JP7729018B2 - mask - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a mask.

A typical configuration of a mask worn on the face includes a mask body that at least partially covers the wearer's face, and a pair of ear loops connected to the mask body, i.e., a pair of members that can be looped over the wearer's ears to hold the mask body in its worn position.

While most masks have string-like ear loops, sheet-like ear loops are also known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a mask equipped with a single-sheet ear loop sheet in which both ear loops are connected to each other at a connector and extend on the same plane. Patent Document 1 also describes that the ear loop sheet is made of a material such as a stretchable nonwoven fabric.

Patent No. 5762803

The sheet-like ear loops described in Patent Document 1 are joined to the horizontal edges of the mask body in the vertical direction (across the width of the ear loops), allowing the mask body to be stably fitted to the face by the ear loops. To ensure a proper fit of the mask body, it is preferable to stretch the ear loops to a certain extent, generating tensile stress so that the ear loops press the mask body against the face.

However, if the mask is worn without paying much attention, the ear loops may not be pulled properly, for example, because the tension on both ear loops is not balanced. This can prevent the mask from fitting properly, and the mask's intended functions, namely preventing the entry of foreign objects and blocking droplets emitted by the wearer, may not be fully realized. Therefore, there is a need for a configuration that allows the extension of the ear loops, and ultimately the state of the mask when worn, to be easily checked.

In light of the above, one aspect of the present invention aims to provide a mask configuration that allows the extension state of the ear loops, and therefore the wearing state of the mask, to be easily checked.

The first aspect of the present invention is a mask comprising a main body and a pair of sheet-like ear loops, each of which is joined to the outer surface of the main body opposite the face-facing surface, and which is formed by intermittently adhering a surface material to each side of a stretched elastic film, at least one of which is colored other than white, and the color of the elastic film is different from the color of the surface material.

According to the first aspect, the ear loops are constructed by intermittently bonding surface materials to both sides of a stretched elastic film. Therefore, when the ear loops are not stretched (non-stretched), the elastic film sandwiched between the surface materials is in a non-stretched state, and the surface material is raised at locations not bonded to the elastic film, forming multiple folds. Due to these raised folds, when the ear loops are in a non-stretched state, there is a distance between the outermost surface of the ear loop and the elastic film, making the color of the inner elastic film invisible or difficult to see. Therefore, the appearance color of the ear loops (the color perceived by an observer) is dominated by the color of the surface material; that is, the color element of the surface material accounts for a large proportion of the color elements that make up the appearance color of the entire ear loop. On the other hand, when the ear loops are stretched, the folds in the surface material disappear or the folds become less prominent. In this case, the distance from the outermost surface of the ear loop to the stretchable film is shorter than when it is in an unstretched state, making the color of the stretchable film more visible from the outside. This increases the proportion of the color element of the stretchable film among the color elements that make up the overall appearance color of the ear loop. In this embodiment, the color of at least one of the surface materials is different from the color of the stretchable film, so the appearance color of the ear loop can be made different between the unstretched and stretched states of the ear loop.

The fact that the external color of the ear loops differs between their unstretched and stretched states means that the difference in color can be used as an indicator to distinguish between their unstretched and stretched states, and also as an indicator to distinguish the degree of stretch of the ear loops when they are stretched. For example, by comparing the color of the ear loops in their unstretched and stretched states, or by comparing the colors of the left and right ear loops, it is possible to check the degree of stretch of the ear loops, and ultimately to confirm whether the mask is being worn properly.

In a second aspect of the present invention, the color of the surface material and the color applied to the main body are similar colors.

In the second aspect described above, the surface material and the main body are similar in color, so that the extension state of the ear loops can be confirmed by comparing the color of the ear loops with the color of the main body. This also gives the mask a unified impression as a whole.

In a third aspect of the present invention, one or more of the brightness, saturation, and hue of the color of the ear hook portion differ between the stretched state in which the ear hook portion is stretched and the non-stretched state.

According to the third aspect, a clear difference in color can be obtained to the human eye between the extended and non-extended states of the ear loops.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the Munsell color system brightness of the color of the stretchable film is greater than the Munsell color system brightness of the color of the surface material.

According to the fourth aspect, when the mask is stretched, the white elements of the stretchable film increase, giving the ear loops a whitish or lighter appearance. This gives the impression of a brighter side to the face where the ear loops are placed.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the surface material facing the main body before use is colored.

