mask

Abstract

To provide a face mask whose opening of a housing part of the face mask provided with the housing part can be easily widened by a user with fingers.SOLUTION: A face mask 1 includes a face mask body 2 fitted to a user's face. The face mask body 2 is composed of a laminate of at least two sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 and has at least one of housing parts 22, 23 for housing articles formed between adjacent two sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8. In at least one of the housing parts 22, 23, an average surface friction coefficient on a surface facing at least the housing parts 22, 23 of the sheets 6, 8 of either the two sheets 6, 7 or 7, 8 forming the housing parts 22, 23 is 0.14 or greater, and an average surface friction coefficient on a surface facing at least housing parts 22, 23 of another sheet 7 is below 0.14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mask that can be equipped with items such as a heating element, a fragrance, a deodorizer, a steam generator, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, masks having a storage section capable of storing items such as a steam generator have been used. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mask of this type in which a steam generator (absorbent core) containing water (moisture-retaining liquid) is stored in a storage section. The mask of Patent Document 1 includes a mask body to be worn on the face of a user, and the mask body has a structure in which two sheets of the same shape and size are overlapped and the outer edges of the two sheets are joined together except for at least a part of the upper edges. The mask body has a bag-shaped storage section formed between the two sheets, and the non-jointed parts of the upper edges of the two sheets are used as openings for inserting and removing the steam generator (absorbent core) into and from the storage section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-205926 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the mask of Patent Document 1, in order to accommodate the steam generator in the accommodation section of the mask body, it is necessary to widen the opening to open the accommodation section. For example, the user needs to widen the opening by rubbing the two sheets constituting the mask body 2 with his / her fingers to separate their upper edges. Here, the two sheets of the mask body are generally made of soft nonwoven fabric, but soft nonwoven fabrics have a large average surface friction coefficient. When the sheets with a large average surface friction coefficient are rubbed together with their fingers, the two sheets do not easily slip apart from each other because the surfaces facing each other are uneven. Therefore, the mask of Patent Document 1 has an improvement in that it is difficult to widen the opening of the accommodation section with fingers, making it difficult to accommodate the steam generator in the accommodation section.

[0005] The present invention has been made in response to the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a mask that allows the user to easily use their fingers to widen the opening of a storage section for storing items. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a mask having a storage section capable of storing an item. The mask of the present invention includes a mask body to be worn on a user's face, the mask body being composed of a laminate of at least two sheets, a first sheet and a second sheet, a first storage section for storing an item being formed between the first sheet and the second sheet, the first sheet having an average surface friction coefficient of at least a surface facing the first storage section being 0.14 or more, and the second sheet having an average surface friction coefficient of at least a surface facing the first storage section being less than 0.14.

[0007] In the mask of the present invention, the first sheet can be preferably configured such that the average surface friction coefficient of the surface facing the first storage section and the surface opposite thereto is 0.14 or more.

[0008] In addition, the mask of the present invention may preferably be configured to further include an article to be stored in the first storage section, the article to be stored in the first storage section being flat, and being stored in the first storage section such that a first main surface faces the second sheet and a second main surface faces the first sheet, and the average surface friction coefficient of the first main surface is less than 0.14.

[0009] In the mask of the present invention, the second main surface preferably has an average surface friction coefficient of 0.14 or more.

[0010] In addition, in the mask of the present invention, preferably, the mask body is formed so that the first sheet is positioned farther from the user's face than the second sheet, the item contained in the first storage section is a heating element that encapsulates a heat-generating material that generates heat upon contact with air, the first main surface is non-breathable, and the second main surface is breathable.

[0011] In addition, in the mask of the present invention, preferably, the mask body is composed of a laminate of the first sheet, the second sheet, and a third sheet, and a second storage section is formed between the second sheet and the third sheet for storing an item other than the item stored in the first storage section, and the second sheet has an average surface friction coefficient of less than 0.14 on the side facing the second storage section, and the third sheet has an average surface friction coefficient of at least the side facing the second storage section of 0.14 or more.

[0012] In the mask of the present invention, the third sheet can be preferably configured such that the average surface friction coefficient of the surface facing the second storage section and the surface opposite thereto is 0.14 or more.

[0013] In addition, in the mask of the present invention, preferably, the item stored in the second storage section is a steam generator that holds water, and the steam generator can be configured to emit steam by evaporating the water held in the steam generator through heating by the heating element. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the mask of the present invention, the opening of the storage section for storing items can be easily widened. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a rear view of the mask. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the mask. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a front view of the mask. [Figure 4] FIG. 4(A) shows the mask folded in half along the widthwise center line, and FIG. 4(B) is a partially cutaway view of FIG. 4(A). [Diagram 5] FIG. 5(A) shows a front view of the steam generating body, and FIG. 5(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 5(A). [Figure 6] FIG. 6(A) shows a front view of the heat generating element, and FIG. 6(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 6(A). [Figure 7] 7(A) to (C) show modified shapes of the lower part of the item attached to the mask body. [Figure 8] 8(A) to (C) show modified shapes of the upper part of the article to be attached to the mask body. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram explaining how to use the mask. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Explanation of the overall structure of the mask Hereinafter, an embodiment of the mask of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 4 show the appearance of a mask 1 of this embodiment. The mask 1 includes a mask body 2 that is worn on the user's face, a steam generator 3 that supplies steam to the user's mouth and throat, a heating element 4 that heats a liquid containing water held by the steam generator 3, and a pair of ear loops 5 that are hung on the left and right ears of the user to hold the mask body 1 on the face. The pair of ear loops 5 are provided on the left and right ends of the mask body 2.

[0017] The mask 1 of this embodiment has a humidifying function, and a steam generator 3 containing a liquid including water and a heating element 4 capable of generating heat are provided as items in the mask body 2. When the mask 1 is worn, the moisture content of the liquid in the steam generator 3 is heated by the heating element 4 to become steam, which is supplied to the mouth and throat of the user, thereby preventing the mouth and throat from drying out.

[0018] In this disclosure, the "left and right" directions refer to the direction based on the side of the user wearing the mask 1. The direction perpendicular to the left and right directions (the vertical direction in Figs. 1 and 3) is the up and down direction. The length in the left and right direction is the width, and the length in the up and down direction is the height.

[0019] Description of the mask body As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the mask body 2 is formed to a size that covers at least the mouth of the user's face. In this embodiment, the mask body 2 is formed to a size that covers the area under the eyes of the face, particularly the nose and mouth. The mask body 2 has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to a width center line H located at the center in the left-right direction. When the mask body 2 is folded in half with the width center line H as a fold line (see Fig. 4), the width center line H has a shape that is convexly curved in a direction away from the pair of ear hooks 5. As a result, when the folded mask body 2 is unfolded and worn on the face, the mask body 2 has a three-dimensional shape, and a space is formed between the mouth or nostrils and the mask body 2 in the center part in the left-right direction of the mask body 2.

[0020] The upper and lower edges of the mask body 2 are inclined obliquely downward and upward, respectively, so that the width in the vertical direction gradually narrows from the center toward the outside (left and right sides) in the horizontal direction. The left and right side edges of the mask body 2 are shaped so that the center portion in the vertical direction is curved in a concave shape to form a recess 20, and a pair of protrusions 21 are provided so as to sandwich the recess 20 between them. The ear hooks 5 are attached so as to connect the pair of protrusions 21.

[0021] The mask body 2 is composed of a laminate of at least two sheets, and has at least one storage section formed between two adjacent sheets for storing an item. In this embodiment, the mask body 2 is composed of a laminate of three sheets 6 to 8, and has two storage sections 22, 23 for storing an item. The first sheet 6 is arranged on the outermost side farthest from the user's face, the third sheet 8 is arranged on the innermost side facing the user's face, and the second sheet 7 is arranged in the middle between the first sheet 6 and the third sheet 8. In other words, the first sheet 6, the second sheet 7, and the third sheet 8 are located away from the user's face in this order. The three sheets 6 to 8 are joined at the outer periphery at a predetermined width using a known method such as adhesion, heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, sewing, etc., except for the upper edge or a part of the upper edge, and are joined from the upper edge to the lower edge at a predetermined width along the width center line H, thereby forming the mask body 2.

[0022] In the mask body 2, three sheets 6 to 8 are overlapped to form bag-shaped storage sections 22, 23 capable of storing flat objects between two adjacent sheets. Specifically, the first storage section 22 is formed between the first sheet 6 and the second sheet 7, and the second storage section 23 is formed between the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8. In this embodiment, a pair of left and right first storage sections 22 and a pair of left and right second storage sections 23 are formed in the mask body 2 with the width center line H between them.

[0023] The second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8 are formed to have the same shape and size, and their contour forms the contour of the mask body 2. In contrast, the outermost first sheet 6 is formed to have the same shape and size as the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8, except for a portion. The first sheet 6 is different in shape from the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8 in that a portion of the first sheet 6 from the width center line H of its upper edge follows the upper edges of the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8, but the remaining portion does not follow the upper edges of the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8, but slopes steeply downward from the upper edges, and hits approximately the center portions of the left and right side edges of the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8 in the height direction.

[0024] The second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8 are not joined to each other at a portion of their upper edges from the width center line H, and a second opening 25 is formed in this unjoined portion. The second storage section 23 allows items to be placed in and removed from the mask body 2 through the second opening 25, and the items are placed in and removed from the second storage section 23 in the vertical direction through the second opening 25. To store items in the second storage section 23, it is necessary to widen the second opening 25 to open the second storage section 23, and the second opening 25 can be widened by the user using his or her fingers to rub the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8 against each other to separate their upper edges.

[0025] The first sheet 6 and the second sheet 7 have their upper edges not joined to each other, so that a first opening 24 is formed in the non-jointed portion. The first storage section 22 can take in and out other items to be attached to the mask body 2 through the first opening 24. Since the upper edge of the first sheet 6 is steeply inclined downward, the items are taken in and out of the first storage section 22 in an oblique up-down direction that is oblique to the up-down direction through the first opening 24. To store an item in the first storage section 22, it is necessary to widen the first opening 24 to open the first storage section 22, and the first opening 24 can be widened by a user using his / her fingers to rub the first sheet 6 and the second sheet 7 against each other to separate their upper edges. In this embodiment, the upper edge of the first sheet 6 does not follow the upper edge of the second sheet 7, but is inclined downward at a steeper gradient than the upper edge of the second sheet 7, so that the user can easily hook his / her finger on the upper edge of the first sheet 6. Therefore, the first opening 24 may be widened by a user hooking his / her finger on the upper edge of the first sheet 6 and moving it away from the upper edge of the second sheet 7.

