Patent Description:
A known configuration of a mask to be worn on the face includes: a mask body that at least partially covers the face of a wearer; and ear materials (or ear hooks), constituting a pair, each being coupled to the mask body, i.e., a pair of members that can be hung on the ears of the wearer in order to hold the mask body at a predetermined position.

In recent years, the composition of the mask has been studied in various ways not only from the viewpoint of improving the function of the mask and improving the fit, but also from the viewpoint of ease of handling in manufacturing. For example, PTL <NUM> discloses a mask that includes a mask body portion and ear hook portions connected to the mask body portion, wherein the ear hook portions are connected to respective end portion areas, and the ear hook portions connected to the respective end portion areas of the body are configured to be accommodated within the outer shape of the mask body in a plan view of the mask, and the mask includes a connection portion that connects the ear hook portions to each other within the outer shape of the mask body.

<CIT> relates to a kind of mouth mask and manufacture method thereof, particularly relate to a kind of mouth mask and manufacture method thereof with elastic nonwoven cloth ear band. One embodiment discloses ear materials coupled to the mask body via auxiliary materials.

<CIT> relates to a mask having a wavy formation around the mask, which is provided to improve the function and effect of the original mask.

<CIT> discloses a mask comprising a mask main body; cords that are stretched around both ears, and a nose grip portion. It also discloses auxiliary materials to connect the ear materials to the mask body.

<CIT> relates to a simple mask as a sanitary article covering the mouth and nose. It discloses ear materials coupled to the mask body via auxiliary materials. It also discloses that in a state before start of use, the mask body, the ear materials, and the auxiliary materials are stacked in this order.

<CIT> relates to a mask worn on the face of a mask wearer.

<CIT> relates to a mask and a method for manufacturing the mask, and more particularly to a mask including a mask body and a pair of ear hooks joined to the mask body, and a method for manufacturing the mask.

In order to use the mask disclosed in PTL <NUM>, it is necessary to first separate the coupled ear hook portions from each other and open them sideways. However, depending on the construction of coupling portions of the ear hook portions and the method of separation by the user, the connection portions between the ear hook portions and the mask body might be damaged when the ear hook portions are separated and opened. It is also possible to harden the connection portions in order to form strong bonding, but the flexibility of the mask may be lost, and discomfort may occur when the connection portions come into contact with the skin.

In view of the above, it is an object of one aspect of the present invention to provide a robust mask with good fit. Means for Solving the Problem.

According to the present invention, included are a mask body; ear materials, constituting a pair, coupled to the mask body; and auxiliary materials provided on an outer surface side of the mask body, wherein the outer surface is a side facing away from a face of a wearer when the mask is worn, wherein in a state before start of use, the ear materials, constituting the pair, are separably coupled with each other, and provided on the outer surface side of the mask body, outlines of the ear materials have a wavy shape, and the ear materials, constituting the pair, are coupled to an outer surface in side portions of the mask body via the auxiliary materials. The mask body, the ear materials, and the auxiliary materials are stacked in this order.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a robust mask with good fit can be provided.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings, unless otherwise explained, the same or corresponding components may be denoted with the same reference numerals and the description thereof may be omitted. The drawings are schematic for helping understanding of the invention.

A mask according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a mask capable of covering the face of a wearer, more specifically, covering at least the nose and the mouth of a wearer. The mask according to this embodiment can have a function of preventing foreign matter from reaching the face and preventing droplets generated by the wearer from being scattered, and is also referred to as a sanitary mask or surgical mask. The mask may be disposable or reusable by washing.

