JP7645672B2 - Protective materials and methods - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a protective material (curing material) that is useful for protecting materials to be protected, such as building materials, furniture, and home appliances, and a protection method using the same.

Protective materials such as masking sheets or plastic cardboard are used to prevent damage and breakage of materials to be protected, such as building materials, furniture, and/or home appliances. For example, protective materials are often attached or fixed to the materials to be protected using masking tape (adhesive tape) to protect building materials such as doors at the entrances and exits of buildings when items are brought in and out. However, the installation work of protective materials using masking tape is cumbersome, which reduces the efficiency of the installation work. Furthermore, during demolition, the adhesive of the adhesive tape may adhere to the protected material, or the surface of the protected material may peel off.

For this reason, protective materials that can be easily attached to the protected material are being considered. For example, Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication 2016-27235 A) describes a foamed resin protective material that has a front protective section that faces an opening for attaching the protected material and protects the front surface of the protected material, curved sections that curve sideways from both ends of the front protective section, extension sections that extend from the curved sections in a direction approaching each other and are separated from each other to form the opening, and a clamping section that is bent inward at a predetermined angle relative to the extension sections, and that has an action section where a tightening force acts on the protected material.

Patent document 2 (JP Patent Publication 11-152904A) describes a protective material that has a roughly triangular frame-like cross section, with each corner forming an arc-shaped convex portion, each side recessed inward to form an arc-shaped concave portion, and an opening at the center of the base. It is described that this protective material has both opening ends that are expanded to clamp the side of the pillar.

JP 2016-27235 A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-152904

However, the protective material described in Patent Document 1 applies a clamping force (gripping force) to the protected material, such as a pillar, with a clamping portion that is bent inward at a predetermined angle relative to the extending portion, so that in order to attach it to the protected material, the clamping portion must be opened with a relatively large force. This tends to reduce the ease of attachment to the protected material. In addition, because the clamping force of the clamping portion is applied to both side walls of the protected material, the protected material cannot be protected over a wide area. Furthermore, because the extending portion has a shape that faces the front protection portion, when the protective material of Patent Document 1 is attached to a protected material of a predetermined thickness, for example a relatively thin protected material such as a door, a part of the protective material (such as a curved portion) may protrude from the protected material in a lateral direction, which may hinder loading and unloading operations.

In addition, the protective material in Patent Document 2 also requires a relatively large force to open because the open ends face each other at the base, which can reduce the ease of attachment to the protected material. In addition, because both side walls of the protected material are clamped by the open ends, the protected material cannot be protected over a wide area.

Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a protective material (curing material) that can effectively protect or cure a material to be protected.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a protective material (protection material) that can achieve both high attachment ability and gripping force (clamping force) on a protected material.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a protective material (curing material) that can be easily attached to the material to be protected and that does not interfere with loading and unloading operations.

As a result of intensive research into how to achieve the above object, the inventors have discovered a protective material made of a resin foam with a roughly rectangular or diamond-shaped cross section, with one corner portion being openable, and in particular, with a predetermined shape in which the other multiple corner portions are rounded, which improves the ease of attachment to the protected material, improves the gripping force (clamping force), protects a wide area of the protected material, can be easily attached to the protected material, and prevents the material from interfering with loading and unloading operations, and has completed the present invention.

That is, the protective material (or curing material) disclosed herein is formed of a resin foam (foamed resin or foamable resin composition) and is used to protect a material to be protected. This protective material (curing material) comprises a pair of legs extending from a pair of free ends (openings or introduction parts) and capable of expanding; a first bend (first fulcrum or inflection part) that bends or curves outwardly to the sides from the pair of legs and protrudes or bulges; a pair of arms extending from the first bend and capable of expanding; and a second bend (second fulcrum or inflection part) that extends from the arm parts and merges with them.

In other words, the protective material (curing material) may have a second bent portion (second fulcrum portion or inflection portion) that is positioned opposite the free ends of the pair of legs and that protrudes or bulges outwardly toward the free ends of the pair of legs and bends or curves; a pair of arms (arms that can be expanded or rotated with the second bent portion as a fulcrum) extending from the second bent portion; a first bent portion (first fulcrum portion or inflection portion) that protrudes or bulges outwardly from the arm portions and bends or curves; and a pair of legs that extend from the first bent portion to reach the pair of free ends and can be expanded.

The pair of free ends may be separated from each other (open) or in contact with each other. The pair of free ends of the protective material (curing material) may form an insertion port (opening or openable introduction portion) into which the protected material can be inserted or attached, or an introduction portion (insertion portion) into which the protected material can be inserted or introduced between adjacent protected materials. The protective material may also protect or cure the protected material by housing at least a portion of the protected material or by being interposed between the protected materials.

That is, the protective material (curing material) may have an introduction part (opening or insertion port) for forming an opening through which the protected material can be attached and detached (inserted or inserted) or an introduction part (insertion part) that can be inserted between adjacent protected materials, the second bent part (a second bent part that faces the introduction part and bends or curves in a form that protrudes or bulges outward from the introduction part (a form that protrudes or bulges from a direction away from the introduction part to a direction approaching the introduction part)) located opposite the introduction part, the pair of arms extending from the second bent part, a first bent part formed by extending from the arm part, and a pair of legs extending from the first bent part. In addition, the pair of legs, the first bent part, and the arm part may form a movable part that can be expanded or rotated with the second bent part as a fulcrum, and the movable part and the second bent part may form a protective part for forming a protective space that accommodates at least a part of the protected material. That is, the protective part for forming a protective space capable of accommodating at least a portion of the protected material may have a movable part (arm part, first bent part, leg part) that can be expanded or rotated around the second bent part as a fulcrum.

The pair of legs may extend from a pair of free ends (free ends forming the insertion opening or the insertion portion) in a direction away from each other (in a direction of spreading) to a first bent portion. In other words, the pair of legs may extend from the first bent portion in a direction toward each other to the pair of free ends to form the introduction portion (insertion opening or the insertion portion). The pair of legs may be formed in a linear shape or a curved shape that bulges outwardly to the side. The first bent portion may include a curved wall that extends in an arc-shaped curve from the pair of legs and the pair of arms in a direction toward each other, and a curved top wall that extends from the curved wall and bends or curves to join.

The pair of arms may extend from the first bent portion in a direction toward each other (narrowing direction) to the second bent portion. In other words, the pair of arms may extend from the second bent portion in a direction away from each other (widening direction). The second bent portion may be positioned opposite the free ends of the pair of legs (insertion openings into which the protected material can be inserted, or insertion parts that can be inserted between the protected materials), and may be bent or curved by protruding or bulging outwardly opposite the free ends of the pair of legs (the insertion openings or the insertion parts).

More specifically, the protective material (or curing material) may have a shape that is roughly a square frame or a diamond frame in cross section, and may have a shape in which one corner portion (first corner portion) can be opened (a shape in which the introduction portion (insertion port or insertion portion) can be formed). Both sides of the openable corner portion (first corner portion) may form a pair of legs (or clamping portions) that can be expanded. In a preferred embodiment, the protective material has a shape (roughly a diamond frame in cross section) in which the distance between the pair of free ends of the legs that form the insertion port or insertion portion and the second bend portion is greater than the distance between the first bend portions. In such a protective material, one corner portion with a small internal angle may be openable (openable to form the insertion port (or introduction portion) or capable of forming the insertion portion without opening). Furthermore, the two corners (corners with a larger internal angle in a diamond-shaped cross-section) adjacent to the openable corner (first corner) may form a first bent portion, and this first bent portion may have a bent or curved form that protrudes or bulges outwardly to the side. Furthermore, the corner (corner with a smaller internal angle in a diamond-shaped cross-section) located opposite the openable corner (first corner) may form a second bent portion, and this second bent portion may have a bent or curved form that protrudes outwardly. A protective material having such first and second bent portions may form a protective space with a diamond-shaped cross-section, a shuriken-shaped cross-section, or the like.

Furthermore, a protruding or bulging convex portion may be formed on the inside and/or outside of the pair of free ends of the leg portion (the insertion opening or the insertion portion).

The resin foam may be formed of a closed-cell foam containing at least an olefin-based resin.

The present disclosure also includes a method of protecting a protected material by attaching the protected material to the protective material through a pair of free ends (insertion openings) of the protective material; and a method of protecting the protected material by interposing at least a portion of the protective material between the protected materials.

