Disposable masks

Abstract

To provide a disposable mask which can be adjusted so that no gap is formed between an intermediate area in the lateral end of a mask body and a surface of the face in a mask having a plurality of pleats and no gap is formed between the lower end of the mask body and the surface of the face.SOLUTION: A disposable mask (1) comprises a mask body (3) made of a sheet, and a pair of ear hook parts (5) extending from both side edges in the lateral direction of the mask body. The mask body comprises a plurality of pleats (11) which is formed of the folded sheet parts, extends along the lateral direction, and is vertically spaced apart from each other, and a plurality of connecting parts 12 which is formed of part of the unfolded sheet parts and is located between the vertically adjacent pleats among the plurality of pleats. Each of the plurality of pleats has a joint (20) for fixing the sheets forming each of the plurality of pleats to each other at each of the lateral ends.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Disposable masks are known that include a mask body and a pair of ear loops. The mask body has multiple pleats extending laterally and spaced apart in the vertical direction. When worn, the horizontal centers of the pleats expand vertically, forming a three-dimensional cup shape in the mask body. Patent Document 1, for example, discloses a disposable mask of this type, which includes a vertical and widthwise dimension, a transverse centerline that bisects the vertical dimension, a mask body, and a pair of ear loops extending annularly from both side edges of the mask body. In this disposable mask, the mask body is formed from a nonwoven fabric sheet and has upper and lower end portions where the base ends of the pair of ear loops are located, a mouth covering portion located between the upper and lower end portions, and a seal area with multiple joints extending intermittently in the vertical direction along both side edges. The mouth covering portion has pleats formed by overlapping portions of a sheet folded over, and a non-overlapping portion located vertically between the pleats. The non-overlapping portion has a non-sealed area located below the transverse centerline. The pleated portion located below the non-overlapping portion has a wide joint portion formed by a plurality of joint portions arranged in the width direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-14673 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a mask such as that described in Patent Document 1, one end of each pair of ear loops is connected to the upper and lower ends of one lateral end of the mask body, respectively. When wearing the mask, the ear loops are placed over the ears, which pulls the upper and lower lateral ends of the mask body toward the ears, pressing the lateral end of the mask body against the surface of the face. This prevents gaps from forming between the lateral ends of the mask body and the surface of the face.

[0005] However, for people with long faces whose ears are positioned relatively low (close to the chin) and forward (close to the nose), it is difficult to pull up the lower lateral edges of the mask body toward the ears with the ear loops, which can result in gaps between the lower lateral edges of the mask body and the surface of the face.

[0006] In Patent Document 1, when the mask is worn, a portion of the non-overlapping portion located approximately in the center in the up-down direction bends in the front-to-back direction, causing the lower portion extending below the non-overlapping portion to move backward to fit the surface of the wearer's face. This prevents gaps from forming between both widthwise ends of the mask body and the surface of the face. However, if the wearer's face has the above-mentioned characteristics, the means described in Patent Document 1 alone may still result in gaps forming between the lower end of the lateral end of the mask body and the surface of the face.

[0007] However, if you try to pull up the lower end of the horizontal end of the mask body toward the ears by simply using the ear loops, there is a risk that a gap will occur between the mask body and the cheeks, i.e., between the intermediate area between the upper and lower ends of the horizontal end of the mask body and the surface of the face (cheeks).

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a disposable mask having a plurality of pleats that can be adjusted so as to prevent a gap from occurring between the lower end portions of the lateral ends of the mask body and the surface of the face, while maintaining a gap from occurring between the intermediate region of the lateral ends of the mask body and the surface of the face. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The disposable mask of the present invention is a disposable mask having a mask body made of a sheet having vertical, horizontal and thickness directions, and a pair of ear loops extending from both horizontal side edges of the mask body, wherein the mask body is formed from a part of the folded sheet, and comprises a plurality of pleats extending along the horizontal direction and spaced apart in the vertical direction, and a plurality of connecting portions formed from a part of the unfolded sheet and located between adjacent pleats in the vertical direction, and each of the plurality of pleats has a joining portion at each of both horizontal ends that secures the sheets in each of the plurality of pleats to one another. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, a disposable mask having a plurality of pleats can be provided that can be adjusted so that no gap occurs between the lower end of the lateral end of the mask body and the surface of the face, while maintaining no gap between the middle region of the lateral end of the mask body and the surface of the face. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a disposable mask according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the vertical center line of the disposable mask of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a partial enlarged view (cross-sectional view) of the pleats and connecting portions in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4]10A and 10B are plan views showing examples of the configuration of a joint portion of a disposable mask according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a partial plan view showing an example of the configuration of a disposable mask according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of wearing a disposable mask according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the lateral end portion of the disposable mask of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view (cross-sectional view) taken along the vertical center line of a disposable mask according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present embodiment relates to the following aspects. [Aspect 1] A disposable mask comprising: a mask body made of a sheet having vertical, horizontal and thickness directions; and a pair of ear loops extending from both horizontal edges of the mask body, wherein the mask body comprises a plurality of pleats formed from a folded portion of the sheet, extending along the horizontal direction and spaced apart in the vertical direction; and a plurality of connecting portions formed from a non-folded portion of the sheet and positioned between adjacent pleats in the vertical direction, wherein each of the plurality of pleats has a joining portion at each of both horizontal ends that secures the sheets in each of the plurality of pleats to one another.

[0013] When wearing a mask with multiple pleats, the lateral ends of the pleats move closer to each other when the lateral central portions of the pleats are expanded vertically to form a three-dimensional shape for the mask body. Therefore, in this disposable mask, connecting portions are provided between adjacent pleats in the vertical direction. Because the connecting portions are formed from portions of an unfolded sheet, they are less rigid than the pleats and more easily bendable. Therefore, when forming a three-dimensional shape for the mask body, these less rigid connecting portions can be bent and folded over adjacent pleats. This allows the lateral ends of the pleats to move closer to each other and overlap portions of them with the bent connecting portions, easily deforming the lateral ends of the mask body as a whole into a curved shape that conforms to the surface of the wearer's face. Therefore, at the lateral ends of the mask body, gaps can be prevented from forming between the lower ends and the surface of the face while maintaining a gap between the middle region and the surface of the face.

