Protector

Abstract

A protector according to the present invention addresses the problem of achieving both lightness and durability, and providing a knee protector and an elbow protector that are lightweight and have sufficient durability. The problem is solved by the protector comprising: a protector member 1 that is composed of a cloth laminate obtained by layering a plurality of cloth-like bodies formed from linear bodies made of a thermoplastic resin, and includes a dish-shaped recess 10 provided on a rear face side; an impact absorbing member 2 fixed to the dish-shaped recess 10 of the protector member 1; and a belt-like wraparound member 4.

Description

protector

[0001] The present invention relates to a protector, and more particularly to a protector that is lightweight and has sufficient durability, achieving both lightness and durability.

[0002] Conventionally, supports to be worn on body parts such as knees and elbows have been proposed, as shown in Fig. 10. The knee and elbow supports shown here are supports used for light work such as gardening (top view of Fig. 10) and DIY work (bottom view of Fig. 10) and sports such as skateboarding, volleyball, and handball, but are not used for heavy work such as civil engineering and construction or professional sports such as motorcycle racing and auto racing. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a support (joint protector) to be worn on a human joint such as a knee or elbow, which has a generally flat shape as a whole and includes a pad main body having a first cushioning body arranged on the inside, i.e., the joint side, and a second cushioning body arranged on the outside of the first cushioning body and having a higher hardness than the first cushioning body.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-180385

[0004] Conventional knee supports for light work are required to be lightweight so that they are comfortable to wear and allow for easy movement of the knee and elbow joints. However, if conventional knee supports or elbow supports are made too lightweight, they will not be able to provide sufficient durability. Attempting to ensure sufficient durability increases the weight and impairs lightness.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a protector that is lightweight and has sufficient durability, achieving both lightness and durability.

[0006] Further objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

[0007] The above problems are solved by the following inventions.

[0008] 1. A protector comprising: a protector member (1) made of a cross laminate in which a plurality of cloth-like bodies formed from thermoplastic resin filaments are laminated, the protector member having a dish-shaped recess (10) on the back side; an impact absorbing member (2) fixed to the dish-shaped recess (10) of the protector member (1); and a wrapping member (4) provided on the protector member (1) and / or the impact absorbing member (2). 2. The protector described in 1 above, characterized in that it is for protecting moving parts. 3. The protector described in 2 above, characterized in that the moving part protection is for the knee or elbow. 4. The protector according to item 3 above, characterized in that the protector member (1) has an upper bent portion (11) on the upper side in the longitudinal direction of the dish-shaped recess (10) and a lower bent portion (12) on the lower side, the upper bent portion (11) bends toward the back surface as it moves upward from the dish-shaped recess (10), and the lower bent portion (12) bends toward the back surface as it moves downward from the dish-shaped recess (10), the upper bent portion (11) and the lower bent portion (12) are wider in the width direction than the dish-shaped recess (10), and the lower bent portion (12) is wider than the upper bent portion (11), and the upper bent portion (11) and the lower bent portion (12) are bent toward the back surface near both sides in the width direction. 5. The protector according to any one of 1 to 4, characterized in that the thickness of the protector member (1) is 0.4 mm to 1.8 mm. 6. The protector according to any one of 1 to 4, characterized in that the fabric-like body is formed by weaving, knitting, or crossing the filaments. 7. The protector according to any one of 1 to 4, characterized in that the thermoplastic resin filaments have a structure in which one or both sides or the periphery of a core material made of a high-melting point thermoplastic resin component are covered with an outer layer made of a low-melting point thermoplastic resin component having a melting point lower than that of the core material. 8. The protector according to any one of 1 to 4, characterized in that the cross laminate has an adhesive layer between each of the plurality of fabric-like bodies, the adhesive layer being made of a low-melting point thermoplastic resin component containing a high-melting point thermoplastic resin component.9. The protector described in any one of 1 to 4, characterized in that the impact absorbing member has a substantially oval shape when viewed from the surface side of the protector member, and is wider than the protector member in at least the width direction. 10. The protector described in any one of 1 to 4, characterized in that the cloth laminate is formed by integrating a plurality of laminated fabric bodies by heat and pressure bonding. 11. The protector described in any one of 1 to 4, characterized in that the fracture limit energy in a drop weight test is 3.0 J or more.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a protector that is both lightweight and durable, and that is also sufficiently durable.

[0010] 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a knee protector according to the present invention; 2 is a rear view of an embodiment of a knee protector according to the present invention; 3 is a view diagonally from the front left of an embodiment of a knee protector according to the present invention; 4 is a plan view of an embodiment of a knee protector according to the present invention; 5 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a knee protector; 6 is a diagram showing the shape of a protector member, (a) is a perspective view, and (b) is a front view;

[0011] Hereinafter, a knee protector will be described as an example of a preferred embodiment of the protector of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[0012] [Configuration of knee protector] Fig. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment of the knee protector according to the present invention, Fig. 2 is a back view showing an embodiment of the knee protector according to the present invention, Fig. 3 is a view showing an embodiment of the knee protector according to the present invention as seen from the diagonally front left side, Fig. 4 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the knee protector according to the present invention, and Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the knee protector.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the knee protector of this embodiment includes a protector member 1, which has an overall dish-like shape when viewed from the rear side.

[0014] The protector member 1 is made of a cross laminate in which a plurality of fabric-like bodies formed from thermoplastic resin filaments are laminated, and the cross laminate is preferably formed by integrating the plurality of laminated fabric-like bodies by heat and pressure bonding. The fabric-like body is preferably formed by weaving, knitting, or crossing thermoplastic resin filaments.

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the protector member 1 has a dish-shaped recess 10, as viewed from the back side, at a portion facing the knee of a human body. When viewed from the front side, the dish-shaped recess 10 is formed in a convex shape from the back side to the front side. An upper bent portion 11 is provided on the upper side in the longitudinal direction of the dish-shaped recess 10, and a lower bent portion 12 is provided on the lower side. The upper bent portion 11 is bent toward the back side as it extends upward from the dish-shaped recess 10, and the lower bent portion 12 is bent toward the back side as it extends downward from the dish-shaped recess 10. The upper bent portion 11 and the lower bent portion 12 are wider in the width direction than the dish-shaped recess 10, and the lower bent portion 12 is wider in the width direction than the upper bent portion 11. The upper bent portion 11 and the lower bent portion 12 are bent toward the back side near both sides in the width direction. Specifically, the protector member 1 has a potbelly shape in appearance, with the upper portion being smaller and the lower portion being larger in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction). In this embodiment, the shock absorbing member 2 is fixed to the back side of the protector member 1.

