JP7601379B2 - mask - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a mask that covers the nose and mouth.

Conventionally, masks have been worn to prevent infection with colds, the new coronavirus, and other infectious diseases. This type of mask consists of a rectangular, flat body made of a flexible material such as gauze, and ear straps attached to both sides of the body.

However, a drawback of these masks is that the main body of the mask shifts with movement of the mouth or cheeks. To address this drawback, a mask has been developed that places a deformable member such as a wire near the top edge or on both sides of the main body, and then the wire can be deformed by hand to fit the contours of the nose and cheeks, bringing the outer edge of the main body into close contact with the contours of the nose and cheeks, preventing the main body from shifting.

The following patent documents 1 and 2 also describe masks that prevent slippage when worn.

Utility Model Registration No. 3228108 JP 2020-84339 A

However, the masks described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 above leave room for improvement in terms of preventing the masks from shifting when worn.

Specifically, in Patent Document 1, the device has a chin strap that is hooked under the chin when worn, but the chin strap is only connected to both ends of the main body, and it cannot be expected to have a significant effect in preventing the main body from slipping up. In addition, the chin strap tightens the user's chin from below, which may cause discomfort to the user.

In the cited document 2, the mask has a hook inside the main body that can be hung over the nose, but with this configuration, it is difficult to prevent the mask from shifting when the mouth is opened and closed.

The present invention was made in consideration of these problems, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a mask that can prevent slippage caused by the user opening and closing their mouth.

The mask of the present invention comprises a mask main body, ear hooks, and a chin hook, the mask main body is configured to cover the user's mouth, the ear hooks are configured to be hung over the user's ears, and the chin hook is configured to cover the user's chin or the vicinity thereof, and when worn, the chin hook is configured so that its inner surface fits over the tip of the chin and its outer surface slides over the inner surface of the mask main body, the ear hooks are ear hook holes formed by opening the mask main body, both ends of the chin hook are connected to the mask main body, and the connection portions where the chin hook portion connects to the mask main body are positioned rearward of the fore-aft center of the ear hook holes .

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mask that can suppress slippage caused by opening and closing the user's mouth.

1A and 1B are diagrams showing a mask according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is a side view showing the mask, and (B) is a front view showing the mask. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a state in which a user wears a mask according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is a side view showing the state in which the user wears the mask, (B) is an enlarged side view showing the state in which the user wearing the mask has his/her mouth closed, and (C) is an enlarged side view showing the state in which the user wearing the mask has his/her mouth open. 1A and 1B are views showing a mask according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is a side view showing the mask, and (B) is a front view showing the mask. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which a mask according to another embodiment of the present invention is worn by a user. 11A and 11B are views showing a mask according to still another embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is a side view showing the mask, and (B) is a front view showing the mask. 11A and 11B are views showing a mask according to still another embodiment of the present invention, in which (A) is a side view showing the mask, and (B) is a front view showing the mask.

The following describes in detail an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the front refers to the direction in which the user 14 using the mask 10 faces, the rear refers to the opposite direction to the front, and the left and right directions refer to the left and right when the mask 10 is viewed from the front. In the following description, the same components are generally given the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted.

Figure 1(A) is a side view of the mask 10, and Figure 1(B) is a front view of the mask 10.

Referring to FIG. 1(A), the mask 10 comprises a mask body 11, ear hooks 12, and a chin hook 13. Here, the mask body 11 is made of fabric such as urethane fabric, and is exemplified as a three-dimensional mask that fits closely to the face of the user 14.

The mask body 11 is configured to cover the mouth 15 and nose 28 of the user 14, which will be described later. The mask body 11 is also sized and shaped to cover the chin 17 to the nostrils of the user 14, which will be described later.

The ear hook portion 12 is configured to be hooked from behind on the ear 16 of the user 14, which will be described later.

The chin rest 13 is configured to cover the chin 17 of the user 14 or the area around it, which will be described later.

