WO2022038846A1 - Shape retaining tool for sanitary mask - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] The present invention addresses the technical problem of developing a novel shape retaining tool for a sanitary mask which can continuously obtain a comfortable feeling of use even while using a simple structure and further improve convenience of use during actual use. [Solution] This shape retaining tool is mounted on the inside of a sanitary mask and secures an appropriate space between a mask body and a muzzle section, the shape-retaining tool being characterized by including a shape retaining body formed of an elastic material, wherein: the shape retaining body has a body element piece that forms a framework; a part of the body element piece is formed to bulge to at least the outside of the mask body in a flat state; and when using the sanitary mask, the shape retaining body is bent forward in a curved shape, pushes out the mask body from the inside to a front side, and secures a space between the mask body and the muzzle section.

Description

Hygiene mask shape retainer

The present invention is a sanitary mask that allows a space to be secured and formed in the mask so that when the user wears the sanitary mask, the vicinity of the user's face and snout and the mask base material do not come into close contact with each other. It is related to shape-retaining tools.

With the worldwide epidemic of the so-called new coronavirus, COVID 19, it is recommended to wear a sanitary mask as one of the preventive measures.
While the wearing of such a sanitary mask has been evaluated to have a certain effect on suppressing the infection of COVID 19, the mask base material constituting the mask body at the time of wearing is the nasal cavity and the snout (hereinafter, these parts are referred to as the snout). It tends to be in close contact with such substances, which hinders natural breathing and inevitably causes an unpleasant feeling of use such as stuffiness and generation of odor due to exhalation.

In particular, a simple disposable mask has a weak base material and tends to cause discomfort during use, and this discomfort tends to increase further in the rainy season and the high temperature season.
In order to avoid such an unpleasant usage state, for example, it is conceivable to attach a rigid frame-shaped member to the inside of the mask to secure a space between the mask and the nose and mouth. Such a frame-shaped member exists only for the purpose of holding a separate filter mounted inside (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

That is, these have a three-dimensional shape formed in advance in the shape of a basket frame, and are not always suitable for use in disposable masks. In other words, as for the member for forming such a space, a member having a simpler structure is suitable for a simple mask body, but a shape holder suitable for such use is still provided on the market. There wasn't.
For this reason, the applicant has attempted to develop a shape-retaining tool that forms a space in the mask with an extremely simple structure and maintains this space, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-138815 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-1976. It extends to patent applications for the issue (see, for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3).

Japanese Patent No. 4901142 Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-138815 Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-1976

The present invention has been made as a part of such development, and while adopting a simple structure, it is possible to secure and form a sufficient gap between the mask base material and the snout, and it is comfortable. The technical issue was the development of a new shape-retaining tool for sanitary masks, which can continue to provide a comfortable feeling of use and further improve practical usability.

That is, the shape-retaining tool of the sanitary mask according to claim 1 is
It is a shape-retaining tool for sanitary masks that is attached to the inside of the sanitary mask and secures an appropriate space between the mask body and the snout.
This shape-retaining tool includes a shape-retaining body made of an elastic material, and the shape-retaining body has a body element piece forming a skeleton, and a part of the body element piece is at least a mask body in a flat state. It is formed so as to protrude to the outside of the
When using a sanitary mask, the shape-retaining body bends forward in a curved shape, pushing the mask body forward from the inside to secure a space between the mask body and the snout. Is.

Further, the shape-retaining tool for the sanitary mask according to claim 2 is in addition to the requirements according to claim 1.
The main body element piece of the shape-retaining main body is formed so as to extend radially toward the four corners of the mask main body when attached to the sanitary mask.
Further, the main body element piece is characterized in that, when attached to the sanitary mask, the radiating portions extending to both upper corners of the mask main body have a shorter dimension than the radiating portions extending to both lower corners of the mask main body. Is.

Further, the shape-retaining tool for the sanitary mask according to claim 3 is in addition to the requirements according to claim 2.
The shape-retaining main body is characterized in that it is provided with an identification means for discriminating the top and bottom of the main body element piece in the mounted state.

Further, the shape-retaining tool for the sanitary mask according to claim 4 is in addition to the requirements according to claim 2 or 3.
The main body element piece is formed by rotatably connecting two strip-shaped members of the same length at positions shifted from the center by the same distance from each other, and from a closed state in which the two strip-shaped members are overlapped with each other. It is characterized by having a configuration that can be freely taken up to an open state developed in an X shape.

Further, the shape-retaining tool for the sanitary mask according to claim 5 is in addition to the requirement according to any one of claims 2 to 4.
The main body element piece is provided with a cheek pad cushion at the ends facing the four corners of the mask main body, and the identification means is characterized in that it is provided on the cheek pad cushion.

Further, the shape-retaining tool for the sanitary mask according to claim 6 is in addition to the requirement according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
The shape-retaining main body is provided with a vertical-retaining flap at the center in the width direction of the mask main body, and the vertical-retaining flap is characterized in that a ventilation hole is opened.

Further, the shape-retaining tool for the sanitary mask according to claim 7 is in addition to the requirements according to claim 6.
The vertical retaining flap is characterized in that it is rotatably connected by a rotary fastener that rotatably connects two main body element pieces.

Further, the shape-retaining tool for the sanitary mask according to claim 8 is in addition to the requirement according to any one of claims 2 to 7.
At the ends of the main body element pieces facing the four corners of the mask main body, locking portions for attaching to the sanitary mask are provided.
This locking portion is characterized in that the base portion of the ear hook string of the sanitary mask is sandwiched and attached by the slit-shaped sandwiching locking portion.

