Device for protecting a part of a person's body and method for manufacturing such a device

Abstract

Device (500a, 500b, 600a, 600b, 700, 800, 900) for protecting a body part of a person, characterized in that the device (500a, 500b, 600a, 600b, 800, 900) has a surface for receiving the body part, wherein the surface has a structure (100, 200, 300, 400), wherein the structure (100, 200, 300, 400) comprises at least three legs, wherein a first leg (102, 202, 302, 402) extends along the surface in a first direction (104, 204, 304, 404) to a first end (106, 206, 306, 406) of the first leg (102, 202, 302, 402), wherein a second leg (108, 208, 308, 408) extends along the surface in a second direction (110, 210, 310, 410) to a second end (112, 212, 312, 412) of the second leg (108, 208, 308, 408), wherein a third leg (114, 214, 314, 414) extends along the surface in a third direction (116, 216, 316, 416) to a third end (118, 218, 318, 418) of the third leg (114,214, 314, 414), wherein a first section (120, 220, 320, 420) of the first leg (104, 204, 304, 404) opposite the first end (106, 206, 306, 406), a second section (122, 222, 322, 422) of the second leg (108, 208, 308, 408) opposite the second end (112, 212, 312, 412), and a third section (124, 224, 324, 424) of the third leg (114, 214, 314, 414) opposite the third end (118, 218, 318, 418). are arranged facing each other.

Description

Protectors are devices designed to protect a part of a person's body. They are manufactured and used in a variety of ways for different purposes. DE 196 47 724 A1 , DE 91 02 039 U1 , DE 102 19 521 A1 , and US 2015 / 0 082 523 A1 disclose devices for protecting a body part. The aim of the present invention is to provide an improved protector compared to conventional protectors and to specify an improved way of manufacturing it. This is achieved through the subject matter of the independent claims. A device for protecting a part of a human body has a surface for receiving the body part, the surface having a structure, the structure comprising at least three legs, a first leg extending along the surface in a first direction to a first end of the first leg, a second leg extending along the surface in a second direction to a second end of the second leg, a third leg extending along the surface in a third direction to a third end of the third leg, wherein a first section of the first leg opposite the first end, a second section of the second leg opposite the second end, and a third section of the third leg opposite the third end are arranged facing each other.The body part in question could be, for example, an elbow, forearm, knee, hip, back, chest, or a portion thereof. Other surfaces for other body parts are also possible. Due to its three-pronged structure, the surface is particularly well-suited for absorbing sudden energy impacts. In one aspect, the first leg has a cutout that extends from the first section in the first direction. This makes the structure more flexible and distributes the energy impact better across the body part. The opening can extend in the first direction over less than half the extent of the first leg in the first direction. The opening can extend in the first direction over more than half the extent of the first leg in the first direction. The first leg is closed at its first end. Preferably, the first leg tapers towards one side of the leg facing away from the surface. Preferably, the second leg tapers towards one side of the second leg facing away from the surface. Preferably, the third leg tapers towards one side of the third leg facing away from the surface. This increases the distance between the legs with increasing distance from the surface. The increasing distance between the legs creates more space for the legs to move towards each other, especially if the surface is flexible, as is the case with a garment. Energy is dissipated via a contact area with the body part, which remains unchanged compared to legs that do not taper. The first leg, the second leg, and / or the third leg can touch each other on their facing sides. The first leg, the second leg, and / or the third leg can be spaced apart from each other on their facing sides. Preferably, a plurality of structures are arranged at intervals from one another on a support, in particular a flexible, flat support preferably made of fabric or woven material. The flexible support allows the individual structures to move and stretch in all directions. For example, the protector is arranged on a garment. Preferably, a plurality of structures are arranged at a distance from one another, with at least one bridge arranged between two different structures, elastically connecting them. The protector is thus self-supporting. A first part of the multitude of structures can be aligned in a first arrangement, while a second part of the multitude of structures can be aligned in a second arrangement that differs from the first. This arrangement enables the realization of uniform extensibility. The structures of the first part can be arranged in a first row, with the structures of the second part arranged in a second row, wherein a structure of the second row has a geometry like a structure from the first row, mirrored across an axis. Uniform extensibility is particularly well achieved when the structures are arranged mirror images of each other. Preferably, structures arranged at an outer edge of the plurality of structures have a height that decreases with distance from the edge. Preferably, structures arranged at an outer edge of the plurality of structures are arranged following a contour of the