mask

Abstract

To provide a mask hardly generating floating from a mask body of a sheet-like ear hook part.SOLUTION: A mask includes a mask body, and a pair of sheet-like ear hook parts. Each ear hook part has: a junction bonded to a lateral direction end part on an outer surface of the mask body, and extending in a longitudinal direction; and an annular part extending to a lateral direction center from the junction, and deployable outward in the lateral direction. A notch is formed in the lateral direction from an inner edge of a junction adjacent part adjacent to the junction and extending in the longitudinal direction, of the annular part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A mask worn on the face generally has a mask body that at least partially covers the wearer's face, and a pair of ear loops respectively connected to the mask body, i.e., a pair of members that can be hung over each of the wearer's ears to hold the mask body in its worn position.

[0003] While most mask ear loops are string-like, sheet-like ear loops are also known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which first and second annular ear loops formed from one or more sheet pieces each have a base and an edge extending from the base to form an opening, with a portion of the base joined to one surface of the mask body by a joint. When using such a mask, the first and second ear loops are each deployed outward in a first direction (horizontal direction). At this time, the first and second ear loops are each folded back horizontally at the joint. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5436262 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, when both ear loops are deployed laterally outward during use, the portions of the bases of the ear loops that are not joined to the mask body (the non-jointed portions of the bases) are folded back and turned inside out. If the ear loops are joined to the outer surface of the mask body (the surface opposite the surface facing the face), depending on the position of the joints, the material of the ear loops, and how the mask is worn, the portions of the bases that are not joined to the mask body may not be aligned with the mask body surface and may float away from the mask body. Such floating ear loop portions may interfere with the wearer's movements while wearing the mask and may also detract from the mask's appearance.

[0006] In view of the above, one aspect of the present invention aims to provide a mask in which sheet-shaped ear loops are less likely to float from the mask body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is a mask comprising a mask body and a pair of sheet-like ear loops, each of which has a joint joined to the horizontal end of the outer surface of the mask body and extending vertically, and a ring-shaped portion extending from the joint to the horizontal center and capable of being deployed laterally outward, and a horizontal cut is formed from the inner edge of the ring-shaped portion adjacent to the joint and extending vertically.

[0008] When the mask is worn, the annular portion unfolds laterally outward, and the upper and lower portions of the annular portion (upper and lower extensions) that extend laterally are positioned between the main body and the wearer's ear. Because the vertical length of the wearer's ear is smaller than the vertical length of the main body, the annular portion deforms so that the distance between the upper and lower extensions decreases as the annular portion approaches the ear. This applies force to the joint-adjacent portion (the vertically extending portion adjacent to the joint), which is the portion of the annular portion closest to the main body, causing the joint-adjacent portion to curve so that its vertical center is closer to the horizontal center than its vertical ends. For example, when the mask is observed from the front or side of the wearer's face while worn, the joint-adjacent portion has a convex shape toward the horizontal center. This curvature makes the joint-adjacent portion, which is not attached to the main body, prone to rising or floating away from the main body. This rising or lifting (hereinafter referred to as "lifting") of the portion adjacent to the joint may hinder the wearer's movements while wearing the mask, and may also impair the appearance.

[0009] In contrast, according to the first aspect, a notch is formed from the inner edge of the joint-adjacent portion of the ear loop. When the joint-adjacent portion is bent, the end of the notch serves as the base point for deformation, facilitating movement of one of the separated pieces separated by the notch. Furthermore, since both sides can approach each other and even overlap, any floating that may occur due to the bending of the joint-adjacent portion is absorbed. This prevents floating of the annular portion from interfering with the wearer's movement. For example, when wearing some kind of equipment, such as a face shield, over the mask, the equipment can be prevented from getting caught on the floating. Furthermore, by suppressing floating, the mask's appearance when worn is neater, giving it a sophisticated and attractive impression.

[0010] In a second aspect of the present invention, the cut is formed in the central region in the longitudinal direction.

[0011] According to the second aspect, by providing the notch in the region where the degree of curvature of the joint-adjacent portion is greatest, that is, the central region in the longitudinal direction, it is possible to effectively suppress lifting of the annular portion.

[0012] In a third aspect of the present invention, the ratio of the length of the incision to the lateral length of the joint-adjacent portion is 0.3 or more.

[0013] According to the third aspect, the lateral length of the cut can be set to an appropriate length, and the effect of suppressing lifting can be improved.

[0014] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, a material-removed portion having an area of ​​a predetermined circle-equivalent diameter is formed at the end of the cut.