Further, the shape-retaining tool for the sanitary mask according to claim 9 is in addition to the requirement according to any one of claims 5 to 7.
At the ends of the main body element pieces facing the four corners of the mask main body, locking portions for attaching to the sanitary mask are provided.
This locking portion is a holding body that sandwiches the four corners of the mask body.
This holding body is characterized in that it also has the function of a cheek pad cushion.

Further, the shape-retaining tool for the sanitary mask according to claim 10 is in addition to the requirements according to claim 1.
In addition to the main body element piece, the shape-retaining main body is provided with a vertical-retaining flap having a ventilation hole in the central portion in the width direction of the mask main body.
The shape-retaining main body is characterized in that these main body element pieces and the vertical-retaining flap are integrally punched from an elastic plate material.
Then, the above-mentioned problems can be solved by using the constitution of the invention described in each of these claims as a means.

First, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the shape-retaining main body made of an appropriate elastic material is configured so that at least a part of the shape-retaining main body protrudes to the outside of the mask main body in a flat state, so that it is small when the mask is attached. A larger shape-retaining body will be attached to the mask. Therefore, the shape-retaining body can be elastically curved forward inside the mask, which can form a space between the mask body of the sanitary mask and the snout, resulting in breathing for the user. Is not hindered, and a comfortable feeling of use can be obtained.

Further, according to the invention of claim 2, since the radiating portions extending to both upper corners of the mask body are formed to have a shorter size than the radiating portions extending to both lower corners of the mask body, a shape retaining tool is attached. When the hygiene mask is worn by the user, stable adhesion and wearability can be obtained around the nose and mouth while ensuring a space inside the mask, giving the user a more reliable fit. be able to.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, since the shape-retaining main body is provided with an identification means for clearly distinguishing the upper and lower parts of the main body element piece, the upper and lower parts of the main body element piece at the time of mounting are extremely easy to understand and easily discriminated. be able to. Therefore, when attaching the shape-retaining tool to the sanitary mask, there is no need to be confused about the top and bottom of the shape-retaining tool (that is, there is no worry of mistaken attachment of the top and bottom), and smooth mounting work can be performed.

Further, according to the invention of claim 4, two strip-shaped members having the same length are connected to each other at eccentric positions deviated by the same distance from the center, so that the main body element pieces are connected to, for example, at both upper corners of the mask main body. If the positions of the tips of the two radiating parts (mounting positions) to be directed are determined, the open state of the main body element pieces that intersect in an X shape is naturally determined, and the positions of the tips of the two radiating parts (mounting positions) toward the lower corners of the mask body are also determined. Is set naturally, so the installation work can be done more smoothly.

Further, according to the invention of claim 5, since the cheek rest cushion attached to the main body element piece is provided with the identification means, the main body element piece itself can be all made the same, and a simpler structure can be obtained. Can be taken. That is, by making the colors and patterns of the cheek rest cushions provided on the upper and lower body element pieces different and using this as an identification means, the body element pieces themselves can all be manufactured in the same process, and the shape-retaining tool. It is possible to simplify the structure and the manufacturing process.
In addition, since the cheek cushion is attached to the main body element piece, when the user wears a hygiene mask with a shape-retaining tool, the main body element piece made of a hard material does not touch the cheeks. It is possible to eliminate the feeling of pleasure and discomfort.

Further, according to the invention of claim 6, since the shape-retaining body is provided with a vertically-retaining flap extending in the vertical direction at the center portion in the width direction of the mask body, the shape-retaining body is provided in front of the user's snout portion in the worn state. The vertical retaining flap can be positioned, and a sufficient space can be reliably secured and formed between the mask base material (mask body) and the snout. That is, it is possible to prevent the user's snout from touching the mask base material (inside the mask body) while wearing the mask.
In addition, since the vertical retaining flap has ventilation holes, even if the user wears the mask for a relatively long time, it is effective to generate stuffiness and odor in the mask due to his / her exhalation. Can be prevented.

Further, according to the invention of claim 7, since a total of three members of the two main body element pieces and the vertical retaining flap are rotatably connected by one rotary fastener, the reduction of component parts is promoted. However, the structure of the shape-retaining tool can be further simplified.
In addition, the configuration is not limited to simply reducing the number of parts, but also as a storage posture when the user carries the shape holder independently after purchase, and as a packing form at the distribution stage in the market, two main body element pieces. And the vertical retaining flap can be rotated to create a compact convoluted state in which these three members are overlapped in the longitudinal direction, and it is possible to avoid the concern of damage during transportation and transportation as much as possible. can.

Further, according to the invention of claim 8, the shape holder is attached to the sanitary mask so that the base of the ear hook string of the sanitary mask is held by the sandwiching locking portion formed at the end of the main body element piece. Therefore, the shape-retaining tool can be stably attached to the sanitary mask.
Further, since the locking portion (sandwiching locking portion) can be formed by processing the end portion of the main body element piece, a separate member is not required as the locking portion, and the number of parts of the shape-retaining tool can be reduced. Contribute to.

Further, according to the invention of claim 9, since the operation of attaching the shape-retaining tool to the sanitary mask can be performed by sandwiching the four corners of the mask body with the holding body, the attachment can be performed extremely easily and reliably.
Further, with such a locking portion, even when the ear strap is thick or wide, the shape-retaining tool can be reliably and easily attached to the sanitary mask regardless of its size and shape.

