestone: product name NewBreed) from a height of 100 cm onto the upper surface of an impact-absorbing component placed on a concrete floor. The height of the golf ball's rebound at this point is measured, and the GB coefficient is calculated. GB coefficient (%) = {rebound height (cm) / 100 (cm)} x 100.

[0021] According to this structure, by appropriately setting the rebound coefficient and flexural recovery of the impact-absorbing component, it is possible to absorb impacts to the head, such as when the head hits the ground during a fall, when athletes' heads collide with each other, when the head contacts the elbow, or when the ball contacts the head during a header. When the rebound coefficient exceeds 34%, impact absorption to the head tends to become insufficient. On the other hand, even when the rebound coefficient is below 34%, there are still cases where impact absorption to the head is insufficient.

[0022] In contrast, it can be inferred that by appropriately setting the flexural resilience, the impact force can be absorbed through the deformation of the impact-absorbing component, and further, the impact amount corresponding to the restoring force generated by the flexural resilience of the impact-absorbing component in resisting deformation can be absorbed. In other words, it is conceivable that, with the same amount of deformation of the impact-absorbing component, the amount of impact force absorbed based on the deformation of the impact-absorbing component can be increased compared to cases where the restoring force exceeds 29 gf·cm / cm. Therefore, increasing the amount of impact force absorbed makes it easier to mitigate the impact force transmitted to the head after the impact-absorbing component undergoes extrusion deformation.

[0023] For example, when the flexural resilience exceeds 29 gf·cm / cm, the impact absorbing component can absorb the impact force through deformation. However, compared with the case where the flexural resilience is below 29 gf·cm / cm, it can be assumed that the restoring force generated by the flexural resilience used to resist deformation is insufficient, and therefore it is difficult to adequately mitigate the impact force transmitted to the head after the impact absorbing component is squeezed and deformed.

[0024] The bending stiffness of the impact-absorbing component can be set to 48.4 gf·cm. 2 / cm or less.

[0025] Bending stiffness, like bending resilience, is determined using the KES method.

[0026] According to this structure, the bending stiffness of the shock-absorbing component is appropriately set, so that even when the headwear is equipped with a shock-absorbing component, it can avoid hindering the wearing comfort of the headwear, and it can be sewn. Specifically, if the bending stiffness exceeds 48.4 gf·cm 2 If the bending stiffness of the portion with the impact-absorbing component is less than 6 cm, it becomes excessive and difficult to conform to the circumferential shape of the head. Consequently, the portion with the impact-absorbing component and excessive bending stiffness is prone to displacement because it does not conform to the head.

[0027] Furthermore, if the bending stiffness of the impact-absorbing component exceeds 48.4 gf·cm 2 / cm, for example, in the case of a hat, where the shock-absorbing component is arranged along the circumference of the head, it is difficult to sew the shock-absorbing component along the circumference of the head of the hat.

[0028] The rebound coefficient of the impact absorbing component can also be set to 12% or higher.

[0029] According to this structure, for example, it can absorb the impact on the head during a header and can obtain a rebound force to bounce the ball back. However, if the rebound coefficient is less than 12%, for example, the rebound force to bounce the ball back during a header is insufficient.

[0030] More specifically, generally speaking, when the rebound coefficient is low, the impact absorption rate increases, thus decreasing the rebound rate. This can sometimes lead to discomfort due to insufficient ball rebound, especially during headers. In contrast, the inventors of this invention have achieved a new insight: even with a rebound coefficient of 12%, it is possible to obtain a rebound force sufficient to bounce the ball without causing discomfort during headers. Therefore, the upper and lower limits of the rebound coefficient of the aforementioned impact-absorbing component are set based on this new insight, thereby enabling improved impact absorption during headers while maintaining a rebound force that does not cause discomfort during headers. As a result, it is possible to provide a headwear equipped with an impact-absorbing component suitable for wearing during sports activities.

[0031] The thickness of the impact-absorbing component can also be set to be between 3mm and 5mm.

[0032] According to this structure, the thickness of the shock-absorbing component is appropriately set, thus balancing shock absorption and wearing comfort. Specifically, if it is less than 3mm, shock absorption becomes insufficient; if it exceeds 5mm, it may cause discomfort and affect the appearance when wearing headwear, or make it difficult to sew along the head circumference of headwear such as hats.

[0033] Alternatively, the headgear body may have a rear cover corresponding to the front area of ​​the wearer's head, and the impact-absorbing component may be disposed at least in a portion of the rear cover.

[0034] According to this structure, since the impact-absorbing component is located at a position corresponding to the front area of ​​the head, it is possible to reduce, for example, the impact load input to the head due to headballs or the like.

[0035] Alternatively, the headgear body may have a front cover corresponding to the area behind the wearer's head, and the impact-absorbing component may be disposed at least in a portion of the front cover.

[0036] According to this structure, since the impact-absorbing component is located at a position corresponding to the rear of the head, it is possible to reduce, for example, the impact load input to the head during contact and fall.

[0037] Alternatively, the headgear body may have a pair of side covers corresponding to a pair of head regions of the wearer, and the impact-absorbing component may be disposed at least in a portion of the pair of side covers.

[0038] According to this structure, since the impact-absorbing component is located at a position corresponding to the side of the head, the impact load input to the temples and sides of the head can be reduced, for example, in cases where contact occurs between the heads of athletes during a competition.

[0039] Alternatively, the headgear body may have an upper cover corresponding to the top area of ​​the wearer's head, and the impact-absorbing component may be disposed at least in a portion of the upper cover.

[0040] According to this structure, the impact-absorbing component is positioned corresponding to the top of the head, thus reducing, for example, the impact load input to the head due to falls, headbutts, etc.

[0041] The headgear mentioned is a hat.

[0042] Based on this structure, the effects of the present invention can be obtained.

[0043] The headgear is a headband.

[0044] Based on this structure, the effects of the present invention can be obtained.

[0045] A method is provided for evaluating the impact absorption performance of a headgear input to the head. The head model used for evaluating the impact absorption performance includes an impact sensor for measuring the amount of impact input to the head model. The headgear is worn circumferentially from at least the forehead to the back of the head of the head model. An impact force input unit inputs a maximum first impact force, assuming it could be input to the head during a football match, to both the head model with and without the headgear. A second impact force, assuming it could be input to the head during a football match, is measured. The impact absorption performance of the headgear is evaluated as the ratio of the second impact force to the first impact force. Each impact force input to the head is expressed as the head acceleration after the impact input to the head. The first impact force is set to a head acceleration of 340 m / s². 2 .

[0046] Based on this structure, the impact absorption performance of headwear can be evaluated.

[0047] Alternatively, the headgear may be configured such that, when the ratio is 57% or less, it is determined that the headgear meets the predetermined impact absorption performance.

[0048] According to this structure, the impact absorption performance of the headgear is appropriately set, thereby reducing the amount of impact input to the wearer. If the ratio of the second impact amount to the first impact amount exceeds 57%, the impact absorption on the head may become insufficient.

[0049] Alternatively, the impact sensor may be configured to measure impact acceleration.

[0050] Based on this structure, the impact absorption performance can be evaluated by measuring the impact acceleration related to the impact amount.

[0051] Alternatively, the impact acceleration input to the head via the impact absorbing component can be 199 m / s². 2 The headgear is deemed to meet the impact absorption performance under the following conditions.

[0052] According to this structure, the impact acceleration input to the head model is appropriately set, thus reducing the amount of impact input to the wearer. If the impact acceleration input to the head via the impact-absorbing component exceeds 199 m / s², the impact will be reduced. 2 If this happens, the impact absorption effect on the head may become insufficient.