[0015] The end of the slit is close to the joint, making it difficult for the ear hook to deform. In contrast, according to the fourth aspect, by removing material from the end of the slit, the two pieces separated by the slit can move independently and overlap easily. In other words, even if the material making up the ear hook is highly rigid or the lateral length of the joint-adjacent portion is long, the joint-adjacent portion can easily deform, thereby preventing the ear hook from floating.

[0016] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined circle-equivalent diameter is 2 to 10 mm.

[0017] According to the fifth aspect, the area of ​​the material removed at the end of the incision can be made appropriately sized, thereby improving the effect of suppressing lifting of the adjacent joint area regardless of the material constituting the ear hook or the size of the adjacent joint area, and maintaining the function of the end of the incision as a base point for deformation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, a mask can be provided in which sheet-like ear loops are less likely to float away from the mask body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the mask according to the present embodiment as viewed from the outer surface side. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the mask shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the inner surface (face-facing surface) side. [Figure 3] 2 is a partial view showing the ear hooking part shown in FIG. 1 in a state after being opened to the side. FIG. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of a state in which a mask according to the present embodiment is worn, and a partially enlarged view of an area in which a cut is formed. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the notch and its surroundings of the mask shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the incision. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another modified example of the incision. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing yet another modified example of the incision. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, unless otherwise specified, the same or corresponding components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0021] The mask of this embodiment may be a mask that can cover the wearer's face, more specifically, at least the wearer's nose and mouth. The mask of this embodiment 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.

[0022] 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), i.e., the side that is exposed to the outside and does not face the face when worn. Fig. 2 shows a plan view of the mask as seen from the inside (the side that faces the face).

[0023] 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 1 (mask body 10) has a vertical direction (up-down direction) D1 that corresponds to the up-down direction of the wearer's face when worn, and a horizontal direction (left-right direction) D2 that corresponds to the left-right direction of the wearer's face when worn. The vertical direction D1 and the horizontal direction D2 are perpendicular to each other.

[0024] The mask body 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a rectangular shape in plan view with long sides in the horizontal direction D2, but the shape of the mask body 10 in plan view is not limited to that shown. Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mask body 10 has a pleated structure 15 formed by a plurality of pleats arranged in the vertical direction D1. The pleats of the pleated structure 15 are formed by folding the sheet constituting the mask body 10 along fold lines along the horizontal direction D2. The plurality of pleats are fixed in place by heat sealing or the like at both ends in the horizontal direction D2. Therefore, when the mask 1 is used, the pleats of the pleated structure 15 can be expanded in the vertical direction D1 at the center of the mask body 10 in the horizontal direction D2, while the pleats are fixed and do not expand at the ends in the horizontal direction D2. As a result, when the mask 1 is worn, the center of the mask body 10 in the horizontal direction D2 and the center of the mask body 10 in the vertical direction D1 can be curved so as to protrude toward the outer surface of the mask 1, allowing it to deform into a shape that fits the three-dimensional shape of the face. The specific configuration of the pleat structure 15 is not particularly limited, and may be a known configuration formed on the mask body. However, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is preferable to form box pleats in the center of the vertical direction D1, because this makes it easier to protrude the center of the vertical direction D1 of the mask body 10 away from the face when worn.

[0025] The mask body 10 may have a multilayer structure in which multiple layers are stacked. For example, the mask body 10 may have a structure including at least three layers, in which an intermediate layer with enhanced functionality for capturing foreign substances (dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses, etc.) is sandwiched between an outer layer and an inner layer. Each layer constituting the mask body 10 preferably includes a fiber-containing layer such as a nonwoven fabric, woven fabric, or knitted fabric, and more preferably includes a nonwoven fabric. Examples of nonwoven fabric include spunbond nonwoven fabric, spunlace nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, air-through nonwoven fabric, and point-bonded nonwoven fabric. The intermediate layer preferably uses a meltblown nonwoven fabric that may contain fine fibers. The fibers constituting the fiber-containing layer are preferably resin fibers, and examples of the resin type of the resin fiber include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and nylon. The basis weight of the outer and inner layers is 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 density is 15 to 50 g / m 2 It is more preferable that:

[0026] A shape-retaining member 30 extending in the lateral direction D2 may be disposed on the upper portion of the mask body 10. The shape-retaining member 30 may be a flat, band-shaped member made of metal or resin, and is a flexible and shape-retaining member. In other words, it can be easily deformed by the user's hands and maintain the deformed state. When wearing the mask 1, this shape-retaining member 30 can be placed above the wearer's nose in the left-right direction of the face. The user can deform the shape-retaining member 30 to fit the shape of the upper portion of the nose before or after placing the mask body 10 on their face. This allows the upper portion of the mask body 10 to fit tightly against the face (nose), reducing any gaps.

