Mask support and mask

Abstract

To provide a mask supporting tool capable of relaxing stuffiness and unpleasant feeling even when using a mask for a long time.SOLUTION: The present invention comprises an attachment part attached to an upper end part of a mask body, a major part which has a center line extending in the vertical direction of the mask body in a state of being overlapped with the mask body and includes a nasal apex facing region which can face the nasal apex part of a user, a connection part which connects the attachment part and the major part, and a pair of extending parts extending from the major part, which are arranged symmetrically about the center line and are overlapped with respect to the mask body in a projective manner in a state of the attachment part being attached to the upper end part of the mask body, in which each of the pair of extending parts has a first end connected to the major part and a second end which is opposite to the first end, and the pair of extending parts are formed such that the second ends are positioned at an interval and the second ends are positioned at the side closer to a lower end part of the mask body than the end in a state of being overlapped with the mask body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mask support device that supports a mask body that covers the nose and mouth, and a mask equipped with the mask support device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, masks have been provided that include a mask body that covers the nose and mouth of a user in order to prevent the intrusion of foreign matter such as viruses and pollen and the spread of droplets.

[0003] There are disposable masks and masks that can be washed and disinfected and reused. These masks include those with a three-dimensionally molded cup-shaped mask body and those made of flexible sheet materials such as nonwoven fabric or fabric. Until now, this type of mask was only used on limited occasions, such as during pollen season or when people had cold symptoms, but recently, they have been used on a daily basis from the perspective of preventing the spread of the new coronavirus.

[0004] Many people experience discomfort such as shortness of breath when using such masks on a daily basis. In particular, if the same mask is used for a long time, the mask body of the mask will absorb moisture (water) contained in the breath (exhalation), causing poor breathability. When this happens, it becomes difficult to breathe with any mask, but with a mask whose main body is made of a sheet material, the mask body adheres to the nose and mouth as breathing (inhalation) occurs, hindering breathing.

[0005] In anticipation of such situations, mask auxiliary devices have been proposed to prevent the flexible mask body (mask body made of sheet material) from interfering with the user's breathing (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0006] Specifically, an auxiliary device has been proposed that has a frame body that is placed on the user's nose and a plate-shaped mask support part that extends from near the center of the frame body to above (in front of) the user's mouth (see Patent Document 1).

[0007] According to this mask support device, the frame body and the mask support part support the center of the width of the mask body when worn by the user, which prevents the mask body from sticking to the user's mouth and nose, making breathing easier.

[0008] In addition, an auxiliary device has been proposed that has an upper fixing part that is removably attached to the upper center of the mask body, a lower fixing part that is removably attached to the lower part of the mask body, and a retaining part that maintains the distance between the upper fixing part and the lower fixing part (see Patent Document 2).

[0009] According to this assisting device, the retaining part between the upper and lower fixing parts supports the area between the part of the mask body to which the upper fixing part is attached and the part to which the lower fixing part is attached. In other words, the retaining part supports the mask body in front of the user's nose and mouth. This prevents the mask body from sticking to the user's mouth and nose, making breathing easier. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-244858 A [Patent Document 2] Utility Model Registration No. 3221798 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] However, these support devices support the mask body approximately in the center of the width of the mask body, i.e., in front of the nose and mouth, and therefore cannot adequately prevent the mask body from sticking to the user's mouth and nose.

[0012] Specifically, a mask having a mask body made of a sheet material is designed to be worn by a variety of users, and is configured so that the mask body does not adhere to the face (moves away from the face). That is, in a mask having a mask body made of a sheet material, the mask body is designed to be loose when worn. In particular, a mask body with pleats (a mask body in which the sheet material is folded in pleats) is largely loose when worn.

[0013] Therefore, in any of the above-mentioned assisting devices, when the mask body is supported at approximately the center of the width direction (in front of the nose and mouth), looseness occurs on both sides of the center of the width direction (supported portion) of the mask body. Each region bordered by the center of the width direction of the mask body is a relatively wide region, approximately half of the mask body, so the degree of looseness is large, and the mask body has a large degree of freedom (ease of swinging).

[0014] Therefore, when breathing, both sides of the center of the mask body in the width direction approach the nose and mouth, and may stick to the nose (nostrils) and mouth. In particular, if the mask body contains moisture (water) after long-term use, the breathability of the mask body decreases, and the mask body is more likely to stick to the nose (nostrils) and mouth. Therefore, none of the above-mentioned aids can sufficiently relieve the feeling of breathlessness.

