Satellite mask shape retainer

Abstract

[Problem] The present invention addresses the technical problem of developing a novel shape retaining tool for a sanitary mask which can continuously obtain a comfortable feeling of use even while using a simple structure and further improve convenience of use during actual use. [Solution] This shape retaining tool is mounted on the inside of a sanitary mask and secures an appropriate space between a mask body and a muzzle section, the shape-retaining tool being characterized by including a shape retaining body formed of an elastic material, wherein: the shape retaining body has a body element piece that forms a framework; a part of the body element piece is formed to bulge to at least the outside of the mask body in a flat state; and when using the sanitary mask, the shape retaining body is bent forward in a curved shape, pushes out the mask body from the inside to a front side, and secures a space between the mask body and the muzzle section.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a shape retainer for a sanitary mask that can secure and form space within the mask so that when a user wears the sanitary mask, the mask base material does not come into close contact with the user's face and nose and mouth area. [Background technology]

[0002] In light of the global spread of the so-called novel coronavirus, COVID-19, wearing sanitary masks is recommended as one of the preventive measures. While wearing such sanitary masks has been evaluated as being effective to a certain extent in preventing the spread of COVID-19, the mask base material that makes up the mask body tends to adhere to the nasal cavity and mouth area (hereinafter referred to as the nasal and mouth area) when worn, which not only prevents natural breathing but also causes sweating and odor due to exhaled breath, making it unavoidable that this makes for an unpleasant wearing experience.

[0003] In particular, simple disposable masks have a base material with low rigidity, which can easily cause discomfort when used, and this discomfort tends to increase during the rainy season and hot seasons. In order to avoid such an uncomfortable usage state, for example, it is conceivable to attach a rigid frame-shaped member to the inside of the mask and ensure a space between it and the nose and mouth area, but until now, such frame-shaped members have only been available for the sole purpose of holding a separate filter attached inside (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] That is, these have a three-dimensional shape formed in advance into a basket frame, and are not necessarily suitable for use with disposable masks. In other words, for the members for forming such spaces, a simpler structure is more suitable to match the simple mask body, but a shape retainer suitable for such use has not yet been provided on the market. For this reason, the applicant attempted to develop a shape-retaining device that creates and maintains space within a mask with an extremely simple structure, and has filed patent applications No. 2020-138815 and No. 2021-1976 (see, for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4901142 [Patent Document 2] Patent application No. 2020-138815 [Patent Document 3] Patent Application No. 2021-1976 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] This invention was made as part of such development, and our technical objective was to develop a new shape retainer for sanitary masks that has a simple structure yet is able to secure and form a sufficient gap between the mask base material and the nose and mouth area, ensuring a comfortable wearing experience and further improving practical usability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] That is, the shape-keeping device for a sanitary mask according to claim 1 is as follows: A mask shape retainer that is attached to the inside of a mask and secures an appropriate space between the mask body and the nose and mouth, This shape retaining device has a shape retaining body formed of an elastic material, and this shape retaining body has a body element piece forming a skeleton, and a part of the body element piece is formed so as to protrude at least outside the mask body in a flat state. 、 The shape-retaining body is provided with an identification means for identifying the top and bottom of the body element piece in the attached state, This sanitary mask is characterized in that, when in use, the shape-retaining body bends forward in a curved shape, pushing the mask body forward from the inside, thereby ensuring a space between the mask body and the nose and mouth part.

[0008] The shape-keeping device for a sanitary mask according to claim 2 has, in addition to the requirements of claim 1, The main body element pieces of the shape-retaining main body are formed so as to extend radially toward the four corners of the mask body when attached to the sanitary mask, Furthermore, the main body element piece is characterized in that, when attached to the sanitary mask, the radiating portion extending to both upper corners of the mask body is shorter in dimension than the radiating portion extending to both lower corners of the mask body.

[0009] Also, claims 3 The shape-keeping device for a sanitary mask described in the claims 2 In addition to the requirements listed above, The main body element piece is characterized in that it is configured by two belt-shaped members of the same length connected so that they can be freely rotated at positions offset from the center by the same distance, and can be freely moved from a closed state in which the two belt-shaped members are overlapped to an open state in which they are spread out in an X-shape.

[0010] Also, claims 4 The shape-keeping device for the sanitary mask described in the claims 1 or 2 In addition to the requirements listed above, The main body element piece is provided with a cheek cushion at an end portion toward the four corners of the mask body, and the identification means is provided on the cheek cushion.

[0011] Also, claims 5 The shape-keeping device for a sanitary mask described in claim 1 to 4 In addition to any one of the requirements listed above, The shape-retaining main body is characterized in that it has a vertical shape-retaining flap at the center in the width direction of the mask body, and this vertical shape-retaining flap has an air hole opened therein.

[0012] Also, claims 6The shape-keeping device for the sanitary mask described in the claims 5 In addition to the requirements listed above, The vertical shape-retaining flap is characterized in that it is pivotally connected to the two main body element pieces by a pivot fastener that pivotally connects the two main body element pieces.

[0013] Also, claims 7 The shape-keeping device for a sanitary mask described in claim 2 to 6 In addition to any one of the requirements listed above, The end portions of the main body element pieces toward the four corners of the mask body are provided with locking portions for attachment to a sanitary mask, This fastening portion is characterized in that it is configured to clamp the base of the ear straps of the sanitary mask with a slit-shaped clamping fastening portion for attachment.

