Patent Publication Number: US-2023158700-A1

Title: Method of producing ear loop members for masks and device for producing ear loop members for masks

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a method of producing ear loop members for masks and a device for producing ear loop members for masks. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Conventionally, methods of producing masks are known where, as in patent document 1 (JP-A No. 2012-217651), a sheet serving as raw material for ear loop members and ear loop members that have been formed are conveyed along a low-stretch direction. Such methods of producing ear loop members can reduce deformation, distortion, and misalignment of the ear loop members. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     However, as described in patent document 1 (JP-A No. 2012-217651), in a case where, both of the mask bodies and the ear loop members are conveyed in the low-stretch direction, it is necessary to change the relative positions of the mask bodies and the ear loop members when the ear loop members and the mask bodies are combined. Such a step of changing the relative positions of the mask bodies and the ear loop members has a risk of reducing the production efficiency of the masks. 
     The present invention provides a method of producing ear loop members for masks and a device for producing ear loop members for masks with which it is possible to inhibit a reduction in the production efficiency of the masks. 
     Solution to Problem 
     A method of producing ear loop members for masks of the present invention includes a conveyance step, a tension adjustment step, and a forming step. In the conveyance step, a sheet having high stretchability in a first direction is conveyed in a conveyance direction running along the first direction while tension is applied in the first direction to the sheet. In the tension adjustment step, the tension in the conveyed sheet is adjusted. In the forming step, ear loop members are formed by cutting the sheet after the tension adjustment. 
     Furthermore, a device for producing ear loop members for masks of the present invention includes a sheet roll, a conveyance mechanism, and a forming mechanism. In the sheet roll, a sheet having high stretchability in a first direction is wound. The conveyance mechanism conveys, in a conveyance direction running along the first direction, the sheet paid out from the sheet roll, while applying tension in the first direction to the sheet. The forming mechanism forms ear loop members by cutting the sheet conveyed by the conveyance mechanism. The conveyance mechanism has a tension adjustment mechanism. The tension adjustment mechanism is disposed upstream of the forming mechanism in the conveyance direction of the sheet and adjusts the tension in the sheet fed to the forming mechanism. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     In the method of producing and the device for producing ear loop members for masks pertaining to the present invention, a step for changing the relative positions of the mask bodies and the ear loop members is unnecessary even in a case where the mask bodies are conveyed in the low-stretch direction, and a reduction in the production efficiency of the masks can be inhibited. 
     Furthermore, in the method of producing and the device for producing ear loop members for masks of the present invention, the sheet is conveyed in a state in which tension is applied in the first direction to the sheet, so even when the sheet is conveyed in the high-stretch direction, meandering and misalignment of the conveyed sheet can be inhibited. 
     Moreover, in the method of producing and the device for producing ear loop members for masks of the present invention, the adjustment of the tension in the conveyed sheet is performed before the ear loop members are formed, so the sheet deformed by tension can be returned to an appropriate dimension and then fed to the forming mechanism for forming the ear loop members. For that reason, the ear loop members having a predetermined shape can be accurately produced. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a drawing showing a donned state of a mask using ear loop members produced using a method of producing ear loop members and a device for producing ear loop members for masks pertaining to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a front view of the mask of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a back view of the mask of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  4    is a drawing showing a state in which the ear loop members of the mask of  FIG.  2    are opened outward. 
         FIG.  5    is a front view of a mask body of the mask of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  6    is a front view of the ear loop members (an ear loop member assembly) produced using the method of producing ear loop members and device for producing ear loop members for masks pertaining to the embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  7    is a diagram schematically showing a system for producing the mask of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  8    is a diagram showing in a time series a process for producing the mask of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  9    is a schematic configuration diagram of the ear loop member production device, an intermediate member production device, and a joining device for joining the ear loop members and the intermediate members. 
         FIG.  10    is a flowchart of steps for producing the ear loop members (the ear loop member assembly) of  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  11    is a drawing showing an example of changes in the width of a sheet during conveyance by a conveyance mechanism of the ear loop member production device of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  12    is a diagram schematically showing part of an outer peripheral surface of a first cut roll of a forming mechanism of the ear loop member production device of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  13    is a schematic sectional view for describing the internal structure of the first cut roll of the forming mechanism of the ear loop member production device of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  14    is a drawing schematically showing part of an outer peripheral surface of a pattern roll of the joining device for joining the ear loop members and the intermediate members of  FIG.  9   . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT 
     An embodiment of a method of producing ear loop members and a device for producing ear loop members for masks pertaining to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 
     It will be noted that the embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made to the following embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention described in the claims. 
     Here, first, a mask using ear loop members produced using the production method and the ear loop member production device of the present invention will be described, and then details will be described regarding the method of producing the ear loop members and the ear loop member production device. 
     (1) Mask 
     A mask  10  produced using ear loop members  4  produced by an ear loop member production device  1000  pertaining to an embodiment of the ear loop member production device of the invention and a method of producing the mask  10  will be described. 
     (1-1) Overall Configuration of Mask 
     The mask  10  is a hygienic device that is fastened to the face of a wearer and covers at least the mouth of the wearer. The mask  10  inhibits airborne microparticles from being taken in through the mouth and the like of the wearer. Examples of microparticles to be trapped by the mask  10  include viruses, bacteria, and pollen. 
     The overall configuration of the mask  10  will be described with reference to  FIG.  1    to  FIG.  3   . 
       FIG.  1    is a drawing showing a state in which a wearer P is donning the mask  10 .  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  3    are drawings illustrating the mask  10  in an unused state (before being donned by the wearer P as shown in  FIG.  1   ). In other words, the unused mask  10  is provided to the wearer P in the form shown in  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  3   .  FIG.  2    is a front view of the mask  10 .  FIG.  3    is a back view of the mask  10 . 
     It will be noted that the front view of the mask  10  in  FIG.  2    is a view in which the unused mask  10  is seen facing a second surface  2 B of a mask body  2  that covers the mouth and the like of the wearer P. The second surface  2 B of the mask body  2  is the surface that does not oppose the face of the wearer P—in other words, the surface disposed on the outer side—when the wearer P dons the mask  10 . The back view of the mask  10  in  FIG.  3    is a view in which the unused mask  10  is seen facing a first surface  2 A of the mask body  2 . The first surface  2 A of the mask body  2  is the surface that opposes the face of the wearer P—in other words, the surface disposed on the inner side—when the wearer P dons the mask  10 . 
     The mask  10  mainly includes the mask body  2 , a pair of intermediate members  6 , and a pair of ear loop members  4  (see  FIG.  1    to  FIG.  3   ). The mask  10  is a so called a pleated mask in which the mask body  2  is provided with pleats  2 C. In the mask  10 , the ear loop members  4  are not directly joined to the mask body  2  but are connected to the mask body  2  via the intermediate members  6 . 
     The mask body  2 , the intermediate members  6 , and the ear loop members  4  will be generally described. 
     The mask body  2  is a member that mainly covers the nose and mouth of the wearer P of the mask  10 . In the unused mask  10 , the mask body  2  is a planar member extending in a first direction D 1  and a second direction D 2  orthogonal to the first direction D 1 . In the present embodiment, the shape of the mask body  2  in an unused state is a rectangular shape in front view, although this should not be construed as being limiting. It will be noted that, here, the first direction D 1  of the mask  10  is the longitudinal direction of the mask body  2 . Furthermore, the second direction D 2  of the mask  10  is the lateral direction of the mask body  2 . When the mask  10  is donned by the wearer P, an end portion on one side of the mask body  2  in the first direction D 1  is disposed on the right cheek of the wearer P and an end portion on the other side of the mask body  2  in the first direction D 1  is disposed on the left cheek of the wearer P. 
