Method for manufacturing mask and mask body

Abstract

Provided are a mask that does not readily deform and a production method for a mask body.　According to the present invention, a plurality of pleats formed by pleating filter paper that forms a mask body extend in the left-right direction and are bonded to a perpheral edge of the mask body and to near the center of the mask body in the left-right direction.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mask and a method for manufacturing a mask body. [Background technology]

[0002] US Patent No. 5,399,633 discloses a filtering facepiece respirator having at least one laterally extending reinforcing member formed of an S-shaped or three-fold pleat that is permanently connected, such as by welding. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-534245 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, the parts other than the reinforcing member are made of flat surfaces, which are easily deformed when inhaling or exhaling, causing a gap between the face and the facepiece respirator, resulting in an increased leakage rate. In addition, the invention described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that deformation during inhalation causes the filter to come into contact with the skin, which is unsanitary. The leakage rate is a rate that indicates the amount of harmful substances in the environment that leak into the inhaled air when wearing a mask or facepiece respirator.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a mask that is less likely to deform and a method for manufacturing a mask body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the mask of the present invention is, for example, a mask having a mask main body portion that covers a target area of ​​the wearer's face and string-like portions provided on both side edges of the mask main body portion, wherein the mask main body portion has pleat portions formed by folding the filter paper that forms the mask main body portion into pleats, and has a plurality of pleat portions extending in the left-right direction, the plurality of pleat portions are arranged side by side in the up-down direction, and the pleat portions are joined to the periphery of the mask main body portion near the center of the mask main body portion in the left-right direction.

[0007] According to the mask of the present invention, the plurality of pleats formed by folding the filter paper forming the mask body into pleats extend in the left-right direction and are joined to the periphery of the mask body near the left-right center of the mask body, so that the pleats do not unfold when worn, and the thickness and strength of the mask body are increased, making it possible to prevent deformation of the mask body.

[0008] In addition, by overlapping three sheets of filter paper at the pleated section, the surface area is increased and resistance during inhalation and exhalation is reduced, making the wearer less likely to feel short of breath.

[0009] The vertical position of the mountain fold of a first pleat among the plurality of pleats may be substantially the same as the vertical position of the valley fold of a second pleat adjacent to the upper or lower side of the first pleat. This increases the overall thickness and strength of the mask body. In addition, the larger pleats increase the overlapping area of ​​the three sheets of filter paper, reducing breathlessness for the wearer.

[0010] The plurality of pleats may be provided on at least one side each of the upper and lower sides of a transverse center line, which is the center line of the mask body in the vertical direction. This allows the pleats to be provided over a wide area of ​​the mask body, thereby increasing the overall thickness and strength of the mask body. In addition, the area occupied by the pleats in the mask body is increased, increasing the area where the three sheets of filter paper overlap, thereby reducing breathlessness for the wearer.

[0011] The mask body may be formed by folding a horizontally long sheet-like member along a folding line and joining the edge portion located below the folding line, and the pleats may be joined along the folding line. This results in a three-dimensional mask that assumes a three-dimensional shape when in use, and when the mask body is opened and the wearer wears the mask, the gap between the mask and the wearer's skin can be reduced. Furthermore, by preventing deformation of the three-dimensional mask, the leakage rate can be reduced.

[0012] In order to solve the above problems, the mask of the present invention has, for example, a mask body portion that covers a target area on the wearer's face and a pair of ear hook portions provided on both side edges of the mask body portion, wherein the mask body portion has pleat portions formed by folding the filter paper that forms the mask body portion into pleats, the mask body portion has a plurality of pleat portions extending in the vertical direction, the plurality of pleat portions are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, and the upper and lower ends of the pleat portions are joined.

[0013] According to the mask of the present invention, the plurality of pleats formed by folding the filter paper forming the mask body are extended in the vertical direction, and the upper and lower ends are joined. This prevents the pleats from unfolding when worn, increases the thickness and strength of the mask body, and prevents deformation of the mask body. In addition, by overlapping three sheets of filter paper at the pleats, the surface area is increased, reducing resistance during inhalation and exhalation, and reducing the wearer's breathlessness.

[0014] The left-right position of the mountain fold of a first pleat among the plurality of pleats may be substantially the same as the left-right position of the valley fold of a second pleat adjacent to the right or left side of the first pleat. This increases the overall thickness and strength of the mask body. In addition, the larger pleats increase the surface area of ​​the filter paper, reducing breathlessness for the wearer.

[0015] The mask body may be formed by folding a horizontally long sheet-like member along a folding line and joining the edge portion located below the folding line, and the pleats may be joined at the periphery and the edge portion of the mask body. This allows the mask to have a three-dimensional shape when in use, and when the mask body is opened and the wearer wears the mask, the gap between the mask and the wearer's skin can be reduced. Furthermore, by preventing deformation of the three-dimensional mask, the leakage rate can be reduced.

[0016] At least one of the plurality of pleats may be bulged outward in an arc shape when the mask body is folded, creating a space between the skin and the mask body when the mask is worn, thereby reducing breathlessness of the wearer.

[0017] The plurality of pleats may be provided over the entire surface of the mask body, thereby maximizing the area where the three sheets of filter paper overlap, reducing breathlessness for the wearer, and increasing the thickness and strength of the mask body.

[0018] A thin plate-like member having many holes may be sandwiched between the two sheets of filter paper that form the pleats, which makes it difficult for the mask body to deform and maintains a space between the skin and the mask body when worn, thereby reducing breathlessness for the wearer.

[0019] In order to solve the above problems, the manufacturing method of the mask body according to the present invention is, for example, a manufacturing method for manufacturing a mask body that covers a target part of the wearer's face, and is characterized by including the steps of folding a filter paper into pleats to form a plurality of pleats, cutting out a horizontally elongated sheet member from the filter paper on which the pleats have been formed, welding the periphery and the vicinity of the center in the width direction of the sheet member to join the pleats, and folding the sheet member at a folding line approximately in the center in the width direction and joining the two overlapping pieces of the filter paper below the folding line. This makes it possible to manufacture a three-dimensional mask whose pleats do not unfold when worn.

[0020] The plurality of pleats may be formed by folding the filter paper in pleats such that a mountain fold of a first pleat among the plurality of pleats is adjacent to a valley fold of a second pleat adjacent to the upper or lower side of the first pleat. This makes it possible to manufacture a mask with large pleats.

[0021] The two sheets of filter paper may be joined together so that the length after joining is shorter than the length before joining, which allows the pleats to bulge outward.

[0022] In order to solve the above problems, the manufacturing method of the mask body according to the present invention is, for example, a manufacturing method for manufacturing a mask body that covers a target part of the wearer's face, and is characterized by including the steps of folding a filter paper into pleats to form a plurality of pleats, cutting out a horizontally elongated sheet member from the filter paper on which the pleats have been formed, welding the periphery of the sheet member to join the upper ends of the pleats, folding the sheet member at a folding line approximately in the center in the width direction, joining the two overlapping pieces of filter paper below the folding line, and joining the lower ends of the pleats. This makes it possible to manufacture a three-dimensional mask whose pleats do not unfold when worn.