[0027] Each of the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a is annular or band-like in plan view. When worn, the ear hooks 20a can be placed around the wearer's ears by placing the ears inside the loops of the ear hooks 20a, i.e., through the central openings 29 of the ear hooks 20a. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a are formed in a sheet shape rather than a string or thread shape. That is, the width of the band-like body constituting the annular ear hooks 20a at any position is greater than the thickness of the ear hooks 20a. Because the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a are sheet-like, when the ear hooks 20a are placed around the ears while wearing the mask, the ear hooks 20a can make surface contact with the back of the ear or the underside of the earlobe, thereby reducing strain on the ears. This reduces discomfort even when worn for long periods of time.

[0028] The ring shape of the ear hook portion 20a may be polygonal, circular, elliptical, or the like, but is preferably quadrangular, more preferably close to rectangular, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. More specifically, the contour of the inner periphery of the ear hook portion 20a may have four points where the radius of curvature is minimal (excluding points where the contour is interrupted by notches). In addition, in the case of a shape close to a quadrangle, it is preferable that two of the four sides extend along the vertical direction D1 and the remaining two sides extend along the horizontal direction D2.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of sheet-like ear loops 20a, 20a are disposed on the outer surface of the mask body 10 and are respectively joined to both ends of the outer surface in the horizontal direction D2. As shown in FIG. 1, the ear loops 20a have a joint 21 joined to the mask body 10 and a ring-shaped portion 26 extending from the joint 21 toward the center in the horizontal direction D2. The joint 21 is joined along the vertical direction D1 to the end of the outer surface of the mask body 10 in the horizontal direction D2 and is fixed to the mask body 10. On the other hand, the ring-shaped portion 26 is a portion that can be deployed outward in the horizontal direction D2 when the mask 1 is in use (as will be described in detail later). In the example shown in FIG. 1, the ring-shaped portion 26 is not joined to the mask body 10, but may be locally and detachably joined to the outer surface of the mask body 10.

[0030] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a are formed as a single sheet detachably joined to each other at the center in the horizontal direction D2, i.e., as the ear loop sheet 20. Here, "single sheet" refers to a form consisting of one continuous sheet. By forming the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a as a single sheet, the ear loops 20a, 20a can be positioned simultaneously during manufacturing, making mask manufacturing easier. However, the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a do not necessarily have to be joined.

[0031] When a pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a are formed as the ear hook sheet 20, the ear hook sheet 20 may be configured so that the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a can be separated by tearing at a predetermined position. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a are connected at a connecting portion 28. The connecting portion 28 may be connected in any manner, but is preferably connected so that the ear hooks can be separated by pulling with a normal force applied by the user. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the connecting portion 28 may be formed as a perforation. Alternatively, the connecting portion 28 may be formed by reducing the thickness of the sheet or by other means to weaken or make the boundary between the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a more susceptible to stress. Alternatively, the connecting portion 28 may be configured so that the user can cut it using a tool such as scissors.

[0032] The ear loops 20a, 20a (or ear loop sheet 20) may be made of a stretchable material, at least stretchable in the horizontal direction. The stretchability of the ear loops 20a, 20a allows the user to easily pull the ear loops 20a, 20a behind their ears and then place them over their ears when putting on the mask, and the tensile stress generated in the ear loops 20a, 20a allows the mask body 10 to fit to the face even when (while) wearing the mask.

[0033] The ear loops 20a or the ear loop sheet 20 may be a single-layer sheet made of a stretchable material, or a multi-layer sheet made of multiple layers, including a layer containing a stretchable material. The stretchable material may be a stretchable nonwoven fabric, a stretchable film, or a thread-like or string-like stretchable material such as rubber thread. When a stretchable nonwoven fabric is included, the stretchability of the nonwoven fabric may be achieved by the inclusion of stretchable fibers in the nonwoven fabric, for example, by the fiber material itself being stretchable or the fibers being crimped fibers. Alternatively, the stretchability may be achieved by a predetermined physical structure, for example, by having an uneven surface. Specific examples of stretchable nonwoven fabrics include shrinkable air-through nonwoven fabrics, stretchable spunbond nonwoven fabrics, stretchable spunlace nonwoven fabrics, stretchable needle-punched nonwoven fabrics, and stretchable chemical-bond nonwoven fabrics. The basis weight of the nonwoven fabric used is preferably 5 to 50 g / m. 2 , more preferably 8 to 35 g / m 2 It may be.

