Abstract:
A mask that includes a mask body, a left ear loop, and a right ear loop. The left and right ear loops each comprise a base and a rim that extends from the base and forms an opening. The ear loops are laid out on the contact surface of the mask body such that the rims are inwards of the bases. The bases are joined to the mask body by means of left and right joining parts, each of which has a top joining part, a middle joining part, and a bottom joining part. When the mask is worn, the left ear loop (or right ear loop) is folded at the left joining part (or right joining part).

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a technique of constructing a mask which covers a mouth and a nose of a wearer. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    A mask which covers wearer&#39;s mouth and nose is disclosed, for example, in Japanese non-examined laid-open Patent Publication No. 3-34195. This known mask includes a mask body which covers a wearer&#39;s mouth and left and right ear straps. The left and right ear straps are fusion bonded to the mask body.
   Prior art reference: Japanese non-examined laid-open Patent Publication No. 3-34195   
 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In the known mask, bonding parts for bonding the mask body and the left and right ear straps are exposed on a wearing face (wearer side) of the mask body. Therefore, the hard bonding parts of the mask body may come in contact with a wearer&#39;s skin. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an effective technique for preventing bonding parts of a mask from coming in contact with a wearer&#39;s skin. 
         [0008]    A mask according to the present invention may be of disposable type designed for single use, disposable type designed for multiple use which can be used several times or reusable type which can be reused by washing. 
         [0009]    In one invention, the mask has at least the mask body and first and second ear straps. The mask body is designed to cover a mouth and a nose of a wearer. The left and right ear straps are designed to be hooked around left and right ears of the wearer. The first and second ear straps are bonded to the mask body by a first bonding part and a second bonding part, respectively, which are located away from each other in a first direction respectively. 
         [0010]    Further, the first ear strap and the second ear strap are hooked around the left and right ears of the wearer, respectively. The “first direction” represents a longitudinal direction (width direction) of the mask body and corresponds to a horizontal direction when viewed from a wearer wearing the mask. One direction to “one side in the first direction” represents a direction from the first ear strap toward the second ear strap and corresponds to a direction from left to right when viewed from the wearer wearing the mask. The other direction to “the other side in the first direction” represents a direction from the second ear strap toward the first ear strap and corresponds to a direction from right to left when viewed from the wearer wearing the mask. 
         [0011]    The mask body and the first and second ear straps are typically formed by bonding one or more sheet pieces. The mask body can have a planar or three-dimensional form, but it is preferably designed to take a three-dimensional form at least when the mask is worn. For example, the mask body is designed to be planar when the mask is not worn (not in use) and to take a three-dimensional form when the mask is worn (in use). As such a mask body, for example, a pleated-type mask body having a plurality of pleats extending in parallel is used. 
         [0012]    A sheet piece forming the mask body and the first and second ear straps is formed by fixing or intertwining fibers, for example, by mechanical, chemical or heat treatment. Typically, the sheet piece comprises a nonwoven fabric sheet which partly includes heat fusible synthetic fibers (thermoplastic synthetic fibers) and can be fusion bonded. The mask body and the first and second ear straps may be integrally formed in one piece, or they may be separately formed. The first and second ear straps are suitably formed of a stretch nonwoven fabric sheet piece. 
         [0013]    In order to bond the first and second ear straps to the mask body, various bonding methods such as fusion bonding and adhesive bonding can be used. The first and second bonding parts consist of bonding portions which have various shapes such as a linear shape (a straight line or a curved line) and a point-like shape and are arranged along a line (a straight line or a curved line) or discontinuously. 
         [0014]    The first ear strap has a first base which is bonded at least in part to one face of the mask body by the first bonding part. Further, the first ear strap has a first rim which extends from the first base to one side in the first direction and defines an opening. The “one face of the mask body” typically corresponds to a wearing face (wearer side) of the mask body. The “first rim” is a part to be hooked around one ear (for example, the left ear) of the wearer. 
         [0015]    The second ear strap has a second base which is bonded at least in part to the one face of the mask body by the second bonding part. Further, the second ear strap has a second rim which extends from the second base to the other side in the first direction and defines an opening. The other direction to “the other side” corresponds to a direction from the second ear strap toward the first ear strap along the first direction. The “second rim” is a part to be hooked around the other ear (for example, the right ear) of the wearer. 
         [0016]    At least when the mask is worn, the first ear strap is folded back along the region of the first bonding part in the first direction and part of the folded portion is disposed between the first bonding part and the wearer. Further, the second ear strap is folded back along the region of the second bonding part in the first direction and part of the folded portion is disposed between the second bonding part and the wearer. Specifically, the first bonding part is covered by part of the first ear strap (part of the folded portion) and the second bonding part is covered by part of the second ear strap (part of the folded portion). Further, the first and second bonding parts are preferably covered in their entirety, but they may be covered at least in part. 
         [0017]    In the present invention, at least when the mask is worn, the first bonding part is covered by part of the first ear strap and the second bonding part is covered by part of the second ear strap, so that the first and second bonding parts can be prevented from coming in contact with the wearer&#39;s skin. Further, in the mask according to the present invention, when the mask is not worn, the first and second ear straps are overlaid on the mask body, so that the mask is easy to pack and easy to carry. 
         [0018]    In a different embodiment of the invention, the first base has at least a first upper base and a first lower base which are located away from each other in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The first lower base is disposed to one side in the second direction with respect to the first upper base. The first rim extends from the first upper base and the first lower base. Further, at least part of the first upper base and at least part of the first lower base are bonded to the one face of the mask body by the first bonding part. Similarly, the second base has at least a second upper base and a second lower base which are located away from each other in the second direction transverse to the first direction. The second lower base is disposed to one side in the second direction with respect to the second upper base. The second rim extends from the second upper base and the second lower base. Further, at least part of the second upper base and at least part of the second lower base are bonded to the one face of the mask body by the second bonding part. 
