MASK

Abstract

MASK. The present invention relates to a mask comprising a mask body and ear materials, constituting a pair, coupled to the mask body, wherein, in a state prior to commencement of use, the ear materials constituting the pair are separately coupled to each other, and provided on one side of the outer surface of the mask body, each of the ear materials constituting the pair is provided with a flap portion projecting from an edge of the mask body in a plan view, and, at commencement of use, the ear materials constituting the pair are separated from each other by pinching and pulling the flap portion.

Description

1 / 26 DESCRIPTIVE REPORT “MASK” FIELD OF TECHNIQUE

[001] The present invention relates to a mask. BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNIQUE

[002] A known configuration of a mask to be worn on the face includes: a mask body that covers at least partially the face of a user; and ear materials (or ear hooks), constituting a pair, each being attached to the mask body, that is, a pair of elements that can be hung on the user's ears in order to hold the mask body in a predetermined position.

[003] In recent years, mask composition has been studied in various ways not only from the point of view of improving mask function and fit, but also from the point of view of ease of handling in manufacturing. For example, PTL 1 discloses a mask comprising a mask body part and ear hook parts connected to the mask body part, wherein the ear hook parts are connected to respective areas of the end part, and the ear hook parts connected to the respective areas of the end part of the body are configured to be accommodated in the external form of the mask body in a plan view of the mask, and the mask includes a connecting part that connects the ear hook parts to each other in the external form of the mask body. DOCUMENT OF RELATED TECHNIQUE PATENT LITERATURE

[004] PTL 1: Japanese Patent 5762803 SUMMARY PROBLEM OF THE TECHNIQUE

[005] When the mask revealed in PTL 1 is used, the two parts of the ear hook connected by the connecting part need to be separated from each other and Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, page 84 / 125 2 / 26 open laterally before putting on the mask, and the user usually holds and pulls the two parts of the ear hook with their right and left hands. In this case, in order to hold the ear hook part, it is necessary to insert a finger between the ear hook part and the body, hold the ear hook part between one finger and another finger, and lift the ear hook part. For example, the thumb is inserted between the ear hook part and the body, another finger is placed on the ear hook part, and the ear hook part is held between the thumb and another finger and lifted. Therefore, it is difficult to perform the operation of separating the ear hook parts without touching the body.Therefore, in a situation where hand hygiene cannot be adequately maintained, there is a possibility that mask hygiene may be compromised when the ear hook parts (or ear materials) of the mask are separated and opened laterally before putting on the mask.

[006] In view of the foregoing, it is an objective of one aspect of the present invention to provide a mask that can be worn in good sanitary conditions. SOLUTION OF THE TECHNIQUE

[007] One aspect of the present invention is a mask comprising a mask body and ear materials, constituting a pair, coupled to the mask body, wherein, in a state prior to commencement of use, the ear materials constituting the pair are separately coupled to each other, and provided on one side of the outer surface of the mask body, each of the ear materials constituting the pair is provided with a flap portion projecting from an edge of the mask body in a plan view, and, at commencement of use, the ear materials constituting the pair are separated from each other by pinching and pulling the flap portion. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a mask that can be worn in good sanitary conditions can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, p. 85 / 125 3 / 26

[009] Figure 1 is a plan view of a mask according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the outside.

[010] Figure 2 is a plan view of the mask illustrated in figure 1, as seen from the inside (face side).

[011] Figure 3 is a view to explain an example of the use of the mask illustrated in Figure 1.

[012] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in figure 3.

[013] Figure 5 is a plan view of the mask illustrated in Figure 3 after the ear materials, constituting the pair, have been opened laterally.

[014] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in figure 5.

[015] Figure 7 is an enlarged plan view of the ear materials.

[016] Figure 8 is a view illustrating a modified embodiment of the flap parts of ear materials.

[017] Figure 9 is a view illustrating a modified embodiment of one of the ear materials.

[018] Figure 10 is an enlarged plan view and a cross-sectional view of a part provided with an auxiliary material in a state prior to the start of mask use according to a modified embodiment of the present embodiment.

[019] Figure 11 is an enlarged plan view and a cross-sectional view of a part provided with an auxiliary material after the ear materials have been opened laterally. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[020] The following embodiments of the present invention are described in detail in relation to the drawings. In each of the drawings, unless otherwise explained, the same or corresponding components may be denoted with the same reference numbers and their description may be omitted. The drawings are schematic to aid in understanding the invention. Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, p. 86 / 125 4 / 26 (BASIC MASK SETUP)

[021] A mask according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a mask capable of covering a user's face, more specifically, covering at least a user's nose and mouth. The mask according to this embodiment may have a function of preventing external matter from reaching the face and preventing droplets generated by the user from being spread, and is also referred to as a sanitary mask or surgical mask. The mask may be disposable or reusable by washing.

[022] Figure 1 is a plan view of a mask 100 according to the present embodiment. Figure 1 is a view of the mask, as seen from the outside, that is, the side exposed outwards and facing away from the face when the mask 100 is worn. Figure 2 is a plan view of the mask, as seen from the inside (face side).

[023] As illustrated in Figure 1, the mask 100 according to the present embodiment includes: a mask body 10 that is positioned in front of the user's face when the mask is worn and may, primarily, cover the user's nose and mouth; and ear materials 20, 20, constituting the pair, coupled to the mask body 10. The mask body 10 has a vertical direction D1 corresponding to the height direction of the user's face when wearing the mask and a horizontal direction D2 orthogonal to the vertical direction D1. In the form of Figure 1, the mask body 10 has a rectangular shape in a plan view with long sides in the horizontal direction D2, but the shape of the mask body 10 in a plan view is not limited to the shape illustrated in the drawings.

