mask cover

Abstract

To provide a mask cover which is mounted over a conventional sanitary mask and does not slip down with respect to the sanitary mask.SOLUTION: A mask cover 1 is attached to a sanitary mask by attachment means disposed at the right and left ends of the mask cover. In particular, an adhesive member 14 is disposed which sticks to the central upper surface of the sanitary mask and prevents the mask cover mounted on the sanitary mask from slipping down. This adhesive member is, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener, and is particularly composed of a male fastener consisting of a large number of minute hook-shaped hooks. Further, the attachment means is, for example, slits 16 and 17 disposed at the right and left ends of the mask cover, and the mask cover is held and mounted on the sanitary mask by a string of the sanitary mask passed through the slit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mask cover that is worn over a normal sanitary mask to prevent the mask from slipping downward relative to the sanitary mask. [Background technology]

[0002] The current pandemic caused by the new coronavirus has reminded people of how vulnerable society is to infectious diseases in the 21st century, an era of increasing population density and high-speed mass transportation.

[0003] In such a situation, everything around us seems like a source of infection, and living conditions become extremely difficult. In fact, during an outbreak, everything needs to be treated with suspicion.

[0004] While it is important to take measures such as avoiding closed spaces, crowded places, and close contact, the most basic of these is wearing a sanitary mask. In order to prevent the spread of infection, the first thing that must be done is to thoroughly enforce the wearing of a sanitary mask.

[0005] If you are infected, wearing a sanitary mask will reduce the risk of infecting others by preventing the spread of droplets. If you are not infected, wearing a sanitary mask will prevent infection by pathogens entering through the mouth or nose. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-16904

[0007] [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 4395194

[0008] [Patent Document 3] Utility Model Registration No. 3228052

[0009] [Patent Document 4] Utility Model Registration No. 3228433 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] Washable and reusable cloth hygienic masks are effective in preventing droplets, but doubts have been raised about their effectiveness in preventing infection through viral penetration. In other words, the size of a typical virus is less than 1 μm, and gauze and other masks have coarse mesh, which is thought to be insufficient in terms of virus removal performance.

[0011] On the other hand, the currently mainstream nonwoven sanitary masks are expected to have a filtering effect to remove viruses, and filters for the purpose of removing viruses have also been proposed (Patent Document 1).

[0012] However, while wearing a nonwoven sanitary mask will prevent the majority of airborne viruses from passing through and preventing them from entering through the mouth and nose, many of the viruses will still adhere to the surface of the sanitary mask. Therefore, carelessly touching the surface of the sanitary mask can lead to the spread of viruses. Furthermore, if the mask is simply thrown away in the trash, the viruses on the surface of the sanitary mask may become airborne, making the sanitary mask itself a potential route of infection.

[0013] On the other hand, some people wear two existing sanitary masks in layers to enhance the virus-removing effect. Mask covers that can be worn on top of a single sanitary mask have also been proposed (Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3). Furthermore, there are also mask covers that are intended to add decorative features to sanitary masks (Patent Document 4).

[0014] However, when a mask cover is attached to the surface of a sanitary mask, the surface of the sanitary mask is relatively smooth, and the sanitary mask and the mask cover on top of it are likely to slip off. If the mask cover slips off, not only will the virus removal effect be reduced, but it will also look bad.

[0015] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a mask cover that, when worn over a normal sanitary mask, will not slip downward relative to the sanitary mask. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] In order to solve the above problems, a mask cover according to one aspect of the present invention is a mask cover that is worn over a sanitary mask and is adhered to the central upper surface of the sanitary mask to prevent the mask cover worn over the sanitary mask from slipping down. The mask cover is equipped with a hook-and-loop fastener and has slits on the left and right ends, and is attached to the sanitary mask by the strings of the sanitary mask that are passed through the slits. It is characterized by:

[0017] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the surface fastener is characterized by comprising a male fastener made up of a large number of minute hook-shaped hooks.

[0018] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the mask cover is a nonwoven fabric containing copper oxide having antiviral activity.