outer edge, or parts of structures are arranged at an outer edge of the plurality of structures that terminate at a contour of the outer edge. The method for manufacturing a protector for protecting a part of a human body provides that a carrier is provided, in particular a flexible, planar carrier preferably made of fabric or woven material, that at least one structure is arranged on the carrier, wherein the structure comprises at least three legs, wherein a first leg is arranged extending along the surface in a first direction to a first end of the first leg, wherein a second leg is arranged extending along the surface in a second direction to a second end of the second leg, wherein a third leg is arranged extending along the surface in a third direction to a third end of the third leg, wherein a first section of the first leg opposite the first end,A second section of the second leg opposite the second end and a third section of the third leg opposite the third end are arranged facing each other. The process can involve applying a large number of structures to the carrier using an injection molding process or printing them onto the carrier using a three-dimensional printing process. The method may provide that structures arranged at an outer edge of the plurality of structures are applied or printed at a height that decreases with distance from the edge, or that structures arranged at an outer edge of the plurality of structures are applied or printed following a contour of the outer edge, or that parts of structures are applied or printed at an outer edge of the plurality of structures, ending at a contour of the outer edge. In one aspect, the carrier is inserted into or positioned in a tool for injection molding, in particular in an injection mold which includes on one side a negative of a plurality of structures, wherein the tool is closed, an injection molding is carried out, the tool is opened and the carrier with the applied structures is removed from the tool. Tool for injection molding wherein the tool has a mold for injection molding which includes a negative of at least one part of one of the devices. Tool for an injection mold wherein the tool has a receptacle for a carrier, wherein the tool has a mold for the injection mold which comprises a negative of one of the devices open towards the receptacle Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the following description and the drawing. In the drawing, Fig. 1a shows a first view of a first embodiment of a structure, Fig. 1b a second view of the first embodiment, Fig. 1c a third view of the first embodiment, Fig. 1d a fourth view of the first embodiment, Fig. 2a a first view of a second embodiment of the structure, Fig. 2b a second view of the second embodiment, Fig. 3a a first view of a third embodiment of the structure, Fig. 3b a second view of the third embodiment, Fig. 4a a first view of a fourth embodiment of the structure, Fig. 4b a second view of the fourth embodiment, Fig. 5a a view of a first embodiment of a device, Fig. 5b a view of a second embodiment of the device, Fig. 6a a view of a third embodiment of the device, Fig. 6b a view of a fourth embodiment of the device, Fig.7 Aspects of an arrangement of structures, Fig. 8 an arrangement of structures on a support, Fig. 9 a self-supporting arrangement of structures, Fig. 10 steps in a manufacturing process, Fig. 11 different designs of the structures in an area. Fig. 1a shows a schematic representation of a first view of a first embodiment 100 of a structure. The first embodiment 100 comprises at least three legs. A first leg 102 extends along a surface in a first direction 104 to a first end 106 of the first leg 102. A second leg 108 extends along the surface in a second direction 110 to a second end 112 of the second leg 108. A third leg 114 extends along the surface in a third direction 116 to a third end 118 of the third leg 114. A first section 120 of the first leg 102 opposite the first end 106, a second section 122 of the second leg 108 opposite the second end 112 and a third section 124 of the third leg 114 opposite the third end 118 are arranged facing each other. In the example, the first leg 102, the second leg 108 and the third leg 114 touch each other on their sides facing each other. The structure in this example is formed in one piece. The first direction 104 is arranged at a 120° angle to the second direction 110. The third direction 116 is arranged at an angle of 120° to both the first direction 104 and the second direction 110. The angle between different directions can also vary. The angle between any two directions can also have a different value, for example, within a range of 100° to 140°. In Fig. 1a, a first extension a of the first embodiment 100 is shown extending from the second end 112 to a first baseline, which limits the extension of the first embodiment 100 on its side facing away from the second end 112. In this example, the first baseline is tangent to the first leg 102 and the third leg 114. In this example, the extension a = 15.9 millimeters. The extension a can also have a different value, for example, in the range between 5 millimeters and 50 millimeters, in particular 10.7 millimeters, 12.3 millimeters, or 15.9 millimeters. In Fig. 1a, a second extension b of the first embodiment 100 is shown extending from the second end 112 to a second baseline, which limits the extension of the first embodiment 100 on its side facing away from the second end 112. In this example, the second baseline is tangent to the second leg 108 and the third leg 114. In this example, the extension a = 16.9 