mask

Abstract

To provide a mask that minimizes discomfort during wearing and removal. [Solution] The mask (1) comprises a cover portion (10) that covers the wearer's nose and mouth and is breathable, extending in a vertical direction (X) to the upper and lower sides when worn, a horizontal direction (Y) perpendicular to the vertical direction, and a pair of ear loops (20) joined to each side of the cover portion. The load on the ear loops in the 1.5x stretched state, which is 1.5 times the natural state, is between 0.09N and 0.26N. The load on the ear loops in the 2.0x stretched state, which is 2.0 times the natural state, is between 0.18N and 0.47N.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a mask having a covering part that covers the nose and mouth of a wearer and has air permeability, and a pair of ear-hanging parts joined to both side parts of the covering part respectively.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a mask having a covering part that covers the nose and mouth of a wearer and has air permeability, and a pair of ear-hanging parts joined to both side parts of the covering part respectively. In the mask of Patent Document 1, the load in the extended state of the ear-hanging part extended 1.45 times to 1.65 times with respect to the natural state is 0.3 N to 0.6 N.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] As a result of the applicant's intensive investigation of the usage mode of the mask, it was found that there are two scenarios in which discomfort is likely to occur to the wearer due to the ear-hanging part. The first scenario is when wearing. Discomfort may occur due to the ear-hanging part hitting the ear during wearing, and discomfort may occur even if there is no discomfort immediately after wearing, but after wearing for a long time. The second scenario is during the attachment / detachment operation. The wearer extends the ear-hanging part further once from the worn state and then contracts it to hang or remove the ear-hanging part from the ear during the attachment / detachment operation. In the state extended further than the worn state, the load by the ear-hanging part is applied to the finger, and discomfort is likely to occur to the finger, and the attachment / detachment operation may not be smoothly performed.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a mask capable of suppressing discomfort during wearing and during the attachment / detachment operation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A mask according to one embodiment comprises a cover portion that covers the wearer's nose and mouth and is breathable, extending in a vertical direction that extends upward and downward when worn, and in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and a pair of ear loops joined to each side of the cover portion. The load on the ear loops in the 1.5x stretched state, which is stretched to 1.5 times its natural state, is 0.09N to 0.26N. The load on the ear loops in the 2.0x stretched state, which is stretched to 2.0 times its natural state, is 0.18N to 0.47N. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a plan view of the mask according to the first embodiment, as seen from the outside. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view of the mask according to the first embodiment, as seen from the inside. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the mask according to the first embodiment after it has been deformed into a three-dimensional shape. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line AA shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the extended state of the ear hook portion. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a plan view of the mask according to the second embodiment, as seen from the outside. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the measurement results of the load on the ear loop portion. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the results of the sensory evaluation of the pleated mask. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the results of the sensory evaluation of the folded mask. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ear hook portion. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic plan view of the ear hook joint. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (1) Outline of the Embodiment The following matters become clear from this specification and the accompanying drawings: The mask according to Embodiment 1 comprises a cover portion that covers the wearer's nose and mouth and is breathable, extending in a vertical direction that extends upward and downward when worn, and in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and a pair of ear loops joined to each side of the cover portion. The load on the ear loops in the 1.5x stretched state, which is 1.5 times the natural state, is between 0.09N and 0.26N. The load on the ear loops in the 2.0x stretched state, which is 2.0 times the natural state, is between 0.18N and 0.47N. As a result of the applicant's diligent investigation into the usage of masks, it was found that the ear loops tend to be stretched to 1.5 times when worn, and tend to be stretched to 2.0 times when putting on or taking off the mask. The load on the ear loops in the 1.5x stretched state when worn is 0.26N or less, resulting in a low load on the ears and suppressing discomfort even when worn for a long time. Furthermore, the load on the ear loops in the 1.5x extended state (wearing position) is 0.09N or more, allowing the ear loops to remain attached to the ears while suppressing discomfort to the ears. The load on the ear loops in the 2.0x extended state (attachment / detachment position) is 0.47N or less, resulting in low load on the fingers, enabling smooth attachment and detachment, and suppressing discomfort to the fingers during the operation. The load on the ear loops in the 2.0x extended state (attachment / detachment position) is 0.18N or more, allowing the ear loops to remain attached to the fingers during operation while suppressing discomfort to the fingers, preventing them from coming off unintentionally, and enabling smooth attachment and detachment.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Embodiment 2 may have the following features in the invention according to Embodiment 1: The covering portion is folded into a pleated shape by the plurality of folds extending in the horizontal direction. The load on the ear loop portion in the 1.5x stretched state is 0.09N or more and 0.15N or less. The load on the ear loop portion in the 2.0x stretched state is 0.18N or more and 0.27N or less. According to this embodiment, in a mask having a pleated covering portion, discomfort to the ears during wear can be further suppressed while the mask can be held on the ears by the ear loop portion, and the mask can be put on and taken off more smoothly.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Embodiment 3 may have the following features in the invention according to Embodiment 2: The ear loop portion and the cover portion are joined at the ear loop joint portion. In the unfolded state of the cover portion, the region between the uppermost fold among the multiple folds and the upper edge of the cover portion has the same number of layers of sheets constituting the cover portion. The ear loop portion is joined to an upper region above the vertical center line that passes through the vertical center of the cover portion and extends horizontally, and to a lower region below the vertical center line. Between the ear loop joint portion of the upper region and the ear loop joint portion of the lower region, there is a main body joint portion that joins the folded cover portions together. A part of the main body joint portion overlaps the ear loop joint portion of the upper region. Because the number of sheet layers is the same in the region between the upper fold and the upper edge of the cover, it is difficult to ensure the strength of the upper end of the cover compared to the folded form and the form with more layers at the upper end of the cover, and there is a risk that the upper end of the cover will lift up. However, because the main body joint overlaps the ear hook joint in the upper region, the rigidity of the ear hook joint in the upper region is increased, and the lifting of the upper end of the cover can be suppressed. Therefore, it becomes easier to keep the cover pulled up even with low-load ear hooks (where the load on the ear hooks in the 1.5x extended state is 0.09N to 0.15N).

