Patent ID: 12207692

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

Refer toFIGS.1and2for the explanation of the first embodiment.FIG.1Ais a front view of an etiquette mask2A according to the first embodiment of the present invention, andFIG.1Bis a rear view thereof. The etiquette mask2A comprises an upper mask part4covering the eye area14a(eyes and its surrounding area) of the face14, a lower mask part6attached to the upper mask part4and covering the area of the face below the eye area, a rubber band8provided on the upper mask part4as a mounting part to prevent the etiquette mask2A from falling off the face, and earplugs9integrally attached to both sides of the upper end of the lower mask part6via flexible strings7.

The upper mask part4is formed of a light-shielding material having flexibility, such as synthetic sponge, and as shown inFIG.1B, a circular recess4ais formed in the part corresponding to the eye area on the backside, to prevent it from hitting the eyes. Both ends of the rubber band8are respectively sewn onto both sides of the backside of the upper mask part4, and the reference numeral4binFIG.1Aindicates the sewn part of the rubber band8. The lower mask part6has an area sufficient to cover well below the eye area on the front surface of the face, and is formed of a soft and pleasant-feeling fabric, such as silk cloth, which can deform according to changes in facial contours. The lower mask part6is attached to the upper mask part4by sewing its upper side (the side shown as an arrow Z1) in the vertical direction (the direction shown as arrow Z) of the face to the lower end of the backside of the upper mask part4. Also, the lower mask part6has a width larger than the width w of the upper mask part4and is closely sewn so as to form pleats. That is, a gather5is applied to a part (upper side). The periphery of the lower mask part6, except for the upper side, is a free edge, and when the etiquette mask2A is lifted, a plurality of wrinkles (folds, including the concept of drapes)6aare randomly formed by the etiquette mask being drooped.

FIG.2shows the usage state of the etiquette mask2A, which is an example of a situation where one is napping in a reclined state by leaning against the backrest10in train interiors, such as the Shinkansen, or inside an airplane. When you wear the etiquette mask2A to cover the eye area14aby fitting the rubber band8around the head12, the soft and pleasant-feeling silk fabric of the lower mask part6deforms according to the deformation of the contours of the face14and covers a lower side below a part of eyes14aon the face14in a drooping state due to its own weight.

This prevents the opening of the mouth14bfrom being seen by others (other passengers) if it is unintentionally opened during a nap, thus avoiding any embarrassment. Also, since the lower mask part6fits on the surface of the face14by its own weight due to the softness of its fabric, it suppresses the concern of virus spread from the mouth14bor nose14cin situations where coronavirus countermeasures are being called for, contributing to compliance with social etiquette (consideration for those around). Since the lower mask part6itself simply covers the face14due to its own weight without having any attachment parts like rubber strings for the face14, there is no oppressive feeling or difficulty of breathing like those caused by the elastic force of regular mask's rubber or the tightening force of strings, and there is less friction on the surface of the face14, which can cause skin roughness. Especially in this embodiment, since gathers5are applied to the upper side of the lower mask part6, even though the soft and pleasant-feeling fabric, the existence of the wrinkles6aallows easy formation of a gap protruding outward from the face14at the part corresponding to the mouth14bor nose14c, thus having an advantage of being able to further reduce the difficulty of breathing. Moreover, by inserting earplugs9into the ear holes16, surrounding noise can be blocked, thereby improving restfulness. Since the earplugs9are integrally attached to the lower mask part6with a string7, they won't be forgotten, and there's no need to worry about their location even when not in use.

The material for the lower mask part6is not limited to soft fabric such as silk, and a general cloth may be adopted within a range of being able to prevent visibility from the outside. As a soft fabric with a nice touch, in addition to silk, velvet (velour), velour or the like can be adopted. These have an excellent sophisticated feeling, and there is no discomfort even when used in extraordinary places such as inside an airplane. Since the upper mask part4and the lower mask part6are integrated, there is no sense of heavy equipment, comparing with when wearing an eye mask and a regular mask at the same time, and the material, shape, and color tone of the lower mask part6can be added. Rather, it is possible to improve the fashionability. There is also no worry of forgetting either one.