<FIG> is a plan view of a mask <NUM> according to the present embodiment. <FIG> is a view of the mask <NUM> as seen from the outside, i.e., from the side exposed to the outside and facing away from the face when the mask <NUM> is worn. <FIG> is a plan view of the mask as seen from the inside (face side).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the mask <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes: a mask body (which may be simply referred to as a body) <NUM> which is disposed in front of the face of the wearer when the mask is worn and can mainly cover the nose and mouth of the wearer; and ear materials <NUM>, <NUM>, constituting the pair, coupled to the mask body <NUM>. The mask body <NUM> has a vertical direction D1 corresponding to the height direction of the wearer's face when wearing the mask and a horizontal direction D2 orthogonal to the vertical direction D1. In the form of <FIG>, the mask body <NUM> has a rectangular shape in a plan view having long sides in the horizontal direction D2, but the shape of the mask body <NUM> in a plan view is not limited to the shape as illustrated in the drawings.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the mask body <NUM> has a pleated structure <NUM> formed by multiple pleats arranged side by side in the vertical direction D1. The pleats of the pleated structure <NUM> are formed by folding a sheet constituting the body <NUM> at fold lines along the horizontal direction D2. In a state in which multiple pleats are formed, the side portions (the ends in the horizontal direction D2) of the mask body <NUM> are joined and fixed. Therefore, when the mask <NUM> is used, the pleats of the pleated structure <NUM> are extended in the vertical direction D1, so that the center in the horizontal direction D2 is curved so as to protrude toward the outer surface side of the mask <NUM>, and can be deformed into a shape adapted to the three-dimensional shape of the face. The specific configuration of the pleated structure <NUM> is not particularly limited and may be a conventional configuration formed in a mask body.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM>, constituting the pair, are disposed on the outer surface side of the body <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, each ear member <NUM> may be in an annular shape, or may have a shape that includes an annulus in a plan view. When being worn, the ear materials <NUM> can be hung on the ears by allowing the ears of the wearer to enter the inside of the ring of each ear material <NUM>, i.e., an opening <NUM> at the center of each ear material <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the outline of the ring of the ear material <NUM> has a wavy shape. The wavy shape may be provided on at least one of the inner outline and the outer outline of the ring, but is preferably provided on at least the inner outline. The wavy shape does not have to be provided on the entire outline of the ring of the ear material <NUM>, and it is preferable that, for example, the wavy shape is formed in a portion of the ear material that is in contact with the ear when the mask <NUM> is worn, i.e., a portion of the ear material <NUM> that is situated near the center of the mask <NUM> in the horizontal direction D2 before the start of use. In particular, since the wavy shape is provided on the inner outline of the portion in contact with the ear when the mask <NUM> is worn, the protruding portion included in the wavy shape is easily moved independently, so that the ear material <NUM> is easily fitted to the shape of the ear, and the ear material <NUM> can be stably disposed behind the ear when the mask is worn.

The ear materials <NUM>, <NUM>, constituting the pair, may be configured as a continuous sheet separably coupled to each other at the center in the horizontal direction D2. The type of coupling at a separable coupling portion <NUM> between the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> constituting the pair is not particularly limited, but is preferably separable by pulling with a usual force of the user. For example, it may be formed as perforations as illustrated in <FIG>. The coupling portion <NUM> may also be formed by reducing the thickness of the sheet or by other means to weaken the border between the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> constituting the pair or to increase stress. Alternatively, the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> constituting the pair may be formed independently of each other, slightly overlapping at the center in the horizontal direction D2, and separably coupled by an adhesive, heat sealing, or the like to form the coupling portion <NUM>.

The mask body <NUM> may have a multilayer structure formed by laminating multiple layers. For example, the structure may include at least three layers sandwiched between an outer layer and an inner layer of an intermediate layer having an enhanced function of collecting foreign matter (dust, pollen, bacteria, viruses, and the like). Each layer constituting the body <NUM> may include a fiber-containing layer such as a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, and the like, and preferably includes a nonwoven fabric. Examples of the nonwoven fabric include a spunbond nonwoven fabric, a spunlace nonwoven fabric, a meltblown nonwoven fabric, an air through nonwoven fabric, a point bond nonwoven fabric, and the like. A meltblown nonwoven fabric which can contain fine fibers is preferably used for the intermediate layer. The fibers constituting the fiber-containing layer are preferably resin fibers, and the resin types of the resin fibers include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, and the like. The basis weight of the outer and inner layers may be <NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM>. The basis weight of the intermediate layer having a high foreign matter collecting property is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM> and more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM>.

The ear materials <NUM> may be formed of a material having stretchability, preferably a material having higher stretchability than the body <NUM>. The ear material <NUM> may have stretchability at least in the horizontal direction D2, and may have stretchability in both the vertical direction D1 and the horizontal direction D2. The stretchability in the vertical direction D1 and the stretchability in the horizontal direction D2 may be the same or different from each other. When the stretchability in the vertical direction D1 is different from the stretchability in the horizontal direction D2, it is preferable that the stretchability in the horizontal direction D2 is higher than the stretchability in the horizontal direction D2 of the body <NUM>. When worn, the ear materials <NUM> are hung on the ears of the wearer, and are pulled mainly in the horizontal direction D2. Therefore, by having stretchability at least in the horizontal direction D2, the body <NUM> can be better positioned and fixed in the front of the face, and the load of the ear materials <NUM> applied to the ears can be reduced.

The ear material <NUM> may include a stretchable fiber-containing sheet and/or may include a stretchable or elastic film. The fiber-containing sheet includes a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, and the like, and among these, a nonwoven fabric is preferably used because of its good touch and breathability. Examples of nonwoven fabric include an air-through nonwoven fabric, a spunbond nonwoven fabric, a spunlace nonwoven fabric, a needle punch nonwoven fabric, a chemical bond nonwoven fabric, and the like. The fibers contained in the nonwoven fabric are preferably resin fibers, and the resin types of the resin fibers include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, and the like.

