Gas inhalation mask

Abstract

To make an improvement from a view-point of environmental problems in SDGs (sustainable development goals), as the mask body of a gas inhalation mask is formed with some thickness because of formation by injection molding for example and is formed by using about 100 g plastic, while a medical gas inhalation mask or the like is used in contact with a patient, so that it is disposable, which as a result produces large amount of plastic waste, with large environmental impact caused.SOLUTION: A gas inhalation mask includes a mask body formed with paper, non-woven fabric or cloth and a tube attachment member. The tube attachment member is installed on an attachment opening provided on the mask body. When the mask body is made to wear on a patient, the tube axis line connected to the tube connection part of the tube attachment member is undirected to the face of the patient, in the gas inhalation mask in use.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical gas inhalation mask such as an oxygen inhalation mask. [Background technology]

[0002] When supplying a gas such as oxygen to a subject such as a patient, a gas inhalation mask is worn on the subject's face, a tube is connected, and the gas is supplied through the tube and inhaled by the subject. Such gas inhalation masks are made entirely of plastic. Patent Document 1 describes a mask device for supplying oxygen to a patient. In the mask device of Patent Document 1, the mask body, which is worn so as to cover the patient's nose and mouth, is made of almost transparent soft vinyl chloride. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 080357 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In medical gas inhalation masks, such as oxygen inhalation masks, the mask body, which is worn over the subject's nose and mouth, is made by injection molding and therefore has a certain thickness. The plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride, that forms the mask body weighs approximately 100g. On the other hand, medical gas inhalation masks, such as oxygen inhalation masks, are used in contact with the subject and are therefore disposable. This results in the generation of a large amount of plastic waste. This situation places a heavy burden on the environment and requires improvement from the perspective of environmental issues as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Non-medical gas inhalation masks also use a large amount of disposable plastic. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, a gas inhalation mask in one embodiment of the present invention comprises a mask body made of paper, nonwoven fabric or cloth, and a tube attachment member, wherein the tube attachment member is attached to an attachment opening provided in the mask body, and when the mask body is attached to a subject, the axis of the tube connected to the tube connection part of the tube attachment member does not point directly toward the subject's face. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] By forming the mask body from paper, nonwoven fabric, or cloth, plastic waste can be reduced. Because the mask body is made of paper, nonwoven fabric, or cloth, it is weaker than plastic. However, because the axis of the tube connected to the tube connection part of the tube mounting member is not directly facing the subject's face, the force that would deform the mask body is less likely to be transmitted from the tube to the mask body. This makes it possible to provide an environmentally friendly gas inhalation mask with sufficient strength. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a gas inhalation mask according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a side view of a gas inhalation mask according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the mask body in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view of the tube mounting member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the tube mounting member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view of the tube mounting member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a side view of the gas inhalation mask attached to the subject in Example 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a front view of a gas inhalation mask according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a side view of a gas inhalation mask according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view of the tube mounting member according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a side view of the tube mounting member according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the tube mounting member according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the tube mounting member according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a tube mounting member to which a gas sensor according to a second embodiment is attached. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a side view of a gas inhalation mask attached to a subject in Example 3. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the mask body in the third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a front view of a mask body in Example 4. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a side view of a gas inhalation mask attached to a subject in Example 5. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a side view of a gas inhalation mask according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In this application, the direction of the forehead when attached to a subject in the drawings is described as "up," the direction of the chin as "down," and the direction of the cheek as "side." Even for a rotating tube attachment member, the up and down directions are described in terms of the rotated position in the drawings. Furthermore, the direction the subject faces when the gas inhalation mask is attached to the subject is described as "front," and the opposite direction is described as "back." [Example]

[0009] 1 shows a front view of a gas inhalation mask 1 in Example 1. In Example 1, the gas inhalation mask 1 is formed by attaching a tube mounting member 12 to the center of a hemispherical mask body 11. Two elastic bands 13 are fixed to the mask body 11. The gas inhalation mask 1 can be fixed to the face of the subject S by wrapping the two elastic bands 13 around the back of the head of the subject S.

[0010] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the gas inhalation mask 1 of Example 1. In FIG. 2, the mask body 11 is shown in cross section, and the tube mounting member 12 attached to the mask body 11 is shown from the side. The mask body 11 has a hemispherical shape. The tube mounting member 12 has an intake flow path 122 therein. The intake flow path 122 passes from the tube connection portion 122a through the tube mounting member 12 and leads from the mounting opening 111 of the mask body 11 into the mask body 11.

[0011] The mask body 11 of the first embodiment is made of cardboard made from natural fibers, and the tube attachment member 12 is made of hard polyvinyl chloride, which is a hard plastic. Therefore, when disposing of the gas inhalation mask 1, the mask body 11 and the tube attachment member 12 can be separated and sorted.