Second Embodiment

Refer toFIGS.3to5for an explanation of the second embodiment. Note that the same parts as the first embodiment are indicated by the same reference numerals, and the duplicate description of their configuration and function will be omitted as appropriate (the same applies to other embodiments below).

FIG.3is a front view of an etiquette mask2B according to this embodiment. The etiquette mask2B comprises a thin upper mask part18made of a flexible synthetic resin, a lower mask part20that can be detachably attached to the surface side of the upper mask part18at the upper end portion thereof, a rubber band22(seeFIG.4) provided on the upper mask part18as a wearing portion to prevent the etiquette mask2B from falling off the face14, and earplugs9integrally attached to each both sides of the upper end part of the upper mask part18via flexible strings7. A recess protruding outward from the face14is formed in the part corresponding to the eyes14aof the upper mask part18. The lower mask part20is formed in a rectangular shape with a normal cloth, the periphery is folded twice or more and sewn, and the rigidity (shape retention) is higher than that of a single layer. In particular, both vertical edges20aare folded three times or more to increase rigidity and provide a frame function in the vertical direction of the face14.

As shown inFIG.4, a tape-shaped (band-shaped) planar fastener24A is fixed to the entire width direction on the surface side of the upper mask part18, and a tape-shaped planar fastener24B that engages with the planar fastener24A is fixed to the backside of the upper part of the lower mask part20. As a result, the lower mask part20can be detachably attached to the upper mask part18. The rubber band22consists of two bands22a,22b, one end of each is fixed to the upper mask part18, and the free ends of each band22a,22bcan be fixed at any position to each other by a not shown planar fastener. By shifting the fixed position between the free ends, the tightening force of the rubber band22on the head12can be adjusted.

The lower half of the lower mask part20has a bellows-fold configuration26that presents a curved shape that protrudes outward from the face14by pulling in the vertical direction (downward direction, that is, the Z2direction inFIG.1) of the face14. The bellows-fold configuration26, which can also be called a horizontal pleat type, has multiple (five in this case) fold lines26a, and the lower mask part20itself is flat and rectangular when not being pulled.

FIG.5shows the usage state of the etiquette mask2B. When the rubber band22is fitted to the head12and the etiquette mask2B is worn to cover the area of the eyes14a, and the lower end of the lower mask part20is pinched with fingers and pulled downward, like a pleated-type mask, the bellows-fold configuration26expands and takes on a curved shape protruding outward from the face14. By combining the stiffness provided by folding creases26awith the stiffness provided by overlap-sewing of the periphery, to the lower part20is maintained in a curved shape that forms a space (gap) at the areas corresponding to the nose14cand mouth14b. As the lower mask part20is only supported at the upper end thereof by the upper mask part18, there is no sense of oppression or difficulty of breathing through the elastic force of the rubber or the tightening force of the strings. Unlike soft fabrics such as silk, a wide space is reliably formed around the mouth14band nose14c, thus reducing the feeling of oppression and difficulty of breathing even further and making it possible to breathe easier. After use, the expanded bellows-fold configuration26can be folded back to its original flat shape.

In this embodiment, since the lower mask part20is detachably provided on the upper mask part18, it has the advantage of being easy to replace in case of getting dirty or according to pattern or color preference. In addition, only the lower mask part20can be removed and washed, and further, due to its flat shape, multiple pieces can be stacked (flat stacked) for compact and easy storage.

Third Embodiment

Refer toFIG.6for an explanation of the third embodiment.FIG.6Ais a front view of an etiquette mask2C according to this embodiment, andFIG.6Bis a rear view. The etiquette mask2C includes an upper mask part28formed of a synthetic sponge or the like, a lower mask part30attached to the upper mask part28and covering the lower side of the face14from the area of the eyes14a, a rubber band8provided on the upper mask part28as a mounting part to prevent the etiquette mask2C from falling off the face14, and earplugs9integrally attached to both ends of the upper mask part20via strings7.