[0034] When the ear loop portion 20a is made of a multilayer sheet formed by laminating multiple layers of nonwoven fabric, it can be made of, for example, a spunbond nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / spunbond nonwoven fabric, and at least one of these layers can be made of a stretchable nonwoven fabric. When the ear loop portion 20a is made of a multilayer sheet containing a stretchable film, it can be made of, for example, a nonwoven fabric / stretchable film or a nonwoven fabric / stretchable film / nonwoven fabric (e.g., a spunbond nonwoven fabric / stretchable film / spunbond nonwoven fabric, or an air-through nonwoven fabric / stretchable film / air-through nonwoven fabric). When the sheet is made of two layers, one of the layers can be made stretchable, and the other layer can be laminated and intermittently fixed while the stretchable layer is stretched, and then the sheet for the ear loop portion 20a can be obtained by relaxing it and returning it to its natural state. In addition, in the case of a sheet made up of three layers stacked together, the central layer is stretched, layers are stacked on both sides and fixed intermittently, and then the sheets are relaxed and returned to their natural state to obtain a sheet for the ear hook portion 20a.

[0035] Among the above, a configuration using a stretchable film is preferred because it is easy to manufacture and provides high stretchability, especially a configuration in which nonwoven fabric is disposed on both sides of the stretchable film. Examples of materials for the stretchable film include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, and polyurethane. The stretchability of the stretchable film is preferably such that the maximum elongation (elongation at tensile break) is 3.5 to 4.0 as measured using a tensile tester. The stretchable film may also have a moisture-permeable function. When a stretchable film is used, the stretchable film is stretched at a predetermined ratio relative to its natural length, and the nonwoven fabric is intermittently bonded to the stretchable film by ultrasonic welding or the like, and then relaxed to return to its natural state, thereby obtaining a sheet for the ear hook portion 20a. The relaxation of the stretchable film causes the unbonded portions of the nonwoven fabric to rise, resulting in the formation of numerous wrinkles in the resulting sheet extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the stretch direction.

[0036] The sheet for the ear hook portion 20a may be formed by sandwiching stretched rubber threads between non-stretchable or non-stretchable non-woven fabrics. The above materials may also be bonded together with a stretchable or non-stretchable hot-melt non-woven fabric (a non-woven fabric whose fibers soften or melt when heated, allowing it to bond to other components).

[0037] The weight of the ear hook portion 20a (ear hook portion sheet 20) is 20 to 150 g / m 2 The thickness of the ear hook portion 20a may be 100 to 3,000 μm.

[0038] When starting to use the mask 1 of this embodiment, the user unfolds or opens each of the ear loops 20a, 20a outward (to the side) in the lateral direction D2 before putting on the mask 1. In this case, the annular portions 26 are unfolded using the boundary line between the joint portion 21 and the joint-adjacent portion 22 as a base axis. In other words, it is the annular portions 26, 26 of the ear loops 20a, 20a that are unfolded, and the joint portions 21, 21 joined to the mask body 10 remain unchanged. In other words, each of the ear loops 20a, 20a of the mask 1 can be folded back using the boundary line between the joint portion 21 and the annular portion 26 as a folding line. Note that, if the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a are separably connected as described above, the connection is released to separate the ear loops 20a, 20a from each other before unfolding.

[0039] 3 shows the state after the ear loops 20a, 20a of the mask 1 have been deployed outward in the lateral direction D2. After the ear loops 20a, 20a are deployed outward in the lateral direction D2, the ear loops 20a, 20a are turned inside out, exposing the surfaces that faced the mask body 10 before deployment. Almost the entire outer surface of the mask body 10 is also exposed.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in this embodiment, the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a are arranged on the outer surface of the mask body 10. This reduces or eliminates the possibility of touching the inner surface of the mask body 10 when the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a are separated and opened outward in the lateral direction D2, which is preferable from a hygienic standpoint. The mask 1 according to this embodiment, in which the ear loops 20a, 20a are arranged on the outer surface of the mask body 10, can be used, for example, as follows: With the mask 1 placed with the outer surface of the mask body 10 facing up, the user grasps the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a with their hands and opens them outward in the lateral direction D2. Then, while still grasping the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a, the user moves the mask 1 toward the face of another person (the wearer). After placing the mask body 10 in a desired position on the other person's face, the user can place the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a on the other person's ears without changing the way the mask body 10 is held. Therefore, the mask 1 according to this embodiment can be suitably used when making a mask wearable by a person who has difficulty wearing a mask by himself, such as a child or a sick person.