         [0019]    Further, the “second direction transverse to the first direction” represents a direction (a height direction) transverse to the longitudinal direction of the mask body and corresponds to a vertical direction with respect to the wearer wearing the mask. One direction to “one side in the second direction” represents a direction from the upper edge toward the lower edge of the mask body and corresponds to a direction from top to bottom of the wearer wearing the mask. The other direction to “the other side in the second direction” represents a direction from the lower edge toward the upper edge of the mask body and corresponds to a direction from down to top of the wearer wearing the mask. 
         [0020]    In this embodiment, the first bonding part is covered by a portion of the first upper base between the first bonding part and the first rim and by a portion of the first lower base between the first bonding part and the first rim. Further, the second bonding part is covered by a portion of the second upper base between the second bonding part and the second rim and by a portion of the second lower base between the second bonding part and the second rim. 
         [0021]    In a further different embodiment of the invention, the first base has a first upper base, a first middle base and a first lower base which are disposed in order from the other side to one side in the second direction transverse to the first direction. The first rim extends from the first upper base and the first lower base. Further, at least part of the first upper base, at least part of the first middle base and at least part of the first lower base are bonded to the one face of the mask body by the first bonding part. Similarly, the second base has at least a second upper base, a second middle base and a second lower base which are disposed in order from the other side to the one side in the second direction. The second rim extends from the second upper base and the second lower base. Further, at least part of the second upper base, at least part of the second middle base and at least part of the second lower base are bonded to one face of the mask body by the second bonding part. The “second direction transverse to the first direction” represents a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the mask body and corresponds to a vertical direction with respect to the wearer wearing the mask. 
         [0022]    In this embodiment, the first bonding part is covered by a portion of the first upper base between the first bonding part and the first rim, a portion of the first middle base on the first rim side of the first bonding part, and a portion of the first lower base between the first bonding part and the first rim. Further, the second bonding part is covered by a portion of the second upper base between the second bonding part and the second rim, a portion of the second middle base on the second rim side of the second bonding part, and a portion of the second lower base between the second bonding part and the second rim. With such a construction, the strength of bonding between the mask body and the first and second ear straps can be increased while the bonding part is prevented from coming in contact with the wearer&#39;s skin. 
         [0023]    In a further embodiment of the invention, the first bonding part is provided in the first upper base such that an end portion of the first bonding part on the one side in the second direction is disposed to the opposite side of an end portion of the first bonding part on the other side in the second direction from the first rim in the first direction. Further, the second bonding part is provided in the second upper base such that an end portion of the second bonding part on the one side in the second direction is disposed to the opposite side of an end portion of the second bonding part on the other side in the second direction from the second rim in the first direction. 
         [0024]    In this embodiment, space can be prevented from being formed between the mask body and the wearer in the regions of the first and second upper bases. 
         [0025]    In a further different embodiment of the invention, the first and second bonding parts are provided along the second direction. It is essential for the first and second bonding parts to be provided in order along the second direction, and each of the bonding part can be arranged in various manners, for example, along a straight line. 
         [0026]    In this embodiment, a portion of the first ear strap on the first rim side of the first bonding part and a portion of the second ear strap on the second rim side of the second bonding part can be easily folded back. 
         [0027]    A mask of a different invention includes at least a mask body and first and second ear straps. The first and second ear straps are bonded to the mask body by first and second bonding parts, respectively, which are located away from each other in the first direction. The “first direction” is defined as described above. 
         [0028]    The first ear strap has a first base which is bonded at least in part to one face of the mask body by the first bonding part. Further, the first ear strap has a first rim which extends from the first base to one side in the first direction and defines an opening. 
         [0029]    The second ear strap has a second base which is bonded at least in part to one face of the mask body by the second bonding part. Further, the second ear strap has a second rim which extends from the second base to the other side in the first direction and defines an opening. 
         [0030]    At least when the mask is worn, part of the first ear strap is disposed between the first bonding part and the wearer, and part of the second bonding part is disposed between the second bonding part and the wearer. For example, the first and second ear straps are bonded to the mask body in such a manner that the first bonding part is covered by part of the first ear strap by folding back the first ear strap (the left ear strap) and the second bonding part is covered by part of the second ear strap by folding back the second ear strap (the right ear strap). Alternatively, the first and second ear straps are bonded to the mask body in such a manner that the first bonding part and the second bonding part are covered by part of the first ear strap and part of the second ear strap, respectively. 
         [0031]    In the present invention, the first and second bonding parts can be prevented from coming in contact with the wearer&#39;s skin. 
         [0032]    In a further different embodiment of each of these inventions, the mask body has a plurality of pleats extending in the first direction. The pleats are bonded together at one end on one side in the first direction (for example, a left end) by the first bonding part and also bonded together at the other end on the other side in the first direction (for example, a right end) by the second bonding part. Specifically, the mask body is of a pleated type which takes a three-dimensional form when the mask is worn. The first and second rims extend in a band-like form from the first and second bases, respectively. 
         [0033]    In the mask of this embodiment, the effect obtained by using each of the features or structures described above can be more effectively produced. 
       Effect of the Invention 
       [0034]    In the mask of the present invention, the bonding parts of the mask can be prevented from coming in contact with the wearer&#39;s skin, so that the wearer can comfortably wear the mask. Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood after reading the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings and the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0035]      FIG. 1  shows a mask according to an embodiment, as viewed from a non-wearing face side when the mask is not worn. 
           [0036]      FIG. 2  shows the mask of the embodiment as viewed from a wearing face side when the mask is not worn. 
           [0037]      FIG. 3  shows the mask of the embodiment as viewed from the wearing face side when the mask is worn. 
           [0038]      FIG. 4  shows a mask body when the mask is not worn. 
           [0039]      FIG. 5  shows the mask body when the mask is worn. 
