Yarn-like material for hand-knitted baskets, hand-knitted basket, and method for manufacturing the yarn-like material for hand-knitted baskets.

Abstract

This invention provides a thread-like component for hand-woven baskets that can reproduce the texture of natural materials, and a hand-woven basket made using this component. [Solution] The yarn-like member for the hand-knitted basket comprises a first yarn-like portion formed from a first material, and a second portion formed from a second material that partially covers the outer surface of the first portion. The second portion is provided at multiple locations along the longitudinal direction of the first portion at irregular intervals. The first material contains polypropylene, polyethylene, an antibacterial material, and a first pigment. The second material contains a part of the first material and a second pigment. The color tone of the second portion is different from that of the first portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a filamentous member for a hand - knitted basket, a hand - knitted basket, and a method for manufacturing a filamentous member for a hand - knitted basket.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a hollow flexible filament formed by kneading an antibacterial material and a dye into polypropylene, and a basket formed by knitting the flexible filament.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The flexible filament of Patent Document 1 is merely formed into a hollow filament by kneading an antibacterial material and a dye into polypropylene. Although the flexible filament of Patent Document 1 is colored with a dye, it is considered that it cannot reproduce the texture of natural materials (such as color tone and shape like knots).

[0005] This specification provides a filamentous member for a hand - knitted basket that can reproduce the texture of natural materials and a hand - knitted basket using the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The yarn-like member for a hand-knitted basket disclosed herein comprises a first yarn-like portion formed of a first material and a second portion formed of a second material that partially covers the outer surface of the first portion. The second portion is provided at multiple locations at irregular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the first portion. The first material comprises polypropylene, polyethylene, an antimicrobial material, and a first pigment. The second material comprises a portion of the first material and a second pigment. The color tone of the second portion differs from that of the first portion.

[0007] In the yarn-like component for hand-knitted baskets described above, the second portion is provided at irregular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the first portion. The color tone of the second portion differs from that of the first portion. Therefore, by appropriately selecting the color tones of the first and second portions, knots and other textures can be reproduced using the second portion. This yarn-like component for hand-knitted baskets can reproduce the texture of natural materials.

[0008] The first portion may have multiple segmental bends at irregular intervals along its longitudinal direction.

[0009] In this configuration, the first part has multiple knot-like bends at irregular intervals along its longitudinal direction. This allows for a more accurate reproduction of the texture of natural materials that are moderately bent, such as rattan or willow.

[0010] The second portion may be formed to protrude outward from the outer circumferential surface of the first portion.

[0011] In this configuration, the second part, which has a different color tone from the first part, is formed to protrude outward from the outer surface of the first part. Therefore, the second part can reproduce the knots found in natural materials such as rattan or willow. This allows for a more appropriate reproduction of the texture of natural materials that have knots.

[0012] The proportion of polypropylene in the first material may be 70 wt% or more and 80 wt% or less. The proportion of polyethylene in the first material may be 15 wt% or more and 25 wt% or less. The proportion of antibacterial material in the first material may be 3 wt% or more and 7 wt% or less. The proportion of the first pigment in the first material may be 0.1 wt% or more and 1 wt% or less.

[0013] This configuration allows the resulting filamentous member to exhibit appropriate rigidity, flexibility (ease of processing), and antibacterial properties.

[0014] The color tone of the first part may be yellowish. The color tone of the second part may be yellowish with a lower brightness than the color tone of the first part.

[0015] For example, natural rattan has an overall yellowish (or brownish) hue, and the knots are darker than the main body. With this configuration, the color of the second part of the thread-like component can be made darker than the color of the first part. Both the color of the first and second parts are yellowish, which are common in natural materials. Therefore, this configuration can more appropriately reproduce the texture of natural materials where the color of the knots is darker than the main body.

[0016] The hand-knitted baskets disclosed herein are formed using the above-mentioned yarn-like members for hand-knitted baskets.

[0017] This configuration allows for the creation of a hand-woven basket that replicates the texture of a hand-woven basket made from natural materials.

[0018] A method for manufacturing a hand-knitted basket disclosed herein comprises the steps of: heating and melting a first material comprising polypropylene, polyethylene, an antimicrobial material, and a first pigment; heating and melting a second material comprising a portion of the first material and a second pigment; forming a thread-like first portion by injecting the heated and melted first material in a thread-like manner while pulsating it at first intervals; forming a second portion that partially covers the outer surface of the first portion, and which is provided at multiple locations at irregular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the first portion, by injecting the heated and melted second material along the outer surface of the thread-like first material while pulsating it at second intervals longer than the first interval; and cooling the formed first portion and the formed second portion.

