JP7212387B2 - functional mask - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a functional mask designed to fit the wearer's face.

Masks are widely used as a measure against viral infections and hay fever. Disposable masks made of non-woven fabric and reusable masks made of cloth such as cotton and silk are known.

Masks must fit the wearer's face and may come in multiple sizes, such as for children, women, and men. In addition, in order to fit the wearer's face, a flexible wire is inserted into the part corresponding to the wearer's nose, and by bending this wire, it is devised to bring the upper part of the nose into close contact. There is Such a device enables the mask to fit the wearer's face to some extent regardless of the difference in the size of the wearer's face and the difference in the height of the nose. However, conventional masks may not fit well (adherence) to the wearer's face.

On the other hand, you may feel suffocated if you move for a long time with the mask in close contact. For this reason, the wearer may wish to wear the mask loosely to improve ventilation when away from crowds. When wearing a mask for the purpose of preventing virus infection, it takes a long time to wear it, so it is desirable to be able to adjust the degree of sealing (airtightness/breathability) according to the situation.

The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and provides an epoch-making functional mask that can improve the fit to the wearer's face and at the same time can adjust the breathability (airtightness). intended to

In order to achieve the above object, the functional mask according to the present invention comprises: a mask body covering the mouth and nose of the wearer; - It is provided with an adjustment member capable of adjusting airtightness.

By facilitating intake of outside air from the vicinity of the wearer's chin by means of the adjustment member, the temperature and humidity inside the mask can be lowered and breathing can be facilitated. Conversely, by improving the airtightness, it becomes possible to effectively suppress invasion of viruses, pollen, and the like.

The adjusting member is a pair of hook-and-loop fasteners arranged at symmetrical positions on the lower edge of the mask main body, and can be configured to be connectable and detachable.

The adjusting member is a first shape-retaining member arranged along the lower edge of the mask main body, and is configured to be able to adjust the breathability and airtightness of the lower portion of the mask main body by deforming the adjusting member. be able to.

By extending the first shape-retaining member in the horizontal direction, outside air can be easily taken in from the vicinity of the wearer's chin, the temperature and humidity inside the mask can be lowered, and breathing can be facilitated. On the contrary, by bending the first shape-retaining member, it becomes possible to improve airtightness and effectively suppress invasion of viruses, pollen, and the like.

The mask according to the present invention may further include a second shape-retaining member extending longitudinally at the center of the mask body.

By deforming the second shape-retaining member outward into a "<" shape, the space inside the mask main body can be configured to be expandable.

That is, the space volume inside the mask can be adjusted (expanded/reduced) by bending and extending the second shape-retaining member longitudinally extending at the center of the mask body.

The mask according to the present invention can further include a third shape-retaining member arranged along the upper edge of the mask main body. The third shape-retaining member can be bent to fit the mask to the curve of the wearer's nose and to reduce the air inlets and outlets. Conversely, by stretching the third shape-retaining member, it becomes easier to take in outside air from around the wearer's nose, thereby lowering the temperature and humidity inside the mask and making it easier to breathe.

It is preferable that the first shape-retaining member is arranged at the center of the lower edge of the mask main body, and the third shape-retaining member is arranged at the center of the upper edge of the mask main body.

Preferably, the upper end of the second shape-retaining member and the central portion of the third shape-retaining member are connected. This allows the shape to change relatively freely over the wearer's nose. Since gaps are most likely to form in the upper part of the nose, being able to change the shape in the horizontal, vertical, and depth directions is significant in terms of adjusting airtightness (breathability) and fitting (feel of wearing).

As the shape-retaining member, a strip-shaped member can be adopted. For example, it is possible to use a shape-retaining tape formed by knitting and weaving a core material made of a thermoplastic resin thread-like material and fibers. A nonmetallic resin tape is not only lighter than a metal wire, but also has a certain width, so that the shape can be easily changed.

The mask body may be shaped to completely cover the wearer's chin. By covering the chin, the airtightness and breathability of the mask can be adjusted in a wider range. That is, when the chin is covered with the mask, the adjusting member (first shape-retaining member) can be inserted under the chin, and the airtightness and breathability can be significantly improved by the adjusting member.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the structure of the main part of the functional mask according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the structure of the functional mask according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a front view (A) and a see-through side view (B) showing a first usage pattern of the functional mask according to the first example of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a front view (A) and a see-through side view (B) showing a second usage pattern of the functional mask according to the first example of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the structure of the main part of the functional mask according to the second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a side view showing the structure of the functional mask according to the second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 is a front view (A) and a see-through side view (B) showing the first usage pattern of the functional mask according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a front view (A) and a see-through side view (B) showing a second usage pattern of the functional mask according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8(C) is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the hook-and-loop fastener is closed. FIG. 9 is a see-through side view showing a usage pattern of a functional mask according to a modification of the second embodiment, in which the lower edge of the mask body is shorter than in the example of FIG.

(First embodiment)
The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the structure of the main part of the functional mask according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the structure of the functional mask according to the first embodiment of the invention. 1 to 4, the shape-retaining members (14a, 14b, 14c) are arranged inside the cylindrical housing area of the mask main body 12, and therefore are indicated by dashed lines.