[0053] Alternatively, the impact force input unit may be configured to have a structure that causes a pendulum-type impactor to collide with the stationary head model.

[0054] According to this structure, by adjusting the mass and swing angle of the impactor, the impact amount input to the head model can be set to the desired value.

[0055] Alternatively, the impact force input unit may have a structure that inputs an impact force to the head model by allowing the head model to fall freely from a predetermined drop height.

[0056] According to this structure, by adjusting the drop height of the head model, the impact amount input to the head model can be set to the desired value.

[0057] (Invention Effects)

[0058] The present invention provides a headwear having an impact-absorbing component suitable for wearing while playing football, and a method for evaluating its impact-absorbing performance. Attached Figure Description

[0059] Figure 1 This is a side view of a hat, which is a headwear according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 2 It is a top view showing the hat and the different areas of the wearer's head.

[0061] Figure 3 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along line IV-IV.

[0062] Figure 4 This is a front perspective view of the impact-absorbing component.

[0063] Figure 5 This is a rear view of the impact-absorbing component.

[0064] Figure 6 This is an unfolded view of the headband of the headgear according to the second embodiment.

[0065] Figure 7 It is along Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the cross section of line VIII-VIII.

[0066] Figure 8 It is a side view showing the headband and the wearer's head in different areas.

[0067] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the hat involved in this invention.

[0068] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the hat involved in this invention.

[0069] Figure 11 This is the front view of the hat involved in the present invention.

[0070] Figure 12 This is a rear view of the hat that relates to the present invention.

[0071] Figure 13 This is a top view of the hat that relates to the present invention.

[0072] Figure 14 This is a bottom view of the hat that relates to the present invention.

[0073] Figure 15 This is a side view of the hat that relates to the present invention.

[0074] Figure 16 This is a perspective view of the headband involved in this invention.

[0075] Figure 17 This is a front view of the headband involved in the present invention.

[0076] Figure 18 This is a rear view of the headband involved in the present invention.

[0077] Figure 19 This is a top view of the headband involved in the present invention.

[0078] Figure 20 This is a bottom view of the headband involved in the present invention.

[0079] Figure 21 This is a right view of the headband involved in the present invention.

[0080] Figure 22 This is a left view of the headband involved in the present invention.

[0081] Figure 23 This is a front view of the headband involved in the present invention in its unfolded state.

[0082] Figure 24 This is a rear view of the headband involved in the present invention in an unfolded state.

[0083] Figure 25 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the implementation method of evaluation experiment 1.

[0084] Figure 26 This is a head model without a headband.

[0085] Figure 27 This is the impact resistance testing device used in this evaluation test.

[0086] Figure 28 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the implementation method of evaluation experiment 2.

[0087] Figure 29 This is a system diagram of the method for measuring head acceleration.

[0088] Figure 30 It is a graph showing the time variation of the average value of the combined acceleration of the head when the headband is worn and when it is not worn. Detailed Implementation

[0089] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0090] (First Implementation)

[0091] Figure 1 This is a side view of a hat, which is one embodiment of a headwear according to the present invention. Figure 1 The image shows the hat 1 and various areas of the wearer's head. (See reference...) Figure 1 As a headgear 1, a football cap (hereinafter also referred to as "cap") 1 worn on the head during sports such as football will be used as an example for explanation.

[0092] The hat 1 includes: a hat body (headwear body) 2 worn on the head; and an impact-absorbing component 3 disposed on the hat body 2.

[0093] The hat body 2 has a crown 21, which is generally hemispherical in shape and covers the head; and a brim 22, which extends outward from a portion of the lower edge of the crown 21 in a circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the hat 1 is worn with the brim 22 positioned at the back of the head to facilitate heading the ball when kicking a soccer ball. However, the side with the brim 22 will be described as the front side, and the side opposite to the brim 22 (front side) will be described as the back side. The brim 22 has a core material and a fabric covering the core material. The brim 22 is sewn at the lower edge of the crown 21 with the core material overlapping the fabric.

[0094] The crown 21 has a rear covering portion 21a, a front covering portion 21b, a side covering portion 21c, and an upper covering portion 21d. Figure 2 This is a top view showing the various areas of the hat 1 and the wearer's head H. See also... Figure 2 The rear cover 21a covers the front area H1 corresponding to the front of the wearer's head. The front cover 21b covers the back area H2 corresponding to the back of the wearer's head. The side cover 21c covers the side areas H3 corresponding to the sides of the wearer's head. The top cover 21d covers the top area H4 corresponding to the top of the head.

[0095] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A longitudinal sectional view of the cap 1 along line III-III in the front-back direction. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The shock-absorbing component 3 is disposed on the inner side (head side) of the crown 21. The shock-absorbing component 3 is sewn to the fabric 2a that forms the outer diameter of the crown 21. The shock-absorbing component 3 has a first shock-absorbing component 4 and a second shock-absorbing component 5.

[0096] Figure 4 This is a front perspective view of the impact-absorbing component 3. Figure 5 This is a rear view of the impact-absorbing component 3. See also... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first impact-absorbing component 4 extends circumferentially (in the head circumference direction) along the lower end periphery of the crown portion 21, and is disposed approximately around the entire circumference. The second impact-absorbing component 5 extends in the front-to-back direction above the first impact-absorbing component 4.

[0097] The first impact-absorbing component 4 includes: a rear cover portion 21a (see reference) Figure 1 The rear impact-absorbing part 41; provided in the front cover part 21b (see reference) Figure 1 The front impact-absorbing part 42; and the side covering part 21c (see reference) Figure 1 ) lateral impact absorption section 43.

[0098] like Figure 3As shown, the rear impact-absorbing part 41 is provided on the rear cover part 21a, and is therefore positioned corresponding to the front of the wearer's head. The front impact-absorbing part 42 is provided on the front cover part 21b, and is therefore positioned corresponding to the back of the wearer's head. The side impact-absorbing part 43 is provided on the side cover part 21c, and is therefore positioned corresponding to the side of the wearer's head.

[0099] like Figure 5 As shown, when viewed from the rear, the upper rear edge 41a of the rear impact-absorbing part 41 has a gentle mountain shape, and the lower rear edge 41b is a uniform straight line extending along the lower edge of the crown part 21.

[0100] like Figure 5 As shown, the upper front edge 42a of the front impact-absorbing portion 42, when viewed from the rear, is a mountain shape that rises sharply compared to the upper rear edge 41a. The lower front edge 42b is a uniform straight line extending along the lower edge of the crown portion 21.

[0101] like Figure 4 and 5 As shown, the lateral impact-absorbing portion 43 is integrally formed between the two side portions 41c of the rear impact-absorbing portion 41 and the two side portions 42c of the front impact-absorbing portion 42, in a manner continuous with the two side portions 42c of the front impact-absorbing portion 42. The lateral upper edge portion 43a is continuous with the front upper edge portion 42a, and the lateral lower edge portion 43b is continuous with the front lower edge portion 42b.

[0102] Reference Figure 5 The rear end portion 43c of each side impact-absorbing portion 43 extends to the vicinity of the side portion 41c of the rear impact-absorbing portion 41. A gap 45 is provided between the rear end portion 43c and the side portion 41c. Through this gap 45, an adjuster 25 (see reference) is formed between the rear cover portion 21a and the side cover portion 21c without the impact-absorbing member 3. Figure 1 The adjuster 25 is a component that changes the circumference (head circumference) of the crown 21. The adjuster 25 may be, for example, a face fastener. The adjuster 25 may also be a slider or the like.