[0023] The plurality of pleats may be formed by folding the filter paper in pleats such that a mountain fold of a first pleat among the plurality of pleats is adjacent to a valley fold of a second pleat adjacent to the right or left side of the first pleat. This makes it possible to manufacture a mask with large pleats. Effect of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mask that is difficult to deform and a method for manufacturing a mask body. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an outline of the mask 1 in an open state. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an outline of the mask 1 in a folded state. [Diagram 3] 1A is a plan view showing an outline of the mask 1 in a folded state, and FIG. 1B is a bottom view showing an outline of the mask 1 in a folded state. [Figure 4] 1A is a right side view showing an outline of the mask 1 in a folded state, and FIG. 1B is a left side view showing an outline of the mask 1 in a folded state. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the sheet member 100 before the mask body 10 is folded. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 4(A) to 4(D) show modified shapes of the pressure-bonding portion. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an outline of a mask 1A in a folded state. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing an outline of the mask 2 in a folded state. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an outline of the mask 3 in a folded state. [Figure 11] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a mask body 10C. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an outline of the mask 4 in a folded state. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a sheet member 101 before a mask body 10D is folded. [Figure 14] 14 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 13 taken along line B-B. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an outline of a mask 5 in an open state. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an outline of the mask 5 in a folded state. [Figure 17] 1A is a plan view showing an outline of the mask 5 in a folded state, and FIG. 1B is a bottom view showing an outline of the mask 5 in a folded state. [Figure 18] 1A is a right side view showing an outline of the mask 5 in a folded state, and FIG. 1B is a left side view showing an outline of the mask 5 in a folded state. [Figure 19] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a sheet member 102 before a mask body 10E is folded. [Figure 20] 19 along the CC cross section of FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an outline of a mask 6 in a folded state. [Figure 22] 1A is a right side view showing an outline of the mask 6 in a folded state, and FIG. 1B is a left side view showing an outline of the mask 6 in a folded state. [Diagram 23] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of a mask body 10F. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an outline of a mask 7 in a folded state. [Diagram 25] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing an outline of the mask 8 in a folded state. [Figure 26] 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 25. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0027] <First embodiment> FIG. 1 is a front view showing an outline of a mask 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention in an open state. FIG. 2 is a front view showing an outline of the mask 1 in a folded state. FIG. 3(A) is a plan view showing an outline of the mask 1 in a folded state, and FIG. 3(B) is a bottom view showing an outline of the mask 1 in a folded state. FIG. 4(A) is a right side view showing an outline of the mask 1 in a folded state, and FIG. 4(B) is a left side view showing an outline of the mask 1 in a folded state. In addition, in FIGS. 1 to 4, invisible lines are shown by dashed lines.

[0028] The mask 1 mainly has a mask body 10 that covers a target part of the wearer's face, and a pair of ear loops 20 (corresponding to the string-like parts of the present invention) provided on both side edges of the mask body 10. The ear loops 20 are joined to the mask body 10. In this embodiment, the ear loops 20 are joined to the mask body 10 by ultrasonic welding, but the method of joining the ear loops 20 to the mask body 10 is not limited to this. In addition, the shape of the pressure-bonding part 20a that appears on the surface of the mask body 10 by ultrasonic bonding the ear loops 20 and the position and shape of the pressure-bonding line inside the pressure-bonding part 20a are not limited to this. In addition, the mask may have a head loop 21 (described in detail later) instead of the ear loops 20.

[0029] The mask body 10 is formed of filter paper 11. A single layer of nonwoven fabric or a multi-layered nonwoven fabric in which multiple nonwoven fabrics are layered can be used as the filter paper 11. The filter paper 11 may also be a sheet-like member containing an antibacterial agent or the like layered between multiple nonwoven fabrics.

[0030] A core material 12 is provided near the upper end of the mask body 10. The core material 12 is formed from a thin plate made of resin or metal. The core material 12 is provided inside the mask body 10. When a wearer wears the mask 1 so as to cover the nose and mouth, the core material 12 is deformed so that the upper edge of the mask body 10 fits closely along the uneven shape of the wearer's nose. However, the core material 12 is not essential. The core material 12 may also be provided outside the mask body 10.

[0031] The mask body 10 has pleats 13 formed by folding the filter paper 11 into pleats. The pleats 13 extend in the left-right direction.

[0032] In this embodiment, the pleats 13 have three pleats 13a, 13b, and 13c arranged in order from the upper end side of the mask body 10. The pleats 13a, 13b, and 13c are arranged in a line in the up-down direction. In this embodiment, the number of the pleats 13a, 13b, and 13c is three, but the number of the pleats 13 (13a to 13c) may be more than one. The pleats 13 will be described in detail later.

[0033] The pleats 13a, 13b, and 13c are each joined to the periphery 10a of the mask body 10 near the center in the left-right direction of the mask body 10. In this embodiment, the pleats 13a, 13b, and 13c are joined by providing welding points 10c for welding the multiple filter papers 11 along the periphery 10a and along a folding line 10b disposed approximately in the center of the mask body 10. As a result, even if the wearer opens the mask body 10 and wears the mask 1, the pleats 13a, 13b, and 13c do not open, and the pleats 13a, 13b, and 13c are maintained in an unfolded state.

[0034] The mask body 10 is folded at the folding line 10b to form a right portion 100R that contacts the wearer's right cheek and a left portion 100L that contacts the wearer's left cheek when worn. The right portion 100R and the left portion 100L are joined at a first edge 10d located below the folding line 10b and a second edge 10e located below the first edge 10d.

[0035] When the mask body 10 is worn, the convex portion 10f between the folding line 10b and the first edge portion 10d is positioned near the tip of the wearer's nose. When the mask body 10 is worn, the pleats 13b are positioned between the wearer's nose and mouth, and the pleats 13c are positioned near the wearer's mouth.

[0036] 5 is a schematic diagram showing the sheet member 100 before folding the mask body 10. The mask body 10 is manufactured from the sheet member 100 cut out from the filter paper 11 on which the pleats 13 are formed. The sheet member 100 is a horizontally elongated sheet-like member having a right portion 100R and a left portion 100L, and the right portion 100R and the left portion 100L are connected by a folding line 10b. The sheet member 100 is symmetrical, and its axis of symmetry Y overlaps with the folding line 10b located approximately in the center in the width direction.

[0037] The bottom end 16 of the sheet member 100 is inclined so that its height in the up-down direction narrows toward the axis of symmetry Y, and has a right bottom end 16R and a left bottom end 16L that are symmetrical. The bottom end 16 of the sheet member 100 also has a substantially triangular cutout portion 17 that protrudes toward the upper end side, and only the cutout portion 17 is concave. The cutout portion 17 is inclined so that its height in the up-down direction narrows toward the axis of symmetry Y, and has a right recess 17R and a left recess 17L that are symmetrical.

[0038] Next, the pleats 13 (13a to 13c) will be described. The pleats 13 are formed beforehand before cutting out the sheet member 100. In the pleats 13, mountain folds 14 and valley folds 15 extending in the left-right direction of the sheet member 100 are alternately formed in the up-down direction. In the mountain folds 14, the filter paper 11 is folded so as to be convex toward the outside of the mask body 10 (the front side of the paper in FIG. 5), and in the valley folds 15, the filter paper 11 is folded so as to be convex toward the inside of the mask body 10 (the back side of the paper in FIG. 5). In other words, the pleats 13 are formed by folding the filter paper 11 toward the inside of the mask body 10.

[0039] The pleats 13 may be formed by folding the filter paper 11 toward the outside of the mask body 10. In this case, the filter paper 11 is folded at the mountain folds 14 so as to be convex toward the inside of the mask body 10, and at the valley folds 15 so as to be convex toward the outside of the mask body 10.

[0040] The pleats 13a have mountain folds 14a and valley folds 15a, the pleats 13b have mountain folds 14b and valley folds 15b, and the pleats 13c have mountain folds 14c and valley folds 15c. In FIG. 5, the valley folds 15a, 15b, and 15c are shown by dashed lines because they cannot be seen.

[0041] At least one pleat portion 13 is provided on each of the lower side and the upper side of the transverse center line X, which is the center line in the up-down direction of the sheet member 100 (mask body portion 10). In this embodiment, pleat portion 13a is provided above the transverse center line X, pleat portion 13b is provided at a position overlapping with the transverse center line X, and pleat portion 13c is provided below the transverse center line X. This allows pleat portions 13 to be provided over a wide range of the mask body portion 10.