[0019] According to the above manufacturing method, a thread-like member can be formed which has a second portion that partially covers the outer surface of the first portion at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the first portion. The color tone of the second portion is different from that of the first portion. Therefore, by appropriately selecting the color tones of the first portion and the second portion, knots and other features can be reproduced using the second portion. According to this manufacturing method, a thread-like member for hand-knitted baskets that can reproduce the texture of natural materials can be manufactured.

[0020] The second interval may include multiple different intervals. In the process of forming the second portion, the heated and melted second material may be injected while irregularly switching between the multiple different intervals.

[0021] This manufacturing method makes it possible to produce a yarn-like component for hand-knitted baskets in which a second portion is provided at irregular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the first portion. It also makes it possible to produce a yarn-like component for hand-knitted baskets that can more appropriately reproduce the texture of natural materials.

[0022] The step of forming the first part and the step of forming the second part may be executed using one jig for mixing and injecting the heated and melted first material and the heated and melted second material. The jig may include an injection port for injecting the heated and melted first material in a filamentous form, and a storage portion provided around the injection port for storing the heated and melted second material.

[0023] According to this manufacturing method, the first part and the second part are manufactured using a jig. The first material is injected in a filamentous form from the injection port to form the first part. The second material stored in the storage portion is also injected little by little from the peripheral portion of the injection port while pulsating. Thereby, a second part that partially covers the outer peripheral surface of the first part is formed. As a result, for example, a first part having a moderately bent bending portion like rattan or willow can be formed. The texture of a natural material that is moderately bent can be reproduced better. Furthermore, a second part having a different color tone from the first part can be formed so as to protrude outside the outer peripheral surface of the first part. The second part can reproduce the nodes in natural materials such as rattan and willow. A filamentous member for a hand-woven basket that appropriately reproduces the texture of a natural material can be manufactured.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] A perspective view schematically showing a filamentous member 2 for a hand-woven basket. [Figure 2] A photograph showing an example of the filamentous member 2 for a hand-woven basket. [Figure 3] A photograph showing an example of a hand-woven basket formed using the filamentous member 2 for a hand-woven basket. [Figure 4] An explanatory view schematically showing a manufacturing apparatus 10 for a filamentous member for a hand-woven basket. [[ID=?]] [Figure 5] An exploded explanatory view schematically showing a jig 30. [Figure 6] An explanatory view showing an example of the dimensions of each part of the jig 30.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] (Examples) (Thread-like material for hand-knitted baskets) Figure 1 schematically shows the thread-like member 2 for a hand-knitted basket in this embodiment. Figure 2 shows an example of the thread-like member 2 for a hand-knitted basket in this embodiment. Figures 1 and 2 show two thread-like members 2 for hand-knitted baskets. The thread-like member 2 for hand-knitted baskets in this embodiment is a thread-like member used to form a hand-knitted basket. The thread-like member 2 for hand-knitted baskets in this embodiment may be simply referred to as "thread-like member 2" below. The thread-like member 2 has the elasticity, flexibility, and antibacterial properties necessary for forming a basket. In addition, the thread-like member 2 of this embodiment is made of resin and can be washed with water. The appearance of the thread-like member 2 of this embodiment reproduces the texture of natural materials.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the filamentous member 2 comprises a first portion 4 formed in the shape of a filament and a second portion 6 that partially covers the outer circumferential surface of the first portion 4.

[0027] The first part 4 is formed in a thread-like shape with a substantially circular cross-section. The first part 4 is the main part of the thread-like member 2. The first part 4 is a solid member, but in other examples it may be formed hollow. The diameter of the first part 4 is, for example, 4 mm. The diameter of the first part 4 may be any value between 1 mm and 10 mm. The first part 4 has multiple knot-like bends 4a at irregular intervals along its longitudinal direction. The first part 4 has a yellowish hue. More specifically, the first part 4 in this embodiment has a hue similar to natural rattan.

[0028] The first part 4 is formed of a first material. The first material contains polypropylene, polyethylene, an antimicrobial material, and a first pigment. The antimicrobial material is, for example, a glass-based antimicrobial material. The first pigment is, for example, a yellow pigment. In this example, the proportion of polypropylene in the first material is 75.84 wt%, the proportion of polyethylene is 18.96 wt%, the proportion of antimicrobial material is 4.74 wt%, and the proportion of the first pigment is 0.46 wt%. However, these values ​​are merely examples and are not limited to them. The proportion of polypropylene in the first material may be 70 wt% or more and 80 wt% or less. The proportion of polyethylene in the first material may be 15 wt% or more and 25 wt% or less. The proportion of antimicrobial material in the first material may be 3 wt% or more and 7 wt% or less. The proportion of the first pigment in the first material may be 0.1 wt% or more and 1 wt% or less. By mixing each material within these numerical ranges, the filamentous member 2 of this embodiment can appropriately exhibit rigidity, flexibility (ease of processing), and antibacterial properties. The basket formed from the filamentous member 2 of this embodiment has sufficient rigidity and, being made of resin, can be washed with water. Because it also has antibacterial properties, it can be used as a basket for storing food and the like.