[0103] like Figure 3 , 4 As shown in Figure 5, the second impact-absorbing member 5 is disposed on the upper cover portion 21d. Thus, the second impact-absorbing member 5 is positioned corresponding to the top of the head. (Refer to Figure 5) Figure 2 The second impact-absorbing component 5 is a strip-shaped component having a predetermined width W1 and extending approximately in the front-to-back direction when viewed from below. The two side edges 5a of the second impact-absorbing component 5 in the width direction extend in a straight line in the front-to-back direction. The rear edge 52 of the second impact-absorbing component 5 is sewn to the rear upper edge 41a, and the front edge 53 of the second impact-absorbing component 5 is sewn to the front upper edge 42a.

[0104] In this embodiment, the width W1 of the second shock-absorbing member 5 is set to approximately 1 / 3 of the width W of the crown 21. An area without shock-absorbing members is formed on the outer side of the second shock-absorbing member 5 in the width direction, with a width dimension approximately the same as that of the second shock-absorbing member 5. Therefore, compared to the case where the upper cover 21d is entirely covered by the shock-absorbing member 3, the air permeability of the crown 21 can be improved.

[0105] Reference Figure 3 The impact-absorbing component 3 includes, for example, a sheet 3a made of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin (EVA); a fabric 3b covering the surface of the sheet 3a; and a lining 3c covering the back. The sheet 3a can be made of, for example, individually bubbled polyethylene foam (product name: Samperka C-700) manufactured by Sanwa Chemical Co., Ltd., high-performance polyurethane foam (product name: PORON) manufactured by Rogers-Enoch Co., Ltd., or low-resilience soft foam (product name: TRANCEYELLOW) manufactured by Daiichi Chemical Co., Ltd. In particular, when the sheet 3a is made of a styrene elastomer (e.g., TRANCEYELLOW), it is less prone to deterioration over time compared to polyurethane, which has low resistance to sweat and water. Furthermore, styrene elastomers have the same level of weather resistance as EVA and PE foams, making them suitable for intense outdoor sports activities. In the hat 1, from the viewpoint of ease of sewing, it is preferable to use EVA, which has higher rigidity than styrene elastomers, for the sheet 3a. More specifically, EVA has higher rigidity than styrene-based elastomers, for example, making it easier to sew together parts of a sheet such as a hat (more specifically, the rear upper edge 41a and rear edge 52, and the front upper edge 42a and front edge 53 that are sewn together).

[0106] The thickness T1 of the sheet 3a is, for example, 3 mm or more and 5 mm or less. In this embodiment, the fabric 3b of the shock-absorbing member 3 is composed of the fabric 2a constituting the crown 21. That is, the shock-absorbing member 3 is sewn to the fabric 2a with the sheet 3a and the lining 3c overlapping to form a three-layer structure.

[0107] The headgear 1 is configured such that the second impact quantity that can be input to the head via the impact-absorbing component 3 during a football match is 57% or less relative to the first impact quantity that is intended to be input to the head without the impact-absorbing component 3 during a football match. The evaluation method and upper limit value for the impact quantity input to the head are detailed in the evaluation test. In this embodiment, the impact quantity is a value related to the impact force input to the head; therefore, the impact force can also be used as the impact quantity. Furthermore, in this specification, the impact force is set as the value obtained by multiplying the impact acceleration G by the mass (kg) of the colliding object; therefore, impact acceleration (hereinafter also referred to as "head acceleration") (m / s²) is used as the impact quantity. 2 Furthermore, as an impact measure, the head injury baseline value (HIC value) can also be used, which represents the degree of damage to the brain and skull caused by the impact. The HIC value, established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is a numerical value representing the degree of damage to the brain and skull caused by impacts such as collisions and falls. It is also effectively used as a safety assessment for occupants in car crashes or as a baseline value for head protection in playgrounds when children fall from equipment. The HIC value is defined using the time variation of acceleration by the following formula: where a(t) is the resultant head acceleration expressed as gravitational acceleration (measured at the head's center of gravity), and t1 and t2 are the initial and final moments (s) in the time interval during which the HIC value reaches its maximum.

[0108] (Equation 1)

[0109]

[0110] The rebound coefficient (GB coefficient) for evaluating the impact absorption performance of the impact-absorbing component 3 is set to be 12% or higher and 34% or lower. The method for setting the upper and lower limits of the rebound coefficient is described in detail in the embodiments.

[0111] The rebound coefficient is measured as follows: A golf ball (Bridgestone: product name NewBreed) is dropped freely from a height of 100cm onto the upper surface of an impact-absorbing component placed on a concrete floor. The height of the ball's rebound is measured, and the GB coefficient is calculated. GB coefficient (%) = {rebound height (cm) / 100 (cm)} x 100.

[0112] The flexural resilience of the impact-absorbing component 3 is set to be 29 gf·cm / cm or less. The method for setting the upper limit of flexural resilience and the method for measuring flexural resilience are described in detail in the embodiments.

[0113] The bending stiffness and bending recovery are measured using the KES method, widely known as the Kawabata Evaluation System (an objective measurement method for fabric hand feel style), detailed in "Standardization and Analysis of Hand Feel Style Evaluation (Second Edition)" by Kawabata Sueo, published by the Japan Textile Machinery Society (Showa 55). Specifically, the measurements are performed using the KES-FB2 pure bending tester (manufactured by KATOTECH Co., Ltd.).

[0114] The bending stiffness of the impact-absorbing component 3 is set to 48.4 gf·cm. 2 / cm or less. The method for setting the upper limit of bending stiffness and the method for measuring bending stiffness are described in detail in the embodiments.

[0115] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, it is preferable to also provide a leather flap 26 on the hat 1. The leather flap 26 is provided to extend circumferentially on the inside of the hat 1. When the leather flap 26 is provided to extend circumferentially on the crown 21, the leather flap 26 can be provided with a width of about 10mm to 40mm. By providing the leather flap 26, it is possible to prevent sweat from dripping onto the face and to prevent sweat stains from forming on the edge of the crown 21. Although the material of the leather flap 26 is not particularly limited, it is preferable to choose a material with superior water absorption and quick-drying properties compared to the anti-slip material 27 described later.

[0116] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, it is preferable to provide an anti-slip material 27 on the hat 1. The anti-slip material 27 is not particularly limited in its installation position as long as it is provided on the inside of the hat 1; it can be provided on the entire inner surface of the crown 21 or on a portion of the inner surface of the crown 21, but it is preferable to provide it to extend circumferentially on the crown 21. When the anti-slip material 27 is provided to extend circumferentially on the hat 1, the anti-slip material 27 can be provided with a width of approximately 5mm to 30mm.

[0117] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, it is also preferable to provide a sleeve 26 on the inner periphery of the hat 1, and to provide an anti-slip material 27 along the inner side of the sleeve 26. If the anti-slip material 27 is provided on the hat 1 in this way, the hat 1 will be less likely to shift or fall off even when the wearer is engaged in vigorous exercise. Furthermore, by also providing the sleeve 26, sweat drips onto the face and sweat soaks into the fabric of the crown 21. Additionally, when the sleeve 26 and the anti-slip material 27 are... Figure 3 In the case where the hat 1 is extended circumferentially as in the embodiment, it is preferable to use a structure in which the width of the anti-slip material 27 is smaller than the width of the leather 26.

[0118] The soccer cap 1 according to this embodiment has the following effects.

[0119] (1) By properly setting the amount of impact input to the head, it is possible to absorb impacts to the head, such as when the head hits the ground during a fall, when athletes' heads come into contact with each other, when the head comes into contact with the elbow, or when the ball comes into contact with the head during a header. When the ratio of the second impact amount that can be input to the head to the first impact amount exceeds 57%, the absorption of impact to the head tends to become insufficient.

