mask

Abstract

To provide a mask which does not generate a gap between the face of a wearer and a mask body side edge even if there is a difference in the shape and size of the face, and is improved in adhesion and followability to the face.SOLUTION: A mask 1 comprises a sheet-like mask body 10 for covering a target region of the face of a wearer, and a pair of right and left ear hook parts 20 for locking the mask body 10 to the ears of the wearer. The mask body 10 comprises upper and lower edges 13 and 14 which abut the wearer's nose and jaw and their peripheries, and right and left edges 15 and 16 which abut the wearer's cheek. The right and left edges 15 and 16 have constrictions 18 formed by intersection of upper inclined lines 15A and 16A going from the upper side of the mask body 10 to the lower side and the center side and lower inclined lines 15B and 16B going from the lower side of the mask body to the upper side and the center side, respectively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mask. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a problem with masks made of nonwoven fabrics, etc. has been the formation of gaps between the sides of the mask body and the wearer's face. For example, in a known example, in which the mask body has multiple pleats formed by overlapping sheets and the welded sections formed on both sides in the lateral direction, the gap between adjacent welded sections is ensured to be 3 mm or more, making it easier for both lateral ends of the mask body to conform to the shape of the wearer's face (see Patent Document 1 below). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2015 / 080228 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the above-mentioned conventional masks, depending on the shape and size of the wearer's face, the side edges of the mask may be too long, and in such cases, the welded or unwelded areas may rise to the front side of the mask (the side opposite the face), forming gaps between the face and the side edges of the mask body. Gaps were particularly likely to occur in the area where the mask body curves significantly from the mouth toward the neck along the chin area.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a mask that does not create a gap between the face and the side edges of the mask body, regardless of the shape and size of the wearer's face, and that improves adhesion and conformability to the wearer's face. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A mask according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a sheet-like mask body that covers a target area of the wearer's face, and a pair of left and right ear loops for fastening the mask body to the wearer's ears. The mask body has upper and lower edge portions that come into contact with the wearer's nose and surrounding area, and chin and surrounding area, and left and right edge portions that come into contact with the wearer's cheeks. The left and right edge portions have a waist formed by the intersection of an upper sloping line that extends from the top of the mask body downward and toward the center, and a lower sloping line that extends from the bottom up and toward the center.

[0007] According to this aspect, by providing constrictions at the left and right edges, even if the mask body is significantly curved, particularly from the mouth to the chin, the mask body can be bent at the constrictions, preventing it from lifting up from the face. This makes it possible to provide a mask with improved adhesion and conformability to the wearer's face.

[0008] In the above embodiment, the intersection of the upper inclined line and the lower inclined line may be located below the vertical center of the mask body. More preferably, the intersection of the upper inclined line and the lower inclined line may be formed at a position that is lower in the vertical length of the mask body and has an approximately 7:3 ratio.

[0009] According to this aspect, by positioning the intersection, i.e., the curved part of the waist, below the mask body, the waist position can be aligned with the point where the mask body curves greatly from the mouth part to the chin part, making it possible to further improve the conformability of the side edges of the mask body to the face.

[0010] In the above embodiment, the intersection may be formed in an R-shape. According to this embodiment, by forming the intersection where the upper inclined line and the lower inclined line intersect in an R-shape (circular arc), the possibility of the mask folding over when worn or the mask edge curling back in the direction away from the face can be prevented, thereby improving the ability of the mask to seal against the face.

[0011] In the above aspect, the angle formed between the upper inclined line and the lower inclined line may be equal to or greater than 50 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

[0012] According to this aspect, by setting the angle between the upper inclined line and the lower inclined line, i.e., the bending angle of the waist, to 50 degrees or more and less than 180 degrees, the mask can be bent at the waist, thereby preventing the mask body from lifting up from the face. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mask that does not create a gap between the face and the side edge of the mask body, regardless of the shape or size of the wearer's face, and that has improved adhesion and conformability to the wearer's face. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the mask of the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration of a mask body according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the configuration of the sheet of the mask body of the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of the mask body in FIG. 2, with reference dimensions indicated. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between each region of the mask body and pleats shown in the embodiment. [Figure 6] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the configuration of the waist of the mask body of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. (Note that in each drawing, components with the same reference numerals have the same or similar configurations.)

