JP7753604B2 - mask - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a mask.

A mask worn on the face generally has 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 hung over the wearer's ears to hold the mask body in its worn position.

While most mask ear loops are string-like, sheet-like ear loops are also known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which first and second annular ear loops formed from one or more sheet pieces each have a base and an edge extending from the base to form an opening, with a portion of the base joined to one side of the mask body by a joint. When using such a mask, the first and second ear loops are each deployed outward in a first direction (horizontal direction). At that time, the first and second ear loops are each folded back horizontally at the joint.

Patent No. 5436262

In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, when both ear loops are deployed laterally outward while the mask is in use, the portions of the bases of the ear loops that are not joined to the mask body (the non-jointed portions of the bases) are folded back and turned inside out. However, if the ear loops are joined to the outer surface of the mask body (the surface opposite the surface that faces the face), depending on the position of the joints, the material of the ear loops, and how the mask is worn, the portions of the bases that are not joined to the mask body may not be aligned with the surface of the mask body and may float away from the mask body. Such floating ear loop portions that float away from the mask body may interfere with the wearer's movements while wearing the mask and may also detract from the appearance.

In light of the above, one aspect of the present invention aims to provide a mask in which the sheet-like ear loops are less likely to float away from the mask body.

The first aspect of the present invention is a mask comprising a mask body and a pair of sheet-like ear loops, each of which has a joint joined to the horizontal end of the outer surface of the mask body and extending vertically, and a ring-shaped portion extending from the joint to the horizontal center and deployable laterally outward, with a horizontal cut formed from the inner edge of the ring-shaped portion adjacent to the joint and extending vertically.

When the mask is worn, the annular portion unfolds laterally outward, positioning the upper and lower portions of the annular portion (upper and lower extensions) between the mask body and the wearer's ear. Because the vertical length of the wearer's ear is smaller than the vertical length of the mask body, the annular portion deforms so that the distance between the upper and lower extensions decreases as the annular portion approaches the ear. This applies force to the joint-adjacent portion (the vertically extending portion adjacent to the joint), which is the portion of the annular portion closest to the mask body. This causes the joint-adjacent portion to curve so that its vertical center is closer to the horizontal center than its vertical ends. For example, when the mask is viewed from the front or side of the wearer's face while worn, the joint-adjacent portion appears to have a convex shape toward the horizontal center. This curvature makes the joint-adjacent portion, which is not attached to the mask body, prone to rising or floating away from the mask body. This rising or floating (hereinafter referred to as "floating") in the area adjacent to the joint can interfere with the wearer's movements while wearing the mask and can also detract from the appearance.

In contrast, according to the first aspect, a notch is formed from the inner edge of the part adjacent to the joint in the ear loop. Therefore, when the part adjacent to the joint is bent, the end of the notch becomes the base point of deformation, making it easier for one of the pieces separated by the notch to move. Furthermore, since both sides can approach each other and even overlap, any floating that may occur due to the bending of the part adjacent to the joint is absorbed. This prevents floating of the annular part from interfering with the wearer's movement. For example, when wearing some kind of accessory, such as a face shield, over the mask, the accessory can be prevented from getting caught on the floating part. Furthermore, by reducing floating, the mask looks neater when worn, giving a sophisticated and attractive impression.

In a second aspect of the present invention, the notch is formed in the longitudinal center region.

According to the second aspect, by providing a notch in the area adjacent to the joint where the degree of curvature is greatest, i.e., the central area in the vertical direction, it is possible to effectively prevent the annular portion from floating.

In a third aspect of the present invention, the ratio of the length of the incision to the lateral length of the joint-adjacent portion is 0.3 or greater.

According to the third aspect, the horizontal length of the incision can be set to an appropriate length, improving the effect of suppressing lifting.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, a material removal portion having an area of a predetermined circle equivalent diameter is formed at the end of the incision.

The end of the slit is close to the joint, making it difficult for the ear hook to deform. In contrast, according to the fourth aspect, by removing material from the end of the slit, the two pieces created by the slit can move independently and overlap easily. In other words, even if the material making up the ear hook is highly rigid or the lateral length of the area adjacent to the joint is large, the area adjacent to the joint can easily deform, providing the effect of preventing lifting.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined circle-equivalent diameter is 2 to 10 mm.

According to the fifth aspect, the area of the material removed at the end of the incision can be made appropriately sized. Therefore, regardless of the material used to make the ear loop or the size of the area adjacent to the joint, the effect of preventing the area adjacent to the joint from lifting can be improved, and the function of the end of the incision as a base point for deformation can be maintained.

