Protective garment and manufacturing method of protective garment

Abstract

To provide a protective garment in which knife-stab-resistant fabric can be more easily manufactured and in which deterioration of the feeling of use due to metal fibers is suppressed.SOLUTION: A protective garment according to the present invention comprises an intermediate layer 2 sandwiched between an outer layer 3 and an inner layer 1, the intermediate layer 2 being formed into a predetermined shape by integrally knitting a composite yarn 21 containing a metal core wire 211 and an elastic fiber 212, and comprising at least two layers arranged in the gap between the outer layer 3 and the inner layer 1. Also provided is a manufacturing method thereof.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to protective clothing for preventing injuries caused by bladed objects and methods of making same. [Background technology]

[0002] In occupations where the suppression of violent criminals is expected, such as police officers, it is desirable to wear blade-resistant gloves and blade-resistant clothing to prevent injury from attacks with blades. Such blade-resistant protective clothing has been manufactured with metal fibers or chain-shaped metal members sewn to the inside. Here, since cloth materials containing metal fibers are difficult to cut with a blade due to their characteristics of providing blade-resistant performance, they are preferably manufactured by knitting them into a specified shape, and protective clothing manufactured in this manner exists. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-131871 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a cut-proof glove having a three-layer structure, in which the middle layer contains metal fibers and is knitted into the shape of the glove. However, such a glove is manufactured by placing the inner layer inside the bag-shaped middle layer and sewing it together, which is difficult to manufacture.

[0005] In addition, when gloves containing metal fibers are knitted together, depending on the arrangement of the metal fibers, the tips of the metal fibers may pierce the inner layer and protrude when the gloves are worn, causing a decrease in comfort when touching the user's hand and, in some cases, causing injury accompanied by bleeding.

[0006] In addition to the above examples, protective clothing that prevents injuries caused by blades includes blade-resistant vests and other protective clothing that protect the torso of the user. In these cases, a flat blade-resistant layer that fits the body is assumed to be incorporated, but as mentioned above, fabric materials that contain metal fibers have the risk of reduced comfort and injury when the tips of the metal fibers protrude from the periphery of the blade-resistant layer, just like the blade-resistant gloves mentioned above.

[0007] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a protective clothing item that can be manufactured more easily and in which the deterioration of the comfort due to metal fibers is suppressed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, provides protective clothing composed of an outer layer, an inner layer and an intermediate layer sandwiched between them, the intermediate layer being formed by integrally knitting into a predetermined shape using a composite yarn containing a metal core wire and elastic fibers, with at least two intermediate layers being sandwiched in the gap between the outer layer and the inner layer. Such a configuration makes it easier to manufacture and also makes it possible to suppress deterioration of the feel of use due to the metal fibers.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate layer is formed in a bag shape having an opening, and the end of the composite yarn is provided in the opening. This configuration makes it easier to position the ends of the composite yarn in places that are less likely to come into contact with the user's body, improving the comfort of the garment.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner layer is formed into a bag shape and is sandwiched between the two intermediate layers at its outer surface. With this configuration, each part can be easily fixed even in the case of a bag-shaped clothing item.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate layer is formed in a tubular shape, and an end of the composite yarn is provided at one open end of the intermediate layer. With this configuration, even when the intermediate layer is incorporated into a non-bag-shaped portion, such as the body portion of the garment, the garment can be made more comfortable to wear.

[0012] The present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, is a manufacturing method for protective clothing composed of an outer layer and an inner layer with an intermediate layer sandwiched between them, the method comprising: a knitting process in which the intermediate layer is integrally knitted into a predetermined shape using a composite yarn containing a metal core wire and elastic fiber; and a sandwiching process in which the intermediate layer is sandwiched and attached in the gap between the outer layer and the inner layer, wherein in the sandwiching process, at least two intermediate layers are sandwiched and attached in the gap. This manufacturing method makes it possible to provide protective clothing that can be manufactured more easily and in which the deterioration of the comfort caused by metal fibers is suppressed.

[0013] In a preferred method of the present invention, in the knitting step, the intermediate layer is knitted into a bag shape having an opening, and the end of the composite yarn is provided in the opening. This manufacturing method makes it possible to provide protective clothing that does not injure the wearer's body and has an improved design.