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Embodiment 4 may have the following features in the invention according to Embodiment 3: The main body joint extends in the vertical direction between the ear hook joint in the upper region and the ear hook joint in the lower region. The main body joint makes it easier for the lateral outer portion of the main end to deform with respect to the vertically extending line, thereby suppressing the lifting of the outer portion of the cover. Therefore, when extending the ear hook, even a low-load ear hook can be fitted to the face by the outer portion of the cover.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Embodiment 5 may have the following features in the invention according to Embodiment 1: The covering portion is folded at the center of the covering portion in the horizontal direction, with a central fold extending in the vertical direction as the base point. The load on the ear loop portion in the 1.5x extended state is 0.20N or more and 0.26N or less. The load on the ear loop portion in the 2.0x extended state is 0.40N or more and 0.47N or less. According to this embodiment, in a mask having a bi-fold covering portion folded with a central fold as the base point, discomfort to the ears during wear can be further suppressed, while the mask can be kept on the ears by the ear loop portion, and the mask can be put on and taken off more smoothly.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 6 may have the following features in the invention according to any of embodiments 1 to 5. The ear loop is formed in a tubular shape by braiding a string-like member having non-stretchable crimped fibers and stretchable fibers. The string-like member is knitted in stitches arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the tubular shape, and the stitches are formed in multiple rows in the axial direction of the tubular shape. In any given row, there are three or four stitches provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the tubular shape. Because the string-like member having non-stretchable crimped fibers and stretchable fibers is braided, during the knitting process, the non-stretchable crimped fibers and stretchable fibers are knitted in an extended state. After the knitting process, the stretchable fibers contract, and the non-stretchable crimped fibers become looser compared to the stretchable fibers. That is, when not stretched, the stretchable fibers contract while the non-stretchable crimped fibers do not, so the excess fibers form a loop-shaped outer shape around the string-like member. The ear loop section has a three-dimensional cross-section, which helps to reduce pressure on the body (ears and fingers). When stretched, the loops of the non-stretchable crimped fibers provide stretch, allowing the elastic fibers to stretch and making the ear loop section 20 easier to stretch. Also, if there are three stitches in a row, the angle between stitches is 60 degrees, and if there are four stitches in a row, the angle between stitches is 90 degrees, making it easier to distribute force when external force is applied. Therefore, it is easier to maintain the shape of the ear loop section. Furthermore, compared to configurations with five or more stitches, it ensures a sufficient distance between stitches in any given row, making it easier for the elastic fibers to contract. As a result, the ear loop section stretches easily when worn, and discomfort during stretching can be further reduced.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Embodiment 7 may have the following features in any of the inventions according to Embodiments 1 to 6: The width of the ear loop in the 1.5x stretched state is 60% or more of the width of the ear loop in the natural state. According to this embodiment, the width of the ear loop when stretched to 1.5x, which is the wearing state, can be ensured, the ear loop makes surface contact with the face, and discomfort to the face can be suppressed.

[0015] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 8 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of aspects 1 to 7. The ear hook portion and the covering portion are joined at the ear hook joint portion. In the ear hook joint portion, a plurality of welded portions where the ear hook portion and the covering portion are welded are provided at intervals in the plane direction of the covering portion. The total area of the welded portions in the region where the ear hook portion overlaps within the ear hook joint portion is 22% or more. The interval between the welded portions in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the ear hook portion is 0.6 mm or less. Since the area ratio of the welded portions in the region where the front hook portion overlaps within the ear hook joint portion is 22% or more, the joining strength by the welded portions can be ensured, and it is possible to suppress the ear hook portion from unintentionally coming off from the covering portion during extension. Further, when the ear hook portion is extended, the fibers constituting the ear hook portion are pulled in the extending direction. At this time, since the interval between the welded portions is 0.6 mm or less and is smaller than the diameter of general fibers, it is possible to suppress the fibers of the ear hook portion from slipping off during extension and maintain the joined state of the ear hook portion and the covering portion.

