Mask

Abstract

Provided is a mask capable of imparting efficacy of a functional agent while securing air permeability of a mask body. A mask (1) comprises a longitudinal direction (Y) corresponding to the vertical direction of a wearer, a lateral direction (X) corresponding to the horizontal direction of the wearer, and a mask body (10) that covers at least the lips nostrils of the wearer. The mask body has an air-permeable base material sheet (11) having a fiber material. The base material sheet has a fine particle adhesion region (R1) to which fine particles containing a functional agent are attached. A plurality of the fine particle adhesion regions (R1) are arranged at intervals in a first direction that is one of the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction.

Description

mask

[0001] The present invention relates to a mask.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a mask having a breathable mask body that covers at least the lips and nostrils of the wearer. The mask body of Patent Document 1 has a microparticle-attached region to which microparticles containing a fragrance as a functional agent are attached. As shown in Figures 8 and 9 of Patent Document 1, the microparticle-attached region of Patent Document 1 is arranged across the entire horizontal area of ​​the mask body and across more than half of the vertical area of ​​the mask body, including the vertical center. By arranging the microparticle-attached region so as to cover the lips and nostrils, the effects of the fragrance can be imparted to the wearer.

[0003] JP 2014-54509 A

[0004] The microparticle-attached region of Patent Document 1 is positioned to cover the lips and nostrils, thereby providing the wearer with the benefits of the fragrance. However, the presence of the microparticle-attached region may cause the wearer to feel short of breath. More specifically, in the microparticle-attached region, the voids between the fibers of the sheet are partially blocked by the microparticles. Therefore, while the microparticles can provide the benefits of the functional agent, the presence of the microparticles reduces breathability, which may cause the wearer to feel short of breath.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and aims to provide a mask that can impart the efficacy of a functional agent while ensuring breathability of the mask body.

[0006] A mask according to one embodiment includes a mask body that covers at least the lips and nostrils of a wearer, a vertical direction corresponding to the vertical direction of the wearer, a horizontal direction corresponding to the left-right direction of the wearer, and a breathable base sheet made of a fibrous material. The base sheet has a microparticle-attached region where microparticles containing a functional agent are attached. A plurality of the microparticle-attached regions are arranged at intervals in a first direction, which is one of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.

[0007] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a mask according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing enlarged photographs of a fine particle adhesion region and an intermediate region. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a mask according to a second embodiment. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a mask according to a third embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a mask according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a mask according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a mask according to a sixth embodiment. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a mask according to a seventh embodiment.

[0008] (1) Overview of the Embodiments The following points become clear from the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings. A mask according to Aspect 1 includes a mask body that covers at least the lips and nostrils of the wearer in a vertical direction corresponding to the vertical direction of the wearer, a horizontal direction corresponding to the left-right direction of the wearer, and a breathable base sheet made of a fibrous material. The base sheet has a microparticle-attached region to which microparticles containing a functional agent are attached. In a first direction, which is one of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, a plurality of the microparticle-attached regions are arranged at intervals. According to this aspect, the base sheet constituting the mask body has a microparticle-attached region to which microparticles are attached, so that the efficacy of the functional agent can be imparted to the wearer via the microparticle-attached region. Furthermore, in the microparticle-attached region, the voids between the fibers of the base sheet are partially blocked by the microparticles. Therefore, while the microparticles can impart the efficacy of the functional agent, the breathability of the microparticle-attached region of the base sheet is relatively low. However, because the microparticle-attached regions are not provided across the entire base sheet but are arranged at intervals in the first direction, breathability can be ensured in intermediate regions between the microparticle-attached regions. Therefore, the breathability of the mask body can be ensured while imparting the efficacy of the functional agent.

[0009] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 2 may have the following characteristic in the invention according to Aspect 1: the airflow resistance value of an intermediate region disposed between the fine particle-attached regions of the base sheet, as measured with a KES air permeability tester, is lower than the airflow resistance value of the fine particle-attached regions. According to this aspect, the air permeability can be ensured in the intermediate region between the fine particle-attached regions, and the efficacy of the functional agent can be imparted while ensuring the breathability of the mask body.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Aspect 3 may have the following characteristics in the invention according to Aspect 2. The microparticles are microcapsules encapsulating the functional agent. According to this embodiment, the functional agent is encapsulated in the microcapsules, which suppresses evaporation before use and makes it easier to impart the efficacy of the functional agent during use. For example, the microcapsules break when putting on or wearing the mask, which allows the efficacy of the functional agent to be exerted.

[0011] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 4 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3. The intermediate region arranged between the microparticle-adhering regions in the base sheet may be arranged across the center of the mask body in the first direction. Whether the first direction is the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, the center of the mask body in the first direction is arranged near the lips and nostrils. According to this aspect, by arranging the intermediate region with relatively high breathability across the center of the mask body in the first direction, breathability at the lips and nostrils can be ensured. Therefore, the efficacy of the functional agent can be efficiently imparted while ensuring breathability.

[0012] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 5 may have the following feature in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4: The microparticle-adhered regions are arranged across the entire area of ​​the base sheet in a second direction that is the other of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. According to this aspect, by providing the microparticle-adhered regions arranged at intervals in the first direction across the entire area of ​​the second direction, it is possible to ensure the areas of the region that imparts the efficacy of the functional agent and the region that ensures breathability, and it becomes easier to obtain both effects.