[0019] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the nonwoven fabric is characterized in that it is made from a polymer having water-insoluble fine particles of copper oxide incorporated into its fibers. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] When the mask cover according to the present invention is worn over a normal sanitary mask, it will not slip down relative to the sanitary mask even if the wearer moves or talks a lot. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a side view showing a mask cover 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a closed state. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the mask cover 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention in an open state. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing how the mask cover 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is attached to the sanitary mask M. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the mask cover 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention attached to the sanitary mask M. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a rear view showing a mask cover 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing how a mask cover 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is attached to a sanitary mask M. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a mask cover 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention attached to a sanitary mask M. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a rear view showing a mask cover 3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a mask cover 3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention in an open state. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing how a mask cover 3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is attached to a sanitary mask M. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a mask cover according to a third embodiment of the present invention attached to a sanitary mask M. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front view showing a mask cover 4 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a rear view showing a mask cover 4 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing how a mask cover 4 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is attached to a sanitary mask M. [Figure 16]FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a sanitary mask M fitted with a mask cover 4 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a mask cover 5 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention in a folded state. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a state in which the mask cover 5 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is unfolded for use. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a front view showing a mask cover 6 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a rear view showing a mask cover 6 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a mask cover 6 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention is attached to a sanitary mask M. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a front view showing a mask cover 7 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a rear view showing a mask cover 7 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing how a mask cover 7 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention is attached to a sanitary mask M. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the mask cover of the first embodiment of the present invention, which is modified so as to be attached to the inside of a sanitary mask. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing how the mask cover shown in FIG. 27 is attached to the sanitary mask M. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a side view showing a modified example of the mask cover of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, which has been modified so as to be worn inside a sanitary mask. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing the mask cover shown in FIG. 29 in an unfolded state for use. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing how the mask cover shown in FIG. 29 is attached to the sanitary mask M. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a mask cover according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This mask cover is worn by overlapping it with a normal sanitary mask. In particular, this mask cover has a hook-and-loop fastener on the top, which adheres to the surface of the sanitary mask when worn over the sanitary mask. This prevents the top of the mask cover from slipping down from the sanitary mask.

[0023] This mask cover is also made of copper oxide nonwoven fabric, which generates copper ions that can inactivate viruses on the surface of smartphones, making it an antiviral cover.

[0024] The copper oxide nonwoven fabric is made from an antiviral polymer material having water-insoluble, fine particles of copper oxide incorporated into its fibers. Specifically, the antiviral polymer material is preferably made from a base polymer selected from polyamide, polyalkylene, polyurethane, and polyester.

[0025] This main ingredient is heated to a temperature between approximately 80°C and 150°C to melt it, and then water-insoluble cationic copper oxide powder is added and dispersed. The particle size of the dispersed cationic copper oxide is preferably between 0.2 and 20 microns. This liquid polymer slurry is then extruded under pressure onto a series of circular metal plates called spinnerets to produce a nonwoven fabric. Details of this manufacturing method are described, for example, in JP-A-2008-534708. The copper oxide nonwoven fabric used in each example of the mask cover according to the present invention shown below is produced in this manner. [Example]

[0026] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a mask cover according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a side view showing a mask cover 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the mask cover 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a state where it has been unfolded into a three-dimensional shape. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the mask cover 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention being attached to a sanitary mask M. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the mask cover 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention attached to a sanitary mask M.

[0027] The mask cover 1 is made by stacking two axe-blade-shaped copper oxide nonwoven fabrics 2 as shown in Figure 1, with the axe blade tip 1a pressed together. The opposite side of the pressed part 1a can then be expanded to form a three-dimensional shape as shown in Figure 2. As mentioned above, this copper oxide nonwoven fabric is made from a polymer whose fibers incorporate fine, water-insoluble copper oxide particles.