According to the fifth aspect, the surface material that is exposed to the outside when worn, i.e., the surface material on the side opposite to the side that faces the skin when worn, is colored, making it easier to see from the outside the difference in color of the ear loops when unextended and extended.

One aspect of the present invention provides a mask configuration that allows the extension state of the ear loops, and therefore the wearing state of the mask, to be easily checked.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the mask according to the present embodiment as viewed from the outer surface side. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the mask shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the inner surface (face-facing surface) side. 2 is a partial view showing the ear hook portion shown in FIG. 1 in a state after being opened to the side; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an ear hook portion. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing examples of how the mask according to the present embodiment is worn, in which (a) the ear loops are not extended and (b) the ear loops are extended. 10A and 10B are enlarged photographs of the area around the joint between the ear hook and the main body, showing (a) the ear hook not extended and (b) the ear hook extended.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that in each drawing, unless otherwise specified, identical or corresponding components will be designated by the same reference numerals and their description may be omitted.

(Basic structure of the mask)
One aspect of the present invention may be a mask that can cover the wearer's face, more specifically, at least the wearer's nose and mouth. The mask according to this aspect may have the function of preventing foreign objects from reaching the face and preventing droplets emitted by the wearer from scattering, and is also called a sanitary mask or surgical mask. The mask may be disposable or reusable after washing.

Figure 1 shows a plan view of the mask 1. Figure 1 shows the mask 1 as seen from the outer side, i.e., the side that does not face the face when worn and is exposed to the outside. Figure 2 shows a plan view of the mask as seen from the inner side, i.e., the side that faces the face or the side that faces the face.

As shown in Figure 1, the mask 1 of this embodiment comprises a mask body 10 that is placed in front of the wearer's face when worn and can cover mainly the wearer's nose and mouth, and a pair of sheet-like ear loops 20a, 20a joined to the mask body 10 at joining portions 50, 50. The mask 1 and mask body 10 have an up-down direction (vertical direction) D1 that corresponds to the up-down direction of the wearer's face when worn, and a left-right direction (horizontal direction) D2 that corresponds to the left-right direction of the wearer's face when worn. The vertical direction D1 and the horizontal direction D2 are perpendicular to each other.

The mask body 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 has a rectangular shape in plan view with long sides in the horizontal direction D2, but the shape of the mask body 10 in plan view is not limited to that shown. Also, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the mask body 10 has a pleated structure 15 formed by multiple pleats arranged in the vertical direction D1. The pleats of the pleated structure 15 are formed by folding the sheet constituting the mask body 10 along fold lines along the horizontal direction D2. With the multiple pleats formed, both ends of the mask body 10 in the horizontal direction D2 are fixed by heat sealing or the like. Therefore, when the mask 1 is in use, the pleats of the pleated structure 15 near the center of the mask 1 in the horizontal direction D2 can be expanded in the vertical direction D1 (Figure 5). As a result, the center of the mask body 10 in the horizontal direction D2 curves so as to protrude toward the outer surface of the mask 1 in both the vertical direction D1 and the horizontal direction D2, allowing it to deform into a shape that fits the three-dimensional shape of the face. The specific configuration of the pleat structure 15 is not particularly limited and may be a known configuration formed on the mask body, but as shown in Figures 1 and 2, it is preferable to form a box pleat in the center of the vertical direction D1, as this makes it easier to protrude the center of the vertical direction D1 of the mask body 10 away from the face when worn.

The mask body 10 may have a multilayer structure formed by stacking multiple layers. For example, it may have a structure including at least three layers, with an intermediate layer having enhanced functionality for capturing foreign matter (dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses, etc.) sandwiched between an outer layer and an inner layer. Each layer constituting the mask body 10 preferably includes a fiber-containing layer such as a nonwoven fabric, woven fabric, or knitted fabric, and more preferably includes a nonwoven fabric. Examples of nonwoven fabrics include spunbond nonwoven fabric, spunlace nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, air-through nonwoven fabric, and point-bonded nonwoven fabric. Furthermore, the intermediate layer preferably uses a meltblown nonwoven fabric, which may contain fine fibers. Furthermore, the fibers constituting the fiber-containing layer are preferably resin fibers, and examples of resin types for the resin fibers include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and nylon. The basis weight of the outer and inner layers may be 10 to 50 g/ ^m² . The intermediate layer having high foreign matter collection properties may have a basis weight of 10 to 100 g/m ² , preferably 10 to 50 g/m ² , and more preferably 15 to 50 g/m ² .