[0013] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 6 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5. The first direction is the horizontal direction. The microparticle-attached region is disposed spaced apart from the outer edge of the base sheet in the vertical direction. According to this aspect, the first direction is the horizontal direction, and the intermediate region is provided in a certain range extending in the vertical direction. When the wearer moves their mouth, the mask body is easily deformed in the vertical direction. At this time, since the intermediate region with relatively high breathability is provided in a certain range extending in the vertical direction, breathability can be maintained even when the mask body is deformed by moving the mouth. Furthermore, the microparticle-attached region is disposed spaced apart from the outer edge of the base sheet in the vertical direction, and microparticles are not attached to the outer edge of the base sheet in the vertical direction. The outer edge of the mask body is prevented from becoming too rigid, making it more easily deformable. This improves the fit around the nose and chin where the outer edge of the mask body abuts, facilitating air exchange through the mask body and allowing air to be effectively taken into the mask.

[0014] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 7 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5: the first direction is the vertical direction; the microparticle-attached region is continuous from one outer edge of the base sheet to the other outer edge in the horizontal direction; according to this aspect, because the microparticle-attached region is continuous from one outer edge of the base sheet to the other outer edge in the horizontal direction, the functional agent can be applied over a wide range in the horizontal direction, spanning both cheeks, making it easier for the wearer to feel the efficacy of the functional agent.

[0015] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 8 may have the following feature in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7: The intermediate regions arranged between the microparticle-adhering regions in the base sheet are arranged on both sides of the center of the mask body in the first direction. According to this aspect, by providing the intermediate regions on both sides of the center of the mask body arranged near the lips and nostrils in the first direction, the lips and nostrils can be sandwiched between highly breathable regions, thereby reducing breathlessness.

[0016] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 9 may have the following features in the invention according to Aspect 8: the first direction is the vertical direction; the area of ​​the intermediate region located above the center of the mask body in the first direction is larger than the area of ​​the intermediate region located below the center of the mask body in the first direction. According to this aspect, breathability to the nostrils can be further improved.

[0017] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 10 may have the following features in the invention according to Aspect 8. The first direction is the vertical direction. The area of ​​the intermediate region located below the center of the mask body in the first direction is larger than the area of ​​the intermediate region located above the center of the mask body in the first direction. According to this aspect, breathability for the lips can be further improved.

[0018] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 11 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10. The mask body has a breathable outer sheet arranged outside the base sheet and made of a fibrous material. The airflow resistance value of the outer sheet is higher than the airflow resistance value of the base sheet. According to this aspect, the outer sheet, which is located outside the base sheet to which the microparticles are attached, has a high airflow resistance value, which prevents the microparticles from escaping to the outside, makes it easier for the microparticles to remain inside the mask, and provides the wearer with the benefits of the functional agent.

[0019] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 12 may be the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11, and have the following features: The mask body has a breathable inner sheet arranged inside the base sheet and made of a fibrous material. The airflow resistance value of the inner sheet is higher than the airflow resistance value of the base sheet. According to this aspect, the inner sheet, which is located inside the base sheet to which the fine particles are attached, has a high airflow resistance value, which prevents the fine particles from coming out toward the skin and preventing the fine particles from adhering to the skin or entering the mouth, etc.

[0020] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 13 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 12. The mask body is folded into pleats with mountain folds that fold the mask body into mountain folds that protrude outward in the longitudinal direction and valley folds that fold the mask body into valley folds that protrude inward in the longitudinal direction. The pleated folds include the microparticle-attached regions and intermediate regions that are located between the microparticle-attached regions in the base sheet. When the mask is worn, the pleated folds are deformed by movement of the mouth or the like. At this time, the microparticle-attached regions have high rigidity due to the adhesion of microparticles, and the presence of the microparticle-attached regions can increase the rigidity of the folds. This allows the shape of the folds to be maintained, making it easier to ensure space around the mouth. Furthermore, the provision of intermediate regions in the folds ensures breathability around the mouth. Furthermore, when the fine particles are constituted by microcapsules, the microcapsules are easily broken when the pleats are deformed, and the efficacy of the functional agent can be more easily imparted when worn.

[0021] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 14 may have the following characteristics in the invention according to Aspect 13. The microparticle-adhering region is arranged across each of the mountain folds and the valley folds that are arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction. According to this aspect, the rigidity of each of the adjacent valley folds and mountain folds can be increased, so that deformation of the cup portion due to the valley folds and mountain folds can be maintained. By maintaining the cup shape due to the valley folds and mountain folds, reduction in surface area due to cup crushing is suppressed, and it becomes easier to ensure space around the mouth.

[0022] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 15 may have the following feature in the invention according to Aspect 14: the intermediate region is disposed between the mountain folds and the valley folds. With this configuration, the cup shape formed by the valley folds and mountain folds is maintained, and a reduction in surface area due to cup crushing is suppressed, while ensuring breathability of the cup-shaped portion and improving the flow of exhaled air.

[0023] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 16 may be the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 12, and may have the following features: The mask body has a pair of ear loops joined to both lateral sides thereof. The mask body is folded before use, with a central fold extending in the vertical direction at the center of the mask body in the lateral direction as a base point. The ear loops extend outward in the lateral direction from one of the lateral edges of the mask body opposite the central fold. When the mask body is folded, the central fold is curved so as to bulge outward in the lateral direction downward from the upper end of the central fold, and also bulge outward in the lateral direction upward from the lower end of the central fold. The microparticle adhesion region is located in a region extending inward in the lateral direction from the edge opposite the central fold. An intermediate region located between the microparticle adhesion regions is located across the central fold. According to this aspect, the central fold is located at the apex of the cup shape when the mask is worn, facing the mouth and nose. By arranging a relatively breathable intermediate region across the central fold, breathability around the mouth and nose can be ensured. This ensures breathability while providing the benefits of the functional agent. Furthermore, the region extending laterally inward from the edge opposite the central fold is pulled laterally outward by the ear loops, making it easy for the mask to fit snugly against the cheeks. By arranging the microparticle-attached region in this region, the benefits of the functional agent can be efficiently provided to the wearer.

