Mask

Abstract

To provide a mask capable of continuously suppressing the stickiness due to the stuffiness of the mask surface abutting on the face while absorbing the warm moist breath exhausted from the mouth and the nose.SOLUTION: A mask comprises: a mask body composed of a laminate obtained by laying a plurality of sheets having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction on each other; and ear hook parts disposed on both right and left sides of the mask body and used for locking the mask to the ears. In the mask, a fabric having a water migration ratio of 65% or less is used for the sheet of the innermost layer in the laminate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mask. [Background technology]

[0002] A mask is a hygiene product used to prevent the spread of droplets from coughs and sneezes, or to prevent particles such as dust, pollen, and droplets from entering the body.

[0003] In recent years, it has become possible to capture finer particles by stacking multiple filter layers, but this does not adequately address the stuffiness and stuffiness inside the mask that can occur when stacking multiple filters. To solve this problem, a mask has been proposed in which the inner woven fabric of the mask body, which faces the face, is made of a woven fabric made of a cool-to-the-touch material (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] In the mask of Patent Document 1, the woven fabric made of a cooling material comes into contact with the skin when the mask is worn, providing a cool, cooling sensation to the touch, reducing the uncomfortable feeling of heat caused by one's own body heat and exhaled breath when wearing the mask. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3228789 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, simply using a woven fabric made of a cool-to-the-touch material as the inner layer in the layered structure of a mask poses the problem that the inside becomes moist due to warm, moist breath exhaled from the mouth and nose, making it difficult to maintain the cooling sensation for a long period of time.Furthermore, as the inside becomes moist, the surface of the mask that comes into contact with the face becomes wet and sticky, making it uncomfortable to wear.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional problems and current circumstances, and aims to provide a mask that can absorb warm, moist breath exhaled from the mouth and nose while continuously suppressing stickiness caused by stuffiness on the surface of the mask that comes into contact with the face. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The inventors conducted extensive research to solve the above problems and discovered that extremely good results could be obtained by using a fabric with a moisture transfer rate of 65% or less for the innermost sheet layer in the laminated structure of the mask body, and thus completed the present invention.

[0009] That is, the present invention relates to the following [1] to [8]. [1] A mask comprising a mask body made of a laminate of multiple sheet bodies having vertical and horizontal directions, and ear loops provided on both the left and right sides of the mask body for engaging with the ears, A mask characterized in that the innermost sheet in the laminate is made of fabric with a moisture transfer rate of 65% or less. [2] The mask described in [1], characterized in that the moisture retention rate of the fabric at 20°C and 65% RH is 7% or more. [3] The mask according to [1], characterized in that the adhesive strength of the fabric is 10 mN or less. [4] The mask described in [1], wherein the fabric has a twist count of warp and weft yarns of 22.5 turns per inch or more. [5] The laminate has a collection efficiency value of 95% or more and a basis weight of 30 g / m 2The mask according to [1], characterized in that it has an intermediate layer sheet body containing the following nonwoven fabric. [6] The mask according to [5], characterized in that the nonwoven fabric is a melt-blown nonwoven fabric. [7] The mask according to [1], characterized in that the mask body made of the laminate has an air resistance value of 60 Pa or less. [8] The mask according to any one of [1] to [7], characterized in that the mask is a pleated mask. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The mask of the present invention uses a fabric with a moisture transfer rate of 65% or less for the innermost sheet layer in the laminated structure of the mask body, which allows it to absorb warm, moist breath exhaled from the mouth and nose while continuously suppressing stickiness caused by stuffiness on the surface of the mask that contacts the face. This provides a comfortable fit for long periods of time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating the outer side (opposite the surface that comes into contact with the face) of a mask according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram (enlarged cross-sectional view) showing a layered structure of a mask body (an end surface along line AA in FIG. 1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. 1 or 2. FIG.

[0013] There are various types of masks, including "pleated" masks with multiple horizontal pleats, and "3D" masks that have no pleats and conform to the contours of the face.