Further, according to the invention of claim 10, the shape-retaining main body is formed by punching from, for example, an elastic resin plate material in a state where the main body element piece and the vertical-retaining flap are integrally provided. (Shaping tool) can be manufactured more efficiently at low cost. Further, for example, when it is desired to newly manufacture a shape-retaining main body corresponding to the size of a small mask by punching out the main body element piece and the vertical retaining flap integrally, such variation development can be easily performed.

A perspective view (a) showing the usage state of the shape-retaining tool of the sanitary mask, a side perspective view (b), and a perspective view (c) showing the shape-retaining tool attached to the sanitary mask from the inside of the mask of the present invention. be. It is a rear view which shows the shape holder attached to a sanitary mask from the inside of a mask. An explanatory view (a) showing an example of the accommodation posture when the user carries the shape-retaining tool after purchase together with the connection state of the members, and when attaching the shape-retaining tool to the sanitary mask, keep it in a flat sanitary mask. It is a top view (b) which shows the state which the shape tool was placed flat. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the display form of the sanitary mask in the store sale. This is an example of modification in which a fish clip as a holding body is applied as a locking portion provided at the end of the main body element piece, and FIG. It is a plan view which shows the state which put it on the sanitary mask, and FIG. -A line arrow view. It is explanatory drawing which shows two kinds of modification examples of a body element piece. A front view (a) showing a shape-retaining tool formed by punching a shape-retaining main body having a main body element piece and a vertical-retaining flap integrally from an elastic resin plate material, and a sandwiching locking portion are formed in multiple stages. In addition, it is a front view and a vertical cross-sectional view (b) which show the shape-retaining tool which made use for the ventilation hole of the vertical-retaining flap for a pad holding flap. Front view showing a shape-retaining tool in which the shape-retaining body is viewed from the front and is formed in a flat H-shape, and the sandwiching locking portion is formed in multiple stages and the pad-holding flap is formed on the vertical-retaining flap. And the vertical cross-sectional view (a), and the shape-retaining tool formed in a Y-shape (V-shape) when the shape-retaining body is viewed from the front, and is locked only on the top (or bottom) of the ear strap when the mask is attached. It is a front view (b) which shows the shape-retaining tool. Front view (a), a front view showing a shape-retaining tool in which a main body element piece (diamond portion) having a flat diamond shape is provided with a main body element piece (vertical part) in the vertical direction at both ends in the width direction. A front view showing a shape-retaining tool having a main body element piece (extension part) in which a square-shaped main body element piece (square part) is arranged in the central part and each side of the square is arranged so as to extend outward. (B).

The best form of the shape-retaining tool 1 (hereinafter, simply referred to as “shape-retaining tool 1”) of the sanitary mask, which is the present invention, is as shown in the following examples. It is also possible to make appropriate changes within the scope of the technical idea of.

First, prior to the description of the shape-retaining tool 1, the sanitary mask 5 will be briefly described.
The sanitary mask 5 includes a mask body 51 that covers the nose opening f1 of the user M when the user M wears it on the face F, and an ear hook for preventing the mask body 51 from shifting from the nose opening f1. It is equipped with a string 52, and its purpose is to prevent pollen, dust, etc. from entering the body through the nasal cavity and pharynx, but when the user M himself coughs or sneezes, One of the purposes is to prevent the splashing and scattering of the surroundings.
In this embodiment, as such a sanitary mask 5, a simple disposable type is assumed as described above. Therefore, the mask main body 51 constituting the filter surface is generally made of a non-woven fabric as a main material. It is formed as a bellows in a flat state (so-called pleated type), and when the user M wears it on the face F, the bellows (pleats) are expanded to fit the curved surface of the face F. be.
Further, the ear hook string 52 in such a disposable type sanitary mask 5 is often made of a rubber material having a small cross section in a circular shape or a flat shape and having a certain length dimension, and both ends thereof are masked. It is attached to the top and bottom of the short edge portion of the main body 51 by welding or the like.

The shape-retaining tool 1 of the present invention is attached to such a sanitary mask 5, and the user M wearing the sanitary mask 5 is placed in front of the snout f1 so that the mask does not interfere with breathing. It is a use assisting tool for securing an appropriate space S.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shape-retaining tool 1 includes a shape-retaining body 10 made of an elastic material, and at least a part of the shape-retaining body 10 is a mask body in a flat state. It is formed so as to protrude to the outside of the 51, whereby when the shape-retaining body 10 is attached to the sanitary mask 5, the shape-retaining body 10 bends forward in a curved shape, and the mask body 51 is bent from the inside. It is pushed forward and secures a space S between the mask main body 51 and the snout portion f1.
The shape-retaining main body 10 includes a main body element piece 11 forming a skeleton, and in particular, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 above as an example in this embodiment, the main body element piece 11 is attached to the sanitary mask 5. It is configured to extend radially toward the four corners of the mask body 51. Here, reference numeral "111" in the figure is a radiation portion in the main body element piece 11 and refers to a portion extending toward the four corners of the mask main body 51.

Further, in the present embodiment, the shape-retaining main body 10 is configured by rotatably connecting two main body element pieces 11 having the same length at positions deviated from the center by the same distance (so-called eccentric position). To take. That is, the two main body element pieces 11 are rotatably connected by hooks or eyelet-shaped rotary fasteners 12, so that the two main body element pieces 11 are placed in a closed state in which they are overlapped with each other. It is configured so that these can be freely taken up to an open state developed (crossed) in an X shape.

