sauna hat

Abstract

To provide a sauna hat which has excellent water absorption and water retention properties, protects the head from heat when using a sauna, can be used as a towel or a pillow for outdoor bathing, and does not lose fibers. [Solution] The sauna hat 100 of this invention is composed of a sheet portion 10 made of a porous material with an open structure, made of a polyvinyl acetal resin material. The sheet portion 10 has excellent water absorption and water retention properties, and when unfolded, it has a flat, fan-shaped shape. By fastening fasteners 20a and 20b, it can be transformed into a three-dimensional, hooded shape that covers the head. The fasteners are located around the periphery of the sheet portion, ensuring a wide wiping area when used as a towel and comfort when used as a pillow. Furthermore, the sheet portion 10 can be folded to be used as a pillow for outdoor bathing, and the band 30 allows it to be hung to dry or stored compactly.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a sauna hat, a device that covers the head to protect the head, face, and hair from the heat while using a sauna, and is also versatile enough to be used as a towel or pillow when bathing in the open air. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, sauna hats are made of felt, towel cloth, linen, polyester, acrylic, etc., and are used to protect the head, face, and hair from heat in a sauna. For example, felt has high thermal insulation properties, and Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration that combines a foamed resin layer with a metal layer as a means of further improving thermal insulation. Patent Document 2 also discloses a configuration that improves thermal insulation by using a water-absorbed cellulose sponge. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2025-6021 [Patent Document 2] Utility Model Registration No. 3249228 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional sauna hats are sewn together in a hat shape, making them difficult to use as both a towel and a pillow. Furthermore, while felt is excellent in terms of moisture absorption and insulation, it suffers from problems such as its tendency to lose its shape and fibers shedding, making it unsuitable for washing machines. Some facilities prohibit its use, particularly due to the clogging of drains caused by shedding fibers. On the other hand, towels, linen, and synthetic fibers can be washed in a washing machine, but their moisture absorption and insulation properties are inferior to felt. Furthermore, even if a metal layer is added to enhance insulation, as in Patent Document 1, the metal layer's durability is low, raising concerns that its performance will deteriorate with washing. Furthermore, the cellulose sponge in Patent Document 2, like felt, has concerns about soiling the facility due to shedding of fibers and coloring, and also has issues with low tensile strength and poor durability. Therefore, conventional sauna hats have issues with poor versatility, durability, and washability, resulting in many limitations on the environment in which they can be used. In addition, the main function of conventional sauna hats was to protect the head from heat by using the insulating properties of the material itself or the insulating effect of the air layer contained in the material, and there was no consideration given to preventing the temperature of the head from rising by absorbing and evaporating moisture through the sauna hat.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sauna hat that prevents fiber shedding, eliminates drain clogging, and has excellent water absorption and water retention. It protects the head from heat by evaporating the large amount of water it absorbs, and its high water retention prevents dripping. Furthermore, the same sheet can be used not only as a sauna hat, but also as a towel or pillow for outdoor bathing, thereby reducing the amount of equipment users need to carry, providing a versatile and practical sauna hat that can be stored compactly and carried around. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned object, the sauna hat of the present invention is characterized by being made of a porous sheet with an open structure made of polyvinyl acetal resin material.

[0007] The sauna hat constructed in this manner prevents fibers from falling off the porous, interconnected structure sheet made of polyvinyl acetal resin material, eliminating drain clogging and allowing for repeated washing in a washing machine. Furthermore, the porous sheet made of polyvinyl acetal resin material has excellent water absorption and water retention properties, allowing it to retain a large amount of water within the micropores of the porous material, maintaining a stable water-retaining state, while its capillary structure prevents dripping. The moisture retained within the micropores effectively suppresses head temperature rise due to the heat of vaporization associated with evaporation from the surface of the sauna hat sheet. Furthermore, the porous sheet also provides moderate elasticity.

[0008] In this device, the seat has a flat, fan-shaped shape when unfolded, and fasteners are arranged on the seat, and when the fasteners are engaged, the seat is transformed into a three-dimensional shape that covers the head.

[0009] This allows the sheet to be deformed into a three-dimensional shape using the fasteners when in use, ensuring reliable coverage of the head. Meanwhile, when not in use, it can be unfolded into a flat, fan-shaped sheet, ensuring excellent drying properties, and can be folded for easy storage and portability. Furthermore, by adjusting the fastener position, an appropriate fit can be achieved according to the size and shape of the head, improving comfort during use.