millimeters. The extension b can also have a different value, for example, in the range between 5 millimeters and 50 millimeters, in particular 11.9 millimeters, 13.6 millimeters, 16.9 millimeters, or 20 millimeters. The first leg 102 has a cutout 126 that extends in the first leg 102 from the first section 120 in the first direction 104. The cutout 126 extends in the first direction 104 over more than half of a dimension 128 of the first leg 102 in the first direction 104. The first leg 102 is closed at the first end 106. The thickness s of the first leg 102 at the first end 106 is, in this example, s = 3 millimeters. The thickness s can also have a different value, for example, in the range between 1 millimeter and 16 millimeters. The wall thickness w of the first leg 102 in the area of ​​the cutout 126 is w = 1.7 millimeters. The wall thickness w can also have a different value, for example, in the range between 1 and 5 millimeters. The third leg 114 has a thickness d perpendicular to the third direction 116. In this example, the thickness d is 4.7 millimeters. The thickness d can also have a different value, for example, in the range of 1 millimeter to 15 millimeters. The third leg 114 can also extend with varying thicknesses in the third direction. The thickness d can also define the thickness of the other legs. Different legs can also have different thicknesses. Fig. 1b shows a schematic representation of a second view of the first embodiment. Fig. 1b shows a side view of the first leg 102. The first leg 102 extends towards a side 130 facing away from the surface. The height h of the first leg is 6 millimeters in this example. The height h can also be a different value, for example between 1 millimeter and 10 millimeters, in particular 3 millimeters or 4 millimeters. The height h can also define the height of the other legs. Different legs can also have different heights. Fig. 1c shows a schematic representation of a third view of the first embodiment. In Fig. 1c, a section is shown along the section line labeled AA in Fig. 1a. In this example, the first leg 102 extends tapering towards side 130. An angle α with respect to the normal to the surface is, for example, 4°. Another angle, for example in the range of 1° to 10°, particularly 3° or 5°, may also be used. Fig. 1d shows a schematic representation of a fourth perspective view of the first version. The first leg 102 tapers towards side 130. The second leg 108 tapers towards a side 132 of the second leg 108 facing away from the surface. The third leg 114 tapers towards a side 134 of the third leg 114 facing away from the surface. The angle α may define the taper of these legs. Different angles may be defined for different legs. Fig. 2a shows a schematic representation of a first view of a second embodiment 200 of the structure. The second embodiment 200 shown in Fig. 2a comprises at least three legs, wherein a first leg 202 extends along a surface in a first direction 204 to a first end 206 of the first leg 202, wherein a second leg 208 extends along the surface in a second direction 210 to a second end 212 of the second leg 208, and wherein a third leg 214 extends along the surface in a third direction 216 to a third end 218 of the third leg 214. In this example, the structure is formed in one piece. The directions are arranged at angles to each other, as described for the first embodiment 100. A first section 220 of the first leg 204 opposite the first end 206, a second section 222 of the second leg 208 opposite the second end 212 and a third section 224 of the third leg 214 opposite the third end 218 are arranged facing each other. The first leg 202, the second leg 208 and the third leg 214 touch each other on their sides facing each other in the example. The dimensions of the second version 200 can be defined as described for the structure according to the first version 100 based on Figs. 1a to 1d. The first leg 202 has a cutout 226 which extends in the first leg 202 from the first section 220 in the first direction 204. The cutout 226 extends in the first direction 204 over less than half of an extent 228 of the first leg 202 in the first direction 204. The second leg 208 has a thickness d perpendicular to the second direction 210. In this example, the thickness d is 3.4 millimeters. The thickness d can also have a different value, for example, in the range of 1 millimeter to 10 millimeters. The second leg 208 can also extend with varying thicknesses in the second direction 210. The thickness d can also define the thickness of the other legs. Different legs can also have different thicknesses. In Fig. 2a, an extension a of the second embodiment 200 from the third end 218 to a baseline is shown, which limits the extension of the second embodiment 200 on its side facing away from the third end 218. In this example, this baseline is tangent to the first leg 202 and the second leg 208. In this example, the extension a = 13.6 millimeters. The extension a can also have a different value, for example, in the range between 4 millimeters and 50 millimeters, in particular 11.9 millimeters, 13.6 millimeters, or 16.9 millimeters. Fig. 2b shows a second perspective view of the second embodiment. The first leg 202 extends tapering towards a side 230 of the first leg 202 facing away from the surface. The second leg 208 extends tapering towards a side 232 of the second leg 208 facing away from the surface. The third leg 214 extends tapering towards a side 234 of the third leg 214 facing away from the surface. It may be stipulated that the angle α defines the taper of these legs. Different angles may be