[0029] The second portion 6 partially covers the outer surface of the first portion 4. The second portion 6 decorates the outer surface of the first portion 4. The second portion 6 is provided at multiple locations along the longitudinal direction of the first portion 4 at irregular intervals. The second portion 6 is formed to protrude outward from the outer surface of the first portion 4. The second portion 6 bulges outward from the outer surface of the first portion 4. The color tone of the second portion 6 is different from that of the first portion 4. The second portion 6 has a yellowish color tone that is less bright than that of the first portion 4. In other words, the second portion 6 has a brownish color tone. More specifically, the second portion 6 in this embodiment has a color tone similar to that of the knots in natural rattan.

[0030] The second part 6 is formed of a second material. The second material contains a portion of the first material described above and a second pigment. That is, the second material is the first material with the second pigment added to it. The second material can also be described as the components common to the first material with the second pigment added to it. The second pigment is, for example, a brown pigment. The second pigment may also be a pigment obtained by mixing appropriate amounts of yellow, red, and black pigments.

[0031] As described above, in the thread-like member 2 of this embodiment, the second portion 6 is provided at irregular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the first portion 4. The color tone of the second portion 6 is different from the color tone of the first portion 4. Therefore, by appropriately selecting the color tones of the first portion 4 and the second portion 6, the color tones of knots and other features can be reproduced by the second portion 6. With this thread-like member 2, the texture of natural materials can be reproduced.

[0032] Furthermore, in the thread-like member 2 of this embodiment, the first portion 4 has multiple knot-like bent portions 4a at irregular intervals along the longitudinal direction. The thread-like member 2 of this embodiment can more appropriately reproduce the texture of natural materials that are moderately bent, such as rattan or willow.

[0033] Furthermore, in the filamentous member 2 of this embodiment, the second portion 6, which has a different color tone from the first portion 4, is formed to protrude outward from the outer surface of the first portion 4. That is, the second portion 6 is formed in a bulging manner. Therefore, the second portion 6 can reproduce the knots found in natural materials such as rattan and willow. The texture of natural materials with knots can be reproduced more appropriately.

[0034] As described above, in this embodiment, the color tone of the first part 4 is yellowish, and the color tone of the second part 6 is a yellowish color with lower brightness than the color tone of the first part 4. For example, natural rattan has a yellowish (or brownish) color tone overall, and the color tone of the knots is darker than the color tone of the main body. According to this embodiment, the color tone of the second part 6 of the thread-like member 2 can be made darker than the color tone of the first part 4. Both the color tone of the first part 4 and the color tone of the second part 6 are yellowish, which are common in natural materials. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the texture of natural materials in which the color tone of the knots is darker than the color tone of the main body can be reproduced more appropriately.

[0035] (Hand-woven basket) Figure 3 shows examples of hand-knitted baskets formed using the thread-like member 2 of this embodiment. Figure 3 shows three types of baskets: (a), (b), and (c). (a) is a basket with a rectangular base and relatively height. (b) is a basket with an oval base and relatively low height. (c) is a basket with a rectangular base and relatively low height. All types of baskets are formed by hand knitting using the thread-like member 2 of this embodiment.

[0036] As described above, the filamentous member 2 of this embodiment can appropriately exhibit rigidity, flexibility (ease of processing), and antibacterial properties. Therefore, the basket formed from the filamentous member 2 of this embodiment has sufficient rigidity and, being made of resin, can be washed with water. Because it also has antibacterial properties, it can be used as a basket for storing food and the like.

[0037] Furthermore, as described above, the thread-like member 2 of this embodiment reproduces the texture of natural rattan. Therefore, a hand-woven basket formed using the thread-like member 2 also reproduces the same texture as a hand-woven basket made using natural rattan. The thread-like member 2 and the hand-woven basket using it of this embodiment can reproduce the texture of natural materials that could not be reproduced with conventional hand-woven baskets made of artificial materials.

[0038] (Method and apparatus for manufacturing thread-like components for hand-knitted baskets) The manufacturing method for the filamentous member 2 of this embodiment will now be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 schematically shows the manufacturing apparatus 10 for manufacturing the filamentous member 2 of this embodiment. The manufacturing method for the filamentous member 2 of this embodiment can be carried out using the manufacturing apparatus 10.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the manufacturing apparatus 10 includes a first material input section 12, a first transport path 14, a first heating and melting section 16, a second material input section 22, a second transport path 24, a second heating and melting section 26, a jig 30, and a cooling section 60.

[0040] The first material input section 12 is the section into which the first material described above is input. As described above, the first material is a material containing polypropylene, polyethylene, an antibacterial material, and a first pigment. At the time it is input into the first material input section 12, each of the materials contained in the first material is solid (e.g., granular, powdery, etc.). The proportions of polypropylene, polyethylene, antibacterial material, and first pigment contained in the first material are as described above.

