mask

Abstract

To provide a mask which makes it possible to easily check a stretched state of an ear hook, or a wearing state of the mask.SOLUTION: A mask is provided with a body and a pair of sheet-shaped ear hooks, the ear hooks are respectively joined to an outer surface of the body opposite to a face-facing-side, the ear hooks are formed by adhering surface materials to both surfaces of an elastic film in a stretched state intermittently, a color other than white is added to at least one of the surface materials, and the color of the elastic film differs from the color of the surface materials.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A typical configuration of a face-worn mask includes a mask body that at least partially covers the wearer's face, and a pair of ear loops, i.e., a pair of members that can be looped over the wearer's ears to hold the mask body in its worn position.

[0003] While most masks have string-like ear loops, sheet-like ear loops are also known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a mask equipped with a single-sheet ear loop sheet in which both ear loops are connected to each other at a connecting portion and extend on the same plane. Patent Document 1 also describes that the ear loop sheet is made of a material such as an elastic nonwoven fabric. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5762803 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The sheet-like ear loops described in Patent Document 1 are joined to the lateral ends of the mask body in the vertical direction (across the width of the ear loops), so the ear loops allow the mask body to fit securely to the face. In order to achieve such a good fit of the mask body, it is preferable to stretch the ear loops to a certain extent to generate tensile stress so that the ear loops press the mask body against the face.

[0006] However, if a mask is worn without due care, the ear loops may not be properly tensioned, for example, due to an imbalance in the tension of the ear loops. This can result in the mask not fitting properly, and the mask's intended function of preventing the intrusion of foreign objects and blocking droplets emitted by the wearer may not be fully realized. Therefore, a configuration is needed that allows the wearer to easily check the tension of the ear loops, and therefore the state of the mask when worn.

[0007] In view of the above, one aspect of the present invention aims to provide a mask configuration that allows the extension state of ear loops, and therefore the wearing state of the mask, to be easily confirmed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention is a mask comprising a main body and a pair of sheet-like ear loops, each of which is joined to the outer surface of the main body opposite the face-facing surface, and which is formed by intermittently adhering a surface material to each side of an elastic film in a stretched state, at least one of which is colored other than white, and the color of the elastic film is different from the color of the surface material.

[0009] According to the first aspect, the ear loops are constructed by intermittently bonding surface materials to both sides of a stretched elastic film. Therefore, when the ear loops are not stretched (in a non-stretched state), the elastic film sandwiched between the surface materials is in a non-stretched state, and the surface material is raised at the locations not bonded to the elastic film, forming multiple folds. Because of these raised folds, when the ear loops are in a non-stretched state, there is a distance between the outermost surface of the ear loop and the elastic film, making the color of the inner elastic film invisible or difficult to see. Therefore, the appearance color of the ear loops (the color perceived by an observer) is dominated by the color of the surface material. That is, the color element of the surface material accounts for a large proportion of the color elements that make up the appearance color of the entire ear loop. On the other hand, when the ear loops are stretched, the folds of the surface material disappear or the folds become less prominent. In this case, the distance from the outermost surface of the ear loop to the stretchable film is shorter than in the unstretched state, making the color of the stretchable film more visible from the outside. This increases the proportion of the color element of the stretchable film among the color elements that make up the overall appearance color of the ear loop. In this embodiment, the color of at least one of the surface materials is different from the color of the stretchable film, so the appearance color of the ear loop can be made different between the unstretched and stretched states of the ear loop.

[0010] The difference in the external color of the ear loops in the unstretched and stretched states means that the difference in color can be used as an indicator to distinguish between the unstretched and stretched states of the ear loops, and also as an indicator to distinguish the degree of stretch of the ear loops when they are stretched. For example, by comparing the color of the ear loops in the unstretched and stretched states, or by comparing the color of the left and right ear loops, the degree of stretch of the ear loops can be confirmed, and ultimately whether the mask is being worn properly.

[0011] In a second aspect of the present invention, the color of the surface material and the color applied to the main body are similar colors.

[0012] According to the second aspect, the color of the surface material and the color of the main body are similar, so that the extension state of the ear loops can be checked by comparing the color of the ear loops with the color of the main body, and the overall impression of the mask can be unified.

[0013] In a third aspect of the present invention, one or more of the brightness, saturation, and hue of the color of the ear hook portion differ between the stretched state in which the ear hook portion is stretched and the non-stretched state.

[0014] According to the third aspect, a difference in color that is obvious to the human eye can be obtained between the extended and non-extended states of the ear hooks.