One aspect of the present invention provides a mask in which the sheet-like ear loops are less likely to float away from the mask body.

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. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of a state in which a mask according to the present embodiment is worn, and a partially enlarged view of an area in which a cut is formed. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the notch and its surroundings of the mask shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the incision. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another modified example of a cut. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing yet another modified example of the incision.

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.

The mask of this embodiment may be a mask that can cover the wearer's face, more specifically at least the wearer's nose and mouth. The mask of this embodiment 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 may be washable and reusable.

Figure 1 shows a plan view of the mask 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 1 shows the mask 1 as seen from the outside (or outer surface), i.e., the surface that is exposed to the outside and does not face the face when worn. Figure 2 shows a plan view of the mask as seen from the inside (the surface 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 ear loops 20a, 20a connected to the mask body 10. The mask 1 (mask body 10) has a vertical direction (up-down direction) D1 that corresponds to the up-down direction of the wearer's face when worn, and a horizontal direction (left-right 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. Once formed, the multiple pleats are fixed at both ends in the horizontal direction D2 by heat sealing or the like. Therefore, when the mask 1 is in use, the pleats of the pleated structure 15 can be expanded in the vertical direction D1 at the center of the mask body 10 in the horizontal direction D2, while the pleats are fixed and do not expand at the ends in the horizontal direction D2. As a result, when the mask 1 is worn, the center of the mask body 10 in the horizontal direction D2 and the center of the mask body 10 in the vertical direction D1 can be curved to protrude toward the outer surface of the mask 1, 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 15 to 50 g/ ^m² . The weight of the intermediate layer having high foreign matter collection properties is preferably 10 to 100 g/m ² , and more preferably 15 to 50 g/m ² .

A shape-retaining member 30 extending in the lateral direction D2 may be disposed on the upper part of the mask body 10. The shape-retaining member 30 may be a flat, band-shaped member made of metal or resin, and is a flexible and shape-retaining member. In other words, it can be easily deformed by the user's hands and can maintain its deformed state. When putting on the mask 1, this shape-retaining member 30 can be placed 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 part of their nose before or after placing the mask body 10 on their face. This allows the upper part of the mask body 10 to fit tightly against the face (nose), reducing any gaps.

Each of the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a is ring-shaped or a closed band-shaped in a plan view. When worn, the ear hooks 20a can be placed around the wearer's ears by placing the wearer's ears inside the loop of the ear hooks 20a, i.e., through the central opening 29 of the ear hooks 20a. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a are formed in a sheet shape rather than a string or thread shape. That is, the width of any position on the band-shaped body that makes up the ring-shaped ear hooks 20a is greater than the thickness of the ear hooks 20a. Because the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a are sheet-shaped, when the ear hooks 20a are placed around the ears while wearing the mask, the ear hooks 20a can make 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 ring shape of the ear hook portion 20a may be polygonal, circular, elliptical, or the like, but is preferably quadrangular, and more preferably close to rectangular, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. More specifically, the contour of the inner peripheral edge of the ear hook portion 20a may have four points where the radius of curvature is minimal (excluding points interrupted by notches). Furthermore, in the case of a shape close to a rectangle, it is preferable that two of the four sides extend along the vertical direction D1 and the remaining two sides extend along the horizontal direction D2.

As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of sheet-like ear loops 20a, 20a are arranged on the outer surface of the mask body 10 and are respectively joined to both ends of the outer surface in the horizontal direction D2. As shown in FIG. 1, the ear loops 20a have a joint 21 joined to the mask body 10 and a ring-shaped portion 26 extending from the joint 21 toward the center in the horizontal direction D2. The joint 21 is joined along the vertical direction D1 to the end of the outer surface of the mask body 10 in the horizontal direction D2 and is fixed to the mask body 10. On the other hand, the ring-shaped portion 26 is a portion that can be deployed outward in the horizontal direction D2 when the mask 1 is in use (as described in detail below). In the example shown in FIG. 1, the ring-shaped portion 26 is not joined to the mask body 10, but may be locally and detachably joined to the outer surface of the mask body 10.

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. 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, the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a do not necessarily have to be joined.