[0014] [Aspect 2] A disposable mask as described in aspect 1, wherein the joints include inclined joints extending continuously or intermittently along a direction inclined with respect to the lateral direction and the vertical direction. This disposable mask has the above-described configuration. Therefore, when wearing the mask, the horizontal central portions of the multiple pleats are expanded vertically, the horizontal ends are brought closer to each other, and the multiple connecting portions are bent to fold over adjacent pleats. The inclined joints can appropriately guide the bending direction of the connecting portions and the expanding direction of the multiple pleats. This allows the horizontal ends of the mask body to assume a curved shape that conforms to the surface of the face. Therefore, the three-dimensional shape of the mask body can be easily formed and maintained, preventing gaps from occurring between the middle region and the surface of the face at the horizontal ends of the mask body, while suppressing gaps from occurring between the lower ends and the surface of the face.

[0015] [Aspect 3] The disposable mask of aspect 2, wherein the inclined joints extend continuously or intermittently along an inclined direction inclined relative to the lateral direction, from the peak side of the pleats to the valley side thereof as they move outward in the lateral direction. This disposable mask has the above-described configuration. In other words, the inclined joints extend in a direction that approaches the valleys of the pleats toward the peaks as they approach the lateral center, thus extending along an inclined direction toward the direction in which the pleats expand. Therefore, when wearing the mask, when the lateral center portions of the multiple pleats are expanded vertically and the lateral ends are brought closer to each other, and the multiple connecting portions are bent to fold over adjacent pleats, the inclined joints can guide the bending direction of the multiple connecting portions in an appropriate direction. This allows the lateral expansion of the multiple pleats to be guided in an appropriate direction, allowing the lateral ends of the mask body to assume a curved shape that conforms to the surface of the face while maintaining the three-dimensional shape formed at the lateral center of the mask body. Therefore, since the three-dimensional shape of the mask body can be easily maintained, it is possible to prevent gaps from occurring between the lower ends and the surface of the face at the lateral ends of the mask body while preventing gaps from occurring between the intermediate region and the surface of the face.

[0016] [Aspect 4] A disposable mask as described in aspect 3, wherein the joint further includes a first horizontal joint located at or near the end of the valley side of the pleat at the inclined joint and extending continuously or intermittently along the horizontal direction. This disposable mask has the above-described configuration. Therefore, it is possible to increase the rigidity and shape stability at the lateral ends of the multiple pleats. Therefore, when wearing the mask, when the lateral central portions of the multiple pleats are spread vertically and the lateral ends are brought closer to each other, and the multiple connecting portions are bent to fold over adjacent pleats, the first lateral joints can suppress bending at the lateral ends of the multiple pleats. This allows the lateral ends of the mask body to maintain a curved shape that conforms to the surface of the face. Therefore, since the three-dimensional shape of the mask body can be easily maintained, it is possible to prevent gaps from occurring between the lower ends and the surface of the face at the lateral ends of the mask body while preventing gaps from occurring between the middle region and the surface of the face.

[0017] [Aspect 5] The disposable mask of aspect 3 or 4, wherein the joint further includes a second lateral joint located at or near the top end of the pleat at the inclined lateral joint and extending continuously or intermittently along the lateral direction. This disposable mask has the above-described configuration. This allows for increased rigidity and shape stability at the lateral ends of the multiple pleats. Therefore, when wearing the mask, the lateral central portions of the multiple pleats are expanded vertically, the lateral ends are brought closer to each other, and the multiple connecting portions are bent to fold over adjacent pleats. The second lateral joints prevent the lateral ends of the multiple pleats from lifting up in the thickness direction. This allows the lateral ends of the mask body to maintain a curved shape that conforms to the surface of the face. This allows the three-dimensional shape of the mask body to be easily maintained, preventing gaps from forming between the middle region and the surface of the face at the lateral ends of the mask body while preventing gaps from forming between the lower ends and the surface of the face.

[0018] [Aspect 6] 6. The disposable mask according to any one of aspects 2 to 5, wherein the vertical length of the joint portion is 70 to 90% of the vertical length of each of the plurality of pleats. This disposable mask has the above-described configuration. Therefore, when the mask is worn, the joints guide the bending direction of the multiple connecting portions and the spreading direction of the multiple pleats in an appropriate direction, while increasing the degree of freedom of deformation of adjacent connecting portions. This makes it easier for the lateral ends of the mask body to assume a curved shape that conforms to the surface of the face. Therefore, at the lateral ends of the mask body, gaps can be prevented from occurring between the lower end and the surface of the face, while maintaining no gaps between the middle region and the surface of the face.

[0019] [Aspect 7] A disposable mask according to any one of aspects 2 to 6, wherein the vertical ends of the joints are spaced apart from at least one of the peaks of the pleats and the valleys of the pleats in a plan view. This disposable mask has the above-described configuration. Therefore, when the mask is worn, the area that bends together with the connecting portions can be made wider within the pleats. This allows the bending direction of the multiple connecting portions and the spreading direction of the multiple pleats to be guided in an appropriate direction, while increasing the degree of freedom of deformation of adjacent connecting portions. This makes it easier for the lateral ends of the mask body to assume a curved shape that conforms to the surface of the face. Therefore, at the lateral ends of the mask body, it is possible to prevent gaps from occurring between the middle region and the surface of the face, while suppressing gaps from occurring between the lower end and the surface of the face.