[0015] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the value of the color of the stretchable film in the Munsell color system is greater than the value of the color of the surface material in the Munsell color system.

[0016] According to the fourth aspect, in the stretched state, the white element of the stretchable film increases, making the ear loops appear whitish or light in color, giving the ear loops a brighter appearance on the sides of the face where they are placed.

[0017] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the surface material on the side facing the main body before use is colored.

[0018] According to the fifth aspect, the surface material exposed to the outside when worn, i.e., the surface material opposite to the side facing the skin when worn, is colored, so that the difference in color of the ear hook portion between its unextended and extended states can be easily recognized from the outside. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, a configuration can be provided in a mask that allows the extension state of the ear loops, and therefore the wearing state of the mask, to be easily confirmed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the mask according to the present embodiment as viewed from the outer surface side. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the mask shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the inner surface (face-facing surface) side. [Figure 3] 2 is a partial view showing the ear hooking part shown in FIG. 1 in a state after being opened to the side. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an ear hook portion. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing examples of how the mask according to the present embodiment is worn, in which (a) the ear loops are not extended and (b) the ear loops are extended. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are enlarged photographs of the area around the joint between the ear hook and the main body, showing (a) the ear hook not extended and (b) the ear hook extended. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, unless otherwise specified, the same or corresponding components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0022] (Basic structure of the mask) One aspect of the present invention may be a mask that can cover the wearer's face, more specifically, at least the wearer's nose and mouth. The mask according to this aspect may have the function of preventing foreign objects from reaching the face and preventing droplets emitted by the wearer from scattering, and is also called a sanitary mask or surgical mask. The mask may be disposable or reusable after washing.

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a plan view of the mask 1. Fig. 1 shows the mask 1 as seen from the outer side, i.e., the side that does not face the face when worn but is exposed to the outside. Fig. 2 shows a plan view of the mask as seen from the inner side, i.e., the side that faces the face or the side that faces the face.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 1, the mask 1 of this embodiment is arranged in front of the wearer's face when worn and includes a mask body 10 that can cover mainly the wearer's nose and mouth, and a pair of sheet-like ear loops 20a, 20a joined to the mask body 10 at joining portions 50, 50. The mask 1 and mask body 10 have an up-down direction (vertical direction) D1 that corresponds to the up-down direction of the wearer's face when worn, and a left-right direction (horizontal direction) D2 that corresponds to the left-right direction of the wearer's face when worn. The vertical direction D1 and the horizontal direction D2 are perpendicular to each other.

[0025] The mask body 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a rectangular shape in plan view with long sides in the horizontal direction D2, but the shape of the mask body 10 in plan view is not limited to that shown. Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mask body 10 has a pleated structure 15 formed by a plurality of pleats arranged in the vertical direction D1. The pleats of the pleated structure 15 are formed by folding the sheet constituting the mask body 10 along fold lines along the horizontal direction D2. Then, with the plurality of pleats formed, both ends of the mask body 10 in the horizontal direction D2 are fixed by heat sealing or the like. Therefore, when the mask 1 is used, the pleats of the pleated structure 15 near the center of the mask 1 in the horizontal direction D2 can be spread in the vertical direction D1 (FIG. 5). As a result, the center of the mask body 10 in the horizontal direction D2 curves so as to protrude toward the outer surface of the mask 1 in both the vertical direction D1 and the horizontal direction D2, and can be deformed into a shape that fits the three-dimensional shape of the face. The specific configuration of the pleat structure 15 is not particularly limited, and may be a known configuration formed on the mask body. However, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is preferable to form box pleats in the center of the vertical direction D1, because this makes it easier to protrude the center of the vertical direction D1 of the mask body 10 away from the face when worn.

[0026] The mask body 10 may have a multilayer structure in which multiple layers are stacked. For example, the mask body 10 may have a structure including at least three layers, in which an intermediate layer with enhanced functionality for capturing foreign substances (dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses, etc.) is sandwiched between an outer layer and an inner layer. Each layer constituting the mask body 10 preferably includes a fiber-containing layer such as a nonwoven fabric, woven fabric, or knitted fabric, and more preferably includes a nonwoven fabric. Examples of nonwoven fabric include spunbond nonwoven fabric, spunlace nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, air-through nonwoven fabric, and point-bonded nonwoven fabric. The intermediate layer preferably uses a meltblown nonwoven fabric that may contain fine fibers. The fibers constituting the fiber-containing layer are preferably resin fibers, and examples of the resin type of the resin fiber include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and nylon. The basis weight of the outer and inner layers is 10 to 50 g / m. 2 The weight of the intermediate layer having high foreign matter collection properties is 10 to 100 g / m 2 and preferably 10 to 50 g / m 2 and more preferably 15 to 50 g / m 2 It may be.