[0041] 1 and 2, the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a may protrude from the outer shape of the mask body 10 before use (before the ear loops are unfolded). Therefore, the user of the mask 1 can hold the protruding parts of the ear loops 20a, 20a from the mask body 10, separate the ear loops 20a, 20a, and unfold them, thereby reducing the possibility of touching the mask body 10 itself, allowing the mask 1 to be used more hygienically.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a pair of ear loops 20a, 20a are joined to both sides of the outer surface of the mask body (FIGS. 1 to 3). Therefore, when the mask 1 is worn, i.e., when the ear loops 20a, 20a are open to the sides and hanging over the ears, the ear loops 20a press both sides of the mask body 10 toward the face from the outer surface. This reduces the gap between the mask body 10 and the face at both sides of the mask body 10, improving the mask's functions, such as blocking foreign matter and preventing droplets emitted by the wearer from scattering. Furthermore, because the ear loops 20a are not located on the inner surface (face side) of both sides of the mask body 10, the ear loops 20a do not come into direct contact with the wearer's face at both sides of the mask body 10, reducing discomfort.

[0043] The mask body 10 may have a mark 18 formed by embossing, printing, sewing, or the like to distinguish between the outer and inner surfaces of the mask body 10. The form of the mark 18 is not limited as long as it can be visually recognized by the user. The mark 18 may be a letter, a number, a symbol, a figure, a logo, or the like, as shown in FIG. 1, etc.

[0044] As described above, each of the ear loops 20a has a joining portion 21 fixed to the mask body 10 and a loop portion 26 that can be deployed away from the mask body 10. The means for joining the joining portion 21 to the mask body 10 is not particularly limited, and any means can be used as long as it joins the opposing surfaces of the ear loops 20a and the mask body 10 together. Pressure and / or heat is preferably used, such as heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, or non-heat embossing. When the ear loops 20a and the mask body 10 are made of synthetic resin, heat sealing is preferably used, as this fuses the two together and allows for a more reliable joining in the thickness direction.

[0045] In the region 50 bonded by the bonding means, the bonding portion 21 of the ear loop portion 20a and the outermost nonwoven fabric of the mask body 10 may be bonded (fused in the case of heat sealing) over the entire bonding region 50, or may be bonded (fused) partially within the bonding region 50. In the bonding region 50 shown in the example, microscopically, a plurality of small bonding portions 50a, 50a are formed at intervals between the bonding portion 21 and the mask body 10. This ensures a secure bond between the bonding portion 21 of the ear loop portion 20a and the mask body 10 while also ensuring a certain degree of flexibility at the end of the mask body 10 in the lateral direction D2. While the small bonding portions 50a shown in the figure have a square shape in plan view, the shape of each small bonding portion 50a in plan view may be any shape other than a square, such as a rectangle or a circle.

[0046] 1 and 3, the bonding treatment area 50 may extend from the upper end to the lower end of the mask body 10. That is, the bonding portion 21 extends from the upper end to the lower end of the mask body 10 and has the same length in the vertical direction D1 as the length of the mask body 10 in the vertical direction D1. This allows the ear hooks 20a to be securely fixed throughout the entire vertical direction (up-down direction) D1 of the mask body 10. Furthermore, it is preferable that the outer edge of the bonding portion 21 in the horizontal direction D2 is aligned with the outer edge of the mask body 10 in the horizontal direction D2. This allows the ear hooks 20a, which are positioned outward of the mask body 10, to securely hold the mask body 10 up to the outer edge in the horizontal direction D2 when worn.

[0047] The length (width) of the joint 21 in the horizontal direction D2 may be constant or may vary in the vertical direction D1. However, a constant length in the horizontal direction D2 is preferable because it makes joining processes such as heat sealing less complicated. The length W1 in the horizontal direction D2 of the joint 21 (if it varies in the vertical direction D1, the average value is used) is preferably 1 to 15 mm.