[0020] [Aspect 8] Aspect 8. The disposable mask of any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the lowermost connecting portion of each of the plurality of connecting portions has a larger width in the up-down direction than the other connecting portions. This disposable mask has the above-described configuration. Therefore, when the connecting portions are bent and folded over adjacent pleats, the lower end portions of the lateral ends of the mask body can be made into a more curved shape. Therefore, the lateral ends of the mask body as a whole can be made into a curved shape that conforms to the surface of the wearer's face. This prevents gaps from forming between the lower end portions and the surface of the face at the lateral ends of the mask body, while maintaining a gap between the intermediate region and the surface of the face.

[0021] [Aspect 9] A disposable mask according to aspect 8, wherein each of the plurality of connecting portions has a width in the up-down direction that increases from top to bottom in the up-down direction. This disposable mask has the above-described configuration. Therefore, when the connecting portions are bent and folded over adjacent pleats, the central region of the lateral end of the mask body can be more curved, and the lower end can be made even more curved. Therefore, the lateral end of the mask body can be curved as a whole to fit the surface of the wearer's face. This prevents gaps from forming between the lower end and the surface of the face while maintaining no gaps between the middle region and the surface of the face at the lateral end of the mask body.

[0022] [Aspect 10] Aspect 10. The disposable mask of any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the joints are formed by embossing. The disposable mask has the above-described configuration. Therefore, the joints are less likely to come undone, and the lateral ends of the mask body can stably maintain their curved shape. This prevents gaps from forming between the lower end and the face at the lateral ends of the mask body, while preventing gaps from forming between the middle region and the face.

[0023] Hereinafter, a disposable mask according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] 1 and 2 are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a disposable mask 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "mask 1") according to an embodiment. Note that Fig. 1 is a plan view showing the example of the configuration of the mask 1, and Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the vertical center line CV in Fig. 1.

[0025] The mask 1 has a vertical direction V, a horizontal direction H, and a thickness direction T that are perpendicular to each other. It includes a mask body 3 and a pair of ear loops 5 extending from both side edges of the mask body 3 in the horizontal direction H. The mask 1 also has a vertical centerline CV that passes through the center of the mask body 3 in the horizontal direction H and extends in the vertical direction V, and a horizontal centerline CH that passes through the center of the mask body 3 in the vertical direction V and extends in the horizontal direction H. The directions and sides toward the vertical centerline CV are also referred to as the "inward" and "inside" of the horizontal direction H, respectively, and the directions and sides away from the vertical centerline CH are also referred to as the "outward" and "outside" of the horizontal direction H, respectively. Meanwhile, the directions and sides toward the horizontal centerline CH are also referred to as the "inward" and "inside" of the vertical direction V, respectively, and the directions and sides away from the vertical direction V are also referred to as the "outward" and "outside" of the vertical direction V, respectively. When the mask 1 is worn, the sides of the mask 1 that are relatively closer to the wearer's skin in the thickness direction T are referred to as the "skin side" and "non-skin side," respectively. The mask 1 viewed from above (non-skin side) in the thickness direction T is referred to as a "planar view," the shape perceived in the planar view is referred to as a "planar shape," and any direction within a plane including the vertical direction V and the horizontal direction H is referred to as an "in-plane direction." "Along" the vertical direction V or the horizontal direction H includes directions within a range of ±30° (preferably 15°) relative to the vertical direction V or the horizontal direction H. The "end" of a certain component, etc. in a certain direction (e.g., the vertical direction V or the horizontal direction H) refers to a range of 1 / 8 (preferably 1 / 10) of the overall length of the component, etc. in that direction from the edge of the component, etc. in that direction. For example, the end (horizontal end) of the mask body 3 in the horizontal direction H refers to a range of 1 / 8 (preferably 1 / 10) of the maximum length of the mask body 3 in the horizontal direction H from the edge of the mask body 3 in the horizontal direction H. Positioning a component relatively at the upper (nose-fitting side) / lower side of the mask body is also referred to as "positioning at the upper / lower side in the vertical direction V."

[0026] The mask body 3 is formed of a sheet 30. In this embodiment, in a plan view, it has a substantially rectangular shape (with rounded corners) that is symmetrical about a vertical center line CV and is short in the vertical direction V and long in the horizontal direction H. However, the shape of the mask body 3 is not limited to this example as long as it can cover the nose and mouth, and examples include a substantially rectangular shape with semicircular short sides, a substantially elliptical shape, a substantially inverted triangular shape, a substantially polygonal shape, and combinations thereof.

[0027] The mask body 3 includes a plurality of pleats 11 extending along the lateral direction H and arranged at intervals in the vertical direction V. Therefore, the mask body 3 has a pleated structure in which the plurality of pleats 11 are arranged. In this embodiment, the plurality of pleats 11 include pleats 11a and 11b located on the upper side of the vertical direction V and facing upward in the vertical direction V, and pleats 11c and 11d located on the lower side of the vertical direction V and facing downward in the vertical direction V. Therefore, the mask body 3 has an Ω-shaped structure that is roughly Ω-shaped when viewed from the lateral direction H. As a result, when the mask 1 is worn, the central portions of the upward-facing pleats 11a and 11b and the downward-facing pleats 11c and 11d in the lateral direction H are expanded in the vertical direction V and deformed like bellows, forming a three-dimensional shape (a cup) between the mask body 3 and the wearer. However, each of the plurality of pleats 11 is formed by partially folding the sheet 30 over.

[0028] The mask body 3 includes a plurality of connecting portions 12 located between adjacent pleats 11 in the up-down direction V among the plurality of pleats 11. The connecting portions 12 extend along the lateral direction H and are arranged at intervals in the up-down direction V. In this embodiment, the connecting portions 12 include a connecting portion 12a located between adjacent pleats 11a and 11b, a connecting portion 12b located between adjacent pleats 11b and 11c, and a connecting portion 12c located between adjacent pleats 11c and 11d. However, each of the connecting portions 12 is formed in a state where a portion of the sheet 30 is not folded over. Therefore, compared to pleats 11 in which the sheet 30 is folded over, connecting portions 12 in which the sheet 30 is not folded over have lower rigidity and are more easily deformed, such as bent.