[0016] The structure includes a highly rigid protector member 1 on the outside and a flexible shock-absorbing member 2 between the protector member 1 and the knee of a human body. Even when a hard, angular object (such as the corner of a concrete block, the edge of a staircase, or a sharp stone) strikes the knee from the outside, the protector member 1 deforms little and the shock-absorbing member 2 absorbs the impact, so the pressure and impact transmitted to the knee are extremely small, protecting the knee. This structure is effective in protecting the knee from both high-speed collisions and low-speed collisions where high pressure is applied (when the knee is pressed down slowly and strongly). The structure of the present invention, in which the shock-absorbing member 2 is placed between the protector member 1 and moving parts of the human body such as the elbow and shoulder, is effective in protecting moving parts of the human body such as the elbow and shoulder, as well as the knee.

[0017] The thermoplastic resin filament that constitutes the protector member 1 has a structure in which one or both sides or the periphery of a core material made of a high-melting-point thermoplastic resin component are covered with an outer layer made of a low-melting-point thermoplastic resin component having a melting point lower than that of the core material. In this case, the filament preferably has, for example, a core-sheath structure in which a core material made of a high-melting-point thermoplastic resin component is covered with an outer layer (sheath material) made of a low-melting-point thermoplastic resin component, or a laminate structure in which an outer layer made of a low-melting-point thermoplastic resin component is laminated on one or both sides of a core material (base layer) made of a high-melting-point thermoplastic resin component.

[0018] An adhesive film containing a low-melting-point thermoplastic resin component and a high-melting-point thermoplastic resin component may be disposed between each of the multiple fabric-like bodies constituting the protector member 1. The thickness of the protector member 1 is preferably 0.4 mm to 1.8 mm, and more preferably 0.5 mm to 1.3 mm. Such a thickness of the protector member 1 is preferable in terms of achieving a balance between lightweight and high rigidity.

[0019] The elastic shock-absorbing member 2 fixed to the back surface of the protector member 1 is made of a cloth or rubber material and has a bag-like shape. It contains a shock-absorbing material with shock-absorbing properties inside, and is configured to have a generally oval (or disk-like or elliptical) shape overall. The shock-absorbing member 2 is preferably fixed to the protector member 1 by attaching bias tape 3 to the peripheral portion of the protector member 1 and sewing the protector member 1 to the shock-absorbing member 2 via the bias tape 3, as shown in FIG. 3 . This prevents the protector member 1 and the shock-absorbing member 2 from coming apart. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5 , the shock-absorbing member 2 is preferably formed to have an outer shape larger than the protector member 1 in order to fit the peripheral portion of the protector member 1 to the shock-absorbing member 2.

[0020] The fact that the outer shape of the shock absorbing member 2 is larger than that of the protector member 1 has the effect that when an impact or pressure is applied, the protector member 1 does not shift and protrude laterally or vertically from the shock absorbing member 2, and there is no risk of the edge of the protector member 1 coming into contact with the human body. This is a useful effect because the protector member 1 is highly rigid, and there is a risk of pain if the edge comes into contact with the human body.

[0021] In the example of Figures 1 to 5, two band-shaped winding members 4 are provided on both sides of the impact absorbing member 2. The winding members may be provided on the protector member 1. The winding members are not limited to being band-shaped, and may be string-shaped or plate-shaped. From the viewpoint of ease of fixing, the winding members are preferably band-shaped. Three or more winding members may be provided.

[0022] The wrapping member 4 is preferably made of a cloth, rubber, or resin material in the shape of a belt, and its length is adjustable. In the illustrated example, the wrapping member 4 is sewn to the impact absorbing member 2, but this is not limitative and the wrapping member 4 may be attached to the impact absorbing member 2 or the protector member 1 by passing through the impact absorbing member 2 or the protector member 1. The length of the wrapping member 4 is adjusted to fit the perimeter of the knee of the user of the knee protector, and the wrapping member 4 is wrapped around the knee to hold the impact absorbing member 2 above the knee.

[0023] When the protector of the present invention is used on a moving part other than the knee, such as the elbow or shoulder, the length of the wrapping member 4 is adjusted to fit the outer periphery of the moving part, such as the elbow or shoulder, and by wrapping it around the moving part, the impact absorbing member 2 can be held on the moving part.

[0024] The position where the wrapping member 4 is attached to the protector member 1 or the impact absorbing member 2 is not particularly limited as long as the performance is not impaired.

[0025] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing the shape of the protector member 1, with Fig. 6A being a perspective view and Fig. 6B being a front view. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 6A, the shape of the protector member 1 has a curvature radius RV of about 200 mm to 300 mm in a vertical cross section from the upper bent portion 11 to the lower bent portion 12, with the center point C as the center. The curvature radius RH of the front and back surfaces of the cross sections of the upper bent portion 11 and the lower bent portion 12 is about 200 mm to 300 mm. １１ , R.H. １２ is about 200mm to 300mm, and RH １１ and R.H. １２ The radius of curvature is the same, or RH １２ It is preferable that the curvature is larger (a gentle curvature).

[0026] The upper bent portion 11 is located above the dish-shaped recess 10 including the center point C corresponding to the apex of the patella, and therefore corresponds to both sides of the front part of the lower part of the femur. Therefore, in order to hold the rounded patella and the lower part of the femur well, the radius of curvature RH １１ , is preferably smaller (stronger curvature). The lower bent portion 12 is located below the dish-shaped recess 10 including the center point C, and therefore corresponds to both front sides of the upper part of the tibia and fibula. Therefore, in order to fit along the approximately straight upper part of the tibia and fibula, the radius of curvature RH １２ is preferably large (having a gentle curvature).

[0027] Next, as shown in Figure 6(b), the protector member 1 is formed in a vertically elongated shape with a vertical length L1 greater than a horizontal width W1. The vertical length L1 is preferably about 150mm to 200mm, and the horizontal width W1 (at the widest part) is preferably about 100mm to 150mm. When viewed from the front side, the upper folded portion 11 and the lower folded portion 12 are wider in the width direction than the dish-shaped recess 10, but the periphery is formed by a continuous smooth curve all around, resulting in a symmetrical shape. The upper folded portion 11 and the lower folded portion 12 have a radius of curvature RH of the front and back surfaces in the cross section. １１ , R.H. １２ may be slightly smaller than the above-mentioned portion and bent further inward than the central portion.

[0028] As shown in Figure 6(a), the dish-shaped recess 10 including the center point C corresponds to the apex of the patella, the upper bent portion 11 corresponds to both front sides of the lower femur, and the lower bent portion 12 corresponds to both front sides of the tibial tuberosity and the upper part of the tibia and fibula. The upper bent portion 11 covers both front sides of the lower femur. The lower bent portion 12 covers both front sides of the tibial tuberosity and the upper part of the tibia and fibula. The upper and lower bent portions 12 are bent further inward than the center portion to more firmly hold the lower femur, tibia, and upper part of the fibula.