[0014] Also, claims 8 The shape-keeping device for the sanitary mask described in the claims 4 from 6 In addition to any one of the requirements listed above, The end portions of the main body element pieces toward the four corners of the mask body are provided with locking portions for attachment to a sanitary mask, The engaging portion is a clamping body that clamps the four corners of the mask body. The holding member is characterized in that it also functions as a cheek cushion.

[0015] Also, claims 9 The shape-keeping device for the sanitary mask described in the present invention has, in addition to the requirements of claim 1, The shape-retaining main body is provided with a vertical shape-retaining flap having an air hole in the center of the width direction of the mask body in addition to the main body element piece, The shape-retaining main body is characterized in that the main body element pieces and the vertical shape-retaining flaps are punched out integrally from an elastic plate material. The above problems are solved by the configurations of the inventions described in each of these claims. Effect of the Invention

[0016] First, according to the invention described in claim 1, the shape-retaining body made of an appropriate elastic material is configured so that at least a part of it protrudes outside the mask body when laid flat, so that when the mask is attached, a larger shape-retaining body is attached to a smaller mask. Therefore, the shape-retaining body can be elastically curved forward inside the mask, which makes it possible to form a space between the mask body and the nose and mouth of the sanitary mask, resulting in a comfortable wearing experience without impeding breathing for the user. In addition, according to the present invention, the shape-retaining body is provided with an identification means for clearly distinguishing the top and bottom of the main body element pieces, so that the top and bottom of the main body element pieces can be easily distinguished during attachment. Therefore, when attaching the shape retainer to the sanitary mask, there is no confusion about the top and bottom of the shape retainer (i.e., there is no need to worry about attaching it the wrong way), and the attachment work can be carried out smoothly.

[0017] According to the invention described in claim 2, the radiating parts extending to both upper corners of the mask body are formed to be shorter than the radiating parts extending to both lower corners of the mask body. Therefore, when a user wears a sanitary mask with a shape retainer attached, a stable fit and fit around the nose and mouth can be obtained while still ensuring space within the mask, providing the user with a more secure fit.

[0018] Also, claims 3 According to the described invention, the main body element piece is made of two belt-shaped members of the same length connected at eccentric positions offset the same distance from the center. Therefore, for example, by determining the tip positions (mounting positions) of the two radiating parts facing the upper corners of the mask body, the open state of the main body element piece intersecting in an X-shape is automatically determined, and the tip positions (mounting positions) of the two radiating parts facing the lower corners of the mask body are naturally determined, allowing for smoother installation work.

[0019] Also, claims 4 According to the described invention, since the cheek cushion attached to the main body element piece is provided with an identification means, all the main body element pieces themselves can be made identical, and a simpler structure can be adopted. In other words, by making the cheek cushions attached to the upper and lower main body element pieces have different colors or patterns and using this as an identification means, all the main body element pieces themselves can be manufactured in the same process, which simplifies the structure of the shape retainer and simplifies the manufacturing process. In addition, since a cheek cushion is attached to the main body element piece, when a user wears a sanitary mask with a shape retainer attached, the main body element piece made of a hard material can eliminate any discomfort or strange feeling that occurs when it touches the cheek or other parts of the face.

[0020] Also, claims 5 According to the described invention, the shape-retaining main body is provided with a vertical shape-retaining flap extending vertically in the widthwise center of the mask main body, so that the vertical shape-retaining flap can be positioned in front of the user's nose and mouth when the mask is worn, and a sufficient space can be reliably secured and formed between the mask base material (mask main body) and the nose and mouth. In other words, it is possible to reliably prevent the user's nose and mouth from touching the mask base material (inside of the mask main body) when the mask is worn. In addition, since the vertical shape-retaining flaps have ventilation holes, even if the user wears the mask for a relatively long time, it is possible to effectively prevent the mask from becoming stuffy or smelly due to the user's own breath.

[0021] Also, claims 6 According to the described invention, a single pivot fastener is used to pivotally connect a total of three components, namely, two main body element pieces and a vertical shape-retaining flap, thereby promoting the reduction of component parts and further simplifying the structure of the shape-retaining device. Furthermore, this configuration does not simply reduce the number of parts; it allows the two main body element pieces and the vertical shape-retaining flap to be rotated and these three parts overlap in the longitudinal direction to create a compact folded state when the user carries the shape-retaining device by itself after purchase, or when packaged for distribution in the market, thereby minimizing concerns about damage during carrying or transport.

[0022] Also, claims 7 According to the described invention, the shape-retaining device is attached to the sanitary mask by clamping the base of the ear straps of the sanitary mask with the clamping engagement portion formed at the end of the main body element piece, so that the shape-retaining device can be stably attached to the sanitary mask. Furthermore, since the locking portion (clamping locking portion) can be formed by processing the end portion of the main body element piece, no separate member is required as the locking portion, which contributes to reducing the number of parts of the shape retainer.

[0023] Also, claims 8 According to the described invention, the shape retainer can be attached to the sanitary mask by clamping the four corners of the mask body with the clamping bodies, making the attachment extremely simple and reliable. Furthermore, with such a fastening portion, the shape retainer can be securely and easily attached to the sanitary mask, regardless of the size or shape of the ear straps, even if they are thick or wide.