[0010] In this invention, the sheet can be unfolded and used as a towel, and can be folded and used as a pillow for outdoor bathing. The fasteners are located on the periphery of the sheet, and when used as a towel, a wide wiping area where no fasteners are located is ensured, and when used as a pillow, no fasteners are located in the area corresponding to the resting part for the back of the head.

[0011] When used as a towel, the fasteners are located on the periphery, allowing the entire sheet to be placed in close contact with the skin for efficient wiping. Furthermore, when used as an outdoor bath pillow, there are no fasteners on the part where the back of the head rests, preventing discomfort caused by hard components touching the head, making it comfortable to use during outdoor baths.

[0012] The present invention is characterized in that the pore size of the sheet is 10 μm or more and 300 μm or less.

[0013] If the pore size is less than 10 μm, the water absorption and water retention will be insufficient. On the other hand, if the pore size exceeds 300 μm, the liquid diffusion force due to capillary action will decrease, resulting in a decrease in water absorption and water retention, insufficient water retention, and increased likelihood of dripping. This will reduce the ability to prevent head temperature rise. By setting the pore size in the range of 10 to 300 μm in this invention, a good balance of water absorption and water retention will be ensured, allowing for stable performance suitable for use as a sauna hat, towel, or outdoor bath pillow. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The sauna hat of this invention does not shed fibers and does not soil the facility. Furthermore, the heat of vaporization generated when the absorbed and retained moisture evaporates prevents the head from overheating in the sauna, effectively protecting it from the heat. Furthermore, the same sheet can be unfolded and used as a towel, and folded and used as a pillow for outdoor bathing, making it suitable for three different uses. This allows sauna users to reduce the amount of luggage they need to carry, and provides a highly practical sauna hat that can be stored compactly and carried around. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of the sauna hat according to the embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the sauna hat according to the embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a view taken along the arrow II in FIG. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B show how to use a sauna hat according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a front view and (B) is a side view. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B show another usage mode of the sauna hat according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a front view and (B) is a side view. [Figure 6] 3A to 3C are diagrams showing the folding process of the sauna hat according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] FIG. 1 is a front view of a sauna hat 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state. FIG. 2 is a back view of the sauna hat 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention in an unfolded state. FIG. 3 is a view taken along the arrow II in FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the sauna hat 100 according to this embodiment is primarily composed of a sheet portion 10 made of a porous material with an open structure using a polyvinyl acetal resin material. When unfolded, the sheet portion 10 has a fan-like planar shape, with male fasteners 20a0-20a4 and female fasteners 20b0-20b4 provided around its periphery. The fan-like shape of the sheet portion 10 is not limited to a circular arc with a constant radius; it may be a fan-like shape with a gentle curve or wavy curve in the radial direction or the circular arc.

[0017] The porous sheet of polyvinyl acetal resin, which is the material for the sheet portion 10, is made up of approximately 90% hollow micropores by volume. The substrate that forms these micropores has a three-dimensional mesh structure, with the individual micropores interconnected and connected. Furthermore, polyvinyl acetal resin is highly hydrophilic, and capillary action occurs through the micropores circulating vertically and horizontally, resulting in excellent water absorption and retention. Furthermore, the material does not shed fibers, eliminating the risk of soiling the facility. Furthermore, the material itself is flexible when wet, and the entire sheet has moderate elasticity, providing an excellent fit when worn and providing good cushioning when used as an outdoor bath pillow, as described below.

[0018] In this embodiment, the porous sheet made of polyvinyl acetal resin material is preferably a porous sheet made of polyvinyl acetal resin material with a pore size of 10 to 300 μm manufactured by AION Co., Ltd. More preferably, to ensure durability when used in a washing machine, it is desirable to use a porous sheet made of polyvinyl acetal resin material reinforced with an interlining such as polyester.

[0019] As described above, male fasteners 20a0-20a4 and female fasteners 20b0-20b4 are appropriately arranged around the periphery of sheet 10. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, these fasteners 20a and 20b are arranged at equal intervals along linear left and right sides 10C, 10D, and arc-shaped side 10E of sheet 10, with male fasteners 20a1-20a4 and female fasteners 20b1-20b4 arranged at equal intervals along linear left and right sides 10C, 10D, and further with male fastener 20a0 and female fastener 20b0 arranged near both ends of arc-shaped side 10E. Each male fastener 20a group can be engaged with a female fastener 20b group. When worn as a sauna hat 100, the fasteners 20a and 20b are arranged on the periphery of the seat part 10 where they do not come into contact with the head, so the user can wear it comfortably for long periods of time without losing comfort.