[0029] As shown in Figure 6(b), the positions and sizes of the upper folded portion 11 and the lower folded portion 12 are as follows: length L2 from the lower end to the lateral apex A of the upper folded portion 11 is approximately 130 mm to 170 mm; length L3 from the lower end to the narrowest part B of the dish-shaped recess 10 is approximately 100 mm to 140 mm; length L4 from the lower end to the lateral apex D (widest part) of the lower folded portion 12 is approximately 50 mm to 70 mm; width W1 (widest part) between the two lateral apexes D-D of the lower folded portion 12 is approximately 100 mm to 150 mm; width W2 between the two lateral apexes A-A of the upper folded portion 11 is approximately 70 mm to 110 mm; and width W3 between the narrowest parts B-B on both sides in the width direction of the dish-shaped recess 10 between the upper folded portion 11 and the lower folded portion 12 is approximately 50 mm to 90 mm.

[0030] [Shape of Impact Absorbing Member] The shape of the impact absorbing member 2 may be the same as that of the protector member 1, but it is preferable that the shape be larger than the periphery of the protector member 1 around its entire periphery, for example, by approximately 5 mm to 25 mm outward, as shown in FIG. 1 , so that the protector member 1 does not shift and protrude laterally or vertically when an impact or pressure is applied. The thickness of the impact absorbing member 2 is preferably approximately 15 mm to 25 mm. The impact absorbing member 2 may also be configured to have a generally oval shape (or a disk shape or an elliptical plate shape) as a whole. An approximately oval shape is preferable because it is easy to manufacture.

[0031] [State of Use] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the state of use of the knee protector of the embodiment, with Figure 7(a) being a front view with the knee extended, Figure 7(b) being a side view with the knee extended, and Figure 7(c) being a side view with the knee bent. As shown in Figures 7(a), 7(b), and 7(c), the knee protector can be used by adjusting the length of the wrapping member 4 to match the outer periphery of the leg of the user of the knee protector near the knee, wrapping it around the knee, and holding the impact absorbing member 2 above the knee.

[0032] The protector member of the present invention is not limited to the knee protector shown in the embodiment, but can also be used as a protector for protecting moving parts such as an elbow protector or a shoulder protector.

[0033] [Manufacturing Method of Protector Member] A manufacturing method of the protector member 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 shows a product manufactured by the manufacturing process of the knee protector of this embodiment, where FIG. 8(a) shows a cloth laminate 1a, FIG. 8(b) shows a protector member 1 obtained by die-cutting and molding the cloth laminate 1a, and FIG. 8(c) shows the knee protector of this embodiment. The cloth laminate 1a constituting the protector member 1 is formed by forming a sheet-like cloth body from filaments obtained by stretching a thermoplastic resin (cloth body forming process), then stacking multiple obtained cloth bodies (lamination process), subsequently heating and compressing (thermocompression bonding process), and further cooling and compressing (cooling and compression process) to form an integrated body. The thermocompression bonding in the thermocompression bonding process is preferably performed so that a portion of the filaments melts. The manufacturing method of the knee protector shown below will be described using an example in which the cloth body is formed by weaving filaments.

[0034] Such a cross laminate 1a is called a self-reinforced polymer composite material (SRP), which is a fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) in which the adhesive component and reinforcing fibers are formed from the same type of thermoplastic resin. The same type of thermoplastic resin refers to a resin composed of the same type of components, such as polyolefin, polyamide, or polyester.

[0035] (1) Fabric-like body forming step As shown in Fig. 8(a), a fabric-like body that constitutes the cloth laminate 1a is formed. The fabric-like body is formed by weaving filaments made of a thermoplastic resin. These filaments will become reinforcing fibers when the laminate is formed.

[0036] The thermoplastic resin constituting the thermoplastic resin filament is a resin with a large stretching effect, generally a crystalline resin. Specific examples include olefin polymers such as high-density polyethylene, high-pressure low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-propylene block copolymers; polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate; and polyamides such as nylon 6 and nylon 66. Among these, olefin polymers such as high-density polyethylene, high-pressure low-density polyethylene, and polypropylene are preferred in terms of processability, economy, and low specific gravity.

[0037] Any thermoplastic resin filament can be used as long as it can be used to form a cloth-like body, and examples of such filaments include tape, yarn, split yarn, monofilament, multifilament, etc. These thermoplastic resin filaments are twisted as needed, but are preferably in the form of flat filaments such as tape or yarn, and it is particularly preferred to use flat yarn, which is a tape-like filament.

[0038] The thermoplastic resin filament preferably contains a low-melting-point thermoplastic resin component and a high-melting-point thermoplastic resin component. During the heat-bonding step, the low-melting-point thermoplastic resin component is melted and becomes an adhesive component by heating at a temperature at which the low-melting-point thermoplastic resin component melts but the high-melting-point thermoplastic resin component does not melt, thereby forming reinforcing fibers.

[0039] The thermoplastic resin filament is preferably constructed such that a core material is made of a thermoplastic resin component with a high melting point higher than the temperature of the heat-bonding, and one or both sides of the core material are covered with an outer layer made of a thermoplastic resin component with a low melting point lower than the heating temperature. When an outer layer is formed on one or both sides of the core material, the filament has a laminated structure, and when an outer layer is formed around the core material, the filament has a core-sheath structure.

[0040] For example, uniaxial stretching can be used as a means for producing a laminated filament made of a stretched thermoplastic resin. In this case, a core film may be stretched uniaxially, and then a low-melting thermoplastic resin component that will form the outer layer film may be laminated on one or both sides of the core film and slit into a tape. Alternatively, the laminated film formed by laminating the core and outer layer may be stretched uniaxially before or after slitting. The stretching method is not particularly limited, and may be performed by one-stage or multi-stage stretching using a known heating method such as a heated roll, a hot plate, a hot air oven, hot water, hot oil, steam, or infrared irradiation. Furthermore, when a laminated structure in which an outer layer is formed on one or both sides of a core material is used as the filament, the means for forming the laminated film that serves as the molding material can be appropriately selected from known means such as (1) a means for forming a film that will become the core material and a film that will become the outer layer in advance and then forming them into a multilayer structure using a dry lamination method or a thermal lamination method, (2) a method for coating the surface of a film that will become the core material with a thermoplastic resin that will become the outer layer, (3) a method for extrusion laminating a thermoplastic resin that will become the outer layer onto a film that will become the core material in advance, or (4) a method for extrusion forming a laminated film using a multilayer coextrusion method.