In addition, when a virtual line connecting the pair of free ends (insertion openings (openings or introduction parts) or insertion parts) and the second bent part (a virtual line connecting the openable corner part (first corner part) and the corner part facing this opening corner part in a roughly rectangular or diamond-shaped cross-section) is used as a reference, the protective material may have a symmetrical form with the virtual line as a center (for example, a form of line symmetry with the virtual line as an axis of symmetry). The pair of legs may be inclined in a direction approaching the virtual line (narrowing direction) as they move away from the second bent part (as they move from the second bent part toward the opening part). The first bent part may have a form that protrudes or bulges in a direction intersecting (or perpendicular to) the virtual line (a form that is bent or curved from a direction moving away to a direction moving toward the virtual line). In addition, the arm part may be inclined in a direction moving away from (widening direction) the virtual line as it moves away from the second bent part (as it moves from the second bent part toward the opening part). The second bent portion may have a bent or curved shape that protrudes or bulges in the direction (outward) of the imaginary line extending from the pair of free ends (insertion openings or insertion portions) (from a direction moving away from the imaginary line to a direction moving closer to the imaginary line).

In the present disclosure, by attaching the material to be protected through the opening of the protective material (curing material), it is possible to achieve both high attachment property and gripping force (clamping force) on the material to be protected by utilizing the first and second bent portions. In addition, since the protective material (curing material) can be attached to the material to be protected by opening and closing the opening, it can be easily attached to the material to be protected and gripped without using adhesive tape. Furthermore, by forming the protective material into a diamond-shaped cross section, it is possible to prevent the protective material from protruding from the material to be protected, improving the ease of loading and unloading. Furthermore, it is possible to protect the material to be protected over a wide area, while reducing the volume, thereby reducing transportation and storage costs.
In an aspect in which a protective material is interposed between protected materials, the repulsive forces of the leg portion, the first bent portion, the arm portion and the second bent portion can be utilized to stably hold the protective material between adjacent protected materials such as plate-like members, thereby preventing damage to the protected materials.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a protective material according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is used. FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view showing a portion of the protective material according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2(b) is a plan view showing the protective material according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3(a) is an enlarged view showing an arm portion, a first bend portion, and their vicinity according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3(b) is an enlarged view showing a leg portion and their vicinity according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. 4(a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining a method of attaching a protective material to a protected material according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. 5(a) and (b) are diagrams showing a state in which the protective material according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is attached to a protected material. FIG. 6(a) is a plan view showing a first modified example of the protective material according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 6(b) is a plan view showing a second modified example of the protective material according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7(a) is a plan view showing the configuration of a protective material according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 7(b) is a plan view showing a modified example of the protective material according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8(a) is a plan view showing the configuration of a protective material according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 8(b) is a plan view showing a modified example of the protective material according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a protective material according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a retention force measurement test according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The following describes a protective material and a protective method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to the attached drawings. Note that, hereinafter, the same members or elements (or members or elements having similar functions) are described with the same reference numerals. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the shape of the protective material is described based on a shape in which, in a released or natural state (a state in which it is not attached to a protected material), the free end (the insertion port (opening) or insertion portion for the protected material) is positioned downward and the second bent portion is positioned upward. In addition, the terms "approximately" and "schematically" also include descriptions that are not modified by "approximately" or "schematically", for example, "approximately orthogonal" includes both "orthogonal" and "approximately orthogonal", and "approximately rectangular cross-sectional frame" is used to mean both "rectangular cross-sectional frame" and "deformed rectangular cross-sectional frame".

[Protective material (curing material)]
[First embodiment]
In the first embodiment, FIG. 1 shows an example of a state in which protective material 1 is used, FIG. 2(a) is an oblique view showing a portion of protective material 1 relating to the first embodiment, FIG. 2(b) is a plan view showing protective material 1, FIG. 3(a) is an enlarged view showing arm portion 8, first bend portion 7 and their vicinity, and FIG. 3(b) is an enlarged view showing leg portion 5 and their vicinity.

This protective material 1 is made of a resin foam (foamed resin, foamable resin composition) to enhance shock-absorbing properties (shock absorbing power) and shape recovery, and can be used to protect a protected material P such as building materials, furniture, and/or household electrical appliances. In this example, a door, which is the protected material P, is protected by the long, tubular protective material 1.

The protective material 1 has a cross-sectional shape of a generally rhombus frame with one corner that can be opened and closed, and is equipped with an introduction section (insertion section or opening and closing section) 2 for forming an insertion port (opening) 1h through which the protected material P can be inserted, and a protective section 3 for forming a protective space S capable of containing at least a portion of the protected material P (the protected area or protected area R that is covered and protected by the protective material 1). The protective space S forms a space with a cross-sectional shape of a generally rhombus frame with both sides and upper and lower parts protruding outward and upward, for example, a cross-sectional shape that is generally shuriken shaped (see FIG. 2(b)).

More specifically, the protective portion 3 has a pair of legs 5, a first bent portion 7, a pair of arms 8, and a second bent portion 10, forming a protective space S. That is, the protective material 1 includes a pair of legs 5 that extend from a pair of free ends (opening ends or introduction parts) 2 that form the insertion port (opening) 1h in a generally linear manner in a direction away from each other (in a direction of expansion), and that can be expanded; a first bend (first fulcrum or inflection) 7 that bends or curves in a V-shaped or U-shaped cross section from the pair of legs to the side and protrudes or bulges; a pair of arms 8 that extend from the first bend in a generally linear manner in a direction toward each other (in a direction of convergence or narrowing), and that can be expanded; and a second bend (second fulcrum or inflection) 10 that extends from the arm parts in a converging direction and joins; the second bend (second fulcrum or inflection) 10 is bent or curved in a V-shaped or U-shaped cross section, and protrudes or bulges outward in a direction opposite the insertion port (opening) 1h or the pair of free or open ends 2.

The pair of legs 5, the first bent portion 7, and the arm portion 8 form a movable portion 4 that can be opened or rotated around the second bent portion 10 as a fulcrum. The pair of legs 5 can be opened or rotated around the first bent portion 7 as a fulcrum (and also around the second bent portion 10 as a fulcrum), and the arm portion 8 can be opened or rotated around the second bent portion 10 as a fulcrum.

The first bends (first fulcrum or inflection) 7 are located on both sides of the protective material 1, facing each other, and the second bend (second fulcrum or inflection) 10 is located on the top of the protective material 1, facing the insertion opening (opening or introduction portion) 1h through which the protected material P can be inserted.

The protective part 3 and the protective material 1 are formed in a roughly symmetrical shape, and the protective part 3 and the protective material 1 are formed in such a way that the distance between the pair of free ends (opening ends, introduction parts) 2 of the legs 5 that form the insertion opening 1h and the second bent parts 10 is greater (i.e., elongated) than the distance between the first bent parts 7 located on both sides and facing each other, corresponding to the protective space S, and are formed in a roughly diamond-shaped frame-like cross section.

In such a protective material 1, the line connecting the pair of free ends (open ends, introduction parts) 2 of the leg parts 5 and the second bend part 10 may be described as "imaginary line X"; the side of the protective material 1 closer to the imaginary line X may be described as "inside" and the opposite side as "outside". In addition, the length of the protective material 1 in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) may be simply described as "length L", the length of the protective material 1 in the direction parallel to the imaginary line X, i.e., the distance between the free or open ends (introduction parts) 2 of the leg parts 5 and the second bend part 10 may be simply described as "height H" or "depth H" or "depth H", and the distance between the two first bend parts 7 may be simply described as "width W" or "projection width W". Furthermore, the line extending from the center of the length of the "width W" or "projection width W" of the protective material 1 along the height (depth or depth) H direction may be simply referred to as the "center line".

The protective material 1 is formed in a generally diamond-shaped cross section with a width (protruding width) W smaller than the height (depth) H, and the cross-sectional shapes of the protective material 1 and the movable part 4 are generally linearly symmetrical with the imaginary line X as the axis of symmetry (i.e., a symmetrical shape in which the imaginary line X and the center line are generally coincident), and the central part in the height (depth) H direction (the part corresponding to the first bend part 7) has a linear shape that protrudes or bulges outward (to the outside of the side) and is bent or curved. In other words, the pair of arms 8 and the pair of legs 5 are formed to be approximately the same length.