[0020] FIG. 4 shows a sauna hat 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention in use, with (A) a front view and (B) a side view. To use the sauna hat, the user wets the sauna hat 100 with water and lightly wrings it out. Then, with the arc-shaped edge 10E of the seat 10 facing forward, the seat 10 is placed over the head. This positions the seat 10 so that it covers the top, sides, and back of the head. Next, by engaging the male fasteners 20a1 and female fasteners 20b1 located near the ends of the left and right sides 10C and 10D under the chin, the hat takes on a hood-like shape as shown in FIG. 4(A), covering the entire head, including hair. While the fasteners 20a0 and 20b0 are not fastened in FIG. 4, they may be engaged if the user has a small face. In addition, when hair is tied up or when there is a bulge at the back of the head due to hairstyle, the tied up hair can be securely covered by engaging, for example, the male fastener 20a3 and the female fastener 20b3 at the back of the head as shown in Figure 4(B). Note that the other fasteners can be locked or unlocked as desired depending on the usage situation.

[0021] By deforming the sheet 10 to cover the head in this way, the head, face, and hair can be protected from the hot air in the sauna room. Furthermore, as moisture gradually evaporates from the surface of the sheet 10, heat of vaporization is generated, effectively suppressing the rise in head temperature. Furthermore, the moisture retained in the porous sheet 10 is stably maintained without dripping, maintaining a comfortable feel while preventing the surrounding area from getting wet. Furthermore, in an advanced dry state, the porous sheet exhibits an insulating effect by trapping air in the micropores. Therefore, the head can be protected from the heat in both a wet and an advanced dry state.

[0022] Figure 5 shows another usage mode of the sauna hat 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, with (A) a front view and (B) a side view. In this usage mode, the user wears the hat deep enough to position the arc-shaped edge 10E further forward, so that the front edge of the seat portion 10 covers the front of the face. Furthermore, by engaging the male fastener 20a1 and the female fastener 20b1 at the back of the neck, the intrusion of hot air from the sauna is further prevented, protecting the entire face and head. Again, the other fasteners can be locked or unlocked as desired depending on the usage situation.

[0023] Although not shown, the sauna hat 100 can also be worn with the arc-shaped side 10E positioned backward and the straight left and right sides 10C and 10D facing forward. In this case, the front and back are reversed from the usage state shown in Figures 4 and 5, resulting in a configuration that widely and completely covers the rear of the head. In this way, by selectively changing the orientation of the seat portion 10 and the fastening positions of the fasteners 20a and 20b, the fit can be adjusted according to the head size and hairstyle, and multiple three-dimensional shapes can be formed.

[0024] 1 to 3, the sauna hat 100 according to this embodiment has a band 30 attached via a sewn portion 30a to the upper end where the left side 10C and right side 10D of the seat portion 10 meet. This band 30 allows the sauna hat 100 to be hung up to dry after use, and the seat portion 10 can be folded and bundled using the band 30 for compact storage.

[0025] As mentioned above, the sheet 10 is made of a porous sheet with an open structure made of a polyvinyl acetal resin material, and has a flat, fan-shaped shape when unfolded. This porous sheet has excellent water absorption, breathability, and flexibility, so when the sheet 10 is used as is in the unfolded state, it can be used as a towel to efficiently wipe away sweat and other moisture.

[0026] In this case, because fasteners 20a and 20b are disposed on the peripheral edge of sheet 10, when used as a towel, a wide wiping area A (inside the range indicated by the dashed dotted lines in Figures 1 and 2) extending from the center of sheet 10 to the vicinity of the peripheral edge is secured, free from fasteners 20a and 20b that may come into contact with the skin and cause discomfort. This, combined with the flexibility of the polyvinyl acetal resin material, allows for safe and comfortable wiping of moisture.

[0027] After a sauna bath, an open-air bath is usually performed outdoors or in a rest area to cool the body. Open-air bathing is an important process for gradually cooling the heated body with outside air and achieving a deeply relaxed state. It is performed while sitting on a bench or reclining chair, or while lying down on one side. The sauna hat 100 of the present invention is also useful during open-air bathing. By gradually folding back from the unfolded state shown in FIG. 6(a) to a folded, nearly rectangular shape as shown in FIG. 6(e). In this folded state, it can be used as an open-air bath pillow, especially when lying down on one side. Because the fasteners 20a and 20b are not located in the area corresponding to the back of the head, the user does not experience discomfort from hard components, and the flexible and elastic properties of the polyvinyl acetal porous sheet provide comfortable head support.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6(f), when the seat portion 10 is folded, it can be bundled using the band 30, making it easy to carry and store. In this way, the sauna hat 100 of the present invention is highly practical, as after use as a sauna hat, it can be easily folded into an outdoor bath pillow or portable form.