[024] As illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the mask body 10 has a pleated structure 15 formed by multiple pleats arranged side by side in the vertical direction D1. The pleats of the pleated structure 15 are formed by folding a sheet constituting the body 10 along fold lines in the horizontal direction D2. In a state where multiple pleats are formed, the lateral parts (the ends in the horizontal direction D2) of the mask body 10 are joined and Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, p. 87 / 125 5 / 26 fixed. Therefore, when mask 100 is used, the folds of the pleated structure 15 are extended in the vertical direction D1, so that the center in the horizontal direction D2 is curved to project to the side of the outer surface of mask 100 and can be deformed into a shape adapted to the three-dimensional shape of the face. The specific configuration of the pleated structure 15 is not particularly limited and can be a conventional configuration used for a mask body.

[025] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the ear materials 20, 20, constituting the pair, are arranged on the outer surface side of the body 10. As illustrated in Figure 1, each ear member 20 may be in an annular shape (or in a closed strap shape) in a plan view, or may have a shape that includes an annular space. When worn, the ear materials 20 may be hung on the ears by allowing the user's ears to enter the interior of the ring of each ear material 20, i.e., an opening 29 in the center of each ear material 20. In the examples illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the ear materials 20 are formed from a rectangular annular sheet as a whole.Since the ear materials 20 are in the form of a sheet, when the ear materials 20 are hung in the ears while being worn, the ear materials can be placed in contact with the back of the ears through surface contact, which reduces discomfort and pain.

[026] The ear materials 20, 20, constituting the pair, can be configured as a continuous sheet separately coupled to each other at the center in the horizontal direction D2. The type of coupling in a separable coupling part 28 between the ear materials 20, 20, constituting the pair, is not particularly limited, but is preferably separable by pulling with a force usual to the user. For example, the same can be formed as perforations, in the manner illustrated in figure 1. The coupling part 28 can also be formed by reducing the thickness of the sheet or by other means to weaken the edge between the ear materials 20, 20, constituting the pair, or to increase stress. Alternatively, the ear materials 20, 20, constituting the pair, can be formed independently of each other. Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, page 88 / 125 6 / 26 others, slightly overlapping in the center in the horizontal direction D2, and separately coupled by an adhesive, heat seal or similar to form the coupling part 28.

[027] The mask body 10 may have a multilayered structure formed by the lamination of multiple layers. For example, the structure may include at least three layers sandwiched between an outer layer and an inner layer of an intermediate layer with an enhanced function of collecting external matter (dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses and the like). Each layer constituting the body 10 preferably includes a layer containing fiber, such as a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric and the like, and more preferably includes a nonwoven fabric. Examples of nonwoven fabric include a continuous filament nonwoven fabric, a hydroentanglement nonwoven fabric, a blow-spun nonwoven fabric, an airflow nonwoven fabric, a point-link nonwoven fabric and the like. A blow-spun nonwoven fabric that may contain fine fibers is preferably used for the intermediate layer.The fibers constituting the fiber-containing layer are preferably resin fibers, and the resin types of the resin fibers include polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(ethylene terephthalate), nylon, and the like. The base weight of the outer and inner layers can be 10 to 50 g / m2, preferably 15 to 50 g / m2. The base weight of the intermediate layer with a high external matter collection property is preferably 10 to 100 g / m2 and more preferably 15 to 50 g / m2.

[028] Ear materials 20 may be formed from a material with stretchability, preferably a material with higher stretchability than the body 10. The ear material 20 may have stretchability at least in the horizontal direction D2, and may have stretchability in both the vertical direction D1 and the horizontal direction D2. The stretchability in the vertical direction D1 and the stretchability in the horizontal direction D2 may be equal to or different from each other. When the stretchability in the vertical direction D1 is different from the stretchability in the horizontal direction D2, it is preferable that the stretchability in the horizontal direction D2 be higher than the stretchability in the horizontal direction D1. Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, page 89 / 125 7 / 26 vertical D1. When worn, the ear materials 20 hang from the user's ears and are pulled primarily in the horizontal direction D2. Therefore, by having stretchability at least in the horizontal direction D2, the body 10 can be better positioned and fixed in front of the face, and the load of the ear materials 20 applied to the ears can be reduced.

[029] Ear material 20 may include a sheet containing stretchable fiber and / or may include a stretchable or elastic film. The fiber-containing sheet includes a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric and the like, and among these, a nonwoven fabric is preferably used by virtue of its good feel and breathability. Examples of nonwoven fabric include an airflow nonwoven fabric, a continuous filament nonwoven fabric, a hydroentanglement nonwoven fabric, a needle-punched nonwoven fabric, a chemically bonded nonwoven fabric and the like. The fibers contained in the nonwoven fabric are preferably resin fibers, and the resin types of the resin fibers include polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(ethylene terephthalate), nylon and the like.

[030] For example, ear materials 20 may contain a single layer of stretchable fiber sheet or exposed stretch film, or may consist of multiple layers of stretchable fiber sheets and / or stretch films laminated together. The stretchable fiber sheet or film may be combined with a non-stretchable sheet. The stretchable fiber sheet or film may be sandwiched and bonded with non-stretchable sheets in a stretched state. When the stretchable fiber sheet has stretchability, the stretchability may be exhibited by the stretchable fibers contained in the stretchable sheet, for example, by the material of the stretchable fibers or fibers that are crimped fibers. Alternatively, stretchability may be exhibited by a predetermined physical structure, for example, by having irregularities on the surface.Furthermore, earplug materials 20 can be formed by sandwiching a wire-type rubber with a sheet containing stretchable or non-stretchable fiber. Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, pp. 90 / 125 8 / 26 When the stretchability of the fiber-containing sheet is low or not provided, the fiber-containing sheets can be attached on both sides at the same time as the wire-type rubber is stretched.