As shown in Fig. 2(b) and Fig. 3(b), the legs 5 face each other across the imaginary line X; as they move from the first bend 7 toward the insertion opening (opening) 1h or the pair of free ends [introduction section (insertion section or opening/closing section)] 2, they incline toward the imaginary line X (narrowing inward), and extend in a linear shape (approximately straight line); they form an inclined wall with an inclined inner wall 5a that constitutes the protective space S (see Fig. 3(b)).

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3(b), a pair of free ends or tip ends (opening ends or introduction parts) 2 of the legs 5 that form the insertion port (opening) 1h are formed with convex parts (fastening parts) 6 that bulge outward in an arc shape to the side, forming the free ends [introduction parts (opening ends or opening/closing parts)] 2 that can form the insertion port (opening) 1h between the convex parts (fastening parts) 6 that face each other across the imaginary line X (or center line).

The free or open ends (introduction parts) 2 of the legs 5 form an introduction surface (opening and closing surface) 1S that includes the tips of the pair of legs 5 (tips of the convex parts 6), and the imaginary line X is approximately perpendicular to the introduction surface 1S and passes through approximately the midpoint of the line segment connecting the tips of the pair of legs 5 (tips of the convex parts 6).

The first bent portions 7 are positioned opposite each other across the imaginary line X (or center line), and each first bent portion 7 is bent or curved by protruding or bulging outwardly (in an outward direction) approximately perpendicular to the imaginary line X, and each first bent portion 7 has an apex or peak 7t (the portion furthest from the imaginary line X). That is, the first bent portion 7 is bent or curved in a direction approaching the imaginary line X (inward) as it moves from the apex 7t toward the free end portion [introduction portion (opening end)] 2 or the second bent portion 10.

The first bent portion 7 has curved walls 7a, 7b that extend in an arc-shaped curve in the outward direction to the side as the pair of legs 5 and the pair of arms 8 approach each other, and a bent top wall 7c that protrudes from the curved walls in a V-shaped or U-shaped cross section and bends or curves to join. More specifically, the first curved wall 7a extends in an arc-shaped curve in the outward direction to the side as it goes from the arm portion 8 to the leg portion 5, the second curved wall 7b extends in an arc-shaped curve in the outward direction to the side as it goes from the leg portion 5 to the arm portion 8, and the bent top wall 7c extends in the outward direction to the side from the first curved wall 7a and the second curved wall 7b and joins. That is, the first curved wall 7a and the second curved wall 7b face each other in a direction perpendicular to the imaginary line X (or the center line), approach each other as they move toward the outside (outer side), and join at the curved top wall 7c.

In this example, an inclined wall is interposed between the curved walls 7a, 7b and the bent top wall 7c. That is, the inner wall (inside) of the first curved wall 7a located on the second bent portion 10 side has a first curved inner wall 7d that curves in an approximately arc-like manner in a direction away from the imaginary line X as it goes from the second bent portion 10 toward the leg 5, and a first inclined wall (first inclined inner wall 7g) extending from this curved inner wall 7d and inclining in a direction away from the imaginary line X as it goes from the second bent portion 10 toward the leg 5; the inner wall (inside) of the second curved wall 7b located on the leg 5 side has a second curved inner wall 7e that curves in an approximately arc-like manner in a direction approaching the imaginary line X as it goes from the second bent portion 10 toward the leg 5, and a second inclined wall (second inclined inner wall 7h) extending from this curved inner wall 7e and inclining in a direction approaching the imaginary line X as it goes from the second bent portion 10 toward the leg 5. That is, the first curved inner wall 7d and the second curved inner wall 7e face each other in a direction perpendicular to the imaginary line X (or center line), and the first curved inner wall 7d and the second curved inner wall 7e curve outward (to the outside) as they approach each other, moving away from the imaginary line X. In this example, the first curved inner wall 7d and the second curved inner wall 7e are formed with approximately the same radius of curvature, for example, a radius of about 8 to 12 mm.

The curved top wall 7c is formed by protruding or bulging outward from the curved walls 7a and 7b and curved in an arc shape, and the inner wall of the curved top wall 7c has a third curved inner wall 7f.

The pair of arms 8 extend in a substantially straight line, facing each other across the imaginary line X (or center line), and extend at an incline outward (widening) away from the imaginary line X as they move from the second bend 10 toward the leg 5, and the arm 8 has an inclined arm wall (inner arm inclined wall 8a).

Furthermore, the second bent portion 10 of the protective portion 3 is formed by a pair of arms 8 that are inclined in a substantially linear manner joining together and bending or curving in a manner that protrudes or bulges outwardly facing the insertion opening 1h.

The first curved inner wall 7d, the first inclined inner wall 7g, the second curved inner wall 7e, the second inclined inner wall 7h, the third curved inner wall 7f, and the arm inclined inner wall 8a form part of the inner wall of the protective space S.

[How to wear or protect]
A method of mounting or attaching the protective material 1 to a protected material P and a protection method according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 4(a) and 4(b).

As shown in FIG. 4(a), the free or open end (introduction portion) 2 of the pair of legs 5 of the protective material 1 is opened (spread), and the protected material P is inserted or introduced into the protected space S from the insertion port (opening) 1h along the arrow D. At that time, the protective material 1 may be moved to a predetermined position in the protected space S depending on the type of the protected material P. In the example shown in FIG. 4(b), the tip (or corner) of the protected material P is inserted to a predetermined position where it contacts the first curved wall 7a (the first curved inner wall 7d and/or the first inclined inner wall 7g). Then, when the pair of legs 5 of the expanded protective material 1 are released, the shape restoring force of the protective material 1 and the movable part 4 can apply a clamping force (holding or clamping force) to the protected material P while wrapping the end of the protected material P, and in the clamped or gripped state, the protective material 1 can be attached or attached to the protected material P in a freely detachable manner. Therefore, the protective material 1 can be attached to the protected material P by a simple operation of spreading and releasing the pair of legs 5 (one-touch type). In addition, the cushioning properties of the resin foam can be utilized to effectively protect the protected material P with the protective material 1.

In other words, since the multiple bent portions (first bent portion 7 and second bent portion 10) are formed as rounded portions, the clamping force at each bent portion can be integrated to improve the clamping force (clamping force) at the free end or the open end (introduction portion) 2.

Specifically, the pair of legs 5 can be opened or rotated around at least the first bent portion 7 as a fulcrum, and the movable portion 4 (the pair of legs 5, the first bent portion 7, and the arm portion 8, particularly the arm portion 8) can be opened or rotated around the second bent portion 10 as a fulcrum. The pair of legs 5 and the arm portion 8 can also be opened or rotated around the first bent portion 7 as a fulcrum. Furthermore, the resin foam forming the protective material 1 also has a bending or restoring force. Therefore, when the protected material P is gripped or clamped, the clamping force (repulsion force) can be improved by the multiple bent portions (the first bent portion 7 and the second bent portion 10) formed in an arc shape, and a tightening force can be applied to the protected material P by the pair of legs 5 and the arm portion 8. For example, the pair of legs 5 spread out using at least the first bent portion 7 (and further the second bent portion 10) as a fulcrum, so that when the spread free end or open end 2 is released, the tightening force (force (shape restoring force) toward the imaginary line X (or center line)) by the legs 5 can be increased. This can further improve the clamping or squeezing pressure of the protective material 1. Therefore, the protective material 1 can be clamped or squeezed to the protected material P, and the protective material 1 can be attached or attached to the protected material P more stably. Furthermore, the protective material 1 can be stably held to the protected material P without using adhesive tape.

In particular, one corner with a small internal angle has a roughly diamond-shaped cross section that forms the free end or open end 2, and the corner (first bend 7) adjacent to the openable corner protrudes outward to the side in a V- or U-shaped cross section (the first inclined inner wall 7g and the second inclined inner wall 7h approach each other in a direction that approaches each other as they move toward the outward side perpendicular to the imaginary line X, forming a roughly V-shaped first bend 7), so various shapes of protected material P can be effectively gripped or clamped to protect it with the protective material 1.

More specifically, the pair of legs 5 are inclined in a direction approaching the free or open end 2 from the first bend 7 (inclined in a direction approaching the imaginary line X from the second bend 10 toward the free or open end 2), so that the open end 2 is narrowed. Therefore, even if the protected material P is thin, such as a sliding door or door, the clamping force (clamping force (shape restoring force) toward the imaginary line X (or center line)) at the free or open end 2 of the legs 5 can be improved, and the free or open end 2 of the legs 5 can be clamped and pressed.

