Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
  • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
  • A62B23/00—Filters for breathing-protection purposes
  • A62B23/02—Filters for breathing-protection purposes for respirators
  • A62B23/025—Filters for breathing-protection purposes for respirators the filter having substantially the shape of a mask
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A41—WEARING APPAREL
  • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
  • A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
  • A41D13/05—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches protecting only a particular body part
  • A41D13/11—Protective face masks, e.g. for surgical use, or for use in foul atmospheres
  • A41D13/1107—Protective face masks, e.g. for surgical use, or for use in foul atmospheres characterised by their shape

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a mask with a leak preventing section.
• a mask has been proposed with a filter main body made of a filter material that covers the mouth and nose of the wearer, and a leak preventing section provided on the inner surface or the circumferential edge of the mask main body, that reduces the leak rate by contacting with the surface of the face while being worn.
• Patent Document 1 describes a mask with a main body part that covers the face, and ear attach strings that are attached to the main body part, and an air permeable sheet provided in the gap between the face and the main body part on both side parts of the inner surface of the main body part.
• Patent Document 1 states that "as shown in FIG. 2 (A), a plurality of (or a single) elastic member 12 such as a rubber thread that extends in the longitudinal direction is attached by means such as sewing or adhering or the like to one edge part 1 lb of a base sheet 11.” (paragraph [0016]). Furthermore, "as shown in FIG.
• the opposite side of the edge part 1 la of the base sheet 11 that is attached to the elastic material 12 is also sewn together by the same process as the sewn part 5 of the main body part 2, and thus the edge part 11a base material 11 is attached to the main body part 2.
• the part where the base sheet 11 is sewn to the sewn part 5 is labeled 5a.
• sewing is performed to create a gather (pleats) 13, shortening the length dimension of the base sheet 11 from HO to HI .
• the base sheet 1 1 is folded over, and the edge part 1 lb with the elastic member 12 is overlaid onto the sewn part 5a side of the edge part 11a, and only the top and bottom edges 14, 14 of the edge part 1 lb are attached by sewing to the main body part 2. Therefore, the support piece 10 forms a three-dimensional gather shape, and when the inner surface sheet 2b side of the main body part 2 forms a concave shape, the support piece 10 will rise three-dimensionally from the inner surface of the main body part 2 towards the surface of the face by the elastic force of the elastic member 12 (refer to FIG. 2 (D))."
• Patent Document 2 describes a mask with an air permeable sheet material that forms a gather with ridge folds and valley folds, an adhesive band is formed on both side end parts of the gather, and the walls of the gather are integrated by both side end parts, wherein a plurality of fused concavities is formed at prescribed intervals along the top and bottom edges of the adhesive band by thermally fusing the adhesive band, and one end and another end of each ear attach string are attached to the top edge and the bottom edge of the adhesive band.
• Patent Document 2 states that "First, the center part of the top and bottom edge parts 3, 3 a of the mask are held and pulled in the up and down directions in order to expand the walls of the gather 2, and then the ear attach strings 7, 7a are attached to both ears. Next, hook shaped parts 4, 4a of the top and bottom edge parts 3, 3a are made to cover the nose and chin. Thereby, the top and bottom of the mask are fit to the nose and chin, and both side edge parts bend at the interface between the fused concavities 6, 6a and the adjacent swelled parts 8, 8a and seemingly deform slightly as if an intricate gather were present, creating a fit that closely matches the shape of the cheeks and has a pleasing feel" (paragraph [0012]).
• a leak preventing section provided on a medical or safety and hygiene mask preferably can be manufactured inexpensively with a simple construction, can stably support a condition of contact between the leak preventing section and the surface of the face while being worn, and has a design that does not detract from the appearance of the mask while being worn.
• the present invention provides a novel mask with a leak preventing section that is provided between the mask main body and the surface of the face when worn, and can effectively reduce the leak rate.
• a first aspect provides a mask containing a mask body, a leak preventing section provided to the mask body, and a wearing band usable for wearing the mask, and the leak preventing section contains a first sheet part arranged to be capable of being laid on the mask body, a first connection connecting the first sheet part to the mask body, a second sheet part arranged to be capable of being laid on the first sheet part, a second connection different from the first connection, connecting the second sheet part to the first sheet part, a third connection different from the first connection and the second connection, the third connection having at least one of functions of connecting the first sheet part to the mask body, connecting the second sheet part to the mask body and connecting the second sheet part to the first sheet part, the third connection forming a pocket-shape folded
• the mask according to the first aspect of the present invention moves such that the mask body and the first sheet part and the second sheet part mutually separate while the pocket-shape folded configuration of the leak preventing section maintains the connection of the first connection, second connection, and third connection, and opens like an expanding pocket.