           [0040]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI in  FIG. 3  as viewed from the direction shown by the arrow. 
           [0041]      FIG. 7  shows a different embodiment of a bonding part. 
           [0042]      FIG. 8  shows a different embodiment of the bonding part. 
           [0043]      FIG. 9  shows a different embodiment of the bonding part. 
           [0044]      FIG. 10  shows a mask according to another embodiment, as viewed from the non-wearing face side when the mask is not worn. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0045]    Each of the additional features and method steps disclosed above and below may be utilized separately or in conjunction with other features and method steps to provide and manufacture improved masks and method for using such masks and devices utilized therein Representative examples of the present invention, which examples utilized many of these additional features and method steps in conjunction, will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This detailed description is merely intended to teach a person skilled in the art further details for practicing preferred aspects of the present teachings and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Only the claims define the scope of the claimed invention. Therefore, combinations of features and steps disclosed within the following detailed description may not be necessary to practice the invention in the broadest sense, and are instead taught merely to particularly describe some representative examples of the invention, which detailed description will now be given with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0046]    A mask  10  according to an embodiment of the present invention is now explained with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 6 . The mask  10  of this embodiment is designed as a disposable mask for single or multiple use which can be used once or several times. Further, the mask  10  of this embodiment can be used for various purposes including protection against pollens, protection against viruses such as cold viruses, and environmental improvement such as moisture retention around the mouth and in the nose. 
         [0047]      FIG. 1  shows the mask  10  of this embodiment as viewed from a non-wearing face  20 Y side (opposite to a wearing face  20 X side) when the mask is not worn, and  FIG. 2  shows the mask  10  of this embodiment as viewed from the wearing face  20 X side when the mask is not worn.  FIG. 4  shows a mask body  20  when the mask is not worn, and  FIG. 5  shows the mask body  20  when the mask is worn.  FIG. 6  is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI in  FIG. 3  as viewed from the direction shown by the arrow. 
         [0048]    In this specification, “directions” are defined as follows. 
         [0049]    A “first direction  70 ” represents a longitudinal direction (width direction) of a mask body  20  and corresponds to a horizontal direction when viewed from a wearer wearing the mask (which is referred to as the “horizontal direction”). One direction to “one side in the first direction  70 ” represents a direction from a left ear strap (a first ear strap)  30  toward a right ear strap (a second ear strap)  40  and corresponds to a direction from left to right when viewed from the wearer wearing the mask (which is referred to as the “right”). The other direction to “the other side in the first direction  70 ” represents a direction from the right ear strap (the second ear strap)  40  toward the left ear strap (the first ear strap)  30  and corresponds to a direction from right to left when viewed from the wearer wearing the mask (which is referred to as the “left”). Further, the “right” and the “left” here refer to the directions when viewed from the wearer wearing the mask. Therefore, when the “right” and the “left” are used herein for the mask as viewed from its non-wearing side, the “right” and the “left” are opposite to the actual “right” and “left”. 
         [0050]    Further, a “second direction  80 ” represents a direction (a height direction) transverse to the longitudinal direction of the mask body  20  and corresponds to a vertical direction with respect to the wearer wearing the mask (which is referred to as the “vertical direction”). One direction to “one side in the second direction  80 ” represents a direction from an upper edge toward a lower edge of the mask body  20  and corresponds to a direction from top to bottom of the wearer wearing the mask (which is referred to as the “downward direction”). The other direction to “the other side in the second direction  80 ” represents a direction from the lower end toward the upper end of the mask body  20  and corresponds to a direction from down to top of the wearer wearing the mask (which is referred to as the “upward direction”). 
         [0051]    Further, a “third direction  90 ” represents a front-back direction of the mask body  20  and corresponds to a front-back direction of the wearer wearing the mask (which is referred to as the “front-back direction”). One direction to the “one side in the third direction  90 ” represents a direction from a non-wearing face  20 Y toward a wearing face  20 X of the mask body  20  and corresponds to a direction from front to back of the wearer wearing the mask (which is referred to as the “backward direction”). The other direction to the “other side in the third direction  90 ” represents a direction from the wearing face  20 X toward the non-wearing face  20 Y and corresponds to a direction away from the wearer wearing the mask (which is referred to as the “frontward direction”). 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the mask  10  of this embodiment includes a mask body  20 , a left ear strap  30  and a right ear strap  40 . The mask body  20  is designed to cover the mouth and nose of a wearer. The left ear strap  30  and the right ear strap  40  are designed to be hooked around the left and right ears of the wearer, respectively. The mask body  20 , the left ear strap  30  and the right ear strap  40  are features that correspond to the “mask body”, the “first ear strap” and the “second ear strap”, respectively, according to this invention. 
         [0053]    The mask body  20  has a plurality of pleats extending along the first direction  70  (the horizontal direction) and is configured as a pleated mask body. In this embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 4 , a rectangular sheet piece having an upper side  20   a , a lower side  20   b , a left side  20   c  and a right side  20   d  is folded in order along a plurality of folding lines  21   a  to  21   j  which extend in parallel to the upper side  20   a  and the lower side  20   b  (in parallel to the first direction  70 ). Thus, a plurality of pleats  20 B to  20 J extending along the first direction  70  are arranged along the second direction  80  (the vertical direction). When the mask is not worn, the mask body  20  has a rectangular shape having a width W in the first direction  70  and a height H in the second direction  80 . Naturally, the shape of the mask body  20  is not limited to the rectangular shape. 