[0029] 3 is a partially enlarged view (cross-sectional view) of the pleats 11 and the connecting portion 12 in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the pleats 11 have the following detailed configuration. The pleats 11a include a base material 31a on the skin side in the thickness direction T and pleats 32a on the non-skin side in the thickness direction T. The pleats 32a include a first portion 33a on the skin side in the thickness direction T and a second portion 34a on the non-skin side in the thickness direction T. In the pleats 11a, the lower end of the base material 31a in the vertical direction V and the lower end of the first portion 33a in the vertical direction V are connected by a valley portion Va, and the upper end of the first portion 33a in the vertical direction V and the upper end of the second portion 34a in the vertical direction V are connected by a peak portion Ta.

[0030] Similarly, the pleats 11b include a base material 31b on the skin side in the thickness direction T and pleats 32b on the non-skin side in the thickness direction T. The pleats 32b include a first portion 33b on the skin side in the thickness direction T and a second portion 34b on the non-skin side in the thickness direction T. In the pleats 11b, the lower end of the base material 31b in the vertical direction V and the lower end of the first portion 33b in the vertical direction V are connected by a valley portion Vb, and the upper end of the first portion 33b in the vertical direction V and the upper end of the second portion 34b in the vertical direction V are connected by a peak portion Tb.

[0031] Similarly, the pleat portion 11c includes a base material 31c on the skin side in the thickness direction T and pleats 32c on the non-skin side in the thickness direction T. The pleats 32c include a first portion 33c on the skin side in the thickness direction T and a second portion 34c on the non-skin side in the thickness direction T. In the pleat portion 11c, the upper end of the base material 31c in the vertical direction V and the upper end of the first portion 33c in the vertical direction V are connected by a valley portion Vc, and the lower end of the first portion 33c in the vertical direction V and the lower end of the second portion 34c in the vertical direction V are connected by a peak portion Tc.

[0032] Similarly, the pleat portion 11d includes a base material 31d on the skin side in the thickness direction T and pleats 32d on the non-skin side in the thickness direction T. The pleats 32d include a first portion 33d on the skin side in the thickness direction T and a second portion 34d on the non-skin side in the thickness direction T. In the pleat portion 11d, the upper end of the base material 31d in the vertical direction V and the upper end of the first portion 33d in the vertical direction V are connected by a valley portion Vd, and the lower end of the first portion 33d in the vertical direction V and the lower end of the second portion 34d in the vertical direction V are connected by a peak portion Td.

[0033] In this embodiment, the widths D11a, D11b, D11c, and D11d in the up-down direction V of the pleats 11a, 11b, and the pleats 11c, 11d are the same. However, the relationship between these widths is not particularly limited, and at least one of them may be different from the others.

[0034] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the connecting portion 12 has the following detailed configuration: The upper end portion of the connecting portion 12a in the vertical direction V is connected to the lower end portion in the vertical direction V of the second portion 34a of the pleat portion 11a, and the lower end portion is connected to the upper end portion in the vertical direction V of the base material 31b of the pleat portion 11b.

[0035] Similarly, the upper end of connecting portion 12b in the vertical direction V is connected to the lower end of second portion 34b of pleat portion 11b in the vertical direction V, and the lower end is connected to the upper end of second portion 34c of pleat portion 11c in the vertical direction V.

[0036] Similarly, the upper end of the connecting portion 12c in the vertical direction V is connected to the lower end of the base material 31c of the pleat portion 11c in the vertical direction V, and the lower end is connected to the upper end of the second part 34d of the pleat portion 11d in the vertical direction V.

[0037] For each of the plurality of connecting portions 12, it is preferable that the width of the relatively lower connecting portion 12 in the vertical direction V is the same as or greater than the width of the relatively upper connecting portion 12. That is, the widths d12a, d12b, d12c of the connecting portions 12a, 12b, 12c in the vertical direction V satisfy d12a ≤ d12b ≤ d12c. As a more preferable aspect, the width of at least the lowermost connecting portion 12 is greater than the widths of the other connecting portions 12. That is, d12a ≤ d12b < d12c. In the present embodiment, as an even more preferable aspect, the width of the connecting portion 12 increases as it goes from above to below in the vertical direction V. That is, d12a < d12b < d12c. Specifically, for example, d12a, d12b, d12c = 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm can be cited. However, as long as at least d12c is 2 mm or more, d12a and d12b may be 0 mm or less. Thereby, as will be described later, when the mask is worn, it becomes easier to expand the mask body 3 more downward in the vertical direction V. However, the relationship of their widths is not particularly limited.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, each of the plurality of pleat portions 11 has a joining portion 20 at each of both ends in the lateral direction H for fixing the sheets 30 to each other in each of the plurality of pleat portions 11. The joining portion 20 is formed by a method such as heat fusion using embossing or ultrasonic waves, or adhesion using an adhesive. And in the present embodiment, the joining portion 20 includes joining portions 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d provided at both ends in the lateral direction H of the pleat portions 11a, 11b, pleat portions 11c, 11d, respectively. The joining portion 20a joins the base material 31a, the first portion 33a, and the second portion 34a of the pleat portion 11a to each other in the thickness direction T. The joining portion 20b joins the base material 31b, the first portion 33b, and the second portion 34b of the pleat portion 11b to each other in the thickness direction T. The joining portion 20c joins the base material 31c, the first portion 33c, and the second portion 34c of the pleat portion 11c to each other in the thickness direction T. The joining portion 20d joins the base material 31d, the first portion 33d, and the second portion 34d of the pleat portion 11d to each other in the thickness direction T. In the present embodiment, the joining portions 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d are formed by embossing that sandwiches the second portion, the first portion, and the base material.