The string-like portion 19 is a portion that extends in a generally string-like shape from the upper rear end of the mask body 11, and the ear hook portion 12 and chin hook portion 13 are formed as part of the string-like portion 19. Specifically, the upper portion of the string-like portion 19 is formed with the ear hook portion 12 that has a curved shape that can be hung around the ear. In addition, the lower portion of the string-like portion 19 is formed with the chin hook portion 13 that extends downward in a generally straight line.

The end 29, which is the lower end of the chin hook 13, is formed to be wider than the middle part of the string-like part 19. For example, the width L1 of the end 29 of the chin hook 13 is set to be 1.5 cm or more. By doing so, as described below, when the mask 10 is worn by the user 14, the tip of the user's chin can be covered by the chin hook 13.

An end 29 is formed at the lower end of the chin hook 13. The end 29 has a curved shape that bulges downward. The end 29 corresponds to the center of the string-like portion 19, and when worn, covers the tip 18 of the chin 17, which will be described later. Because the end 29 has a curved shape, when the mask 10 is worn by a user 14, which will be described later, the end 29 envelops the tip 18 of the chin 17. This provides the effect of preventing the mask body 11 from slipping when worn, as will be described later.

Referring to FIG. 1(B), the mask body 11 has a left-side mask part 23 and a right-side mask part 24. In this figure, in order to clearly show the configuration of the mask 10, the lower end of the chin hook part 13 of the left-side mask part 23 and the lower end of the chin hook part 13 of the right-side mask part 24 are shown separately. In the actual mask 10, the lower end of the chin hook part 13 of the left-side mask part 23 and the lower end of the chin hook part 13 of the right-side mask part 24 are sewn together. This is also true for the front view described below. The left-side mask part 23 and the right-side mask part 24 are each formed by cutting a single piece of fabric into a predetermined shape.

The left side mask part 23 forms the left portion of the mask body part 11, and the right side mask part 24 forms the right portion of the mask body part 11. The left side mask part 23 and the right side mask part 24 are symmetrical with respect to a line of symmetry that runs vertically through the center of the mask 10.

The left mask part 23 has a left mask body part 25 that forms the left half of the mask body part 11, and a string part 19 that extends from the upper left end of the left mask body part 25. The ear loop part 12 and the chin loop part 13 are formed on the string part 19.

Similarly, the right mask part 24 has a right mask body part 26 that forms the right half of the mask body part 11, and a string part 19 that extends from the upper right end of the right mask body part 26. The ear loop part 12 and the chin loop part 13 are formed on the string part 19.

The right edge of the left mask body 25 of the left mask part 23 and the left edge of the right mask body 26 of the right mask part 24 are sewn together along a seam 21. The seam 21 extends linearly in the vertical direction.

Figure 2(A) is a side view showing the mask 10 when worn, Figure 2(B) is an enlarged side view showing the mask 10 worn by a user 14 with the mouth 15 closed, and Figure 2(C) is an enlarged side view showing the mask 10 worn by a user 14 with the mouth 15 open.

In each of the drawings in FIG. 2, the part of the face of the user 14 that is covered by the mask 10 is shown by a dashed line, and the chin hook 13 that is hidden by the mask body 11 is shown by a dotted line. Also, in each of the drawings in FIG. 2, the skin of the user 14, the chin hook 13, and the mask body 11 are shown separated from each other, but in reality, they are in close contact with each other.

Referring to FIG. 2(A), the mask body 11 of the mask 10 covers the portion of the user's 14's face below the nose 28. Specifically, the mask body 11 covers the lower part of the nose 28, the nostrils, the mouth 15, and the chin 17. The ear hooks 12 of the chin hook 13 are hooked from behind the ears 16. The chin hook 13 is also hooked so as to cover the tip 18 of the chin 17. In this manner, the mask body 11 covers the nose 28 and mouth 15 of the user 14, suppressing the exchange of droplets and the like, and preventing the spread of epidemics such as COVID-19.