• the leak preventing section will protrude toward the outside of the mask body in the shape of an expanded pocket, and will be present between the mask body and the face of the wearer, contacting with both cheeks of the wearer.
• the wearing band that is attached to the second sheet part functions to stabilize and support the open condition of the folded configuration and the condition of contact between the leak preventing section and the face.
• the leak preventing section extends from the mask body when the mask is worn, and only has a shape that essentially blocks the gap between the mask body and the face of the wearer, and does not change the shape and dimensions of the mask body, and therefore has styling that will not negatively affect the appearance of the mask.
• the leak preventing section has a very simple construction that is simply provided in a manner that can overlap the first and second sheet parts, and can be inexpensively manufactured with a simple configuration.
• FIG. 1 is a top view (outside surface) illustrating the flat folded position of the mask according to the first aspect of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a top view (inside surface) illustrating the flat folded position of the mask of FIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is a perspective view (inside surface) illustrating the flat folded position of the mask of FIG. 1.
• FIG. 4 is a top view (outside surface) illustrating the expanded position where the mask of FIG. 1 expands like a bowl.
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view (in the direction of arrow V in FIG. 4) illustrating the expanded position where the mask of FIG. 1 expands like a bowl.
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view (in the direction of arrow VI in FIG. 4) illustrating the expanded position where the mask of FIG. 1 expands like a bowl.
• FIG. 7 is a top view (inside surface) illustrating the expanded position where the mask of FIG. 1 expands like a bowl.
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view (in the direction of arrow VIII in FIG. 7) illustrating the expanded position where the mask of FIG. 1 expands like a bowl.
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view (in the direction of arrow IX in FIG. 7) illustrating the expanded position where the mask of FIG. 1 expands like a bowl.
• FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the leak preventing section of the mask according to FIG. 1, wherein (a) is a cross section view along arrow Xa-Xa, (b) is a cross section view along arrow Xb-Xb, and (c) is a side surface view as seen in the direction of arrow Xc in FIG. 2.
• FIG. 11 is a diagram describing an alternate form of the leak preventing section of FIG. 10, wherein (a) shows the folded condition of the folded configuration, (b) shows the slightly opened condition of the folded configuration, (c) shows a further opened condition of the folded configuration, and (d) shows a completely open condition of the folded configuration.
• FIG. 12 is a diagram describing another alternate form of the leak preventing section of FIG. 10, wherein (a) shows the folded condition of the folded configuration, (b) shows the slightly opened condition of the folded configuration, (c) shows a further opened condition of the folded configuration, and (d) shows a completely open condition of the folded configuration.
• FIG. 13 is a diagram describing another alternate form of the leak preventing section of FIG. 10, and is a partial expanded cross section view showing the completely open condition of the folded configuration.
• FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating the condition where the mask of FIG. 1 is worn on the face of a wearer, wherein (a) is a view as seen from a forward oblique direction, (b) is a view as seen from the side direction, and (c) is a view as seen from a back oblique direction.
• FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating the condition where the mask according to an alternate example is worn on the face of a wearer, wherein (a) is a view as seen from a forward oblique direction, (b) is a view as seen from the side direction, and (c) is a view as seen from a back oblique direction.
• FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating various alternate examples of the leak preventing section.
• FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating various alternate examples of the leak preventing section.
• FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating various alternate examples of the leak preventing section.
• FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating various alternate examples of a section with pleats.
• FIG. 1 through FIG. 9 illustrate a mask 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• the mask 10 can be used in medical applications and safety and hygiene applications, but the mask of the present invention is not restricted to these applications.
• the mask 10 has a mask body 12 made from a sheet- like filter material (such as a nonwoven material or gauze or the like) that covers the mouth and nose (not shown in the drawings) of a wearer, a leak preventing section 14 provided to the mask body 12 that reduces (or in other words improves) the leak rate, which is an indicator of protective performance, and a wearing band 16 that is used for attaching the mask.
• a sheet- like filter material such as a nonwoven material or gauze or the like
• a leak preventing section 14 provided to the mask body 12 that reduces (or in other words improves) the leak rate, which is an indicator of protective performance
• a wearing band 16 that is used for attaching the mask.
• the mask body 12 has left and right side edges 12a, 12b on mutually opposing sides, top edge 12c and bottom edge 12d on mutually opposing sides that intersect with the side edges 12a, 12b, and an inner surface 12e and an outer surface 12f on mutually opposing sides.