[0024] Also, claims 9 According to the described invention, the shape-retaining body is punched out of, for example, an elastic resin plate material with the main body element piece and the vertical shape-retaining flaps integrally formed, so that the shape-retaining body (shape-retaining tool) can be manufactured more efficiently and at lower cost. Also, by punching out the main body element piece and the vertical shape-retaining flaps integrally, for example, when it is desired to newly manufacture a shape-retaining body according to the size of a small mask, such variations can be easily developed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1A is a perspective view showing the state in which a shape retainer for a sanitary mask of the present invention is used, FIG. 1B is a side perspective view, and FIG. 1C is a perspective view showing the shape retainer attached to the sanitary mask from the inside of the mask. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the shape retainer attached to the sanitary mask from the inside of the mask. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a storage position when a user carries the shape retainer after purchase, along with the connection state of the parts, and FIG. 1B is a plan view showing the shape retainer laid flat on a flattened sanitary mask when attaching the shape retainer to the sanitary mask. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a display format of sanitary masks for store sales. [Diagram 5]This is a modified example in which a fish clip serving as a clamping body is used as the locking portion provided at the end of the main body element piece. Figure (a) is a plan view showing the shape-retaining device with the locking portion placed flat on a sanitary mask, and Figure (b) is a view taken along line AA in Figure (a) showing the shape-retaining device being attached to the sanitary mask by clamping the four corners of the sanitary mask with the fish clips. [Figure 6] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing two modified examples of the main body element piece. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 1A is a front view showing a shape retaining device in which a shape retaining body having a main body element piece and vertical shape retaining flaps integrally therewith is formed by punching out an elastic resin plate material, and FIG. 1B is a front view and a vertical cross-sectional view showing a shape retaining device in which the clamping engagement portion is formed in multiple stages and the ventilation holes in the vertical shape retaining flaps are utilized for the pad holding flaps. [Figure 8] FIG. 1A is a front view and a longitudinal sectional view showing a shape retainer in which the shape retaining body is formed into a flat H-shape when viewed from the front, with the clamping engagement portion formed in multiple stages and a pad holding flap formed on the vertical shape retaining flap; and FIG. 1B is a front view showing a shape retainer in which the shape retaining body is formed into a Y-shape (V-shape) when viewed from the front, with the ear straps only engaging with each other when the mask is attached. [Figure 9] FIG. 1(a) is a front view of a shape retainer in which a flattened diamond-shaped main body element piece (diamond-shaped portion) has up-down main body element pieces (vertical portions) at both widthwise ends, and FIG. 1(b) is a front view of a shape retainer in which a square-shaped main body element piece (square portion) is placed in the center and main body element pieces (extension portions) are arranged so that each side of the square is extended outward. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The best mode of the shape retainer 1 for a sanitary mask according to the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as "shape retainer 1") is as shown in the following examples, but these examples can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. EXAMPLES

[0027] First, prior to describing the shape retainer 1, a brief description of the sanitary mask 5 will be given. The sanitary mask 5 comprises a mask body 51 that covers the nose and mouth area f1 of the user M when the user M wears it on the face F, and ear straps 52 to prevent the mask body 51 from slipping off the nose and mouth area f1. The purpose of the mask is to prevent pollen, dust, etc. from entering the body through the nasal cavity and pharynx, but another purpose is to prevent droplets and scattering to the surrounding area when the user M coughs or sneezes. In this embodiment, the sanitary mask 5 is assumed to be a simple disposable type as described above, and therefore the mask body 51 constituting the filter surface is generally formed mainly of nonwoven fabric and is folded in an accordion shape in a flat state (so-called pleated type). When the user M puts it on his / her face F, the accordion (pleats) are expanded to fit the curved surface of the face F. In addition, the ear straps 52 in such disposable sanitary masks 5 are often made of a rubber material having a small circular or flat cross section and a certain length, and both ends are attached to the upper and lower short edges of the mask body 51 by welding or the like.

[0028] The shape retainer 1 of the present invention is an auxiliary device that is attached to such a sanitary mask 5 to ensure that a user M wearing the sanitary mask 5 has an appropriate space S in front of the nose and mouth area f1 so that breathing is not hindered by the mask.

[0029] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 as an example, the shape retaining device 1 comprises a shape retaining body 10 made of an elastic material, and at least a part of this shape retaining body 10 is formed so as to protrude outside the mask body 51 when laid flat. As a result, when the shape retaining body 10 is attached to the sanitary mask 5, the shape retaining body 10 bends forward in a curved shape and pushes the mask body 51 forward from the inside, thereby ensuring a space S between the mask body 51 and the nose and mouth portion f1. The shape-retaining body 10 comprises main body element pieces 11 forming a skeleton, and in this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the main body element pieces 11 are configured to extend radially toward the four corners of the mask body 51 when attached to the sanitary mask 5. Here, the reference numeral "111" in the drawings denotes the radial portions of the main body element pieces 11, which extend toward the four corners of the mask body 51.

[0030] In this embodiment, the shape-retaining main body 10 is configured by connecting two main body element pieces 11, which are strip-shaped members of the same length, rotatably at positions offset from the center by the same distance (so-called eccentric positions). That is, the two main body element pieces 11 are rotatably connected by a hook or eyelet-shaped rotating fastener 12, and therefore the two main body element pieces 11 are configured to be freely movable from a closed state in which they are overlapped to an open state in which they are spread out in an X-shape (crossed).