[0024] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 17 may be the invention according to Aspect 16, which may have the following features. When the mask body is folded, the horizontal length of the intermediate region is 1 / 3 or less of the vertical length a of the central fold. Generally, when the vertical distance of the intermediate region is a, the wearer's lips and nostrils are located within a distance of up to 1 / 3 of a from the central fold outward in the horizontal direction. By locating the intermediate region in this area, breathability can be further improved around the nose and mouth, where a large amount of exhaled air flows in. Furthermore, the efficacy of a functional agent can be imparted to areas where the lips and nostrils are not located.

[0025] (2) Mask of First Embodiment The mask 1 of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in the following description of the drawings, identical or similar parts are designated by identical or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional ratios and the like may differ from those of the actual parts. Therefore, specific dimensions and the like should be determined with reference to the following description. Furthermore, there may be parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios between surfaces. FIG. 1 shows a mask of the first embodiment. FIG. 1(A) is a plan view of the mask as seen from the outside, and FIG. 1(B) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1(A). The mask 1 may be disposable or reusable. The mask 1 may be worn to protect the wearer from droplets, pollen, dust, blood, and the like.

[0026] The mask 1 has an inner side Z1 facing the wearer's face, an outer side Z2 on the opposite side, a thickness direction Z extending thereto, a vertical direction Y extending upward and downward corresponding to the vertical direction of the wearer, and a horizontal direction X extending left and right in a front view corresponding to the left and right direction of the wearer. The mask 1 has a mask body 10. The mask body 10 is configured to cover at least the lips and nostrils of the wearer. The mask body 10 may be rectangular and elongated in the horizontal direction X.

[0027] The mask body 10 may have one sheet or multiple overlapping sheets. More specifically, the mask body 10 may have a breathable base sheet 11 made of a fibrous material. The mask body 10 may also have at least one of a breathable outer sheet 12 made of a fibrous material and positioned outside the base sheet 11, and a breathable inner sheet 13 made of a fibrous material and positioned inside the base sheet 11. The base sheet 11, the outer sheet 12, and the inner sheet 13 may be joined via a sheet joint 14. The base sheet 11, the outer sheet 12, and the inner sheet 13 may be made of a nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric. For example, the base sheet 11 may be made of a meltblown nonwoven fabric containing polypropylene fibers, the outer sheet 12 may be made of a spunbond nonwoven fabric containing polypropylene fibers, and the inner sheet 13 may be made of a spunbond nonwoven fabric containing polypropylene fibers and polyethylene fibers.

[0028] The mask 1 may have ear loops 20 that are hooked around the wearer's ears when worn. The ear loops 20 extend outward in the horizontal direction X from both sides of the mask body 10 in the horizontal direction X. The ear loops 20 may be formed separately from the mask body 10 and joined to the mask body 10, or may be formed integrally with the mask body 10. The ear loops 20 of this embodiment are formed separately from the mask body 10 and joined to the mask body 10 via a mask body joint 25. The mask body joint 25 is provided along the vertical direction Y. In the front view of the first embodiment, the ear loops 20 are located on the back side of the mask body 10 and are shown by dotted lines.

[0029] The mask body 10 may be folded into pleats by mountain folds MF that fold the mask body 10 into mountain folds that protrude outward in the longitudinal direction Y, and valley folds VF that fold the mask body 10 into valley folds that protrude inward in the longitudinal direction Y. Both the mountain folds MF and the valley folds VF are folds that extend in the transverse direction X. More specifically, the mountain folds MF are folded into mountain folds that protrude outward in the longitudinal direction Y when the center 10YC of the mask body 10 in the longitudinal direction Y is used as a reference. The valley folds VF are folded into valley folds that protrude inward in the longitudinal direction Y when the center 10YC is used as a reference. In the mask body 10 of the first embodiment, a first fold F1 which is a mountain fold MF, a second fold F2 which is a valley fold VF, a third fold which is a mountain fold MF, and a fourth fold F4 which is a valley fold VF are formed on both sides (upper and lower sides) of the mask body 10 in the vertical direction Y, sandwiching the center of the vertical direction Y.

[0030] The first folds F1 are arranged in pairs on either side of the center of the longitudinal direction Y of the mask body 10. The second fold F2 folds the region extending inward in the longitudinal direction Y from the first fold F1 toward the inner side Z1 in the thickness direction and toward the outer side in the longitudinal direction Y. The third fold F3 folds the region extending outward in the longitudinal direction Y from the second fold F2 toward the inner side Z1 in the thickness direction and toward the inner side in the longitudinal direction Y. The third fold F3 is located further outward in the longitudinal direction Y than the first fold F1. The fourth fold F4 folds the region extending inward in the longitudinal direction Y from the third fold F3 toward the inner side Z1 in the thickness direction and toward the outer side in the longitudinal direction Y. The fourth fold F4 is located further outward in the longitudinal direction Y than the second fold F2. These mountain folds MF and valley folds VF form pleated fold portions 18. The pleats 18 are portions of the mask body 10 that can be deformed into a three-dimensional shape (e.g., a cup shape) by deforming the mask body 10 around the folds. The range of the pleats 18 is the portion sandwiched between the folds that are located furthest outward in the longitudinal direction Y when the folds are unfolded, and in the first embodiment, it is the region sandwiched between the fourth folds F4 that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction Y when the mask body 10 is unfolded. When worn, the mask body 10 forms a cup shape that gradually protrudes outward Z2 in the thickness direction Z from the fourth fold F4 toward the first fold F1, with the fourth fold F4 as the inner base point.

