mask

Abstract

To provide a face mask which is capable of easily housing articles for housing articles.SOLUTION: A face mask 1 includes: a face mask body 2 fitted on a user's face; and at least one of articles 3, 4 provided for the mask body 2. The face mask body 2 is composed of a laminate of at least two of sheets 6 to 8. Between the two adjacent sheets, housing parts 22, 23 for housing the articles 3, 4 and openings 24, 25 for inserting the articles 3, 4 in the housing parts 22, 23 are formed. The articles 3, 4 have lower parts whose shapes are tapered downward that are on a lower side in the direction in which they are inserted in the housing parts 22, 23.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mask that can be equipped with items such as a heating element, a fragrance element, a deodorizer, a steam generator, etc. [Background technology]

[0002] Masks equipped with a storage compartment capable of storing items such as a steam generator have been used for some time. Patent Document 1, for example, discloses a mask of this type, in which a steam generator (absorbent core) containing water (moisture-retaining liquid) is stored in the storage compartment. The mask of Patent Document 1 includes a mask body to be worn on the user's face, and the mask body is constructed by stacking two sheets of the same shape and size one on top of the other, with the outer edges of the two sheets joined together except for at least a portion of the upper edges. The mask body has a bag-shaped storage compartment formed between the two sheets, and the unjoined portions of the upper edges of the two sheets form an opening for inserting and removing the steam generator (absorbent core) into and from the storage compartment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-205926 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the mask of Patent Document 1, to accommodate the steam generator in the accommodation portion of the mask body, it is necessary to insert it into the accommodation portion from the lower side. In the mask of Patent Document 1, the lower part of the steam generator is composed of a horizontal part, a vertical part, and an inclined part, and the inclined part makes it easy to accommodate the steam generator in the accommodation portion. However, in the mask of Patent Document 1, the lower part of the steam generator has right-angled corners on both sides of the horizontal part (between the horizontal part and the vertical part, and between the horizontal part and one side edge of the steam generator). Therefore, when inserting the steam generator into the accommodation portion of the mask body from the bottom, the two right-angled corners get caught on the mask body, making it difficult to insert the steam generator into the accommodation portion, which is an improvement.

[0005] The present invention has been made in light of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a mask that allows items to be easily stored in a storage section for storing items. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a mask having a storage compartment capable of storing an item. The mask of the present invention includes a mask body to be worn on a user's face and at least one item attached to the mask body, the mask body being formed of a laminate of at least two sheets, with a storage compartment for storing the item and an opening for inserting the item into the storage compartment formed between two adjacent sheets, and at least one of the items having a tapered lower portion that is downward in the direction of insertion into the storage compartment.

[0007] The mask of the present invention can preferably be configured such that the lower part of the article has a curved, tapered shape at least in a portion other than the tip.

[0008] In addition, the mask of the present invention can preferably be configured so that the lower part of the article has a generally curved and tapered shape.

[0009] Furthermore, in the mask of the present invention, the item can preferably be configured to have at least one corner of 90° or less on the upper part that will be the upper side when stored in the storage section.

[0010] Preferably, the mask of the present invention can be configured such that the upper part of the article has an acute corner.

[0011] Furthermore, in the mask of the present invention, preferably, the mask body is made of a laminate of three sheets and has two storage sections for storing the items, and the two storage sections each store a separate item, one of the storage sections stores a steam generator that holds a liquid mainly composed of water as the item, and the other storage section stores a heating element that heats the liquid held in the steam generator as the item and causes steam to be emitted from the steam generator, and the steam generator and the heating element are stored in the storage sections of the mask body so that they are positioned in the order of steam generator and heating element from the user's face side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the mask of the present invention, the article can be easily stored in the storage portion for storing the article. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a rear view of the mask. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the mask. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a front view of the mask. [Figure 4] FIG. 4(A) shows the mask folded in half along the widthwise center line, and FIG. 4(B) is a partially cutaway view of FIG. 4(A). [Figure 5] FIG. 5(A) shows a front view of the steam generating body, and FIG. 5(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 5(A). [Figure 6] FIG. 6(A) shows a front view of the heat generating element, and FIG. 6(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 6(A). [Figure 7] 7(A) to 7(C) show modified shapes of the lower part of the article attached to the mask body. [Figure 8] 8(A) to 8(C) show modified examples of the shape of the upper part of the article attached to the mask body. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating how to use the mask. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Explanation of the overall structure of the mask An embodiment of a mask of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 4 show the appearance of a mask 1 of this embodiment. The mask 1 includes a mask main body 2 that is worn on the user's face, a steam generator 3 that supplies steam to the user's mouth and throat, a heating element 4 that heats a liquid containing water held in the steam generator 3, and a pair of ear loops 5 that are hung over the user's left and right ears to hold the mask main body 1 against the face. The pair of ear loops 5 are provided on the left and right ends of the mask main body 2.

[0015] The mask 1 of this embodiment has a humidifying function, and is equipped with a steam generator 3 containing a liquid containing water and a heat generating element 4 capable of generating heat as articles in the mask body 2. When the mask 1 is worn, the water content of the liquid in the steam generator 3 is heated by the heat generating element 4 to turn it into steam, which is supplied to the user's mouth and throat, thereby preventing the mouth and throat from drying out.

[0016] In this disclosure, the "left and right" direction refers to the direction based on the user side wearing the mask 1. The direction perpendicular to the left and right direction (the vertical direction in FIGS. 1 and 3) is referred to as the up and down direction. The length in the left and right direction is referred to as the width, and the length in the up and down direction is referred to as the height.

[0017] Description of the mask body As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the mask body 2 is sized to cover at least the mouth of the user's face. In this embodiment, the mask body 2 is sized to cover the area under the eyes, particularly the nose and mouth. The mask body 2 has a bilaterally symmetrical shape with a widthwise center line H located in the center in the left-right direction as an axis. When the mask body 2 is folded in half along the widthwise center line H (see FIG. 4), the widthwise center line H has a shape that curves convexly in a direction away from the pair of ear loops 5. As a result, when the folded mask body 2 is unfolded and worn on the face, the mask body 2 has a three-dimensional shape, and a space is formed between the mouth and nostrils and the mask body 2 in the center in the left-right direction.

[0018] The upper and lower edges of the mask body 2 are inclined obliquely downward and upward, respectively, so that the vertical width gradually narrows from the center toward the outside (left and right sides) in the horizontal direction. The left and right side edges of the mask body 2 are shaped so that the vertical center portion forms a concave curved recess 20, and a pair of protrusions 21 are provided so as to sandwich the recess 20 between them. The ear hooks 5 are attached so as to connect the pair of protrusions 21.

[0019] The mask body 2 is composed of a laminate of three sheets 6 to 8. The first sheet 6 is arranged on the outermost side farthest from the user's face, the third sheet 8 is arranged on the innermost side facing the user's face, and the second sheet 7 is arranged midway between the first sheet 6 and the third sheet 8. In other words, the first sheet 6, the second sheet 7, and the third sheet 8 are positioned in this order, farthest from the user's face. The three sheets 6 to 8 are joined at their outer peripheries in a predetermined width using a known method such as gluing, heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, or sewing, except for their upper edges or portions of the upper edges, and are joined from the upper edge to the lower edge in a predetermined width along the width center line H, thereby forming the mask body 2.

[0020] In the mask body 2, three sheets 6 to 8 are stacked one on top of the other, so that bag-shaped storage sections 22, 23 capable of storing flat articles are formed between two adjacent sheets. Specifically, the first storage section 22 is formed between the first sheet 6 and the second sheet 7, and the second storage section 23 is formed between the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8. In this embodiment, a pair of left and right first storage sections 22 and a pair of left and right second storage sections 23 are formed in the mask body 2 with the width center line H sandwiched therebetween.

[0021] The second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8 are formed to have the same shape and size, and their outline forms the outline of the mask body 2. In contrast, the outermost first sheet 6 is formed to have the same shape and size as the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8, except for a portion. The first sheet 6 differs in shape from the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8 in that, although a portion of the first sheet 6 from the width center line H of its upper edge follows the upper edges of the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8, the remaining portion does not follow the upper edges of the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8, but slopes steeply downward from the upper edges, and hits approximately the center of the left and right side edges of the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8 in the height direction.

[0022] The second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8 are not joined to each other at a portion of their upper edges from the width center line H, and a second opening 25 is formed in this unjoined portion. Items to be attached to the mask body 2 can be placed in and removed from the second storage section 23 through the second opening 25, and the items are placed in and removed from the second storage section 23 in the vertical direction through the second opening 25. To store items in the second storage section 23, it is necessary to widen the second opening 25 to open the second storage section 23; the user can widen the second opening 25 by rubbing the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8 against each other with their fingers to separate the upper edges of the sheets.

[0023] The upper edges of the first sheet 6 and the second sheet 7 are not joined to each other, forming a first opening 24 in the unjoined portion. The first storage compartment 22 allows other items to be inserted into and removed from the mask body 2 through the first opening 24. Because the upper edge of the first sheet 6 slopes steeply downward, the items are inserted into and removed from the first storage compartment 22 in a diagonal direction, oriented obliquely relative to the vertical direction, through the first opening 24. To store an item in the first storage compartment 22, the first opening 24 must be widened to open the first storage compartment 22. The first opening 24 can be widened by a user rubbing the first sheet 6 and the second sheet 7 against each other with their fingers to separate their upper edges. In this embodiment, the upper edge of the first sheet 6 does not follow the upper edge of the second sheet 7 but slopes downward at a steeper angle than the upper edge of the second sheet 7, making it easy for a user to hook their fingers around the upper edge of the first sheet 6. Therefore, the first opening 24 may be widened by a user hooking their fingers around the upper edge of the first sheet 6 and moving it away from the upper edge of the second sheet 7.