When a pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a are formed as the ear hook sheet 20, the ear hook sheet 20 may be configured so that the pair of separate ear hooks 20a, 20a can be formed by breaking it at a predetermined position. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the pair of ear hooks 20a, 20a are connected at a connecting portion 28. The connecting portion 28 may be connected in any manner, but is preferably connected in such a manner 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 ear loops 20a, 20a (or ear loop sheet 20) may be made of a stretchable material, at least stretchable in the horizontal direction. The stretchability of the ear loops 20a, 20a allows the user to easily pull the ear loops 20a, 20a behind their ears and then place them over their ears when putting on the mask. Furthermore, the tensile stress generated in the ear loops 20a, 20a allows the mask body 10 to fit to the face even when wearing the mask.

The ear loop portion 20a or the ear loop sheet 20 may be a single-layer sheet made of a stretchable material, or a multi-layer sheet made of multiple laminated layers, including a layer containing a stretchable material. The stretchable material may be a stretchable nonwoven fabric, a stretchable film, or a thread-like or string-like stretchable material such as rubber thread. When a stretchable nonwoven fabric is included, the stretchability of the nonwoven fabric may be achieved by the inclusion of stretchable fibers in the nonwoven fabric, for example, by the fiber material itself being stretchable or by the fibers being crimped fibers. Alternatively, the stretchability may be achieved by a predetermined physical structure, for example, by having an uneven surface. Specific examples of stretchable nonwoven fabrics include shrinkable air-through nonwoven fabrics, stretchable spunbond nonwoven fabrics, stretchable spunlace nonwoven fabrics, stretchable needle-punched nonwoven fabrics, and stretchable chemical-bond nonwoven fabrics. The basis weight of the nonwoven fabric used may be preferably 5 to 50 g/m ² , more preferably 8 to 35 g/m ² .

When the ear loop portion 20a is made of a multilayer sheet consisting of multiple laminated layers of nonwoven fabric, it can be made of, for example, a spunbond nonwoven fabric/meltblown nonwoven fabric/spunbond nonwoven fabric, and at least one of these layers can be made of a stretchable nonwoven fabric. When the ear loop portion 20a is made of a multilayer sheet containing a stretchable film, it can be made of, for example, a nonwoven fabric/stretchable film or a nonwoven fabric/stretchable film/nonwoven fabric (e.g., a spunbond nonwoven fabric/stretchable film/spunbond nonwoven fabric, or an air-through nonwoven fabric/stretchable film/air-through nonwoven fabric, etc.). When the sheet is made of two laminated layers, one of the layers can be made stretchable, and the other layer can be laminated and intermittently fixed while the stretchable layer is stretched, and then the sheet for the ear loop portion 20a can be obtained by relaxing it and returning it to its natural state. Additionally, in the case of a sheet made up of three layers, the central layer can be stretched, layers can be laminated on both sides and fixed intermittently, and then the layers can be relaxed and returned to their natural state to obtain a sheet for the ear hooks 20a.

Among the above, a configuration using a stretchable film is preferred due to its ease of manufacture and high stretchability, particularly a configuration in which nonwoven fabric is placed on both sides of the stretchable film. Examples of materials for the stretchable film include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, and polyurethane. The stretchable film preferably has a maximum elongation (elongation at break) of 3.5 to 4.0 as measured using a tensile tester. The stretchable film may also have moisture permeability. When using a stretchable film, the stretchable film is stretched to a predetermined ratio relative to its natural length, and nonwoven fabric is intermittently bonded to the stretchable film by ultrasonic welding or the like, and then relaxed to return to its natural state, thereby obtaining a sheet for the ear loops 20a. The relaxation of the stretchable film causes the unbonded portions of the nonwoven fabric to rise, resulting in the formation of numerous wrinkles in the resulting sheet that extend generally perpendicular to the stretch direction.

The sheet for the ear loop portion 20a may be formed by sandwiching stretched rubber threads between non-stretchable or non-stretchable non-woven fabric. The above materials may also be bonded together using a stretchable or non-stretchable hot-melt non-woven fabric (a non-woven fabric whose fibers soften or melt when heated, allowing it to bond to other components).

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.

When starting to use the mask 1 of this embodiment, the user unfolds or opens each of the ear loops 20a, 20a outward (to the side) in the lateral direction D2 before putting on the mask 1. In this case, the annular portion 26 unfolds around the boundary line between the joint 21 and the joint adjacent portion 22. In other words, it is the annular portions 26, 26 of the ear loops 20a, 20a that unfold, and the joints 21, 21 joined to the mask body 10 remain unchanged. In other words, the ear loops 20a, 20a of the mask 1 can each be folded back using the boundary line between the joint 21 and the annular portion 26 as a folding line. Note that if the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a are separably connected as described above, the connection is released and the ear loops 20a, 20a are separated from each other before unfolding.