[0041] The first transport path 14 is a transport path that sends the first material from the first material input section 12 toward the jig 30. The first transport path 14 has a drive source (motor, etc.) which is not shown. The first transport path 14 sends the first material toward the jig 30 while pulsating it at a first interval. The first interval is, for example, 29 times per minute (29 times / minute).

[0042] The first heating and melting section 16 is the part that heats and melts the first material being transported along the first transport path 14. The first heating and melting section 16 has six heating sections 16a to 16f. The heating sections 16a to 16f are arranged in this order from the upstream side of the first transport path 14. The heating sections 16a to 16f can heat the first material in six stages. The heating sections 16a to 16f heat the first material to 170°C, 189°C, 200°C, 203°C, 207°C, and 220°C, respectively. The first material heated in the first heating and melting section 16 is melted and becomes a paste. The conveying speed of the first material sent out by the first conveying path 14 is faster than the conveying speed of the second material by the second conveying path 24 described later (i.e., the pulsation interval is shorter). However, the first heating and melting section 16 heats the first material in six stages, so that the conveyed first material is sufficiently heated and made into a flexible paste.

[0043] The second material input section 22 is the section into which the second material described above is input. As described above, the second material is a material that includes the first material (i.e., polypropylene, polyethylene, antibacterial material, and first pigment) and the second pigment. At the time it is input into the second material input section 22, each of the materials contained in the second material is solid (e.g., granular, powdery, etc.).

[0044] The second transport path 24 is a transport path that sends the second material from the second material input section 22 toward the jig 30. The second transport path 24 also has a drive source (motor, etc.) which is not shown. The second transport path 24 sends the second material toward the jig 30 while pulsating it at a second interval. The second interval is longer than the first interval described above. The second interval includes several different types of intervals. For example, the second interval includes three types of intervals: 3 times per minute (3 times / min), 6 times per minute (6 times / min), and 9 times per minute (9 times / min). The second interval may also include other types of intervals. Each type of interval is longer than the first interval. The second transport path 24 sends the second material toward the jig 30 while irregularly switching between these multiple different types of intervals. For example, the second transport path 24 irregularly switches between three different intervals: 3 times per minute (3 times / min), 6 times per minute (6 times / min), and 9 times per minute (9 times / min), while pulsating the second material and feeding it towards the jig 30. That is, the second transport path 24 feeds the second material to the jig 30 at a slower speed than the first transport path 14 feeds the first material to the jig 30, and while irregularly switching the speed. The feeding interval is switched by changing the rotation speed of the drive source (motor, etc.) provided in the second transport path 24. The feeding interval is switched irregularly, but in other examples, the feeding interval may be switched at regular intervals.

[0045] The second heating and melting section 26 is the part that heats and melts the second material being transported along the second transport path 24. The second heating and melting section 26 has three heating sections 26a to 26c. The heating sections 26a to 26c are arranged in this order from the upstream side of the second transport path 24. The heating sections 26a to 26c can heat the second material in three stages. The heating sections 26a to 26c heat the second material to 189°C, 203°C, and 220°C, respectively. The second material heated in the second heating and melting section 26 is melted and becomes a paste. Although the second heating and melting section 26 has only three heating sections 26a to 26c, the transport speed of the second material sent out by the second transport path 24 is slower than the transport speed of the first material by the first transport path 14 (i.e., the pulsation interval is longer). Therefore, even if the second heating and melting section 26 heats the second material in three stages, the transported second material can be sufficiently heated to become a flexible paste.

[0046] The jig 30 is a component for mixing and injecting a first material that has been heated and melted and a second material that has been heated and melted. Figure 5 schematically shows the jig 30. As shown in Figure 5, the jig 30 has a first component 32 and a second component 40. The jig 30 is formed by combining the first component 32 and the second component 40. The jig 30 is made of a metal such as iron, for example. The jig 30 may be made of any material that does not deform under high temperature and high pressure conditions.

[0047] The first component 32 has a solid cylindrical body 33. The body 33 has a front end surface 33a and a rear end surface 33b. The rear end surface 33b has an outer recess 35 coaxial with the body 33 and an inner recess 36 formed inside the outer recess 35. A cylindrical partition wall 34 is provided between the outer recess 35 and the inner recess 36.

[0048] The outer recess 35 can store the paste-like second material 5 that is fed from the second transport path 24 at a second interval while pulsating. A through hole 37 is formed in the outer recess 35, penetrating between the bottom of the outer recess 35 and the front end surface 33a of the main body 33. The second material 5 is continuously fed into the outer recess 35 from the second transport path 24. Therefore, the second material 5 stored in the outer recess 35 is fed out towards the front end surface 33a side through the through hole 37 while pulsating at a second interval.