stipulated for different legs. It may be stipulated that the height h defines the height of these legs. The height h can also define the height of the other legs. Different legs can also have different heights. Fig. 3a shows a first view of a third embodiment 300 of the structure. The third embodiment 300 shown in Fig. 3a comprises at least three legs, wherein a first leg 302 extends along a surface in a first direction 304 to a first end 306 of the first leg 302, wherein a second leg 308 extends along the surface in a second direction 310 to a second end 312 of the second leg 308, and wherein a third leg 314 extends along the surface in a third direction 316 to a third end 318 of the third leg 314. In this example, the structure is formed in one piece. The directions are arranged at angles to each other, as described for the first embodiment 100. A first section 320 of the first leg 302 opposite the first end 306, a second section 322 of the second leg 308 opposite the second end 312 and a third section 324 of the third leg 314 opposite the third end 318 are arranged facing each other. The first leg 302, the second leg 308 and / or the third leg 314 touch each other on their sides facing each other in the example. In contrast to the previously described versions, the first leg 302 does not have a cutout extending along the first direction 304. The dimensions of the third version 300 can be defined as described for the structure according to the first version 100 based on Figs. 1a to 1d. The third leg 314 has a thickness d perpendicular to the third direction 316. In this example, the thickness d is 2.2 millimeters. The thickness d can also have a different value, for example, in the range of 1 millimeter to 7 millimeters. In Fig. 3a, the extension a of the third embodiment 300 from the first end 306 to a baseline is shown, which limits the extension of the third embodiment 300 on its side facing away from the first end 306. In this example, this baseline is tangent to the second leg 308 and the third leg 314. In this example, the extension a = 12 millimeters. The extension a can also have a different value, for example, in the range between 5 millimeters and 50 millimeters, in particular, 10 millimeters, 11.9 millimeters, 13.6 millimeters, or 16.9 millimeters. Fig. 3b shows a second perspective view of the third embodiment. The first leg 302 extends tapering towards a side 330 of the first leg 302 facing away from the surface. The second leg 308 extends tapering towards a side 332 of the second leg 308 facing away from the surface. The third leg 314 extends tapering towards a side 334 of the third leg 314 facing away from the surface. It may be stipulated that the angle α defines the taper of these legs. Different angles may be stipulated for different legs. It may be stipulated that the height h defines the height of these legs. The height h can also define the height of the other legs. Different legs can also have different heights. Fig. 4a shows a first view of a fourth embodiment 400 of the structure. The fourth embodiment 400 shown in Fig. 4a comprises at least three legs, wherein a first leg 402 extends along a surface in a first direction 404 to a first end 406 of the first leg 402, wherein a second leg 408 extends along the surface in a second direction 410 to a second end 412 of the second leg 408, and wherein a third leg 414 extends along the surface in a third direction 416 to a third end 418 of the third leg 414. The directions are arranged rotated relative to each other at angles, as described for the first embodiment 100. A first section 420 of the first leg 402 opposite the first end 406, a second section 422 of the second leg 408 opposite the second end 412 and a third section 424 of the third leg 414 opposite the third end 418 are arranged facing each other. The first leg 402, the second leg 408 and / or the third leg 414 are arranged spaced apart from each other on their sides facing each other. In contrast to the previously described versions, the first leg 402 does not have a cutout extending along the first direction 404. The dimensions of the fourth version 400 can be defined as described for the structure according to the first version 100 based on Figs. 1a to 1d. The first leg 402 extends in the first direction 404 with essentially the same thickness and tapers towards the first end 406, particularly asymmetrically. The second leg 408 extends in the second direction 410 with essentially the same thickness and tapers towards the first end 412, particularly asymmetrically. The third leg 414 extends in the third direction 416 with essentially the same thickness and tapers towards the third end 418, particularly asymmetrically. An extent or dimension of the fourth execution 400 can be defined like an extent of one of the previously described structures. Fig. 4b shows a second perspective view of the fourth embodiment. The first leg 402 extends tapering towards a side 430 of the first leg 402 facing away from the surface. The second leg 408 extends tapering towards a side 432 of the second leg 408 facing away from the surface. The third leg 414 extends tapering towards a side 434 of the third leg 414 facing away from the surface. It may be stipulated that the angle α defines the taper of these legs. Different angles may be stipulated for different legs. It may be stipulated that the height h defines the height of these legs. The height h can also define the height of the other legs. Different legs can also have different heights. The legs of the previously described designs can be rounded at their respective ends. In the