[0027] After multiple layers are laminated, the mask body 10 is fixed by bonding at least the upper and lower end layers together. Bonding can be performed using heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, adhesives, etc. For example, in the example shown in Figure 1, an upper seal portion 12U and a lower seal portion 12L are formed.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, a shape-retaining member 30 extending in the lateral direction D2 may be disposed on the upper portion of the mask body 10. The shape-retaining member 30 may be a flat, band-shaped member made of metal or resin, and is a flexible and shape-retaining member. That is, it can be easily deformed by the user's hands and maintain the deformed state. When wearing the mask 1, the shape-retaining member 30 can be placed above the wearer's nose in the left-right direction of the face. The user can deform the shape-retaining member 30 to fit the shape of the upper portion of the nose before or after placing the mask body 10 on the face. This allows the upper portion of the mask body 10 to fit closely to the face (nose), reducing any gaps. The shape-retaining member 30 may be disposed inside the mask body 10, i.e., between layers of the multilayer structure of the mask body 10. Furthermore, as shown in the example of FIG. 1, the shape-retaining member 30 is preferably disposed between two rows of upper seal portions 12U spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0029] Each pair of ear loops 20a, 20a has a continuous ring shape, and more specifically, may be circular or rectangular. When worn, the ear loops 20a can be placed around the wearer's ears by inserting the ears into the inner rings, i.e., the central openings 29 of the ear loops 20a. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a are formed in a sheet-like shape, rather than a string-like or thread-like shape. That is, each pair of ear loops 20a, 20a forms a band-like ring with a certain width in a plan view. Therefore, when the ear loops 20a are placed around the ears while wearing the mask, they come into surface contact with the back of the ear or the underside of the earlobe, thereby reducing strain on the ears. This reduces discomfort even when worn for long periods of time. The ear loops 20a, 20a may be stretchable at least in the horizontal direction D2 (described in detail below).

[0030] The weight of the ear hook portion 20a (ear hook portion sheet 20) is 20 to 150 g / m 2 The thickness of the ear hook portion 20a may be 100 to 3,000 μm.

[0031] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a are formed as a single sheet detachably joined to each other at the center in the horizontal direction D2, i.e., as the ear loop sheet 20. Here, a single sheet refers to a form consisting of a single continuous sheet. This single sheet may be a single layer or a laminate consisting of multiple layers. Forming the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a in a single sheet allows for simultaneous positioning of the ear loops 20a, 20a during manufacturing, making mask manufacturing easier. However, in this embodiment, the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a do not necessarily have to be joined together.

[0032] When the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a together form a single ear hook sheet 20, the ear hook sheet 20 may be configured so that the pair of separate ear hooks 20a, 20a can be formed by tearing at a predetermined position. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a are connected at a connecting portion 28. The connecting portion 28 may be of any type, but is preferably connected so that the ear hooks can be separated by pulling with a normal user force. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the connecting portion 28 may be formed as a perforation. Alternatively, the connecting portion 28 may be formed by reducing the thickness of the sheet or by other means to weaken or make the boundary between the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a more susceptible to stress. The connecting portion 28 may also be configured so that the user can cut it using a tool such as scissors.

[0033] The pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a may be directly or indirectly connected to the side (ends in the horizontal direction D2) of the main body 10. That is, the outer ends of each of the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a in the horizontal direction D2, i.e., in the example of Figures 1 and 2, one side of the rectangular ear hook 20a extending in the vertical direction D1 on the outer side of the horizontal direction D2, is connected to the main body 10. The other parts are not connected to the main body 10, or, even if connected, are joined to the outer surface of the main body 10 by small-area joints so that they can be easily detached.

[0034] (How to use the mask) When starting to use the mask 1 according to this embodiment, the user can open the portions of the ear loops 20a, 20a that are not joined to the sides of the main body 10 to the side (outward in the lateral direction D2) before putting on the mask 1. As described above, if the ear loops 20a, 20a are joined to each other at the joining portions 28, the joining is released to separate the ear loops 20a, 20a from each other.

[0035] Figure 3 shows a plan view of the ear loops 20a, 20a of the mask 1 in Figure 1 after they have been unfolded. After the ear loops 20a, 20a are unfolded outward in the lateral direction D2, the ear loops 20a are turned inside out, exposing the surface of the ear loops 20a that faced the mask body 10. Almost the entire outer surface of the mask body 10 is also exposed.