[0041] The thickness of the filament can be selected as appropriate, but generally, it is desirable to have a thickness in the range of 1 to 10,000 decitex (dt).

[0042] Furthermore, various additives such as inorganic antibacterial agents such as metal ion-based antibacterial agents and organic antibacterial agents can be added to the thermoplastic resin filament.

[0043] The fabric-like material is a sheet-like material formed using filaments made of a thermoplastic resin. Examples of the fabric-like material include woven fabrics woven using filaments made of a thermoplastic resin as warp and weft threads.

[0044] Alternatively, a cross-linked fabric (SOF) can be produced by arranging a large number of thermoplastic resin filaments in one direction, then arranging a large number of thermoplastic resin filaments on top of them so that they intersect at any angle, and then bonding the intersections using an adhesive such as a hot melt agent or by heat fusion. Alternatively, a multiaxial fiber substrate can be produced by arranging a large number of thermoplastic resin filaments in one direction, then arranging a large number of thermoplastic resin filaments on top of them so that they intersect at any angle, and then connecting them with a stitching thread. Furthermore, the fabric-like material can be a knitted fabric made by knitting filaments.

[0045] (2) Lamination Step: A plurality of the obtained fabric-like bodies are laminated to form a laminate. The laminate is the state of the cross laminate before being heated and compressed. The number of fabric-like bodies laminated to the laminate is not particularly limited as long as it is a plurality of sheets.

[0046] In the lamination process, it is also preferable to interpose an adhesive film made of a thermoplastic resin between each of the fabric-like materials to bond the fabric-like materials together.

[0047] The adhesive film is placed between the cloth-like bodies and, together with the multiple laminated cloth-like bodies, forms a laminate, which becomes the adhesive layer of the cross laminate when heated and pressed in the "heat-pressing process" described below.

[0048] The adhesive film is composed of a thermoplastic resin. Using a thermoplastic resin containing a low-melting-point thermoplastic resin component and a high-melting-point thermoplastic resin component is preferable for allowing the adhesive layer of the cross laminate to function as a rigidity-improving layer after heat compression. In this specification, "melting point" refers to the temperature measured as the melting peak temperature by DSC (differential scanning calorimetry). Therefore, it can be said that the high-melting-point thermoplastic resin component has a higher melting peak temperature than the low-melting-point thermoplastic resin component. The adhesive film exhibits two melting peak temperatures derived from these resins. In this embodiment, the thermoplastic resin constituting the adhesive film does not necessarily contain a high-melting-point thermoplastic resin component in the low-melting-point thermoplastic resin component.

[0049] Preferred examples of the low-melting thermoplastic resin component of the thermoplastic resin used in the adhesive film include polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, and polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate. Among these, polyolefins are preferred, and polypropylene is more preferred. When the adhesive film does not contain a high-melting thermoplastic resin component in the low-melting thermoplastic resin component and the low-melting thermoplastic resin component is selected from polypropylene, the melting point of the thermoplastic resin component is preferably lower than that of the filament composed of the thermoplastic resin component. Furthermore, when the filament contains a high-melting thermoplastic resin component and a low-melting thermoplastic resin component, it is preferable to use a material whose melting point is approximately the same as or lower than that of the low-melting thermoplastic resin component of the filament.

[0050] When the low-melting thermoplastic resin component of the thermoplastic resin used in the adhesive film contains a high-melting thermoplastic resin component of the thermoplastic resin, the high-melting thermoplastic resin component may have a melting point higher than that of the low-melting thermoplastic resin component, and preferred examples of the high-melting thermoplastic resin component include polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, and polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate. Of these, polypropylene is particularly preferred.

[0051] When the low-melting point thermoplastic resin component and the high-melting point thermoplastic resin component of the thermoplastic resin used in the adhesive film are each selected from polypropylene, for example, random polypropylene can be used as the low-melting point thermoplastic resin component and homopolypropylene can be used as the high-melting point thermoplastic resin component.

[0052] Random polypropylene is a polymer obtained by randomly copolymerizing propylene as a monomer component with an α-olefin (for example, an α-olefin other than propylene, such as ethylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 1-heptene, or 1-octene). The α-olefin can be used, for example, in a proportion of preferably 20% by weight or less, more preferably 10% by weight or less, based on the total monomer components. The proportion of the α-olefin can be adjusted so as to exhibit a desired melting point.

[0053] In addition, in another embodiment where the low-melting point thermoplastic resin component and the high-melting point thermoplastic resin component of the thermoplastic resin used in the adhesive film are each selected from polypropylene, a random polypropylene with a relatively low melting point can be used as the low-melting point thermoplastic resin component, and a random polypropylene with a relatively high melting point can be used as the high-melting point thermoplastic resin component.

[0054] As described above, the melting point of the random polypropylene can be set by, for example, adjusting the proportion of α-olefin, etc. Specifically, for example, a random polypropylene having a smaller proportion of α-olefin than that of the low-melting thermoplastic resin component can be used as the high-melting thermoplastic resin component.

[0055] The adhesive film can be formed by kneading pellets of a low-melting thermoplastic resin component and pellets of a high-melting thermoplastic resin component at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting points of both thermoplastic resins, and then subjecting the mixture to inflation molding or the like.

[0056] In the adhesive film, the content of the high-melting-point thermoplastic resin component is, for example, preferably in the range of 5% by weight to 50% by weight, more preferably in the range of 10% by weight to 30% by weight. Also, the weight ratio of the low-melting-point thermoplastic resin component to the high-melting-point thermoplastic resin component in the adhesive film is preferably in the range of 5:95 to 50:50, more preferably in the range of 10:90 to 30:70.

[0057] The thickness of the adhesive film is not limited, as it can be set appropriately depending on, for example, the thickness of the cloth-like body and the thickness of the filaments that make up the cloth-like body, but is preferably in the range of 10 μm to 100 μm, and more preferably in the range of 20 μm to 60 μm.

[0058] Various additives can be added to the filaments or adhesive films depending on the purpose. Specific examples include organic phosphorus-based, thioether-based, and other antioxidants; hindered amine-based, and other light stabilizers; benzophenone-based, benzotriazole-based, and benzoate-based, and other ultraviolet absorbers; antistatic agents; bisamide-based, wax-based, and organometallic salt-based dispersants; amide-based and organometallic salt-based lubricants; flame retardants such as bromine-containing organic compounds, phosphoric acid compounds, melamine cyanurate compounds, and antimony trioxide; stretching aids such as low-density polyethylene and linear low-density polyethylene; organic pigments; inorganic pigments; inorganic fillers; organic fillers; metal ion-based, and other inorganic and organic antibacterial agents.

