Mask

Abstract

A mask includes a mask body and a pair of ear members coupled to the mask body, the pair of ear members being coupled in a separable manner and disposed on an outer surface side of the mask body in a state before use, and a grip portion protruding from an end edge of the mask body in a plan view is provided in each of the pair of ear members, and in the beginning of use, the grip portion is gripped and stretched, so that the pair of ear members are separated from each other.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a mask. BACKGROUND

[0002] As a configuration of a mask to be worn on a face, a mask including a mask body covering at least a part of a face of a wearer, and a pair of ear members (or ear-hanging portions) each combined with the mask body, i.e., a pair of portions capable of being hung on each ear of the wearer in order to hold the mask body in a prescribed position, is known.

[0003] In recent years, in addition to the improvement of the function of the mask and the improvement of the wearing feeling, various studies have been made on the configuration of the mask from the viewpoint of easy handling in manufacturing. For example, in Patent Literature 1, a mask is disclosed which includes a mask body portion and ear-hanging portions connected to the mask body portion, the ear-hanging portions are joined to both end portion regions, respectively, and are configured in such a manner that the two ear-hanging portions joined to both end portion regions of the mask body in a plan view of the mask are located within the outline of the mask body, and further has connecting portions connecting the two ear-hanging portions to each other within the outline of the mask body.

[0004] (Patent Literature)

[0005] (Patent Literature)

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent No. 5762803 SUMMARY

[0007] (Problem to be Solved by the Invention)

[0008] In the case of using the mask disclosed in Patent Literature 1, before wearing, it is necessary to open the two ear-hanging portions connected by the connecting portions to the side by separating them from each other, and the user usually holds and stretches the two ear-hanging portions with the left and right hands, respectively. Here, in order to hold the ear-hanging portions, it is necessary to insert fingers between the ear-hanging portions and the body, and to pinch the ear-hanging portions with the fingers and the other fingers. For example, the thumb is inserted between the ear-hanging portions and the body, the other fingers are placed above the ear-hanging portions, and the ear-hanging portions are pinched with the thumb and the other fingers. Therefore, it is difficult to perform the operation of separating the ear-hanging portions without contacting the body. Therefore, in a situation where the hygiene of the fingers cannot be sufficiently maintained, etc., when the ear-hanging portions (or ear members) of the mask before wearing are separated to be opened to the side, there is a possibility that the hygiene of the mask is impaired.

[0009] In view of the above, an object of one embodiment of the present application is to provide a mask which can be worn in a good state of hygiene.

[0010] (Means for Solving the Problem)

[0011] One embodiment of the present application provides a mask including: a mask body; and a pair of ear members coupled to the mask body, the pair of ear members being coupled to the mask body in a separable manner and disposed on an outer surface side of the mask body in a state before use, a grip portion protruding from an end edge of the mask body in plan view being provided in each of the pair of ear members in the state before use, and the pair of ear members being separated from each other by gripping and stretching the grip portions at the start of use.

[0012] (EFFECTS OF INVENTION)

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present application, a mask that can be worn in a good hygienic state can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a plan view of the outer side of the mask of one embodiment of the present application as viewed from the outer side.

[0015] Figure 2 is a plan view of the mask of Figure 1 as viewed from the inner side (face side).

[0016] Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of using the mask of Figure 1

[0017] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of Figure 3

[0018] Figure 5 is a plan view of the mask of Figure 3 after the pair of ear members have each been opened to the side.

[0019] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of Figure 5

[0020] Figure 7 is an enlarged plan view of an ear member.

[0021] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a modification example of a grip portion of an ear member.

[0022] Figure 9 is a diagram showing a modification example of an ear member.

[0023] Figure 10 are an enlarged plan view and a cross-sectional view of a portion provided with an auxiliary member in a state before use of the mask in a modification example of the present embodiment.

[0024] Figure 11 are an enlarged plan view and a cross-sectional view of a portion provided with an auxiliary member in a state after an ear member has been opened to the side.​​​ DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that, in each drawing, the same or equivalent components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanation is omitted. Further, the drawings are schematic views for facilitating understanding of the application.

[0026] (Basic configuration of mask)

[0027] The mask of one embodiment of the present application can be a mask that can cover the face of the wearer, more specifically, at least the nose and the mouth of the wearer. The mask of this embodiment can have a function of preventing foreign matter from reaching the face or preventing spatter generated from the wearer from flying, and is also referred to as a sanitary mask or a surgical mask. The mask can be disposable or can be repeatedly used by washing.