[0026] In this embodiment, a pair of left and right first openings 24 are formed in the mask body 2, sandwiching the width center line H therebetween, corresponding to the pair of left and right first storage sections 22, and a pair of left and right second openings 25 are formed in the mask body 2, sandwiching the width center line H therebetween, corresponding to the pair of left and right second storage sections 23.

[0027] The first storage section 22 contains the heating element 4. Meanwhile, the second storage section 23 contains the steam generating element 3. Therefore, in this embodiment, the steam generating element 3 and the heating element 4 are contained in separate storage sections 22, 23 of the mask body 2, and are provided on the mask body 2 so that the steam generating element 3 and the heating element 4 are located in this order from the user's face side. When the mask 1 is worn, the steam generating element 3 is located close to the user's face, so that the steam emitted from the steam generating element 3 can be well supplied to the user's mouth and throat. In addition, the heating element 4 is provided on the mask body 2 so that the steam generating element 3 is interposed between the mask body 2 and the user's face, so that the heating element 4 does not directly touch the user's face when the mask 1 is worn, and the user does not get a burn on the face or feel uncomfortable due to the heating element 4.

[0028] The mask body 2 is provided with a joint 26 for holding the steam generating element 3 and the heating element 4 in the storage section 22, 23 at a predetermined position. The joint 26 is formed by linearly joining the three sheets 6 to 8 using a known method such as adhesion, heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, sewing, etc. The joint 26 is composed of, but not limited to, a first portion 26A extending in the left-right direction and a second portion 26B extending in the up-down direction at the end of the outer side (the side farther from the width center line H) of the first portion 26A. The first portion 26A has a curved shape (e.g., a circular arc shape) that is curved downwardly convexly except for a part from the end on the second portion 26B side of the first portion 26A. A part from the end on the second portion 26B side of the first portion 26A and the second portion 26B have a straight line shape, and together they form an L shape. This joint 26 prevents the steam generating element 3 and the heat generating element 4 housed in the housing parts 22, 23 from moving from the positions initially set in the housing parts 22, 23, or from changing the posture initially set.

[0029] The three sheets 6 to 8 are formed using a breathable material, and the mask body 2 as a whole is breathable. The third sheet 8 is formed using a moisture-permeable material so that the steam emitted from the steam-generating body 3 in the second housing portion 23 can be supplied to the user's mouth and throat by passing through (in other words, passing through) the third sheet 8. The moisture permeability of the third sheet 8 is sufficient as long as the steam emitted from the steam-generating body 3 can pass through the third sheet 8, and the moisture permeability of the third sheet 8 is not particularly limited. Note that a breathable sheet usually also has moisture permeability.

[0030] The three sheets 6 to 8 may be made of, but are not limited to, sheet-like fibers such as woven fabrics and nonwoven fabrics, and among these, nonwoven fabrics are preferably used. Examples of fiber materials for the woven and nonwoven fabrics include, but are not limited to, natural fibers such as paper and cotton; semi-synthetic fibers such as rayon and acetate; synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), and nylon; and mixed fibers thereof. Among these, polypropylene and polyethylene are preferred from the viewpoint of productivity, polypropylene is preferred from the viewpoint of shape retention of the mask body 2, and nylon is preferred from the viewpoint of the feel of the mask body 2 on the skin of the user.

[0031] When nonwoven fabrics are used for the three sheets 6 to 8, there is no particular limitation, but for example, spunbond nonwoven fabrics, meltblown nonwoven fabrics, thermalbond nonwoven fabrics, spunlace nonwoven fabrics, etc. can be used. Among them, spunbond nonwoven fabrics can be preferably used from the viewpoint of shape retention of the mask body 2, spunbond nonwoven fabrics can be preferably used from the viewpoint of the feel of the mask body 2 on the user's skin, and meltblown nonwoven fabrics can be preferably used from the viewpoint of the cut performance of the mask body 2 against pollen, viruses, etc. Each of the three sheets 6 to 8 can be a single layer structure or a laminated structure of two or more layers.

[0032] Of the three sheets 6 to 8, the outermost first sheet 6 has, although not limited thereto, an average surface friction coefficient (MIU) of the surface facing the first storage section 22 (the surface facing the adjacent second sheet 7) of 0.14 or more, preferably 0.15 or more. The average surface friction coefficient of the surface of the first sheet 6 opposite to the surface facing the first storage section 22 is, although not limited thereto, 0.14 or more, preferably 0.15 or more.

[0033] The average surface friction coefficient of the surface of the innermost third sheet 8 facing the second storage section 23 (the surface facing the adjacent second sheet 7) is not particularly limited, but is 0.14 or more, and preferably 0.15 or more. The average surface friction coefficient of the surface of the third sheet 8 opposite to the surface facing the second storage section 23 is not particularly limited, but is 0.14 or more, and preferably 0.15 or more.

[0034] The intermediate second sheet 7 has, although not particularly limited, an average surface friction coefficient of the surface facing the first storage section 22 (the surface facing the adjacent first sheet 6) that is smaller than 0.14, preferably 0.13 or less, and more preferably 0.12 or less. The average surface friction coefficient of the surface of the second sheet 7 facing the second storage section 23 (the surface facing the adjacent third sheet 8) that is, although not particularly limited, is smaller than 0.14, preferably 0.13 or less, and more preferably 0.12 or less.

[0035] That is, the average surface friction coefficient of the mutually facing surfaces of the first sheet 6 and the second sheet 7 forming the first storage section 21 is set to 0.14 or more on the first sheet 6 side and smaller than 0.14 on the second sheet 7 side. Moreover, the average surface friction coefficient of the first sheet 6 is also 0.14 or more on the surface opposite to the surface facing the second sheet 7. Moreover, the average surface friction coefficient of the mutually facing surfaces of the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8 forming the second storage section 22 is set to be smaller than 0.14 on the second sheet 7 side and 0.14 or more on the third sheet 8 side. Moreover, the average surface friction coefficient of the third sheet 8 is also 0.14 or more on the surface opposite to the surface facing the second sheet 7.

[0036] The average surface friction coefficient is an index that indicates the texture of the sheet; the smaller the value, the smoother the surface and the lighter it feels to the touch, and the larger the value, the bumpier the surface and the more resistant it feels to the touch.

[0037] Here, when sheets with a large average surface friction coefficient are rubbed against each other, the two sheets are entangled and difficult to slip because the surfaces facing each other are uneven, and the two sheets do not easily separate even when rubbed against each other. In contrast, according to the findings of the present inventor, for the two sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 to be rubbed against each other, the average surface friction coefficient of one surface is set to 0.14 or more and the average surface friction coefficient of the other surface is set to be smaller than 0.14, with the average surface friction coefficient of the two surfaces facing each other being set at 0.14, so that when the two sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 are rubbed against each other, the two sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 can be easily shifted so as to separate from each other. Therefore, the openings 24, 25 for inserting articles into the storage sections 22, 23 formed between the two adjacent sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 can be easily widened.

[0038] In addition, when sheets with a small average surface friction coefficient are rubbed against each other, the surfaces of the two sheets that the user places his / her fingers on (the surfaces opposite to the surfaces of the sheets facing each other) are smooth, so that if the fingers are dry when rubbing the sheets against each other, the fingers tend to slip, making it difficult to separate the two sheets by rubbing them against each other. In contrast, for the two sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 to be rubbed against each other, both sides of one of the sheets 6, 8 have an average surface friction coefficient of 0.14 or more, so that when the user rubs the two sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 against each other to widen the openings 24, 25, the user's fingers do not easily slip against one of the sheets 6, 8. Therefore, the two sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 can be rubbed against each other with certainty to shift the two sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 away from each other.

[0039] The average surface friction coefficient is that when the sheets are dry, and refers to the average surface friction coefficient of each of the sheets 6 to 8 when they are in a dry state before steam is generated in the mask body 2 (before use).

[0040] The average surface friction coefficient can be measured by the following method. Specifically, test pieces of each of sheets 6 to 8 are prepared, and the average surface friction coefficient of the test pieces is measured using a surface friction coefficient measuring device (KES-FB4-AUTO-A) manufactured by Kato Tech Co., Ltd. The size of the test piece is 30 mm in length and 370 mm in width, and the measurement conditions are a standard friction probe (fingerprint type) and a friction load of 25 gf / cm. 2 The measurement sensitivity is L (high sensitivity 100g / V). The friction distance, friction speed, and other conditions are as specified by the device (friction distance 30mm, analysis distance 20mm, sample movement speed 1mm / sec). The average surface friction coefficient is the average value of the friction coefficients of the test piece surface measured over an analysis distance of 20mm.

[0041] In order to satisfy the above-mentioned average surface friction coefficient and to fulfill each function of the mask body 2, the outermost first sheet 6 is preferably made of an air-through nonwoven fabric from the viewpoint of moisture retention, the middle second sheet 7 is preferably made of a spunbond nonwoven fabric from the viewpoint of shape retention, and the innermost third sheet 8 is preferably made of a spunbond nonwoven fabric from the viewpoint of skin feel and wetness.

[0042] In this embodiment, the mask body 2 is composed of the three sheets 6 to 8, but may have a structure in which one or more sheets are further laminated.

[0043] Explanation of the overall structure of the steam generator Next, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 to Fig. 5, the steam generator 3 has a sealed, thin, flat bag shape, and stores a water bag 9 inside. The water bag 9 can be opened, for example, by being subjected to a pressing force, to allow the liquid to flow out. The steam generator 3 holds the liquid flowing out from the water bag 9 and can generate steam by evaporation of the water content of the held liquid, and the steam generated in the steam generator 3 passes through the third sheet 8 of the mask body 2 and is supplied to the mouth and throat of the user. In this embodiment, the steam generator 3 can hold the liquid flowing out from the water bag 9 inside, and the steam generated by evaporation of the water content of the liquid held inside can pass out to the outside.

[0044] Water bag description The water bag 9 is in the form of a sealed bag, and contains a liquid mainly composed of water. The material from which the water bag 9 is made is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that does not leak or seep out the enclosed liquid such as water, and a conventionally known water-impermeable and air-impermeable (non-moisture-permeable) bag can be used. Note that water-impermeable includes poor water-permeability, which makes it difficult for water to pass through, and non-water-permeability, which does not allow water to pass through.