     Each of the pair of intermediate members  6  is a member that interconnects the mask body  2  and one of the pair of ear loop members  4 . Specifically, the intermediate members  6  include first joint portions  12  joined to the mask body  2  and second joint portions  14  joined to the ear loop members  4 . The intermediate members  6  are welded to the mask body  2  and the ear loop members  4 . However, the method of joining the intermediate members  6  to the mask body  2  and the ear loop members  4  is not limited to welding; for example, adhesion using an adhesive may be used. The ear loop members  4  are connected via the intermediate members  6  to the mask body  2  as a result of the intermediate members  6  being joined to the mask body  2  and the ear loop members  4 . One of the pair of intermediate members  6  is disposed on the end portion of the mask body  2  on one side in the first direction D 1 , and the other of the pair of intermediate members  6  is disposed on the end portion of the mask body  2  on the other side in the first direction D 1 . The intermediate members  6  are sheet-like members extending in the first direction D 1  and the second direction D 2 . In front view, the shape of the intermediate members  6  is a rectangular shape whose lateral direction coincides with the first direction D 1  and whose longitudinal direction coincides with the second direction D 2 . 
     The pair of ear loop members  4  are portions fastened to the wearer P of the mask  10 . The ear loop members  4  are sheet-like members. Seen from the front, the shape of the ear loop members  4  is a substantially D-shape or a substantially inverted D-shape (see  FIG.  2   ). When the mask  10  is fastened, each of the pair of ear loop members  4  is fastened so as to be hooked around one ear of the wearer P. 
     (1-2) Detailed Configuration of Mask 
     The mask  10  will be described in greater detail with reference to  FIG.  4    to  FIG.  6    in addition to  FIG.  1    to  FIG.  3   .  FIG.  4    is a drawing showing a state in which the ear loop members  4  of the mask  10  in the front view of  FIG.  2    are opened outward.  FIG.  5    is a front view of the mask body  2  by itself.  FIG.  6    is a front view of the ear loop members  4  (specifically, an ear loop member assembly  4 C including a pair of ear loop members  4 ) produced using the ear loop member production device  1000 . 
     (1-2-1) Mask Body 
     The mask body  2  is formed by superposing plural sheets on top of each other in their thickness direction. For example, in the present embodiment, the mask body  2  is a sheet with a three-ply structure in which an outer sheet, an intermediate sheet, and an inner sheet are layered on top of each other in their thickness direction (not shown in the drawings). It will be noted that the number of sheet plies is merely exemplary, and plural intermediate sheets may be disposed between the outer sheet and the inner sheet. 
     In the present embodiment, the outer sheet, the intermediate sheet, and the inner sheet are all sheets made of plastic nonwoven fabric, although this should not be construed as limiting the material. The outer sheet has the second surface  2 B of the mask body  2 —in other words, the surface exposed to the outside of the mask body  2  in a donned state of the mask  10 . The inner sheet has the first surface  2 A of the mask body  2 —in other words, the surface facing the wearer P in a donned state of the mask  10 . The intermediate sheet has a predetermined ability to trap bacteria, viruses, dust, and the like. For the outer sheet and the inner sheet, a nonwoven fabric with specifications meeting desired conditions in the standpoint of air permeability, for example, is selected. For the intermediate sheet, a nonwoven fabric with specifications meeting desired conditions in the standpoint of ability to trap the microparticles to be trapped and air permeability is selected. 
     The outer sheet, the intermediate sheet, and the inner sheet are integrated as the mask body  2  by being welded together at joint portions  2 D,  2 E disposed on both end portions of the mask body  2  in the second direction D 2  (see  FIG.  5   ). The joint portions  2 D,  2 E are provided along the first direction D 1  so as to span almost the entire length of the mask body  2  in the first direction D 1  as shown in  FIG.  5   . It will be noted that welding is merely an example of a method of integrating the outer sheet, the intermediate sheet, and the inner sheet, and the sheets may be integrated using another method. For example, the outer sheet, the intermediate sheet, and the inner sheet may also be integrated by being adhered to each other with an adhesive at the joint portions  2 D,  2 E. 
     It will be noted that, in the joint portion  2 D of the joint portions  2 D,  2 E that is disposed on the upper side (the nose side of the wearer P) when the mask  10  is donned, two rows of weld point groups extending in the first direction D 1  may be disposed an interval apart from each other in the second direction D 2  as shown in  FIG.  5    to form a space capable of housing a nose strip member (not shown in the drawings) between the rows of weld point groups. The nose strip member is a member that can be deformed to fit the shape of the nose bridge of the wearer P when the mask  10  is donned. It will be noted that mask bodies equipped with nose strip members are commonly known, so detailed description thereof will be omitted here. 
     The mask body  2  is provided with plural pleats  2 C. Specifically, in the mask body  2 , pleats  2 C extending in the first direction D 1  are plurally disposed along the second direction D 2 . Because such pleats  2 C are provided, the wearer P can don the mask  10  by expanding the mask body  2  in the second direction D 2  at its center portion in the first direction D 1 . In other words, because the mask body  2  has the plural pleats  2 C extending in the first direction D 1 , the mask body  2  has a structure in which its stretchability in the second direction D 2  is high compared to its stretchability in the first direction D 1 . 
     Because the mask body  2  is configured to be expandable in the second direction D 2  at its center portion in the first direction D 1 , a space can be formed between the mask body  2  and the mouth of the wearer P, whereby advantages such as it being easier for the wearer P to breathe even while donning the mask  10  are obtained. Furthermore, the pleats  2 C of the mask body  2  provides effects such as the mask  10  being less likely to shift even when the wearer  10  talks while donning the mask  10 . It will be noted that pleated masks are commonly known, so detailed description regarding the structure of the pleats  2 C and the like will be omitted here. 
     (1-2-2) Intermediate Members 
     The intermediate members  6  are sheet-like members with a rectangular shape whose lateral direction coincides with the first direction D 1  and whose longitudinal direction coincides with the second direction D 2  (see  FIG.  2   ). In the present embodiment, in the mask  10  in an unused state, the length of the intermediate members  6  in the second direction D 2  is the same as the length of the mask body  2  in the second direction D 2  (see  FIG.  2   ). 
     In the unused mask  10 , the intermediate members  6  are disposed on the front side of the mask body  2 . 
     The intermediate members  6  are joined to end portions of the mask body  2  in the first direction D 1  at one end side of each of the intermediate members  6  in the first direction D 1  when the unused mask  10  is seen from the front side (see  FIG.  2   ). In other words, the intermediate members  6  have, on one end side thereof in the first direction D 1 , the first joint portions  12  that are portions joined to the mask body  2  (see  FIG.  2   ). Furthermore, the intermediate members  6  are joined to later-described base portions  42  of the ear loop members  4  at the other end side of each of the intermediate members  6  in the first direction D 1  (the end portions on the opposite sides of the sides where the first joint portions  12  are provided) when the unused mask  10  is seen from the front side (see  FIG.  2   ). In other words, the intermediate members  6  have, on the other end side thereof in the first direction D 1 , the second joint portions  14  that are portions joined to the ear loop members  4  (see  FIG.  2   ). In the first direction D 1 , the second joint portion  14  provided in each intermediate member  6  is disposed closer to the center side of the mask body  2  than the first joint portion  12  is. 
     In the present embodiment, the intermediate members  6  are sheets made of plastic nonwoven fabric, although this should not be construed as limiting the material. Here, the intermediate members  6  are single-ply sheets, but they are not limited to this and may be sheets with a structure having multiple plies layered on top of each other in their thickness direction. 
     (1-2-3) Ear Loop Members 
     Each ear loop member  4  has a base portion  42 , at least part of which is joined to the second joint portions  14  of the intermediate members  6 , and an ear loop portion  44 , which is hooked around the ears of the wearer P. The base portions  42  are substantially rectangular portions extending along the second direction D 2 . Referring to  FIG.  6   , the base portions  42  in the present embodiment are portions of the ear loop members  4  disposed on the outer sides of the long dashed double-short dashed lines. The shape of the ear loop portions  44  is a substantially C-shape or a substantially inverted C-shape in plan view. The ear loop portions  44  are connected to the base portions  42 , so that overall the ear loop members  4  are each formed in the shape of a loop having a hole  46  in its center portion. The wearer P can, by inserting his/her ears through the holes  46  encircled by the base portions  42  and the ear loop portions  44 , hook the ear loop portions  44  around his/her ears. In front view, the shape of each ear loop member  4  is a substantially D-shape or a substantially inverted D-shape. 