[0028] Figure 1 A top view of the mask 100 of this embodiment is shown. Figure 1 is a view of the mask 100 observed from the outside, i.e., the side that does not face the face when worn. Further, Figure 2 A top view of the mask observed from the inside (the face side) is shown.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1 , the mask 100 of this embodiment is arranged on the front of the face of the wearer when worn, and includes a mask body 10 that can cover mainly the nose and the mouth of the wearer, and a pair of ear members 20, 20 that are combined with the mask body 10. The mask body 10 has a longitudinal direction Dl corresponding to the up-down direction of the face of the wearer when worn, and a lateral direction D2 orthogonal to the longitudinal direction Dl. In Figure 1 , the mask body 10 has a top view shape of a rectangle having a long side in the lateral direction D2, but the top view shape of the mask body 10 is not limited to the shape shown in the figure.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the mask body 10 has a pleat structure 15 formed of a plurality of pleats arranged in the longitudinal direction Dl. The pleats of the pleat structure 15 are formed by folding a sheet constituting the mask body 10 at a fold line in the lateral direction D2. Further, in a state where a plurality of pleats are formed, the side portions (lateral direction D2 end portions) of the mask body 10 are joined and fixed. Thus, in use of the mask 100, by unfolding the pleats of the pleat structure 15 in the longitudinal direction Dl, the lateral direction D2 center is bent in a manner of protruding to the outer surface side of the mask 100, and can be deformed into a three-dimensional shape that fits the face. The specific configuration of the pleat structure 15 is not particularly limited and can be a known configuration used as a mask body.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1and Figure 2 A pair of ear members 20, 20 are arranged on the outer surface side of the main body 10. As shown in Figure 1 , the ear members 20 can each have a shape that is ring-like (or closed band-like) in plan view, or a shape that includes a ring. When worn, the ear members 20 can be hung on the ears in such a manner that the ears enter the inner side of the ring of the ear members 20, i.e., the opening 29 in the center of the ear members 20. In the example shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the ear members 20 are each composed of a rectangular ring-like sheet. By making the ear members 20 into a sheet shape, the ear members 20 can be brought into face contact with the back of the ears when the ear members 20 are hung on the ears when worn, thereby reducing the occurrence of discomfort or pain.

[0032] The pair of ear members 20, 20 can be configured as a continuous sheet that is joined in a separable manner at the center in the lateral direction D2. The joining form of the separable joining portion 28 of the pair of ear members 20, 20 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a joining that is separable by stretching with the usual force of the user. For example, the joining portion 28 can be formed as a needle eye as shown in Figure 1 . Alternatively, the joining portion 28 can be formed by making the boundary of the pair of ear members 20, 20 weak or susceptible to stress by making the thickness of the sheet small, or by other means. Alternatively, the pair of ear members 20, 20 can be formed independently, slightly overlap at the center in the lateral direction D2, and joined in a separable manner by an adhesive, heat sealing, or the like to form the joining portion 28.

[0033] The mask main body 10 can have a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of layers are laminated. For example, it can be a three-layer structure that includes at least an intermediate layer that improves the function of capturing foreign matter (dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses, etc.) by sandwiching it with an outer layer and an inner layer. It is preferable that each layer that configures the main body 10 include a fiber-containing layer of nonwoven fabric, textile, knitted fabric, or the like, and more preferably nonwoven fabric. As the nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, hydroentangled nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, thermal-bonded nonwoven fabric, point-bonded nonwoven fabric, or the like can be given. In addition, it is preferable to use a meltblown nonwoven fabric that can include finer fibers in the intermediate layer. In addition, it is preferable that the fibers that configure the fiber-containing layer be resin fibers, and as the type of resin of the resin fibers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, or the like can be given. The unit area weight of the outer layer and the inner layer is 10 to 50 g / m 2 , and is preferably 15 to 50 g / m 2 . The unit area weight of the intermediate layer, which has a higher foreign matter capturing property, is 10 to 100 g / m 2 , and can be preferably 15 to 50 g / m 2 .

[0034] The ear member 20 can be formed of a material having stretchability, and preferably a material having higher stretchability than the main body 10. In addition, the ear member 20 can have stretchability in at least the lateral direction D2, and can have stretchability in both the longitudinal direction Dl and the lateral direction D2. The stretchability in the longitudinal direction Dl and the stretchability in the lateral direction D2 can be the same, or can be different from each other. In the case where the stretchability in the longitudinal direction Dl and the stretchability in the lateral direction D2 are different, the stretchability in the lateral direction D2 is preferably higher than the stretchability in the longitudinal direction Dl. The ear member 20 is hung on the ear of the wearer when worn, and is mainly stretched in the lateral direction D2. Therefore, by having stretchability in at least the lateral direction D2, the position of the main body 10 on the front of the face can be fixed more securely, and the burden on the ear from the ear member 20 can be reduced.

[0035] The ear member 20 can include a fiber-containing sheet having stretchability and / or a film having stretchability or elasticity. As the fiber-containing sheet, nonwoven fabric, textile, knitted fabric, and the like can be given, and among them, nonwoven fabric is preferably used from the viewpoint of skin touch feeling, good air permeability, and the like. As the nonwoven fabric, thermobonded nonwoven fabric, spunbonded nonwoven fabric, hydroentangled nonwoven fabric, needle punch nonwoven fabric, chemical bonded nonwoven fabric, and the like can be given. In addition, the fiber contained in the nonwoven fabric is preferably a resin fiber, and as the kind of resin of the resin fiber, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, and the like can be given.

[0036] The ear member 20 can be a member including the above-described fiber-containing sheet having stretchability or the stretchable film in a single layer, or can be a member in which the above-described fiber-containing sheet having stretchability and / or the stretchable film is laminated in multiple layers, for example, a member in which a fiber-containing sheet and a stretchable film are laminated. In addition, the fiber-containing sheet or the film having stretchability can be combined with a sheet having no stretchability to constitute. The fiber-containing sheet or the film having stretchability can be adhered by being sandwiched by the sheet having no stretchability in a state in which the fiber-containing sheet or the film having stretchability is elongated. In the case where the fiber-containing sheet has stretchability, the stretchability can be embodied by the fiber-containing sheet including stretchable fibers, for example, by the material of the fibers themselves having stretchability or the fibers being crimped fibers. Alternatively, the stretchability can be embodied by a prescribed physical configuration, for example, by having a concave-convex surface. Furthermore, the ear member 20 can be formed by sandwiching a wire-like rubber by a fiber-containing sheet having stretchability or having no stretchability. In the case where the fiber-containing sheet has low stretchability or has no stretchability, the fiber-containing sheet can be worn from both sides in a state in which the wire rubber is elongated.