[031] Specifically, ear materials 20 can be made of a single-layer nonwoven fabric, such as an airflow stretchable nonwoven fabric, a continuous filament stretchable nonwoven fabric, a hydroentangle stretchable nonwoven fabric, a needle-punched stretchable nonwoven fabric, a chemically bonded stretchable nonwoven fabric, or similar. Furthermore, a material including multiple layers of nonwoven fabric, such as continuous filament / blown spinning / continuous filament, can be used. Furthermore, a laminated sheet, such as a nonwoven fabric / stretch film or a nonwoven fabric / stretch film / nonwoven fabric (e.g., continuous filament / stretch film / continuous filament, airflow / stretch film / airflow and similar), can be used.When ear materials 20 are made of multiple layers, the layers can be bonded to each other with a stretchable or non-stretchable hot-melt nonwoven fabric (a nonwoven fabric whose fibers are softened or melted by heating and which can be bonded to other elements). The base weight of ear materials 20 can be 20 to 150 g / m2. Ear materials 20 can have a thickness of 100 to 3,000 μm.

[032] The earpieces 20, 20, constituting the pair, are coupled at respective lateral parts (end parts in the horizontal direction D2) of the outer surface of the body 10. Specifically, the outer parts of the earpieces 20, 20, constituting the pair, in the horizontal direction D2 are coupled to the body 10, and the other parts are not coupled to the body 10. When the mask 100 according to the present embodiment begins to be used, before the mask 100 is put on, the separable coupling between the earpieces 20, 20, constituting the pair, is released to separate the earpieces 20, 20 from each other (also referred to as the separation operation), and the parts of the earpieces 20, 20 that are not coupled to the body 10 are opened laterally in the horizontal direction D2. Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, pp. 91 / 125 9 / 26 (also referred to as an expansion operation). (OPERATION OF SEPARATION AND EXPANSION OF EAR MATERIAL)

[033] Figure 3 illustrates a state in which the mask 100 illustrated in Figure 1 is about to be used. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II of Figure 3. At the beginning of use, the user can pull the ear materials 20, 20, constituting the pair, in opposite directions by pinching or holding them with their respective hands, as illustrated in Figure 3. As a result, the separable coupling part 28 can be uncoupled first. If the coupling part 28 includes perforations formed along the edge line between the ear materials 20, 20, constituting the pair, the perforations can be broken to separate the ear materials 20, 20 along the edge line. Subsequently, the user can open the earpieces 20, 20, forming the pair, outwards in the horizontal direction D2 in the direction of the sides indicated by the arrows in figures 3 and 4, while holding them.

[034] Figure 5 illustrates a state in which the ear materials 20, 20, constituting the pair, are opened outwards in the horizontal direction D2 from the state illustrated in Figure 3. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of Figure 5. As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, when the ear materials 20, 20, constituting the pair, are opened, the ear materials 20, 20 are turned over, that is, the surface of the ear materials 20, 20 facing the body 10 in the state before the start of use is exposed. The ear materials 20, 20 are mainly arranged on the outer sides in the horizontal direction D2 of the body 10, and the entire outer surface of the body 10 is exposed. This operation of separating and expanding the ear materials is performed by preparation before donning the mask 100.Specifically, the user can either put the mask 100 on themselves or allow another person to put it on after the ear materials have been separated and expanded to the state illustrated in figures 5 and 6.

[035] As long as mask 100 is worn, that is, as long as the materials of Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, p. 92 / 125 10 / 26 earpieces 20, 20 are open laterally and hanging from the ears, the earpieces 20, 20 are pulled towards the user's ears, and in this way, the connecting parts of the earpieces 20, 20 with the body 10 are pressed towards the user's face. In the present embodiment, since the earpieces 20, 20, constituting the pair, are connected on both sides of the outer surface of the body 10, while the mask 100 is worn, parts of the earpieces 20 are arranged on the outer sides of both sides of the body 10 (figure 6), that is, both sides of the body 10 are arranged between the earpieces 20 and the user's face, so that both sides of the body 10 are pressed against the face by the earpieces 20.Thus, the gap between the body 10 and the face can be reduced on both sides of the mask body 10, and the function of the mask, for example, the function of blocking external matter, the function of preventing droplets generated by the user from being spread and the like, can be improved. Furthermore, the ear materials 20 are not arranged on the inner sides of both lateral parts (face side) of the body, and the ear materials 20 do not come into contact with the user's face on both lateral parts of the body 10 at the same time as they are worn, so that a better fit can be obtained.

[036] The body 10 can be formed with a mark 18 that allows the outer and inner surfaces of the body 10 to be distinguished from each other by engraving, printing, stitching or similar. The shape of the mark 18 is not limited, as long as it can be visually recognized by the user.As illustrated in Figure 1, the mark 18 can be letters, numbers, a symbol, a figure, a logo, or similar. (EAR MATERIALS AND EAR PARTS)

[037] The earpieces 20, 20, constituting the pair, are provided with tab parts 25, 25 which the user can hold when the earpieces 20, 20, constituting the pair, are separated from each other and opened outwards in the horizontal direction D2. The tab parts 25, 25 project from the edges of the body 10 in a plan view, and the user can perform the above-described separation operation. Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, page 93 / 125 11 / 26 of the ear materials 20, 20, forming the pair, one from the other and expanding the same laterally by holding the flap parts 25, 25.