[0015] In addition, these auxiliary devices are designed to be placed in front of the nose and mouth to separate the mask body from the nose (nostrils) and mouth, so the exhaled breath (exhaled air) hits them directly. Therefore, the exhaled breath (exhaled air) cannot pass directly through the mask body, or it is difficult for it to pass through. As a result, splashes and water droplets adhere to the auxiliary device, and the hot air and humidity (moisture) from the breath are retained in the space between the mask body and the face, making it uncomfortable to use for long periods of time.

[0016] Therefore, the present invention provides a mask support and a mask that can alleviate breathlessness and discomfort even when using the mask for a long period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] The mask support device of the present invention comprises a mask body of a mask to be worn by a user, the mask body being made of a breathable sheet material and comprising an attachment part attached to an upper end of the mask body that covers both the nose and mouth of the user's face; a main part that overlaps the mask body when the attachment part is attached to the upper end of the mask body and has a center line extending in the vertical direction of the mask body, the main part including a nose tip facing region that can face the tip of the user's nose when the user is wearing the mask; a connection part connecting the attachment part and the main part, the connection part having a center line that is linearly continuous with the center line of the main part and aligned with the main part on the center line; and a pair of extension parts that extend from both ends of the main part in a direction perpendicular to the center line of the main part at an angle to the center line of the main part so as to move away from the center line of the main part in a direction perpendicular to the center line of the main part as they move toward the opposite side to the side where the connection part is connected to the main part, and that are arranged symmetrically or approximately symmetrically with respect to the center line of the main part, The mask mask has a pair of extending portions each overlapping with the mask body in a projected manner when the mounting portion is attached to the upper end of the mask body, the main portion has a connecting end connected to the connecting portion and an end opposite to the connecting end, on a center line of the main portion, each of the pair of extending portions has a first end connected to the main portion and a second end opposite to the first end, the pair of extending portions overlap with the mask body in a projected manner when the mounting portion is attached to the upper end of the mask body with the center lines of the main portion and the connecting portion positioned at the center of the lateral direction perpendicular to the up-down direction of the mask body, the entire second ends of the pair of extending portions being positioned with a gap therebetween in a direction perpendicular to the center line, and the entire or a part of the second ends being positioned closer to the lower end of the mask body than the end of the main portion, and the width of the connecting portion in a direction perpendicular to the center line of the connecting portion is such that the entire second end of one extending portion in a direction perpendicular to the center line and the other extending portion are positioned closer to the lower end of the mask body than the end of the main portion at any position between the mounting portion and the main portion. Second end The distance between the mask and the other parts is set narrower than the distance between the mask and the other parts. Main unitWhen the mask is worn with the upper end aligned along the base of the nose or near the base of the nose, the center lines of the main part and the connecting part follow the bridge of the user's nose and overlap only the user's nose, the end of the main part is located away from the tip of the user's nose and in front of the tip of the user's nose, and the entire second ends of the pair of extension parts are located below the end of the main part and below both sides of the user's nose in a direction perpendicular to the center line of the main part.

[0018] As one aspect of the mask support device according to the present invention, each of a pair of extension portions may be formed so that, when the user is wearing the mask, the second end is positioned closer to the cheek of the user's face than the end of the main portion.

[0019] In another aspect of the mask support device of the present invention, of the mounting portion, main portion, and connection portion, at least the main portion may be formed in a mountain-folded shape having a ridge line along the center line of the main portion on the side facing the mask body, at least when the mask is worn by a user.

[0020] As another aspect of the mask support according to the present invention, The mounting parts, connecting parts and main parts are made of a single sheet material. This is also fine.

[0021] The mask of the present invention comprises a mask body made of a breathable sheet material and covering the nose and mouth of the user's face together; A mask comprising a mask support attached to a mask body, the mask support being any one of the mask supports described above. It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0022] The mask support and mask according to the present invention have the excellent effect of alleviating breathlessness and discomfort even when the mask is used for a long period of time. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an example of a mask to which a mask support according to one embodiment of the present invention is attached. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a plan view of a mask support according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the mask support is attached (superimposed) to a mask. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the mask support according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the mask support according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the mask support according to the embodiment is used, in which a user wears a mask to which the mask support is attached. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a view of the mask support device according to the embodiment in a used state, taken along an arrow A in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view of a mask support according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of another example of a mask to which a mask support is attached. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view of a mask support according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of a mask support according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a mask support according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a mask support according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a mask support according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Hereinafter, a mask support according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an example of a mask to which the mask support according to this embodiment is attached will be briefly described.

