HAND MASK

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a hand mask used for skin care or a similar treatment on the hands.

BACKGROUND ART

As a skin-care product for the hands, a glove-shaped article made of non-woven fabric soaked with a liquid having a beauty effect (such as a beauty lotion, cosmetic lotion or medical agent) has been proposed (the so-called “beauty hand mask”; for example, see Patent Literature 1, 2 or 3). By wearing the beauty hand masks on the hands, users can have the beauty lotion (or the like) delivered over the entire skin area.

CITATION LIST
Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: JP 2014-132126 A

Patent Literature 2: JP 2011-063575 A

Patent Literature 3: JP 2007-154399 A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem

In order to obtain a satisfactory effect with the hand masks, users need to wear the hand masks on the hands for a certain length of time so that the beauty lotion (or the like) retained in the masks is maintained in contact with the skin for a sufficiently long period of time. However, while the hand masks are on the hands, users cannot use their hands. During this waiting time, hand-mask users cannot do anything with their hands, and often feel stressed.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a technique which allows hand-mask users to effectively make use of the waiting time with the hand masks on their hands, and perform skin care or a similar treatment on their hands without feeling stressed.

Solution to Problem

A hand mask according to the present invention developed for solving the previously described problem includes:

a glove part made of a liquid-retentive material and having a shape that wraps around the entirety of the five fingers inclusive of the fingertips as well as the back and palm of a hand; and

a cutoff line formed in a finger-covering portion in the glove part along a circumferential direction of the finger-covering portion, for allowing a fingertip-wrapping portion to be cut off.

In the previously described configuration, the “liquid-retentive material” is a material capable of retaining a liquid, specific examples of which include non-woven fabric, paper and absorbent cotton. In the previously described configuration, the “fingertip” should include at least the entire nail. For example, it may be the portion of a finger that extends from the tip of the nail to the root, or from the tip of the nail to the first joint. The “cutoff line” can be realized in various forms, specific examples of which include perforations (a series of small holes), crease, cut line reaching a middle point in the thickness direction, incision, and thin area which is thinner than the other area.

In the hand masks configured in the previously described manner, the glove part is soaked with a liquid, such as a liquid which has a beauty, medical or similar effect (specifically, for example, a beauty lotion, cosmetic lotion or medical agent). By wearing these hand masks, users can make the liquid in contact with the skin of the hands, expecting a skin-care effect or the like.

In particular, in the previously described configuration, a cutoff line is formed in the glove part. At this line, the fingertip-wrapping portion can be cut off to expose the fingertip to the outside. This allows users to freely use their fingertips during the waiting time with the glove part retaining the liquid on their hands. For examples, during the waiting time, users can put on fake nails and/or manicure their nails. They can also operate the touchscreen of a handheld information terminal. In this manner, the present hand mask allows users to effectively use the waiting time. Thus, they can perform skin care or a similar treatment on the hands without feeling stressed.

In a preferable mode of the hand mask, a liquid is retained in the glove part.

Examples of the “liquid” to be retained in the glove part include various kinds of liquids having beauty, medical or other favorable effects (specific examples of which include beauty lotions, cosmetic lotions and medical agents).

According to this configuration, since a liquid is previously retained in the glove part, users do not need to perform the task of soaking the glove part with a liquid.

Preferably, the aforementioned hand mask may further include a cover part made of a liquid-proof material provided on the outside of the glove part.

The “liquid-proof material” is a material which does not allow the liquid to penetrate through. Specifically, for example, it may be made of vinyl or a similar material.

According to this configuration, since the cover part made of a liquid-proof material is provided on the outside of the glove part, the liquid retained in the glove part hardly volatilizes. Accordingly, the liquid can sufficiently come into contact with the skin, so that a particularly high level of skin-care or similar effect can be expected.

Preferably, the hand mask may further include a cover-side opening portion formed in a palm- or back-covering portion in the cover part.

This configuration allows a liquid to be injected through the cover-side opening portion, whereby the liquid can be promptly penetrated into the entire glove part through the opening portion. Specifically, for example, after putting on the glove parts with the cover parts provided on the outside and the cover-side opening portion located on the palm side, users can put the liquid on one of their palms and massage their hands to make the liquid penetrate into the glove parts through the opening portion.