[0016] [Overall configuration] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the mask 1, and Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the cross-sectional configuration of the mask body 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the mask 1 according to this embodiment comprises a sheet-like mask body 10 that covers the target area of the wearer's face, and ear loops 20 that comprise a pair of left and right ear loop strings for fastening the mask body 10 to the wearer's ears.

[0017] As shown in the cross-sectional views of Figures 1 and 2, the mask body 10 is an elongated rectangle overall, and in this embodiment, a sheet 11 formed by stacking three nonwoven fabrics is folded to form multiple pleats 12.

[0018] FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing the configuration of sheet 11 of mask body 10. Mask body 10 is divided into front surface A and back surface B, with the side that contacts the face being back surface B and the opposite side being front surface A. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, sheet 11 is made of three nonwoven fabrics. Outer layer 11A located on the front surface A side is made of a spunbond nonwoven fabric with low pressure loss and is water-repellent (blood barrier properties). Mouth layer 11B located on the back surface B side is also made of a spunbond nonwoven fabric and is hydrophilic to absorb droplets and prevent stuffiness. On the other hand, middle layer 11C is made of a meltblown nonwoven fabric and is water-repellent (blood barrier properties) to function as a filter layer.

[0019] The mask body 10 has an upper edge 13 and a lower edge 14 that come into contact with the wearer's nose and surrounding area, and chin and surrounding area, and a left edge 15 and a right edge 16 that come into contact with the wearer's cheeks, and each of these is made of laminated nonwoven fabric that is pressed together by embossing.

[0020] As shown in Figure 2, the upper edge 13 is made by folding the laminated sheet 11 over onto the surface A, and pressing the upper part with two embossed lines E at a width of about 15 mm, and a nose fitter 17 made of a thin rod-shaped thermoplastic material is fitted in the gap between the two embossed lines E in the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 1. Similarly, the lower edge 14 is made by folding the laminated sheet 11 over onto the surface A, and pressing the lower part with two embossed lines E at a width of about 10 mm.

[0021] The left edge 15 and the right edge 16 are pressed together with a single embossed line E, and the shape of the line has a constriction 18 formed by the intersection of upper inclined lines 15A, 16A that extend from the top to the bottom and toward the center of the mask body 10 and lower inclined lines 15B, 16B that extend from the bottom to the top and toward the center. In other words, the left and right edges of the mask body 10 are trimmed so that the entire left and right edges have the constriction 18, except for the upper and lower fold margins where the embossed line E is applied, and the single embossed line E on the left edge 15 and the right edge 16 is applied along the shape of this trimmed constriction 18.

[0022] In this embodiment, the constriction 18 is formed excluding the folding margins of the upper edge 13 and the lower edge 14, but the present invention is not limited to this form, and it is also possible to form the constriction by providing upper inclined lines 15A, 16A and lower inclined lines 15B, 16B from the upper edge 13 and the lower edge 14, or conversely, it is also possible to form the constriction by providing upper inclined lines 15A, 16A and lower inclined lines 15B, 16B with appropriate gaps above and below in addition to the folding margins of the upper edge 13 and the lower edge 14, and such modifications are possible within the scope of the effects and advantages described above for the constriction in this invention.

[0023] The ear hooks 20 are welded to the left and right ends of the upper edge 13 and the lower edge 14. The ear hooks 20 use wide ear straps, which prevent the wearer's ears from hurting even when used for long periods of time, and also improve durability and fit.