[0014] In a preferred manufacturing method of the present invention, in the braiding step, the intermediate layer is formed into a tubular shape, and the end of the composite yarn is provided at one open end thereof. This manufacturing method can improve the comfort of the garment even when the intermediate layer is incorporated into a non-bag-shaped portion, such as the body portion of the garment. Effect of the Invention

[0015] The present invention, which solves the above problems, more easily provides protective clothing in which the deterioration of comfort due to metals is suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a protective garment, particularly a knife-cut resistant glove, according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a composite yarn included in a protective garment according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 3]1 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of composite yarns in an intermediate layer of a protective garment, particularly a knife-cut resistant glove, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view and a front view showing the overall configuration of protective clothing, particularly a blade-resistant garment, according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of use of protective clothing, particularly blade-resistant clothing, according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Protective clothing according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The description will be made in detail in the order of the configuration of the embodiment, the method of carrying out the embodiment, the method of manufacturing the embodiment, and other examples. It should be noted that the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0018] In the present invention, the protective clothing refers to the blade-resistant glove X and blade-resistant garment Y described below. The configuration and manufacturing method thereof can also be applied to other blade-resistant clothing. Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be referred to as the blade-resistant glove X, and the second embodiment will be referred to as the blade-resistant garment Y.

[0019] First Embodiment As shown in FIG. 1, the cut-proof glove X according to this embodiment includes an inner layer 1, an intermediate layer 2, and an outer layer 3, and is formed by overlapping and bonding or sewing together the respective components. In each drawing, Fig. 1(a) is a diagram showing the order of overlapping the layers of cut-proof glove X, Fig. 1(b) is a perspective view of cut-proof glove X, and Fig. 1(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view (enlarged in the lamination direction) of cut-proof glove X. Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the configuration of composite yarn 21 contained in intermediate layer 2 and the vicinity of its tip, Fig. 3(a) is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of stitches of composite yarn 21, and Fig. 3(b) is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of composite yarn 21 in the entire intermediate layer 2.

[0020] The inner layer 1 is a glove-shaped member that directly covers the user's hand when worn, and is made of a material that is easy to process and shape by cutting and sewing, such as leather, cotton, or mesh fabric. The outer surface of the inner layer 1 is divided into two sides, the palm side and the back side, and the intermediate layer 2 is attached to each side. This configuration prevents the metal core wire 211 contained in the intermediate layer 2, which will be described later, from directly touching the user's hand, improving the feel when used, and also facilitating manufacturing by lamination.

[0021] The intermediate layer 2 is a glove-shaped member having approximately the same size and shape as the inner layer 1, as indicated by wavy lines in Figures 1(a) and (c), and is made of composite yarn 21. As shown in Figure 2, the composite yarn 21 is a composite material made by winding a metal fiber (thin metal wire) as a core wire 211 around which a plurality of elastic fibers 212 are spirally wound.

[0022] In the composite yarn 21, the material of the core wire 211 is preferably tungsten. Other metals such as steel and titanium are also considered, but tungsten has a higher Mohs hardness and a higher melting point than metal materials such as steel, making it useful as a material expected to have knife-resistant performance, and is therefore primarily considered as the material to be used for the core wire 211 of the present invention. In addition, the stretchable fiber 212 is preferably a chemical fiber such as aramid that is difficult to cut.

[0023] The intermediate layer 2 is formed by knitting the entire garment in one piece with no seams using the composite yarn 21. Here, "knitted in one piece" refers to a configuration in which the entire garment is knitted in one piece such that the tip of the composite yarn 21 is located only at the opening of the wrist part (particularly the periphery thereof) and the end of the composite yarn 21 is not located in other parts. Alternatively, the intermediate layer 2 may be knitted using only one long composite yarn 21.

[0024] In the knitting of the intermediate layer 2, the composite yarn 21 is knitted by being caught in the upper and lower yarns in a wavy pattern as shown in Fig. 3(a), but for convenience of explanation, the length direction of the knitted composite yarn 21 is set to be approximately the circumferential direction of the user's wrist as shown in Fig. 3(b). At this time, one end of the composite yarn 21 is provided at the opening of the wrist part (particularly its peripheral part), and knitted in a spiral from there toward the fingertips, and further knitted in a spiral returning toward the wrist, and the other end is also provided at the opening of the wrist part. With this configuration, the tip of the core wire 211 can be provided at a position that does not come into contact with the user's hand or fingers, and deterioration of the usability when worn can be suppressed.

[0025] It is preferable that the tip of the composite yarn 21 used to knit the intermediate layer 2 is configured to face the inside of the bag-shaped structure. With this configuration, the tip of the core wire 211 is less likely to protrude to the outside, which can prevent injury to the hand caused by the core wire 211 touching the hand during manufacturing and wearing.

