Sanitary mask

Abstract

To provide a hygienic mask that reduces the burden on the skin due to the uneven shape of the surface facing the skin, and also prevents the sheet material constituting the mask from curling up when folded in half. [Solution] The sanitary mask 1 of the present invention has a main body 2 and ear loops 3, and has a first surface 11 facing the wearer's skin and a second surface 12 on the opposite side of the first surface, and at least the ear loops 3 are three-dimensional structures having an uneven shape on both sides, and the three-dimensional structure has a flat intermediate sheet 23 and a pair of uneven sheets 21 and 22 located on both sides thereof, and the basis weight ratio t2 / t1 of the basis weight t1 of the uneven sheet 21 on the first surface side and the basis weight t2 of the uneven sheet 22 on the second surface side is 0.3 or more and 3 or less.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] As a sanitary mask that covers the wearer's mouth and nose, there is known a mask having a mask body formed of a sheet-like material such as non-woven fabric and ear hook portions. Functions of a sanitary mask include preventing entry of foreign substances such as dust, dirt, viruses, and pollen from the outside. The ear hook portions hold the mask in a worn state on the wearer's face. Known methods for forming the ear hook portions include a method of fixing elastic string-shaped or sheet-shaped ear hook portions to the mask body, and a method of integrally punching the mask body and the ear hook portions from the same sheet-like material. As a sheet-like material for forming the main body and ear hook portions of a sanitary mask, one having an uneven shape on one side is also known (see Patent Document 1). The present applicant has also proposed a mask sheet having an uneven shape on one side and a mask using the same (see Patent Document 2). [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2024-121678 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2022-115629 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] When an uneven shape is formed on the skin-facing surface of a sanitary mask using a sheet-like material having an uneven shape on one side, the burden applied to the skin can be reduced for reasons such as a reduction in the degree of friction against the skin due to a decrease in the contact area with the skin. However, the inventors discovered that if multiple rows of convex ridges extending continuously in one direction are provided on only one side as an uneven shape in order to further reduce the burden on the skin, a new problem arises: irregular deformation occurs in the part that has an uneven shape on only one side. Patent Document 2 only describes the effect of the invention as being able to reduce to any size by winding, and does not mention the above-mentioned problem at all.

[0005] The present invention relates to a hygienic mask in which the burden on the skin is reduced by the uneven shape of at least the ear loop surface that faces the skin, and in which the irregular deformation caused by the uneven shape present on only one side prevents inconveniences such as increased effort in the packaging process, such as when placing the mask in a packaging bag, a decrease in yield during automatic packaging, difficulty in placing the ear loops over the ears when wearing the mask, and giving the impression of being used even though it is unused. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a sanitary mask having a mask body and ear loops, and having a first surface which faces the wearer's skin and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface. In one embodiment, it is preferable that the sanitary mask has a three-dimensional structure in which at least the ear loop portion has an uneven shape on both the first and second surfaces. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional structure preferably has a flat intermediate sheet and a pair of uneven sheets located on both sides of the intermediate sheet, and each of the uneven sheets preferably has a plurality of protruding portions extending continuously in one direction and groove portions located between adjacent protruding portions. In one embodiment, it is preferable that the basis weight ratio t2 / t1 between the basis weight t1 of the uneven sheet on the first side and the basis weight t2 of the uneven sheet on the second side is 0.3 or more and 3 or less. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the uneven shape of the surface facing the skin, at least the ear loop portion, reduces the burden on the skin, and also suppresses the inconvenience caused by irregular deformation due to the uneven shape present on only one side. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the sanitary mask of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figures 2(a) and 2(b) show the folded form of the sanitary mask shown in Figure 1. Figure 2(a) is a view from the left side, where the mask is positioned on the left side of the face, and Figure 2(b) is a view from the right side, where the mask is positioned on the right side of the face. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a portion of the mask sheet used in the sanitary mask shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4(a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view along the direction Xs perpendicular to a convex portion of the mask sheet shown in Figure 3, and Figure 4(b) is a diagram equivalent to Figure 4(a) showing the state in which one side of the mask sheet of the mask is in contact with the skin. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of joints formed in grooves with an uneven shape. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a reference photograph showing examples of items with a rating of 1 and a rating of 4 in the evaluation of curling. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The sanitary mask of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, based on a preferred embodiment thereof. Figure 1 shows a sanitary mask (hereinafter also simply referred to as "mask") 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows the mask 1 in a folded state. The folded state is a state in which the mask is folded in half along a center line 4 that extends vertically along the bridge of the wearer's nose. More specifically, it is a state in which the left portion 1L, which is located on the left side of the wearer's face, and the right portion 1R, which is located on the right side of the wearer's face, are overlapped with each other with their respective skin-facing surfaces facing each other, with the center line 4 extending vertically along the bridge of the wearer's nose as the boundary. Mask 1 has a first direction Y that follows the vertical direction of the wearer's face when worn, and a second direction X that is perpendicular to the first direction Y. Mask 1 has a mask body (hereinafter also simply referred to as "body") 2 and ear loops 3. The body 2 is sized to cover the nose and mouth and functions as a mask, such as preventing the entry of fine particles such as dust and pollen from the outside. The ear loops 3 function to hold the mask 1 in place on the face when placed over the ears.

[0010] In the mask 1 of this embodiment, the left portion 1L and the right portion 1R are formed symmetrically with respect to the center line 4. In this embodiment, the left portion 1L and the right portion 1R are made of separate members and are joined by a central joint 5 formed at one end in the second direction X. The central joint 5 has a shape that draws a gently convex curve toward the outward direction X. The central joint 5 can be formed by various known joining methods such as heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, or adhesive bonding. Instead of joining separate members to form the left portion 1L and the right portion 1R, they may be formed from a continuous member.