For example, the ear materials <NUM> may contain a single layer of the above stretchable fiber-containing sheet or stretchable film, or may be constituted by laminating multiple layers of the above stretchable fiber-containing sheets and/or stretchable films by laminating the fiber-containing sheets and the stretchable films. When the fiber-containing sheet has stretchability, the stretchability may be exhibited by the stretchable fibers contained in the fiber-containing sheet, for example, by the material of the fibers having stretchability or the fibers being crimped fibers. Alternatively, the stretchability may be exhibited by a predetermined physical structure, for example, by having irregularities on the surface. Furthermore, the ear materials <NUM> may be formed by sandwiching a thread-like rubber with a fiber-containing sheet having stretchability or not having stretchability. When the stretchability of the fiber-containing sheet is low or is not provided, the fiber-containing sheets may be attached to both sides while the thread-like rubber is stretched.

Specifically, the ear materials <NUM> may be made of a single-layer nonwoven fabric such as a stretchable air-through nonwoven fabric, a stretchable spunbond nonwoven fabric, a stretchable spunlace nonwoven fabric, a stretchable needle punch nonwoven fabric, a stretchable chemical bond nonwoven fabric, or the like. In addition, a material including multiple layers of nonwoven fabric such as spunbond/melt blown/spunbond may be used. Furthermore, a laminated sheet such as a nonwoven fabric/stretchable film or a nonwoven fabric/stretchable film/nonwoven fabric (for example, spunbond/stretchable film/spunbond, air-through/stretchable film/air-through, and the like) can be used. When the ear materials <NUM> are made of multiple layers, the layers may be bonded to each other with a stretchable or non-stretchable hot-melt nonwoven fabric (a nonwoven fabric whose fibers are softened or melted by heating and can be bonded to other members). The basis weight of the ear materials <NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM>. The ear materials <NUM> may have a thickness of <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>.

The ear materials <NUM>, <NUM>, constituting the pair, are coupled to respective side portions (end portions in the horizontal direction D2) of the outer surface of the body <NUM>. Specifically, the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM>, constituting the pair, are coupled to both side portions of the body <NUM> via auxiliary materials <NUM>, <NUM> (the auxiliary materials are explained later in detail). Specifically, the outer portions of the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM>, constituting the pair, in the horizontal direction D2 are coupled to the body <NUM>, and the other portions are not coupled to the body <NUM>. When the mask <NUM> according to the present embodiment starts to be used, before the mask <NUM> is worn, the separable coupling between the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> constituting the pair is released to separate the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> from each other (also referred to as separation operation), and the portions of the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> which are not coupled to the body <NUM> are opened sideways in the horizontal direction D2 (also referred to as an expansion operation). Such separation and expansion operations, and the configuration related to such operation are hereinafter explained in detail.

<FIG> illustrates a state in which the mask <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is about to be used. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of <FIG>. At the start of use, the user can pull the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> constituting the pair in the opposite directions by pinching or holding them with their respective hands as illustrated in <FIG>. As a result, the separable coupling portion <NUM> can be first uncoupled. If the coupling portion <NUM> includes perforations formed along the border line between the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> constituting the pair, the perforations can be broken to separate the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> along the border line. Thereafter, the user can open the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> constituting the pair outward in the horizontal direction D2 toward the sides indicated by the arrows in <FIG> and <FIG> while holding them.

<FIG> illustrates a state in which the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> constituting the pair are opened outward in the horizontal direction D2 from the state illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, when the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> constituting the pair are opened, the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> are turned over so that the surface facing the body <NUM> in the state before start of use is exposed. The ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> are mainly disposed on the outer sides in the horizontal direction D2 of the body <NUM>, and the entire outer surface of the body <NUM> is exposed.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the user opens, outward in the horizontal direction D2, the tab portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, constituting the pair as described above by holding the tab portions <NUM>, <NUM> and then lifting the mask <NUM>, for example, the outer surface of the mask <NUM> faces the user opening the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM>, and the inner surface of the mask <NUM> (surface on face side) faces the side away from the user. Therefore, the mask <NUM> according to the present embodiment is suitable for being worn by another wearer. For example, while the mask <NUM> is placed with the outside of the mask <NUM> facing upward (with the outer surface of the body <NUM> facing upward), the user opens the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM>, constituting the pair, outwardly in the horizontal direction D2 by holding them with hands. Thereafter, the mask <NUM> is moved to the face of another wearer while the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> constituting the pair are held, and the mask body <NUM> is arranged at a desired position of the wearer's face, and at this occasion, the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> constituting the pair can be hung on the ears of the wearer while the way of holding the mask <NUM> is not changed. Therefore, the mask <NUM> according to the present embodiment can be suitably used when the mask is worn by a person who has difficulty wearing the mask by himself or herself, such as a child or a sick person.