[0059] In this embodiment, a nonwoven fabric can be used instead of the adhesive film described above. The nonwoven fabric may be formed by kneading pellets of a low-melting-point thermoplastic resin component and pellets of a high-melting-point thermoplastic resin component at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting points of both thermoplastic resins and forming a fleece using a method such as spunbonding or meltblowing, or by thermal bonding, chemical bonding, needle punching, or spunlace fleece bonding. An adhesive may also be used. The nonwoven fabric and adhesive used to bond the fabric-like bodies together become an adhesive layer by undergoing the heat-pressure bonding process described below.

[0060] In the cloth laminate of this embodiment, a portion of the laminated fabric may be replaced with a resin sheet. In this case, it is preferable that the fabric is laminated on the surface side and the resin sheet is laminated on the portion other than the surface side.

[0061] The resin sheet is made of a thermoplastic resin. The thermoplastic resin constituting the resin sheet is preferably a polyolefin resin such as polypropylene or polyethylene, but polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate can also be used.

[0062] In the present embodiment, when two resin sheets are used, for example, they are preferably laminated to form a laminate structure of "cloth body / resin sheet / resin sheet / cloth body," with the cloth body being disposed as the outer layer. In this case, since the resin sheets are laminated adjacent to each other, it is preferable to use an adhesive film between the resin sheets.

[0063] (3) Heat-Compression Step The laminated fabrics are integrated by heat-compression to form the cross laminate 1 a. The specific method for heating and compressing is not particularly limited, but a heat press such as a hydraulic press, a roll press, or a double belt press can be used.

[0064] In the case where the filament or the adhesive film contains a high-melting point thermoplastic resin component and a low-melting point thermoplastic resin component, the heat-pressure bonding is performed by heating to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the low-melting point thermoplastic resin component of the adhesive film and lower than the melting point of the high-melting point thermoplastic resin component, followed by cooling.

[0065] When the thermoplastic resin filament contains a low-melting point thermoplastic resin component and a high-melting point thermoplastic resin component, the adhesive component contains both the low-melting point thermoplastic resin component and the low-melting point thermoplastic resin component of the adhesive film. By heating and compressing the adhesive film in the heat-press bonding process described below, the adhesive component can be increased, further increasing the adhesive strength. When the adhesive film is placed between two fabric bodies and heat-pressed, it becomes an adhesive layer that bonds the fabric bodies together. The adhesive layer functions as a rigidity-enhancing layer that improves the rigidity of the resulting cloth laminate. These processes result in a cloth laminate 1a with excellent rigidity.

[0066] The pressure for thermocompression bonding is not particularly limited and can be set appropriately depending on the thickness of each layer, etc., but is preferably in the range of 0.5 MPa to 20 MPa, and more preferably in the range of 2 MPa to 15 MPa.

[0067] The time for thermocompression bonding is not particularly limited as long as it allows thermocompression bonding, but it is preferably in the range of, for example, 1 minute to 20 minutes.

[0068] (4) Cooling and Compression Step Cooling after thermocompression may be performed by natural cooling or by forced cooling. In the case of forced cooling, a method of lowering the temperature to the cooling temperature while maintaining the thermocompression state during thermocompression bonding may be employed. In this case, a cooling press method may be employed.

[0069] The pressure of the cooling press is not particularly limited and can be set appropriately depending on the thickness of each layer, etc., but is preferably in the range of 0.5 MPa to 20 MPa, and more preferably in the range of 2 MPa to 15 MPa.

[0070] The cooling time is not particularly limited as long as it is possible to cool the material, but it is preferably in the range of 10 seconds to 20 minutes, for example.

[0071] The heat-pressed cross laminate 1a has excellent rigidity. Furthermore, tests have confirmed that the incorporation of a high-melting-point thermoplastic resin component in the adhesive layer results in higher rigidity. Here, "high rigidity" specifically refers to a high flexural modulus (MPa) measured in accordance with JIS K 7171:2008.

[0072] The reason why this cross laminate 1a has excellent rigidity is thought to be that the crystalline state of the resin is improved by the high-melting point thermoplastic resin component, which does not melt during heat and pressure bonding, or if it does melt, only a very small amount does.

[0073] More specifically, it is presumed that when the molten low-melting-point thermoplastic resin component recrystallizes, the unmolten high-melting-point thermoplastic resin component functions as a crystal nucleating agent, forming a crystalline state suitable for imparting rigidity to the cross laminate 1a.

[0074] The present inventors have also performed DSC measurements on a resin in which a high-melting point thermoplastic resin component is added to a low-melting point thermoplastic resin component, and have confirmed that the crystallization temperature is improved compared to a resin in which the high-melting point thermoplastic resin component is not added.

[0075] The thickness of the cloth laminate 1a is preferably 2.5 mm or less, more preferably about 0.4 mm to 1.8 mm, and even more preferably about 0.5 mm to 1.3 mm. The thickness of the cloth laminate 1a includes the thickness of the adhesive film, if one is used. By making the cloth laminate 1a to have such a thickness, the balance between lightweight and high rigidity of the protector member 1 can be further improved.

[0076] Furthermore, when a resin sheet is used to form the cross laminate 1a, the thickness of the resin sheet may be the same as that of the cloth-like body, or may be thicker than that of the cloth-like body. When a resin sheet thicker than the cloth-like body is used, the thickness of the cloth-like body is reduced so that the overall thickness of the cross laminate 1a is preferably 2.5 mm or less, and more preferably 0.4 mm to 1.8 mm. This allows for a cross laminate 1a to be obtained using fewer cloth-like bodies, which are more complex to manufacture than resin sheets, without changing the overall thickness, and is comparable in rigidity to a cross laminate 1a made only of cloth-like bodies, by reducing the thickness of the cloth-like bodies themselves and using resin sheets.

[0077] (5) Protector Member Forming Step As shown in Fig. 8(b), the cloth laminate 1a is cut to a desired size and shape. Cutting may be performed by punching using a die. The cloth laminate 1a having the desired size and shape is heated and compressed to form a dish shape, thereby forming the protector member 1. Heating and compression can be performed using a press die.

[0078] Alternatively, after forming the cross laminate 1a, the cross laminate 1a may be hot-press molded in a press mold having the desired shape to form multiple protector members 1, and unnecessary areas of each protector member 1 may be cut off to form the protector members 1; alternatively, the cross laminate 1a may be cut to a size corresponding to one protector member 1, and then hot-pressed in a press mold having a shape corresponding to one protector member 1, and then unnecessary areas may be cut off to form the protector members 1.

[0079] Furthermore, after the cloth laminate 1a is formed, the cloth laminate 1a can be heated, curved into a desired shape, and cooled in the curved state into the desired shape.