(Mask structure)
The functional mask 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a mask main body 12 that covers the mouth and nose of the wearer; and shape-retaining members 14a, 14b, and 14c that make the wearing shape of the portion 12 variable. The mask main body 12 can be made of soft cloth such as non-woven fabric, cotton, or silk. The shape-retaining members 14a, 14b, and 14c are inserted into long bag-shaped pockets provided in the mask main body 12, and fixed by means of adhesion or the like as necessary.

The shape-retaining members (14a, 14b, 14c) include a first shape-retaining member 14a disposed along the lower edge of the mask body 12 and a second shape-retaining member 14a extending longitudinally at the center of the mask body 12. It is composed of a member 14 b and a third shape-retaining member 14 c arranged along the upper edge of the mask main body 12 .

The mask main body 12 is shaped to have a size that can completely cover up to the wearer's chin, and the airtightness and breathability of the mask can be adjusted in a wide range. The first shape-retaining member 14a can be inserted under the chin, and by bending the first shape-retaining member 14a, airtightness can be significantly improved. In addition, the code|symbol "16" shown in FIG. 2 is an ear hook string (rubber).

The first shape-retaining member 14 a is arranged at the center of the lower edge of the mask body 12 , and the third shape-retaining member 14 c is arranged at the center of the upper edge of the mask body 12 . The length of the first and third shape retaining members 14a, 14c can be set to 80 mm, for example. Alternatively, the length of the first and third shape-retaining members 14a and 14c can be about 1/3 to 1/2 of the total length of the upper edge or lower edge of the mask main body 12. FIG. The length of the second shape-retaining member 14b can be, for example, 85 mm. Alternatively, the length of the second shape-retaining member 14b can be about 1/2 to 2/3 of the total length of the mask main body 12 in the center vertical direction.

The upper end of the second shape-retaining member 14b and the central portion 20 of the third shape-retaining member 14c are preferably connected by means of adhesion or the like. This allows the shape to change relatively freely over the wearer's nose. Since gaps are most likely to form in the upper part of the nose, being able to change the shape in the horizontal, vertical, and depth directions is significant in terms of adjusting airtightness (breathability) and fitting (feel of wearing).

As the shape-retaining members 14a, 14b, and 14c, for example, a shape-retaining tape formed into a belt shape with a width of about 10 mm can be used. The shape-retaining tape can be, for example, a mesh-like tape formed by knitting and weaving a core material made of a thermoplastic resin thread-like material and fibers. A shape-retaining tape made of resin is not only lighter than a metal wire, but also has a certain width, so its shape can be easily changed.

As the thermoplastic resin filaments used to manufacture the shape-retaining members 14a, 14b, and 14c, thermoplastic resin filaments selected from polypropylene, polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polyphenylene sulfide, and polyphenylene oxide can be used. can. In particular, polypropylene is preferable because it has relatively high heat resistance and is light.

The fibers that are knitted and woven with the thermoplastic resin are fibers of organic polymer compounds that are selected from polypropylene, polyester, polyamide, polyacrylonitrile, cotton, silk, wool, rayon, and biodegradable polymers. can do. When polypropylene is used as the thermoplastic resin, it is preferable to use polyester as the fibers to be knitted and woven with the resin. Polyester is suitable as a material for the shape-retaining members 14a, 14b, and 14c because it has thermoplasticity, high shape memory properties, and excellent durability.

(How to use the mask)
3A and 3B are a front view (A) and a see-through side view (B) showing the first usage pattern of the functional mask 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 4A and 4B are a front view (A) and a see-through side view (B) showing a second usage pattern of the functional mask 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

3A and 3B, the mask 10 has improved air permeability to allow outside air to enter the mask 10 easily. The first shape-retaining member 14a and the third shape-retaining member 14c are used in a relatively stretched state without bending too much. However, the third shape-retaining member 14c may be slightly bent to the extent that it is caught on the wearer's nose. The second shape-retaining member 14b is bent outward in a doglegged shape to widen the spatial volume within the mask 10. As shown in FIG.

In the mode of use shown in FIG. 3, outside air can be easily taken in from above (near the nose) and below (near the chin) of the mask main body 12, the temperature and humidity inside the mask 10 are lowered, and the wearer's breathing becomes easier. be able to. For example, in a situation away from crowds, it is assumed that the mask 10 is worn in the form shown in FIG. 3 to sufficiently take in outside air.

The mode of use shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) enhances the airtightness to make it difficult for outside air to enter the mask 10 and to make it difficult for the wearer's breath to leak out. The first shape-retaining member 14a and the third shape-retaining member 14c are used while being bent at a relatively acute angle. The third shape-retaining member 14c can be bent to fit the mask main body 12 to the curve of the wearer's nose and to reduce the air inlet/outlet. By bending the first shape-retaining member 14a in a state where it is inserted under the chin, airtightness can be significantly improved.