     It will be noted that in the unused mask  10 , the pair of ear loop members  4  are joined to the pair of intermediate members  6  of the mask  10  in the form of an ear loop member assembly  4 C in which the ear loop portions  44  are connected to each other as shown in  FIG.  6   . 
     The ear loop members  4  are sheets made of plastic nonwoven fabric, although this should not be construed as limiting the material. Here, the ear loop members  4  are single-ply sheets, but they are not limited to this and may be sheets with a structure having multiple plies layered on top of each other in their thickness direction. The ear loop members  4  each have a first surface  4 A disposed on the back side and a second surface  4 B disposed on the front side (the reverse side of the first surface  4 A) in the unused mask  10 . 
     The stretchability of the ear loop members  4  in the first direction D 1  is greater than the stretchability of the ear loop members  4  in the second direction D 2 . By comparatively increasing the stretchability of the ear loop members  4  in the first direction D 1 , it becomes easier for the ear loop portions  44  to be looped over the ears of the wearer P and it becomes easier to bring the mask body  2  into close contact with the face of the wearer P after the wearer P dons the mask  10 . 
     In the unused mask  10 , the ear loop member assembly  4 C (i.e., the pair of ear loop members  4 ) is disposed on the second surface  2 B side of the mask body  2  (see  FIG.  2   ). In other words, in the unused mask  10 , the ear loop members  4  are disposed on the side of the mask body  2  not facing the wearer P when the wearer P dons the mask  10 . In a state in which the ear loop members  4  are disposed on the second surface  2 B side of the mask body  2 , the first surfaces  4 A of the ear loop members  4  face the second surface  2 B of the mask body  2  and the second surfaces  4 B of the ear loop members  4  face the front side of the mask body  2 . 
     It will be noted that in the unused mask  10 , in front view and in back view, each ear loop member  4  is disposed so as to protrude outside the mask body  2  in the second direction D 2 . For that reason, when the mask  10  is seen from the back side as shown in  FIG.  3   , parts of the ear loop members  4  disposed on the reverse side of the mask body  2  can be seen. 
     When the wearer P dons the mask  10 , the wearer P separates the ear loop members  4  at a perforated portion (not shown in the drawings; a portion where the pair of ear loop members  4  are interconnected) formed in the ear loop member assembly  4 C and then folds each of the pair of ear loop members  4  from the second surface  2 B side to the first surface  2 A side of the mask body  2  and loops them over his/her ears. Specifically, when the wearer P dons the mask  10 , the wearer P rotates the ear loop members  4  away from the second surface  2 B of the mask body  2  about the first joint portions  12  of the intermediate members  6  joined to the mask body  2  to thereby open the ear loop members  4  outward as shown in  FIG.  4   . Then, the wearer P dons the mask  10  by looping the pair of ear loop members  4  around both ears in a state in which the first surface  2 A of the mask body  2  is facing his/her face. In a state in which the wearer P is donning the mask  10 , the second surfaces  4 B of the ear loop members  4  that had been exposed to the outside in the unused mask  10  now oppose the face of the wearer P. 
     It will be noted that when the wearer P is donning the mask  10 , the second joint portions  14  of the intermediate members  6  directly (without other members such as the ear loop members  4  in between) oppose the face of the wearer P. Furthermore, when the wearer P is donning the mask  10 , the parts of the mask body  2  connected to the first joint portions  12  of the intermediate members  6  directly oppose the face of the wearer P. 
     (1-3) Process for Producing Mask 
     Next, a process for producing the mask  10  will be described with reference to  FIG.  7    and  FIG.  8   .  FIG.  7    is a diagram schematically showing a system  100  for producing the mask  10 .  FIG.  8    is a diagram showing in a time series the process for producing the mask  10  (a process for combining the mask body  2 , the intermediate members  6 , and the ear loop members  4 ). 
     It will be noted that details about the process for producing the ear loop members  4  and the ear loop member production device  1000  included in the system  100  for producing the mask  10  will be described later. 
     (1-3-1) Processes for Producing each of Mask Body, Intermediate Members, and Ear Loop Members 
     First, processes for producing each of the mask body  2 , the intermediate members  6 , and the ear loop members  4  will be generally described with reference to  FIG.  7   . 
     Process for Producing Mask Body 
     The production system  100  mainly includes an outer sheet feeding device  110   a , an intermediate sheet feeding device  110   b , an inner sheet feeding device  110   c , and an integration device  112  as devices for producing the mask body  2 , more specifically, a mask body sheet  2 S. It will be noted that, here, illustration and description of a device for inserting the nose strip member into the mask body  2  and a device for forming the pleats  2 C in the mask body  2 , which are used to produce the mask body  2 , are omitted in order to keep description simple. 
     The outer sheet feeding device  110   a  feeds, from a sheet roll, a band-like long outer sheet for forming the outer sheet of the mask body  2 . The intermediate sheet feeding device  110   b  feeds, from a sheet roll, a band-like long intermediate sheet for forming the intermediate sheet of the mask body  2 . The inner sheet feeding device  110   c  feeds, from a sheet roll, a band-like long inner sheet for forming the inner sheet of the mask body  2 . To make a band-like long sheet (called a mask body sheet  2 S) in which mask bodies  2  are interconnected extending in the first direction D 1  in the integration device  112 , the outer sheet, the intermediate sheet, and the inner sheet fed by the sheet feeding devices  110   a  to  110   c  are superimposed on top of each other in the order of the outer sheet, the intermediate sheet, and the inner sheet, and are welded at the joint portions  2 D,  2 E. The mask body sheet  2 S is conveyed by a conveyance mechanism (not shown in the drawings) to a joining device  150  described later. It will be noted that the mask body sheet  2 S conveyed to the joining device  150  is conveyed along the direction in which the plural mask bodies  2  are interconnected. In other words, the mask bodies  2  are conveyed to the joining device  150  in an attitude where their conveyance direction C 1  runs along the first direction D 1  (a low-stretch direction). 
     Process for Producing Intermediate Members 
     The production system  100  includes an intermediate member production device  2000  as a device for producing the intermediate members  6 , more specifically, an intermediate member assembly  6 A. The intermediate member production device  2000  will be described with further reference to  FIG.  9   .  FIG.  9    is a schematic configuration diagram of the ear loop member production device  1000 , the intermediate member production device  2000 , and a joining device  3000  for joining the ear loop members  4  and the intermediate members  6 . 
     The intermediate member production device  2000  includes a sheet roll  130  and a cutting device  2100  as shown in  FIG.  7   . 
     In the sheet roll  130 , a band-like sheet U 2  for forming the intermediate members  6  (the intermediate member assembly  6 A) is wound. The sheet roll  130  feeds the band-like sheet U 2  to the cutting device  2100 . 
     The cutting device  2100  mainly includes a cut roll  2110  and an anvil roll  2120  (see  FIG.  9   ). Here, to avoid confusion with other cut rolls and anvil rolls, the cut roll  2110  will be called a second cut roll  2110  and the anvil roll  2120  will be called a second anvil roll  2120 . 
     The surface of the second cut roll  2110  is provided with cutting blades (not shown in the drawings) for cutting the sheet U 2 . The surface of the anvil roll  2120  is provided with suction holes (not shown in the drawings) for sucking and holding the sheet U 2 . Drive mechanisms (not shown in the drawings) including a motor and the like drives the second cut roll  2110  and the second anvil roll  2120  to rotate. For example, giving description based on  FIG.  9   , the second cut roll  2110  rotates clockwise and the second anvil roll  2120  rotates counterclockwise. When the second cut roll  2110  and the second anvil roll  2120  rotate in a state in which the sheet U 2  is sandwiched between them, the sheet U 2  is sandwiched between the cutters provided on the surface of the second cut roll  2110  and the second anvil roll  2120 , the sheet U 2  is cut at predetermined positions, and the intermediate member assembly  6 A having predetermined dimensions is formed. It will be noted that the intermediate member assembly  6 A is a sheet in which two intermediate members  6  are interconnected in the first direction D 1 . 