[0080] As described above, the protector member 1 is formed in a dish shape that conforms to the shape of the human body near the knee, and when viewed from the convex portion on the surface side (dish-shaped recess 10), the upper and lower sides are widened, with the lower side being wider than the upper side.

[0081] The protector of the present invention can be used to protect moving parts. Therefore, it is not limited to the knee protector shown in the embodiment, but can also be used for moving parts of the human body such as elbows and shoulders. In this case, it can be formed into a dish shape that fits the shape of the moving parts of the human body near the elbows or knees.

[0082] 8(c), the impact absorbing member 2 is fixed to the protector member 1. Specifically, it is preferable to attach a bias tape 3 to the peripheral portion of the protector member 1 and sew it to the impact absorbing member 2.

[0083] As described above, the impact absorbing member 2 has a substantially elliptical shape when viewed from the surface side of the protector member 1 and is wider than the protector member 1 .

[0084] The shock-absorbing material constituting the shock-absorbing member 2 may be a plate or foam made of synthetic resin, elastomer, rubber, or the like. Examples of synthetic resins include olefin-based resins such as polyethylene (PE) and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin (EVA resin); urethane-based resins such as polyurethane; styrene-based resins such as polystyrene (PS), acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer resin (AS resin), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin (ABS resin); and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Examples of elastomers that may be used include relatively soft thermoplastic elastomers, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer elastomers; styrene-based elastomers such as styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS); olefin-based elastomers; urethane-based elastomers; ester-based elastomers; fluorine-based elastomers; and silicone-based elastomers.

[0085] Examples of rubber include diene-based rubbers such as natural rubber (NR), isoprene rubber (IR), and butadiene rubber (BR); diene-based copolymer rubbers such as styrene-butadiene copolymer rubber (SBR) and acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR); and non-diene rubbers such as ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM), butyl rubber (IIR), and urethane rubber. These materials can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0086] The shock absorbing material 2 may further include a surface cloth and a lining cloth. For example, the surface cloth may be made of polyurethane synthetic leather, and the lining cloth may be made of polyester. The surface cloth and the lining cloth included in the shock absorbing material are not limited to these, as long as they do not impair the effect of the shock absorbing material.

[0087] The shock absorbing member 2 is provided with a winding member 4. The winding member 4 is made of a fabric or rubber material and has a belt-like structure with an adjustable length. The winding member 4 can be attached to the shock absorbing member 2 by sewing.

[0088] The weight of the entire protector of the present invention is preferably 90.0 g or less, more preferably 75.0 g or less, and even more preferably 65.0 g or less, so that fatigue is reduced when wearing the protector.

[0089] Furthermore, the fracture limit energy in a drop weight test of the protector made of the cross laminate used in the protector of the present invention is preferably 3.0 J or more, and more preferably 4.5 J or more. Furthermore, the fracture limit energy per thickness of the protector member is preferably 5.0 J / mm or more. This allows the knee to be protected from external impacts. Here, the fracture limit energy can be determined, for example, using a DuPont® impact tester (manufactured by Tester Sangyo Co., Ltd., conforming to JIS K 5600-5-3) to place a striker with a tip radius of 4.76 mm on a 10 cm square sample, and then allowing the weight to drop from a given load and height to determine the energy required for the striker to penetrate (fracture limit energy). For example, the fracture limit energy can be determined by converting the load and height required for penetration into an energy value using a 1 kg weight and dropping it from a height of 5 cm to 100 cm (in 5 cm increments). In this case, if the specimen does not penetrate even at a height of 100 cm with a load of 1 kg, the load can be increased to 2 kg (in 1 kg increments) and the height changed as described above to determine the breaking limit energy.

[0090] Examples of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0091] 1. Manufacturing of Knee Protector (Example 1) <Preparation of Fabric-Like Material> Using polypropylene (MFR=0.4 g / 10 min, weight average molecular weight Mw=630,000, melting point 164°C) as the high melting point thermoplastic resin component and a propylene-ethylene random copolymer (MFR=7.0 g / 10 min, weight average molecular weight Mw=220,000, melting point 125°C) as the low melting point thermoplastic resin component, a three-layer film (layer thickness ratio 1 / 8 / 1) with a laminate structure in which the low melting point thermoplastic resin component was used as both outer layers and the high melting point thermoplastic resin component was used as the core material was obtained by inflation molding.

[0092] The high-melting point thermoplastic resin component (polypropylene) and the low-melting point thermoplastic resin component (propylene-ethylene random copolymer) are both polyolefins and are the same type of thermoplastic resin.

[0093] The obtained film was slit with a razor, then stretched 7 times on a hot plate at a temperature of 110 to 120°C, and then subjected to a 10% relaxation heat treatment in a hot air circulating oven at a temperature of 145°C, to obtain a flat yarn with a width of 4.5 mm and a fineness of 1700 dt.

[0094] The obtained flat yarn was woven into a twill weave of 15 warp threads / 25.4 mm and 15 weft threads / 25.4 mm using a sulzer loom to obtain a fabric having a thickness of 0.3 mm.

[0095] <Preparation of adhesive film> On the other hand, a propylene-ethylene random copolymer (MFR=7.0 g / 10 min, weight average molecular weight Mw=220,000, melting peak temperature 125°C) as a low-melting point resin component and a polypropylene (MFR=1.9 g / 10 min, weight average molecular weight Mw=500,000, melting peak temperature 161°C) as a high-melting point resin component were mixed in a weight ratio of low-melting point resin component:high-melting point resin component=80:20, and an adhesive film was obtained by an inflation molding method.

[0096] <Heat-press bonding and cooling> Two of the obtained fabric-like bodies were laminated with an adhesive film interposed therebetween. A laminate was obtained in which the fabric-like bodies were alternately laminated in a "fabric-like body / adhesive film / fabric-like body" configuration. The obtained laminate was heated and pressed in a hydraulic press at a press temperature of 150°C and a pressure of 4 MPa for 2 minutes to be integrated, and then cooled and pressed in a hydraulic press at a press temperature of 20°C and a pressure of 4 MPa for 2 minutes to obtain a 0.6 mm-thick cross laminate of "fabric-like body / adhesive layer / fabric-like body."

[0097] The actual temperatures of the upper and lower press surfaces of the hydraulic press during the heat pressing were measured using an "ST-41" manufactured by Rika Kogyo Co., Ltd., and were 150.6°C on the upper press surface and 150.3°C on the lower press surface. This cross laminate was cut and heated, and then cooled while set in a dedicated jig to form a shape, yielding a protector member weighing 47.6g.

[0098] <Attachment of parts> The shock absorbing member was sewn to the protector member, and the wrapping member was attached to the shock absorbing member to obtain a knee protector. The weight of the knee protector was 55.1 g. The obtained knee protector was subjected to a drop weight test (puncture resistance test) and a sensory evaluation, and the results are shown in Table 1.