In the case where a liquid is previously retained in the glove part, the hand mask may preferably further include a closing portion for closing an open-end portion of the cover part.

In this configuration, the open-end portion in the cover part which covers the glove part (specifically, for example, the open-end portion on the wrist side of the closing portion, or in the case where the cover part has an open end on its fingertip side, the open-end portion on this fingertip side) is closed by the closing portion. To use this hand mask, users tear the closing portion off and put on the glove part. This configuration prevents the liquid retained in the glove part from volatilizing before the hand mask is used by users.

Preferably, the hand mask may further include a bellows portion formed in the finger-covering portion in the glove part.

This configuration allows users to freely adjust the length by which the fingertip is exposed from the glove part, by expanding or contracting the bellows portion. Furthermore, this configuration also makes the hand mask adaptable for various users having different finger lengths.

Preferably, the hand mask may further include a removal cutoff line formed in the glove part over a range from a wrist side to a fingertip side.

The “removal cutoff line” can be realized in various forms, specific examples of which include perforations (a series of small holes), crease, cut line reaching a middle point in the thickness direction, incision, and thin area which is thinner than the other area. The removal cutoff line may be formed, for example, in either a side area on the thumb side of the glove part or a side area on the little-finger side of the glove part, or in both areas. It may also be formed in either a central area on the palm-side surface of the glove part or a central area on the back-side surface of the glove part, or in both areas.

This configuration allows users to remove the glove part from a hand by cutting the glove part along the removal cutoff line. Accordingly, if a user wearing the glove part soaked with a liquid has performed such treatments as putting on fake nails and/or manicuring their nails during the waiting time, the user can remove the glove part without making the fake nails or manicure come in contact with the glove part.

Preferably, the hand mask may further include an opening portion formed in a palm- or back-covering portion in the glove part.

This configuration allows users, for example, to put on the glove parts with the opening portion located on the palm side, then put a liquid on one of their palms, and massage their hands to make the liquid come in contact with the entire skin area of the hands through the opening portion as well as make the liquid penetrate into the glove parts.

Preferably, the hand mask may further include an incision formed in such a manner as to surround a central area of the palm-covering portion in the glove part.

For example, the “incision” may be an L-shaped incision including a first incision extending from a central area in the width of the wrist on the palm side to a central area of the palm and a second incision extending from the central area of the palm to an area near the root of the little finger (or thumb).

This configuration allows users wearing the glove part to turn the portion surrounded by the incision toward the outside and expose the palm, so as to put a liquid on the exposed portion of the palm and apply the liquid to the entire skin area of the hand. Subsequently, the portion surrounded by the incision can be returned to its original position, whereby the entire skin area coated with the liquid is covered with the glove part.

Preferably, the glove part of the hand mask may further include an arm-covering portion in a tubular form for wrapping around an arm at least over a range from the wrist to the elbow.

With this configuration, a skin-care effect on the arm can also be expected.

Preferably, the glove part of the hand mask may further include a fastening member provided at an area near an open-end portion on the wrist side.

The “fastening member” is a member for fastening the wrist portion of the glove part on the user's wrist so as to prevent the glove part from being detached from the hand of the user. It can be formed by a string, adhesive tape, rubber band or similar member that is long enough to make the wrist portion be in contact with the circumference of the user's wrist.

A hand mask according to another aspect of the present invention includes, in place of the glove part in the previously described hand mask, a glove part made of a liquid-retentive material and having a shape that wraps around the five fingers exclusive of the fingertips as well as the back and palm of a hand.

In this hand mask, the glove part is previously shaped so as to expose the fingertips so that users can freely use their fingertips.