Referring to FIG. 2(B), the configuration in which the chin hook 13 covers the area around the chin 17 will be described in detail. The chin hook 13 envelops and covers the tip 18 of the chin 17. In this way, the inner surface of the mask body 11 at the chin 17 and its surrounding area comes into contact with the outer surface of the chin hook 13. In other words, the inner surface of the mask body 11 at the chin 17 and its surrounding area does not come into contact with the skin of the user 14.

In addition, the end 29, which is the center of the chin rest 13, has a curved shape that bulges forward, so the tip 18 of the chin 17 fits into the end 29. This prevents the chin rest 13 from slipping off the tip 18 of the chin 17.

The coefficient of friction between the inner surface of the mask body 11 and the outer surface of the chin rest 13 is relatively small because both are made of cloth-based materials. On the other hand, the coefficient of friction between the inner surface of the mask body 11 and the skin of the user 14 is relatively large because the skin of the user 14 contains moisture. As a result, the upper part of the mask body 11 adheres closely to the skin of the face of the user 14, while the lower part of the mask body 11 is slippery against the chin rest 13.

Referring to FIG. 2(C), when the user 14 opens his/her mouth 15 to talk, etc., the lower part of the mask body 11 that is in contact with the chin rest 13 slides. Meanwhile, the upper part of the mask body 11 remains in close contact with the nose 28 of the user 14 and the skin around it. When the user 14 then closes his/her mouth 15, the mask body 11 does not move as a whole, and the chin rest 13 that is in contact with the inner surface of the mask body 11 moves upward while sliding along the inner surface of the mask body 11. Meanwhile, the upper part of the mask body 11 remains in close contact with the nose 28 of the user 14 and the skin around it.

As a result of the above, when the mask 10 is in use, the chin rest 13 slides against the lower portion of the mask body 11, preventing the upper portion of the mask body 11 from moving downward when the mouth is opened or closed, and preventing the mask body 11 from slipping off the mouth 15 or nose 28 of the user 14.

Figure 3 (A) is a side view of a mask 10 according to another embodiment, and Figure 3 (B) is a front view of the mask 10. The basic structure of the mask 10 shown in this figure is similar to that shown in Figure 1, etc., except that it has ear holes 20.

Referring to FIG. 3(A), the ear holes 20 are formed by opening a roughly circular shape near the rear end of the mask body 11.

In addition, when the connection between the chin hook 13 and the mask body 11 is the connection part 27, the connection part 27 is positioned rearward of the rear end of the ear holes 20. This ensures a sufficient length for the string part 19 and the chin hook 13. Therefore, when the mask 10 is in use, the movable range of the string part 19 and the chin hook 13 is increased, and the chin hook 13 and the mask body 11 slide against each other, which increases the effect of preventing the mask body 11 from shifting.

Here, the connection part 27 can also be formed further forward than the rear end of the ear hole 20. For example, the connection part 27 can be positioned further rearward than the center of the ear hole 20 in the front-to-rear direction, or further rearward than the front end of the ear hole 20. Even in such a case, the effect of preventing the mask body 11 from shifting can be achieved.

Referring to FIG. 3(B), the ear holes 20 are formed in both the left mask body part 25 and the right mask body part 26.

Figure 4 shows the mask 10 shown in Figure 3 worn by a user 14.

When the user 14 puts on the mask 10, the ear holes 20 are placed over the ears 16 of the user 14. The rest of the configuration is the same as that shown in FIG. 2(A). By having the ear holes 20, the user 14 can put on the mask 10 more stably and easily.

Figure 5 (A) is a side view of a mask 10 according to another embodiment, and Figure 5 (B) is a front view of the mask 10. The basic configuration of the mask 10 shown in this figure is the same as that shown in Figure 1, etc., but the configurations of the chin strap portion 13 and ear strap portion 22 are different.

Referring to FIG. 5(A), the ear straps 22 are string-like parts that are hung around the ears 16 of the user 14 during use. The upper ends of the ear straps 22 are connected to the upper rear end of the mask body 11, and the lower ends of the ear straps 22 are connected to the lower rear end of the mask body 11. For example, a fibrous material that is excellent in flexibility, stretchability, durability, etc. is used for the ear straps 22.