example, the legs of the previously described designs extend essentially with the same thickness d. Different legs can also have different thicknesses. Fig. 5a schematically depicts a view of a first embodiment 500a of a device for protecting a body part. The device has a surface for receiving the body part. The surface can be a fabric or a material. In the example, the surface has a plurality of the structures according to the first embodiment 100. Fig. 5b schematically depicts a view of a second embodiment 500b of the device for protecting a body part. The device has a surface for receiving the body part. The surface can be a fabric or a material. In the example, the surface has a plurality of the structures according to the fourth embodiment 400. Fig. 6a schematically depicts a view of a third embodiment 600a of the device. According to the third embodiment 600a, a plurality of the structures according to the first embodiment 100 are arranged spaced apart from one another, with at least one web being arranged between any two different structures, elastically connecting them. In the example in Fig. 6a, one structure is connected to six different structures via six webs. Webs are shown as dashed lines in Fig. 6a. In the example, a first web is arranged at the first end 106 of the structure. In the example, a second web is arranged at the second end 112 of the structure. In the example, a third web is arranged at the third end 118 of the structure. A fourth web is arranged in the example on the structure in a transition area from the first leg 102 to the second leg 108. A fifth web is arranged in the example on the structure in a transition area from the first leg 102 to the third leg 114. A sixth web is arranged in the example on the structure in a transition area from the second leg 108 to the third leg 114. Preferably, a web that begins at one end of the structure terminates in a transition area from the first leg 102 to the second leg 108, from the first leg 102 to the third leg 114, or from the second leg 108 to the third leg 114 of another structure. In the example, adjacent structures are connected in such a self-supporting manner. There can be more or fewer than six struts. The struts are flexible. In the example, the struts are thinner and / or more flexible than the legs. Fig. 6b schematically depicts a view of a fourth embodiment of the device for protecting a body part. In this example, the device has a plurality of structures according to the fourth embodiment 400, which are connected by struts. In the example, a first web is arranged at the first end 406 of the structure. In the example, a second web is arranged at the second end 412 of the structure. In the example, a third web is arranged at the third end 418 of the structure. A fourth web is arranged in the example on the structure in a transition area from the first leg 402 to the second leg 408. A fifth web is arranged in the example on the structure in a transition area from the first leg 402 to the third leg 414. A sixth web is arranged in the example on the structure in a transition area from the second leg 408 to the third leg 414. Preferably, a web that begins at one end of the structure terminates in a transition area from the first leg 402 to the second leg 408, from the first leg 402 to the third leg 414, or from the second leg 408 to the third leg 414 of another structure. In the example, adjacent structures are connected in such a self-supporting manner. There may be more or fewer than six jetties. The example envisions that the spaced-apart legs of a structure are connected to each other by webs. In this case, the webs located at the transition between one leg and another of the same structure are attached to the web that connects them. The bridges are flexible. In this example, the bridges are thinner and / or more flexible than the legs. Fig. 7 shows aspects of an arrangement 700 of structures using the structure according to the first embodiment 100 as an example. In this aspect, the structures are arranged mirrored to each other along an axis. In this example, the axis runs parallel to the first direction 110 of the mirrored structures. Other arrangements are also possible. For example, structures rotated differently relative to each other can be used. In the arrangement 700 shown in Fig. 7, a first part of the plurality of structures according to the first embodiment 100 is aligned with each other in a first arrangement 702. This means that the first direction 110 is arranged essentially parallel to each other for this part of the plurality of structures. A second part of the plurality of structures is arranged aligned with each other in a second arrangement 704. This means that the first direction 110 is arranged essentially parallel to each other for this part of the plurality of structures. The second arrangement 704 differs from the first arrangement 702 in that the structures from the first arrangement 702 are mirror images of the structures from the second arrangement 704. The first direction 110 for the first part and the first direction 110 for the second part are arranged parallel in this example. In the first arrangement 702, the structures have a first reference point 706. This first reference point 706 is the intersection of the axes that define the first direction 104, the second direction 110, and the third direction 116 for each structure. The structures in the first arrangement 702 are arranged such that a first part of the structures has a reference point 706 on a first line 708. The structures in the first arrangement are arranged such that a second