For this reason, in the state where the main body element piece 11 is expanded in an X shape (expanded state), the radiating portion 111 extending from the rotation fastener 12 which is the center of rotation toward the four corners of the mask main body 51 is a mask. At the time of mounting, the length differs between the upper side and the lower side. Here, when it is desired to distinguish the radiating portion 111 from the top and bottom, the radiating portion 111 toward both upper corners is referred to as the upper radiating portion 111u and the radiating portion 111 toward both lower corners is referred to as the lower radiating portion 111d in the mask-attached state. do. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the upper radiating portion 111u is formed with a dimension shorter than that of the lower radiating portion 111d, and the upper and lower radiating portions 111 are provided opposite to each other in one main body element piece 11. There is.

Further, due to such a configuration, when the shape holder 1 is attached to the sanitary mask 5, the short upper radiation portion 111u is positioned above the mask (or as shown in FIG. 3B). The two main body element pieces 11 are rotated and unfolded in an X shape (so that the long lower radiation portion 111d is located on the lower side of the mask).
The length of the radiating portion 111 is different so that the short upper radiating portion 111u is located on the upper side of the mask when the user M wears the sanitary mask 5 to which the shape-retaining tool 1 is attached. This is because, while ensuring the space S in the mask main body 51, stable adhesion and wearability with the periphery of the snout portion can be obtained, and the user M can be given a more reliable fit.
Further, from such a thing, it is preferable that the upper and lower sides of the radiating portions 111 having different lengths can be easily and clearly determined. It has 2.
Incidentally, in this embodiment, since the cheek rest cushion 15 described later is provided on the four radiating portions 111 constituting the main body element piece 11, the identification means 2 is provided by different colors of the cheek pad cushion 15 at the top and bottom. It is composed. Of course, as the identification means 2, not only the difference in color but also a pattern or marking may be adopted. The identification means 2 will be described later.

Further, in this embodiment, since the pair of main body element pieces 11 are rotatably connected at the intermediate position (eccentric position), for example, the accommodation posture when the user M carries it after purchase and the distribution stage in the market. As an example of the packaging, the two main body element pieces 11 that are unfolded in an X shape in the mounted state can be folded in a straight line as shown in FIG. 3 (a). It is possible. With this posture (packaging), the shape-retaining tool 1 (shape-retaining body 10) can be stored without being bulky, and damage during transportation after purchase or during transportation at the distribution stage can be prevented. It can be effectively prevented.
Of course, in order to obtain a display effect for over-the-counter sales, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the shape-retaining tool 1 (shape-retaining body 10) is placed on the mount B in an X-shaped spread (expanded) state. These may be stored in a package P made of a transparent resin material. At this time, if the design of the sanitary mask 5 is printed on the mount B in advance, the usefulness and usage of the shape-retaining tool 1 can be intuitively and strongly shown to the purchaser through the product packaging itself, that is, the packaging body P. You can appeal. Here, reference numeral G in the figure is a product that is a packaged product of the shape-retaining tool 1 that is sold in a state of being expanded (expanded) in an X-shape.

Further, a locking portion 13 for the sanitary mask 5 is provided at the free side end of each main body element piece 11, that is, at the end toward the four corners of the mask main body 51 with the shape holder 1 attached to the sanitary mask 5. Various forms can be adopted as the locking portion 13, but in this embodiment, a form of locking to the ear hook string 52 (base) provided in a loop shape on the side portion of the mask main body 51 is adopted. Specifically, as the locking portion 13, a slit-shaped sandwiching locking portion 13a that directly sandwiches the ear hook string 52 is formed at the free side end portion of the main body element piece 11.
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the pinching locking portion 13a is provided with a slit curved like a fishing hook, and the base portion of the ear hook cord 52 is inserted to the innermost portion of the pinching locking portion 13a. It is a thing. In this case, the ear hook string 52 is sandwiched by the arc-shaped flap formed by the slit to prevent the ear hook string 52 from being inadvertently pulled out, and to firmly attach the ear hook string 52. Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 as an example, the tip portion of the sandwiching locking portion 13a (the receiving tip of the ear hook string 52) is cut in an inclined shape, which is the ear hook string 52. Is a structure for facilitating fitting into the sandwiching locking portion 13a, and the portion is referred to as a sandwiching guide 13b.

Of course, the pinching locking portion 13a is not limited to such a curved fishing hook-shaped slit, and for example, as shown in the partial view of FIG. 2, the pinching locking portion 13a is notched in a straight line (as shown in the partial view of FIG. 2). It can also be formed as an elongated slit), in which case the ear hook 52 can be fitted more easily. Of course, a string holding portion 13c for catching the ear hook string 52 is formed at the innermost portion of the slit-shaped sandwiching locking portion 13a. If the ease of fitting of the sandwiching locking portion 13a is improved, the ear hook string 52 once fitted here may be easily pulled out, so that the ear hook string 52 fitted here does not come off carelessly. For example, it is desirable to consider the gap size of the slit.