Figure 3 shows the state after the ear loops 20a, 20a of the mask 1 have been deployed outward in the lateral direction D2. After the ear loops 20a, 20a have been deployed outward in the lateral direction D2, the ear loops 20a, 20a are turned inside out, exposing the surfaces that faced the mask body 10 before deployment. 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 arranged on the outer surface of the mask body 10. This reduces or eliminates the possibility of touching 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. A mask 1 in this embodiment, in which the ear loops 20a, 20a are arranged on the outer surface of the mask body 10, can be used, for example, as follows: With the mask 1 placed 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 them 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). Then, 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 their grip. Therefore, the mask 1 of this embodiment can be used effectively when helping people who have difficulty putting on a mask themselves, such as children or sick people, to wear a mask.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pair of ear loops 20a, 20a may protrude from the outer shape of the mask body 10 before use (before the ear loops are unfolded). Therefore, the user of the mask 1 can grasp the protruding parts of the ear loops 20a, 20a from the mask body 10, separate the ear loops 20a, 20a, and unfold them, reducing the possibility of touching the mask body 10 itself, allowing for more hygienic use of the mask 1.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a pair of ear loops 20a, 20a are joined to both sides of the outer surface of the mask body (Figs. 1 to 3). 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 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 located on the inner surface (face side) of both sides of the mask body 10, the ear loops 20a do not come into direct contact with the wearer's face at both sides of the mask body 10 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.

As described above, each of the ear loops 20a, 20a has a joining portion 21 fixed to the mask body 10 and a ring-shaped portion 26 that can be deployed away from the mask body 10. There are no particular limitations on the means for joining the joining portion 21 to the mask body 10, as long as it is a means for joining the opposing surfaces of the ear loops 20a and the mask body 10. Pressure and/or heat can be preferably used, such as heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, or non-heat embossing. Of these, when the ear loops 20a and the mask body 10 are made of synthetic resin, heat sealing is preferably used, as this fuses the two together, allowing for a more reliable joining in the thickness direction.

In the region 50 bonded by the bonding means, the bonded portion 21 of the ear loop portion 20a and the outermost nonwoven fabric of the mask body 10 may be bonded (fused in the case of heat sealing) across the entire bonding region 50, or may be bonded (fused) partially within the bonding region 50. In the bonding region 50 shown in the example, microscopically, multiple small bonded portions 50a, 50a are formed at intervals between the bonded portion 21 and the mask body 10. This ensures a secure bond between the bonded portion 21 of the ear loop portion 20a and the mask body 10 while also ensuring a certain degree of flexibility at the end of the mask body 10 in the lateral direction D2. While the small bonded portions 50a shown have a square shape in plan view, the planar shape of each small bonded portion 50a may be any shape other than a square, such as a rectangle or circle.

Also, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the bonding treatment area 50 may extend from the upper end to the lower end of the mask body 10. That is, the bonding portion 21 extends from the upper end to the lower end of the mask body 10 and has the same length in the vertical direction D1 as the length of the mask body 10 in the vertical direction D1. This allows the ear hooks 20a to be securely fixed throughout the entire vertical direction (up and down direction) D1 of the mask body 10. Furthermore, it is preferable that the outer edge of the bonding portion 21 in the horizontal direction D2 is aligned with the outer edge of the mask body 10 in the horizontal direction D2. This allows the ear hooks 20a, which are positioned outward of the mask body 10, to securely hold the mask body 10 up to the outer edge in the horizontal direction D2 when worn.

The length (width) of the joint 21 in the horizontal direction D2 may be constant, or may vary in the vertical direction D1. However, a constant length in the horizontal direction D2 is preferable, as this reduces the complexity of joining processes such as heat sealing. The length W1 of the joint 21 in the horizontal direction D2 (if it varies in the vertical direction D1, the average value should be used) is preferably 1 to 15 mm.