part of the structures has a reference point 706 on a second line 710. The first line 708 and the second line 710 are parallel in this example. For instance, a structure whose reference point 706 lies on the second line 710 is arranged at a distance e from an immediately adjacent structure whose reference point 706 lies on the first line 708.The second line 710 and a connecting line through these two reference points 706 enclose a first angle 712 in this example. Angle 712 is 35° in this example. The first angle 712 can also have a different value in a range between 25° and 45°. The first angle 712 can vary. For example, the first angle 712 can vary by ±10°. Along the first line 708 and the second line 710, this arrangement is repeated three times, beginning with a structure whose reference point 706 lies on the second line 710. This results in three reference points on the first line 708 and four reference points on the second line 710. The distance e in this example ranges from 5 millimeters to 50 millimeters. In this example, the distance e = 15.5 millimeters. The structures in the second arrangement 704 are arranged accordingly. Some of the structures in the second arrangement 704 are arranged such that their respective reference point lies on a third line 714. Others of the structures in the second arrangement 704 are arranged such that their respective reference point lies on a fourth line 716. In this example, the third line 714 and the fourth line 716 are arranged parallel to each other and to the first line 708 and the second line 710, respectively. In the example, a first reference point of a first structure of the second arrangement 704 on the third line 714 and a second reference point of a second structure of the second arrangement 704 on the fourth line 716 are arranged such that an extension 718 of an arrangement line connecting these passes through a reference point of an immediately adjacent structure of the first arrangement 704 on the second line 710. In this example, the arrangement line 716 and the third line 714 enclose a second angle 720. In this example, the second angle 720 is 35°. The second angle 720 can also have a different value within a range between 25° and 45°. The second angle 720 can vary. For example, the second angle 720 can vary by ±10°. Figure 8 shows an arrangement of structures according to the first embodiment 100 on a support 802. A plurality of the structures are spaced apart from one another on the support 802. In this example, the support 802 is a flexible, planar support, preferably made of fabric or woven material. Structures located at an outer edge 804 of the plurality of structures can have a height h that decreases with distance from the edge 804. Structures located at an outer edge 804 of the plurality of structures can be arranged following a contour of the outer edge 804 in such a way that they are incomplete. This means that the structure ends at a point corresponding to the contour. Figure 9 shows a self-supporting arrangement 900 of structures according to the first embodiment 100, which are connected by webs. The arrangement 900 has an outer edge 902 that surrounds the structures. The arrangement 900 is, for example, curved to conform to the shape of the body part to be protected. Such a continuous protector can also be designed in a flat construction. Structures located at an outer edge 902 have a height h that decreases with distance from the edge 902. Structures located at the outer edge 804 of the plurality of structures can be arranged according to a contour of the outer edge 902. This means that the structure or bridge connecting it to the outer edge 902 is incomplete and terminates at a point corresponding to the contour. A method for manufacturing a protector for protecting a part of a human body is described below with reference to Fig. 10 and for the structure according to the first embodiment 100. The method can be carried out analogously for the frameless structures according to the second embodiment 200, the third embodiment 300 and the fourth embodiment 400. The procedure includes step 1002. In step 1002, a support 802, in particular a flexible planar support preferably made of fabric or woven material, is provided. Then step 1004 is executed. In step 1004, at least one structure 100 is arranged on the support 802 which comprises at least three legs. A first leg 102 is arranged extending along the surface in a first direction 104 to a first end 106 of the first leg 102. A second leg 108 is arranged extending along the surface in a second direction 110 to a second end 112 of the second leg 108. A third leg 114 is arranged extending along the surface in a third direction 116 to a third end 118 of the third leg 114. A first section 120 of the first leg 104 opposite the first end 106, a second section 122 of the second leg 108 opposite the second end 112 and a third section 124 of the third leg 114 opposite the third end 118 are arranged facing each other. In this example, a multitude of structures are applied to the carrier 802 by injection molding. During direct injection molding, the structure 100 bonds to the carrier 802 on its side facing the carrier 802. Preferably, the carrier 802 comprises a woven fabric or material, at least partially, in the region of the structure 100. In this example, the woven fabric or material provides a space between its threads into which the material, which is still liquid during injection molding, can penetrate. In this example, the still-liquid material flows around individual threads and thereby bonds the structure 100 to the woven fabric or