[0011] In the mask 1 of this embodiment, the ear loops 3 are integrally provided at both the left and right ends of the main body 2, and in the left portion 1L and the right portion 1R, the main body 2 and the ear loops 3 are arranged in parallel along the second direction X. In this embodiment, the main body 2 and the ear loops 3 are formed from a continuous sheet-like member. In the present invention, instead of forming the main body 2 and the ear loops 3 from a continuous sheet-like member, the main body 2 and the ear loops 3 may be formed by joining separate members. Various known joining methods can be used for this joining, similar to the joining at the central joint 5.

[0012] In the mask 1 of this embodiment, the ear loop portion 3 is substantially annular in shape and has an opening 31 that penetrates the ear loop portion 3 in the thickness direction. When wearing the mask 1, the wearer's ears are placed in the substantially annular opening 31 of the ear loop portion 3, and the sheet-like member is deformed to place the ear loop portion 3 over the ears.

[0013] In the mask 1 of this embodiment, the main body 2 and the ear loops 3 are formed from the mask sheet 10 shown in Figure 3, and substantially the entire area of ​​the main body 2 and the entire area of ​​the ear loops 3 are three-dimensional structures made of the mask sheet 10. Unless otherwise specified, the description of the main body 2, the ear loops 3, and the three-dimensional structures applies to the left portion 1L and the right portion 1R of the mask 1. The mask sheet 10 that constitutes the three-dimensional structure is a sheet-like material having an uneven shape on both sides, and as shown in Figures 3 and 4, it has a flat intermediate sheet 23 and a pair of uneven sheets 21 and 22 located on either side of the intermediate sheet 23. Of the pair of uneven sheets 21 and 22 of the mask sheet 10, the uneven sheet 21 is the uneven sheet that forms the first surface 11, which is the surface that faces the skin, and the uneven sheet 22 is the uneven sheet that forms the second surface 12, which is the side opposite to the first surface 11. Each of the pair of textured sheets 21 and 22 has a plurality of protruding sections 13 that extend continuously in one direction, and grooves 14 located between adjacent protruding sections 13, 13. Hereinafter, in the mask sheet 10, the direction in which the protruding portion 13 extends will be referred to as the protruding portion extension direction Ys, and the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the protruding portion 13 extends will be referred to as the protruding portion orthogonal direction Xs.

[0014] The intermediate sheet 23 is substantially flat (see Figure 3). The term "flat" for the intermediate sheet 23 means that, when viewing a cross-section along the direction Xs perpendicular to the convex portion of the mask sheet 10, the intermediate sheet 23 is clearly closer to flat than the pair of uneven sheets 21 and 22 that sandwich it. In the natural state of the mask sheet 10, it is preferable that the cross-section of the intermediate sheet 23 along the direction Xs perpendicular to the convex portion is substantially straight, and it is even more preferable that both sides of the intermediate sheet 23 are substantially flat.

[0015] In contrast to the intermediate sheet 23, the uneven sheets 21 and 22 have an uneven shape. As described above, the uneven sheets 21 and 22 have a plurality of protruding ridges 13 that project toward the opposite side from the intermediate sheet 23, and grooves 14 located between adjacent protruding ridges 13, 13. The groove 14 preferably has a joint 15 where the intermediate sheet 23 and a pair of uneven sheets 21 and 22 are joined. The joint 15 is preferably formed intermittently along the longitudinal direction of the groove 14. An example of the arrangement pattern of the joint 15 is shown in Figure 5. The plan view shape of the joint 15 may be any shape other than a circle, such as a polygon such as a triangle, square and hexagon, or an ellipse. Forming the joint 15 intermittently is advantageous from the viewpoint of not impairing the texture and feel of the mask sheet. It is also advantageous from the viewpoint of effectively suppressing the increase in the breathability resistance of the mask sheet 10. The joint 15 may be a continuous joint along the direction in which the groove 14 extends. The joint 15 can be formed by various known joining methods such as heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, or adhesive bonding.

[0016] The mask sheet 10 has a first surface 11 formed by one uneven sheet 21 and having raised ridges 13 and grooves 14 to form an uneven shape, and a second surface 12 formed by the other uneven sheet 22 and having raised ridges 13 and grooves 14 to form an uneven shape, with both the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 having an uneven shape. In this embodiment, the mask 1 is formed from a mask sheet 10 having raised ridges 13 and grooves 14 on both sides, with the main body 2 and ear loops 3 being made of the same material. As a result, the entire main body 2, excluding the central joint 5, and the entire left and right ear loops 3 have a three-dimensional structure with both the first surface 11 and the second surface 12 having an uneven shape. In the mask 1 of this embodiment, one uneven sheet 21 having raised ridges 13 and grooves 14 in the mask sheet 10 forms the first surface 11, and the other uneven sheet 22 having raised ridges 13 and grooves 14 similarly forms the second surface 12. In the mask sheet 10, it is preferable that the direction in which the raised ridges 13 extend coincides between one uneven sheet 21 and the other uneven sheet 22. This configuration provides effects such as improved feel against the skin, improved fit, and improved appearance. Furthermore, in the mask sheet 10, it is preferable that the positions of the raised ridges 13 and the grooves 14 coincide in the direction Xs perpendicular to the raised portion between one uneven sheet 21 and the other uneven sheet 22 (see Figure 4). This configuration provides effects such as improved breathability and improved appearance.

