Mask

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of mask, including mask body and a pair of annular sheet ear hanging parts, wherein the ear hanging part is respectively connected to the transverse end of the mask body on the face opposite side of the mask body, and the connecting part is formed in the entire longitudinal direction, and the profile of the inner end of the connecting part has the shape of recessing to the transverse outer side.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] As a structure of a mask to be worn on the face, a mask is known which is provided with a mask body that covers at least a part of the face of a wearer, and a pair of ear-hanging portions, i.e., a pair of members that can be hung on each of the ears of the wearer in order to hold the mask body in the wearing position, which are respectively joined to the mask body.

[0003] In recent years, in order to reduce the burden on the ears when the mask is worn, the use of a sheet-shaped ear-hanging portion instead of a band-shaped ear-hanging portion has also been studied. For example, a mask is described in Patent Document 1 which is formed of a first ear-hanging portion and a second ear-hanging portion formed of one or more sheets, which are joined to one face of a mask body portion by first and second joining portions in the second direction (longitudinal direction). At least when the mask is worn, the first ear-hanging portion is folded back in the first direction (lateral direction) at the position of the first joining portion, and the second ear-hanging portion is folded back in the first direction at the position of the second joining portion.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5436262 SUMMARY

[0005] <Problem to be Solved by the Invention>

[0006] When the mask is worn, the user generally deforms the mask body so as to conform to the three-dimensional shape of the face. Along with this deformation, the lateral end portions of the mask body are also bent three-dimensionally, and the joining portions of the ear-hanging portions to the mask body are also bent. More specifically, the two joining portions are each able to bend in such a manner that at least the central region in the longitudinal direction can be convex toward the central region in the lateral direction. Due to this bending, the portions of the ear-hanging portions that are folded back at the joining portions are also bent three-dimensionally. Here, in the case where the ear-hanging portions are joined to the outer face (the face on the opposite side from the face that faces the face) of the mask body, due to the above-described bending, the ear-hanging portions sometimes partially float up from the mask body. The floating portions of such ear-hanging portions can possibly hinder the movements of the wearer during the wearing of the mask, and can also impair the appearance.

[0007] An aspect of the present application made in view of the above-described circumstances is to provide a mask in which a sheet-shaped ear-hanging portion does not easily float up from the mask body when worn.

[0008] <Means for Solving the Problem>

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a mask, comprising a mask body and a pair of annular sheet-like ear loops, wherein the ear loops are respectively engaged with the lateral ends of the mask body on the opposite side of the face-facing surface of the mask body, forming a joint portion in the entire longitudinal direction, and the lateral inner edge of the joint portion has a shape that is concave to the lateral outward.

[0010] <The Effects of the Invention>

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a mask can be provided in which the sheet-like ear loops do not easily float off the mask body when worn. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a plan view of a mask according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the outer surface side.

[0013] Figure 2 Observed from the inner surface side (face side) Figure 1 The diagram shown is a plan view of the mask.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a partial plan view showing the state of the ear loops after they are opened to the side.

[0015] Figure 4 This refers to the traditional form of face masks.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a partial image showing the state of wearing a traditional mask.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a partial view showing the state of wearing the mask according to this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of the joint.

[0019] Figure 8 Examples of variations of the joint.

[0020] Figure 9 This represents another variation of the joint.

[0021] Figure 10 Another variation representing a joint.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a plan view of a mask according to another embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the outer surface side.

[0023] Figure 12 It is along Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the XX line. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following will explain embodiments of the present application in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that, in each drawing, the same or corresponding portions will be denoted by the same reference signs, and will not be explained again as necessary. Figure 1

[0025] (Basic structure of mask)

[0026] The mask according to the present embodiment can be a mask capable of covering the face of a wearer, and more specifically, a mask capable of covering at least the nose and the mouth of a wearer. The mask according to the present embodiment can achieve a function of preventing foreign matter from reaching the face, or a function of preventing droplets generated from a wearer from flying, and is also called a sanitary mask or a medical mask. The mask can be used as a disposable mask, or can be used as a mask capable of being repeatedly used by washing or the like.

[0027] Figure 1 A plan view of the mask 1 according to the present embodiment is shown. Figure 1 is a view obtained by viewing the mask 1 from the outside (or the outer surface side), that is, the side of the face that is exposed to the outside when worn. Further, Figure 2 is a plan view obtained by viewing the mask from the inside (the side of the face that is opposed to the face when worn).

[0028] As Figure 1 shown, the mask 1 of the present embodiment includes a mask body 10 that is disposed in front of the face of a wearer when worn, and mainly capable of covering the nose and the mouth of the wearer, and a pair of ear hanging portions 20a, 20a that are coupled to the mask body 10. The mask 1 (mask body 10) has an up-down direction (longitudinal direction) D1 that corresponds to the up-down direction of the face of a wearer when worn, and a left-right direction (lateral direction) D2 that corresponds to the left-right direction of the face of a wearer when worn. The longitudinal direction D1 is orthogonal to the lateral direction D2. The pair of ear hanging portions 20a, 20a are coupled to both end portions of the mask body 10 in the lateral direction D2 by coupling portions 50, 50 formed along the longitudinal direction D1.