[0014] In Figure 1, which shows an embodiment of the mask of the present invention, reference numeral 10 denotes a mask, which is composed of a mask body 11 for covering part of the wearer's face (for example, the area around the mouth and nostrils) and thin string ear loops 12 attached to both the left and right sides of the mask body 11. The mask 10 is a "pleated type," and the mask body 11 has pleats 15 formed from multiple (four in FIG. 1 ) horizontal folds 14. The pleats 15 are configured to form a three-dimensional shape that expands toward the outside of the mask 10 when unfolded while worn. By pleating the mask body 11 in this way, the wearer's mouth is less likely to come into physical contact with the inner surface of the mask body 11, which makes it less likely to interfere with breathing or conversation while wearing the mask.

[0015] The mask body 11 is made of a multi-layer laminate in which multiple sheets having vertical and horizontal directions are stacked on top of each other. From the viewpoints of removing foreign matter such as bacteria, virus droplets, and pollen, maintaining the three-dimensional shape of the pleats, and durability, it is preferable that the mask body 11 has a multi-layer structure of 2 to 7 layers, more preferably a multi-layer structure of 3 to 6 layers, and even more preferably a multi-layer structure of 4 to 5 layers.

[0016] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the mask body 11 has a structure in which four layers of sheet bodies are stacked in the following order from the inside of the mask (the side that touches the face) to the outside (the side opposite to the side that touches the face): an innermost sheet body 18, a first intermediate sheet body 19, a second intermediate sheet body 20, and an outermost sheet body 21. In the present invention, the layer sandwiched between at least the outermost sheet and the innermost sheet is referred to as the intermediate sheet. The innermost sheet body 18 is formed longer in the vertical direction than the first intermediate sheet body 19, the second intermediate sheet body 20 and the outermost sheet body 21, and the upper and lower parts of the innermost sheet body 18 are folded toward the outer surface of the outermost sheet body 21. The outermost sheet body can be formed longer than the first intermediate layer sheet body, the second intermediate layer sheet body, and the innermost layer sheet body, and the upper and lower parts of the outermost sheet body can be folded toward the inside surface of the innermost sheet body, but in this case, the upper and lower ends of the folded outermost sheet body will come into contact with the user's skin when wearing the mask, reducing the comfort of use. Therefore, from the perspective of contact with the skin when wearing the mask, it is preferable that the upper and lower parts of the innermost sheet body be folded toward the outer surface of the outermost sheet body.

[0017] Materials commonly known as mask materials can be used to form the layer structure of the mask body 11. Specific examples include polyester (PET) fibers, polypropylene (PP) fibers, polyethylene (PE) fibers, rayon fibers, nylon fibers, acetate fibers, wool fibers, cotton fibers, urethane fibers, acrylic fibers, and polylactic acid fibers. From the standpoints of processability and shape retention, it is particularly preferable to use nonwoven fabrics and woven fabrics made of PET fibers, PP fibers, PE fibers, cotton fibers, and the like.

[0018] The innermost sheet body 18 is made of fabric. The moisture transfer rate of the fabric is 65% or less. By setting the moisture transfer rate to 65% or less, moisture transfer from the fabric to the skin when wearing the mask can be suppressed, and stuffiness can be suppressed. The moisture transfer rate of the fabric is more preferably 60% or less, and even more preferably 50% or less. Furthermore, the lower limit of the moisture transfer rate is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the function of the mask, but from the viewpoint of improving the feel on the skin, it is preferably 35% or more, more preferably 40% or more, and even more preferably 45% or more.

[0019] The raw material of the fabric is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoints of processability, suppression of stuffiness, and improvement of skin feel, fabrics made of cotton-based fibers or nylon-based fibers are preferred, and fabrics made of cotton-based fibers are more preferred.

[0020] The thread count for the warp and weft of the fabric is preferably 20 to 70 threads per inch, more preferably 30 to 60 threads per inch. By setting the thread count to 20 threads per inch or more, the shape retention of the fabric can be improved. On the other hand, by setting the thread count to 70 threads per inch or less, the airflow resistance of the fabric can be reduced and the feel against the skin can be improved.

[0021] The thickness of the warp and weft threads of the fabric is preferably 10 to 80 count, more preferably 20 to 60 count, and even more preferably 30 to 50 count, from the viewpoints of improving shape retention and skin feel.