The mask body 10 is made by laminating multiple layers and then bonding and fixing at least the upper and lower end layers together. Bonding can be done using heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, adhesives, etc. For example, in the example shown in Figure 1, an upper seal portion 12U and a lower seal portion 12L are formed.

As shown in FIG. 1, a shape-retaining member 30 extending in the horizontal direction D2 may be disposed on the upper portion of the mask body 10. The shape-retaining member 30 may be a flat, band-shaped metal or resin member that is flexible and shape-retaining. That is, it can be easily deformed by the user's hands and maintain its deformed state. When wearing the mask 1, the shape-retaining member 30 can be positioned above the wearer's nose in the left-right direction of the face. The user can deform the shape-retaining member 30 to fit the shape of the upper portion of the nose before or after placing the mask body 10 on their face. This allows the upper portion of the mask body 10 to fit snugly against the face (nose), reducing any gaps. The shape-retaining member 30 may be disposed inside the mask body 10, i.e., between layers of the multi-layered structure of the mask body 10. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the shape-retaining member 30 is preferably disposed between two rows of upper seal portions 12U spaced apart in the vertical direction.

Each of the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a has a continuous ring shape, and more specifically, may be circular or rectangular. When worn, the ear loops 20a can be placed around the wearer's ears so that the wearer's ears fit inside the loops, i.e., through the central openings 29 of the ear loops 20a. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a are formed in a sheet shape rather than a string or thread shape. That is, each of the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a forms a band-like ring with a certain width in a plan view. Therefore, when the ear loops 20a are placed around the ears while wearing the mask, they come into surface contact with the back of the ear or the underside of the earlobe, thereby reducing strain on the ears. This reduces discomfort even when worn for long periods of time. The ear loops 20a, 20a may be stretchable at least in the horizontal direction D2 (described in detail below).

The weight of the ear hooking portion 20a (ear hooking portion sheet 20) may be 20 to 150 g/m ^2. The thickness of the ear hooking portion 20a may be 100 to 3,000 μm.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a are formed as a single sheet detachably joined to each other at the center in the horizontal direction D2, i.e., as the ear hook sheet 20. Here, a single sheet refers to a form consisting of one continuous sheet. This single sheet may be a single layer, or a laminate consisting of multiple layers stacked together. By forming the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a in the form of a single sheet, the ear hooks 20a, 20a can be positioned simultaneously during manufacturing, making mask manufacturing easier. However, in this embodiment, the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a do not necessarily have to be joined together.

When a pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a together form a single ear hook sheet 20, the ear hook sheet 20 may be configured so that it can be torn at a predetermined position to form a pair of separate ear hooks 20a, 20a. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a are connected at a connecting portion 28. There are no particular limitations on the type of connection at the connecting portion 28, but it is preferable that the connection be such that it can be separated by the user pulling with normal force. For example, as shown in Figure 1, it may be formed as a perforation. Alternatively, the connecting portion 28 may be formed by reducing the thickness of the sheet or by other means to weaken the boundary between the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a or make it more susceptible to stress. The connecting portion 28 may also be configured so that the user can cut it using a tool such as scissors.

The pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a may be directly or indirectly connected to the sides (ends in the horizontal direction D2) of the main body 10. That is, the outer ends of each of the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a in the horizontal direction D2, or in the example of Figures 1 and 2, one side of the rectangular ear hook 20a extending in the vertical direction D1 outside the horizontal direction D2, is connected to the main body 10. The rest of the parts are not connected to the main body 10, or, if connected, are joined to the outer surface of the main body 10 by small-area joints that allow for easy detachment.

(How to use a mask)
When starting to use the mask 1 of this embodiment, the user can open the portions of the ear loops 20a, 20a that are not joined to the sides of the main body 10 to the side (outward in the lateral direction D2) before putting on the mask 1. As described above, if the ear loops 20a, 20a are joined to each other at the joining portions 28, the joining is released to separate the ear loops 20a, 20a from each other.

Figure 3 shows a plan view of the ear loops 20a, 20a of the mask 1 in Figure 1 after they have been unfolded. After the ear loops 20a, 20a are unfolded outward in the lateral direction D2, the ear loops 20a are turned inside out, exposing the surface of the ear loops 20a that faced the mask body 10. Almost the entire outer surface of the mask body 10 is also exposed.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, in this embodiment, the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a are joined to the outer surface of the mask body 10. This reduces or eliminates the possibility that the user will touch the inner surface of the mask body 10 when separating the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a and opening them outward in the lateral direction D2, which is preferable from a hygienic standpoint.