     The intermediate member assembly  6 A that has been formed moves in accompaniment with the rotation of the second anvil roll  2120  that sucks and holds the intermediate member assembly  6 A and is transferred to a later-described pattern anvil roll  3100  of the joining device  3000 . 
     It will be noted that the sheet U 2  and the intermediate members  6  (the intermediate member assembly  6 A) are conveyed in an attitude where they are along the first direction D 1  (the lateral direction of the intermediate members  6 ; a high-stretch direction) and are fed to the joining device  3000 . 
     Process for Producing Ear Loop Members 
     The production system  100  includes the ear loop member production device  1000  as a device for producing the ear loop members  4 , more specifically, the ear loop member assembly  4 C. The ear loop member production device  1000  includes a sheet roll  120 , a conveyance mechanism  1100 , and a forming mechanism  1200  as shown in  FIG.  7   . Here, the ear loop member production device  1000  will be briefly described. Details will be described later. 
     In the sheet roll  120 , a band-like sheet U 1  for forming the ear loop member assembly  4 C is wound. The sheet U 1  wound in the sheet roll  120  has a high-stretch direction DH and a low-stretch direction DL orthogonal to the high-stretch direction DH as shown in  FIG.  11   . It will be noted that  FIG.  11    is a drawing showing an example of changes in the width of the sheet U 1  during conveyance by the conveyance mechanism  1100  of the ear loop member production device  1000  (details will be described later). The sheet U 1  is wound in the sheet roll  120  in such a way that the pull-out direction of the sheet U 1  coincides with the high-stretch direction DH of the sheet U 1 . 
     The conveyance mechanism  1100  conveys to the forming mechanism  1200  the sheet U 1  paid out from the sheet roll  120 . The forming mechanism  1200  forms the ear loop member assembly  4 C having a predetermined shape shown in  FIG.  6    by cutting the sheet U 1  conveyed by the conveyance mechanism  1100 . More specifically, the forming mechanism  1200  forms the ear loop member assembly  4 C by punching the sheet U 1 . The ear loop member assembly  4 C formed by the forming mechanism  1200  is fed to the joining device  3000 . The ear loop member assemblies  4 C formed by the forming mechanism  1200  are conveyed in an attitude where they are along the first direction D 1  (the high-stretch direction) and is fed to the joining device  3000 . 
     (1-3-2) Process for Combining Mask Body, Intermediate Members, and Ear Loop Members 
     Next, a process for combining the mask body  2 , the intermediate members  6 , and the ear loop members  4  to finally produce the mask  10  will be described with reference mainly to  FIG.  7    and  FIG.  8   . 
     It will be noted that in the following description there are cases where expressions stating that “B” is overlaid on “A” are used, but these are expressions for convenience of description, and even in cases where expressions stating that “B” is overlaid on “A” are used, in actuality “B” may be overlaid on “A”. Furthermore, expressions stating that “B” is overlaid on “A” here are not limited to the meaning that “A” is disposed on top of “B” but also include cases where “A” is disposed on the bottom of “B”. 
     The production system  100  mainly includes the joining device  3000 , the joining device  150 , and a cutting device  160  as devices for producing processes of the mask  10  by combining the mask body  2 , the intermediate members  6 , and the ear loop members  4 . 
     In the joining device  3000 , the intermediate member assemblies  6 A conveyed from the cutting device  2100  are disposed overlying (see  FIG.  8 (B) ) predetermined positions of the ear loop member assemblies  4 C conveyed from the ear loop member production device  1000  (see  FIG.  8 (A) ). More specifically, the intermediate member assemblies  6 A are disposed straddling the base portion  42  of one ear loop member assembly  4 C and the base portion  42  of another ear loop member assembly  42  that are adjacent. Then, the joining device  3000  welds, along the second direction D 2 , the second joint portions  14  of the intermediate members  6  and the base portions  42  of the ear loop members  4  (see  FIG.  8 (C) ). The intermediate member assemblies  6 A and the ear loop member assemblies  4 C joined by the joining device  3000  are conveyed to the joining device  150  by a conveyance mechanism (not shown in the drawings). It will be noted that the intermediate member assemblies  6 A and the ear loop member assemblies  4 C conveyed to the joining device  150  are conveyed to the joining device  150  in an attitude where their conveyance direction C 4  runs along the first direction D 1 . 
     In the joining device  150 , the intermediate member assemblies  6 A and the ear loop member assemblies  4 C joined by the joining device  3000  are disposed overlying predetermined positions of the mask body sheet  2 S conveyed from the integration device  112  (see  FIG.  8 (D) ). Specifically, the intermediate member assemblies  6 A and the ear loop member assemblies  4 C are disposed overlying predetermined positions of the mask body sheet  2 S in a state in which the ear loop member assemblies  4 C are disposed between the mask body sheet  2 S and the intermediate member assemblies  6 A in the direction in which the mask body sheet  2 S and the intermediate member assemblies  6 A and ear loop member assemblies  4 C are to overlay each other. Then, the joining device  150  welds, along the second direction D 2 , the first joint portions  12  of the intermediate members  6  and the end portions of the mask bodies  2  in the first direction D 1  (see  FIG.  8 (E) ). The intermediate member assemblies  6 A, the ear loop member assemblies  4 C, and the mask body sheet  2 S joined by the joining device  150  are conveyed to the cutting device  160  by a conveyance mechanism (not shown in the drawings). It will be noted that the intermediate member assemblies  6 A, the ear loop member assemblies  4 C, and the mask body sheet  2 S conveyed to the cutting device  160  are conveyed to the cutting device  160  in an attitude where their conveyance direction C 5  runs along the first direction Dl. 
     The cutting device  160  cuts the intermediate member assemblies  6 A along the second direction D 2  at their middle portions in the first direction D 1  (portions in the middle of adjacent first joint portions  12 ). The intermediate member assemblies  6 A are each divided into two intermediate members  6 , whereby the masks  10  are produced. 
     (2) Ear Loop Member Production Device 
     The ear loop member production device  1000  pertaining to an embodiment of the ear loop member production device of the present invention will be described. 
     (2-1) Overall Configuration of Ear Loop Member Production Device 
     The ear loop member production device  1000  includes the sheet roll  120 , the conveyance mechanism  1100 , and a forming mechanism  1200  (see  FIG.  9   ) 
     In the sheet roll  120 , the sheet U 1  made of plastic nonwoven fabric serving as the raw material for the ear loop members  4  is wound. It will be noted that the sheet U 1  has the high-stretch direction DH and the low-stretch direction DL orthogonal to the high-stretch direction DH (see  FIG.  11   ). The sheet U 1  is wound in the sheet roll  120  in such a way that the pull-out direction of the sheet U 1  coincides with the high-stretch direction DH of the sheet U 1 . 
     The conveyance mechanism  1100  conveys to the forming mechanism  1200  the sheet U 1  paid out from the sheet roll  120 . It will be noted that the direction C 10  in which the sheet U 1  is conveyed by the conveyance mechanism  1100  (see  FIG.  7   ) coincides with the high-stretch direction DH of the sheet U 1 . The conveyance mechanism  1100  conveys the sheet U 1  while applying tension in the high-stretch direction DH to the sheet U 1 . 
     The forming mechanism  1200  forms the ear loop members  4  by cutting the sheet U 1  conveyed by the conveyance mechanism  1100 . Specifically, the forming mechanism  1200  forms the ear loop member assembly  4 C, in which the pair of ear loop members  4  are interconnected, by cutting the sheet U 1 . The forming mechanism  1200  forms the ear loop member assembly  4 C by punching the sheet U 1 . 