In addition, since the protective material 1 has a protective space S with a diamond-shaped cross section, it can effectively protect even a protected material P with a complex shape having uneven parts. For example, the inner walls of the pair of arms 8 have arm inclined inner walls 8a that extend in a direction that narrows as it goes from the first bent part 7 to the second bent part 10 (widening away from the imaginary line X as it goes from the second bent part 10 to the leg part). Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 5(a), even if the protected material P has a tapered shape, the tapered tip of the protected material P can be brought into contact with the arm inclined inner wall 8a, and the contact area between the protective material 1 and the protected material P can be increased. Therefore, the holding force of the protective material 1 against the protected material P can be increased, and the protective material 1 can be stably held on the protected material P.

As shown in FIG. 5(b), even if the protected material P has uneven portions, the protected material P can be brought into contact with the first curved wall 7a (first curved inner wall 7d and/or first inclined inner wall 7g) and the second curved wall 7b (second curved inner wall 7e and/or second inclined inner wall 7h), and the contact area between the protective material 1 and the protected material P can be increased. This improves the holding force of the protective material 1 against the protected material P, and the protective material 1 can be stably held on the protected material P.

In addition, the protective material 1 is formed in a generally symmetrical shape (the protective material 1 and the movable part 4 are linearly symmetrical with the imaginary line X (or center line) as the axis of symmetry) around the pair of free ends or open ends (or introduction parts) 2 of the legs 5, which improves attachment to the protected material P and allows the protective material 1 to be stably attached or fitted. Furthermore, because of the generally symmetrical shape, there is no directionality (front-back directionality) relative to the protected material P, which improves attachment to the protected material P and effectively protects the protected material P.

Furthermore, since the width (protruding width) W of the protective material 1 is smaller than the height (depth or depth) H, the width (protruding width) W can be made smaller and flatter than conventional protective materials, making the volume smaller (more compact) and saving space. This reduces transportation and storage costs. Furthermore, when attached to the protected material P, the first bent portion 7 of the protective material 1 can be prevented from protruding in the width (protruding width) W direction (thickness direction of the protected material P) compared to conventional protective materials. Therefore, it does not interfere with loading and unloading operations and can prevent a decrease in loading and unloading operation efficiency. In particular, loading and unloading operation efficiency can be improved even when attached to a protected material P (such as a door) with a relatively small thickness PD.

When the width (protruding width) W is small, the shape restoring force may decrease. Even in such a case, the decrease in the shape restoring force can be compensated for or compensated for by adjusting the height (depth) H, and the decrease in the holding force on the protected material P can be suppressed.

When the protective material 1 is attached to the protected material P using adhesive tape, there is a risk that the protected material P may be damaged as the adhesive tape peels off. Specifically, if the protected material P is a wall material, there is a risk that the wallpaper of the wall material may peel off as the adhesive tape peels off. In this embodiment, the protective material 1 can be attached to the protected material P without using adhesive tape such as masking tape, so damage to the protected material P can be suppressed.

The pair of legs 5 do not need to extend in a direction expanding from the free end or the open end 2 (approaching the imaginary line X as they move from the second bend 10 toward the free end or the open end 2), and may extend, for example, approximately parallel to each other (e.g., approximately parallel to the imaginary line X) as in FIG. 6(a) showing a first modified example of the protective material 1 according to the first embodiment.

The legs 5 do not necessarily need to extend in a substantially straight line, but may be curved and bulge outwardly (toward the outside) or inwardly (toward the inside). When the pair of legs 5 are curved and bulge outwardly, this is advantageous for improving the clamping force (gripping force) at the free end or the open end 2.

The protrusions (fastening parts) 6 at the tips (free ends) of the legs 5 do not need to bulge outward, and may be formed to bulge inward (facing each other) at the tips (free ends) of the legs 5, as shown in FIG. 6(b) which shows a second modified example of the protective material 1 according to the first embodiment. In this form, the protrusions (fastening parts) 6 can clamp the protected material P, improving the holding force (locking force) of the protective material 1 against the protected material P.

Furthermore, the pair of arms 8 do not need to be inclined in a direction away from each other (widening direction) as they move from the second bend 10 toward the leg 5, and for example, the pair of arms 8 may extend approximately parallel to each other (approximately parallel to the imaginary line X).

The arm portion 8 does not need to extend in a substantially straight line, but may be curved in such a way that it bulges outward (outside) or inward (inside) as it moves from the second bend 10 toward the leg portion 5.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the first bent portion 7 does not need to be formed in the approximate center of the width direction of the protective material 1 (the arm portion 8 and the leg portion 5 do not need to have approximately the same length), and the first bent portion 7 may be located on the free end or opening end 2 side or on the second bent portion 10 side, and the leg portion 5 and the arm portion 8 may have different lengths. For example, the arm portion 8 may be longer or shorter than the leg portion 5.

Furthermore, the movable part 4 extending from the second bend 10 is not limited to having two first bends 7, but may have three or more first bends.

The shape of the protrusion (fastening portion) 6 is not limited to a substantially circular cross section, but may be an elliptical or rectangular cross section, etc., as long as the holding power of the protective material 1 is not reduced.

[Second embodiment]
The configuration of the protective material 11 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7(a). The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that the configuration of the first bent portion 17 is different from that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the parts that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7(a), in this embodiment, the protective material 11 differs from the first bent portion 7 of the first embodiment in that, in a released or natural state, the first bent portion 17 protrudes outward to the side in a gentle V-shaped cross section (V-shaped cross section with curved top and bottom). That is, the protective material 11 has a diamond-shaped cross section with a width (protruding width) W smaller than the height (depth or depth) H, and one corner portion with a small internal angle forms an openable free end portion (opening end portion or introduction portion) 2, and the corner portion (first bent portion 17) adjacent to this openable corner portion has a triangular protruding shape with a curved top portion (bent top wall 17c) and bottom portion (first curved wall 17a and second curved wall 17b) protruding outward to the side.

More specifically, the first bent portion 17 includes a first curved wall 17a (first curved inner wall 117d) that extends in a gentle curved arc shape in the lateral outward direction (outer direction) from the arm portion 8 toward the leg portion 5, a second curved wall 17b (second curved inner wall 17e) that extends in a gentle curved arc shape in the lateral outward direction (outer direction) from the leg portion 5 toward the arm portion 8, and a bent top wall 17c (third curved inner wall 17f) that extends in the lateral outward direction (outer direction) from the first curved wall 17a and the second curved wall 17b and joins in a gentle curved shape.

A first inclined wall (first inclined inner wall 17g) and a second inclined wall (second inclined inner wall 17h) that are longer than those in the first embodiment are interposed between the curved top wall 17c (third curved inner wall 17f) and the first curved wall 17a (first curved inner wall 17d) and second curved wall 17b (second curved inner wall 17e).

The radius of curvature (degree of curvature) of the first curved wall 17a (first curved inner wall 17d), the second curved wall 17b (second curved inner wall 17e), and the bent top wall 17c (third curved inner wall 17f) is larger than the radius of curvature (degree of curvature) of the first curved inner wall 7d, the second curved inner wall 7e, and the third curved inner wall 7f in the first embodiment, and is formed to be, for example, about 15 to 20 mm.

In this type of protective material 11, the radius of curvature of the first curved inner wall 17d, the second curved inner wall 17e, and the third curved inner wall 17f is increased, thereby increasing the holding force even for a protected material P with a larger thickness PD.

In addition, with the protective material 11 according to the second embodiment, the protective material 11 can be easily attached to the protected material P by simply widening the free or open end (introduction portion) 2 and guiding or inserting the protected material P into the protective space S, improving the ease of installation. In addition, because the width (protruding width) W of the protective material 11 is smaller than the height (depth) H, when the protective material 11 is attached or attached to the protected material P (deformed state), the first bent portion 17 of the protective material 11 can be prevented from protruding laterally from the protected material P, improving the ease of loading and unloading.

As shown in FIG. 7(b), a protruding portion (fastening portion) 6 that bulges in an arc shape may be formed on the inside of the free or open end 2 of the leg portion 5.