[0024] In this embodiment, a pair of left and right first openings 24 are formed in the mask body 2, corresponding to the pair of left and right first storage sections 22, with the width center line H sandwiched therebetween, and a pair of left and right second openings 25 are formed in the mask body 2, corresponding to the pair of left and right second storage sections 23, with the width center line H sandwiched therebetween.

[0025] The first housing portion 22 houses the heating element 4. Meanwhile, the second housing portion 23 houses the steam generating element 3. Therefore, in this embodiment, the steam generating element 3 and the heating element 4 are housed in separate housing portions 22, 23 of the mask body 2 and are provided on the mask body 2 so that they are positioned in the order of the steam generating element 3 and the heating element 4 from the user's face side. When the mask 1 is worn, the steam generating element 3 is positioned close to the user's face, so that steam emitted from the steam generating element 3 can be efficiently supplied to the user's mouth and throat. Furthermore, the heating element 4 is provided on the mask body 2 so that the steam generating element 3 is interposed between the mask body 2 and the user's face. Therefore, when the mask 1 is worn, the heating element 4 does not come into direct contact with the user's face, and the user does not get facial burns or feel uncomfortable from the heating element 4.

[0026] The mask body 2 is provided with a joint 26 for holding the steam generator 3 and the heating element 4 in predetermined positions within the storage compartments 22, 23. The joint 26 is formed by linearly joining the three sheets 6-8 using a known method, such as adhesive bonding, heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, or sewing. The joint 26 is composed of, but not limited to, a first portion 26A extending in the left-right direction and a second portion 26B extending in the up-down direction at the outer end of the first portion 26A (the side farther from the width center line H). The first portion 26A has a curved shape (e.g., an arc shape) that curves downward and convexly, except for a portion from the end of the first portion 26A on the second portion 26B side. A portion from the end of the first portion 26A on the second portion 26B side and the second portion 26B are linear, forming an L shape together. This joint 26 prevents the steam generating element 3 and the heat generating element 4 housed in the housing parts 22, 23 from moving from the positions where they are initially set in the housing parts 22, 23, or from changing the posture where they are initially set.

[0027] The three sheets 6 to 8 are made of breathable materials, and the mask body 2 as a whole is breathable. The third sheet 8 is made of a moisture-permeable material so that steam emitted from the steam-generating unit 3 in the second housing portion 23 can pass through (in other words, pass through) the third sheet 8 and be supplied to the user's mouth and throat. The moisture permeability of the third sheet 8 is not particularly limited as long as the steam emitted from the steam-generating unit 3 can pass through the third sheet 8. Note that breathable sheets are usually also moisture-permeable.

[0028] The three sheets 6 to 8 may be made of, but are not limited to, sheet-like fibers such as woven fabrics and nonwoven fabrics, with nonwoven fabrics being preferred. Examples of fiber materials for the woven and nonwoven fabrics include, but are not limited to, natural fibers such as paper and cotton; semi-synthetic fibers such as rayon and acetate; synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), and nylon; and blends of these fibers. Among these, polypropylene and polyethylene are preferred from the standpoint of productivity, polypropylene is preferred from the standpoint of the shape retention of the mask body 2, and nylon is preferred from the standpoint of the feel of the mask body 2 against the skin of the user.

[0029] When nonwoven fabrics are used for the three sheets 6 to 8, there are no particular limitations, and examples that can be used include spunbond nonwoven fabrics, meltblown nonwoven fabrics, thermalbond nonwoven fabrics, and spunlace nonwoven fabrics. Among these, spunbond nonwoven fabrics are preferably used from the viewpoint of the shape retention of the mask body 2, spunbond nonwoven fabrics are preferably used from the viewpoint of the feel of the mask body 2 on the user's skin, and meltblown nonwoven fabrics are preferably used from the viewpoint of the ability of the mask body 2 to cut pollen, viruses, etc. Each of the three sheets 6 to 8 can have a single-layer structure or a laminated structure of two or more layers.

[0030] Of the three sheets 6 to 8, the outermost first sheet 6 has, although not limited to, an average surface friction coefficient (MIU) of 0.14 or more, preferably 0.15 or more, on the side facing the first storage section 22 (the side facing the adjacent second sheet 7). The average surface friction coefficient of the surface of the first sheet 6 opposite the side facing the first storage section 22 is, although not limited to, 0.14 or more, preferably 0.15 or more.

[0031] Although not particularly limited, the average surface friction coefficient of the surface of the innermost third sheet 8 facing the second storage section 23 (the side facing the adjacent second sheet 7) is 0.14 or more, preferably 0.15 or more. The average surface friction coefficient of the surface of the third sheet 8 opposite to the surface facing the second storage section 23 is also not particularly limited, but is 0.14 or more, preferably 0.15 or more.

[0032] The intermediate second sheet 7 has, although not particularly limited, an average surface friction coefficient of the surface facing the first storage section 22 (the side facing the adjacent first sheet 6) that is less than 0.14, preferably 0.13 or less, and more preferably 0.12 or less. The average surface friction coefficient of the surface of the second sheet 7 facing the second storage section 23 (the side facing the adjacent third sheet 8) is, although not particularly limited, less than 0.14, preferably 0.13 or less, and more preferably 0.12 or less.

[0033] That is, it is preferable that the average surface friction coefficient of the mutually facing surfaces of the first sheet 6 and the second sheet 7 that form the first storage section 21 is 0.14 or more on the first sheet 6 side and less than 0.14 on the second sheet 7 side. Furthermore, it is preferable that the average surface friction coefficient of the first sheet 6 is 0.14 or more on the side opposite to the side facing the second sheet 7. It is also preferable that the average surface friction coefficient of the mutually facing surfaces of the second sheet 7 and the third sheet 8 that form the second storage section 22 is less than 0.14 on the second sheet 7 side and 0.14 or more on the third sheet 8 side. Furthermore, it is preferable that the average surface friction coefficient of the third sheet 8 is 0.14 or more on the side opposite to the side facing the second sheet 7.

[0034] The average surface friction coefficient is an index that indicates the texture of the sheet; the smaller the value, the smoother the surface and the lighter it feels to the touch, and the larger the value, the bumpier the surface and the more resistant it feels to the touch.

[0035] Here, when sheets with a large average surface friction coefficient are rubbed against each other, the facing surfaces of the two sheets are uneven, causing the sheets to intertwine and be difficult to slip apart, and the two sheets do not easily separate even when rubbed against each other. In contrast, according to the findings of the present inventors, by setting the average surface friction coefficient of one surface of the two sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 to be rubbed against each other, with the average surface friction coefficient of the two facing surfaces of the sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 being 0.14 or more and the average surface friction coefficient of the other surface being less than 0.14, the two sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 can be easily rubbed against each other and slip apart. Therefore, the openings 24, 25 for inserting articles into the storage compartments 22, 23 formed between the adjacent sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 can be easily widened.

[0036] Furthermore, when sheets with a small average surface friction coefficient are rubbed together, the surfaces of the two sheets that the user places their fingers on (the surfaces opposite the surfaces of the sheets facing each other) are smooth, so if the fingers are dry when rubbing the sheets together, the fingers tend to slip, making it difficult to rub the sheets together and separate the two sheets. In contrast, when the two sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 to be rubbed together have an average surface friction coefficient of 0.14 or more on both sides of one of the sheets 6, 8, the user's fingers are less likely to slip relative to one of the sheets 6, 8 when the user rubs the two sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 together to widen the openings 24, 25. Therefore, the two sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 can be rubbed together reliably to separate the two sheets 6, 7 and 7, 8 from each other.

[0037] The average surface friction coefficient is that when the sheets are dry, and refers to the average surface friction coefficient of each of the sheets 6 to 8 when they are in a dry state before steam is generated in the mask body 2 (before use).

[0038] The average surface friction coefficient can be measured by the following method. Specifically, test pieces of each of sheets 6 to 8 are prepared, and the average surface friction coefficient of the test pieces is measured using a surface friction coefficient measuring instrument (KES-FB4-AUTO-A) manufactured by Kato Tech Co., Ltd. The size of the test piece is 30 mm in length and 370 mm in width, and the measurement conditions are a standard friction probe (fingerprint type) and a friction load of 25 gf / cm. 2 The measurement sensitivity is L (high sensitivity 100 g / V). The friction distance, friction speed, and other conditions are in accordance with the device specifications (friction distance 30 mm, analysis distance 20 mm, sample movement speed 1 mm / sec). The average surface friction coefficient is the average value of the friction coefficients on the test piece surface measured over an analysis distance of 20 mm.

[0039] In order to satisfy the above-mentioned average surface friction coefficient and to fulfill the respective functions of the mask body 2, the outermost first sheet 6 can preferably be made of an air-through nonwoven fabric from the viewpoint of moisture retention, the middle second sheet 7 can preferably be made of a spunbond nonwoven fabric from the viewpoint of shape retention, and the innermost third sheet 8 can preferably be made of a spunbond nonwoven fabric from the viewpoint of texture and wetness.

[0040] In this embodiment, the mask body 2 is made up of three sheets 6 to 8, but it may also have a structure in which one or more sheets are stacked.

[0041] Explanation of the overall structure of the steam generator Next, as shown in Figures 1 and 3 to 5, the steam-generating body 3 has a sealed, thin, flat bag shape and houses a water bag 9 inside. The water bag 9 can be opened, for example, by applying a pressing force, to allow the liquid to flow out. The steam-generating body 3 holds the liquid that has flowed out from the water bag 9 and can generate steam by evaporation of the water content of the held liquid. The steam generated in the steam-generating body 3 passes through the third sheet 8 of the mask body 2 and is supplied to the user's mouth and throat. In this embodiment, the steam-generating body 3 can hold the liquid that has flowed out from the water bag 9 inside, and can also allow steam generated by evaporation of the water content of the liquid held inside to pass out.

[0042] Water bag description Water bag 9 is in the form of a sealed bag, and contains a liquid whose main component is water. The material from which water bag 9 is made is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that does not allow the enclosed liquid, such as water, to leak or seep out, and any conventionally known water-impermeable and air-impermeable (non-breathable) bag can be used. Note that water-impermeable includes both poorly water-permeable materials that do not allow water to pass through and non-water-permeable materials that do not allow water to pass through.