[0028] Slits 16 and 17 are provided on the edges of both ends of this mask cover 1. Circular locking holes 16h and 17h are provided at the top and bottom ends of the slits 16 and 17. As will be described later, these locking holes 16h and 17h not only lock the strings of the sanitary mask, but also have the effect of making the ends of the slits 16 and 17 less likely to be damaged.

[0029] Furthermore, a pair of hook-and-loop fasteners 14 are provided on the left and right sides along the inner upper edge of the central part of the mask cover 1. These hook-and-loop fasteners 14 are known by trade names such as Magic Tape (registered trademark), Magic Fastener (registered trademark), Velcro (registered trademark), and hook-and-loop tape, and generally consist of a female fastener and a male fastener. Usually, a female fastener is provided on one side to be connected and fixed, and a male fastener is provided on the other side.

[0030] The hook-and-loop fastener 14 used here is a male fastener only. The male fastener consists of many tiny hook-shaped hooks, and is usually designed to engage with many tiny loops on the corresponding female fastener. Once engaged, it does not easily come off, allowing for a wide range of applications. However, even if only a male fastener is used, if the other surface is made of fine fibers such as nonwoven fabric or cotton fabric, a certain level of fastening force can be expected, and if the mask cover 1 is very light, it can be firmly fastened to the sanitary mask M.

[0031] To attach this mask cover 1 to the sanitary mask M, proceed as follows. That is, as shown in Figure 3, while placing the mask cover 1 over the sanitary mask M, pass the strings S of the sanitary mask M through the slits 16 and 17. Then, position the upper and lower ends of the strings S in the locking holes 16h and 17h. In this state, the user presses the mask cover 1 against the sanitary mask M at the base of the strings S of the sanitary mask M, and places the strings S around the ears.

[0032] As a result, as shown in Figure 4, the mask cover 1 covers the outside of the sanitary mask M. Then, the position of the mask cover 1 relative to the sanitary mask M is adjusted, and the hook-and-loop fastener 14 is pressed against the surface of the sanitary mask M to secure it in place. This prevents the mask cover 1 from slipping downward relative to the sanitary mask M.

[0033] When the sanitary mask M is used with this mask cover 1 attached, viruses adhere to the surface of the mask cover 1, but some pass through and adhere to the sanitary mask M. If the mask cover 1 is thick or has a structure in which several layers are stacked, most viruses will not be able to pass through the mask cover 1, but in that case, air resistance will increase and breathing will become more difficult. Therefore, here, the mask cover 1 is assumed to be a single sheet of copper oxide nonwoven fabric.

[0034] Viruses adhering to the surface of the mask cover 1 are inactivated by the copper ions generated by the copper oxide nonwoven fabric. In addition, viruses adhering to the outer surface of the sanitary mask M during use are also inactivated by contact with the adjacent copper oxide nonwoven fabric.

[0035] Therefore, even if a user unconsciously touches the sanitary mask M, infectious viruses will not get on their hands. Also, because the sanitary mask M is not contaminated with viruses, there is no need to take precautions such as putting the sanitary mask M in a plastic bag when disposing of it. Furthermore, even when replacing the sanitary mask M, the mask cover 1 can be reused by attaching it to the new sanitary mask.

[0036] The sanitary mask M may be a nonwoven sanitary mask or a cloth sanitary mask, but when the mask cover 1 is attached to the cloth sanitary mask, it is expected that the antiviral activity of the mask cover 1 will compensate for the insufficient virus removal function of the cloth sanitary mask. [Example]

[0037] A second embodiment of the mask cover according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 5 is a rear view of the mask cover 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the state in which the mask cover 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention is attached to a sanitary mask M. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the mask cover 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention attached to a sanitary mask M.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, the mask cover 2 is a copper oxide nonwoven fabric in a roughly boat-like shape, consisting of left and right straight sides 22, 23 and upper and lower arched sides 24, 25. As described above, this copper oxide nonwoven fabric is made from a polymer whose fibers incorporate fine, water-insoluble copper oxide particles.