[038] The flap parts 25, 25 project from the edge of the body 10 in a plan view, so that the user can pinch or hold the ear materials 20, 20, constituting the pair, in a position away from the body 10. Thus, the separation and / or expansion operation of the ear materials can be performed without touching the body 10, or the area where the user touches the body 10 can be reduced. Thus, the user can pinch the flap parts 25, 25 without touching the body or without considerably touching the body 10 in the preparation stage before putting on the mask. Likewise, the ear materials 20, 20, constituting the pair, can be separated and expanded without touching the body 10 or without considerably touching the body. Thus, even in a situation where the user cannot give sufficient consideration to hand hygiene, the mask 100 in good hygienic condition can be prepared.

[039] Furthermore, since the ear material 20 has tab parts 25, 25, the user can easily adjust the ear materials 20 by holding the tab parts 25, 2 when or after the ear materials 20 are hung on the user's ears. Specifically, the tab parts 25, 25 are secured and the ear materials 20 are moved in the circumferential direction of the ear materials 20 relative to the ears to adjust the positions, and the tension of the ear materials 20 can be adjusted by pulling the ear materials 20 towards the back and releasing them.

[040] In the mask 100 according to the present embodiment, the earpieces 20, 20, constituting the pair, are arranged on the outer surface side of the body 10. Specifically, the flap parts 25, 25 pinched by the user are also arranged on the outer surface side of the body 10. Depending on the circumstances in which the mask 100 is used and / or the user's operation, the user's hand may touch the body of the mask 10 when pinching the flap parts 25, 25, but the user's hand may still be limited to the outer surface of the body of the mask 10. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the contact Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, pp. 94 / 125 The 12 / 26 gap between the hand and the inner surface (the surface facing the user's face when the user puts on the mask), which is particularly required to maintain hygiene, can be eliminated or reduced, and therefore the hygiene of the mask can be guaranteed even if the user's hand touches the mask 100% during the preparation stage before putting on the mask.

[041] Figure 7 illustrates an enlarged plan view of one of the earpieces of the mask 100. As described above, the earpiece 20 is provided with the flap portion 25 projecting from the edge of the body 10 in a plan view. The size or similar of the flap portion 25 is not particularly limited, provided the user can pinch it with their fingers. However, the maximum length a in the vertical direction D1 of the portion of the flap portion 25 projecting from the edge of the body 10 is preferably 5 to 15 mm, more preferably 8 to 15 mm. In the example illustrated in Figure 7, the length a is a length in the vertical direction D1 from the edge of the body 10 to a vertex 25s of the projecting portion of the flap portion 25.When length a is in the exposed range, it is easy for the user to pinch the tab part 25, to reliably lift the ear material 20 and to separate the ear materials 20, 20 from each other, this does not impair the wearing of the mask 100, and the discomfort that the tab part 25 may cause by coming into contact with the face or ears while being worn can be reduced.

[042] The projecting part of the flap part 25 that projects from the edge of the body 10 in a plan view may have a projecting shape in a direction away from the body 10. In this case, the contour of the projecting part of the flap part 25 may be curved or straight. However, when the contour is curved, the angular part is reduced, so that the flap part 25 is less likely to tear, and discomfort does not occur noticeably when a hand or face comes into contact with the edge of the flap part 25 during manipulation of the mask 100 (this includes separating and expanding the ear materials 20, 20 and donning the mask 100).

[043] If the outline of the projecting part of the flange 25 is curved, the radius of curvature at vertex 25s of the projecting part can be 5 to 20 mm. When the radius of Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, pp. 95 / 125 13 / 26 curvature is in the exposed area, the shape of the 25 flap section is such that the user can easily pinch it with their fingers.

[044] The position of the tab part 25 is not particularly limited, and a length (in the example of figure 7, the length in the horizontal direction D2 to the vertex 25s of the projecting part of the tab part 25) b in the horizontal direction D2 from the edge of the mask 100 in the horizontal direction D2 to the position where the tab part 25 projects most is preferably 45 to 90%, and more preferably 65 to 80% in relation to a length c of 1 / 2 of the length in the horizontal direction D2 of the entire mask 100. In a case where the above-described length b is set at 45% or more in relation to the length c, the tab part 25 is prevented from being too far from the separable coupling part 28 between the ear materials 20, 20, and the ear materials 20, 20 are prevented from failing to be uniformly separated and expanded.In a case where the aforementioned length b is adjusted to 90% or less relative to length c, both hands do not come very close to each other and interfere with each other when the left and right flap parts 25, 25 are pinched by both hands.

[045] In some cases, the outline of the most projected part of the flap part does not have a vertex 25s and includes a part parallel to the edge of the body 10, that is, it includes a part with a constant distance from the edge of the body 10 (forms illustrated in figures 8 (a) and 9 described below). In this case, the length b is defined as a length from the edge of the mask 100 in the horizontal direction D2 to the center in the horizontal direction D2 of a part parallel to the edge of the body 10 (a part whose distance from the edge of the body 10 is constant).