[0031] The mask 1 of this embodiment is configured to provide the efficacy of a functional agent while ensuring breathability of the mask body 10. Next, the configuration for providing the efficacy of a functional agent while ensuring breathability of the mask body 10 will be described in detail. The base sheet 11 has a microparticle attachment region R1 to which microparticles 16 containing a functional agent are attached. Because the base sheet 11 constituting the mask body 10 is provided with the microparticle attachment region R1, the efficacy of the functional agent can be provided to the wearer via the microparticle attachment region R1. The microparticle attachment region R1 is the hatched region in the drawing.

[0032] The functional agent is not particularly limited, and any functional agent can be used depending on the desired additional function or action. Examples of such functional agents include fragrances, warming agents, cooling agents, heat-generating agents, antibacterial agents, pH adjusters, skin care agents, and deodorants. These functional agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more types. The functional agent may be in any form, such as a liquid, a solid, a thickened version of these, or a gel. The microparticles containing a functional agent may be formed by molding the functional agent into a granular form, or may contain the functional agent (e.g., a capsule).

[0033] Preferably, the microparticles 16 may be microcapsules containing a functional agent. Because the functional agent is contained in the microcapsules, evaporation of the functional agent before use is suppressed, making it easier to impart the efficacy of the functional agent during use. For example, the microcapsules are broken when the mask 1 is put on or worn, which allows the efficacy of the functional agent to be exerted.

[0034] The microparticles 16 may be non-water-absorbent, water-insoluble microparticles. The non-water-absorbent, water-insoluble microparticles may be inorganic or organic. Examples of inorganic microparticles include calcium carbonate, clay, titanium dioxide, talc, barium sulfate, amorphous silica, and alumina. Examples of organic microparticles include known synthetic organic pigments such as styrene-based plastic pigments, acrylic-based plastic pigments, polyethylene, microcapsules, urea resins, and melamine resins, and other organic white pigments. Furthermore, phenolic resins such as phenol-formaldehyde resins, phenol-acetaldehyde resins, phenol-acetylene resins, and terpene-phenolic resins, as well as polyvalent metal salts thereof, salicylic acid and its metal salts (particularly zinc salts), and sulfonylurea compounds may also be used.

[0035] The microparticle-attached region R1 is a region where microparticles 16 are attached when viewed in a plan view. The microparticle-attached region R1 can be identified by observing the surface of the base sheet 11 with an electron microscope. FIG. 2 shows an enlarged photograph of the microparticle-attached region R1 and an enlarged photograph of a region where no microparticles are attached (intermediate region R2). In the microparticle-attached region R1, microparticles 16 are attached to the fibers 15 that make up the base sheet 11. The microparticles 16 may be arranged alone or may be attached integrally with other microparticles. In contrast, in the region R2 where no microparticles are attached, no microparticles 16 are attached to the fibers 15 that make up the base sheet 11.

[0036] The method for attaching the microparticles 16 to the base sheet 11 is not particularly limited. For example, the microparticles may be attached via an adhesive. Preferably, the microparticles may be attached to the fibers 15 of the base sheet 11 with a binder. By attaching the microparticles to the fiber material of the base sheet 11 with a binder, the microparticles 16 are less likely to move or fall off from the base sheet 11 during production, use, and even after absorbing body fluids, making it easier to maintain the efficacy of the microparticles 16 based on the base material.

[0037] The microparticle-attached regions R1 are spaced apart in a first direction, which is one of the longitudinal direction Y and the transverse direction X. Intermediate regions R2 are arranged between the microparticle-attached regions R1. No microparticles 16 are attached to the intermediate regions R2. In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the first direction is the longitudinal direction Y. Therefore, the microparticle-attached regions R1 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction Y, and the intermediate regions R2 are arranged in regions sandwiched between the microparticle-attached regions R1 in the longitudinal direction Y. In the microparticle-attached regions R1, the gaps between the fibers 15 of the base sheet 11 are partially blocked by the microparticles 16. Therefore, while the microparticles 16 can impart the efficacy of the functional agent, the breathability of the microparticle-attached regions R1 of the base sheet 11 is relatively low. However, because the microparticle-attached regions R1 are not provided across the entire base sheet 11 but are spaced apart in the first direction, breathability can be ensured in the intermediate regions R2 between the microparticle-attached regions R1. Therefore, the breathability of the mask body 10 can be ensured while the efficacy of the functional agent can be imparted.