[0120] Generally, when attempting to increase shock absorption, one can consider increasing the deformation (stroke) of the shock-absorbing component during a collision. However, increasing the stroke of the shock-absorbing component increases its thickness, leading to discomfort when wearing it as a sports headband, and is therefore not preferred. In contrast, by setting the flexural resilience to 29 gf·cm / cm or less, shock absorption performance can be improved without increasing the thickness of the shock-absorbing component.

[0121] More specifically, it can be deduced that by appropriately setting the flexural resilience, the impact-absorbing component can absorb impact force through deformation, and can further absorb the impact amount corresponding to the restoring force generated by the flexural resilience of the impact-absorbing component in resisting deformation. In other words, it is conceivable that, with the same amount of deformation of the impact-absorbing component, the amount of impact force absorbed by the deformation of the impact-absorbing component can be increased compared to cases where the restoring force exceeds 29 gf·cm / cm. Therefore, by increasing the amount of impact force absorbed without increasing the thickness of the impact-absorbing component, it is easier to mitigate the impact force transmitted to the head after the impact-absorbing component is deformed by compression.

[0122] For example, when the flexural resilience exceeds 29 gf·cm / cm, the impact force can be absorbed by the deformation of the impact absorbing component. However, compared with the case where the flexural resilience is below 29 gf·cm / cm, it can be assumed that the restoring force generated by the flexural resilience used to resist deformation is insufficient, and therefore it is difficult to adequately mitigate the impact force transmitted to the head after the extrusion deformation of the impact absorbing component.

[0123] (2) The rebound coefficient of the impact-absorbing component 3 is set to 34% or less, so it can absorb the impact on the head, for example, when the ball comes into contact with the head during a header or when the players' heads come into contact with each other. When the rebound coefficient exceeds 34%, the impact absorption on the head is easily insufficient. On the other hand, even if the rebound coefficient is 34% or less, there is still a situation where the impact absorption on the head is insufficient.

[0124] In contrast, it can be inferred that by appropriately setting the flexural resilience, the impact-absorbing component can absorb impact force through deformation, and can further absorb the impact amount corresponding to the restoring force generated by the flexural resilience of the impact-absorbing component in resisting deformation. In other words, it is conceivable that, with the same amount of deformation of the impact-absorbing component, the amount of impact force absorbed by the deformation of the impact-absorbing component can be increased compared to cases where the restoring force exceeds 29 gf·cm / cm. Therefore, increasing the amount of impact force absorbed makes it easier to mitigate the impact force transmitted to the head after the impact-absorbing component has undergone extrusion deformation.

[0125] For example, when the flexural resilience exceeds 29 gf·cm / cm, the impact absorbing component can absorb the impact force through deformation. However, compared with the case where the flexural resilience is below 29 gf·cm / cm, it can be assumed that the restoring force generated by the flexural resilience used to resist deformation is insufficient, and therefore it is difficult to adequately mitigate the impact force transmitted to the head after the impact absorbing component is squeezed and deformed.

[0126] Furthermore, since the flexural resilience of the shock-absorbing component 3 is set to 29 gf·cm / cm or less, headwear misalignment can be suppressed even when the headwear is equipped with a shock-absorbing component. Specifically, for example, when the shock-absorbing component 3 is sewn circumferentially along the lower edge of the crown 21 of the cap 1, the cap 1 will, when worn, as... Figure 1 As shown, the circumference extends along the head circumference, and the curvature of the shock-absorbing component changes before and after the hat is worn. At this time, by setting the bending resilience 2HB to below 29 gf·cm / cm, the hat 1 is unlikely to shift relative to the head due to the resilience of the shock-absorbing component to return to its basic curvature. In other words, when it exceeds 29 gf·cm / cm, the resilience of the shock-absorbing component to return to its original curvature is insufficient, and it is prone to shifting relative to the head.

[0127] Thus, if the hat 1 and headband 101 are offset relative to the head, there is a concern that the position of the brim 22 of the hat 1, which is worn with the brim 22 located on the back side of the head, may shift to the side, thus reducing the performance of the game.

[0128] For example, if an impact load from a ball, such as when the head is being worn, is input to the impact-absorbing component 3, the impact-absorbing component 3 will bend and deform, causing the two circumferential sides of the part that abuts the ball to be positioned relatively outward compared to the part that abuts the ball. At this time, when the bending recovery 2HB exceeds 29 gf·cm / cm, the recovery of the impact-absorbing component 3 along the head circumference to return to its original state is insufficient, and some parts that do not follow the head remain, making it easy for the hat 1 and headband 101 to shift relative to the head.

[0129] (3) The bending stiffness of the impact absorbing component 3 is set to 48.4 gf·cm.2 The bending stiffness is below 48.4 gf·cm, thus ensuring comfort even when the headgear is equipped with shock-absorbing components, and allowing for sewing. Specifically, when the bending stiffness exceeds 48.4 gf·cm... 2 When the bending stiffness of the portion with the shock-absorbing component is less than 6 cm, it becomes excessive and difficult to conform to the circumferential shape of the head. Furthermore, the portion with excessive bending stiffness due to the shock-absorbing component is prone to displacement because it does not conform to the head.

[0130] Furthermore, when the bending stiffness of the impact-absorbing component 3 exceeds 48.4 gf·cm 2 When the value is / cm, for example, in the case of a hat as a headwear, it is difficult to sew the impact-absorbing component along the circumference of the hat when the impact-absorbing component is arranged along the circumference of the head. Furthermore, the bending stiffness is preferably 25.45 gf·cm. 2 / cm or more, with bending stiffness less than 25.45gf·cm 2 In the case of / cm, the bending rigidity is insufficient, for example, the sewing of the parts of the piece 3a that are sewn together, such as a hat (more specifically, the rear upper edge 41a and the rear edge 52 and the front upper edge 42a and the front edge 53 that are sewn together), becomes difficult.

[0131] (4) Since the rebound coefficient of the impact-absorbing component 3 is set to 34% or less, it is possible, for example, to obtain a rebound force for bouncing the ball back while absorbing the impact on the head during a header. On the other hand, if the rebound coefficient is less than 12%, for example, the rebound force for bouncing the ball back during a header is insufficient.

[0132] More specifically, generally, when the rebound coefficient is low, the impact absorption rate increases, thus the rebound rate decreases, resulting in discomfort caused by insufficient ball rebound during headers. In contrast, the inventors of this invention have achieved a new insight: even with a rebound coefficient of 12%, it is possible to obtain a rebound force sufficient to bounce the ball without causing discomfort during headers. Therefore, the upper and lower limits of the rebound coefficient of the aforementioned impact-absorbing component are set based on this new insight, thereby enabling improved impact absorption during headers while maintaining a rebound force that does not cause discomfort during headers. As a result, it is possible to provide a headwear equipped with an impact-absorbing component suitable for wearing during sports activities.

[0133] (5) The thickness of the shock-absorbing component 3 is set to be more than 3 mm and less than 5 mm, so that both shock absorption and wearing comfort can be taken into account. Specifically, when it is less than 3 mm, the shock absorption becomes insufficient, and when it exceeds 5 mm, it will cause discomfort and affect the appearance when wearing headwear, or it will be difficult to sew along the head circumference of headwear such as hats.

[0134] (6) Since the impact absorption component 3 is located at a position corresponding to the front area H1, it is possible to reduce the impact load input to the head due to headballs, etc.

[0135] (7) Since the impact absorbing component 3 is located at a position corresponding to the rear head region H2, it is possible to reduce the impact load input to the head during contact and fall.

[0136] (8) Since the impact absorbing component 3 is configured correspondingly to a pair of head side regions H3 located between the front head region H1 and the back head region H2 in the circumferential part, the impact load input to the temple and the head side can be reduced, for example, in the case where head contact occurs between the athletes' heads during a competition.