     (2-2) Detailed Configuration of Ear Loop Member Production Device 
     The conveyance mechanism  1100  and the forming mechanism  1200  of the ear loop member production device  1000  will be further described with reference to  FIG.  9    and  FIG.  11    to  FIG.  13   .  FIG.  9    is, as mentioned above, a schematic configuration diagram of the ear loop member production device  1000 , the intermediate member production device  2000 , and the joining device  3000  for joining the ear loop members  4  and the intermediate members  6 .  FIG.  11    is a drawing showing an example of changes in the width of the sheet U 1  during conveyance by the conveyance mechanism  1100  of the ear loop member production device  1000 .  FIG.  12    is a diagram schematically showing part of the outer peripheral surface of a first cut roll  1210  of the forming mechanism  1200  of the ear loop member production device  1000 .  FIG.  13    is a schematic sectional view for describing the internal structure of the forming mechanism  1200  of the ear loop member production device  1000 . 
     (2-2-1) Conveyance Mechanism 
     The conveyance mechanism  1100  conveys along a predetermined path the sheet U 1  paid out from the sheet roll  120 . The conveyance mechanism  1100  mainly has plural rollers (reference signs omitted), a nip roll  1105 , suction conveyors  1110 ,  1120 , and a tension adjustment mechanism  1150  (see  FIG.  9   ). 
     The plural rollers of the conveyance mechanism  1100  are mechanisms for guiding the sheet U 1  along the predetermined path. 
     The nip roll  1105  is a mechanism that pulls and conveys the sheet U 1  by using a drive mechanism such as a motor (not shown in the drawings) to cause rolls to rotate in a state in which the sheet U 1  is sandwiched between them. The suction conveyors  1110 ,  1120  are mechanisms that convey the sheet U 1  by using drive mechanisms such as motors (not shown in the drawings) to cause the conveyor belts to rotate while sucking the sheet U 1  with conveyor belts having a suction function (conveyor belts that have suction holes (not shown in the drawings) formed on their surfaces and suck air through the suction holes to suck the sheet U 1 ). The conveyance mechanism  1100  utilizes the nip roll  1105 , the suction conveyors  1110 ,  1120 , and the like to convey, in the conveyance direction C 10  running along the high-stretch direction DH of the sheet U 1 , the sheet U 1  while applying tension in the high-stretch direction DH to the sheet U 1 . 
     It will be noted that the reason the conveyance mechanism  1100  applies tension in the high-stretch direction DH of the sheet U 1  when it conveys the sheet U 1  in the conveyance direction C 10  running along the high-stretch direction DH is to avoid meandering and misalignment of the conveyed sheet U 1 . In particular, by using the suction conveyors  1110 ,  1120  that convey the sheet U 1  while sucking the sheet U 1  at their surfaces, the sheet U 1  can be stably conveyed and problems in the conveyance of the sheet U 1  are particularly easily reduced. 
     The tension adjustment mechanism  1150  is a mechanism that adjusts the tension acting on the sheet U 1 . The tension adjustment mechanism  1150  is disposed upstream of the forming mechanism  1200  in the conveyance direction C 10  of the sheet U 1 . The tension adjustment mechanism  1150  adjusts the tension acting on the sheet U 1  just before the sheet U 1  is fed to the forming mechanism  1200 . The tension adjustment mechanism  1150  adjusts the tension acting on the sheet U 1  to thereby adjust the width of the sheet U 1  (the length of the sheet U 1  in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction C 10 ) to a predetermined width (a width W 2 ) suitable for feeding the sheet U 1  to the forming mechanism  1200 . The sheet U 1  whose tension (in other words, the width of the sheet U 1 ) has been adjusted by the tension adjustment mechanism  1150  is fed to the forming mechanism  1200 . 
     The role of the tension adjustment mechanism  1150  will be described more specifically with reference to  FIG.  11   . 
     For example, the sheet U 1  whose length in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction C 10  is a width W 0  is wound in the sheet roll  120 . Because it is difficult to convey the sheet U 1  with the width W 0  as is for reasons such as meandering of the sheet U 1 , the conveyance mechanism  1100  uses the nip roll  1105  and the suction conveyors  1110 ,  1120 , for example, to convey the sheet U 1  while applying tension suitable for conveyance to the sheet U 1 . At this time, because tension is applied in the high-stretch direction DH to the sheet U 1 , the sheet U 1  deforms and its width decreases to a width W 1 . The extent of the change in dimension depends on the magnitude of the tension that is applied and the material of the used sheet U 1 . For example, the width W 1  of the sheet U 1  during conveyance is about 80% to 90% of the width W 0 . 
     However, this width W 1  often differs from the predetermined width (width W 2 ) suitable for processing of the sheet U 1  in the forming mechanism  1200 . Furthermore, the properties of the sheet U 1  wound in the sheet roll  120  may vary slightly per sheet roll  120 , and even if the width of the sheets U 1  before tension is applied thereto is the same and the same tension is applied to the sheets U 1  of the same material, the width of the sheet U 1  when tension is applied thereto may not be constant. Therefore, here, the tension adjustment mechanism  1150  is provided, and the width of the sheet U 1  fed to the forming mechanism  1200  is adjusted to the predetermined width W 2  by adjusting the tension acting on the sheet U 1 . 
     As a result of the tension adjustment mechanism  1150  being configured as described above, the width of the sheet U 1  first changes from the width W 0  to the width W 1  and is further adjusted from the width W 1  to the width W 2  as schematically shown in  FIG.  11   . 
     It will be noted that the magnitude of the tension adjusted in the tension adjustment mechanism  1150  (the speed at which the sheet U 1  is conveyed by a first nip roll  1160  and a second nip roll  1170  described later) is, for example, determined for each used sheet roll  120 , although this should not be construed as being limiting. In other words, the magnitude of the tension adjusted in the tension adjustment mechanism  1150  may be determined each time the sheet roll  120  is replaced. 
     Next, the specific configuration of the tension adjustment mechanism  1150  will be described. 
     The tension adjustment mechanism  1150  includes two nip rolls (a first nip roll  1160  and a second nip roll  1170 ) disposed along the conveyance direction C 10  of the sheet U 1 . The second nip roll  1170  is disposed downstream of the first nip roll  1160  in the conveyance direction of the sheet U 1 . The first nip roll  1160  and the second nip roll  1170  are, like the nip roll  1105 , mechanisms that pull and convey the sheet U 1  by using drive mechanisms such as motors (not shown in the drawings) to cause rolls to rotate in a state in which the sheet U 1  is sandwiched between them. The first nip roll  1160  and the second nip roll  1170  can change the conveyance speed of the sheet U 1  by changing the rotational speed of the rolls. The tension adjustment mechanism  1150  adjusts the tension acting on the sheet U 1  by differentiating the speed (a first speed V 1 ) at which the sheet U 1  is conveyed by the first nip roll  1160  and the speed (a second speed V 2 ) at which the sheet U 1  is conveyed by the second nip roll  1170 . 
     For example, by making the second speed V 2  smaller than the first speed V 1 , the tension acting on the sheet U 1  can be reduced to increase the width of the sheet U 1  from the width W 1  to the width W 2  as shown in  FIG.  11   . Furthermore, by making the second speed V 2  larger than the first speed V 1 , the tension acting on the sheet U 1  can be increased to reduce the width of the sheet U 1 . 
     It will be noted that the first nip roll  1160  and the second nip roll  1170  are examples of a first conveyance unit and a second conveyance unit, respectively, in the claims. 
     However, the first conveyance unit and the second conveyance unit are not limited to nip rolls as long as they are mechanisms capable of independently changing the conveyance speed of the sheet U 1 . For example, the first conveyance unit and the second conveyance unit need not have a structure in which they sandwich the sheet U 1  between their members, and they may be rolls having a large coefficient of friction (rolls having surfaces on which the sheet U 1  does not slide). By using such rolls, the conveyance speed of the sheet U 1  can be changed and the tension acting on the sheet U 1  can be adjusted in each conveyance unit. 
