Mask and mask manufacturing method

Abstract

To provide masks with various sizes excellent in wear feeling.SOLUTION: A mask comprises: a mask body; and a pair of ear hook parts coupled with both ends in a lateral direction of the mask body, respectively, in which the pair of ear hook parts is formed like a single sheet, and arranged by being overlapped with the mask body without protruding from the mask body at least in the lateral direction in a state before starting use, the ear hook part has a stretchable member, and a surface material joined to at least one side of the stretchable member in a state in which the stretchable member is stretched by a predetermined scale factor from a natural length, and the ear hook part has a highly stretchable part which is easy to be stretched in the lateral direction in wearing, and a hardly stretchable part which is difficult to be stretched in the lateral direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A known 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, each connected to the mask body, that can be looped over the wearer's ears to hold the mask body in its worn position.

[0003] Conventionally, ear loops used in masks have often been string-shaped. However, in recent years, sheet-shaped ear loops have been considered to reduce the strain on the ears. For example, the mask disclosed in Patent Document 1 has ear loops with joints and loops integrally formed from a single sheet-like nonwoven fabric, and the joints are joined to the end regions of the mask body. Patent Document 1 also discloses materials such as stretchable spunbond nonwoven fabric for the ear loops.

[0004] The single-sheet ear loops (ear loop sheets) disclosed in Patent Document 1 are layered on the mask body before use, and when first used, they are separated in the left-right center and opened outward in the left-right direction. In this type of mask, the single-sheet ear loops are sized to fit within the outer shape of the mask body in a plan view, at least in the left-right direction, from the perspective of easy handling during continuous production. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5762802 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In recent years, masks have been manufactured in various sizes depending on the purpose and / or the size of the user's face. For example, in addition to regular-sized masks, smaller sizes for women or children are also manufactured. In smaller-sized masks, the mask body is smaller in size, so the sheet-like ear loops that are placed on top of the mask body also need to be smaller in size.

[0007] However, when designing smaller-sized sheet-like ear loops, simply scaling down the ear loop shape of a standard-sized mask to match the overall mask body reduction ratio may not provide a comfortable fit. For example, if the ear loops are scaled down to match the mask body's external shape, the width of the ear loops will be reduced, potentially impairing the fit of the ear loops around the ears. On the other hand, if the ear loops are designed without changing the width of the ear loops in order to maintain a comfortable fit, the length of the portion of the ear loop that contributes most to lateral extension will be shortened, making it difficult for the ear loops to stretch in the lateral direction. This may cause discomfort to the user while wearing the mask and may also cause inconvenience during the wearing process. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the design of the ear loops so that masks of various sizes can be offered with excellent fit.

[0008] In view of the above, an object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide masks of various sizes that are comfortable to wear. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention is a mask comprising a mask body and a pair of ear loops respectively connected to both left and right ends of the mask body, wherein the pair of ear loops are formed in the shape of a single sheet and are arranged on top of the mask body without protruding from the mask body in at least the left and right directions before use, the ear loops having an elastic member and a surface material joined to at least one side of the elastic member in a state where the elastic member is stretched from its natural length by a predetermined factor, and the ear loops have high stretch portions that are easily stretched in the left and right directions and low stretch portions that are difficult to stretch in the left and right directions.

[0010] The mask according to the first aspect described above has a pair of ear loops formed in a single sheet (formed from one sheet) and placed on top of the mask body without protruding from the mask body in at least the left and right directions. This allows the main body and the sheet-like ear loops to be overlapped and joined, facilitating continuous production.

[0011] In addition, in this embodiment, the ear loops have high-stretch sections that easily stretch in the left-right direction and low-stretch sections that do not easily stretch in the left-right direction. This allows for ear loops that exhibit good stretch characteristics in the left-right direction, which is the main direction in which the ear loops are pulled during the putting-on and wearing (while wearing) process. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ear loops are constructed by joining the surface material with the stretchable member stretched to a predetermined ratio. Therefore, the stretch characteristics of the ear loops can be easily adjusted by changing the degree to which the stretchable member is stretched during the manufacturing process of the ear loops. Therefore, ear loops with appropriate stretch characteristics can be easily obtained according to the size of the mask and the size of the ear loops, allowing for the production of a mask that is comfortable to wear.

[0012] In a second aspect of the present invention, the predetermined magnification is k, and the length of the high elongation portion in the left-right direction is w e1 (unit: mm) k×w e1 =75~145.

[0013] According to the second aspect, the ratio (extension ratio) k by which the stretchable member is stretched in the manufacturing of the ear hook portion and the lateral length w of the highly stretchable portion of the ear hook portion that is easily stretched in the lateral direction are e1 (unit: mm) is set to 75 to 145. This makes it possible to obtain ear loops with more appropriate stretch characteristics according to the size, even when the size of the mask is changed and the size of the ear loops is also changed, and to produce a mask that is comfortable to wear.

[0014] In a third aspect of the present invention, the elastic member has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and the surface material includes a first surface material bonded to the first surface and a second surface material bonded to the second surface.

[0015] According to the third aspect, the single-sheet ear hook portion has a structure in which the stretchable member is sandwiched between the first surface material and the second surface material. In other words, both sides of the stretchable member are covered by the surface material, and the stretchable member is not exposed. Some stretchable members can cause skin irritation or discomfort when stretched while in direct contact with the user's skin. Therefore, by appropriately selecting the surface material, it is possible to avoid contact between the stretchable member and the wearer's skin, improving the wearing comfort when the ear hook portion touches the user's skin.

[0016] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the stretchable member is a stretchable film.

[0017] According to the fourth aspect, by making the stretchable member in the form of a film, the ear hooks can be manufactured more easily and the shape of the ear hooks can be more easily maintained.

[0018] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the first surface material and the second surface material are made of nonwoven fabric.

[0019] According to the fifth aspect, by using nonwoven fabric for the first surface material and the second surface material, which may come into direct contact with the user's skin, softness can be imparted to the surface of the ear hook portion, improving the wearing comfort of the ear hook portion.

[0020] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the ear hooks are disposed on the outer surface of the mask body.