Advantageous Effects of the Invention

With the hand mask according to the present invention, users can effectively make use of the waiting time with the hand masks on their hands, since their fingertips can be exposed from the glove part. Accordingly, they can perform skin care or a similar treatment on their hands without feeling stressed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the hand mask according to the first embodiment.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of the hand masks according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the glove part included in the hand masks according to the second embodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams of the hand masks according to the third embodiment.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams of the hand masks according to the fourth embodiment.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams of the hand masks according to the fifth embodiment.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams of the hand masks according to the sixth embodiment.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic diagrams of the hand masks according to the seventh embodiment.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams of the hand masks according to the eighth embodiment.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of the hand masks according to the ninth embodiment.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams of the hand masks according to the tenth embodiment.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic diagrams of the hand masks according to the eleventh embodiment.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams of the hand masks according to the twelfth embodiment.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic diagrams of the hand masks according to the thirteenth embodiment.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are schematic diagrams of the hand masks according to the fourteenth embodiment.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are schematic diagrams of the hand masks according to the fifteenth embodiment.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are schematic diagrams of the hand masks according to another configuration example of the fifteenth embodiment.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are schematic diagrams of the hand masks according to the sixteenth embodiment.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are schematic diagrams of the hand masks according to another configuration example of the sixteenth embodiment.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are schematic diagrams of the hand masks according to another configuration example of the sixteenth embodiment.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are schematic diagrams of the hand masks according to the seventeenth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Preferable embodiments of the present invention are hereinafter described with reference to the drawings.

1. First Embodiment

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a hand mask 200 according to the first embodiment. This hand mask 200 has a glove part 2.

The glove part 2 has a shape that wraps around the entirety of the five fingers inclusive of the fingertips as well as the back and palm of a hand. In this glove part 2, a cutoff line 201 for cutting off a fingertip-wrapping portion (which should at least include the entire nail; for example, it may cover the range from the tip of the nail to the root, or from the tip of the nail to the first joint) is formed in the middle of each finger-covering portion along a circumferential direction of the finger-covering portion. The cutoff line 201 can be realized in various forms, specific examples of which include perforations (a series of small holes), crease, cut line reaching a middle point in the thickness direction, incision, and thin area which is thinner than the other area. The glove part 2 is made of a liquid-retentive and elastically-expandable material (specific examples of which include non-woven fabric, paper and absorbent cotton), and can be soaked with a liquid L. Examples of the liquid L with which the glove part 2 is to be soaked include various liquids having beauty or medical effects (specifically, for example, a beauty lotion, cosmetic lotion or medical agent).

The hand mask 200 may be marketed with the liquid L previously retained in the glove part 2, or it may be marketed with no liquid L retained in the glove part 2. The former case is advantageous in that users do not need to perform the task of soaking the glove part 2 with the liquid L. In the latter case, although users need to perform that task when they use the hand mask 200, an advantage exists in that they can soak the glove part 2 with any liquid L they prefer.

Users of the hand mask 200 put on the glove part 2 soaked with the liquid L having a beauty or medical effect (or the like), to make the liquid L retained in the glove part 2 be in contact with the skin of the hand. By maintaining this state for a certain length of time, a high level of skin-care or similar effect can be expected.

In particular, in the hand mask 200, cutoff lines 201 are formed in the glove part 2. Users can expose their fingertips by removing the fingertip-wrapping portions along the cutoff lines 201 before or after soaking the glove part 2 with the liquid L. This allows users to freely use their fingertips during the waiting time with the glove part 2 soaked with the liquid L on their hands. For examples, during the waiting time, users can put on fake nails and/or manicure their nails. They can also operate the touchscreen of a handheld information terminal. In this manner, the hand mask 200 allows users to effectively use the waiting time. Thus, they can perform skin care or a similar treatment on the hands without feeling stressed.

2. Second Embodiment

FIGS. 2A and 2B respectively show schematic diagrams of hand masks 100a and 200a according to the second embodiment. The hand mask 100a shown in FIG. 2A has a glove part 1 and a cover part 11. Similarly, the hand mask 200a shown in FIG. 2B has a glove part 2 and a cover part 21. The configuration of the glove part 2 is the same as already described.

As shown in FIG. 3, the glove part 1 has a shape that wraps around the five fingers exclusive of the fingertips (which should include at least the entire nail; for example, it may wrap around each finger over the range from the tip of the nail to the root, or from the tip of the nail to the first joint) as well as the back and palm of a hand. Furthermore, similarly to the glove part 2 described earlier, the glove part 1 is made of a liquid-retentive and elastically-expandable material and can be soaked with a liquid L.

