Floating material and floating suit

Abstract

To provide a flexible floating material and a floating suit, which suppress intrusion of water into the inside.SOLUTION: A floating material includes: an intermediate layer 2 which is formed of a foam material floating on water and in which one or more pores 22 are formed; and an outer layer 3 which is formed on a surface of the intermediate layer 2 and suppresses inflow of water into the intermediate layer 2. The intermediate layer 2 is composed of one or more intermediate layer forming members 21. In the intermediate layer 2, the intermediate layer forming members 21 are preferably joined to each other by fusion or adhesion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a buoyancy material and a buoyancy suit. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, to ensure the safety of anglers and the like, buoyancy suits with buoyancy, such as floating vests, are used. The floating vest of Patent Document 1 contains a buoyancy material that generates buoyancy in water. This buoyancy material is made of foamed resin, and regions with different foaming ratios are formed in sections. The invention of Patent Document 1 is intended to reduce the feeling of pressure or tightness caused by the buoyancy material when wearing the floating vest. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-117165 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One way to improve buoyancy is to stack multiple layers of buoyancy material, but this increases the overall thickness, reducing the flexibility of the buoyancy material. As a result, when this buoyancy material is used in a floating vest, it does not follow the movements of the person, making it difficult to move. Another problem is that if water gets into the buoyancy material, it becomes heavy. From this perspective, the present invention aims to provide a buoyancy material and buoyancy suit that can prevent water from entering the interior and is easy to bend. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention is characterized by comprising an intermediate layer formed of a water-floating foam material and having one or more recesses or holes penetrating in the thickness direction, and an outer layer made of a water-floating material and provided on at least one surface of the intermediate layer, which prevents water from flowing into the intermediate layer.

[0006] According to the present invention, the outer layer can suppress the inflow of water, thereby preventing water from entering the interior and making the interior heavy. In addition, the intermediate layer has recesses or holes, which makes the mattress more flexible.

[0007] The intermediate layer is preferably formed by laminating a single layer or a plurality of intermediate layer-forming members.

[0008] According to the present invention, buoyancy can be increased.

[0009] In addition, it is preferable that the intermediate layer is formed by bonding the intermediate layer-forming members to each other by fusion or adhesion.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the intermediate layer forming members from being misaligned with each other.

[0011] It is also preferable that the plurality of recesses or holes provided in the intermediate layer are unevenly arranged.

[0012] According to the present invention, for example, by concentrating a plurality of holes or recesses in a portion where movement is large, the material becomes more flexible to follow the movement.

[0013] It is also preferable that the outer surface of the intermediate layer is covered with the outer layer over the entire periphery.

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to reliably prevent water from entering the intermediate layer.

[0015] The present invention is also characterized in that it comprises a garment to be worn by a person and a buoyancy material according to any one of claims 1 to 5 that is arranged in the garment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a buoyancy material and buoyancy suit that are flexible and prevent water from entering the interior. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of a buoyancy material according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of a buoyancy material as a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a front view of a buoyancy suit according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a rear view of a buoyancy suit according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. [About buoyancy materials] FIG. 1 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of a buoyancy material according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that in FIG. 1, the left and right end portions of the buoyancy material 1 are omitted from the illustration. The buoyancy material 1 is a component that is attached to a person, object, etc., to generate buoyancy for the person, object, etc. relative to water. The overall shape of the buoyancy material 1 can be formed into various shapes depending on the application. This buoyancy material 1 comprises an intermediate layer 2 and outer layers 3, 3 formed on the outside of the intermediate layer 2 to prevent water from entering the intermediate layer 2.

[0019] The intermediate layer 2 is a component that is central to the buoyancy performance of the buoyancy material 1. The intermediate layer 2 is a foam material made of a material such as polyethylene or polyurethane, and is formed so as to float on water. The intermediate layer 2 is formed of a single layer or multiple layers. In this example, the intermediate layer 2 is formed by stacking seven intermediate layer forming members 21 made of a foam material made of a material such as polyethylene or polyurethane. When multiple layers of intermediate layer forming members 21 are stacked, the intermediate layer 2 may be stacked in any number of layers, as long as there are two or more layers.