[0025] 1, the mask has a mask body 50 made of a breathable sheet material and covering both the nose and mouth of the user's face. The mask 5 also has a pair of hooks 51, 51 attached to both ends of the mask body 50 in the width direction, and the pair of hooks 51, 51 are hooked onto the user's ears in order to keep the mask body 50 covering the nose and mouth.

[0026] In the mask 5 illustrated here, the mask body 50 is made of a single breathable nonwoven fabric or two or more overlapping nonwoven fabrics. The mask body 50 shown in Fig. 1 is made by folding back the nonwoven fabric at multiple points, forming multiple pleats (not numbered) extending in the width direction at intervals in the vertical direction.

[0027] At the upper end of the mask body 50, outfit A shape retaining material 52 is attached to the mask body 50 (sheet material) to hold the mask body 50 (sheet material) at or near the base of the nose of the user when the mask is worn. This shape retaining material 52 is a metal wire, and is a so-called nose wire. The pair of hanging bodies 51 are made of elastic strings. Here, each of the pair of hanging bodies 51 is made of an elastic string, and both ends of the elastic string are connected to the ends of the mask body 50 in the width direction to form a ring shape.

[0028] In the description of this embodiment, the terms upper end and lower end of the mask body 50 are used, and the upper end and lower end of the mask body 50 refer to the ends located above and below when the user wears the mask 5. In other words, the upper end of the mask body 50 refers to the end including the part located above the user's nose (at or near the base of the nose), and the lower end of the mask body 50 refers to the end including the part located above the user's chin or below the chin.

[0029] An example of the mask 5 has been described above, and next, a mask support according to this embodiment will be described.

[0030] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the mask support device of this embodiment comprises an attachment part 10 attached to the upper end of the mask body 50, a main part 11 that overlaps the mask body 50 when the attachment part 10 is attached to the upper end of the mask body 50, the main part 11 having a center line CL extending in the vertical direction of the mask body 50 when overlapping the mask body 50 and including a nasal tip facing area NA that can face the user's nasal tip NE (see Figures 5 and 6), a connection part 12 connecting the attachment part 10 and the main part 11, and a pair of extension parts 13, 13 extending from the main part 11, which are arranged symmetrically or approximately symmetrically with respect to the center line CL, and each of the pair of extension parts 13, 13 overlaps projectively with respect to the mask body 10 when the attachment part 10 is attached to the upper end of the mask body 50.

[0031] In this embodiment, the attachment part 10 is attached in a state of being superimposed on the mask body 50. The attachment part 10 is formed in a rectangular shape with its long side in one direction when viewed from the direction in which it is superimposed on the mask body 10. This attachment part 10 is superimposed on the mask body 50 with its long side aligned with the width direction of the mask body 50. The attachment part 10 is attached to the upper end part of the mask body 50 (the part with the shape-retaining material 52: nose wire) that is aligned with the base of the user's nose or the vicinity of the base of the nose, and therefore can be deformed to fit the shape of the mask body 50.

[0032] Accordingly, the mask support 1 according to this embodiment has an adhesive body 14 for fixing the attachment part 10 to the upper end part of the mask body 50, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The adhesive body 14 is laminated on one surface of the attachment part 10 facing the mask body 50. In this embodiment, the adhesive body 14 is a double-sided adhesive tape.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the main part 11 has a connection end 11a connected to the connection part 12 and an end 11b opposite to the connection end 11a. As described above, the main part 11 includes a nose tip facing region NA capable of facing the user's nose tip NE. The nose tip facing region NA is configured to be capable of facing the entirety or part of the user's nose tip NE, and in this embodiment, the nose tip facing region NA is capable of facing substantially the entirety of the user's nose tip NE. The main part 11 is formed to be larger than the nose tip facing region NA. In other words, the main part 11 is formed to be the same size as the nose tip facing region NA or larger than the nose tip facing region NA.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 5, the main part 11 is formed so that the end 11b is located away from the user's nose tip NE when the user wears the mask 1. Since the nose tip NE is rounded, even if the end 11b coincides with the end of the user's nose tip NE (the end seen projected from the direction in which the main part 11 overlaps) or is located outside the end of the nose tip NE, if the end 11b is on an extension line of the center line CL of the main part 11 that passes through the nose tip facing region NA, the end 11b will be located away from the user's nose tip NE when the user wears the mask 1. In this embodiment, the main part 11 is formed to be slightly larger than the nose tip facing region NA in the direction in which the center line CL extends, and the end 11b is located slightly outside the user's nose tip NE.