[0022] The twist number of the warp and weft threads of the fabric is preferably 22.5 to 35 turns per inch, more preferably 23 to 30 turns per inch, and even more preferably 24 to 27 turns per inch. By setting the twist number of the warp and weft threads to 22.5 turns per inch or more, the moisture absorption of the fabric can be improved and stickiness associated with stuffiness when wearing the mask can be reduced. Furthermore, by setting the twist number of the warp and weft threads to 35 turns per inch or less, the feel on the skin when wearing the mask can be improved.

[0023] The moisture retention of the fabric at 20°C and 65% RH is preferably 7 to 14%, more preferably 8 to 12%, and even more preferably 8.5 to 10%. By setting the moisture retention to 7% or more, it is possible to improve moisture absorption when wearing the mask. Furthermore, by setting the moisture retention to 14% or less, it is possible to reduce stickiness caused by stuffiness of the fabric when wearing the mask.

[0024] The upper limit of the adhesive strength of the fabric is preferably 10 mN or less, more preferably 7 mN or less, and even more preferably 5 mN or less. By setting the adhesive strength to 10 mN or less, the fabric can be easily separated from the skin when wearing the mask, thereby reducing stickiness. The lower limit of the adhesive strength is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the function of the mask, but from the viewpoint of improving the feel on the skin, it is preferably 0 mN or more, more preferably 1 mN or more, and even more preferably 2 mN or more.

[0025] The sheet body 19 of the first intermediate layer can be made of a nonwoven fabric. Examples of the nonwoven fabric that can be used include spunbonded nonwoven fabric, thermalbonded nonwoven fabric, spunlaced nonwoven fabric, air-through nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, needle-punched nonwoven fabric, and wet-laid nonwoven fabric. For example, from the standpoint of softness of the mask body, hygiene, and the like, an air-through nonwoven fabric treated with an antibacterial agent is preferred.

[0026] A nonwoven fabric can be used for the sheet body 20 of the second intermediate layer. The nonwoven fabric can be a spunbonded nonwoven fabric, a thermal-bonded nonwoven fabric, a spunlaced nonwoven fabric, an air-through nonwoven fabric, a melt-blown nonwoven fabric, a needle-punched nonwoven fabric, a wet-laid nonwoven fabric, or the like, similar to the nonwoven fabric of the sheet body of the first intermediate layer, but a melt-blown nonwoven fabric is preferred from the viewpoint of the ability to capture bacteria, virus droplets, pollen, and the like.

[0027] The melt-blown nonwoven fabric is preferably electret-treated to improve its ability to capture bacteria, virus droplets, pollen, etc. By using an electret-treated nonwoven fabric for the intermediate layer sheet, fine pollen and dust can be efficiently captured.

[0028] The weight of the nonwoven fabric of the sheet body 20 of the second intermediate layer is 10 to 30 g / m 2 is preferred, and 15 to 23 g / m 2 More preferably, 17 to 19 g / m 2 More preferably, the basis weight is 10 g / m 2 By setting the weight to 30 g / m or more, the shape retention of the nonwoven fabric can be improved. 2 By setting the following, the airflow resistance of the nonwoven fabric can be suppressed.

[0029] The collection efficiency of the sheet member 20 of the second intermediate layer is preferably 90 to 100%, and more preferably 95 to 99%.

[0030] The airflow resistance of the nonwoven fabric of the sheet body 20 of the second intermediate layer is preferably 5 to 60 Pa, more preferably 8 to 20 Pa, and even more preferably 10 to 15 Pa. By setting the airflow resistance at 5 Pa or more, the shape retention of the nonwoven fabric can be improved. On the other hand, by setting the airflow resistance at 60 Pa or less, the ease of breathability when worn can be improved. The upper limit of the airflow resistance of the mask body in a laminated state is preferably 60 Pa or less, more preferably 30 Pa or less, and even more preferably 26 Pa or less. By setting the airflow resistance to 60 Pa or less, it is possible to improve breathability when wearing the mask. The lower limit of the airflow resistance of the mask body in a laminated state is not particularly limited as long as it does not impair the mask's function, but from the viewpoint of improving shape retention, it is preferably 5 Pa or more, more preferably 8 Pa or more, and even more preferably 10 Pa or more.

[0031] If necessary, when constructing a sheet body for a third intermediate layer in addition to the sheet body for the first intermediate layer and the sheet body for the second intermediate layer, for example, a meltblown nonwoven fabric can be added to improve the function of capturing bacteria, viral droplets, pollen, etc., or a spunbond nonwoven fabric or the like that has been subjected to an appropriate and desired treatment such as fragrance, deodorizing, antibacterial, antiviral, moisturizing, heat-retaining, etc. As the fragrance, an aromatic or the like is preferred.