[0036] 1 to 3, in this embodiment, the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a are joined to the outer surface of the mask body 10. This reduces or eliminates the possibility that the user will touch the inner surface of the mask body 10 when separating the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a and opening them outward in the lateral direction D2, which is preferable from a hygienic standpoint.

[0037] The mask 1 according to this embodiment can be used, for example, as follows: Before use (before deployment), the mask is placed with the outer surface of the mask body 10 facing up. The user grasps each of the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a with their hands and opens it outward in the lateral direction D2. Then, while still grasping the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a, the user moves the mask 1 toward the face of another person (the wearer). After placing the mask body 10 in a desired position on the other person's face, the user can place each of the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a over the other person's ears without changing the way the mask is held. Therefore, the mask 1 according to this embodiment is suitable for use when helping someone who has difficulty putting on a mask by themselves, such as a child or an ill person, put the mask on. Of course, if the user is the wearer, they can grasp one or both of the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a, and move the mask 1 toward their face. While holding the inner surface of the mask body 10 facing their face with one hand, they can place each of the ear loops 20a, 20a one by one over their ears with the other hand.

[0038] The pair of ear loops 20a may have gripping portions 25 that the user can grip when separating the pair of ear loops 20a and opening them outward in the lateral direction D2 (FIGS. 1 to 3). The gripping portions 25 preferably protrude from the edge of the mask body 10 in a plan view, preferably from the lower end of the mask 1 (or the lower end of the mask body 10). In this case, the user can grip the gripping portions 25 with both hands without touching or barely touching the mask body 10 itself, i.e., either the outer or inner surface of the mask body 10. Thus, the user can separate and unfold the pair of ear loops 20a without touching or barely touching the mask body 10. This allows the user to put the mask 1 on themselves or on others in a hygienic state, even in situations where they are unable to pay sufficient attention to hand hygiene.

[0039] Furthermore, since the ear hook portion 20a has the tab 25, the user can easily adjust the ear hook portion 20a by holding the tab 25 when or after hooking the ear hook portion 20a over the wearer's ear. That is, by holding the tab 25, the user can adjust the position of the ear hook portion 20a by shifting it relative to the ear, or by pulling or loosening the ear hook portion 20a toward the rear side to adjust the tension of the ear hook portion 20a.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a are attached to both sides of the outer surface of the mask body 10, rather than to the inner surface. Therefore, when the mask 1 is worn, i.e., when the ear loops 20a, 20a are open to the sides and hanging over the ears, the ear loops 20a easily press both sides of the mask body 10 toward the face from the outer surface. This reduces the gap between the mask body 10 and the face at both sides of the mask body 10, improving the mask's functions, such as blocking foreign matter and preventing droplets emitted by the wearer from scattering. Furthermore, because the ear loops 20a are not attached to the inner surface of both sides of the mask body, i.e., on the face side, the ends of the ear loops 20a do not come into direct contact with the wearer's face while wearing the mask, reducing discomfort.

[0041] The mask body 10 may have a mark 18 formed by embossing, printing, sewing, or the like to distinguish between the outer and inner surfaces of the mask body 10. The form of the mark 18 is not limited as long as it can be visually recognized by the user. The mark 18 may be a letter, a number, a symbol, a figure, a logo, or the like, as shown in FIG. 1, etc.

[0042] (Ear hook) The ear loops 20a, 20a (or ear loop sheet 20) may be made of a material including a stretchable member and sheet-like surface materials disposed on both sides of the stretchable member. By configuring the ear loops 20a so that the stretchable member is covered on both sides with surface materials, direct contact between the stretchable member (stretchable film, etc.) and the skin can be avoided when wearing the mask 1, improving the wearing comfort. The structure of the ear loops 20a will be described below with reference to FIG. 4.

[0043] FIG. 4(a) shows a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the material constituting the ear hook portion 20a (or ear hook sheet 20) cut along the horizontal direction D2. FIG. 4(a) is also a partially enlarged cross-section taken along line II in FIG. 1. In the example of FIG. 4(a), the ear hook portion 20a is formed by sandwiching a stretchable member 5 between surface materials 2 and 3. More specifically, the ear hook portion 20a is formed by laminating the stretchable member 5, a sheet-like first surface material 2 disposed on one side (the first side) of the stretchable member 5, and a sheet-like second surface material disposed on the other side (the second side). The stretchable member 5 has the property of being able to stretch in at least one direction to increase its length when a tensile force is applied, and being able to shorten its length and return to its natural length when the applied tensile force is released. The elastic member 5 may be an elastic film, rubber thread, etc., but it is preferable that it is an elastic film which is a flat molded body, as this provides sufficient elasticity and extensibility, is easy to handle during manufacturing, and is more likely to produce a color difference between the stretched and unstretched states of the ear hook portion (described in detail later).