[0042] The pleats 13 are downward pleats in which the filter paper 11 is convex (protruding) downward when forming the mountain folds 14. Therefore, dust and the like do not accumulate between the two sheets of filter paper 11 that form the pleats 13, making it hygienic.

[0043] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Fig. 5. In Fig. 6, the left side faces the outside of the mask body 10, and the right side faces the inside of the mask body 10.

[0044] Since the pleats 13a, 13b, and 13c have mountain folds 14a, 14b, and 14c and valley folds 15a, 15b, and 15c, respectively, three sheets of filter paper 11 overlap each other in the pleats 13a, 13b, and 13c. Therefore, the thickness and strength of the mask body 10 are increased in the pleats 13.

[0045] The vertical position of the mountain fold 14a of any of the pleats 13 (13a to 13c), here the mountain fold 13a, substantially coincides with the vertical position of the valley fold 15b of the pleat 13b adjacent to the lower side of the pleat 13a. The vertical position of the mountain fold 14b of the pleat 13b substantially coincides with the vertical position of the valley fold 15c of the pleat 13c adjacent to the lower side of the pleat 13a. Therefore, three sheets of filter paper 11 overlap between the valley fold 15a and the mountain fold 14c. Therefore, the thickness and strength of the mask body 10 are increased overall.

[0046] In the present invention, the vertical position of the mountain fold of any pleat (first pleat) among pleats 13 (13a to 13c) approximately coincides with the vertical position of the valley fold of a second pleat adjacent to the upper or lower side of the first pleat, which concept includes the case where the vertical position of the mountain fold of the first pleat coincides with the vertical position of the valley fold of the second pleat (for example, in FIG. 5, the solid line indicating mountain fold 14a and the dotted line indicating valley fold 15b approximately overlap) and the case where the valley fold of the second pleat is located near the vertical position of the mountain fold of the first pleat (for example, in FIG. 5, the solid line indicating mountain fold 14a and the dotted line indicating valley fold 15b are adjacent). In other words, even if the vertical position of the mountain fold of the first pleat portion and the vertical position of the valley fold of the second pleat portion are slightly misaligned (about 10% of the height of the pleats), this is included in the case where the vertical position of the mountain fold of the first pleat portion and the vertical position of the valley fold of the second pleat portion are approximately the same.

[0047] Here, a method for manufacturing the mask body 10 will be described. First, the filter paper 11 is folded into pleats to form a plurality of pleats 13. Next, the sheet member 100 is cut out from the filter paper 11 with the pleats 13 formed on it. Next, the periphery and the vicinity of the center in the width direction of the sheet member 100 are welded (along the folding line 10b) to join the pleats 13. At this stage, the ear loops 20 or the core material 12 may be adhered to the sheet member 100.

[0048] Next, the sheet member 100 is folded at the folding line 10b. Then, the two overlapping filter papers 11 are joined along the first edge 10d where the right recess 17R and the left recess 17L overlap, and along the second edge 10e where the right lower end 16R and the left lower end 16L overlap. In this way, the mask body 10 is manufactured.

[0049] According to this embodiment, the mask body 10 has a plurality of pleats 13 formed by folding the filter paper 11 into pleats, and the pleats 13 are joined near the periphery 10a and the folding line 10b, so that the pleats 13 do not unfold even when the wearer wears the mask 1, and it is possible to increase the thickness and strength of the mask body 10. As a result, it is possible to prevent the mask body 10 from deforming, and to prevent the filter paper 11 from coming into contact with the skin.

[0050] Moreover, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the leakage rate from increasing. The mask 1 of this embodiment is a three-dimensional mask in which an elongated mask body 10 including a right part 100R and a left part 100L is folded at a folding line 10b, and the right part 100R and the left part 100L are joined at a first edge 10d and a second edge 10e. The right part 100R and the left part 100L are configured so that when the mask body 10 is opened and the wearer wears the mask 1, the gap between the mask 1 and the wearer's skin is small. However, if the strength of the mask is low, even if a three-dimensional mask formed to reduce the gap between the mask and the wearer's skin is worn, the mask body is deformed by the wearer's breathing, and a gap is generated between the face and the mask, and the leakage rate increases. In contrast, by increasing the thickness and strength of the mask body 10 by the pleats 13 that do not unfold even when worn, the mask body 10 is less likely to deform even when the mask body 10 is opened and worn, and a gap is less likely to be generated between the mask body 10 and the skin. As a result, an increase in the leakage rate can be prevented.

[0051] In addition, according to the present embodiment, three sheets of filter paper 11 overlap each other at the pleats 13, which increases the surface area of ​​the mask body 10 and reduces resistance during inhalation and exhalation. As a result, the wearer's breathlessness can be reduced.

[0052] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by providing at least one pleat 13 on each of the upper and lower sides of the transverse center line X, the pleats 13 can be provided over a wide range of the mask body 10. As a result, the mask body 10 becomes less likely to deform.

[0053] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, any one of the multiple pleats 13 is adjacent to the valley fold of an adjacent pleat, so that the overall thickness and strength of the mask body 10 can be increased.

[0054] In this embodiment, the ear hook portion 20 is ultrasonically bonded by the crimping portion 20a, but the shape of the crimping portion 20a is not limited to this. For example, in this embodiment, a lattice-shaped crimping line appears inside the crimping portion 20a, but parallel crimping lines may appear. Also, a plurality of welding points may appear inside the crimping portion 20a. Also, in this embodiment, the shape of the crimping portion 20a is a horizontally long rectangular shape, but the shape of the crimping portion 20a is not limited to this. Figures 7(A) to (D) show modified shapes of the crimping portion. For example, as shown in FIG. 7(A), the ear hook portion 20 may be crimped by a circular crimping portion 20b, as shown in FIG. 7(B), the ear hook portion 20 may be crimped by an elliptical crimping portion 20c, as shown in FIG. 7(C), the ear hook portion 20 may be crimped by a square crimping portion 20d, or as shown in FIG. 7(D), the ear hook portion 20 may be crimped by a rectangular crimping portion 20e.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the pleats 13 have three pleats 13a, 13b, and 13c, but the number of pleats that the pleats 13 have is not limited to three. Fig. 8 is a front view showing an outline of a mask 1A according to a modified example in a folded state.

[0056] The mask 1A has a mask body 10A in which a pleat 13A is formed. The pleat 13A has five pleats 13d, 13e, 13f, 13g, and 13h arranged in order from the upper end side. By increasing the number of pleats constituting the pleat 13A, the overlapping area of ​​the three sheets of filter paper 11 can be increased. As a result, the thickness and strength of the mask body 10A can be increased. As a result, deformation of the mask body 10A can be prevented.

[0057] In addition, in this embodiment, the right part 100R and the left part 100L are welded at the first edge 10d and the second edge 10e located below the folding line 10b, but the first edge 10d and the second edge 10e may be a straight line or a curve (R-shaped). In addition, in this embodiment, the first edge 10d and the second edge 10e are straight lines, but they may be curved lines. In particular, by making the first edge 10d a curve with a rounded outer side (lower side), a space is created between the skin and the mask body 10 when worn, which reduces the wearer's breathlessness. Furthermore, the angle between the folding line 10b and the first edge 10d and the angle between the first edge 10d and the second edge 10e are not limited to the illustrated form.

[0058] In this embodiment, the vertical position of the mountain fold (e.g., mountain fold 14a) of the first pleat (e.g., pleat 13a), which is an arbitrary pleat among the pleats 13 (pleats 13a to 13c), is approximately equal to the vertical position of the valley fold (e.g., valley fold 15b) of the second pleat (e.g., pleat 13b) adjacent to the upper or lower side of the first pleat, but the vertical positions of the mountain fold of the first pleat and the valley fold of the second pleat do not have to be approximately equal. However, in order to increase the overall thickness and strength of the mask body and to increase the surface area of ​​the mask body, it is desirable that the vertical positions of the mountain fold of the first pleat and the valley fold of the second pleat are approximately equal.