[0012] 3 shows a front view of the mask body 11 of the gas inhalation mask 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The mask body 11 has a circular mounting opening 111 in the center. Two elastic bands 13 are fixed to four locations on the outer surface near the peripheral edge of the mask body 11. The mask body 11 of Example 1 is made of cardboard made from natural fibers, and has the strength required for the mask body 11 and a certain degree of flexibility.

[0013] 4 to 6 show enlarged views of the tube mounting member 12 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 4 shows a front view of the tube mounting member 12 of the gas inhalation mask 1, FIG. 5 shows a rear view, and FIG. 6 shows a side view. The tube mounting member 12 has four locking portion connecting portions 121b protruding toward the rear from a front locking portion 121a on the rear side (right side in FIG. 6). Rear side locking portions 121c extend from the tips of the locking portion connecting portions 121b in the up-down and lateral directions of the tube mounting member 12.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 5 , the hole of the inhalation flow path 122 is covered by a cover portion 123 on the back side of the tube mounting member 12. The cover portion 123 is made of a mesh material and is fixed by adhesive around the hole of the inhalation flow path 122 on the back side of the tube mounting member 12. Oxygen that passes through the inhalation flow path 122 passes through the cover portion 123 and is supplied to the back side of the mask body 11. On the other hand, the presence of the cover portion 123 prevents exhaled matter or exhaled liquid from the mouth of the subject S from entering the inhalation flow path 122. Even when the oxygen supply from the inhalation flow path 122 is stopped, exhaled matter or exhaled liquid does not enter the inhalation flow path 122. Therefore, exhaled matter or exhaled liquid can be prevented from entering the tube for supplying oxygen. Tubes that are not contaminated by exhaled matter or exhaled liquid do not need to be disposed of, and reusing them can further reduce the amount of plastic waste.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 6, the front side of the rear-side locking portion 121c is the surface of the front-side locking portion 121a. As shown in FIG. 2, the tube mounting member 12 is attached to the mounting opening 111 of the mask body 11 so that the rear-side locking portion 121c is located on the rear side of the mounting opening 111. The locking portion connecting portion 121b shown in FIG. 6 is located inside the circular mounting opening 111 shown in FIG. 3, and the periphery of the mounting opening 111 in the mask body 11 is sandwiched between the front-side locking portion 121a and the rear-side locking portion 121c. This allows the tube mounting member 12 to be rotatably attached to the mask body 11. In FIG. 1, the tube connecting portion 122a of the tube mounting member 12 protrudes to the right, and the tube axis TA is aligned to the right, but the direction of the tube axis TA can be rotated 360°, including to the left and in the up-down direction.

[0016] When attaching the tube mounting member 12 to the mask body 11, the tube mounting member 12 is brought toward the mounting opening 111 from the front side of the mask body 11, which is the left side in FIG. 2 . Then, the four rear-side locking portions 121c formed on the tube mounting member 12 are inserted sequentially into the mounting opening 111 of the mask body 11. When the attachment is completed in this manner, the periphery of the mounting opening 111 is sandwiched between the front-side locking portions 121a and the rear-side locking portions 121c at four locations, so the tube mounting member 12 does not easily come off the mask body 11. In addition, the locking portion connecting portions 121b are located at four locations inside the circular mounting opening 111, and the locking portion connecting portions 121b can move along the inside of the mounting opening 111, allowing the tube mounting member 12 to rotate 360°. In this way, the orientation of the tube connecting portion 122a and the tube axis TA shown in FIG. 1 can rotate 360°.

[0017] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the gas inhalation mask 1 of Example 1 attached to the face of a subject S. The mask body 11 is shown in cross section. In FIG. 7, the gas inhalation mask 1 is attached to the face of the subject S lying on his back. The elastic bands 13 are not shown. As shown in FIG. 7, when the mask body 11 is attached to the subject S, the center of the attachment opening 111 is located between the underside of the nose N and the mouth M of the subject S when viewed from the front as indicated by the arrow.