[0029] Figure 1 The mask body 10 shown in Figure 2 and Figure 1 and Figure 2 ​As shown, the mask body 10 has a pleat structure 15 formed by a plurality of pleats (folds) arranged in the longitudinal direction Dl. The pleats of the pleat structure 15 are formed by folding the sheet material constituting the mask body 10 at a fold line along the transverse direction D2. Also, in a state where a plurality of pleats are formed, the both end portions of the mask body 10 in the transverse direction D2 are fixed by heat sealing or the like. Therefore, in use of the mask 1, by expanding the pleats of the pleat structure 15 in the longitudinal direction Dl, the center of the mask body 10 in the transverse direction D2 is bent in a manner of protruding toward the outer surface side of the mask 1, and can be deformed into a shape suitable for the three-dimensional shape of the face. The specific structure of the pleat structure 15 is not particularly limited, and can be a well-known structure formed in a mask body, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, if a box-shaped pleat is formed in the center in the longitudinal direction Dl, the center of the mask body 10 in the longitudinal direction Dl is easily made to protrude in a direction away from the face at the time of wearing, and thus is preferable.

[0030] The mask body 10 can also have a multi-layer structure in which a plurality of layers are laminated. For example, it can be a structure including at least three layers in which an intermediate layer is sandwiched by an outer layer and an inner layer, the intermediate layer improving the function of capturing foreign matter (dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses, etc.). Each layer constituting the mask body 10 preferably includes a fiber-containing layer such as a nonwoven fabric, a fabric, a knitted fabric, etc., and more preferably includes a nonwoven fabric. As the nonwoven fabric, a spunbond nonwoven fabric, a spunlace nonwoven fabric, a meltblown nonwoven fabric, a thermal-bonded nonwoven fabric, a point-bonded nonwoven fabric, etc. can be given. In addition, the intermediate layer preferably uses a meltblown nonwoven fabric obtained by containing fine fibers. In addition, the fiber constituting the fiber-containing layer is preferably a resin fiber, and as the kind of resin of the resin fiber, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, etc. can be given. The basis weight of the outer layer and the inner layer can be 10 to 50 g / m 2 , preferably 15 to 50 g / m 2 . The basis weight of the intermediate layer, which has high foreign matter capturing properties, is preferably 10 to 100 g / m 2 , more preferably 15 to 50 g / m 2 .

[0031] The pair of ear hook portions 20a, 20a can each be ring-shaped (or closed band-shaped) in plan view. At the time of wearing, the ear hook portions 20a can be hung on the ears in a manner that the ears of the wearer enter the inside of the ring of the ear hook portion 20a, that is, the opening 29 in the center of the ear hook portion 20a. As Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the pair of ear hook portions 20a, 20a are formed in a sheet shape, unlike the band-shaped or string-shaped ear hook portions. Since the pair of ear hook portions 20a, 20a are in a sheet shape, when the ear hook portions 20a are hung on the ear portions when wearing the mask, the ear hook portions 20a can come into contact with the rear of the ear portions or the back of the earlobes, so the burden on the ear portions can be reduced. Thus, even if the mask is used for a long time, the discomfort can be reduced.

[0032] Further, the annular shape of the ear hook portion 20a can be a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or the like, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 1 Further, the annular shape of the ear hook portion 20a can be a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or the like, as shown in Figure 2 As shown, the ear hook portion 20a can have a base portion 22 extending along the longitudinal direction D1 and fixed to the mask body 10 along the longitudinal direction D1, a rear-ear portion 24 located at the rear of the ear portions of the wearer when worn, an upper-side extension portion 23 located at the upper side and extending between the base portion 22 and the rear-ear portion 24, and a lower-side extension portion 26 located at the lower side and extending between the base portion 22 and the rear-ear portion 24.

[0033] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 and Figure 1 , the pair of ear hook portions 20a, 20a are formed in a single sheet shape that can be coupled together at the center in the lateral direction D2, that is, in the ear hook sheet 20. In this specification, the so-called single sheet refers to a configuration in which a single sheet is continuously formed. The single sheet can be a single layer or a laminate formed by stacking a plurality of layers. Since the pair of ear hook portions 20a, 20a are in a single sheet shape, positioning of the ear hook portions 20a, 20a can be performed simultaneously at the time of manufacturing, and the mask is easier to manufacture. However, the pair of ear hook portions 20a, 20a do not necessarily have to be coupled together.