• both side edges 12a, 12b are positioned to extend in the vertical direction along both cheeks of the wearer
• top edge 12c is positioned to extend in the lateral direction along the nose and both cheeks of the wearer
• bottom edge 12d is positioned to extend in the lateral direction along the bottom chin of the wearer
• inner surface 12e is positioned across from the nose and mouth of the wearer
• outer surface 12f is positioned to face outward from the face of the wearer.
• the mask body 12 has a movable pleated part 18 between the position of the flat fold (FIG. 1 through FIG. 3) and the expanded position of the expanded bowl (FIG. 4 through FIG. 9).
• the pleated part 18 has a plurality of pleats 20 with a fold line that extends between both side edges 12a, 12b of the mask body 12.
• the pleats 20 are formed by appropriately folding over the sheet- like filter material of the mask body 12, and the pleated part 18 is formed by integrally attaching folded over materials at positions along both side edges 12a, 12b of the mask body 12. With the mask 10 with pleated part 18, the mask body 12 can be folded in a flat rectangular shape when viewed from the top (FIG. 1 through FIG.
• the mask body 12 can be enlarged so that top edges 12c, 12d move in opposite directions when the mask is worn, to form an expanded shape in the shape of a bowl (FIG. 4 through FIG. 9).
• the top edge 12c of the mask body 12 can be deformed along the cheek and nose of the wearer when the mask is worn in order to provide a nose grip, not shown in the drawings, to enhance the contact between the face and the top edge 12c of the mask body 12.
• the leak preventing section 14 is provided in both side parts located on mutually opposing side of the mask body 12 (in other words in the region adjacent to both side edges 12a, 12b). Note, the leak preventing section 14 can also be provided in either one of the pair of side parts located on mutually opposing sides of the mask body 12, depending on the application for the mask 10 or the like.
• the leak preventing sections 14 provided on both side parts of the mask body 12 have mutually identical construction. Note, the leak preventing sections 14 provided on both sides parts of the mask body 12 can also have mutually different constructions. The construction of a leak preventing section 14 adjacent to one of the side edges 12a of the mask body 12 is described below while referring to FIG. 10. Note, FIG.
• FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the construction of a leak preventing section 14 when the pleated part 18 is at the position of the fold, and in order to aid in understanding, the mask body 12, first sheet part 22, and second sheet part 26 are drawn with a slight interval therebetween, but these components can be in contact with each other.
• the leak preventing section 14 includes a first sheet part 22 capable of being laid on a mask body 12; a first connection 24 connecting the first sheet part 22 to the mask body 12; a second sheet part 26 capable of being laid on the first sheet part 22; a second connection 28 different from the first connection 24 and connecting the second sheet part 26 to the first sheet part 22; a third connection 30 different from the first connection 24 and the second connection 28, having at least one function selected from a function of connecting the first sheet part 22 to the mask body 12, a function of connecting the second sheet part 26 to the mask body 12, and a function of connecting the second sheet part 26 to the first sheet part 22, the third connection forming a pocket-shape folded configuration 32 between the mask body 12 and the first sheet part 22 and/or between the first sheet part 22 and the second sheet part 26; and a fourth connection 34 different from the first connection 24, second connection 28, or third connection 30, and connecting a wearing band 16 to the second sheet part 26.
• the leak preventing section 14 has a shape where a sheet material that is rectangular as viewed from the top is folded in half. Therefore, the first sheet part 22 and the second sheet part 26 are integrally manufactured, and mutually joined to the second connection 28. Note, the second connection 28 may or may not have a fold line.
• the mask body 12 and the first sheet part 22 are manufactured as mutually separate parts, and are fastened together by the first connector 24. Furthermore, the second sheet part 26 and the wearing band 16 are manufactured as mutually separate parts, and are fastened together by the fourth connector 34.
• the leak preventing section 14 can have a variety of configurations other than that described above. For example, it is possible to use a construction where the mask body 12 and the first sheet part 22 are integrally manufactured, and mutually connected together by the first connection 24 that forms the fold line. Furthermore, it is also possible to use a construction where the first sheet part 22 and the second sheet part 26 are manufactured as mutually separate parts, and mutually fastened together by the second connection 28. Furthermore, it is possible use a construction where the second sheet part 26 and the wearing band 16 are integrally manufactured, and mutually connected together by the fourth connection 34. Various other alternate forms of the leak preventing section 14 are described below.