[0035] Returning to Figure 3, the width of the connection portion 12 in one direction is set narrower than the length of the mounting portion 10 in one direction (longitudinal direction), and the connection portion 12 is connected to the mounting portion 10 with the center of the connection portion 12 in one direction (width direction) aligned with the center of the connection portion 12 in one direction (longitudinal direction).

[0036] 2, each of the pair of extension parts 13, 13 overlaps with the mask body 50 in a projective manner. Here, "overlapping with a projective manner" means being located within the range where the mask body 50 exists when viewed from the direction of overlapping with the mask body 50, and includes overlapping with a distance from the mask body 50 in addition to overlapping directly with the mask body 50 (in contact with the mask body 50).

[0037] In this embodiment, the pair of extension parts 13, 13 directly overlap (in contact with) the mask body 50. Each of the pair of extension parts 13, 13 has a first end 13a connected to the main part 11 and a second end 13b opposite to the first end 13a, as shown in Fig. 3. The pair of extension parts 13, 13 are formed such that the second ends 13b, 13b are positioned at an interval in a direction perpendicular to the center line CL of the main part 11, and the second ends 13b are positioned closer to the lower end of the mask body 50 than the terminal end 11b of the main part 11 in a state where they overlap projectively on the mask body 50.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, each of the pair of extension portions 13, 13 is configured so that the second end 13b is positioned closer to the cheek of the user's face than the main portion 11, at least when the user is wearing the mask 5.

[0039] Returning to Fig. 3, the mounting portion 10, the connection portion 12, and the main portion 11 are made of a single sheet material. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 10, the connection portion 12, and the main portion 11, as well as the pair of extension portions 13, 13, are also made of a single sheet material. That is, the mask support 1 according to this embodiment is produced by punching a single sheet material. As a result, in this embodiment, the mounting portion 10, the connection portion 12, the main portion 11, and the pair of extension portions 13, 13 are continuously (integrally) formed.

[0040] The sheet material (the sheet material to be punched) for making the mounting part 10, the connection part 12, the main part 11, and the pair of extension parts 13, 13 can be cardboard or resin sheet. Note that the resin sheet also includes a thin plate. When the mask support 1 is to be disposable, the sheet material can be cardboard or resin sheet, and when the mask support 1 is to be reusable, the sheet material can be a washable resin sheet.

[0041] The sheet material used to fabricate the mask support 1 is bendable, but has elasticity in the thickness direction to support the mask body 50. The pair of extensions 13, 13 are made of sheet material, and therefore the first end 13a side is wider than the second end 13b side to ensure the strength of the first end 13a side.

[0042] In this embodiment, the attachment part 10, the connection part 12, and the main part 11 are made of a single sheet material. As shown in Fig. 6, when in use, the attachment part 10, the connection part 12, and the main part 11 are formed into a mountain-folded shape having a ridge line along the center line CL of the main part 11 on the side facing the mask body 50. That is, in the mask support 1 according to this embodiment, the attachment part 10, the connection part 12, the main part 11, and the pair of extension parts 13, 13 are arranged in a plane until use.

[0043] The mask support 1 according to this embodiment is as described above, and during use, as shown in Fig. 2, the attachment part 10 is attached to the upper end of the mask body 50 so that the center part of the attachment part 10 in one direction (longitudinal direction) is aligned with the center part of the width direction of the upper end of the mask body 50. In this embodiment, in order to fix the attachment part 10 to the mask body 50 with the adhesive body 14, the attachment part 10 is overlapped on the upper end of the mask body 50 with the adhesive body 14 facing the mask body 50 side. In this way, the entire mask support 1 is attached to the mask 5 (mask body 50).

[0044] In this state, the mask support 1 (the mounting part 10, the connection part 12, and the main part 11) is mountain-folded along the center line CL of the main part 11. Note that, here, the mask support 1 (the mounting part 10, the connection part 12, and the main part 11) is mountain-folded after the mounting part 10 is attached to the upper end part of the mask body 50, but the mask support 1 (the mounting part 10, the connection part 12, and the main part 11) may be mountain-folded before the mounting part 10 is attached to the upper end part of the mask body 50.