[0045] The liquid enclosed in the water bag 9 may be only water, but it is preferable to add other components to water as the main component (for example, 50% by weight or more). An example of the other components is polyol. The polyol is not particularly limited, but preferable examples include glycerin, dipropylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, 1,2 pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, etc., and more preferably, glycerin is exemplified in terms of safety. In addition to these, preservatives such as methylparaben and phenoxyethanol; moisturizing agents such as hyaluronate and betaine; plant extracts; water-soluble thickeners such as xanthan gum, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), agar, guar gum, and carrageenan; fragrances such as eucalyptus and mint; and surfactants that solubilize fragrances (nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, anionic surfactants), etc., can be appropriately added to the water as other components.

[0046] The amount of liquid sealed in the water bag 9 is not particularly limited, but is preferably an amount that can supply a sufficient amount of steam to the user for a long period of time, such as during sleep, and is, for example, preferably 2 g or more, and more preferably 4 g or more. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of suppressing a decrease in the comfort of the mask 1 due to the weight of the liquid when the mask 1 is worn, the amount of liquid is, for example, preferably 7 g or less, and more preferably 5 g or less.

[0047] The viscosity of the liquid sealed in the water bag 9 is not particularly limited, but according to the findings of the inventors of the present application, the amount of steam (permeation amount) generated by evaporation of the moisture content of the liquid in the steam-generating body 3 and permeating the steam-generating body 3 tends to increase as the viscosity of the liquid increases. Therefore, since a sufficient amount of steam can be supplied to the user as the viscosity of the liquid increases, the viscosity at 25°C is preferably 40 mPa·s or more, more preferably 1000 mPa·s or more, and even more preferably 1500 mPa·s or more. On the other hand, if the viscosity of the liquid is too high, there is a risk that the liquid will not easily flow out of the water bag 9 into the steam-generating body 3 when the water bag 9 is opened, and the amount of steam permeation tends to decrease when the viscosity of the liquid exceeds a certain peak, so the viscosity of the liquid is preferably 4000 mPa·s or less, and more preferably 2500 mPa·s or less.

[0048] By setting the viscosity of the liquid to 40 mPa·s or more and 4000 mPa·s or less, further 1000 mPa·s or more and 2500 mPa·s or less, or further 1500 mPa·s or more and 2000 mPa·s or less, the amount of steam permeating the steam-generating body 3 per unit time, in other words, the amount per unit time (g / h) at 25°C at which the water content of the liquid in the steam-generating body 3 evaporates and is emitted as steam from the steam-generating body 3, can be made sufficiently large, making it possible for the user to feel a large amount of steam when wearing the mask 1.

[0049] When measuring the viscosity of a liquid in the range of less than 1000 mPa·s, the viscosity is measured at 25°C and a rotation speed of 30 rpm using a B-type viscometer (TV-10 model, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) with a SPINDLE No. M2 rotor. When measuring the viscosity in the range of 1000 mPa·s or more and less than 2500 mPa·s, the viscosity is measured at 25°C and a rotation speed of 12 rpm using a B-type viscometer (TV-10 model, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) with a SPINDLE No. M2 rotor. When measuring the viscosity in the range of 2500 mPa·s or more and less than 10000 mPa·s, the viscosity is measured at 25°C and a rotation speed of 12 rpm using a SPINDLE No. M3 rotor. When measuring the viscosity in the range of 10000 mPa·s or more and less than 20000 mPa·s, the viscosity is measured at 25°C and a rotation speed of 12 rpm using a SPINDLE No. M4 rotor.

[0050] The water bag 9 is structured so that it can be opened by application of a pressing force, and the liquid sealed inside can flow out (into the steam-generating body 3). Here, the pressing force refers to a force that can be applied to the steam-generating body 3 by a user holding the steam-generating body 3 housing the water bag 9 with one or both hands. As the above-mentioned structure, various conventionally known structures can be used, such as providing the water bag 9 with an easy-to-break line so that at least a part of the water bag 9 breaks when a pressing force is applied, or providing a part with weak sealing strength in the seal part 90 (shown in FIG. 5(B)) on the outer periphery of the water bag 9 so that at least a part of the seal part 90 is broken by the liquid pressure when a pressing force is applied.

[0051] Detailed description of the steam generator The external shape of the steam generator 3 is not particularly limited, but is preferably symmetrical and may be of various shapes such as a square, a rectangle, a circle, an ellipse, etc. The size of the steam generator 3 is not particularly limited, but the horizontal length may be 55 mm or more and 80 mm or less, and the vertical length may be 55 mm or more and 80 mm or less.

[0052] The steam generator 3 is preferably formed so that the lower side in the direction of insertion into the second housing section 23 of the mask body 2 through the second opening 25, that is, the lower part that is the lower side when housed in the second housing section 23, is tapered. In this embodiment, the steam generator 3 is inserted into the second housing section 23 along the vertical direction through the second opening 25 with the vertical direction shown in FIG. 5(A) being the up-down direction, so that the lower edge 33 side is the lower side in the insertion direction. Therefore, both end portions 33A connected to the left and right side edges 34, 35 of the lower edge 33 of the steam generator 3 are arc-shaped, and therefore the lower part of the steam generator 3 is tapered. The tip portion of the lower part of the steam generator 3, that is, the part between both end portions 33A of the lower edge of the steam generator 3, is horizontally linear. The arc shape of both end portions 33A of the lower edge 33 of the steam generating body 3 described above is a greatly curved shape with a radius of curvature of, for example, 18 mm or more, and is different from a shape that is simply somewhat rounded by chamfering the corners.

[0053] The tapering of the lower portion of the steam generator 3 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 5(A), but may also be achieved by linearly inclining both end portions 33A or one end portion 33A of the lower edge 33 of the steam generator 3, so as to give the lower portion of the steam generator 3 a trapezoidal shape protruding downward, as shown in Figures 7(A) and (B).

[0054] Also, as shown in FIG. 7(C), the lower edge 33 of the steam generating body 3 may be tapered as a whole, including the tip portion, to make the lower portion of the steam generating body 3 tapered. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 7(C), the lower edge 33 of the steam generating body 3 may be V-shaped to make the lower portion of the steam generating body 3 protruding downward in a triangular shape, or, instead of only one end portion 33A of the lower edge 33 of the steam generating body 3 being linearly inclined in FIG. 7(B), the entire lower edge 33 may be linearly inclined to make the lower portion of the steam generating body 3 protruding downward in a triangular shape. Alternatively, the lower edge 33 of the steam generating body 3 may be arc-shaped or elliptical-shaped to make the lower portion of the steam generating body 3 protruding downward in a semicircular or semielliptical shape. When the lower portion of the steam generating body 3 is triangular and protruding downward, for example, as shown in FIG. 7(C), the tip portion of the lower portion of the steam generating body 3 may be chamfered to have a slight roundness, or, although not shown, the tip portion may not be chamfered.

[0055] By tapering the lower part of the steam generator 3, when inserting the steam generator 3 from the bottom into the second housing section 23 of the mask body 2, the lower part of the steam generator 3 is less likely to get caught on the mask body 2, making it easier to insert the steam generator 3 into the second housing section 23. To make it easier to insert the steam generator 3 into the second housing section 23, it is preferable that the tip part of the lower part of the steam generator 3 is smooth and has no corners, as shown in Figures 5 and 7(C). Note that the left and right side edges 33, 34 of the steam generator 3 connect the upper edge 36 and the lower edge 33 without forming any right angle or acute angle pointing diagonally downward.

[0056] The steam generator 3 is inserted and removed from the second housing section 23 of the mask body 2 in the vertical direction, and when housed in the second housing section 23, the steam generator 3 is vertically oriented with its lower edge 33 facing almost directly downward, and as shown in FIG. 4(A), the axis P1, which is the axis of the left-right symmetrical shape, faces the vertical direction. At this time, the first portion 26A of the joint section 26 of the mask body 2 has a curved shape (e.g., a circular arc shape) that is curved downwardly convexly, so that, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the lower portion of the steam generator 3 is curved and tapered, and the steam generator 3 is easily fitted into the first portion 26A of the joint section 26, and when the steam generator 3 is housed in the second housing section 23, it is easy to set the steam generator 3 vertically in the second housing section 23. In addition, the steam generator 3 housed in the second housing section 23 is positioned between the width center line H of the mask body 2 and the second portion 26B of the joint section 26, so that it is restricted from moving from the position where it is initially set.

[0057] The upper portion of the steam generator 3, which is the upper side when housed in the second housing section 23 of the mask body 2, preferably has at least one corner of 90° or less. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5(A), left and right side edges 34, 35 hang down from both ends of an upper edge 36 of the steam generator 3, so that the upper portion of the steam generator 3 has a rectangular shape, and corners 37, 38 at the left and right corners of the upper portion of the steam generator 3 form right angles.

[0058] The upper part of the steam generating body 3 may have at least one corner of 90° or less, with the left and right corners 37, 38 being acute angles as shown in Figures 8(A) and 8(B). For example, in Figure 8(A), the upper edge of the steam generating body 3 extends horizontally in the left-right direction, and the left and right side edges 34, 35 extend from both ends of the upper edge 36 of the steam generating body 3 at an inward incline, so that the left and right corners 37, 38 of the upper part of the steam generating body 3 form an acute angle. For example, in Figure 8(B), the upper edge 36 connecting the left and right side edges 34, 35 of the steam generating body 3, which are parallel to each other, forms a V-shape, a circular arc shape, an elliptical arc shape, or the like protruding downward, so that the left and right corners 37, 38 of the upper part of the steam generating body 3 form an acute angle.

[0059] The upper part of the steam generator 3 does not need to have right or acute corners 37, 38 at both the left and right corners, and as shown in Fig. 8(C), if one corner 38 is a right angle (or an acute angle), the other corner 37 may be an obtuse angle. Also, although not shown, one of the left and right corners of the upper part of the steam generator 3 may be a right angle and the other corner may be an acute angle.

[0060] The left and right corners 37, 38 of the upper part of the steam generator 3 do not necessarily have to be less than 90°. For example, as shown in Figure 8 (D), the upper edge 36 of the steam generator 3 may be V-shaped and protrude upward, so that the upper edge 36 of the steam generator 3 has a corner 39 of less than 90°.