[0032] A nonwoven fabric can be used for the outermost sheet body 21. The nonwoven fabric can be a spunbond nonwoven fabric, similar to the nonwoven fabric for the sheet body of the first intermediate layer, a thermal bond nonwoven fabric, a spunlace nonwoven fabric, an air-through nonwoven fabric, a melt-blown nonwoven fabric, a needle-punched nonwoven fabric, a wet-laid nonwoven fabric, or the like, but from the viewpoints of processability and shape retention, a spunbond nonwoven fabric is preferred.

[0033] Furthermore, colorants and patterns can be applied to the outermost sheet member 21 according to preference. For example, colors such as pink, orange, yellow, and purple can be applied as colorants, and patterns such as hearts, checks, flowers, and lace can be applied as patterns.

[0034] The mask body 11 is not particularly limited, and can be formed appropriately by, for example, sewing, ultrasonic welding, heat fusion, or the like.

[0035] The dimensions of the mask body 11 may be determined appropriately taking into consideration the size of the face. For example, the vertical length is preferably 50 to 140 mm, more preferably 60 to 120 mm, and even more preferably 70 to 100 mm. The length in the lateral direction is preferably 100 to 210 mm, more preferably 130 to 200 mm, and even more preferably 145 to 180 mm. In the case of a three-dimensional mask such as a pleated mask, the length in the vertical direction is preferably 70 to 200 mm, more preferably 90 to 190 mm, and even more preferably 120 to 180 mm.

[0036] The ear hook portion 12 may be made of a material such as woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, braided cord, woven cord, or knitted cord made of urethane fiber, nylon fiber, polyester fiber, polypropylene fiber, or the like.

[0037] The mask 10 of the present invention may be provided with a nose fitter 13 depending on the purpose. The nose fitter 13 is provided on the upper edge of the mask body 11 to ensure that the mask 10 fits snugly around the wearer's nose. A mouth bar may also be provided. The mouth bar is provided in the center of the mask body 11 to maintain the three-dimensional shape of the mask 10. For the nose fitter and mouth bar, tapes made of metal, polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like can be used. In the mask 10, the nose fitter 13 is provided between the innermost sheet body 18 and the outermost sheet body 21.

[0038] The mask 10 of the present invention can be provided with side covers S depending on the purpose. The side covers S are provided to improve the contact of the left and right ends of the mask with the skin. [Example]

[0039] The present invention will be specifically explained below by way of examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples in any way.

[0040] The measurement methods for each measurement item in this specification are as follows. (1) Thickness The thickness was measured using a thickness measuring instrument (Dial Thickness Gauge ITG) manufactured by Ozaki Seisakusho. (2) Weight (g / m 2 ) Measurement was carried out based on JIS P 8124 (Paper and paperboard - Method of measuring basis weight). (3) Collection efficiency (%) and (4) Air flow resistance (Pa) Measurements were performed using a collection efficiency measurement device (AP-632F) and a NaCl particle generator (AP-9000G) manufactured by Shibata Scientific Co., Ltd. The set flow rate was 30 L / min and the filtration area was 78.5 cm. 2 Measurement was carried out at. (5) Moisture retention rate (%) A 20 cm square piece of fabric was stored at 20°C and 65% RH for 4 hours, and then the amount of moisture contained in the fabric was measured. (6) Moisture transfer rate (%) After dropping 0.2 g of distilled water onto a 5 cm square piece of fabric, filter paper was placed on top of the fabric. 2 After applying the load for 2 seconds, the transferred moisture content was calculated using the following formula. Moisture transfer rate (%) = (weight of filter paper after loading - weight of filter paper before loading) / 0.2 x 100 (7) Adhesion strength (mN) After dropping 0.3 g of distilled water onto a 5 cm square piece of fabric, the tester (Kato Tech Co., Ltd., product name KES-G5) compresses the fabric at a rate of 0.02 cm / sec and 50 g / cm 2 After compression, the compression tester was lifted up at a speed of 0.02 cm / sec, and the force (mN) generated when the fabric and the compression tester were separated was taken as the adhesion force. (8) Number of twists (turns / inch) Measurements were made based on JIS L 1096 (Fabric testing methods for woven and knitted fabrics).