[0034] In the case where the pair of ear hook portions 20a, 20a are formed in the ear hook sheet 20, the ear hook sheet 20 can be configured to be able to form the pair of ear hook portions 20a, 20a by breaking at a prescribed position. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3 , the pair of ear hook portions 20a, 20a are coupled together at the coupling portion 28. The coupling form of the coupling portion 28 is not particularly limited, and is preferably a coupling that can be separated by pulling with the usual strength of the user. For example, as shown in Figures 1 to 3 , the coupling portion 28 can be formed as a line of perforations. Further, the coupling portion 28 can be formed by making the boundary between the pair of ear hook portions 20a, 20a weak or easy to apply stress by making the thickness of the sheet small or by other methods. Further, the coupling portion 28 can be configured to be able to be cut by the user using a tool such as scissors.

[0035] The ear-hanging portions 20a, 20a (or the ear-hanging portion piece 20) can also be made of a material having stretchability, at least in the lateral direction. By making the ear-hanging portions 20a, 20a stretchable, the user can easily perform the action of stretching the ear-hanging portions 20a, 20a to the rear of the ears and hanging them on the ears at the time of donning the mask, and also can make the mask body 10 fit on the face by the stretching stress generated in the ear-hanging portions 20a, 20a at the time of wearing (during wearing).

[0036] The ear-hanging portions 20a can be a single-layer sheet made of a material having stretchability, or a multi-layer sheet made of a plurality of layers of stretchable material. The so-called stretchable material refers to a stretchable member in the form of a thread or a tape, such as a stretchable nonwoven fabric, a stretchable film, or a rubber thread. In the case of including a stretchable nonwoven fabric, the stretchability of the nonwoven fabric can be exhibited by the nonwoven fabric including stretchable fibers, for example, by the stretchability inherent in the material of the fibers or by the fibers being crimped fibers. Alternatively, the stretchability can also be exhibited by a prescribed physical configuration, such as by having a concave-convex surface. As specific examples of the stretchable nonwoven fabric, there can be mentioned a stretchable thermal air nonwoven fabric, a stretchable spun-bond nonwoven fabric, a stretchable hydroentangled nonwoven fabric, a stretchable needle-punched nonwoven fabric, a stretchable chemical-bonded nonwoven fabric, and the like. The basis weight of the nonwoven fabric used is preferably 5 to 50 g / m2, more preferably 8 to 35 g / m2. 2 , more preferably 8 to 35 g / m2. 2 .

[0037] In the case where the ear-hanging portions 20a are made of a multi-layer sheet in which a plurality of nonwoven fabrics are laminated, a structure such as a spun-bond nonwoven fabric / melt-blown nonwoven fabric / spun-bond nonwoven fabric can be employed, and a stretchable nonwoven fabric can be used in at least one of these nonwoven fabrics. Further, in the case where the ear-hanging portions 20a are made of a multi-layer sheet including a stretchable film, there can be mentioned a structure such as a nonwoven fabric / stretchable film, a nonwoven fabric / stretchable film / nonwoven fabric (for example, a spun-bond nonwoven fabric / stretchable film / spun-bond nonwoven fabric, a thermal air nonwoven fabric / stretchable film / thermal air nonwoven fabric, and the like). In the case of a sheet in which two layers are laminated, either of the layers can be made stretchable, and in a state in which the stretchable layer is elongated, the other layer is laminated and intermittently fixed, and then relaxed to return to the natural state, to obtain a sheet for the ear-hanging portions 20a. Further, in the case of a sheet in which three layers are laminated, in a state in which the central layer is elongated, the layers are laminated and intermittently fixed on both faces, and then relaxed to return to the natural state, to obtain a sheet for the ear-hanging portions 20a.

[0038] Among the above, from the viewpoint of easy production and high stretchability, it is preferable to adopt a structure using a stretchable film, and particularly a structure in which a nonwoven fabric is arranged on both surfaces of the stretchable film. As the material of the stretchable film, polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like polyolefins, polyurethane, and the like can be given. The stretchability of the stretchable film is preferably 3.5 to 4.0 in terms of the maximum elongation (elongation at the time of tensile fracture) measured by a tensile testing machine. Further, the stretchable film can also have a function of allowing moisture to pass therethrough. In the case of using the stretchable film, a sheet for the ear hook portion 20a can be obtained by intermittently joining the nonwoven fabric to the stretchable film by ultrasonic welding or the like in a state in which the stretchable film is elongated at a prescribed ratio with respect to the natural length, and then allowing it to relax to return to the natural state. Due to the relaxation of the stretchable film, the nonwoven fabric that is not joined protrudes, and thus a plurality of wrinkles extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the stretching direction are formed on the obtained sheet.

[0039] Note that the sheet for the ear hook portion 20a can also be formed by sandwiching the rubber thread in a state in which it is elongated, using a nonwoven fabric that has little or no stretchability. Further, a heat-adhesive nonwoven fabric (a nonwoven fabric that can be adhered to other members by softening or melting the fibers by heating) that is stretchable or not stretchable can also be used for the attachment.

[0040] The basis weight of the ear hook portion 20a (ear hook sheet 20) can be 20 to 150 g / m 2 . Further, the thickness of the ear hook portion 20a can be 100 to 3000 μm.