[0061] By having at least one corner 37-39 of 90° or less at the upper part of the steam generator 3, for example in Fig. 4, after the steam generator 3 is accommodated in the second accommodation section 23 of the mask body 2, the corners 37, 38 at the upper part of the steam generator 3 are caught by the mask body 2, making it difficult for the steam generator 3 to slip out of the second accommodation section 23. Note that the corners 37-39 of 90° or less at the upper part of the steam generator 3 described above do not necessarily need to be sharp, and may be chamfered to have a somewhat rounded tip.

[0062] The steam-generating body 3 has a structure that inhibits or prevents the liquid from leaking out of the steam-generating body 3 when the liquid has flowed out of the water bag 9, and allows the steam generated by the evaporation of the moisture content of the liquid upon heating by the heating body 4 to pass through to the outside. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5(B), the steam-generating body 3 is formed using a main sheet 30 that is water-impermeable, yet moisture-permeable and breathable. The main sheet 30 is a sheet (including a film) that has a function of preventing the passage of the liquid that has flowed out into the steam-generating body 3, and a function of allowing the steam generated by the evaporation of the moisture content of the liquid in the steam-generating body 3 to pass through to the outside.

[0063] The main sheet 30 may be, for example, a liquid-impermeable resin film or a liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric. The resin film used for the main sheet 30 may be a porous film having many fine holes, or a non-porous film, as long as liquid impermeability, moisture permeability, and breathability are obtained. When a porous film is used, the moisture permeability can be controlled by adjusting the size of the holes. Examples of the resin material of the porous film include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, and the like. The resin film may be made of a fluorinated resin film, a polyurethane film, and the like. Examples of the resin material of the non-porous film include a urethane-based thermoplastic elastomer, a polyethylene-based thermoplastic elastomer, and the like. The above-mentioned resin film may be a conventionally known moisture-permeable waterproof sheet used for the back sheet of sanitary materials such as diapers, the base material of high-performance protective clothing, and the like.

[0064] The nonwoven fabric used for the main sheet 30 may be, for example, a liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric such as an SMS nonwoven fabric, an SMMS nonwoven fabric (a four-layer structure of spunbond nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / spunbond nonwoven fabric), or an SMMMS nonwoven fabric (a five-layer structure of spunbond nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / spunbond nonwoven fabric), or a spunbond nonwoven fabric or point-bond nonwoven fabric laminated with a resin film. When a nonwoven fabric is used, the moisture permeability can be controlled by adjusting the mesh size.

[0065] The main sheet 30 may be made of the above-mentioned resin film or nonwoven fabric alone or in a laminate of two or more thereof.

[0066] In this embodiment, the steam-generating unit 3 is formed using a surface sheet 31 and a lining sheet 32, which are further moisture-permeable and breathable. The outer side (opposite side to the water bag 9) and the inner side (side of the water bag 9) of the main sheet 30 are reinforced by the surface sheet 31 and the lining sheet 32, so that the water pressure resistance and strength of the steam-generating unit 3 can be improved.

[0067] The outer sheet 31 and the inner sheet 32 ​​can be made of sheet-like fibers such as woven fabric and nonwoven fabric, and among them, nonwoven fabric is preferably used. Examples of fiber materials for the woven fabric and nonwoven fabric include natural fibers such as paper and cotton; semi-synthetic fibers such as rayon and acetate; synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), and nylon; and mixed fibers thereof. The inner sheet 32 ​​is a sheet that comes into contact with the liquid flowing out of the water bag 9, and is preferably relatively hard and tear-resistant so that the main sheet 30 can withstand the pressure of the water when the water flows out of the water bag 9, and in this respect, polypropylene is preferably used as the material. On the other hand, the outer sheet 31 is a sheet that protects the main sheet 30 from the outside and forms the exterior of the steam generator 3, and is preferably comfortable to the touch of the user, and in this respect, nylon is preferably used as the material.

[0068] When nonwoven fabrics are used for the front sheet 31 and the back sheet 32, for example, spunbond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, thermal bond nonwoven fabric, spunlace nonwoven fabric, etc. can be used. Among them, spunbond nonwoven fabric can be preferably used for the back sheet 32 ​​from the viewpoint of water pressure resistance, and spunbond nonwoven fabric can be preferably used for the front sheet 31 from the viewpoint of strength.

[0069] The steam-generating unit 3 is formed into a bag-like shape by overlapping six sheets of the same shape and size, namely, two lining sheets 32, two main sheets 30 arranged on the outer sides of the respective lining sheets 32, and two outer sheets 31 arranged on the outer sides of the respective main sheets 30, and joining the outer periphery at a predetermined width using a known method such as adhesion, heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, sewing, etc. Alternatively, the steam-generating unit 3 may be formed into a bag-like shape by preparing a laminated sheet in which the lining sheets 32, the main sheets 30, and the outer sheet 31 of the same shape and size are integrated in advance, overlapping the two laminated sheets, and joining the outer periphery at a predetermined width using a known method such as adhesion, heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, sewing, etc.

[0070] The width of the seal portion 39 on the outer periphery of the steam-generating body 3 is not particularly limited, but is between 1 mm and 10 mm. The seal strength of the seal portion 39 is not particularly limited, but is preferably set so that the seal portion 39 is not damaged by the pressure of the liquid when it flows out of the water bag 9, causing the liquid to leak out of the steam-generating body 3. For example, the seal strength of the seal portion 39 is preferably set such that the lower limit is 3 N / 15 mm width or more and the upper limit is 30 N / 15 mm width or less.

[0071] The steam-generating unit 3 has moisture permeability that allows steam generated inside to pass to the outside, and the moisture permeability of the steam-generating unit 3 is not particularly limited, but according to the findings of the present inventors, as the moisture permeability of the steam-generating unit 3 increases, the amount of steam (permeation amount) that is generated by evaporation of the moisture content of the liquid in the steam-generating unit 3 and passes through the steam-generating unit 3 tends to increase. Therefore, the higher the moisture permeability of the steam-generating unit 3, the more sufficient amount of steam can be supplied to the user, and therefore, the preferred moisture permeability is 7000 g / m 2 ·day or more is preferable, and 8500g / m 2 ·day or more is preferable, and 10,000g / m 2 The moisture permeability (water vapor permeability) is defined in accordance with JIS Z 0208.

[0072] The moisture permeability of the steam generator 3 is 7000g / m 2 ·day or more, even 8500g / m 2 ·day or even 10000g / m 2 By setting the period to 1 / day or more, the amount of steam passing through the steam generator 3 per unit time, that is, the amount per unit time (g / h) at 25°C of the water content of the liquid in the steam generator 3 that evaporates and is emitted as steam from the steam generator 3, is made sufficiently large, making it possible for the user to feel a large amount of steam when wearing the mask 1.

[0073] The amount of steam passing through the steam generating unit 3 per unit time is determined based on the moisture permeability of the steam generating unit 3 and the viscosity of the liquid evaporated in the steam generating unit 3. By appropriately setting the moisture permeability of the steam generating unit 3 and the viscosity of the liquid within a predetermined range, the amount of steam passing through the steam generating unit 3 can be set to, but is not limited to, 0.5 g / h or more, preferably 0.6 g / h or more, and more preferably 0.7 g / h or more. Conventionally, masks with a humidifying function (for example, "Nodo Nuru Nure Mask" manufactured by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) have been known. This mask with a humidifying function has a filter that holds liquid housed in a housing, and the moisture content of the filter becomes steam when breathing and is supplied to the mouth and throat. Compared to the amount of steam per unit time emitted from the filter of a conventional mask with a humidifying function, the mask 1 of this embodiment can emit a large amount of steam that is 1.5 times or more, or even 2 times or more, from the steam generating unit 3 and supply it to the user's mouth and throat. The amount of steam passing through the steam generator 3 is not particularly limited, but if it is too large, the user's face may get wet with steam when wearing the mask 1, causing the user discomfort. Therefore, it is preferable to set the amount of steam passing through the steam generator 3 to 1.05 g / h or less, and more preferably to set the amount of steam passing through the steam generator 3 to 0.8 g / h or less.

[0074] Explanation of the overall configuration of the heating element 1, 3, 4 and 6, the heating element 4 has a thin, flat bag shape that is sealed and contains a heating material 40. The heating element 4 promotes evaporation of the moisture content of the liquid in the steam-generating element 3 by the heating material 40 spontaneously generating heat and imparting the heat to the steam-generating element 3.

[0075] Heat generating material description In this embodiment, a heat generating composition that generates heat upon contact with oxygen in the air is used as the heat generating material 40 enclosed inside the heat generating element 4. The heat generating composition may be any composition that generates heat upon contact with oxygen, and may include, for example, an oxidizable metal, an oxidation promoter, a water retention agent, a water-soluble salt, and water.

[0076] The oxidizable metal powder is not particularly limited as long as it is a metal powder that generates heat when oxidized, and examples thereof include iron powder, zinc powder, aluminum powder, magnesium powder, copper powder, etc., and preferably iron powder. In addition, examples of iron powder include, but are not particularly limited to, reduced iron powder, cast iron powder, atomized iron powder, electrolytic iron powder, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0077] The oxidation promoter is used for the purpose of promoting the supply of oxygen to the oxidizable metal powder by taking in air (oxygen). The oxidation promoter is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include activated carbon, coal, charcoal, bamboo charcoal, graphite, carbon black, graphite, acetylene black, coffee grounds charcoal, etc., and preferably activated carbon, carbon black, bamboo charcoal, charcoal, coffee grounds charcoal, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0078] The water-retaining agent is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include porous substances and water-absorbent resins. More specifically, examples of the water-retaining agent include natural or synthetic inorganic substances such as vermiculite, perlite, calcium silicate, aluminum silicate, kaolin, talc, smectite, mica, bentonite, calcium carbonate, silica gel, alumina, zeolite, silicon dioxide, and diatomaceous earth, and natural or synthetic organic substances such as pulp, wood flour (sawdust), cotton, polyacrylate resins, polysulfonate resins, maleic anhydride resins, polyacrylamide resins, polyvinyl alcohol resins, polyethylene oxide resins, polyaspartate resins, polyglutamate resins, polyalginate resins, starches, and celluloses. Preferred examples of the water-retaining agent include vermiculite, perlite, silica gel, diatomaceous earth, aluminum oxide, wood flour (sawdust), and polyacrylate resins. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0079] The water-soluble salts are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include chloride salts and sulfide salts of alkali metals such as sodium and potassium, chloride salts and sulfide salts of alkaline earth metals such as calcium and magnesium, and chloride salts and sulfide salts of metals such as iron, copper, aluminum, zinc, nickel, silver, and barium. Preferred examples of the water-soluble salts include sodium chloride and potassium chloride. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0080] The water is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include distilled water, tap water, ion-exchanged water, pure water, ultrapure water, industrial water, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0081] The heat generating material 40 may further contain any other components as necessary. As the heat generating material 40 described above, a known heat generating composition that has been used in disposable hand warmers can be used. Note that the heat generating material 40 may be a material other than a heat generating composition that generates heat upon contact with air, for example, a material that generates heat when irradiated with microwaves in a microwave oven or the like (e.g., ceramic powder such as ferrite) may be used.