[0045] When the user wears the mask 5 in this state, the nasal tip facing region NA of the main part 11 faces the nasal tip NE of the user, as shown in Fig. 5. In this embodiment, the attachment part 10, the connection part 12, and the main part 11 are aligned in a row, so that they face the base of the user's nose or from the vicinity of the base of the nose to the nasal tip NE. In this embodiment, the connection part 12 is folded in a mountain shape, so that the bending rigidity of the connection part 12 is increased, and the connection part 12 maintains the main part 11 in an appropriate position. In addition, the main part 11 is folded in a mountain shape, so that it stably rests (contacts) on the nasal tip NE, and the entire mask support device 1 is positioned.

[0046] 5 and 6, the second ends 13b of the pair of extensions 13, 13 are positioned closer to the lower end of the mask body 50 than the end 11b of the main part 11, and closer to the cheek of the user's face than the end 11b of the main part 11. In addition, the end 11b of the main part 11 is positioned away from the tip of the nose NE of the user.

[0047] In this embodiment, the main part 11 is formed in a mountain fold shape, and even if both sides of the center line CL of the main part 11 are too close to the user's cheeks, as shown in Figure 6, when the mask 5 is put on, the main part 11 (the area facing the nose tip NA) comes into contact with the user's nose N (nose tip NE), so that both sides of the center line CL of the main part 11 assume a position that matches the size and shape of the user's nose N (nose tip NE), and the second ends 13b of the extensions 13, 13 are positioned so that they do not come into contact with the user's face (cheeks) or are unlikely to come into contact with them.

[0048] As a result, the end 11b of the main part 11 and the whole or part of the pair of extension parts 13, 13 support the mask body 50. The main part 11 and the connection part 12 also support the mask body 50. The pair of extension parts 13, 13 extend on both sides of the main part 11 facing the tip of the nose NE of the user, and the second ends 13b are positioned closer to the lower end of the mask body 50 than the main part 11, so that they avoid the nose N (nostrils) and mouth M of the user.

[0049] In this way, the mask body 50 covering the mouth M and nose N is supported by a plurality of parts that are not arranged in a straight line and are easily sucked in when breathing through the nose N (nostrils) and mouth M, so that the mask body 50 is effectively prevented from sticking to the nose N (nostrils) and mouth M. Furthermore, since the pair of extension parts 13, 13 are located at a position avoiding the nose N and mouth M of the user, the exhaled breath (exhalation) does not directly hit the mask support device 1, and the exhaled breath (exhalation) can directly pass through the mask body 50. This can reduce the retention of hot air and moisture (moisture) from the breath (exhalation) in the space between the mask body 50 and the face, making it comfortable to use for long periods of time.

[0050] As described above, the mask support 1 according to this embodiment comprises the mask body 50 of the mask 5 to be worn by a user, the attachment part 10 being made of a breathable sheet material and attached to the upper end of the mask body 50 covering both the nose N and the mouth M of the user's face, the main part 11 overlapping the mask body 50 when the attachment part 10 is attached to the upper end of the mask body 50, the main part 11 having a center line CL extending in the vertical direction of the mask body 50 when overlapping the mask body 50 and including a nose tip facing region NA capable of facing the tip of the nose NE of the user, the connection part 12 connecting the attachment part 10 and the main part 11, and a pair of extension parts 13, 13 extending from the main part 11, and being symmetrical or The mask body 50 has a pair of extension portions 13, 13 that are arranged approximately symmetrically and each of which overlaps with the mask body 50 when the mounting portion 10 is attached to the upper end of the mask body 50, and the main portion 11 has a connection end 11a connected to the connection portion 12 and an end 11b opposite the connection end 11a, and each of the pair of extension portions 13, 13 has a first end 13a connected to the main portion 11 and a second end 13b opposite the first end 13a, and the pair of extension portions 13, 13 are formed such that the second ends 13b, 13b are positioned at a distance from each other in a direction perpendicular to the center line CL, and the second ends 13b are positioned closer to the lower end of the mask body 50 than the end 11b of the main portion 11 when they overlap with the mask body 50 when projected.

[0051] According to the above configuration, the end 11b of the main part 11 and the whole or part of the pair of extension parts 13, 13 support the mask body 50. The main part 11 and the connection part 12 also support the mask body 50. The pair of extension parts 13, 13 extend on both sides of the main part 11 including the nasal tip facing region NA facing the user's nasal tip NE, and the second end 13b is positioned closer to the lower end of the mask body 50 than the end 11b of the main part 11, so that it is located in a position that avoids the user's nose N (nostrils) and mouth M.