Furthermore, since the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> constituting the pair are disposed on the outer surface of the body <NUM> as described above, the possibility of the user's hand touching the inside of the mask <NUM> can be reduced or eliminated when the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> constituting the pair are separated from each other and opened outward in the horizontal direction D2. Therefore, the expansion operation of the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> in the preparation stage before the mask <NUM> is worn can be performed hygienically.

Furthermore, as illustrated in <FIG>, the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> constituting the pair may have tab portions <NUM>, <NUM> which the user can pinch when the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> constituting the pair are separated from each other and opened outward in the horizontal direction D2. The tab portions <NUM>, <NUM> preferably project from the edge of the body <NUM> in a plan view. Since the tab portions <NUM>, <NUM> protrude from the edge of the body <NUM>, the user can pinch the tab portions <NUM>, <NUM> with both hands without touching the body <NUM> itself, i.e., without touching the outer surface or the inner surface of the body <NUM>. The user can separate and expand the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> constituting the pair without touching the body <NUM> or without appreciably touching the body <NUM>. Therefore, even in a situation where the user cannot give sufficient consideration to hand hygiene, the mask <NUM> in a good hygiene condition can be worn by the user or by another person. Furthermore, it is preferable that the tab portions <NUM>, <NUM> protrude from the lower end (end portion on the lower side in <FIG>) of the body <NUM> in a plan view, because the separation and expansion operation of the ear material can be performed naturally.

Since the ear materials <NUM> have the tab portions <NUM>, <NUM>, the user can easily adjust the ear materials by holding the tab portions <NUM>, <NUM> when or after the ear materials <NUM> are hung on the ears of the wearer. Specifically, the positions of the ear materials <NUM> can be adjusted by shifting the ear materials in the circumferential direction of the ear materials <NUM> relative to the ears with the tab portions <NUM>, <NUM>, or the tension of the ear materials <NUM> can be adjusted by pulling the ear materials <NUM> toward the rear side and loosening them.

The maximum length in the vertical direction D1 of the portion of the tab portion <NUM> protruding from the lower end of the body <NUM>, i.e., the length in the vertical direction D1 from the lower end of the body to the vertex of the portion of the tab portion <NUM> protruding, may be <NUM> to <NUM>. The length in the horizontal direction D2 from the edge of the mask <NUM> or the body <NUM> in the horizontal direction D2 to the vertex of the protruding portion, of the tab portion <NUM> that is closer to the edge, is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>% with respect to <NUM>/<NUM> of the length in the horizontal direction D2 of the entirety of the mask <NUM> or the body <NUM>.

While the mask <NUM> is worn, i.e., while the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> are opened sideways and hung on the ears, the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> are pulled toward the ears of the wearer, and accordingly, connection portions of the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> with the body <NUM> are pressed toward the face of the wearer. In the present embodiment, the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> constituting the pair are connected to both sides of the outer surface of the body <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). Therefore, while the mask <NUM> is worn, portions of the ear materials <NUM> are disposed on the outer sides of both sides of the body <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>), i.e., both sides of the body <NUM> are disposed between the ear materials <NUM> and the face of the wearer, so that both sides of the body <NUM> are pressed against the face by the ear materials <NUM>. Thereby, the gap between the body <NUM> and the face can be reduced at both sides of the mask body <NUM>, and the function of the mask, for example, the function of blocking foreign matter, the function of preventing droplets generated by the wearer from being scattered, and the like, can be improved. In addition, the ear materials <NUM> are not arranged on the inner sides of both side portions (face side) of the body, and the ear materials <NUM> do not come into contact with the face of the wearer at both side portions of the body <NUM> while being worn, so that a better fit can be obtained.

A mark <NUM> that allows the outer and inner surfaces of the body <NUM> to be distinguished from each other (distinguishing between front and back) may be formed on the outer surface and/or the inner surface of the body <NUM> by embossing, printing, sewing, or the like. The form of the mark <NUM> is not limited as long as it can be visually recognized by the user. As illustrated in <FIG>, the mark <NUM> may be letters, numbers, a symbol, a figure, a logo, or the like.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> constituting the pair are coupled to both sides of the body <NUM> via the auxiliary materials <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. The configuration and the function of the auxiliary materials <NUM>, <NUM> are hereinafter explained in detail.