[Third embodiment]
The configuration of the protective material 21 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8(a). The third embodiment is similar to the first and second embodiments, except that the configuration of the first bent portion 27 is different from that of the first and second embodiments. Therefore, the description of the parts that overlap with the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 8(a), in the released or natural state, the protective material 21 extends from the leg portion 5 and the arm portion 8, a first bent portion 27 is formed that protrudes outward from the side, and has a cross-sectional shape that is roughly a diamond-shaped frame.

That is, the protective material 21 has a shape of a diamond-shaped frame in cross section with a width (protruding width) W smaller than the height (depth) H, and one corner with a small inner angle is open or can be opened and closed. The first bent portion 27 has a pair of legs 5 that extend from a pair of free ends (opening ends or introduction parts) 2 that form the insertion port (opening) 1h in a direction away from each other (widening direction) at an incline in a substantially linear manner, a pair of arms 8 that extend from the second bent portion 10 in a direction away from each other (widening direction) at an incline in a substantially linear manner, and a second bent portion 10 in which the pair of arms 8 join together and protrude outward (outside direction) to the side in a V-shaped cross section (substantially triangular mountain shape). That is, the first bent portion 27 has an inner wall that extends linearly without forming the first curved wall 7a (first curved inner wall 7d) and the second curved wall 7b (second curved inner wall 7e) in the first embodiment.

The leg 5 is formed to extend in a substantially linear manner from the first bend 27 toward the free or open end 2 toward the imaginary line X, and the arm 8 is formed to extend in a substantially linear manner from the second bend 10 toward the first bend 7 toward the imaginary line X. The protrusion (retaining portion) 6 is formed to bulge in an arc shape on the outside of the free or open end 2 of the leg 5.

Even with the protective material 21 according to the third embodiment, the introduction section 2 can be expanded and easily attached to the protected material P. In addition, since the width (protruding width) W of the protective material 21 is smaller than the height (depth) H, when the protective material 21 is attached to the protected material P (deformed state), the first bent portion 27 of the protective material 21 can be prevented from protruding significantly to the side from the protected material P, improving the ease of loading and unloading.

As shown in FIG. 8(b), the protrusion (fastening portion) 6 at the free or open end 2 of the leg 5 may be formed to bulge inward in an arc shape, as in the first and second embodiments.

The protective material (curing material) according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 8 (b), and the present disclosure has a movable part (a movable clamping part formed by the pair of legs, at least a pair of first bent parts, and a pair of arms) that can be expanded or rotated with the second bent part as a fulcrum, and at least a part of the protected material is accommodated in a protective space (within the protective part formed by the second bent parts and the movable part) and the protected material is clamped or sandwiched to protect it. In other words, the protective material (curing material) according to the present disclosure can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the shapes, dimensions, materials, etc. shown in the above embodiment are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present disclosure.

For example, the pair of legs may extend from a pair of free ends (openings or introduction parts) that form an insertion port (opening) through which the protected material can be inserted to a first bent part and be expandable. In other words, the pair of legs may extend from a first bent part, form the insertion port (an introduction part that can form an opening) with a pair of free ends, and be expandable. The pair of legs may be expandable or rotatable about at least the first bent part as a fulcrum, and may be expandable or rotatable in a multi-joint manner about the first bent part and the second bent part as fulcrums. The pair of free ends located at the ends of the pair of legs do not need to be separated from each other, and may be in contact with each other.

As described above, the pair of legs 5 may extend from a pair of free ends (opening ends or introduction parts) that form the insertion opening in a direction away from each other (widening direction) to the first bent part; they may extend parallel to each other (approximately parallel to the virtual line X) to the first bent part; at least one of the legs 5 may be inclined in a direction widening from the free or open end 2 to the first bent part. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the pair of legs (particularly both legs) extends from the pair of free ends (opening ends or introduction parts) that form the insertion opening in a direction away from each other (widening direction) to the first bent part. In other words, the pair of legs may extend in a direction approaching each other (narrowing direction) as they move from the first bent part toward the opening, and reach the free end to form the insertion opening (opening end or introduction part).

The pair of legs may be formed in a straight or curved shape, and the curved legs may be formed in a curved shape that bulges outwardly (outwardly) or inwardly (inwardly) (e.g., slightly bulges and curves, such as in an arch shape). In a preferred embodiment, the pair of legs may be formed in a straight or curved shape that bulges outwardly. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, in the first embodiment and its modified examples, the pair of legs 35 may be formed in a curved (or arched) shape that bulges outwardly (away from each other) from the first bent portion 37 having the apex or top 37t toward the free or open end 2, and is narrowed at the free or open end 2 (or the insertion opening 1h is closed at the free or open end 2). In this type of protective material 31, particularly in a configuration in which the pair of legs narrow at the free or open end and bulge outwardly to the side (or in an arched configuration), the clamping pressure can be concentrated at the free or open end 2, greatly improving the clamping force (gripping force) at the free or open end 2. The pair of legs 35 have curved, inclined inner walls 35a.

Furthermore, the pair of arms 38 may also be formed in a curved shape that does not extend linearly from the second bend 10, but bulges outwardly (away from each other) as it moves from the second bend 10 to the first bend 37. By forming the pair of arms 38 in a curved shape, the clamping force (gripping force) at the pair of arms 38 and the free or open end 2 can be improved. Therefore, by combining the pair of legs 35 and the pair of arms 38, the clamping force can be effectively concentrated on the free or open end 2 of the protective material 31, and the clamping force (clamping force) at the free or open end 2 can be greatly improved. The pair of arms 38 have a curved arm inclined wall (arm inclined inner wall 38a).

It is not necessary to curve (or arch) both the pair of legs 35 and the pair of arms 38, but at least one movable portion of the pair of legs 35 and the pair of arms 38, particularly at least one pair of legs 35, or even at least one leg of the pair of legs 35, may be curved (or arched). The pair of arms 38 may be curved and bulged outward (away from each other) and formed in an arch shape that narrows at the first bend 37.

In addition, it is not necessary to form a protrusion (fastening portion) on the leg. In addition, the protrusion may be formed on at least one of the legs, or on both of the pair of legs. The protrusion does not need to be formed on the free end (open end) of the leg, but may be formed in a portion that can come into contact with the protected material. The protrusion may be formed on at least one of the free ends of the leg, and is usually often formed on the pair of free ends (open ends or introduction portions) of the leg. The protrusion may be formed in a form that protrudes or bulges on the inside and/or outside of the leg (particularly the pair of free ends or the insertion opening). The protrusion can be formed in a form that can come into contact with the protected material, and the protrusion (fastening portion) does not need to be in a cross-sectional arc shape, but may be in a polygonal shape (rectangular shape) such as a triangular cross-sectional shape that can come into contact with or clamp the protected material at the tip (free end).

The first bend (first fulcrum or inflection) may have a bent or curved shape that protrudes or bulges outwardly to the side from a pair of legs (and/or arms), and the first bend (first fulcrum or inflection) may protrude or bulge from the pair of legs (and/or arms) in a diagonally downward direction, diagonally upward direction, or in particular in a lateral direction (a direction intersecting with the imaginary line X (or center line) (a direction intersecting diagonally or perpendicularly)). The first bend may have a curved wall that extends in an arc-shaped curve outwardly to the side as it approaches the pair of legs and the pair of arms, and a bent apex wall that extends from the curved wall and bends or curves to join. It may also have a curved wall, an inclined wall that extends from the curved wall, and a bent apex wall that is bent or curved from the inclined wall. The curved walls (first curved wall and second curved wall) may be positioned opposite or facing each other (opposing or facing in a direction intersecting (particularly, perpendicular to) the imaginary line X), and the two opposing curved walls may be curved in a direction away from the imaginary line X (outward to the side) as they approach each other from the leg and arm portions.

The first bend (fulcrum) is usually V-shaped or U-shaped in cross section, but may also be U-shaped in cross section, or may have a constricted base of the curve (two curved parts) of the leg and arm, protruding or bulging outward to the side (in a direction intersecting (or perpendicular to) the imaginary line X).

The protective material (curing material) has at least a pair of first bent parts (first fulcrum parts or inflection parts). Each movable part (expanding or clamping part formed by the leg part, the first bent part, and the arm part) extending from the second bent part may have at least one first bent part, and may have multiple first bent parts, for example, about 2 to 5 (for example, 2 to 3), depending on the shape of the protected material P. In other words, at least one first bent part may be interposed between the leg part and the arm part, and multiple first bent parts connected via connecting parts may be interposed as necessary. In a preferred embodiment, each movable part has one first bent part. Note that in the protective material (curing material) and the movable part, the first bent parts do not necessarily need to be located on both sides facing each other, and may be located on both sides with a position shift in the height (depth or depth) H direction.