[0037] More specifically, the ear members 20 can use a single layer of nonwoven fabric of stretchable thermal air nonwoven fabric, stretchable spunbond nonwoven fabric, stretchable hydroentangled nonwoven fabric, stretchable needle punch nonwoven fabric, stretchable chemical bonded nonwoven fabric, or the like. In addition, a nonwoven fabric composed of a multilayer of spunbond / meltblown / spunbond can be used. Furthermore, a laminated sheet of nonwoven fabric / stretchable film, nonwoven fabric / stretchable film / nonwoven fabric (for example, spunbond / stretchable film / spunbond, thermal air / stretchable film / thermal air, or the like) can be used. In the case where the ear members 20 are formed of a multilayer, the layers can be bonded to each other by a stretchable or non-stretchable hot melt nonwoven fabric (a nonwoven fabric in which fibers are softened or melted by heating to be able to be bonded to other members). The unit area weight of the ear members 20 can be 20 to 150 g / m 2 In addition, the thickness of the ear members 20 can be 100 to 3,000 μm.

[0038] The pair of ear members 20, 20 are respectively joined to the side portions (lateral D2 end portions) of the outer surface of the main body 10. That is, the portions of the respective lateral D2 outer sides of the pair of ear members 20, 20 are joined to the main body 10, and the portions other than the portions are not joined to the main body 10. At the start of use of the mask 100 of the present mode, before wearing of the mask 100, the separable joining of the pair of ear members 20, 20 to each other is released, the ear members 20, 20 are separated from each other (also referred to as a separation operation), and the portions of the ear members 20, 20 which are not joined to the main body 10 are opened to the lateral D2 side (also referred to as an unfolding operation).

[0039] (Separation / unfolding operation of ear members)

[0040] Figure 3 A state in which the use of the mask 100 shown in Figure 1 is about to start is shown. In addition, Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the I-I line of the Figure 3 is shown. At the start of use, the user can pinch or hold the pair of ear members 20, 20 with the hands as shown in Figure 3 , and stretch them in opposite directions to each other. Thereby, first, the joining of the separable joining portions 28 can be released. If the joining portions 28 are composed of eyelets formed along the boundary lines between the pair of ear members 20, 20, the eyelets can be broken to separate the ear members 20, 20 along the boundary lines. Thereafter, the user can open the pair of ear members 20, 20 to the lateral D2 outer side in the directions indicated by the arrows of Figure 3 and Figure 4 , while holding the pair of ear members 20, 20 respectively.

[0041] Figure 5 A state in which the pair of ear members 20, 20 are respectively opened to the lateral D2 outer side from the state of Figure 3 is shown. In addition, Figure 6It shows Figure 5 Sectional view along line II-II. (See also...) Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, if the pair of ear parts 20, 20 are opened, the ear parts 20, 20 are flipped over, that is, the surfaces of the ear parts 20, 20 that are opposite to the main body 10 in their pre-use state are exposed. Furthermore, the ear parts 20, 20 are mainly positioned on the outer side of the horizontal direction D2 of the main body 10, and the entire outer surface of the main body 10 is exposed. This action of separating and unfolding the ear parts is performed in preparation for wearing the mask 100. That is, the user can separate and unfold the ear parts to become... Figure 5 and Figure 6 After the indicated state is reached, either wear a mask yourself (100%) or have someone else wear one.

[0042] It should be noted that when the mask 100 is worn, that is, when the ear parts 20, 20 are opened to the sides and hung on the ears, the ear parts 20, 20 are stretched towards the wearer's ears. Simultaneously, the portions of the ear parts 20, 20 that are joined to the main body 10 are pressed towards the wearer's face. Here, in this method, since the pair of ear parts 20, 20 are respectively joined to the two sides of the outer surface of the main body 10, when the mask 100 is worn, a portion of the ear parts 20 is positioned on the outer side of the two sides of the main body 10. Figure 6 That is, since the two sides of the main body 10 are positioned between the earpieces 20 and the wearer's face, the two sides of the main body 10 are pressed towards the face by the earpieces 20. This results in a smaller gap between the main body 10 and the face at the two sides, thereby improving the mask's functionality, such as its ability to block foreign objects and prevent the spread of droplets generated by the wearer. Furthermore, since the earpieces 20 are not positioned on the inner side (face side) of the two sides of the main body, they do not contact the wearer's face during wear, resulting in a better wearing experience.

[0043] Additionally, within the main body 10, markings 18 that distinguish the outer and inner surfaces of the main body 10 can be formed through embossing, printing, sewing, or other processes. These markings 18 need only be visually identifiable by the user, and the method of creation is not limited. For example... Figure 1 As shown, imprint 18 can be text, numbers, symbols, graphics, signs, etc.

[0044] (Ear parts and hand-pinching parts)

[0045] The pair of ear members 20, 20 is provided with pinch hand portions 25, 25 that the user can pinch when opening the pair of ear members 20, 20 to the outside in the lateral direction D2 from each other. The pinch hand portions 25, 25 protrude from the end edge of the main body 10 in plan view, and the user can perform the above-described operation of separating the pair of ear members 20, 20 from each other and spreading them to the sides, respectively, by pinching the pinch hand portions 25, 25.