[0082] Detailed description of the heating element The external shape of the heating element 4 is not particularly limited, but is preferably symmetrical and may be of various shapes such as a square, a rectangle, a circle, an ellipse, etc. The size of the heating element 4 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that at least the size of the heating portion is the same as or smaller than the size of the steam-generating element 3. In other words, the heating element 4 is a size such that its heating portion is covered by the steam-generating element 3, and in a plan view, it is preferable that the outline of the heating portion of the heating element 4 is contained inside the outline of the steam-generating element 3, and the heating portion of the heating element 4 does not protrude around the steam-generating element 3. The heating portion of the heating element 4 is the portion in which the heating material 40 is enclosed, that is, the portion excluding the seal portion 49 where the outer peripheral edges of the outer sheet 41 and the inner sheet 42 described later are joined to each other. Since the heating portion of the heating element 4 is the portion that heats the steam-generating element 3, it is preferable that it is close to the same size as the steam-generating element 3, and is preferably 50% to 100% of the size (plan view area) of the steam-generating element 3. The heating portion of the heating element 4 may be slightly larger than the steam-generating element 3.

[0083] Like the steam generating body 3, the heating element 4 is preferably formed so that the lower side in the direction of insertion into the first housing section 22 of the mask body 2 through the first opening 24, that is, the lower side when housed in the first housing section 22, is tapered. In this embodiment, the heating element 4 is inserted into the first housing section 22 through the first opening 24 in a diagonal direction with the vertical direction shown in FIG. 6(A) as a diagonal up-down direction, so that the lower edge 43 side is the lower side in the direction of insertion. Therefore, the lower edge 43 of the heating element 4 is formed in an arc shape (or an elliptical arc shape), and the lower part of the heating element 4 is semicircular (semi-elliptical) protruding downward, so that the lower part of the heating element 4 is tapered.

[0084] The tapered lower portion of the heating element 4 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 6(A), and may be a triangular shape in which the lower edge 43 of the heating element 4 is V-shaped and the lower portion of the heating element 4 protrudes downward, as shown in Fig. 7(C). The lower edge 43 of the heating element 4 does not have to be tapered as a whole, and may be tapered partially. For example, as shown in Fig. 7(A) and the shape of the steam generator 3 in Fig. 5(A), both end portions 43A connected to the left and right side edges 44, 45 of the lower edge 43 of the heating element 4 may be arc-shaped or obliquely inclined straight lines, and the portion between both end portions 33A (the tip portion of the lower portion of the heating element 4) may be horizontally straight, so that the lower portion of the heating element 4 is tapered.

[0085] By tapering the lower part of the heating element 4, when inserting the heating element 4 from the bottom into the first housing section 22 of the mask body 2, the lower part of the heating element 4 is less likely to get caught on the mask body 2, making it easier to insert the heating element 4 into the first housing section 22. To make it easier to insert the heating element 4 into the first housing section 22, it is preferable that the tip part of the lower part of the heating element 4 is smooth and has no corners, as shown in Figures 6 and 7(C). Note that the left and right side edges 43, 44 of the heating element 4 connect the upper edge 46 and the lower edge 43 without creating a right angle or an acute angle pointing diagonally downward.

[0086] The heating element 4 is inserted and removed from the first storage section 22 of the mask body 2 along the diagonal vertical direction, and when stored in the first storage section 22, the heating element 4 is inclined with its lower edge 43 facing diagonally downward (the lower end side of the width center line H of the mask body 2), and as shown in FIG. 4(A), the axis P2, which is the axis of left-right symmetry, faces the diagonal vertical direction rather than the vertical direction. In other words, the axis P2 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction so as to fall toward the ear hook part 5 side at the left-right end of the mask body 2. At this time, the joint 26 of the mask body 2 has a first portion 26A that is curved convexly downward (for example, arc-shaped), so that when the heating element 4 is stored in the first storage section 22, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the heating element 4 can be easily inserted into the first storage section 22 all the way diagonally downward. In addition, because the lower portion of the heating element 4 is curved and tapered, a part of the lower portion of the heating element 4 fits into the first portion 26A of the joint portion 26, and the heating element 4 accommodated in the first accommodation portion 22 in an inclined state is restricted from changing its initially set position. Furthermore, the heating element 4 accommodated in the first accommodation portion 22 in an inclined state is supported from below by the side edge (recess 20) of the mask body 2 and / or the second portion 26B of the joint portion 26, so that the heating element 4 is restricted from changing its initially set position.

[0087] As with the steam-generating element 3, the upper portion of the heating element 4, which is diagonally upward when housed in the first housing section 22 of the mask body 2, preferably has at least one corner of 90° or less. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6(A), left and right side edges 44, 45 hang down from both ends of an upper edge 46 of the heating element 4, so that the upper portion of the heating element 4 has a rectangular shape, and corners 47, 48 at the left and right corners of the upper portion of the heating element 4 form right angles.

[0088] The upper part of the heating element 4 may have at least one corner of 90° or less, with the left and right corners 47, 48 being acute angles as shown in Figures 8(A) and 8(B). For example, in Figure 8(A), the upper edge of the heating element 4 extends horizontally in the left-right direction, and the left and right side edges 44, 45 extend from both ends of the upper edge 46 of the heating element 4 at an inward incline, so that the left and right corners 47, 48 of the upper part of the heating element 4 form an acute angle. For example, in Figure 8(B), the upper edge 46 connecting the left and right side edges 44, 45 of the heating element 4, which are parallel to each other, forms a V-shape, a circular arc shape, an elliptical arc shape, or the like protruding downward, so that the left and right corners 47, 48 of the upper part of the heating element 4 form an acute angle.

[0089] The upper part of the heating element 4 does not need to have both right and left corners 47, 48 that are right angles or acute angles, and as shown in Fig. 8(C), if one corner 48 is a right angle (or acute angle), the other corner 47 may be an obtuse angle. Also, although not shown, one of the left and right corners of the upper part of the heating element 4 may be a right angle and the other corner may be an acute angle.

[0090] The upper part of the heating element 4 does not necessarily have to have corners 47, 48 at the left and right corners of 90° or less. For example, as shown in Figure 8 (D), the upper edge 46 of the heating element 4 may be V-shaped and protrude upward, so that the upper edge 46 of the heating element 4 has a corner 49 of 90° or less.

[0091] The above-mentioned corners 47-49 of the upper part of the heating element 4 that are angled at 90° or less do not necessarily have to be sharp, and may be chamfered to be somewhat rounded. By having at least one corner 47-49 of 90° or less at the upper part of the heating element 4, for example in FIG. 4, after the heating element 4 is accommodated in the first accommodation section 22 of the mask body 2, the upper corners 47, 48 of the heating element 4 are caught by the mask body 2, making it difficult for the heating element 4 to slip out of the first accommodation section 22.

[0092] The heating element 4 is composed of an outer sheet 41 and an inner sheet 42 which form the main surfaces on the front and back sides, and is formed into a bag shape by joining the outer and inner sheets 41 and 42 of the same shape and size over each other with the outer and inner sheets 41 and 42 joined together at a predetermined width over the entire circumference. Examples of a method for joining the outer and inner sheets 41 and 42 include adhesion, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, and sewing. The thicknesses of the outer and inner sheets 41 and 42 are not particularly limited as long as they can be used as the heating element 4. The heating element 4 is accommodated in the first accommodation section 22 of the mask body 2 such that the outer sheet 41 faces the outermost first sheet 6 of the mask body 2.

[0093] The outer sheet 41 and the inner sheet 42 may be made of, but are not limited to, a resin film or a sheet-like fiber such as a woven fabric or a nonwoven fabric. Among them, it is preferable to use a resin film in consideration of the strength of the heating element 4 and the durability against heat generation of the heating material 40. The resin used for the resin film is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a thermoplastic resin. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyamide, polyurethane, polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polycarbonate, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, among which polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer are preferable. These resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0094] The outer sheet 41 and the inner sheet 42 may be formed of a laminate in which a breathable woven fabric or nonwoven fabric is laminated onto a resin film. In this case, the resin film is disposed on the inner side, which faces the heat generating material 40, and the woven fabric or nonwoven fabric is disposed on the outer side. The outer sheet 41 and the inner sheet 42 may also be formed of a woven fabric or nonwoven fabric without using a resin film.

[0095] Examples of fiber materials for woven fabrics and nonwoven fabrics include natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, silk, and paper; semi-synthetic fibers such as rayon and acetate; synthetic fibers such as nylon, vinylon, polyester, acrylic, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polybutylene terephthalate; and mixed fibers of these fibers. These fiber materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The basis weight of the woven fabric or nonwoven fabric is not particularly limited as long as it can prevent the heat generating material 40 from leaking out of the heat generating element 4.

[0096] The outer sheet 41 has breathability. The resin film used for the breathable outer sheet 41 has micropores at least in a part thereof to ensure breathability. The size of the micropores is not particularly limited, and the shape and number of the micropores are also not particularly limited, as long as the air can pass through the micropores while preventing the heat generating material 40 from passing through and leaking out of the heat generating element 4. Resin films having micropores are conventionally known, and examples thereof include resin films and porous films in which a large number of perforations are formed. The micropores may be present throughout the entire resin film, or may be present densely in a part. When the heat generating element 4 is accommodated in the first accommodation section 22 of the mask body 2, the outer sheet 41 faces the outermost first sheet 6 of the mask body 2. Therefore, the outer sheet 41 has breathability, so that the heat generating element 4 can efficiently take in air and the heat generating material 40 can generate heat well.