The pair of arms may extend from the first bent portion to form a second bent portion, and may be expandable with at least the second bent portion as a fulcrum. As described above, the pair of arms may be inclined in a direction expanding from the second bent portion toward the opening; may extend substantially parallel to each other (substantially parallel to the virtual line X); or at least one of the arms may be inclined in a direction approaching each other (converging direction or narrowing direction) as it moves from the first bent portion toward the second bent portion. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the pair of arms (particularly both arms) may extend in a direction approaching each other (narrowing direction) as it moves from the first bent portion toward the second bent portion. In other words, the pair of arms may be formed extending from the second bent portion in a direction away from each other (expanding direction) (i.e., a direction away from each other (expanding direction) as it moves toward the first bent portion).

The pair of arms may be formed in a straight or curved shape, similar to the pair of legs, and the curved arm may be curved in a shape that bulges outward (toward the outside) or inward (toward the inside) of the side (e.g., a slightly bulging shape such as an arch). In a preferred embodiment, the pair of arms may be formed in a straight or curved shape that bulges outward and curves.

The arm portion may be capable of opening or rotating about at least the second bent portion as a fulcrum, or may be capable of opening or rotating about the second bent portion and the first bent portion as fulcrums. In other words, the pair of legs and the arm portion may each be capable of opening or rotating about the first bent portion as a fulcrum.

The second bend (second fulcrum or inflection) can be formed by a joined arm (for example, an arm extending in a direction converging from the first bend) and joined to the first bend, and the second bend does not necessarily need to be located opposite the insertion opening (the opening or introduction portion formed by the free ends of the pair of legs), and may be located away from the opposing position to the insertion opening (the opening or introduction portion) in the lateral direction. In a preferred embodiment, the second bend can be formed by protruding or bulging outward (in the direction of the imaginary line X) opposite the insertion opening. The second bend, like the first bend, is not limited to a V-shaped or U-shaped cross section, and may protrude or bulge outward in a U-shaped cross section or with a constricted protruding or curved base.

Furthermore, the configurations or elements of the first to third embodiments may be combined as appropriate. For example, the first curved wall 7a (first curved inner wall 7d) in the first embodiment may be combined with the second curved wall 17b (second curved inner wall 17e) in the second embodiment to form the first curved inner wall 7d and the second curved inner wall 17e with different radii of curvature.

The protective material (curing material) and the movable part do not need to be symmetrical (line-symmetrical) about the imaginary line X connecting the insertion opening (opening or introduction part) formed by the free ends of the pair of legs and the second bend part, and may be asymmetrical.

For example, in the first embodiment, the protective material is not limited to a shape in which the virtual line X is substantially perpendicular to the introduction surface 1S (e.g., a line-symmetric shape), but may also be a shape in which the virtual line X is inclined (e.g., slightly inclined) with respect to the introduction surface 1S (e.g., an asymmetric shape). Specifically, the second bent portion may be displaced in the lateral direction from the central axis (virtual line X) of the protective material, and one arm portion may be longer than the other arm portion.

The asymmetric protective material may also have a configuration in which the center line is away from the imaginary line X, for example, in a pair of opposing walls (movable parts) extending from the second bend, one of the pair of bends is positioned laterally outward relative to the other bend (a configuration in which the position is shifted laterally outward (in the width (protruding width) W direction) from the imaginary line X), or one opposing wall (movable part) is positioned laterally outward relative to the other opposing wall (movable part) (a configuration in which the position is shifted laterally outward (in the width (protruding width) W direction) from the imaginary line X).

Furthermore, in an asymmetric protective material, the length of the pair of legs, the length of the pair of arms, the position and bending or curvature of the pair of bending portions, and/or the bending or curvature of the wall portion forming the second bending portion may be different. Furthermore, in an asymmetric protective material, the inclination angle or curvature of at least one of the pair of legs and/or at least one of the pair of arms may be different, and at least one of the legs and/or at least one of the arms may be deformed.

In a preferred embodiment, when the virtual line X is used as a reference, the protective material may have a shape that is approximately symmetrical about the virtual line X (center line) (for example, a shape that is linearly symmetrical about the virtual line X as an axis of symmetry). In addition, the protective material may have a shape in which the distance between the pair of free ends of the legs that form the insertion opening and the second bent portion is equal to or greater than the distance between the first bent portions. Specifically, the protective material has a shape that is approximately a rectangular or diamond-shaped frame in cross section.

A typical protective material (or curing material) may have a roughly rectangular or diamond-shaped cross-section with one corner that can be opened or closed (the insertion opening (introduction section) can be formed by a pair of free ends), and both sides of the openable corner may form a pair of expandable legs (or clamping sections). In particular, the protective material may have a roughly diamond-shaped cross-section with one corner with a small internal angle that forms a free or open end (insertion section or introduction section) that can be opened or closed, a first bend section formed at the corner section adjacent to the openable corner section, and a second bend section formed at the corner section opposite the openable corner section.

Protective materials having an approximately rectangular cross section also include protective materials having an approximately diamond-shaped cross section, and may have a square, rectangular, trapezoidal, diamond, parallelogram, or other cross-sectional shape. A preferred protective material may have a diamond-shaped cross section.

The protective material is not limited to a long component, but can be selected according to the protected material P (protected area or protected area R), and may be short.

The movable parts (arms, first bends, and legs) excluding the protrusions (fastening parts) may be formed with approximately the same thickness T, and from the viewpoint of shape recovery force and wearability, the thickness T may be, for example, about 3 to 20 mm, preferably 5 to 15 mm, more preferably 6 to 12 mm, and particularly 5 to 10 mm (for example, 7 to 9 mm) depending on the application. If the thickness T is too small, the shape recovery force (clamping force) may decrease, the holding force for holding the protected material P may decrease, and the bending rigidity may decrease. On the other hand, if the thickness T is too large, the bending rigidity may become too large, and the efficiency of the installation or mounting work may decrease.

In the protective material, the width (protruding width) W and height (depth or depth) H can be selected in consideration of the dimensions and shape of the protected range or protected part R (or the protected material P) in terms of ease of attachment and detachment to the protected material P, according to the form of the protected material P. The ratio (H/W) of the height (depth) H to the width (protruding width) W may be, for example, 0.5/1 to 10/1 (e.g., 0.7/1 to 8/1), preferably 1/1 to 6/1 (e.g., 1.5/1 to 5/1), more preferably about 2/1 to 4/1, or may be about 1/1 to 2/1. A protective material whose width (protruding width) W is equal to or smaller than the height (depth) H (a protective material with width (protruding width) W≦height (depth) H) can be suitably used for a protected material P with a relatively small thickness PD, such as a door, and can protect the protected part (protected range) R of the protected material P in a state of being wrapped around it. Furthermore, if the width (projecting width) W of the protective material is made smaller than the height (depth) H, the volume can be reduced, which is advantageous in reducing transportation and storage costs. The ratio (H/W) of the height (depth) H to the width (projecting width) W may be, for example, 0.1/1 to 2/1 (e.g., 0.15/1 to 1.5/1), preferably 0.17/1 to 1/1 (e.g., 0.2/1 to 0.7/1), more preferably about 0.25/1 to 0.5/1, or about 0.5/1 to 1/1. A protective material having a small ratio (H/W) (e.g., a relatively wide protective material) can effectively protect the protected portion (protected range) R of the protected material P in a state where it is wrapped around the protected portion, even if the protected material P has a wide member attached to the inserted portion or a wide portion formed therein (e.g., a double-door door with a handle, lever, etc. attached).

The width (insertion width) of the protective portion R may be selected from a range of about 90% or less (e.g., 30-90%, preferably 50-85%, more preferably 60-80%) of the height (depth) H of the protective material, and the thickness PD of the protective portion R may be selected from a range of about 100% or less (e.g., 10-80%, preferably 20-70%, more preferably 30-60%) of the width (protruding width) W of the protective material. The height (depth) H of the protective material may be, for example, about 100-250 mm (e.g., 100-150 mm, specifically 120 mm), and the width (protruding width) W of the protective material may be, for example, about 60-250 mm (e.g., 60-100 mm, specifically 85 mm). The height (depth) H of the protective material may be, for example, about 100 to 150 mm (e.g., 120 mm), and the width (protruding width) W of the protective material may be, for example, about 60 to 100 mm (e.g., 85 mm). The dimensions of the protective material (particularly the height (depth) H) can be selected according to the holding force on the protected material P.