[0038] The airflow resistance value of the intermediate region R2 measured by a KES air permeability tester may be lower than the airflow resistance value of the microparticle-attached region R1. According to this embodiment, air permeability can be ensured in the intermediate region R2 between the microparticle-attached regions R1. Therefore, the efficacy of the functional agent can be imparted while ensuring the breathability of the mask body 10. Airflow resistance can be measured using well-known methods. For example, the base sheet 11 is separated from the mask 1 using a cold spray or the like, and the microparticle-attached region R1 and the intermediate region R2 of the base sheet 11 are cut out to a predetermined size (e.g., 50 mm x 50 mm) to prepare samples. Then, using a Kato Tech Co., Ltd. air permeability tester (KES-F8) or an equivalent air permeability tester, the standard airflow rate is set to 2 cm / s, and the air permeability value of the sample is measured. This measurement can be performed multiple times (e.g., five times), and the average value can be used as the air permeability value of each region. If it is not possible to cut out a sample of the predetermined size, the air permeability value is measured for a cutout size and converted based on the measurement value of that size.

[0039] The rigidity of the microparticle-attached region R1 may be higher than the rigidity of the intermediate region R2. This configuration allows the shape of the microparticle-attached region R1 to be maintained during wear, enhancing the efficacy of the functional agent. This rigidity can be measured by a bending stiffness test, i.e., by cutting a test piece of a predetermined size (e.g., 50 mm x 10 mm) from the base sheet 11 to be measured, and then measuring the bending stiffness of the test piece in each direction (i.e., the direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the test piece) using a pure bending tester KES FB-2 (manufactured by Kato Tech Co., Ltd.).

[0040] The intermediate region R2 may be disposed across the center of the mask body 10 in the first direction. Whether the first direction is the vertical direction Y or the horizontal direction X, the center of the mask body 10 in the first direction is disposed near the lips and nostrils. By disposing the relatively breathable intermediate region R2 across the center of the mask body 10 in the first direction, breathability at the lips and nostrils can be ensured. Therefore, breathability can be ensured while imparting the efficacy of the functional agent. Note that the center of the first direction in the first embodiment is the center 10YC in the vertical direction Y. The intermediate region R2 straddles the center 10YC in the vertical direction Y of the mask body 10, and the microparticle adhesion regions R1 are spaced apart from the center 10YC and disposed on both sides of the center 10YC in the vertical direction Y.

[0041] The microparticle-adhering regions R1 may be arranged over the entire area of ​​the base sheet 11 in a second direction, which is the other of the longitudinal direction Y and the transverse direction X. According to this aspect, by providing the microparticle-adhering regions R1 arranged at intervals in the first direction over the entire area in the second direction, it is possible to ensure the areas of the region that imparts the efficacy of the functional agent and the region that ensures breathability, and it becomes easier to obtain both effects.

[0042] The first direction of the mask of the first embodiment is the vertical direction Y, and the microparticle-adhering region R1 is continuous from one outer edge to the other outer edge of the base sheet 11 in the horizontal direction X. The outer edge of the microparticle-adhering region R1 in the horizontal direction X and the outer edge of the intermediate region R2 in the horizontal direction X coincide with the outer edge of the mask body 10 in the horizontal direction X. According to this configuration, because the microparticle-adhering region R1 is continuous from one outer edge to the other outer edge of the base sheet 11 in the horizontal direction X, the functional agent can be applied over a wide range in the horizontal direction X, spanning both cheeks, making it easier for the wearer to feel the efficacy of the functional agent.

[0043] The microparticle-attached region R1 may be spaced apart from the outer edge of the base sheet 11 in the longitudinal direction Y. In the first embodiment, an intermediate region R2 is arranged in a region spanning the center of the mask body 10 in the longitudinal direction Y, and microparticle-attached regions R1 are arranged on both sides of the intermediate region R2 in the longitudinal direction Y. Outside each microparticle-attached region R1 in the longitudinal direction Y, a non-attached region R3, to which microparticles 16 are not attached, similar to the intermediate region R2, is arranged. The microparticle-attached region R1 is arranged spaced apart from the outer edge of the base sheet 11 in the longitudinal direction Y, and no microparticles are attached to the outer edge of the base sheet 11 in the longitudinal direction Y. This prevents the outer edge of the mask body 10 from becoming too rigid, making it more easily deformable. This improves the fit around the nose and chin where the outer edge of the mask body 10 abuts, facilitating air exchange through the mask body 10 and allowing for effective absorption of functional agents.

[0044] The airflow resistance value of the outer sheet 12 may be higher than that of the base sheet 11. According to this embodiment, the airflow resistance value of the outer sheet 12, which is located outside the base sheet 11 to which the microparticles are attached, is high, which prevents the microparticles 16 from escaping to the outside, making it easier for the microparticles 16 to remain within the mask 1, and enabling the wearer to enjoy the benefits of the functional agent. Furthermore, the basis weight of the outer sheet 12 may be higher than that of the base sheet 11. Because the basis weight of the outer sheet 12 is high, it prevents the microparticles from escaping to the outside, making it easier for the microparticles to remain within the mask, and enabling the wearer to enjoy the benefits of the functional agent.

[0045] The airflow resistance of the inner sheet 13 may be higher than that of the base sheet 11. According to this embodiment, the airflow resistance of the inner sheet, which is located inside the base sheet 11 to which the microparticles are attached, is high, which prevents the microparticles from coming out toward the skin and preventing them from adhering to the skin or entering the mouth, etc. Furthermore, the basis weight of the inner sheet 13 may be higher than that of the base sheet 11. The high basis weight of the inner sheet prevents the microparticles 16 from coming out toward the skin and preventing them from adhering to the skin or entering the mouth, etc.