[0016] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 9 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of aspects 1 to 8. The ear hook portion and the covering portion are joined at the ear hook joint portion. The ear hook portion is joined to the non-skin side surface of the covering portion. The ear hook joint portion is disposed on the inner side in the lateral direction rather than the outer edge in the lateral direction of the covering portion. The ear hook joint portion is disposed on the inner side in the lateral direction rather than the outer edge in the lateral direction of the covering portion, and a non-joined region where the ear hook portion is not joined to the covering portion is provided on the outer side in the lateral direction rather than the ear hook joint portion. The ear hook portion is disposed on the non-skin side of the covering portion, and the outer portion of the covering portion is pressed against the skin side through the ear hook portion. The non-joined region has lower rigidity and is more easily deformed than the ear hook joint portion. Therefore, the covering portion can be lifted even by a low-load ear hook portion, and the fitting property of the covering portion can be ensured.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Embodiment 10 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8. The weight of the ear hook portion having a length of 80 mm in the natural state is 0.02 g or more and 0.075 g or less. According to this embodiment, the weight of the ear hook portion is light, the pressure applied due to the weight of the ear hook portion is reduced, and the discomfort caused by the ear hook portion can be further suppressed.

[0018] (2) Mask according to the embodiment Hereinafter, referring to the drawings, the mask 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. In the description of the following drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of each dimension and the like are different from the actual ones. Therefore, specific dimensions and the like should be determined in consideration of the following description. Also, there may be portions where the dimensional relationships and ratios are different between the surfaces. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the mask 1 according to the first embodiment as viewed from the outside. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the mask 1 according to the first embodiment as viewed from the inside. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the wearing state of the mask 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A shown in FIG. 1. The mask 1 may be disposable or may be used repeatedly. The mask 1 may be worn to protect the wearer from droplets, pollen, dust, blood, etc.

[0019] The mask 1 has an inner side Z1 facing the wearer's face, an outer side (non-skin side) Z2 which is the opposite side thereof, a thickness direction Z extending between them, a longitudinal direction X corresponding to the up and down direction of the wearer and extending upward and downward, and a lateral direction Y orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X. The lateral direction Y corresponds to the left and right direction of the wearer and extends left and right in a front view. The mask 1 has a covering portion 10 and a pair of ear hook portions 20 joined to both side portions in the lateral direction Y of the covering portion 10, respectively.

[0020] The covering portion 10 is configured to cover at least the wearer's mouth and nose. The covering portion 10 is breathable. The covering portion 10 may be a rectangle that is long in the lateral direction Y. The covering portion 10 may have one or multiple overlapping sheets. The sheets in this embodiment include a first sheet 11, a second sheet 12, and a third sheet 13. The first sheet 11 is arranged on the outer surface of the covering portion 10. The third sheet 13 is arranged on the inner surface of the covering portion 10. The second sheet 12 is arranged between the first sheet 11 and the third sheet 13.

[0021] The cover portion 10 may have a main body joining portion 7 formed by joining sheets that overlap in the unfolded state, as described later. In this embodiment, the main body joining portion 7 joins the first sheet 11, the second sheet 12, and the third sheet 13. The main body joining portion 7 is arranged linearly or as points at both ends of the cover portion 10 in the horizontal direction Y and at both ends of the cover portion 10 in the vertical direction X. The main body joining portion 7 may be composed of a collection of multiple point-shaped joining portions, and this collection may be arranged linearly.

[0022] The covering portion 10 has an upper region R11 above the vertical center line 10XC and a lower region R12 below the vertical center line 10XC. The vertical center line 10XC passes through the center of the covering portion in the vertical direction X, and the shape of the outer edge 10YE of the covering portion 10 extending in the horizontal direction Y may be asymmetrical with respect to the vertical center line 10XC. That is, the outer edge 10YE in the upper region R11 and the outer edge 10YE in the lower region R12 may not be symmetrical with respect to the vertical center line 10XC, but may be asymmetrical with respect to the vertical center line 10XC.

[0023] The mask 1 may have ear loops 20 that are placed over the wearer's ears when worn. The ear loops 20 extend outward from both sides in the lateral direction Y of the cover portion 10. The ear loops 20 may be formed separately from the cover portion 10 and joined to the cover portion 10, or they may be formed integrally with the cover portion 10. In this embodiment, the ear loops 20 may be formed separately from the cover portion 10 and joined to the cover portion 10 via ear loop joining portions 25. The ear loops 20 may be located on the outside Z2 of the cover portion 10.