[0097] When the heating element 4 is accommodated in the first accommodation section 22 of the mask body 2, the inner sheet 42 facing the second sheet 7 in the middle of the mask body 2 may be breathable or non-breathable, but is preferably non-breathable.

[0098] The inner sheet 42 is not particularly limited, but at least the average surface friction coefficient of the outer surface (first main surface of the heating element 4) facing the second sheet 7 of the mask body 2 is smaller than 0.14, preferably 0.13 or less, and more preferably 0.12 or less. If the average surface friction coefficient of the inner sheet 42 is small, when the heating element 4, which is an item equipped in the mask body 2, is accommodated in the first storage section 22, the outer surface (first main surface of the heating element 4) of the inner sheet 42 is dry and smooth, so that even if the inner sheet 42 of the heating element 4 abuts against and rubs against the second sheet 7 constituting the first storage section 22, the heating element 4 is slippery, and the heating element 4 can be easily inserted to the depth of the first storage section 22. In this embodiment, the average surface friction coefficient of the surface of the second sheet 7 of the mask body 2 facing the first storage section 22 is also smaller than 0.14, and the second sheet 7 is also dry and smooth, so the heating element 4 can be more easily inserted to the depth of the first storage section 22.

[0099] By making the inner sheet 42 non-breathable, the average surface friction coefficient can be satisfactorily reduced to less than 0.14. This is because the surface of the non-breathable inner sheet 42 is smoother than that of a breathable sheet, since when a resin film is used, the resin film has no or few micropores, and when a nonwoven fabric or the like is used, the nonwoven fabric or the like is pressed to make the pores dense.

[0100] On the other hand, the average surface friction coefficient of the outer sheet 41 on the outer side (second main surface of the heating element 4) facing the first sheet 6 of the mask body 2 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.14 or more, and more preferably 0.15 or more. If the average surface friction coefficient of the outer sheet 41 is large, the outer side (second main surface of the heating element 4) of the outer sheet 41 is uneven and not smooth, so that when the outer sheet 41 of the heating element 4 abuts and rubs against the first sheet 6 constituting the first storage section 22, the heating element 4 is not easily slippery, and the heating element 4 accommodated in the first storage section 22 can be prevented from slipping out of the first storage section 22. In this embodiment, the average surface friction coefficient of the surface of the first sheet 6 of the mask body 2 facing the first storage section 22 is also 0.14 or more, and the first sheet 6 is also uneven and not smooth, so that the outer sheet 41 and the first sheet 6 are entangled and difficult to move, and the heating element 4 can be further prevented from slipping out of the first storage section 22.

[0101] The average surface friction coefficient is that when the sheets are dry, and refers to the average surface friction coefficient of each sheet 41, 42 when in a dry state before steam is generated in the mask body 2 (before use). The average surface friction coefficient can be measured in the same manner as in measuring the average surface friction coefficient of each sheet 6 to 8 of the mask body 2.

[0102] The heat generating characteristics of the heating element 4 are not particularly limited, but the maximum temperature is preferably 30° C. or more and 70° C. or less, and more preferably 40° C. or more and 55° C. or less, from the viewpoints of efficiently evaporating the moisture content of the liquid in the steam-generating element 3 and preventing burns to the user while maintaining a suitable temperature in the space between the user's face inside the mask body 2. Furthermore, in order to continuously and sufficiently evaporate the moisture content of the liquid in the steam-generating element 3 and to continuously maintain a suitable temperature in the space between the user's face inside the mask body 2, the heat generation duration during which the heat generating temperature exceeds 40° C. or more is preferably 30 minutes or more, and more preferably 80 minutes or more.

[0103] Explanation of the relative positions of two objects As shown in FIG. 4, when the two items equipped to the mask body 2, i.e., the steam generating element 3 and the heating element 4, are respectively accommodated in the first accommodation section 22 and the second accommodation section 23 of the mask body 2, it is preferable that a portion of each of them protrudes around the other item and that the centroid (center of gravity position) of one of the items is shifted toward the ear loop section 5 with respect to the centroid (center of gravity position) of the other item.

[0104] Specifically, first, the steam generating body 3 in the second housing section 23 and the heating body 4 in the first housing section 22 do not completely overlap each other (one does not completely cover the other), and a part of the heating body 4 protrudes around the steam generating body 3, and a part of the steam generating body 3 protrudes around the heating body 4. If the steam generating body 3 in the second housing section 23 and the heating body 4 in the first housing section 22 completely overlap each other, the mask body 2 becomes thicker and bulkier in the wide area where the steam generating body 3 and the heating body 4 overlap, and there is a risk of giving a feeling of pressure to the face of the user wearing the mask 1. In contrast, since the steam generating body 3 in the second housing section 23 and the heating body 4 in the first housing section 22 are misaligned and do not completely overlap, the area of ​​the mask body 2 where the steam generating body 3 and the heating body 4 overlap and increase in thickness is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a feeling of pressure on the face of the user wearing the mask 1.

[0105] In addition, the centroid O1 of the steam generating body 3 in the second storage section 23 and the centroid O2 of the heating body 4 in the first storage section 22 are not positioned on the same straight line parallel to the up-down direction, but are misaligned in the left-right direction, and in this embodiment, the centroid O1 of the steam generating body 3 is misaligned toward the ear hooks 5 with respect to the centroid O2 of the heating body 4. If the centroid O1 of the steam generating body 3 in the second storage section 23 and the centroid O2 of the heating body 4 in the first storage section 22 are not misaligned in the left-right direction, the centroids O1, O2 of the two items (steam generating body 3 and heating body 4) attached to the mask body 2 will be offset, and the weight of the items will be locally applied to the mask body 2, and the ear hooks 5 will be pulled, which may cause pain in the ears of a user wearing the mask 1. In contrast, the centroid O1 of the steam generating element 3 in the second housing portion 23 and the centroid O2 of the heating element 4 in the first housing portion 22 are misaligned in the left-right direction, with one centroid being closer to the ear hook portion 5, thereby preventing the weight of the article from being unevenly applied to one portion of the mask body 2. This makes it possible to prevent pain in the ears of a user wearing the mask 1.

[0106] In this embodiment, as described above, the steam generating element 3 is accommodated in the first accommodation section 22 in a vertical orientation with the axis P1 facing in the vertical direction, while the heating element 4 is accommodated in the second accommodation section 23 with the axis P2 oriented obliquely from the vertical direction (axis P1). The steam generating element 4 is circumferentially displaced relative to the steam generating element 3, and the joints 26 of the mask body 2, etc., prevent the steam generating element 3 in the second accommodation section 23 and the heating element 4 in the first accommodation section 22 from changing from their initially set positions and attitudes, thereby realizing the positional relationship between the steam generating element 3 and the heating element 4 described above.

[0107] Description of ear hook Next, as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, the pair of ear hooks 5 are for holding the mask body 2 on the user's face, and can be hooked on the left and right ears of the user. The ear hooks 5 are in the form of a string or a band, and can be attached to the mask body 2 by a known method such as adhesion, heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, sewing, etc. The ear hooks 5 are not particularly limited, but are preferably made of a stretchable material such as polyester. Note that, as a means for holding the mask body 2 on the user's face, various means other than the ear hooks 5 may be used. For example, an adhesive layer may be provided on the left and right ends of the mask body 2, and the left and right ends of the mask body 2 may be attached to the user's face through the adhesive layer, or holes through which the ears can be inserted may be formed on the left and right ends of the mask body 2, and the left and right ends of the mask body 2 may be hooked on the left and right ears of the user through the holes.

[0108] How to use the mask In the mask 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the steam generator 3 is accommodated in the second accommodation section 23 of the mask body 2 and the heating element 4 is accommodated in the first accommodation section 22. When the user presses the steam generator 3 from above the mask body 2 with his / her hand, the water bag 9 in the steam generator 3 is opened and liquid flows out from the water bag 9 into the steam generator 3. Then, when the user puts the mask 1 on the face, the liquid in the steam generator 3 is heated by the heating element 4, so that the moisture content evaporates efficiently, and the generated steam permeates the steam generator 3 and is supplied to the user's mouth and throat. This makes it possible to locally humidify the user's mouth and throat and prevent the mouth and throat from drying out.

[0109] Function and effects of masks According to the mask 1 of the present embodiment described above, it is necessary to separately accommodate the steam generating element 3 and the heating element 4 in the accommodation section 22, 23 of the mask body 2 before use, but the accommodation section 22, 23 has an average surface friction coefficient of at least 0.14 on the side facing the accommodation section 22, 23 of one of the two sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 forming the accommodation section 22, 23, and an average surface friction coefficient of the side facing the accommodation section 22, 23 of the other sheet 7 (both sides of the second sheet 7) is smaller than 0.14. Therefore, when the user rubs the two sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 with his / her fingers, the two sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 are easily displaced so as to separate from each other. Therefore, the openings 24, 25 for inserting an item into the accommodation section 22, 23 formed between the two sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 can be easily widened.

[0110] According to the mask 1 of the present embodiment, the storage section 22, 23 has an average surface friction coefficient of 0.14 or more for one of the two sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 forming the storage section 22, 23. In other words, the average surface friction coefficient of both the first sheet 6 and the third sheet 8 is 0.14 or more. Therefore, when a user rubs the two sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 with his / her fingers to widen the openings 24, 25, the user's fingers are unlikely to slip against one of the sheets 6, 8, and the two sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 can be rubbed reliably to shift the two sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 away from each other.

[0111] Furthermore, according to the mask 1 of this embodiment, the mask body 2 is composed of a laminate of three sheets 6 to 8 and has two storage sections 22, 23 for storing items, so that different types of items such as a steam generating element 3 and a heating element 4 can be equipped in the mask body 2.

[0112] According to the mask 1 of the present embodiment, at least one item, i.e., the heating element 4, is accommodated in the first storage section 22 so that the first main surface (inner sheet 42) faces the second sheet 7 having a lower average surface friction coefficient in the first storage section 22, and the second main surface (outer sheet 41) faces the first sheet 6 having a higher average surface friction coefficient in the first storage section 22, and the average surface friction coefficient of the first main surface (inner sheet 42) of the heating element 4 is smaller than 0.14. Therefore, when the heating element 4 is accommodated in the first storage section 22, since the first main surface (inner sheet 42) is dry and smooth, even if the first main surface (inner sheet 42) of the heating element 4 abuts against and rubs against the second sheet 7 constituting the first storage section 22, the heating element 4 is easy to slide. Therefore, the heating element 4 can be easily inserted deep into the first storage section 22. Furthermore, the average surface friction coefficient of the surface of the second sheet 7 constituting the first storage section 22 facing the first storage section 22 is smaller than 0.14, and the second sheet 7 is also dry and smooth, so that the heating element 4 can be more easily inserted deep into the first storage section 22.