[0043] The liquid enclosed in the water bag 9 may be water alone, but it is preferable to use water as the main component (e.g., 50% by weight or more) with other components added. Examples of other components include polyols. While the polyol is not particularly limited, preferred examples include glycerin, dipropylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, propylene glycol, sorbitol, 1,2-pentanediol, and 1,2-hexanediol, with glycerin being a more preferred choice due to its safety. Other components that can be added to the water include preservatives such as methylparaben and phenoxyethanol; moisturizers such as hyaluronate and betaine; plant extracts; water-soluble thickeners such as xanthan gum, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), agar, guar gum, and carrageenan; fragrances such as eucalyptus and mint; and surfactants (nonionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and anionic surfactants) that solubilize fragrances.

[0044] The amount of liquid sealed in the water bag 9 is not particularly limited, but is preferably an amount that can supply a sufficient amount of vapor to the user for a long period of time, such as during sleep, and is, for example, preferably 2 g or more, and more preferably 4 g or more. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of preventing the weight of the liquid from deteriorating the usability of the mask 1 when worn, the amount of liquid is, for example, preferably 7 g or less, and more preferably 5 g or less.

[0045] The viscosity of the liquid sealed in the water bag 9 is not particularly limited, but according to findings of the present inventors, as the viscosity of the liquid increases, the amount of vapor (permeation amount) generated by evaporation of the water content of the liquid within the steam-generating unit 3 and permeating the steam-generating unit 3 tends to increase. Therefore, the higher the viscosity of the liquid, the more sufficient the amount of vapor that can be supplied to the user. Therefore, the viscosity at 25°C is preferably 40 mPa·s or more, more preferably 1000 mPa·s or more, and even more preferably 1500 mPa·s or more. On the other hand, if the viscosity of the liquid is too high, it may be difficult for the liquid to flow out of the water bag 9 into the steam-generating unit 3 when the water bag 9 is opened. In addition, the vapor permeation amount tends to decrease once the viscosity of the liquid exceeds a certain peak. Therefore, the viscosity of the liquid is preferably 4000 mPa·s or less, and more preferably 2500 mPa·s or less.

[0046] By setting the viscosity of the liquid to 40 mPa·s or more and 4000 mPa·s or less, further 1000 mPa·s or more and 2500 mPa·s or less, or further 1500 mPa·s or more and 2000 mPa·s or less, the amount of vapor permeating the vapor-generating body 3 per unit time, that is, the amount per unit time (g / h) at 25°C at which the water content of the liquid in the vapor-generating body 3 evaporates and is emitted as vapor from the vapor-generating body 3, can be made sufficiently large, allowing the user to feel a large amount of vapor when wearing the mask 1.

[0047] For viscosity measurements in the range of less than 1000 mPa·s, a Brookfield viscometer (TV-10, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) is used with a spindle No. M2 rotor at 25°C and a rotational speed of 30 rpm. For viscosity measurements in the range of 1000 mPa·s or more but less than 2500 mPa·s, a Brookfield viscometer (TV-10, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) is used with a spindle No. M2 rotor at 25°C and a rotational speed of 12 rpm. For viscosity measurements in the range of 2500 mPa·s or more but less than 10000 mPa·s, a spindle No. M3 rotor is used at 25°C and a rotational speed of 12 rpm. For viscosity measurements in the range of 10000 mPa·s or more but less than 20000 mPa·s, a spindle No. M4 rotor is used at 25°C and a rotational speed of 12 rpm.

[0048] The water bag 9 is structured so that it can be opened by application of a pressing force, allowing the liquid sealed inside to flow out (into the steam-generating body 3). Here, the pressing force refers to a force that can be applied to the steam-generating body 3 while the user is holding the steam-generating body 3 containing the water bag 9 between one or both hands. As the above-mentioned structure, various conventionally known structures can be used, such as providing the water bag 9 with an easy-to-break line so that at least a portion of the water bag 9 will break when a pressing force is applied, or providing a portion of the seal portion 90 (shown in FIG. 5(B)) on the outer periphery of the water bag 9 with a weaker seal strength so that at least a portion of the seal portion 90 will break due to the liquid pressure when a pressing force is applied.

[0049] Detailed description of the steam generator The external shape of the steam generating unit 3 is not particularly limited, but is preferably bilaterally symmetrical and may be any of various shapes such as a square, rectangle, circle, ellipse, etc. The size of the steam generating unit 3 is not particularly limited, but the horizontal length may be 55 mm or more and 80 mm or less, and the vertical length may be 55 mm or more and 80 mm or less.

[0050] The steam generator 3 is formed so that its lower side in the direction of insertion into the second housing section 23 of the mask body 2 through the second opening 25, i.e., its lower part which becomes the lower side when housed in the second housing section 23, is tapered. In this embodiment, the steam generator 3 is inserted into the second housing section 23 along the vertical direction through the second opening 25 with the vertical direction shown in FIG. 5(A) being the up-down direction, so that its lower edge 33 side becomes the lower side in the insertion direction. Therefore, both end portions 33A connected to the left and right side edges 34, 35 of the lower edge 33 of the steam generator 3 are arc-shaped, and this causes the lower part of the steam generator 3 to have a tapered shape. The tip portion of the lower part of the steam generator 3, i.e., the portion between both end portions 33A of the lower edge of the steam generator 3, is horizontally linear. The arc shape of both end portions 33A of the lower edge 33 of the steam generating body 3 described above is a large curved shape with a curvature radius of 18 mm or more, for example, and is different from a shape that is simply somewhat rounded by chamfering the corners.

[0051] The tapering of the lower portion of the steam generator 3 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 5(A), but may also be achieved by linearly inclining both end portions 33A or one end portion 33A of the lower edge 33 of the steam generator 3, as shown in Figures 7(A) and (B), to make the lower portion of the steam generator 3 trapezoidal and protruding downward.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7(C), the lower edge 33 of the steam generating body 3 may be tapered overall, including the tip portion, to form a tapered lower portion of the steam generating body 3. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 7(C), the lower edge 33 of the steam generating body 3 may be V-shaped, for example, to form a triangular lower portion protruding downward. Alternatively, instead of linearly inclining only one end portion 33A of the lower edge 33 of the steam generating body 3 in FIG. 7(B), the entire lower edge 33 may be linearly inclined, so that the lower portion of the steam generating body 3 forms a triangular lower portion protruding downward. Alternatively, the lower edge 33 of the steam generating body 3 may be formed into an arc or elliptical arc shape, for example, so that the lower portion of the steam generating body 3 forms a semicircular or semielliptical lower portion protruding downward. When the lower portion of the steam generating body 3 is triangular and protruding downward, for example, as shown in FIG. 7(C), the tip portion of the lower portion of the steam generating body 3 may be chamfered to form a slight roundness, or, although not shown, the tip portion may not be chamfered.

[0053] By tapering the lower portion of the steam generator 3, the lower portion of the steam generator 3 is less likely to get caught on the mask body 2 when inserting the steam generator 3 from the bottom into the second housing section 23 of the mask body 2, making it easier to insert the steam generator 3 into the second housing section 23. To make it easier to insert the steam generator 3 into the second housing section 23, it is preferable that the tip portion of the lower portion of the steam generator 3 is smooth and has no corners, as shown in Figures 5 and 7(C). Note that the left and right side edges 33, 34 of the steam generator 3 connect the upper edge 36 and the lower edge 33 without forming any right angles or acute angles that point diagonally downward.

[0054] The steam generator 3 is inserted into and removed from the second housing section 23 of the mask body 2 in the vertical direction. When housed in the second housing section 23, the steam generator 3 is oriented vertically, with its lower edge 33 facing substantially directly downward. As shown in FIG. 4(A), the axis P1, which is the axis of the left-right symmetrical shape, faces the vertical direction. In this case, the first portion 26A of the joint section 26 of the mask body 2 has a curved shape (e.g., an arc shape) that is convex downward. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, this, combined with the fact that the lower portion of the steam generator 3 is curved and tapered, makes it easy to fit into the first portion 26A of the joint section 26. When housed in the second housing section 23, the steam generator 3 can be easily set in the vertical direction within the second housing section 23. Furthermore, the steam generator 3 housed in the second housing section 23 is positioned between the width center line H of the mask body 2 and the second portion 26B of the joint section 26, and is therefore restricted from moving from the initially set position.

[0055] The upper portion of the steam generator 3, which is the upper side when housed in the second housing section 23 of the mask body 2, has at least one corner of 90° or less. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5(A), left and right side edges 34, 35 hang down from both ends of an upper edge 36 of the steam generator 3, so that the upper portion of the steam generator 3 has a rectangular shape, and corners 37, 38 at the left and right corners of the upper portion of the steam generator 3 form right angles.

[0056] The upper part of the steam generating body 3 may have at least one corner of 90° or less, with the left and right corners 37, 38 being acute angles as shown in Figures 8(A) and 8(B). For example, in Figure 8(A), the upper edge of the steam generating body 3 extends horizontally in the left-right direction, and the left and right side edges 34, 35 extend inwardly from both ends of the upper edge 36 of the steam generating body 3, so that the left and right corners 37, 38 form acute angles. For example, in Figure 8(B), the upper edge 36 connecting the parallel left and right side edges 34, 35 of the steam generating body 3 protrudes downward in a V-shape, an arc-shape, an elliptical arc-shape, or the like, so that the left and right corners 37, 38 form acute angles.

[0057] The upper part of the steam generating body 3 does not need to have right or acute angles at both the left and right corners 37, 38, and as shown in Fig. 8(C), if the corner 38 at one corner is a right angle (or an acute angle), the corner 37 at the other corner may be an obtuse angle. Furthermore, although not shown, one of the left and right corners of the upper part of the steam generating body 3 may be a right angle and the other corner may be an acute angle.

