JP6990711B2 - Face mask with adjustable ear hooks - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a facial mask that includes a pair of adjustable ear hooks.

Facial masks that cover the wearer's nose and mouth can be used for a variety of purposes (eg, to prevent the spread of bacteria and / or to filter air). Many configurations have been introduced to help users wear and secure facial masks. Traditional masks have bands tied behind the face (stripes), sticky bands or elastic bands that form loops behind the face or around the ears (“Ear loop configuration”). To use. Each configuration has advantages and disadvantages.

Ear hook configurations are often preferred over configurations with sticky bands. The sticky bandage can be painful when the sticky bandage is removed or removed from the wearer's skin. Moreover, a configuration that forms a ring around the wearer's ears is often preferred over a configuration that wraps the wearer's head. The former is usually easy to put on and take off, and is less likely to get entangled in the wearer's hair.

Typically, the ear hook structure is made of elastic material to accommodate the different sizes of the wearer's head. For example, US Pat. No. 4,941,470 discloses a facial mask that is held in place by a pair of ear hooks. The woven panel and ear hook of the mask are joined to each other by heating the junction between the textile panel and the free end of the ear hook. The disadvantage of this traditional "one-size fits all" configuration is that the mask and ear hook may not fit properly.

To solve this problem, an adjustable ear hook configuration has been devised, as disclosed in US Patent Publication No. 2015/0335080 and US Pat. No. 5,819,731. In the former, each of the ear hooks can be formed from a long member. "Take-up loops" are formed when each intermediate portion of the elongated member is inserted through the hole in the panel of the mask. The slider along this ring (retractable ring) or long member can provide an adjustment function to increase or decrease the size of the ear hook. The latter employs the use of an adjustable band that forms a ring around the wearer's ears, then stretches forward of the mask and further stretches around the back of the neck.

Although the published patent gazettes and patents described above provide ways to make the ear hooks adjustable, those masks require considerable effort by the wearer to ensure a proper fit. .. In addition, those masks may require additional objects (ie, additional components for use). Therefore, there is a need for a less hassle-free means of adjustable ear hooks that can make the ear hooks adjustable and minimize the objects required to achieve this functionality. There is.

The present invention recognizes that there is a need for ear hooks for facial masks that can be adjusted to fit the wearer's size, thereby ensuring comfort and proper sealing. Wearing the mask should be quick and easy. In addition, the mask should be adjustable without the need for additional objects or components. The wearer should be able to place the mask on his or her face and easily adjust the size of the ear hooks so that the mask is safe and comfortable. Other masks have multiple components that fit over the ears, but are sophisticated, allowing you to customize the fit of the mask without sacrificing the firm fit of the mask on the wearer's face. Or, there is no intuitive and easy-to-use solution.

The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features specific to the embodiments of the disclosure, and is not intended to be provided as a complete disclosure. A complete understanding of the various aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein will be obtained as a whole by reference to the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstracts.

The present invention relates to a mask having an adjustable ear hook made of elastic fabric. Each ear hook may have a pre-cut opening that allows the wearer to insert one of his / her ears through the opening. In a preferred configuration, the mask is constructed of elastic fabric that is durable and comfortable for the wearer.

More specifically, the present invention has (a) a central portion that filters exhaled and inhaled air, (b) a first ear hook with a tearable region, and (c) a tearable region. Includes a second ear hook and a single piece facial mask composed of. The first ear hook and the second ear hook are located on the lateral side of the central portion, and each of the first ear hook and the second ear hook is first around the ear by the wearer. It is provided with an opening for fixing each of the ear hook and the second ear hook. The wearer can increase the size of the first ear hook by tearing or cutting the tearable area of the first ear hook. In addition, the wearer can increase the size of the second ear hook by tearing or cutting the tearable area of the second ear hook.