[0113] According to the mask 1 of this embodiment, the heating element 4 accommodated in the first storage section 22 has an average surface friction coefficient of 0.14 or more on the second main surface (outer sheet 41). Therefore, since the second main surface (outer sheet 41) of the heating element 4 is uneven and not smooth, when the second main surface (outer sheet 41) of the heating element 4 accommodated in the first storage section 22 abuts against and rubs against the first sheet 6 constituting the first storage section 22, the heating element 4 is unlikely to slip. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the heating element 4 accommodated in the first storage section 22 from slipping out of the first storage section 22. Furthermore, since the average surface friction coefficient of the surface facing the first storage section 22 of the first sheet 6 constituting the first storage section 22 is also 0.14 or more, and the first sheet 6 is also uneven and not smooth, the second main surface (outer sheet 41) of the heating element 4 and the first sheet 6 are entangled and difficult to move, and it is possible to make the heating element 4 even more difficult to slip out of the first storage section 22.

[0114] According to the mask 1 of this embodiment, the heat generating element 4 accommodated in the first accommodation portion 22 has a breathable second main surface (outer sheet 41) facing the first sheet 6 of the mask body 2, and the first sheet 6 is located on the outermost side away from the user's face. Therefore, the heat generating element 4 can efficiently take in air and can cause the heat generating material 40 to generate heat satisfactorily.

[0115] Furthermore, with the mask 1 of this embodiment, the user only needs to place the steam-generating element 3 and the heating element 4 in the housings 22, 23 of the main body 2 and press the steam-generating element 3 before wearing it on the face, which saves time and reduces the possibility of the user's hands getting dirty with water, etc. Furthermore, because the liquid is sealed in the water bag 9, it is possible to prevent the steam-generating element 3 from getting moldy during storage of the mask 1 before use.

[0116] Furthermore, according to the mask 1 of this embodiment, the steam-generating body 3 is formed using the water-impermeable main sheet 30, so that it is possible to prevent liquid flowing out of the water bag 9 from leaking out and wetting the mask body 2. Therefore, there is no risk of the user feeling uncomfortable when wearing the mask 1 on his or her face.

[0117] Furthermore, according to the mask 1 of this embodiment, the amount of steam passing through the steam generator 3 is preferably 0.5 g / h or more, more preferably 0.6 g / h or more, and even more preferably 0.7 g / h or more, so that a larger amount of steam can be supplied to the user's mouth and throat than conventional products to effectively humidify the air, and the user can feel a sufficient amount of steam, thereby obtaining a sense of satisfaction.

[0118] In addition, according to the mask 1 of this embodiment, the moisture permeability of the steam generating unit 3 is preferably 7000 g / m 2 day or more, preferably 8500g / m 2 ·day or more, more preferably 10000g / m 2·day or more, and / or the viscosity of the liquid in the water bag 9 is preferably 40 mPa·s or more and 4000 mPa·s or less, more preferably 1000 mPa·s or more and 2500 mPa·s or less, and even more preferably 1500 mPa·s or more and 2000 mPa·s or less, thereby making it possible to sufficiently increase the amount of steam passing through the steam-generating body 3.

[0119] Furthermore, according to the mask 1 of this embodiment, the liquid in the steam-generating unit 3 is heated by the heating element 4 to evaporate the moisture, so that a large amount of steam can be efficiently generated and supplied to the user's mouth and throat. Moreover, since the liquid in the steam-generating unit 3 is continuously heated by the heating element 4, a large amount of steam can be generated and supplied to the user's mouth and throat for a long period of time, and dryness of the mouth and throat can be suppressed for a long period of time.

[0120] Furthermore, according to the mask 1 of this embodiment, the space between the user's face and the inside of the mask body 2 is comfortably warmed by the heat from the heating element 4. This provides a relaxing effect to the user wearing the mask 1, so that, for example, by wearing the mask 1 when going to bed, the user can fall asleep smoothly and comfortably, and a comfortable sleep can be induced.

[0121] Furthermore, according to the mask 1 of this embodiment, since the steam generating element 3 is interposed between the heating element 4 and the user's face, the heating element 4 does not directly contact the user's face when the mask 1 is worn. This prevents the user from getting a burn on the face or feeling uncomfortable.

[0122] Description of the Variations Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0123] For example, in the above embodiment, the mask body 2 is formed by overlapping at least three sheets 6 to 8, the mask body 2 has at least two storage sections 22, 23 formed between two adjacent sheets, and the steam generating element 3 and the heating element 4 are stored in separate storage sections 22, 23 of the mask body 2. For example, as a modified example, the mask body 2 may store the steam generating element 3 and the heating element 4 together or only one of them in the same storage section. In this modified example, the mask body 2 is formed by overlapping two sheets, and the steam generating element 3 and the heating element 4 together or only one of them can be stored in the bag-shaped storage section between the two sheets.

[0124] As another modified example, a pocket (not shown) may be attached to the mask body 2 on the side facing the user's face, and either the steam generating element 3 or the heating element 4 may be housed in the pocket.

[0125] In addition, in the above embodiment, the liquid in the steam generator 3 is heated and evaporated by the heating element 4, but the method of heating the liquid in the steam generator 3 is not particularly limited, and various methods can be used. For example, as a modified example, the steam generator 3 in a state in which the water bag 9 is opened and the liquid flows out inside may be heated by a device that irradiates microwaves such as a microwave oven. Then, by wearing the mask 1 equipped with the heated steam generator 3, a large amount of steam may be immediately emitted from the steam generator 3 after wearing. In this modified example, since it does not take time for steam to be generated, a large amount of steam can be supplied to the mouth and throat of the user immediately after wearing the mask 1, and the heat of the steam generator 3 can warm the space between the mask 1 and the face inside the mask main body 2.

[0126] As another modified example, the steam-generating unit 3 may be configured to emit a large amount of steam by a method other than heating. Furthermore, the steam-generating unit 3 may emit steam by naturally evaporating the water content of the liquid inside (by the user's breath) without any other means.

[0127] In addition, in the above embodiment, the steam generating body 3 is mounted on the mask body 2 so that the axis P1 faces the vertical direction, whereas the heating body 4 is mounted on the mask body 2 so that the axis P2 is inclined obliquely in the vertical direction, so that the steam generating body 3 and the heating body 4 are misaligned with each other so that the steam generating body 3 and the heating body 4 do not completely overlap, and one of the centroids O1, O2 of the steam generating body 3 and the heating body 4 is misaligned toward the ear hook 5. For example, as another modified example, the heating body 4 may be mounted on the mask body 2 so that the axis P2 faces the vertical direction like the steam generating body 3, and the heating body 4 may be misaligned with respect to the steam generating body 3 in the vertical direction or the left-right direction, so that the steam generating body 3 and the heating body 4 do not completely overlap, and one of the centroids O1, O2 of the steam generating body 3 and the heating body 4 is misaligned with each other. Note that the steam generating body 3 and the heating body 4 may be mounted on the mask body 2 so that they completely overlap.

[0128] Additionally, in the above embodiment, the mask body 2 has a three-dimensional structure that forms a large space between the nostrils and the mouth when the mask body 2 is attached to the user's face. However, the structure of the mask body 2 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a structure that is flat before use and stretches in the vertical direction by spreading one or more pleats when used to attach the mask body 2 to the user's face (a structure that fits closer to the surface of the face than a three-dimensional structure).

[0129] Additionally, in the above embodiment, the steam generating body 3 is formed using the main sheet 30 that is water impermeable, yet moisture permeable and breathable, and liquid that flows out from the water bag 9 is trapped inside the steam generating body 3. However, the steam generating body 3 is not limited to a structure that traps liquid inside, and may be structured to retain liquid that flows out from the water bag 9 by absorbing it, for example, so that the steam generating body 3 holds the liquid.

[0130] As an example of the steam-generating body 3 having a structure that contains the above-mentioned liquid, for example, a fiber material, a water-absorbent resin material, a sponge-like resin material, or the like formed into a sheet shape can be used as the main sheet 30. Examples of the sheet-like fiber include woven fabric and nonwoven fabric, and among these, nonwoven fabric is preferable. Examples of the fiber material of the woven fabric and nonwoven fabric include natural fibers such as pulp and cotton; semi-synthetic fibers such as rayon and acetate; synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), acrylic, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, and the like; and mixed fibers thereof.

[0131] Among them, a nonwoven fabric using pulp can be preferably used for the main sheet 30. The manufacturing method is not particularly limited, but it can be manufactured by an airlaid method or the like. From the viewpoints of productivity, processability and durability, it is preferable to mix pulp, which is the main component, with heat-fusible fibers such as polyethylene in a predetermined ratio. The main sheet 30 in this example has a basis weight of 200 g / m2 in order to retain the liquid flowing out of the water bag 9 by absorbing water. 2 It is preferable that the thickness is 300 g / m or more. 2 On the other hand, if the basis weight of the main sheet 30 is too large, the steam-generating body 3 becomes hard, and the user may feel uncomfortable when wearing the mask 1. Therefore, the basis weight of the main sheet 30 is set to 1500 g / m 2 It is preferable that the thickness is less than 1000 g / m 2 More preferably, it is 600 g / m or less. 2 It is even more preferable that:

[0132] Alternatively, a sheet-like fiber containing an absorbent resin, for example, a SAP sheet containing a super absorbent polymer (SAP), can be preferably used for the main sheet 30. The SAP sheet is a nonwoven fabric (for example, an airlaid nonwoven fabric) carrying SAP.