If the dimensions of the protective material (width (protruding width) W and/or height (depth or depth) H) are too large relative to the dimensions of the protected area R (thickness PD and/or width), the retention of the protective material on the protected material P may decrease, leading to the risk of it becoming detached. If they are too small, the attachment of the protective material to the protected area R may decrease.

The thickness PD of the protected material P may be, for example, 5 to 110 mm, preferably 10 to 100 mm, more preferably 20 to 90 mm, and particularly 30 to 80 mm, or may be about 50 to 70 mm (for example, 60 mm).

In the present disclosure, the protective material is used, and the material to be protected can be attached to the protective material through a pair of free ends (or insertion openings) of the protective material (or by opening the pair of free ends), thereby effectively protecting the material to be protected. In particular, the clamping function is enhanced, and the protective material can be easily attached in a one-touch manner without using adhesive tape, and the material to be protected can be cured and protected by gripping or clamping the material to be protected.

In the above explanation, the open ends of the pair of legs are described as the insertion opening for the protective material, but the free ends (insertion openings) of the pair of legs of the protective material may form an insertion portion that can be inserted or attached between the protected materials. In other words, the insertion opening (pair of free ends) of the protective material can be read as an insertion portion that can be inserted between the protected materials. In this embodiment, the second bent portion, preferably the insertion portion (pair of free ends), can be inserted between the protected materials, leading the way, and by interposing at least a part of the protective material between the protected materials, the protected materials can be protected.

[Method of manufacturing protective material]
The protective material 1 can be produced by a conventional method, for example, by extruding a foamable resin composition and cooling it with a sizing die. For the production method of the protective material 1, for example, JP-A-2000-274081 and the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 can be referred to.

[Resin composition]
The resin composition contains a base resin, and may contain a foaming agent, a cell regulator, a shrinkage inhibitor, and additives as necessary.

The base resin may be, for example, an olefin resin, a styrene resin, a vinyl chloride resin, a vinyl acetate resin, a polyvinyl alcohol resin, an acrylic resin, a polyacetal resin, a polyester resin, a polycarbonate resin, a polyamide resin, or a thermoplastic elastomer containing a component of these resins. These resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

The base resin is preferably an olefin resin (e.g., polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, etc.), a styrene resin (e.g., polystyrene, etc.), or a thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., olefin thermoplastic elastomer, styrene thermoplastic elastomer, etc.), and from the viewpoint of excellent mechanical properties such as impact absorption capacity and shape recovery performance, an olefin resin is particularly preferable.

Examples of olefin resins include polyethylene (polyethylenes such as high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and linear low-density polyethylene), polypropylene, and α-C _2-4 linear olefin homopolymers or copolymers such as ethylene-propylene copolymers, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA resins). Polyethylene resins such as high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and linear low-density polyethylene are commonly used.

Examples of foaming agents include conventional foaming agents such as decomposable foaming agents (chemical foaming agents) and volatile foaming agents (physical foaming agents). The foaming agent may be a decomposable foaming agent, but a volatile foaming agent is preferred from the viewpoint of easily increasing the foaming ratio.

Examples of volatile blowing agents include inorganic blowing agents (nitrogen, carbon dioxide, oxygen, air, water, etc.) and organic blowing agents (aliphatic hydrocarbons, alicyclic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, fluorinated hydrocarbons, alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, etc.). As volatile blowing agents, lower aliphatic hydrocarbons such as butane (n-butane or isobutane) and pentane (n-pentane, isopentane, etc.) are preferred because they are less toxic and inexpensive.

The proportion of the foaming agent is, for example, about 0.01 to 30 parts by mass, preferably 0.1 to 25 parts by mass, more preferably 1 to 20 parts by mass, and particularly preferably 5 to 15 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the base resin.

Examples of the air bubble regulator include silicon compounds (talc, silica, zeolite, etc.), inorganic acid salts (carbonates or bicarbonates such as sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, etc.), organic acids or their salts (citric acid, sodium citrate, calcium stearate, aluminum stearate, zinc stearate, etc.), metal oxides (zinc oxide, titanium oxide, aluminum oxide, etc.), metal hydroxides (aluminum hydroxide, etc.), etc. These air bubble regulators may be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

The proportion of the bubble regulator is, for example, about 0.01 to 50 parts by mass, preferably 0.05 to 25 parts by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 20 parts by mass, and particularly preferably 0.5 to 10 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the base resin.

Examples of shrinkage inhibitors include fatty acid esters (esters of _C8-24 fatty acids and polyhydric alcohols, such as palmitic acid mono- to triglyceride, stearic acid mono- to triglyceride, etc.), fatty acid amides (C8-24 fatty acid amides, such as palmitic acid amide, _stearic acid amide, etc.), etc. These shrinkage inhibitors can be used alone or in combination of two or more kinds.

The proportion of the shrinkage inhibitor is, for example, about 0.01 to 30 parts by mass, preferably 0.05 to 20 parts by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 10 parts by mass, and particularly preferably 1 to 5 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the base resin.

Examples of additives include colorants (dyes, pigments, etc.), surface smoothing agents, stabilizers (antioxidants, heat stabilizers, UV absorbers, etc.), viscosity regulators, compatibilizers, dispersants, antistatic agents, antiblocking agents, antifogging agents, fillers (calcium carbonate, carbon fiber, etc.), slip agents, release agents, lubricants, impact modifiers, plasticizers, flame retardants, biocides (bactericides, bacteriostatic agents, antifungal agents, preservatives, insect repellents, etc.), deodorants, etc. These additives can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

The expansion ratio of the resin foam can be selected, for example, from the range of about 10 to 80 times, preferably 15 to 60 times, and more preferably 20 to 40 times. If the expansion ratio is too low, the impact absorption capacity decreases, and if the expansion ratio is too high, the shape recovery capacity decreases. Therefore, the expansion ratio is set taking into consideration the balance between the impact absorption capacity and the retention capacity to hold the protected material P.

The average bubble diameter of the resin foam is, for example, about 0.2 to 3 mm (e.g., 0.3 to 2 mm), preferably 0.4 to 1.8 mm, more preferably 0.5 to 1.5 mm, and particularly preferably 0.8 to 1.3 mm. If the average bubble diameter is too low, it becomes difficult to increase the expansion ratio, and if it is too large, the surface smoothness and mechanical properties decrease.

The cell structure of the resin foam may be an open cell structure, but preferably includes at least a closed cell structure, with closed cells being particularly preferred. The ratio of closed cells to the total number of cells (the sum of open and closed cells) is, for example, about 85 to 100%, preferably 90 to 100% (e.g., 90 to 99%), more preferably 93 to 100%, and particularly preferably 93 to 99%.

In a preferred embodiment, the resin foam may be formed from a closed-cell foam containing at least an olefin-based resin (e.g., an ethylene-based resin).

The weight of the resin foam may be, for example, 30 to 200 g/m, preferably 50 to 150 g/m, and more preferably about 70 to 100 g/m. As the weight increases, the rigidity and elasticity increase, and the holding force (clamping force) also increases.

Each aspect disclosed herein may be combined with any other feature disclosed herein.

The present invention will be described below based on examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

Examples 1 to 10
In accordance with the examples of JP 2000-274081 A, 20 parts by mass of a hydrocarbon-based low-boiling point foaming agent was used as a foaming agent, and the resin composition having the above composition was foamed and extruded, followed by cooling with a sizing die, to produce a plurality of samples (protective materials) having the form shown in FIG. 2 .

(Resin composition)
Low-density polyethylene (Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., "F101") 100 parts by mass Cell regulator (Nippon Talc Co., Ltd., "Microace K-1") 1.0 part by mass Shrinkage inhibitor (Nippon Boehringer AG, "ACTIV325") 3.2 parts by mass

The density (apparent density), basis weight, and expansion ratio of each sample were measured in accordance with JIS K 6767, and various dimensional sizes were also measured. The holding power of each sample was also measured as follows.