The tearable area is perforated to help the wearer increase the size of the opening by tearing or cutting. In addition, the tearable area may include one or more notches to assist the wearer in increasing the size of the opening by tearing or cutting. The notches may provide feedback to the wearer by increasing the force required to cause further tearing from each of the notches. The woven material and notch can prevent the tearable area from being further torn after the facial mask is worn. A portion of the tearable area may be partially torn to assist the wearer in identifying the tearable area and to reduce resistance to tearing. In the alternative configuration, the first ear hook and the second ear hook may be elastic cords (cords), bands, strings (strings), or threads.

The present invention also includes a facial mask composed of a central air filtering portion and two pre-cut ear hook regions located on the side surface side of the central air filtering portion. Each of the ear hook areas may include a section with one or more perforations. The wearer can increase the size of the ear hook area by tearing or cutting the section containing the one or more perforations. The two pre-cut ear hook areas may be square, triangular, or elliptical. In addition, each portion of the perforated section is partially torn to assist the wearer in identifying the perforated section and to reduce resistance to tearing. You may. The perforated section may also be provided with one or more notches to assist the wearer in tearing or cutting.

The present invention also includes a face mask composed of a central air filtering portion and a first ear hook and a second ear hook located on the side surface side of the central air filtering portion. In this configuration, each ear hook is composed of a string (cord). Each string includes a midpoint portion, a thread from the upper side, and a thread from the lower side. The upper twine and the lower twine are connected to the central air filtering portion. One or more melted regions are formed in the midpoint region, where the yarns are fixed to each other from the upper and lower sides. The wearer can increase the size of the ear hook by tearing, peeling, or cutting the melted portion in order to separate the thread from the upper side and the thread from the lower side from each other. The string may be composed of a string or a thread.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description referenced with the accompanying drawings illustrating the principles of the invention as an example.

Introduction

A first aspect of the invention is a facial mask that can be easily adjusted to adapt to the size of the wearer's head.

A second aspect of the invention is a facial mask with ear hooks made of a woven material that can be torn or torn for application to the size of the wearer's head.

A third aspect of the invention is a facial mask with an ear hook having a tearable area with multiple perforations and / or notches.

A fourth aspect of the invention is a face with adjustable ear hooks formed from flexible cords that can be adjusted by tearing or tearing their strands apart from each other to adapt to the size of the wearer's head. It is a mask for.

The drawings herein are for purposes of illustration only, but are not intended to illustrate all possible embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

The above overview will be better understood when referred to with the accompanying drawings, as well as the following detailed description of the illustrated embodiments. Illustrative configurations of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration of the present invention. However, the disclosure is not limited to the particular methods and means disclosed herein. Wherever possible, similar elements are indicated by the same reference number.

FIG. 1A shows a facial mask with a pre-cut adjustable ear hook and a tearable area according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B shows another embodiment of the invention a pre-cut ear hook with a tearable region having a plurality of notches to help the wearer increase the size of the ear hook.

FIG. 1C shows another embodiment of the invention a pre-cut ear hook with a tearable region having multiple perforations to help the wearer increase the size of the ear hook. ..

FIG. 1D shows a pre-cut ear hook with a tearable region having multiple notches and perforations to help the wearer increase the size of the ear hook according to another embodiment of the invention. ing.

FIG. 2A shows an alternative shape of ear hook with a tearable area that helps the wearer increase the size of the ear hook according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B shows an alternative shape of ear hook with a tearable area that helps the wearer increase the size of the ear hook according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2C shows an alternative shape of ear hook with a tearable area that helps the wearer increase the size of the ear hook according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2D shows an alternative shape of ear hook with a tearable area that helps the wearer increase the size of the ear hook according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows an ear hook region of FIG. 2C having a pre-tearable region according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A shows an alternative configuration according to another embodiment of the invention, in which the ear hook is composed of an adjustable flexible cord having a plurality of junction regions.

FIG. 4B shows an alternative configuration according to another embodiment of the invention, in which the ear hook is composed of an adjustable flexible cord and further in multiple regions. It is joined.