<FIG> is an enlarged view of a portion of the mask <NUM> where the auxiliary material <NUM> is provided. <FIG> is a partial plan view, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a view after the ear material <NUM> is opened outward in the horizontal direction D2 from the state illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG> is a partial plan view, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of <FIG>. In the <FIG>, the body <NUM>, the ear material <NUM>, and the auxiliary material <NUM> are stacked in this order. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the pleated structure <NUM> (<FIG> and the like) of the mask body <NUM> is not illustrated.

The auxiliary materials <NUM> are interposed between the body <NUM> and the ear materials <NUM> so that the body <NUM> and the ear materials <NUM> are directly coupled. Specifically, the body <NUM> and the auxiliary material <NUM> are coupled at a first coupling portion B1, and the ear material <NUM> and the auxiliary material <NUM> are coupled at a second coupling portion B2, so that the body <NUM> and the ear material <NUM> are not directly joined. For example, the first coupling portion B1 and the second coupling portion B2 can be formed by means of coupling the opposing surfaces of the members by applying pressure and/or heat, such as heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, non-heating embossing, and the like. Among them, it is preferable to use heat sealing because reliable bonding is possible.

As described above, the body <NUM> has a function of blocking the entry of foreign matter and preventing droplets generated by the wearer from being scattered, while the ear materials <NUM> have a function of holding the body <NUM> by being hung on the ears of the wearer when the wearer wears the ear materials <NUM>. Therefore, the body <NUM> and the ear materials <NUM> are usually made of different materials, and the ear materials <NUM> are preferably made of a material having relatively high stretchability. Therefore, in the conventional structure in which the body <NUM> and the ear materials <NUM> are directly coupled, when a force is applied to the mask <NUM> by pulling the ear materials <NUM> and the like, the body <NUM> cannot follow the stretch of the ear materials <NUM>, and the coupling cannot be maintained, and there is a possibility that both are detached from each other.

In contrast, according the present embodiment, the first coupling portion B1, which is the coupling portion between the body <NUM> and the auxiliary material <NUM>, and the second coupling portion B2, which is the coupling portion between the ear material <NUM> and the auxiliary material <NUM>, can be formed separately. Specifically, the coupling portion includes the first coupling portion B1 and the second coupling portion B2, and therefore, the force relating to the coupling portion is dispersed, and the ear materials <NUM> are not likely to be detached. Furthermore, the respective coupling portions can be formed in a form suitable for the characteristics of the two members to be directly coupled. Furthermore, as the material of the auxiliary material <NUM>, a material capable of optimizing both of the coupling to the body <NUM> and the coupling to the ear material <NUM> can also be selected. Thus, the indirect coupling between the body <NUM> and the ear materials <NUM> is less likely to be broken, and as a result, the mask that is less likely to break even when a force is applied can be obtained.

As described above, before the mask <NUM> according to the present embodiment is worn, the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> are separated from each other and opened sideways by pinching and pulling the tab portions <NUM>, <NUM> provided on the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, constituting the pair. When the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> are separated and expanded, the mask <NUM> might be damaged depending on the configuration of the coupling portion <NUM> of the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> constituting the pair, the way the user separates the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM>, and the like. For example, if it wer difficult to start separating the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> at the coupling portion <NUM>, the user might pull and open the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> by excessive force, and a large force would be applied to the connecting portions between the ear materials <NUM> and the body <NUM>, which might cause the ear materials <NUM> to be detached. However, according to the present embodiment, even in the separation and expansion operation of the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> at the start of use, the ear materials <NUM>, <NUM> are less likely to be detached from the body <NUM>, and a process of putting on the mask <NUM> can be started in a good condition.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to use a large amount of adhesive agent for firmly bonding the body <NUM> and the ear materials <NUM> or to use an adhesive agent that becomes excessively hard after curing, and therefore, the function of each member is not hindered, the flexibility of the mask can be maintained, and the mask with good fit and usability can be obtained.

The auxiliary materials <NUM> may be made of a non-stretchable material or a material with a low stretchability, and is preferably made of a material having certain stretchability. The auxiliary materials <NUM> may be made of a material of which the shape can be irreversibly changed when a force is applied. The auxiliary materials <NUM> may include a stretchable nonwoven fabric of the same type as the ear materials <NUM> explained above, but the stretchability of the auxiliary material <NUM> is preferably smaller than that of the ear material <NUM> at least in the horizontal direction D2. The stretchability of the auxiliary material <NUM> is preferably greater than that of the body <NUM> at least in the horizontal direction D2.