[0048] The annular portion 26 may have a joint-adjacent portion 22 adjacent to the joint 21 and extending in the longitudinal direction D1, a behind-the-ear placement portion 24 located behind the wearer's ear when worn, an upper extending portion 23 extending between the joint-adjacent portion 22 and the behind-the-ear placement portion 24 at the top, and a lower extending portion 25 extending between the joint-adjacent portion 22 and the behind-the-ear placement portion 24 at the bottom. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , there are locations with minimal radii of curvature at the inner edge of the portion transitioning from the joint-adjacent portion 22 to the upper extending portion 23, the inner edge of the portion transitioning from the upper extending portion 23 to the behind-the-ear placement portion 24, the inner edge of the portion transitioning from the behind-the-ear placement portion 24 to the lower extending portion 25, and the inner edge of the portion transitioning from the lower extending portion 25 to the joint-adjacent portion 22.

[0049] 1 to 3, in this embodiment, a notch 27 is formed in a direction parallel to the lateral direction D2 from the inner edge of the joint adjacent portion 22. However, the extending direction of the notch 27 may also be parallel to the upper extending portion 23 and / or the lower extending portion 25 of the ear hook portion 20. In this specification, the term "parallel" does not only mean completely parallel, but may also include a direction deviating from parallel by ±10°, preferably ±5°.

[0050] Next, the advantages of this embodiment due to the incisions 27 formed in the joint-adjacent portions 22 will be described below. FIG. 4(a) shows a side view of a wearer wearing the mask 1 (with the ear loops 20a hanging over the ears). FIG. 4(b) shows an enlarged view of the incisions 27 and their surroundings. As shown in FIG. 4(a) and as described above, when the mask 1 is worn, the pleats 15 of the mask body 10 are spread in the vertical direction D1. Because the pleats 15 are fixed at their ends in the horizontal direction D2, the mask body 10 deforms so that the center in the vertical direction D1 protrudes forward from the face. Furthermore, the ear loops 20a are pulled toward the wearer's ears, but because the vertical length of the ears is shorter than the length of the mask body 10 in the vertical direction D1, a force acts to bring the upper extensions 23 and the lower extensions 25 closer together. As a result of this deformation, the ends of the mask body 10 in the horizontal direction D2 and the joints 21 and joint-adjacent portions 22 of the ear loops 20a curve so that the center in the vertical direction D1 approaches the center in the horizontal direction D2. For example, when the wearer's face is viewed from the side, the area near the boundary between the mask body 10 and the ear loops 20a curves so that the center in the vertical direction D1 approaches the center and front of the face (FIG. 4(a)). If this bending distorts the joint-adjacent portions 22 of the ear loops 20a, in a conventional configuration without cuts, the joint-adjacent portions 22 may rise or float. This floating of the joint-adjacent portions 22 may interfere with the wearer's movements while wearing the mask and may also detract from the appearance.

[0051] In contrast, according to this embodiment, the notch 27 is formed from the inner edge of the joint-adjacent portion 22. Therefore, even if the joint-adjacent portion 22 is bent, the end of the notch 27 becomes the base point of deformation, allowing one piece 27a and the other piece 27b separated by the notch to move easily. The pieces 27a and 27b then approach each other and can even overlap ( FIG. 4( b) ). This absorbs any floating that may occur due to the bending of the joint-adjacent portion 22. This prevents a floating portion of the ear hook 20a from interfering with the wearer's movement. For example, when wearing a face shield or other accessory over the mask, this prevents the accessory from getting caught on the floating portion. Furthermore, by suppressing floating, the mask appears neater when worn, giving a sophisticated and attractive impression. Note that, if the pieces 27a and 27b overlap, either one may be positioned on the outside. Although FIG. 4 shows an example of wearing the mask with pieces 27a and 27b overlapping each other, pieces 27a and 27b do not necessarily have to overlap depending on the size and shape of notch 27, the size of mask body 10 and ear loops 20a, the size and shape of the wearer's face, and how the wearer wears the mask.

[0052] The notch 27 may be formed in the central region in the longitudinal direction D1 of the joint-adjacent portion 22. In this embodiment, the central region in the longitudinal direction D1 of the joint-adjacent portion 22 is equal to the central region in the longitudinal direction D1 of the mask body 10, and may be a region having a length in the longitudinal direction D1 of about one-third of the total length of the mask body 10, including the central position in the longitudinal direction D1 of the mask body 10 (see FIG. 1, etc.). When the mask 1 is worn (FIG. 4), the mask body 10 and the joint-adjacent portion 22 are most curved near the center in the longitudinal direction D1. Therefore, by forming the notch 27 in the central region in the longitudinal direction D1 of the joint-adjacent portion 22, the notch 27 can function effectively, and floating of the ear hooks 20a can be effectively prevented.