Detailed description of the invention

Definitions When the term "one embodiment / embodiment" or "embodiment / embodiment" is used herein, the specific features, structures, or properties described in relation to the embodiments / embodiments are the present. It is meant to be included in at least one embodiment / embodiment of the invention. The use of the words "in one embodiment / embodiment" or "in another embodiment / embodiment" in various places herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment / embodiment. , Which does not represent another embodiment / embodiment or alternative embodiment / embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments / embodiments. In addition, various features are described that are shown by some embodiments / embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described that are essential for some embodiments / embodiments but not for other embodiments / embodiments. Embodiments and embodiments are used for a particular subject and can be used interchangeably.

The terms used herein generally have their original meanings in the art in the particular context in which each term is used and in the context of disclosure. Specific terms are used to describe the invention as described below or elsewhere in the specification and provide the practitioner with additional guidance on the description of the invention. For convenience, certain terms may be emphasized, for example, by using italics and / or quotation marks. The use of emphasis does not affect the scope and meaning of the term, and the scope and meaning of the term is the same in the same context, with or without emphasis. It will be understood that the same can be mentioned in more than one way.

Subsequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more terms mentioned herein. No particular importance is placed on whether the term is detailed or discussed herein. Synonyms for specific terms are provided. A detailed description of one or more synonyms does not preclude the use of other synonyms. The use of the examples anywhere in the specification, including examples of any of the terms mentioned herein, is for illustration purposes only and is the scope of the terms used in the present invention or any example. And there is no intention to further limit the meaning. Similarly, the invention is not limited to the various embodiments described herein.

Exemplary instruments, devices, methods, and related products thereof according to embodiments of the invention are described below, without any further limitation of the scope of the invention. It should be noted that the item or sub-item is used in the illustration for the convenience of the reader and does not limit the scope of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as would be commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In the event of a discrepancy, this document containing the definition governs the meaning.

The term "isotropic" or "isotropic material" refers to a material that exhibits the same values (eg, strength and elasticity) when measured along axes in different directions.

The term "mechanical filter" refers to a respirator that retains certain substances, such as debris, primarily by blocking and sticking to the fibers of the respirator (protective mask).

The term "notch" refers to a hole, slit, or gap in a material such as a woven fabric for ear hooks.

The term "perforation" generally refers to a series of holes formed by penetrating a hole and serves to assist in tearing, cutting, or breaking.

Other technical terms used herein have the usual meaning as cited in various technical dictionaries in the field in which they are used.

The present invention includes a mask with adjustable ear hooks made of flexible and / or elastic fabrics. FIG. 1A shows a mask 100 with an ear hook according to one aspect of the present invention. The central portion (shaded portion) may be composed of a conventional mask material that filters air. In normal use, this area covers the wearer's mouth and nose. The central part can filter the inhaled air and protect the wearer from dust, bacteria, or certain substances in the air. In addition, the central portion can filter the exhaled air and prevent the spread of bacteria (eg, bacteria and viruses) from the wearer to others. The mask can be formed for one-time use (ie, disposable).

FIG. 1B shows the ear hook of the mask 100 in more detail. Each ear hook comprises a pre-cut opening 120 for covering the wearer's ear or fixing around the wearer's ear. The size of each ear hook is adjustable to fit the size of the wearer's head. In a preferred configuration, the tearable portion with the plurality of notches 110 is adjacent to the pre-cut ear hook. The tearable portion allows the wearer to easily increase the size of the ear hook to a suitable size by tearing or cutting the fabric.

As shown, the plurality of notches form a tearable region and further extend away from the center of the mask. The plurality of notches allow tearing along a pre-defined region (ie, tear line). Also, the plurality of notches can prevent further propagation of tears when a force is applied to the mask. That is, the force for wearing the mask will not further tear the area. Instead, such forces will be directed away from the tearable area. This prevents inadvertent increase in size and tearing of the ear hook during normal wearing. It also prevents the user from performing more tears than necessary (ie, "runaway tears") or forming holes larger than required. Also, fabrics around each notch, such as seams or thinner fabrics, can be reinforced.