[0039] Slits 26 and 27 are provided on the edges of the left side 22 and right side 23 of this mask cover 2. Circular locking holes 26h and 27h are provided at the top and bottom ends of the slits 26 and 27. These locking holes 26h and 27h not only lock the strings of the sanitary mask, but also have the effect of making the ends of the slits 26 and 27 less likely to be damaged.

[0040] Furthermore, a hook-and-loop fastener 29 is provided along the inner upper edge of the mask cover 2. As in Example 1, this hook-and-loop fastener 29 is a male fastener, and can be fastened firmly to the sanitary mask when the sanitary mask to be worn has a fine fibrous surface such as nonwoven fabric or cotton fabric.

[0041] To attach this mask cover 2 to the sanitary mask M, proceed as follows. That is, as shown in Figure 6, while placing the mask cover 2 over the sanitary mask M, pass the strings S of the sanitary mask M through the slits 26 and 27. Then, position the upper and lower ends of the strings S in the locking holes 26h and 27h. In this state, the user presses the mask cover 2 against the sanitary mask M at the base of the strings S of the sanitary mask M, and loops the strings S around the ears.

[0042] 7, the mask cover 2 covers the outside of the sanitary mask M. Then, the position of the mask cover 2 relative to the sanitary mask M is adjusted, and the hook-and-loop fastener 29 is pressed against the surface of the sanitary mask M to secure it in place. This prevents the mask cover 2 from slipping downward relative to the sanitary mask M.

[0043] Again, when the sanitary mask M is used with this mask cover 2 attached, viruses adhering to the surface of the mask cover 2 are inactivated by the copper ions generated by the copper oxide nonwoven fabric. Furthermore, viruses adhering to the outer surface of the sanitary mask M during use are also inactivated by contact with the adjacent copper oxide nonwoven fabric. Therefore, as in Example 1, it can be expected that this will complement the virus removal function of the sanitary mask M. [Example]

[0044] Next, a third embodiment of the mask cover according to the present invention will be described. Fig. 8 is a rear view showing the mask cover 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the mask cover 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention in a state where it has been unfolded into a three-dimensional shape. Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the state in which the mask cover 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention is attached to a sanitary mask M. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the mask cover 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention attached to a sanitary mask M.

[0045] The mask cover 3 has pleated folds 3a formed in the copper oxide nonwoven fabric 3. When these folds 3a are expanded, they take on a three-dimensional shape as shown in Fig. 9, similar to Example 1. Here, too, the copper oxide nonwoven fabric 3 is made from a polymer in which fine water-insoluble copper oxide particles are incorporated into its fibers, as described above.

[0046] In this third embodiment, a hook-and-loop fastener 39 is provided along the inner upper edge of the mask cover 3. As in the first embodiment, this hook-and-loop fastener 39 is a male fastener, and can be fastened firmly to the sanitary mask when the sanitary mask to be worn has a fine fibrous surface such as nonwoven fabric or cotton fabric.

[0047] This mask cover 3 can be attached to the sanitary mask M using the slits 37, as in Example 1, and the hook-and-loop fasteners 39 prevent the mask cover 3 from slipping downward relative to the sanitary mask M. In addition, the copper ions generated by the copper oxide nonwoven fabric inactivate viruses, which is expected to complement the virus removal function of the sanitary mask M. [Example]

[0048] Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the mask cover according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 12 is a front view showing a mask cover 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a rear view showing a mask cover 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a state in which a mask cover 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to a sanitary mask M. Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a sanitary mask M equipped with a mask cover 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This mask cover 4 is made of copper oxide nonwoven fabric, and as described above, is manufactured from a polymer having water-insoluble fine particles of copper oxide incorporated into its fibers.

[0049] As shown in the figure, the mask cover 4 has pleated folds 41 formed therein, and when these folds 41 are expanded, they assume a three-dimensional shape similar to that of Example 3. In addition, hook-and-loop fasteners 43 are provided on both the left and right ends of the back surface of the mask cover 4.