The annular portion 26 may have a joint-adjacent portion 22 adjacent to the joint 21 and extending in the longitudinal direction D1; a behind-the-ear portion 24 that is positioned behind the wearer's ear when worn; an upper extending portion 23 extending between the joint-adjacent portion 22 and the behind-the-ear portion 24 on the upper side; and a lower extending portion 25 extending between the joint-adjacent portion 22 and the behind-the-ear portion 24 on the lower side. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, there are locations with a minimum radius of curvature on the inner edge of the portion transitioning from the joint-adjacent portion 22 to the upper extending portion 23, the inner edge of the portion transitioning from the upper extending portion 23 to the behind-the-ear portion 24, the inner edge of the portion transitioning from the behind-the-ear portion 24 to the lower extending portion 25, and the inner edge of the portion transitioning from the lower extending portion 25 to the joint-adjacent portion 22.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, in this embodiment, a notch 27 is formed from the inner edge of the joint-adjacent portion 22 in a direction parallel to the lateral direction D2. However, the extension direction of the notch 27 may also be parallel to the upper extension portion 23 and/or the lower extension portion 25 of the ear hook portion 20. Note that in this specification, "parallel" does not only mean completely parallel, but can also include a direction that deviates from parallel by ±10°, preferably ±5°.

Next, the advantages of this embodiment, which are achieved by forming the notches 27 in the joint-adjacent portions 22, will be described below. Figure 4(a) shows a side view of a wearer wearing the mask 1 (with the ear loops 20a hanging over the ears). Figure 4(b) shows an enlarged view of the notches 27 and their surrounding areas. As shown in Figure 4(a) and as described above, when the mask 1 is worn, the pleats 15 of the mask body 10 are expanded in the vertical direction D1. Because the pleats 15 are fixed at their ends in the horizontal direction D2, the mask body 10 deforms so that the center of the mask body in the vertical direction D1 protrudes forward from the face. Furthermore, the ear loops 20a are pulled toward the wearer's ears, but because the vertical length of the ears is shorter than the vertical length of the mask body 10 in the vertical direction D1, a force is applied that moves the upper extensions 23 and lower extensions 25 closer together. As a result of this deformation, the ends of the mask body 10 in the horizontal direction D2, as well as the joints 21 and joint-adjacent regions 22 of the ear loops 20a, curve so that the center in the vertical direction D1 approaches the center in the horizontal direction D2. For example, when the wearer's face is viewed from the side, the area near the boundary between the mask body 10 and the ear loops 20a curves so that the center in the vertical direction D1 approaches the center and front of the face (Figure 4(a)). If this bending distorts the joint-adjacent regions 22 of the ear loops 20a, in a conventional configuration without cuts, the joint-adjacent regions 22 may rise or float. This floating of the joint-adjacent regions 22 can interfere with the wearer's movement while wearing the mask and can also detract from the mask's appearance.

In contrast, in this embodiment, the notch 27 is formed from the inner edge of the joint-adjacent portion 22. Therefore, even if the joint-adjacent portion 22 is bent, the end of the notch 27 serves as the base point for deformation, allowing one piece 27a and the other piece 27b separated by the notch to move more easily. The pieces 27a and 27b then approach each other and can even overlap (Figure 4(b)). This absorbs any floating that may occur due to the bending of the joint-adjacent portion 22. This prevents floating of a portion of the ear loop 20a from interfering with the wearer's movement. For example, when wearing a face shield or other accessory over the mask, this prevents the accessory from getting caught on the floating portion. Furthermore, by reducing floating, the mask appears neater when worn, giving a sophisticated and attractive impression. Note that when the pieces 27a and 27b overlap, either one may be positioned on the outside. Note that while Figure 4 shows an example of the mask being worn with pieces 27a and 27b overlapping, pieces 27a and 27b do not necessarily have to overlap depending on the size and shape of the notch 27, the size of the mask body 10 and ear loops 20a, the size and shape of the wearer's face, and how the wearer wears the mask.

The notch 27 may be formed in the central region in the longitudinal direction D1 of the joint-adjacent portion 22. In this embodiment, the central region in the longitudinal direction D1 of the joint-adjacent portion 22 is equal to the central region in the longitudinal direction D1 of the mask body 10, and may be a region having a length in the longitudinal direction D1 of approximately one-third of the total length of the mask body 10, including the central position in the longitudinal direction D1 of the mask body 10 (see Figure 1, etc.). When the mask 1 is worn (Figure 4), the mask body 10 and the joint-adjacent portion 22 are most curved near the center in the longitudinal direction D1. Therefore, by forming the notch 27 in the central region in the longitudinal direction D1 of the joint-adjacent portion 22, the notch 27 can function effectively, effectively preventing the ear loops 20a from floating.