[0044] Examples of materials for the stretchable film 5 include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, and polyurethane. The stretchability of the stretchable film 5 is preferably such that the maximum elongation rate measured with a tensile tester is 3.5 to 4.0 times the natural length. The stretchable film 5 may also have a moisture-permeable function.

[0045] The first surface material 2 and the second surface material 3 may be the same or different. Preferably, the first surface material 2 and the second surface material 3 are fiber structures. Examples of fiber structures include nonwoven fabrics, woven fabrics, and knitted fabrics. Of these, nonwoven fabrics are preferred because they have a good feel and breathability, contributing to improved wearing comfort. Examples of nonwoven fabrics include air-through nonwoven fabrics, spunbond nonwoven fabrics, spunlace nonwoven fabrics, needle-punched nonwoven fabrics, and chemical-bond nonwoven fabrics. Of these, spunbond nonwoven fabrics, which are non-linting and have high strength, and soft air-through nonwoven fabrics can be appropriately selected. Preferably, the fibers contained in the nonwoven fabrics are resin fibers, and examples of the resins used for the resin fibers include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and nylon. When the first surface material 2 or the second surface material 3 is a nonwoven fabric, the basis weight of the nonwoven fabric is 5 to 50 g / m. 2 and in particular 8 to 25 g / m 2 is preferred.

[0046] To form the stretchable ear hook portion 20a (or ear hook sheet 20) in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4(b), a predetermined external tensile force T is applied to the stretchable film 5, pulling it in a predetermined direction and putting it into a stretched state, and a first surface material 2 and a second surface material 3 are placed on both sides (first surface and second surface) of the stretchable film, respectively. Then, while still in the stretched state, multiple adhesive joints m, m, ... are intermittently formed on the laminate consisting of the second surface material 3, stretchable film 5, and first surface material 2. Once the adhesive joints m, m, ... are stabilized, the external tensile force T is released, resulting in the ear hook portion 20a in the state shown in Figure 4(a).

[0047] The adhesive portions m, m, ... can be formed using fusion means such as ultrasonic sealing or heat sealing, or adhesives, but fusion means, especially ultrasonic sealing, is preferred because it provides a more reliable bond. In this embodiment, the first surface member 2, the stretchable film 5, and the second surface member 3 may all contain or be made of a thermoplastic resin. Therefore, by using a fusion means, the contacting layers at the adhesive portions (fused portions) m, m, ... can be fused together, integrating the three layers, resulting in a robust structure. Depending on the conditions for forming the adhesive portions, through holes may be formed at the joints. In this case, the breathability of the ear hook portion 20a (ear hook sheet 20) can be improved.

[0048] The multiple adhesive portions m, m, ... may be scattered on the surface of the ear hook portion 20a in a dot pattern, such as a grid, staggered pattern, or other regular or irregular arrangement. The total area of ​​the multiple adhesive portions m, m, ... in a top view may be 1 to 20% of the area of ​​the ear hook portion 20a (or the ear hook sheet 20). Note that this area ratio of the multiple adhesive portions m, m, ... is a value measured when the ear hook portion 20a (or the ear hook sheet 20) is in the maximum extended state.

[0049] The material shown in Figure 4(a) is in a non-stretched state with no external force being applied to the ear hook portion 20a, or in its natural state with its natural length. In this state, wrinkles (folds) are formed on the first surface material 2 and the second surface material 3, which were flat when an external tensile force T was applied (Figure 4(b)), and they appear wavy in cross section (Figure 4(a)). This is because, when the length of the stretchable film 5 returns to its natural length, the parts other than those joined by the multiple adhesive portions m, m, ... rise up and move away from the stretchable film 5.

[0050] When forming the ear loops 20a (or ear loop sheet 20), the stretch direction (extension direction) of the stretchable film 5 is aligned with the horizontal direction D2 of the mask. As a result, multiple wrinkles are formed on the surface of the ear loops 20a (or ear loop sheet 20) that extend roughly along the vertical direction D1 of the mask 1. Due to the numerous folds formed on the surface of the ear loops 20a, when the surface of the ear loops 20a comes into contact with the skin, the material of the ear loops 20a does not come into contact with the entire surface of the skin, but rather a space is formed between the ear loops 20a and the skin, which reduces the feeling of the ear loops sticking to the skin and improves the wearing comfort.