[0018] In Example 1, the center of the mounting opening 111 coincides with the center of the mask body 11. Although not shown, the outlet of the intake flow path 122 provided on the mask body 11 side of the tube mounting member 12 is circular, and its center coincides with the center of the mounting opening 111. When the direction from the forehead F to the chin C when the gas inhalation mask 1 is attached to the face of the subject S is defined as the vertical direction, and the left-right direction of the face is defined as the horizontal direction, it is preferable that the deviation between the center of the mask body 11 and the center of the mounting opening 111 is within 10% of the width of the mask body 11 in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0019] 7, the mask body 11 is shaped so that a certain amount of space is created between it and the face of the subject S. If this volume is small, oxygen supplied into the mask body 11 when the subject S exhales will leak out of the mask body 11 without being inhaled by the subject S. However, if there is a certain amount of volume, some of the oxygen supplied into the mask body 11 when the subject S exhales will remain in the space and be inhaled by the subject S when the subject S inhales. Therefore, oxygen can be efficiently supplied to the subject S. When the gas inhalation mask 1 is attached to the face of the subject S, the space is preferably 30 cc or more and 200 cc or less, and more preferably 80 cc or more and 150 cc or less.

[0020] As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 6, the tube connecting portion 122a has a tube axis TA, which is the axis of the attached tube (not shown), shown by a dotted line in FIG. 1, oriented laterally with respect to the face. The tube axis TA is oriented at an angle of 90° with respect to the vertical direction V of the attachment opening 111, shown by a dotted line in FIG. 2. As a result, the tube connecting portion 122a is configured to connect to a tube in a direction offset from the vertical direction V of the attachment opening 111. The gas inhalation mask 1 of Example 1 is configured so that, when the mask body 11 is attached to the face of the subject S, the tube axis TA does not face directly toward the face of the subject S. Therefore, a force that deforms the mask body 11 is not easily transmitted from the tube to the mask body 11. Furthermore, when the gas inhalation mask 1 is attached to the subject S, the tube can be easily handled. In addition, the gas inhalation mask 1 of Example 1 is configured so that the orientation of the tube connecting portion 122a and the tube axis TA, shown in FIG. 1, can be rotated 360°. Therefore, the tube can be handled more easily, and the force that would deform the mask body 11 is less likely to be transmitted from the tube to the mask body 11.

[0021] A hole for the intake flow path 122 is formed in the tube mounting member 12, extending from the back surface of the tube mounting member 12 to the inside of the tube connecting portion 122a. The intake flow path 122 has a hole formed perpendicular to the surface of the front locking portion 121a, which bends 90° in the tube mounting member 12 and passes through the tube connecting portion 122a. Therefore, even without the cover portion 123, the bend in the intake flow path 122 can prevent exhaled matter or exhaled liquid from entering the tube for supplying oxygen to some extent. However, in Example 1, the cover portion 123 and the bend in the intake flow path 122 can reliably prevent exhaled matter, etc. from entering the tube. [Example]

[0022] FIG. 8 shows a front view of the gas inhalation mask 2 in Example 2. The gas inhalation mask 2 in Example 2 can be fitted with a gas sensor 3 to measure gas concentrations. FIG. 8 shows the state in which the gas sensor 3 is fitted to the gas inhalation mask 2. The gas inhalation mask 2 in Example 2 is formed by attaching a tube mounting member 22 to a mask main body 21, as in Example 1. Two elastic bands 23 are fixed to the mask main body 21. The gas inhalation mask 2 can be fixed to the face of the subject S by wrapping the two elastic bands 13 around the back of the head of the subject S. The mask main body 21 in Example 2 is the same as the mask main body 11 in Example 1 shown in FIG.

[0023] In the gas inhalation mask 2 shown in Fig. 8, a gas sensor 3 is attached to the tube mounting member 22. The gas sensor 3 of Example 2 sends an output according to the amount of received infrared light to a measuring instrument (not shown) via the sensor wiring 31, calculates the carbon dioxide concentration, and displays it on a display (not shown). In Example 2, as shown in Fig. 8, the sensor wiring 31 and the tube connecting portion 222a face in the same direction, and the sensor wiring 31 and the tube (not shown) that supplies gas extend in the same direction near the gas inhalation mask 2.

[0024] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the gas inhalation mask 2 of Example 2. In FIG. 9, the mask body 21 is shown in cross section, and the tube mounting member 22 attached to the mask body 21 is shown in side view. The gas sensor 3 is removed. The mask body 21 is hemispherical. The tube mounting member 22 of Example 2 has an inhalation flow path 222 and an exhalation flow path 223 inside. The exhalation flow path 223 guides exhaled air to the outside of the mask. The inhalation flow path 222 passes through a hole in the tube connection portion 222a of the tube mounting member 22 and leads into the mask body 21. The exhalation flow path 223 passes through the tube mounting member 22 from inside the mask body 21 and leads to the exhalation outlet 223a on the side. The window 223c in FIG. 9 is provided midway along the exhalation flow path. The tube mounting member 22 of Example 2 is formed of a polymer compound such as rigid polyvinyl chloride or polyester, which is a hard plastic.