[0099] (Example 2) A 0.9 mm thick cross laminate was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that three sheets of the fabric strips used in Example 1 were used and the layers were laminated in a "fabric body / adhesive film / fabric body / adhesive film / fabric body" configuration, and a protector member weighing 52.8 g was obtained. An impact absorbing member was sewn on, and a wrapping member was attached to obtain a knee protector. The weight of the knee protector was 60.3 g. The obtained knee protector was subjected to a drop weight test (puncture resistance test), abrasion resistance test, and sensory evaluation, and the results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0100] (Example 3) A 1.2 mm thick cross laminate was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that four fabric strips were used in Example 1 and the layers were laminated in the following order: "fabric body / adhesive film / fabric body / adhesive film / fabric body / adhesive film / fabric body." A protector member weighing 56.1 g was obtained. An impact absorbing member was sewn on and a wrapping member was attached to obtain a knee protector. The weight of the knee protector was 63.6 g. A drop weight test (puncture resistance test) and a sensory evaluation were performed on the obtained knee protector, and the results are shown in Table 1.

[0101] Comparative Example 1: Three 250 μm-thick PP sheets were used instead of the fabric-like material of Example 1. The PP sheets were laminated with an adhesive film between them in a "PP sheet / adhesive film / PP sheet / adhesive film / PP sheet" configuration to obtain a laminated PP sheet. The laminated PP sheet was then heated and compressed in the same manner as in Example 1 to obtain a PP plate with a "PP sheet / adhesive layer / PP sheet / adhesive layer / PP sheet" configuration. The PP plate had a thickness of 0.9 mm (each adhesive layer had a thickness of 55 μm). The resulting PP plate was cut into the same shape as the protector member of Example 1 (weight 53.4 g), and the same impact-absorbing member as in Example 1 was sewn to it. A wrapping member was attached to form a knee protector. The knee protector weighed 60.9 g. The resulting knee protector was subjected to a drop weight test (puncture resistance test) and a sensory evaluation, and the results are shown in Table 1.

[0102] (Comparative Example 2) Four PP sheets similar to those in Comparative Example 1 were used to obtain a PP plate with a thickness of 2.0 mm. The obtained PP plate was cut into the same shape as the protector member in Example 1 (weight 69.9 g), and the same impact absorbing member as in Example 1 was sewn to it, and a wrapping member was attached to make a knee protector. The weight of the knee protector was 77.4 g. The obtained knee protector was subjected to a drop weight test (puncture resistance test) and a sensory evaluation, and the results are shown in Table 1.

[0103] (Comparative Example 3) Five PP sheets similar to those in Comparative Example 1 were used to obtain a PP plate with a thickness of 3.0 mm. The obtained PP plate was shaped to the same shape as the protector member in Example 1 (weight 84.8 g), and the same impact absorbing member as in Example 1 was sewn to it, and a winding member was attached to make a knee protector. The weight of the knee protector was 92.3 g. The obtained knee protector was subjected to a drop weight test (puncture resistance test) and a sensory evaluation, and the results are shown in Table 1.

[0104] (Product of Company A) A knee protector manufactured by Company A was subjected to a drop weight test (puncture resistance test), an abrasion resistance test, and a workability evaluation (sensory evaluation), and the results are shown in Table 2. The weight of the knee protector manufactured by Company A was 53.0 g.

[0105] 2. Evaluation Method: Test pieces measuring 10 cm square were prepared from the cross laminates of each Example and the PP plate of the Comparative Example, and the following drop weight test was performed. The drop weight test (puncture resistance test) shown in Table 1 was performed using a DuPont impact tester (compliant with JIS K 5600-5-3) manufactured by Tester Sangyo Co., Ltd., and a striker with a predetermined load and a tip radius of 4.76 was allowed to fall freely from a predetermined height to measure the fracture limit energy (penetration energy) (J). The fracture limit energy per material thickness (J / mm) was also calculated in Table 1. The weights in Table 1 include the weights of secondary materials (shock absorbing members, wrapping members, etc.).

[0106] Of the sensory evaluations in Table 1, ease of movement refers to the ease of movement when wearing the knee protector and performing 10 bending exercises, with ○ indicating "easy to move," △ indicating "slightly difficult to move," and × indicating "difficult to move." Fatigue resistance refers to the resistance to fatigue when worn for one hour, with ○ indicating "less tiring," △ indicating "slightly tiring," and × indicating "easy to tire." Fit refers to the degree of pain caused by contact between the edge of the knee protector and the body, with ○ indicating "little pain," △ indicating "moderate pain," and × indicating "very painful." These were scored as ○: 10, △: 5, and ×: 1, and the average of the five samples (n = 5) was calculated and totaled.

[0107] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a test of the knee protector of the example. In the drop weight test (puncture resistance test) in Table 1, as shown in Figure 7(a), a 60° cone adapter was attached to a force gauge, and a force of 5 kgf was applied to the sample, and the degree of deformation of the sample (presence or absence of detachment) was evaluated. In the abrasion resistance test in Table 2, as shown in Figure 7(b), the sample was scratched 10 times with an awl, and the degree of deformation of the sample (presence or absence of scratches or tears) was evaluated.

[0108] The workability evaluation (sensory evaluation) in Table 2 was conducted by evaluating the workability while wearing the knee protectors.

[0109] For Examples 1 to 3 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3, a drop weight test (puncture resistance test) and sensory evaluation (ease of movement, fatigue resistance, fit) were carried out. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0110] The product of Example 2 and Company A were subjected to a drop weight test (puncture resistance test), abrasion resistance test and workability evaluation (sensory evaluation), and the results are shown in Table 2.

[0111] <Evaluation> (1) (Table 1) Drop weight test (puncture resistance test) The fracture limit energy per material thickness was calculated and the results were as follows: (Example 1) 8.2 J / mm (Example 2) 7.1 J / mm (Example 3) 5.3 J / mm (Comparative Example 1) 2.2 J / mm (Comparative Example 2) 3.7 J / mm (Comparative Example 3) 5.9 J / mm

[0112] Example 2 had a thickness of 0.9 mm and a fracture limit energy of 6.4 J, meaning that the fracture limit energy per thickness was 7.1 J / mm, whereas Comparative Example 1 had a thickness of 0.9 mm and a fracture limit energy of 2.0 J, meaning that the fracture limit energy per thickness was 2.2 J / mm. Example 2 has a fracture limit energy that is more than three times that of Comparative Example 1, which has the same thickness. The weight of Example 2 (60.3 g) is similar to the weight of Comparative Example 1 (60.9 g).