[0052] In this way, the mask body 50 covering the mouth M and nose N is supported by a plurality of parts that are not arranged in a straight line and are easily sucked in when breathing through the nose N (nostrils) and mouth M, so that the mask body 50 is effectively prevented from sticking to the nose N (nostrils) and mouth M. Furthermore, since the pair of extension parts 13, 13 are located at a position avoiding the nose N and mouth M of the user, the exhaled breath (exhalation) does not directly hit the mask support device 1, and the exhaled breath (exhalation) can directly pass through the mask body 50. This can reduce the retention of hot air and moisture (moisture) from the breath in the space between the mask body 50 and the face, making the mask 5 comfortable even when used for a long time.

[0053] Therefore, the mask support device 1 according to this embodiment has an excellent effect of reducing breathlessness and discomfort even when the mask 5 is used for a long period of time.

[0054] In this embodiment, each of the pair of extension parts 13, 13 is formed such that, when the user wears the mask 5, the second end 13b is located closer to the cheek of the user's face than the end 11b of the main part 11. In this way, the mask body 50 is not supported at positions too far away from the user's face on both sides of the user's mouth M, and the mask body 50 is not pulled too tight. This makes it possible to reduce discomfort when wearing the mask 5 due to the use of the mask support device 1, while also mitigating breathlessness and discomfort even when the mask 5 is used for a long period of time.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, among the attachment portion 10, the main portion 11, and the connection portion 12, at least the main portion 11 is formed in a mountain-folded shape having a ridge line along the center line CL of the main portion 11 on the side facing the mask body 50, at least when the user wears the mask 5. In this way, the main portion 11 fits into the nose N (nose tip NE), and the entire mask support 1 can be stably positioned. In addition, in this embodiment, the sheet material is folded into a mountain-folded shape, so that the main portion 11 comes into contact with the user's nose N, and both sides of the center line CL of the main portion 11 take a posture that matches the size and shape of the user's nose N. Furthermore, the second ends 13b of the extensions 13, 13 are positioned so as not to come into contact with the user's face (cheeks) or are unlikely to come into contact with them, and the discomfort caused by using the mask support 1 when wearing the mask 5 can be suppressed, and the discomfort of breathing and discomfort can be alleviated even when the mask 5 is used for a long time.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main part 11 is formed so that the end 11b is located away from the tip of the user's nose NE when the user wears the mask 5. In this way, the mask body 50 can be supported radially around the end 11b of the main part 11 without the mask body 50 directly hitting the tip of the user's nose NE. This allows the mask body 50 to be supported in a state in which it is divided into multiple regions. This reduces the slackness of the mask body 50, and more reliably prevents the mask body 50 from sticking to the mouth M and nose N.

[0057] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0058] In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the planar mounting portion 10, connecting portion 12, and main portion 11 are folded into a mountain fold shape, but if the mounting portion 10, connecting portion 12, and main portion 11 are to be formed into a mountain fold shape during use, the mounting portion 10, connecting portion 12, and main portion 11 may be formed into a mountain fold shape in advance.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the attachment part 10 is overlapped on only one surface of the upper end of the mask body 50, but this is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the attachment part 10 may be folded back to form a turn part T at the upper end. In this way, the attachment part 10 faces both surfaces of the mask body 50 and can be attached to the upper end of the mask body 50 in a hooked state. Even in this case, the adhesive body 14 may be overlapped on the surface of the attachment part 10 facing the mask body 50.

[0060] In the above embodiment, a double-sided adhesive tape is used as the adhesive body 14 laminated on the mounting part 10, but this is not limited thereto. When the adhesive body 14 is laminated on the mounting part 10, the adhesive body 14 may be a gel or liquid adhesive.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the mask 5 having the mask body 50 made of a nonwoven fabric as a sheet material has been described as an example, but the mask 5 is not limited thereto. The mask 5 may have a mask body 50 made of a breathable fabric (e.g., a woven fabric such as gauze fabric or cotton fabric) as a sheet material. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the mask 5 may have a mask body 50 made of breathable fabric layered two or more times, and a string body 54 fixed to the upper end of the mask body 50 and extending from both sides in the width direction of the mask body 50. This type of mask 5 is called a "men mask" in the kendo world, and by using the mask support device 1 according to the present invention, it is possible to alleviate the discomfort and breathlessness caused by the close contact of the mask body 50 during practice.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the attachment part 10 is laminated with an adhesive layer on the single-layer attachment part 10 on the premise that it is overlapped only on one surface of the upper end part of the mask body 50, and as a modified example, the attachment part 10 itself is folded over as shown in FIG. 7, but is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a U-shaped (folded over) hook member 15 may be fixed to the single-layer attachment part 10. This also produces the same effect as that shown in FIG. 7. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, a fixing member 16 having opposing parts 16a, 16a that sandwich the mask body 50 (fabric) from both sides and an engagement part 16b that engages with each other via the mask body 50 may be fixed to the attachment part 10. As another embodiment, a clip that opens and closes elastically may be fixed to the attachment part 10.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the distance between the attachment portion 10 and the main portion 11 can be changed as appropriate according to the size of the mask 5 to be attached, and the distance between the attachment portion 10 and the main portion 11 may be increased as shown in FIG.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the mounting portion 10, the main portion 11, the connection portion 12, and the pair of extension portions 13, 13 are integrally formed by punching a sheet material, but this is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, the main portion 11, the connection portion 12, and the pair of extension portions 13, 13 may be made of rod material. Also, instead of rod material, they may be made of spring material (such as a leaf spring or a coil spring).