[0059] In addition, the mask 1 of the present embodiment is a three-dimensional mask that is flat when folded and three-dimensional when opened (used), but the present invention can be applied to masks of various shapes. For example, the present invention may be applied to a flat mask or a non-foldable three-dimensional mask (e.g., cup-shaped).

[0060] <Second embodiment> In the first embodiment of the present invention, the right portion 100R and the left portion 100L abut completely when the mask 1 is folded, but the right portion and the left portion do not have to abut completely when the mask is folded.

[0061] In the second embodiment of the present invention, the mask is inflated in a folded state. A mask 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described.

[0062] 9 is a bottom view showing an outline of the folded state of the mask 2. The mask 2 mainly has a mask body 10B that covers a target part of the wearer's face, and a pair of ear hooks 20 provided on both side edges of the mask body 10B. The mask body 10B is formed with a pleat 13B having three pleats 13a, 13i, and 13c aligned in order from the upper end side.

[0063] The pleats 13i and 13b differ only in their shapes when the mask body 10B is folded. The pleats 13i bulge outward in an arc shape when the mask body 10B is folded. In the pleats 13i, the right portion 100R and the left portion 100L are in contact only at the periphery 10a and the first edge 10d, and are not in contact at other portions.

[0064] Next, a method for manufacturing the mask body 10B will be described. First, the filter paper 11 is folded into pleats to form a plurality of pleats 13B. Next, the sheet member 100 is cut out from the filter paper 11 on which the pleats 13 have been formed. Next, the periphery and the vicinity of the center in the width direction of the sheet member 100 (the vicinity of the folding line 10b) are welded to join the pleats 13.

[0065] Next, the sheet member 100 is folded at the folding line 10b. Then, the two overlapping filter papers 11 are joined along the first edge 10d where the right recess 17R and the left recess 17L overlap, and along the second edge 10e where the right lower end 16R and the left lower end 16L overlap. At this time, the two sheets of filter paper 11 are joined so that the length of the second edge 10e after joining is shorter than the length of the right lower end 16R and the left lower end 16L before joining. As a result, the pleats 13i bulge by the amount that the second edge 10e is shortened.

[0066] According to this embodiment, even if the wearer wears the mask 2 with the mask body 10B open, the pleats 13B do not unfold, preventing deformation of the mask body 10B and preventing contact of the filter paper 11 with the skin or deformation of the mask body 10B from creating a gap between the mask body 10B and the skin, which would increase the leakage rate. In addition, when the mask body 10B is folded, the pleats 13i bulge outward in an arc shape, creating a space between the skin and the mask body 10B when worn, thereby reducing the wearer's breathlessness.

[0067] In this embodiment, among the three pleats 13a, 13i, and 13c of the pleat 13B, only the pleat 13i bulges outward in an arc shape, but the pleats 13a and 13c other than the pleat 13i may also bulge outward in an arc shape. However, from the viewpoint of reducing the wearer's breathlessness, it is preferable that the pleat 13i, which is disposed near the wearer's nose and mouth when the mask body 10B is worn (disposed below the protruding portion 10f), bulges outward in an arc shape.

[0068] Also, by joining so that the length of the second edge 10e after joining is shorter than the length of the right lower end 16R and the left lower end 16L, not only the pleat 13i but all of the pleats 13a, 13i, and 13c may be inflated. However, it is preferable to adjust the length of the second edge 10e and inflate only the pleat 13i.

[0069] <Third embodiment> In the first embodiment of the present invention, the thickness and strength of the mask body 10 are increased by the pleats 13, but the method for increasing the thickness and strength of the mask body is not limited to this.

[0070] The third embodiment of the present invention is an embodiment in which a reinforcing member is provided in the pleats to increase the thickness and strength of the mask body. A mask 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described below.

[0071] 10 is a front view showing an outline of the mask 3 in a folded state. The mask 3 mainly comprises a mask body 10C that covers a target part of the wearer's face, and a pair of ear hooks 20 provided on both side edges of the mask body 10C. The mask body 10C is formed of filter paper 11, and has pleats 13 having pleats 13a, 13b, and 13c formed by folding the filter paper 11 into pleats. A plate-shaped member 31 is provided on each of the pleats 13a, 13b, and 13c.

[0072] The plate-like member 31 is a thin plate-like member having a large number of holes. In this embodiment, the plate-like member 31 is a net-like (mesh-like) member formed by weaving linear members into a lattice shape. The plate-like member 31 is formed using resin linear materials.

[0073] The plate-like member 31 may be formed using a metal wire instead of a resin wire. The plate-like member 31 is not limited to a mesh-like member, and may be, for example, a plate-like member having a thin plate with a large number of punched holes. Furthermore, the shape of the holes formed in the plate-like member 31 may be rectangular or circular.

[0074] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the mask body 10C. The plate-shaped member 31 is sandwiched between two sheets of filter paper 11 constituting the pleats 13a, 13b, and 13c. In Fig. 11, the plate-shaped member 31 is sandwiched between two sheets of filter paper 11 on both sides of the mountain folds 14a, 14b, and 14c, i.e., two sheets of filter paper 11 on the outer side (the side farther from the wearer), but the plate-shaped member 31 may be sandwiched between two sheets of filter paper 11 on both sides of the valley folds 15a, 15b, and 15c, i.e., two sheets of filter paper 11 on the inner side (the side closer to the wearer).

[0075] Here, a manufacturing method of the mask body 10C will be described. First, the filter paper 11 is folded into pleats to form a plurality of pleats 13. Next, the plate-shaped member 31 is sandwiched between two sheets of filter paper 11 that form the pleats 13, and the sheet member 100 is cut out from the filter paper 11 on which the pleats 13 have been formed. Next, the periphery and the vicinity of the center in the width direction (the vicinity of the folding line 10b) of the sheet member 100 are welded to join the pleats 13. At this time, the plate-shaped member 31 is bonded together with the filter paper 11, and the sheet member 100 and the plate-shaped member 31 are integrated. If the plate-shaped member 31 is made of resin, the filter paper 11 and the plate-shaped member 31 can be bonded by ultrasonic welding.

[0076] Next, the sheet member 100 with the plate-like member 31 integrated therewith is folded at the folding line 10b. Then, the two overlapping filter papers 11 are joined along the first edge 10d where the right recess 17R and the left recess 17L overlap, and along the second edge 10e where the right lower end 16R and the left lower end 16L overlap. This completes the mask body 10C.

[0077] According to this embodiment, even if the wearer wears the mask 1 with the mask body 10C open, the pleats 13B do not unfold, preventing the mask body 10C from deforming, and preventing the filter paper 11 from coming into contact with the skin or the mask body 10C from deforming, which would cause a gap between the mask body 10C and the skin and increase the leakage rate. In addition, since the plate-shaped member 31 is sandwiched between the two sheets of filter paper 11 that constitute the pleats 13, the thickness and strength of the mask body 10C can be increased. As a result, the mask body 10C is less likely to deform, and a space is maintained between the skin and the mask body 10C when worn, reducing the wearer's breathlessness.

[0078] <Fourth embodiment> In the first embodiment of the present invention, the filter paper 11 has the downward pleats 13 that are convex downward when the mountain folds 14 are formed, but the pleats may be upward pleats.