[0021] According to the sixth aspect, when starting use, the pair of ear loops formed in a single sheet can be separated from each other and opened to the left and right without touching the inner surface of the mask body (the surface that faces the face when worn), allowing the mask to be worn in a hygienic state.

[0022] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, the mask further comprises a sheet-like auxiliary material, and the ear hooks are connected to the mask body via the auxiliary material.

[0023] According to the seventh aspect, the ear loops are connected to the mask body via auxiliary materials. In other words, the mask can be formed without directly connecting the ear loops to the mask body. Therefore, the connection between the ear loops and auxiliary materials and the connection between the mask body and auxiliary materials can be formed separately and appropriately. This allows a durable connection between the ear loops and the mask body to be formed without impairing the functionality or wearing comfort of the components, resulting in a durable mask. Furthermore, it is possible to avoid using a portion of the ear loops for adhesion to the mask body. Therefore, compared to when the ear loops are directly connected to the mask body, the ear loops can be moved more freely relative to the mask body, increasing the degree of freedom in wearing the ear loops.

[0024] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, (a) while an elastic member is stretched in a predetermined direction by a predetermined factor, a surface material is superimposed on at least one side of the elastic member, and the elastic member and the surface material are intermittently bonded to obtain a laminate, and the laminate is relaxed in the predetermined direction and cut to form a plurality of single-sheet ear hook sheets each including a pair of ear hooks; (b) a mask main body band that forms the mask body is superimposed on two of the ear hook sheets spaced apart in the predetermined direction, and the ear hook sheets are joined to the mask main body band so that the pair of ear hooks are respectively joined to both left and right ends of the mask body; and (c) the mask main body band is cut to form individual masks, and the ear hooks have high-stretch portions that are easily stretched in the left and right direction and low-stretch portions that are not easily stretched in the left and right direction.

[0025] According to the eighth aspect, it is possible to provide a manufacturing method that can obtain the same effects as those obtained in the first aspect.

[0026] In a ninth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined magnification is k, and the length of the high elongation portion in the left-right direction is w e1 (unit: mm) k×w e1 =75~145.

[0027] The ninth aspect of the present invention can provide a manufacturing method that can achieve the same effects as those achieved by the second aspect. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, masks of various sizes that are comfortable to wear can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of an exterior of a mask according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the mask shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the inside (face side). [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in FIG. 3. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of how to use the mask shown in FIG. 1, and is a plan view after the pair of ear loops have been opened to the sides. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is an enlarged view of a portion III in FIG. 5 and a diagram for explaining the configuration of an ear hook portion. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for manufacturing ear loops for masks and an apparatus for manufacturing masks according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 8A to 8C are diagrams illustrating the manufacture of a mask using the apparatus shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are plan views of masks of different sizes. [Figure 10] This is a plan view of a smaller size mask (the lower mask in FIG. 9 is shown again). [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the evaluation results of the examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] 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 their description may be omitted. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic to facilitate understanding of the invention.

[0031] (Basic structure of the mask) A mask according to one embodiment 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. This mask 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.

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a plan view of a mask 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 1 shows the mask 1 as seen from the outside (or outer surface side), that is, the side exposed to the outside that does not face the face when worn. Fig. 2 shows a plan view of the mask as seen from the inside (face side). Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line II in Fig. 1.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the mask 1 of this embodiment includes a mask body 10 that is placed in front of the wearer's face when worn and that can cover mainly the wearer's nose and mouth, and a pair of ear loops 20a, 20a connected to the mask body 10. The mask body 10 has an up-down direction D1 that corresponds to the up-down direction of the wearer's face when worn, and a left-right direction D2 that corresponds to the left-right direction of the wearer's face when worn. The up-down direction D1 and the left-right direction D2 are perpendicular to each other. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the mask body 10 has a rectangular shape in a plan view with its long sides in the left-right direction D2, but the shape of the mask body 10 in a plan view is not limited to that shown.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the mask body 10 has a pleated structure 15 formed by a plurality of pleats arranged in a vertical direction D1. The pleats of the pleated structure 15 are formed by folding the sheet constituting the main body 10 along fold lines along the horizontal direction D2. With the plurality of pleats formed, both sides of the mask body 10 (both ends in the horizontal direction D2) are fixed by heat sealing or the like. Therefore, when using the mask 1, by spreading the pleats of the pleated structure 15 in the vertical direction D1, 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, and can be deformed into a shape that fits the three-dimensional shape of the face. The specific configuration of the pleated structure 15 is not particularly limited and may be a known configuration formed on a mask body.

[0035] The mask body 10 may have a multilayer structure in which multiple layers are stacked. For example, it may have a structure including at least three layers, with an intermediate layer having enhanced functionality for capturing foreign substances (dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses, etc.) 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 15 to 50 g / m. 2 The weight of the intermediate layer having high foreign matter collection properties is 10 to 100 g / m 2 It is preferable that the weight ratio is 15 to 50 g / m 2 It is more preferable that:

[0036] Each of the pair of ear hooks 20a may be annular (or closed strip-like) in plan view or may have a shape that includes a ring. To wear the headphones, the wearer can place the ear inside the ring of the ear hook 20a, i.e., in the central opening 29 of the ear hook 20a, and hang the ear hook 20a over the ear.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a are formed as a single sheet or a continuous ear loop sheet 20 separably joined to each other at the center in the left-right direction D2. Here, a single sheet refers to a single continuous sheet. This single sheet may be a single layer or a laminate consisting of multiple layers. Because the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a are sheet-shaped, when the ear loops 20a are worn over the ears, they come into surface contact with the back of the ear or the underside of the earlobe, reducing strain on the ears. This reduces discomfort even when worn for long periods of time. Furthermore, because the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a are formed as a single sheet (composed of the ear loop sheet 20), the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a can be positioned simultaneously during manufacturing, making mask manufacturing easier.

[0038] The ear hook portions 20a, 20a (ear hook sheet 20) are stretchable (described in detail later), and when putting on the mask, the user can easily pull the ear hook portions 20a, 20a behind the ears and then hook them over the ears.