[0046] Since the pinch hand portions 25, 25 protrude from the end edge of the main body 10 in plan view, the user can pinch or hold the pair of ear members 20, 20 at a position away from the main body 10. Thus, the user can perform the separation and / or spreading operation of the ear members without contacting the main body 10, or the area of the user contacting the main body 10 can be made small. Therefore, the user can pinch the pinch hand portions 25, 25 without contacting the main body 10 or substantially without contacting the main body 10 during the preparation stage before wearing the mask. Also, the pair of ear members 20, 20 can be separated / spread without contacting the main body 10 or substantially without contacting the main body 10. Thus, even in a situation where the user fails to sufficiently take care of the hygiene of the fingers, the mask 100 in a good state of hygiene can be prepared.

[0047] Also, since the ear members 20 have the pinch hand portions 25, 25, the user can easily perform adjustment of the ear members 20 by holding the pinch hand portions 25, 25 when hanging the ear members 20 on the ears of the wearer or after hanging them on the ears. That is, the pinch hand portions 25, 25 can be held to adjust the position of the ear members 20 by relatively displacing the ear members 20 in the circumferential direction of the ear members 20 with respect to the ears, or to adjust the tension condition of the ear members 20 by stretching or relaxing the ear members 20 toward the rear side.

[0048] In addition, in the mask 100 of the present mode, the pair of ear members 20, 20 is disposed on the outer surface side of the main body 10. That is, the pinch hand portions 25, 25 pinched by the user are also disposed on the outer surface side of the main body 10. Depending on the situation in which the mask 100 is used and / or the user's operation, the user's hand may, when pinching the pinch hand portions 25, 25, contact the mask main body 10, but even so, the portion contacted by the user's hand can be limited to the outer surface of the mask main body 10. Thus, according to the present mode, it is possible to eliminate or reduce contact of the inner surface (the surface opposite the face of the wearer when worn) for which it is particularly desirable to maintain hygiene with the hand, and even if the user's hand contacts the mask 100 during the preparation stage before wearing, it is possible to ensure the hygiene of the mask.

[0049] Figure 7An enlarged plan view of one of the ear members 20 of the mask 100 is shown. As described above, the pinch grip portion 25 is provided on the ear member 20 so as to protrude from the end edge of the main body 10 in plan view. The size of the pinch grip portion 25 is not particularly limited, but is preferably such that the user can pinch it with a finger. However, the maximum length a of the longitudinal direction Dl of the portion of the pinch grip portion 25 that protrudes from the end edge of the main body 10 is preferably 5 to 15 mm, and more preferably 8 to 15 mm. In Figure 7 In the example shown, the length a is the length of the longitudinal direction Dl from the end edge of the main body 10 to the apex 25s of the protruding portion of the pinch grip portion 25. By setting the length a to the above range, the user can easily pinch the pinch grip portion 25, and can reliably lift the ear member 20 and easily separate the ear members 20, 20 from each other, without becoming an obstacle when wearing the mask 100, and can also reduce the discomfort caused by contact of the pinch grip portion 25 with the face or ears during wearing.

[0050] The protruding portion of the pinch grip portion 25 that protrudes from the end edge of the main body 10 in plan view can have a convex shape in the direction away from the main body 10. In this case, the profile of the protruding portion of the pinch grip portion 25 can be curved or straight. However, if the profile is curved, the number of corners is reduced, so the pinch grip portion 25 is less likely to bend, and discomfort is less likely to occur when the hand or face contacts the end edge of the pinch grip portion 25 when using the mask 100 (including when separating and unfolding the ear members 20, 20, and when wearing the mask 100).

[0051] In the case where the profile of the protruding portion of the pinch grip portion 25 is curved, the radius of curvature at the apex 25s of the protruding portion can be 5 to 20 mm. By having a radius of curvature in the above range, the shape of the pinch grip portion 25 becomes a shape that the user can easily pinch with a finger.

[0052] The position of the pinch grip portion 25 is not particularly limited, but is preferably such that the length of the transverse direction D2 from the end edge of the mask 100 to the position where the pinch grip portion 25 protrudes the most (in the example shown, the length b of the transverse direction D2 to the apex 25s of the protruding portion of the pinch grip portion 25) is 45 to 90% of the length c, which is half the length of the transverse direction D2 of the entire mask 100, and more preferably 65 to 80%. Figure 7 In the example shown, the length b of the transverse direction D2 to the apex 25s of the protruding portion of the pinch grip portion 25 is 45 to 90% of the length c, which is half the length of the transverse direction D2 of the entire mask 100, and more preferably 65 to 80%. By setting the above length b to 45% or more of the length c, it is possible to prevent the separation / unfolding of the ear members 20, 20 from being performed smoothly due to being too far away from the separable coupling portions 28 between the ear members 20, 20. On the other hand, by setting the above length b to 90% or less of the above length c, when pinching the left and right pinch grip portions 25, 25 with both hands, the hands do not come too close to each other to interfere with each other.