The mask 1 of this embodiment can be used, for example, as follows: Before use (before deployment), the mask is positioned with the outer surface of the mask body 10 facing up. The user grasps each of the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a with their hands and opens it outward in the lateral direction D2. Then, while still grasping the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a, the user moves the mask 1 toward the face of another person (the wearer). After placing the mask body 10 in the desired position on the other person's face, the user can place each of the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a over the other person's ears without changing the way the mask is held. Therefore, the mask 1 of this embodiment is ideal for helping people who have difficulty putting on a mask themselves, such as children or sick people, put a mask on. Of course, if the user is the wearer, they can grasp one or both of the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a and move the mask 1 toward their face. While holding the inner surface of the mask body 10 facing their face with one hand, they can place each of the ear loops 20a, 20a one by one over their ears with the other hand.

The pair of ear loops 20a may be formed with gripping portions 25 that the user can grip when separating the pair of ear loops 20a and opening them outward in the lateral direction D2 (Figs. 1 to 3). The gripping portions 25 preferably protrude from the edge of the mask body 10 in a plan view, preferably from the lower end of the mask 1 (or the lower end of the mask body 10). In this case, the user can grip the gripping portions 25 with both hands without touching or barely touching the mask body 10 itself, i.e., either the outer or inner surface of the mask body 10. This allows the user to separate and unfold the pair of ear loops 20a without touching or barely touching the mask body 10. This allows the user to put the mask 1 on themselves or others in a hygienic state, even in situations where they are unable to pay sufficient attention to hand hygiene.

Furthermore, because the ear hook portion 20a has the knob 25, the user can easily adjust the ear hook portion by holding the knob 25 when or after hooking the ear hook portion 20a over the wearer's ear. That is, by holding the knob 25, the user can adjust the position of the ear hook portion 20a by shifting it relative to the ear, or by pulling or loosening the ear hook portion 20a toward the rear to adjust the tension of the ear hook portion 20a.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a are attached to both sides of the outer surface of the mask body, rather than to the inner surface. Therefore, when the mask 1 is worn, i.e., when the ear loops 20a, 20a are open to the sides and hanging over the ears, the ear loops 20a easily press both sides of the mask body 10 toward the face from the outer surface. This reduces the gap between the mask body 10 and the face at both sides of the mask body 10, improving the mask's functions, such as blocking foreign matter and preventing droplets emitted by the wearer from scattering. Furthermore, because the ear loops 20a are not attached to the inner surface of both sides of the body, i.e., on the face side, the ends of the ear loops 20a do not come into direct contact with the wearer's face while wearing the mask, reducing discomfort.

The mask body 10 may have a mark 18 formed by embossing, printing, sewing, or the like to distinguish between the outer and inner surfaces of the mask body 10. The form of the mark 18 is not limited as long as it can be visually recognized by the user. The mark 18 may be a letter, as shown in Figure 1, or a number, symbol, graphic, logo, etc.

(Ear hook part)
The ear loops 20a, 20a (or ear loop sheet 20) may be made of a material including an elastic member and a sheet-like surface material disposed on each side of the elastic member. By configuring the ear loops 20a so that the elastic member is covered on both sides with the surface material, direct contact between the elastic member (e.g., elastic film) and the skin can be avoided when wearing the mask 1, improving the wearing comfort. The configuration of the ear loops 20a will be described below with reference to FIG. 4.

Figure 4(a) shows a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the material constituting the ear hook portion 20a (or ear hook portion sheet 20) cut along the horizontal direction D2. Figure 4(a) is also a partially enlarged cross-section taken along line I-I in Figure 1. In the example of Figure 4(a), the ear hook portion 20a is composed of an elastic member 5 sandwiched between surface materials 2 and 3. More specifically, the ear hook portion 20a is composed of a laminate of an elastic member 5, a sheet-like first surface material 2 disposed on the first surface (one side) of the elastic member 5, and a sheet-like second surface material disposed on the second surface (the opposite side). The elastic member 5 is a member that can be stretched in at least one direction to increase its length by applying a tensile force, and can be shortened and returned to its natural length by releasing the applied tensile force. The stretchable member 5 may be a stretchable film, rubber thread, etc., but a stretchable film, which is a flat molded body, is preferred because it provides sufficient stretch and extensibility, is easy to handle during manufacturing, and is more likely to produce a difference in color between the stretched and unstretched states of the ear loops (described in more detail below).