[0039] The ear hook sheet 20 is configured so that it can be torn at a predetermined position to form a pair of separate ear hooks 20a, 20a. More specifically, 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 it can be separated by pulling with a normal user force. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, it 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 the boundary between the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a or make it more susceptible to stress.

[0040] 1 to 3, a pair of single-sheet ear loops 20a, 20a, or ear loop sheet 20, are placed on top of the mask body 10. The ear loop sheet 20 may have a shape and size that does not protrude beyond the mask body 10 in at least the left-right direction D1 in a plan view. With this configuration, masks can be continuously manufactured by overlapping and joining the mask body 10 and the ear loop sheet 20 without requiring complex processes such as folding or bending the ear loop sheet 20 during manufacturing.

[0041] The pair of ear loops 20a, 20a are each connected to a side portion (end portion in the left-right direction D2) of the outer surface of the main body 10. That is, the outer portions of each of the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a in the left-right direction D2 are connected to the main body 10, and the other portions are not connected to the main body 10. When starting to use the mask 1 of this embodiment, before putting on the mask 1, the user releases the connection between the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a and separates the ear loops 20a, 20a from each other (also called a separating action), and opens the portions of the ear loops 20a, 20a that are not connected to the main body 10 to the sides in the left-right direction D2 (also called an unfolding action).

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the pair of ear loops 20a may be connected to both sides of the mask body 10 via sheet-like auxiliary members 30. By using the auxiliary member 30 to connect the ear loops 20a to the mask body 10, the mask 1 can be formed without directly connecting the ear loops 20a to the mask body 10. This allows the connection between the ear loops 20a and the auxiliary member 30 and the connection between the mask body 10 and the auxiliary member 30 to be formed separately and appropriately. This also prevents a portion of the ear loops 20a from being used to secure the mask body 10. Therefore, using the auxiliary member 30 allows the ear loops 20a to move more freely relative to the mask body 10 than when the ear loops 20a are directly connected to the mask body 10, allowing for more freedom in determining the position of the ear loops 20a relative to the ears when wearing the ear loops 20a.

[0043] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the sheet-like ear loops 20a and the sheet-like reinforcing material 30 are overlapped and joined at the first joint B1. The mask body 10 and the sheet-like reinforcing material 30 are overlapped and joined at the second joint B2. In this way, the use of the reinforcing material 30 indirectly forms a durable bond between the ear loops 20a and the mask body 10 without impairing the functionality or fit of each component, resulting in a durable mask.

[0044] The reinforcing material 30 may be a sheet-like member extending in the vertical direction D1 of the mask 1. The length (width) of the reinforcing material 30 in the horizontal direction D2 depends on the size and configuration of the entire mask 1, and the size, shape, and material of the main body 10 and the ear loops 20a, but is preferably 15 to 35 mm. The basis weight of the reinforcing material 30 is 5 to 100 g / m 2 The thickness of the auxiliary material 30 may be 100 to 1,000 μm.

[0045] The support material 30 may be made of a material with little or no elasticity, or may be made of a material with some elasticity. The support material 30 may include, for example, an elastic nonwoven fabric. In this case, the support material 30 preferably has elasticity at least in the left-right direction D2, but the elasticity of the support material 30 is preferably less than that of the ear hook portion 20a. The support material 30 may also be made of a material that can irreversibly deform when force is applied.

[0046] The first bonding portion B1 and the second bonding portion B2 can be formed by, for example, applying pressure and / or heat to bond opposing surfaces of members together, such as heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, non-heat embossing, etc. Among these, heat sealing is preferred because it allows for reliable bonding.

[0047] When the reinforcing material 30 is provided, the length in the left-right direction D2 of the ear loop sheet 20 constituting the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a may be shorter than the length in the left-right direction D2 of the mask 1. This allows the outer end 21 in the left-right direction D2 of the ear loop 20a to be offset from the outer end 11 in the left-right direction D2 of the main body 10, so the reinforcing material 30 can be attached near the end of the main body 10 in the left-right direction D2 that is not covered by the ear loop 20a.

[0048] (Ear hook separation and deployment) At the beginning of use, a user can pinch or grasp the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a with each hand and pull them in opposite directions. This first releases the connection at the separable coupling 28. If the coupling 28 is configured with a perforation formed along the boundary between the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a, the perforation can be broken to separate the two ear loops 20a, 20a along the boundary. Then, while still grasping each of the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a, the user can open them outward in the left-right direction D2 (indicated by the arrows) as shown in FIG. 3.

[0049] Figure 4 shows the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a opened outward in the left-right direction D2 from the state shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 4. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a are opened, the ear hooks 20a, 20a are turned inside out, i.e., the surfaces of the ear hooks 20a, 20a that faced the main body 10 before use are exposed.

[0050] After the user grasps the pair of ear hook portions 20a, 20a and opens them outward in the left-right direction D2, the mask body 10 is placed on the wearer's face so that the face side of the mask body 10 faces the wearer's face, and the ear hook portions 20a, 20a are hooked on each of the wearer's ears.

[0051] Before use (FIGS. 1 to 3), a pair of single-sheet ear loops 20a, 20a (ear loop sheet 20) are arranged over the mask body 10. The pair of ear loops 20a, 20a may be overlaid on either side of the mask body 10, but are preferably overlaid on the outer surface of the mask body 10 as shown in the figure. This reduces or almost completely eliminates contact with the inner surface of the mask body 10 (the surface facing the face) when wearing the mask 1.

[0052] For example, when a user puts on the mask 1, the user places the mask 1 on their face with the inner surface of the mask body 10 facing their face, and while holding the outer surface of the mask body 10 with one hand, they use the other hand to release the connection of the ear loops 20a, 20a at the connection portion 28 and place one ear loop 20a over their ear. Then, after switching the hand that was holding the mask body 10 to the other hand, they can use the other hand to place the other ear loop 20a over their ear.