material. In this example, the material is the injection molding material from which the structure 100 is manufactured. In this example, the carrier 802 is placed in an injection mold, one side of which contains a negative of a plurality of structures 100. The injection mold is then closed. The injection molding process is then carried out. Afterwards, the injection mold is opened and the carrier 802 with the applied structures is removed from the mold. A tool for injection molding has a mold for injection molding which includes a negative of at least part of one of the devices described above. In one aspect, the injection molding tool has a receptacle for the carrier 802. In this case, the tool has a mold for injection molding that includes a negative of one of the devices described above, open towards the receptacle. The carrier 802, e.g., material, is positioned in the mold, the mold is closed, and the injection process is initiated. At the end of the injection molding process, a finished component, i.e., the carrier 802 together with the structure 100 or structures 100 firmly connected to the carrier 802, can be removed. Alternatively, the multitude of structures can be printed onto the substrate 802 using a three-dimensional printing process. Structures arranged at an outer edge 804 of the multitude of structures are printed in an aspect with a height h that decreases with distance to the edge 804. In another aspect, structures that are arranged at an outer edge of the multitude of structures are partially printed following a contour of the outer edge. In an optional step 1006, it is provided that the carrier 802 is processed into a garment, for example a top or trousers or a part thereof. The aspects described with reference to the structure of one of the embodiments are also applicable to the other embodiments of the structures. It is also possible to arrange a large number of different structures together on the support 802 or in a self-supporting manner. Another aspect in which different versions of the structures are arranged in an area of ​​1100 is shown schematically in Fig. 11. The different versions of the structures are arranged along a path 1102 from one side of area 1100 to the other side of area 1100. The type of structure changes along this path. In a first sub-area 1104, a first type of design is used. In the example, the first type of design is the third version 300 of the structure. In a second sub-area 1106, a second type of design is used. In the example, the second type of design is the second version 200 of the structure. In a third sub-area 1108, a third type of design is used. In the example, the third type of design is the first version 100 of the structure. In the example shown in Fig. 11, the first sub-area 1104, the second sub-area 1106, and the third sub-area 1108 are arranged from left to right. Furthermore, Fig.Figure 11 shows a fourth sub-area 1110, in which the second type of design is used. Figure 11 also shows a fifth sub-area 1112, in which the first type of design is used. More or fewer than five sub-areas can also be provided. The tooling and the injection molding or printing process are used for these changing structures as described above. The shape of the tool is adapted to the shape of the structure. In this example, a thermoplastic material is used for production, such as thermoplastic urethane (TPU). Other thermoplastic elastomers, such as TPZ, can also be used.

Claims

Device (500a, 500b, 600a, 600b, 700, 800, 900) for protecting a body part of a person, characterized in that the device (500a, 500b, 600a, 600b, 800, 900) has a surface for receiving the body part, wherein the surface has a structure (100, 200, 300, 400), wherein the structure (100, 200, 300, 400) comprises at least three legs, wherein a first leg (102, 202, 302, 402) extends along the surface in a first direction (104, 204, 304, 404) to a first end (106, 206, 306, 406) of the first leg (102, 202, 302, 402), wherein a second leg (108, 208, 308, 408) extends along the surface in a second direction (110, 210, 310, 410) to a second end (112, 212, 312, 412) of the second leg (108, 208, 308, 408), wherein a third leg (114, 214, 314, 414) extends along the surface in a third direction (116, 216, 316, 416) to a third end (118, 218, 318, 418) of the third leg (114,214, 314, 414), wherein a first section (120, 220, 320, 420) of the first leg (104, 204, 304, 404) opposite the first end (106, 206, 306, 406), a second section (122, 222, 322, 422) of the second leg (108, 208, 308, 408) opposite the second end (112, 212, 312, 412), and a third section (124, 224, 324, 424) of the third leg (114, 214, 314, 414) opposite the third end (118, 218, 318, 418). are arranged facing each other. Device (500a, 600a, 700, 800, 900) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first leg (102) has a cutout (126, 226) which extends in the first leg (102, 202) from the first section (120, 220) in the first direction (104). Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the cutout (326) extends in the first direction (204) over less than half of an extent (228) of the first leg (202) in the first direction (204). Device (500a, 600a, 700, 800, 900) according to claim 3, characterized in that the cutout (126) extends in the first direction (104) over more than half of an extension (128) of the first leg (102) in the first direction (104). Device (500a, 600a, 700, 800, 900) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first leg (102) is closed at the first end (106). Device (500a, 500b, 700, 600a, 600b, 800, 900) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first leg (102, 202, 302, 404) extends taperingly towards a side (130, 230, 330, 430) of the first leg (102, 202, 302, 404) facing away from the surface, that the second leg (108, 208, 308, 408) extends taperingly towards a side (132, 232, 332, 432) of the second leg (108, 208, 308, 408) facing away from the surface, and / or that the third leg (114, 214, 314, 414) extends tapering towards one of the sides (134, 234, 334, 434) of the third leg (114, 214, 314, 414) facing away from the surface. Device (500a, 600a, 700, 800, 900) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first leg (102, 202, 302), the second leg (108, 208, 308) and / or the third leg (114, 214, 314) touch each other on their mutually facing sides. Device (500b, 600b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first leg (402), the second leg (408) and / or the third leg (414) are arranged spaced apart from each other on their sides facing each other. Device (800) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of the structures (100) are spaced apart from one another on a support (802), in particular a flexible planar support preferably made of fabric or woven material. Device (600a, 600b) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a plurality of the structures (100) are arranged spaced apart from one another, wherein at least one web is arranged between two different structures (100) which elastically connects them. Device (700) according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that a first part of the plurality of structures (100) is aligned to each other in a first arrangement (702), wherein a second part of the plurality of structures (100) is aligned to each other in a second arrangement (704) which differs from the first arrangement (702). Device (700) according to claim 11, characterized in that the structures (100) of the first part are arranged in a first row (706), wherein the structures of the second part are arranged in a second row (708), wherein a structure of the second row (708) has a geometry like a structure from the first row (706) which is mirrored about an axis. Device (700, 800) according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that structures (100) arranged at an outer edge of the plurality of structures (100) have a height that decreases with distance to the edge, or that structures (100) arranged at an outer edge of the plurality of structures (100) are arranged following a contour of the outer edge, or parts of structures (100) are arranged at an outer edge of the plurality of structures (100) that terminate at a contour of the outer edge. A method for manufacturing a protector for protecting a part of a human body, characterized by providing (1002) a carrier (802), in particular a flexible planar carrier preferably made of fabric or textile, and arranging (1004) at least one structure (100) on the carrier (802), wherein the structure (100, 200, 300, 400) comprises at least three legs, wherein a first leg (102, 202, 302, 402) is arranged extending along the surface in a first direction (104, 204, 304, 404) to a first end (106, 206, 306, 406) of the first leg (102, 202, 302, 402), wherein a second leg (108, 208, 308, 408) extends along the surface (502, 602) is arranged extending in a second direction (110, 210, 310, 410) to a second end (112, 212, 312, 412) of the second leg (108, 208, 308, 408), wherein a third leg (114, 214, 314, 414) extends along the surface in a third direction (116, 216, 316,416) is arranged extending to a third end (118, 218, 318, 418) of the third leg (114, 214, 314, 414), wherein a first section (120, 220, 320, 420) of the first leg (104, 204, 304, 404) opposite the first end (106, 206, 306, 406), a second section (122, 222, 322, 422) of the second leg (108, 208, 308, 408) opposite the second end (112, 212, 312, 412), and a third section opposite the third end (118, 218, 318, 418). (124, 224, 324, 424) of the third leg (114, 214, 314, 414) are arranged facing each other. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that a plurality of structures (100) are applied to the carrier (802) in an injection molding process or are printed onto the carrier (802) in a three-dimensional printing process. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that structures (100) arranged at an outer edge of the plurality of structures (100) are applied or printed at a height that decreases with distance to the edge, or that structures (100) arranged at an outer edge of the plurality of structures (100) are applied or printed following a contour of the outer edge, or that parts of structures (100) are applied or printed at an outer edge of the plurality of structures (100) which terminate at a contour of the outer edge. Method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the carrier (802) is inserted into or positioned in a tool for injection molding, in particular in an injection mold which comprises on one side a negative of a plurality of the structures (100), wherein the tool is closed, an injection molding operation is carried out, the tool is opened and the carrier with the applied structures (100) is removed from the tool. Tool for injection molding, characterized in that the tool has a mold for injection molding which comprises a negative of at least one part of a device according to one of claims 1 to 13. Tool for injection molding, characterized in that the tool has a receptacle for a carrier (802), wherein the tool has a mold for injection molding which comprises a negative of a device according to one of claims 1 to 13 open towards the receptacle.

Images