[0046] The pleated folds 18 may have a microparticle-attached region R1 and an intermediate region R2. When the mask 1 is worn, the pleated folds 18 are deformed by movement of the mouth, etc. The microparticle-attached region R1 has high rigidity due to the attachment of microparticles 16, and the presence of the microparticle-attached region R1 can increase the rigidity of the folds. This allows the shape of the folds to be maintained, making it easier to ensure space around the mouth. Furthermore, the intermediate region R2 provided in the folds 18 ensures breathability around the mouth. Furthermore, when the microparticles 16 are formed as microcapsules, the microcapsules are more likely to break when the folds 18 are deformed, making it easier to impart the efficacy of the functional agent when worn.

[0047] The microparticle-attached region R1 may be arranged across a fold. By having the microparticle-attached region R1 straddle the fold, multiple microparticle-attached regions R1 are stacked in the area folded by the fold. The microparticle-attached region R1 can be arranged in layers near the fold, which serves as the deformation base point when worn, and deformation when worn can further promote the generation of the functional agent. The length in the vertical direction Y (direction perpendicular to the fold) of the microparticle-attached region R1 arranged across the fold may be 5 mm or more and 20 mm or less. Because the length in the vertical direction Y of the microparticle-attached region R1 is 5 mm or more, it is easy to achieve the effect of increasing the rigidity of the fold, and because the length in the vertical direction Y of the microparticle-attached region R1 is 20 mm or less, which is not too long, breathability can also be ensured.

[0048] The particle-adhering region R1 may be disposed across each of the mountain folds MF and valley folds VF that are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction Y. The adjacent mountain folds MF and valley folds VF may be, for example, the first and second folds, the second and third folds, or the third and fourth folds. In the first embodiment, the particle-adhering region R1 is disposed across each of the third fold (mountain fold) and the fourth fold (valley fold). Since the rigidity of each of the adjacent valley folds and mountain folds can be increased, deformation of the cup portion due to the valley and mountain folds can be maintained. Maintaining the cup shape due to the valley and mountain folds suppresses a reduction in surface area due to cup crushing, making it easier to ensure space around the mouth.

[0049] The microparticle-adhering region R1 may be continuous in the region between the mountain fold MF and the valley fold VF that are adjacent to each other and that are straddled by the microparticle-adhering region R1. However, preferably, as shown in Fig. 6, an intermediate region R2 may be disposed in the region between the mountain fold MF and the valley fold VF that are adjacent to each other and that are straddled by the microparticle-adhering region R1. According to this embodiment, the cup shape formed by the valley folds and mountain folds is maintained, and a decrease in surface area due to cup collapse is suppressed, while ensuring breathability of the cup-shaped portion and improving the flow of exhaled air.

[0050] (3) Masks According to Other Embodiments Next, masks according to other embodiments will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in the above-described embodiments will be designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again. Masks according to the second to fifth embodiments will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6. The masks according to the second to fifth embodiments differ from the mask of the first embodiment in the arrangement of the microparticle adhesion region R1 and the intermediate region R2, but the other components may be the same.

[0051] FIG. 3 shows a mask 1B according to a second embodiment. FIG. 3(A) is a plan view of the mask 1B as seen from the outside, and FIG. 3(B) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 3(A). The first direction in the mask 1B according to the second embodiment is the horizontal direction X. That is, the microparticle adhesion regions R1 are spaced apart in the horizontal direction X, and intermediate regions R2 are disposed between the microparticle adhesion regions R1 in the horizontal direction X. The first direction is the horizontal direction X, and the intermediate regions R2 are provided within a certain range extending in the vertical direction Y. When a wearer moves their mouth, the mask body 10 is prone to deformation in the vertical direction Y. In this case, because the intermediate regions R2, which have relatively high breathability, are provided within a certain range extending in the vertical direction Y, breathability can be maintained even when the mask body 10 is deformed due to mouth movement.

[0052] The microparticle-adhering region R1 in the second embodiment is disposed at a distance from the outer edge of the base sheet 11 in the longitudinal direction Y. A non-adhering region R3 is disposed between the microparticle-adhering region R1 and the outer edge of the base sheet 11. According to this configuration, the microparticle-adhering region R1 is disposed at a distance from the outer edge of the base sheet 11 in the longitudinal direction Y, and no microparticles are attached to the outer edge of the base sheet 11 in the longitudinal direction Y. This prevents the outer edge of the mask body 10 from becoming too rigid, making it more likely to deform. This improves the fit around the nose and chin where the outer edge of the mask body 10 abuts, facilitating air exchange through the mask body 10 and allowing air to be effectively taken into the mask.

[0053] FIG. 4 shows a mask 1C according to a third embodiment. FIG. 4(A) is a plan view of the mask 1C as seen from the outside, and FIG. 4(B) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line CC shown in FIG. 4(A). The first direction in the mask 1C according to the third embodiment is the lateral direction X. The microparticle adhesion regions R1 are spaced apart in the lateral direction X, with intermediate regions R2 disposed between the microparticle adhesion regions R1 in the lateral direction X. The intermediate regions R2 are also spaced apart in the lateral direction X, with the microparticle adhesion regions R1 disposed between the intermediate regions R2. The microparticle adhesion regions R1 of the third embodiment are disposed across the center 10XC of the mask body 10 in the lateral direction X. The central portion of the mask body 10 in the lateral direction X is an area that easily fits tightly against the cheeks and nose, and providing the microparticle adhesion regions R1 in this area makes it easier to impart the efficacy of the functional agent to the wearer.

[0054] The intermediate region R2 in the third embodiment is disposed on both sides of the center in the first direction of the mask body 10. By providing the intermediate region R2 on both sides of the center in the first direction of the mask body 10 disposed near the lips and nostrils, the lips and nostrils can be sandwiched between highly breathable regions, thereby reducing breathlessness.