[0137] (9) The impact absorbing component 3 is configured corresponding to the head area H4 in the front-to-back direction section, so that the impact load input to the head due to falls, headballs, etc. can be reduced, for example.

[0138] In the above embodiment, an example of wearing the garment with the brim 22 facing the back of the wearer's head region H2 is described, but it can also be worn with the brim 22 facing the front of the wearer's head region H1.

[0139] Figures 9 to 15 It is a photo of a hat 1 equipped with shock-absorbing component 3.

[0140] [Second Implementation]

[0141] exist Figure 6 The image shows the headband 101 of the headgear according to the second embodiment in an unfolded state. The headband 101 according to the second embodiment uses the same shock-absorbing member 103 made of the same material as the first embodiment, therefore a detailed description of the shock-absorbing member 103 is omitted.

[0142] Reference Figure 6 The headband 101 is a strip-shaped component of a predetermined width. The headband 101 is substantially composed of an impact-absorbing component 103. More specifically, as... Figure 7 As shown, the headband 101 includes: a sheet 103a; a fabric 103b covering the surface of the sheet 103a; and a lining 103c covering the back. The sheet 103a, fabric 103b, and lining 103c are sewn together such that the peripheral portion is sandwiched and surrounded by the edge member 103d. The thickness T2 of the sheet 103a is set to be 3 mm or more and 5 mm or less. Figure 6 As shown, the width W4 of the two ends 132 of the headband 101 in the unfolded state is wider than the width W3 of the central portion 131 of the long axis of the headband 101.

[0143] like Figure 8 As shown, the headband 101 is wrapped around the wearer's head in a circular shape with its two ends 132 brought close together. In this embodiment, the headband 101 is connected to the two ends 132 by face fasteners 134 in a state where it is positioned on the back of the head region H2. Therefore, a central portion 131 is positioned in the front of the wearer's head region H1, and a connecting portion 133 connecting the central portion 131 to the two ends 132 is positioned in the side of the head region H3. Thus, the impact load input to the front, back, and sides of the wearer's head can be reduced by the headband 101.

[0144] Figures 16 to 24 This is a photo of a headband 101 equipped with shock-absorbing component 3.

[0145] [Example]

[0146] The impact-absorbing components of each embodiment and comparative example were appropriately cut to prepare test pieces, and their impact absorption, flexural stiffness, and flexural recovery were measured. Furthermore, sensory evaluation tests on the impact absorption and resilience of headbands (headwear) equipped with the impact-absorbing components of Comparative Examples 1-3 and Examples 1-3 were conducted. These measurement and evaluation test results are presented in Table 1.

[0147] The test piece used for impact absorption (resilience coefficient), flexural stiffness, and flexural recovery has a three-layer structure consisting of a fabric, an impact-absorbing component, and a lining. The fabric is TWINCOT UV (90% polyester, 10% polyurethane), manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation, and the lining is a mesh (3 layers of double Raschel mesh). The impact-absorbing component used in Comparative Example 3 and Examples 1-3 employed the following materials, respectively.

[0148] Comparative Example 1 is the state without a test piece or without a headband. Comparative Example 2 is a two-layer structure test piece of fabric and lining, or a headband without shock-absorbing components. Comparative Example 3 is a test piece or headband using PORON (high-performance polyurethane foam manufactured by Rogers-Enoch Co., Ltd., product name PORON) with a thickness of 3 mm in the shock-absorbing component. Example 1 uses a test piece of EVA (individually bubbled polyethylene foam manufactured by Sanwa Chemical Co., Ltd., product name Samperka C-700) with a thickness of 3 mm in the built-in shock-absorbing component. Example 2 uses a test piece of TRANCEYELLOW (low-resilience soft foam manufactured by Daiichi Chemical Co., Ltd., product name: TRANCEYELLOW) with a thickness of 3 mm in the shock-absorbing component. Example 3 uses a test piece or headband using TRANCEYELLOW with a thickness of 5 mm in the shock-absorbing component.

[0149] In the sensory evaluation, the impact absorption and rebound of the subjects when heading the ball were assessed in three states: Comparative Example 1 (without a headband), Comparative Example 2 (with a headband without a built-in impact absorption component), and Comparative Example 3 (with a headband with a built-in impact absorption component). Specifically, a coach had five subjects (AEs, aged 11-12 years) throw a soccer ball (size 4) from below from a distance of 5 meters. Impact absorption (pain / no pain) and rebound (flying / not flying) were compared when heading the ball, both with and without headbands.

[0150] Impact absorption based on sensory evaluation was compared with Comparative Examples 2, 3, and Examples 1-3 to Comparative Example 1 without a headband. "No pain felt" was marked as "○", "No pain compared to Comparative Example 1" as "△", and "No difference from Comparative Example 1" as "×". Resilience based on sensory evaluation was compared with Comparative Examples 2, 3, and Examples 1-3 to Comparative Example 1 without a headband. "Flying without particular discomfort" was marked as "〇", "Slightly difficult to fly compared to Comparative Example 1" as "△", and "Difficult to fly, with discomfort" as "×". Discomfort mentioned here refers to "the state where the ball does not fly to the desired location". In Table 1, Comparative Examples 1-3 are those with at least one "×" rating in the sensory evaluation of impact absorption and resilience, while Examples 1-3 are those without at least one "×" rating (in other words, only a combination of "△" or "〇" ratings).

[0151] (Table 1)

[0152]

[0153] As shown in Table 1, the headbands in Comparative Example 3 and Examples 1-3, which incorporate the impact-absorbing component 3, have lower rebound coefficients and better impact absorption compared to Comparative Examples 1 and 2. Based on the results in Table 1, it is preferable to set the maximum rebound coefficient, i.e., 34% or less of Example 1, and the upper limit of the rebound coefficient of the present invention is set based on this result. Therefore, in Comparative Example 2, since the rebound coefficient is 65%, the impact absorption is insufficient. In Comparative Example 3 and Examples 1-3, the material and thickness of the impact-absorbing component 3 are appropriate, so the rebound rate is 12% to 34%, and the target impact absorption rate is achieved.

[0154] The evaluation results of impact absorption based on sensory testing were largely consistent with the results of the rebound coefficient evaluation test. The headbands of Examples 1 and 3, which incorporate the impact-absorbing component 3, showed improved impact absorption compared to Comparative Examples 1-3. In particular, Example 3 showed no pain or pain sensation compared to Comparative Examples 1-3. On the other hand, the evaluation results for subjects A and B regarding the headband of Comparative Example 3, while not worsening compared to Comparative Examples 1 to 2, did not show any improvement. This result, as detailed later, can be attributed to the flexural recovery 2HB contributing to impact absorption.

[0155] Based on the rebound coefficients shown in Table 1, it is foreseeable that the ball's rebound during a header will worsen in the order of Comparative Example 3, Example 3, Example 2, Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and Comparative Example 1. However, in the rebound based on sensory tests, even when wearing the headbands involved in Comparative Example 3 and Example 3, there were no evaluation results such as "difficulty in launching the ball" or "discomfort". Therefore, the following new insight was obtained: even with the built-in impact-absorbing component 3 having a rebound coefficient of 12%, the ball's rebound during a header will not significantly worsen.

[0156] In other words, in Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the required resilience for heading the ball is present, but the impact absorption is insufficient. In Comparative Examples 3 and Example 3, the desired resilience is achieved while absorbing the impact load during heading the ball. Therefore, for the impact absorbing component 3, by setting it to the lowest resilience coefficient in Comparative Examples 3 and Example 3, i.e., the resilience coefficient of Comparative Example 3, both impact absorption and resilience can be achieved. Based on this result, the upper and lower limits of the resilience coefficient of the present invention are set.