[0041] (Use of the mask)

[0042] When starting to use the mask 1 according to the present embodiment, the user opens the ear hook portions 20a, 20a to the lateral D2 side before wearing the mask 1. As described above, in the case where the pair of ear hook portions 20a, 20a are joined to each other so as to be separable, the joining is released and the ear hook portions 20a, 20a are separated from each other before being unfolded.

[0043] Figure 1 The right side portion indicates a state after the ear hook portions 20a, 20a of the mask 1 are unfolded. After unfolding the ear hook portions 20a to the lateral D2 outside, the ear hook portions 20a are turned over, and the surface of the ear hook portions 20a that has been facing the mask body 10 is exposed. Further, almost the entire outer surface of the mask body 10 is also exposed.

[0044] As Figures 1 to 3In the present embodiment, as shown, the pair of ear-hanging portions 20a, 20a are arranged on the outer surface of the mask body 10. Therefore, in the operation of separating the pair of ear-hanging portions 20a, 20a from each other and opening them outward in the lateral direction D2, it is possible to reduce or avoid the possibility of touching the inner surface of the mask body 10, which is preferable from the viewpoint of hygiene.

[0045] The mask 1 according to the present embodiment can be used, for example, in the following manner. In a state in which the outer surface of the mask body 10 is facing upward and the mask 1 is placed, the user holds the pair of ear-hanging portions 20a, 20a with hands and opens them outward in the lateral direction D2, and then, while still holding the pair of ear-hanging portions 20a, 20a, moves the mask 1 toward the face of another person (wearer). Then, after arranging the mask body 10 at a desired position on the face of the other person, the user can hang the pair of ear-hanging portions 20a, 20a on the ears of the other person without changing the holding method. Thus, the mask 1 according to the present embodiment can be applied even in a case where the mask is worn on the face of a person who has difficulty in wearing the mask by himself or herself, such as a child or a patient.

[0046] Note that the pinch portions 25, 25 can be formed on the pair of ear-hanging portions 20a, 20a, and the user can pinch the pinch portions 25, 25 when separating the pair of ear-hanging portions 20a, 20a from each other and opening them outward in the lateral direction D2. Figure 1 ) The pinch portions 25, 25 can be formed on the lower side extending portions 26, which protrude from the end edge of the mask body 10 in plan view, and preferably protrude from the lower end of the mask 1 (or the lower end of the mask body 10). In this case, the user can pinch the pinch portions 25, 25 with both hands without touching or almost touching the mask body 10 itself, that is, either of the outer surface and the inner surface of the mask body 10. Thus, the user can separate and spread the pair of ear-hanging portions 20a, 20a without touching or almost touching the mask body 10. Thus, the user can wear the mask 1 in a good state of hygiene even when he or she cannot sufficiently take care of the hygiene of the fingers.

[0047] Further, since the ear-hanging portions 20a have the pinch portions 25, 25, the user can easily adjust the ear-hanging portions when or after hanging the ear-hanging portions 20a on the ears of the wearer by pinching the pinch portions 25, 25. That is, the user can adjust the position of the ear-hanging portions 20a by relatively moving the ear-hanging portions 20a in the circumferential direction of the ear-hanging portions 20a with respect to the ears, or adjust the tension degree of the ear-hanging portions 20a by stretching or relaxing the ear-hanging portions 20a toward the rear side, by pinching the pinch portions 25, 25.

[0048] Further, in the present embodiment, since the pair of ear-hanging portions 20a, 20a are joined to the both side portions of the outer surface of the mask body 10, respectively,Figure 1 Therefore, when wearing mask 1, that is, with the ear loops 20a open to the side and hooked on the ears, the two sides of the mask body 10 are pressed against the face from the outer surface through the ear loops 20a. This reduces the gap between the mask body 10 and the face at both sides, thus improving the mask's functionality, such as blocking foreign objects and preventing the spread of droplets coughed up by the wearer. Furthermore, since the ear loops 20a are not located on the inner surface (face side) of the two sides of the mask body, they do not directly contact the wearer's face during wear, reducing discomfort.

[0049] It should be noted that markings 18, distinguishing the outer and inner surfaces of the mask body 10, can also be formed on the mask body 10 through embossing, printing, embroidery, etc. The form of the markings 18 is not particularly limited, as long as the user can visually or tactilely identify the inner and outer surfaces. Figure 1 As shown, mark 18 can be text, numbers, symbols, graphics, signs, etc.