         [0054]    Further, a shape retaining part  50  is held by a folded piece  20 A folded back along the folding line  21   a  and the pleat  20 B. When the mask is worn, the shape retaining part  50  serves to fit an upper end portion of the mask body  20  to contours of the wearer&#39;s face in order to reduce space between the mask body  20  and the wearer&#39;s face. The shape retaining part  50  is preferably provided such that it can be easily bent and has a sufficient rigidity for retaining the bent shape. For example, the shape retaining part  50  is formed by a thin plate made of synthetic resin or metal. The shape retaining part  50  is held on the mask body  20  by a variety of methods. In this embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the shape retaining part  50  is held by bonding the folded piece  20 A and the pleat  20 B by a bonding part  28  shown by a broken line and a bonding part shown by a black dot. 
         [0055]    Further, a folded piece  20 K folded back along a folding line  21   j  is bonded to the pleat  20 J by a bonding part  29 . 
         [0056]    Adjacent pleats are bonded together at opposite ends in the first direction  70  by a left bonding part  25  and a right bonding part  24  which are described below. 
         [0057]    The mask body  20  is preferably formed by nonwoven fabric sheets which are formed of thermoplastic fibers and stacked in three layers of an outer layer on the side facing away from the wearer, a filter layer (intermediate layer), and an inner layer on the side facing the wearer. The nonwoven fabric sheet may be manufactured, for example, by through-air bonding, spun bonding, thermal bonding, spun lacing, point bonding, melt blowing, stitch bonding, chemical bonding, needle punching or other similar methods by using fibers such as polyethylene, polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate. Further, the nonwoven fabric sheet having a basis weight of 10 to 150 g/m 2  is used. Preferably, the nonwoven fabric sheet forming the outer layer and the inner layer has high air-permeability and is nice and soft to wear, and the nonwoven fabric sheet forming the filter layer has high air-permeability and high barrier properties (trapping efficiency). 
         [0058]    In this embodiment, each of the left ear strap  30  and the right ear strap  40  is bonded to the mask body  20  on the wearing face  20 X (the face on the wearer side) of the mask body  20 . 
         [0059]    In this embodiment, the mask body  20  and the left and right ear straps  30 ,  40  are separately formed. The mask body  20  however may also be integrally formed together with the left and right ear straps  30 ,  40 . For example, the left and right ear straps  30 ,  40  may be overlaid on top of the mask body  20  by folding back one sheet piece. 
         [0060]    Each of the left and right ear straps  30 ,  40  is formed of a sheet piece. Like the mask body  20 , a nonwoven fabric sheet formed of thermoplastic synthetic fibers can be used as the sheet piece for forming the left and right ear straps  30 ,  40 , and preferably, a nonwoven fabric sheet having higher stretchiness is used. For example, nonwoven fabric sheets having a basis weight of 30 to 120 g/m 2 , such as a stretch SB nonwoven fabric sheet (spun-bonded nonwoven fabric sheet), a stretch SMS nonwoven fabric sheet (spun-bonded/melt-blown composite nonwoven fabric sheet), a (stretch SB-film-SB) nonwoven fabric sheet, a stretch spun-laced nonwoven fabric sheet or a stretch hot-melt-adhesive (HMA) nonwoven fabric sheet, are used. 
         [0061]    The left ear strap  30  has a base  31  and a rim (ear strap part)  32  which extends from the base  31  and defines an opening  30   a . The base  31  extends along the second direction  80  and has a middle base  31   b , an upper base  31   a  and a lower base  31   c . The upper base  31   a  extends in the other direction (upward) from the other end (upper end) of the middle base  31   b  in the second direction  80 . The lower base  31   c  extends in one direction (downward) from one end (lower end) of the middle base  31   a  in the second direction  80 . The rim (ear strap part)  32  extends from the upper and lower bases  31   a ,  31   c . The opening  30   a  is formed by a cutout  33 . The rim (ear strap part)  32  is designed to be hooked around the wearer&#39;s left ear through the opening  30   a . The base  31  and the rim (ear strap part)  32  are features that correspond to the “first base” and the “first rim”, respectively, according to the present invention. Further, the upper base  31   a , the middle base  31   b  and the lower base  31   c  are features that correspond to the “first upper base”, the “first middle base” and the “first lower base”, respectively, according to the present invention. 
         [0062]    The left ear strap  30  is disposed on the other (left) end region of the wearing face  20 X of the mask body  20  in the first direction  70  such that the rim  32  is located on one side (right) of the base  31  in the first direction  70 . 
         [0063]    Then the base  31  of the left ear strap  30  is bonded in part to the mask body  20  by a left bonding part. The left bonding part consists of linear or point-like bonding portions formed along the second direction  80 . In this embodiment, part of the base  31  is bonded to the mask body  20  at the upper base  31   a , the middle base  31   b  and the lower base  31   c  by the left bonding part. Specifically, the left bonding part includes an upper bonding part  23  for bonding the upper base  31   a  to the mask body  20 , a middle bonding part  22  for bonding the middle base  31   b  to the mask body  20  and a lower bonding part  24  for bonding the lower base  31   c  to the mask body  20 . The left bonding part is formed such that a portion of the ear strap on the rim  32  side of the left bonding part can be folded back along the region of the left bonding part in the first direction  70 . The left bonding part, the upper bonding part  23 , the middle bonding part  22  and the lower bonding part  24  are features that correspond to the “first bonding part”, the “first upper bonding part”, the “first middle bonding part” and the “first lower bonding part”, respectively, according to the present invention. 
         [0064]    Like the left ear strap  30 , the right ear strap  40  has a base  41  and a rim (ear strap part)  42  which extends from the base  41  and defines an opening  40   a . The base  41  has an upper base  41   a , a middle base  41   b  and a lower base  41   c  which are disposed in order from the other side to one side in the second direction  80 . The rim (ear strap part)  42  extends from the upper and lower bases  41   a ,  41   c . The opening  40   a  is formed by a cutout  43 . The rim (ear strap part)  42  is designed to be hooked around the wearer&#39;s right ear through the opening  40   a . The base  41  and the rim (ear strap part)  42  are features that correspond to the “second base” and the “second rim”, respectively, according to the present invention. Further, the upper base  41   a , the middle base  41   b  and the lower base  41   c  are features that correspond to the “second upper base”, the “second middle base” and the “second lower base”, respectively, according to the present invention. 