[0041] [Creating Fabric A] A fabric was produced using 40 count cotton fibers with a thread count of 60.0 warp threads / inch x 39.9 weft threads / inch, a twist count of 24.4 warp turns / inch x 25.0 weft turns / inch, a moisture retention rate of 8.8%, a migration moisture rate of 49.3%, and an adhesion strength of 3.9 mN. When 0.1 g or 0.2 g of distilled water was dropped onto Fabric A, the adhesion force was 0 mN.

[0042] [Creating Fabric B] A fabric was produced using 40 count cotton fibers with a thread count of 56.9 warp threads / inch x 42.6 weft threads / inch, a twist count of 24.3 warp turns / inch x 22.0 weft turns / inch, a moisture transfer rate of 77.0%, and an adhesion strength of 17.4 mN.

[0043] [Example 1] [Making Mask A] A pleated mask A (size before pleating: 90 mm length x 175 mm width) was produced using a sheet body laminated in four layers: the innermost sheet body, the first intermediate layer sheet body, the second intermediate layer sheet body, and the outermost layer sheet body described below. Fabric A was used for the innermost sheet layer. The sheet body of the first intermediate layer is made of PP and PE fibers and has a basis weight of 22 g / m2, produced by the air-through method. 2 A nonwoven fabric with a thickness of 0.8 mm was used. The sheet body of the second intermediate layer is made of PP fiber by the melt-blown method and has a basis weight of 18 g / m 2 A nonwoven fabric with a thickness of 0.15 mm, collection efficiency of 98.3%, and air resistance of 14 Pa was used. The outermost layer is made of PET fiber and has a basis weight of 20 g / m2, produced by the spunbond method. 2 A nonwoven fabric with a thickness of 0.12 mm was used. In addition, a nose fitter was provided on the upper edge of the mask body. The airflow resistance of the main body of Mask A was 25.7 Pa.

[0044] [Comparative Example 1] [Making Mask B] A mask was produced in the same manner as Mask A, except that Fabric B was used for the innermost sheet layer.

[0045] [Mask usability evaluation] A usability evaluation was conducted for Masks A and B. The number of subjects for each case was two adult males and two adult females. The wearing time was five hours. A three-point evaluation was conducted for the suppression of persistent stuffiness, the cooling sensation immediately after putting on, and the persistent cooling sensation. For the three-point evaluation items for the suppression of persistent stuffiness, 〇 was "almost no stuffiness", △ was "stuffy", and × was "very stuffy". For the cooling sensation immediately after putting on and the persistent cooling sensation, 〇 was "cooling sensation", △ was "slightly cooling sensation", and × was "almost no cooling sensation". The evaluation results are shown in Table 1.

[0046] [Table 1]

[0047] The evaluation of mask usability confirmed that Mask A, made using Fabric A, was less likely to become stuffy than Mask B. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the cool feeling was maintained for a long time. This is thought to be because the fabric with a low moisture transfer rate was used for the innermost sheet layer, which made it difficult for the breath absorbed by the fabric to be returned to the wearer's skin.

[0048] From the above, a mask was obtained using the fabric of Example 1 that can absorb warm, moist breath exhaled from the mouth and nose while continuously suppressing stickiness caused by stuffiness on the surface that comes into contact with the face. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 10 Mask 11 Mask body 12 Ear hook 13 Nose Fitter 14 folds 15 pleats 18 Innermost sheet body 19 First intermediate layer sheet body 20 Second intermediate layer sheet body 21 Outermost layer sheet body S side cover

Claims

1. A mask comprising a mask body made of a laminate of multiple sheet bodies having vertical and horizontal directions, and ear loops provided on both the left and right sides of the mask body for hooking onto the ears, A mask characterized in that the innermost sheet in the laminate is made of a fabric having a moisture transfer rate of 65% or less.

2. 2. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the moisture retention rate of the fabric at 20°C and 65% RH is 7% or more.

3. 2. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive strength of the fabric is 10 mN or less.

4. 2. The mask of claim 1, wherein the fabric has a warp and weft twist count of 22.5 turns per inch or more.

5. 5. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the mask is a pleated mask.

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