[0039] On the other hand, the connecting portions 12 are formed of unfolded sheets 30 (although they are formed of sheets 30, the sheets 30 that form the connecting portions 12 are not folded). Therefore, the connecting portions 12 do not have joints 20. Therefore, at both ends of the lateral direction H of the mask body 3, the sheet 30 is folded and the folds 11 where the joints 20 are formed have high rigidity, while the connecting portions 12 where the sheet 30 is not folded and the joints 20 are not formed have low rigidity. Therefore, the connecting portions 12 can more easily undergo deformation such as bending than the folds 11.

[0040] 4 and 5 are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of the joint 20 of the mask 1 according to the embodiment. Note that FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the joint 20, and of the joints 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, only joint 20c is shown for reference. However, the configuration is the same for joints 20a, 20b, and 20d, except that some of the joints are oriented differently. FIG. 5 is a partial plan view showing an example of the configuration of the mask 1.

[0041] In this embodiment, the joints 20 have the following detailed configuration. The joints 20 include inclined joints 22 that extend continuously or intermittently along a direction inclined relative to the horizontal direction H and the vertical direction V. Note that "extending continuously" refers to the joints 20 being arranged in a line or strip, while "extending intermittently" refers to the joints 20 being arranged in a line or strip, with multiple small joints arranged at intervals. The shape of the small joints is not particularly limited, and examples include circles, ellipses, squares, diamonds, and other polygonal shapes.

[0042] The joints 20 preferably include inclined joints 22. The inclined joints 22 extend continuously or intermittently along an inclined direction inclined (by an angle θ) with respect to the lateral direction H so as to move from the peaks Tx (e.g., Ta, Tb, Tc, and Td) of the pleats 11 toward the valleys Vx (e.g., Va, Vb, Vc, and Vd) of the pleats 11 toward the outside in the lateral direction H (toward the edges 3E of the mask body 3). In other words, the inclined joints 22 extend along an inclined direction inclined toward the direction P in which the pleats 11 expand, from the valleys Vx toward the peaks Tx of the pleats 11 toward the center (the vertical center line CV) in the lateral direction H. Therefore, when the ends of the multiple pleats 11 in the horizontal direction H come together at the center in the vertical direction V, the sheet 30 of the connecting portion 12, which has weak rigidity, and the unjoined portions of the sheet 30 of the adjacent pleats 11 (e.g., substrates 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d) can easily bend along the inclined direction of the inclined joint 22, which has strong rigidity.

[0043] The joints 20 preferably further include first lateral joints 21 that are arranged at or near the ends of the inclined joints 22 on the valley Vx side of the pleats 11 and extend continuously or intermittently along the lateral direction H. This increases the rigidity and shape stability of the ends of the pleats 11 in the lateral direction H. This allows the ends of the pleats 11 in the lateral direction H to be gathered at the center in the up-down direction V, and prevents the ends of the pleats 11 in the lateral direction H from bending when the connecting portions 12 are bent.

[0044] The joints 20 preferably further include second lateral joints 23 that are arranged at or near the ends of the inclined joints 22 on the apex Tx side of the pleats 11 and extend continuously or intermittently along the lateral direction H. This increases the rigidity and shape stability of the ends of the pleats 11 in the lateral direction H. This allows the ends of the pleats 11 in the lateral direction H to be gathered at the center in the up-down direction V, preventing the valleys Vx of the pleats 11 from lifting up from the base material (e.g., 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d) when the connecting portions 12 are bent.

[0045] The positions of the first lateral joint 21 and the second lateral joint 23 in the lateral direction H may be the same, but it is preferable that the second lateral joint 23 on the top Tx side is closer to the inside in the lateral direction H (towards the vertical center line CV). This makes the first lateral joint 21, the inclined joint 22 and the second lateral joint 23 form a joint 20 that is inclined in the inclined direction as a whole, and the functional effect of the inclined joint 22 can be more effectively achieved.

[0046] In this embodiment, the inclined joints 22 are circular fused portions 21a, 22a, 22b, and 23b arranged at intervals in the folds 11 in an inclined direction inclined by an angle θ with respect to the lateral direction H. The first lateral joints 21 are circular fused portions 21a and 21b arranged at intervals substantially parallel to the lateral direction H at the end of the folds 11 on the valley Vx side. The second lateral joints 23 are circular fused portions 23a and 23b arranged at intervals substantially parallel to the lateral direction H at the end of the folds 11 on the crest Tx side. The fused portion 21a is shared by the inclined joints 22 and the first lateral joints 21, and the fused portion 23b is shared by the inclined joints 22 and the second lateral joints 23. However, the fused portions do not have to be shared, and separate, independent fused portions may be provided for each.

[0047] In the pleats 11a and 11b facing upward in the vertical direction V, the first horizontal joints 21, the inclined joints 22, and the second horizontal joints 23 are arranged in this order from bottom to top in the vertical direction V, i.e., from the valleys Va and Vb to the peaks Ta and Tb. The second horizontal joints 23 on the peaks Ta and Tb side are arranged closer to the inside in the horizontal direction H (toward the vertical centerline CV). Meanwhile, in the pleats 11c and 11d facing downward in the vertical direction V, the first horizontal joints 21, the inclined joints 22, and the second horizontal joints 23 are arranged in this order from top to bottom in the vertical direction V, i.e., from the valleys Vc and Vd to the peaks Tc and Td. The second horizontal joints 23 on the peaks Tc and Td side are arranged closer to the inside in the horizontal direction H (toward the vertical centerline CV).