The lower mask part30is attached by sewing its upper side to the lower end of the surface side of the upper mask part20. The central part of the upper side of the lower mask part30, as well as both sides of other parts excluding the upper side, have gathers32. That is, gathers32are provided on at least a part of the periphery of the lower mask part30, so that in the state before use, the lower mask part30has a curved shape protruding outward from the face14. Although the lower mask part30is formed of a thin fabric, it has shape retention, due to the gathers32, for maintaining a curved shape protruding outward from the face14. To make it easier to enter into a underside of the jaw, no gathers32are provided on the lower side30aof the lower mask part30. Therefore, without the need to pull and expand the bellows-fold configuration26as shown in the second embodiment, when wearing the etiquette mask2C, the face14is covered with the lower mask part30in an expanded state, thus reducing feelings of oppression and difficulty of breathing, and making breathing easier.

Fourth Embodiment

Refer toFIG.7for an explanation of the fourth embodiment.FIG.7Ais a front view of an etiquette mask2D according to this embodiment, andFIG.7Bis a rear view. The etiquette mask2D includes a flexible upper mask part34formed of synthetic fibers, a lower mask part36attached to the upper mask part34and covering the lower side of the face14from the area of the eyes14a, a rubber band8provided on the upper mask part34as a mounting part to prevent the etiquette mask2D from falling off the face14, and earplugs9integrally attached to both sides of the upper end of the upper mask part34via flexible strings7.

The upper mask section34has a configuration that outlines the periphery of a cushioning body made of multiple layers. Although there are no recess in the portion corresponding to the eye areas14a, its softness makes it possible to attain soft touch. The lower mask section36has a bellows-fold configuration38similar to the lower mask section20in the second embodiment. The upper side of the lower mask section36is sewn to the lower end of the upper mask section34by providing gathers40and gathers42which are taken in once are also provided on vertical edges36aon both sides of the mask. This makes it easier to form a curved shape that covers the face14. InFIG.7, the reference numeral38aindicates the fold of the bellows-fold configuration38.

Fifth Embodiment

The Fifth Embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.8and9.FIG.8Ais a front view of the etiquette mask2E according to this embodiment, andFIG.8Bis a rear view. The etiquette mask2E includes a fabric upper mask section44that covers the forehead and eye areas on the face, a lower mask section46formed in a series with the same material as the upper mask section44and covering the lower side of the eye areas14aon the face14, a rubber band8provided on the upper mask section44as a mounting part that prevents the etiquette mask2E from falling off from the face14, and ear plugs9attached integrally through flexible cords7on both sides of the upper end of the upper mask section44.

The upper mask section44has a longer vertical dimension, comparing with the upper masks in Embodiments 1 to 4. Therefore, the upper mask section44can cover not only the eye areas14a(around the eyes) on the face14, but also almost the entire forehead (up to the hairline). The lower mask section46is formed with a bellows-fold configuration48having multiple folds48a.FIG.9shows the usage state of the etiquette mask2E. In this embodiment, the upper mask section44and the lower mask section46can be formed in series (integrated) by folding or pleating a single piece of cloth, thus achieving improved manufacturing efficiency and cost reduction. Also, when not in use, it becomes flat, providing compact and easy storage and space-saving during distribution process.

Sixth Embodiment

Sixth Embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.10and11. In each of the above embodiments, the eye areas14aare completely shielded by the upper mask section4and the like, and the mouth area14bis substantially sealed by the lower mask section6and the like. There may be times when one wants to see the surroundings without removing the etiquette mask2A, and times when one wants to breathe fresh air directly into the mouth14band/or nose14cin case that it becomes difficult to breathe. This embodiment responds to such requests.

FIG.10Ais a front view of the etiquette mask2F according to this embodiment, andFIG.10Bis a rear view. In this embodiment, the etiquette mask2F, in addition to the etiquette mask2E of the fifth embodiment, has a slit-shaped opening47at a position corresponding to the eye areas14aon the upper mask section44, and a slit-shaped opening49at a position corresponding to the mouth14band its surroundings on the lower mask section46. The rest of the structure is the same as the etiquette mask2E of the fifth embodiment.