[0050] Furthermore, a hook-and-loop fastener 45 is also provided on the upper part of the back surface of the mask cover 4. As shown in Figure 15, the mask cover 4 can be attached to the sanitary mask M using these hook-and-loop fasteners 43, 45. Then, the mask cover 4 is positioned relative to the sanitary mask M, and the hook-and-loop fastener 45 is pressed against the surface of the sanitary mask M to secure it in place. This prevents the mask cover 4 from slipping downward relative to the sanitary mask M.

[0051] As in the above embodiment, the hook-and-loop fasteners 43, 45 are male fasteners, and can be fastened firmly to the sanitary mask if the sanitary mask to be worn has a fine fibrous surface such as nonwoven fabric or cotton fabric.

[0052] 16, the mask cover 4 covers the outside of the sanitary mask M. The hook-and-loop fastener 43 mainly functions to fasten the mask cover 4 to the sanitary mask M, and the hook-and-loop fastener 45 is provided mainly for the purpose of preventing the mask cover 4 from slipping off the sanitary mask M. Also, in this embodiment, it is expected that viruses will be inactivated by the copper ions generated by the copper oxide nonwoven fabric, thereby supplementing the virus removal function of the sanitary mask M. [Example]

[0053] Next, a fifth embodiment of the mask cover according to the present invention will be described. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing the mask cover 5 of the fifth embodiment in a folded state. Fig. 18 shows the mask cover 5 of the fifth embodiment in an unfolded state for use.

[0054] As in Example 1, this mask cover 5 is made by stacking two axe-blade-shaped copper oxide nonwoven fabrics and pressing the axe-blade portion 5a together. When unfolded, it takes on the three-dimensional shape shown in Figure 18. As mentioned above, the copper oxide nonwoven fabric of this mask cover 5 is also made from a polymer in which fine, water-insoluble copper oxide particles are incorporated into its fibers.

[0055] Again, to attach the mask cover to the sanitary mask, a pair of left and right hook-and-loop fasteners (male fasteners) 53 are provided on the inside (base of the axe) as in Example 4 shown in Figure 15. Also, as in Example 4, a pair of left and right hook-and-loop fasteners 55 are provided on the upper part of the inside (base of the axe) of the mask cover 5 in order to prevent the mask cover 5 from slipping off the sanitary mask.

[0056] As in the above embodiment, the hook-and-loop fasteners 53 and 55 are male fasteners, and can be securely fastened to the sanitary mask M when the mask has a fine fibrous surface such as nonwoven fabric or cotton. Also, in this embodiment, the copper ions generated by the copper oxide nonwoven fabric are expected to inactivate viruses, thereby complementing the virus removal function of the sanitary mask M. [Example]

[0057] Next, a sixth embodiment of the mask cover according to the present invention will be described. Fig. 19 is a front view showing the mask cover 6 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 12. Fig. 21 is a rear view showing the mask cover 4 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 22 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the mask cover 6 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention attached to a sanitary mask M.

[0058] As in Example 4, this mask cover 6 has pleated folds 61, which are expanded to form a three-dimensional shape. Fastening belts 63 are provided on both sides of the mask cover 6, and these fastening belts 63 are fixed only to both sides of the mask cover 6 and at the top and bottom ends 65. Therefore, as shown in Figure 20, an opening 63h is formed between the main body of the mask cover 6 and the fastening belts 63.

[0059] A male fastener 63m of Velcro (registered trademark) is provided in the center of the fastening belt 63, and female fasteners 63f are provided on both side surfaces of the mask cover 6 facing this male fastener 63m. By adhering these male fasteners 63m and female fasteners 63f, the opening 63h is divided into upper and lower halves.