[0133] The steam-generating body 3 may have a single layer of the main sheet 30 or a multi-layer structure in which the main sheet 30 is combined with other sheets. From the viewpoint of durability and water retention, it is preferable to have a three-layer structure in which the main sheet 30 is sandwiched between a pair of nonwoven fabrics (corresponding to the outer sheet 31 and the inner sheet 32 ​​in the above embodiment) having air permeability and moisture permeability. The pair of nonwoven fabrics may be made of the same material or different materials. Examples of the material of these nonwoven fabrics include hydrophilic natural fibers, hydrophobic synthetic fibers, and blended fibers thereof. As natural fibers, rayon and cotton are preferable, and rayon is more preferable. The hydrophilic fibers have the advantage that the main sheet 30 can easily absorb moisture and can be manufactured easily. As synthetic fibers, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate) are preferable, and polyethylene and polypropylene are preferable. The hydrophobic fibers have the advantage that they can prevent wetting and stickiness. Therefore, it is preferable that the nonwoven fabric on the outer side (opposite the water bag 9) of the main sheet 30 is made of synthetic fibers, and the nonwoven fabric on the inner side (the water bag 9 side) is made of natural fibers such as rayon. 2 More than 50g / m 2 It is preferable to do the following:

[0134] The steam-generating body 3 having a structure for retaining the above-mentioned liquid by hydration may be made of the same material as the water-retaining filters used in conventional masks, or the same material as the absorbents used in body fluid absorbent articles that absorb body fluids such as vaginal discharge, menstrual blood, sweat, and urine.

[0135] In the mask 1 in which the mask body 2 is provided with the steam generator 3 having a structure that retains the above-mentioned liquid by retaining it in water, when the water bag 9 in the steam generator 3 is opened and liquid flows out from the water bag 9 into the steam generator 3 during use, the steam generator 3 retains the liquid by retaining it in water (absorbing it), so that the liquid that flows out from the water bag 9 leaks out to the outside and the mask body 2 is prevented from getting wet. Therefore, there is no risk of the user feeling uncomfortable when wearing the mask 1 on his / her face. When the user wears the mask 1 on his / her face, the liquid retained by the steam generator 3 is heated by the heating element 4, so that the moisture content evaporates efficiently, and the steam generated by the user's breathing is supplied to the user's mouth. This makes it possible to locally humidify the user's mouth and throat and prevent the mouth and throat from drying out. With the mask 1 of this modified example, the user does not need to store a wet filter in the storage section when using it as in the conventional product, and only needs to press the steam generator 3, so that it is not time-consuming and the possibility of the user's hands getting dirty with water or the like is reduced. Furthermore, since the liquid is sealed in the water bag 9, it is possible to prevent the steam-generating element 3 from becoming moldy during storage of the mask 1 prior to use.

[0136] In addition, since the liquid held in the steam generator 3 is heated and evaporated by the heating element 4, a large amount of steam can be efficiently generated and supplied to the user's mouth and throat. Moreover, since the liquid held in the steam generator 3 can be continuously heated by the heating element 4, a large amount of steam can be generated and supplied to the user's mouth and throat for a long period of time, and dryness of the mouth and throat can be suppressed for a long period of time.

[0137] In addition, the liquid held by the steam generator 3 is heated and evaporated by the heating element 4, so the space between the inside of the mask body 2 and the face becomes a comfortably warmed and humidified space. This provides a relaxing effect to the user wearing the mask 1, so that, for example, wearing the mask 1 when going to bed can help the user to fall asleep comfortably and induce a comfortable sleep.

[0138] In addition, since the steam generating unit 3 is interposed between the heating element 4 and the user's face, the heating element 4 does not directly contact the user's face when the mask 1 is worn. This prevents the user from getting a burn on the face or feeling uncomfortable.

[0139] In the above-described modified example, the steam generator 3 houses a water bag 9 containing liquid inside, and the liquid that flows out of the water bag 9 is retained by hydration (absorption), thereby allowing the steam generator 3 to hold the liquid to be evaporated; however, the steam generator 3 may not be provided with a water bag 9, and may instead hold the liquid to be evaporated by hydrating the liquid in advance.

[0140] Additionally, in the above embodiment, the items provided on the mask body 2 are the steam generating element 3 and the heating element 4, but they may be other items such as a fragrance or a deodorizer. EXAMPLES

[0141] The following describes examples of the present invention. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following examples. It's not something like that.

[0142] First, a test was conducted on the relationship between the amount of steam passing through the steam generator and the amount of steam felt by a user wearing a mask. Specifically, several types of bag-shaped steam generators, which are water impermeable and have different moisture permeabilities and are formed using the above-mentioned liquid-impermeable resin film and / or nonwoven fabric, were prepared, and 4.5 g of the liquid shown in Table 1 below was sealed in each steam generator. All of the steam generators were rectangular with a size of 55 mm wide and 78 mm long, and their outer periphery was joined by heat fusion to form a sealed portion, and the width of the sealed portion was 5 mm. The moisture permeability of the steam generators of each test example and the viscosity of the liquid sealed in the steam generators are as shown in Table 2 below. The weight of each steam generator of each test example was first measured, and then it was left to stand on a hot plate at 40°C for 1 hour in an environment with a temperature of 25°C and a humidity of 55%, and the weight was measured after 1 hour, and the weight change was measured. From the obtained weight change, the amount of steam permeation was calculated for the steam generator of each test example. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0143] In addition, the steam generator of each test example was housed in the second housing of the mask body having the structure shown in Figures 1 to 4, and a disposable warmer (heating temperature: about 40°C) was housed in the first housing of the mask body. Six subjects wore the mask for 60 minutes in an environment with a temperature of 25°C and a humidity of 55% while heating the disposable warmer, and a sensory evaluation was performed on the humidifying effect of the mask. The evaluation was performed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Specifically, the left end of a 10 cm line (0 points) was scored as "no humidifying effect felt" and the right end (10 points) was scored as "highly humidifying effect felt," and the subjects were asked to mark where on the line the level of steam volume felt while wearing each mask. The evaluation results were summarized by averaging the scores of all subjects and rounding off to the nearest tenth. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0144] [Table 1]

[0145] [Table 2]

[0146] According to Table 2, when the amount of steam passing through the steam generator is 0.5 g / h or more, a large amount of steam is supplied to the user's mouth and throat to effectively humidify the air, allowing the user to feel a sufficient amount of steam and giving them a sense of satisfaction.

[0147] Next, a test was conducted on the relationship between the viscosity of the liquid inside the steam generator and the amount of steam that permeates the steam generator. Specifically, similar to the above-mentioned test example, multiple bag-shaped steam generators that are water-impermeable and have the same moisture permeability were prepared, and 4.5 g of liquids with different viscosities (compositions shown in Table 1) were filled into each steam generator. The moisture permeability of the steam generators and the viscosity of the liquid filled into the steam generators of each test example are shown in Table 3 below. For each test example, the weight was first measured, and then the test example was left to stand on a hot plate at 40°C for 1 hour in an environment with a temperature of 25°C and a humidity of 55%, and the weight was measured after 1 hour, and the weight change was measured. From the obtained weight change, the amount of steam that permeated the steam generators of each test example was calculated. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0148] [Table 3]

[0149] According to Table 3, it was confirmed that as the viscosity of the liquid in the steam generator increases, the amount of steam that permeates the steam generator increases, and when the viscosity of the liquid exceeds 2000 mPa·s, the amount of steam that permeates the steam generator begins to decrease, and when the viscosity of the liquid exceeds 2500 mPa·s, the degree of decrease in the amount of permeation becomes greater. Therefore, it can be seen that the amount of steam that permeates the steam generator 3 can be increased by setting the viscosity of the liquid to 2500 mPa·s or less, or even 2000 mPa·s or less. In addition, when the moisture permeability of the steam generator is 8500 g / m 2 It can be seen that when the viscosity of the liquid is 0.4-day or more, the amount of steam passing through the steam generator can be made 0.5 g / h or more, regardless of whether the viscosity of the liquid is high or low, and a large amount of steam can be supplied to the user's mouth and throat.

[0150] Next, a test was conducted on the relationship between the moisture permeability of the steam generator and the amount of steam that permeates the steam generator. Specifically, similar to the above-mentioned test example, multiple bag-shaped steam generators that are impermeable and have different moisture permeability were prepared, and 4.5 g of liquid with the same viscosity (compositions are shown in Table 1) was enclosed in each steam generator. The moisture permeability of the steam generators of each test example and the viscosity of the liquid enclosed in the steam generator are as shown in Table 4 below. For each test example, the weight was first measured, and then the test example was left to stand on a hot plate at 40°C for 1 hour in an environment with a temperature of 25°C and a humidity of 55%, and the weight was measured after 1 hour, and the weight change was measured. From the obtained weight change, the amount of steam that permeated the steam generator of each test example was calculated. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0151] [Table 4]

[0152] According to Table 4, the amount of steam passing through the steam generator increases as the moisture permeability of the steam generator increases. 2 More than 10000g / m 2 It can be seen that a temperature of 1.4 -day or more allows a larger amount of steam to pass through the steam generator, and therefore allows a larger amount of steam to be supplied to the user's mouth and throat. [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 1. Mask 2 Mask body 3. Steam generator 4 Heating element 6 First sheet of the mask body 7 Second sheet of the mask body 8. Third sheet of mask body 22 First storage section of mask body 23 Second storage section of mask body 30 Mainsheet

Claims

1. A mask body that is worn on a user's face, The mask body is composed of a laminate of at least two sheets, and has at least one storage section for storing an item formed between two adjacent sheets, A mask characterized in that at least one of the storage sections has an average surface friction coefficient of 0.14 or more on at least the surface facing the storage section of one of the two sheets forming the storage section, and an average surface friction coefficient of less than 0.14 on at least the surface facing the storage section of the other sheet.

2. 2. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the one sheet has an average surface friction coefficient of 0.14 or more on a surface opposite to the surface facing the storage section.

3. 3. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the mask body is formed of a laminate of three sheets and has two of the storage sections for storing items.

4. Further comprising at least one article contained in the container; At least one of the articles has a flat shape and is contained in the container so that a first main surface faces the other sheet forming the container in which the article is contained and a second main surface faces the one sheet; 4. The mask of claim 1, wherein the first main surface has an average surface friction coefficient of less than 0.

14.

5. 5. The mask of claim 4, wherein the second main surface has an average surface friction coefficient of 0.14 or more.

6. At least one of the articles includes a heating element that encapsulates a heat generating material that generates heat upon contact with air, The heat generating element has a first main surface which is non-air-permeable and a second main surface which is air-permeable, 6. The mask according to claim 4, wherein the mask body is formed so that the one sheet forming the housing portion that houses the heating element is positioned away from the user's face.

Images