FIG.11shows the usage state of the etiquette mask2F. The etiquette mask2F of this embodiment can also be used to prevent sunburn on the face by wearing this etiquette mask when doing agricultural work, etc. In that case, because an opening47is provided on the upper mask section44, the opening47can ensure visibility, so you can do agricultural work, etc. while wearing the etiquette mask2F. Also, because an opening49is provided in the lower mask section46, during breaks in agricultural work, etc., you can drink or eat light meals while wearing the etiquette mask2F. Also, the effect of making it easier for the wearer's voice to be heard outside through the opening49can be obtained.

Seventh Embodiment

Seventh Embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.12and13. In each of the above embodiments, the lower mask part is configured to cover only the front side of the face14, but this embodiment is characterized by a configuration that covers the entire neck area including the side of the face14.FIG.12is a perspective view of the etiquette mask2G according to this embodiment. The etiquette mask2G includes an upper mask part50made of a synthetic sponge, a cylindrical lower mask part52that is detachably attached to the lower end of the surface side of the upper mask part50at an upper end side thereof, holes54for hanging the mask to the ears which are opened on both sides of the lower mask part52as a mounting part, and ear plugs9attached integrally through flexible cords7on both sides of the upper end of the upper mask part50.

The upper mask part50is longer in the vertical dimension, comparing with those of the upper masks of Embodiments 1 to 4. Therefore, the upper mask part50can cover not only the eye areas14a(around the eyes) on the face14, but also almost the entire forehead (up to the hairline). Also, the lower mask part52is made of a fabric which is good in touch, such as silk, similar to the first embodiment, and is detachably attached at least at three positions on the center and both sides of the surface side, by using hook-and-loop fasteners56and unillustrated hook-and-loop fasteners engaged with them.FIG.13shows the usage state of the etiquette mask2G. When wearing the etiquette mask2G on the face, the head12is inserted into the lower mask part52, and the ears16are inserted into the holes54respectively to hook the etiquette mask on the ears. Like the above embodiments, Such a configuration may be adapted that a rubber band or the like is provided on the upper mask part50as a mounting part, but by providing the holes54for hanging the mask to ears, a natural wearing feeling without a sense of tightening can be obtained. Also, since the lower mask part52is a cylindrical shape to cover the face and neck, it has the advantage of preventing the neck from getting cold during naps or sleep in winter or under air conditioning in summer.

Also, the etiquette mask2G of this embodiment allows the lower mask part52to be separated from (removed from) the upper mask part50, and the lower mask part52can be used alone. In this case, the lower mask part52can be used outdoors for a sunshade or cold protection. That is, by wearing only the lower mask part52on the face and around the neck during agricultural work, etc., it can be used as clothing to prevent sunburn on the face and neck, or as clothing for cold protection in winter. Also, when using the lower mask part52alone, it can be used as clothing for fashion when going out, like a scarf or a neck warmer.

Eighth Embodiment

Eighth Embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.14and15. In the previous embodiment 6, a configuration was adopted in which a slit-shaped opening49was provided in the lower mask part46, but the disadvantage caused by maintaining the open state as is cannot be denied. That is, although the facial expression of the face14cannot be seen from the outside, it is possible to grasp the opening state of the mouth14bfrom the opening49, and depending on the place and situation where it is worn, this may give discomfort to the surroundings. This is especially the case under infection control measures. This embodiment is made to solve such problems and its purpose is to be able to directly inhale outside air when feeling suffocated, and also to be able to arbitrarily return to a state of etiquette observance that does not give discomfort to the surroundings.

As shown inFIG.14A, the etiquette mask2H according to this embodiment includes a thin flexible upper mask part18made of synthetic resin material or cloth material, a lower mask part58attached to the surface side of the upper mask part18at an upper end side thereof by sewing or joining hook-and-loop fasteners together, a cover62sewn to the upper end of the lower mask part58at a upper end side thereof while applying gathers60to the cover, and a rubber band22provided on the upper mask part18as a mounting part to prevent the etiquette mask2H from falling off from the face14. The lower mask part58and the cover62are formed of a soft fabric that deforms according to the changes in the irregularities of the face14. In this embodiment and the following embodiments, ear plugs9are not provided, but ear plugs9can be provided as appropriate.