         [0065]    The right ear strap  40  is disposed on the one (right) end region of the wearing face  20 X of the mask body  20  in the first direction  70  such that the rim  42  is located on the other side (left) of the base  41  in the first direction  70 . 
         [0066]    The base  41  of the right ear strap  40  is then bonded to the mask body  20  by a right bonding part. The right bonding part consists of linear or point-like bonding portions arranged along the second direction  80 . In this embodiment, part of the base  41  is bonded to the mask body  20  in the upper base  41   a , the middle base  41   b  and the lower base  41   c  by the right bonding part. Specifically, the right bonding part includes an upper bonding part  26  for bonding the upper base  41   a  to the mask body  20 , a middle bonding part  25  for bonding the middle base  41   b  to the mask body  20  and a lower bonding part  27  for bonding the lower base  41   c  to the mask body  20 . The right bonding part is formed such that a portion of the ear strap on the rim  42  side of the right bonding part can be folded back along the region of the right bonding part in the first direction  70 . The right bonding part, the upper bonding part  26 , the middle bonding part  25  and the lower bonding part  27  are features that correspond to the “second bonding part”, the “second upper bonding part”, the “second middle bonding part” and the “second lower bonding part”, respectively, according to the present invention. 
         [0067]    Further, the width of each of the upper base  31   a  ( 41   a ) and the lower base  31   c  ( 41   c ) of the left ear strap  30  (the right ear strap  40 ), or the width of each connection between the base  31  ( 41 ) and the rim (ear strap part)  32  ( 42 ) is set to be L. For example, a height H of the mask body  20  is set to be 70 to 110 mm and the width L of the upper base  31   a  ( 41   a ) and the lower base  31   c  ( 41   c ) is set to be 10 to 30 mm. Specifically, in this embodiment, the rim  32  ( 42 ) of the left ear strap  30  (the right ear strap  40 ) is configured as a band-like member having a certain width. 
         [0068]    As described above, the left and right ear straps  30 ,  40  are disposed on the left and right end regions of the wearing face  20 X of the mask body  20  in the first direction  70 . Further, at this time, the rims ( 32 ,  42 ) are located inward of the base ( 31 ,  41 ) (toward the center of the mask body) in the first direction  70 , or specifically, such that the rim  32  of the left ear strap  30  and the rim  42  of the right ear strap  40  are opposed to each other in the first direction  70 . Then the base  31  of the left ear strap  30  is bonded in part to the mask body  20  by the left bonding part and the base  41  of the right ear strap  40  is bonded in part to the mask body  20  by the right bonding part. 
         [0069]    When the mask is not worn, the left ear strap  30  and the right ear strap  40  are overlaid on the wearing face  20 X of the mask body  20 , so that the mask  10  becomes substantially as small as the mask body  20  in size (area). Therefore, when the mask is not worn (not in use), the mask is easy to pack and easy to carry. 
         [0070]    Next, the process of putting on the mask  10  according to this embodiment is now explained. 
         [0071]    In the state shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , central regions of the pleats  20 B,  20 J on the both ends of the mask body  20  in the second direction  80  are pulled along the second direction  80 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the central regions of the pleats  20 B to  20 J of the mask body  20  in the first direction  70  expand in the second direction  80 . At this time, a distance between the central pleat  20 F and the pleats  20 A,  20 K on the both ends of the mask body  20  is widened in a third direction  90  (front-back direction). Specifically, the mask body  20  takes a three-dimensional form. 
         [0072]    Further, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the left ear strap  30  and the right ear strap  40  are folded back in the first direction  70  (the horizontal direction). Specifically, the rim  32  of the left ear strap  30  is folded back to the left in the first direction  70 . Thus, a portion of the left ear strap  30  on the rim  32  side of the left bonding part is folded back along the region of the left bonding part. Further, the rim  42  of the right ear strap  40  is folded back to the right in the first direction  70 , so that a portion of the right ear strap  40  on the rim  42  side of the right bonding part is folded back along the region of the right bonding part. 
         [0073]    Then the left ear strap  30  is hooked around the wearer&#39;s left ear through the opening  30   a  and the right ear strap  40  is also hooked around the wearer&#39;s right ear through the opening  40   a.    
         [0074]    At this time, part of the folded portion of the left ear strap  30  is disposed between the left bonding part and a wearer  60 . Specifically, the left bonding part is covered by the part of the folded portion of the left ear strap  30 . Further, part of the folded portion of the right ear strap  40  is disposed between the right bonding part and the wearer  60 . Specifically, the right bonding part is covered by the part of the folded portion of the right ear strap  40 . 
         [0075]    Thus, when the mask is worn, the left and right bonding parts can be prevented from coming in direct contact with the skin of the wearer  60 . 
         [0076]    Further, in this embodiment, not only a portion of the upper base  31   a  of the left ear strap  30  on the rim  32  side of the upper bonding part  23  and a portion of the lower base  31   c  of the left ear strap  30  on the rim  32  side of the lower bonding part  24 , but a portion of the middle base  31   b  of the left ear strap  30  on the rim  32  side of the middle bonding part  22  is folded back. With such a construction, the strength of bonding between the left ear strap  30  and the mask body  20  can be increased by providing the left bonding part between the upper base  31   a  and the lower base  31   c , while the left bonding part is prevented from coming in contact with the wearer&#39;s skin. This is the same with the right ear strap  40 . 