When the auxiliary materials <NUM> having stretchability are provided, the difference between the stretch of the body <NUM> and the stretch of the auxiliary materials <NUM>, and the difference between the stretch of the ear materials <NUM> and the stretch of the auxiliary materials <NUM> can be reduced even when the ear materials <NUM> are pulled. The auxiliary materials <NUM> can serve as a buffer between the body <NUM> and the ear materials <NUM>. Therefore, the first coupling portion B1 between the body <NUM> and the auxiliary material <NUM> and the second coupling portion B2 between the ear material <NUM> and the auxiliary material <NUM> are less likely to break, and as a result, the indirect coupling between the body <NUM> and the ear materials <NUM> is less likely to break. The basis weight of the auxiliary material <NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM>/m<NUM>. The thickness of the auxiliary material <NUM> may be <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the auxiliary material <NUM> may be a sheet-shaped member extending along the vertical direction D1 of the mask <NUM>. The length of the auxiliary material <NUM> in the vertical direction D1 is preferably the same as the length of the mask <NUM> in the vertical direction D1 (the length of the body <NUM> in the vertical direction D1), but may be shorter than the length of the mask <NUM> in the vertical direction D1. Furthermore, on one side (on either the right or left side) of the mask <NUM> in the horizontal direction D2, an outer end <NUM> of the auxiliary material <NUM> in the horizontal direction D2 may be, in the horizontal direction D2, inside or outside an outer end <NUM> of the body <NUM> in the horizontal direction D2, but is preferably aligned with the outer end <NUM> of the body <NUM> in the horizontal direction D2 as illustrated in <FIG>.

The length (width) W of the auxiliary material <NUM> in the horizontal direction D2 is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, depending on the size and configuration of the entire mask <NUM> and the sizes, shapes, and materials of the body <NUM> and the ear materials <NUM>. When the length in the horizontal direction D2 is within the above range, the areas of the first coupling portion B1 and the second coupling portion B2 can be sufficiently secured, while the auxiliary materials <NUM> do not interfere with the separation/expansion operation and/or the process of putting on the mask <NUM> at the start of use, and do not interfere with the functions of the body <NUM> and the ear materials <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the width W of the auxiliary material <NUM> may be such that the auxiliary material <NUM> overlaps the opening <NUM> of the ear material <NUM>. However, the width W of the auxiliary material <NUM> may be set so that the auxiliary material <NUM> does not overlap the opening <NUM> of the ear material <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the auxiliary materials <NUM> are disposed on the outer surface side of the body <NUM>. Therefore, even when the mask <NUM> is worn, the auxiliary materials <NUM> are unlikely to come into contact with the face of the wearer, and a good fit achieved by the mask <NUM> according to the present embodiment is not hindered.

Furthermore, as described above, the ear material <NUM> according to the present embodiment may function to press both sides of the body <NUM> toward the face of the wearer, while the auxiliary material <NUM> stacked on the outer surface side of the body <NUM> may also function to press, integrally with the ear material <NUM>, the body <NUM> toward the face at least partially. Thus, the gap between the face and both sides of the body <NUM> can be further reduced, and the function of the mask <NUM> can be improved.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the state prior to the start of use of the mask <NUM>, the first coupling portion B1, which is the coupling portion between the body <NUM> and the auxiliary material <NUM>, is situated outside the second coupling portion B2, which is the coupling portion between the ear material <NUM> and the auxiliary material <NUM>, in the horizontal direction D2. Therefore, when the ear materials <NUM> are opened outward in the horizontal direction D2 at the start of use, a portion of the auxiliary material <NUM> (outside in the horizontal direction D2) remains fixed to the body <NUM> due to the presence of the first coupling portion B1, but the inner side of the auxiliary material in the horizontal direction D2 is opened outward (sideways) in the horizontal direction D2 together with the ear material <NUM> by the second coupling portion B2 (<FIG>). Specifically, the auxiliary material <NUM> is bent in the horizontal direction D2 by a line along the vertical direction D1.

The bent auxiliary material <NUM> generates a restoring force (a force for returning from a folded state to a state before being folded) according to the characteristics of the material constituting the auxiliary material <NUM>. As described above, while the mask <NUM> is worn, the ear materials <NUM> and at least portions of the auxiliary materials <NUM> press both sides of the body <NUM> toward the face, but such pressing at both sides of the body <NUM> may be improved by bending the auxiliary materials <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the auxiliary material <NUM> is disposed on the outer surface side of the ear material <NUM> and on the outermost surface of the mask <NUM>, the auxiliary material <NUM> is disposed on the inner side of the ear material <NUM> (face side) when the ear material <NUM> is opened outwardly in the horizontal direction D2, so that the function of pressing both sides of the body <NUM> toward the face is further enhanced. Therefore, the effect of reducing the gap between the mask body and the face is further improved.