[0157] A higher value of bending stiffness B makes it more difficult to bend, thus making it difficult to sew the shock-absorbing component along the shape of the hat and headband when the appropriate upper limit is exceeded. In the hats and headbands with built-in shock-absorbing components in Comparative Example 3 and Examples 1-3, the shock-absorbing component can be sewn along the shape of the hat and headband that is easy to follow the shape of the wearer's head (easier to achieve a fit). Therefore, as shown in Table 1, the bending stiffness B is preferably set to 48.4 gf·cm, which is the maximum bending stiffness B, i.e., the value of Example 3, rounded to two decimal places. 2 Below / cm, the upper limit of the bending stiffness B of the present invention is set based on this result.

[0158] Furthermore, the smaller the value of the bending stiffness B, the softer the material. Therefore, when it is less than a suitable lower limit, it is difficult to sew the shock-absorbing component into a hat. Since it is possible to sew the impact-absorbing component into the hats of Comparative Example 3 and Examples 1-3, as shown in Table 1, the bending stiffness B is preferably set to the minimum bending stiffness B, i.e., the value of Example 3, rounded to two decimal places, as 25.45 gf·cm. 2 The lower limit value of the bending stiffness B of the present invention is set based on the result below / cm.

[0159] A smaller flexural resilience (2HB) value indicates better recovery from bending deformation, meaning greater elasticity. Therefore, by appropriately setting the flexural resilience, it is possible to suppress the shift of the hat and headband relative to the head. Specifically, for example, when an impact-absorbing component is sewn circumferentially along the lower edge of the hat's crown, such as... Figure 1 As shown, when the hat is worn, its circumference extends along the head circumference, and the curvature of the impact-absorbing component changes before and after the hat is worn. At this time, with the bending resilience 2HB set below the upper limit, the hat 1 is unlikely to shift relative to the head due to the resilience of the impact-absorbing component to return to its original curvature. In other words, when the bending resilience 2HB exceeds the upper limit, the resilience of the impact-absorbing component to return to its original curvature is insufficient, resulting in a shift relative to the head.

[0160] Furthermore, when an impact load from the ball, such as during a headbutt, is input to the impact-absorbing component, the impact-absorbing component bends and deforms in such a way that the two circumferentially opposite sides of the part that abuts the ball are located relatively outwards compared to the part that abuts the ball. At this time, when the bending resilience 2HB exceeds the upper limit value, the resilience of the impact-absorbing component along the head circumference to return to its original state is insufficient, and some parts that do not follow the head remain, making the hat and headband prone to shifting relative to the head.

[0161] Thus, there is a concern that when the hat and headband shift relative to the head, for example, the brim of a hat worn with its brim positioned to the side of the back of the head may shift to the side, potentially reducing performance during the game. In sensory evaluation, in Embodiments 1 and 3, where the headband with built-in shock-absorbing components was worn, there was no discomfort such as headband shifting during heading.

[0162] In the sensory evaluation of impact absorption of subjects A and B, Comparative Example 3, while not worse than Comparative Examples 1 and 2, did not show any improvement. This can be attributed to the correlation between flexural recovery 2HB and impact absorption; the flexural recovery 2HB of the impact-absorbing component in Comparative Example 3 was greater than that in Examples 1 and 3, resulting in insufficient reduction of impact force input to the head. On the other hand, in Examples 1 and 3, the impact absorption of subject AE was improved, suggesting that Comparative Examples 1 and 3 achieved a reduction in impact force input to the head through flexural recovery 2HB. Therefore, regarding the upper limit of flexural recovery 2HB, given the evaluation results that subjects A and B of Comparative Example 3 did not worsen in the impact absorption evaluation, and that subjects C to E showed improvement, as long as the upper limit of flexural recovery 2HB is slightly lower than that of Comparative Example 3, which does not meet the impact absorption requirement, it can be presumed that the impact absorption is improved relative to Comparative Examples 1 and 2 (meeting the impact absorption requirement). Therefore, the upper limit of flexural recovery 2HB is preferably set to 29 gf·cm / cm or less, which is lower than that of Comparative Example 3. More preferably, the impact absorption characteristics of Example 1, which is set to be less than 21.5824 gf·cm / cm, in Example 1, where the subjects' impact absorption characteristics are satisfied.

[0163] Specifically, it can be presumed that by setting the flexural resilience to 29 gf·cm / cm or less, the impact-absorbing component 3 can absorb the impact force through deformation, and can further absorb the impact amount corresponding to the restoring force formed by the flexural resilience 2HB of the impact-absorbing component 3 resisting deformation. In other words, it is conceivable that, with the same amount of deformation of the impact-absorbing component 3, the amount of impact force absorbed by the deformation of the impact-absorbing component 3 can be increased compared to the case where the flexural resilience exceeds 29 gf·cm / cm. Therefore, increasing the amount of impact force absorbed makes it easier to mitigate the impact force transmitted to the head after the impact-absorbing component 3 has been compressed and deformed.

[0164] As in Comparative Example 3, when the flexural resilience exceeds 29 gf·cm / cm, the impact absorbing member 3 can absorb the impact force through deformation. However, compared with the case where the flexural resilience is less than 29 gf·cm / cm, it can be assumed that the restoring force generated by the flexural resilience used to resist deformation is insufficient, and therefore it is difficult to adequately mitigate the impact force transmitted to the head after the impact absorbing member 3 is squeezed and deformed.

[0165] As mentioned above, although there is a correlation between the rebound coefficient and impact absorption, it is difficult to determine whether head impact suppression has been achieved when evaluating only the rebound coefficient, as impact absorption varies with other parameters, such as flexural recovery 2HB. In other words, the following new insight is obtained: impact absorption can be achieved by appropriately setting flexural recovery 2HB, in addition to the rebound coefficient, and the amount of impact input to the head needs to be directly evaluated.

[0166] Based on this new insight, in Evaluation Test 1, using the sensory evaluation results of good shock absorption in Examples 1 and 3, the input amount (first impact amount) without the shock-absorbing material and the impact amount (second impact amount) input via the shock-absorbing material were measured, and the ratio of the second impact amount to the first impact amount was calculated. Furthermore, in Evaluation Test 1, impact acceleration was used as the impact amount.

[0167] [Evaluation Experiment 1]

[0168] An evaluation test was conducted to assess the impact absorption performance of the headband 101 and hat 1 worn on the head and neck of a dummy (hereinafter also referred to as the "head model") 200 used in the crash test. Furthermore, in this evaluation test, the impact-absorbing component 3 of the headband 101 corresponding to Example 1 is made of individually bubbled polyethylene foam (product name: Samperka C-700) (thickness 3mm) manufactured by Sanwa Chemical Co., Ltd., while the impact-absorbing component 3 of the headband 101 corresponding to Example 3 is made of low-resilience soft foam (product name: TRANCEYELLOW) (thickness 3mm) manufactured by Daiichi Chemical Co., Ltd.

[0169] like Figure 25 As shown, the impact acceleration input to the head 201 is measured by allowing the head 201 of the head model 200 wearing the headband 101 to fall freely from a predetermined drop height h.

[0170] When wearing a headband 101 that has TRANCEYELLOW or EVA built into the sheet 3a as an impact absorption component 3, and in an unprotected state, the head acceleration (maximum triaxial composite acceleration) generated at the head's center of gravity G is measured when the head 201, which is equipped with a triaxial accelerometer 302, is dropped freely from a predetermined drop height (e.g., 5 cm, 15 cm) h onto a solid steel plate (without deformation even after the head 201 is dropped), and the ratio of the impact amount when wearing the headband 101 to that when not wearing the headband 101 is evaluated.