[0031] For this reason, when the main body element piece 11 is unfolded in an X-shape (spread out), the radiating parts 111 extending from the pivot fastener 12, which is the center of rotation, toward the four corners of the mask main body 51 have different lengths on the upper and lower sides when the mask is attached. If it is necessary to distinguish between the upper and lower radiating parts 111, the radiating parts 111 that extend toward the upper corners in the attached state of the mask are called upper radiating parts 111u, and the radiating parts 111 that extend toward the lower corners are called lower radiating parts 111d. In this embodiment, the upper radiating part 111u is formed with a shorter dimension than the lower radiating part 111d, and these upper and lower radiating parts 111 are provided opposite each other on one main body element piece 11.

[0032] In addition, due to this configuration, when attaching the shape retainer 1 to the sanitary mask 5, the two main body element pieces 11 are rotated and deployed in an X-shape so that the short upper radiating portion 111u is positioned on the upper side of the mask (or the long lower radiating portion 111d is positioned on the lower side of the mask) as shown in Figure 3(b) above. The reason why the lengths of the radiating portions 111 are made different and the shorter upper radiating portion 111u is positioned at the upper side of the mask is so that when the sanitary mask 5 with the shape retainer 1 attached is worn by the user M, a stable fit and wearing ability around the nose and mouth can be obtained while a space S is reliably secured within the mask body 51, thereby providing the user M with a more secure fit. In addition, for this reason, it is preferable that the upper and lower parts of the radiation parts 111 having different lengths can be easily and clearly determined. invention In the present embodiment, the shape-retaining main body 10 is provided with an identification means 2 for distinguishing between the top and bottom of the main body element pieces 11. In this embodiment, the cheek cushion 15 described later is provided on the four radiating parts 111 constituting the main body element piece 11, and the identification means 2 is configured by making the upper and lower cheek cushions 15 different in color. Of course, the identification means 2 is not limited to color differences, and patterns, markings, etc. may also be used. The identification means 2 will be described later.

[0033] In this embodiment, the pair of main body element pieces 11 are connected rotatably at their midpoints (eccentric positions), so that the two main body element pieces 11 that are deployed in an X-shape when attached can be folded up and overlapped in a straight line as shown in Fig. 3(a) for example, as a storage posture when the user M carries the product after purchase, or as a packaged posture during distribution in the market. By adopting such a posture (packaged posture), the shape retainer 1 (shape retaining main body 10) can be stored without being bulky, and damage during transportation after purchase or during distribution can be effectively prevented. Of course, for display purposes in store sales, as shown in FIG. 4, the shape retainer 1 (shape retaining body 10) may be placed on mount B in an X-shaped open (unfolded) state, and these may be placed in a package P made of a transparent resin material. In this case, if the pattern of a sanitary mask 5 is printed on mount B in advance, the usefulness and usage of the shape retainer 1 can be intuitively and strongly appealed to the purchaser through the product packaging itself, that is, the package P. Here, the symbol G in the figure indicates the product that is the package of the shape retainer 1 sold in an X-shaped open (unfolded) state.

[0034] Furthermore, the free end of each main body element piece 11, i.e., the end facing the four corners of the mask body 51 when the shape retainer 1 is attached to the sanitary mask 5, is provided with an engagement portion 13 for the sanitary mask 5. The engagement portion 13 can take various forms, but in this embodiment, it is engaged with ear straps 52 (base) provided in a loop shape on the side of the mask body 51. Specifically, the engagement portion 13 is formed by forming a slit-shaped clamping engagement portion 13a directly on the free end of the main body element piece 11, which clamps the ear straps 52. More specifically, the clamping engagement portion 13a has a slit curved like a fish hook, as shown in Fig. 2, and the base of the ear strap 52 is inserted into the clamping engagement portion 13a to the innermost part. In this case, the ear strap 52 is clamped by the arc-shaped flap formed by the slit, preventing the ear strap 52 from accidentally coming off and providing a strong attachment. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the tip of the clamping engagement portion 13a (the receiving tip of the ear strap 52) is cut in an inclined shape, which is a structure for making it easier to fit the ear strap 52 into the clamping engagement portion 13a, and this portion is called the clamping guide 13b.

[0035] Of course, the clamping engagement portion 13a is not limited to such a curved fishhook-shaped slit, and for example, as shown in the partial view of Fig. 2, the clamping engagement portion 13a can be formed as a straight cutout (elongated slit), in which case the ear strap 52 can be more easily fitted in. Of course, a string holding portion 13c for catching the ear strap 52 is formed at the innermost portion of the slit-shaped clamping engagement portion 13a. Note that if the clamping engagement portion 13a is made easier to fit, the ear strap 52 that has been fitted therein will also be more likely to come off, so it is desirable to consider, for example, the gap dimension of the slit so that the ear strap 52 that has been fitted therein will not come off accidentally.