Examples of materials for the stretchable film 5 include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, and polyurethane. The stretchability of the stretchable film 5 is preferably such that the maximum elongation rate measured using a tensile tester is 3.5 to 4.0 times its natural length. The stretchable film 5 may also have the ability to allow moisture to pass through.

The first surface material 2 and the second surface material 3 may be the same or different. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first surface material 2 and the second surface material 3 are fiber structures. Examples of fiber structures include nonwoven fabrics, woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, etc., and of these, nonwoven fabrics are preferred because they have good texture and breathability, contributing to improved wearing comfort. Examples of nonwoven fabrics include air-through nonwoven fabrics, spunbond nonwoven fabrics, spunlace nonwoven fabrics, needle-punched nonwoven fabrics, and chemical-bond nonwoven fabrics. Among these, spunbond nonwoven fabrics, which are non-fuzzing and have high strength, and soft air-through nonwoven fabrics can be appropriately selected. Furthermore, it is preferable that the fibers contained in the nonwoven fabrics are resin fibers, and examples of the resin types of the resin fibers include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and nylon. When the first surface material 2 or the second surface material 3 is a nonwoven fabric, the basis weight of the nonwoven fabric may be 5 to 50 g/ ^m² , and particularly 8 to 25 g/ ^m² .

To form the stretchable ear hook portion 20a (or ear hook sheet 20) in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4(b), a predetermined external tensile force T is applied to the stretchable film 5, pulling it in a predetermined direction and putting it into a stretched state, and a first surface material 2 and a second surface material 3 are placed on both sides (first surface and second surface) of the stretchable film, respectively. Then, while still in the stretched state, multiple adhesive joints m, m, ... are intermittently formed on the laminate consisting of the second surface material 3, stretchable film 5, and first surface material 2. Once the adhesive joints m, m, ... have stabilized, the external tensile force T is released, and the ear hook portion 20a in the state shown in Figure 4(a) can be obtained.

The adhesive portions m, m, ... can be formed using fusion means such as ultrasonic sealing or heat sealing, or adhesives, but are preferably formed using fusion means, especially ultrasonic sealing, as this allows for more reliable bonding. In this embodiment, the first surface material 2, the stretchable film 5, and the second surface material 3 may all contain a thermoplastic resin or may be made of a thermoplastic resin. Therefore, by using a fusion means, the layers that come into contact at the adhesive portions (fused portions) m, m, ... can be welded to each other and the three layers can be integrated, resulting in a robust structure. Furthermore, depending on the conditions for forming the adhesive portions, through holes may be formed in the joints. In this case, the breathability of the ear hook portion 20a (ear hook sheet 20) can be improved.

The multiple adhesive portions m, m, ... may be scattered on the surface of the ear hook portion 20a in a dot pattern, such as a grid, staggered pattern, or other regular or irregular arrangement. The total area of the multiple adhesive portions m, m, ... when viewed from above may be 1 to 20% of the area of the ear hook portion 20a (or ear hook sheet 20). Note that this percentage of the area of the multiple adhesive portions m, m, ... is the value measured when the ear hook portion 20a (or ear hook sheet 20) is at its maximum extension.

The material shown in Figure 4(a) is in an unstretched state with no external force being applied to the ear loop portion 20a, or in its natural state with its natural length. In this state, wrinkles (folds) form on the first surface material 2 and the second surface material 3, which were flat when an external tensile force T was applied (Figure 4(b)), and they appear wavy in cross section (Figure 4(a)). This is because, when the length of the stretchable film 5 returns to its natural length, the parts other than those joined by the multiple adhesive portions m, m, ... rise up and away from the stretchable film 5.

When forming the ear loops 20a (or ear loop sheet 20), the stretch direction (extension direction) of the stretchable film 5 is aligned with the horizontal direction D2 of the mask. As a result, multiple wrinkles are formed on the surface of the ear loops 20a (or ear loop sheet 20) that extend roughly along the vertical direction D1 of the mask 1. Because numerous folds are formed on the surface of the ear loops 20a, when the surface of the ear loops 20a comes into contact with the skin, the material of the ear loops 20a does not come into contact with the entire surface of the skin, but rather a space is formed between the ear loops 20a and the skin, reducing the feeling of the ear loops sticking to the skin and improving the fit.