[0017] In the convex portion 13, it is preferable that the intermediate sheet 23 and the uneven sheet 21 or 22 are spaced apart. In other words, it is preferable that the inside of the convex portion 13 is hollow. The hollow interior of the convex portion 13 has the advantage that when an external force is applied to the mask sheet 10 in the thickness direction, the convex portion 13 exhibits a cushioning effect against the external force, resulting in a high level of cushioning. In addition, the hollow interior of the convex portion 13 has the advantage that the convex portion can deform more flexibly when subjected to an external force from the side, thus reducing friction with the skin. Furthermore, the hollow interior of the convex portion 13 has the advantage of effectively suppressing the increase in breathability resistance compared to the case where the interior of the convex portion 13 is solid.

[0018] Examples of sheet materials used for the textured sheets 21 and 22 include single-layer or multi-layer nonwoven fabrics, laminates of nonwoven fabrics and fiber webs, etc. Examples of single-layer nonwoven fabrics include nonwoven fabrics produced by various methods such as spunbond nonwoven fabrics, spunlace nonwoven fabrics, needle-punched nonwoven fabrics, and air-through nonwoven fabrics. Examples of multi-layer nonwoven fabrics include those made by laminating and integrating nonwoven fabrics produced by the same or different methods, such as SMS nonwoven fabrics and SMMS nonwoven fabrics, which are made by laminating spunbond nonwoven fabric (S) and meltblown nonwoven fabric (M). Examples of laminates of nonwoven fabrics and fiber webs include those made by depositing fine fibers on one side of any nonwoven fabric such as spunbond nonwoven fabric by electrospinning or by any other method and integrating them. Examples of sheet materials used for the intermediate sheet 23 include single-layer or multi-layer nonwoven fabrics, synthetic resin sheets with numerous ventilation holes, and stretchable sheets. Examples of single-layer nonwoven fabrics include nonwoven fabrics produced by various methods such as spunbond nonwoven fabrics, spunlace nonwoven fabrics, air-through nonwoven fabrics, and needle-punched nonwoven fabrics. Examples of multi-layer nonwoven fabrics include those made by laminating and integrating nonwoven fabrics of the same or different production methods, such as SMS nonwoven fabrics and SMMS nonwoven fabrics, which are made by laminating spunbond nonwoven fabric (S) and meltblown nonwoven fabric (M).

[0019] The sheet material used for the uneven sheets 21, 22 and the intermediate sheet 23 preferably contains polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), synthetic resins such as polyester and polyamide, and more preferably contains thermoplastic resin. Examples of PE include high-pressure low-density polyethylene, linear short-chain branched polyethylene polymerized with a Ziegler-Natta catalyst or metallocene catalyst using C4 (butene-1), C6 (hexene-1), or C8 (octene-1) as comonomers, or medium-low pressure high-density polyethylene. Examples of PP include homoPP, random PP and block PP made of ethylene copolymer, and low-crystalline PP consisting of combinations thereof such as isotactic, syndiotactic, and atactic with different stereoregularities. As for polyester, one or more selected from polyethylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, and polybutylene naphthalate can be used. When using multiple resins, a single fiber may contain multiple resins, or it may contain multiple types of fibers made of a single resin.

[0020] In this embodiment, the mask sheet 10 forming the main body 2 and the ear loops 3 has a basis weight ratio t2 / t1 between the basis weight t1 of the uneven sheet 21 on the first surface 11 and the basis weight t2 of the uneven sheet 22 on the second surface 12, which is 0.3 or more and 3 or less. Setting the basis weight ratio t2 / t1 within this range suppresses irregular deformation of the mask. Specifically, when the mask is folded in half, curling and peeling can be suppressed, and the ideal folded shape described above, or a shape close to it, can be achieved. Curling or curling refers to the phenomenon where, when the left portion 1L and the right portion 1R are folded in half with their skin-facing sides facing each other, a curl occurs in one or both of the left portion 1L and the right portion 1R, either entirely or partially, creating a gap between them. According to the present invention, curling, in which the ear hook portion 3 of the left portion 1L and the ear hook portion 3 of the right portion 1R deform so that one separates from the other, can be suppressed particularly effectively. Suppressing curling and peeling can simplify packaging processes such as placing masks in packaging bags, improve yield during automated packaging, make it easier to place the ear loops over the ears when wearing the mask, and prevent unused masks from giving the impression of being used.

[0021] From the viewpoint of preventing curling and peeling, the basis weight ratio t2 / t1 is more preferably 0.35 or more and 2.5 or less, and even more preferably 0.4 or more and 2.3 or less. From the viewpoint of preventing curling and peeling, and from the viewpoint of reducing the burden on the skin, the basis weight ratio t2 / t1 is preferably 0.4 or more, more preferably 0.5 or more, even more preferably 0.7 or more, also preferably 2.3 or less, more preferably 1.8 or less, even more preferably 1.15 or less, also preferably 0.4 to 2.3, more preferably 0.5 to 1.8, and even more preferably 0.7 to 1.15.