[0020] One or more holes or recesses are formed in the intermediate layer 2. In the example of FIG. 1, a plurality of holes 22 are formed in each intermediate layer-forming member 21. These holes or recesses are spaces separate from the countless tiny bubbles formed in the intermediate layer-forming member 21 because the intermediate layer-forming member 21 is made of a foam material, and are, for example, spaces larger than the individual bubbles. In other words, the holes 22 or recesses are spaces formed by a means separate from the foaming process (which forms the tiny bubbles) used to manufacture the foam material that forms the intermediate layer-forming member 21.

[0021] In the example of FIG. 1, the hole 22 is a hole that penetrates the intermediate layer forming member 21 in its thickness direction. The cross-sectional shape of the hole 22 may be round, rectangular, or another shape. It may also be a recess formed in the surface of the intermediate layer 2 that does not penetrate the intermediate layer 2. The intermediate layer forming member 21 having such a hole 22 or recess formed therein may be manufactured using a molding die, or may be formed by cutting or drilling using a predetermined machine, tool, or the like.

[0022] When forming the intermediate layer 2 by stacking multiple intermediate layer-forming members 21, the upper and lower intermediate layer-forming members 21, 21 are joined together by welding, adhesive, or other methods. When adhesive is used, the entire contacting surfaces of the intermediate layer-forming members 21 may be bonded with an adhesive, or the contacting surfaces may be partially bonded. For example, bonding at least the entire peripheries of the upper and lower intermediate layer-forming members 21, 21 is preferable because it can prevent water from entering the intermediate layer 2 from at least the width direction side of the intermediate layer-forming members 21.

[0023] In order to improve buoyancy by reducing the weight of the buoyancy material 1, it is also preferable to use a means such as welding, since this does not require the addition of any material other than the buoyancy material 1 to join the intermediate layer forming members 21, 21 together. It is preferable that the intermediate layer forming members 21, 21 are joined together by joining the entire portions of both surfaces of the intermediate layer forming member 21 where no holes or recesses are formed. In order to reduce the weight of the buoyancy material 1 as much as possible and improve buoyancy, it is most preferable to weld the entire opposing surfaces of the upper and lower intermediate layer forming members 21, 21 together, except for the portions where holes or recesses are formed.

[0024] When the intermediate layer 2 has a plurality of holes 22 or recesses formed therein as described above, the intervals between adjacent holes 22 or recesses may be uniform or non-uniform. In the example of Fig. 1, the intervals between laterally adjacent holes 22 in each intermediate layer-forming member 21 are non-uniform. In the example of Fig. 1, there is a mixture of non-overlapping portions (holes 22a) and overlapping portions (holes 22b) of the holes 22 between the upper and lower intermediate layer-forming members 21, 21.

[0025] In each intermediate layer-forming member 21, the spacing between the holes 22 or recesses may be uneven in some regions, and uniform in other regions. In other words, the arrangement of the holes 22 or recesses may be set appropriately depending on the application for which the buoyancy material 1 is used. For example, when the buoyancy material 1 is used in a buoyancy suit, many holes 22 or recesses may be arranged in parts of the buoyancy suit that are subject to large movements (for example, parts of the buoyancy suit that correspond to the wearer's abdomen, waist, etc., which are prone to relatively large deflections when the user bends over). This makes the buoyancy material 1 more flexible, making it easier to follow the movements of the person.