In a configuration in which the auxiliary materials <NUM> are bent when the ear materials <NUM> are expanded, the auxiliary materials <NUM> preferably have a relatively high bending springback (strength of springback force when bent), and for example, may have a bending springback larger than that of the ear materials <NUM>. Thereby, the restoring force of the auxiliary materials <NUM> that are bent is enhanced, and the action of the auxiliary materials <NUM> for pushing the body <NUM> toward the inside (face side) can be further improved.

In the state before start of use (<FIG>), on one side (left or right side) of the mask <NUM> in the horizontal direction D2, an outer end <NUM> of the ear material <NUM> in the horizontal direction D2 is located on the inner side in the horizontal direction D2 with respect to an outer end <NUM> of the body <NUM> in the horizontal direction D2. Specifically, the ear materials <NUM> are shifted toward the inner side in the horizontal direction D2 with respect to the body <NUM>. Therefore, when the body <NUM>, the ear material <NUM>, and the auxiliary material <NUM> are laminated in order, a portion where the auxiliary material <NUM> can directly come into contact with the body <NUM> and a portion where the auxiliary material <NUM> can directly come into contact with the ear material <NUM> can be easily formed without performing a process such as folding back. Therefore, the first coupling portion B1 between the body <NUM> and the auxiliary material <NUM>, and the second coupling portion B2 between the ear material <NUM> and the auxiliary material <NUM> can be formed without complicated structure and process. For example, the auxiliary material <NUM> is provided on the ear material <NUM> such that the outer end <NUM> of the ear material <NUM> in the horizontal direction D2 is situated on the inner side in the horizontal direction D2 with respect to the outer end <NUM> of the auxiliary material <NUM> in the horizontal direction D2, and a combined body obtained by coupling the ear material <NUM> and the auxiliary material <NUM> at the second coupling portion B2 is prepared. The combined body is provided on the body <NUM> in such a manner that the outer end <NUM> of the ear material <NUM> in the horizontal direction D2 is situated on the inner side in the horizontal direction D2 with respect to the outer end <NUM> of the body <NUM> in the horizontal direction D2. As a result, a portion where the outer end <NUM> of the body <NUM> in the horizontal direction D2 and the auxiliary material <NUM> are in direct contact with each other can be obtained, so that the first coupling portion B1 can be formed in a state where the combined body and the body <NUM> are superposed.

The first coupling portion B1 is preferably formed over the vertical direction D1. A length (width) w<NUM> (<FIG>) of the first coupling portion B1 in the horizontal direction D2 may be <NUM> to <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the width w<NUM> of the first coupling portion B1 is constant in the vertical direction D1, but the width w<NUM> does not necessarily have to be constant and may vary depending on the location. When the width w<NUM> is within the above range, a reliable coupling can be formed between the body <NUM> and the auxiliary material <NUM>, and the flexibility of the entirety of the mask <NUM> can be prevented from being damaged by the hardening of the first coupling portion B1. Furthermore, discomfort or the like which occurs when the first coupling portion B1 comes into contact with the face can be reduced.

The second coupling portion B2 is also preferably formed over the vertical direction D1. A length (width) w<NUM> (<FIG>) of the second coupling portion B2 in the horizontal direction D2 may be <NUM> to <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the width w<NUM> of the first coupling portion B1 is constant in the vertical direction D1, but the width w<NUM> does not necessarily have to be constant and may vary depending on the location. When the width w<NUM> is within the above range, a reliable coupling can be formed between the ear material <NUM> and the auxiliary material <NUM>, and the flexibility of the entirety of the mask <NUM> can be prevented from being damaged by the hardening of the second connection portion B2.

The first coupling portion B1 and the second coupling portion B2 are preferably spaced apart from each other. A distance w<NUM> between the first coupling portion B1 and the second coupling portion B2 (<FIG>) may be <NUM> to <NUM>. The distance w<NUM> is preferably larger than the width w<NUM> of the first coupling portion B1. With the distance wo being the above value, when the ear material <NUM> is expanded, the turning over of the ear material <NUM> and the bending of the auxiliary material <NUM> are facilitated, and the flexibility of both side portions of the mask <NUM> can be prevented from being impaired.

When the ear material <NUM> is expanded, the ear material <NUM> and the auxiliary material <NUM> are moved such that the ear material <NUM> is turned over and the auxiliary material <NUM> is bent about a position in proximity to the inner end of the first coupling portion B1 in the horizontal direction D2. Therefore, it is preferable that a distance s between the inner end of the first coupling portion B1 in the horizontal direction D2 and the outer end <NUM> of the ear material <NUM> in the horizontal direction D2 is secured to some extent. Furthermore, when the distance s is not excessively increased, the length of the ear material <NUM> in the horizontal direction D2 can be prevented from being shortened. The distance s may be <NUM> to <NUM>.