[0022] From the viewpoint of preventing curling and peeling, and from the viewpoint of reducing the burden on the skin, the basis weight ratio t1 / t3 between the basis weight t3 of the intermediate sheet 23 and the basis weight t1 of the uneven sheet 21 on the first surface 11 side is preferably 0.15 or more, more preferably 0.23 or more, also preferably 5 or less, more preferably 3 or less, also preferably 0.15 or more and 5 or less, more preferably 0.23 or more and 3 or less. From the viewpoint of preventing curling and peeling, and from the viewpoint of appearance when wearing a mask, the basis weight ratio t2 / t3 between the basis weight t3 of the intermediate sheet 23 and the basis weight t2 of the uneven sheet 22 on the second surface 12 side is preferably 0.15 or more, more preferably 0.23 or more, even more preferably 0.255 or more, also preferably 5 or less, more preferably 3 or less, even more preferably 1.6 or less, also preferably 0.15 or more and 5 or less, more preferably 0.23 or more and 3 or less, and even more preferably 0.255 or more and 1.6 or less.

[0023] From the viewpoints of preventing curling and rolling-up, and improving fit and breathability, the basis weight of the three-dimensional structure part of the mask sheet 10 and the mask formed from the mask sheet 10 is preferably 20 g / m 2 or more, more preferably 30 g / m 2 or more, still more preferably 70 g / m 2 or more, and preferably 240 g / m 2 or less, more preferably 200 g / m 2 or less, still more preferably 170 g / m 2 or less, and preferably 20 g / m 2 or more and 240 g / m 2 or less, more preferably 30 g / m 2 or more and 200 g / m 2 or less, still more preferably 70 g / m 2 or more and 170 g / m 2 or less.

[0024] From the viewpoints of preventing curling and rolling-up, and improving fit and breathability, the basis weight t1 of the uneven sheet 21 on the first surface 11 side is preferably 5 g / m 2 or more, more preferably 8 g / m 2 or more, still more preferably 10 g / m 2 or more, even more preferably 12 g / m 2 or more, and preferably 70 g / m 2 or less, more preferably 55 g / m 2 or less, still more preferably 45 g / m 2 or less, even more preferably 35 g / m 2 or less, and preferably 5 g / m 2 or more and 70 g / m 2 or less, more preferably 8 g / m 2 or more and 55 g / m 2 or less, still more preferably 10 g / m 2 or more and 45 g / m 2 or less, even more preferably 12 g / m 2 or more and 35 g / m 2 or less.

[0025] From the viewpoint of preventing curling and peeling, and from the viewpoint of improving wearing comfort and breathability, the basis weight t2 of the uneven sheet 22 on the second surface 12 side is preferably 5 g / m². 2 More preferably 8 g / m 2 The above is preferable to 10 g / m². 2 The above is preferable to 14 g / m². 2 The above is preferable, and preferably 70 g / m² 2 For a more efficient use, use 55g / m 2 The following is more preferably 45 g / m² 2 The following is more preferably 35 g / m² 2 The following is also preferred: 5 g / m 2 More than 70g / m 2 More preferably 8 g / m 2 More than 55g / m 2 The following, and more preferably 10 g / m² 2 More than 45g / m 2 The following is more preferably 14 g / m² 2 More than 35g / m 2 The following applies:

[0026] From the viewpoint of preventing curling and peeling, and from the viewpoint of improving wearing comfort and breathability, the basis weight t3 of the intermediate sheet 23 is preferably 8 g / m². 2 More preferably, 14 g / m 2 The above is preferable, and more preferably 30 g / m 2 The above, and preferably 120 g / m² 2 More preferably 90g / m 2 The following, and more preferably 70 g / m² 2 The following is also preferred: 8 g / m 2 More than 120g / m 2 More preferably, 14 g / m 2 More than 90g / m 2 The following, and more preferably 30 g / m² 2 More than 70g / m 2 The following applies:

[0027] The basis weight of the mask sheet 10, the intermediate sheet 23, and the textured sheets 21 and 22 is measured as follows. <Method for measuring basis weight> A 50mm x 50mm square test piece of mask sheet is cut from the mask and its weight is measured. The measured weight (g) is converted to the area value (0.0025m²). 2 The basis weight is calculated by dividing by (0.0025 m²). This operation is performed for 5 sheets, and the average value of N=5 is calculated as the basis weight of the mask sheet 10. In addition, by peeling off the joints 15 of each of the 5 mask sheets 10, an intermediate sheet 23 and uneven sheets 21 and 22 are obtained, respectively. The weight of each sheet is measured and these are used to determine the area value (0.0025 m²). 2 The basis weight of each sheet is calculated by dividing by (). This procedure is performed on 5 sheets of each type, and the average value for N=5 is used as the basis weight for intermediate sheet 23 and textured sheets 21 and 22. If it is difficult to cut out a 50mm x 50mm square test piece from the mask sheet, a test piece should be taken in dimensions as close as possible to the above dimensions.

[0028] The intermediate sheet 23 of the mask sheet 10 is preferably an elastic sheet. When the intermediate sheet 23 is an elastic sheet, good flexibility and / or elasticity can be imparted to the three-dimensional structure of the mask made from the mask sheet 10, resulting in an improved fit of the mask.

[0029] As the stretchable sheet used for the intermediate sheet 23, a nonwoven fabric with elasticity, an elastic film with numerous ventilation holes, etc., can be used, and the use of a nonwoven fabric with elasticity is preferable from the viewpoint of forming and maintaining the uneven sheet. Examples of nonwoven fabrics with elasticity include nonwoven fabrics containing elastic fibers as constituent fibers, and composite materials of nonwoven fabrics made of non-elastic fibers and elastic materials (e.g., elastic filaments). If the intermediate sheet 23 is elastic, typically the mask sheet 10 as a whole will also exhibit elasticity. In this case, the direction in which the convex portion 13 and groove portion 14 extend will be perpendicular to the direction of stretching of the intermediate sheet 23. For example, when applying the mask sheet 10 to a mask, it is preferable to make the direction of stretching of the intermediate sheet 23 roughly coincide with the second direction X of the mask 1, which is generally the direction from the mouth towards the ears, from the viewpoint of reducing mask slippage and improving fit.