     (2-2-2) Forming Mechanism 
     The forming mechanism  1200  is a cutting device (a rotary die cutter) mainly including a cut roll  1210  (hereinafter called a first cut roll  1210  to avoid confusion) and an anvil roll  1260  (hereinafter called a first anvil roll  1260  to avoid confusion) (see  FIG.  9   ). 
     In the forming mechanism  1200 , the first cut roll  1210 , which is provided with cutting blades  1220  on its outer peripheral surface, is driven to rotate by a drive mechanism (not shown in the drawings) such as a motor. The first anvil roll  1260  rotates along with the rotation of the first cut roll  1210 . In the example of  FIG.  9   , the first cut roll  1210  rotates counterclockwise and the first anvil roll  1260  rotates clockwise. The forming mechanism  1200  rotates the first cut roll  1210  and brings the cutting blades  1220  into contact with the sheet U 1 , thereby cutting the sheet U 1  between the first cut roll  1210  and the first anvil roll  1260  to cut out the ear loop members  4 . More specifically, the forming mechanism  1200  cuts the sheet U 1  between the first cut roll  1210  and the first anvil roll  1260  to cut out the ear loop member assemblies  4 C in which the pairs of the ear loop members  4  are interconnected. 
     This will be described in greater detail. 
     The outer peripheral surface of the first cut roll  1210  is provided with the cutting blades  1220  having the same shape as the contours of the ear loop member assemblies  4 C (see  FIG.  12   ). In contrast, the first anvil roll  1260  is not provided with cutting blades but is smooth. The first anvil roll  1260  is disposed in opposition to the outer peripheral surface of the first cut roll  1210 . The sheet U 1  passing between the first cut roll  1210  and the first anvil roll  1260  is cut by the cutting blades  1220  of the first cut roll  1210 , so that the sheet U 1  is cut out in the shape of the ear loop member assemblies  4 C. 
     It will be noted that plural holes  1230 ,  1240 ,  1250  are formed in the outer peripheral surface of the first cut roll  1210  (see  FIG.  12   ). The holes  1230 ,  1240 ,  1250  communicate with air passages  1212 ,  1214  and the like provided inside the first cut roll  1210  and communicate via the air passages  1212 ,  1214  and ducts (not shown in the drawings) with a vacuum suction device such as a vacuum pump. The rotation (change in the rotation angle) of the first cut roll  1210  switch the communicated state and non-communicated state between the holes  1230 ,  1240 ,  1250  and the vacuum suction device. When the holes  1230 ,  1240 ,  1250  are in communication with the vacuum suction device, air is sucked through the holes  1230 ,  1240 ,  1250  and the sheet U 1  is sucked and held by the holes  1230 ,  1240 ,  1250 . 
     It will be noted that the holes  1230 ,  1240 ,  1250  are used to cooperatively suck and hold the sheet U 1  before the ear loop member assemblies  4 C are cut out and to hold a part of the sheet U 1 , as explained later, after the sheet U 1  has been cut by the cutting blades  1220 . 
     The holes  1230  are disposed inside the cutting blades  1220  provided in the shape of the contours of the ear loop member assemblies  4 C. The holes  1230  are used to suck and hold the ear loop member assemblies  4 C cut out by the cutting blades  1220 . 
     The holes  1240  are disposed in positions corresponding to the holes  46  in the ear loop members  4  for allowing them to be looped around ears. The holes  1240  are used to suck and hold waste material (called intermittent trim) that has the same shape as the holes  46  of the ear loop members  4  and is generated when the ear loop member assemblies  4 C are cut out. 
     The holes  1250  are disposed outside the cutting blades  1220 . The holes  1250  are used to suck and hold waste material (waste material other than the intermittent trim; called continuous trim) around the cutting blades  1220  that is generated when the ear loop member assemblies  4 C are cut out. It will be noted that the holes  1250  are configured to also be communicable with a compressed air supply device so that they can assist in separating the continuous trim from the first cut roll  1210  by blowing out air at a predetermined timing. 
     The holes  1230 ,  1240 ,  1250  do not always suck air. Rather, suction and non-suction is switched depending on the rotational angle of the first cut roll  1210  as mentioned above. Because of this, the holes  1230 ,  1240 ,  1250  can hold at predetermined timings, and cancel holding at predetermined timings, the ear loop member assemblies  4 C, the intermittent trim, and the continuous trim. Furthermore, suction and non-suction by the holes  1230 ,  1240 ,  1250  is switched at respectively different timings by communicating with respectively different air passages (e.g., the air passages  1212 ,  1214 , etc.) provided inside the first cut roll  1210 . Because of this, the holding of the ear loop member assemblies  4 C, the intermittent trim, and the continuous trim can be switched at respective predetermined timings. 
     For example, the continuous trim generated by cutting the sheet U 1  changes its conveyance direction so that it wraps around the first anvil roll  1260  as shown in  FIG.  9    and is sucked in the direction of the arrow by a suction device (not shown in the drawings). For that reason, the suction of the holes  1250  that suck the continuous trim portion is canceled roughly at a timing when the holes  1250  pass the uppermost point. It will be noted that it is preferred that compressed air be discharged from the holes  1250  to assist the separation of the continuous trim after the holes  1250  cancel the suction. 
     The intermittent trim generated by cutting the sheet U 1  is sucked obliquely upward by a suction device (not shown in the drawings) at the position shown in  FIG.  9   . For that reason, the suction of the holes  1240  that suck the intermittent trim portions is canceled roughly at the timing when the holes  1240  pass the vicinity of the suction device for the intermittent trim (not shown in the drawings). 
     Furthermore, the ear loop member assemblies  4 C formed by cutting the sheet U 1  are transferred to the pattern anvil roll  3100  of the joining device  3000  described later. Here, the pattern anvil roll  3100  is disposed directly under the first anvil roll  1260 . For that reason, the suction of the holes  1230  that suck the ear loop member assembly  4 C portions is canceled roughly at the timing when the holes  1230  pass the lowest point. 
     It will be noted that the timings of the cancelation of the suction by the holes  1230 ,  1240 ,  1250  described here differ depending on the device arrangement, for example, so they are not limited to the timings exemplified here. 
     (3) Method of Producing Ear Loop Members 
     A method of producing the ear loop members  4  (more specifically, a method of producing the ear loop member assembly  4 C in which the pair of ear loop members  4  are interconnected) will be described. It will be noted that, here, in addition to the method of producing the ear loop members  4 , the process for joining the ear loop members  4  and the intermediate members  6  will also be described. 
     Here, further reference will be made to  FIG.  10    and  FIG.  14   .  FIG.  10    is a flowchart of steps for producing the ear loop members  4  (the ear loop member assembly  4 C).  FIG.  14    is a diagram schematically showing part of the outer peripheral surface of the pattern anvil roll  3100  of the joining device  3000 .  FIG.  14    illustrates a state in which the pattern anvil roll  3100  is holding intermediate member assemblies  6 A and ear loop member assemblies  4 C on its outer peripheral surface. Furthermore, in  FIG.  14   , the intermediate member assembly  6 A and the ear loop member assembly  4 C on the right side are shown in a state after being joined and the intermediate member assembly  6 A and the ear loop member assembly  4 C on the left side are shown in a state before being joined. 
     When producing the ear loop members  4 , first, the sheet U 1  is paid out from the sheet roll  120  (step S 1  in  FIG.  10   ). It will be noted that because the sheet U 1  is wound in the sheet roll  120  along the high-stretch direction DH, the sheet U 1  paid out from the sheet roll  120  is conveyed in the high-stretch direction DH. 
     Next, the sheet U 1  is conveyed in the conveyance direction C 10  running along the high-stretch direction DH while tension is applied in the high-stretch direction DH to the sheet U 1  by the conveyance mechanism  1100  (step S 2  in  FIG.  10   ). In particular, here, the sheet U 1  is conveyed at least locally by the suction conveyors  1110 ,  1120 . The suction conveyors  1110 ,  1120  convey the sheet U 1  while sucking it at their surfaces. By using the suction conveyors  1110 ,  1120 , the sheet U 1  can be conveyed while inhibiting misalignment and the like of the sheet U 1 . 