The cover part 11 is provided on the outside of the glove part 1 and has substantially the same shape as the glove part 1 (i.e. it has a shape that wraps around the five fingers exclusive of the fingertips as well as the back and palm of a hand). The cover part 11 is made of a liquid-proof material (specifically, for example, vinyl or a similar material).

The cover part 21 is provided on the outside of the glove part 2 and has substantially the same shape as the glove part 2 (i.e. it has a shape that wraps around the entirety of the five fingers inclusive of the fingertips as well as the back and palm of a hand). In the cover part 21, cutoff lines (“cover-side cutoff lines”) 211 are formed at coinciding position with the cutoff lines 201 in the glove part 2. Similarly to the previously described cutoff lines 201, the cover-side cutoff lines 211 can be realized in various forms, such as perforations, crease, cut line reaching a middle point in the thickness direction, incision, or thin area which is thinner than the other area. Furthermore, similarly to the cover part 11, the cover part 21 is made of a liquid-proof material.

In the hand masks 100a and 200a, since the cover part 11 or 21 made of a liquid-proof material is provided on the outside of the glove part 1 or 2, the liquid L retained in the glove part 1 or 2 hardly volatilizes. Accordingly, the liquid L can sufficiently come into contact with the skin, so that a particularly high level of skin-care or similar effect can be expected.

3. Third Embodiment

FIGS. 4A and 4B show schematic diagrams of hand masks 100b and 200b according to the third embodiment. The hand mask 100b shown in FIG. 4A has a glove part 1b and a cover part 11b. Similarly, the hand mask 200b shown in FIG. 4B has a glove part 2b and a cover part 21b.

The glove parts 1b and 2b differ from the previously described glove parts 1 and 2 in that the glove parts 1b and 2b have bellows portions 3 formed in the finger-covering portions (in the glove part 2b, they are formed in the proximal section of the finger from the cutoff line 201). Specifically, the bellows portions 3 should preferably be configured so that the bellows portions expanded to the maximum length entirely cover the fingers (including the nail tips) of a user who has comparatively long fingers, whereas the bellows portions contracted to the minimum length expose the fingertips of a user who has comparatively short fingers.

The cover parts 11b and 21b differ from the previously described cover parts 11 and 21 in that, similarly to the glove parts 1b and 2b, the cover part 11b and 21b have bellows portions (“cover-side bellows portions”) 31 formed in the finger-covering portions (in the cover part 21b, they are formed in the proximal portion of the finger from the cover-side cutoff line 211). The elevated and depressed segments of the cover-side bellows portion 31 are formed at coinciding positions with those of the bellows portion 3 of the glove part 1b or 2b, so that the two bellows portions 3 and 31 overlapping each other can be expanded or contracted as a single element.

In the hand masks 100b and 200b, the bellows portions 3 and 31 formed in the glove part 1b or 2b as well as in the cover part 11b or 21b allow users to freely adjust the lengths of the finger-covering portions in the glove part 1b or 2b and the cover part 11b or 21b (i.e. the lengths by which the fingertips are exposed). Furthermore, the hand masks 100b and 200b are adaptable for various users having different finger lengths.

4. Fourth Embodiment

FIGS. 5A and 5B show schematic diagrams of hand masks 100c and 200c according to the fourth embodiment. The hand mask 100c shown in FIG. 5A has a glove part 1c and a cover part 11c. Similarly, the hand mask 200c shown in FIG. 5B has a glove part 2c and a cover part 21c.

The glove parts 1c and 2c differ from the previously described glove parts 1 and 2 in that a removal cutoff line 4 is formed in the glove parts 1c and 2c over a range from the wrist side to the fingertip side. The removal cutoff line 4 can be realized in various forms, specific examples of which include perforations (a series of small holes), crease, cut line reaching a middle point in the thickness direction, incision, and thin area which is thinner than the other area. In the shown example, the removal cutoff line 4 is formed along an area covering the side of the little finger. However, the location at which the removal cutoff line 4 can be formed is not limited to this example. For example, it may be formed along an area covering the side of the thumb. A plurality of removal cutoff lines 4 may be formed. For example, there may be a first removal cutoff line 4 formed along an area covering the side of the little finger and a second removal cutoff line 4 formed along an area covering the side of the thumb. The removal cutoff line 4 may also be formed in either a central area on the palm-side surface of the glove part or a central area on the back-side surface of the glove part, or in both areas.