[0024] [Pleats configuration] Next, the configuration of the pleats 12 of the mask body 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The mask body 10 is divided into a first covering region X at the top that covers the wearer's nose and surrounding area, a second covering region Y at the bottom that covers the wearer's chin and surrounding area, and a third covering region Z between the top and bottom that covers the wearer's mouth and surrounding area. Note that this division of regions is merely a hypothetical division of the mask body 10 from the viewpoint of functionality and use, and these regions are not physically defined.

[0025] The pleats 12 in the second covered region Y have a smaller folded width than those in the first covered region X and the third covered region Y. In addition, the folds 12M of the pleats 12 in this region are formed from below to above when viewed from the front surface A, and are further formed in multiple numbers toward the back surface B side.

[0026] On the other hand, in the first covered region X, the folds 12M (MA, MB) of the pleats 12 are formed from above downward as viewed from the front surface A, and further formed in plurality toward the back surface B side.

[0027] This point will be explained in more detail with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, in the mask body 10, the pleats 12 are formed in four rows, two each (pleats 12A, B, C, and D) in the first covered region X and the second covered region Y. In the third covered region Z, as a result of the pleats 12A to D in the first covered region X and the second covered region Y, a band-shaped portion 12E having upper and lower folds 12ME is formed on the back surface B.

[0028] FIG. 4 shows the reference dimensions of the mask body 10 in this embodiment. Assuming that the length from the top to the bottom of the mask body 10 is 95 mm, the first covered region X is formed in a range of 57 mm from the top, the second covered region Y is formed in a range of 28 mm from the bottom, and the third covered region Z is formed in a range of 30 mm between the first covered region X and the second covered region Y, overlapping with these ranges. Note that when the pleats 12 of the mask body 10 shown in FIG. 2 are folded, the third covered region Z has an overlapping area with the first covered region X and the second covered region Y, but when the wearer puts on the mask 1, the pleats 12 stretch vertically, so that the overlapping areas of the regions X to Z disappear.

[0029] 4, in the first covered region X, the overall length in the vertical direction is 57 mm, but pleats 12 are not formed in the region 30 mm from the top end, pleats 12A are formed in the region 12 mm below that, and pleats 12B are formed in the region 12 mm below that, leaving a gap of 3 mm below that. In other words, the folding width of pleats 12A and 12B in the first covered region X is 12 mm.

[0030] Furthermore, in the first covering region X, as shown in FIG. 2, the folds 12MA and 12MB of the pleats 12A and 12B are both formed facing downward when viewed from the surface A side, and furthermore, the pleat 12B is located closer to the back surface than the pleat 12A.

[0031] 4, in the second covered region Y, of which the overall length in the vertical direction is 28 mm, no pleats 12 are formed in a region 12 mm from the bottom end, but pleats 12D are formed in a region 8 mm above that, and then, leaving a gap of 2 mm above that, pleats 12C are formed in a region 8 mm above that. In other words, the folding width of pleats 12C and 12D in the second covered region Y is 8 mm.

[0032] Furthermore, in the second covering region Y, as shown in FIG. 2, the folds 12MC and 12MD of the pleats 12C and 12D are both formed facing upward when viewed from the surface A side, and further, the pleat 12C is located closer to the back side than the pleat 12D.

[0033] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the gap between the first covered area X and the second covered area Y where the third covered area Z is formed is formed with a length of 10 mm as the gap between the ends of the folds 12MB and 12MC of the pleats 12B and 12C, respectively, when viewed from the surface A side.On the other hand, as a result of the pleats 12B and 12C being folded back with folding widths of 12 mm and 8 mm, respectively, the band-shaped portion 12E formed in the third covered area Z is formed with a total of 10 mm, 12 mm and 8 mm, for a total of 30 mm in the vertical direction.

[0034] 2, the positional relationship between the pleats 12A to 12D and the belt-like portion 12E from the front surface A to the back surface B is such that the pleats 12A and 12D are located furthest from the front surface A, followed by the pleats 12B and 12C one level further from the back surface B, with the belt-like portion 12E being located furthest from the back surface B. In other words, the pleats 12 of the mask body 10 are folded from the front surface A toward the back surface B.