[0050] (Joint)

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, sheet-like ear loop portions 20a, 20a (or ear loop pieces 20) overlap on the outer surface of the mask body 10 and are joined at both ends of the transverse direction D2 by joining portions 50, 50 (areas indicated in gray). The joining portions 50, 50 can be formed, for example, by applying pressure and / or heat to join the opposing surfaces of the ear loop portions 20a and the mask body 10 together, such as by heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, or non-heated embossing. When the raw materials of the ear loop portions 20a and the mask body 10 are synthetic resins, heat sealing is preferred because the two can be fused together more reliably.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, the joint portion 50 may be formed along the longitudinal direction D1, preferably continuously from the upper end to the lower end of the longitudinal direction D1 of the ear loop portion 20a. The joint portion 50 may be formed linearly along the longitudinal direction D1, and from the viewpoint of improving adhesive strength, it is preferable to have a certain width.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the inner end edge 51 of the joint 50, 50 on the transverse D2 has a shape that is recessed outward from the transverse D2. Figure 1 In the example, the recess at the contour of the inner end edge 51 formed on the transverse D2 of the joint 50 is a trapezoid with a short upper side on the outer side of the transverse D2.

[0054] Hereinafter, advantages of the shape in which the inner end edge 51 of the joint portion 50, 50 has a concave shape toward the lateral direction D2 outside will be described. Therefore, first, the shape change when wearing a conventional mask will be described. Figure 5 is a plan view of the conventional mask 1' as viewed from the outer surface side of the mask body 10. The basic structure of the conventional mask 1' is the same as that of the mask 1 of the present embodiment shown in Figure 4 , but it is different from the mask 1 in that the joint portions 50', 50' extend linearly along the longitudinal direction Dl.

[0055] Figure 5 is a partial perspective view showing the state of wearing the conventional mask 1' shown in Figure 5 . As shown in Figure 6 , in the state of wearing, the crease structure 15 of the mask body 10 of the mask 1' expands on the longitudinal direction Dl at the center in the width direction (lateral direction) D2 to correspond to the three-dimensional shape of the face, and the center of the lateral direction D2 of the mask body 10 is deformed in a manner of protruding toward the outer surface side. Along with the deformation of the center of the mask body 10, the end portion of the mask body 10 in the lateral direction D2 is also deformed, and thus the joint portion formed at the end portion in the lateral direction D2 is also deformed. More specifically, for the joint portion 50' formed at the end portion of the mask body 10 in the lateral direction D2, the center of the longitudinal direction Dl of the joint portion 50' is deformed at least in a manner of approaching the center of the lateral direction D2 (in a manner of protruding toward the center of the lateral direction D2). Due to the deformation of such a joint portion 50', the ear hanging portion 20a is bent and deformed at the portion where the ear hanging portion 20a is folded back at the joint portion 50', particularly the base portion 22 of the ear hanging portion 20a, and a skew can occur. For example, near the center of the longitudinal direction Dl of the base portion 22, a portion where the base portion 22 is separated from the mask body 10 (a floating portion r) Figure 1 ) can occur. The floating portion r of the base portion 22 can also be a bent portion or a crease.

[0056] In contrast to this, Figure 2 is a partial perspective view showing the state of wearing the mask 1 of the present embodiment Figure 6 and Figure 5 . Figure 5 is a view corresponding to Figure 1 , and the mask body 10 is deformed to correspond to the three-dimensional shape of the face as in the case of the mask 1' ( Figure 7 ). Along with the deformation of such a mask body 10, for the end portion of the mask body 10 in the lateral direction D2 itself, the center of the longitudinal direction Dl of the end portion is deformed in a manner of at least approaching the center of the lateral direction D2. However, in the present embodiment, the contour of the inner end edge 51 of the lateral direction D2 of the joint portion 50 is concave toward the lateral direction D2 outside in the state before wearing ( Figure 1), so that the center of the contour of the inner end edge 51 in the longitudinal direction D1 does not protrude, but becomes a linear or approximately linear shape along the longitudinal direction D1 in the state where the mask body 10 is deformed when worn. Thus, the portion of the ear hanging portion 20a that is folded back at the joint portion 50, particularly the base portion 22 near the joint portion 50, is less deformed and less skewed. Thus, the phenomenon of the ear hanging portion 20a, particularly the base portion 22, floating up from the mask body 10 (the phenomenon of standing up from the outer surface of the mask body 10) can be suppressed. Although the floating up of the ear hanging portion 20a toward the outer surface side sometimes hinders the wearer's movements, the above inconvenience can be avoided. For example, when a further protective device such as a face shield is worn from above the mask, the floating up portion of the ear hanging portion 20a can be prevented from being hooked by a component of the protective device, and the like. Further, since the ear hanging portion 20a adheres more closely to the mask body 10 when worn, the appearance of the mask 1 is also better.

[0057] Figure 7 An enlarged view of the portion near the joint portion 50 on the right side of Figure 5 . As described above, the contour of the inner end edge 51 in the width direction (lateral direction) D2 of the joint portion 50 is recessed outward in the width direction D2. In the example shown in the drawing, the recessed portion (recess) is a trapezoidal shape having a short upper side outward in the lateral direction D2, but can be a rectangular shape (oblong or square) or the like. Among these, in the case where the recess shape is a trapezoidal shape, if the contour line of the inner end edge 51 gradually or stepwise approaches the width direction D2 outward as it approaches the central region in the longitudinal direction D1, a contour line that changes slowly in the longitudinal direction D1 and the lateral direction D2 can be obtained, and thus stress can be prevented from concentrating at the position where the contour direction changes, and the joint portion 50 can be prevented from breaking.