[0113] Furthermore, the fracture limit energy per thickness of Example 2 was 7.1 J / mm, while the fracture limit energy per thickness of Comparative Example 2 was 3.7 J / mm. The thickness of Example 2 (0.9 mm) is less than half the thickness of Comparative Example 2 (2.0 mm), but the weight of Example 2 (60.3 g) is approximately 22% lighter than the weight of Comparative Example 2 (77.4 g), and furthermore, the fracture limit energy per thickness is also improved.

[0114] Furthermore, the fracture limit energy per thickness of Example 1 was 8.2 J / mm, which was about 4.0 times the fracture limit energy per thickness (2.2 J / mm) of Comparative Example 1. The thickness (0.6 mm) of Example 1 was about 33% thinner than the thickness (0.9 mm) of Comparative Example 1, and the weight (55.1 g) of Example 1 was about 9.5% lighter than the weight (60.9 g) of Comparative Example 1, and the fracture limit energy per thickness was also four times as high. It was confirmed that Example 1 was thinner, stronger, and lighter than Comparative Example 1.

[0115] From the above, it was confirmed that the Example had a much improved fracture limit energy per thickness compared to the Comparative Example. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the protector of the Example was thin and lightweight, and that if the thickness and weight of the Comparative Example protector were comparable, the fracture limit energy per thickness was significantly improved.

[0116] (2) (Table 1) Sensory evaluation (ease of movement, fatigue resistance, fit) (Example 1) Total score 30 (Example 2) Total score 30 (Example 3) Total score 26 (Comparative Example 1) Total score 30 (Comparative Example 2) Total score 23 (Comparative Example 3) Total score 17

[0117] Example 2 has a thickness of 0.9 mm and a total score of 30, and Comparative Example 1 also has a thickness of 0.9 mm and a total score of 30. Example 2 is equivalent to Comparative Example 1, which has the same thickness, in ease of movement (10), fatigue resistance (10), and fit (10).

[0118] The fracture limit energy of Example 2 (6.4 J) is similar to that of Comparative Example 2 (7.4 J), but the total score of Example 2, 30, is higher than the total score of Comparative Example 2, 23. Example 2 is superior to Comparative Example 2 in ease of movement (10:8), fatigue resistance (10:9), and fit (10:6), resulting in a higher total score. Furthermore, Example 2 is thinner (0.9 mm: 2.0 mm) and lighter (60.3 g: 77.4 g) than Comparative Example 2.

[0119] From the above, it was confirmed that the Examples had higher total scores in the sensory evaluation than the Comparative Examples if the fracture limit energy was comparable.

[0120] (3) (Table 2) Drop weight test (puncture resistance test) (Example 2) No loss (Company A's product) Loss of material Example 2 showed "no loss of material" in the drop weight test, whereas Company A's product showed "loss of material," demonstrating that Example 2 is more durable than Company A's product. The weight of Example 2 (60.3 g) is similar to the weight of Company A's product (53.0 g).

[0121] (4) (Table 2) Scratch resistance test (Example 2) Minor scratches (Company A's product) Torn Example 2 had "minor scratches" in the scratch resistance test, whereas Company A's product had "torn," indicating that Example 2 is more durable than Company A's product.

[0122] (5) (Table 2) Workability evaluation (sensory evaluation) (Example 2) Better than Company A's product Example 2 has a workability evaluation that is better than Company A's product, and Example 2 has better workability than Company A's product.

[0123] From the above, it was confirmed that the Examples have superior durability (drop weight test results, abrasion resistance test results) and workability compared to the Company A products when the weights are approximately the same.

[0124]

[0125]

[0126] In the present invention, the elbow protector, like the knee protector, has a dish-shaped recess 10 when viewed from the back side at the part facing the elbow of the human body, with an upper bent part 11 on the upper side in the longitudinal direction of the dish-shaped recess 10 and a lower bent part 12 on the lower side. The external shape may be different from or similar to the protector member 1, but if it is made into a potbellied shape arranged in the vertical direction, the dish-shaped recess arranged on the back side can be made to face the center of the elbow, and it can also function to protect the elbow.

[0127] Furthermore, in the present invention, the shoulder protector may have a shape different from or similar to the protector member 1 of the knee protector. It is expected that the same effects as those of the elbow protector can be obtained with the shoulder protector.

[0128] The present invention can provide a protector for protecting moving parts of the human body such as knees, elbows, and shoulders.

[0129] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 protector member 1a cloth laminate 10 dish-shaped recess 11 upper folded portion 12 lower folded portion 2 impact absorbing member 3 bias tape 4 winding member

Claims

1. A protector comprising: a protector member (1) made of a cross laminate of multiple layers of cloth-like material formed from thermoplastic resin filaments, the protector member having a dish-shaped recess (10) on the back side; an impact absorbing member (2) fixed to the dish-shaped recess (10) of the protector member (1); and a wrapping member (4) attached to the protector member (1) and / or the impact absorbing member (2).

2. The protector according to claim 1, which is used to protect a moving part.

3. The protector according to claim 2, wherein the movable part protection is for the knee or elbow.

4. The protector according to claim 3, characterized in that the protector member (1) has an upper bent portion (11) on the upper side in the longitudinal direction of the dish-shaped recess (10) and a lower bent portion (12) on the lower side, the upper bent portion (11) bends toward the back surface as it moves upward from the dish-shaped recess (10), and the lower bent portion (12) bends toward the back surface as it moves downward from the dish-shaped recess (10), the upper bent portion (11) and the lower bent portion (12) are wider in the width direction than the dish-shaped recess (10), and the lower bent portion (12) is wider than the upper bent portion (11), and the upper bent portion (11) and the lower bent portion (12) are bent toward the back surface near both sides in the width direction.

5. A protector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the thickness of the protector member (1) is 0.4 mm to 1.8 mm.

6. A protector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fabric body is formed by weaving, knitting or crossing the filaments.

7. A protector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the thermoplastic resin filament has a structure in which one or both sides or the periphery of a core material made of a high-melting point thermoplastic resin component are covered with an outer layer made of a low-melting point thermoplastic resin component having a melting point lower than that of the core material.

8. A protector as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cloth laminate has an adhesive layer between each of the multiple cloth-like bodies, the adhesive layer being made of a low-melting point thermoplastic resin component containing a high-melting point thermoplastic resin component.

9. A protector as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the impact absorbing member is approximately elliptical when viewed from the surface side of the protector member, and is wider than the protector member in at least the width direction.

10. The protector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cloth laminate is formed by laminating a plurality of fabric-like materials and integrating them by heat and pressure bonding.

11. The protector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which has a breaking limit energy of 3.0 J or more in a drop weight test.

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