[0035] As described above, the overall vertical length of the first covered region X is 57 mm, the overall vertical length of the second covered region Y is 28 mm, and the gap between X and Y in the third covered region Z as viewed from the surface A side is 10 mm. However, as shown in FIG. 4 , if the vertical center position of the strip portion 12E in the third covered region Z is defined as reference position O, reference position O is located below C, which is the vertical center position of the mask body 10. That is, if the upper region of the mask body 10 from reference position O in the strip portion 12E is defined as region P and the lower region is defined as region Q, the length of P is 60 mm and the length of Q is 35 mm, with a ratio of approximately 6:4. That is, in this mask body 10, reference position O is configured to be below center position C. It should be noted that this ratio between region P and region Q represents the optimal embodiment, and since in the mask of the present invention, it is sufficient that the reference position O is located below the center position C, the ratio of the length of P to the length of Q can be configured in a range from more than approximately 1:1 to approximately 7:3.

[0036] [Example of pleat configuration] The above lengths of pleats 12A-D and band-like portion 12E merely represent optimal embodiments. In this regard, the applicant produced prototype masks 1 with multiple lengths for pleats 12A-D, as shown in the table below. As shown in the examples below, it was found that pleats 12C and 12D are preferably in the range of 8 mm to 12 mm, i.e., in the range of 8.4% to 12.6% of the vertical length of mask body 10. The relationship between the mask body, regions 1-8, and pleats 12A-12D shown in Table 1 is shown in FIG. 5. [Table 1]

[0037] Conversely, when the length of pleats 12C and 12D exceeds 12 mm (exceeding the length of Example 3), the second covered region Y does not follow the curve of the wearer's chin when it comes into contact with the chin. In this case, the first covered region X and the third covered region Z cannot be made sufficiently long, so that the space between the nose and the mask body 10 is not sufficiently maintained, narrowing the gap between the tip of the wearer's nose and the mask body 10, resulting in breathlessness when worn for long periods of time.

[0038] Furthermore, when the length of pleats 12C and 12D was 8 mm or less (Comparative Examples 1, 2, and 3), the result was that they also did not follow the curve of the wearer's chin when they came into contact with the chin.

[0039] [Constriction configuration] Next, the configuration of the waist 18 of the mask body 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. As described above, the left edge 15 and the right edge 16 have constrictions 18 formed by the intersection of upper inclined lines 15A, 16A that extend from the top to the bottom and toward the center of the mask body 10 and lower inclined lines 15B, 16B that extend from the bottom to the top and toward the center of the mask body 10. Note that, since the mask body 10 is bilaterally symmetrical, only the right edge 16 will be shown and described in Figure 6 and in the following description for convenience.

[0040] The intersection of the upper inclined line 16A and the lower inclined line 16B that form the constriction 18 is configured to be located below the center position C of the mask body 10. More specifically, the constriction 18 is formed at a position 30 mm from the lower end of the mask body 10 and 65 mm from the upper end.

[0041] The vertical position of this constriction 18 and the degree of recession toward the center are determined by the settings of the upper inclined line 16A and the lower inclined line 16B. That is, in this embodiment, the upper inclined line 16A that forms the constriction 18 is formed at an angle of 9 degrees with respect to the line connecting the upper edge 13 and the lower edge 14 of the mask body 10, and the lower inclined line 16B is formed at an angle of 138 degrees with respect to the upper inclined line 16A, so that the constriction 18 is formed 8 mm inward toward the center of the mask.