The second shape-retaining member 14b is used by being stretched along the vertical shape of the wearer's nose. In addition, when expanding the space volume in the mask 10, you may bend and use it like the case shown in FIG. The shape of the second shape-retaining member 14b does not directly affect the airtightness and air permeability of the mask 10, but is used for adjusting the spatial volume inside the mask 10. As shown in FIG. If the spatial volume inside the mask 10 is increased by bending the second shape-retaining member 14b, the wearer is less likely to feel oppressive. Conversely, if the spatial volume inside the mask 10 is reduced, the fit to the wearer will be enhanced.

As described above, according to the functional mask 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the fit to the face of the wearer is improved, and at the same time, the breathability and airtightness can be adjusted.

(Second embodiment)
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described, but constituent elements that are the same as or correspond to those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the structure of the main part of the functional mask 110 according to the second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a side view showing the structure of the functional mask 110 according to the second embodiment of the invention.

(Mask structure)
In the first embodiment, the shape-retaining member 14a is provided at the lower edge of the mask main body 12, but in the second embodiment, hook-and-loop fasteners 114a and 114b are provided instead. The pair of hook-and-loop fasteners 114a and 114b are arranged at symmetrical positions on the lower edge of the mask main body 12, and are configured to be connectable and detachable. As the hook-and-loop fasteners 114a and 114b, it is possible to employ a type that engages and fixes the unevenness of both, hook-and-loop type Velcro (registered trademark), or the like.

(Usage form)
7A and 7B are a front view (A) and a see-through side view (B) showing the first usage pattern of the functional mask 110 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 8A and 8B are a front view (A) and a see-through side view (B) showing a second usage pattern of the functional mask 110 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8(C) is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the hook-and-loop fasteners 114a and 114b are closed.

The mode of use shown in FIG. 7 makes it easy to take outside air into the mask 110 by improving air permeability. It is used without connecting the hook-and-loop fasteners 114a and 114b. However, the third shape-retaining member 14c may be slightly bent to the extent that it is caught on the wearer's nose. The second shape-retaining member 14b is bent outward in a doglegged shape to widen the spatial volume within the mask 110 .

In the mode of use shown in FIG. 7, outside air can be easily taken in from above (near the nose) and below (near the chin) of the mask main body 12, the temperature and humidity inside the mask 110 are lowered, and the wearer's breathing becomes easier. be able to. For example, in a situation away from crowds, it is assumed that the mask 10 is worn in the form shown in FIG. 7 to sufficiently take in outside air.

The mode of use shown in FIG. 8 enhances the airtightness to make it difficult for outside air to enter the mask 110 and to make it difficult for the breath of the wearer to leak out. It is used in a state in which the hook-and-loop fasteners 114a and 114b are connected. The third shape-retaining member 14c can be bent to fit the mask main body 12 to the curve of the wearer's nose and to reduce the air inlet/outlet. The hook-and-loop fasteners 114a and 114b can be connected under the chin of the wearer to further improve the airtightness.

The second shape-retaining member 14b is used by being stretched along the vertical shape of the wearer's nose. It should be noted that, when expanding the spatial volume in the mask 110, it may be bent and used as shown in FIG. The shape of the second shape-retaining member 14b does not directly affect the airtightness and air permeability of the mask 110, and is used for adjusting the spatial volume inside the mask 110. FIG. By increasing the spatial volume inside the mask 110 by bending the second shape-retaining member 14b, the wearer is less likely to feel oppressive. Conversely, if the spatial volume inside the mask 110 is reduced, the wearer's fit will be enhanced.

As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the hook-and-loop fasteners 114a and 114b make it easier to take in outside air from around the chin of the wearer, thereby lowering the temperature and humidity inside the mask 110 and facilitating breathing. be able to. Conversely, by improving the airtightness, it becomes possible to effectively suppress invasion of viruses, pollen, and the like.

FIG. 9 is a see-through side view showing a usage pattern of the functional mask 110 according to the modified example of the second embodiment, in which the lower edge of the mask body is shorter than in the example of FIG. Similarly, in the first embodiment, the lower edge of the mask body can be shortened.

Although the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, and can be appropriately modified based on the spirit of the claims.

Claims (6)

A functional mask with adjustable breathability and airtightness,
a mask body that can cover the wearer's nose, mouth, and chin;
an adjustment member disposed at the lower edge of the mask body and capable of adjusting the breathability and airtightness of the lower portion of the mask body;
a second shape-retaining member extending longitudinally at the center of the mask body;
The adjusting member is a pair of connecting members arranged at symmetrical positions on the lower edge of the mask main body, and the inner surfaces of the pair of connecting members are configured to be connectable and detachable under the chin of the wearer. A functional mask characterized by having 2. The functional mask according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment member is a hook-and-loop fastener and is configured to be connectable and detachable. 2. The space inside the mask main body can be expanded or contracted by deforming the second shape-retaining member outward into a "<" shape. Or the functional mask according to 2 . 4. The functional mask according to claim 1 , further comprising a third shape retaining member arranged along the upper edge of said mask main body. 5. The functional mask according to claim 4 , wherein the upper end of said second shape-retaining member and the central portion of said third shape-retaining member are connected. 6. The functional mask according to claim 4 , wherein said second and third shape-retaining members are shaped like strips.

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