[0024] The ear hooks 20 are arranged with spacing in the vertical direction X and are joined to the upper region R11 and the lower region R12, respectively. Specifically, the upper end of the ear hook 20 on one side in the horizontal direction Y (for example, the left side) is joined to the upper region R11, and the lower end of the ear hook 20 on the same side in the horizontal direction Y is joined to the lower region R12. The upper end of the ear hook 20 on the other side in the horizontal direction Y (for example, the right side) is joined to the upper region R11, and the lower end of the ear hook 20 on the other side in the horizontal direction Y is joined to the lower region R12. The ear hooks 20 and the cover portion 10 are joined via ear hook joints 25. That is, ear hook joints 25 are provided in the upper region R11 and the lower region R12, respectively.

[0025] The covering portion 10 of the mask according to the first embodiment is folded into a pleated shape by a plurality of folds extending in the lateral direction Y. The covering portion 10 is folded as shown in Figure 1 when the mask 1 is not in use. Figure 1 shows the unfolded state, where the sheet has not been unfolded from the folds. When the mask 1 is used, the sheet unfolds from the folds, causing the covering portion 10 to deform into a three-dimensional shape (for example, a cup shape). Figure 3 shows the mask 1 in a state where the sheet has been partially unfolded.

[0026] The folds may be folds that extend in the horizontal direction Y. The folds may include mountain folds that fold the cover portion 10 into a mountain fold shape that protrudes outward in the vertical direction X, and valley folds that fold the cover portion 10 into a valley fold shape that protrudes inward in the vertical direction X. More specifically, the mountain folds fold into a mountain fold shape that protrudes outward in the vertical direction X when the vertical center line 10XC is used as a reference. The valley folds fold into a valley fold shape that protrudes inward in the vertical direction X when the vertical center line 10XC is used as a reference. In the embodiment, the cover portion 10 has a first fold F1 which is a mountain fold, a second fold F2 which is a valley fold, a third fold F3 which is a mountain fold, and a fourth fold F4 which is a valley fold formed on both sides (upper and lower sides, respectively) of the vertical direction X with the vertical center line 10XC in between.

[0027] In the first embodiment, the mask 1 is folded in a mountain fold on both sides in the vertical direction X, and deforms into an omega shape when worn. However, in the modified form, it may be a pleated shape folded in a mountain fold only downwards, or a pleated shape folded in a mountain fold only upwards.

[0028] The first fold F1 is provided in pairs on either side of the vertical center line 10XC of the covering portion 10. The second fold F2 folds the area extending inward in the vertical direction X from the first fold F1 toward the inside in the thickness direction Z1 and toward the outside in the vertical direction X. The third fold F3 folds the area extending outward in the vertical direction X from the second fold F2 toward the inside in the thickness direction Z1 and toward the inside in the vertical direction X. The third fold F3 is located further outward in the vertical direction X than the first fold F1. The fourth fold F4 folds the area extending inward in the vertical direction X from the third fold F3 toward the inside in the thickness direction Z1 and toward the outside in the vertical direction X. The fourth fold F4 is located further outward in the vertical direction X than the second fold F2. These mountain and valley folds form pleated sections. When worn, the covering portion 10 takes on a cup shape that gradually protrudes outward in the thickness direction Z2, starting from the fourth fold F4 as the inner base point and moving towards the first fold F1.

[0029] The cover portion 10 may be provided with a notch 30 that is recessed inward in the lateral direction Y from the outer edge 10YE of the cover portion 10 in the lateral direction Y. Because the notch 30 is formed on the outer edge 10YE of the cover portion 10, the outer edge 10YE of the cover portion 10 is not a straight line extending in the vertical direction X, but has a recessed portion in the lateral direction Y. The notch 30 is formed over the entire thickness direction Z of the cover portion 10, and does not include, for example, a configuration in which a part of the sheet is recessed, but the recessed part is covered by other sheets.

[0030] The notch 30 may have an upper notch 31 located in the upper region R11. The upper notch 31 may be located in the upper region in part, and may span both the upper region R11 and the lower region R12. Preferably, the upper notch 31 may be located only in the upper region R11. Also, in the case where the upper notch 31 spans both the upper region R11 and the lower region R12, the length in the vertical direction X of the upper notch 31 in the upper region R11 is longer than the length in the vertical direction X of the upper notch 31 in the lower region R12. Because the covering portion 10 is asymmetrical vertically, it is easy to deform the upper region R11 and the lower region R12 in different ways, making it easy to fit to the asymmetrical shape of the face. The human cheekbone protrudes more than the lower side of the cheek. When worn, the upper region R11 is pulled outward in the lateral direction Y via the ear loop portion 20, causing at least the upper region R11 to deform with the upper notch 31 as the pivot point. This suppresses the lifting of the outer part of the covering portion 10 caused by the height difference between the cheekbone and the cheek, and improves the fit from the cheekbone to the cheek.