[0053] Furthermore, with the mask 1 placed with its outer side facing vertically upward (with the outer surface of the main body 10 facing upward), the user grasps the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a with their hands and opens them outward in the left-right direction D2. Then, while still grasping the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a, the user moves the mask 1 to the face of another wearer, and once the mask main body 10 is positioned at the desired position on the wearer's face, the user can place the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a over the wearer's ears without changing the way they hold the mask. Therefore, the mask 1 of this embodiment can be suitably used when helping someone who has difficulty putting on a mask by themselves, such as a child or a sick person, to wear the mask.

[0054] In addition, a mark 18 that enables the user to distinguish between the front and back (exterior and interior surfaces) of the main body 10 may be formed by embossing, printing, sewing, or the like. The form of the mark 18 is not limited as long as it can be visually recognized by the user. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the mark 18 may be letters, numbers, symbols, figures, logos, etc. If the mark 18 is letters, the user can recognize the side on which the letters can be correctly read as the exterior.

[0055] (Ear hook and ear hook sheet material) The ear hooking portion 20a or ear hooking sheet 20 according to this embodiment has stretchability or elasticity as described above. Figure 6(a) shows an enlarged view of section III in Figure 5, i.e., a cross-sectional view of the ear hooking portion 20a (ear hooking sheet 20) cut along the left-right direction D2. As shown in Figure 6(a), the ear hooking sheet 20 (or ear hooking portion 20a) may be a multi-layer sheet formed by laminating multiple layers. In the example shown in Figure 6(a), the ear hooking portion 20a includes a stretchable film (stretchable member) 5, with a first surface material 2 disposed on one side (first surface) of the stretchable film 5 and a second surface material 3 disposed on the opposite side (second surface). The ear hooking portion 20a (ear hooking sheet 20) may have a surface material disposed on only one side of the stretchable film 5, instead of the surface material disposed on both sides as shown in Figure 6(a).

[0056] The stretchability of the ear hook portion 20a is primarily due to the stretchable film (stretchable member) contained therein. The stretchable member is a member that can be stretched in at least one direction when a tensile force is applied, and that has the property of returning to its original length (natural length) when the applied tensile force is released (when no external force is applied). Furthermore, when a stretchable film 5 is used, i.e., when a film form is used that is a continuous molded body with a substantially uniform thickness, higher stretchability or extensibility and higher stress can be obtained compared to a stretchable fiber structure (a sheet-like body formed by assembling fibers), etc., thereby expanding the design options for the ear hook portion 20a. In particular, there is greater freedom in designing the extension characteristics of the ear hook portion 20a.

[0057] 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 (elongation at tensile break) measured with a tensile tester is 3.5 to 4.0. The stretchable film 5 may have a moisture-permeable function.

[0058] In the example shown in FIG. 6, a stretchable film 5 is used as the stretchable member, but the stretchable member is not limited to a film. For example, instead of a stretchable film, the ear hook portion 20a may include a thread-like stretchable body assembly formed by arranging a plurality of thread-like stretchable bodies (or thread-like elastic bodies) such as rubber threads, or may include a stretchable hot melt adhesive. The stretchable hot melt adhesive may be arranged in a line or in a plane. However, a film-like stretchable member is preferred because it is easy to handle during manufacturing.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 6(a), when surface materials are disposed on both sides of the stretchable member 5, the first surface material 2 and the second surface material 3 may be the same or different. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first surface material 2 and the second surface material 3 are fiber structures. Examples of fiber structures include nonwoven fabrics, woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, etc., of which nonwoven fabrics are preferred because they have good texture 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. Among these, spunbond nonwoven fabrics, which are non-fuzzing and have high strength, and soft air-through nonwoven fabrics, etc., can be appropriately selected. Furthermore, it is preferable that the fibers contained in the nonwoven fabrics are resin fibers, and examples of the resin types of the resin fibers include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and nylon. When the first surface material 2 or the second surface material 3 is 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.

[0060] Note that stretchable materials such as the stretchable film 5 are often more likely to cause irritation or discomfort when they come into direct contact with the wearer's face (skin) than non-stretchable materials. Therefore, it is preferable to configure the ear hooks 20a so that the stretchable material does not come into direct contact with the wearer's skin as much as possible. In the ear hooks 20a of this embodiment, the stretchable film 5 is covered by the first surface member 2 and the second surface member 3, so that direct contact between the stretchable film 5 and the skin can be avoided when wearing the mask, improving the wearing comfort.

[0061] The ear hooking portion 20a (ear hooking sheet 20) shown in FIG. 6(a) is obtained as follows. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6(b), an external tensile force T is applied to the stretchable film 5 to stretch the stretchable film 5 from its natural length. The first surface material 2 and the second surface material 3, which are in their natural, unshrunk states, are then intermittently joined to each other at multiple interlayer joints m. The external tensile force T is then released, yielding the ear hooking portion 20a (ear hooking sheet 20) in its natural state shown in FIG. 6(a). The interlayer joints m may be portions that join layers together without substantially changing the state of each layer (stretchable film 5, surface materials 2, 3). The interlayer joints m may also be welded portions, where the layers are welded together and integrated to reduce their thickness.

[0062] The ear hook portion 20a (ear hook sheet 20) shown in Figure 6(a) is in its natural state, i.e., when no external force is applied. Therefore, the stretchable film 5 is also in its natural state and has its natural length. Meanwhile, the joined first surface material 2 and second surface material 3 have a reduced overall length in the left-right direction D2. This reduction in length occurs because the portions other than those joined at the multiple interlayer joints m rise up and away from the stretchable film 5, forming folds (wrinkles). Multiple wrinkles that extend roughly along the up-down direction D1 of the mask 1 are formed on the first surface material 2 and second surface material 3, resulting in a wavy cross-section.

[0063] In this way, numerous folds are formed on the surface of the ear hook portion 20a, so when the surface of the ear hook portion 20a comes into contact with the skin, the material of the ear hook portion 20a does not come into contact with the entire surface of the skin, but a space is formed between the ear hook portion 20a and the skin, which reduces the feeling of the ear hook portion sticking to the skin and improves the wearing comfort.