[0026] The outer layer 3 is a member that provides buoyancy and prevents water from penetrating into the intermediate layer 2. The outer layer 3 is preferably formed, for example, from a lightweight, watertight, and buoyant material (such as expanded polystyrene (polystyrene foam)). From the viewpoint of waterproofing, the outer layer 3 preferably covers the entire outer surface of the intermediate layer 2; however, if there is no or low risk of water penetration into the intermediate layer 2, the outer layer 3 may only cover a portion of the outer surface of the intermediate layer 2 (at least one side). For example, the entire intermediate layer 2 may be covered by sandwiching the intermediate layer 2 between outer layers 3, 3 (expanded polystyrene) that are sufficiently larger than the intermediate layer 2 and bonding the outer peripheries of the outer layers 3, 3 together.

[0027] Unlike the intermediate layer 2, the outer layer 3 does not have holes or the like that would allow water to penetrate into the intermediate layer 2. Each outer layer 3 and the intermediate layer forming member 21 are joined by means of fusion or adhesion, as in the case of the upper and lower intermediate layer forming members 21, 21 described above. The outer layer 3 may be, for example, a thin resin film (food packaging film (polypropylene, polyethylene), etc.). By using a resin film as the outer layer 3, the entire intermediate layer 2 can be easily covered.

[0028] The outer layer 3 may also be, for example, a liquid paint (coating material). By using a liquid paint as the outer layer 3, it is possible to easily cover the entire intermediate layer 2. The outer layer 3 may also be formed by combining two or more different materials. For example, a portion of the outer surface of the intermediate layer 2 may be covered with an outer layer 3 made of a material with buoyancy (such as polystyrene foam), and the remaining outer surface may be covered with an outer layer 3 made of a thin resin film or liquid paint.

[0029] Figure 2 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of a buoyancy material as a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 2, both end sides of the buoyancy material 51 are also omitted. The buoyancy material 51 in Figure 2 differs from the buoyancy material 1 in Figure 1 in that it does not have an intermediate layer 2, but is formed by joining a pair of outer layers 52 together. The material of the outer layer 52 is the same as that of the outer layer 3 described above.

[0030] In the example of FIG. 2, a recess 54 (not penetrating the outer layer 52) is formed on the inner surface 53 of each outer layer 52. The outer layers 52 are bonded together, so that the recesses 54 of the outer layers 52 face each other, forming a single hole 55 (space). Like the intermediate layer 2, each recess 54 is a separate space from the countless tiny bubbles formed in the foam material. It is assumed that each recess 54 is larger than the bubbles. Similarly to the intermediate layer 2, the recesses 54 are formed by a method separate from the foaming process. While the example of FIG. 2 shows multiple holes 55 formed in the buoyancy material 51, a single hole 55 may also be formed. Unlike the example of FIG. 2, the recesses 54 may face each other while misaligned (shifted).

[0031] [Buoyancy suit] FIG. 3 is a front view of a buoyancy suit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the same. Buoyancy suit 101 is fitted with a buoyancy material such as buoyancy material 1 or 51 described above (FIGS. 3 and 4 show an example of buoyancy material 1), allowing a person wearing the suit to easily float in water. Buoyancy suit 101 is a garment that allows a person to keep their head above water, ensuring their safety. The example of buoyancy suit 101 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is an example of a floating vest worn on the upper body by people playing near water, anglers, etc. to ensure their own safety.

[0032] The main body (clothing part) 101A of the buoyancy suit 101 of this embodiment is a garment worn by a person and is sewn from a material such as nylon or polyester. The main body (clothing part) 101A includes left and right front body sections 102A, 102B and a back body section 103, which are integrated via left and right shoulder sections 105A, 105B and left and right waist sections 106A, 106B. Openings 107A, 107B through which the wearer's arms pass are formed between the left and right shoulder sections 105A, 105B and the left and right waist sections 106A, 106B, and fasteners 108 are sewn between the left and right front body sections 102A, 102B to connect them. Each front body section 102A, 102B is formed with a plurality of pockets 109 that are opened and closed by fasteners 109a.

[0033] Buoyancy material 1 is stored inside main body (hat) 101A, in this example, in left and right front body pieces 102A, 102B and back body piece 103. That is, storage spaces 111 for storing buoyancy material 1 are formed inside left and right front body pieces 102A, 102B and back body piece 103. Buoyancy material 1 may also be stored in pocket 109.