     Next, the tension in the sheet U 1  conveyed as far as the tension adjustment mechanism  1150  is adjusted by the tension adjustment mechanism  1150  (step S 3  in  FIG.  10   ). In particular, here, the adjustment of the tension acting on the sheet U 1  is performed so that the width of the sheet U 1  (its length in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction C 10 ) becomes the width W 2 . The way in which the adjustment of the tension is performed by the tension adjustment mechanism  1150  has already been described, so description will be omitted here. 
     Next, the sheet U 1  after the tension adjustment (after the width adjustment) by the tension adjustment mechanism  1150  is fed to the forming mechanism  1200 , where the sheet U 1  is cut into a predetermined shape by the cutting blades  1220  of the first cut roll  1210  to form the ear loop member assembly  4 C (step S 4  in  FIG.  10   ). 
     The ear loop member assembly  4 C formed by the forming mechanism  1200  moves in a state in which it is sucked and held by the first cut roll  1210 , and is transferred to the pattern anvil roll  3100  of the joining device  3000  (step S 5  in  FIG.  10   ). 
     In the outer peripheral surface of the pattern anvil roll  3100  are formed plural holes  3110 . The plural holes  3110  communicate with a vacuum suction device such as a vacuum pump through a duct or the like (not shown in the drawings). Because the plural holes  3110  communicate with the vacuum suction device, air is sucked through the holes  3110  so that the intermediate member assembly  6 A and the ear loop member assembly  4 C are sucked and held by the holes  3110 . It will be noted that the holes  3110  do not always suck air but the rotational angle of the pattern anvil roll  3100  switches suction and non-suction by the holes  3110 . 
     It will be noted that the intermediate member assembly  6 A produced by the intermediate member production device  2000  is transferred from the second anvil roll  2120  and sucked by the pattern anvil roll  3100  before the ear loop member assembly  4 C is sucked. Consequently, at the pattern anvil roll  3100 , the ear loop member assembly  4 C is at least partially held on the outer peripheral surface of the pattern anvil roll  3100  by the suction of air through the holes  3110  via the intermediate member assembly  6 A being sucked and held beforehand on the pattern anvil roll  3100 . Each ear loop member assembly  4 C is sucked and held on the pattern anvil roll  3100  so as to overlie two intermediate member assemblies  6 A being sucked and held beforehand on the pattern anvil roll  3100 . 
     Here, the arrangement of the holes  3110  in the outer peripheral surface of the pattern anvil roll  3100  will be described. The holes  3110  are provided in correspondence to positions where the second anvil roll  2120  transfers the intermediate member assemblies  6 A and positions where the first cut roll  1210  transfers the ear loop member assemblies  4 C. That is, here, the first cut roll  1210 , the second anvil roll  2120 , and the pattern anvil roll  3100  rotate synchronously, and the pattern anvil roll  3100  is configured to suck and hold the intermediate member assemblies  6 A and the ear loop member assemblies  4 C at predetermined positions on its outer peripheral surface. 
     It will be noted that, as shown in  FIG.  14   , the holes  3110  are formed not only in positions coinciding with the intermediate member assemblies  6 A and the ear loop member assemblies  4 C that are sucked but also in regions wider than the places where the intermediate member assemblies  6 A and the ear loop member assemblies  4 C are disposed in the width direction (in the up and down direction in  FIG.  14   ). By forming the holes  3110  in regions wider than the positions where the intermediate member assemblies  6 A and the ear loop member assemblies  4 C are disposed in this way, the problem of upward curling of the intermediate member assemblies  6 A and the ear loop member assemblies  4 C caused by the flow of air can be inhibited. 
     Returning now to the description of the production process, the intermediate member assemblies  6 A and the ear loop member assemblies  4 C being held by the pattern anvil roll  3100  are moved by the rotation of the pattern anvil roll  3100  by a drive mechanism (not shown in the drawings) such as a motor. The intermediate member assemblies  6 A and the ear loop member assemblies  4 C pass between the pattern anvil roll  3100  and a pattern roll  3200  which, like the pattern anvil roll  3100 , is driven to rotate by a drive mechanism (not shown in the drawings) such as a motor. At this time, the second joint portions  14  of the intermediate members  6  and the base portions  42  of the ear loop members  4  are joined between sealing members  3210  provided on the outer peripheral surface of the pattern roll  3200  (see  FIG.  9   ) and the pattern anvil roll  3100  (step S 6 ). For example, the sealing members  3210  use a heater as a heat source to weld the second joint portions  14  of the intermediate members  6  and the base portions  42  of the ear loop members  4 . It will be noted that the rotational operation of the pattern roll  3200  is controlled synchronously with the rotational operation of the pattern anvil roll  3100  so that the sealing members  3210  make contact a portion between the holes  3110  in the outer peripheral surface of the pattern anvil roll  3100  (i.e., the sealing members  3210  do not make contact with the hole  3110  portions of the outer peripheral surface of the pattern anvil roll  3100 ). 
     The intermediate member assemblies  6 A and the ear loop member assemblies  4 C joined by the joining device  3000  are conveyed to the joining device  150  by a conveyance mechanism (not shown in the drawings) as mentioned above. 
     (4) Characteristics 
     (4-1) 
     The method of producing the ear loop members  4  for the masks  10  of the above embodiment includes the conveyance step (step S 2  in  FIG.  10   ), the tension adjustment step (step S 3  in  FIG.  10   ), and the forming step (step S 4  in  FIG.  10   ). In the conveyance step, the sheet U 1  having high stretchability in the high-stretch direction DH (a first direction in the claims) is conveyed in the conveyance direction running along the high-stretch direction DH while tension is applied in the high-stretch direction DH to the sheet U 1 . In the tension adjustment step, the tension in the conveyed sheet U 1  is adjusted. In the forming step, the ear loop members  4  are formed by cutting the sheet U 1  after the tension adjustment. 
     Furthermore, the device  1000  for producing ear loop members for the masks  10  of the above embodiment includes the sheet roll  120 , the conveyance mechanism  1100 , and the forming mechanism  1200 . In the sheet roll  120 , the sheet U 1  having high stretchability in the high-stretch direction DH is wound. The conveyance mechanism  1100  conveys, in the conveyance direction C 10  running along the high-stretch direction DH, the sheet U 1  paid out from the sheet roll  120 , while applying tension in the high-stretch direction DH to the sheet U 1 . The forming mechanism  1200  forms the ear loop members  4  by cutting the sheet U 1  conveyed by the conveyance mechanism  1100 . The conveyance mechanism  1100  has the tension adjustment mechanism  1150 . The tension adjustment mechanism  1150  is disposed upstream of the forming mechanism  1200  in the conveyance direction C 10  of the sheet U 1  and adjusts the tension in the sheet U 1  fed to the forming mechanism  1200 . 
     In the method of producing the ear loop members  4  and the ear loop member production device  1000  of the present embodiment, a step for changing the relative positions of the mask bodies  2  and the ear loop members  4  is unnecessary even in a case where the mask bodies  2  are conveyed in the low-stretch direction, and a reduction in the production efficiency of the masks  10  can be inhibited. 
     Furthermore, in the method of producing the ear loop members  4  and the ear loop member production device  1000  of the present embodiment, the sheet U 1  is conveyed in a state in which tension is applied in the high-stretch direction DH to the sheet U 1 , so even when the sheet U 1  is conveyed in the high-stretch direction DH, meandering and misalignment of the conveyed sheet U 1  can be inhibited. 
     Moreover, in the method of producing the ear loop members  4  and the ear loop member production device  1000  of the present embodiment, the adjustment of the tension in the conveyed sheet U 1  is performed before the ear loop members  4  are formed, so the sheet U 1  deformed by tension can be returned to an appropriate dimension and then fed to the forming mechanism  1200  for forming the ear loop members  4 . For that reason, the ear loop members  4  having a predetermined shape can be accurately produced. 