[0025] 10 to 13 show enlarged views of the tube mounting member 22 of the gas inhalation mask 2. Fig. 10 shows a front view, Fig. 11 shows a side view, Fig. 12 shows a bottom view, and Fig. 13 shows a rear view. The tube mounting member 22 is provided with locking portion connecting portions 221b at four locations on the rear side, and rear side locking portions 221c are provided at the tips of the locking portion connecting portions 221b toward the top, bottom, and sides of the tube mounting member 22. The tube mounting member 22 has four locking portion connecting portions 221b protruding toward the rear from a front side locking portion 221a on the rear side (right side in Fig. 11). And, rear side locking portions 221c extend from the tips of the locking portion connecting portions 221b toward the top, bottom, and sides of the tube mounting member 22.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 11, the front side of the rear-side locking portion 221c forms the front-side locking portion 221a. As shown in Fig. 9, the tube mounting member 22 is attached to the mounting opening 211 of the mask body 21 so that the rear-side locking portion 221c is located on the rear side of the mounting opening 211. As in the first embodiment, the locking portion connecting portion 221b shown in Fig. 11 is located inside the circular mounting opening 211, and the periphery of the mounting opening 211 is sandwiched between the front-side locking portion 221a and the rear-side locking portion 221c, so that the tube mounting member 22 is rotatably attached to the mask body 21. In Fig. 8, the tube connecting portion 222a of the tube mounting member 22 protrudes to the right, but can rotate 360°. The same applies to the sensor wiring 31.

[0027] When attaching the tube mounting member 22 to the mask body 21, the tube mounting member 22 is brought close to the mounting opening 211 from the outside of the mask body 21. Then, the four rear-side locking portions 221c formed on the tube mounting member 22 are inserted sequentially into the mounting opening 211 of the mask body 21. When the attachment is completed in this manner, the periphery of the mounting opening 211, which has a certain degree of strength, is sandwiched at four points between the front-side locking portions 221a and the rear-side locking portions 221c, so the tube mounting member 22 does not easily come off the mask body 21. In addition, the locking portion connecting portions 221b are located at four points inside the circular mounting opening 211, and the locking portion connecting portions 221b can move along the inside of the mounting opening 211, allowing the tube mounting member 22 to rotate 360°. In this way, the orientation of the tube connecting portions 222a, the tube axis TA, and the sensor wiring 31 shown in FIG. 8 can rotate 360°.

[0028] 13, a round hole on the back surface of the tube mounting member 22 of Example 2 is an intake air flow path 222, which is connected to a hole provided in the tube connecting portion 222a. Oxygen supplied from the tube is supplied to the inside of the mask body 21 from the intake air flow path 222 shown in FIG.

[0029] 13 is the inlet on the rear side of the exhalation flow path 223 provided in the tube mounting member 22. The exhalation flow path 223 shown in FIG. 13 discharges exhaled air to the outside of the mask from the exhalation outlet 223a (FIG. 12), which is the underside of the tube mounting member 22. Light-transmitting windows 223c are provided on both sides of the exhalation flow path 223 through which the exhaled air passes. One of the windows 223c is shown in FIG. 11, and the other window 223c is provided in a position opposite the window 223c shown in FIG. 11. The positions of the two windows 223c are shown in FIG. 10. The exhalation flow path 223 in the portion where the window 223c is provided is a square hole, and windows 223c are provided on two opposing walls.

[0030] An inhalation flow path 222 and an exhalation flow path 223 are provided in the tube mounting member 22. A hole for the inhalation flow path 222 is formed in the tube mounting member 22 from the back surface of the tube mounting member 22 to the inside of the tube connection portion 222a. The inhalation flow path 222 has a hole formed perpendicular to the surface of the front locking portion 221a, which bends 90 degrees to the side in the tube mounting member 22 and passes through the tube connection portion 222a. The inhalation flow path 222 does not have a cover portion as in Example 1, but the bend in the inhalation flow path 222 can prevent exhaled matter or exhaled liquid from entering the tube for supplying oxygen. However, if a cover portion is provided as in Example 1, exhaled matter and the like can be reliably prevented from entering the tube. The expiratory flow path 223 has a square hole formed perpendicular to the surface of the front locking portion 221a, which bends downward by 90° inside the tube mounting member 22, passes between windows 223c formed in the sensor mounting portion 223b, and connects to the downward-facing expiratory discharge port 223a. The expiratory flow path 223 does not have a cover.