[0048] The length of the joint 20 in the up-down direction V is preferably 70 to 90% of the length of each of the plurality of pleats 11 in the up-down direction V. When wearing the mask, the bending direction of the plurality of adjacent connecting portions 12 and the spreading direction of the plurality of pleats 11 can be guided in an appropriate direction (70% or more), while increasing the degree of freedom of deformation of the adjacent connecting portions 12 (90% or less). Furthermore, the end of the joint 20 in the up-down direction V is preferably separated from at least one of the peaks Tx and valleys Vx of the pleats 11 in a plan view. Therefore, when wearing the mask, the area that bends together with the connecting portions 12 can be made wider within the pleats 11.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of wearing the mask 1 according to the embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the lateral end of the mask 1 of FIG.

[0050] When the mask 1 having multiple pleats 11 (11a to 11d) is worn, the central portions of the pleats 11 in the horizontal direction H are expanded in the vertical direction V, forming a three-dimensional shape (cup) in the mask body 3. At this time, the ends of the pleats 11 in the horizontal direction H move toward each other, opposite to the movement of the central portions. In other words, with the joints 20 as fulcrums, the central portions of the pleats 11 in the horizontal direction H are expanded in the vertical direction V, and the ends of the pleats 11 in the horizontal direction H move toward each other. Here, the mask 1 has connecting portions 12 (12a to 12c) between the pleats 11 adjacent in the vertical direction V. Because the connecting portions 12 are formed from parts of the sheet 30 that are not folded, they have lower rigidity and are more flexible than pleats 11 formed from parts of the sheet 30 that are folded. Therefore, when forming a three-dimensional shape in the mask body 3, the plurality of connecting portions 12 with low rigidity are bent to form bent portions 15 (15a to 15c), which can be folded over adjacent pleats 11. This allows the ends of the plurality of pleats 11 in the lateral direction H to approach each other more easily without colliding with or deforming each other.

[0051] 7, bent portion 15a of bent portion 15 is formed by folding over connecting portion 12a and a portion of pleats 11a and / or pleats 11b (a portion of second portion 34a and base material 31b). Bent portion 15b is formed by folding over connecting portion 12b and a portion of pleats 11b and / or pleats 11c (a portion of second portion 34b and second portion 34c). Bent portion 15c is formed by folding over connecting portion 12c and a portion of pleats 11c and / or pleats 11d (a portion of base material 31c and second portion 34d).

[0052] This allows the ends of the multiple pleats 11 in the horizontal direction H to approach each other and overlap some of them at the bends 15, making it possible to easily deform the end of the mask body 3 in the horizontal direction H into a curved shape that fits the surface of the wearer's face as a whole. Therefore, at the end of the mask body 3 in the horizontal direction H, it is possible to prevent a gap from occurring between the middle region of the mask body 3 in the up-down direction V and the surface of the face, while suppressing the occurrence of a gap between the lower end and the surface of the face.

[0053] In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the joints 20 include inclined joints 22 extending continuously or intermittently along a direction inclined with respect to the lateral direction H and the vertical direction V. Here, when wearing the mask 1, the central portions of the lateral direction H of the plurality of pleats 11 are spread in the vertical direction V, bringing the ends in the lateral direction H closer to each other, and the plurality of connecting portions 12 are bent and folded over adjacent pleats 11. At this time, the inclined joints 22 can appropriately guide the bending direction of the plurality of connecting portions 12 and the spreading direction of the plurality of pleats 11. As a result, the ends in the lateral direction H of the mask body 3 can be curved to fit the surface of the face.

[0054] In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the inclined joints 22 extend continuously or intermittently along an inclined direction inclined (by an angle θ) with respect to the lateral direction H so as to move from the peaks Tx (Ta, Tb, Tc, Td) of the pleats 11 toward the valleys Vx (Va, Vb, Vc, Vd) of the pleats 11 toward the outside in the lateral direction H. In other words, the inclined joints 22 extend in a direction from the valleys Vx of the pleats 11 toward the peaks Tx toward the center in the lateral direction H, i.e., in a direction inclined (by an angle θ) toward the direction in which the pleats 11 widen relative to the lateral direction H. Therefore, when the multiple connecting portions 12 are bent and folded over adjacent pleats 11 while wearing the mask, the inclined joints 22 can guide the bending direction of the multiple connecting portions 12 in an appropriate direction. In other words, the direction of the fold lines formed by bending the sheet 30 at the bent portions 15 (15a to 15c) can be guided in a direction generally along the inclined joints 22. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, the fold lines formed at the bent portion 15a are aligned with the inclined joints 22 of the pleats 11a and 11b, and the fold lines formed at the bent portion 15c are aligned with the inclined joints 22 of the pleats 11c and 11d. This allows the direction in which the pleats 11 expand to be guided appropriately, and allows the ends of the mask body 3 in the lateral direction H to assume a curved shape that fits the surface of the face while maintaining the three-dimensional shape formed at the central portion of the mask body 3 in the lateral direction H.

[0055] In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the joints 20 further include first lateral joints 21 that are arranged at or near the ends of the inclined joints 22 on the valley Vx side of the pleats 11 and extend continuously or intermittently along the lateral direction H. This can increase the rigidity and shape stability of the ends of the pleats 11 in the lateral direction H. Therefore, when the multiple connecting portions 12 are bent and folded over adjacent pleats 11 while wearing the mask, the first lateral joints 21 can suppress bending of the ends of the multiple pleats 11 in the lateral direction H. This allows the ends of the mask body 3 in the lateral direction H to maintain a curved shape that fits along the surface of the face.

[0056] In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the joints 20 further include second lateral joints 23 that are arranged at or near the ends of the inclined joints 22 on the apex Tx side of the pleats 11 and extend continuously or intermittently along the lateral direction H. This can increase the rigidity and shape stability of the ends of the pleats 11 in the lateral direction H. Therefore, when the connecting portions 12 are bent and folded over adjacent pleats 11 while wearing the mask, the second lateral joints 23 can prevent the ends of the pleats 11 in the lateral direction H from lifting up in the thickness direction T. This allows the lateral ends of the mask body 3 to maintain a curved shape that fits the surface of the face.