[0053] Note that there are cases where the outline of the most protruding part of the grip portion 25 does not have the vertex 25s, but includes a portion parallel to the end edge of the main body 10, i.e., there are cases where the grip portion includes a portion (described later as a "parallel portion") having a constant distance from the end edge of the main body 10 (a portion parallel to the end edge of the main body 10) (e.g., as shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 10, etc.). In this case, the length b is set to the length from the end edge of the lateral direction D2 of the mask 100 to the center of the lateral direction D2 of the portion parallel to the end edge of the main body 10 (the portion having a constant distance from the end edge of the main body 10). Figure 8 Figure 9

[0054] The grip portion 25 can protrude from the lower end of the main body 10 in plan view, or can protrude from the upper end. In addition, a grip portion protruding from the lower end of the main body 10 can be provided on the lower side of the ear member 20, and another grip portion protruding from the upper end of the main body 10 can be provided on the upper side of the ear member 20. However, as shown in (a) of FIG. 9, if the grip portion 25 protrudes from the lower end of the main body 10 in plan view, the user can separate and spread the ear members 20, 20 by a natural action. For example, when the user is preparing to wear the mask 100, the mask 100 can be placed on a horizontal surface in front of the user's body with the longitudinal direction Dl thereof in the up-and-down direction of the body and the lateral direction D2 thereof in the left-and-right direction of the body. Therefore, if the user naturally extends both hands with the back of the hands upward toward the grip portions 25, 25 of the ear members 20, 20, the user can grip the grip portions 25, 25 without changing the shape (posture) of the hands, in a manner in which the thumbs are disposed on the lower side of the grip portions and the other fingers are disposed on the upper side of the grip portions (a). Figure 7 Figure 3

[0055] Furthermore, in the structure of a human body, it is easy to move both wrists from the central front of the body to the side (open). Therefore, after the user grips the grip portions 25, 25 protruding from the lower end of the main body 10 as described above, the user can easily perform an action of stretching the ear members 20, 20 in opposite directions to each other to separate the ear members 20, 20 and thereby spread the ear members 20, 20 outward in the lateral direction D2. At this time, it is not necessary to change the gripping manner (change the shape or orientation of the hands) from the state of gripping the grip portions 25, 25.

[0056] After the user opens the pair of ear members 20, 20 outward in the lateral direction D2 while gripping the grip portions 25, 25 of the ear members 20, 20, respectively, as described above, if the user lifts the mask 100, for example, the outer surface of the mask 100 faces the user who has opened the ear members 20, 20, and the inner surface (the face side) of the mask 100 faces the opposite side to the user. Therefore, the mask 100 of the present mode is suitable for use in making another wearer wear. That is, after the user opens the pair of ear members 20, 20 outward in the lateral direction D2, respectively, the user can make another wearer wear the mask 100 by placing the mask 100 on the other wearer's head with the inner surface of the mask 100 (the face side) facing the other wearer's face. Figure 5 Figure 6 ​​​​​) in a state of holding the pair of ear members 20, 20, the mask 100 is moved toward the face of the other wearer, and after the mask body 10 is disposed at a desired position of the face of the wearer, the pair of ear members 20, 20 can be hung to the ears of the wearer without changing the holding manner of the mask 100. Therefore, the mask 100 of the present mode can be applied to a case where a person who is difficult to wear a mask by himself or herself such as a child, a patient, or the like wears a mask.

[0057] Note that, as shown in Figure 7 , the loop of the ear member 20 can have an adhesive portion 22 which is adhered to the mask body 10 and extends in the longitudinal direction Dl, a hooking portion 24 which is disposed behind the ear at the time of wearing, an upper side transfer portion 23 which is transferred from the adhesive portion to the upper side of the hooking portion 24, and a lower side transfer portion 26 which is transferred from the adhesive portion 22 to the lower side of the hooking portion 24. In the example shown in Figure 7 , the ear member 20 is a rectangular loop as described above, and more specifically, the adhesive portion 22 and the hooking portion 24 each extend in the longitudinal direction as a whole, and the upper side transfer portion 23 and the lower side transfer portion 26 each extend in the lateral direction as a whole. Also, the pinch portion 25 is formed in the lower side transfer portion 26 or in a connecting portion of the hooking portion 24 and the lower side transfer portion 26.

[0058] (Modified Example)

[0059] Figure 8 A modified example of the pinch portion 25 is shown. The shape of the pinch portion 25 is such that the user can pinch it, and in addition, the shape of the pinch portion 25 can be formed so as not to hinder the extension of the ear member at the time of wearing, and is not particularly limited. The pinch portion 25 can be a shape in which the inclination of the tangent line of the outline continuously changes as shown in Figure 7 , or can be a shape including a portion in which the inclination of the tangent line of the outline does not change as shown in Figure 8 (a). More specifically, it can be a shape including a portion in which the distance from the end edge of the body 10 is constant, or a shape including a substantially quadrangular shape. The loop of the ear member 20 can have an adhesive portion 22 which is adhered to the mask body 10 and extends in the longitudinal direction Dl, a hooking portion 24 which is disposed behind the ear at the time of wearing, an upper side transfer portion 23 which is transferred from the adhesive portion to the hooking portion 24, and a lower side transfer portion 26 which is transferred from the adhesive portion 22 to the hooking portion 24.

[0060] In addition, as shown in Figure 8 (b), a high rigidity portion 25r which improves rigidity can be provided in the pinch portion 25 in a manner that the user can easily pinch it. The high rigidity portion 25r can be formed by additionally applying a resin, performing embossing, or adhering a material having higher rigidity. Also, as shown in Figure 8As shown in (c), a mark 25c having a color different from that of the ear members 20 can be provided to the pinch grip portion 25 in such a manner that the user can recognize the pinch grip portion 25. The mark 25c can be formed by printing or by attaching a small piece.