[0030] As the stretchable sheet used for the intermediate sheet 23, stretchable nonwoven fabrics such as nonwoven fabrics containing elastic fibers made of elastic resin, resin sheets made of elastic resin, etc., can be used. Examples of elastic resins include thermoplastic elastomers and rubber. As the thermoplastic elastomer, one or more can be selected from styrene-based elastomers such as styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS), styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer, and styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene block copolymer; polypropylene-based elastomers such as propylene-α-olefin copolymer; olefin-based elastomers such as ethylene-propylene copolymer and ethylene-α-olefin copolymer; polyester-based elastomers; and polyurethane-based elastomers.

[0031] The nonwoven fabric particularly preferred as the stretchable sheet used for the intermediate sheet 23 is a nonwoven fabric containing elastic filaments, and the nonwoven fabric most preferably contains elastic filaments and nonelastic fibers. It is preferable that the elastic filaments are bonded to the nonwoven fabric containing nonelastic fibers in a substantially non-stretched state. It is also preferable that the structure has multiple elastic filaments bonded to two nonwoven fabrics. It is preferable that the multiple elastic filaments are arranged so as to extend in one direction X without intersecting each other, thereby making it stretchable in the aforementioned one direction X. The elastic filaments may be thread-like synthetic rubber or natural rubber. Alternatively, they may be obtained by dry spinning (melt spinning) or wet spinning. It is preferable that the elastic filaments are obtained by melt spinning directly without being wound up first.

[0032] In this specification, elasticity refers to the property of being able to be stretched and returning to its original length. The degree of elasticity of the elastic sheet used for the intermediate sheet 23 is preferably such that when the force is released from a state in which the elastic sheet is stretched to 50% of its original length (150% of the original length, i.e., 1.5 times the original length), it returns to a length of 140% or less of its original length, more preferably to 130% or less, and even more preferably to 120% or less. The direction in which the elastic sheet is stretched is the direction Xs perpendicular to the convex portion of the mask sheet 10. The elasticity of the elastic sheet is evaluated in a standalone state separated from the uneven sheets 21 and 22.

[0033] From the viewpoint of suppressing irregular deformation of the mask, it is preferable that the mask sheet 10 constituting the three-dimensional structure has a stretch ratio of 1.1 or more and 3 or less. From the viewpoint of reducing pain when wearing the mask and preventing curling and peeling, the stretch ratio is more preferably 1.25 or more, even more preferably 1.5 or more, and from the viewpoint of reducing stress when wearing the mask and preventing curling and peeling, it is more preferably 2.8 or less, even more preferably 2.6 or less, and even more preferably 2.3 or less. Considering both of the above viewpoints, the stretch ratio is more preferably 1.25 or more and 2.8 or less, even more preferably 1.5 or more and 2.6 or less, and even more preferably 1.5 or more and 2.3 or less.

[0034] The stretching ratio of the mask sheet 10 is the ratio of the length when the convex portions of the uneven sheets 21 and 22 become flat, after stretching the mask sheet 10 from its unstretched state in the direction Xs perpendicular to the convex portion, and is measured relative to the mask sheet 10. More specifically, the stretching ratio is measured as follows. <Method for measuring stretch ratio> The measurement sample is stretched in the direction Xs perpendicular to the convex portion of the mask sheet 10, from its original length in its natural state until the convex portions of the uneven sheets 21 and 22 become flat. Then, the length in the stretched state is divided by the original length in its natural state to obtain the stretching ratio.

[0035] A more preferred configuration of the mask sheet 10 that constitutes the three-dimensional structure will be described. The uneven sheet 21 on the first surface 11 and the uneven sheet 22 on the second surface 12 have heights h1 and h2 of the raised ridges 13, respectively, which are preferably 0.5 mm or more, more preferably 1 mm or more, from the viewpoint of suppressing irregular deformation of the mask and from the viewpoint of the feel and appearance of the mask when worn, and preferably 5 mm or less, more preferably 4 mm or less, from the viewpoint of suppressing irregular deformation of the mask and from the viewpoint of maintaining the structure of the raised ridges. Considering both of the above viewpoints, the heights h1 and h2 of the raised ridges 13 are preferably 0.5 mm or more and 5 mm or less, and more preferably 1 mm or more and 4 mm or less.

[0036] The uneven sheet 21 on the first surface 11 and the uneven sheet 22 on the second surface 12 have a distance W1 and W2 (see Figure 4(a)) between the peaks of the raised ridges 13, respectively, which is preferably 0.2 mm or more, more preferably 0.4 mm or more, from the viewpoint of suppressing irregular deformation of the mask and from the viewpoint of the feel and appearance when wearing the mask. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing irregular deformation of the mask and from the viewpoint of maintaining the structure of the raised ridges, the distance W1 and W2 between the peaks is preferably 0.2 mm or more and 10 mm or less, and more preferably 0.4 mm or more and 4 mm or less. Considering both of the above viewpoints, the distance W1 and W2 between the peaks is preferably 0.2 mm or more and 10 mm or less, and more preferably 0.4 mm or more and 4 mm or less.