[0064] When the mask 1 is used, the ear loops 20a are stretched primarily in the left-right direction D2. The stretch characteristics of the ear loops 20a significantly affect the comfort of the ear loops 20a. For example, if the ear loops 20a can be stretched to a sufficient length with a small force, the ear loops 20a can be easily placed over the ears. The stress generated when wearing the ear loops 20a is appropriate, allowing the ear loops 20a to fit comfortably around the ears without causing pain or discomfort. The stretch characteristics of the ear loops 20a (ear loop sheet 20) configured as shown in FIG. 6 may depend on the stretch factor k of the stretch film 5, i.e., the stretch ratio T, applied when joining the surface material in the production of the ear loops 20a (ear loop sheet 20). The stretch ratio k of the stretchable member in a given ear hook portion 20a (ear hook sheet 20) is the length of the stretchable member in its stretched state, where the length of the stretchable member in its natural state (natural length) is 1. For example, if, during the manufacture of the ear hook portion 20a or the ear hook sheet 20, the stretchable member is stretched to twice its natural length before the surface material is joined, then the stretch ratio k = 2. In other words, the stretch ratio k may be the ratio of the stretched length L1 of the stretchable member when the surface material is joined to the natural length L0 of the stretchable member. In other words, the stretch ratio k = L1 / L0. Note that the stretch ratio k is a value greater than 1.

[0065] (Manufacturing ear loops or ear loop sheets, and masks) Here, we will explain the manufacturing of the ear loops 20a, 20a or ear loop sheet 20. Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of a mask manufacturing apparatus 300. This mask manufacturing apparatus 300 has an ear loop manufacturing apparatus 100 upstream, and a mask component assembling apparatus 200 following the ear loop manufacturing apparatus 100, which assembles the manufactured mask ear loops with other components of the mask.

[0066] The ear loop manufacturing apparatus 100 includes an elastic film strip supply means 123 for supplying elastic film strips (elastic member strips) 5A for forming the elastic film 5, a first surface material strip supply means 121 for supplying the first surface material strip 2A for forming the first surface material 2, and a second surface material strip supply means 122 for supplying the second surface material strip 3A for forming the second surface material 3. Each supply means supplies a length of material, i.e., the elastic film strip 5A, the first surface material strip 2A, and the second surface material strip 3A. Subsequently, the first surface material strip 2A is placed on one side (first side) of the elastic film strip 5A, and the second surface material strip 3A is placed on the other side (second side) of the elastic film strip 5A, forming a multilayer structure 6A. The multilayer structure 6A is conveyed in the conveying direction Dt.

[0067] Here, the elastic film strip 5A is transported in a state stretched in the transport direction Dt, i.e., with a tensile force (tension) applied in the transport direction Dt. The degree of stretch of the elastic film strip 5A is controlled by the payout speed of the elastic film strip supply means 123 and a transport means (not shown). The degree to which the elastic film strip 5A is stretched may be, for example, 1.5 to 4 times, preferably 2 to 3 times, its natural length. That is, the extension ratio k of the selvedge sheet 20 may be preferably 1.5 to 4, more preferably 2 to 3. Meanwhile, the first surface material strip 2A and the second surface material strip 3A are transported in a state of their natural length (unstretched). Therefore, the surfaces of the first surface material strip 2A and the second surface material strip 3A laminated on each side of the elastic film strip 5A are wrinkle-free.

[0068] Next, the multilayer structure 6A is sent to the welding means 140, where discontinuous interlayer bonds are formed throughout the multilayer structure 6A between the elastic film strip 5A and the first surface material strip 2A, and between the elastic film strip 5A and the second surface material strip 3A. In this embodiment, the interlayer bonds are welded. The welding means 140 is preferably an ultrasonic weld, but other means such as thermal welding may also be used. The multiple discontinuous welds can be formed intermittently, for example, in a dot pattern in a plan view. They may also be formed in lines spaced apart in the conveying direction Dt. The layers of the multilayer structure 6A are bonded together by the welding means 140, resulting in a laminate 8A.

[0069] 7 also shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion IV. A plurality of interlayer bonding portions (welded portions) m are intermittently formed between the stretchable film strip 5A and the first surface material strip 2A, and between the stretchable film strip 5A and the second surface material strip 3A. The reference diameter of each welded portion m in plan view may be 0.2 to 1.0 mm. The area of ​​each welded portion m in plan view may be 1.8 to 19.1% of the sheet area.

[0070] The laminate 8A is then sent to the relaxation means 160. In the relaxation means 160, the tension applied to the elastic film strip 5A in the conveying direction Dt is relaxed. The degree to which the tension is relaxed in the relaxation means 160 is not limited, but it is preferably relaxed until the elastic film strip 5A returns to its natural length. Relaxing the elastic film strip 5A causes it to shrink. The elastic film strip 5A and the first surface material strip 2A are joined by the welded portion m, and the elastic film strip 5A and the second surface material strip 3A are also joined by the welded portion m. Therefore, the first surface material strip 2A and the second surface material strip 3A shrink together with the elastic film strip 5A, i.e., their lengths are shortened. However, the portions not joined to the elastic film strip 5A by the welded portion m do not follow the elastic film strip 5A and therefore loosen, causing them to rise above the surface. As a result, many small folds (wrinkles) extending in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction Dt are formed in the first surface material strip 2A and the second surface material strip 3A. Note that, when the folds are formed, the first surface material strip 2A and the second surface material strip 3A do not generate any or very little force to return to their original length. Therefore, the stretchable film 5 maintains its natural length.

[0071] 7 also shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion V. As shown in the figure, in the ear loop sheet strip 20A, the stretchable film strip 5A is flat, but the first surface material strip 2A and the second surface material strip 3A have shrunk and formed wrinkles. Also, when the ear loop sheet strip 20A is viewed in cross section by cutting the first surface material strip 2A and the second surface material strip 3A along the conveyance direction Dt, continuous unevenness is formed along the conveyance direction Dt.

[0072] Next, the ear loop sheet strip 20A is sent to the punching means 180. In the punching means 180, the ear loop sheet strip 20A is punched out by a punching die to obtain the shape of each individual ear loop sheet 20. In either case, the punching means 180 can obtain a plurality of ear loop sheets 20, 20, ...