[0171] (Table 2)

[0172]

[0173] Table 2 shows the test results of Evaluation Test 1. At the predetermined drop height h = 5 cm, the resultant head acceleration of Comparative Example 1 (without protection) was 53G (519 m / s²). 2 In contrast, the combined head acceleration in Example 1 (when wearing the headband 101 with built-in EVA) and Example 3 (when wearing the headband 101 with built-in TRANCEYELLOW) was 31G (304 m / s²). 2 With a predetermined drop height h = 15 cm, the combined head acceleration in Example 1 is 125 G (1225 m / s²). 2 In contrast, the synthetic acceleration of the head in Example 1 was 71G (695.8 m / s²). 2 The head-combined acceleration in Example 4 was 78G (764 m / s²). 2 ).

[0174] Therefore, the ratio of the combined head acceleration when wearing the headband 101 to the combined head acceleration in Examples 1 and 3 under the predetermined drop height h = 5 cm is 58.5% (reduction of 41.5%). The ratio of the combined head acceleration when wearing the headband 101 to the combined head acceleration in Comparative Example 1 under the predetermined drop height h = 15 cm is 57.6% (reduction of 42.4%) in Example 1 and 62.4% (reduction of 37.6%) in Example 3. The results of Evaluation Test 1 show that the impact amount input to the head model 200 when wearing the headband 101 relative to the impact amount when not wearing the headband 101 achieves approximately the same reduction effect in Examples 1 and 3.

[0175] Furthermore, in order to more appropriately set the ratio of the second impact amount to the first impact amount and the second impact amount input to the head via the impact absorption component, the applicant of this application set the first impact amount to a value that could be input during a football match in evaluation test 2, and calculated the ratio of the second impact amount to the first impact amount and measured the second impact amount. Additionally, in evaluation test 2, similar to evaluation test 1, impact acceleration was used as the impact amount.

[0176] [Evaluation Experiment 2]

[0177] An evaluation test was conducted to assess the impact absorption performance of the headband 101 and hat 1 worn on the head and neck of a dummy (hereinafter also referred to as the "head model") 200 used in a crash test. In this evaluation test, the sheet 3a of the impact-absorbing component 3 of the headband 101 was made of low-resilience soft foam (product name: TRANCEYELLOW) (thickness 3mm) manufactured by Daiichi Chemical Co., Ltd. In this evaluation test, for both the head model 200 with and without the headband 101, a first impact amount assuming it could be input to the head during a football match was input, and a second impact amount input to the head model 200 via the headband 101 during the football match was measured. The ratio of the second impact amount to the first impact amount was evaluated. In this embodiment, based on the results of the evaluation test 2 and the impact absorption in the embodiment, it was determined that the headband 101 met the desired impact absorption performance when the ratio of the second impact amount to the first impact amount was 57% or less.

[0178] In this embodiment, the impact acceleration of the head model is used as the impact amount. In other words, if the ratio of the head acceleration when wearing the headband to the head acceleration when not wearing the headband is 57% or less, the impact absorption of the headband 101 is deemed to be satisfactory. In this evaluation test, a spherical impactor 301 was used as a method for inputting the impact amount to the head model 200.

[0179] exist Figure 26 The image shows a head model 200 without the headband 101 and with the headband 101 (represented by a double-dotted line) on the head model 200. The headband 101 is worn circumferentially from the forehead 211 to the back of the head 212 of the head model 200. An impactor 301 collides with the headband 101 worn on the head model 200. In this evaluation test, [the following results were obtained]. Figure 25 The head acceleration (m / s²) shown is in the headband 101 unworn state (hereinafter also referred to as "unprotected") and the headband 101 worn state. 2 In this evaluation experiment, to consider the reproducibility of the data, each experiment was conducted three times under the same conditions.

[0180] The head model 200 used in this evaluation test is called Hybrid III 5th Female, which corresponds to the head 201 and neck 202 of a dummy with a petite adult female build. The dummy was developed to evaluate the crash safety performance of automobiles; it is 150cm tall, weighs 50kg, with a head and neck weight of 4.6kg and a head circumference of 53.8kg. In addition to automobiles, the dummy used in this evaluation test was also used to investigate the likelihood of injury to recreational vehicles, wheelchairs, medical equipment, sporting goods, and other equipment. In this evaluation test, the head 201 and neck 202 were removed from the dummy, and a three-axis accelerometer (also called an "accelerometer") 302 was installed at the center of gravity G of the head 201.

[0181] Figure 26 The image also shows an accelerometer 302 mounted on the head model 200 and its sensitivity direction. The front-back direction of the head model 200 is set as Ax, the left-right direction as Ay, and the up-down direction as Az, with the front, left, and up directions respectively set as +.

[0182] Figure 25 This describes the calibration method for head model 200. Calibration tests are performed to confirm that head model 200 possesses the characteristics required by specifications. For example... Figure 25 As shown, the required specifications for the head model 200 are defined as follows: under test conditions of 18.9-25.6℃ and 10-70% humidity, when the head 201 is dropped freely from a height h = 37.6 cm onto a solid steel plate (without deformation even after the head 201 falls), the head acceleration (maximum triaxial composite acceleration) generated by the head's center of gravity G is within the range of 250-300G, and the maximum lateral acceleration Ay is -15.0 to 15.0G. Furthermore, the shape of the acceleration curve is specified such that the second peak is less than 10% of the first peak. In this evaluation test, the test temperature was 21.1℃, the test humidity was 48%, the maximum triaxial composite acceleration was 267.1G, and the maximum lateral acceleration was 2.4G. As for the shape of the acceleration curve, the second peak is 1.6% of the first.

[0183] Figure 27 This indicates the impact resistance testing apparatus (impact force input unit) 300 used in this evaluation test. The impact resistance testing apparatus 300 is used for the impact resistance test of JIS T9203 "Electric Wheelchair". The impact resistance testing apparatus 300 involves swinging a pendulum-type impactor 301 to a predetermined height (angle controlled) and releasing the impactor 301, which is secured by a quick-release device, thereby causing it to collide with a target object. The impactor 301 is spherical, has the same size as a size 5 soccer ball, and weighs 25 kg.

[0184] Figure 28The method for conducting the evaluation test is described. In this evaluation test, the head model 200 removed from the dummy is mounted on the aluminum frame 221, and the lower end of the aluminum frame 221 is fixed to the bearing unit 222, thus having a structure that falls backward after colliding with the impactor 301. The height h1 of the bearing unit 223 from the rotation axis 223 to the center of gravity G of the head is set to 70 cm to match the length of the pendulum used in this evaluation test.

[0185] The swing angle θ1 of the impactor 301 was set to 20 degrees. The swing angle θ1 was determined with reference to research results from the United States (NAUNHEIM, RS et al., Linear and Angular Head Accelerations Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 35, No. 8, pp. 1406-1412, 2003). Specifically, the following was recorded: the head acceleration generated in the subject (an adult male with football experience) when heading a football was measured; when the ball speed was 12 m / s, the acceleration generated in the subject's head was 199 ± 27 m / s. 2 The acceleration. Based on this result, in this evaluation test, the head acceleration of the unprotected head model 200 became the maximum amplitude of 226 m / s², which was the result of the study. 2 (199+27m / s 2 1.5 times (considering safety factor) is equivalent to 340 m / s 2 The swing angle θ1 was set in this manner. In other words, in this embodiment, as an example of assuming the maximum initial impact force that can be input to the head in a football match, a head acceleration of 340 m / s² was used. 2 Furthermore, the first impact force can simply be any impact force that could be input to the head during a football match. For example, the maximum impact force can be taken from the impact forces on the head caused by collisions between heads, between the head and elbows, or the ground during a header challenge. For instance, in the case of a head-to-ground collision during a header challenge (when falling from 2.5m), the head acceleration is sometimes 490m / s². 2 .