         [0077]    Further, in this embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the upper and lower bonding parts  23  ( 26 ),  24  ( 27 ) in the upper and lower bases  31   a  ( 41   a ),  31   c  ( 41   c ) are arranged in a different manner from the middle bonding part  22  ( 25 ) in the middle base  31   b  ( 41   b ). The middle bonding part  22  ( 25 ) in the middle base  31   b  ( 41   b ) extends in the second direction  80  substantially at the same location in the first direction  70  (substantially in parallel to the second direction  80 ). On the other hand, the upper and lower bonding parts  23  ( 26 ),  24  ( 27 ) in the upper and lower bases  31   a  ( 41   a ),  31   c  ( 41   c ) extend in the second direction  80  in such a manner as to be displaced in position in the first direction  70 . 
         [0078]    In  FIG. 2 , the upper bonding part  23  has an upper bonding portion  23   u  on the other (upper) end in the second direction  80  and a lower bonding portion  23   d  on one (lower) end in the second direction  80 , and the lower bonding portion  23   d  is disposed to the opposite side of the upper bonding portion  23   u  from the rim  32  in the first direction  70 . The upper bonding part  26  has an upper bonding portion  26   u  on its upper end in the second direction  80  and a lower bonding portion  26   d  on its lower end in the second direction  80 , and the lower bonding portion  26   d  is disposed to the opposite side of the upper bonding portion  26   u  from the rim  42  in the first direction  70 . Further, an appropriate bonding part is formed between the upper bonding portion  23   u  ( 26   u ) and the lower bonding portion  23   d  ( 26   d ). 
         [0079]    Further, the lower bonding part  24  has an upper bonding portion  24   u  on its upper end in the second direction  80  and a lower bonding portion  24   d  on its lower end in the second direction  80 , and the upper bonding portion  24   u  is disposed to the opposite side of the lower bonding part  24  from the rim  32  in the first direction  70 . The lower bonding part  27  has an upper bonding portion  27   u  on its upper end in the second direction  80  and a lower bonding portion  27   d  on its lower end in the second direction  80 , and the upper bonding portion  27   u  is disposed to the opposite side of the lower bonding part  27  from the rim  42  in the first direction  70 . Further, a bonding part having an appropriate shape is formed between the upper bonding portion  24   u  ( 27   u ) and the lower bonding portion  24   d  ( 27   d ). 
         [0080]    Further, the shape and location (in the first direction  70 ) of the left and right bonding parts can be appropriately selected, but preferably they are selected such that the left and right bonding parts can be covered by part of the portion folded back along the regions of the left and right bonding parts. 
         [0081]    Thus, in this embodiment, the upper bonding part  23  of the left bonding part is gradually displaced in position to the other side (left) in the first direction  70  from the upper bonding portion  23   u  on the upper end in the second direction  80  to the lower bonding portion  23   d  on the lower end in the second direction  80 . The upper bonding part  26  of the right bonding part is gradually displaced in position to the one side (right) in the first direction  70  from the upper bonding portion  26   u  on the upper end in the second direction  80  to the lower bonding portion  26   d  on the lower end in the second direction  80 . With such a construction, when the mask is worn, space can be prevented from being formed between the mask body  20  and the wearer in the regions of the upper bases  31   a  and  41   a.    
         [0082]    Further, the lower bonding part  24  of the left bonding part is gradually displaced in position to the other side (left) in the first direction  70  from the lower bonding portion  24   d  on the lower end in the second direction  80  to the upper bonding portion  24   u  on the upper end in the second direction  80 . The lower bonding part  27  of the right bonding part  25  is gradually displaced in position to the one side (right) in the first direction  70  from the lower bonding portion  27   d  on the lower end in the second direction  80  to the upper bonding portion  27   u  on the upper end in the second direction  80 . With such a construction, when the mask is worn, space can be prevented from being formed between the mask body  20  and the wearer in the regions of the lower bases  31   c  and  41   c.    
         [0083]    Further, when the mask is worn, space is easily formed in the regions of the upper bases  31   a  and  41   a . Therefore, only the upper bonding part  23  of the left bonding part  22  and the upper bonding part  26  of the right bonding part  25  may be formed such that their upper and lower bonding portions are displaced from each other in position in the first direction  70 . 
         [0084]    The upper bonding parts ( 23 ,  26 ) and the lower bonding part ( 24 ,  27 ) can be formed in appropriate shapes, but preferably their end portions in the second direction  80  are formed perpendicularly (or substantially perpendicularly) to a direction in which the rim  32  ( 42 ) is folded back. Specifically, the upper bonding part  23  ( 26 ) has an upper end region in the second direction  80  which extends from the upper bonding portion  23   u  ( 26   u ) in parallel (or substantially parallel) to the second direction  80 . Further, the lower bonding part  24  ( 27 ) has a lower end region in the second direction  80  which extends from the lower bonding portion  24   d  ( 27   d ) in parallel (or substantially parallel) to the second direction  80 . 
         [0085]    For example, the upper bonding part  23  shown in  FIG. 7  has a bonding portion  23   a  formed in parallel (or substantially parallel) to the second direction  80  in a region (shown surrounded by a broken line) extending from the upper bonding portion  23   u , and a bonding portion  23   b  formed along a curved line. 
         [0086]    Further, the upper bonding part  23  shown in  FIG. 8  has a bonding portion  23   a  which is formed in parallel (or substantially parallel) to the second direction  80  in a region (shown surrounded by a broken line) extending from the upper bonding portion  23   u , and bonding portions  23   b ,  23   c  formed along a stepped line. 
         [0087]    Further, the upper bonding part  23  shown in  FIG. 9  has a bonding portion  23   a  which extends parallel (or substantially parallel) to the second direction  80  in a region (shown surrounded by a broken line) extending from the upper bonding portion  23   u , and a bonding portion  23   b  formed parallel (or substantially parallel) to the second direction  80  (the bonding portions  23   a  and  23   b  are discontinuously formed). 