[0065] In the above embodiment, the mounting part 10 is formed in a rectangular shape, and when the mounting part 10 is attached to the mask body 50, the center of the width direction of the mask body 50 and the center of the mounting part 10 are aligned, and the mounting part 10 is also formed in a mountain-folded shape, but this is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 13, a pair of mounting parts 10 may be provided with a gap between them, and when the mounting part 10 is attached to the mask body 50, the intermediate position between the pair of mounting parts 10 may be aligned with the center of the mask body 50.

[0066] Even in this case, it is of course possible to attach an adhesive body 14 or a hook to each mounting part 10, or to make each mounting part 10 into a folded shape. In this case, the connecting part 12 is shaped to branch into two from the main part 11 toward each mounting part 10.

[0067] In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the main part 11 and the like are bent into a mountain fold before wearing the mask 5, but this is not limiting. For example, the mask 5 may be worn without bending the main part 11 and the like (with the main part 11 and the like remaining flat), and the mask body 50 may push the mask support 1 by wearing the mask 5, causing the mask support 1 to bend (deform) naturally.

[0068] Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, the attachment portion 10 may be configured to be more easily deformed than other portions so as to accommodate deformation of the upper end portion of the mask body 50 which is aligned with the base of the nose N or near the base of the nose N.

[0069] Although not mentioned in the above embodiment, when main portion 11 is made of a sheet material, at least main portion 11 may be provided with a folding line, such as a half cut, along center line CL. When connection portion 12 and attachment portion 10 are made of a sheet material, the folding lines of main portion 11 may be extended to provide folding lines in connection portion 12 and attachment portion 10 as well.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the mounting portion 10, the main portion 11, the connecting portion 12, and the pair of extending portions 13, 13 are integrally formed from the same material, but this is not limited to the above. Some or all of these may be molded separately and then connected together. Accordingly, some or all of these may be made of different materials.

[0071] Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, the main part 11, the connecting part 12, and the mounting part 10 face the user's nose N and part or all of them come into contact with the user's nose N, so a moisture-absorbent material may be laminated on the surfaces facing the user's face.

[0072] Although not mentioned in the above embodiment, at least a part of the connection part 12 may be configured to be freely deformable. In this way, at least a part of the connection part 12 deforms when a force is applied due to contact between the main part 11 and the user's nose N. This prevents the main part 11 from strongly pressing against the user's nose N, and reduces the sense of discomfort felt when the main part 11 comes into contact with the user's nose N. To make the connection part 12 foldable, at least a part of the connection part 12 may be configured from a material that is easily deformed, or may have a narrower width (smaller cross section).

[0073] In the above embodiment, the width (length in one direction) of the attachment part 10 is wider than the width of the connection part 12, but is not limited to this. As long as the attachment part 10 can be attached (fixed) to the mask body 50, the width of the attachment part 10 may be the same as the width of the connection part 12, or the width of the attachment part 10 may be narrower than the width of the connection part 12.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the mask support 1 is described as being attached to a ready-made mask 5, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the mask 5 may be a mask 5 in which the mask support 1 is attached to the mask body 50.