[0058] The upper part of the steam generator 3 does not necessarily have to have corners 37, 38 at the left and right corners of 90° or less. For example, as shown in Figure 8(D), the upper edge 36 of the steam generator 3 may be V-shaped and protrude upward, so that the upper edge 36 of the steam generator 3 has a corner 39 of 90° or less.

[0059] By having at least one corner 37-39 of 90° or less at the top of the steam generating unit 3, for example, in Fig. 4, after the steam generating unit 3 is accommodated in the second accommodation section 23 of the mask body 2, the corners 37, 38 at the top of the steam generating unit 3 are caught on the mask body 2, making it difficult for the steam generating unit 3 to slip out of the second accommodation section 23. Note that the corners 37-39 of 90° or less at the top of the steam generating unit 3 described above do not necessarily have to be sharp, and may have slightly rounded edges.

[0060] The steam-generating unit 3 is structured to suppress or prevent leakage of liquid from the steam-generating unit 3 when water has flowed out of the water bag 9, and to allow steam generated by evaporation of the water content of the liquid upon heating by the heating unit 4 to pass through to the outside. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5(B), the steam-generating unit 3 is formed using a main sheet 30 that is water-impermeable, yet moisture-permeable and breathable. The main sheet 30 is a sheet (including a film) that has the function of preventing permeation of liquid that has flowed into the steam-generating unit 3, and the function of allowing steam generated by evaporation of the water content of the liquid in the steam-generating unit 3 to pass through to the outside.

[0061] The main sheet 30 can be made of, for example, a liquid-impermeable resin film or a liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric. The resin film used for the main sheet 30 may be a porous film with many fine pores, or a non-porous film, as long as it is liquid-impermeable, moisture-permeable, and breathable. When a porous film is used, moisture permeability can be controlled by adjusting the size of the pores. Examples of resin materials for the porous film include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, etc. The resin film may also be made of a fluorinated resin film or a polyurethane film, etc. Examples of resin materials for the non-porous film include urethane-based thermoplastic elastomers and polyethylene-based thermoplastic elastomers. The resin film can be a conventionally known moisture-permeable waterproof sheet used for back sheets of hygiene materials such as diapers, or as a base material for high-performance protective clothing.

[0062] The nonwoven fabric used for the main sheet 30 may be a liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric such as an SMS nonwoven fabric, an SMMS nonwoven fabric (a four-layer structure of spunbond nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / spunbond nonwoven fabric), or an SMMMS nonwoven fabric (a five-layer structure of spunbond nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / spunbond nonwoven fabric), or it may be a spunbond nonwoven fabric or a point-bond nonwoven fabric laminated with a resin film. When a nonwoven fabric is used, the moisture permeability can be controlled by adjusting the mesh size.

[0063] The main sheet 30 may be made of the above-mentioned resin film or nonwoven fabric, either alone or in combination of two or more layers.

[0064] In this embodiment, the steam generating unit 3 is formed using a moisture-permeable and breathable outer sheet 31 and inner sheet 32. The outer side (opposite the water bag 9) and inner side (water bag 9 side) of the main sheet 30 are reinforced by the outer sheet 31 and the inner sheet 32, thereby improving the water pressure resistance and strength of the steam generating unit 3.

[0065] The outer sheet 31 and the inner sheet 32 ​​can be made of sheet-like fibers such as woven fabrics and nonwoven fabrics, with nonwoven fabrics being preferred. Examples of fiber materials for the woven and nonwoven fabrics include natural fibers such as paper and cotton; semi-synthetic fibers such as rayon and acetate; synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), and nylon; and blends of these fibers. The inner sheet 32 ​​is a sheet that comes into contact with the liquid flowing out of the water bag 9, and is preferably relatively hard and tear-resistant so that the main sheet 30 can withstand the pressure of the water when water flows out of the water bag 9. In this regard, polypropylene is preferably used as the material. On the other hand, the outer sheet 31 is a sheet that protects the main sheet 30 from the outside and forms the exterior of the steam-generating unit 3. It is preferable that the outer sheet 31 be comfortable against the user's skin, and in this regard, nylon is preferably used as the material.

[0066] When nonwoven fabrics are used for the front sheet 31 and the back sheet 32, for example, spunbond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, thermalbond nonwoven fabric, spunlace nonwoven fabric, etc. can be used. Among these, spunbond nonwoven fabric is preferably used for the back sheet 32 ​​from the viewpoint of water pressure resistance, and spunbond nonwoven fabric is preferably used for the front sheet 31 from the viewpoint of strength.

[0067] The steam-generating unit 3 is formed into a bag-like shape by overlapping six sheets of the same shape and size: two lining sheets 32, two main sheets 30 arranged on the outside of each lining sheet 32, and two outer fabric sheets 31 arranged on the outside of each main sheet 30, and joining the outer peripheral edges of the sheets at a predetermined width using a known method such as gluing, heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, sewing, etc. Alternatively, the steam-generating unit 3 may be formed into a bag-like shape by preparing a laminated sheet in advance, integrating the lining sheets 32, main sheets 30, and outer fabric sheets 31 of the same shape and size, overlapping the two laminated sheets, and joining the outer peripheral edges of the sheets at a predetermined width using a known method such as gluing, heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, sewing, etc.

[0068] The width of the seal portion 39 on the outer periphery of the steam-generating body 3 is not particularly limited, but is between 1 mm and 10 mm. The seal strength of the seal portion 39 is not particularly limited, but is preferably set so that the seal portion 39 is not broken by the pressure of the liquid when it flows out of the water bag 9, preventing the liquid from leaking out of the steam-generating body 3. For example, the seal strength of the seal portion 39 is preferably set such that the lower limit is 3 N / 15 mm width or more and the upper limit is 30 N / 15 mm width or less.

[0069] The steam-generating unit 3 has moisture permeability that allows the steam generated inside to pass to the outside. The moisture permeability of the steam-generating unit 3 is not particularly limited, but according to the findings of the present inventors, as the moisture permeability of the steam-generating unit 3 increases, the amount of steam (permeation amount) that is generated by evaporation of the water content of the liquid in the steam-generating unit 3 and passes through the steam-generating unit 3 tends to increase. Therefore, the higher the moisture permeability of the steam-generating unit 3, the more sufficient amount of steam can be supplied to the user, and therefore, it is recommended to use a moisture permeability of 7000 g / m or more. 2 ·day or more is preferable, and 8500g / m 2 10,000g / m 2 The moisture permeability (water vapor permeability) is defined in accordance with JIS Z 0208.

[0070] The moisture permeability of the steam generator 3 is 7000 g / m 2 day or more, even 8500g / m 2 day or more, even 10,000g / m 2 By setting the period to 1 / day or more, the amount of steam that passes through the steam generator 3 per unit time, that is, the amount per unit time (g / h) at 25°C at which the water content of the liquid in the steam generator 3 evaporates and is emitted as steam from the steam generator 3, can be made sufficiently large, making it possible for the user to feel a large amount of steam when wearing the mask 1.

[0071] The amount of steam permeating the steam-generating unit 3 per unit time is determined based on the moisture permeability of the steam-generating unit 3 and the viscosity of the liquid evaporating within the steam-generating unit 3. By appropriately setting the moisture permeability of the steam-generating unit 3 and the viscosity of the liquid within a predetermined range, the amount of steam permeating the steam-generating unit 3 can be set to, but is not limited to, 0.5 g / h or more, preferably 0.6 g / h or more, and more preferably 0.7 g / h or more. Conventionally, masks with humidifying functions (e.g., the "Nodo Nuru Nure Mask" manufactured by Kobayashi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.) have been known. These masks have a filter containing a liquid housed in a housing, and the moisture in the filter turns into vapor upon breathing and is supplied to the mouth and throat. Compared to the amount of vapor per unit time emitted from the filter of conventional humidifying masks, the mask 1 of this embodiment can emit at least 1.5 times, or even twice as much, steam from the steam-generating unit 3 and supply it to the user's mouth and throat. The amount of steam that passes through the steam generator 3 is not particularly limited, but if it is too large, the user's face may become wet with steam when wearing the mask 1, which may cause discomfort to the user. Therefore, it is preferable that it be 1.05 g / h or less, and more preferably 0.8 g / h or less.

[0072] Explanation of the overall structure of the heating element 1, 3, 4, and 6, the heating element 4 is in the form of a sealed, thin, flat bag, and contains a heating material 40. The heating element 4 promotes evaporation of the moisture content of the liquid in the steam-generating element 3 by allowing the heating material 40 to spontaneously generate heat and transferring that heat to the steam-generating element 3.

[0073] Heat generating material description In this embodiment, a heat-generating composition that generates heat upon contact with oxygen in the air is used as the heat-generating material 40 sealed inside the heat-generating element 4. The heat-generating composition may be any composition that generates heat upon contact with oxygen, and may include, for example, an oxidizable metal, an oxidation promoter, a water-retaining agent, a water-soluble salt, and water.