[0073] In this way, the ear hook sheet 20 is manufactured by stretching an elastic film strip 5A having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface in a predetermined direction (conveying direction Dt), overlapping a first surface material strip 2A and a second surface material strip 3A on the first surface and the second surface, respectively, joining the elastic film strip 5A to the first surface material strip 2A and the second surface material strip 3A, respectively, to obtain a laminate 8A, shrinking the laminate 8A in a predetermined direction (conveying direction Dt), cutting it, and forming a plurality of ear hook sheets 20 that constitute a pair of ear hooks that are separably joined to each other.

[0074] Instead of the stretchable film strip 5A, a long material consisting of an assembly of multiple thread-like stretchable materials (such as rubber threads) arranged side by side can also be used. In this case, similar to the above, multiple thread-like stretchable material assemblies are stretched in the conveying direction Dt by an extension ratio k and supplied under tension, and a first surface material strip 2A and a second surface material strip 3A can be laminated on each side of the assembly. Then, welding means 140 can be used to weld the thread-like stretchable material to the first surface material strip 2A and the thread-like stretchable material to the second surface material strip 3A, or the first surface material strip 2A and the second surface material strip 3A together, or the first surface material strip 2A and the second surface material strip 3A together, with the thread-like stretchable material sandwiched between them.

[0075] The ear loop sheets 20, 20, ... are sent to a mask component assembling device 200. In the mask component assembling device 200, an auxiliary material strip 30A is placed on one side of the ear loop sheet 20. The mask component assembling device 200 is equipped with a mask body strip supply means 221 for supplying the mask body strip 10A that forms the mask body. The mask body strip supply means 221 supplies the mask body strip 10A to the side of the ear loop sheet 20 opposite to the side where the auxiliary material strip 30A is placed.

[0076] After the ear loop sheet 20, auxiliary material strip 30A, and mask body strip 10A are combined, they are joined at predetermined positions by heat sealing or the like by the joining / cutting section 240 to form the first joining section B1 and the second joining section B2 (see Figures 1 and 3, etc.). Furthermore, cutting is performed following or simultaneously with joining. This allows individual masks 1 to be obtained.

[0077] 8 shows a schematic diagram of the process by which components are combined in a mask component combining device 200. That is, a mask is manufactured by (a) forming ear loop sheets 20 and joining one auxiliary material strip 30A to the side of two spaced apart ear loop sheets 20, 20, (b) joining the auxiliary material strip 30A to the outer surface of the mask main band 10A to indirectly connect the ear loop sheet 20 to the main band 10A, and (c) cutting the auxiliary material strip 30A and the mask main band 10A to form individual masks 1.

[0078] (Ear hook design) In recent years, masks of various sizes have been provided to suit various uses and / or the size of the user's face. However, in a configuration such as this embodiment in which the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a are formed in a single sheet and are overlapped on the mask body 10 so as not to protrude beyond the mask body 10 at least in the left-right direction D2, the ear loops 20a must be designed in a way that improves the wearing comfort of the mask.

[0079] FIG. 9 shows plan views of two masks of different sizes. The mask shown in the upper part of FIG. 9 is the mask 1 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. Meanwhile, the lower part of FIG. 9 shows a mask 1S, which is smaller than the mask 1. The mask 1S can be provided as a mask for women or children, for example. In FIG. 9, the detailed configuration of the mask is not shown.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 9, the mask 1S has a length w m In this embodiment, the length w of the mask body 10 in the left-right direction D2 is small. mis equal to the length of the mask in the left-right direction D2. On the other hand, the length (height) h of the mask in the up-down direction D1 is equal between Mask 1 and Mask 1S. In this way, when designing a small-sized mask, the length w m In many cases, only the vertical direction D1 and the horizontal direction D2 are reduced, but depending on the use of the mask, both the vertical direction D1 and the horizontal direction D2 may be reduced.

[0081] When changing the size of a mask in which single sheet-like ear loops 20a, 20a (ear loop sheet 20) are layered on the mask body 10 as in this embodiment, the length w of the ear loops 20a in the left-right direction D2 is e As shown in FIG. 9, the length w of the mask body 10 in the left-right direction D2 must also be changed. m To reduce the size, the length w of the ear hook portion 20a in the left-right direction D2 is e needs to be made smaller.

[0082] When reducing the size of the ear loops 20a, simply reducing the shape of the ear loops 20a to match the reduction ratio of the mask body 10 can cause problems. For example, simply reducing the ear loops 20a to match the reduction ratio of the mask body can reduce the width of the loops of the ear loops 20a, which can result in an insufficient fit around the ears. In particular, if only the length of the mask body 10 in the left-right direction D2 is reduced, there will be some areas where the width of the loops of the ear loops 20a is reduced and other areas where the width remains unchanged, which could cause problems with the robustness of the ear loops. Therefore, the shape of the loops of the ear loops 20a needs to be designed according to the changed size of the mask, rather than simply being reduced to match the reduction ratio.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 9 , the ring of the ear hook portion 20a may have a fixed portion 22 including an end portion in the left-right direction D2 that is fixed directly or indirectly to the mask body 10, a hook portion 24 that is positioned behind the wearer's ear when worn, an upper transition portion 23 that transitions from the fixed portion 22 to the hook portion 24 on the upper side of the ring, and a lower transition portion 26 that transitions from the fixed portion 22 to the hook portion 24 on the lower side of the ring. Of the sections of this ring, when the ear hook portion 20a is stretched in the left-right direction D2 by the user pulling it during wearing, the upper transition portion 23 and the lower transition portion 26, which extend generally in the left-right direction D2, are primarily stretched in the left-right direction D2. In this specification, the sections that are easily stretched by pulling (the upper transition portion 23 and the lower transition portion 26) are referred to as high-stretch sections, and the sections that are not easily stretched by pulling (the fixed portion 22 and the hook portion 24) are referred to as low-stretch sections.