• the first sheet part 22 has a front edge 22a provided along the side edge 12a of the mask body 12, a back edge 22b provided midway along the leak preventing section 14 on the opposite side as the front edge 22a, a top edge 22c and the bottom edge 22d on mutually opposite sides that intersect with both the front edge 22a and the back edge 22b, and inner surface 22e and outer surface 22f on mutually opposite sides.
• the front edge 22a and the back edge 22b of the first sheet part 22 have essentially the same length as the side edge 12a of the mask body 12, and the top edge 22c and the bottom edge 22d of the first sheet part 22 are both sufficiently shorter than the top edge 12c and the bottom edge 12d of the mask body 12.
• the first sheet part 22 is positioned and overlaid in a region along the side edge 12a of the mask body 12 such that the inner surface 22e faces opposite to the inner surface 12e of the mask body 12 in a condition where the front edge 22a, top edge 22c, and bottom edge 22d are essentially aligned along the entire side edge 12a of the mask body 12, a portion of the top edge 12c adjacent to the side edge 12a, and a portion of the bottom edge 12d that is adjacent to the side edge 12a.
• the first connection 24 is formed along the front edge 22a of the first sheet part 22 and the side edge 12a of the mask body 12, and fastens the front edge 22a of the first sheet part 22 to the side edge 12a of the mask body 12.
• the first connector 24 is formed along the entire length of the front edge 22a of the first sheet part 22 and the side edge 12a of the mask body 12, and prevents leaks from occurring through the first connection 24. Note, assuming that the degradation in the leak rate can be suppressed to a permissible range by the existence of the first connection 24 , a plurality of first connections 24 can be formed, distributed along the front edge 22a of the first sheet part 22 and the side edge 12a of the mask body 12.
• the second sheet part 26 has a front edge 26a provided along the back edge 22b of the first sheet part 22, a back edge 26b provided at the end of the leak preventing section 14 on the opposite side as the front edge 26a, a top edge 26c and a bottom edge 26d on mutually opposite sides that intersect with both the front edge 26a and the back edge 26b, and inner surface 26e and outer surface 26f on mutually opposite sides.
• the front edge 26a and the back edge 26b of the second sheet part 26 have essentially the same length as the back edge 22b of the first sheet part 22, and the top edge 26c and the bottom edge 26d of the second sheet part 26 have essentially the same length as the top edge 22c and the bottom edge 22d of the first sheet part 22.
• the second sheet part 26 is positioned and overlaid over the entire first sheet part 22 such that the outer surface 26f faces opposite to the outer surface 22f of the first sheet part 22, in a condition where the front edge 26a, top edge 26c, and bottom edge 26d are essentially aligned along the entire back edge 22b of the first sheet part 22, the entire top edge 22c, and the entire bottom edge 22d.
• the second connection 28 is formed along the front edge 26a of the second sheet part 26 and the back edge 22b of the first sheet part 22, and connects the front edge 26a of the second sheet part 26 to the back edge 22b of the first sheet part 22.
• the second connection 28 is formed along the entire length of the front edge 26a of the second sheet part 26 and the back edge 22b of the first sheet part 22, and prevents leaks from occurring through the second connection 28. Note, assuming that degradation of the leak rate can be suppressed to a permissible range by the existence of the second connector 28, a plurality of second connectors 28 can be distributed along the back edge 22b of the first sheet part 22 and the front edge 26a of the second sheet part 26.
• the third connector 30 is formed along the top edge 26c of the second sheet part 26 and the top edge 22c of the first sheet part 22 and along a portion of the top edge 12c of the mask body 12. Furthermore, another third connector 30 is formed along the bottom edge 26d of the second sheet part 26 and the bottom edge 22d of the first sheet part 22 and a portion of the bottom edge 12d of the mask body 12.
• These third connectors 30 are mutually connected (fastened) to the top edge 26c of the second sheet part 26 and the top edge 22c of the first sheet part 22 and a portion of the top edge 12c of the mask body 12, and also mutually connected (fastened) to the bottom edge 26d of the second sheet part 26 and the bottom edge 22d of the first sheet part 22 and a portion of the bottom edge 12d of the mask body 12.
• one third connector 30 is formed along the entire length of the top edge 26c of the second sheet part 26 and the top edge 22c of the first sheet part 22, and a portion of the top edge 12c of the mask body 12, and another third connector 30 is formed along the entire length of the bottom edge 26d of the second sheet part 26 and the bottom edge 22d of the first sheet part 22 and a portion of the bottom edge 12d of the mask body 12, and thus leaking through the third connectors 30 is prevented.