[0074] The oxidizable metal powder is not particularly limited as long as it is a metal powder that generates heat when oxidized, and examples thereof include iron powder, zinc powder, aluminum powder, magnesium powder, copper powder, etc., with iron powder being preferred. Furthermore, examples of iron powder include, but are not particularly limited to, reduced iron powder, cast iron powder, atomized iron powder, electrolytic iron powder, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0075] The pro-oxidant is used for the purpose of taking in air (oxygen) to promote the supply of oxygen to the oxidizable metal powder. Examples of the pro-oxidant include, but are not limited to, activated carbon, coal, charcoal, bamboo charcoal, graphite, carbon black, graphite, acetylene black, and coffee grounds charcoal. Preferred examples include activated carbon, carbon black, bamboo charcoal, charcoal, and coffee grounds charcoal. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0076] The water-retaining agent is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include porous materials and water-absorbent resins. More specific examples of water-retaining agents include natural or synthetic inorganic substances such as vermiculite, perlite, calcium silicate, aluminum silicate, kaolin, talc, smectite, mica, bentonite, calcium carbonate, silica gel, alumina, zeolite, silicon dioxide, and diatomaceous earth, and natural or synthetic organic substances such as pulp, wood flour (sawdust), cotton, polyacrylate resins, polysulfonate resins, maleic anhydride resins, polyacrylamide resins, polyvinyl alcohol resins, polyethylene oxide resins, polyaspartate resins, polyglutamate resins, polyalginate resins, starches, and celluloses. Preferred examples of water-retaining agents include vermiculite, perlite, silica gel, diatomaceous earth, aluminum oxide, wood flour (sawdust), and polyacrylate resins. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0077] The water-soluble salts are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include chloride salts and sulfide salts of alkali metals such as sodium and potassium, chloride salts and sulfide salts of alkaline earth metals such as calcium and magnesium, and chloride salts and sulfide salts of metals such as iron, copper, aluminum, zinc, nickel, silver, and barium. Preferred examples of water-soluble salts include sodium chloride and potassium chloride. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0078] The water is not particularly limited, but examples include distilled water, tap water, ion-exchanged water, pure water, ultrapure water, industrial water, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0079] The heat generating material 40 may further contain any other components as necessary. A known heat generating composition that has been conventionally used in disposable hand warmers can be used as the heat generating material 40. Note that the heat generating material 40 may be a material other than a heat generating composition that generates heat upon contact with air. For example, a material that generates heat upon exposure to microwaves in a microwave oven or the like (e.g., ceramic powder such as ferrite) may be used.

[0080] Detailed description of the heating element The external shape of the heating element 4 is not particularly limited, but is preferably bilaterally symmetrical and can be various shapes such as a square, rectangle, circle, or ellipse. The size of the heating element 4 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that at least the size of the heating portion is the same as or smaller than the size of the steam-generating element 3. In other words, the heating portion of the heating element 4 is sized so that it is covered by the steam-generating element 3, and in a planar view, the outline of the heating portion of the heating element 4 is preferably contained within the outline of the steam-generating element 3, and the heating portion of the heating element 4 does not protrude beyond the periphery of the steam-generating element 3. Note that the heating portion of the heating element 4 is the portion where the heat-generating material 40 is enclosed, i.e., the portion excluding the seal portion 49 where the outer edges of the outer sheet 41 and the inner sheet 42, described below, are joined. Since the heating portion of the heating element 4 heats the steam-generating element 3, it is preferably close to the same size as the steam-generating element 3, and preferably 50% to 100% of the size (planar area) of the steam-generating element 3. Note that the heating portion of the heating element 4 may be slightly larger than the steam-generating element 3.

[0081] Like the steam generating element 3, the heating element 4 is formed so that its lower side in the direction of insertion into the first housing section 22 of the mask body 2 through the first opening 24, i.e., its lower part which will be the lower side when housed in the first housing section 22. In this embodiment, the heating element 4 is inserted obliquely into the first housing section 22 through the first opening 24 with the vertical direction shown in FIG. 6(A) being the diagonal up-down direction, so that its lower edge 43 side is the lower side in the insertion direction. Therefore, the lower edge 43 of the heating element 4 is formed in an arc shape (or an elliptical arc shape), and as a result, the lower part of the heating element 4 has a semicircular shape (semi-elliptical shape) that protrudes downward, and therefore the lower part of the heating element 4 has a tapered shape.

[0082] Note that tapering the lower portion of the heating element 4 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 6(A), and may be, for example, as shown in Fig. 7(C), a V-shaped lower edge 43 of the heating element 4 and a triangular shape protruding downward, with the lower portion of the heating element 4 being formed. Also, the lower edge 43 of the heating element 4 may not be tapered entirely, but may be tapered partially. For example, as in the shape shown in Fig. 7(A) and the shape of the steam generator 3 in Fig. 5(A), both end portions 43A connecting to the left and right side edges 44, 45 of the lower edge 43 of the heating element 4 may be arc-shaped or obliquely inclined linear, and the portion between both end portions 33A (the tip portion of the lower portion of the heating element 4) may be horizontally linear, thereby forming a tapered shape for the lower portion of the heating element 4.

[0083] By tapering the lower part of the heating element 4, the lower part of the heating element 4 is less likely to get caught on the mask body 2 when inserting the heating element 4 from the bottom into the first housing section 22 of the mask body 2, making it easier to insert the heating element 4 into the first housing section 22. To make it easier to insert the heating element 4 into the first housing section 22, it is preferable that the tip part of the lower part of the heating element 4 is smooth and has no corners, as shown in Figures 6 and 7(C). Note that the left and right side edges 43, 44 of the heating element 4 connect the upper edge 46 and the lower edge 43 without creating any right angles or acute angles that point diagonally downward.

[0084] The heating element 4 is inserted into and removed from the first housing section 22 of the mask body 2 in a diagonal vertical direction. When housed in the first housing section 22, the heating element 4 is inclined with its lower edge 43 facing diagonally downward (toward the lower end of the width center line H of the mask body 2). As shown in FIG. 4(A), the axis P2, which is the axis of left-right symmetry, faces diagonally upward and downward, not in the vertical direction. In other words, the axis P2 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction so as to fall toward the ear loops 5 at the left-right ends of the mask body 2. In this case, the first portion 26A of the joint 26 of the mask body 2 has a curved shape (e.g., an arc shape) that is curved downward convexly. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, when the heating element 4 is housed in the first housing section 22, the heating element 4 can be easily inserted diagonally downward all the way into the first housing section 22. In addition, because the lower portion of the heating element 4 is curved and tapered, a part of the lower portion of the heating element 4 fits into the first portion 26A of the joint portion 26, and the heating element 4, which is housed in an inclined state in the first housing portion 22, is prevented from changing its initially set position. Furthermore, the heating element 4, which is housed in an inclined state in the first housing portion 22, is supported from below by the side edge (recess 20) of the mask body 2 and / or the second portion 26B of the joint portion 26, and is prevented from changing its initially set position.

[0085] Similar to the steam-generating element 3, the upper portion of the heating element 4, which is diagonally upward when housed in the first housing section 22 of the mask body 2, has at least one corner of 90° or less. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6(A), left and right side edges 44, 45 hang down from both ends of an upper edge 46 of the heating element 4, so that the upper portion of the heating element 4 has a rectangular shape, and corners 47, 48 at the left and right corners of the upper portion of the heating element 4 form right angles.

[0086] The upper part of the heating element 4 may have at least one corner of 90° or less, with left and right corners 47, 48 being acute angles as shown in Figures 8(A) and 8(B). For example, in Figure 8(A), the upper edge of the heating element 4 extends horizontally in the left-right direction, and left and right side edges 44, 45 extend inwardly from both ends of the upper edge 46 of the heating element 4, so that the left and right corners 47, 48 of the upper part of the heating element 4 form acute angles. For example, in Figure 8(B), the upper edge 46 connecting the parallel left and right side edges 44, 45 of the heating element 4 protrudes downward in a V-shape, an arc-shape, an elliptical arc-shape, or the like, so that the left and right corners 47, 48 of the upper part of the heating element 4 form acute angles.

[0087] The upper part of the heating element 4 does not need to have both right and left corners 47, 48 that are right angles or acute angles, and as shown in Figure 8(C), if one corner 48 is a right angle (or acute angle), the other corner 47 may be an obtuse angle. Also, although not shown, one of the left and right corners of the upper part of the heating element 4 may be a right angle and the other corner may be an acute angle.

[0088] The left and right corners 47, 48 of the upper part of the heating element 4 do not necessarily have to be less than 90°; for example, as shown in Figure 8(D), the upper edge 46 of the heating element 4 may be V-shaped and protrude upward, so that the upper edge 46 of the heating element 4 has a corner 49 of less than 90°.

[0089] The corners 47-49 of 90° or less at the top of the heat generating element 4 described above do not necessarily have to be sharp, and may be chamfered to have a slightly rounded tip. By having at least one corner 47-49 of 90° or less at the top of the heat generating element 4, for example in FIG. 4, after the heat generating element 4 is housed in the first housing section 22 of the mask body 2, the corners 47, 48 at the top of the heat generating element 4 get caught on the mask body 2, making it difficult for the heat generating element 4 to slip out of the first housing section 22.

[0090] The heating element 4 is composed of an outer sheet 41 and an inner sheet 42 that form the front and back main surfaces, and is formed into a bag shape by overlapping the outer sheet 41 and the inner sheet 42 of the same shape and size and joining the outer edges of the sheets together at a predetermined width around the entire periphery. Methods for joining the outer sheet 41 and the inner sheet 42 include adhesion, heat welding, ultrasonic welding, and sewing. There are no particular limitations on the thickness of the outer sheet 41 and the inner sheet 42 as long as they can be used as the heating element 4. The heating element 4 is housed in the first housing section 22 of the mask body 2 so that the outer sheet 41 faces the outermost first sheet 6 of the mask body 2.

[0091] The outer sheet 41 and the inner sheet 42 are not particularly limited, but may be made of a resin film or a sheet-like fiber such as a woven fabric or a nonwoven fabric. Among these, a resin film is preferably used, taking into consideration the strength of the heating element 4 and the durability of the heating material 40 against heat generation. The resin used for the resin film is not particularly limited, but a thermoplastic resin is preferably used. Examples of thermoplastic resins include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyamide, polyurethane, polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polycarbonate, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, with polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer being preferred. These resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0092] The outer sheet 41 and the inner sheet 42 may be formed of a laminate in which breathable woven or nonwoven fabric is laminated onto a resin film. In this case, the resin film is disposed on the inner side, which faces the heat-generating material 40, and the woven or nonwoven fabric is disposed on the outer side. The outer sheet 41 and the inner sheet 42 may also be formed of woven or nonwoven fabric without using a resin film.