[0037] The thickness T of the three-dimensional structure constituting the ear loop portion 3 (see Figure 4(a)) is preferably 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. The thickness T of the three-dimensional structure may be the same as the thickness T of the mask sheet constituting the three-dimensional structure. The thickness T of the three-dimensional structure (mask sheet 10) is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 2 mm or more, and even more preferably 4 mm or more, from the viewpoint of suppressing irregular deformation of the mask and from the viewpoint of the feel against the skin when wearing the mask. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing irregular deformation of the mask and from the viewpoint of maintaining the structure of the raised ridges, it is preferably 10 mm or less, and even more preferably 8 mm or less. Considering both of the above viewpoints, the thickness T is preferably 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less, even more preferably 2 mm or more and 8 mm or less, and even more preferably 4 mm or more and 8 mm or less.

[0038] The three-dimensional structure (mask sheet 10) preferably has a ratio T / W1 between the distance W1 between the tops of the protrusions 13 on the first surface 11 and the thickness T of the three-dimensional structure, and a ratio T / W2 between the distance W2 between the tops of the protrusions 13 on the second surface 12 and the thickness T of the three-dimensional structure, which are both 0.2 to 20, more preferably 0.5 to 10, and even more preferably 1.0 to 3. When the ratio T / W1 and the ratio T / W2 are each between 0.2 and 20, good flexibility and / or elasticity can be imparted to the three-dimensional structure of the mask made from the mask sheet 10, resulting in a comfortable feel against the skin when wearing the mask.

[0039] A preferred form of the planar shape of the ear hook portion 3 will be described. Preferably, the width W3 of the rear portion b of the ear hook portion 3, which is located behind the wearer beyond the ear insertion opening 31, is 3 mm or more and 25 mm or less. The width W3 is the width of the narrowest part of the rear portion. If the width W3 of the rear part b is 3 mm or more, the burden on the ears when wearing the mask is reduced, and if it is 25 mm or less, it is possible to prevent irregular deformation of the mask while keeping it from touching the hair when worn, thus improving the appearance.

[0040] The ear hook portion 3 preferably has a vertical width W4 of 3 mm or more and 35 mm or less in the upper portion u located above the ear insertion opening 31, and more preferably 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less in the portion adjacent to the main body. If the width W4 of the upper part u is 3 mm or more, it is possible to prevent the ear loops from breaking when wearing the mask. If it is 35 mm or less, it is possible to prevent irregular deformation of the mask while keeping it from touching the hair when worn, thus improving the appearance. The ear hook portion 3 preferably has a width W5 of 3 mm or more and 35 mm or less in the lower portion d located below the ear insertion opening 31, and more preferably 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less. If the width W5 of the lower part d is 3 mm or more, it can prevent irregular deformation of the mask while preventing the ear loops from breaking when the mask is worn. If it is 35 mm or less, it gives the wearer a sharp impression. The vertical widths W4 and W5 of the parts adjacent to the main body are measured along a straight line set 10 mm backward from the foremost part in the second direction X on the periphery of the opening 31. Here, the vertical direction is the first direction Y of the mask 1.

[0041] The ratio W4 / W3 of the width W4 of the upper portion u to the width W3 of the rear portion b is preferably 1.1 or more and 11.5 or less, more preferably 1.2 or more and 7.0 or less, and even more preferably 1.3 or more and 4.0 or less. When the ratio W4 / W3 is between 1.1 and 11.5, effects such as uniform distribution of the load on the upper part of the ear when wearing a mask are achieved.

[0042] The ratio W5 / W3 of the width W5 of the lower portion d to the width W3 of the rear portion b is preferably 1.1 or more and 11.5 or less, more preferably 1.2 or more and 7.0 or less, and even more preferably 1.3 or more and 4.0 or less. When the ratio W5 / W3 is between 1.1 and 11.5, effects such as uniform distribution of the load on the lower part of the ear when wearing a mask are achieved.

[0043] The ear hook portion 3 preferably has a ratio L / W3 of 1.3 to 40, and more preferably 1.5 to 35, between the maximum length L of the ear insertion opening 31 and the width W3 of the rear portion located behind the wearer beyond the ear insertion opening. The maximum length L of the opening 31 is the distance between two points placed on the periphery of the opening 31 such that the straight-line distance between them is maximized. When the ratio L / W3 is 1.3 or higher, it is possible to improve the fit of the mask while suppressing irregular deformation of the mask, and when it is 40 or lower, it is possible to prevent the ear loops from breaking while wearing the mask while suppressing irregular deformation of the mask.

[0044] The widths W3 to W5 and the maximum length L are measured by separating the left portion 1L and the right portion 1R of the mask 1, placing each portion on a horizontal plane, and measuring them in a substantially flat state without stretching the ear loops and the portions adjacent thereto.

[0045] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified as appropriate. For example, the shape of the opening in the ear loop portion can be any other shape that can be placed over the ear. Alternatively, the main body portion 2 and the ear loop portion 3 can be formed by joining separate components, and only the ear loop portion 3 can be a three-dimensional structure made from the mask sheet 10 described above. Furthermore, only a part of the ear loop portion 3, or even just the ear loop portion 3, can be a three-dimensional structure made from the mask sheet 10 described above.

[0046] With regard to the embodiments of the present invention described above, the following additional information is disclosed. <1> A sanitary mask having a mask body and ear loops, a first surface which faces the wearer's skin, and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface, At least the ear hook portion has a three-dimensional structure in which both the first and second surfaces have an uneven shape. The three-dimensional structure comprises a flat intermediate sheet and a pair of uneven sheets located on either side of the intermediate sheet, each of which has a plurality of protruding ridges extending continuously in one direction and grooves located between adjacent protruding ridges. A sanitary mask in which the basis weight ratio t2 / t1 of the basis weight t1 of the uneven sheet on the first side and the basis weight t2 of the uneven sheet on the second side is 0.3 or more and 3 or less.