[0084] The mask 1S shown in Figure 9 is a mask that has been resized to be smaller in the left-right direction D2 than the mask 1. In the mask 1S, the shape of the ear loops 20a of the mask 1 is changed so that the width d of the loops of the ear loops 20a is almost the same as that of the mask 1, but the length w of the ear loops 20a in the left-right direction D2 is changed. e Therefore, the length w of the high extension part (upper transition part 23 and lower transition part 26) of the loop of the ear hook part 20a is e1 is the length of the low-extension part in the left-right direction D2 w e2 , w e2' That is, in the mask 1S, the length w of the ear loops 20a is significantly reduced compared to the mask 1. e Length of the highly elongated part w e1 Therefore, the ear loops 20a of the small size mask 1S are less likely to stretch than the mask 1. Therefore, when designing the ear loops 20a, it was necessary to consider the characteristics of the material of the ear loops 20a to match the size and shape.

[0085] The inventors have found a relationship between the configuration of the mask 1 or the configuration of the ear hooks 20a and the stretch characteristics of the ear hooks 20a, which allows for an excellent wearing comfort. According to this embodiment, the stretch ratio k (k>1) when manufacturing the ear hooks 20a and the length w of the highly stretchable portion in the left-right direction D2 are e1 It has been found that by making the extension ratio k when manufacturing the ear loops 20a and the length w in the left-right direction D2 of the high-extension portion approximately inversely proportional to the extension ratio k when manufacturing the ear loops 20a (the length in the natural length when not stretched), it is possible to obtain a mask that provides comfort to the user both when putting it on and when wearing it (while wearing it). e1 The value multiplied by k×w (unit: mm) can be set to 75 to 145. e1 = 75 to 145. e1 k×w is preferably 88 to 117, more preferably 90 to 115, and even more preferably 92 to 113. e1 When the value of k×w is 85 or more, the ear hooking portion 20a can be easily stretched when wearing the headphones, and the headphones can be worn continuously without putting any strain on the ears. e1 By keeping the value of [mask length] at 120 or less, it is possible to avoid gaps between the mask body 10 and the face, resulting in a better fit. Therefore, it is possible to obtain ear loops 20a with appropriate stretch characteristics according to the size of the mask 1 and the ear loops 20a, and to obtain a mask that is excellent in fit.

[0086] Length of high extension part w e1 is the length of the section of the ear hooking portion 20a that extends mainly in the left-right direction D2, and more specifically, it can be the longest length of the opening 29 in the left-right direction D2. e1 However, the maximum length of the opening 29 in the left-right direction D2 does not include the length that does not contribute to elongation. For example, if the opening 29 overlaps with the reinforcing material 30, and the second joint B2 is formed up to the upper or lower side of the overlapping portion, and the ear hook portion 20a is fixed to the reinforcing material 30, the length from the edge of the opening 29 in the left-right direction D2 to the inner edge of the second joint B2 in the left-right direction D2 is the length w of the high elongation portion. e1Not included.

[0087] In this way, according to this embodiment, it is possible to manufacture ear loops 20a, 20a having stretch characteristics according to the size of the mask 1, and to provide a mask that is comfortable to wear.

[0088] The length w of the mask body 10 in the left-right direction D2 m The length h of the mask body 10 in the vertical direction D1 may be 120 to 190 mm. The length w of the ear hooks 20a in the horizontal direction D2 may be 60 to 100 mm. e In particular, according to this embodiment, the length w of the mask body 10 in the left-right direction D2 is m Even when manufacturing a mask that is generally considered small, such as one with a length of 165 mm or less, especially 160 mm or less, it is possible to obtain ear loops 20a with optimal stretch characteristics. e Even when manufacturing a mask with a width of about 55 to 75 mm, ear hooks 20a that are comfortable to wear can be easily obtained.

[0089] In addition, in the ear hook portion 20a, the length w of the highly elongated portion in the left-right direction D2 e1 The length of the ear hook in the left-right direction D2 is w e The ratio value (w e1 / w e ) may be preferably 0.45 to 0.7, more preferably 0.5 to 0.65. In this embodiment, the ear hook portion has the above ratio (w e1 / w e ) is 0.65 or less, preferably 0.6 or less, it is possible to provide a particularly excellent wearing comfort.

[0090] For example, the length w of the mask body 10 in the left-right direction D2 m When the extension ratio is 155 mm, it is preferable to manufacture the ear hooking portion 20a at an extension ratio of 2.35 to 2.65, although this depends on the configuration (shape) of the ear hooking portion 20a.

[0091] Furthermore, to improve the structural stability of the ear loops 20a and the comfort of wearing them, it is preferable that the width d of the loops of the ear loops 20a is generally constant, and it is particularly preferable that the widths of the upper transition portion 23, the hook portion 24, and the lower transition portion 26 are approximately equal. Even with a mask in which the width of the loops of the ear loops 20a is generally constant, it is possible to obtain ear loops 20a with optimal stretch characteristics.

[0092] One aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a mask, comprising: (a) stretching an elastic member in a predetermined direction by a predetermined factor, overlaying a surface material on at least one side of the elastic member, intermittently bonding the elastic member and the surface material to obtain a laminate, and then relaxing and cutting the laminate to form a plurality of single-sheet ear loop sheets each including a pair of ear loops; (b) overlaying a mask body band that forms a mask body on two ear loop sheets spaced apart in the predetermined direction, and bonding the ear loop sheet to the mask body band so that the pair of ear loops are respectively attached to both lateral ends of the mask body; and (c) cutting the mask body band to form individual masks, each of which has a high-stretch portion that easily stretches laterally when worn and a low-stretch portion that does not easily stretch laterally. This manufacturing method allows for the easy production of masks with ear loops that have optimal stretch characteristics according to size and are comfortable to wear.

[0093] In the above manufacturing method, it is preferable that the value obtained by multiplying the predetermined magnification by the length (unit: mm) of the high extensible portion in the left-right direction is set to 75 to 145. That is, when the predetermined magnification is k and the length of the high extensible portion in the left-right direction is w, e1 (unit: mm) k×w e1 It is preferable that the ratio is 75 to 145.

[0094] In the above manufacturing method, after forming the ear loop sheets (a), auxiliary material strips can be attached to the ear loop sheets so as to overlap adjacent ear loop sheets before or after joining the ear loop sheets to the mask body band (b). In addition, when cutting the mask body band (c), the mask body band and the auxiliary material strip can be cut together. [Example]

[0095] Ear loops with different elongation ratios were fabricated, masks were manufactured using these, and the wearing comfort was evaluated.