[0075] That is, the mask 5 comprises a mask body 50 made of a breathable sheet material and covering both the nose N and mouth M of the user's face, and a mask support 1 attached to the mask body 50. The mask support 1 comprises an attachment part 10 attached to the upper end of the mask body 50, a main part 11 overlapping the mask body 50 when the attachment part 10 is attached to the upper end of the mask body 50, the main part 11 having a center line CL extending in the vertical direction of the mask body 50 when overlapping the mask body 50 and including a nose tip facing region NA capable of facing the nose tip NE of the user, a connection part 12 connecting the attachment part 10 and the main part 11, and a pair of extension parts 13, 13 extending from the main part 11, and being symmetrical or approximately aligned with respect to the center line CL. The mask support 1 may be formed such that the second ends 13b are located at a distance from each other in a direction perpendicular to the center line CL, and the second ends 13b are located closer to the lower end of the mask body 50 than the end 11b of the main part 11. In this case, the mask support 1 provided in the mask 5 is the same as that in the above embodiment, and therefore the same effect as that in the above embodiment is obtained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1...mask support, 5...mask, 10...mounting portion, 11...main portion, 11a...connecting end, 11b...terminating end, 12...connecting portion, 13...extending portion, 13a...first end, 13b...second end, 14...adhesive body, 15...hook member, 16...fixing member, 16a...facing portion, 16b...engaging portion, 50...mask body, 51...hanging body, 52...shape retaining material, 54...string body, CL...center line, M...mouth, N...nose, T...turn portion, NE...nose tip, NA...area facing nose tip

Claims

1. A mask body of a mask to be worn by a user, the mask body comprising: an attachment part made of a breathable sheet material and attached to an upper end of the mask body covering both the nose and mouth of the user's face; a main part having a center line that overlaps the mask body and extends in the vertical direction of the mask body when the attachment part is attached to the upper end of the mask body, the main part including a nose tip facing region that can face the tip of the user's nose when the user is wearing the mask; and a connection part connecting the attachment part and the main part, the connection part having a center line that is linearly continuous with the center line of the main part and connecting the main part to the center line. The mask has a pair of extensions that extend from both ends of the main part in a direction perpendicular to the center line of the main part at an angle to the center line of the main part so as to move away from the center line of the main part in a direction perpendicular to the center line of the main part toward the side opposite to the side where the connection parts are connected to the main part, the pair of extensions being arranged symmetrically or approximately symmetrically with respect to the center line of the main part, and each of the pair of extensions overlaps projectively on the mask body when the attachment part is attached to the upper end of the mask body, and the main part has a connection end connected to the connection part and a pair of extensions opposite the connection end, the pair of extensions being arranged symmetrically or approximately symmetrically with respect to the center line of the main part, the pair of extensions being arranged and a terminal end, each of the pair of extension parts has a first end connected to the main part and a second end opposite to the first end, the pair of extension parts are formed so that the center lines of the main part and the connection part are positioned at the center in the lateral direction perpendicular to the up-down direction of the mask body, the pair of extension parts overlap with each other projectedly on the mask body when the attachment part is attached to the upper end part of the mask body, the entire second ends of the pair of extension parts are positioned with a gap therebetween in a direction perpendicular to the center line, and all or a part of the second ends are positioned closer to the lower end part of the mask body than the terminal end of the main part, and the pair of extension parts are formed so that the center lines of the main part and the connection part are positioned at the center in the lateral direction perpendicular to the up-down direction of the mask body, the pair of extension parts overlap with each other projectedly in the lateral direction the width of the connection portion is set narrower than the distance between the entire second end of one extension portion and the entire second end of the other extension portion in a direction perpendicular to the center line at any position between the attachment portion and the main portion, and when a user wears the mask with the upper end of the mask body along the base of the nose or near the base of the nose, the center lines of the main portion and the connection portion are aligned along the bridge of the user's nose and overlap only the user's nose, the end of the main portion is located away from the tip of the user's nose and forward of the tip of the user's nose, and the entire second ends of the pair of extension portions areA mask support device characterized in that it is located below the end of the main part and below both sides of the user's nose in a direction perpendicular to the center line of the main part.

2. The mask support device according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the pair of extension portions is formed so that, when the user is wearing the mask, the second end is located closer to the cheek of the user's face than the end of the main portion.

3. 3. The mask support device according to claim 1, wherein at least the main part of the mounting portion, main part, and connecting portion is formed in a mountain-fold shape having a ridge line along the center line of the main part on the side facing the mask body, at least when the mask is worn by a user.

4. 4. The mask support according to claim 1, wherein the attachment portion, the connection portion and the main portion are made of a single sheet material.

5. A mask comprising: a mask body made of a breathable sheet material and covering both the nose and mouth of a user's face; and a mask support attached to the mask body, wherein the mask support is the mask support according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images