[0031] The gas sensor 3 shown in Figure 8 has a concave shape. Figure 14 shows a bottom view of the tube mounting member 22 to which the gas sensor 3 is attached. The gas sensor 3 is attached so as to straddle the sensor mounting portion 223b, through which the expiratory gas flow path 223 passes. One of the two branches of the gas sensor 3 is provided with an infrared light emitting element, and the other is provided with an infrared light receiving element. Infrared light is irradiated toward one of the windows 223c, and the infrared light that passes through the expiratory gas flow path 223 is received through the other window 223c. Because infrared light of a specific wavelength is absorbed by carbon dioxide, the carbon dioxide concentration in the exhaled air flowing through the expiratory gas flow path 223 can be detected based on the intensity of the received infrared light of the specific wavelength.

[0032] In the gas inhalation mask 2 of Example 2 shown in Figures 8 and 9, when the mask body 21 is attached to the face of the subject S, the tube axis TA is also configured not to face directly toward the face of the subject S. Therefore, a force that would deform the mask body 21 is unlikely to be transmitted from the tube to the mask body 21. Furthermore, when the gas inhalation mask 2 is attached to the subject S, the tube is easy to handle. In addition, in the gas inhalation mask 2 of Example 2, the direction in which the tube connection part 222a and the tube axis face can be rotated 360°. Therefore, the tube is even easier to handle, and a force that would deform the mask body 21 is unlikely to be transmitted from the tube to the mask body 21. [Example]

[0033] FIG. 15 shows a side view of the gas inhalation mask 4 of Example 3 attached to a subject S. In FIG. 15, the mask body 41 is shown in cross section, and the tube attachment member 42 attached to the mask body 41 is shown in profile. In FIG. 15, the gas inhalation mask 4 is attached to the face of the subject S lying on his back. The elastic band 43 is omitted from FIG. 15 and is shown in FIG. 16, which shows the mask body 41. The mask body 41 has a hemispherical shape. The tube attachment member 42 is the same as the tube attachment member 22 of Example 2. An inhalation flow path 422 and an exhalation flow path 423 (not shown) pass through the inside, and the attachment member 422a, the exhalation outlet 423a, the sensor attachment portion 423b, and the window 423c are included. As shown in FIG. 15, when the mask body 41 is attached to the subject S, the center of the attachment opening 411 is located between the subject S's nose N and mouth M as viewed from the front as indicated by the arrow.

[0034] In Example 3, a part of the cut-out portion of the mounting opening 411 of the mask body 41 remains, forming a cover portion 412. FIG. 16 is a rear view of the mask body 41. The portion of the mask body 41 made of cardboard is indicated by diagonal lines. The mask body 41 has a semicircular cut-out slightly below the center, forming the mounting opening 411. In addition, an arc-shaped cut is made above the center, and the mask body 41 is folded so as to fall toward the back side, forming the cover portion 412. The cover portion 412 is connected to the outer mask body 41 near the fold. In Example 3, due to the connected portion, the tube mounting member 42 does not rotate.

[0035] 15, when the mask body 41 is attached to the face of the subject S, the tube axis is not directly directed toward the face of the subject S. Therefore, the force that deforms the mask body 41 is not easily transmitted from the tube to the mask body 41. Furthermore, when attached to the subject S, the tube is easy to handle.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 15, the cover portion 412 provided on the mask body 41 is positioned between the position of the subject S's mouth and the outlet of the inhalation flow path 422 in the tube mounting member 42, and functions as a filter. The cover portion 412 makes it difficult for exhaled matter or exhaled liquid from the subject S's mouth to enter the inhalation flow path 422. This makes it possible to prevent exhaled matter or exhaled liquid from entering the tube for supplying oxygen. In addition, the inhalation flow path 422 is bent at 90 degrees, making it even more difficult for exhaled matter to reach the tube. Because the tube is not contaminated, it does not need to be disposed of, and by reusing it, the amount of plastic waste can be further reduced. [Example]

[0037] 17 shows a front view of the mask body 51 in Example 4. The mask body 51 has a circular mounting opening 511, to which the tube mounting member 12 of Example 1 or the tube mounting member 22 of Example 2 can be rotatably mounted. The mask body 51 has openings 513 on both sides of the mounting opening 511. Two elastic bands 53 are fixed to the mask body 51.