[046] The flap portion 25 may project from the lower end of the body or may project from the upper end in a plan view. Furthermore, a flap portion projecting from the lower end of the body 10 may be provided on the lower side of the ear material 20, and another flap portion projecting from the upper end of the body 10 may be provided on the side Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, pp. 96 / 125 14 / 26 upper part of the ear material 20. However, as illustrated in figure 7, when the flap part 25 projects from the lower end of the body 10 in a plan view, the user can separate and expand the ear materials 20, 20 by natural operation. For example, when the user prepares to put on the mask 100, the mask 100 can be placed in a horizontal plane in front of the user's body so that its vertical direction D1 is in the direction of the height of the human body and its horizontal direction D2 is in the lateral direction of the human body. Therefore, when the user naturally extends both hands towards the flap parts 25, 25 of the ear materials 20, 20 with the back of the hand facing upwards, the user can pinch the flap parts 25, 25 without changing the shape (orientation) of the hand, in such a way that the thumbs are placed under the flap parts and the other fingers are placed above the flap part (figure 3).

[047] Furthermore, due to the structure of the human body, it is easy to move (open) both arms laterally from the center in front of the human body. Therefore, the user can easily pull and separate the ear materials 20, 20 in opposite directions from each other after pinching the flap parts 25, 25 projecting from the lower end of the body 10, in the manner described above, and expand the ear materials outwards in the horizontal direction D2. In this case, it is not necessary to change the pinching method (change the shape or orientation of the hand) from the state in which the flap parts 25, 25 are pinched.

[048] When the user opens, outwards in the horizontal direction D2, the flap parts 25, 25 of the ear materials 20, 20, respectively, constituting the pair, as described above, by holding the flap parts 25, 25 and then lifting the mask 100, as described above, for example, the outer surface of the mask 100 faces the user opening the ear materials 20, 20, and the inner surface of the mask 100 (surface on the face side) faces the user away from the user. Therefore, the mask 100 according to the present embodiment is suitable to be worn by another user. Specifically, after the user opens, outwards in the horizontal direction D2, the ear materials 20, 20, constituting the pair, (figures 5 Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, pp. 97 / 125 15 / 26 and 6), the mask 100 is moved to the face of another user while the ear materials 20, 20, constituting the pair, are held, and the body of the mask 10 is arranged in a desired position on the user's face, and, on this occasion, the ear materials 20, 20, constituting the pair, can be hung on the user's ears although the way of holding the mask 100 is not changed. Therefore, the mask 100 according to the present embodiment can be adequately used when the mask is worn by a person who has difficulty putting on the mask by themselves, such as a child or a sick person.

[049] As illustrated in Figure 7, the ear material ring 20 may include an adhesive portion 22 that is attached to the mask body 10 and extends along the vertical direction D1, a hook portion 24 that is positioned behind the ear when worn, an upper transition portion 23 that transitions from the adhesive portion to the hook portion 24 on the upper side, and a lower transition portion 26 that transitions from the adhesive portion 22 to the hook portion 24 on the lower side. In the example illustrated in Figure 7, the ear material 20 has a rectangular annular shape, as described above, and, more specifically, the adhesive portion 22 and the hook portion 24 extend along the vertical direction as a whole, and the upper transition portion 23 and the lower transition portion 26 extend along the horizontal direction as a whole.The tab part 25 can be formed in the lower transition part 26 or in a connecting part between the hook part 24 and the lower transition part 26. (MODIFIED MODE)

[050] Figure 8 illustrates a modified embodiment of the flap part 25. The shape of the flap part 25 is not particularly limited, provided that the flap part projects from the edge of the body 10 and the user can pinch the flap part, and provided that the flap part is formed so as not to inhibit the stretching of the ear material when worn. The flap part 25 may have a shape such that the slope of the tangential contour line changes continuously, as illustrated in Figure 7, or it may have a shape including a part where the slope of the tangential contour line changes continuously. Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, pp. 98 / 125 16 / 26 does not change, as illustrated in figure 8(a). Specifically, the shape may include a part with a constant distance from the edge of the body 10, or it may include a substantially quadrilateral shape. The ear material ring 20 may include an adhesive part 22 that is attached to the mask body 10 and extends along the vertical direction D1, a hook part 24 that is disposed behind the ear when worn, an upper transition part 23 that transitions from the adhesive part to the hook part 24 on the upper side, and a lower transition part 26 that transitions from the adhesive part 22 to the hook part 24 on the lower side.

[051] Furthermore, as illustrated in figure 8(b), the flap part 25 may be provided with a highly rigid part 25r with increased rigidity, so that the user can easily pinch the flap part.The highly rigid part 25r can be formed by the additional application of a resin, application of an engraving process, or adhesion of a highly rigid material. Furthermore, as illustrated in figure 8(c), a mark 25c with a color different from that of the ear material 20 can be provided on the flap part 25, so that the user can recognize the flap part 25. The mark 25c can be formed by printing or by adhering a sheet with a small area.

[052] Furthermore, Figure 9 illustrates a modified embodiment of one of the ear materials 20, 20 constituting the pair. In the example illustrated in Figure 9, as in the example illustrated in Figure 17, each ring of the ear material 20 may have an adhesive part 22 that is attached to the mask body 10 and extends along the vertical direction D1, a hook part 24 that is positioned behind the ear when worn, an upper transition part 23 that transitions from the adhesive part to the hook part 24 on the upper side, and a lower transition part 26 that transitions from the adhesive part 22 to the hook part 24 on the lower side. The flap parts 25, 25 are provided in the lower transition part 26. However, in the example illustrated in Figure 9, compared to the example illustrated in Figure 7, the flap parts 25, 25 are located away from the center, in the horizontal direction D2, of the ear materials 20, 20, constituting the pair (or the center of the mask 100 in Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, pp. 99 / 125 17 / 26 horizontal direction D2). In other words, the tab part 25 is located near the center of one of the ear materials 20 in the horizontal direction D2.