Also, the multiple notches in the ear hook can provide feedback to the wearer as the wearer tears to increase the size of the ear hook. This feedback can provide the user with an indicator to stop further tearing. More specifically, the feedback stops / stops the transmission of the tear by changing the direction of the force away from the tear line.

For example, the first tear may be one that requires little effort by the user. After the tear reaches the first notch, more force is needed to make an additional tear to the second notch. This pattern is also the same when the wearer tears from the second notch to the third notch. This feedback is provided both during manual tearing and when using tools to cut the material. The wearer can continue to tear until the mask fits comfortably and fits snugly enough to stay in place.

Also, multiple pre-defined sections, such as multiple notches on each side of the mask, ensure consistent adjustment when replacing the mask. When the wearer replaces the mask, he / she can quickly adjust the size of the ear hook of the new mask to match the size of the previously worn mask. For example, the mask is assumed to fit the wearer properly when the size of each ear hook has been increased to the first notch. In this case, the wearer can quickly perform the adjustment by tearing each side up to the first notch before wearing the mask.

FIG. 1C also shows the ear hook in more detail. In this alternative configuration, a tearable portion with a plurality of perforations 130 is adjacent to the ear hook 120. FIG. 1D shows a configuration having a tearable region with both a plurality of perforations and a plurality of notches 135. The tearable area may be marked by a dashed line, for example to make it easier for the wearer to find.

To increase the size of the ear hook, the wearer performs tearing or cutting along multiple notches, perforations, or lines described above, thereby increasing the tension of the ear hook when the mask is worn. Can be reduced. This task can be performed in a stepwise manner to the point of comfort for the wearer, while at the same time providing an appropriate amount of tension to secure the mask.

The line can be printed along the tearable area and indicates where the ear hook should be torn. In another embodiment, the line is perforated to facilitate the tearing motion of the fabric and to control the direction of tearing. In other embodiments, this line is curved. In yet another embodiment, there are two or more sections (not shown) to be torn.

In the alternative configuration, the tearable part may be physically modified (eg, folded or creases). Such a configuration may be practical when constructing a mask with a plurality of specific types of materials. When using multiple notches or marks, this change can make it easier for the wearer to find the tearable area. In addition, this change can help maintain tearing along the tearable area while preventing other areas of the ear hook from tearing.

The fabric of the ear hook portion of the mask may be formed from a thin elastic polymer layer with high elasticity sandwiched between one or more layers of the woven fabric. The fabric does not have to have the high elasticity or yield force of an elastic polymer layer, but is woven in such a way that it can be stretched. Moreover, elastic fabrics can be easily torn without any cutting tools, even though they do not stop functioning when the mask is worn (ie, not torn or torn). ) Can be formed and / or designed with a material that is strong enough.

The notches may be marked to indicate both the tear direction and the stop point. The distance between the notches is large enough to significantly reduce the tension for each tear, while at the same time short enough not to interfere with the tearing operation. As shown in FIG. 1B, the plurality of notches 110 may be equidistant from each other or may be substantially equidistant from each other. In the alternative configuration, the notches may be spaced apart from each other to be suitable for improving the design and use of the mask. For example, the additional notches in the ear hook may be separated so that they are closer to each other. The first few notches can allow the wearer to quickly adjust the size of the ear hook for use. The remaining notches may allow fine tuning for maximum comfort (not shown).

FIG. 2A shows the configuration of an alternative shaped ear hook with a triangular shape 140. Also, the pre-cut opening has a triangular shape 150. Here, the tearable region has a plurality of perforations and notches 135. The tearable area extends horizontally away from the center of the mask. The wearer can tear along the tearable area to increase the size of the ear hook. This shape can be superior to conventional shapes in terms of comfort and improved fit.