[0049] The inner recess 36 can store the paste-like first material 3 that is fed from the first transport path 14 at a first interval while pulsating. A through hole 38 is formed in the center of the inner recess 36, penetrating between the bottom of the inner recess 36 and the front end surface 33a of the main body 33. The first material 3 is continuously fed into the inner recess 36 from the first transport path 14. Therefore, the first material 3 stored in the inner recess 36 is fed out towards the front end surface 33a side through the through hole 38 while pulsating at a first interval.

[0050] Figure 6 shows an example of the dimensions of each part of the jig 30. An example of the dimensions of each part of the first part 32 will be explained with reference to Figure 6. However, the dimensions shown in Figure 6 are merely examples, and other dimensions may actually be used. The diameter D1 of the main body 33 is 50 mm. The inner diameter D2 of the outer recess 35 is 40 mm. The outer diameter D3 of the partition wall 34 is 17 mm. The inner diameter D4 of the inner recess 36 is 16 mm. The depth H1 of the outer recess 35 is 4 mm. The depth H2 of the inner recess 36 is also 4 mm. The diameter D37 of the through hole 37 is 4 mm. The diameter D38 of the through hole 38 is also 4 mm. The thickness T1 of the first part 32 is 14 mm.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, the second component 40 has a solid, substantially cylindrical body 41. The body 41 has a front end surface 41a and a rear end surface 41b. The body 41 has a small diameter portion 42 and a large diameter portion 43. The small diameter portion 42 is formed on the front end surface 41a side, and the large diameter portion 43 is formed on the rear end surface 41b side. The small diameter portion 42 and the large diameter portion 43 are formed coaxially. A hexagonal storage portion 44 is formed on the rear end surface 41b. The storage portion 44 is formed as a recessed area from the rear end surface 41b. In this embodiment, the center of the hexagonal storage portion 44 is formed at a position that does not coincide with the center of the large diameter portion 43. In other examples, the shape of the storage portion 44 may be other shapes (for example, circular or polygonal shapes other than hexagons), or the center of the storage portion 44 may coincide with the center of the large diameter portion 43.

[0052] A cylindrical section 46 is provided within the storage section 44. The height of the cylindrical section 46 is less than the depth of the storage section 44 (height from the bottom to the rear end surface 41b). The cylindrical section 46 is located at the center of the large-diameter section 43. The cylindrical section 46 is formed at the center of the main body 41. An injection port 48 is formed at the center of the cylindrical section 46, penetrating between the upper end surface of the cylindrical section 46 and the front end surface 41a of the main body 41.

[0053] The jig 30 is formed by combining a first part 32 and a second part 40. In this process, the front end surface 33a of the first part 32 and the rear end surface 41b of the second part 40 are brought into contact. When the jig 30 is formed by combining the first part 32 and the second part 40, the position of the through hole 38 and the position of the injection port 48 coincide. The position of the through hole 37 and the position of the storage section 44 coincide.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5, in the jig 30, the first material 3, which is fed out from the through hole 38 of the first part 32, is fed almost directly into the nozzle 48 of the second part 40. The second material 5, which is fed out from the through hole 37 of the first part 32, is temporarily stored in the storage section 44. The height of the cylindrical section 46 is less than the depth of the storage section 44. Therefore, the second material 5 filling the storage section 44 reaches the top surface of the cylindrical section 46. The second material 5 that has reached the top surface of the cylindrical section 46 is further pushed and gradually fed into the nozzle 48 from the peripheral portion of the nozzle 48. That is, the first material 3 fed out from the through hole 37 and the second material 5 that gradually enters around it are simultaneously fed into the nozzle 48. From the nozzle 48, the first material 3 is injected in a thread-like manner, pulsating at a first interval. At the same time, the second material 5 is injected from the nozzle 48 along the outer surface of the first material, which is injected in a thread-like manner, pulsating at a second interval that is longer than the first interval. The first material 3 injected in a thread-like manner from the nozzle 48 and the second material 5 injected along its outer surface form the thread-like member 2 of this embodiment (see Figures 1 and 2), which has a first portion 4 and a second portion 6.

[0055] Referring to Figure 6, an example of the dimensions of each part of the second component 40 is described below. However, the dimensions shown in Figure 6 are merely examples, and other dimensions may actually be used. The diameter D5 of the small diameter section 42 is 40 mm. The diameter D6 of the large diameter section 43 is 50 mm. The vertical length L1 of the reservoir section 44 is 38 mm. The length L2 from the top end of the reservoir section 44 to the cylindrical section 46 is 15 mm. The length L3 from the bottom end of the reservoir section 44 to the cylindrical section 46 is 10 mm. The diameter D7 of the cylindrical section 46 is 13 mm. The width W1 of the reservoir section 44 is 22 mm. The depth H3 of the reservoir section 44 is 5 mm. The height H4 of the cylindrical section 46 is 3 mm. The height H4 of the cylindrical section 46 is lower than the depth H3 of the reservoir section 44. The diameter D48 of the nozzle 48 is 4 mm. The thickness T2 of the small diameter section 42 is 22 mm. The thickness T3 of the large diameter section 43 is 12 mm.