[0038] In Examples 1 to 3, the mask body is made of cardboard and is not transparent. Therefore, when a gas inhalation mask using the mask body is attached to a subject S, the subject S's facial color, etc., cannot be seen. However, unlike Examples 1 to 3, the mask body 51 of Example 4 shown in FIG. 17 has openings 513 on both sides. The face of the subject S inside the mask body 51 can be seen through the openings 513. Although supplied oxygen leaks from the openings 513, the subject S can ingest a high concentration of oxygen because a portion of the openings is covered by the mask body 51. When the tube mounting members 22 and 42 of Examples 2 and 3 are used, a portion of the exhaled air enters the exhalation flow paths 223 and 423, allowing the carbon dioxide concentration of the exhaled air to be detected. Furthermore, although it is generally recommended to flow oxygen at a rate of 5 L / min or more to blow out the exhaled air inside the mask, the mask body of Example 4 has openings, which reduces re-inhalation of exhaled air, allowing a constant flow rate of oxygen to be administered. [Example]

[0039] FIG. 18 shows a side view of the gas inhalation mask 6 in Example 5 attached to a subject S. The mask body 61 is shown in cross section, and the tube attachment member 62 attached to the mask body 61 is shown from the side. In FIG. 18, the gas inhalation mask 6 is attached to the face of the subject S lying on his back. The tube attachment member 62 is rotatably attached to the attachment opening 611 of the mask body 61 by the locking portion 621, as in Examples 1 and 2. In FIG. 18, the elastic band is not shown. In Example 5, a flange portion 623 is formed around the periphery of the mask body 61. The flange portion 623 widens the width of the edge of the mask body 61 that comes into contact with the face of the subject S.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 18, the direction of the tube connection portion 622a of the tube mounting member 62 is oblique. As in the other embodiments, an intake flow path 622 (not shown) is provided within the tube connection portion 622a. When the mask body 11 is attached to the subject S, the center of the attachment opening 611 is located between the bottom of the nose N and the mouth M of the subject S when viewed from the front as indicated by the arrow. In the fifth embodiment, the center of the attachment opening 611 coincides with the center of the mask body 61. When the gas inhalation mask 6 is attached to the face of the subject S, if the direction from the forehead F to the chin C is defined as the vertical direction and the left-right direction of the face is defined as the horizontal direction, it is preferable that the deviation between the center of the mask body 61 and the center of the attachment opening 611 is within 10% of the width of the mask body 61 in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0041] 18, the tube axis TA, which is the axis of a tube (not shown) to be connected, is indicated by a dotted line, and the vertical direction V of the mounting opening 611 is indicated by a dashed line. As shown in FIG. 18, the tube connecting portion 622a has the tube axis TA, which is the axis of the tube to be attached, oriented at an angle of 60° with respect to the vertical direction V of the mounting opening 611. As a result, the tube connecting portion 622a is configured so that the tube is connected in a direction offset from the vertical direction V of the mounting opening 611. Note that in Example 1 and the like, the tube axis TA is oriented at an angle of 90° with respect to the vertical direction V of the mounting opening 611. Also in Example 5, when the mask body 61 is attached to the subject S, the tube axis TA connected to the tube connecting portion 622a of the tube mounting member 62 does not point directly toward the face of the subject S. This makes it easy to handle the tube when connected to the tube connecting portion 622a. Furthermore, force is also less likely to be applied to the vicinity of the mounting opening 611 of the mask body 61, making it less likely for the mask body 61 to deform. In addition, the gas inhalation mask 6 of Example 5 is configured so that the tube connection part 622a and the tube axis TA can be rotated. This makes it even easier to handle the tube, and also makes it less likely for force that would deform the mask body 61 to be transmitted from the tube to the mask body 61.

[0042] The mask body 61 in Example 5 has flange portions 623 around the periphery, which are face contact pieces that extend outward from the edge, to widen the width of the edge that comes into contact with the face of the subject S. However, face contact pieces that extend inward from the edge may be provided around the entire periphery or part of the entire periphery of the mask body to increase the area of ​​the portion that comes into contact with the face of the subject S. Also, the edge shape may be curved to fit the shape of the face. [Example]

[0043] In each of the above-described embodiments, the mask body of the gas inhalation mask is hemispherical, but a beak-shaped (also called a diamond-shaped or tri-fold type) mask may also be used. FIG. 19 shows a side view of the gas inhalation mask 7 in Example 6. The mask body 71 and elastic bands 73 of the gas inhalation mask 7 form a beak-shaped mask. The elastic bands 73 are used by hanging them over the ears of the subject S. FIG. 19 shows the mask folded in three and opened. The mask body 71 is made of plastic fiber, and is mainly made of polypropylene nonwoven fabric.

[0044] In the gas inhalation mask 7 of Example 6, a tube mounting member 72 is adhered and fixed to a mask body 71. As with the tube mounting member 12 of Example 1, an intake flow path 722 is bent 90° from the hole of the tube connection portion 722a toward the mask body 71 and connected to a hole facing the mask body 71. Unlike Example 1 and the like, the mask body 71 does not have an attachment opening, and a fixing portion 723 of the tube mounting member 72 is adhered to the mask body 71.