FIG.14Bshows the state in which the cover62has been rolled upward in the vertical direction on the face14. As clear from the figure, the lower mask part58includes an opening64of a size capable of exposing the nose14cat a position corresponding to the nose part14con the face14. When the cover62is lowered, as shown inFIG.14A, the opening64is covered by the cover62and becomes invisible from the outside. That is, the cover62covers the opening64in a way that it can be opened and closed. In this embodiment, the cover62is made with frills for females, but for males, it can be made simple with a dark color, for instance, without frills.

FIG.15shows the usage state of the etiquette mask2H. As shown inFIG.15, the opening64is covered with the cover62, and in the state where the cover62is lowered, it is almost the same as the state where no opening64is formed in the lower mask part58. From this state, depending on the need of the user, for example, if the user feels suffocated and rolls up the cover62, the opening64will be exposed to the outside, and they can directly inhale outside air through the nose14c. Lowering the cover62will make the etiquette mask return to a state that does not give discomfort to the surroundings (the state of observing etiquette). In this way, a simple operation of raising and lowering the cover62can satisfy the user's desire to breathe outside air while observing etiquette. Compared with rolling up the entire lower mask part58to inhale outside air, any discomfort feeling is almost not brought to the surroundings, because the covering cover64is rolled up only partially and temporarily. The lower mask part58and the cover62are both made of thin cloth, but for easy understanding, the thickness in the cross section is exaggeratedly shown (the same exaggeration is applied to the figures in the other embodiments below).

If the cover62is too soft and falls down even when rolled up, it may be supported by hand while inhaling outside air, or a thin cloth with stiffness can be used to prevent it from falling down.

Ninth Embodiment

Ninth Embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.16and17.FIG.16shows the state where the cover66is rolled up in the vertical direction on the face14. The etiquette mask2I according to this embodiment includes an opening68at a position corresponding to the mouth14bon the lower mask part58. The configuration is basically the same as that in the eighth embodiment, except that the opening68is provided at a position corresponding to the mouth14b, and as a result, the vertical length of the face14of the cover66is longer.

FIG.17shows the usage state of the etiquette mask2I. As shown inFIG.17, the opening68is covered with the cover66, and it is almost the same as the state where no opening68is formed in the lower mask part58. From this state, if the user rolls up the cover66as needed, for example, if the user feels difficulty of breathing, the opening68will be exposed to the outside, and the user can directly inhale outside air through the mouth14b. Lowering the cover66will return to a state that does not give discomfort to the surroundings (the state of observing etiquette).

Furthermore, aside from what is illustrated, the lower mask part58may be configured to include both an opening64corresponding to the nose area14cand an opening68corresponding to the mouth area14b, both of which can be opened and closed by the cover66. In this case, both the mouth14band the nose14ccan inhale outside air at the same time.

Tenth Embodiment

Refer toFIG.18to explain the tenth embodiment. In the etiquette mask2J according to this embodiment, the lower mask part58includes a single opening70that serves both the opening64corresponding to the nose part14c(refer toFIG.15) and the opening68corresponding to the mouth part14b(refer toFIG.17). The opening70is covered by the cover66, and when the cover66is rolled up, the opening70is exposed to the outside, and both the mouth14band the nose14ccan inhale outside air. This makes manufacturing easier than individually forming the opening64corresponding to the nose part14cand the opening60corresponding to the mouth part14b.

Eleventh Embodiment

Refer toFIGS.19to22to explain the eleventh embodiment. As shown inFIG.19, the etiquette mask2K according to this embodiment is characterized in that the cover72consists of an upper cover72A covering the opening64corresponding to the nose part14cand a lower cover72B covering the opening68corresponding to the mouth part14b. The lower cover72B is longer in the vertical direction of the face14than the upper cover72A and is arranged to overlap the lower surface of the upper cover72A.FIG.20Ashows the state where the upper cover72A is rolled up, andFIG.20Bshows the state where the lower cover72B is further rolled up from that state. When the upper cover72A is rolled up, the opening64corresponding to the nose part14cis exposed to the outside, and when the lower cover72B is rolled up, the opening68corresponding to the mouth part14bis exposed to the outside and the opening64corresponding to the nose part14cis exposed to the outside.