[0031] The notch 30 may have a lower notch 32 located in the lower region R12. The lower notch 32 may have at least a portion located in the lower region R12 and may span both the upper region R11 and the lower region R12. Preferably, the lower notch 32 may be located only in the lower region R12. In the case where the lower notch 32 spans both the upper region R11 and the lower region R12, the length in the vertical direction X of the lower notch 32 in the lower region R12 is longer than the length in the vertical direction X of the lower notch 32 in the upper region R11. The upper notch 31 and the lower notch 32 may be spaced apart in the vertical direction X or may be connected. In this embodiment, the upper notch 31 and the lower notch 32 are spaced apart in the vertical direction X, and the outer edge 10YE of the covering portion 10 extends linearly in the vertical direction between the upper notch 31 and the lower notch 32. Because the area below the human cheek is recessed compared to the cheekbone, the lowest end of the covering portion 10 is more easily pulled towards the ear than the vertical center of the covering portion 10. As a result, significant strain is created in the covering portion, causing the outer part of the covering portion to lift and potentially forming a gap between the face and the covering portion. However, by providing the lower notch 32, the lifting of the outer part of the covering portion can be suppressed, and the gap between the face and the covering portion 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, the area around the human mouth is even more recessed than the area below the cheek. When worn, the lower region R12 is pulled laterally outward via the ear loop portion 20, causing the lower region R12 to deform with the lower notch 32 as the pivot point. This suppresses the lifting of the laterally outward part of the lower region even when the lower edge of the covering portion 10 is pulled significantly towards the ear, improving the fit around the chin extending laterally from the mouth.

[0032] The covering portion 10 may be folded in a pleated manner, as in the mask 1 according to the first embodiment, or it may be in another form, for example, a bi-fold mask as shown in Figure 6. This is a plan view of the mask 1A according to the second embodiment as seen from the outside. The covering portion 10A of the mask 1A according to the second embodiment is folded with a central fold line FLC extending in the vertical direction X at the center of the covering portion 10 in the horizontal direction Y. When using the mask, it is transformed into a three-dimensional shape by unfolding it with the central fold line FLC as the starting point, so that the outer edges of the covering portion 10A in the horizontal direction Y are separated.

[0033] The mask 1 according to the present invention is configured to suppress discomfort during wearing and removal. Next, the configuration for suppressing discomfort during wearing and removal will be described in detail. The load on the ear loop portion in the 1.5x stretched state, which is stretched to 1.5 times its natural length, is 0.09N to 0.26N. The load on the ear loop portion in the 2.0x stretched state, which is stretched to 2.0 times its natural length, is 0.18N to 0.47N. Figure 5 shows a mask according to the first embodiment, where Figure 5(A) shows the mask in its natural state, Figure 5(B) shows the mask in the 1.5x stretched state, and Figure 5(C) shows the mask in the 2.0x stretched state. Furthermore, the natural state in this invention refers to the state after being left for 24 hours in an atmosphere of 20℃±2℃ and relative humidity of 60%±5%RH. The 1.5x stretched state is the state in which the ear loop portion 20 is stretched to 1.5 times its natural length. The 2.0x stretched state is a state in which the ear loop portion 20 is stretched to 2.0 times its natural length. As a result of the applicant's diligent investigation into the usage of the mask 1, it was found that the ear loop portion tends to be stretched to 1.5 times its length when worn, and tends to be stretched to 2.0 times its length when putting on or taking off the mask.

[0034] The applicant conducted sensory evaluations of the masks according to Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 regarding ear discomfort during wear, retention during wear (whether or not slippage occurs), discomfort in the fingers during putting on and taking off, and retention during putting on and taking off. The masks according to Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 are identical in configuration except for the ear loops 20. The ear loops in Example 1 are the same as those in this embodiment. Figure 7 shows the results of load measurement for the ear loops of each mask. The load measuring instrument used was an Autograph AGX-V 50N (Shimadzu Corporation). The measurement conditions were as follows. Tensile speed: 100 mm / min Ear loop length: The effective length should be 80mm. Cut the ear loop to a length of 80mm or more so that the effective length is 80mm, and create a gripping section on the outside of the effective length. For the gripping section, use masking tape (60mm wide x 50mm high) and fold only the masking tape in half vertically, sandwiching the ear loop on the outside of the effective length. Chuck spacing: 80mm. Clamp the gripping part into the chuck and set it so that the effective length of the ear loop equals the distance between the chucks. Tensile distance: 180mm

[0035] Figures 8 and 9 show the results of the sensory evaluation of the masks. Figure 8 is the sensory evaluation of mask 1 according to the first embodiment, and Figure 9 is the sensory evaluation of mask 1A according to the second embodiment. Figures 8 and 9 show the total scores obtained by scoring the evaluation results of three subjects. The evaluation of ear discomfort when wearing the mask was evaluated on a three-point scale: ears hurt ("1 point"), not painful but discomfort ("2 points"), and no discomfort ("3 points"). The retention when wearing the mask was evaluated on a three-point scale: mask shifted ("1 point"), mask seemed likely to shift ("2 points"), and mask did not shift ("3 points"). The discomfort in the fingers when putting on or taking off the mask was evaluated on a three-point scale: when pulling the ear loops to put on or take off the mask, there was a lot of discomfort (resistance) in the fingers ("1 point"), there was some discomfort (resistance) in the fingers ("2 points"), and there was almost no discomfort (resistance) in the fingers ("3 points"). The retention during attachment and detachment was evaluated on a two-point scale: "○" if the ear hook remained in place without falling off the finger during attachment or detachment, and "×" if the ear hook fell off the finger unintentionally during attachment or detachment.