FIG. 2B shows an ear hook 160 with a curved shape that can be more ergonomically superior to the wearer. Here, the pre-cut ear hook extends from the horizontal direction in a direction inclined by about 45 degrees from the horizontal direction. The pre-cut opening 165 has a similar shape. The tearable area 135 follows the angle of the pre-cut opening (about 45 degrees from the horizontal). This configuration is based on the size of the wearer's head, his / her facial features, and whether he / she prefers to wear the mask at a lower angle than the normal wearer. It can be a more preferable configuration. As with other configurations, the wearer can tear along the tearable area 135 to increase the size of the ear hook. Here, the tearable region 135 includes a plurality of perforations and notches. In this configuration, the size of the ear hook is angled and larger rather than horizontal.

FIG. 2C shows an alternative shaped ear hook 170 with a pre-cut region of elliptical shape 180. FIG. 2D shows a similarly configured ear hook 190 with a tapered elliptical pre-cut region 210. In both configurations, the tearable region 135 comprises a plurality of perforations and notches for tearing.

For configurations with multiple notches (as shown in FIG. 1D-3), the wearer tears along the marked line (dashed line) to the first notch, the size of the ear hook. To increase. If the mask feels tight, he / she can tear further along the line to further increase the size of the ear hook. Although three notches are shown in the figure, the configuration may include more or fewer notches.

FIG. 3 shows the ear hook of FIG. 2C having a partially pre-tearable region 145. The pre-torn area offers at least two benefits. First, it can provide a prominent starting point for the wearer to tear the mask. Since the area is already partially torn, it can be more intuitive to continue tearing along the notch, mark, or perforation line. Second, the pre-cut section allows the elastic fabric to fold when worn on the ear. This can increase the surface area of the elastic fabric in contact with the ears and, as a result, reduce the amount of pressure on the surface. Finally, this eliminates the need to adjust or remove the mask due to ear discomfort, allowing the user to wear the mask for a longer period of time. Such pre-teared areas may or may not be marked.

In an alternative embodiment, the mask 200 may include ear hooks made of cords, strings, threads, or similar elastic or flexible materials, as shown in FIG. 4A. good. In a preferred configuration, the ear hook is formed from a single elastic string 220 bonded to one side of the central portion of the mask at at least two points 225. One or more portions of the string are "joined" to each other at the junction 230. The user can increase the length of the string (and the size of the ear hook) by tearing the area at one or more junctions 230.

The junctions of the strings that are joined together serve as a tearable region. The wearer wears the mask by inserting the ear into the ear hook, resulting in tension in the string. The size of the ear hook can be increased by peeling or tearing each of the joint points of the string with or without the assistance of the tool. Therefore, the user can effectively increase the length of the string (and the size of the ear hook) by peeling or tearing the joint points one by one. The user can do so until the mask is comfortable, while maintaining sufficient tension to secure the mask firmly on his / her face. In FIG. 4A, the two junctions 230 are shown on the string 220, but the ear hooks may include more than two junctions. In an alternative configuration, the string may have a single junction (not shown). The junction may extend substantially along the length of the ear hook. The user may peel off the string to increase the size of the ear hook.

FIG. 4B shows a similar ear hook configuration 200 made of a string, string, thread, or similar elastic or flexible material 200. The ear hook is joined to the central portion of the mask at two points 225. The points 230 of the strings joined to each other serve as a tearable region. Here, there is an upper junction (first tearable region) and a lower junction (second junction region). The user can increase the length of the string (and the size of the ear hook) by tearing these areas. This configuration allows adjustments to accommodate the wearer's head, his / her facial features, and whether he / she prefers to wear the mask at a larger / smaller angle.