[0058] Figure 6 The upper region UR, the central region MR, and the lower region LR of the mask body 10 are also indicated in FIG. 2. The lengths of the longitudinal direction D1 of these regions can be set to lengths that approximately divide the entire length of the mask 1 in the lateral direction D2 (the entire length in the longitudinal direction D1) into three equal parts, respectively. The bottom 51a of the recess of the contour of the inner end edge 51 in the lateral direction D2 of the joint portion 50 is preferably included in the central region MR. When the mask is worn, the central region MR is most likely to be bent at the end portion in the lateral direction D2 of the mask body 10, and the portion of the base portion 22 of the ear hanging portion 20a that is joined in the central region MR is most likely to be skewed, so that in the central region MR, since the inner end edge 51 in the width direction D2 of the joint portion 50 is located outward in the width direction D2, the floating up of the base portion 22 can be prevented well Figures 8 to 10 , Figure 8 ).

[0059] The distance D1 between the inner edge 51 of the transverse D2 of the joint 50, at the position closest to the inside of the width direction D2 and the position closest to the outside of the width direction D2, can be 2 to 18 mm. By setting the distance D1 within the above range, the aforementioned effect of preventing the joint 50 from bending during wear can be improved, and the distribution of the tensile force applied to the joint 50 in the longitudinal direction D1 can be prevented from being excessively uneven, thereby preventing unwanted stress from being generated on the mask 1.

[0060] In addition, the maximum width W of the joint 50 max It can be 3–20 mm. This is achieved by adjusting the maximum width W. max Within the aforementioned range, the bonding strength between the mask body 10 and the ear loop portion 20a can be improved, and the lateral D2 end of the mask 1 with the joint portion 50 formed can be prevented from becoming excessively stiff, thus reducing the comfortable wearing experience. On the other hand, the minimum width W of the joint portion 50... min It can be 1–18 mm. This is achieved by adjusting the minimum width W. min Within the aforementioned range, it is easy to form a shape where the inner edge 51 of the width direction D2 is concave outwards from the width direction D2, and it is possible to suppress the increase in hardness of the joint 50. Maximum width W max It can be located within the upper region UR and / or lower region LR of the mask body 10, with a minimum width W. min It can be located in the central area MR of the mask body 10.

[0061] Figure 9 This illustrates a variation of the joint 50. The shape of the joint 50 is not particularly limited, as long as the outline of the inner edge 51 in the width direction D2 has a shape that is recessed outwards in the width direction D2. Thus, for example… Figure 10 As shown, the recess may not be a trapezoid or other quadrilateral, but rather a shape with the bottom 51a as the base point. That is, the outline of the inner edge 51 of the width direction D2 of the joint 50 may also be a triangular shape with a base side inside the width direction D2.

[0062] like Figure 11 As shown, the contour of the inner end edge 51 in the width direction D2 of the joint 50 can also be formed by a curve. More specifically, as shown, the contour of the inner end edge 51 can be formed by a portion of a circle whose radius of curvature is located inside the width direction D2. Furthermore, as... Figure 12 As shown, the outline of the inner edge 51 of the joint 50 in the width direction D2 can be a partially curved shape. More specifically, the outline of the inner edge 51 of the joint 50 can be contained in a recess with a bottom (bottom point) 51a in the central region MR of the mask body 10, and is a straight line along the longitudinal direction D1 above and below the recess.

[0063] It is to be noted that the joint portion 50 can be continuous in the entire area within the joint portion 50 where the ear-hanging portion 20a is joined to the mask body 10. Alternatively, the joint portion 50 can include a joint minute portion where the ear-hanging portion 20a is joined to the mask body 10 and a non-joint minute portion where the ear-hanging portion 20a is not joined to the mask body 10. In the case of the latter, it is preferable that the joint portion 50 including the joint minute portion and the non-joint minute portion can ensure a balance between flexibility and adhesive strength. The joint minute portion can be formed in a dot shape scattered in the area of the joint portion 50, a plurality of lines extending in the longitudinal direction Dl or the lateral direction D2, a lattice, a mesh, or the like.

[0064] (Mask with auxiliary member)

[0065] Figure 11 A plan view of the mask 101 of another embodiment of the present application as viewed from the outer surface side is shown. Further, Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view along the X-X line of Figure 1 . The basic structure and the effects obtainable of the mask 101 are the same as those of the mask 1 Figure 11 . However, the mask 101 differs from the mask 1 Figure 12 in that the ear-hanging portion 20a is not directly joined to the mask body 10 but is joined via the sheet-like auxiliary member 130.