[0096] (Example 1) A mask with the configuration shown in Figure 10 was produced. m A mask body having a three-layer nonwoven fabric structure with pleats (Fig. 10) was prepared. e The ear loop sheet was made by laminating two ear loops with a diameter of 67.5 mm. The ear loop sheet was made by laminating a spunbond nonwoven fabric (15 g / m²) on both sides of a stretchable film (made of polyolefin resin, maximum stretch ratio 4 times) in the same manner as described with reference to Figs. 7 and 8. 2 The elongation ratio k of the material of this ear loop sheet was 2.7. The length w of the highly elongated portion of the ear loop e1 The elongation ratio k and the length of the highly elongated part w e1 The value obtained by multiplying this by 2.7 x 37.6 is 101.52.

[0097] The auxiliary material is a spunbond nonwoven fabric (weight 30 g / m 2 The ear loops and the auxiliary material were joined by heat sealing, forming a joint that was 3 to 5 mm in the left-right direction D2. The mask body and the auxiliary material were also joined by heat sealing, forming a joint that was 3 to 10 mm in the left-right direction D2.

[0098] (Example 2) A mask with the same shape and size as in Example 1 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that an ear loop with an elongation ratio k of 2.5 was used. e1 The value obtained by multiplying this by 2.5 x 37.6 is 94.

[0099] (Example 3) A mask with the same shape and size as in Example 1 was produced in the same manner as in Example 1, except that an ear loop with an elongation ratio of 2.3 was used. The elongation ratio k and the length w of the highly elongated portion e1 The value obtained by multiplying this by 2.3 x 37.6 is 86.48.

[0100] Nine evaluators evaluated each of the masks in Examples 1 to 3. The evaluation items were "ease of wearing," "ease of stretching the ear loops," "overall wearing comfort," and "wear comfort around the ears," all of which were rated on a five-point scale. The evaluation results were determined by arithmetically averaging the evaluations of the nine evaluators for each item. The evaluation criteria were as follows:

[0101] 1: Bad 2: Somewhat bad 3: Neither 4: Fairly good 5: Good

[0102] The results are shown in Figure 11. It was found that all examples received relatively good ratings of 3.5 or more in all categories. In particular, Example 2 was found to receive the highest ratings in the categories of "fitting comfort" and "fitting comfort to the ears." [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1. 1S Mask 2 First surface material 2A 1st surface material band 3 Second surface material 3A 2nd surface material band 5 Elastic film (elastic material) 5A Elastic film strip (elastic material strip) 6A multilayer structure 8A laminate 10 Mask body 10A Mask body belt 15 pleats 20 Ear hook sheet 20a Ear hook 20A Ear hook sheet band 22 Fixed part 23 Upper transition 24 Hook part 26 Lower transition section 28 Separable joints 29 Aperture 30 Auxiliary materials 30A auxiliary material strip 100 Mask ear loop manufacturing equipment 121 First surface material band supply means 122 Second surface material strip supply means 123 Elastic film strip supply means 140 Welding means 160 Relaxation Measures 180 Punching means 200 Mask component assembling device 221 Mask body belt supply means 240 Joining / cutting section 300 Mask manufacturing equipment B1 1st joint B2 2nd joint D1 Mask vertical direction D2 Mask left / right direction Dt Transport direction

Claims

1. The mask body and A mask comprising a pair of annular ear loops respectively connected to both ends of the mask body in the left-right direction, The pair of ear loops are formed in a single sheet shape and are arranged on the mask body without protruding from the mask body at least in the left-right direction before use, The ear hook portion has a stretchable member which is a stretchable film, and a first surface material and a second surface material which are nonwoven fabrics bonded to a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface of the stretchable member, respectively, in a state in which the stretchable member is stretched in the left-right direction from its natural length by a predetermined ratio, The ear hook portion has a high-extension portion that is easily stretched in the left-right direction and a low-extension portion that is difficult to stretch in the left-right direction, The length of the mask body in the left-right direction is 160 mm or less, The width of the loop of the ear hook is generally constant, The predetermined magnification is k, and the length of the high elongation portion in the left-right direction is w ｅ１ (unit: mm) k x w ｅ１ =88 to 94, mask.

2. The length w of the ear hook portion in the left-right direction ｅ (unit: mm), w ｅ１／ w ｅ 2. The mask of claim 1, wherein: .times. ...

3. The mask according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ear loops are disposed on an outer surface of the mask body.

4. Further provided with a sheet-like auxiliary material, The mask according to claim 1 , wherein the ear loops are connected to the mask body via the supporting material.

5. (a) forming a plurality of single-sheet ear loop sheets, each including a pair of annular ear loops having a generally uniform width, each having a high-stretch portion that is easily stretched in the left-right direction and a low-stretch portion that is difficult to stretch in the left-right direction, and arranged on a mask body having a length of 160 mm or less in the left-right direction so as not to protrude from the mask body at least in the left-right direction, In a state where the stretchable member, which is a stretchable film, is stretched in the left-right direction by a predetermined magnification, a first surface material and a second surface material, which are nonwoven fabrics, are laid on a first surface of the stretchable member and a second surface opposite to the first surface, respectively, and the predetermined magnification is k and the length of the high extensibility portion in the left-right direction is w ｅ１ (unit: mm) k x w ｅ１ = 88 to 94, The stretchable member is intermittently bonded to the first surface material and the second surface material to obtain a laminate; The laminate is relaxed in the left-right direction, cutting; (b) overlapping a mask body band forming the mask body with the two ear loop sheets spaced apart in the left-right direction, and connecting the ear loop sheets to the mask body band so that the pair of ear loops are connected to both ends of the mask body in the left-right direction, respectively; (c) cutting the mask body strip to form individual masks.

6. The length w of the ear hook portion in the left-right direction ｅ (unit: mm), w ｅ１／ w ｅ 6. The method for manufacturing a mask according to claim 5, wherein the ratio of the saturation peak to the saturation peak is 0.45 to 37.6 / 67.5.

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