[053] In the example illustrated in Figure 9, the shape of the ear materials 20, 20 as a whole is also different from the example illustrated in Figure 1 or similar. In the example illustrated in Figure 9, the ear materials 20, 0 are each formed by an annular sheet with an opening 29. However, each ear material 20 is not in a rectangular annular shape, and is rounded, compared to the example illustrated in Figure 1 and similar. Specifically, the upper transition part 23, the hook part 24, and the lower transition part 26 are formed in an arc shape. In the ear material 20 with a shape like this including an arc, the flap part 25 is located near the center of the ear material 20 in the horizontal direction D2 and, therefore, the impression of a soft appearance due to the overall rounded shape is not obstructed.

[054] As illustrated in the example in figure 9, in order to improve the visual impression when each of the ear materials 20, 20 has a more rounded shape, a length (in this example, the length in the horizontal direction D2 to the center of the position in the horizontal direction D2 where the flap part 25 projects most) b in the horizontal direction D2 from the edge of the mask 100 in the horizontal direction D2 to the position where the flap part 25 projects most is preferably 55 to 65% in relation to a length c of 1 / 2 of the length in the horizontal direction D2 of the entire mask 100. (AUXILIARY MATERIALS)

[055] In the mask 100 illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the ear materials 20, 20, constituting the pair, are coupled on both sides of the body 10 by means of auxiliary materials 30, 30, respectively. The auxiliary materials 30, 30 do not need to be provided.

[056] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of a part of mask 100 where auxiliary material 30 is provided. Figure 10 (a) is a partial plan view, and Figure 10 (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 10 (a). Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, pp. 100 / 125 18 / 26 Figure 11 illustrates a view after the ear material 20 is opened outwards in the horizontal direction D2 from the state illustrated in Figure 10. Figure 10(a) is a partial plan view, and Figure 10(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of Figure 10(a). In the examples of Figures 10 and 11, the body 10, the ear material 20, and the auxiliary material 30 are arranged in this order. In Figures 10 and 11, the pleated structure 15 (Figure 1 and similar) of the mask body 10 is not illustrated.

[057] The auxiliary materials 30 are arranged between the body 10 and the ear materials 20 in such a way that the body 10 and the ear materials 20 are directly coupled. Specifically, the body 10 and the auxiliary material 30 are coupled in a first coupling part B1, and the ear material 20 and the auxiliary material 30 are coupled in a second coupling part B2, such that the body 10 and the ear material 20 are not directly associated. For example, the first coupling part B1 and the second coupling part B2 can be formed by coupling the opposite surfaces of the elements by applying pressure and / or heat, such as thermal sealing, ultrasonic sealing, non-heating etching and the like. Among these, thermal sealing is preferable because reliable bonding is possible.

[058] When coupling parts are formed by thermal sealing or similar means, the coupling parts may include multiple welded parts. The welded parts may be continuous or discontinuous in the vertical direction D1 and / or in the horizontal direction D2 in the coupling parts. The shapes of the welded parts of the coupling part are not particularly limited, provided that coupling parts capable of maintaining sufficient strength can be formed. The welded parts may be formed in a shape where the width is narrower than the length, i.e., in a linear shape (linear or curved shape), or in a point shape (shape visible as a point). Specifically, the shapes of the welded parts in a plan view may be any shape, such as a quadrilateral shape, such as a rectangular shape or a rhombic shape, a shape Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, pp. 101 / 125 19 / 26 polygonal shape other than a quadrilateral shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape or similar.

[059] As described above, the body 10 has a function of blocking the entry of external matter and preventing droplets generated by the user from being spread, while the ear materials 20 have a function of holding the body 10 by being hung on the user's ears when the user wears the ear materials 20. Therefore, the body 10 and the ear materials 20 are usually made of different materials, and the ear materials 20 are preferably made of a material with relatively high stretchability. Therefore, in the conventional structure in which the body 10 and the ear materials 20 are directly coupled, when a force is applied to the mask 100 by pulling the ear materials 20 and the like, the body 10 cannot follow the stretching of the ear materials 20, and the coupling cannot be maintained, and there is a possibility that both will become detached from each other.

[060] Conversely, in the present embodiment, the first coupling part B1, which is the coupling part between the body 10 and the auxiliary material 30, and the second coupling part B2, which is the coupling part between the ear material 20 and the auxiliary material 30, can be formed separately. Specifically, with the first coupling part B1 and the second coupling part B2, the force in relation to the connection is dispersed, and it is not likely that the ear materials 20 will be detached. Furthermore, the respective connecting parts can be formed in a suitable shape so that the characteristics of the two elements are directly coupled. Moreover, as for the auxiliary material 30, a material capable of optimizing both the coupling in the body 10 and the coupling in the ear material 20 can be selected.Thus, it is less likely that the indirect coupling between body 10 and ear materials 20 will be broken and, as a result, it is less likely that the mask will break even when a force is applied, can be achieved.

[061] In the manner described above, before the mask 100 in accordance with the present Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, pp. 102 / 125 20 / 26 embodiment to be worn, the ear materials 20, 20 are separated from each other and opened laterally by pinching and pulling the flap parts 25, 25 provided in the ear materials 20, 20, respectively, constituting the pair. When the ear materials 20, 20 are separated and expanded, a large force is easily applied to the mask 100. However, according to the present embodiment, even in the operation of separating and expanding the ear materials 20, 20 at the beginning of use, it is less likely that the ear materials will be detached from the body 10, and a mask 100 donning process can be initiated in a good condition.