The cover parts 11c and 21c differ from the previously described glove parts 11 and 21 in that the cover parts 11c and 21c have a removal cutoff line (“cover-side removal cutoff line”) 41 formed at a coinciding position with the removal cutoff line 4 in the glove parts 1c and 2c. Similarly to the removal cutoff line 4, the cover-side removal cutoff line 41 can be realized in various forms, such as perforations, crease, cut line reaching a middle point in the thickness direction, incision, or thin area which is thinner than the other area.

The hand masks 100c and 200c allow users to remove the glove part 1c or 2c and the cover part 11c or 21c from the hand by cutting the glove part 1c or 2c along the removal cutoff line 4 as well as the cover part 11c or 21c along the removal cutoff line 41. Accordingly, if a user wearing the glove part 1c or 2c soaked with a liquid L has performed such treatments as putting on fake nails and/or manicuring their nails during the waiting time, the user can remove the glove part 1c or 2c as well as the cover part 11c or 21c without making the fake nails or manicure come in contact with these parts.

5. Fifth Embodiment

FIGS. 6A and 6B show schematic diagrams of hand masks 100d and 200d according to the fifth embodiment. The hand mask 100d shown in FIG. 6A has a glove part 1d. Similarly, the hand mask 200d shown in FIG. 6B has a glove part 2d.

The glove parts 1d and 2d differ from the previously described glove parts 1 and 2 in that the glove parts 1d and 2d have an opening portion 5 which is, for example, a circular opening formed, for example, in a central area of the palm- or back-covering portion. The location at which the opening portion 5 is formed does not always need to be in the palm- or back-covering portion; for example, it may be formed in a finger-covering portion. The number of opening portions 5 does not need to be one; there may be two or more. The opening portion 5 may consist of a single hole or a set of holes (e.g. numerous micro-sized holes).

In the hand masks 100d and 200d, the opening portion 5 is formed in the palm- or back-covering portion in the glove parts 1d and 2d. Therefore, for example, after putting on the glove part 1d or 2d with the opening portion 5 located on the palm side, users can put the liquid L on one of their palms and massage their hands to make the liquid L come in contact with the entire skin area of the hands through the opening portion 5 as well as make the liquid L penetrate into the glove part 1d or 2d.

6. Sixth Embodiment

FIGS. 7A and 7B show schematic diagrams of hand masks 100e and 200e according to the sixth embodiment. The hand mask 100e shown in FIG. 7A has a glove part 1e. Similarly, the hand mask 200e shown in FIG. 7B has a glove part 2e.

The glove parts 1e and 2e differ from the previously described glove parts 1 and 2 in that an L-shaped or U-shaped incision 6 is formed in the glove parts 1e and 2e. Preferably, the incision 6 should be formed so as to partially surround a central area of the palm-covering portion. The example shown in the drawings is an L-shaped incision 6 which extends straight from the wrist side and then describes a curve that partially surrounds the central area of the palm-covering portion, to eventually reach the little-finger side (which may alternatively be the thumb side), i.e., an L-shaped incision 6 including a first incision extending from a central area in the width of the wrist on the palm side to a central area of the palm and a second incision extending from the central area of the palm to an area near the root of the little finger (which may alternatively be the thumb).

In the hand masks 100e and 200e, the incision 6 is formed in the glove parts 1e and 2e. Therefore, for example, after putting on the glove part 1e or 2e, users can partially expose the skin of their hand from the glove part 1e or 2e by turning over the portion surrounded by the incision 6 (i.e. by turning the portion surrounded by the incision 6 toward the outside). Subsequently, they can inject a liquid L from the exposed portion and make the liquid L come in contact with the entire skin area as well as penetrate into the glove part 1e or 2e. In particular, in the case where the incision 6 is formed so as to partially surround a central area of the palm-covering portion, since the central area of the palm can be exposed, users can put the liquid L on one of their palms and massage their hands to make the liquid L come in contact with the entire skin area as well as penetrate into the glove part 1e or 2e. After the glove part 1e or 2e is soaked with the liquid L, the exposed portion of the skin can be once more covered with the glove part 1e or 2e (i.e. the entire skin area coated with the liquid L can be covered with the glove part 1e or 2e) by returning the turned portion (the portion surrounded by the incision 6) to its original position.