(Mask color)
The mask 1 according to this embodiment is colored in a color other than white. Therefore, the mask 1 according to this embodiment can also be referred to as a color mask or a colored mask. In this specification, white refers to a color with a Munsell color system brightness of 9 or greater. The color other than white applied to the mask 1 may be a color with a Munsell color system brightness of less than 9, preferably a color with a brightness of 8 or less, more preferably a color with a brightness of 6 or less. In this embodiment, at least one of the main body 10 and the ear loops 20a has a color other than white, and it is preferable that both the main body 10 and the ear loops 20a have a color other than white. Furthermore, it is preferable that the colors of the main body 10 and the ear loops 20 are in the same color family, which gives the mask a sense of unity. Here, "similar colors" refers to chromatic colors with the same hue among the 10 basic hues in the Munsell color system, or achromatic colors with a brightness of less than 9 in the Munsell color system. While masks are generally entirely white, masks colored in a color other than white enhance the fashionability of the mask and allow for enjoyment of wearing a mask as a fashion statement.

The color of the mask 1 other than white is not particularly limited, and may be colored or achromatic, for example, beige, gray, pink, blue, green, orange, yellow, etc. Of the above colors, beige is preferable because it allows the mask color to be close to the color of foundation sold in Japan, and therefore when a wearer who has foundation on their face uses the mask, the foundation will not be noticeable even if it gets on the mask 1. Furthermore, it is preferable that the color of the mask 1 has a brightness of 5 or higher according to the Munsell color system, as this gives a bright impression.

The color of the mask may be uniform, but it may not be uniform and may vary depending on the location, or may have a gradation, changing gradually or in stages. In this case, "different colors" refers to differences in at least one of lightness, saturation, and hue in the Munsell color system, and preferably at least lightness.

In the ear hook portion 20a, at least one, and preferably both, of the surface materials (first surface material 2 and second surface material 3 in Figure 4) that make up the ear hook portion 20a or the ear hook portion sheet 20 may be colored in a color other than white. As mentioned above, the surface material preferably contains a nonwoven fabric. In this case, the nonwoven fabric may be colored after it is formed, or the fibers contained in the nonwoven fabric may be colored in advance and then the nonwoven fabric may be formed.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the color of at least one of the surface materials is different from the color of the stretchable film 5 in the ear loop portion 20a. As described above, both surface materials are intermittently bonded to the surface of the stretchable film 5 in a stretched state, and therefore deform to form multiple pleats in the unstretched state (Figure 4(a)). If the surface material is a fibrous structure such as a nonwoven fabric, the other side of the fibrous structure can be seen to some extent through the gaps between the fibers. However, in the unstretched state of the ear loop portion 20a, the thickness is increased by the amount of the folds formed in the surface material, making the color of the stretchable film 5 present inside invisible or difficult to see. Therefore, the external color of the ear loop portion 20a (the color recognized by normal visual observation without the use of tools, etc.) is largely dependent on the color of the surface material. That is, the overall appearance color of the ear hook portion 20a is a mixture of the color elements of the surface material and the color elements of the stretchable film 5. However, when the ear hook portion 20a is in an unstretched state, the color elements of the surface material account for a larger proportion. On the other hand, when the ear hook portion 20a is in an extended state, the pleats of the surface material are eliminated or reduced ( FIG. 4(b) ). As a result, the surface material as a whole approaches the stretchable film 5, making the color of the stretchable film 5 more easily visible through the surface material. Therefore, the color elements of the stretchable film 5 account for a larger proportion of the color elements that make up the appearance color of the ear hook portion 20a. In this manner, this embodiment allows the appearance color of the ear hook portion 20a to differ between the stretched and unstretched states. For example, if the stretchable film 5 is a bright color, such as white, and the surface material is a color less bright than the stretchable film 5, the color of the ear hook portion 20a becomes lighter or brighter as the ear hook portion 20a stretches.

The fact that the external color differs depending on whether or not the ear loops 20a are stretched means that the external color can be used as an indicator of whether the ear loops 20a are in a non-stretched state or a stretched state, or, if the ear loops 20a are stretched, the degree of stretch. Therefore, an observer looking at the mask 1 can determine whether or not the ear loops 20a are stretched when the mask is worn, or the degree of stretch. For example, by comparing the color of the stretched ear loops 20a when the mask is worn with the color of the ear loops 20a in a non-stretched state before use, the observer can confirm the degree of stretch of the mask and determine whether the ear loops 20a are stretched appropriately. Furthermore, by comparing the colors of the left and right ear loops 20a when the mask is worn, the observer can determine whether the ear loops 20a are stretched evenly. The degree of stretch of the ear loops 20a is related to the fit of the mask body 10 (specifically, the fit of the edges of the mask body 10), so ultimately, by determining the degree of stretch of the ear loops 20a, it is possible to determine whether the mask 1 is being worn properly.