• a plurality of third connectors 30 can be formed, distributed along the top edge 26c of the second sheet part 26 and the top edge 22c of the first sheet part 22 and a portion of the top edge 12c of the mask body 12.
• a plurality of third connectors 30 can be formed, distributed along the bottom edge 26d of the second sheet part 26 and the bottom edge 22d of the first sheet part 22 and a portion of the bottom edge 12d of the mask body 12.
• a configuration is also possible where a third connector 30 that that only connects the top edge 22c of the first sheet part 22 to a portion of the top edge 12c of the mask body 12, and a third connector 30 that only connects the bottom edge 22d of the first sheet body 22 and a portion of the bottom edge 12d of the mask body 12.
• the pocket- shaped folded configuration 32 is formed only between the mask body 12 and the first sheet part 22, and is not formed between the second sheet part 26 and the first sheet part 22.
• a configuration is also possible where a third connector 30 that only connects the top edge 26c of the second sheet part 26 to a portion of the top edge 12c of the mask body 12, and a third connector 30 that only connects the bottom edge 26d of the second sheet body 26 and a portion of the bottom edge 12d of the mask body 12.
• the pocket-shape folded configuration 32 is formed both between the mask body 12 and the first sheet part 22 and between the first sheet part 22 and the second sheet part 26.
• a configuration is also possible with a third connector 30 that only connects the top edge 26c of the second sheet part 26 and the top edge 22c of the first sheet part 22, and a third connector 30 that only connects the bottom edge 26d of the second sheet part 26 to the bottom edge 22d of the first sheet part 22.
• the pocket-shape folded configuration 32 is formed only between the first sheet part 22 and the second sheet part 26, and is not formed between the mask body 12 and the first sheet part 22.
• Fourth connectors 34 are formed in 2 locations, adjacent to the back edge 26b of the second sheet part 26 and adjacent to the bottom edge 26d and the top edge 26c of the second sheet part 26, and both ends 16a of a string type wearing band 16 are
• the fourth connectors 34 are appropriately formed at positions that can stably hold the mask body 12 on the face of the wearer, and that can stably apply a tensile force to the second sheet part 26 in order to change the position of the folded configuration 32 of the leak preventing section 14, as described below.
• the items “second connector different from the first connector”, “third connector different from the first connector and the second connector”, and “fourth connector different than the first connector, second connector, and third connector” include differences in physical conditions such as position, dimensions, and structure and the like, but at least difference in position is an essential condition. Furthermore, “the first connector, second connector, and third connector” have a position, dimension, and construction that can form a "pocket-shape folded configuration" by moving in a coordinated fashion.
• the leak preventing section 14 of the mask 10 moves to an open condition rising with regards to the inner surface 12e of the mask body 12 from the essentially flat folded condition shown in FIG. 10, expands to the side direction of the mask body 12, and in this condition contacts with both cheeks of the wearer, and therefore causes a reduction in leaking between both side edges 12a, 12b of the mask body 12 and both cheeks of the wearer.
• Characteristic alternative forms of the leak preventing section 14 are described below while referring to FIG. 11 through FIG. 14.
• the leak preventing section 14 moves the pleated part 18 of the mask body 12 from a folded position (FIG. 1 through FIG. 3) to an expanded position (FIG. 4 through FIG. 9), and thereby the folded configuration 32 (FIG. 10) formed between the first sheet part 22 and the mask body 12 and between the second sheet part 26 and the first sheet part 22, from an essentially flat folded condition (FIG. 11 (a)) to an open condition (FIG. 11 (d)) that rises with regards to the inner surface 12e of the mask body 12.
• the folded configuration 32 of the leak preventing section 14 will exist in essentially a flat folded condition where the mask body 12, first sheet part 22, and second sheet part 26 are mutually overlaid as described above (FIG. 11 (a)).
• the pleated part 18 deforms slightly in the shape of a bowl with the inner surface 12e as a concavity.
• the side edge 12a (FIG. 10) of the mask body 12 and the front edge 22a (FIG. 10) of the first sheet part 22 curve slightly, following the curvature of the inner surface 12e, and the spatial distance between the top edge 12c and the bottom edge 12d of the mask body 12 as well as the spatial distance between the top edge 22c (FIG. 10) and the bottom edge 22d (FIG. 10) of the first sheet part 22 become slightly smaller in the region adjacent to the side edge 12a and the front edge 22a.
• the spatial distance between the top edge 26c (FIG. 10) and the bottom edge 26d (FIG. 10) of the second sheet part 26 becomes slightly smaller in the region adjacent to the back edge 26b.