[0036] It is also preferable to provide cheek cushions 15 on the four radiating parts 111 constituting the main body element piece 11, in order to prevent the shape retainer 1 (main body element piece 11), which is often made of a hard material, from directly touching the cheek f2 when the user M wears the sanitary mask 5 with the shape retainer 1. That is, the cheek cushions 15 are intended to alleviate the discomfort, mainly due to the hard feel, felt when the main body element piece 11 directly touches the cheek f2 of the user M, and in this embodiment, for example, a flexible silicon tube or the like is fitted externally near the end of the main body element piece 11, that is, near the locking part 13, to produce a cushioning effect, etc. Although not shown in the figure, it is also possible to cut out a portion of the tip of the cheek cushion 15 and use this portion as the locking portion 13. In that case, it is of course not necessary to form a slit-shaped clamping locking portion 13a at the tip of the main body element piece 11.

[0037] Next, the identification means 2 will be described. As described above, the identification means 2 is intended to make it easy to distinguish the top and bottom of the main body element piece 11, i.e., the radiating portion 111, when attaching the shape retainer 1 to the sanitary mask 5. In particular, in this embodiment, since the upper radiating portion 111u and the lower radiating portion 111d are different lengths, the identification means 2 makes it possible to clearly distinguish the top and bottom of the radiating portion 111, thereby preventing incorrect attachment. As the identification means 2, for example, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, of the cheek cushions 15 provided at the free end of the main body element piece 11, the two upper cheek cushions 15 can be made of a colored material and the two lower cheek cushions 15 can be made of a transparent material, and such color difference can be used as the identification means 2.

[0038] Of course, other methods can be used as the identification means 2, and for example, as shown in the partial view of Fig. 3(a), a marking such as a colored star mark can be used. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide the identification means 2 on the main body element piece 11 (radiating portion 111) itself. When the identification means 2 is provided on the main body element piece 11 itself, all four cheek cushions 15 may be formed from the same cushion material (for example, a transparent material). As another example of the discrimination means 2, a hole such as a circular hole may be formed at the end of the lower radiation portion 111d, and this may be used as the discrimination means 2.

[0039] Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a vertical shape-retaining flap 16 at the center in the width direction of the shape-retaining main body 10. The vertical shape-retaining flap 16 is rotatably attached by using a rotating fastener 12 that rotatably connects the two main body element pieces 11, as shown in Figures 1 to 3 as an example. In other words, the rotating fastener 12 that rotatably attaches the main body element piece 11 is also commonly used as a rotatable fastener for the vertical shape-retaining flap 16. In addition, the vertical shape-retaining flap 16 has ventilation holes 16h for preventing water droplets from adhering to the surface of the vertical shape-retaining flap 16 even when the user M breathes while wearing the mask. This makes it possible to prevent the mask from becoming stuffy or producing odors even if the user M wears the mask for a relatively long time.

[0040] Incidentally, when the user M transports the purchased shape retaining device 1 separately from the sanitary mask 5, the storage posture can be, for example, as shown in FIG. 3(a) above, in which the two main body element pieces 11 are stacked in a straight line and the vertical shape retaining flap 16 is also stacked or folded along the two main body element pieces 11. This makes it possible to further compact the storage posture and also to minimize the risk of damage during transportation and distribution. In this embodiment, the vertical shape-retaining flap 16 is shown mainly extending downward from the pivot fastener 12, but it may take various forms, such as extending both above and below the pivot fastener 12, as long as it does not impair the purpose of securing space S within the mask. The shape retainer 1 of the present invention has the basic structure as described above and is used as follows.

[0041] (1) Expands from a linear storage configuration to an X-shape As shown in Fig. 3(a), the shape retainer 1 is in a folded state in which the three members, the two main body element pieces 11 and the vertical shape retaining flap 16, are overlapped and folded so that their longitudinal directions are aligned when packed. Therefore, when attaching such a shape retainer 1 to the inside of the mask body 51 of the sanitary mask 5, as shown in Fig. 3(b), for example, the two main body element pieces 11 are rotated in an X shape, and the vertical shape retaining flap 16 is rotated so as to extend vertically. 3(b), for example, the mask body 51 is not yet three-dimensionalized but is laid flat, and the shape retainer 1 is placed on it, and the above-mentioned rotation operation (opening operation) is performed, so that it is easy to understand how much the two main body element pieces 11 should be rotated. Specifically, for example, when the two main body element pieces 11 are rotated so that the upper locking portion 13 (the end of the upper radiating portion 111u) is aligned with the base of the ear strap 52, the degree to which the lower radiating portion 111d is opened is determined to match this.

[0042] In this embodiment, the radiating portion 111 of the main body element piece 11 is provided with a distinguishing means 2 (for example, a difference in color of the cheek cushion 15) for distinguishing between the top and bottom, so that the upper radiating portion 111u and the lower radiating portion 111d are not placed upside down, and the two main body element pieces 11 can be set accurately. Therefore, the shape retainer 1 can be attached to the sanitary mask 5 accurately and efficiently. 3(b), at least a part of the main body element piece 11 (here, both lower ends) protrudes outside the mask body 51 when laid flat, which causes the main body element piece 11 to bend after assembly. This bending is used to push the mask body 51 forward from the inside, thereby ensuring a space S between the mask body 51 and the nose / mouth portion f1.