[0055] FIG. 5 shows a mask 1D according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 5(A) is a plan view of the mask 1D as viewed from the outside, and FIG. 5(B) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG. 5(A). FIG. 6 shows a mask 1E according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 6(A) is a plan view of the mask 1E as viewed from the outside, and FIG. 6(B) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line E-E in FIG. 6(A). The first direction in the masks 1D according to the fourth embodiment and the mask 1E according to the fifth embodiment is the longitudinal direction Y. The intermediate regions R2 are disposed on both sides of the center of the mask body 10 in the first direction. According to this configuration, breathability for the mouth can be ensured in the intermediate region R2 disposed below the center 10YC of the mask body 10 in the longitudinal direction Y, and breathability for the nose can be ensured in the intermediate region R2 disposed above the center 10YC.

[0056] The area of ​​the intermediate region R2 located above the center of the mask body 10 in the longitudinal direction Y may be the same as the area of ​​the intermediate region R2 located below the center of the mask body 10 in the longitudinal direction Y. According to this aspect, the areas of the intermediate regions R2 above and below the center 10YC of the mask body 10 in the longitudinal direction Y are equal, allowing effective air inflow. Therefore, air circulation is not hindered in both nasal and mouth breathing, allowing effective intake of the functional agent. In a modified example, the area of ​​the intermediate region R2 located above the center of the mask body 10 in the first direction may be larger than the area of ​​the intermediate region R2 located below the center of the mask body 10 in the first direction. According to this aspect, breathability for the nostrils can be further improved. In another modified example, the area of ​​the intermediate region located below the center of the mask body 10 in the first direction may be larger than the area of ​​the intermediate region located above the center of the mask body 10 in the first direction. According to this aspect, breathability for the lips can be further improved.

[0057] In the fourth embodiment, the microparticle adhesion region R1 is provided on each of the adjacent mountain folds MF and valley folds VF, and is also provided continuously between the adjacent mountain folds MF and valley folds VF. This ensures the area of ​​the microparticle adhesion region R1, making it easier to impart the efficacy of the functional agent. In contrast, in the fifth embodiment, the microparticle adhesion region R1 is provided on each of the adjacent mountain folds and valley folds, with an intermediate region R2 disposed between the adjacent mountain folds MF and valley folds VF. This configuration maintains the cup shape created by the valley folds and mountain folds, suppressing a reduction in surface area due to cup collapse, while ensuring breathability of the cup-shaped portion and improving breathability.

[0058] Fig. 7 shows a mask 1F according to a sixth embodiment. Fig. 7(A) is a plan view of the mask 1F as seen from the outside, and Fig. 7(B) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line F-F shown in Fig. 7(A). The pleats shown in Fig. 1 and other figures are folded mountain-folded outward in the longitudinal direction Y around the center of the mask body 10 in the longitudinal direction Y, and are deformed into an omega shape when worn. In contrast, the mask shown in Fig. 7 has pleated pleats folded mountain-folded downward, forming a cup shape that widens downward. The mask body 10 has, from the outside to the inside in the thickness direction Z, a first fold F1 which is a valley fold VF, a second fold F2 which is a mountain fold MF, a third fold F3 which is a valley fold VF, a fourth fold F4 which is a mountain fold MF, a fifth fold F5 which is a mountain fold MF, a sixth fold F6 which is a valley fold VF, a seventh fold F7 which is a mountain fold MF, and an eighth fold F8 which is a valley fold VF. The microparticle adhesion region R1 is arranged across each fold.

[0059] Next, a mask 1G according to a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8 . The mask body 10 is folded at the center in the horizontal direction X and unfolds in the horizontal direction X when worn. Before use, the mask body 10 is folded around a central fold 32 extending in the vertical direction Y at the center of the horizontal direction X of the mask body 10. The central fold 32 may be a fold formed by folding the sheets constituting the mask body 10, or may be a joint where the sheets constituting the mask body 10 are joined together. The central fold 32 may be provided continuously in the vertical direction Y of the mask body 10. The central fold 32 may be curved in the vertical direction Y in the folded state shown in FIG. 1 . More specifically, the central fold is curved so as to bulge outward in the horizontal direction X downward from the upper end of the central fold, and also bulge outward in the horizontal direction X upward from the lower end of the central fold 32. 8 , the center of the central fold 32 in the longitudinal direction Y protrudes outward in the transverse direction X beyond the ends of the central fold 32 in the longitudinal direction Y, and has a generally curved shape that is convex toward the transverse direction X. Therefore, when the mask body 10 is unfolded from the folded state, it can form a three-dimensional shape (three-dimensional structure) that is concave relative to the wearer's face.

[0060] The mask 1G has a pair of ear loops 20 joined to both sides of the mask body 10 in the lateral direction X. The ear loops 20 extend outward in the lateral direction X from the edge of the mask body 10 opposite the central fold 32. The fine particle adhesion region R1 is located in a region extending inward in the lateral direction X from the edge opposite the central fold 32. The fine particle adhesion regions R1 are located on both sides of the central fold 32, and an intermediate region R2 is located in a region sandwiched between the fine particle adhesion regions R1. The intermediate region R2 is located across the central fold 32.