[0045] Because the mask body 71 does not have an attachment opening, the outlet of the inhalation flow path 722 in the tube attachment member 72 is blocked by a portion of the mask body 71. However, because the mask body 71 is made of nonwoven fabric, oxygen that passes through the inhalation flow path 722 passes through the mask body 71 and is supplied to the back side of the mask body 71. As such, in Example 6, a portion of the mask body 71 serves as a cover portion. Furthermore, exhaled matter or exhaled liquid from the subject S's mouth is prevented from entering the inhalation flow path 722 by the cover portion, which is a part of the mask body 71. Even when the oxygen supply from the inhalation flow path 722 is stopped, exhaled matter or exhaled liquid does not enter the inhalation flow path 722. Therefore, exhaled matter or exhaled liquid can be prevented from entering the tube connected to the tube connection portion 722a to supply oxygen. Because the tube is not contaminated, it does not need to be disposable, and reusing it can further reduce the amount of plastic waste.

[0046] The tube mounting member 72 is rotatably connected between the fixed portion 723 and the rotating portion 724. Therefore, the direction in which the tube connection portion 722a protrudes and the direction of the tube axis TA can rotate 360°. In the case of Example 6, the tube axis TA, which is the axis of the tube, is in a direction at an angle of 90° with respect to the vertical direction V of the mounting surface of the tube mounting member 72 to the mask body 71, but is not directed directly toward the face of the subject S.

[0047] In the gas inhalation mask 7 of Example 6 shown in FIG. 19, when the mask body 71 is attached to the face of the subject S, the tube axis does not point directly toward the face of the subject S. Therefore, a force that would deform the mask body 71 is not easily transmitted from the tube to the mask body 71. Furthermore, the tube is easy to handle when attached to the subject S. In addition, in the gas inhalation mask 7 of Example 6, the direction in which the tube connection part 722a and the tube axis point can be rotated 360°. Therefore, the tube is even easier to handle, and a force that would deform the mask body 71 is not easily transmitted from the tube to the mask body 71.

[0048] In the above embodiments, the mask body of the gas inhalation mask is a hemispherical or beak-shaped (diamond-shaped) mask, but it may be other shapes such as a shape that fits the face. However, in order to effectively use the gas supplied at the timing of the subject S's exhalation, it is preferable that there is a space of 30 cc or more and 200 cc or less between the mask body and the face of a typical subject S, and it is even more preferable that there is a space of 80 cc or more and 150 cc or less.

[0049] In Examples 1 to 5 of the present invention, the mask body is formed from paper made from natural fibers, and the tube attachment member is formed from rigid polyvinyl chloride, a hard plastic. However, the mask body may also be formed from cloth or nonwoven fabric as in Example 6. The paper, nonwoven fabric, or cloth may be formed in part or entirely from plastic fiber as in Example 6. The nonwoven fabric or cloth preferably has a hardness that allows space to be maintained on the back side of the mask body. The nonwoven fabric or cloth may be breathable or non-breathable.

[0050] The raw materials for the paper, nonwoven fabric, and cloth fibers used in the mask body include polyester, polypropylene, cotton, and wood pulp. Conventional mask bodies are manufactured by molding polymer compounds such as soft polyvinyl chloride and polyester. Plastic molding involves pouring molten material into a mold and solidifying it, resulting in a thick mask body. This increases the weight of the plastic used. Nonwoven fabrics and cloths can be manufactured thinly without the conventional molding process, even when using polyester fibers. Because paper, nonwoven fabric, and cloth use fibers, they can achieve the strength and rigidity required for a thin mask body. Even if the mask body is made entirely of plastic, it can be manufactured using less plastic than a conventional plastic mask body. Using fibers that incorporate natural fibers into plastic fibers or that are entirely natural fibers can further reduce the environmental impact of the mask body.

[0051] Although the embodiment is for supplying oxygen to the subject, other gases may also be supplied. Furthermore, the tube attachment member may be formed from metal or other materials in addition to plastic. Because the tube attachment member is smaller than the mask body, hard plastic is used in the embodiment, but using a material derived from natural materials, such as sawdust solidified with adhesive, can further reduce the environmental impact.

[0052] As shown in the examples, the tube mounting member is configured so that when the mask body is attached to the subject, the tube axis, which is the axis of the tube connected to the tube connection portion, does not face directly toward the subject's face. The tube is connected to the tube connection portion in a direction offset from the perpendicular direction of the mounting opening. The angle between the tube axis and the perpendicular direction of the mounting opening or the mounting surface of the tube mounting member is 90° in Examples 1 to 4 and 6, and 60° in Example 5. The angle of the tube axis with respect to the perpendicular direction of the mounting opening or the mounting surface of the tube mounting member is preferably 45° or more and 100° or less, and more preferably 60° or more and 95° or less.