[0079] The fourth embodiment of the present invention has an upward pleated portion. A mask 4 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] 12 is a front view showing an outline of the folded state of the mask 4. The mask 4 mainly comprises a mask body 10D that covers a target part of the wearer's face, and a pair of ear hooks 20 provided on both side edges of the mask body 10D. The mask body 10D is made of filter paper 11, and has pleats 13C formed by folding the filter paper 11 into pleats.

[0081] The pleats 13C extend in the left-right direction and are arranged in a vertical direction. The pleats 13C are downward pleats in which the filter paper 11 is convex upward when the mountain folds 14C are formed and convex downward when the valley folds 15C are formed.

[0082] The pleat portion 13C has three pleat portions 13j, 13k, and 13l arranged in order from the lower end side of the mask body portion 10. The pleat portions 13j, 13k, and 13l are joined to the periphery 10a of the mask body portion 10D and along the folding line 10b near the center in the left-right direction of the mask body portion 10D, respectively. As a result, even if the wearer opens the mask body portion 10D and wears the mask 4, the pleat portions 13j, 13k, and 13l do not open, and the pleat portions 13j, 13k, and 13l are maintained in an unfolded state.

[0083] 13 is a schematic diagram showing the sheet member 101 before folding the mask body 10D. The pleats 13C are formed before cutting out the sheet member 101.

[0084] The sheet member 101 is a horizontally elongated sheet-like member having a right portion 101R and a left portion 101L, the right portion 101R and the left portion 101L being connected by a folding line 10b. The sheet member 101 is symmetrical, and its axis of symmetry Y overlaps with the folding line 10b located approximately in the center in the width direction.

[0085] The lower end 16 (right lower end 16R and left lower end 16L) of the sheet member 101 is inclined so that the height in the up-down direction narrows toward the axis of symmetry Y. In addition, the lower end 16 of the sheet member 101 has a substantially triangular cutout portion 17 (right recess 17R and left recess 17L) protruding toward the upper end side.

[0086] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of Fig. 13. In Fig. 14, the left side faces the outside of the mask body 10D, and the right side faces the inside of the mask body 10D.

[0087] The pleats 13j, 13k, 13l each have mountain folds 14j, 14k, 14l in which the filter paper 11 is folded so as to be convex toward the outside of the mask body 10D, and valley folds 15j, 15k, 15l in which the filter paper 11 is folded so as to be convex toward the inside of the mask body 10. In the pleats 13C, three sheets of filter paper 11 are overlapped, which increases the thickness and strength of the mask body 10D.

[0088] The vertical position of the mountain fold 14k of any of the pleats 13C (pleats 13j-13l), here pleats 13k, approximately matches the vertical position of the valley fold 15l of the pleat 13l adjacent to the upper side of the pleat 13k. Also, the vertical position of the mountain fold 14j of the pleat 13j approximately matches the vertical position of the valley fold 15k of the pleat 13k adjacent to the upper side of the pleat 13j. Therefore, three sheets of filter paper 11 overlap between the valley fold 15j and the mountain fold 14l. This increases the thickness and strength of the mask body 10D.

[0089] Here, a manufacturing method of the mask body 10D will be described. First, the filter paper 11 is folded into pleats to form a plurality of pleats 13C. Next, the sheet member 101 is cut out from the filter paper 11 on which the pleats 13C have been formed. Next, the periphery and the vicinity of the center in the width direction of the sheet member 101 (the vicinity of the folding line 10b) are welded to join the pleats 13C.

[0090] Next, the sheet member 101 is folded at the folding line 10b. Then, the two overlapping filter papers 11 are joined along the first edge 10d where the right recess 17R and the left recess 17L overlap, and along the second edge 10e where the right lower end 16R and the left lower end 16L overlap, thereby producing the mask body 10D.

[0091] According to this embodiment, even if the wearer wears the mask 4 with the mask body 10D open, the pleats 13C do not unfold, and the thickness and strength of the mask body 10D can be increased. As a result, the mask body 10D is prevented from being deformed, and the filter paper 11 is prevented from coming into contact with the skin. In addition, it is possible to prevent a gap from being generated between the mask body 10D and the skin due to the deformation of the mask body 10D, thereby preventing an increase in the leakage rate.

[0092] <Fifth embodiment> Although the first embodiment of the present invention has the pleats 13 extending in the left-right direction, the pleats may extend in the up-down direction.

[0093] In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the pleats extend in the vertical direction. A mask 5 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0094] Fig. 15 is a front view showing an outline of the mask 5 in an open state. Fig. 16 is a front view showing an outline of the mask 5 in a folded state. Fig. 17(A) is a plan view showing an outline of the mask 5 in a folded state, and Fig. 17(B) is a bottom view showing an outline of the mask 5 in a folded state. Fig. 18(A) is a right side view showing an outline of the mask 5 in a folded state, and Fig. 18(B) is a left side view showing an outline of the mask 5 in a folded state.

[0095] The mask 5 mainly comprises a mask body 10E that covers a target area on the wearer's face, and a pair of ear hooks 20 provided on both side edges of the mask body 10E. The mask body 10E is formed from filter paper 11, and a core material 12 is provided near the upper end.

[0096] The mask body 10E has pleats 13D formed by folding the filter paper 11 into pleats. The pleats 13D extend in the up-down direction and are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. When forming the mountain folds 14D, the filter paper 11 is convex toward the folding line 10b (toward the center) of the pleats 13D, and when forming the valley folds 15D, the filter paper 11 is convex toward the periphery 10a.

[0097] The pleat portion 13D has three pleat portions 13m, 13n, and 13o aligned in order from the center of the mask body 10. Note that, although the number of pleat portions 13m, 13n, and 13o is three in this embodiment, the number of pleat portions 13D (13m to 13o) may be more than one.

[0098] The pleats 13m, 13n, and 13 are joined at the periphery 10a and the edge (the first edge 10d and the second edge 10e) of the mask body 10E, respectively. As a result, even if the wearer opens the mask body 10E and wears the mask 5, the pleats 13m, 13n, and 13o do not open, and the pleats 13m, 13n, and 13o remain unfolded.

[0099] 19 is a schematic diagram showing the sheet member 102 before folding the mask body 10E. The pleats 13D are formed in advance before cutting out the sheet member 102.

[0100] The sheet member 102 is a horizontally elongated sheet-like member having a right portion 102R and a left portion 102L, with the right portion 102R and the left portion 102L being connected by a folding line 10b. The sheet member 102 is symmetrical, and its axis of symmetry Y overlaps with the folding line 10b located approximately in the center in the width direction.

[0101] At the mountain folds 14D, the filter paper 11 is folded so as to be convex toward the outside of the mask body 10E (the front side of the paper in FIG. 19), and at the valley folds 15D, the filter paper 11 is folded so as to be convex toward the inside of the mask body 10E (the back side of the paper in FIG. 19). In other words, the pleats 13D are formed by folding the filter paper 11 toward the inside of the mask body 10E.

[0102] The folds 13D may be formed by folding the filter paper 11 toward the outside of the mask body 10E. In this case, the filter paper 11 is folded at the mountain folds 14 so as to be convex toward the inside of the mask body 10E, and at the valley folds 15 so as to be convex toward the outside of the mask body 10E.

[0103] Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of Fig. 19. In Fig. 14, the lower side faces the outside of the mask body 10E, and the upper side faces the inside of the mask body 10E.

[0104] The pleats 13m, 13n, 13o each have mountain folds 14m, 14n, 14o in which the filter paper 11 is folded so as to be convex toward the center (folding line 10b) of the mask body 10E, and valley folds 15m, 15n, 15o in which the filter paper 11 is folded so as to be convex toward the periphery 10a of the mask body 10E. In the pleats 13D, three sheets of filter paper 11 overlap each other, increasing the thickness and strength of the mask body 10E.