[0057] In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the length of the joint 20 in the up-down direction V is 70 to 90% of the length of each of the plurality of pleats 11 in the up-down direction V. Therefore, when wearing the mask, the joint 20 appropriately guides the bending direction of the plurality of connecting portions 12 and the spreading direction of the plurality of pleats 11 (70% or more), while increasing the degree of freedom of deformation of adjacent connecting portions 12 (90% or less). This makes it easier for the end portions of the mask body 3 in the lateral direction H to assume a curved shape that fits along the surface of the face.

[0058] In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the end of the joint 20 in the up-down direction V is separated from at least one of the peaks Tx and valleys Vx of the pleats 11 in a plan view. Therefore, when the mask is worn, a region that bends together with the connecting portions 12 can be made wider within the pleats 11. This allows the bending direction of the multiple connecting portions 12 and the spreading direction of the multiple pleats 11 to be guided in an appropriate direction, while further increasing the degree of freedom of deformation of adjacent connecting portions 12. This makes it easier for the end of the mask body 3 in the lateral direction H to assume a curved shape that fits along the surface of the face.

[0059] In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, among the multiple connecting portions 12, the lowest connecting portion 12c in the vertical direction V has a larger width in the vertical direction V than the other connecting portions 12a and 12b (d12c > d12a, d12b). Therefore, when wearing the mask, the lower portion of the central portion of the mask body 3 in the vertical direction V can be spread further downward in the vertical direction V. Correspondingly, when the multiple connecting portions 12 are bent and folded over the adjacent pleats 11 at the end portion in the horizontal direction H of the mask body 3, the lower end portion can be made into a more curved shape. Therefore, the end portion of the mask body 3 in the horizontal direction H can be made into a curved shape that fits the surface of the wearer's face as a whole.

[0060] In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the width of each of the multiple connecting portions 12 in the vertical direction V increases from the top to the bottom in the vertical direction V. Therefore, when the mask is worn, the central portion of the mask body 3 in the horizontal direction H can be spread further downward in the vertical direction V. Correspondingly, when the multiple connecting portions 12 are bent and folded over adjacent pleats 11 at the end portions in the horizontal direction H of the mask body 3, the lower end portions can be made into an even more curved shape. Therefore, the end portions of the mask body 3 in the horizontal direction H can be made into a curved shape that fits the surface of the wearer's face as a whole.

[0061] In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the joint 20 is formed by embossing. This makes it difficult for the joint 20 to come off, and therefore the curved shape of the end of the mask body 3 in the lateral direction H can be stably maintained. This stably prevents a gap from occurring between the lower end of the end of the mask body 3 in the lateral direction H and the surface of the face.

[0062] 1, the mask body 3 in this embodiment further includes a nose fitting member 41 at a portion that corresponds to the nose when worn. The nose fitting member 41 is sandwiched between the folded non-skin side and skin side sheets 30 at the upper end of the mask body 3 in the up-down direction V, and is held in place by being surrounded by a joint 42.

[0063] In this embodiment, each of the pair of ear loops 5 is fused to the outer surface of both ends of the mask body 3 in the horizontal direction H and both ends in the vertical direction V by fused parts 43. The fused parts 43 are formed, for example, by fusing the ear loops 5 and the mask body 3 with heat or ultrasound. In another embodiment, each of the pair of ear loops 5 is fused to the inner surface of both ends of the mask body 3 in the horizontal direction H and both ends in the vertical direction V by fused parts 43.

[0064] In this embodiment, the mask body 3 is formed by folding a sheet 30. Although not shown, the sheet 30 includes an inner sheet that is positioned on the inside, i.e., the skin side, when worn, an outer sheet that is positioned on the outside, i.e., the side away from the skin, when worn, and a filter sheet that is positioned between the inner sheet and the outer sheet. In another embodiment, the mask body 3 includes two or more filter sheets. In yet another embodiment, the mask body 3 is formed as a whole from one or two sheets.

[0065] The inner sheet, filter sheet, and outer sheet are fused to one another by a plurality of bonding portions 42, 44 located at both ends of the mask body 3 in the vertical direction V and arranged along the horizontal direction H, and a plurality of bonding portions 20 located at both ends in the horizontal direction H. The bonding portions 42, 44, 20 have small circular or elliptical shapes. However, the shape of the bonding portions 42, 44 is not particularly limited, and examples include dots, polygons, patterns, and combinations thereof. The bonding portions 42, 44, 20 are formed by fusing the inner sheet, filter sheet, and outer sheet together using heat or ultrasound.

[0066] In this embodiment, the inner sheet and the outer sheet support the filter sheet from both sides in the thickness direction, maintaining the shape of the mask body 3. From the viewpoint of their function, the inner sheet and the outer sheet preferably have higher breathability and rigidity than the filter sheet. It is also preferable that the inner sheet has a good feel against the skin. The basis weight of the inner sheet and the outer sheet is, for example, 10 to 100 g / m 2On the other hand, when a gas such as air flows through the filter sheet, the filter sheet captures and collects substances such as viruses, bacteria, dust, pollen, or fine particulate matter (PM2.5) (hereinafter simply referred to as "fine substances") that try to pass through the filter sheet together with the gas. The basis weight of the filter sheet is, for example, 10 to 200 g / m 2 Examples include:

[0067] Examples of materials for the inner sheet, outer sheet, and filter sheet include nonwoven fabrics. Examples of nonwoven fabrics include spunlace nonwoven fabrics, air-through nonwoven fabrics, spunbond nonwoven fabrics, airlaid nonwoven fabrics, meltblown nonwoven fabrics, flash-spun nonwoven fabrics, thermal-bonded nonwoven fabrics, carded nonwoven fabrics, and nonwoven fabrics combining several of these. The fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric are not particularly limited as long as they can be melted by heat or ultrasound to form a film. Examples of such fibers include synthetic resin fibers (e.g., polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, and ionomer resin; polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, and polylactic acid; and polyamides such as nylon). Natural fibers (e.g., wool and cotton) and regenerated fibers (e.g., rayon and acetate) may also be included. The fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric may be composed of a single component, or may be composed of composite fibers such as core-sheath fibers, side-by-side fibers, or islands-in-the-sea fibers.The nonwoven fabric may be a single layer, or may be a laminate in which single layer nonwoven fabrics are stacked (e.g., SMS nonwoven fabric).