[Apparent density]
The apparent density was measured by the underwater displacement method, that is, the apparent density was calculated based on the weight (g) of the foam in air and the weight (g) of the foam in water according to the following formula:

Apparent density ρf (g/cm ³ )=A/(A−B)×(ρw−d)+d
(In the formula, A is the weight of the sample in air (g), B is the weight of the sample in water (g), ρw is the density of water (g/cm ³ ), and d is the density of air (g/cm ³ )).

[Weight]
The basis weight was calculated based on the weight (g) of the sample in air and its dimensional size.

[Expansion ratio]
The expansion ratio was calculated by measuring the apparent density ρf (g/cm ³ ) of the foam and using the following formula.

Expansion ratio (times) = ρ/ρf
(wherein ρ represents the resin density (g/cm ³ ) before foaming).

[Holding power]
10(a) and 10(b) are diagrams for explaining a method for measuring the holding force. Note that Fig. 10(b) is a diagram showing a state in which the wood JW and the measuring jig JM shown in Fig. 10(a) are sandwiched between samples JS, and the table JD is omitted.

As shown in Figures 10(a) and 10(b), the holding force of each sample JS was measured using wood JW (length 1 m) and measuring jig JM (Tanita analog scale; width 11.0 cm, length 10.3 cm, height 3.7 cm, weight 335 g). First, the wood JW was fixed to the table JD with its tip protruding from the table JD by a length of more than 1 m, and the measuring jig JM was attached above the notch at the tip of the wood JW. At the attachment end of the measuring jig JM, the total thickness of the wood JW and the measuring jig JM was 3.5 sun (105 mm). Next, the sample JS was attached by sandwiching the wood JW and the measuring jig JM between the sample JS cut to a length of 1 m. After leaving it for 10 minutes, the value (g) indicated by the measuring jig JM was read and recorded as the holding force.

The results are shown in Table 1. In Table 1, the inner circumference length (TD length) indicates the length of the inner circumference from the tip of one leg (projection 6) to the tip of the other leg (projection 6).

From the results in Table 1, each sample has a holding force that allows it to be attached to the material being protected. Furthermore, as the basis weight increases, the rigidity and elasticity increase, and there is a tendency for the holding force to also increase. For example, when comparing Example 2 and Example 4, when the basis weight (product weight) increases by 13% by weight, the holding force improves by 23%.

The protective material (or curing material) of the present disclosure formed from a resin foam can be used to contain and protect at least a part of the protected material, and can be used to protect materials such as building materials (members forming architectural structures), sports equipment, leisure equipment, furniture, electrical or electronic equipment, and/or household appliances. The protective material of the present disclosure (e.g., a protective material having a diamond-shaped cross section) is useful for protecting a protected material having uneven parts (including a protected material having a complex shape) and a relatively thin protected material in a form in which at least a part of the protected material is wrapped, and the protected material may be protected in a form in which almost the entire protected material is wrapped. For example, the protected material may be attached to the protective material through an insertion port of the protective material, and the protected material may be protected in a form in which at least a part of the protected material is wrapped. The material to be protected may be, for example, building materials with a relatively small thickness (doors, sliding doors, shoji screens, sliding doors, partitions, tables, tabletops, window components (sashes, etc.), rail components such as V-groove rails (for example, V-groove rails for transporting or transferring items using dollies at manufacturing and construction sites, threshold rails for opening and closing sliding doors, etc.); household or office items such as tables, tabletops, cutting boards, glass or ceramic dishes; sports equipment such as surfboards, stand-up paddle boards, skis, skates, snowboards, etc., particularly sports equipment with plate-shaped or edge parts (or blade parts) such as skis, skates, snowboards, etc.; leisure equipment such as tables, folding tables, folding chairs (camping equipment, outdoor equipment, etc.), etc.

At least a part of the protective material (or curing material) or cushioning material disclosed herein may be sandwiched between adjacent protected materials to protect the protected materials. The protective material (or curing material) may be inserted between the protected materials from the second bent portion side, or the protective material may be inserted from the insertion portion (pair of free ends) side to interpose the protective material (or curing material) between the protected materials. For example, the protective material or cushioning material may be sandwiched between the relatively thin protected materials to protect the protected materials. Depending on the size of the protected materials, at least one protective material may be interposed between adjacent protected materials, or multiple protective materials may be interposed at different positions or scattered. Even in such an embodiment, the protective material can be stably held between adjacent protected materials (items) by utilizing the repulsive forces of the leg portion, the first bent portion, the arm portion, and the second bent portion, and damage to the protected materials (items) can be prevented and cured. Adjacent protected materials (articles) may be adjacent in any direction, for example, vertically and/or horizontally.

Note that at least a part of the protective material (or curing material) may be interposed between the protected materials, and a pair of legs extending from the insertion portion (a pair of free ends) may be interposed, or the entire protective material may be interposed. For example, the interposition of the protective material may be such that a pair of legs are interposed (or inserted) with the first bent portion extending outward from between the protected materials, or a pair of legs and the first bent portion are interposed (or inserted) with the second bent portion extending outward from between the protected materials, or the entire protective material may be sandwiched between adjacent protected materials.

Furthermore, the form of protection can be selected according to the form of the protected material, and may be a combination of the wrapping form and the intervening form, and the protected materials may be members facing each other. For example, one protected material may be attached to the protective material through the insertion port of the protective material, wrapping at least a part of the protected material, and the second bent portion of the protective material wrapping the one protected material may be disposed toward the other protected material; or the wall portion of the protective material wrapping the one protected material may be disposed between the one protected material and the other protected material, thereby protecting both protected materials. For example, the rollers (or wheels) of a transport means such as a dolly may be inserted through the insertion port of the protective material and housed in the protective material for protection, and the second bent portion of the protective material housing the rollers (or wheels) may be disposed toward the groove portion of the V-groove rail, and the wall portion of the protective material or buffer material may be disposed between the rollers (or wheels) and the V-groove rail.

In this way, by using the protective material (or curing material) disclosed herein, damage to the material being protected can be prevented during transportation, moving, and the loading and unloading of furniture, home appliances, and other electrical appliances.

1, 11, 21, 31 ... protective material 1h ... insertion port 2 ... introduction part (free or open end)
Reference Signs List 3: Protective portion 4: Movable portion 5, 35: Leg portion 6: Convex portion 7, 17, 27, 37: First bent portion 7d, 17d: First curved inner wall 7e, 17e: Second curved inner wall 7t, 17t, 27t, 37t: Vertex 8, 38: Arm portion 10: Second bent portion P: Protected material S: Protected space X: Virtual line H: Height W: Width

Claims (11)

A protective material formed of a resin foam for protecting a protected material,
The device comprises a pair of legs extending from the pair of free ends and capable of spreading; a first bending portion bending or curving outwardly from the pair of legs and projecting or bulging outwardly; a pair of arms extending from the first bending portion and capable of spreading; and a second bending portion extending from the arms and joining them ,
A protective material , wherein the pair of leg portions, the pair of first bent portions, and the pair of arm portions form a movable portion that can be expanded or rotated with the second bent portion as a fulcrum . The protective material according to claim 1, comprising a pair of legs extending from the pair of free ends in directions away from each other to a first bent portion, and a pair of arms extending from the first bent portion in directions approaching each other to a second bent portion. The protective material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pair of legs are formed in a straight line or in a curved shape that bulges outward to the sides. The protective material according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first bent portion comprises curved walls that extend in an arc-shaped curve from the pair of legs and the pair of arms in the direction of approach, and a curved top wall that extends from the curved walls and bends or curves to join them. The protective material according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second bent portion is located opposite the free ends of the pair of legs and is bent or curved by protruding or bulging outwardly opposite the free ends of the pair of legs. A protective material according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which has a generally rectangular or rhomboidal cross section, one corner portion has an openable shape, both sides of the openable corner portion form the pair of expandable legs, two corner portions adjacent to the openable corner portion form the first bent portion, and a corner portion positioned opposite the openable corner portion forms the second bent portion. The protective material according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which has a generally rhombic frame-like cross section and has a shape in which one corner with a small internal angle can be opened. The protective material according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a protruding or bulging convex portion is formed on the inside and/or outside of the pair of free ends of the leg portion. The protective material according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the resin foam is a closed-cell foam containing at least an olefin-based resin. A method for protecting a protected material by attaching the protected material to the protective material through a pair of free ends of the protective material described in any one of claims 1 to 9. A method for protecting a material to be protected by interposing at least a portion of the protective material according to any one of claims 1 to 9 between the materials to be protected.

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