The ear loops 20a, 20a are subjected to particularly large forces near the joints 50, 50 with the mask body 10, and these parts are stretched further. Therefore, it is preferable to check the stretched state of the ear loops 20a near the joints 50 between the ear loops 20a and the mask body 10. The area near the upper part of the ear loops 20a where they are joined to the mask body 10 can be seen when the wearer looks at their face in a mirror after putting on the mask 1, making this area ideal for judging the degree of stretch of the ear loops 20a and, ultimately, the wearing condition of the mask 1. Furthermore, when wearing the mask of this embodiment, the areas near the joints 50 between the ear loops 20a and the mask body 10, particularly the upper end, are pressed against the face, allowing the upper edge of the mask body 10 to be effectively attached to the face. Therefore, it is preferable to be able to easily check the color of the ear loops 20a near the upper end of the joints 50.

The color difference between the unstretched and stretched states of the ear loop portion 20a may be a difference in one or more of the lightness, saturation, and hue in the Munsell color system. For example, the ear loop portion 20a may be configured so that when comparing the color in the unstretched state with the color in the stretched state, the absolute value of the difference in lightness in the Munsell color system is 1 or more, preferably 3 or more. Furthermore, when comparing the color in the unstretched state with the color in the stretched state, the hue of the 10 basic hues (primary hues) in the Munsell color system may be different from each other, or the hue of the 20 basic hues in the Munsell color system may be different from each other.

Furthermore, when comparing the color of the ear loops 20a in the stretched state with the color of the mask body 10, the absolute value of the difference in brightness in the Munsell color system can be 1 or more, preferably 3 or more. Furthermore, when comparing the color of the ear loops 20a in the stretched state with the color of the mask body 10, the hues among the 10 basic hues (primary hues) in the Munsell color system may be different from each other, or the hues among the 20 basic hues in the Munsell color system may be different from each other.

The color of the ear loops 20a after stretching is determined by the relationship between the color of the surface materials 2 and/or 3 and the color of the stretchable film 5 sandwiched between the surface materials 2 and 3, as well as the state of pleats in the surface materials 2 and/or 3. The color of the stretchable film 5 may be a color with a brightness of 8 or higher on the Munsell color system, and more preferably white. This adds a white or near-white color element to the appearance of the ear loops 20a, giving the ear loops 20a a bright impression. It is also preferable that the stretchable film 5 does not contain colorants such as pigments or dyes. In this case, when the ear loops 20a are stretched, the white element in the color of the ear loops 20a increases, causing the ear loops 20a to change to a brighter color. This can give the sides of the face where the ear loops 20a are placed a brighter impression when the mask 1 is worn.

It is sufficient that at least one of the surface materials (first surface material 2 and/or second surface material 3) is colored. However, it is preferable that the second surface material 3, which is located on the side facing the mask body 10 before use and on the side exposed to the outside when the ear loops 20a, 20a are unfolded (the side opposite the side facing the face when worn), be colored in a color other than white. This makes it easier to notice the color change of the ear loops 20a from the outside when the mask 1 is worn. Furthermore, by making the color of the first surface material 2 similar to that of the mask body 10, preferably the same color, or a complementary color to that of the mask body 10, or by making the mask body 10 white, the contrast with the color of the mask body 10 is clear, making it even easier to notice the color change of the ear loops 20a when they are stretched by comparing it with the color of the mask body 10.

When the second surface material 3 is colored a color other than white as described above, the color of the other surface material, i.e., the first surface material 2 arranged on the side facing the face when worn, may be a color other than white, or may remain white. If the first surface material 2 and the second surface material 3 are similar colors other than white, preferably the same color, when placing the ear loop sheet 20 on the mask body 10 during manufacturing, either side may face the mask body 10, eliminating the need to check the front and back of the ear loop sheet 20. On the other hand, if the first surface material 2 and the second surface material 3 are different colors, different colors will appear when the wearer unfolds the ear loops 20a, 20a during wear, allowing the wearer to enjoy the change.

Furthermore, the first surface material 2, which is the surface material exposed to the outside before use (i.e., the surface facing the face when worn), may be colored a color other than white, while the second surface material 3 may be white. In this case, for example, if the stretchable film 5 is also white and the color of the first surface material 2 can be configured to be visible from the outside through the second surface material 3 and the stretchable film 5, when the ear hook portion 20a is stretched, the pleats in the first surface material 2 are eliminated and the first surface material 2 becomes flat. This increases the proportion of the color element of the first surface material 2 in the external color of the ear hook portion 20a and improves the brightness of the ear hook portion 20a. Therefore, whether the ear hook portion 20a has stretched can be determined by the color becoming darker or darker.