Further, it is preferable to provide a cheek pad cushion 15 on the four radiating portions 111 constituting the main body element piece 11, which is hard when the user M wears the sanitary mask 5 with the shape holder 1. This is to prevent the shape-retaining tool 1 (main body element piece 11), which is often formed of a material, from directly touching the cheek portion f2. That is, the cheek rest cushion 15 is for alleviating a feeling of discomfort mainly due to a hard feeling when the main body element piece 11 directly touches the cheek portion f2 of the user M, and in this embodiment, for example, flexible silicon. A tube or the like is externally fitted near the end of the main body element piece 11, that is, near the locking portion 13, so as to generate a cushioning effect or the like.
Although not shown, it is possible to partially cut out the tip of the cheek rest cushion 15 and use this as the locking portion 13. In that case, of course, a slit is made at the tip of the main body element piece 11. It is not necessary to form the sandwiched locking portion 13a.

Next, the identification means 2 will be described.
As described above, the identification means 2 is for making it easy to understand the upper and lower parts of the main body element piece 11, that is, the radiating portion 111 when the shape retaining tool 1 is attached to the sanitary mask 5, and particularly in the present embodiment, the upper radiating portion. Since the lengths of the 111u and the lower radiating portion 111d are different, the upper and lower parts of the radiating portion 111 can be clearly discriminated by the identification means 2, and it is possible to prevent an attachment error.
As the identification means 2, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, two cheek cushions 15 located on the upper side of the cheek cushions 15 provided at the free side ends of the main body element pieces 11 are made of a colored material. It is possible to form the two cheek cushions 15 located on the lower side with a transparent material, and to use such a difference in color as the identification means 2.

Of course, as the identification means 2, another method can be adopted, and for example, as shown in the partial view of FIG. 3A, a marking display such as a colored star mark can be adopted. Further, it is also possible to provide the identification means 2 on the main body element piece 11 (radiating portion 111) itself. When the identification means 2 is provided on the main body element piece 11 itself, the cheek rest cushions 15 may be formed of the same cushion material (for example, a transparent material) for all four.
Further, as still another identification means 2, for example, a hole such as a circular hole may be formed at the end of the lower radiation portion 111d, and this may be used as the identification means 2.

Further, it is preferable to provide a vertical retaining flap 16 at the center of the retaining body 10 in the width direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the vertical retaining flap 16 is rotatably attached by using a rotary fastener 12 that rotatably connects the two main body element pieces 11. That is, the rotary fastener 12 that rotatably attaches the main body element piece 11 is also commonly used as the rotatable fastener of the vertical retaining flap 16.
Further, the vertical retaining flap 16 is provided with a ventilation hole 16h, in order to prevent water droplets from adhering to the surface of the vertical retaining flap 16 even if the user M breathes while wearing the mask. As a result, even if the user M wears the mask for a relatively long time, it is possible to suppress the generation of stuffiness and the generation of odor in the mask.

Incidentally, as a storage posture when the user M transports the shape-retaining tool 1 after purchase separately from the sanitary mask 5, for example, as shown in FIG. 3 (a) above, two main bodies stacked in a straight line are stacked. The vertical retaining flap 16 can be further overlapped with the element piece 11 or can be folded so as to be in line with the element piece 11, whereby the accommodation posture can be further made compact, and at the time of transportation or distribution stage. It is possible to avoid worrying about damage as much as possible.
Although the vertical retaining flap 16 is mainly shown to extend downward from the rotary fastener 12 in this embodiment, various forms, for example, are shown within a range that does not impair the purpose of securing the space S in the mask. A form that extends both above and below the rotary fastener 12 can also be adopted.
The shape-retaining tool 1 of the present invention has the basic structure as described above, and is used as follows.

(1) The shape-retaining tool 1 expands from a linear convolution to an X-shape, for example, as shown in FIG. 3A, in the convolution, the two main body element pieces 11 and the vertically-retaining flap 16 A total of three members are in a folded state in which they are overlapped so as to align in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, when attaching such a shape-retaining tool 1 to the inside of the mask main body 51 in the sanitary mask 5, as shown in FIG. 3B as an example, the two main body element pieces 11 are rotated in an X shape. It is moved and the vertical retaining flap 16 is rotated so as to extend vertically.
At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), the mask main body 51 is not three-dimensionalized yet, is placed in a flat state, and the shape holder 1 is placed on the mask main body 51. When the operation (expansion operation) is performed, it is easy to understand how much the two main body element pieces 11 should be rotated. Specifically, for example, when the two main body element pieces 11 are rotated so as to align the upper locking portion 13 (the end of the upper radiating portion 111u) with the base of the ear hook string 52, this and the tsuji 褄 are combined. The degree of opening of the lower radiation portion 111d is also determined so as to match.

Here, in the present embodiment, since the radiating portion 111 of the main body element piece 11 is provided with the identification means 2 for distinguishing the upper and lower parts (for example, the color difference of the cheek rest cushion 15), the upper radiating portion 111u and the lower radiating portion 111u are radiated. The two main body element pieces 11 can be set accurately without arranging the portions 111d upside down. Therefore, the shape holder 1 can be attached to the sanitary mask 5 accurately and efficiently.
In the flat state, at least a part (here, both ends on the lower side) of the main body element piece 11 protrudes to the outside of the mask main body 51 as shown in FIG. 3 (b) above, so that the main body element piece 11 can be assembled. Later, the main body element piece 11 bends. Then, by utilizing this bending, the mask main body 51 is pushed forward from the inside to secure a space S between the mask main body 51 and the snout portion f1.