[0053] The notch 27 can be formed simultaneously with the formation of the entire ear hook portion 20a by punching out the entire ear hook portion 20a using a die with a cutter corresponding to the notch 27, or it can be formed using a cutter or the like after punching out the ear hook portion 20a. The shape of the notch 27 is not limited as long as the pieces 27a, 27b separated by the notch 27 are formed by partially cutting the joint-adjacent portion 22. The shape of the notch 27 will be described further below.

[0054] FIG. 5 shows a partially enlarged view of the incision 27 in FIG. 1. The incision 27 may be a simple cutting line (described later with reference to FIG. 6). However, as shown in FIG. 5, the incision 27 may have a shape in which a gap exists between the formed pieces 27a and 27b. That is, the incision 27 may be formed so that the portion surrounded by 22i, 27a, and 27b has a predetermined area, taking into account the outline of the inner edge before the incision 27 is formed (or a virtual outline assuming the absence of the incision) 22i (shown by a dashed line in FIG. 5). In the example shown in FIG. 5, the gap between the pieces 27a and 27b of the incision 27 narrows toward the end 27t. However, the gap length may be constant from the inner edge of the joint-adjacent portion 22 to the end 27t. Furthermore, when a gap is formed between the pieces 27a and 27b, the gap length (the width of the incision) may be 0.1 to 25 mm, preferably 0.1 to 8 mm, at the center of the incision 27 in the horizontal direction D2.

[0055] The length d of the notch 27 in the vertical direction D1 of the opening in the imaginary contour 22i can be 0 mm or more and less than 15 mm, preferably 0 mm or more and less than 10 mm.

[0056] 5, the incision 27 does not reach the boundary between the joint-adjacent portion 22 and the joint 21, but is formed at a distance from the boundary. This configuration is preferable from the viewpoint that if excessive force is applied to the incision 27, the bond between the joint 21 and the mask body 10 is not strained and the joint 21 is less likely to be damaged. However, the incision 27 may reach the boundary between the joint-adjacent portion 22 and the joint 21 as long as it does not interfere with the bond between the joint 21 and the mask body 10.

[0057] The ratio (L / W2) of the length L of the incision 27 to the length (width) W2 of the joint-adjacent portion 22 in the horizontal direction D2 at the position where the incision 27 is formed may be 0.3 or more, preferably 0.5 or more, and more preferably 0.7 or more. By setting the ratio to this value, the effect of suppressing lifting can be improved. Furthermore, by setting the ratio to 0.95 or less, preferably 0.9 or less, weakening of the joint due to stress concentration near the joint 21 can be prevented. Furthermore, depending on the material of the ear hook portion 20a, the length L of the joint-adjacent portion 22 in the horizontal direction D2 may be 1 to 20 mm.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a material removal portion 27r may be formed at the end 27t of the incision 27, where a predetermined area of ​​material has been removed. The material near the end 27t of the incision is the base of the pieces 27a and 27b formed by the division, and is therefore less likely to deform. Therefore, by forming the material removal portion 27r at the end 27t of the incision 27, the pieces 27a and 27b can move easily from their bases independently of each other. Therefore, even if the material of the ear hook 20a has a relatively high rigidity, the pieces 27a and 27b can be easily brought close to each other when wearing the mask 1, and can be easily overlapped as shown in FIG. 4. This improves the effect of preventing the joint-adjacent portion 22 from floating, allowing the joint-adjacent portion 22 to be positioned in line with the face.

[0059] 5, material-removed portion 27r is circular, but the shape of material-removed portion 27r is not limited to circular and may be polygonal, elliptical, or the like. Material-removed portion 27r may be a portion where an area having a circle-equivalent diameter φ of 2 to 10 mm has been removed. By setting the size of material-removed portion 27r within the above range, it is possible to improve the effect of preventing lifting of the portion adjacent to the joint, and to maintain the effect that end 27t of cut 27 serves as a base point for deformation.

[0060] FIG. 6 shows a modified example of the incision 27. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the shape of the incision 27 is the same as that shown in FIG. 5, but a reinforcing portion 271 is formed on the edge of the material removal portion 27r. When the joint-adjacent portion 22 of the ear loop portion 20a deforms during wear, stress tends to concentrate particularly at the end 27t of the incision 27, placing strain on the material. In particular, these days, a single mask may be used throughout the day, and in such cases, the mask is often repeatedly put on and taken off. Therefore, depending on the wearer's usage, there is a concern that the ear loop portion 20a may tear from that position, or that the tear may reach the joint portion 21, causing the ear loop portion 20a to peel off from the mask body 10. In response to this, the reinforcing portion 271 on the edge of the material removal portion 27r prevents the possibility of such damage. The form of the reinforcing portion 271 is not particularly limited as long as it can improve the rigidity of the edge portion of the material-removed portion 27r, and may be, for example, embossed, coated with adhesive, or the like.