[0026] It is preferable that the opening at the wrist of the intermediate layer 2 is reinforced with twisted yarn made only of chemical fibers so as to cover and conceal the end of the composite yarn 21. This configuration makes it difficult for the tip of the core wire 211 to protrude, reducing the possibility of it hitting the user's hand, and also prevents the intermediate layer 2 from coming undone from the opening during manufacturing and when worn.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 1, the intermediate layer 2 sandwiches the inner layer 1 from both the palm side and the back side of the hand, and is bonded to the inner layer 1 or sewn to connect the gloves. In other words, the inner layer 1 is sandwiched between the two intermediate layers 2, and the three gloves are tightly overlapped. With this configuration, the inner layer 1 is covered with a double cut-proof layer, improving the cut-proof performance. In addition, as described above, the tip of the core wire 211 included in the intermediate layer 2 can be provided only near the wrist, which reduces the deterioration of the feeling of use and the risk of injury caused by the tip of the core wire 211 touching the user's hand.

[0028] The outer layer 3 is a member formed into a hand shape, and is made of a material such as leather that is easy to process by cutting and sewing. In this embodiment, two outer layers 3 further sandwich the structure in which the inner layer 1 and two intermediate layers 2 are layered, to form an integrated knife-cut resistant glove X. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the knife-cut resistant glove X is configured such that the outer layer 3, the intermediate layer 2, the inner layer 1, the intermediate layer 2, and the outer layer 3 are layered in this order. This configuration not only improves the strength of the glove, but also makes the intermediate layer 2 including the metal core 211 invisible from the outside, thereby maintaining the design of the glove.

[0029] FIG. 1(c) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of cut-proof glove X. The two intermediate layers 2 are knitted into a glove shape, flattened, and sandwiched between the inner layer 1 and the outer layer 3. Furthermore, the inner layer 1 and the outer layer 3 are directly connected by sewing at the opening through which the wrist passes when worn, and the space containing the intermediate layer 2 is closed, thereby maximally preventing the end of the core wire 211 from protruding onto the surface of the cut-proof glove X. Furthermore, the inner layer 1, the intermediate layer 2, and the outer layer 3 each have a long wrist portion, which prevents the core wire 211 from protruding toward the blood vessels in the user's wrist, thereby avoiding the risk of serious or fatal injury.

[0030] Of the outer layer 3, the part on the palm side is preferably reinforced with a rubber sheet, etc. This configuration improves the user's workability by preventing slipping, and also enables the user to grab and stop a knife thrust at them when subduing an assailant.

[0031] The manufacturing method of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The manufacturing method described below is an example, and the implementation method is not limited to this, and the order of steps may be changed.

[0032] <Manufacturing method of this embodiment> The manufacturing method of the knife-cut-proof glove X according to this embodiment includes a cutting process 91 and a sewing process 92 for forming the inner layer 1 and the outer layer 3, a knitting process 93 for knitting the middle layer 2 integrally into a glove shape, and a sandwiching process 94 for sandwiching the middle layer 2 between the inner layer 1 and the outer layer 3 and bonding or sewing them together.

[0033] The cutting process 91 is a process for cutting the fabric (such as leather, cotton, or mesh as described above) constituting the inner layer 1 and the outer layer 3 into the shape of a hand, and the shape determined here is the basis for the shape for knitting the middle layer 2. The sewing process 92 is a process for sewing together the fabric on the palm side and the back side of the hand in the inner layer 1 to form a glove, and a process for sewing reinforcing materials such as the rubber sheet described above in the outer layer 3.

[0034] The knitting process 93 is a process for knitting the intermediate layer 2 into a glove shape, and uses the composite yarn 21. In this process, the intermediate layer 2 is knitted without any seams, so that all ends of the composite yarn 21 are positioned on the periphery of the opening through which the wrist passes, and so that the entire layer is knitted in a continuous manner. This prevents the metal core wire 211 from protruding toward the user's hand when worn, preventing deterioration of the comfort of use and injury.

[0035] In the knitting step 93, as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), it is preferable to use a method of knitting the entire intermediate layer 2 in a spiral shape using one long composite yarn 21. This makes it possible to minimize the number of ends of the composite yarn 21.

[0036] The sandwiching step 94 is a step of placing the intermediate layer 2 between the inner layer 1 and the outer layer 3 so as to be sandwiched therebetween and bonding or sewing them together. At this time, as shown in Figures 1(a) and (c), the inner layer 1 is sandwiched between the two intermediate layers 2 from both the palm side and the back side of the hand. In other words, the intermediate layer 2 is sandwiched twice in the gap between the inner layer 1 and the outer layer 3. This eliminates the need to cover the inner layer 1 with a bag-shaped intermediate layer 2, facilitating production, and also allows for a double blade-resistant layer, improving blade resistance.