[0061] Also, in Figure 9 , a modification example of a pair of the ear members 20, 20 is shown. In Figure 9 , the ear members 20 have the same configuration as in Figure 7 . In the example shown in Figure 9 , the pinch grip portions 25, 25 are located at positions apart from the center in the transverse direction D2 of the pair of the ear members 20, 20 (or the center in the transverse direction D2 of the mask 100) compared to the example shown in Figure 7 . In other words, the pinch grip portion 25 is located near the center in the transverse direction D2 of one of the ear members 20.

[0062] Also, in the example shown in Figure 9 , the shapes of the ear members 20, 20 as a whole are different from those in the examples shown in Figure 1 . In the example shown in Figure 9 , the ear members 20, 20 are each composed of a piece having a ring-like shape in plan view with an opening 29. However, each of the ear members 20 is not a rectangular ring, but has rounded corners compared to the examples shown in Figure 1 . More specifically, the upper side transfer portion 23, the hook portion 24, and the lower side transfer portion 26 are each formed in an arc shape. In the ear members 20 having such a shape including an arc, the impression of a soft appearance having rounded corners as a whole is not impaired by the pinch grip portion 25 being located near the center in the transverse direction D2 of the ear member 20.

[0063] As in the example shown in Figure 9 , from the viewpoint of making the impression of the appearance better when the ear members 20, 20 each have a shape more rounded, it is preferable that the length of the transverse direction D2 from the end edge of the transverse direction D2 of the mask 100 to the position where the pinch grip portion 25 protrudes the most (in this case, the length of the transverse direction D2 to the center in the transverse direction D2 of the portion where the pinch grip portion 25 protrudes the most) be 55 to 65% of the length c of 1 / 2 of the length of the transverse direction D2 of the mask 100 as a whole.

[0064] (Assistive device)

[0065] Note that in Figure 1 andFigure 2 In the gauze mask 100 shown, a pair of ear members 20, 20 are coupled to both side portions of the main body 10 via auxiliary members 30, 30, respectively. The auxiliary members 30, 30 can not be provided.

[0066] Figure 10 An enlarged view of a portion in which the auxiliary member 30 is provided in the gauze mask 100 is shown. Figure 10 (a) of FIG. 1 is a partial plan view, Figure 10 (b) of FIG. 1 is Figure 10 (a) of FIG. 1 is a III-III line sectional view. In addition, Figure 11 An enlarged view of a portion in which the auxiliary member 30 is provided in the gauze mask 100 is shown. Figure 10 (a) of FIG. 1 is a partial plan view, Figure 11 (b) of FIG. 1 is Figure 11 (a) of FIG. 1 is a IV-IV line sectional view. In Figure 11 (a) of FIG. 1 is a partial plan view, Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the example of FIG. 1, the main body 10, the ear member 20, and the auxiliary member 30 are arranged in this order. In Figure 10 and Figure 11 In FIG. 1, the illustration of the pleat structure 15 (e.g., FIG. 2) of the gauze mask main body 10 is omitted. Figure 1

[0067] The auxiliary member 30 is provided between the main body 10 and the ear member 20, and is provided so as to indirectly couple the main body 10 and the ear member 20. More specifically, the main body 10 and the auxiliary member 30 are coupled at a first coupling portion B1, the ear member 20 and the auxiliary member 30 are coupled at a second coupling portion B2, and the main body 10 and the ear member 20 are not directly coupled. The first coupling portion B1 and the second coupling portion B2 can be formed, for example, in a manner in which the opposing faces of the members are coupled to each other by applying pressure and / or heat, such as heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, non-heat embossing, or the like. Among these, from the viewpoint of being able to reliably couple, heat sealing is preferably used.

[0068] In the case where the coupling portions are formed by heat sealing or the like, the coupling portions can include a plurality of fused portions. The fused portions can be continuous or discontinuous in the longitudinal direction D1 and / or the lateral direction D2 in the coupling portions. Note that the shape of the fused portions of the coupling portions is not particularly limited as long as the coupling portions can be formed so as to sufficiently maintain strength. The fused portions can be formed in a narrow shape compared to the length, that is, in a linear shape (straight or curved), or can be formed in a dot shape (a shape that can be recognized as a dot). Further, more specifically, the planar shape of the fused portions can be any of a quadrangle such as a rectangle or a rhombus, a polygon other than a quadrangle, a circle, an ellipse, or the like.

[0069] ​As described above, the main body 10 has a function of blocking the invasion of foreign matter or preventing the scattering of droplets generated by the wearer, on the other hand, the ear member 20 has a function of hanging on the ear of the wearer when worn and holding the main body 10. Therefore, the main body 10 and the ear member 20 are usually formed of different materials, and preferably the ear member 20 is composed of a material having relatively high stretchability. Therefore, in the conventional configuration in which the main body 10 and the ear member 20 are directly joined, when a force is applied to the mask 100 because the ear member 20 is stretched or the like, there is a possibility that the main body 10 cannot follow the stretching of the ear member 20, and thus cannot maintain the joint and are peeled from each other.

[0070] On the contrary, in the present mode, the first joint portion B1 as the joint portion of the main body 10 and the auxiliary member 30, and the second joint portion B2 as the joint portion of the ear member 20 and the auxiliary member 30 can be formed respectively. That is, by including the first joint portion B1 and the second joint portion B2, the force of the joint is dispersed, and the ear member 20 is difficult to peel. In addition, each joint portion can be formed in a form suitable for the characteristics of the two members which are intended to be directly joined. Furthermore, as the material of the auxiliary member 30, a material which optimizes both the joint with the main body 10 and the joint with the ear member 20 can be selected. Thus, the indirect joint of the main body 10 and the ear member 20 is difficult to break, and as a result, a mask which is difficult to damage even if a force is applied can be obtained.