Figure 5 shows an example of how the mask 1 according to this embodiment, colored other than white, can be used. In the example shown in Figure 5, the surface materials of both the main body 10 and the ear loops 20a of the mask 1 are colored a similar color other than white, and the stretchable film used for the ear loops 20a is white. Figure 5(a) shows the state before the ear loops 20a are placed over the ears, in which the ear loops 20a are not stretched. In contrast, Figure 5(b) shows the state when the mask 1 is worn, i.e., when the ear loops 20a are stretched and placed over the ears. In the state shown in Figure 5(b), the ear loops 20a are pulled, stretching the pleats of the surface material (Figure 4(a)), making the white color of the stretchable film 5 more prominent, and the overall color becomes lighter or brighter than in the unstretched state. In this way, the user can confirm the stretched state of the ear loops 20a, and therefore the state of the mask when it is being worn, by the change in color of the ear loops 20a.

When giving the mask body 10 a color other than white, it is preferable to color only the layers that are exposed on the surface of the mask body 10. Specifically, if the mask body 10 has a structure in which multiple nonwoven fabrics are stacked, the nonwoven fabrics in the outer and inner layers can be colored. The middle layer may be colored, but it is preferable that the middle layer is not colored to avoid the possibility of a decrease in foreign matter capture ability.

Figure 6 shows a plan view of a mask according to this embodiment. The mask shown in Figure 6 has a gray surface for the main body 10 and the ear loops 20a, and a white stretchable film placed inside the ear loops 20a. The photograph in Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the area near the joint between the main body 10 and the ear loops 20a with the ear loops 20a open. In Figure 6(a), the ear loops 20a are in an unstretched state, while in Figure 6(b), the ear loops 20a are in an extended state. From both photographs, it can be seen that the color of the ear loops 20a in an extended state (Figure 6(b)) is lighter than the color of the ear loops 20a in an unstretched state (Figure 6(a)).

As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a are attached to both sides of the outer surface of the mask body 10, rather than to the inner surface. Therefore, when the mask 1 is worn, i.e., when the ear loops 20a, 20a are open to the sides and hanging over the ears, the ear loops 20a easily press both sides of the mask body 10 toward the face from the outer surface. Here, if the mask body 10 and the ear loops 20a, 20a are different colors, it becomes clear that the ear loops 20a are attached to the outer surface of the mask body 10, giving people facing the mask wearer the impression that the mask fits more closely to the wearer's face, providing a sense of security. Furthermore, even if the mask body 10 and the ear loops 20a are similar colors, the color of the ear loops 20a can be made different from the color of the mask body 10 while the mask is being worn. This similarly gives the impression that the mask fits more closely to the wearer's face, providing a sense of security, even when the colors are similar.

1 Mask 2 First surface material 3 Second surface material 5 Elastic member (elastic film)
10 Mask body 12L, 12U Sealed portion 15 Pleats 18 Mark 20 Ear hook sheet 20a Ear hook 25 Grip 28 Separable joint 29 Opening 30 Shape-retaining member 50 Joint D1 Vertical direction (up-down direction)
D2 Lateral direction (left and right direction)
m Adhesive part (welded part)

Claims (4)

A mask having a main body and a pair of sheet-shaped annular ear loops,
The pair of sheet-like annular ear hooks are overlapped on the outer surface of the main body opposite the face-facing surface without being folded back and without protruding at least in the horizontal direction, and are joined to both sides of the outer surface , and can be expanded laterally from the overlapped state,
The selvedge portion is formed by intermittently bonding a surface material , which is a fiber structure, to each of both sides of a stretched stretchable film,
A mask in which at least one of the surface materials is colored other than white, the color of the elastic film is different from the color of the surface material, and one or more of the brightness, saturation, and hue of the color of the ear loop portion differs between the stretched state in which the ear loop portion is stretched and the unstretched state . The mask of claim 1, wherein the color of the surface material and the color of the main body are similar colors. 3. The mask according to claim 1 , wherein the Munsell color system value of the color of the stretchable film is greater than the Munsell color system value of the color of the surface material. The mask according to claim 1 , wherein the surface material on the side facing the main body before the ear loops are unfolded is colored.