[0037] In the sandwiching process 94, the inner layer 1 and the outer layer 3 are further sewn together to close the space in which the intermediate layer 2 is provided. This prevents the core wire 211 contained in the intermediate layer 2 from protruding to the outside of the cut-proof glove X as much as possible.

[0038] A protective clothing item according to a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0039] Second Embodiment The blade-resistant garment Y according to this embodiment includes an inner layer 1, an intermediate layer 2, an outer layer 3, a shoulder strap 5, and a waist belt 6, and is formed by sewing together the various components. In the description of this embodiment, the inner layer 1, the intermediate layer 2, and the outer layer 3 sewn together into one body are collectively referred to as a main body Q. 4(a) is a diagram showing the order in which the layers of the main body Q are superimposed, and FIG. 4(b) is a front view of the blade-protecting garment Y. FIG.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 4(a), the main body Q is a member formed by sandwiching the intermediate layer 2 between the inner layer 1 and the outer layer 3, and serves as the back body when worn by a user. Each layer is connected by sewing, and it is preferable to further provide a closing cloth 4 that covers the outer edges where each layer overlaps.

[0041] As shown in Figures 4(a) and (b), the inner layer 1 and the outer layer 3 are preferably substantially rectangular or trapezoidal members that constitute the body, and each is preferably integrally formed with the belt-like shoulder strap 5. Since the blade-resistant garment Y is expected to be worn over other clothing, the inner layer 1 and the outer layer 3 are preferably made of mesh fabric to improve breathability and comfort. In addition, the sides located behind the user's neck are preferably curved so as to be concave toward the center of each member, rather than being straight.

[0042] As shown by the wavy lines in Fig. 4(a), the intermediate layer 2 is a member knitted into a tubular shape using the composite yarn 21 shown in Fig. 2, which is then flattened into a flat shape and sandwiched between the inner layer 1 and the outer layer 3. The intermediate layer 2 may be knitted so that the flattened shape is substantially rectangular or trapezoidal, or may be knitted into the shape of the shoulder strap 5.

[0043] The intermediate layer 2, which is knitted into a cylindrical shape, has two open ends. Of these two, it is preferable to configure the end of the composite yarn 21 so that the entire end is provided at one of the open ends. More specifically, following the form shown in Fig. 3, the composite yarn 21 is knitted in a spiral shape from one open end (particularly its peripheral portion) toward the other open end, and then knitted back in a spiral shape toward the first open end. With this configuration, the end of the composite yarn 21 can be concentrated in one place, and the number of places where the tip of the core wire 211 reduces the comfort of use can be reduced.

[0044] When forming the main body Q, the two open ends of the intermediate layer 2 are arranged along the upper and lower sides of the blade-protecting garment Y, i.e., at the back of the neck and the hem, as shown in Figures 4(a) and (b). In this case, it is preferable that the open end where the end of the composite thread 21 is provided is provided on the hem side. With this configuration, the end of the composite thread 21 can be provided at a position that is unlikely to come into contact with the user's body, improving the comfort of the blade-protecting garment Y and reducing the risk of injury even if the tip of the core wire 211 included in the composite thread 21 protrudes toward the outside of the blade-protecting garment Y.

[0045] The shoulder strap 5 is a belt-shaped member that extends parallel to both ends of the inner layer 1, middle layer 2, and outer layer 3 at the back of the neck of the user or in an inverted eight shape, and is preferably formed integrally with the main body Q. The middle layer 2 is preferably knitted up to the shoulder strap 5 portion to provide blade-resistant performance. In addition, it is preferable that the surface facing the user's body has a hook-and-loop fastener. With this configuration, the blade-resistant garment Y can be worn by hanging it over the user's shoulder, and the blade-resistant garment Y can also be used by connecting it to other protective clothing.

[0046] The waist belt 6 is a belt-like member that extends away from each other along the side direction of the bottom of the main body Q, and has a hook-and-loop fastener on one or both sides. With this configuration, the blade-resistant garment Y can be used by wrapping it around the user's waist, or by connecting it to other protective clothing.

[0047] The method of use of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the following method of use is only an example, and the device may be used in other ways. In addition, in FIG. 5, the portion indicated by the wavy line is the area in which the intermediate layer 2 is placed and where the intermediate layer 2 can be seen by the user.