(2) Attaching to the sanitary mask In this way, after the two main body element pieces 11 are appropriately crossed in an X shape, the two locking portions 13 on the upper side are attached to the ears of the sanitary mask 5 as described above. Attached to the base of the hanging string 52. In this operation, for example, the base of the ear hook cord 52 is sandwiched and attached to the slit-shaped sandwiching locking portion 13a formed at the tip of the main body element piece 11.
After that, the same operation is performed to attach the lower two locking portions 13 to the base of the ear strap 52.
As described above, the main body element piece 11 is formed larger than the mask main body 51 in the flat placement state. In particular, in this embodiment, since the lower radiating portion 111d is formed so as to protrude from below the mask main body 51, when the lower locking portion 13 is attached to the base of the ear hook string 52, the main body element piece 11 may be greatly curved, for example, greatly bulging toward the front side.
In this way, the shape-retaining main body 10 is in a curved state in which the central portion is bent back and forth when it is attached to the sanitary mask 5. Incidentally, when this bending direction is convexly curved toward the front from the mask main body 51, it is pushed in so as to be in a curved state along the inside of the mask main body 51.
Further, if the mask main body 51 is pushed forward from the inside in this way, for example, the vertical retaining flap 16 is raised as a whole to finely adjust the position.

By such an operation, the sanitary mask 5 is in a state where the shape-retaining tool 1 is provided inside the sanitary mask 5 as a shape-retaining member. When the user M wears the sanitary mask 5 on the face F in this state, a sufficient space S is secured between the mask main body 51 and the snout f1 as shown in FIG. 1 (b), and the user M has a sufficient space S. Can breathe naturally even when the hygiene mask 5 is worn. In particular, when the vertical retaining flap 16 is provided, the fabric of the mask body 51 held by the vertical retaining flap 16 is stretched over a wide area, and the space S in front of the snout portion f1 is surely maintained. ·It is formed.
When the cheek rest cushion 15 is provided, the cheek pad cushion 15 is in direct contact with the cheek portion f2 of the user M, not the shape-retaining main body 10 (main body element piece 11), so that the main body element piece 11 is provided. There is no feeling of hardness or discomfort, but rather a soft feel and a comfortable fit can be obtained.

At this time, when using a separately prepared interior pad Pa (see FIG. 7 (b)) made of, for example, a piece of non-woven fabric, if this is sandwiched between the inside of the mask main body 51 and the shape-retaining tool 1, the interior can be used. The pad Pa can be stably attached. Of course, this interior pad Pa can contain, for example, an herbal component, which makes it possible to obtain a more comfortable feeling of use.

[Other Examples]
The present invention is based on the above-described embodiment as one basic technical idea, but the following modifications can be further considered.
First, in the above-mentioned basic embodiment, a method (locking portion 13) of attaching the shape-retaining tool 1 by engaging with the ear hook string 52 when attaching the shape-retaining tool 1 to the sanitary mask 5 has been described.
However, the method of attaching to the sanitary mask 5 is not necessarily limited to such a form, and the shape-retaining tool 1 can be attached by engaging with the mask main body 51. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, a holding body 131 that sandwiches the four corners of the mask main body 51 is integrally provided at both ends of the main body element piece 11 (radiating portion 111), whereby the mask main body 51 is provided. It is intended to be installed.

As the holding body 131 in this case, for example, a clip called a fish clip can be applied, which includes a holding piece main body 132 that can be opened and closed, and an operation piece 133 that performs this opening and closing operation. To specifically explain the pinching operation, for example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the operation piece 133 formed along the pinched piece main body 132 in the closed state is rotated 90 degrees with respect to the pinching piece main body 132. By moving it, the holding piece main body 132 is opened, and the corner portion of the mask main body 51 is sandwiched between them. Of course, if the corner of the mask body 51 is accommodated between the open holding piece main body 132, the operation piece 133 is returned to the original state (the state along the holding piece main body 132), and the holding piece is operated by this operation. The main body 132 is closed, and the state in which the mask main body 51 is sandwiched is maintained.
With such a method of attaching to the mask body 51, even when the ear hook string 52 is difficult to fit in the slit-shaped sandwiching locking portion 13a, such as when the ear hook string 52 is thick or wide. Regardless of its size, shape, etc., the shape holder 1 can be securely and easily attached to the sanitary mask 5.

In the fish clip which is the holding body 131, it is preferable that both the holding piece main body 132 and the operation piece 133 are made of a smooth material, and in this case, the fish clip itself plays the role of the cheek rest cushion 15. It becomes. Therefore, when a fish clip made of such a material is applied, it is not necessary to separately provide a silicon tube or the like. Further, since there are various colors of fish clips, if fish clips having different colors are provided in the upper radiating portion 111u and the lower radiating portion 111d, the difference in color becomes the above-mentioned identification means 2. .. However, even when fish clips of the same color are applied to all four locations, if appropriate markings such as dots are applied only to the upper fish clip (sandwich body 131), for example, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), this can be achieved. It becomes the identification means 2.
Incidentally, examples of the holding body 131 other than the fish clip include a small pinch or the like.

Further, in the basic embodiment described above, the shape-retaining main body 10 is masked by connecting the intermediate positions (eccentric positions deviated from the intermediate position) of the two main body element pieces 11 with the rotary fastener 12. Four radial portions 111 extending toward the corners of the main body 51 were formed. However, in order to form the four radiating portions 111, it is not always necessary to connect the two main body element pieces 11 so as to be crossable. For example, as shown in FIG. Radiating portions 111 extending to the four corners of the main body 51 can be formed separately, and each radiating portion 111 can be rotatably connected to the vertical retaining flap 16. That is, in this case, four rotation fasteners 12 that serve as rotation centers are provided.