[0071] As described above, before wearing the mask 100 of the present mode, by pinching the pinch hand portions 25, 25 respectively provided in the pair of ear members 20, 20 and stretching, the ear members 20, 20 are separated from each other and opened to the side respectively. At the time of such separation / deployment of the ear members 20, 20, a relatively large force is likely to be applied to the mask 100. However, according to the present mode, the ear members 20, 20 are difficult to peel from the main body 10 even in the separation / deployment of the ear members 20, 20 at the start of use, and it is possible to start wearing in a good state.

[0072] The auxiliary member 30 can be formed of a material having no stretchability or small stretchability, and preferably formed of a material having a certain degree of stretchability. In addition, the auxiliary member 30 can be formed of a material whose shape can be irreversibly deformed if a force is applied. The auxiliary member 30 can include the same kind of stretchable nonwoven fabric as the ear member 20, but preferably the stretchability of the auxiliary member 30 is smaller than that of the ear member 20 at least in the lateral direction D2. In addition, preferably the stretchability of the auxiliary member 30 is larger than that of the main body 10 at least in the lateral direction D2.

[0073] By providing the auxiliary member 30 having the stretchability, even when the ear member 20 is stretched, the difference between the elongation of the main body 10 and the elongation of the auxiliary member 30, and the difference between the elongation of the ear member 20 and the elongation of the auxiliary member 30 can be suppressed, respectively. Therefore, the first joint portion B1 of the main body 10 and the auxiliary member 30, and the second joint portion B2 of the ear member 20 and the auxiliary member 30 are less likely to be damaged, and as a result, the indirect coupling of the main body 10 and the ear member 20 is less likely to be damaged. Note that the unit area weight of the auxiliary member 30 can be 5 to 100 g / m 2 . In addition, the thickness of the auxiliary member 30 can be 100 to 1,000 μm.

[0074] As shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11 , the auxiliary member 30 can be a sheet-shaped member extending in the longitudinal direction D1 of the mask 100. It is preferable that the length of the longitudinal direction D1 of the auxiliary member 30 be the same as the length of the longitudinal direction D1 of the mask 100 (the length of the longitudinal direction D1 of the main body 10), and it can also be shorter than the length of the longitudinal direction D1 of the mask 100. In addition, in one side (either side) of the lateral direction D2 of the mask 100, the outer end 31 of the lateral direction D2 of the auxiliary member 30 can be located inward of the lateral direction D2 from the outer end 11 of the lateral direction D2 of the main body 10, or it can be located outward of the lateral direction D2 from the outer end 11 of the lateral direction D2 of the main body 10, and it is preferable that it be located at a position aligned with the outer end 11 of the lateral direction D2 of the main body 10 as shown in Figure 10 (a) and (b).

[0075] The length (width) W of the lateral direction D2 of the auxiliary member 30 varies depending on the size and configuration of the entire mask 100, the size, shape, and material of the main body 10 and the ear member 20, and it is preferably 15 to 35 mm. By setting the length of the lateral direction D2 to the above range, the area of the first joint portion B1 and the second joint portion B2 can be sufficiently ensured, respectively, and on the other hand, the auxiliary member 30 does not interfere with the separation / deployment action at the start of use and / or the wearing, nor does it interfere with the functions of the main body 10 and the ear member 20.

[0076] As shown in Figure 10 , the auxiliary member 30 is disposed on the outer surface side of the main body 10. Therefore, even in the wearing of the mask 100, the possibility that the auxiliary member 30 itself comes into contact with the face of the wearer is low, and the good wearing feeling of the mask 100 of the present mode is not interfered with.

[0077] Furthermore, as described above, the ear member 20 in the present mode can function in such a manner that the both side portions of the main body 10 are pressed toward the face of the wearer, and the auxiliary member 30 disposed on the outer surface side of the main body 10 is at least partially integrated with the ear member 20, and can function to press the main body 10 toward the face. Thereby, the gap between the both side portions of the main body 10 and the face can be further set to be small, and thus the function of the mask 100 can be improved.

[0078] The following describes the specific modes of the present application.

[0079] (ADDITION 1)

[0080] The mode of ADDITION 1 is a mask including a mask body and a pair of ear members coupled to the mask body, the pair of ear members being coupled in a separable manner and disposed on the outer surface side of the mask body in a state before use starts, and a grip portion protruding from the end edge of the mask body in plan view being provided in each of the pair of ear members, the grip portion being gripped and stretched at the start of use, whereby the pair of ear members are separated from each other.

[0081] In the mode of ADDITION 1, the pair of ear members is provided with the grip portion protruding from the end edge of the body. Therefore, the user can grip or hold the ear members at a position away from the body. Thus, the operation of separating the pair of ear members from each other (separation operation) performed before wearing the mask can be performed without or substantially without contacting the body. Also, the operation of opening the separated ear members to the side (lateral outer side) (expansion operation) can also be performed without or substantially without contacting the body. Therefore, the hygiene of the mask is not impaired in the preparation stage before wearing the mask, and the wearer can wear the mask while maintaining a good state of hygiene.

[0082] When performing the separation operation and the expansion operation, the hand sometimes contacts the body to some extent due to the user's operation. In contrast, in the present mode, since the pair of ear members is disposed on the outer surface side of the body, even if the user's hand contacts the body, the hand contacts the outer surface of the body, and the possibility of the hand contacting the inner surface is low. Since the inner surface of the mask, in particular, the surface opposite the face of the wearer when worn, is desired to be maintained in a hygienic state, by eliminating or reducing contact of at least the inner surface with the hand, the hygiene of the mask can be effectively maintained even if the hand contacts the body in the separation operation and the expansion operation.