The chin hook 13 is stored in the lower part on the inner surface of the mask body 11. The chin hook 13 is made of the same fabric as the mask body 11. Here, the chin hook 13 is shown hatched. Since the chin hook 13 is stored inside the mask body 11, when the mask body 11 is folded, the chin hook 13 does not protrude to the outside, and the mask 10 can be made compact overall.

Referring to FIG. 5(B), the chin hook 13 extends in the left-right direction along the lower side of the mask body 11. The left end of the chin hook 13 is connected to the left end near the lower side of the mask body 11. The right end of the chin hook 13 is connected to the right end near the lower side of the mask body 11. The chin hook 13 and the mask body 11 are connected by, for example, sewing. Meanwhile, the middle part of the chin hook 13 in the left-right direction is movable relative to the mask body 11.

Even with a mask 10 having such a configuration, when a user 14 puts on the mask 10, the chin hook 13 covers the tip 18 of the user's chin 17, and the outer surface of the chin hook 13 comes into contact with the inner surface of the mask body 11. Therefore, when the user 14 opens his/her mouth while using the mask 10, the inner surface of the lower end of the mask body 11 and the outer surface of the chin hook 13 slide smoothly, preventing the mask 10 from slipping.

Figure 6 (A) is a side view showing a mask 10 according to another embodiment, and Figure 6 (B) is a front view showing the mask 10. The basic configuration of the mask 10 shown in this figure is the same as that shown in Figure 1, etc., except that the chin rest 13 is located inside the mask body 11.

Referring to FIG. 6(A), ear holes 20 are formed on the rear side of the mask body 11, and a chin rest 13 is located on the inside of the lower part of the mask body 11.

Referring to FIG. 6(B), the chin hook 13 is disposed along the lower side of the mask body 11. The left-right ends of the chin hook 13 are connected to the mask body 11 from the inside. Therefore, similar to the case shown in FIG. 5(B), it is possible to prevent the mask body 11 from shifting when worn.

Here, the chin strap 13 is a fabric material that is continuous with the mask body 11 via the ear straps 12. Therefore, the mask 10 shown here is constructed as a continuous piece of sewn fabric.

The above-described embodiment provides the following major advantages:

Referring to FIG. 2(B), when wearing the mask 10, the inner surface of the mask body 11 comes into contact with the outer surface of the chin hook 13. Even if the user 14 opens and closes the mouth 15 while wearing the mask 10, causing the position of the chin 17 to shift vertically, the inner surface of the mask body 11 and the outer surface of the chin hook 13 slide smoothly between each other, preventing the mask body 11 from shifting out of place.

Furthermore, the chin rest 13 comes into contact with the tip 18 of the chin 17, preventing the tip 18 of the chin 17 from coming into direct contact with the inner surface of the mask body 11, and preventing the mask body 11 from shifting due to movement of the tip 18 of the chin 17.

Referring to FIG. 1(A), the ear loops 12 and chin loop 13 are formed as part of the string-like portion 19, simplifying the configuration of the mask 10 and reducing the amount of fabric required to manufacture the mask 10, thereby achieving low costs.

Referring to FIG. 3(A), the mask body 11 has ear holes 20 formed by opening the mask body 11, which allows the mask body 11 to be appropriately fitted to the face of the user 14. Therefore, when the user 14 opens the mouth 15, the upper part of the mask body 11 fits closely to the face of the user 14 and does not move, while the lower part of the mask body 11 and the chin hook 13 slide, which significantly prevents the mask body 11 from slipping off the face of the user 14.

Referring to FIG. 2(A), the chin hook 13 can be secured to be long, and even when the user 14 opens the mouth 15 to talk, the tip 18 of the chin 17 is covered by the chin hook 13, and the tip 18 of the chin 17 comes into contact with the mask body 11, preventing the mask body 11 from shifting.