[0036] According to the mask of this embodiment, the load on the ear loops in the 1.5x stretched state (wearing state) is 0.26N or less, resulting in a low load on the ears and suppressing discomfort even when worn for extended periods. Furthermore, the load on the ear loops in the 1.5x stretched state (wearing state) is 0.09N or more, allowing the ear loops to remain attached to the ears while suppressing discomfort. The load on the ear loops in the 2.0x stretched state (attachment / detachment operation state) is 0.47N or less, resulting in a low load on the fingers, allowing for smooth attachment and detachment and suppressing discomfort during the operation. The load on the ear loops in the 2.0x stretched state (attachment / detachment operation state) is 0.18N or more, allowing the ear loops to remain attached to the fingers during attachment and detachment while suppressing discomfort, preventing the ear loops from coming off unintentionally, and enabling smooth attachment and detachment.

[0037] As shown in Figure 8, the masks according to Examples 1 and 2 yielded favorable results for pleated masks. In pleated masks, the load on the ear loops when stretched 1.5 times may be 0.09 N or more and 0.15 N or less, and the load on the ear loops when stretched 2.0 times may be 0.18 N or more and 0.27 N or less. In pleated masks, discomfort to the ears during wear is further suppressed, while the mask can be held in place on the ears by the ear loops, and the mask can be put on and taken off more smoothly.

[0038] As shown in Figure 9, the masks according to Examples 3 to 4 yielded favorable results for the folded mask. In the folded mask, the load on the ear loops when stretched 1.5 times may be 0.20 N or more and 0.26 N or less, and the load on the ear loops when stretched 2.0 times may be 0.40 N or more and 0.47 N or less. In the folded mask, discomfort to the ears during wear is further suppressed, while the mask can be held in place on the ears by the ear loops, and the mask can be put on and taken off more smoothly.

[0039] Figure 10 is a schematic enlarged view of the ear loop portion 20, and Figure 10 schematically shows a cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction of the ear loop portion. The ear loop portion 20 is formed in a tubular shape by braiding a string-like member having non-stretchable crimped fibers 21 and stretchable fibers 22. The non-stretchable crimped fibers 21 can be any known material and are not particularly limited, but examples include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers and nylon fibers. The stretchable fibers 22 can be any known material and are not particularly limited, but examples include polyurethane (PU) fibers. The string-like member is braided in stitches arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction C of the tubular shape, and the stitches may be formed in multiple rows in the axial direction of the tubular shape. The stitches in any one row may be three, spaced apart in the circumferential direction C of the tubular shape. The axial direction of the tubular shape is the extension direction of the ear loop portion 20, and the cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction shown in Figure 10(A) shows any one row. Figure 10(A) shows a cross-section of the stretchable fiber 22 and crimped fiber 21 in an extended state. Figure 10(B) shows a cross-section of the natural state, i.e., the state in which the stretchable fiber 22 is contracted, and the stretchable fiber 22 is contracted relative to the crimped fiber 21. There are three stitches in each row, where the crimped fiber 21 and stretchable fiber 22 are woven together, spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

[0040] According to this embodiment, since a string-like member having non-stretchable crimped fibers 21 and stretchable fibers 22 is braided, during the knitting process, the non-stretchable crimped fibers 21 and stretchable fibers 22 are knitted in an extended state as shown in Figure 10(A). After the knitting process, the stretchable fibers 22 contract, and the non-stretchable crimped fibers 21 become looser compared to the stretchable fibers 22. That is, when not stretched, the stretchable fibers 22 contract while the non-stretchable crimped fibers 21 do not, so the excess fibers form a loop-shaped outer shape around the string-like member. The cross-section of the ear loop portion becomes three-dimensional, which can soften the contact with the body (ears and fingers). When stretched, the loop portion of the non-stretchable crimped fibers 21 becomes stretchable, and the stretchable fibers stretch, making it easier for the ear loop portion 20 to stretch.

[0041] As shown in Figure 10, when there are three stitches in a row, the angle between the stitches is 60 degrees. In other configurations, when there are four stitches in a row, the angle between the stitches is 90 degrees. When there are three or four stitches in the first row, the force is more easily distributed when an external force is applied. Therefore, it is easier to maintain the shape of the ear loops. Also, compared to configurations with five or more stitches, the distance between stitches in any given row is ensured, and the elastic fiber 22 is more easily contracted. Therefore, the ear loops are more easily stretched when worn, and discomfort during stretching can be further reduced.