[0105] The left-right position of the mountain fold 14n of any of the pleats 13D (13-13o), here the pleat 13n, is approximately the same as the left-right position of the valley fold 15m of the pleat 13m adjacent to the inside of the pleat 13n (left side in FIG. 20). Also, the left-right position of the mountain fold 14o of the pleat 13o is approximately the same as the left-right position of the valley fold 15n of the pleat 13n adjacent to the inside of the pleat 13o. Therefore, three sheets of filter paper 11 overlap between the valley fold 15o and the mountain fold 14m. This increases the thickness and strength of the mask body 10E.

[0106] In the present invention, the concept that the left-right position of the mountain fold of any pleat (first pleat) of the pleat 13D (13-13o) substantially coincides with the left-right position of the valley fold of the second pleat adjacent to the right or left side of the first pleat includes the case where the left-right position of the mountain fold of the first pleat coincides with the left-right position of the valley fold of the second pleat, and the case where the valley fold of the second pleat is disposed near the left-right position of the mountain fold of the first pleat. In other words, even if the left-right position of the mountain fold of the first pleat is slightly shifted (about 10% of the width of the pleat) from the left-right position of the valley fold of the second pleat, the concept includes the case where the left-right position of the mountain fold of the first pleat substantially coincides with the left-right position of the valley fold of the second pleat.

[0107] Here, a manufacturing method of the mask body 10E will be described. First, the filter paper 11 is folded into pleats to form a plurality of pleats 13D. Next, the sheet member 102 is cut out from the filter paper 11 with the pleats 13D formed thereon. Next, the periphery of the sheet member 102 is welded to join the upper ends of the pleats 13D.

[0108] Next, the sheet member 102 is folded at the folding line 10b. Then, the two overlapping filter papers 11 are joined along the first edge 10d where the right recess 17R and the left recess 17L overlap, and along the second edge 10e where the right lower end 16R and the left lower end 16L overlap. At this time, the lower end of the pleats 13D is joined at the first edge 10d and the second edge 10e. This completes the mask body 10E.

[0109] According to this embodiment, even if the wearer wears the mask 5 with the mask body 10E open, the pleats 13D do not unfold, and the thickness and strength of the mask body 10E can be increased. As a result, the mask body 10E is prevented from being deformed, and the filter paper 11 is prevented from coming into contact with the skin. In addition, it is possible to prevent a gap from being generated between the mask body 10E and the skin due to the deformation of the mask body 10E, which would increase the leakage rate.

[0110] In this embodiment, the mask body 10E has the pleats 13D in which the filter paper 11 is convex toward the folding line 10b when the mountain folds 14D are formed, but the mask body 10E may have pleats in which the filter paper 11 is convex toward the side opposite the folding line 10b when the mountain folds are formed. In this case, the left-right position of the mountain fold of any one of the multiple pleats approximately coincides with the left-right position of the valley fold of the pleat adjacent to the outside of the any one of the pleats.

[0111] At least one of the pleats 13D (for example, the pleats 13m) may be bulged outward in an arc shape when the mask body 10E is folded. A plate-shaped member 31 may be sandwiched between two sheets of filter paper 11 that form the pleats 13D.

[0112] Sixth embodiment In the first embodiment of the present invention, at least one pleat 13 is provided on each of the lower and upper sides of the transverse center line X, which is the vertical center line of the mask body 10, but the arrangement of the pleats 13 is not limited to this.

[0113] In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the pleats are provided over the entire surface of the mask body. A mask 6 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described.

[0114] Fig. 21 is a front view showing an outline of the folded state of the mask 6. Fig. 22(A) is a right side view showing an outline of the folded state of the mask 6, and Fig. 22(B) is a left side view showing an outline of the folded state of the mask 6.

[0115] The mask 6 mainly comprises a mask body 10F that covers a target part of the wearer's face, and a head-hanging part 21 (corresponding to a string-like part of the present invention) provided on both side edges of the mask body 10F. Both ends of the mask body 10F are partially folded to provide a cylindrical string-passing part 10j on the mask body 10F.

[0116] The head hanging part 21 is attached to the mask body 10 by being passed through the string passage part 10j. The head hanging part 21 is provided with an adjuster 22. The length of the head hanging part 21 can be adjusted by moving the adjuster 22 relative to the head hanging part 21. This allows the length of the head hanging part 21 to be changed for each wearer, and the mask body 10F to be closely fitted to the wearer's face. Note that the shape of the head hanging part 21 is not limited to this.

[0117] The mask body 10F is formed of filter paper 11. A core material 12 is provided near the upper end of the mask body 10F. The core material 12 is provided between two sheets of filter paper 11 and is not visible, so is shown by dashed lines in Figures 21 and 22.

[0118] The mask body 10F has pleats 13E formed by folding the filter paper 11. In this embodiment, the pleats 13E have five pleats 13p, 13q, 13r, 13s, and 13t arranged in order from the upper end side of the mask body 10F.

[0119] The pleats 13p, 13q, 13r, 13s, and 13t extend in the left-right direction and are arranged side by side in the up-down direction. The pleats 13p, 13q, 13r, 13s, and 13t are provided over the entire surface of the mask body 10F.

[0120] It should be noted that the pleats 13E (13p to 13t) may be provided over the entire surface of the mask body 10F, and the number of the pleats 13p, 13q, 13r, 13s, and 13t of the mask body 10F is not limited to 5. The pleats 13E will be described in detail later.

[0121] The mask body 10F is folded at the folding line 10b, so that the right part 103R, which contacts the wearer's right cheek when worn, overlaps with the left part 103L, which contacts the wearer's left cheek. The right part 103R and the left part 103L are joined at an edge 10i located below the folding line 10b. The edge 10i is formed so that the joint 10h is exposed to the inside (see FIG. 22(A)), and the joint 10h is not visible when viewed from the front (see FIG. 22(B)).

[0122] The pleats 13E (13p-13t) are bulged outward, and when the mask body 10F is folded, the pleats 13E of the right portion 103R and the pleats 13E of the left portion 103L do not come into contact with each other (see FIG. 22). This creates a space between the wearer's mouth and the mask body 10F when the wearer puts on the mask 6, making it easier for the wearer to breathe.

[0123] Next, the pleats 13E will be described. Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the mask body 10F. In Fig. 23, only the left side portion 103L is shown, and the right side portion 103R is omitted.

[0124] In the pleated portion 13E, mountain folds 14E (14p to 14s) and valley folds 15E (15p to 15t) extending in the left-right direction of the sheet member 103 are formed alternately in the up-down direction, and when the mountain folds 14E are formed, the filter paper 11 is a downwardly convex pleat.

[0125] The pleat 13p has a mountain fold 14p and a valley fold 15p, the pleat 13q has a mountain fold 14q and a valley fold 15q, the pleat 13r has a mountain fold 14r and a valley fold 15r, and the pleat 13s has a mountain fold 14s and a valley fold 15s. Note that the pleat 13t has only a valley fold 15t because its lower end is cut by the edge 10i.

[0126] The vertical position of the mountain fold 14p of any of the pleats 13E (pleats 13p to 13t), here, the mountain fold 14p of the pleat 13p, substantially coincides with the vertical position of the valley fold 15q of the pleat 13q adjacent to the lower side of the pleat 13p. Similarly, the vertical position of the mountain fold 14q of the pleat 13q substantially coincides with the vertical position of the valley fold 15r of the pleat 13r adjacent to the lower side of the pleat 13q. Therefore, three sheets of filter paper 11 overlap between the valley fold 15p and the edge 10i. Therefore, the thickness and strength of the mask body 10F are increased overall.

[0127] Returning to the explanation of Figures 21 and 22, the pleats 13E are joined to the periphery 10l of the mask body 10F near the center in the left-right direction of the mask body 10F. The periphery of the pleats 13p is joined at the periphery 10l, and is joined at a welding line 10k where welding points 10c are lined up along the left-right direction. Since the entire pleats 13p in the left-right direction (including the vicinity of the center) is joined, the strength is increased and the shape of the mask 6 is maintained.