[0042] The angles of upper inclined lines 15A, 16A and lower inclined lines 15B, 16B described above represent optimal embodiments, and preferably, the angle of upper inclined lines 15A, 16A is in the range of 8 to 10 degrees, and the angle of lower inclined lines 15B, 16B relative to upper inclined lines 15A, 16A can be in the range of 29 to 36.5 degrees, thereby enabling the angle of waistline 18 to be in the range of 124 to 152 degrees. Alternatively, by configuring the angle of upper inclined lines 15A, 16A in the range of 2 to 45 degrees and the angle of lower inclined lines 15B, 16B relative to upper inclined lines 15A, 16A to be in the range of 3 to 75 degrees, the angle of waistline 18 can be in the range of 50 to 180 degrees. In this case, the effects of the present invention can be achieved as long as these values are set so that waistline 18 is located below halfway along the vertical length of the mask body and in a range of approximately 7:3.

[0043] Furthermore, at waist 18, the angle between upper inclined lines 15A, 16A and lower inclined lines 15B, 16B is not used as is, but rather the intersection is cut into an R (arc) shape. This is to prevent the mask from folding over when worn or the mask edge from bending back in the direction away from the face, thereby improving the mask's seal to the face. This arc should preferably be configured to draw a curve with an R of 9 to 11 mm, and more preferably an R of 10 mm.

[0044] [Action and effect] In the mask 1 of this embodiment configured as described above, the pleats 12C and 12D in the second covering region are narrower than in other regions, allowing the pleats 12C and 12D to fit the curved shape of the chin area. This eliminates excess mask body 10 in this region, resulting in a better fit between the left and right edges 15, 16 of the mask body 10 and the face. Furthermore, the folds of the pleats 12C and 12D in the second covering region are formed from below to above and toward the back side when viewed from the front surface A. This causes the folds 12MC and 12MD to protrude toward the front surface when the pleats 12C and 12D stretch during wear, making it easier for the mask body 10 to maintain a shape that follows the curve of the chin area. This improves the fit of the mask body 10 to the chin area.

[0045] In the mask 1 of this embodiment, even in the first covered region X, the folds 12MA and 12MB of the pleats 12A and 12B are formed from top to bottom and toward the back side when viewed from the front. As a result, when the mask 1 is worn, the pleats 12A and 12B stretch in the nose area, causing the folds 12MA and 12MB to protrude toward the front surface A, making it easier for the mask body 10 to maintain a shape that follows the curve of the wearer's nose. This improves the fit of the mask body 10 around the nose. Furthermore, in both the first covered region X and the second covered region Y, the pleats 12 stretch and the folds 12M protrude toward the front surface when the mask 1 is worn, so the entire mask 1 forms a shape that curves convexly toward the front surface A. This creates a gap between the mouth area and the mask body in the third covered region Z that covers the mouth, making it easier to breathe.

[0046] Furthermore, by making the width of the pleats 12 in the second covering region Y that covers the chin area smaller than that of the first covering region X that covers the nose area, the fit to the chin area can be improved and the pleats in the chin area can be positioned relatively lower on the mask body 10, making it possible to cover the chin area at an appropriate vertical position.

[0047] In particular, the length of the upper region, region P, is 60 mm, and the length of the lower region, region Q, is 35 mm, and the ratio is approximately 6:4, so that the third covering region Z that covers the mouth area can be formed at the lower vertical position of the mask body 10, and the third covering region Z can be positioned vertically to match the mouth area, and the second covering region Y can be positioned vertically to match the chin area.

[0048] In the present invention, the reference position O, which is the vertical center position of the belt-like portion 12E, is set below the vertical center position C of the mask body 10, and the ratio of the length of P to the length of Q can be configured in a range exceeding approximately 1:1 to approximately 7:3.

[0049] A nose fitter 17 made of a thin rod-shaped metal member is fitted in the gap formed by the two embossed lines E on the upper edge 13 of the mask body 10 in the left-right direction, allowing the upper edge 13 of the mask body 10 to fit the convex shape of the wearer's nose. The nose fitter 17 is not limited to a metal member, and can also be made of a thermoplastic member or a thermoplastic coated metal.