The notch 27 can be formed simultaneously with the formation of the entire ear hook portion 20a by punching out the entire ear hook portion 20a by using a mold with a cutter corresponding to the notch 27, or it can be formed using a cutter or the like after punching out the ear hook portion 20a. The shape of the notch 27 is not limited as long as the pieces 27a, 27b separated by the notch 27 are formed by partially cutting the joint adjacent portion 22. The shape of the notch 27 will be explained further below.

Figure 5 shows a partially enlarged view of the incision 27 in Figure 1. The incision 27 may be a simple cutting line (as described below with reference to Figure 6), or, as shown in Figure 5, may have a shape in which a gap exists between the formed pieces 27a and 27b. That is, the incision 27 may be formed so that the area enclosed by 22i, 27a, and 27b has a predetermined area, taking into account the outline of the inner edge before the incision 27 is formed (or a virtual outline assuming the absence of the incision) 22i (shown by a dashed line in Figure 5). In the example shown in Figure 5, the gap between the pieces 27a and 27b of the incision 27 narrows toward the end 27t. However, the gap length may be constant from the inner edge of the joint-adjacent portion 22 to the end 27t. Furthermore, if a gap is formed between the pieces 27a and 27b, the gap length (the width of the incision) may be 0.1 to 25 mm, preferably 0.1 to 8 mm, at the center of the incision 27 in the horizontal direction D2.

The length d of the notch 27 in the vertical direction D1 of the opening in the imaginary contour 22i can be 0 mm or more and less than 15 mm, preferably 0 mm or more and less than 10 mm.

In the example shown in Figure 5, the incision 27 does not reach the boundary between the joint-adjacent portion 22 and the joint 21, but is formed at a distance from said boundary. This configuration is preferable from the perspective that if excessive force is applied to the incision 27, the bond between the joint 21 and the mask body 10 is not strained and the joint 21 is less likely to be damaged. However, the incision 27 may reach the boundary between the joint-adjacent portion 22 and the joint 21 as long as it does not interfere with the bond between the joint 21 and the mask body 10.

The ratio (L/W2) of the length L of the notch 27 to the length (width) W2 in the horizontal direction D2 of the joint-adjacent portion 22 at the position where the notch 27 is formed may be 0.3 or greater, preferably 0.5 or greater, and more preferably 0.7 or greater. Setting this ratio to a value of 0.95 or less, preferably 0.9 or less, can prevent weakening of the joint due to stress concentration near the joint 21. Depending on the material of the ear hook portion 20a, the horizontal length L in the horizontal direction D2 of the joint-adjacent portion 22 may be 1 to 20 mm.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, a material removal section 27r may be formed at the end 27t of the incision 27, where a predetermined area of material has been removed. The material near the end 27t of the incision is the base of the pieces 27a and 27b formed by the division, and is therefore less likely to deform. Therefore, by forming the material removal section 27r at the end 27t of the incision 27, the pieces 27a and 27b can move more easily from their bases independently of each other. Therefore, even if the material of the ear loop 20a is relatively rigid, the pieces 27a and 27b can be easily brought close to each other when wearing the mask 1, and can be easily overlapped as shown in Figure 4. This improves the effect of preventing the joint adjacent section 22 from floating, allowing the joint adjacent section 22 to be positioned to fit the face.

In the example shown in Figure 5, the material removal portion 27r is circular, but the shape of the material removal portion 27r is not limited to circular and may be polygonal, elliptical, or other shapes. Furthermore, the material removal portion 27r may be a portion where an area with a circular equivalent diameter of φ2 to 10 mm has been removed. By keeping the size of the material removal portion 27r within the above range, it is possible to improve the effectiveness of preventing lifting of the portion adjacent to the joint, while maintaining the function of the end 27t of the notch 27 serving as the base point for deformation.

Figure 6 shows a modified example of the incision 27. In the example shown in Figure 6, the shape of the incision 27 is the same as that shown in Figure 5, but a reinforcing portion 271 is formed on the edge of the material removal portion 27r. When the joint-adjacent portion 22 of the ear loop portion 20a deforms during wear, stress tends to concentrate particularly at the end 27t of the incision 27, placing strain on the material. In particular, these days, a single mask may be used throughout the day, and in such cases, the mask is often put on and taken off repeatedly. Therefore, there is a concern that the ear loop portion 20a may tear at that position, or that the tear may reach the joint portion 21, causing the ear loop portion 20a to peel off from the mask body 10, depending on how the mask is used. In response to this, the presence of the reinforcing portion 271 on the edge of the material removal portion 27r prevents the possibility of such damage. The form of the reinforcing portion 271 is not particularly limited as long as it can improve the rigidity of the edge of the material-removed portion 27r, and may be, for example, embossed, coated with adhesive, etc.