When the first coupling portion B1 and the second coupling portion B2 are formed by heat sealing, the welded portion formed by the heat sealing may be continuous or discontinuous in the vertical direction D1 and/or the horizontal direction D2. In the case of being discontinuous, multiple welded portions may be provided over the entire coupling portion. When the welded portions are discontinuously provided, a reliable coupling can be formed while securing a certain degree of flexibility in the coupling portion.

<FIG> illustrate enlarged views of portions V and VI, respectively, of <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the first coupling portion B1 includes multiple welded portions discontinuous in both the vertical direction D1 and the horizontal direction D2. Specifically, the welded portions in square shapes are disposed vertically and horizontally with predetermined intervals from each other. When discontinuous welded portions are provided in the vertical direction D1 and the horizontal direction D2 of the coupling portion, the coupling portion having high flexibility is obtained over the entirety of the first coupling portion B1 while the reliable coupling is formed.

Furthermore, as illustrated in <FIG>, the second coupling portion B2 includes multiple welded portions discontinuous in the vertical direction D1. In the illustrated example, the welded portion included in the second coupling B2 has a bar shape (or line shape) extending in the horizontal direction D2, more specifically, has a rectangular shape. Since the ear material <NUM> is pulled while being worn, the second coupling portion B2 (the ear material <NUM> and the auxiliary material <NUM> coupled by the second coupling portion B2) is particularly susceptible to the force in the horizontal direction D2. Therefore, the welded portion included in the second coupling portion B2 is formed in a bar shape continuous in the horizontal direction D2, so that when the ear material <NUM> is pulled in the horizontal direction D2, the ear material <NUM> can be suitably prevented from being detached. Note that the shape of the welded portion of the coupling portion is not limited to that illustrated in the drawings, provided that the coupling portion capable of sufficiently maintaining strength can be formed. The welded portion may be formed in a shape having a width narrower than the length, i.e., in a linear shape (linear or curved shape), or in a dot shape (shape visible as a dot). Specifically, the shape of each welded portion in a plan view may be any shape, such as: a quadrilateral such as a rectangle and a diamond; a polygon other than a quadrilateral; a circle; an ellipse; and the like.

In the example described above, the auxiliary material <NUM> interposed for coupling of the body <NUM> and the ear material <NUM> is provided as a single layer on the outermost side of the mask <NUM>, but the arrangement of the auxiliary material <NUM> is not limited to the example illustrated in the drawing. Furthermore, the auxiliary material <NUM> may be folded in a state prior to the start of use and composed of <NUM> layers.

<FIG> illustrates a modified embodiment of the mask <NUM> according to the present embodiment which is not part of the scope of the present invention. <FIG> is a view corresponding to <FIG>, and illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the mask <NUM> where the auxiliary material <NUM> is provided. <FIG> is a partial plan view, and <FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a view after the ear materials <NUM> are opened outward in the horizontal direction D2 from the state illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG> is a partial plan view, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of <FIG>. In the modified embodiment illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, which is not part of the scope of the present invention, the auxiliary material <NUM> is disposed on the outside of the ear material <NUM>. The basic configuration other than the above is the same as the basic configuration described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, and substantially the same actions and effects can be obtained.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, when both side portions (both end portions in the horizontal direction D2) of the mask <NUM> are viewed from the outside, the ear material <NUM> is disposed on the outermost side, and the auxiliary material <NUM> is exposed to the outside from the outer end <NUM> of the ear material <NUM> in the horizontal direction D2. Therefore, when the ear material <NUM> is opened outward and expanded in the horizontal direction D2 at the start of use, the bent auxiliary material <NUM> is disposed on the outermost side on the side of the body <NUM>, and the outer end <NUM> of the ear material <NUM> is covered with the auxiliary material <NUM>. Therefore, the outer end <NUM> of the ear material <NUM> is not exposed while being worn and can be protected.

Claim 1:
A mask (<NUM>) comprising:
a mask body (<NUM>);
ear materials (<NUM>), constituting a pair, coupled to the mask body (<NUM>); and
auxiliary materials (<NUM>) provided on an outer surface side of the mask body (<NUM>),
wherein the outer surface is a side facing away from a face of a wearer when the mask is worn,
wherein in a state before start of use,
the mask body (<NUM>), the ear materials (<NUM>), and the auxiliary materials (<NUM>) are stacked in this order,
the ear materials (<NUM>), constituting the pair, are separably coupled with each other, and provided on the outer surface side of the mask body (<NUM>),
outlines of the ear materials (<NUM>) have a wavy shape, and
the ear materials (<NUM>), constituting the pair, are coupled to the outer surface in side portions of the mask body (<NUM>) via the auxiliary materials (<NUM>) .