[0083] (ADDITION 2)

[0084] In the mode of ADDITION 2, the mask has a longitudinal direction corresponding to the up-down direction of the face of the wearer, and a lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and the grip portions are provided on the lower sides of the pair of ear members, respectively.

[0085] According to the mode of the above Note 2, since the grip portion is provided on the lower side of the ear member, the user can grip the grip portion with a natural movement without straining. For example, the mask is placed on a table or the like with the lateral direction thereof along the left and right directions of the body and the upper and lower directions thereof along the front and rear directions of the body, the hands are naturally extended toward the grip portions of the ear members without changing the shape (posture) of the hands, the thumbs are arranged on the back side of the grip portions (the inner surface side of the ear members or the side opposite to the main body), and the other fingers are arranged on the front side of the grip portions (the outer surface side of the ear members), whereby the grip portions can be gripped.

[0086] (Note 3)

[0087] In the mode of Note 3, the length in the lateral direction from the end edge of the mask to the position of the grip portion of the mask main body, at which the grip portion is most protruded from the end edge of the mask main body, is 45 to 90% of 1 / 2 of the length in the lateral direction of the mask.

[0088] According to the mode of the above Note 3, the most protruded portion of the grip portion of the ear member is positioned at a prescribed position in the lateral direction with respect to the mask. Therefore, the left and right hands can grip the grip portions without interfering with each other's movement, and when the ear members are lifted to separate from each other and opened to the side, a large force or a complicated movement is not required.

[0089] (Note 4)

[0090] In the mode of Note 4, the maximum length in the longitudinal direction of the portion of the grip portion, which is protruded from the end edge of the mask main body, is 5 to 15 mm.

[0091] According to the mode of the above Note 4, the protruded portion of the grip portion has a prescribed length from the end edge of the main body, whereby a sufficient area can be ensured for the user to grip the grip portion.

[0092] (Note 5)

[0093] In the mode of Note 5, the grip portion has a curved profile.

[0094] According to the mode of the above Note 5, the protruded portion from the main body is difficult to bend. In addition, during the separation / expansion movement before wearing, or when the ear members are hung on the ears during wearing, the discomfort when the profile of the grip portion contacts the hand can be reduced.

[0095] (Note 6)

[0096] In the mode of Note 6, an auxiliary member arranged on the outer surface side of the mask main body is further included, and the pair of ear members are coupled to the side portions of the mask main body via the auxiliary member.

[0097] According to the above-described mode of the Note 6, since the pair of ear members are coupled to the main body through the auxiliary member, respectively, it is possible to construct the mask without directly coupling the ear members to the main body. Therefore, it is possible to form the coupling portion of the main body and the auxiliary member, and the coupling portion of the ear members and the auxiliary member, respectively. That is, it is possible to form each coupling portion in a form suitable for the materials of the two members which are intended to be directly coupled. Thus, without impairing the function of the members and the wearing feeling, it is possible to form the indirect coupling between the ear members and the main body which is difficult to be broken, and thus it is possible to obtain the mask which is strong and has a good wearing feeling.

[0098] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-094368 filed in the Japan Patent Office on May 29, 2020, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0099] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0100] 10 Mask main body

[0101] 11 Lateral outer end of mask main body

[0102] 15 Pleat structure

[0103] 20 Ear member

[0104] 21 Lateral outer end of ear member

[0105] 22 Adhesive portion

[0106] 23 Upper side transfer portion

[0107] 24 Hooking portion

[0108] 25 Pinching portion

[0109] 25s Apex of protruding portion of pinching portion

[0110] 25c Mark

[0111] 25r High rigidity portion

[0112] 26 Lower side transfer portion

[0113] 28 Separable coupling portion

[0114] 30 Auxiliary member

[0115] 31 Lateral outer end of auxiliary member

[0116] 100 Mask

[0117] B1 First coupling portion

[0118] B2 Second coupling portion

Claims

1. A mask comprising: a mask body; a pair of ear members coupled to the mask body; and an auxiliary member disposed on an outer surface side of the mask body, the pair of ear members being coupled to side portions of the mask body via the auxiliary member, the auxiliary member having an elasticity which is smaller than that of the ear members and larger than that of the mask body in at least a transverse direction of the mask, the pair of ear members being coupled to the mask body in a separable manner and disposed on the outer surface side of the mask body in a state before use, the ear members being formed of a material having an elasticity and being in an elongated state after being hung on ears of a wearer, a grip portion being provided to each of the pair of ear members, the grip portion being used to separate the pair of ear members from each other by gripping the grip portion and stretching it at the start of use, the grip portion protruding from an end edge of the mask body in a plan view and having a convex profile protruding from a profile of the ear member.

2. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the grip portion is a portion for adjusting a position and / or a tension of the ear member when the ear member is hung on an ear of a wearer or after being hung on the ear.

3. The mask according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a length of the transverse direction from an end edge of the mask in the transverse direction to a position of the grip portion where the end edge of the mask body is most protruded is 45 to 90% of 1 / 2 of a length of the transverse direction of the mask.

4. The mask according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a maximum length of the longitudinal direction of a portion of the grip portion protruding from the end edge of the mask body is 5 to 15 mm.

5. The mask according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the protruding portion of the grip portion having the convex profile has a curved profile. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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