[0053] In Examples 1, 2, 4, and 5, the mounting opening is circular, and the tube mounting member is attached to the mounting opening of the mask body so as to be rotatable 360° by being held by the front-side locking portion, the locking portion connecting portion, and the back-side locking portion. However, the shape of the mounting opening may be changed to allow rotation within a partial range of 360°. Also, as in Example 3, the mounting opening may be so shaped that it cannot rotate, or the tube mounting member may be fixed by gluing it to the mask body around the mounting opening, or the edge of the mounting opening may be firmly pinched by the configuration of the tube mounting member to secure it.

[0054] In Example 1, a mesh cover 123 was provided at the outlet of the inhalation flow path 122, while in Example 3, a portion of the notch formed when forming the mounting opening 411 in the mask body 41 served as the cover 412. However, another member may be provided between the subject S's mouth and the inhalation flow path to serve as the cover. Alternatively, a breathable member may be attached to the inhalation flow path to serve as the cover. By providing a cover, exhaled matter or exhaled liquid from the subject's mouth can be filtered to prevent it from entering the gas supply tube when the gas supply from the inhalation flow path is stopped. Exhaled matter or exhaled liquid is particularly likely to reach the tube when the gas supply from the tube is stopped. The presence of the cover prevents contamination of the tube, eliminating the need to dispose of plastic tubes, thereby reducing the amount of plastic waste.

[0055] In the second and third embodiments, a mainstream method of directly measuring exhaled air is used to detect the carbon dioxide concentration, but a side stream method of detecting the carbon dioxide concentration of which part of the exhaled air is sucked in may also be used.

[0056] Furthermore, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments, and the present invention includes design changes within the scope of the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined by utilizing each other's technology as long as there are no particular contradictions or problems in the purpose, configuration, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1 Gas inhalation mask 11 Mask body 111 Mounting opening 12 Tube mounting member 121 Locking part 121a Front side locking part 121b Locking part connection part 121c Rear side locking part 122 intake passage 122a Tube connection 123 Cover 13 Elastic Bands 2 Gas inhalation mask 21 Mask body 211 Mounting opening 22 Tube mounting member 221 Locking part 221a Front side locking part 221b Locking part connection part 221c Rear side locking part 222 intake passage 222a Tube connection 223 Expiratory flow path 223a Exhalation outlet 223b Sensor mounting part 223c Window section 23 Elastic Bands 3 Gas Sensor 31 Sensor wiring 4 Gas inhalation mask 41 Mask body 411 Mounting opening 412 Cover part 42 Tube mounting member 421 Locking part 422 Intake passage 422a Tube connection 423 Expiratory flow path 423a Exhalation outlet 423b Sensor mounting part 423c Window section 43 Elastic Band 5 Gas inhalation mask 51 Mask body 511 Mounting opening 513 Opening 53 Elastic Band 6 Gas inhalation mask 61 Mask body 611 Mounting opening 62 Tube mounting member 621 Locking part 622 Intake passage 622a Tube connection 623 Flange 7 Gas inhalation mask 71 Mask body 72 Tube mounting member 722 Intake passage 722a Tube Connection 723 Fixed part 724 Rotating part 73 Elastic Band S Subject N nose M mouth C jaw F amount TA Tube Axis V Vertical

Claims

1. A mask body formed of paper or nonwoven fabric; a tube mounting member; The tube mounting member is attached to a mounting opening provided in the mask body, the tube attachment member has an inhalation flow path and an exhalation flow path; The intake passage is connected to a hole in a tube connection portion, The exhalation flow path guides exhaled air to the outside of the mask, The tube mounting member has a plurality of locking portion connecting portions protruding toward the rear side from a front side locking portion on the rear side, and a rear side locking portion extending from a tip of the locking portion connecting portion toward a side of the tube mounting member, the tube mounting member is attached to the mask body by sandwiching the periphery of the mounting opening in the mask body between the front side engaging portion and the plurality of rear side engaging portions, When the mask body is attached to the subject, the axis of the tube connected to the tube connecting portion of the tube attachment member does not point directly toward the face of the subject. Gas inhalation mask.

2. The mask body is hemispherical and covers the subject's nose and mouth, The center of the attachment opening is located between the subject's nose and mouth when viewed from the front when the mask body is attached to the subject.

2. The gas inhalation mask according to claim 1.

3. The mask body has a cover portion that is folded so that a slit is made in the mounting opening and that the cover portion is folded so that it falls toward the back side, The cover portion filters the exhaled matter or exhaled liquid of the subject.

2. The gas inhalation mask according to claim 1.

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