Incidentally, as the accommodation posture (folded state) of the shape holder 1 in this case, as shown by the imaginary line in FIG. 6A, the upper radiation portion 111u and the lower radiation portion 111d on the right side and the left side are arranged. If the four radial portions 111 are folded so as to be in series in a straight line in the vertical direction, the four radial portions 111 are contained within the width dimension (left-right width) of the vertical retaining flap 16 and a compact accommodation posture can be obtained. Of course, the upper radiating portion 111u on the right side and the left side and the lower radiating portion 111d can be stored so as to overlap each other in the vertical direction. , The accommodation posture becomes even more compact, and the convenience of carrying is further improved.
Further, in a configuration in which the four radiating portions 111 are provided separately and rotatably with respect to the vertical holding flap 16, when it is desired to reduce the number of the rotating fasteners 12, that is, when it is desired to reduce the number of rotation centers to less than four points. Can rotatably connect the upper radiation portion 111u on the right side (and the left side) and the lower radiation portion 111d by the same rotary fastener 12, for example, as shown in FIG. 6 (b). The same accommodation posture (folded state) as above can be obtained.

Further, in the basic embodiment described above, the two main body element pieces 11 are rotatably connected to form the shape-retaining main body 10, but the shape-retaining main body 10 is not necessarily limited to such a structure. It's not something. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the shape-retaining main body 10 integrally includes, for example, a main body element piece 11 extending radially from an elastic resin plate material and a vertical-retaining flap 16 extending in the vertical direction. It is also possible to punch and form it. Of course, in this punching process (die punching process), the sandwiching locking portion 13a and the ventilation hole 16h can also be formed, and by such punching process, the manufacturing of the shape retaining tool 1 can be further reduced in cost. And it can be done efficiently. Further, for example, when it is desired to newly manufacture a shape-retaining main body 10 according to the size of a small mask by integrally punching and forming the main body element piece 11 and the vertical-retaining flap 16, such variation development is easy. Can be done. The method of integrally forming the main body element piece 11 and the vertical retaining flap 16 can be similarly applied to FIGS. 8 and 9 described later.
Incidentally, in FIG. 7A, there is no particular identification means 2 similar to that shown in the basic embodiment, and more specifically, an identification means 2 that can be clearly seen such as a color difference or marking is not provided. In order to integrally form the main body element piece 11 and the vertical retaining flap 16 which are constituent members, these are always arranged at fixed positions. For example, the extension direction (here downward) of the vertical retaining flap 16 is identified by the identification means 2. Can be. Alternatively, the relatively short upper radiation portion 111u (or the relatively long lower radiation portion 111d) can be used as the identification means 2.

Further, the shape-retaining tool 1 shown in FIG. 7B is, for example, at the end of the shape-retaining body 10, that is, the end extending radially toward the four corners of the mask body 51, for example, by sandwiching the locking portion 13a. Are provided in a plurality of upper and lower stages so as to be compatible with sanitary masks 5 of different sizes.
In the shape-retaining main body 10 of FIG. 7, a plurality of ventilation holes 16h are opened in the vertical-retaining flap 16 so as to be continuous in the vertical direction, and the space in the mask main body 51 is maintained by the vertical-retaining flap 16. At the same time, the air permeability in front of the snout f1 is ensured.
Incidentally, in the cross-sectional view also shown in FIG. 7B, the lower edge of the opening is connected to the connection base without completely punching the third-stage ventilation hole 16h while punching out all the ventilation holes 16h from the top to the second stage. It is a configuration example in which the interior pad Pa is held by a pad holding flap 16f formed by bending the connection base portion as a rotation axis. That is, the third-stage opening formed in the vertical retaining flap 16 is a configuration example that functions not only as a ventilation hole 16h but also as a pad holding flap 16f.

Further, in the basic embodiment described above, the shape-retaining main body 10 is formed so that the main body element piece 11 extends radially toward the four corners of the mask main body 51 when attached to the sanitary mask 5. The main body element piece 11 of the shape main body 10 is not necessarily limited to such a structure, and does not have to be radial.
Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the shape-retaining main body 10 can be formed as a main body element piece 11 having a front view, so to speak, a flat H-shaped shape. Here, the main body element piece 11 provided in the width direction (horizontal direction) in the vertical center portion is referred to as a horizontal portion 11H, and the main body element piece 11 provided in the vertical direction (vertical direction) at both end portions thereof is referred to as a vertical portion 11V.
In this case, since the vertical portion 11V is formed along the side portion of the mask main body 51, it is easy to form the locking portion 13a sandwiched between the vertical portions 11V in multiple stages. Further, in this case, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8A as an example, the left and right sides of the vertical retaining flap 16 integrally formed with the horizontal portion 11H are bent to form the pad holding flap 16f. It is possible to hold the interior pad Pa here.

Further, the shape-retaining main body 10 shown in FIG. 8B is a configuration example in which the main body element piece 11 is configured more simply, and the two main body element pieces 11 are particularly here with respect to the vertical-retaining flap 16. Only the two upper radiating portions 111u are viewed from the front and punched together so as to draw a V-shape (when viewed from the vertical retaining flap 16 and the two main body element pieces 11, the front view is Y-shaped. I can say).
When the shape-retaining body 10 is attached to the sanitary mask 5, for example, the sandwiching locking portion 13a provided at the free end of the two upper radiating portions 111u is placed on the ear hook string 52 of the sanitary mask 5. Or it is attached by locking it only on the bottom).