[0056] As shown in Figure 4, the cooling section 60 is the part that cools the filamentous member 2 injected from the jig 30 during transport. The cooling section 60 is a water tank. The length of the cooling section 60 in the transport direction is about 5m to 10m. The filamentous member 2 immediately after being injected from the jig 30 is at a high temperature of about 220°C, but it is cooled to room temperature (for example, a temperature at which an operator can safely touch it with their hand) in the cooling section 60. By being cooled in the cooling section 60, the filamentous member 2 of this embodiment that can be used as a product is obtained.

[0057] The configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 10 for producing the filamentous member 2 has been described above. Next, the method for producing the filamentous member 2 of this embodiment using this manufacturing apparatus 10 will be described.

[0058] First, the first material is introduced into the first material input section 12. Then, the second material is introduced into the second material input section 22. At this point, both the first and second materials are solid. The materials and their proportions contained in the first and second materials are as described above.

[0059] The first material, which is fed into the first material input section 12, is sent towards the jig 30 by the first transport path 14. The first transport path 14 sends the first material toward the jig 30 while pulsating it at a first interval. The first interval is, for example, 29 times per minute (29 times / minute). The first material being transported in the first transport path 14 is heated to 220°C by the first heating and melting section 16. The heated first material is melted into a paste. The paste-like first material is sent toward the jig 30 by the first transport path 14 while pulsating at a first interval.

[0060] Meanwhile, the second material fed into the second material input section 22 is sent toward the jig 30 by the second transport path 24. The second transport path 24 sends the second material toward the jig 30 while pulsating it at a second interval. The second interval is longer than the first interval. The second interval includes several different types of intervals. For example, the second interval includes three types of intervals: 3 times per minute (3 times / min), 6 times per minute (6 times / min), and 9 times per minute (9 times / min). The second interval may also include other types of intervals. Each type of interval is shorter than the first interval. The second transport path 24 sends the second material toward the jig 30 while irregularly switching between these multiple different intervals. For example, the second transport path 24 irregularly switches between three different intervals: 3 times per minute (3 times / min), 6 times per minute (6 times / min), and 9 times per minute (9 times / min), causing the second material to pulsate and be fed toward the jig 30. That is, the second transport path 24 feeds the second material toward the jig 30 at a slower speed than the first transport path 14 feeds the first material toward the jig 30, and irregularly switches between speeds. The second material being transported in the second transport path 24 is heated to 220°C by the second heating and melting section 26. The heated second material melts into a paste. The paste-like second material is fed toward the jig 30 by the second transport path 24, pulsating at the above-mentioned second intervals.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5, the jig 30 mixes and injects the paste-like first material 3 supplied from the first transport path 14 and the paste-like second material 5 supplied from the second transport path 24.

[0062] The paste-like first material 3 supplied from the first transport path 14 is stored in the inner recess 36 of the first part 32. The first material 3 stored in the inner recess 36 is then pushed in by the first material 3 supplied from the first transport path 14 and is fed through the through hole 38 to the second part 40 while pulsating at a first interval. The first material 3 fed out of the through hole 38 is then fed to the injection port 48 while pulsating at a first interval, almost unchanged.

[0063] Meanwhile, the paste-like second material 5 supplied from the second transport path 24 is stored in the outer recess 35 of the first part 32. The second material 5 stored in the outer recess 35 is then pushed in by the second material 5 supplied from the second transport path 24 and is fed through the through hole 37 to the second part 40 while pulsating at a second interval (i.e., intervals that switch irregularly in multiple types). The second material 5 fed out from the through hole 37 is stored in the storage section 44. The height of the cylindrical section 46 is less than the depth of the storage section 44. Therefore, the second material 5 filling the storage section 44 reaches the top surface of the cylindrical section 46. The second material 5 that has reached the top surface of the cylindrical section 46 is further pushed in and is fed little by little into the nozzle 48 from the peripheral portion of the nozzle 48 while pulsating at a second interval.

[0064] The first material 3 is fed into the nozzle 48 while pulsating at a first interval, and the second material 5 is fed in while pulsating at a second interval, gradually filling in around it. The first material 3 is injected from the nozzle 48 in a thread-like manner while pulsating at a first interval. At the same time, the second material 5 is injected from the nozzle 48 along the outer surface of the thread-like first material, while pulsating at a second interval that is longer than the first interval. The thread-like member 2 of this embodiment (see Figures 1 and 2) having a first portion 4 and a second portion 6 is formed by the first material 3 injected from the nozzle 48 in a thread-like manner and the second material 5 injected along its outer surface.