[0048] <<How to Use This Embodiment>> Fig. 5 shows a state where a user wears a combination of blade-resistant clothing Y and bulletproof clothing Z having a metal plate. The bulletproof clothing Z is a protective garment that covers the front of the user's body, and has hook-and-loop fasteners (shaded areas in the figure) around the shoulders and waist. These hook-and-loop fasteners are connected to the shoulder straps 5 and waistband 6 of the blade-resistant clothing Y, and the user is wearing the garment that covers the front and back of the upper body.

[0049] The manufacturing method of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The manufacturing method described below is an example, and the implementation method is not limited to this, and the order of steps may be changed.

[0050] <Manufacturing method of this embodiment> The manufacturing method of blade-protecting garment Y in this embodiment includes a cutting process 91 to form inner layer 1 and outer layer 3, a knitting process 93 to knit middle layer 2 integrally into a tubular shape, and a sandwiching process 94 to sandwich middle layer 2 between inner layer 1 and outer layer 3 and bond or sew them together.

[0051] The cutting process 91 is a process in which the fabric (such as mesh as mentioned above) that constitutes the inner layer 1 and the outer layer 3 is cut into the shape of the back body, such as a rectangle or trapezoid, and the shape determined here becomes the basis for the shape in which the middle layer 2 is knitted.

[0052] The knitting process 93 is a process for knitting the intermediate layer 2 integrally into a tubular shape, and uses the composite yarn 21 for knitting. In this process, the intermediate layer 2 is knitted without any seams, and all ends of the composite yarn 21 are positioned at one open end of the tube. This prevents the metal core wire 211 from protruding toward the user's hand as much as possible when worn, preventing deterioration of the comfort of use and injury.

[0053] In the knitting step 93, as shown in Fig. 3, it is preferable to knit the entire intermediate layer 2 in a spiral shape with one long composite yarn 21. This makes it possible to minimize the number of ends of the composite yarn 21.

[0054] The sandwiching process 94 is a process of placing the intermediate layer 2 between the inner layer 1 and the outer layer 3 so as to be sandwiched therebetween and bonding or sewing them together, and further sewing the inner layer 1 and the outer layer 3 together here to close the space provided with the intermediate layer 2. The outer periphery of the main body part Q thus formed is covered with the closing cloth 4 to close the overlapping edges of the layers, which not only enhances the design of the blade-resistant garment Y but also prevents the tip of the core wire 211 from protruding outward.

[0055] Other Examples As in the above-described embodiment, protective clothing having an intermediate layer 2 knitted with composite yarn 21 sandwiched between an inner layer 1 and an outer layer 3 can be applied to various forms suited to various parts of the human body, such as hats, face guards, arm covers, and leg covers (including knee pads, etc.). [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] X Cut-resistant gloves Y Blade-resistant clothing Z Bulletproof Jacket 1 Inner layer 2. Middle Tier 21 Composite yarn 211 Core Wire 212 Elastic Fiber 3 Outer layer 4 Closure 5 Shoulder 6 Belt Q Main unit

Claims

1. A protective garment comprising an outer layer, an inner layer and an intermediate layer sandwiched therebetween, The protective clothing comprises at least two intermediate layers, each intermediate layer being formed by integrally knitting a composite yarn containing a metal core wire and an elastic fiber into a predetermined shape, and sandwiched between the outer layer and the inner layer.

2. The intermediate layer is formed in a bag shape having an opening, The end of the composite yarn is provided in the opening.

10. The protective apparel of claim 1.

3. The inner layer is formed in a bag shape and is sandwiched between the two intermediate layers at its outer surface.

10. The protective apparel of claim 1.

4. The intermediate layer is formed in a tubular shape, and an end of the composite yarn is provided at one open end of the intermediate layer.

10. The protective apparel of claim 1.

5. A method for manufacturing a protective clothing item comprising an outer layer, an inner layer and an intermediate layer sandwiched therebetween, the method comprising the steps of: a braiding process for integrally braiding the intermediate layer into a predetermined shape using composite yarn including a metal core wire and elastic fibers; and a sandwiching step of sandwiching and attaching the intermediate layer in a gap between the outer layer and the inner layer, In the sandwiching step, at least two intermediate layers are sandwiched and attached to the gap.

6. In the knitting step, the intermediate layer is knitted into a bag shape having an opening, and an end of the composite yarn is provided in the opening. The method according to claim 5 .

7. In the braiding process, the intermediate layer is formed into a tubular shape, and the end of the composite yarn is provided at one of the open ends. The method according to claim 5 .

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