[0093] Examples of fiber materials for woven fabrics and nonwoven fabrics include natural fibers such as cotton, hemp, silk, and paper; semi-synthetic fibers such as rayon and acetate; synthetic fibers such as nylon, vinylon, polyester, acrylic, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polybutylene terephthalate; and blends of these fibers. These fiber materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The basis weight of the woven fabric or nonwoven fabric is not particularly limited as long as it can prevent the heat-generating material 40 from leaking outside the heat-generating element 4.

[0094] The outer sheet 41 is breathable. The resin film used for the breathable outer sheet 41 has micropores at least in part to ensure breathability. The size of the micropores is not particularly limited, and the shape and number of the micropores are also not particularly limited, as long as they allow air to pass through while preventing the heat-generating material 40 from passing through and leaking out of the heat-generating element 4. Resin films with micropores are conventionally known, and examples include resin films with numerous perforations and porous films. The micropores may be present throughout the entire resin film, or may be present densely in a portion. When the heat-generating element 4 is housed in the first housing section 22 of the mask body 2, the outer sheet 41 faces the outermost first sheet 6 of the mask body 2. Therefore, the breathability of the outer sheet 41 allows the heat-generating element 4 to efficiently take in air, allowing the heat-generating material 40 to generate heat effectively.

[0095] When the heating element 4 is accommodated in the first accommodation section 22 of the mask body 2, the inner sheet 42 facing the second sheet 7 in the middle of the mask body 2 may be breathable or non-breathable, but is preferably non-breathable.

[0096] The inner sheet 42 is not particularly limited, but at least the average surface friction coefficient of the outer surface (first main surface of the heating element 4) facing the second sheet 7 of the mask body 2 is less than 0.14, preferably 0.13 or less, and more preferably 0.12 or less. If the inner sheet 42 has a small average surface friction coefficient, when the heating element 4, an item attached to the mask body 2, is accommodated in the first housing section 22, the outer surface (first main surface of the heating element 4) of the inner sheet 42 is dry and smooth. Therefore, even if the inner sheet 42 of the heating element 4 abuts and rubs against the second sheet 7 constituting the first housing section 22, the heating element 4 slides easily, and the heating element 4 can be easily inserted deep into the first housing section 22. In this embodiment, the average surface friction coefficient of the surface of the second sheet 7 of the mask body 2 facing the first housing section 22 is also less than 0.14, and the second sheet 7 is also dry and smooth, so the heating element 4 can be more easily inserted deep into the first housing section 22.

[0097] By making the inner sheet 42 non-breathable, the average surface friction coefficient can be effectively reduced to less than 0.14. This is because the surface of a non-breathable inner sheet 42 is smoother than that of a breathable sheet, since when a resin film is used, the resin film has few or no micropores, and when a nonwoven fabric or the like is used, the nonwoven fabric or the like is pressed to form a tight weave.

[0098] On the other hand, with regard to the outer sheet 41, the average surface friction coefficient of the outer surface (second main surface of the heating element 4) facing the first sheet 6 of the mask body 2 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.14 or more, and more preferably 0.15 or more. If the average surface friction coefficient of the outer sheet 41 is large, the outer surface (second main surface of the heating element 4) of the outer sheet 41 will be uneven and not smooth, and therefore when the outer sheet 41 of the heating element 4 abuts and rubs against the first sheet 6 constituting the first housing section 22, the heating element 4 will not slip easily, and the heating element 4 housed in the first housing section 22 can be prevented from slipping out of the first housing section 22. In this embodiment, the average surface friction coefficient of the surface of the first sheet 6 of the mask body 2 facing the first housing section 22 is also 0.14 or more, and the first sheet 6 is also uneven and not smooth, so the outer sheet 41 and the first sheet 6 become entangled and difficult to move, making it even more difficult for the heating element 4 to slip out of the first housing section 22.

[0099] The average surface friction coefficient is that when the sheets are dry, and refers to the average surface friction coefficient of each sheet 41, 42 when it is in a dry state before steam is generated (before use) in the mask body 2. The average surface friction coefficient can be measured in the same manner as the measurement of the average surface friction coefficient of each sheet 6 to 8 of the mask body 2.

[0100] The heat generation characteristics of the heating element 4 are not particularly limited, but the maximum temperature is preferably 30°C or higher and 70°C or lower, and more preferably 40°C or higher and 55°C or lower, from the viewpoints of efficiently evaporating the water content of the liquid in the steam-generating element 3, maintaining a suitable temperature in the space between the user's face and the inside of the mask main body 2, and preventing burns to the user. Furthermore, in order to continuously and sufficiently evaporate the water content of the liquid in the steam-generating element 3 and continuously maintain a suitable temperature in the space between the user's face and the inside of the mask main body 2, the heat generation duration during which the heat generation temperature exceeds 40°C or higher is preferably 30 minutes or longer, and more preferably 80 minutes or longer.

[0101] Explanation of the relative positions of two objects As shown in FIG. 4, when the two items equipped on the mask body 2, i.e., the steam generator 3 and the heating element 4, are respectively housed in the first housing section 22 and the second housing section 23 of the mask body 2, it is preferable that a portion of each protrudes around the other item, and that the centroid (center of gravity) of one of the items is shifted toward the ear loop section 5 with respect to the centroid (center of gravity) of the other item.

[0102] Specifically, first, the steam generating element 3 in the second housing portion 23 and the heating element 4 in the first housing portion 22 do not completely overlap each other (one does not completely cover the other), and a portion of the heating element 4 protrudes from the periphery of the steam generating element 3, and a portion of the steam generating element 3 protrudes from the periphery of the heating element 4. If the steam generating element 3 in the second housing portion 23 and the heating element 4 in the first housing portion 22 completely overlap, the mask body 2 would be thicker and bulkier in the large overlapping portion of the steam generating element 3 and the heating element 4, which could cause a feeling of pressure on the face of a user wearing the mask 1. In contrast, because the steam generating element 3 in the second housing portion 23 and the heating element 4 in the first housing portion 22 are misaligned and do not completely overlap, the area of ​​the mask body 2 where the steam generating element 3 and the heating element 4 overlap and become thicker is reduced. Therefore, a feeling of pressure on the face of a user wearing the mask 1 can be reduced.

[0103] Furthermore, the centroid O1 of the steam generating element 3 in the second housing section 23 and the centroid O2 of the heating element 4 in the first housing section 22 are not positioned on the same straight line parallel to the up-down direction, but are misaligned in the left-right direction, and in this embodiment, the centroid O1 of the steam generating element 3 is misaligned toward the ear hooks 5 with respect to the centroid O2 of the heating element 4. If the centroid O1 of the steam generating element 3 in the second housing section 23 and the centroid O2 of the heating element 4 in the first housing section 22 were not misaligned in the left-right direction, the centroids O1, O2 of the two items (steam generating element 3 and heating element 4) attached to the mask main body 2 would be offset, causing the weight of the items to be applied locally to the mask main body 2 and pulling on the ear hooks 5, which could cause pain in the ears of a user wearing the mask 1. In contrast, the centroid O1 of the steam generating element 3 in the second housing portion 23 and the centroid O2 of the heat generating element 4 in the first housing portion 22 are misaligned in the left-right direction, with one centroid being closer to the ear hooks 5, which prevents the weight of the article from being unevenly applied to one part of the mask body 2. This prevents pain in the ears of a user wearing the mask 1.

[0104] In this embodiment, as described above, the steam generating element 3 is accommodated in the first accommodation section 22 in a vertical orientation with the axis P1 facing vertically, while the heating element 4 is accommodated in the second accommodation section 23 in a diagonal orientation with the axis P2 tilted from the vertical direction (axis P1). The steam generating element 4 is circumferentially displaced relative to the steam generating element 3, and the joints 26 of the mask body 2, etc., prevent the steam generating element 3 in the second accommodation section 23 and the heating element 4 in the first accommodation section 22 from changing their initially set positions and postures, thereby realizing the positional relationship between the steam generating element 3 and the heating element 4 described above.

[0105] Description of ear hook Next, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , a pair of ear loops 5 are provided to hold the mask body 2 on the user's face and can be hooked onto the user's left and right ears. The ear loops 5 are string-like or band-like and can be attached to the mask body 2 using known methods, such as gluing, heat fusion, ultrasonic welding, or sewing. The ear loops 5 are preferably made of a stretchable material, such as polyester, but are not particularly limited thereto. Various means other than the ear loops 5 may be used to hold the mask body 2 on the user's face. For example, adhesive layers may be provided on the left and right ends of the mask body 2, and the left and right ends of the mask body 2 may be attached to the user's face via the adhesive layers. Alternatively, holes may be formed in the left and right ends of the mask body 2 through which the ears can fit, and the left and right ends of the mask body 2 may be hooked onto the user's left and right ears via the holes.

[0106] How to use the mask As shown in Fig. 9, the mask 1 of the present embodiment described above accommodates the steam-generating element 3 in the second accommodation section 23 of the mask main body 2 and the heating element 4 in the first accommodation section 22. When the user presses the steam-generating element 3 from above the mask main body 2 with their hand, the water bag 9 in the steam-generating element 3 opens, causing liquid to flow from the water bag 9 into the steam-generating element 3. When the user puts the mask 1 on their face, the liquid in the steam-generating element 3 is heated by the heating element 4, causing the water content to evaporate efficiently, and the generated steam passes through the steam-generating element 3 and is supplied to the user's mouth and throat. This makes it possible to locally humidify the user's mouth and throat and prevent them from drying out.

[0107] Actions and effects of masks According to the mask 1 of this embodiment described above, the lower portions of the articles (steam generating element 3 and heating element 4) housed in the respective housing sections 22, 23 of the mask main body 2 are tapered. This makes it less likely that the lower portions of the articles (steam generating element 3 and heating element 4) will get caught on the mask main body 2 when the articles (steam generating element 3 and heating element 4) are inserted from the bottom into the respective housing sections 22, 23 of the mask main body 2. This makes it easier to insert the articles (steam generating element 3 and heating element 4) into the respective housing sections 22, 23 of the mask main body 2.