[0043] (2) Attachment to sanitary masks In this way, the two main body element pieces 11 are appropriately crossed in an X shape, and then the upper two fastening parts 13 are attached to the base parts of the ear straps 52 of the sanitary mask 5 as described above. This operation is performed, for example, by inserting the base parts of the ear straps 52 into the slit-shaped clamping fastening parts 13a formed at the tip parts of the main body element pieces 11 and clamping them. Thereafter, the same operation is performed to attach the lower two fastening parts 13 to the base of the ear strap 52. As described above, the main body element piece 11 is formed to be larger than the mask body 51 when laid flat. In particular, in this embodiment, the lower radiating portion 111d is formed to protrude from the lower side of the mask body 51, so that when the lower engaging portion 13 is attached to the base of the ear strap 52, the main body element piece 11 may be significantly curved and, for example, bulge significantly toward the front. In this way, the shape-retaining body 10 is curved with the center bent forward or backward when attached to the sanitary mask 5. Incidentally, if the curvature is convex toward the front from the mask body 51, it is pushed in to curve to fit the inside of the mask body 51. After the mask body 51 is pushed forward from the inside in this manner, the position can be finely adjusted as appropriate, for example by lifting the vertical shape-retaining flaps 16 upward as a whole.

[0044] By such an operation, the sanitary mask 5 is in a state in which the shape retaining device 1 is provided as a shape retaining member on the inside. When the user M puts the sanitary mask 5 on the face F in this state, a sufficient space S is secured between the mask body 51 and the nose and mouth part f1 as shown in Fig. 1(b), and the user M can breathe naturally even when wearing the sanitary mask 5. In particular, when the mask is provided with the vertical shape retaining flap 16, the fabric of the mask body 51 held by the vertical shape retaining flap 16 is stretched over a wide area, and the space S in front of the nose and mouth part f1 is reliably maintained and formed. Furthermore, when the cheek cushion 15 is provided, it is the cheek cushion 15, not the shape-retaining main body 10 (main body element piece 11), that comes into direct contact with the cheek portion f2 of the user M, so there is no hard feel or discomfort associated with the main body element piece 11, and instead a soft feel and comfortable fit are obtained.

[0045] In addition, when using a separately prepared inner pad Pa (see FIG. 7(b)) made of, for example, a piece of nonwoven fabric, the inner pad Pa can be stably attached by sandwiching it between the inside of the mask body 51 and the shape retainer 1. Of course, this inner pad Pa can contain, for example, herbal ingredients, which can provide an even more comfortable feel when used.

[0046] Other Examples The present invention is based on the above-described embodiment as one basic technical concept, but the following modifications can be considered. First, in the above-mentioned basic embodiment, when attaching the shape retainer 1 to the sanitary mask 5, the method of attaching the shape retainer 1 by engaging with the ear straps 52 (the engaging portion 13) has been described. However, the method of attachment to the sanitary mask 5 is not necessarily limited to this form, and the shape retainer 1 can also be attached by engaging with the mask body 51. Specifically, for example, as shown in Fig. 5, clamping bodies 131 that clamp the four corners of the mask body 51 are integrally provided at both ends of the main body element piece 11 (radiating portion 111), thereby achieving attachment to the mask body 51.

[0047] In this case, the clamping body 131 may be, for example, a clip called a fish clip, which is provided with a clamping piece main body 132 that can be opened and closed, and an operating piece 133 that performs the opening and closing operation. To explain the clamping operation in detail, for example, as shown in Fig. 5(b), the operating piece 133 formed along the clamping piece main body 132 in the closed state is rotated 90 degrees in either direction relative to the clamping piece main body 132 to open the clamping piece main body 132, and the corner portion of the mask body 51 is clamped during this rotation. Of course, once the corner portion of the mask body 51 is accommodated between the opened clamping piece main body 132, the operating piece 133 is returned to its original state (along the clamping piece main body 132), and this operation closes the clamping piece main body 132, maintaining the state in which the mask body 51 is clamped. Furthermore, with this method of attachment to the mask body 51, even when the ear straps 52 are thick or wide and therefore difficult to fit into the slit-shaped clamping engagement portion 13a, the shape retainer 1 can be securely and easily attached to the sanitary mask 5 regardless of the size, shape, etc.

[0048] In addition, it is preferable that the fish clip serving as the clamping body 131 has both the clamping piece main body 132 and the operating piece 133 formed of a smooth material, and in this case, the fish clip itself functions as the cheek cushion 15. Therefore, when a fish clip made of such a material is used, it is not necessary to provide a separate silicone tube or the like. In addition, since fish clips are available in various colors, if fish clips of different colors are provided on the upper radiating portion 111u and the lower radiating portion 111d, the difference in color serves as the above-mentioned identification means 2. However, even if fish clips of the same color are used in all four places, for example, as shown in FIG. 5(a), if an appropriate marking such as a dot is provided only on the upper fish clip (clamping body 131), this serves as the identification means 2. Incidentally, examples of the clamping body 131 other than the fish clip include small clips.

[0049] In the basic embodiment described above, the shape-retaining body 10 has four radiating parts 111 extending toward the corners of the mask body 51 by connecting the intermediate positions (eccentric positions shifted from the middle position) of the two main body element pieces 11 with the rotating fasteners 12. However, to form the four radiating parts 111, it is not necessary to connect the two main body element pieces 11 so that they can cross each other. For example, as shown in Fig. 6(a), it is possible to separately form the radiating parts 111 extending from the vertical shape-retaining flap 16 to the four corners of the mask body 51, and to connect each radiating part 111 to the vertical shape-retaining flap 16 so that it can rotate freely. In other words, in this case, four rotating fasteners 12 serving as rotation centers are provided.