[0060] Furthermore, here too, similar to Example 4 shown in Figure 14, a hook-and-loop fastener 67 is provided on the upper part of the back surface of the mask cover 6. To attach this mask cover 6 to the sanitary mask, the string 5M of the sanitary mask is passed through the opening 63h with the male fastener 63m and female fastener 63f separated, as shown in Figure 22, and then the male fastener 63m and female fastener 63f are attached. Then, the position of the mask cover 6 relative to the sanitary mask is adjusted, and the hook-and-loop fastener 67 is pressed against the surface of the sanitary mask to secure it. This prevents the mask cover 6 from slipping downward relative to the sanitary mask.

[0061] In this case, the main body and fastening belt 63 of the mask cover 6 are made of copper oxide nonwoven fabric, similar to that in Example 4, and it is expected that attaching the mask cover 6 to the sanitary mask will supplement the virus removal function of the sanitary mask. Also, as in the above example, the mask cover can be reused. [Example]

[0062] Next, a mask cover according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. Hygienic masks that are worn using strings include the typical ear-hook type hygienic masks, as well as the head (neck) type seen in medical masks. The mask covers of Examples 1 to 3 and Example 6 are compatible with the typical ear-hook type, but not with the head (neck) type. The mask cover 7 according to this seventh embodiment is also compatible with the head (neck) type.

[0063] Figure 23 is a front view showing a mask cover 7 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 12. Figure 25 is a rear view showing a mask cover 7 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Figure 26 is a perspective view showing how the mask cover 7 according to the embodiment of the present invention is attached to a sanitary mask M.

[0064] As in Example 6, the mask cover 7 has pleated folds 71, which are expanded to form a three-dimensional shape. A pair of upper and lower fastening belts 73a, 73b are provided on both sides of the mask cover 7.

[0065] The fastening belts 73a and 73b are fixed only at both sides of the mask cover 7 and at the top and bottom ends 75. The fastening belts 73a and 73b have a length that is approximately half the vertical length of the mask cover 7, and the bottom end of the fastening belt 73a extending from above and the top end of the fastening belt 73b extending from below are free ends that face each other with a small gap between them.

[0066] Additionally, male fasteners 73m of Velcro (registered trademark) are provided at the lower end of fastening belt 73a and the upper end of fastening belt 73b, and female fasteners 73f are provided on both side surfaces of mask cover 7 that face male fasteners 73m. Therefore, by adhering these male fasteners 73m and female fasteners 73f, the strings of the sanitary mask can be fastened to both sides of mask cover 7.

[0067] Furthermore, here too, similar to Example 6 shown in FIG. 21, a hook-and-loop fastener 77 is provided on the upper part of the back surface of the mask cover 7. To attach this mask cover 7 to the medical mask M, as shown in FIG. 26, the upper string 7a of the medical mask M is sandwiched between the male fastener 73m at the lower end of the fastening belt 73a and the female fastener 73f. Similarly, the lower string 7b of the medical mask M is sandwiched between the male fastener 73m at the upper end of the fastening belt 73b and the female fastener 73f. Then, the position of the mask cover 7 relative to the medical mask M is adjusted, and the hook-and-loop fastener 77 is pressed against the surface of the medical mask M to secure it. This prevents the mask cover 7 from slipping downward relative to the medical mask M.

[0068] Here, too, the main body and fastening belt 73 of the mask cover 7 are made of copper oxide nonwoven fabric, similar to that of Example 4, and it is expected that attaching the mask cover 7 to a sanitary mask will supplement the virus removal function of the sanitary mask. Also, as in the above example, the mask cover can be reused. [Industrial Applicability]

[0069] The mask cover of the present invention is provided with an adhesive member that is attached to the central upper surface of the sanitary mask to prevent the mask cover from slipping down when attached to the sanitary mask, so that the mask cover is prevented from slipping down relative to the sanitary mask. Therefore, the mask cover does not lose its filtering effect due to slipping, and the appearance is not spoiled.

[0070] Furthermore, if the mask cover is made of a material with antiviral activity, such as copper oxide, it will be possible to prevent infectious viruses from remaining on the surface of the sanitary mask, thereby preventing the sanitary mask itself from becoming a route of infection.