In the example shown in Figure 6, the reinforcing portion 271 is provided around the entire edge of the material-removed portion 27r, but it may also be provided around only a portion of the entire edge. Furthermore, the reinforcing portion may also be formed along each edge of the pieces 27a and 27b of the cut 27.

Furthermore, Figure 7 shows another modified example of the incision 27. In the example of Figure 7, a portion of the material-removed portion 27r is located within the joint 21. Furthermore, microscopically, the outline of the material-removed portion 27r partially overlaps the small joint portion 50a. Therefore, as in the example of Figure 6, the peripheral edge of the material-removed portion 27r is reinforced, reducing the risk of damage to the ear hook portion 20a and the risk of the ear hook portion 20a peeling off from the mask body 10. Furthermore, in the example of Figure 7, the entire material-removed portion 27r is not located within the joint 21, so the effect of the material-removed portion 27r, i.e., making the pieces 27a and 27b more mobile and more easily deformed, and absorbing distortion in the joint-adjacent portion 22, is maintained.

Figure 8 shows a modified example of the notch 27. The notch 27 shown in Figure 8 also forms pieces 27a and 27b. Therefore, even if the end of the mask body 10 in the lateral direction D2 and the joint adjacent portion 22 of the ear loop portion 20a are bent when the mask 1 is worn, the pieces 27a and 27b overlap, similar to the example shown in Figure 4, and can absorb the distortion caused by the bending. This prevents the ear loop portion 20a from floating.

In the example shown in Figure 8, pieces 27a and 27b are in contact with each other before use, or the gap between pieces 27a and 27b is small, for example, less than 0.1 mm. The shape of the notch 27 shown in Figure 6 is suitable when the ear hook portion 20a is made of a soft, low-rigidity material.

While the drawings referenced above show one notch 27 formed in each ear hook portion 20a, multiple notches 27 may be provided lined up in the vertical direction D2. That is, the notches may be formed at multiple different locations on the inner contour of the joint-adjacent portion 22 of the ear hook portion 20a. In this case, the length L, extension direction, presence or absence of a gap or the size of the gap, and the presence or size of a material-removed portion may be the same for multiple notches or may be different. However, if there is only one notch 27 in the joint-adjacent portion 22 of one ear hook portion 20a, the pieces 27a and 27b formed by the notch 27 are pulled toward the ear (outward in the horizontal direction D2) by the upper extension portion 23 and the lower extension portion 25, respectively, when worn. This allows the notch to be positioned along the surface of the face, which is highly effective in preventing the mask from floating, and is therefore preferable.

The present invention has been described above based on embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the above embodiments can be subject to various changes, modifications, substitutions, additions, deletions, and combinations within the scope of the claims, and these also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Mask 10 Mask body 15 Pleats 18 Marks 20 Ear hook sheet 20a Ear hook 21 Joint 22 Joint adjacent portion 22i Imaginary outline of inner edge of joint adjacent portion 23 Upper extension portion 24 Behind-ear placement portion 25 Lower extension portion 26 Annular portion 27 Cut 27a, 27b Piece formed by cut 27t End of cut 27r Material removal portion 28 Separable joint portion 29 Opening D1 Vertical direction (up and down direction)
D2 Lateral direction (left and right direction)

Claims (5)

A mask comprising a mask body and a pair of sheet-like ear loops,
Each of the ear loops has a joining portion joined to a lateral end portion of the outer surface of the mask body and extending in the vertical direction, and a ring-shaped portion extending from the joining portion to the center in the lateral direction and expandable outward in the lateral direction,
A mask having a notch formed laterally from an inner edge of the annular portion adjacent to the joint and extending longitudinally. The mask of claim 1, wherein the notch is formed in the longitudinal center region. The mask of claim 1 or 2, wherein the ratio of the length of the incision to the lateral length of the joint-adjacent portion is 0.3 or greater. A mask as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a material-removed portion having an area of a predetermined circle-equivalent diameter is formed at the end of the cut. The mask of claim 4, wherein the predetermined equivalent circle diameter is 2 to 10 mm.