[0047] <2> The basis weight ratio t2 / t1 is 0.4 or more and 2.3 or less, preferably 0.5 or more and 1.8 or less, and more preferably 0.7 or more and 1.15 or less. <1> The sanitary mask described above. <3> The intermediate sheet is an elastic sheet, <1> or <2> The sanitary mask described above. <4> The basis weight ratio t1 / t3 between the basis weight t3 of the intermediate sheet and the basis weight t1 of the uneven sheet on the first surface side is 0.15 or more and 5 or less, more preferably 0.23 or more and 3 or less. <1> ~ <3> A sanitary mask as described in any one of the following: <5> The basis weight ratio t2 / t3 between the basis weight t3 of the intermediate sheet and the basis weight t2 of the uneven sheet on the second surface side is 0.15 or more and 5 or less, preferably 0.23 or more and 3 or less, more preferably 0.255 or more and 1.6 or less. <1> ~ <4> A sanitary mask as described in any one of the following:

[0048] <6> The stretch ratio of the mask sheet constituting the three-dimensional structure of the ear loop portion is 1.1 or more and 3 or less, more preferably 1.25 or more and 2.8 or less, even more preferably 1.5 or more and 2.6 or less, and even more preferably 1.5 or more and 2.3 or less. <1> ~ <5> A sanitary mask as described in any one of the following: <7> The first surface side and the second surface side of the uneven sheet each have a height h of the raised portion of 0.5 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less, more preferably 1 mm or more and 4 mm or less. <1> ~ <6> A sanitary mask as described in any one of the following: <8> The uneven sheet on the first surface and the uneven sheet on the second surface each have a distance W between the tops of the raised parts that is 0.2 mm or more and 10 mm or less, more preferably 0.4 mm or more and 4 mm or less. <1> ~ <7> A sanitary mask as described in any one of the following: <9> The thickness of the three-dimensional structure that constitutes the ear hook portion is 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less, preferably 2 mm or more and 8 mm or less, and more preferably 4 mm or more and 8 mm or less. <1> ~ <8> A sanitary mask as described in any one of the following: <10> The basis weight of the three-dimensional structure constituting the ear hook portion is 20 g / m². 2 More than 240g / m 2 More preferably 30g / m 2 More than 200g / m 2 The following, and more preferably 70 g / m² 2 More than 170g / m 2 The following is the aforementioned <1> ~ <9> A sanitary mask as described in any one of the following:

[0049] <11> The basis weight t1 of the first surface of the uneven sheet is 5 g / m². 2 More than 70g / m 2 The following is more preferable: 8 g / m² 2 More than 55g / m 2 More preferably 10 g / m 2 More than 45g / m 2 The following is more preferably 12 g / m² 2 More than 35g / m 2 The following is the aforementioned <1> ~ <10> A sanitary mask as described in any one of the following: <12> The basis weight t2 of the textured sheet on the second side is 5 g / m². 2 More than 70g / m 2 The following is more preferable: 8 g / m² 2 More than 55g / m 2 More preferably 10 g / m 2 More than 45g / m 2 The following is more preferably 14 g / m² 2 More than 35g / m 2 The following is the aforementioned <1> ~ <11> A sanitary mask as described in any one of the following: <13> The basis weight t3 of the aforementioned intermediate sheet 23 is 8 g / m². 2 More than 120g / m 2 The following is more preferable: 14 g / m² 2 More than 90g / m 2 More preferably 30 g / m 2 More than 70g / m 2 The following is the aforementioned <1> ~ <12> A sanitary mask as described in any one of the following:

[0050] <14> The ear hook portion has a rear portion W3 positioned behind the wearer, relative to the ear insertion opening, which is 3 mm or more and 25 mm or less. <1> ~ <13> A sanitary mask as described in any one of the following: <15> The ear hook portion has a vertical width W4 in the upper part adjacent to the main body, located above the opening for inserting the ear, which is 3 mm to 35 mm, more preferably 5 mm to 30 mm. <1> ~ <14> A sanitary mask as described in any one of the following: <16> The ear hook portion has a width W5 of 3 mm or more and 35 mm or less in the lower portion located above the opening for inserting the ear, and is more preferably 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less. <1> ~ <15> A sanitary mask as described in any one of the following:

[0051] <17> The ear hook portion has a ratio L / W3 of the maximum length L of the ear insertion opening to the width W3 of the rear portion located behind the wearer beyond the ear insertion opening, which is 1.3 or more and 40 or less, preferably 1.5 or more and 35 or less. <1> ~ <16> A sanitary mask as described in any one of the following: <18> The mask body and the ear loops each have the three-dimensional structure, and the three-dimensional structure of the mask body and the three-dimensional structure of the ear loops are made of a mask sheet in which the basis weight ratio t2 / t1 of the basis weight t1 of the uneven sheet on the first side and the basis weight t2 of the uneven sheet on the second side is 0.3 or more and 3 or less. <1> ~ <17> A sanitary mask as described in any one of the following: <19> The three-dimensional structure of the mask body and the three-dimensional structure of the ear loops are made from a continuous sheet of mask material, <18> The sanitary mask described above. [Examples]