[0071] In the above examples, nonwoven fabric is used as a carrier for the antiviral material, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a jersey or sponge material can be used as a carrier and contain an antiviral material such as copper oxide. Printing logos or various designs of soccer or baseball teams on the surface of a mask cover made of jersey or sponge material can improve the appearance and advertising effect.

[0072] The mask cover of the present invention is basically worn on the outside of a sanitary mask, but it can also be worn inside the sanitary mask. If the person is infected, wearing it inside the mask will further reduce the risk of infecting others. Wearing it inside also has the effect of suppressing the growth of bacteria around the mouth and nose and suppressing odor generation. It has also been reported to be effective in preventing rough skin.

[0073] For example, in the case of the mask cover 1 of Example 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4, a pair of hook-and-loop fasteners 14 are provided along the inner upper edge, and a pair of hook-and-loop fasteners 14 are provided along the outer upper edge, as shown in Figure 27. In this way, it can be attached to the inside of the sanitary mask M, as shown in Figure 28. In this case, too, the position of the mask cover relative to the sanitary mask M is adjusted, and the upper back surface of the sanitary mask M is pressed against the hook-and-loop fasteners 14 to secure it. This prevents the mask cover 1 from slipping downward relative to the sanitary mask M.

[0074] In order to attach the mask cover 5 of the fifth embodiment shown in Figures 17 and 18 to the inside of the sanitary mask M, it is necessary to move the hook-and-loop fasteners 53 provided on the inside of both the left and right ends and the hook-and-loop fastener 55 provided on the inside of the top to the outside, as shown in Figures 29 and 30. This prevents the mask cover 5 from slipping down relative to the sanitary mask.

[0075] Regarding the mask covers of Examples 2 to 4, if the mask cover body has no front or back, it can be worn inside out and placed directly inside a sanitary mask. However, if the mask cover body has a front or back, a hook-and-loop fastener must be provided on the opposite side to make it a mask cover that can be worn inside a sanitary mask.

[0076] When the mask cover is attached to the inside of the sanitary mask in this way, it is sandwiched between the face and the sanitary mask. In this state, the mask cover is less likely to come off the sanitary mask than when the mask cover is attached to the outside of the sanitary mask. Therefore, as shown in Figure 31, the attachment means such as slits or hook-and-loop fasteners on both ends may be omitted, and instead hook-and-loop fasteners 61 may be provided on the left and right sides of the lower center of the mask cover. In this case, the hook-and-loop fasteners 61, together with the hook-and-loop fastener 14 on the top, function as attachment means for attaching the mask cover to the inside of the sanitary mask.

[0077] The mask covers in the above examples are designed to remove viruses. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, mask covers designed to add decorative features to sanitary masks also tend to slip off the underlying sanitary mask. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to decorative mask covers, such as those printed with characters, corporate trademarks, or highly designed patterns, to prevent the mask cover from slipping off the underlying sanitary mask. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Mask Cover 3a pleats 7a, 7b strings 16, 17, 26, 27, 37 slits 16h, 17h, 26h, 27h locking hole 41, 61, 71 pleats 14, 29, 39, 45, 55, 67, 77 Male fasteners (adhesive material) 43, 53, 61 Male fastener (attachment means) 63, 73 Retaining belt 63f, 73f female zipper 63h opening 63m, 73m male zipper 73a, 73b Retaining belt 75 Upper and lower ends M Hygienic Mask S string

Claims

1. A mask cover to be worn over a sanitary mask, the mask cover being attached to the central upper surface of the sanitary mask and having a hook-and-loop fastener to prevent the mask cover from slipping downward when worn on the sanitary mask; A mask cover characterized in that slits are provided on the left and right ends, and the mask cover is held and attached to the sanitary mask by the strings of the sanitary mask that are passed through the slits.

2. 3. The mask cover according to claim 2, wherein the hook-and-loop fastener is a male fastener made up of a large number of minute hook-shaped hooks.

3. The mask cover according to claim 3, wherein the mask cover is a nonwoven fabric containing copper oxide having antiviral activity.

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