[0065] The first part 4 has multiple knot-like bends 4a at irregular intervals along its longitudinal direction. The first part 4 has a yellowish hue. More specifically, the first part 4 in this embodiment has a hue similar to that of natural rattan. The second part 6 partially covers the outer surface of the first part 4. The second part 6 is provided at multiple locations at irregular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the first part 4. The second part 6 is formed to protrude outward from the outer surface of the first part 4. The second part 6 bulges outward from the outer surface of the first part 4. The hue of the second part 6 is different from that of the first part 4. The second part 6 has a yellowish hue with lower brightness than the first part 4. In other words, the second part 6 has a brownish hue. More specifically, the second part 6 in this embodiment has a hue similar to that of the knots in natural rattan.

[0066] The thread-like member 2 formed by injection from the jig 30 is then cooled in the cooling unit 60. By cooling to room temperature, a thread-like member 2 that can then be used for hand knitting is obtained.

[0067] The manufacturing method for the thread-like member 2 of this embodiment has been described above. As described above, the manufacturing method for the thread-like member 2 of this embodiment includes the steps of forming a thread-like first portion 4 by injecting a heated and melted first material in a thread-like manner while pulsating it at a first interval, and forming a second portion 6 that partially covers the outer surface of the first portion 4 by injecting a heated and melted second material along the outer surface of the thread-like first material while pulsating it at a second interval longer than the first interval. Therefore, this manufacturing method makes it possible to manufacture a thread-like member 2 having a second portion 6 that partially covers the outer surface of the first portion 4 at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the first portion 4. The color tone of the second portion 6 is different from the color tone of the first portion 4. Therefore, by appropriately selecting the color tone of the first portion 4 and the color tone of the second portion 6, knots and the like can be reproduced by the second portion 6. This manufacturing method makes it possible to manufacture a thread-like member for hand-knitted baskets that can reproduce the texture of natural materials.

[0068] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of this embodiment, the first thread-like portion 4 is formed by injecting the heated and melted first material in a thread-like manner while pulsating it at a first interval. It is thought that by injecting the first material while pulsating it, subtle fluctuations in the discharge pressure cause minute distortions and differences in rigidity in the thread-like member. This, combined with the difference in shrinkage during the cooling process and the physical fluctuations during injection, is thought to naturally form irregular bends (bent portions 4a) characteristic of natural materials. Therefore, unlike when the first material is injected at a constant speed, the formed first portion 4 can have multiple node-like bent portions 4a at irregular intervals along its longitudinal direction. According to the manufacturing method of this embodiment, it is possible to form a thread-like member 2 that can more appropriately reproduce the texture of natural materials that are moderately bent, such as rattan or willow.

[0069] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of this embodiment, the second spacing includes multiple different types of spacing. In the step of forming the second part, the heated and melted second material is injected while irregularly switching between multiple different types of spacing. According to this manufacturing method, a thread-like member 2 can be formed in which the second part 6 is provided at irregular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the first part 4. A thread-like member 2 that can more appropriately reproduce the texture of natural materials can be manufactured.

[0070] Furthermore, in the manufacturing method of this embodiment, the first material 3 and the second material 5 are mixed and injected using a jig 30 (see Figure 4). The first material 3 is injected in a thread-like manner from the nozzle 48 while pulsating at a first interval, forming the first portion 4. The second material stored in the storage portion 44 is also injected little by little from the peripheral portion of the nozzle 48 while pulsating at a second interval. As a result, the thread-like member 2 of this embodiment (see Figures 1 and 2), which has a thread-like first portion 4 and a second portion 6 that partially covers the outer circumferential surface of the first portion 4, is appropriately formed.

[0071] Although embodiments of the technology disclosed herein have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. For example, the following modifications may be included.

[0072] (Modification 1) The color tones of the first part 4 and the second part 6 of the filamentous member 2 are not limited to yellow. In this modification, any color from any color family may be used as long as the lightness of the color tones of the second part 6 is lower than that of the color tones of the first part 4. Furthermore, in yet another modification, any color tones may be used as long as the color tones of the second part 6 are different from that of the color tones of the first part 4.

[0073] (Modification 2) The proportions of polypropylene, polyethylene, antimicrobial material, and first pigment contained in the first material are not limited to those described in the examples. In the modification, the first material may contain polypropylene, polyethylene, antimicrobial material, and first pigment in any proportion, as long as it contains these materials.

[0074] (Modification 3) The second portion 6 of the filamentous member 2 does not have to be formed to protrude outward from the outer circumferential surface of the first portion 4. In this case, the second portion 6 partially covers the outer circumferential surface of the first portion 4, but may be formed substantially flush with the outer circumferential surface.

[0075] (Modification 4) The first portion 4 of the filamentous member 2 does not have to have a bent portion 4a. In this case, the first portion 4 may be formed in a smooth, filamentous shape without any bends.