[0034] It is preferable that the buoyancy material 1 can be removed from inside the main body (clothing) 101A when washing, performing maintenance, etc. Specifically, it is preferable that an opening (not shown) is formed in, for example, the lower end of the storage space 111 so that the buoyancy material 1 can be taken in and out of the storage space 111 through this opening. In this case, it is preferable that an appropriate fastener or the like is formed in the opening so that the opening can be opened and closed freely, so that the buoyancy material 1 does not accidentally fly out of the opening when not needed.

[0035] [Action and effect] The effects of the present embodiment described above will now be described. According to the buoyancy material 1 of this embodiment, the outer layers 3, 3 can suppress the inflow of water into the middle layer 2, thereby preventing water from entering the interior and making it heavy. In addition, since the middle layer 2 has the holes 22, the buoyancy material 1 is more flexible than if the holes 22 were not present.

[0036] Furthermore, the intermediate layer 2 may have a single intermediate layer forming member 21, but by stacking a plurality of intermediate layer forming members 21, the buoyancy can be increased.

[0037] Furthermore, if the positions of the intermediate layer forming members 21, 21 are shifted, it becomes difficult for the intermediate layer forming members 21 to exert their original buoyancy, but as in this embodiment, by fusing or adhering the intermediate layer forming members 21 to each other, it is possible to prevent the positions from shifting.

[0038] Furthermore, it is preferable that the multiple holes 22 provided in the intermediate layer 2 are unevenly arranged. This makes it possible to make only specific portions of the buoyancy material 1 more flexible. In other words, the buoyancy and hardness (softness) can be adjusted by the arrangement of the holes 22. When the buoyancy material 1 is used in a buoyancy suit (floating vest) 101, concentrating multiple holes 22 in areas of the buoyancy suit that are subject to large movements (particularly, as mentioned above, areas of the buoyancy suit 101 that are prone to relatively large deflections when the user bends over, such as the abdomen and waist of the wearer), makes the buoyancy material 1 more flexible to follow the movements of the wearer. It is also preferable to arrange many holes 22 in the buoyancy material 1 near the openings 107A, 107B (see FIG. 3) through which the wearer's arms pass. On the other hand, fewer holes 22 may be required in the buoyancy material 1 in the central part of the back. In this way, by appropriately arranging the holes 22 in each buoyancy material 1 of the buoyancy suit 101 according to the user's movements, the user can play or fish without feeling any discomfort caused by the buoyancy material 1.

[0039] In this embodiment, the outer surface of the intermediate layer 2 is covered with the outer layer over the entire periphery, thereby reliably preventing water from entering the intermediate layer 2.

[0040] The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the invention. The buoyancy material 1 has been used in the buoyancy suit 101 as an example, but it may also be provided in other objects. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1 Buoyancy material 2. Middle class 3 Outer layer 21 Intermediate layer forming member 22 Hole 51 Buoyancy material 52 Outer layer 54 Recess 55 Hole 101 Buoyancy Suit 101A Main Unit (Hattori)

Claims

1. an intermediate layer formed of a water-floating foam material and having one or more recesses or holes penetrating in the thickness direction; A buoyancy material characterized by comprising an outer layer made of a water-floating material and provided on at least one surface of the intermediate layer, which suppresses the inflow of water into the intermediate layer.

2. 2. The buoyancy material according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer is formed by laminating a single layer or a plurality of intermediate layer forming members.

3. 3. The buoyancy material according to claim 2, wherein the intermediate layer is formed by joining the intermediate layer forming members to each other by fusion or adhesive.

4. The buoyancy material according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of recesses or holes provided in the intermediate layer are unevenly arranged.

5. 2. The buoyancy material according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the intermediate layer is covered with the outer layer over the entire periphery.

6. Hats for people to wear, A buoyancy suit comprising: a buoyancy material according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is arranged in the suit.

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