         [0088]    With this construction in which the end portions of the upper bonding parts ( 23 ,  26 ) and the lower bonding parts ( 24 ,  27 ) in the second direction  80  are formed perpendicularly to the folding direction of the rim  32  ( 42 ) (the first direction  70 ), the upper bonding part ( 23 ,  26 ) and the lower bonding part ( 24 ,  27 ) increase in strength against tensile stress exerted in the folding direction (the first direction  70 ). 
         [0089]    In the above-described embodiment, the left ear strap  30  (the right ear strap  40 ) has the base  31  ( 41 ) including the upper base  31   a  ( 41   a ), the middle base  31   b  ( 41   b ) and the lower base  31   c  ( 41   c ) which are disposed in order from the other side to the one side (from top to bottom) in the second direction  80 , but the configuration of the base  31  ( 41 ) is not limited to this. 
         [0090]    A mask  110  according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0091]    The mask  110  of this embodiment has a mask body  120  and left and right ear straps  130 ,  140 . The mask body  120  has the same construction as the above-described mask body  20 . 
         [0092]    The left ear strap  130  has a base including an upper base  131   a  and a lower base  131   c  which are located away from each other in the second direction  80  and a rim  132  extending from the upper base  131   a  and the lower base  131   c . Further, the left ear strap  130  has an opening  130   a  formed by a cutout  133 . The left ear strap  130  is disposed on the other (left) end region of a wearing face  120 X of a mask body  120  in the first direction  70  such that a rim  132  is located on one side (right) of the upper and lower bases  131   a ,  131   c  in the first direction  70 . Then part of the upper base  131   a  and part of the lower base  131   c  are bonded to the mask body  120  by the left bonding part. The left bonding part includes an upper bonding part  123  for bonding the upper base  131   a  to the mask body  120 , a lower bonding part  124  for bonding the lower base  131   c  to the mask body  120  and a middle bonding part  122  for bonding pleats  20 B to  20 J of the mask body  120 . 
         [0093]    The right ear strap  140  has a base including an upper base  141   a  and a lower base  141   c  which are located away from each other in the second direction  80  and a rim  142  extending from the upper base  141   a  and the lower base  141   c . Further, in the right ear strap  140 , an opening  140   a  is formed by a cutout  143 . The right ear strap  140  is disposed on the one (right) end region of the wearing face  120 X of the mask body  120  in the first direction  70  such that the rim  142  is located on the other side (left) of the upper and lower bases  141   a ,  141   c  in the first direction  70 . Then part of the upper base  141   a  and part of the lower base  141   c  are bonded to the mask body  120  by the right bonding part. The right bonding part has an upper bonding part  126  for bonding the upper base  141   a  to the mask body  120 , a lower bonding part  127  for bonding the lower base  141   c  to the mask body  120  and a middle bonding part  125  for bonding the pleats  20 B to  20 J of the mask body  120 . 
         [0094]    The upper bonding part  123  ( 126 ) and the lower bonding part  124  ( 127 ) of the left bonding part (the right bonding part) are formed such that a portion of the ear strap on the rim  132  ( 142 ) side of the upper bonding part  123  ( 126 ) and the lower bonding part  124  ( 127 ) can be folded back along the regions of the upper bonding part  123  ( 126 ) and the lower bonding part  124  ( 127 ). 
         [0095]    In order to put on the mask  110  of this embodiment, a portion of the left ear strap  130  on the rim  132  side of the upper and lower bonding parts  123 ,  124  is folded back along the regions of the upper and lower bonding parts  123 ,  124 . Likewise, a portion of the right ear strap  140  on the rim  142  side of the upper and lower bonding parts  126 ,  127  is folded back along the regions of the upper and lower bonding parts  126 ,  127 . Thus, the upper and lower bonding parts  123 ,  124  are covered by part of the folded portion on the rim  132  side of the upper and lower bonding parts  123 ,  124 . Likewise, the upper and lower bonding parts  126 ,  127  are covered by part of the folded portion on the rim  142  side of the upper and lower bonding parts  126 ,  127 . 
         [0096]    In this embodiment, a region of the left bonding part (the right bonding part) between the upper bonding part  123  ( 126 ) and the lower bonding part  124  ( 127 ) is not covered, but regions of the upper bonding part  123  ( 126 ) and the lower bonding part  124  ( 127 ) are covered. With such a construction, when the mask is worn, the upper bonding part  123  ( 126 ) and the lower bonding part  124  ( 127 ) can be prevented from coming in contact with the wearer&#39;s skin. Even such a mask can be more comfortable to wear than the known mask. 
         [0097]    Further, when the mask is worn, space can be prevented from being formed between the mask body  20  and the wearer in the regions of the upper bases  131   a  and  141   a  and also in the regions of the lower bases  131   c  and  141   c.    
         [0098]    Further, the shape of the base  131  ( 141 ) between the upper base  131   a  ( 141   a ) and the lower base  131   c  ( 141   c ) can be appropriately changed. 
         [0099]    The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but rather, may be added to, changed, replaced with alternatives or otherwise modified. 
         [0100]    The mask body, the left ear strap and the right ear strap can be formed in various configurations. For example, the mask body may be designed to take a three-dimensional form at least when the mask is worn, or to be always held in a planar form. 
         [0101]    The mask body, the left ear strap and the right ear strap can be formed by using various materials and methods. Further, the mask body, the left ear strap and the right ear strap can be bonded together by using various methods. 
         [0102]    The pleats of the mask body can be appropriately changed in shape. 
         [0103]    The left and right bonding parts can be appropriately changed in shape and position. Further, the bonding part can be continuously formed, or it can be formed from differently shaped bonding portions which are discontinuously arranged. 
         [0104]    Each of the features or structures explained in the embodiments can be used singly or in combination with other appropriately selected ones. 
         [0105]    Further, following aspects can be provided according to the invention. 