[0076] (Modification 5) In the manufacturing method of the filamentous member 2 of the embodiment, the first material and the second material are mixed and injected using a jig 30 (see Figure 5). However, the invention is not limited to this, and in modifications, the first material and the second material may be mixed and injected by means other than the jig 30 in Figure 5.

[0077] (Modification 6) In the manufacturing method of the filamentous member 2 of the embodiment, the second spacing includes multiple different types of spacing, and the heated and melted second material is fed into the jig 30 while irregularly switching between multiple different types of spacing. However, in modifications, the second spacing may include only one type of spacing.

[0078] (Modification 7) The manufacturing method for the filamentous member 2 of the embodiment is carried out using the manufacturing apparatus 10 of Figure 4. However, it is not limited to this, and in the modified example, the filamentous member 2 may be manufactured by means other than the manufacturing apparatus of Figure 4. Generally speaking, the manufacturing method may include the steps of: heating and melting a first material comprising polypropylene, polyethylene, an antibacterial material, and a first pigment; heating and melting a second material comprising a part of the first material and a second pigment; forming a first filamentous portion by injecting the heated and melted first material in a filamentous shape while pulsating it at a first interval; forming a second portion that partially covers the outer surface of the first portion, and is provided at multiple locations at irregular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the first portion, by injecting the heated and melted second material along the outer surface of the first material being injected in a filamentous shape while pulsating it at a second interval longer than the first interval; and cooling the formed first portion and the formed second portion.

[0079] Furthermore, the technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 2: Thread-like material for hand-knitted baskets (thread-like material) 3: First ingredient 4: Part 1 4a: Bent part 5: Second ingredient 6: Part 2 10: Manufacturing equipment 12: First material input section 14: First transport path 16: First heated and melted section 22: Second material input section 24: Second transport route 26: Second heated and melted section 30: Jig 32: First part 35: Outer recess 36: Inner recess 37: Through hole 38: Through hole 40: Second part 44: Storage section 46: Cylindrical section 48:Ejection port 60: Cooling section

Claims

1. A thread-like first portion formed from the first material, It comprises a second portion formed of a second material and partially covering the outer circumferential surface of the first portion, The second portion is provided at multiple locations along the longitudinal direction of the first portion at irregular intervals, The first material comprises polypropylene, polyethylene, an antibacterial material, and a first pigment. The second material comprises a portion of the first material and a second pigment. The color tone of the second part is different from that of the first part. Thread-like material for hand-knitted baskets.

2. The first portion has multiple knot-like bends at irregular intervals along the longitudinal direction, wherein this is the yarn-like member for a hand-knitted basket according to claim 1.

3. The yarn-like member for a hand-knitted basket according to claim 1, wherein the second portion is formed to protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the first portion.

4. The proportion of polypropylene contained in the first material is 70 wt% or more and 80 wt% or less. The proportion of polyethylene contained in the first material is 15 wt% or more and 25 wt% or less. The proportion of antibacterial material contained in the first material is 3 wt% or more and 7 wt% or less. The yarn-like member for a hand-knitted basket according to claim 1, wherein the proportion of the first pigment contained in the first material is 0.1 wt% or more and 1 wt% or less.

5. The yarn-like member for a hand-knitted basket according to claim 1, wherein the first portion has a yellowish hue, and the second portion has a yellowish hue with a lower brightness than the first portion.

6. A hand-knitted basket formed using the yarn-like member for hand-knitted baskets as described in claim 1.

7. A step of heating and melting a first material containing polypropylene, polyethylene, an antibacterial material, and a first pigment, A step of heating and melting a second material which includes a part of the first material and a second pigment, A step of forming a thread-like first portion by injecting the heated and melted first material in a thread-like manner while pulsating it at a first interval, A step of forming a second portion that partially covers the outer surface of the first portion, and which is provided at multiple locations along the longitudinal direction of the first portion at irregular intervals, by injecting the heated and melted second material along the outer surface of the first material that is injected in a thread-like manner, while pulsating it at a second interval that is longer than the first interval, A method for manufacturing a yarn-like member for a hand-knitted basket, comprising the steps of cooling the formed first portion and the formed second portion.

8. The second interval mentioned above includes several different types of intervals, The method for manufacturing a yarn-like member for a hand-knitted basket according to claim 7, wherein in the step of forming the second portion, the heated and melted second material is injected while irregularly switching between the multiple different spacings.

9. The steps of forming the first part and forming the second part are carried out using a single jig that mixes and injects the heated and molten first material and the heated and molten second material. The aforementioned jig is An injection port for injecting the heated and melted first material in a thread-like manner, A storage section is provided around the injection port for storing the heated and melted second material, A method for manufacturing a yarn-like member for a hand-knitted basket according to claim 7, comprising the features described above.

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