[0186] exist Figure 29The method for measuring acceleration is illustrated. Data output from the accelerometer 302 is recorded via a transmission cable to a data recording device (manufactured by Kyowa Electric: model DIS-2000A) 303, and then transferred to a personal computer 304 connected to the data recording device 303 for processing. The method for acquiring and filtering acceleration data is based on ISO 6487: Road vehicles—Measurement techniques in impact tests—Instrumentation, an international standard.

[0187] Table 1 shows an overview of the measurement results from the evaluation test. More specifically, the head accelerations in the forward / backward direction (Ax), left / right direction (Ay), and up / down direction (Az) obtained from the triaxial accelerometer 302, and the Head Resultant = (Ax...) 2 +Ay 2 +Ax 2 ) -2 The head resultant was calculated and used as the head acceleration. In this evaluation test, the same test was repeated three times to verify the reproducibility of the data. In this evaluation test, the head acceleration was used as the impact quantity, therefore the triaxial accelerometer 302 constitutes the impact quantity sensor.

[0188] (Table 3)

[0189] Comparative Example 1 (Unprotected)

[0190]

[0191] Example 3 (TRANCEYELLOW 5mm)

[0192]

[0193] exist Figure 30 The table shows the time variation of the average value of the combined head acceleration for Example 3 (with the built-in TRANCEYELLOW headband 101) and Comparative Example 1 (without protection). See Table 3 and... Figure 30 As shown, the combined head acceleration of Comparative Example 1 is 340 m / s². 2 In contrast, the head acceleration in Example 3 was 194 m / s². 2The combined acceleration of the head when wearing the headband 101 is 57% of the combined acceleration of the head when unprotected (a reduction of 43%). In other words, the impact amount when wearing the headband 101 (the second impact amount) is less than 57% of the impact amount (the first impact amount) that would be expected to be input to the head model 200 when not wearing the headband 101. Therefore, the headband 101 meets the desired impact absorption performance.

[0194] Regarding the impact absorption performance of headband 101, the combined head acceleration (impact acceleration) when wearing headband 101 is 199 m / s². 2 Under the following conditions, the headband 101 can be judged to meet the impact absorption performance. The upper limit of the impact acceleration is set according to the maximum value of the impact acceleration in Example 3 of [Evaluation Test 2] and the results of the sensory test of the impact absorption of Example 3.

[0195] While head-body acceleration was used to evaluate the impact absorption performance input to the head, it can be replaced by the HIC value, as shown in Table 1. Referring to Table 1, the average HIC value without protection is 18.3, compared to an average HIC value with headband 101 worn is 7. Therefore, the HIC value with headband 101 worn is 38% of the HIC value without protection (a reduction of 62%). In other words, the impact amount input to the head model 200 with headband 101 worn (the second impact amount) is less than 57% of the impact amount input to the head model 200 without headband 101 worn (the first impact amount), thus headband 101 meets the desired impact absorption performance.

[0196] In evaluation test 2, the case of wearing headband 101 as a headgear was described, but the same result was obtained for hat 1.

[0197] In the above embodiments, the structure of the impact absorbing member 3 having a first impact absorbing member 4 and a second impact absorbing member 5 has been described, but it is not limited thereto, and either the first impact absorbing member 4 or the second impact absorbing member 5 may be included.

[0198] In the above embodiment, the structure of the first impact absorbing member 4 being continuous in the circumferential direction (head circumferential direction) along the lower end periphery of the crown portion 21 has been described, but it is not limited to this, and multiple impact absorbing members may be arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0199] In the above embodiments, the structure of the second impact absorbing component 5 being continuous in the front-to-back direction has been described, but it is not limited to this, and multiple impact absorbing components may also be arranged in the front-to-back direction.

[0200] Furthermore, the headgear of the present invention is not limited to the structure of the above-described embodiments and can be modified in various ways.

[0201] The headgear 1 of the present invention is particularly suitable for playing football, but it can also be used in other sports where there is impact on the head due to contact between athletes, falls, etc.

[0202] (Symbol Explanation)

[0203] 1: Soccer hat (headwear)

[0204] 2: Headgear Main Body

[0205] 3: Impact Absorption Components

[0206] 21a: Rear Cover Section

[0207] 21b: Front Cover Section

[0208] 21c: A pair of lateral coverings

[0209] 21d: Upper Cover Section

[0210] 101: Headband (Headwear)

[0211] 200: Head Model

[0212] 211: Forehead

[0213] 212: Back of the head

[0214] 300: Impact Input Unit

[0215] 301: Impactor

[0216] 302: Accelerometer (Impact Sensor)

[0217] h1: Predetermined drop height

[0218] H1: Anterior head region

[0219] H2: Back of the head region

[0220] H3: A pair of cephalic regions

[0221] H4: Top of the head area

[0222] T1: Thickness

[0223] T2: Thickness.

Claims

1. A headgear, comprising: The main body of the headgear, which is worn on the head; and Impact-absorbing components are disposed on the main body of the headgear. The impact-absorbing component is made of at least ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin or styrene elastomer, and the thickness of the impact-absorbing component is set to be more than 3 mm and less than 5 mm. The headgear is configured such that the second impact amount that can be input to the head via the impact-absorbing component during a football match is less than 57% of the maximum first impact amount that could be input to the head without using the headgear body during a football match. Each impact quantity that can be input to the head is represented by the head acceleration after the impact is input to the head. The first impact amount is set to the head acceleration of 340 m / s². 2 , The flexural resilience of the impact-absorbing component is set to be below 29 gf·cm / cm.

2. The headgear according to claim 1, wherein, The bending stiffness of the impact-absorbing component is set to 48.4 gf·cm. 2 / cm or less.

3. The headgear according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The headgear body has a rear cover that corresponds to the front area of ​​the wearer's head. The impact-absorbing component is disposed at least in a portion of the rear cover.

4. The headgear according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The headgear body has a front cover that corresponds to the area behind the wearer's head. The shock-absorbing component is disposed at least in a portion of the front cover.

5. The headgear according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The headgear body has a pair of side covers corresponding to a pair of head regions of the wearer. The impact-absorbing component is disposed at least in a portion of the pair of side covers.

6. The headgear according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The headgear body has an upper cover area corresponding to the top of the wearer's head. The shock-absorbing component is disposed at least in a portion of the upper cover.

7. The headgear according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The headgear mentioned is a hat.

8. The headgear according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The headgear is a headband.

9. A method for evaluating the impact absorption performance of the head via the headgear, wherein, The head model used to evaluate the impact absorption performance is equipped with an impact quantity sensor for measuring the amount of impact input to the head model. The headgear is worn circumferentially from at least the forehead to the back of the head of the head model. The impact force input unit inputs the maximum first impact force that could be input to the head during a football match to both the head model wearing the headgear and the head model without it. The second impact force that can be input to the head via the headgear during a football match is measured. The impact absorption performance of the headgear according to claim 1 is evaluated by using the ratio of the second impact amount to the first impact amount. Each impact quantity that can be input to the head is represented by the head acceleration after the impact is input to the head. The first impact amount is set to the head acceleration of 340 m / s². 2 .

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, If the ratio is below 57%, the headgear is deemed to meet the predetermined impact absorption performance.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The impact sensor measures the impact acceleration.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The impact acceleration input to the head via the impact absorption component is 199 m / s². 2 The headgear is deemed to meet the impact absorption performance under the following conditions.

13. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The impact force input unit has a structure that causes a pendulum-type impactor to collide with the stationary head model.

14. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The impact force input unit inputs impact force to the head model by allowing the head model to fall freely from a predetermined drop height.

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