[0029] As described above, the sheet portion 10 of the sauna hat 100 according to this embodiment is composed of a porous material with an interconnected structure made of a polyvinyl acetal resin material, and the pore size is preferably 10 μm or more and 300 μm or less. Using this material and setting the pore size within the above range ensures a good balance of water absorption and water retention, enabling stable performance suitable for use as a sauna hat, towel, or pillow for outdoor bathing. If the pore size is less than 10 μm, water absorption and water retention are insufficient. On the other hand, if the pore size exceeds 300 μm, the liquid diffusion effect due to capillary action decreases, resulting in insufficient water absorption and water retention, which increases the likelihood of dripping, resulting in a reduced effect of preventing head temperature rise. Therefore, by limiting the pore size in the range of 10 to 300 μm in a porous sheet made of a polyvinyl acetal resin material, an excellent balance of water absorption and water retention can be achieved.

[0030] The following test was conducted to compare the fiber shedding properties of a porous sheet made of a polyvinyl acetal resin material with those of other materials. In Example 1, three 100 mm x 100 mm x 1.5 mm PVA sponge samples were washed 50 times on each side in 1.2 L of water, and the water after washing was suction-filtered using a membrane filter (pore size 5 μm). The increase in filter mass after filtration, which was the test result, was taken as the shedding amount (g), and the shedding rate (%) was calculated using formula (1). The coloration state of the filters after the test was also observed. TIFF0003254312000002.tif13166...Formula (1) Furthermore, three samples of the same size were submerged in water to allow them to absorb water, and then the sponges were pulled up and the amount of water obtained until the dripping stopped after 10 seconds was measured as "dripping (g)."

[0031] Felt (100mm x 100mm x 3mm) was used as Comparative Example 1, cellulose sponge (same size) was used as Comparative Example 2, and cellulose nonwoven fabric (same size) was used as Comparative Example 3. Each was treated under the same conditions, and the dropout rate, coloration state, and dripping were measured.

[0032] The results obtained are shown in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0033] As shown in Table 1, the PVA sponge (Example 1) made of polyvinyl acetal resin material had a significantly lower fiber shedding rate (0.03%) than the felt of Comparative Example 1, the cellulose sponge of Comparative Example 2, and the cellulose nonwoven fabric of Comparative Example 3, and no discoloration of the filter was observed. In contrast, in Comparative Examples 1 to 3, the filters clearly discolored, and shedding of fibers and coloring components was confirmed. Furthermore, Example 1 also had the lowest amount of dripping, demonstrating excellent liquid absorption and retention. These results confirm that porous sheets made of polyvinyl acetal resin material have extremely low fiber shedding compared to other materials, pose no risk of contaminating drains or bathing facilities in facilities, and are therefore highly hygienic. Therefore, even when used in bathrooms as sauna hats or towels, as in the present invention, they do not cause clogging or discoloration due to fiber shedding, making them safe for facility management. Furthermore, they can withstand repeated washing, making them suitable for hygienic long-term use in sauna facilities and at home. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 100 Sauna Hat 10 Seat section 10A surface 10B back side 10C left side 10D Right hand side 10E Arc-shaped edge 20a0~20a4 male fastener 20b0~20b4 Female fasteners 30 bands 30a Band sewn part A Wiping area

Claims

1. A sauna hat characterized by being made of a porous sheet with an open structure made of polyvinyl acetal resin material.

2. The sauna hat of claim 1, characterized in that the sheet has a fan-shaped planar shape when unfolded, and fasteners are arranged on the sheet, and by engaging the fasteners, the sheet can be transformed into a three-dimensional shape that covers the head.

3. The sauna hat of claim 2, characterized in that the sheet can be unfolded to be used as a towel and folded to be used as a pillow for outdoor bathing, the fasteners are arranged on the periphery of the sheet, and when used as a towel, a wide wiping area where no fasteners are arranged is ensured, and when used as a pillow, no fasteners are arranged in the area corresponding to the resting portion for the back of the head.

4. The sauna hat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pore diameter of the sheet is 10 µm or more and 300 µm or less.

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