[0061] According to this configuration, the central fold 32 is located at the apex of the cup shape when the mask is worn, facing the mouth and nose. By arranging a relatively breathable intermediate region R2 across the central fold 32, breathability around the mouth and nose can be ensured. This allows the efficacy of the functional agent to be imparted while ensuring breathability. Furthermore, the region extending inward in the lateral direction X from the edge opposite the central fold 32 is pulled outward in the lateral direction X by the ear loops 20, making it easy for the mask to fit snugly against the cheeks. By arranging the microparticle-attached region R1 in this region, the efficacy of the functional agent can be efficiently imparted to the wearer.

[0062] When the mask body 10 is folded, the length of the intermediate region R2 in the horizontal direction X may be ⅓ or less of the length a of the central fold 32 in the vertical direction Y. The length of the intermediate region R2 in the horizontal direction X in the folded state is the distance along the horizontal direction X between the apex of the central fold 32 that bulges outward in the horizontal direction X and the edge of the microparticle adhesion region R1 on the central fold 32 side. Generally, when the distance a of the intermediate region R2 in the vertical direction Y is a, the wearer's lips and nostrils are located within a distance of up to ⅓ of a from the central fold 32 outward in the horizontal direction X. By locating the intermediate region R2 in this region, breathability around the nose and mouth, where a large amount of exhaled air flows in, can be further improved. Furthermore, the efficacy of functional agents can be imparted to areas where the lips and nostrils are not located.

[0063] Although the present invention has been described in detail using the above-described embodiments, it will be apparent 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 present invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description in this specification is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present invention.

[0064] The entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-222791, filed on December 28, 2023, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0065] It is possible to provide a mask that can impart the efficacy of functional agents while ensuring breathability of the mask body.

[0066] 1, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G: Mask 10: Mask body 11: Base sheet 12: Outer sheet 13: Inner sheet 15: Fiber 16: Fine particles 18: Pleated portion 20: Ear loop portion 32: Center fold MF: Mountain fold VF: Valley fold R1: Fine particle attachment region R2: Intermediate region X: Horizontal direction Y: Vertical direction Z: Thickness direction Z1: Inside Z2: Outside

Claims

1. A mask comprising: a longitudinal direction corresponding to the vertical direction of the wearer, a transverse direction corresponding to the left - right direction of the wearer, and a mask body covering at least the lips and nostrils of the wearer, wherein the mask body has a breathable base sheet made of a fibrous material, the base sheet has a particulate - adhering region to which fine particles containing a functional agent are adhered, and the particulate - adhering regions are arranged at intervals in a first direction which is one of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.

2. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the air - permeability resistance value of the intermediate region arranged between the particulate - adhering regions in the base sheet measured by a KES air - permeability tester is lower than the air - permeability resistance value of the particulate - adhering regions.

3. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the fine particles are microcapsules containing the functional agent.

4. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the intermediate region arranged between the particulate - adhering regions in the base sheet may straddle the center of the mask body in the first direction.

5. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the particulate - adhering regions are arranged over the entire area of the base sheet in a second direction which is the other of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.

6. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first direction is the transverse direction, and the particulate - adhering regions are arranged at a distance from the outer edge of the base sheet in the longitudinal direction.

7. The mask according to claim 3, wherein the first direction is the longitudinal direction, and the particulate - adhering regions are continuous from one outer edge to the other outer edge of the base sheet in the transverse direction.

8. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the intermediate region arranged between the particulate - adhering regions in the base sheet is arranged on both sides of the center of the mask body in the first direction.

9. The mask according to claim 8, wherein the first direction is the longitudinal direction, and the area of the intermediate region located above the center of the mask body in the first direction is larger than the area of the intermediate region located below the center of the mask body in the first direction.

10. The first direction is the vertical direction, and the area of the intermediate region located below the center of the mask body in the first direction is larger than the area of the intermediate region located above the center of the mask body in the first direction. The mask according to claim 8.

11. The mask body is disposed outside the base material sheet and has a breathable outer sheet made of a fiber material. The air permeability resistance value of the outer sheet measured by a KES air permeability tester is higher than the air permeability resistance value of the base material sheet. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. The mask body is disposed inside the base material sheet and has a breathable inner sheet made of a fiber material. The air permeability resistance value of the inner sheet measured by a KES air permeability tester is higher than the air permeability resistance value of the base material sheet. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

13. The mask body is folded into a pleated shape by a mountain fold line that folds the mask body into a mountain fold shape protruding outward in the vertical direction and a valley fold line that folds the mask body into a valley fold shape protruding inward in the vertical direction. In the pleated fold portion, the fine particle adhesion region and an intermediate region disposed between the fine particle adhesion regions in the base material sheet are arranged. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

14. The fine particle adhesion region is arranged across each of the mountain fold line and the valley fold line that are adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. The mask according to claim 13.

15. The intermediate region is arranged between the mountain fold line and the valley fold line. The mask according to claim 14.

16. It has a pair of ear-hanging parts joined to both lateral sides of the mask body in the lateral direction. The mask body is folded based on a central crease extending in the vertical direction at the center in the lateral direction of the mask body before use. The ear-hanging parts extend outward in the lateral direction from the edge on the side opposite to the central crease among the lateral edges of the mask body. In the state where the mask body is folded, the central crease curves so as to bulge outward in the lateral direction from the upper end of the central crease downward and bulge outward in the lateral direction from the lower end of the central crease upward. The fine particle adhesion region is arranged in a region extending inward in the lateral direction from the edge on the side opposite to the central crease. The intermediate region arranged between the fine particle adhesion regions straddles the central crease. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

17. In the folded state of the mask body, the lateral length of the intermediate region is 1 / 3 or less of the vertical length a of the central crease. The mask according to claim 16.

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