[0051] (Mask color) The mask 1 according to this embodiment is colored in a color other than white. Therefore, the mask 1 according to this embodiment can also be called a color mask or a colored mask. In this specification, white refers to a color with a value of 9 or greater in the Munsell color system. The color other than white applied to the mask 1 may be a color with a value of less than 9 in the Munsell color system, preferably a color with a value of 8 or less, more preferably a color with a value of 6 or less. In this embodiment, at least one of the main body 10 and the ear loops 20a has a color other than white, and it is preferable that both the main body 10 and the ear loops 20a have a color other than white. Furthermore, it is preferable that the colors of the main body 10 and the ear loops 20 are in the same color family, which gives the mask a sense of unity. Here, "similar colors" refers to chromatic colors with the same hue among the 10 basic hues in the Munsell color system, or achromatic colors with a value of less than 9 in the Munsell color system. While masks are generally entirely white, masks colored other than white can enhance the fashionability of masks and make wearing them enjoyable as a fashion accessory.

[0052] The color of the mask 1 is not particularly limited other than white, and may be colored or achromatic, for example, beige, gray, pink, blue, green, orange, yellow, etc. Among the above colors, beige is preferable because it allows the mask color to be close to the color of foundation sold in Japan, and therefore when a wearer who has applied foundation to their face uses the mask, the foundation does not stand out even if it gets on the mask 1. Furthermore, it is preferable that the color of the mask 1 has a brightness of 5 or more according to the Munsell color system, as this gives a bright impression.

[0053] The color of the mask may be uniform, but may not be uniform and may vary from place to place, or may have a gradation, changing gradually or in stages. In this case, different colors refer to differences in at least one of lightness, saturation, and hue in the Munsell color system, and preferably at least lightness.

[0054] In the ear hook portion 20a, at least one, preferably both, of the surface materials (first surface material 2 and second surface material 3 in FIG. 4) constituting the ear hook portion 20a or the ear hook sheet 20 may be colored in a color other than white. As mentioned above, the surface material preferably contains a nonwoven fabric. In this case, the nonwoven fabric may be colored after it is formed, or the fibers contained in the nonwoven fabric may be colored in advance and then the nonwoven fabric may be formed.

[0055] Furthermore, in the ear loop portion 20a of this embodiment, the color of at least one of the surface materials is different from the color of the stretchable film 5. As described above, both surface materials are intermittently bonded to the surface of the stretchable film 5 in a stretched state, and therefore, in a non-stretched state, they deform to form multiple pleats (FIG. 4(a)). If the surface material is a fibrous structure such as a nonwoven fabric, the other side of the fibrous structure can be seen to some extent through the gaps between the fibers. However, in the non-stretched state of the ear loop portion 20a, the thickness is increased by the amount of the folds formed in the surface material, making the color of the stretchable film 5 present inside invisible or difficult to see. Therefore, the external color of the ear loop portion 20a (the color recognized by normal visual observation without using any tools) is largely dependent on the color of the surface material. That is, the overall appearance color of the ear hook portion 20a is a mixture of the color elements of the surface material and the color elements of the stretchable film 5, but in the unstretched state of the ear hook portion 20a, the color elements of the surface material account for a larger proportion. On the other hand, when the ear hook portion 20a is stretched, the pleats of the surface material are eliminated or reduced (FIG. 4(b)). As a result, the entire surface material approaches the stretchable film 5, making the color of the stretchable film 5 more easily visible through the surface material. Therefore, the color elements of the stretchable film 5 account for a larger proportion of the color elements that make up the appearance color of the ear hook portion 20a. In this way, in this embodiment, the appearance color of the ear hook portion 20a can be made different between the stretched and unstretched states. For example, if the stretchable film 5 is a bright color, such as white, and the color of the surface material is a color less bright than the color of the stretchable film 5, the color of the ear hook portion 20a will become lighter or brighter as the ear hook portion 20a stretches.

[0056] The fact that the external color varies depending on whether or not the ear loops 20a are stretched means that the external color can be used as an indicator of whether the ear loops 20a are stretched or not, or, if the ear loops 20a are stretched, the degree of stretch. Therefore, an observer looking at the mask 1 can determine whether or not the ear loops 20a are stretched when the mask is worn, or the degree of stretch. For example, by comparing the color of the stretched ear loops 20a when the mask is worn with the color of the ear loops 20a in the unstretched state before use, the observer can confirm the degree of stretch of the mask and determine whether the ear loops 20a are properly stretched. Furthermore, by comparing the colors of the left and right ear loops 20a when the mask is worn, the observer can determine whether the ear loops 20a are stretched evenly. The degree of stretch of the ear loops 20a is related to the fit of the mask body 10 (specifically, the fit of the edges of the mask body 10), so ultimately, by determining the degree of stretch of the ear loops 20a, it can be determined whether the mask 1 is worn properly.