Referring to FIG. 5(A), when the mask 10 is folded, the chin hook 13 can be stored inside the mask body 11, preventing the chin hook 13 from protruding outward, making the mask 10 compact overall.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other.
The invention that can be understood from the above-described embodiment will be described below, along with its effects.
The mask of the present invention comprises a mask body, ear hooks, and a chin hook, the mask body is configured to cover the mouth of the user, the ear hooks are configured to be hung on the ears of the user, the chin hook is configured to cover the chin or the vicinity of the user, and the inner surface of the mask body is in contact with the outer surface of the chin hook when worn. According to the mask of the present invention, the inner surface of the mask body is in contact with the outer surface of the chin hook when worn, so that even if the position of the chin is displaced in the vertical direction when the user opens and closes the mouth while wearing the mask, the inner surface of the mask body and the outer surface of the chin hook slide well between each other, preventing the mask body from shifting.
In addition, the mask of the present invention is characterized in that the chin hook is configured to contact the tip of the chin. With the mask of the present invention, the chin hook contacts the tip of the chin, which prevents the tip of the chin from directly contacting the inner surface of the mask body, and prevents the mask body from shifting due to the movement of the tip of the chin.
The mask of the present invention further comprises a string-like portion extending from an end of the mask body, and the ear loops and the chin loop are formed as part of the string-like portion. According to the mask of the present invention, the ear loops and the chin loop are formed as part of the string-like portion, which simplifies the mask configuration and reduces the amount of fabric required to manufacture the mask, thereby achieving low costs.
In addition, the mask of the present invention is characterized in that the ear loops are ear holes formed by opening the mask body, and one end of the chin loop is connected to the mask body. According to the mask of the present invention, the mask body can be appropriately attached to the face of the user by having ear holes formed by opening the mask body. Therefore, when the user opens his/her mouth, the mask body is in close contact with the face of the user and does not move, while the mask body and the chin loop slide, so that the effect of preventing the mask body from slipping off the face of the user can be remarkable.
In addition, the mask of the present invention is characterized in that the connection between the chin hook and the mask body is located near the front end of the ear holes. With the mask of the present invention, the chin hook can be secured to be long, and even when the user opens his/her mouth to talk, the chin end is covered by the chin hook, so that the chin end does not come into contact with the mask body, and the mask body can be prevented from shifting.
In addition, the mask of the present invention is characterized in that the connection part is disposed rearward from the center of the ear hole in the front-rear direction. With the mask of the present invention, the chin strap can be secured longer, and the mask body can be prevented from shifting.
In addition, the mask of the present invention is characterized in that the connecting portion is disposed rearward of the rear end of the ear hole. With the mask of the present invention, the chin strap can be secured particularly long, and the mask body can be prevented from slipping off.
In addition, the mask of the present invention is characterized in that the end of the chin hook is connected to the inner surface of the mask body. According to the mask of the present invention, the chin hook can be stored inside the mask body when the mask is folded, which prevents the chin hook from protruding outward and makes the mask compact overall.

10 Mask 11 Mask body 12 Ear hook 13 Chin hook 14 User 15 Mouth 16 Ear 17 Chin 18 Tip 19 String-like portion 20 Ear hook hole 21 Stitch 22 Ear hook string 23 Left mask portion 24 Right mask portion 25 Left mask body 26 Right mask body 27 Connection 28 Nose 29 End

Claims (2)

The mask comprises a main body, an ear loop, and a chin loop.
The mask body is configured to cover the mouth of a user,
The ear hook portion is configured to be hooked on the user's ear,
The chin rest is configured to cover the chin of the user or the vicinity thereof,
When worn, the chin rest is configured so that its inner surface fits around the tip of the chin and its outer surface slides over the inner surface of the mask body.
The ear hooks are holes formed by opening the mask body, and both ends of the chin hook are connected to the mask body.
A mask characterized in that a connection portion where the chin strap is connected to the mask body is positioned rearward of the center of the ear holes in the front-to-rear direction . 2. The mask according to claim 1 , wherein the connection portion is disposed rearward of a rear end of the ear hole.

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