[0050] Incidentally, as shown by imaginary lines in Fig. 6(a), the stored posture (folded state) of the shape retainer 1 in this case is, if the upper radiation portion 111u and the lower radiation portion 111d on the right and left sides are folded vertically in a straight line, the four radiation portions 111 fit within the width dimension (left-right width) of the vertical shape retaining flap 16, and a compact stored posture is obtained. Of course, the upper radiation portion 111u and the lower radiation portion 111d on the right and left sides can also be stored by overlapping them vertically, in which case the vertical dimension in the stored posture (folded state) can be further shortened, resulting in an even more compact stored posture and further improving portability. In addition, in a configuration in which the four radiating parts 111 are separately rotatably arranged relative to the vertical shape-retaining flap 16, if it is desired to reduce the number of pivot fasteners 12, i.e., if it is desired to reduce the number of pivot centers to less than four, for example, as shown in Figure 6 (b), the upper radiating part 111u and the lower radiating part 111d on the right side (and left side) can be rotatably connected by the same pivot fastener 12, and this also provides the same storage posture (folded state) as described above.

[0051] In the basic embodiment described above, the shape-retaining body 10 is formed by connecting two main body element pieces 11 so as to be freely rotatable, but the shape-retaining body 10 is not necessarily limited to this structure. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the shape-retaining body 10 can be formed by punching out the radially extending main body element pieces 11 and the vertically extending vertical shape-retaining flaps 16 from an elastic resin plate material, for example. Of course, in this punching process (die-cutting process), the sandwiching and locking parts 13a and the ventilation holes 16h can also be formed at the same time, and such punching process can make the manufacture of the shape-retaining device 1 even more cost-effective and efficient. In addition, by punching out the main body element pieces 11 and the vertical shape-retaining flaps 16 as a single unit, when it is desired to newly manufacture a shape-retaining body 10 according to the size of a small mask, such variations can be easily developed. The method of forming the main body element pieces 11 and the vertical shape-retaining flaps 16 as a single unit can also be applied to FIGS. 8 and 9 described later. 7(a) does not particularly provide the same identification means 2 as that shown in the basic embodiment, more specifically, the identification means 2 that can be clearly seen by the naked eye, such as a difference in color or marking, but since the main body element piece 11 and the vertical shape-retaining flap 16, which are the components, are integrally formed, these are always arranged in fixed positions, and for example, the extending direction of the vertical shape-retaining flap 16 (downward in this case) can be the identification means 2. Alternatively, the relatively short upper radiating portion 111u (or the relatively long lower radiating portion 111d) can be the identification means 2.

[0052] The shape-retaining device 1 shown in FIG. 7(b) has, for example, clamping engagement portions 13a, which are engagement portions 13, provided in multiple rows, one above the other, at the ends of the shape-retaining body 10, i.e., the ends extending radially toward the four corners of the mask body 51, so as to be able to accommodate sanitary masks 5 of different sizes. In the shape-retaining body 10 of FIG. 7, a plurality of ventilation holes 16h are opened in the vertical shape-retaining flap 16 so as to be connected in the vertical direction, thereby ensuring ventilation in front of the nose and mouth part f1 while maintaining the space inside the mask body 51 secured by the vertical shape-retaining flap 16. 7(b) shows a cross-sectional view in which the first two vent holes 16h from the top are all punched out, while the third vent hole 16h is not punched out completely, but is punched out in an inclined flap shape with the lower edge of the opening as a connecting base, and the pad holding flap 16f is bent and formed around the connecting base as a pivot axis to hold the interior pad Pa. In other words, the third opening formed in the vertical shape-retaining flap 16 functions not only as the vent hole 16h but also as the pad holding flap 16f.

[0053] In the basic embodiment described above, the shape-retaining body 10 is formed so that the body element pieces 11 extend radially toward the four corners of the mask body 51 when attached to the sanitary mask 5, but the body element pieces 11 of the shape-retaining body 10 are not necessarily limited to such a structure and do not have to be radial. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 8(a), for example, the shape-retaining main body 10 can be formed as a main body element piece 11 having a flat H-shape in front view. Here, the main body element piece 11 provided in the width direction (lateral direction) at the vertical center is called a horizontal part 11H, and the main body element pieces 11 provided in the vertical direction (up-down direction) at both ends are called vertical parts 11V. In this case, since the vertical portion 11V is formed along the side of the mask body 51, it is easy to form the clamping engagement portion 13a in multiple stages in the vertical portion 11V. Also, in this case, as an example, as shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 8(a), the left and right sides of the vertical shape-retaining flap 16 formed integrally with the horizontal portion 11H can be folded to form pad holding flaps 16f, which can hold the interior pad Pa.

[0054] The shape-retaining body 10 shown in Figure 8(b) is an example of an even simpler configuration of the main body element pieces 11, in which two main body element pieces 11, particularly only the two upper radial portions 111u in this case, are punched out integrally with the vertical shape-retaining flap 16 so as to form a V-shape when viewed from the front (the vertical shape-retaining flap 16 and the two main body element pieces 11 together can be said to form a Y-shape when viewed from the front). When attaching this shape-retaining body 10 to the sanitary mask 5, the clamping engagement portions 13a provided at the free ends of the two upper radiating portions 111u are engaged only above (or below) the ear straps 52 of the sanitary mask 5 to attach the mask.