[0068] The material of the filter sheet preferably has a higher microparticle collection performance than the inner sheet and the outer sheet. In this embodiment, for example, an electret nonwoven fabric can be used as the material of the filter sheet. The electret nonwoven fabric can capture and collect microparticles in gas using electrostatic force. Such a nonwoven fabric can be obtained by subjecting the nonwoven fabric to an electret treatment. The material of the electret nonwoven fabric is preferably a nonpolar polymer, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, or a combination thereof.

[0069] From the viewpoint of capturing fine particles, the fiber density of the filter sheet is preferably higher than the fiber densities of the inner sheet and the outer sheet. The fiber density of the filter sheet is, for example, 0.03 to 0.20 g / cm. 3 and preferably 0.05 to 0.10 g / cm 3 If the fiber density of the filter sheet is too high, the formation of an electric field within the filter sheet due to the electret treatment may be hindered by the fibers, and the electret treatment may not reach the inside of the filter sheet. Also, if the fiber density of the filter sheet is too high, the flow of gas may be hindered, making it difficult for gas to pass through the filter sheet, and the breathability may be reduced. On the other hand, if the fiber density is too low, there may be too few fibers to capture microparticles, and the collection performance may be reduced.

[0070] The material for the ear loops 5 is not particularly limited as long as it can be placed over the wearer's ears, and examples include elastic materials such as round rubber bands with a circular cross section or flat rubber bands with a rectangular cross section. Examples of elastic materials include woven or knitted rubber bands made by weaving or knitting synthetic resin fibers (elastic fibers are also acceptable). In this embodiment, woven rubber bands are used. Woven rubber bands do not change width even when stretched. Because the ear loops 5 do not narrow when placed over the ears, the area of ​​the woven rubber bands that come into contact with the wearer's ears can be ensured to be sufficient, improving the comfort of the mask 1. This allows the mask 1 to properly perform its intended functions and be worn for long periods of time.

[0071] In this embodiment, the plurality of pleats 11 include pleats 11a and 11b facing upward and pleats 11c and 11d facing downward. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the orientation and number of pleats 11 may be different. For example, the number of pleats 11 facing upward may be different from the number of pleats 11 facing downward. In this case, however, it is preferable to have more pleats 11 facing downward at the end of the mask body 3 in the lateral direction H, from the viewpoint of easily preventing gaps from occurring between the lower end and the surface of the face.

[0072] 8 is a partially enlarged view (cross-section) of a disposable mask according to another embodiment taken along the vertical centerline. In the example of the mask body 3 of this another embodiment, the pleats 11 include a plurality of pleats 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d that all face upward, and a plurality of connecting portions 12a, 12b, and 12c that are located between adjacent pleats 11. These and other configurations are as described in the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, in yet another embodiment, the pleats 11 may include a plurality of pleats that all face downward, and a plurality of connecting portions that are located between adjacent pleats.

[0073] The disposable mask of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be combined or substituted using the techniques of the embodiments or known techniques in the relevant technical field within the scope that does not deviate from the purpose and intent of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1 (disposable) mask 3 Mask body 5 Ear hook 11 Folds 12 Connecting part 20 Joint

Claims

1. A disposable mask having a mask body made of a sheet having vertical, horizontal and thickness directions, and a pair of ear loops extending from both side edges of the mask body in the horizontal direction, The mask body includes: a plurality of pleats formed in a portion of the folded sheet, extending along the lateral direction and spaced apart in the vertical direction; a plurality of connecting portions formed from a portion of the sheet that is not folded over and positioned between adjacent ones of the plurality of pleats in the up-down direction; Equipped with Each of the plurality of pleats has a joint portion at each of both ends in the lateral direction that fixes the sheets in each of the plurality of pleats to each other, The joints include inclined joints extending continuously or intermittently along a direction inclined with respect to the lateral direction and the up-down direction, The inclined joint portion extends continuously or intermittently along an inclined direction inclined with respect to the lateral direction so as to extend from the top side of the pleat portion toward the valley side thereof toward the outside in the lateral direction. Disposable mask.

2. The joint is The inclined joint further includes a first horizontal joint that is disposed at or near an end of the inclined joint at a valley side of the pleat and extends continuously or intermittently along the horizontal direction. The disposable mask of claim 1.

3. The joint is The inclined joint further includes a second horizontal joint disposed at or near an end of the apex side of the pleat, and extending continuously or intermittently along the horizontal direction. The disposable mask according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The vertical length of the joint is 70 to 90% of the vertical length of each of the plurality of pleats. The disposable mask according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The vertical end portions of the joint portions are spaced apart from at least one of the peaks of the pleats and the valleys of the pleats in a plan view. The disposable mask according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The lowermost connecting portion of each of the plurality of connecting portions in the vertical direction has a larger width in the vertical direction than the other connecting portions. The disposable mask according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Each of the plurality of connecting portions has a width in the up-down direction that increases from the top to the bottom in the up-down direction. The disposable mask according to claim 6.

8. The joint is formed by embossing. The disposable mask according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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