FIG.21shows the use state of the etiquette mask2K. The upper cover72A is detachably attached to the upper mask part18by an unillustrated hook-and-loop fastener at its upper end. From the state shown inFIG.21, when the upper cover72A is rolled up, it becomes possible to inhale outside air with the nose14c. The lower cover72B includes an overlapping opening74that overlaps with the opening64corresponding to the nose part14c. This prevents the opening function of the opening64for inhaling outside air through the nose14cfrom being hindered, even if the lower cover72B is not rolled up.

In addition, from the state where the upper cover72A is rolled up, when the lower cover72B is further rolled up, the opening68corresponding to the mouth part14bis exposed to the outside, thereby becoming to a state that outside air can be inhaled by both of the mouth14band the nose14c. If the user wants to inhale outside air with only the nose14c, only the upper cover72A needs to be rolled up, and if they want to inhale outside air with both the mouth14band the nose14c, the lower cover72B needs to be rolled up. Of course, it can also be used by rolling up the lower cover72B to a halfway position where the opening68corresponding to the mouth part14bis exposed to the outside. The vertical lengths of the upper cover72A and the lower cover72B on the face14may be made equal, and they may be configured to open and close individually.

As shown inFIG.22, if one wants to continue to breathe outside air through the nose14c, it may be configured such that the upper cover72A can be removed from the upper mask part18. Furthermore, the lower cover72B may be attached and detached freely to the lower mask part58by a hook-and-loop fastener or the like, and the lower cover72B may also be removed to maintain a state where outside air can be inhaled through the mouth14band the nose14c. Furthermore, the lower mask part58may be attached and detached freely to the upper mask part18by a hook-and-loop fastener or the like, and the lower mask part58and the cover72may be collectively removed. Although not shown in the figure, if a band for attaching to the face is attached to the lower mask part58in advance, it is also possible to use the lower mask part58and the cover72, which have been detached from the upper mask part18, alone to put them on the face.

In the configurations of the eighth to eleventh embodiments, the configurations of the wearing part, upper mask part, and lower mask part of the first to seventh embodiments may be adopted as appropriate. As already described, the etiquette masks2H to2K of the eighth to eleventh embodiments have been described as not having ear plugs9, but these etiquette masks2H to2K can carry ear plugs90, which are separate parts, by keeping them in the pouch76, which will be described later, as a storage bag.

FIG.23shows a pouch76which is convenient for carrying the etiquette mask (2H to2K) according to particularly the eighth to eleventh embodiments. As shown in the figure, the pouch76, which is opened and closed with a zipper78, has a partition80inside and has storage parts76aand76bthat can contain two etiquette masks separately. The partition80is made by overlapping two fabrics and sewing them together, and a pocket80afor putting ear plugs90is formed in the central part. According to this pouch76, since two different etiquette masks, such as those differing in color or configuration, can be folded, and stored, etiquette masks can be used properly according to the place and situation of use.

While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims and the technical ideas described in the specification and the drawings. For example, the fixation of the lower mask part to the upper mask part is not limited to sewing and it may be attached by snaps, buttons or the like, or by adhesives or the like, among others. The detachable structure of the lower mask part from the upper mask part shown in the second embodiment may be adopted in all embodiments. This detachable structure is not limited to a hook-and-loop fastener, and various ones such as snaps, buttons, and clips can be adopted. In the case of a detachable structure with a hook-and-loop fastener, depending on the type of fabric of the lower mask part, the fabric itself may be used so as to function as one of hook-and-loop fasteners by using pile or the like as the fabric itself. Although specific materials were exemplified for the upper mask part and the lower mask part in each of the above embodiments, various materials can be used without being limited thereto. The wearing portion, such as rubber bands and ear straps, may be provided on both the upper mask part and the lower mask part, and they may be used properly according to the situation. The position-adjustable rubber band22shown in the second embodiment can be adopted in place of the rubber band8in other embodiments. Also, the color of the lower mask part and the cover can be changed, or the design can be improved by applying a gradation of the same color series, etc.