[062] The auxiliary materials 30 can be made of a non-stretchable material or a material with low stretchability, and are preferably made of a material with some stretchability. Auxiliary materials 30 can be made of a material whose shape can be irreversibly deformed when a force is applied.The auxiliary materials 30 may include a stretchable nonwoven fabric of the same type as the ear materials 20 explained previously, but the stretchability of the auxiliary material 30 is preferably less than that of the ear material 20, at least in the horizontal direction D2. The stretchability of the auxiliary material 30 is preferably greater than that of the body 10, at least in the horizontal direction D2.

[063] When stretchable auxiliary materials 30 are provided, the difference between the stretching of the body 10 and the stretching of the auxiliary materials 30 and the difference between the stretching of the ear materials 20 and the stretching of the auxiliary materials 30 can be reduced even when the ear materials 20 are pulled. Therefore, the first coupling part B1 between the body 10 and the auxiliary material 30 and the second coupling part B2 between the ear material 20 and the auxiliary material 30 are less likely to break, and consequently, the indirect coupling between the body 10 and the ear materials 20 is less likely to break. The base weight of the auxiliary material 30 can be 5 to 100 g / m2. The thickness of the auxiliary material 30 can be 100 to 1,000 μm.

[064] As illustrated in figures 10 and 11, auxiliary material 30 can be a Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, pp. 103 / 125 21 / 26 leaf-shaped element extending along the vertical direction D1 of mask 100. The length of auxiliary material 30 in the vertical direction D1 is preferably equal to the length of mask 100 in the vertical direction D1 (the length of body 10 in the vertical direction D1), but may be shorter than the length of mask 100 in the vertical direction D1. Furthermore, on one side (either the right or left side) of mask 100 in the horizontal direction D2, an outer end 31 of auxiliary material 30 in the horizontal direction D2 may lie, in the horizontal direction D2, inside or outside an outer end 11 of body 10 in the horizontal direction D2, but preferably lies aligned with the outer end 11 of body 10 in the horizontal direction D2, as illustrated in figures 10 (a) and (b).

[065] The length (width) W of the auxiliary material 30 in the horizontal direction D2 is preferably 15 to 35 mm, depending on the size and configuration of the mask 100 and the sizes, shapes and materials of the body 10 and the earpieces 20. When the length in the horizontal direction D2 is within the exposed range, the areas of the first coupling part B1 and the second coupling part B2 can be sufficiently secured, while the auxiliary materials 30 do not interfere with the separation / expansion operation and / or the mask 100 donning process at the start of use, and do not interfere with the functions of the body 10 and the earpieces 20.

[066] As illustrated in figure 10, the auxiliary materials 30 are arranged on the outer surface side of the body 10. Therefore, even when the mask 100 is worn, it is unlikely that the auxiliary materials 30 will come into contact with the user's face, and a good fit achieved by the mask 100 according to the present embodiment is not compromised.

[067] Furthermore, in the manner described above, the ear material 20 according to the present embodiment can function to press both sides of the body 10 towards the user's face, while the auxiliary materials 30 arranged on the side of the outer surface of the body 10 can also function to Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, pp. 104 / 125 22 / 26 pressing, integrally with the ear materials 20, the body 10 towards the face at least partially. Thus, the gap between the face and both sides of the body 10 can be further reduced, and the function of the mask 100 can be improved.

[068] Specific aspects of the present invention are further explained below. (ADDITIONAL NOTE 1)

[069] An aspect according to Supplementary Note 1 is a mask comprising a mask body and ear materials, constituting a pair, coupled to the mask body, wherein, in a state prior to commencement of use, the ear materials constituting the pair are separately coupled to each other, and provided on one side of the outer surface of the mask body, each of the ear materials constituting the pair is provided with a flap portion projecting from an edge of the mask body in a plan view and, at commencement of use, the ear materials constituting the pair are separated from each other by pinching and pulling the flap portion.

[070] In accordance with the above-described aspect in accordance with the Note Complementary 1: The earpieces, constituting the pair, are provided with flap parts that project from one edge of the mask body in a plan view. Therefore, the user can pinch or hold the earpieces in a position away from the body. Thus, an operation (separation operation) to separate the earpieces, constituting the pair, from each other, which is performed before the mask is put on, can be carried out without touching the body or without significantly touching the body. Furthermore, an operation (expansion operation) to open the laterally separated earpiece (outwards in the horizontal direction) can be performed without touching the body or without significantly touching the body. Therefore, the hygiene of the mask is not compromised at the preparation stage before the mask is put on, and the user can wear the mask while maintaining good hygiene.

[071] When the separation operation and the expansion operation are Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, pages 105 / 125 In the previous embodiment, since the earpieces constituting the pair are arranged on the outer surface of the body, even if the user's hand touches the body, the user's hand touches the outer surface of the body, and it is less likely that the user's hand will touch the inner surface. The inner surface of the mask (the surface facing the user's face when wearing the mask) is a surface where it is particularly desirable that the sanitary condition be maintained and, therefore, at least the contact between the inner surface and the hand is eliminated or reduced, so that the sanitary condition of the mask can be effectively maintained even if the hand touches the body during the separation and expansion operations. (SUPPLEMENTARY NOTE 2)

[072] In one aspect according to Supplementary Note 2, the mask has a vertical direction corresponding to a direction of the height of a user's face and a horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, and the flap part is provided on a lower side of each of the ear materials, constituting the pair.