[0057] The ear loops 20a, 20a are subjected to a large force, particularly near the joints 50, 50 with the mask body 10, and these parts are stretched further. Therefore, it is preferable to check the stretched state of the ear loops 20a near the joints 50 between the ear loops 20a and the mask body 10. In particular, the area near the upper part where the ear loops 20a are joined to the mask body 10 can be seen when the wearer looks at their face in a mirror after putting on the mask 1, and this area can be used as an indicator of the stretched state of the ear loops 20a and, ultimately, the wearing state of the mask 1. Furthermore, when wearing the mask of this embodiment, the area near the joints 50 between the ear loops 20a and the mask body 10, particularly the upper end, is pressed against the face, allowing the upper edge of the mask body 10 to be effectively attached to the face. Therefore, it is preferable that the color of the ear loops 20a near the upper end of the joints 50 can be easily checked.

[0058] The difference in color between the unstretched and stretched states of the ear hook portion 20a may be a difference in one or more of lightness, saturation, and hue in the Munsell color system. For example, the ear hook portion 20a may be configured so that when comparing the color in the unstretched state with the color in the stretched state, the absolute value of the difference in lightness in the Munsell color system is 1 or more, preferably 3 or more. Furthermore, when comparing the color in the unstretched state with the color in the stretched state, the hue of one of the 10 basic hues (primary hues) in the Munsell color system may be different from that of the 20 basic hues in the Munsell color system.

[0059] Furthermore, when comparing the color of the ear loops 20a in the stretched state with the color of the mask body 10, the absolute value of the difference in brightness in the Munsell color system can be set to be 1 or more, preferably 3 or more. When comparing the color of the ear loops 20a in the stretched state with the color of the mask body 10, the hues of the 10 basic hues (primary hues) in the Munsell color system may be different from each other, or the hues of the 20 basic hues in the Munsell color system may be different from each other.

[0060] The color of the ear loops 20a after stretching is determined by the relationship between the color of the surface materials 2 and / or 3 and the color of the stretchable film 5 sandwiched between the surface materials 2 and 3, as well as the state of pleats in the surface materials 2 and / or 3. The color of the stretchable film 5 may have a Munsell color brightness of 8 or higher, and more preferably white. This adds a white or near-white color element to the appearance of the ear loops 20a, giving the ear loops 20a a bright impression. It is also preferable that the stretchable film 5 does not contain colorants such as pigments or dyes. In this case, stretching the ear loops 20a increases the white element in their color, causing the ear loops 20a to change to a brighter color. This can give the sides of the face where the ear loops 20a are placed a brighter impression when the mask 1 is worn.

[0061] While it is sufficient for at least one of the surface materials (the first surface material 2 and / or the second surface material 3) to be colored, it is preferable that the second surface material 3, which is located on the side facing the mask body 10 before use and on the side exposed to the outside when the ear loops 20a, 20a are unfolded (the side opposite the side facing the face when worn), be colored in a color other than white. This makes it easier to notice the color change of the ear loops 20a from the outside when the mask 1 is worn. Furthermore, by making the color of the first surface material 2 similar to that of the mask body 10, preferably the same color or a complementary color to that of the mask body 10, or by making the color of the mask body 10 white, the contrast with the color of the mask body 10 becomes clear, making it easier to notice the color change of the ear loops 20a when they are stretched by comparing it with the color of the mask body 10.

[0062] When the second surface member 3 is colored other than white as described above, the color of the other surface member, i.e., the first surface member 2 arranged on the side facing the face when worn, may be a color other than white or may remain white. If the first surface member 2 and the second surface member 3 are similar colors other than white, preferably the same color, when placing the ear loop sheet 20 on the mask body 10 during manufacturing, either side may face the mask body 10, eliminating the need to check the front and back of the ear loop sheet 20. On the other hand, if the first surface member 2 and the second surface member 3 are different colors, different colors will appear when the wearer unfolds the ear loops 20a, 20a during wear, allowing the wearer to enjoy the change.