Use of the Invention to Improve the Fit of Disposable Masks In a typical use of the invention, the wearer has his or her ears inserted into a first ear hook. If desired, the wearer can increase the size of the ear hook by performing a tear along the tearable section adjacent to the ear hook. More specifically, the pre-defined section of the ear hook (ie, the tearable area) can be torn or cut to effectively increase the size of the ear hook opening, thereby the ear. The tension from the hook can be reduced. The tearable region may include multiple notches and / or perforations. The wearer increases the size of the ear hook by tearing the tearable area and adapts it to the size of his / her head.

The wearer then inserts his or her ears into the second ear hook. The second ear hook also has a tearable area. As mentioned above, the wearer can increase the size of the second ear hook by performing the tear as described above.

After placing the mask around both ears, the wearer can make additional adjustments (ie, tearing can further increase the size of one or both of the ear hooks). The wearer can adjust the size of the ear hook so that the mask fits comfortably and also fits tightly on his / her face. The wearer can continue to increase the size of the ear hook so that the mask is both comfortable and tight enough for use.

In a preferred configuration, the mask is intended for one-time use (ie, disposable). Thus, the wearer can be familiar with how many notches should be torn on each side for an ideal fit. This allows the wearer to quickly and easily adjust the size of each ear hook to a preferred size with each use.

It will be appreciated that the above or other variations of features and functions, or alternatives thereof, can be combined with other systems or applications. Their various predicted or unexpected alternatives, changes, modifications, or improvements made by those skilled in the art will also be included in the scope of the claims below.

Although current embodiments of the invention have been described in considerable detail and comprehensively to cover possible embodiments, other versions of the invention are also possible to those skilled in the art. You will be able to recognize that there is.

Claims (10)

It ’s a face mask,
a) A central part that filters out and inhaled air,
b) A first ear hook with a tearable region stretched horizontally away from the central portion and a pre-cut opening.
c) Consists of a tearable region stretched horizontally away from the central portion and a second ear hook with a pre-cut opening.
The first ear hook and the second ear hook are located on each side surface side of the central portion.
By tearing or cutting the tearable region of the first ear hook, the size of the pre-cut opening of the first ear hook can be increased.
By tearing or cutting the tearable region of the second ear hook, the size of the pre-cut opening of the second ear hook can be increased.
The tearable region of the first ear hook and the tearable region of the second ear hook assist in increasing the size of the pre-cut opening by tearing or cutting 2 Has perforated lines with one or more notches,
The two or more notches are facial masks, characterized in that they prevent further tearing of the tearable region after the facial mask is attached. The facial mask of claim 1, wherein the notch provides feedback by increasing the force required to cause an additional tear from each of the notches. The face mask according to claim 1, wherein the face mask is made of a woven material. The tearable region of the first ear hook and the tearable region of the second ear hook are pre-existing to help identify the tearable region and further reduce resistance to tearing. The facial mask according to claim 1, comprising a torn area. The central part is made of elastic fabric and is made of elastic fabric.
The face mask according to claim 1, wherein the first ear hook and the second ear hook are made of elastic fabric. A facial mask composed of a central portion and two ear hook regions located on each side surface side of the central portion.
Each of the ear hook regions comprises a horizontally stretchable tearable region and a pre-cut opening so as to be away from the central portion.
The tearable area comprises perforations and
By tearing or cutting the perforation line, the size of each of the ear hook areas can be increased.
The perforation line is provided with two or more notches to assist in tearing.
The notch is characterized by preventing unintentional tearing of the perforation line by applying a force in a direction away from the perforation line after the face mask is attached. mask. The facial mask according to claim 6, wherein the two pre-cut openings are at least one shape of a slit, a quadrangle, a triangle, an ellipse, or a cylinder. 6. Claim 6, wherein each portion of the perforated line comprises a pre-teared region to assist in identifying the perforated line and further to reduce resistance to tearing. Face mask. The facial mask of claim 6, wherein the notch provides feedback by increasing the force required to cause an additional tear from each of the notches. The facial mask according to claim 6, wherein the central portion and the two ear hook areas are made of elastic fabric.

Images