[0050] The configuration of the pleats 12 in this embodiment as described above makes it possible to provide a mask that is more airtight to various parts of the face, including the chin area, and that is easier to breathe and more comfortable.

[0051] Furthermore, in the mask body 10 of this embodiment, by providing constrictions 18 at the left edge 15 and right edge 16, even if the mask body is significantly curved, particularly in the area from the mouth to the chin, it can be bent at the constrictions 18, preventing the mask body 10 from lifting up from the face. This makes it possible to provide a mask with improved adhesion and conformability to the wearer's face.

[0052] The waist 18 is positioned below the vertical center position C of the mask body 10, and in particular, the waist 18 is formed at a position 30 mm from the lower end of the mask body 10 and 65 mm from the upper end. By positioning the curved portion of the waist 18 below the mask body 10, the position of the waist 18 can be aligned with the position where the mask body 10 curves greatly, and it becomes possible to further improve the conformability of the side edges of the mask body 10 to the face.

[0053] In addition, the angle of the upper inclined lines 15A, 16A and the lower inclined lines 15B, 16B in the waist 18 can be configured to be greater than 50 degrees and less than 180 degrees.As long as they are configured at such angles, the waist 18 can be bent, thereby preventing the side edges of the mask body 10 from lifting up from the face when worn.

[0054] According to the mask 1 of this embodiment, even if the shape and size of the wearer's face differ, a mask can be provided that does not create a gap between the face and the side edge of the mask body 10, and that has improved adhesion and conformability to the wearer's face.

[0055] The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The elements of the embodiments, as well as their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, etc., are not limited to those illustrated and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, configurations shown in different embodiments can be partially substituted or combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1...mask, 10...mask body, 11A...surface layer, 11B...mouth layer, 11C...middle layer, 11...sheet, 12A, 12A-D...pleats, 12E...belt-shaped portion, 12M...fold, 13...upper edge, 14...lower edge, 15...left edge, 15A, 16A...upper inclined line, 15B, 16B...lower inclined line, 16...right edge, 17...nose fitter, 18...waist, 20...ear hook, A...surface, B...back, C...center position, O...reference position, P...upper region, Q...lower region, X...first covering region, Y...second covered area, Z...third covered area

Claims

1. A mask comprising a sheet-like mask body that covers a target area of the wearer's face and a pair of ear loops for fastening the mask body to the wearer's ears, the mask body curves greatly from the mouth to the chin, and covers the chin area from the neck toward the neck, The mask body comprises upper and lower edge portions that come into contact with the wearer's nose and its surroundings, and chin and its surroundings, and left and right edge portions that come into contact with the wearer's cheeks, and is provided with a plurality of pleats formed by folding a sheet. The mask body is divided into a first covering region at the top that covers the wearer's nose and its surroundings, a second covering region at the bottom that covers the wearer's chin and its surroundings, which is a portion that curves significantly when the mask is worn, and a third covering region between the upper and lower portions that covers the wearer's mouth and its surroundings. In the second covering region, the pleats have a smaller folding width than the first covering region so as to follow the portion of the mask that is greatly curved when worn, and a plurality of folds of the pleats are formed from below to above and toward the back side when viewed from the front surface, A mask having a waist formed by the intersection of an upper inclined line extending from the top to the bottom and toward the center of the mask body and a lower inclined line extending from the bottom to the top and toward the center, the intersections of the upper inclined line and the lower inclined line being formed at the left and right ends of the third covering area, the angle of the upper inclined line relative to the vertical direction being 8 degrees to 10 degrees, the angle of the lower inclined line relative to the upper inclined line being 29 degrees to 36.5 degrees, and the angle of the waist is 124 degrees to 152 degrees.

2. 2. The mask according to claim 1, wherein said intersections are formed in an R-shape.

3. The intersection is located below the halfway point in the vertical length of the mask body, and has a ratio of 7:

3. The mask of claim 2 formed at a location up to a range.

Images