[0128] The fold 13p is joined at the periphery by the rim 10l, and near the center in the left-right direction, at the welding point 10c adjacent to the folding line 10b. The fold 13r is joined at the periphery by the rim 10l, and near the center in the left-right direction, at the welding point 10c adjacent to the folding line 10b and at the joint 10h. The folds 13s and 13t are joined at the periphery by the rim 10l, and near the center in the left-right direction, at the joint 10h. As a result, even if the wearer opens the mask body 10F and wears the mask 6, the folds 13p to 13t do not open, and the folds 13p to 13t are maintained in an unfolded state.

[0129] In this embodiment, even if the wearer opens the mask body 10F to wear the mask 6, the pleats 13E do not unfold, and the thickness and strength of the mask body 10F can be increased. Also, by providing the pleats 13E over the entire surface of the mask body 10F, three sheets of filter paper 11 are overlapped over the entire surface of the mask body 10F, so that the thickness and strength of the mask body 10F can be further increased. Furthermore, by overlapping three sheets of filter paper 11, the filtration accuracy can be improved (the probability of capturing particles can be improved).

[0130] In this embodiment, the pleats 13E are joined near the left and right ends and near the center, and the pleats 13E are maintained in an unfolded state, but the pleats 13E open slightly when the wearer breathes, reducing resistance when inhaling or exhaling, and reducing the wearer's feeling of breathlessness. In particular, by providing the pleats 13E over the entire surface of the mask body 10F, the effect of reducing the wearer's feeling of breathlessness can be maximized.

[0131] <Seventh embodiment> In the first embodiment of the present invention, a horizontally elongated sheet member 100 is folded at a folding line 10b and joined at a first edge portion 10d and a second edge portion 10e located below the folding line 10b to form a mask body portion 10, but the shape of the mask body portion is not limited to this.

[0132] The seventh embodiment of the present invention is an embodiment in which the bonding portion is exposed to the inside. A mask 7 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Hereinafter, the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted.

[0133] 24 is a front view showing an outline of the mask 7 in a folded state. The mask 7 mainly has a mask body 10G that covers a target part of the wearer's face, and a head hanging part 21 provided on both side edges of the mask body 10G. The head hanging part 21 is attached to the mask body 10G by, for example, a stapler 20f. Note that the method of attaching the head hanging part 21 to the mask body 10G is not limited to this, and the head hanging part 21 may be attached to the mask body 10G by, for example, pressure bonding. Also, the shape of the pressure bonding part that presses the head hanging part 21 to the mask body 10G may be rectangular or circular.

[0134] The mask body 10G is formed from filter paper 11, and has pleats 13 formed by folding the filter paper 11 into pleats.

[0135] A rectangular welding portion 10g is provided in a dashed line shape along the periphery 10a of the mask body 10G. In addition, a welding line 10q is provided along the left-right direction of the mask body 10G. This increases the strength of the mask body 10G and maintains the shape of the mask 7.

[0136] The mask body 10G is folded at the folding line 10b, so that the right part 100R, which contacts the wearer's right cheek when worn, and the left part 100L, which contacts the wearer's left cheek, overlap each other. The right part 100R and the left part 100L are joined at edges 10o, 10p located below the folding line 10b. The edges 10o, 10p are formed so that the joints are exposed on the inside, and the joints are not visible when viewed from the outside.

[0137] The periphery of the pleated portion 13a is joined at the periphery 10a, and the vicinity of the center in the left-right direction is joined at the welding point 10r adjacent to the folding line 10b. The periphery of the pleated portions 13b and 13c is joined at the periphery 10a, and the vicinity of the center in the left-right direction is joined at the edge 10o. As a result, even if the wearer opens the mask body 10G and wears the mask 7, the pleated portions 13a to 13c are maintained in an unfolded state.

[0138] According to this embodiment, the mask body portion 10G is reinforced with the welding line 10q, thereby increasing the strength of the mask body portion 10G and preventing the shape of the mask 7 from collapsing even when the mask body portion 10G is opened and the mask 7 is worn.

[0139] In this embodiment, the heights of the pleats 13a to 13c are substantially the same (see FIG. 6), but the heights of the pleats 13a to 13c may be different. For example, the height of the pleats 13a may be higher than the heights of the pleats 13b and 13c. In this case, the height direction position of the valley fold 15a of the pleats 13a may be located above the welding line 10q, and the pleats 13a may be welded in the left-right direction by the welding line 10q. This can prevent problems caused by making the pleats 13a larger (the pleats 13a are easily opened). In addition, by making the pleats 13a higher and increasing the area where three sheets of filter paper 11 overlap, the thickness and strength of the mask body 10G can be further increased.

[0140] <Eighth embodiment> In the first embodiment of the present invention, a horizontally elongated sheet member 100 is folded at a folding line 10b and joined at a first edge portion 10d and a second edge portion 10e located below the folding line 10b to form a mask body portion 10, but the shape of the mask body portion is not limited to this.

[0141] The eighth embodiment of the present invention is an embodiment in which a mask body is formed by joining two sheet members. A mask 8 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Hereinafter, the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0142] 25 is a rear view showing an outline of the folded state of the mask 8. The mask 8 mainly has a mask body 10H that covers a target part of the wearer's face, and a pair of ear loops 20 provided on both side edges of the mask body 10H. Note that the mask 8 may have a head loop 21 instead of the ear loops 20.

[0143] The mask body 10H is made of filter paper 11 and has pleats 13F formed by folding the filter paper 11 into pleats. In this embodiment, the pleats 13F have six pleats 13u, 13v, 13w, 13x, 13y, and 13z arranged in order from the upper end side of the mask body 10H.

[0144] The pleats 13F (13u to 13z) extend in the left-right direction and are arranged in a plurality of pleats in the up-down direction. The pleats 13F are arranged over the entire surface of the mask body 10H. The number of the pleats 13F (13u to 13z) of the mask body 10H is not limited to this. The pleats 13F will be described in detail later.

[0145] The mask body 10F is formed by joining two sheet members 104 (a right portion 104R that contacts the wearer's right cheek when worn and a left portion 104L that contacts the wearer's left cheek (see FIG. 26)) together at the edge 10n in a stacked state. The edge 10n is formed so that the joint 10m is exposed to the inside (see FIG. 26), and the joint 10m is not visible when viewed from the front.

[0146] Next, the pleat portion 13F will be described. Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD in Figure 25. Note that in Figure 26, the pleat portion 13z is not shown.

[0147] In the pleated portion 13F, mountain folds 14F (14u to 14y) and valley folds 15F (15u to 15z) extending in the left-right direction of the sheet member 104 are formed alternately in the up-down direction, and when the mountain folds 14F are formed, the filter paper 11 is a downwardly convex pleat.

[0148] The pleat 13u has a mountain fold 14u and a valley fold 15u, the pleat 13v has a mountain fold 14v and a valley fold 15v, the pleat 13w has a mountain fold 14w and a valley fold 15w, the pleat 13x has a mountain fold 14x and a valley fold 15x, and the pleat 13y has a mountain fold 14y and a valley fold 15y. Note that the pleat 13z has only a valley fold because its lower end is cut by the edge 10n and the periphery 10v (see FIG. 25).

[0149] The vertical position of the mountain fold 14u of any of the pleats 13F (pleats 13u to 13z), here the mountain fold 14u of the pleat 13u, substantially coincides with the vertical position of the valley fold 15v of the pleat 13v adjacent to the lower side of the pleat 13u. Similarly, the vertical position of the mountain fold 14v of the pleat 13v substantially coincides with the vertical position of the valley fold 15w of the pleat 13w adjacent to the lower side of the pleat 13v. Therefore, three sheets of filter paper 11 overlap between the valley fold 15u and the edge 10n. Therefore, the thickness and strength of the mask body 10F are increased overall.