[0042] The width W202 of the ear loop when stretched to 1.5 times its natural width W201 may be 60% or more. This ensures that the width of the ear loop 20 is maintained when stretched to 1.5 times its natural width, allowing the ear loop to make surface contact with the face and suppressing facial discomfort. Furthermore, the width W203 of the ear loop when stretched to 2.0 times its natural width W201 may be 30% or more. According to this embodiment, the part that comes into contact with the fingers during putting on and taking off operations makes surface contact, suppressing discomfort in the fingers. Note that the width of the ear loop is the length in the longitudinal direction of the cross-section of the ear loop 20 in the perpendicular direction. The measurement position of the width W201 of the ear loop is the length from the outside of the loop formed by the non-stretchable fiber, and not the length of the constricted part which is a knit.

[0043] The weight of the ear loop portion 20, which has a natural length of 80 mm, may be between 0.02 g and 0.075 g. The typical length of the ear loop portion is 80 mm or more in its natural state. This length refers to the length of each ear loop portion, left and right. By having the weight of each ear loop portion 20, which is positioned on the left and right sides, the pressure caused by the weight of the ear loop portion 20 is reduced, and discomfort caused by the ear loop portion 20 can be further suppressed.

[0044] Figure 11 is an enlarged plan view of the ear hook joint 25. The ear hook joint 25 may be a portion that is welded in a planar manner over its entire length, or it may have multiple welded portions 26. In this embodiment, the ear hook joint 25 has multiple welded portions 26 spaced apart in the planar direction of the cover portion 10. The welded portions 26 are point-shaped or rectangular and are arranged in a grid-like, extending linear pattern. The total area of ​​the welded portions 26 in the region where the ear hooks overlap within the ear hook joint 25 may be 22% or more. In Figure 9, the region where the ear hooks overlap within the ear hook joint 25 is shown with hatching. According to this embodiment, the joint strength by the welded portions 26 can be ensured, and the ear hooks 20 can not come off when stretched. The area ratio of the welded portions 26 in the region where the apron portion overlaps within the ear hook joint may be 50% or less. According to this embodiment, the welding portion 26 prevents the rigidity of the ear loop joint portion 25 from becoming too high, thereby reducing discomfort when worn.

[0045] The spacing G26 of the welded parts 26 may be 0.6 mm or less. The spacing G26 of the welded parts 26 is the spacing in the planar direction and is the distance between adjacent welded parts. The spacing of the welded parts 26 may be the spacing in the horizontal direction Y or the spacing in the vertical direction X. When the ear loop part 20 is stretched, the fibers constituting the ear loop part 20 are pulled in the stretching direction. At this time, since the spacing G26 of the welded parts 26 is 0.6 mm or less and is smaller than the diameter of a typical fiber, it is possible to suppress the fibers of the ear loop part 20 from coming out when stretched and maintain the joined state between the ear loop part 20 and the cover part 10.

[0046] The ear hook portion 20 may be joined to the non-skin side Z2 of the cover portion 10. The ear hook joining portion 25 may be positioned inward in the lateral direction Y beyond the outer edge 10YE of the cover portion 10 in the lateral direction Y. That is, a non-jointed area R15 (see Figure 2) is provided on the cover portion 10 where the ear hook portion is not joined, outside the ear hook joining portion 25 in the lateral direction Y. The ear hook portion 20 is positioned on the non-skin side Z2 of the cover portion 10, and the outer part of the cover portion is pressed against the skin side Z1 via the ear hook portion 20. The non-jointed area R15 has lower rigidity and is more easily deformed compared to the ear hook joining portion 25. Therefore, even with a low load from the ear hook portion, the cover portion can be pulled up, ensuring a good fit for the cover portion.

[0047] In the unfolded state of the cover, the area between the uppermost fold among multiple folds and the upper edge of the cover may have the same number of layers of sheets constituting the cover. In this embodiment, the uppermost fold is the fourth fold F4, which is located at the top in the unfolded state. In the area R13 (see Figure 4) between the fourth fold F4 and the upper edge of the cover 10, three layers are arranged: the first sheet 11, the second sheet 12, and the third sheet 13, and the number of sheet layers is the same throughout the entire area. The main body joint 7 may be positioned between the ear-hook joint 25 in the upper area R11 and the ear-hook joint 25 in the lower area R12. At least a part of the main body joint 7 may be positioned between the upper ear-hook joint 25 and the lower ear-hook joint 25 in the vertical direction X. The main body joint 7 may also be positioned in areas other than the area between the ear-hook joints 25 in the vertical direction X (for example, in the part that overlaps with the ear-hook joint 25). A portion of the main body joint 7 may overlap with the ear hook joint 25 of the upper region R11.

[0048] Because the number of sheet layers in region R13 between the upper fold and the upper edge of the cover is the same, it is difficult to ensure the strength of the upper end of the cover compared to the folded form of the upper end of the cover and the form in which many layers are arranged at the upper end of the cover, and there is a risk that the upper end of the cover 10 will lift up. However, because the main body joint 7 overlaps the ear hook joint 25 of the upper region R11, the rigidity of the ear hook joint 25 of the upper region R11 is increased, which suppresses the lifting of the upper end of the cover 10. Therefore, it becomes easier to lift the cover even with the ear hooks under low load.