[0055] Furthermore, the shape-retaining body 10 shown in Fig. 9(a) is an example in which the horizontal portion 11H of the main body element piece 11 is formed into a diamond-shaped frame shape, in contrast to the example of the shape-retaining body 10 shown in Fig. 8(a) above. Here, the main body element piece 11 constituting the diamond-shaped frame portion is referred to as a diamond-shaped portion 11R. In addition, the wide-angle frame portion of the diamond-shaped portion 11R is located in front of the nose and mouth portion f1 when attached to the sanitary mask 5, and therefore functions substantially as a vertical shape-retaining flap 16. Furthermore, in the case where the shape-retaining body 10 can be configured to be symmetrical from top to bottom, as in this configuration example, that is, when it is attached to the sanitary mask 5, no problem occurs regardless of which side is up, there is no need to provide the identification means 2, which is also the case in Figure 9(b) described later. However, a configuration example in which the identification means 2 is not provided is a reference example related to the present invention.

[0056] Moreover, the shape-retaining body 10 shown in Figure 9(b) is an example configuration in which, compared to the shape-retaining body 10 shown in Figure 9(a) above, the diamond-shaped portion 11R is made square-shaped (this is referred to as the square portion 11S) and each side of this square portion 11S is formed to extend toward the four corners of the mask body 51 (this is referred to as the extension portion 11E). In this case as well, the wide-angle frame portion of the square portion 11S substantially functions as a vertical shape-retaining flap 16 to ensure and maintain the space S when attached to the sanitary mask 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1. Shape retainer (sanitary mask shape retainer) 2. Means of Identification 10 Shape retention body 11 Body element piece 11H Horizontal part 11V vertical part 11R Diamond section 11S square part 11E Extension 12-way clasp 13 Locking part 13a Clamping locking part 13b Clamping guide 13c String holding part 15 Cheek cushion 16 Vertical shape retaining flap 16f Pad Retaining Flap 16h Ventilation hole 5. Hygienic masks 51 Mask body 52 Ear Straps 111 Radiation section 111u upper radiation section 111d Lower radiation part 131 Clamp (fish clip) 132 Clamping piece body 133 Operation piece B. Mount F face G Packaged products (products) f1 Nose and mouth f2 cheek area P package S space M user Pa Interior pad

Claims

1. A mask shape retainer that is attached to the inside of a mask and secures an appropriate space between the mask body and the nose and mouth, This shape retaining device comprises a shape retaining body formed of an elastic material, and this shape retaining body has a body element piece forming a skeleton, and a part of the body element piece is formed so as to protrude at least outside the mask body in a flat state, The shape-retaining body is provided with an identification means for identifying the top and bottom of the body element piece in the attached state, This sanitary mask shape retainer is characterized in that, when the sanitary mask is used, the shape retaining body is bent forward in a curved shape, pushing the mask body forward from the inside, and securing a space between the mask body and the nose and mouth part.

2. The main body element pieces of the shape-retaining main body are formed so as to extend radially toward the four corners of the mask body when attached to the sanitary mask, The shape retainer for a sanitary mask according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the main body element piece is attached to the sanitary mask, the radiating portion extending to both upper corners of the mask body is shorter in dimension than the radiating portion extending to both lower corners of the mask body.

3. The shape retainer for a sanitary mask according to claim 2, characterized in that the main body element piece is composed of two belt-shaped members of the same length connected to each other so as to be freely rotatable at positions offset from the center by the same distance, and is configured to be freely adoptable from a closed state in which the two belt-shaped members are overlapped to an open state in which they are spread out in an X-shape.

4. 3. The shape-retaining device for a sanitary mask according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the main body element piece is provided with a cheek cushion at an end portion toward the four corners of the mask body, and the identification means is provided on this cheek cushion.

5. The shape-retaining device for a sanitary mask according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the shape-retaining main body has a vertical shape-retaining flap in the center of the width direction of the mask body, and this vertical shape-retaining flap has an air hole opened therein.

6. 6. The shape retaining device for a sanitary mask according to claim 5, wherein the vertical shape retaining flaps are rotatably connected by a pivot fastener that rotatably connects the two main body element pieces.

7. The end portions of the main body element pieces toward the four corners of the mask body are provided with locking portions for attachment to a sanitary mask, 7. The shape retainer for a sanitary mask according to claim 2, wherein the fastening portion is configured to clamp the base of the ear straps of the sanitary mask with a slit-shaped clamping fastening portion for attachment.

8. The end portions of the main body element pieces toward the four corners of the mask body are provided with locking portions for attachment to a sanitary mask, The engaging portion is a clamping body that clamps the four corners of the mask body.

7. The shape-maintaining device for a sanitary mask according to claim 4, wherein the clamping member also functions as a cheek cushion.

9. The shape-retaining main body is provided with a vertical shape-retaining flap having an air hole in the center of the width direction of the mask body in addition to the main body element piece, 2. The shape-retaining device for a sanitary mask according to claim 1, wherein the shape-retaining main body is configured such that the main body element pieces and the vertical shape-retaining flaps are punched out integrally from an elastic plate material.

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