       (Aspect 1) 
       [0106]    A mask comprising a mask body which covers a wearer&#39;s mouth, and first and second ear straps which are designed to be hooked around wearer&#39;s ears, the first and second ear straps being bonded to the mask body by a first bonding part and a second bonding part, respectively, which are located away from each other in a first direction, wherein: 
         [0107]    the first ear strap has a first base and a first rim which extends from the first base and defines an opening, 
         [0108]    at least part of the first base is bonded to one face of the mask body by the first bonding part, 
         [0109]    the first rim extends from the first base to one side in the first direction, and 
         [0110]    the second ear strap has a second base and a second rim which extends from the second base and defines an opening, 
         [0111]    at least part of the second base is bonded to the one face of the mask body by the second bonding part, and 
         [0112]    the second rim extends from the second base to the other side in the first direction, and 
         [0113]    at least when the mask is worn, the first ear strap is folded back at a region of the first bonding part in the first direction and the second ear strap is folded back at a region of the second bonding part in the first direction. 
       (Aspect 2) 
       [0114]    The mask as defined in aspect 1, wherein: 
         [0115]    the first base has a first lower base and a first upper base which are located away from each other in a second direction transverse to the first direction, the first lower base being disposed to one side of the first upper base in the second direction, 
         [0116]    the first rim extends from the first upper base and the first lower base, 
         [0117]    at least part of the first upper base and at least part of the first lower base are bonded to the one face of the mask body by the first bonding part, 
         [0118]    the second base has a second lower base and a second upper base which are located away from each other in the second direction transverse to the first direction, the second lower base being disposed to one side of the second upper base in the second direction, 
         [0119]    the second rim extends from the second upper base and the second lower base, and 
         [0120]    at least the part of the second upper base and at least the part of the second lower base are bonded to the one face of the mask body by the second bonding part. 
       (Aspect 3) 
       [0121]    The mask as defined in aspect 1, wherein: 
         [0122]    the first base has a first upper base, a first middle base and a first lower base which are disposed in order from the other side to one side in a second direction transverse to the first direction, 
         [0123]    the first rim extends from the first upper base and the first lower base, 
         [0124]    at least the part of the first base is bonded to the one face of the mask body at the first upper base, the first middle base and the first lower base by the first bonding part, 
         [0125]    the second base has a second upper base, a second middle base and a second lower base which are disposed in order from the other side to the one side in the second direction, 
         [0126]    the second rim extends from the second upper base and the second lower base, and 
         [0127]    at least the part of the second base is bonded to the one face of the mask body at the second upper base, the second middle base and the second lower base by the second bonding part. 
       (Aspect 4) 
       [0128]    The mask as defined in aspect 2 or 3, wherein: 
         [0129]    the first bonding part which bonds the first upper base to the one face of the mask body is provided such that an end portion of the first bonding part on the one side in the second direction is disposed to the other side in the first direction with respect to an end portion of the first bonding part on the other side in the second direction, and 
         [0130]    the second bonding part which bonds the second upper base to the one face of the mask body is provided such that an end portion of the second bonding part on the one side in the second direction is disposed to the one side in the first direction with respect to an end portion of the second bonding part on the other side in the second direction. 
       (Aspect 5) 
       [0131]    The mask as defined in any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein: 
         [0132]    the first bonding part and the second bonding part are provided along the second direction 
       (Aspect 6) 
       [0133]    The mask as defined in any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein: 
         [0134]    at least when the mask is worn, part of the first ear strap is disposed between the first bonding part and the wearer, and part of the second bonding part is disposed between the second bonding part and the wearer. 
       (Aspect 7) 
       [0135]    The mask as defined in any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein: 
         [0136]    the mask body has a plurality of pleats extending in the first direction, the pleats being bonded together at one end on one side in the first direction by the first bonding part and also at the other end on the other side in the first direction by the second bonding part, 
         [0137]    the first rim extends in a band-like form from the first base, and 
         [0138]    the second rim extends in a band-like form from the second base. 
       (Aspect 8) 
       [0139]    A mask, including a mask body that covers a wearer&#39;s mouth, a first ear strap and a second ear strap which are designed to be hooked around wearer&#39;s ears, the first and second ear straps being bonded to the mask body by first and second bonding parts, respectively, which are located away from each other in a first direction, wherein: 
         [0140]    the first ear strap has a first base which is bonded at least in part to the mask body by the first bonding part and a first rim that extends from the first base and defines an opening, 
         [0141]    the second ear strap has a second base which is bonded at least in part to the mask body by the second bonding part, and a second rim which extends from the second base and defines an opening, 
         [0142]    at least when the mask is worn, part of the first ear strap is disposed between the first bonding part and the wearer, and part of the second bonding part is disposed between the second bonding part and the wearer. 
       DESCRIPTION OF NUMERALS 
       [0000]    
       
           10 ,  110  mask 
           20 ,  120  mask body 
           20   a  to  20   d  rim 
           20 B to  20 J pleat 
           20 X wearing face (back) 
           20 Y non-wearing face (front) 
           21   a  to  21   j  folding line 
           22 ,  25 ,  122 ,  125  middle bonding part 
           23 ,  123 ,  26 ,  126  upper bonding part 
           23   u ,  24   u ,  26   u ,  27   u  upper bonding portion 
           23   d ,  24   d ,  26   d ,  27   d  lower bonding portion 
           24 ,  124 ,  27 ,  127  lower bonding part 
           30 ,  130  left ear strap (first ear strap) 
           30   a ,  40   a  opening 
           31 ,  41  base 
           31   a ,  41   a ,  131   a ,  141   a  upper base 
           31   b ,  41   b  middle base 
           31   c ,  41   c ,  131   c ,  141   c  lower base 
           32 ,  42  rim 
           40 ,  140  right ear strap (second ear strap) 
           70  first direction (horizontal direction) 
           80  second direction (vertical direction) 
           90  third direction (front-back direction)