[0061] 6, the reinforcing portion 271 is provided along the entire periphery of the material-removed portion 27r, but it may be provided along only a part of the entire periphery. Furthermore, the reinforcing portion may be formed along each edge of the pieces 27a and 27b of the cutout 27.

[0062] FIG. 7 shows another modified example of the incision 27. In the example of FIG. 7, a portion of the material-removed portion 27r is located within the joint 21. Furthermore, microscopically, the outline of the material-removed portion 27r partially overlaps the small joint portion 50a. Therefore, similar to the example of FIG. 6, the peripheral edge of the material-removed portion 27r is reinforced, reducing the risk of damage to the ear hooks 20a and the possibility of the ear hooks 20a peeling off from the mask body 10. Furthermore, in the example of FIG. 7, the entire material-removed portion 27r is not located within the joint 21, so the effect of the material-removed portion 27r, i.e., the ease with which the pieces 27a and 27b move and deform, and the effect of absorbing distortion in the joint-adjacent portion 22, is maintained.

[0063] Figure 8 shows a modified example of the cut 27. The cut 27 shown in Figure 8 also forms pieces 27a and 27b. Therefore, even if the end of the mask body 10 in the lateral direction D2 and the joint adjacent portion 22 of the ear loop portion 20a are bent when wearing the mask 1, the pieces 27a and 27b overlap and absorb the distortion caused by the bending, just like the example shown in Figure 4. This prevents the ear loop portion 20a from floating.

[0064] In the example shown in Fig. 8, pieces 27a and 27b are in contact with each other before use, or the gap between pieces 27a and 27b is small, for example, less than 0.1 mm. The shape of cutout 27 shown in Fig. 6 is suitable when ear hook 20a is made of a soft, low-rigidity material.

[0065] Although the drawings referred to in the above description show one notch 27 formed in each ear hook portion 20a, multiple notches 27 may be provided in a line in the vertical direction D2. That is, the notches may be formed at multiple different locations on the inner contour of the joint-adjacent portion 22 of the ear hook portion 20a. In this case, the length L, extension direction, presence or absence of a gap or the size of the gap, and the presence or size of a material-removed portion may be the same or different among the multiple notches. However, if there is only one notch 27 in the joint-adjacent portion 22 of each ear hook portion 20a, the pieces 27a and 27b formed by the notch 27 are pulled toward the ear (outward in the horizontal direction D2) by the upper extension portion 23 and the lower extension portion 25, respectively, when worn. This allows the notch to be positioned along the surface of the face, effectively preventing the mask from floating, which is preferable.

[0066] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the above embodiments can be variously changed, modified, substituted, added, deleted, and combined within the scope of the claims, and these also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1. Mask 10 Mask body 15 pleats 18 marks 20 Ear hook sheet 20a Ear hook 21 Joint 22 Adjacent joint 22i Imaginary contour of the inner edge of the adjacent joint 23 Upper extension part 24 Post-auricular location 25 Lower extension 26 Annular section 27 Cutting 27a, 27b Pieces formed by incisions 27t End of cut 27r Material removal section 28 Separable joints 29 Aperture D1 Vertical direction (up and down direction) D2 Lateral direction (left / right direction)

Claims

1. A mask comprising a mask body and a pair of sheet-like ear loops, Each of the ear loops has a joining portion joined to a lateral end portion of the outer surface of the mask body and extending in the vertical direction, and a ring-shaped portion extending from the joining portion to the center in the lateral direction and expandable outward in the lateral direction, A mask having a notch formed laterally from an inner edge of the annular portion adjacent to the joint and extending longitudinally.

2. The mask of claim 1 , wherein the notch is formed in a longitudinal central region.

3. 3. The mask according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of the length of the cut to the lateral length of the joint-adjacent portion is 0.3 or more.

4. The mask according to claim 1 , wherein a material-removed portion having an area of ​​a predetermined circle-equivalent diameter is formed at an end of the cut.

5. 5. The mask according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined equivalent circle diameter is 2 to 10 mm.

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