[0066] As shown in Figure 11 and Figure 1 , the auxiliary members 130, 130 are respectively provided at the end portions in the lateral direction D2 of the mask body 10. Further, the auxiliary members 130, 130 are respectively arranged on the side of the mask body 10 overlapping with the pair of ear-hanging portions 20a, 20a. That is, at the end portions in the lateral direction D2 of the mask body 10, the mask body 10, the ear-hanging portion 20a, and the auxiliary member 130 are arranged in superposition.

[0067] The auxiliary member 130 is joined to the mask body 10 at the outer side in the width direction D2 and is joined to the ear-hanging portion 20a at the inner side in the width direction D2. Thus, the ear-hanging portion 20a is indirectly joined to the end portion in the lateral direction D2 of the mask body 10 via the auxiliary member 130, thereby forming a joint portion 150 over the entire longitudinal direction Dl. The joint portion 150 is a joint portion formed by the direct joining of the auxiliary member 130 to the mask body 10. On the other hand, the auxiliary member 130 and the ear-hanging portion 20a are directly joined by a second joint portion 160.

[0068] Thus, since the ear-hanging portions 20a are indirectly joined to the mask body 10 via the auxiliary member 130, various advantages can be obtained. For example, the mask body 10 and the ear-hanging portions 20a are generally formed of different materials (e.g., materials having different stretchability) suitable for respective purposes, and thus there are cases where direct joining cannot be performed with sufficient strength, but by joining via the auxiliary member 130 as in the present embodiment, the stretchability difference between the ear-hanging portions 20a and the mask body 10 can be buffered, and the ear-hanging portions 20a and the mask body 10 can be firmly joined. Further, by using the auxiliary member 130, the ear-hanging portions 20a can be more freely deformed and moved with respect to the mask body 10, and thus can conform to the faces of various users.

[0069] In the case of using the mask 101, the joining of the joining portions 28 of the ear-hanging portions 20a, 20a to each other is also released, and the ear-hanging portions 20a, 20a are opened to the outside in the width direction D2, and are hung on the respective ears of the wearer. At this time, the ear-hanging portions 20a whose second joining portions 160 are joined together are unfolded integrally with the auxiliary member 130. If the ear-hanging portions 20a are unfolded, the auxiliary member 130 is folded back at the joining portions 150. Thus, the auxiliary member 130 can also be considered as a part or an extension of the ear-hanging portions 20a.

[0070] In the mask 101, the profile of the inner end edge 151 of the joining portion 150 in the lateral direction D2 also has a shape that is recessed to the outside in the lateral direction D2. Figure 11 The shape of the joining portion 150 shown in ​ The joining portion 50 of the mask 1 shown in the drawing also has a shape of a trapezoid having a short upper side to the outside in the lateral direction D2. Thus, in the mask 101, the deformation or skewing of the ear-hanging portions 20a that occurs in association with the deformation of the mask body 10 at the time of wearing can also be reduced, and the ear-hanging portions 20a can be prevented from floating up from the mask body 10. More specifically, the folded-back portion of the auxiliary member 130 that is directly joined to the mask body 10 can be prevented from standing up (floating up), and thus the ear-hanging portions 20a can be prevented from floating up.

[0071] As ​ The auxiliary member 130 can extend over the entire longitudinal direction Dl of the mask 101. Further, the size (width) of the auxiliary member 130 in the lateral direction D2 also depends on the size and structure of the mask 101 as a whole, the size, shape, and material of the mask body 10 and the ear-hanging portions 20a, but is preferably 15 to 35 mm. The basis weight of the auxiliary member 130 can be 5 to 100 g / m 2 Further, the thickness of the auxiliary member 130 can be 100 to 1000 μm.

[0072] The auxiliary member 130 can also be formed of a material having no stretchability or small stretchability, or a material having a certain degree of stretchability. In the auxiliary member 130, for example, a stretchable nonwoven fabric can also be included. At this time, the auxiliary member 130 preferably has stretchability at least in the lateral direction D2, but the stretchability of the auxiliary member 130 is preferably smaller than that of the ear-hanging portions 20a. Note that the auxiliary member 130 can also be formed of a material that irreversibly deforms in shape when a force is applied.

[0073] Hereinafter, specific modes of the present application will be described.

[0074] (Addendum 1)

[0075] The mode of Addendum 1 is a mask including a mask body and a pair of ring-shaped sheet-like ear-hanging portions, wherein the ear-hanging portions are respectively joined to each end portion of the mask body in the lateral direction on the face opposite side of the mask body, and a joined portion is formed over the entire longitudinal direction, and the inner end edge of the joined portion in the lateral direction has a shape recessed toward the lateral direction outer side.