• the second sheet part 26 automatically curves such that the outer surface 26f (FIG. 10) forms a concavity, and the interval between the outer surface 22f (FIG. 10) of the first sheet part 22 and the outer surface 26f of the second sheet part 26 becomes slightly wider, and the folded configuration 32 between the first sheet part 22 and the second sheet part 26 is slightly opened (FIG. 11 (b)) as if a pocket is expanding, while the second connector 28 and the third connector 30 remain in a connected condition.
• the folded configuration 32 between the mask body 12 and the first sheet part 22 and the folded configuration 32 between the first sheet part 22 and the second sheet part 26 will sufficiently open like an expanding pocket and be in an open condition that rises with regards to the inner surface 12e of the mask body 12, while the first connection 24, second connection 28, and third connection 30 are maintained in a condition of contact (FIG. 11 (d), FIG. 13).
• the leak preventing section 14 can move such that the folded configuration 32 (FIG. 10) formed between the first sheet part 22 and the mask body 12 and between the second sheet part 26 and the first sheet part 22 changes from essentially a flat folded condition (FIG. 12 (a)) to an open condition rising with regards to the inner surface 12e of the mask body 12 (FIG. 12 (d)) because of the tensile force applied to the wearing band 16.
• the folded configuration 32 of the leak preventing section 14 will exist in essentially a flat folded condition where the mask body 12, first sheet part 22, and second sheet part 26 are mutually overlaid as described above (FIG. 12 (a)). From this condition, when a slight tensile force F is applied to the wearing band 16 from the outer surface 12f of the mask body 12 toward the inner surface 12e, the second sheet part 26 will be pulled by the wearing band 16, and the interval between the outer surface 22f (FIG. 10) of the first sheet part 22 and the outer surface 26f (FIG.
• the folded configuration 32 between the first sheet part 22 and the second sheet part 26 and the folded configuration 32 between the mask body 12 and the first sheet part 22 will sufficiently open like an expanding pocket while a condition of contact is maintained between the first connection 24, second connection 28, and third connection 30, and will be in an open condition rising with regards to the inner surface 12e of the mask body 12 (FIG. 12 (d), FIG. 13).
• the pleated part 18 of the mask body 12 will be located at an expanded position that covers the nose and mouth of the wearer (FIG. 14 (a)), and the folded configuration 32 (FIG. 10) of the leak preventing section 14 will be in the aforementioned open condition because of the tensile force F (FIG. 14 (b)) applied from the wearing band that is hooked onto the ear of the wearer through the fourth connector 34 (FIG.) to the second sheet part 26.
• the leak preventing section 14 with the folded configuration 32 in the open condition extends to the side direction of the mask body 12 in the form of an expanded pocket, and is located between both side edges 12a, 12b (FIG.
• the leak preventing section 14 extends from both side edges 12a, 12b of the mask body 12 and only has a shape that essentially blocks the gap between both side edges 12a, 12b and both cheeks of the wearer, and therefore does not change the shape and dimensions of the mask body 12 and has styling that will not negatively affect the appearance of the mask 10. Furthermore, the leak preventing section 14 has a very simple construction that simply allows overlaying of the first and second sheet parts 22, 26, and therefore can be inexpensively manufactured with a simple configuration.
• the mask according to the present invention can have various configurations other than as described above.
• the present invention can also be applied to a mask with a mask body having a simple construction without pleated parts (for example, a mask known as a gauze mask).
• FIG. 15 illustrates a form of use for this type of mask 10'.
• the mask 10' has essentially the same configuration as the aforementioned mask 10 except for having a mask body 12' with a simple construction that does not have a pleated part 18, and therefore the corresponding components are assigned common codes and a description is omitted.
• a tensile force F (FIG. 15 (b)) is created in the wearing band 16 that is hooked onto the ear of the wearer when the mask body 12' is in a condition that covers the nose and mouth of the wearer (FIG. 15 (a)). Therefore, the folded configuration 32 of the leak preventing section 14 (FIG. 10) is in the aforementioned open condition because of the tensile force F applied to the wearing band 16, and the leak preventing section 14 extends out towards the side direction of the mask body 12 and contacts both cheeks of the wearer (FIG. 15 (c)).
• the tensile force F of the wearing band 16 that is connected to the second sheet part 26 is transferred essentially to the entire leak preventing section 14 and stably maintains the open condition of the folded configuration 32 and the condition of contact between the leak preventing section 14 and the face. Therefore, even when using the mask 10', leaking between both cheeks of the wearer and both side edges 12a, 12b of the mask body 12' (FIG. 1) can be prevented, and thus the leak rate, which is an indication of the protective function, is effectively decreased (or in other words improved).