[0108] Furthermore, according to the mask 1 of this embodiment, the articles (the steam generating element 3 and the heat generating element 4) housed in the respective housing sections 22, 23 of the mask main body 2 have corners 37-39, 47-49 at their upper parts that are angled at 90° or less. As a result, as shown in Fig. 4, for example, when the articles (the steam generating element 3 and the heat generating element 4) are housed in the respective housing sections 22, 23 of the mask main body 2, the upper corners 37, 38, 47, 48 of the articles (the steam generating element 3 and the heat generating element 4) are caught on the mask main body 2, making it difficult for the articles (the steam generating element 3 and the heat generating element 4) to slip out of the respective housing sections 22, 23 of the mask main body 2.

[0109] Furthermore, according to the mask 1 of this embodiment, the breathable second main surface (outer sheet 41) of the heat generating element 4 housed in the first housing portion 22 faces the first sheet 6 of the mask body 2, and the first sheet 6 is located on the outermost side away from the user's face. Therefore, the heat generating element 4 can efficiently take in air and allow the heat generating material 40 to generate heat well.

[0110] Furthermore, with the mask 1 of this embodiment, the user only needs to place the steam-generating element 3 and the heating element 4 in the housings 22, 23 of the main body 2 and press the steam-generating element 3 before wearing it on their face, which saves time and effort and reduces the possibility of the user's hands getting dirty with water, etc. Furthermore, because the liquid is sealed in the water bag 9, it is possible to prevent mold from growing on the steam-generating element 3 when the mask 1 is stored before use.

[0111] Furthermore, according to the mask 1 of this embodiment, the steam-generating body 3 is formed using the water-impermeable main sheet 30, which prevents the liquid that has flowed out of the water bag 9 from leaking out and wetting the mask body 2. Therefore, there is no risk of the user feeling uncomfortable when wearing the mask 1 on their face.

[0112] Furthermore, according to the mask 1 of this embodiment, the amount of steam that passes through the steam generator 3 is preferably 0.5 g / h or more, more preferably 0.6 g / h or more, and even more preferably 0.7 g / h or more, so that a larger amount of steam can be supplied to the user's mouth and throat than conventional products to effectively humidify the air, and the user can feel a sufficient amount of steam, which gives the user a sense of satisfaction.

[0113] Furthermore, according to the mask 1 of this embodiment, the moisture permeability of the steam generator 3 is preferably 7000 g / m 2 day or more, preferably 8500g / m 2 ·day or more, preferably 10,000g / m 2 ·day or more, and / or the viscosity of the liquid in the water bag 9 is preferably 40 mPa·s or more and 4000 mPa·s or less, more preferably 1000 mPa·s or more and 2500 mPa·s or less, and even more preferably 1500 mPa·s or more and 2000 mPa·s or less, so that the amount of steam that permeates the steam-generating body 3 can be sufficiently increased.

[0114] Furthermore, with the mask 1 of this embodiment, the liquid in the steam-generating element 3 is heated by the heating element 4 to evaporate the moisture contained therein, so a large amount of steam can be efficiently generated and supplied to the user's mouth and throat. Furthermore, because the heating element 4 continues to heat the liquid in the steam-generating element 3, a large amount of steam can be generated and supplied to the user's mouth and throat over a long period of time, and dryness of the mouth and throat can be suppressed for a long period of time.

[0115] Furthermore, with the mask 1 of this embodiment, the space between the user's face and the inside of the mask body 2 is comfortably warmed by the heat from the heating element 4. This provides a relaxing effect to the user wearing the mask 1, so that, for example, wearing the mask 1 before going to bed can help the user fall asleep smoothly and comfortably, thereby inducing a comfortable sleep.

[0116] Furthermore, according to the mask 1 of this embodiment, the steam-generating element 3 is interposed between the heating element 4 and the user's face, so the heating element 4 does not come into direct contact with the user's face when wearing the mask 1. This prevents the user from getting facial burns or feeling uncomfortable.

[0117] Description of variants Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0118] For example, in the above embodiment, the mask body 2 is formed by stacking at least three sheets 6 to 8, and the mask body 2 has at least two storage sections 22, 23 formed between two adjacent sheets, and the steam generating element 3 and the heating element 4 are stored in separate storage sections 22, 23 of the mask body 2. For example, in one modification, the mask body 2 may store both the steam generating element 3 and the heating element 4 in the same storage section. In this modification, the mask body 2 is formed by stacking two sheets, and both or either of the steam generating element 3 and the heating element 4 can be stored in the bag-shaped storage section between the two sheets.

[0119] As another modification, a pocket (not shown) may be attached to the mask body 2 on the side facing the user's face, and either the steam generating element 3 or the heat generating element 4 may be housed in the pocket.

[0120] Additionally, in the above embodiment, the liquid in the steam-generating unit 3 is heated and evaporated by the heating element 4. However, the method for heating the liquid in the steam-generating unit 3 is not particularly limited, and various methods can be used. For example, as a modified example, the steam-generating unit 3 may be heated by a microwave irradiation device such as a microwave oven after the water bag 9 has been opened and the liquid has flowed out. Then, by wearing the mask 1 equipped with the heated steam-generating unit 3, a large amount of steam may be immediately emitted from the steam-generating unit 3 after wearing the mask. In this modified example, since no time is required for steam to be generated, a large amount of steam can be supplied to the user's mouth and throat immediately after wearing the mask 1, and the heat from the steam-generating unit 3 can also warm the space between the mask body 2 and the face.

[0121] As another modification, the steam-generating unit 3 may be configured to emit a large amount of steam by a method other than heating. Furthermore, the steam-generating unit 3 may emit steam by naturally evaporating the water content of the liquid inside (by the user's breathing) without any other means being applied.

[0122] Additionally, in the above embodiment, the steam generating element 3 is mounted on the mask body 2 with its axis P1 facing up and down, while the heating element 4 is mounted on the mask body 2 with its axis P2 tilted diagonally up and down, thereby misaligning the steam generating element 3 and the heating element 4 so that they do not completely overlap and one of their centroids O1, O2 is shifted toward the ear hooks 5. For example, as another variation, the heating element 4 may also be mounted on the mask body 2 with its axis P2 facing up and down, like the steam generating element 3, and the heating element 4 may be shifted up and down or left and right relative to the steam generating element 3 so that the steam generating element 3 and the heating element 4 do not completely overlap and one of their centroids O1, O2 is shifted toward the ear hooks 5. Note that the steam generating element 3 and the heating element 4 may also be mounted on the mask body 2 so that they completely overlap.

[0123] Additionally, in the above embodiment, the mask body 2 has a three-dimensional structure that forms a large space between the nostrils and mouth when worn on the user's face. However, the structure of the mask body 2 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a structure that is flat before use and stretches in the vertical direction by spreading one or more pleats or the like when worn on the user's face (a structure that fits more closely to the surface of the face than a three-dimensional structure).

[0124] Additionally, in the above embodiment, the steam generating body 3 is formed using a main sheet 30 that is water impermeable, yet moisture permeable and breathable, and the liquid that flows out of the water bag 9 is trapped inside the steam generating body 3. However, the steam generating body 3 is not limited to a structure that traps liquid inside, and may be structured to retain the liquid that flows out of the water bag 9 by absorbing (holding) it, for example, so that the steam generating body 3 holds the liquid.

[0125] As an example of the steam-generating body 3 having the above-mentioned structure for containing liquid, a main sheet 30 can be used, for example, a sheet-like material made of a fiber material, a water-absorbent resin material, a sponge-like resin material, or the like. Examples of the sheet-like fiber include woven fabric and nonwoven fabric, with nonwoven fabric being preferred. Examples of the fiber material for the woven fabric and nonwoven fabric include natural fibers such as pulp and cotton; semi-synthetic fibers such as rayon and acetate; synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), acrylic, nylon, and polyvinyl chloride; and mixed fibers thereof.

[0126] Among these, a nonwoven fabric using pulp can be preferably used for the main sheet 30. There are no particular limitations on the manufacturing method, but it can be manufactured by an air-laid method or the like, and from the viewpoints of productivity, processability, and durability, it is preferable to blend pulp, which is the main component, with heat-fusible fibers such as polyethylene in a predetermined ratio. In this example, the main sheet 30 has a basis weight of 200 g / m2 in order to retain the liquid that flows out of the water bag 9 by absorbing water. 2 It is preferable that the weight is 300 g / m or more. 2On the other hand, if the basis weight of the main sheet 30 is too large, the steam-generating body 3 becomes hard, which may cause discomfort to the user when wearing the mask 1. Therefore, the basis weight of the main sheet 30 is set to 1500 g / m 2 It is preferable that the thickness is 1000 g / m or less. 2 More preferably, it is 600 g / m or less. 2 It is even more preferable that:

[0127] Alternatively, a sheet-like fiber containing an absorbent resin, for example, a SAP sheet containing a super absorbent polymer (SAP), can be preferably used for the main sheet 30. The SAP sheet is a nonwoven fabric (for example, an air-laid nonwoven fabric) carrying SAP.