[0150] Returning to the description of FIG. 25, the pleats 13F are joined to the peripheries 10t, 10u, and 10v of the mask body 10H at the edge 10n located near the center in the left-right direction of the mask body 10F. The periphery of the pleats 13u is joined at the periphery 10t, and the center in the left-right direction is joined at the edge 10n. The periphery of the pleats 13v, 13w, and 13x are joined at the periphery 10u, and the center in the left-right direction is joined at the edge 10n. The periphery of the pleats 13y and 13z are joined at the periphery 10v, and the center in the left-right direction is joined at the edge 10n. As a result, even if the wearer opens the mask body 10H and wears the mask 8, the pleats 13u to 13z do not open, and the pleats 13u to 13z are maintained in an unfolded state.

[0151] In this embodiment, even when the wearer opens the mask body 10H and puts on the mask 8, the pleats 13F do not unfold, and the thickness and strength of the mask body 10F can be increased. Also, by providing the pleats 13F over the entire surface of the mask body 10H, three sheets of filter paper 11 are overlapped over the entire surface of the mask body 10H, so that the thickness and strength of the mask body 10H can be further increased. Furthermore, by overlapping three sheets of filter paper 11, the filtration accuracy can be improved (the probability of capturing particles can be improved).

[0152] In this embodiment, the pleats 13F are joined near the left and right ends and near the center, and the pleats 13F are maintained in an unfolded state, but the pleats 13F open slightly when the wearer breathes, reducing resistance when inhaling and exhaling, and reducing the wearer's feeling of breathlessness. By providing the pleats 13F over the entire surface of the mask body 10H, the effect of reducing the wearer's feeling of breathlessness can be maximized.

[0153] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes within the scope of the gist of the present invention are also included. For example, the above example has been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to those having all of the configurations described. In addition, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of the embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add, delete, or replace other configurations to the configuration of the embodiment.

[0154] In the present invention, the term "approximately" is a concept that includes not only the case where the shape is strictly the same, but also the degree of error or deformation that does not lose the identity. For example, "approximately cylindrical shape" is not limited to the case where the shape is strictly cylindrical. In addition, for example, when the term is simply expressed as "approximately centered" or the like, it includes not only the case where the shape is strictly centered, but also the case where the shape is approximately centered or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 1, 1A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8: Mask 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H: Mask body 10a, 10l, 10t, 10u, 10v: peripheral 10b: Folding line 10c, 10r: Welding point 10d: First edge 10e, 10g: second edge 10f: Convex part 10h, 10m: Joint 10i, 10n, 10o, 10p: Edge 10j: String hole 10k, 10q: Welded wire 11: Filter paper 12: Core material 13, 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, 13F, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e, 13f, 13g, 13h, 13i, 13j , 13k, 13l, 13m, 13n, 13o, 13p, 13q, 13r, 13s, 13t, 13u, 13v, 13w, 13x, 13y, 13z: folds 14, 14C, 14D, 14E, 14F, 14a, 14b, 14c, 14j, 14k, 14l, 14m, 14n, 14o, 14p, 14q, 14r, 14s, 14u, 14v, 14w, 14x: Mountain fold 14y: Mountain fold 15, 15C, 15D, 15E, 15F, 15a, 15b, 15c, 15j, 15k, 15l, 15m, 15n, 15o, 15p, 15q, 15r, 15s, 15t, 15u, 15v, 15w, 15x, 15y: Folding section 16: Bottom end 16L:Left lower end 16R: Lower right edge 17: Cutout 17L: Left recess 17R: Right side recess 20: Ear hook 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e: Crimping section 20F: Stapler 21: Headrest 22: Adjuster 31: Plate-shaped member 100, 101, 102, 103, 104: Sheet members 100L, 101L, 102L, 103L, 104L: Left side 100R, 101R, 102R, 103R, 104R: Right side

Claims

1. A mask having a mask body portion that covers a target part of a wearer's face and string-like portions provided on both side edges of the mask body portion, The mask body has a pleat portion formed by folding the filter paper forming the mask body into pleats, and has a plurality of pleats extending in the left-right direction, The plurality of pleats are arranged in a vertical direction, The pleats are joined to the periphery of the mask body near the center of the mask body in the left-right direction. A mask characterized by:

2. The vertical position of the mountain fold of a first pleat among the plurality of pleats is substantially the same as the vertical position of the valley fold of a second pleat adjacent to the upper or lower side of the first pleat.

2. The mask of claim 1.

3. At least one of the pleats is provided on each of the upper and lower sides of a transverse center line, which is a center line of the mask body in the up-down direction.

3. The mask according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The mask body is formed by folding a horizontally long sheet-like member along a folding line and joining the edges located below the folding line, The pleats are joined along the fold lines.

4. A mask according to claim 1, wherein the mask is a fluororesin.

5. A mask having a mask body portion that covers a target part of a wearer's face and string-like portions provided on both side edges of the mask body portion, The mask body has a pleat portion formed by folding the filter paper forming the mask body into pleats, and has a plurality of pleats extending in the up-down direction; The plurality of pleats are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, The pleat portion has an upper end and a lower end joined together, The mask body is formed by folding a horizontally long sheet-like member along a folding line and joining the edges located below the folding line, The pleats are joined at the periphery and edge of the mask body. A mask characterized by:

6. The left-right position of the mountain fold of a first pleat among the plurality of pleats is substantially the same as the left-right position of the valley fold of a second pleat adjacent to the right or left side of the first pleat.

6. The mask of claim 5.

7. At least one of the plurality of pleats bulges outward in an arc shape when the mask body is folded.

6. A mask according to claim 4 or 5.

8. The plurality of pleats are provided over the entire surface of the mask body. A mask according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A thin plate-like member having a large number of holes is sandwiched between the two sheets of filter paper that constitute the pleats. A mask according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A method for manufacturing a mask body for covering a target area on a wearer's face, comprising the steps of: Folding the filter paper into pleats to form a plurality of pleats; A step of cutting out a horizontally elongated sheet member from the filter paper on which the pleats are formed, the sheet member having the pleats extending in the left-right direction; a step of welding the periphery and the vicinity of the center in the width direction of the sheet member to join the pleats; Folding the sheet member at a folding line substantially at the center in the width direction and joining the two overlapping pieces of filter paper below the folding line; A method for manufacturing a mask body, comprising:

11. The filter paper is folded in a pleated shape such that a mountain fold of a first pleat among the plurality of pleats is adjacent to a valley fold of a second pleat adjacent to the upper or lower side of the first pleat, thereby forming the plurality of pleats. The method for manufacturing a mask body according to claim 10 .

12. The two pieces of filter paper are joined together so that the length after joining is shorter than the length before joining. The method for manufacturing a mask body according to claim 10 or 11.

13. A method for manufacturing a mask body for covering a target area on a wearer's face, comprising the steps of: Folding the filter paper into pleats to form a plurality of pleats; A step of cutting out a horizontally elongated sheet member from the filter paper on which the pleats are formed, the sheet member having the pleats extending in the up-down direction; welding the periphery of the sheet member to join the upper end of the pleat; Folding the sheet member at a fold line substantially at the center in the width direction, joining the two overlapping pieces of filter paper below the fold line, and joining the lower ends of the pleats; A method for manufacturing a mask body, comprising:

14. The filter paper is folded in a pleated shape such that a mountain fold of a first pleat among the plurality of pleats is adjacent to a valley fold of a second pleat adjacent to the right or left side of the first pleat, thereby forming the plurality of pleats. The method for manufacturing a mask body according to claim 13 .

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