[073] In accordance with the above-described aspect in accordance with the Note Complementary 2, the flap parts are provided on the underside of the ear materials, and therefore the user can pinch the flap parts by natural operation without excessive force. For example, when the mask is placed on a table or similar surface, so that its horizontal direction is in the lateral direction of the human body and its upward and downward directions are in the forward and backward directions of the human body, and the user naturally extends both hands towards the flap parts of the ear materials, the user can pinch the flap parts without changing the shape (orientation) of the hand, in such a way that the thumbs are placed on the side of the back surface of the flap parts (the side of the inner surface of the ear materials or the side facing the body) and the other fingers are placed on the side of the front surface of the flap part (the side of the outer surface of the ear materials). Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, pp. 106 / 125 24 / 26 (SUPPLEMENTARY NOTE 3)

[074] In one aspect according to Supplementary Note 3, a length in a horizontal direction from the edge of the mask in a horizontal direction to a position of the flap part that is projecting most is 45 to 90% in relation to 1 / 2 of the length in the horizontal direction of the mask.

[075] In accordance with the above-described aspect in accordance with the Note Complementary 3, the position of the flap part that is projecting the most is in a predetermined position in the horizontal direction relative to the mask. Therefore, the right and left hands can pinch the flap parts without interfering with each other's operation, and great force and complicated operation are not required when the ear materials are raised and separated from each other and opened laterally. (SUPPLEMENTARY NOTE 4)

[076] In one aspect according to Supplementary Note 4, a maximum length, in a vertical direction, of a portion of the flap part that projects from an edge of the mask body is 5 to 15 mm.

[077] In accordance with the above-described aspect in accordance with the Note Complementary 4, the portion of the flap that projects has a predetermined length from an edge of the body and therefore a sufficient area for the user to pinch the flap can be guaranteed. (SUPPLEMENTARY NOTE 5)

[078] In one aspect according to Supplementary Note 5, the tab part has a curved contour.

[079] In accordance with the above-described aspect in accordance with the Note Complementary 5, the part that protrudes from the body is less likely to tear. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce discomfort when the contour of the flap part comes into contact with the hand during a separation / expansion operation before putting on the mask, or when ear materials are hanging from the ear while the mask is being worn. Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, pp. 107 / 125 25 / 26 (SUPPLEMENTARY NOTE 6)

[080] In one aspect according to Supplementary Note 6, the mask additionally includes auxiliary materials provided on one side of the outer surface of the mask body, wherein the ear materials, constituting the pair, are coupled to sides of the mask body by means of the auxiliary materials.

[081] In accordance with the above-described aspect in accordance with the Note Complementary 6, the earpieces, constituting the pair, are coupled to the mask body by means of auxiliary materials, and therefore the mask can be constructed without direct coupling of the earpieces and the body. For this reason, the coupling part between the body and the auxiliary material and the coupling part between the earpiece and the auxiliary material can be formed separately. Specifically, the respective coupling parts can be formed separately in shapes that are suitable for the materials of the two elements to be directly coupled. Thus, an unbreakable indirect coupling can be formed between the earpieces and the body without damaging the function of the elements and the fit, and a robust mask with a good fit can be obtained.

[082] This application claims priority over Basic Application 2020-094368 filed with the Japan Patent Office on May 29, 2020, the full contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMBERS mask body outer end of the mask body in the horizontal direction pleated structure ear material outer end of the ear material in the horizontal direction adhesive part upper transition part hook part Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, pp. 108 / 125 26 / 26 flap section 25s vertex of the projection part of the flange part 25c brand 25r highly rigid part lower transition part separable coupling part auxiliary material outer end of the auxiliary material in the horizontal direction 100 masks B1 first part of coupling B2 second coupling part Petition 870220105727, dated 11 / 15 / 2022, pp. 109 / 125

Claims

1 / 2 CLAIMS 1. A mask (100) comprising: a mask body (10); and earpieces (20), constituting a pair, coupled to the mask body (10), wherein, in a state prior to the start of use, the earpieces (20), constituting the pair, are provided on one side of the outer surface of the mask body, each of the earpieces (20), constituting the pair, is provided with a flap part (25) projecting from an edge of the mask body (10) in a plan view, each flap part (25) having a projecting part that has a projecting shape in a direction opposite to the mask body (10), the contour of the projecting part of each flap part (25) being curved or straight, and wherein the earpieces (20) are coupled separately to each other and at the start of use, the earpieces (20), constituting the pair,They are separated from each other by pinching or pulling the flap part (25) and auxiliary materials (30) are provided on one side of the outer surface of the mask body (10), characterized in that the ear materials (20), constituting the pair, are coupled to the sides of the mask body (10) by means of auxiliary materials (30), the auxiliary materials (30) having an elasticity that is less than that of the ear materials (20) and greater than that of the mask body (10) at least in the horizontal direction.

2. Mask (100), according to claim 1, characterized in that the mask has a vertical direction corresponding to a direction at the height of the user's face and a horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, and the flap part (25) is provided on a lower side of each of the ear materials (20), constituting the pair.

3. Mask (100), according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a length in a horizontal direction from the edge of the mask in a horizontal direction to a position of the flap part (25) which, projecting, projects more than 45 to 90% in relation to 1 / 2 of the length in the horizontal direction of the mask.

4. Mask (100), according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a maximum length, in a vertical direction, of a portion of the flap part (25) projecting from an edge of the mask body (10) is 5 to 15 mm. Petition 870260074428, dated 27 / 07 / 2026, page 12 / 12

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