[0128] The steam-generating unit 3 can have a single layer of the main sheet 30 or a multi-layer structure in which the main sheet 30 is combined with other sheets. From the viewpoint of durability and water retention, a three-layer structure is preferred in which the main sheet 30 is sandwiched between a pair of breathable and moisture-permeable nonwoven fabrics (corresponding to the outer sheet 31 and inner sheet 32 ​​in the above embodiment). The pair of nonwoven fabrics may be made of the same material or different materials. Examples of materials for these nonwoven fabrics include hydrophilic natural fibers, hydrophobic synthetic fibers, and blends thereof. Preferred examples of natural fibers include rayon and cotton, with rayon being more preferred. Hydrophilic fibers have the advantage of making the main sheet 30 more easily absorbent and facilitating manufacturing. Preferred examples of synthetic fibers include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate), with polyethylene and polypropylene being preferred. Hydrophobic fibers have the advantage of preventing wetting and stickiness. Therefore, it is preferable that the nonwoven fabric on the outer side of the main sheet 30 (opposite the water bag 9) is made of synthetic fiber, and the nonwoven fabric on the inner side (the water bag 9 side) is made of natural fiber such as rayon. 2 More than 50g / m2 It is preferable to do the following:

[0129] The steam generator 3, which is structured to retain the above-mentioned liquid by hydration, may be made of the same material as the water-retaining filters used in conventional masks, or the same material as the absorbents used in body fluid absorbent articles that absorb body fluids such as vaginal discharge, menstrual blood, sweat, and urine.

[0130] In a mask 1 having a mask body 2 equipped with a steam generator 3 configured to retain the liquid by hydration, when the water bag 9 inside the steam generator 3 is opened and liquid flows out from the water bag 9 into the steam generator 3 during use, the steam generator 3 retains the liquid by hydrating (absorbing) it, preventing the liquid from leaking out of the water bag 9 and wetting the mask body 2. This prevents the user from feeling uncomfortable when wearing the mask 1 on their face. When the user wears the mask 1 on their face, the liquid retained in the steam generator 3 is heated by the heating element 4, efficiently evaporating the moisture, and steam generated by the user's breathing is supplied to the user's mouth. This makes it possible to locally humidify the user's mouth and throat and prevent dryness. With the mask 1 of this modified example, the user does not need to place a wet filter in the storage compartment as with conventional masks. Instead, they simply press the steam generator 3, which saves time and reduces the risk of the user's hands getting dirty with water. Furthermore, since the liquid is sealed in the water bag 9, it is possible to prevent the steam-generating element 3 from becoming moldy when the mask 1 is stored before use.

[0131] Furthermore, since the liquid held in the steam generating element 3 is heated and evaporated by the heating element 4, a large amount of steam can be efficiently generated and supplied to the user's mouth and throat. Furthermore, since the liquid held in the steam generating element 3 can be continuously heated by the heating element 4, a large amount of steam can be generated and supplied to the user's mouth and throat over a long period of time, and dryness of the mouth and throat can be suppressed for a long period of time.

[0132] Furthermore, the liquid held in the steam generator 3 is heated and evaporated by the heating element 4, so the space between the inside of the mask body 2 and the face becomes a comfortably warmed and humidified space. This provides a relaxing effect to the user wearing the mask 1, so that, for example, wearing the mask 1 before going to bed can help the user fall asleep smoothly and comfortably, inducing a comfortable sleep.

[0133] Furthermore, since the steam-generating element 3 is interposed between the heating element 4 and the user's face, the heating element 4 does not come into direct contact with the user's face when the mask 1 is worn, thereby preventing the user from getting burned on the face or feeling uncomfortable.

[0134] In the above-described modified example, the steam generator 3 houses a water bag 9 filled with liquid inside, and the steam generator 3 holds the liquid to be evaporated by retaining the liquid that flows out of the water bag 9 through hydration (absorption). However, the steam generator 3 may not have a water bag 9, and may instead hold the water to be evaporated by previously hydrating the liquid.

[0135] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the items provided on the mask body 2 are the steam generating element 3 and the heat generating element 4, but they may be other items such as an aroma agent or a deodorizer. [Example]

[0136] Examples of the present invention will be described below. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following examples. It's not something like that.

[0137] First, a test was conducted to examine the relationship between the amount of vapor permeated through the steam generator and the amount of vapor felt by a user wearing a mask. Specifically, several types of bag-shaped steam generators, each formed using the liquid-impermeable resin film and / or nonwoven fabric described above, were prepared, each with different water-impermeability and moisture permeability. Each steam generator was filled with 4.5 g of the liquid shown in Table 1 below. All steam generators were rectangular, measuring 55 mm wide and 78 mm long. Their outer edges were heat-sealed to form a sealed portion, with a width of 5 mm. The moisture permeability of the steam generators and the viscosity of the liquid enclosed in the steam generators for each test example are shown in Table 2 below. Each steam generator for each test example was initially weighed, then left to stand on a hot plate at 40°C for one hour in an environment with a temperature of 25°C and humidity of 55%. After one hour, the weight was measured and the weight change was measured. The amount of vapor permeated for each steam generator for each test example was calculated from the resulting weight change. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0138] In addition, a mask with a steam-generating element from each test example housed in the second housing of the mask body (as shown in Figures 1 through 4) and a disposable hand warmer (heating temperature: approximately 40°C) housed in the first housing of the mask body was worn by six subjects for 60 minutes at a temperature of 25°C and humidity of 55% while the disposable hand warmer was being heated. A sensory evaluation of the humidifying effect of the mask was conducted. Evaluation was performed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Specifically, subjects were asked to rate the level of steam they felt while wearing each mask, with the left end of a 10-cm line (0 points) representing "no humidifying effect" and the right end (10 points) representing "very humidifying effect." The subjects were asked to indicate where on the line they felt the level of steam they felt while wearing each mask. The scores of all subjects were averaged and rounded to the nearest tenth. The results are summarized in Table 2.

[0139] [Table 1]

[0140] [Table 2]

[0141] According to Table 2, when the steam permeation rate through the steam generator is 0.5 g / h or more, a large amount of steam is supplied to the user's mouth and throat, effectively humidifying the air, allowing the user to feel a sufficient amount of steam and giving them a sense of satisfaction.

[0142] Next, a test was conducted to examine the relationship between the viscosity of the liquid inside the steam generator and the amount of vapor transmitted through the steam generator. Specifically, similar to the test example described above, multiple bag-shaped steam generators with water impermeability and the same moisture permeability were prepared, and 4.5 g of liquids with different viscosities (compositions shown in Table 1) were sealed in each steam generator. The moisture permeability of the steam generators and the viscosity of the liquid sealed in the steam generators for each test example are shown in Table 3 below. For each test example, the weight was first measured, and then the test example was left to stand on a hot plate at 40°C for 1 hour in an environment with a temperature of 25°C and humidity of 55%. After 1 hour, the weight was measured and the weight change was measured. The amount of vapor transmitted through the steam generator for each test example was calculated from the resulting weight change. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0143] [Table 3]

[0144] According to Table 3, it was confirmed that as the viscosity of the liquid in the steam generator increases, the amount of steam that permeates the steam generator increases, and when the viscosity of the liquid exceeds 2000 mPa·s, the amount of steam that permeates the steam generator begins to decrease, and when the viscosity of the liquid exceeds 2500 mPa·s, the degree of decrease in permeation rate becomes greater. Therefore, it can be seen that the amount of steam that permeates the steam generator 3 can be increased by setting the viscosity of the liquid to 2500 mPa·s or less, or even 2000 mPa·s or less. In addition, when the moisture permeability of the steam generator is 8500 g / m 2 It can be seen that when the viscosity is 0.5g / h or more, the amount of steam that passes through the steam generator can be made 0.5g / h or more, regardless of whether the viscosity of the liquid is high or low, and a large amount of steam can be supplied to the user's mouth and throat.

[0145] Next, a test was conducted to examine the relationship between the moisture permeability of the steam generator and the amount of steam that permeated the steam generator. Specifically, similar to the test example described above, multiple bag-shaped steam generators with water impermeability and different moisture permeability were prepared, and 4.5 g of a liquid with the same viscosity (composition shown in Table 1) was sealed in each steam generator. The moisture permeability of the steam generators and the viscosity of the liquid sealed in the steam generators for each test example are shown in Table 4 below. For each test example, the weight was first measured, and then the test example was left to stand on a hot plate at 40°C for one hour in an environment with a temperature of 25°C and humidity of 55%. After one hour, the weight was measured and the change in weight was measured. The amount of steam that permeated the steam generator for each test example was calculated from the resulting weight change. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0146] [Table 4]

[0147] According to Table 4, the amount of steam passing through the steam generator increases as the moisture permeability of the steam generator increases. 2 More than 10,000g / m 2 It can be seen that a temperature of 1 / 4 day or more can increase the amount of steam that passes through the steam generator, allowing a larger amount of steam to be supplied to the user's mouth and throat. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 1. Mask 2 Mask body 3 Steam generator 4 Heating elements 6 First sheet of the mask body 7 Second sheet of the mask body 8. Third sheet of the mask body 22 First storage section of mask body 23 Second storage section of mask body 30 Mainsheet

Claims

1. a mask body to be worn on the user's face; A pair of left and right articles are provided on either side of the width center line of the mask body, The mask body is configured by a laminate of at least two sheets, and a pair of left and right storage sections for storing the item and a pair of left and right openings for inserting the item into the storage sections are formed between the two adjacent sheets, The mask is characterized in that the lower part of the article, which is the lower side in the direction of insertion into the storage section, has a curved, tapered shape at least in parts other than the tip, and the tip part of the lower part is smooth and has no corners.

2. 10. The mask of claim 1, wherein the lower portion of the article has a generally curved, tapered shape.

3. 3. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the article has at least one corner of 90 degrees or less on an upper portion that will be on the upper side when stored in the storage section.

4. 4. The mask of claim 3, wherein the top of the article has sharp corners.

5. The mask body is composed of a laminate of three sheets: an outermost first sheet that is farthest from the user's face when the mask is worn, an innermost third sheet that faces the user's face, and a second sheet in between; a pair of left and right first storage sections are formed between the first sheet and the second sheet with a width center line sandwiched therebetween; and a pair of left and right second storage sections are formed between the second sheet and the third sheet with a width center line sandwiched therebetween; The first storage section and the second storage section each store the article separately, the second storage section stores a steam generating body that holds a liquid mainly composed of water as the article, and the first storage section stores a heating body that heats the liquid held in the steam generating body as the article and causes steam to be emitted from the steam generating body.

5. A mask according to claim 1.

Images