• the leak preventing section 14 extends from both side edges 12a, 12b of the mask body 12' and only has a shape that essentially blocks the gap between both side edges 12a, 12b and both cheeks of the wearer, and therefore does not change the shape and dimensions of the mask body 12' and has styling that will not negatively affect the appearance of the mask 10'. Furthermore, the leak preventing section 14 has a very simple construction with the sheet material in a folded shape, and therefore can be inexpensively manufactured with a simple construction.
• FIG. 16 illustrates various examples of the leak preventing section 14 that can be used with a mask of the present invention.
• the leak preventing section 14 can have a configuration where the first sheet part 22 and the second sheet part 26 have essentially the same dimensions and shape (FIG. 16 (a)), a configuration where the first sheet part 22 has larger dimensions and shape than the second sheet part 26 (FIG. 16 (b)), or a configuration where the first sheet part 22 has slightly smaller dimensions and shape then the second sheet part 26 (FIG. 16 (c)).
• FIG. 16 (d) illustrates various examples of the leak preventing section 14 that can be used with a mask of the present invention.
• the leak preventing section 14 can have a configuration where the first sheet part 22 and the second sheet part 26 have essentially the same dimensions and shape (FIG. 16 (a)), a configuration where the first sheet part 22 has larger dimensions and shape than the second sheet part 26 (FIG. 16 (b)), or a configuration where the first sheet part 22 has slightly smaller dimensions and shape then the second sheet part 26
• the third connector 30 is only connected between the mask body 12 and the first sheet part 22 (FIG. 16 (e)), or a configuration where the third connection 30 is only connected between the first sheet part 22 and the second sheet part 26 (FIG. 16 (f)).
• the second connector 28 is formed at a midway position other than the front edge 22a and the back edge 22b (FIG. 10) of the first sheet part 22 (FIG. 16 (g)), or a configuration where the second connection 28 is formed at a midway position other than the front edge 26a and the back edge 26b (FIG. 10) of the second sheet part 26 (FIG. 16
• the leak preventing section 14 can have a multi-fold configuration with three or more folds (FIG. 16(i)). With this configuration, an additional sheet part 36 is provided in a position that can be folded over onto the mask body 12, first sheet part 22, and second sheet part 26 with at least a portion interposed between the first connection 24 and the first sheet part 22 and between the second connection 28 and the second sheet part 26.
• the additional sheet part 36 can be a plurality of connected parts by providing a connection with a similar fold line as the second connection 28.
• FIG. 17 illustrates various configurations of the second sheet part 26 of the leak preventing section 14 that can be used with the mask of the present invention.
• the back edge 26b of the second sheet part 26 is located at the end of the leak preventing section 14, and therefore the shape thereof is anticipated to have a direct effect on reducing the leak rate.
• a plurality of slits 38 can be formed in the back edge 26b of the second sheet part 26 (FIG. 17 (a)). With this configuration, a plurality of rectangular shaped small pieces of the second sheet part 26 separated by the slits 38 are in contact along the base of the wearer, and therefore the tight fit between the second sheet part 26 and the face of the wearer can be enhanced.
• a notch 40 can be formed on the back edge 26b of the second sheet part 26 (FIG. 17 (b), (c)), or a concave curved shape can be formed on the back edge 26b (FIG. 17 (d), (e)), or a convex curved shape can be formed (FIG. 17 (f),
• FIG. 18 illustrates various configurations of the third connection 30 of the leak preventing section 14 that can be used with the mask of the present invention. Note, FIG. 18 illustrates the deployment position of the leak preventing section 14 when the third connection 30 is in a condition of noncontact.
• the third connection 30 is not restricted to the aforementioned configuration (FIG. 18 (a)) of being formed along the top edge 26 c and the bottom edge 26 d (FIG. 10) of the second sheet part 26, and the top edge 22c and the bottom edge 22d (FIG. 10) of the first sheet part 22 and a portion of the top edge 12c and the bottom edge 12d (FIG.
• the third connection 30 formed between the mask body 12 and the first sheet part 22 can have a configuration that extends linearly at an angle away from the top edge 12c, 22c and the bottom edge 12d, 22d (FIG. 18 (b)), or a configuration that extends along a curve that separates from the top edge 12c, 22c and the bottom edge 12d, 22d (FIG. 18 (c)).