[0052] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0053] [Examples 1-16, Comparative Examples 1, 2] A mask 1 having a similar configuration to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2 was manufactured. Mask 1 was manufactured using a mask sheet 10 having the configuration shown in Figures 3 and 4(a) for both the left portion 1L and the right portion 1R, and for the main body portion 2 and the ear loop portion 3. The mask sheet 10 was used such that the direction of extension of the convex portion Ys coincided with the first direction Y of the mask 1, which corresponds to the vertical direction of the face, and the direction Xs perpendicular to the convex portion coincided with the second direction X of the mask 1, which corresponds to the horizontal direction of the face. Table 1 shows the basis weight t1 of the textured sheet 21 on the first side 11, the basis weight t2 of the textured sheet 22 on the second side 12, the basis weight t3 of the intermediate sheet 23, the ratio t2 / t1 of the basis weight t1 of the textured sheet 21 to the basis weight t2 of the textured sheet 22, and the stretching ratio of the mask sheet 10 used in each example. In Table 1, the textured sheet 21 on the first side 11 is labeled as the skin-side sheet, the textured sheet 22 on the second side 12 is labeled as the outer-side sheet, and the intermediate sheet 23 is labeled as the intermediate sheet.

[0054] The sheet materials that make up the mask sheet 10 used in each example are as follows: Examples 1, 11, and 12 The textured sheet 21 on the first surface 11 is formed by depositing ultrafine fibers with a fiber diameter of 1.0 μm onto one side of a spunbond nonwoven fabric mainly composed of PP using an electrospinning method. It was used with the ultrafine fiber layer side in contact with the intermediate sheet 23. The textured sheet 22 on the second side 12 is formed by depositing ultrafine fibers with a fiber diameter of 1 μm onto one side of a spunbond nonwoven fabric mainly composed of PP using an electrospinning method. It was used with the spunbond nonwoven fabric side in contact with the intermediate sheet 23. Intermediate sheet 23: A stretchable sheet with PP as the main component was used.

[0055] Examples 2 and 3 The textured sheet 21 on the first side 11: A spunbond nonwoven fabric mainly composed of PP was used. The textured sheet 22 on the second side 12: A spunbond nonwoven fabric mainly composed of PP was used. Intermediate sheet 23: A stretchable sheet with PP as the main component was used.

[0056] Examples 4-10 and 13 The textured sheet 21 on the first surface 11 is formed by depositing ultrafine fibers with a fiber diameter of 1 μm onto one side of a spunbond nonwoven fabric mainly composed of PP using an electrospinning method. It was used with the ultrafine fiber layer side in contact with the intermediate sheet 23. The textured sheet 22 on the second side 12: A spunbond nonwoven fabric mainly composed of PP was used. Intermediate sheet 23: A stretchable sheet with PP as the main component was used.

[0057] 〔evaluation〕 The mask 1 prepared in the examples and comparative examples was placed on a flat, horizontal surface in a folded state with the left portion 1L and the right portion 1R overlapping. When overlapping the left portion 1L and the right portion 1R, each of the left portion 1L and the right portion 1R was pulled in the second direction X with extremely light force so as not to change the pitch of the raised ridge portion 13 and the groove portion 14, and then overlapped after being flattened.

[0058] For each mask folded in half, the degree of curling at the ear loops was visually observed and evaluated according to the following criteria, and the results are shown in Table 1. Figure 6 shows examples of evaluations for the degree of curling, specifically evaluation level 1 and evaluation level 4. [Evaluation Criteria] 1: No peeling 2: Only slightly peeled back 3: There are some minor peeling marks, but they are within acceptable limits. 4: There is some peeling, so it fails.

[0059] [Table 1]

[0060] The results shown in Table 1 indicate that by setting the basis weight ratio t2 / t1 between the basis weight t1 of the uneven sheet on the first side and the basis weight t2 of the uneven sheet on the second side to 0.3 or more and 3 or less, irregular deformation of the mask can be effectively suppressed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1 mask 2 Main body 3. Ear hooks 31. Opening for ear insertion 4 center line 5 Central joint 10 Mask Sheets 11 Front page 12 Second side 13. Convex part 14 grooves 15 Joint 21. Textured sheet on the first side 22. Textured sheet on the second side 23 Intermediate Seats

Claims

1. A sanitary mask having a mask body and ear loops, a first surface which faces the wearer's skin, and a second surface which is opposite to the first surface, At least the ear hook portion has a three-dimensional structure in which both the first and second surfaces have an uneven shape. The three-dimensional structure comprises a flat intermediate sheet and a pair of uneven sheets located on either side of the intermediate sheet, each of which has a plurality of protruding ridges extending continuously in one direction and grooves located between adjacent protruding ridges. A sanitary mask in which the basis weight ratio t2 / t1 of the basis weight t1 of the uneven sheet on the first side and the basis weight t2 of the uneven sheet on the second side is 0.3 or more and 3 or less.

2. The sanitary mask according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate sheet is an elastic sheet.

3. The sanitary mask according to claim 2, wherein the stretch ratio of the mask sheet constituting the three-dimensional structure of the ear loop portion is 1.1 or more and 3 or less.

4. The sanitary mask according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the uneven sheet on the first side and the uneven sheet on the second side each have a height h of the raised portion of 0.5 mm or more and 5 mm or less.

5. The sanitary mask according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the uneven sheet on the first side and the uneven sheet on the second side each have a distance W between the tops of the raised portions of 0.2 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

6. The sanitary mask according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the three-dimensional structure constituting the ear loop portion is 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

7. The sanitary mask according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ear loop portion has a width W3 of 3 mm or more and 25 mm or less at the rear portion that is positioned behind the wearer than the ear opening.

8. The sanitary mask according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ear loop portion has a ratio L / W3 of 1.3 to 40 of the maximum length L of the ear insertion opening to the width W3 of the rear portion located behind the wearer beyond the ear insertion opening.

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