[0049] The main body joint portion 7 may extend in the vertical direction X between the ear hook joint portion 25 of the upper region R11 and the ear hook joint portion 25 of the lower region R12. The configuration in which the main body joint portion 7 extends in the vertical direction X includes not only a linear configuration in which the main body joint portion 7 extends in the vertical direction X, but also a configuration in which a plurality of point-shaped or rectangular joint portions are arranged in a vertical direction. According to this embodiment, the main body joint portion 7 makes it easier for the lateral outer portion of the main end to deform with respect to the vertically extending line, and the lifting of the outer portion of the cover can be suppressed. Therefore, when extending the ear hook portion, even a low-load ear hook portion can be fitted to the face by the outer portion of the cover.

[0050] Although the present invention has been described in detail using the embodiments described above, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present invention can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be restrictive in any way to the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1, 1A: Mask 7: Body joint 10, 10A: Covering part 20: Ear hook part 21: Crimped fiber 22: Elastic fiber 25: Ear hook joint 26: Welded part C: Circumferential direction F1: First fold (crease) F2: Second fold (crease) F3: Third fold (crease) F4: Fourth fold (crease) R11: Upper area R12: Lower area R15: Non-bonded area FLC: Center fold X: Vertical direction Y: Horizontal direction Z1: Skin side (inside) Z2: Non-skin side (outside)

Claims

1. When worn, the garment has vertical directions extending upwards and downwards, and horizontal directions perpendicular to the aforementioned vertical directions. A mask comprising a breathable covering portion that covers the wearer's nose and mouth, and a pair of ear loops attached to each side of the covering portion, The load on the ear loop portion in the 1.5x stretched state, which is 1.5 times its natural state, is between 0.09 N and 0.26 N. The load on the ear loop portion in the 2.0x stretched state (extended to 2.0 times its natural state) is between 0.18 N and 0.47 N. The ear loop portion is formed into a tubular shape by braiding together a string-like member having non-stretchable crimped fibers and stretchable fibers. The string-like member is woven in stitches that are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical shape. The mesh is formed in multiple rows along the axial direction of the cylindrical shape. A mask in which the stitches in any one row are three or four, spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the tubular shape.

2. The covering portion is folded into a pleated shape by the multiple folds extending in the horizontal direction, The load on the ear loop portion in the 1.5x extended state is 0.09 N or more and 0.15 N or less. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the load on the ear loop portion in the state of being stretched 2.0 times is 0.18 N or more and 0.27 N or less.

3. The ear hook portion and the cover portion are joined at the ear hook joint portion. In the unfolded state of the covering portion, the uppermost fold among the multiple folds, The region between the upper edge of the covering portion and the area where the number of layers of the sheets constituting the covering portion is the same, The ear hook portion is joined to an upper region above the vertical center line that passes through the vertical center of the covering portion and extends horizontally, and to a lower region below the vertical center line. Between the ear hook joint in the upper region and the ear hook joint in the lower region, a main body joint is provided for joining the folded cover portions together. The mask according to claim 2, wherein a portion of the main body joint overlaps the ear loop joint in the upper region.

4. The mask according to claim 3, wherein the main body joint extends in the vertical direction between the ear hook joint in the upper region and the ear hook joint in the lower region.

5. The covering portion is folded at the center of the covering portion in the horizontal direction, with the central fold extending in the vertical direction as the starting point. The load on the ear loop in the 1.5x extended state is 0.20 N or more and 0.26 N or less. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the load on the ear loop portion in the state of being stretched 2.0 times is 0.40 N or more and 0.47 N or less.

6. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the width of the ear loop in the 1.5-times-extended state is 60% or more of the width of the ear loop in the natural state.

7. The ear hook portion and the cover portion are joined at the ear hook joint portion. The ear hook joint portion has multiple welded portions, which are formed by welding the ear hook portion and the cover portion together, spaced apart in the planar direction of the cover portion. The total area of ​​the welded portion in the region where the ear loops overlap within the ear loop joint is 22% or more. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the distance between the welded portions is 0.6 mm or less.

8. The ear hook portion and the cover portion are joined at the ear hook joint portion. The ear loop portion is attached to the non-skin side of the covering portion. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the ear loop joint is positioned laterally inward from the laterally outer edge of the covering portion.

9. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the weight of the ear loop portion, which has a length of 80 mm in its natural state, is 0.02 g or more and 0.075 g or less.

10. The mask according to claim 6, wherein the width of the ear loop in the 2.0x stretched state is 30% or more of the width of the ear loop in the natural state.

11. The mask according to claim 7, wherein the total area of ​​the welded portion in the region where the ear loops overlap within the ear loop joint is 50% or less.

12. The main body joint extends in the vertical direction between the ear hook joint in the upper region and the ear hook joint in the lower region. The mask according to claim 3, wherein, on the lateral side of the main body joint, a notch is provided that is recessed inward in the lateral direction from the lateral outer edge of the covering portion, spaced apart in the vertical direction.

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