• the third connection 30 formed between the first sheet part 22 and the second sheet part 26 can have a configuration that extends nearly linearly at an angle away from the top edge 22c, 26c and the bottom edge 22d, 26d (FIG. 18 (d)) or a configuration that extends in a curve (not shown in the drawings).
• the third connection 30 formed between the mask body 12 and the first sheet part 22 and between the second sheet part 26 can have a configuration that extends linearly at an angle away from the top edge 12c, 22c, 26c and the bottom edge 12d, 22d, 26d (FIG.
• the top edge 12c of the mask body 12 and a portion of the bottom edge 12d, the top edge 22c and the bottom edge 22d of the first sheet part 22, and the top edge 26c and the bottom edge 26d of the second sheet part 26 that form the third connection 30 can be formed at an angle so long as the inherent functions of the mask are not lost.
• FIG. 19 illustrates various configurations of the pleated part 18 of a mask body 12 that can be used with the mask of the present invention. Note, the actual configuration of the pleated part 18 does not have an effect on the function of the leak preventing section 14.
• the wearing band 16 that can be used with the mask of the present invention is not restricted to the ear hooking type shown in the drawings, and a knot fastening type that attaches to the neck or head of the wearer can also be used. Furthermore, the wearing band 16 may or may not have elasticity like rubber. With either configuration, the wearing band 16 preferably can generate a tensile force that can stably hold the folded configuration 32 of the leak preventing section 14 in an open position.
• the mask according to the present invention can be manufactured from various materials.
• the first sheet part 22 and the second sheet part 26 of the leak preventing section 14 can be manufactured from a resin film, nonwoven material, or a combination of both materials. If a laminated material of film and a nonwoven is used, the feel on the skin of the leak preventing section 14 will be favorable and the feel during use by the wearer will be enhanced if a nonwoven material is provided at least on the inner surface 22e, 26e of the first sheet part 22 and the second sheet part 26. In this case, desired processes can be performed on the nonwoven material in order to achieve enhanced feel on the skin and to prevent makeup smearing or the like.
• the material of the resin film or the nonwoven material can be polyester, polyethylene, nylon, polypropylene, acrylic, polyurethane, polyvinyl or the like.
• the manufacturing method of the resin film can be a melted extrusion forming method, a solution casting method, or a calender forming method or the like, and the manufacturing method of the nonwoven material can be spunbond, melt blown, spandex, needle punched, spunlace, thermobond, resin bond, chemical bond, stitch bond or the like.
• the mask of the present invention can be manufactured by various methods. For example, a sheet material with a first sheet part 22 and a second sheet part 26 integrally formed is folded in half, and then the top edges 22c, 26c thereof are fastened together and the bottom edges 22d, 26d thereof are fastened together by the third connection 30 and used as a formed part of the leak preventing section 14, and then the leak preventing section 14 (formed part) is fastened to the side edge 12a (12b) and the top and bottom edges 12c, 12d of a separately manufactured mask body 12 by a first connection 24 third connection 30, and then the mask 10 can be manufactured by attaching wearing bands 16 to the second sheet part 26.
• a mask can be manufactured by preparing a long sheet material that integrally forms the first sheet part 22 and the second sheet part 26, fastening an edge of the sheet material (section that becomes the front edge 22a of the first sheet part 22) to the side edges 12a (12b) of a separately manufactured mask body 12 by a first connector 24, folding the sheet material in half at the second connector 28, and then fastening the top and bottom edges of the sheet material (section that becomes the top edge 22c, 26c and the bottom edge 22d, 26d of the first and second sheet parts 22, 26) to the top and bottom edges 12c, 12d of the mask body 12 by the third connector 30, cutting off the excess portion of the long sheet material, and attaching the wearing bands 16 to the second sheet part 26.
• the fastening means that form the first connection 24, second connection 28, third connection 30, and fourth connection 34 can be fastened by an adhesive or the like, fastening by double-sided tape or the like, sewing together with a sewing machine or the like, ultrasonic welding, heat sealing or the like. Furthermore, the sealing properties can be enhanced by forming the fastening section that forms the first connection 24, second connection 28, third connection 30, and fourth connection 34 in a straight line, but the flexibility can be enhanced by forming the fastening section with points.

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• 2010
  • 2010-03-19 JP JP2010065007A patent/JP2011194067A/ja active Pending
• 2011
  • 2011-03-17 WO PCT/US2011/028789 patent/WO2011116173A2/en active Application Filing
  • 2011-03-18 TW TW100109433A patent/TW201200198A/zh unknown

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