[0063] Furthermore, the first surface material 2, which is the surface material exposed to the outside before use (i.e., the surface facing the face when worn), may be colored a color other than white, while the second surface material 3 may be white. In this case, for example, if the stretchable film 5 is also white and the color of the first surface material 2 can be configured to be visible from the outside through the second surface material 3 and the stretchable film 5, when the ear hook portion 20a is stretched, the pleats of the first surface material 2 are eliminated and the first surface material 2 becomes flat. This increases the proportion of the color element of the first surface material 2 in the appearance color of the ear hook portion 20a and improves the brightness of the ear hook portion 20a. Therefore, whether the ear hook portion 20a is stretched or not can be determined by the color becoming darker or darker.

[0064] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the use of a mask 1 according to this embodiment, which is colored other than white. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the surface materials of both the main body 10 and the ear loops 20a of the mask 1 are colored a similar color other than white, and the stretchable film used for the ear loops 20a is white. FIG. 5(a) shows the state before the ear loops 20a are placed over the ears, in which the ear loops 20a are not stretched. In contrast, FIG. 5(b) shows the state when the mask 1 is worn, i.e., when the ear loops 20a are stretched and placed over the ears. In the state shown in FIG. 5(b), the ear loops 20a are pulled, stretching the pleats of the surface material (FIG. 4(a)), making the white color of the stretchable film 5 more prominent, and the overall color becomes lighter or brighter than in the unstretched state. In this way, the user can check the stretched state of the ear loops 20a and, therefore, the state of the mask when it is worn, by the change in color of the ear loops 20a.

[0065] When the mask body 10 is colored in a color other than white, it is preferable to color only the layers that are exposed to the surface of the mask body 10. Specifically, when the mask body 10 has a structure in which multiple nonwoven fabrics are stacked, the nonwoven fabrics of the outer and inner layers can be colored. The intermediate layer may be colored, but it is preferable that the intermediate layer is not colored to avoid a possible decrease in foreign matter capturing ability.

[0066] Figure 6 shows a plan view of a mask according to this embodiment. The mask shown in Figure 6 has a gray surface for the main body 10 and the ear loops 20a, and a white stretchable film inside the ear loops 20a. The photograph in Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the area near the junction between the main body 10 and the ear loops 20a with the ear loops 20a open. In Figure 6(a), the ear loops 20a are in a non-stretched state, and in Figure 6(b), the ear loops 20a are in a stretched state. From both photographs, it can be seen that the color of the ear loops 20a in a stretched state (Figure 6(b)) is lighter than the color of the ear loops 20a in a non-stretched state (Figure 6(a)).

[0067] As described above, in this embodiment, the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a are attached to both sides of the outer surface of the mask body 10, rather than to the inner surface. Therefore, when the mask 1 is worn, i.e., when the ear loops 20a, 20a are open to the sides and hanging over the ears, the ear loops 20a easily press both sides of the mask body 10 toward the face from the outer surface. Here, if the mask body 10 and the ear loops 20a are different colors, it becomes clear that the ear loops 20a are attached to the outer surface of the mask body 10, giving people facing the mask wearer the impression that the mask fits more closely to the wearer's face, providing a sense of security. Furthermore, even if the mask body 10 and the ear loops 20a are similar colors, the color of the ear loops 20a can be made different from the color of the mask body 10 during wear. Therefore, even when the colors are similar, the mask also gives the impression that the mask fits more closely to the wearer's face, providing a sense of security. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1. Mask 2 First surface material 3 Second surface material 5 Elastic material (elastic film) 10 Mask body 12L, 12U seal part 15 pleats 18 marks 20 Ear hook sheet 20a Ear hook 25 Knob 28 Separable joints 29 Aperture 30 Shape-retaining member 50 Joint D1 Vertical direction (up and down direction) D2 Lateral direction (left / right direction) m Adhesive part (welded part)

Claims

1. A mask having a main body and a pair of sheet-shaped annular ear loops, The pair of sheet-like annular ear hooks are overlapped on the outer surface of the main body opposite the face-facing surface without being folded back and without protruding at least in the horizontal direction, and are joined to both sides of the outer surface, and can be expanded laterally from the overlapped state, The selvedge portion is formed by intermittently bonding a surface material, which is a fiber structure, to each of both sides of a stretched stretchable film, A mask in which at least one of the surface materials is colored other than white, the color of the elastic film is different from the color of the surface material, and one or more of the brightness, saturation, and hue of the color of the ear loop portion differs between the stretched state in which the ear loop portion is stretched and the unstretched state.

2. The mask according to claim 1 , wherein the color of the surface material and the color applied to the main body are similar colors.

3. 3. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the Munsell color system value of the color of the stretchable film is greater than the Munsell color system value of the color of the surface material.

4. The mask according to claim 1 , wherein the surface material on the side facing the main body before the ear loops are unfolded is colored.

Images