     (4-2) 
     In the method of producing the ear loop members  4  for the masks  10  of the above embodiment, the tension adjustment step (step S 3 ) includes a step of changing the conveyance speed of the sheet U 1 . 
     In this production method, the tension in the sheet U 1  can be easily adjusted. 
     (4-3) 
     In the device  1000  for producing ear loop members for the masks  10  of the above embodiment, the tension adjustment mechanism  1150  includes the first nip roll  1160  serving as a first conveyance unit that conveys the sheet U 1  at the first speed V 1  and the second nip roll  1170  serving as a second conveyance unit that is disposed downstream of the first nip roll  1160  in the conveyance direction C 10  and conveys the sheet U 1  at the second speed V 2  different from the first speed Vl. 
     In the ear loop member production device  1000 , the tension in the sheet U 1  can be easily adjusted. 
     In particular, because each of the first conveyance unit and the second conveyance unit is a nip roll, the tension in the sheet U 1  can be accurately adjusted. 
     However, the first conveyance unit and the second conveyance unit are not limited to the nip rolls and may be other mechanisms capable of changing the conveyance speed of the sheet U 1 . 
     (4-4) 
     In the device  1000  for producing ear loop members for the masks  10  of the above embodiment, the conveyance mechanism  1100  includes the suction conveyors  1110 ,  1120  disposed upstream of the tension adjustment mechanism  1150  in the conveyance direction C 10  of the sheet U 1 . 
     By using the suction conveyors  1100 ,  1120  in the conveyance mechanism  1100 , the sheet U 1  can be conveyed in a particularly stable state. 
     (5) Example Modifications 
     Example modifications of the above embodiment will be described below. It will be noted that the following example modifications may be combined as appropriate to the extent that they are not mutually incompatible. 
     (5-1) Example Modification A 
     The method of producing ear loop members and the device for producing ear loop members for masks described in the above embodiment should not be construed as limiting the type and shape of the masks. 
     For example, in the above embodiment, the mask  10  includes three members, the mask body  2 , the intermediate members  6 , and the ear loop members  4 , but the ear loop member production method and the ear loop member production device of the present invention may also be utilized as a method of producing ear loop members and a device for producing ear loop members for masks that do not have the intermediate members  6 . In other words, the method of producing ear loop members and the device for producing ear loop members for masks of the present invention may also be utilized to produce ear loop members that are directly joined to the mask body. 
     Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the mask  10  is a pleated mask, but it is not limited to this. The ear loop members produced by the production method and the production device of the present invention may also be utilized for flat masks without pleats or 3D masks. 
     Furthermore, the ear loop member production method and the ear loop member production device of the present invention may also be applied to producing ear loop members and ear loop member assemblies having shapes different from those described in the above embodiment. 
     Finally, technical concepts that can be grasped from the above embodiment and other examples (example modifications) are appended below. 
     A method of producing ear loop members for masks pertaining to a first aspect of the invention includes a conveyance step, a tension adjustment step, and a forming step. In the conveyance step, a sheet having high stretchability in a first direction is conveyed in a conveyance direction running along the first direction while tension is applied in the first direction to the sheet. In the tension adjustment step, the tension in the conveyed sheet is adjusted. In the forming step, ear loop members are formed by cutting the sheet after the tension adjustment. 
     In the method of producing ear loop members for masks of the first aspect of the invention, a step for changing the relative positions of the mask bodies and the ear loop members is unnecessary even in a case where the mask bodies are conveyed in the low-stretch direction, and a reduction in the production efficiency of the masks can be inhibited. 
     Furthermore, in the method of producing ear loop members for masks of the first aspect of the invention, the sheet is conveyed in a state in which tension is applied in the first direction to the sheet, so even when the sheet is conveyed in the high-stretch direction, meandering and misalignment of the conveyed sheet can be inhibited. 
     Moreover, in the method of producing ear loop members for masks of the first aspect of the invention, the adjustment of the tension in the conveyed sheet is performed before the ear loop members are formed, so the sheet deformed by tension can be returned to an appropriate dimension and then fed to the forming mechanism for forming the ear loop members. For that reason, ear loop members having a predetermined shape can be accurately produced. 
     A method of producing ear loop members for masks pertaining to a second aspect of the invention is the method of producing ear loop members for masks of the first aspect, wherein the tension adjustment step includes a step of changing the conveyance speed of the sheet. 
     In the method of producing ear loop members for masks pertaining to the second aspect of the invention, the tension in the sheet can be easily adjusted. 
     A device for producing ear loop members for masks pertaining to a third aspect of the invention includes a sheet roll, a conveyance mechanism, and a forming mechanism. In the sheet roll, a sheet having high stretchability in a first direction is wound. The conveyance mechanism is configured to convey, in a conveyance direction running along the first direction, the sheet paid out from the sheet roll, while applying tension in the first direction to the sheet. The forming mechanism is configured to form ear loop members by cutting the sheet conveyed by the conveyance mechanism. The conveyance mechanism has a tension adjustment mechanism. The tension adjustment mechanism is disposed upstream of the forming mechanism in the conveyance direction of the sheet and is configured to adjust the tension in the sheet fed to the forming mechanism. 
     In the device for producing ear loop members for masks of the third aspect of the invention, a step for changing the relative positions of the mask bodies and the ear loop members is unnecessary even in a case where the mask bodies are conveyed in the low-stretch direction, and a reduction in the production efficiency of the masks can be inhibited. 
     Furthermore, in the device for producing ear loop members for masks of the third aspect of the invention, the sheet is conveyed in a state in which tension is applied in the first direction to the sheet, so even when the sheet is conveyed in the high-stretch direction, meandering and misalignment of the conveyed sheet can be inhibited. 
     Moreover, in the device for producing ear loop members for masks of the third aspect of the invention, the adjustment of the tension in the conveyed sheet is performed before the ear loop members are formed, so the sheet deformed by tension can be returned to an appropriate dimension and then fed to the forming mechanism for forming the ear loop members. For that reason, ear loop members having a predetermined shape can be accurately produced. 
     A device for producing ear loop members for masks pertaining to a fourth aspect of the invention is the device for producing ear loop members for masks of the third aspect, wherein the tension adjustment mechanism includes a first conveyance unit configured to conveys the sheet at a first speed and a second conveyance unit that is disposed downstream of the first conveyance unit in the conveyance direction and is configured to convey the sheet at a second speed different from the first speed. 
     In the device for producing ear loop members for masks of the fourth aspect of the invention, the tension in the sheet can be easily adjusted. 
     A device for producing ear loop members for masks pertaining to a fifth aspect of the invention is the device for producing ear loop members for masks of the fourth aspect, wherein each of the first conveyance unit and the second conveyance unit is a nip roll. 
     In the device for producing ear loop members for masks of the fifth aspect of the invention, the tension in the sheet can be accurately adjusted. 
     A device for producing ear loop members for masks pertaining to a sixth aspect of the invention is the device for producing ear loop members for masks of any of the third aspect to the fifth aspect, wherein the conveyance mechanism has suction conveyors disposed upstream of the tension adjustment mechanism in the conveyance direction of the sheet. 
     In the device for producing ear loop members for masks of the sixth aspect of the invention, by using the suction conveyors in the conveyance mechanism, the sheet can be conveyed in a particularly stable state. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
       4  Ear Loop Members 
       120  Sheet Roll 
       1000  Ear Loop Member Production Device 
       1100  Conveyance Mechanism 
       1110 ,  1120  Suction Conveyors 
       1150  Tension Adjustment Mechanism 
       1160  First Nip Roll (First Conveyance Unit) 
       1170  Second Nip Roll (Second Conveyance Unit) 
       1200  Forming Mechanism 
     C 10  Conveyance Direction 
     DH High-stretch Direction (First Direction) 
     S 2  Conveyance Step 
     S 3  Tension Adjustment Step 
     S 4  Forming Step 
     U 1  Sheet 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     Patent Document 1: JP-A No. 2012-217651