Furthermore, the shape-retaining main body 10 shown in FIG. 9 (a) has a frame shape in which the horizontal portion 11H of the main body element piece 11 forms a rhombus with respect to the configuration example of the shape-retaining main body 10 shown in FIG. 8 (a). It is a configuration example formed in. Here, the main body element piece 11 constituting the diamond-shaped frame portion is referred to as a diamond-shaped portion 11R.
Since the wide-angle frame portion of the rhombus portion 11R is located in front of the snout portion f1 when attached to the sanitary mask 5, it substantially functions as a vertical retaining flap 16.
Further, as in the present configuration example, when the shape-retaining main body 10 can be configured vertically symmetrically, that is, when it is attached to the sanitary mask 5 and there is no problem in using it with either side up, the identification means 2 Does not need to be provided, and this is the same in FIG. 9 (b) described later.

Further, the shape-retaining main body 10 shown in FIG. 9B has a diamond-shaped portion 11R in a square shape with respect to the shape-retaining main body 10 shown in FIG. 9A (this is referred to as a square portion 11S). This is a configuration example in which each side of the square portion 11S is formed so as to extend toward the four corners of the mask main body 51 (this is referred to as an extension portion 11E).
Also in this case, the wide-angle frame portion of the square portion 11S substantially functions as a vertical retaining flap 16 in order to secure and maintain the space S when the square portion 11S is attached to the sanitary mask 5.

1 Shape holder (sanitary mask shape holder)
2 Identification means

10 Shape-retaining body 11 Main body element piece 11H Horizontal part 11V Vertical part 11R Rhombus part 11S Square part 11E Extension part 12 Rotating fastener 13 Locking part 13a Pinching locking part 13b Pinching guide 13c String holding part 15 Cheek pad cushion 16 Vertical Retaining flap 16f Pad holding flap 16h Vent

5 Sanitary mask 51 Mask body 52 Ear strap

111 Radiating part 111u Upper radiating part 111d Lower radiating part

131 Clipping body (fish clip)
132 Holding piece body 133 Operation piece

B mount F face G packaged product (product)
f1 Snout f2 Cheek P Package S Space M User Pa Interior pad

Claims (10)

1. It is a shape-retaining tool for sanitary masks that is attached to the inside of the sanitary mask and secures an appropriate space between the mask body and the snout.
   This shape-retaining tool includes a shape-retaining body made of an elastic material, and the shape-retaining body has a body element piece forming a skeleton, and a part of the body element piece is at least a mask body in a flat state. It is formed so as to protrude to the outside of the
   When using a sanitary mask, the shape-retaining body bends forward in a curved shape, pushing the mask body forward from the inside to secure a space between the mask body and the snout. Hygiene mask shape retainer.
   
2. The main body element piece of the shape-retaining main body is formed so as to extend radially toward the four corners of the mask main body when attached to the sanitary mask.
   Further, the main body element piece is characterized in that, in the state of being attached to the sanitary mask, the radiating portions extending to both upper corners of the mask main body have a shorter dimension than the radiating portions extending to both lower corners of the mask main body. The shape-retaining tool for the sanitary mask according to claim 1.
   
3. The shape-retaining tool for a sanitary mask according to claim 2, wherein the shape-retaining body is provided with an identification means for discriminating the top and bottom of the body element piece in a mounted state.
   
4. The main body element piece is formed by rotatably connecting two strip-shaped members of the same length at positions shifted from the center by the same distance from each other, and from a closed state in which the two strip-shaped members are overlapped with each other. The shape-retaining tool for a sanitary mask according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the structure is such that it can be freely taken up to an open state developed in an X shape.
   
5. One of claims 2 to 4, wherein the main body element piece is provided with a cheek pad cushion at the ends facing the four corners of the mask main body, and the identification means is provided on the cheek pad cushion. The shape-retaining tool for the sanitary mask described in the section.
   
6. 1. The shape-retaining tool for the sanitary mask described in the section.
   
7. The shape-retaining shape of the sanitary mask according to claim 6, wherein the vertically-retaining flap is rotatably connected by a rotation fastener that rotatably connects two main body element pieces. Ingredients.
   
8. At the ends of the main body element pieces facing the four corners of the mask main body, locking portions for attaching to the sanitary mask are provided.
   The hygiene according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the locking portion has a configuration in which the base portion of the ear hook string of the sanitary mask is sandwiched by the slit-shaped sandwiching locking portion for attachment. Mask shape retainer.
   
9. At the ends of the main body element pieces facing the four corners of the mask main body, locking portions for attaching to the sanitary mask are provided.
   This locking portion is a holding body that sandwiches the four corners of the mask body.
   The shape-retaining tool for a sanitary mask according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the holding body also has an action of a cheek pad cushion.
   
10. In addition to the main body element piece, the shape-retaining main body is provided with a vertical-retaining flap having a ventilation hole in the central portion in the width direction of the mask main body.
    The shape-retaining tool for a sanitary mask according to claim 1, wherein the shape-retaining main body has a structure in which these main body element pieces and a vertical-retaining flap are integrally punched from an elastic plate material. ..

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