[0076] In the mode of the above Addendum 1, the sheet-like ear-hanging portions are respectively joined to each end portion of the mask body in the lateral direction to form the joined portion over the longitudinal direction. With such a mask, in use, the sheet-like ear-hanging portions are respectively opened in the lateral direction and folded back at the joined portion. Here, if the mask body is three-dimensionally deformed in correspondence with the shape of the face, the joined portions of the mask body and the ear-hanging portions formed at the two end portions of the mask body in the lateral direction also bend. For example, the joined portion can become a shape bent in a manner close to the lateral direction center near the center in the longitudinal direction. Along with this bending of the joined portion, the portion of the ear-hanging portion folded back at the joined portion also bends and deforms to cause skewing. Since the ear-hanging portions are joined to the outer surface of the mask body (the face opposite side of the mask body), the portion of the ear-hanging portion folded back and the portion near it are likely to come away from the mask body and easily float up.

[0077] In contrast, according to the present mode, the contour of the end edge of the joined portion of the ear-hanging portion and the mask body on the lateral direction inner side has a shape recessed toward the lateral direction outer side. Therefore, in use of the mask, even if the end portion of the mask body in the lateral direction is deformed in a manner convex toward the lateral direction inner side, the deformation of the inner end edge of the joined portion is offset by the recessed shape possessed by the original contour, so the degree of bending of the contour in use of the mask becomes small. Thus, skewing of the portion of the ear-hanging portion folded back at the joined portion can be reduced or prevented, and the portion of the ear-hanging portion folded back can be inhibited from floating up from the mask body. Therefore, with the mask according to the present mode, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the ear-hanging portion floats up from the mask body to hinder the wearer's movements. For example, in the case of wearing a further protective device such as a face guard from above the mask, it is possible to prevent a part of the protective device from catching on the ear-hanging portion or the like. Furthermore, since the ear-hanging portion does not float up, the appearance of the mask in use is also preferable.

[0078] (Attachment 2)

[0079] In the form of Attachment 2, the bottom of the shape of the recess is located in the longitudinal central region of the mask body.

[0080] According to the form of the above-mentioned Attachment 2, the tilting of the longitudinal central portion, which is the most likely to tilt among the portions of the ear-hanging portion that are folded back, can be more reliably prevented.

[0081] (Attachment 3)

[0082] In the form of Attachment 3, the contour of the inner end edge in the transverse direction of the joint portion gradually or stepwise extends toward the outside in the width direction as it approaches the longitudinal central region.

[0083] According to the form of the above-mentioned Attachment 3, the position of the inner end edge in the transverse direction of the joint portion gradually and slowly changes. As a result, the contour of the end edge can prevent stress from concentrating in a particular location, so the joint portion is less likely to be damaged even if a strong force is applied to the ear-hanging portion.

[0084] (Attachment 4)

[0085] In the form of Attachment 4, the maximum width in the transverse direction of the joint portion is 3 to 20 mm.

[0086] According to the form of the above-mentioned Attachment 4, the joint strength of the mask body and the ear-hanging portion can be improved, while preventing the width direction end portion of the mask in which the joint portion is formed from becoming excessively hard and reducing the comfort of wearing.

[0087] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-042093 filed on March 16, 2021 with the Japan Patent Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0088] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0089] 1: Mask

[0090] 1': Conventional mask

[0091] 10: Mask body

[0092] 15: Pleat structure

[0093] 18: Mark

[0094] 20: Ear-hanging portion piece

[0095] 20a: Ear-hanging portion

[0096] 22: Base portion

[0097] 23: Upper side extension portion

[0098] 24: rear ear portion arrangement part

[0099] 25: pinch part

[0100] 26: lower side extension part

[0101] 28: separable coupling part

[0102] 29: opening

[0103] 30: auxiliary member

[0104] 50, 150: coupling part

[0105] 50': conventional coupling part

[0106] 51, 151: width direction inner end edge of coupling part

[0107] 51': width direction inner end edge of conventional coupling part

[0108] 51a: recess bottom of inner end edge

[0109] 130: auxiliary member

[0110] 160: second coupling part

[0111] D1: longitudinal direction (up-down direction)

[0112] D2: lateral direction (left-right direction, width direction)

[0113] LR: lower region

[0114] MR: central region

[0115] UR: upper region

Claims

1. A face mask, comprising a mask body and a pair of annular, sheet-like ear loops, wherein, The ear loops are respectively attached to the opposite sides of the face-facing surface of the mask body at each of the lateral ends of the mask body, forming a joint in the entire longitudinal direction. When worn, they unfold laterally outwards and fold back at the joint. The lateral inner edge of the joint has a shape that is concave to the lateral side, and in the longitudinal central region, it has a portion that gradually moves outward in the width direction. The longitudinal central region has a length that is obtained by dividing the full length of the lateral end of the mask body into three equal parts.

2. The mask according to claim 1, wherein, The bottom of the recessed shape is located in the longitudinal central region of the mask body.

3. The mask according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The outline of the transverse inner edge of the joint gradually or in stages extends outward in the width direction as it approaches the longitudinal central region.

4. The mask according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The maximum lateral width of the joint is 3 to 20 mm.

Images