In the glove parts 1e and 2e according to the present configuration, a hooking cut 601 may preferably be formed in an end area of the portion to be turned over by the incision 6. According to this configuration, after the glove part 1e or 2e is soaked with the liquid L and the turned portion is returned to its original position, this returned portion can be stretched and hooked on a finger (in the shown example, the thumb) by the hooking cut 601, whereby the returned portion is prevented from being detached from the incision 6 (see the alternate long and short dash lines in FIGS. 7A and 7B).

7. Seventh Embodiment

FIGS. 8A and 8B show schematic diagrams of hand masks 100f and 200f according to the seventh embodiment. The hand mask 100f shown in FIG. 8A has a glove part 1 and a cover part 11f. Similarly, the hand mask 200f shown in FIG. 8B has a glove part 2 and a cover part 21f . The configurations of the glove parts 1 and 2 are the same as already described.

The cover part 11f and 21f differ from the previously described cover part 11 and 21 in that the cover parts 11f and 21f have an opening portion (“cover-side opening portion”) 51 which is, for example, a circular opening formed, for example, in a central area of the palm- or back-covering portion. The location at which the cover-side opening portion 51 is formed does not always need to be in the palm- or back-covering portion; for example, it may be formed in a finger-covering portion. The number of cover-side opening portions 51 does not need to be one; there may be two or more. The cover-side opening portion 51 may consist of a single hole or a set of holes (e.g. numerous micro-sized holes).

In the hand masks 100f and 200f, the cover-side opening portion 51 is formed in the palm- or back-covering portion in the cover parts 11f and 21f. Therefore, for example, after putting on the glove part 1 or 2 with the cover part 11f or 21f provided on the outside with the cover-side opening portion 51 located on the palm side, users can put the liquid L on one of their palms and massage their hands to make the liquid L penetrate into the glove part 1 or 2 through the cover-side opening portion 51. Alternatively, for example, users may also inject the liquid L through the cover-side opening portion 51 without putting on the glove part 1 or 2, to make the liquid L penetrate into the glove part 1 or 2 through the cover-side opening portion 51.

8. Eighth Embodiment

FIGS. 9A and 9B show schematic diagrams of hand masks 100g and 200g according to the eighth embodiment. The hand mask 100g shown in FIG. 9A has a glove part 1 and a cover part 11g. Similarly, the hand mask 200g shown in FIG. 9B has a glove part 2 and a cover part 21g. The configurations of the glove parts 1 and 2 are the same as already described.

The cover parts 11g and 21g differ from the previously described cover parts 11 and 21 in that an L-shaped or U-shaped incision (“cover-side incision”) 61 is formed in the cover parts 11g and 21g. Preferably, the cover-side incision 61 should be formed so as to partially surround a central area of the palm-covering portion. The example shown in the drawings is an L-shaped cover-side incision 61 which extends straight from the wrist side and then describes a curve that partially surrounds the central area of the palm-covering portion, to eventually reach the little-finger side (which may alternatively be the thumb side), i.e., an L-shaped cover-side incision 61 including a first incision extending from a central area in the width of the wrist on the palm side to a central area of the palm and a second incision extending from the central area of the palm to an area near the root of the little finger (which may alternatively be the thumb).

In the hand masks 100g and 200g, the cover-side incision 61 is formed in the cover parts 11g and 21g. Therefore, for example, after putting on the glove part 1 or 2 with the cover part 11g or 21g provided on the outside, users can partially expose the glove part 1 or 2 from the cover part 11g or 21g by turning over the portion surrounded by the cover-side incision 61 (i.e. by turning the portion surrounded by the cover-side incision 61 toward the outside). Subsequently, they can make the liquid L penetrate into the glove part 1 or 2 through the exposed portion. In particular, in the case where the cover-side incision 61 is formed so as to partially surround a central area of the palm-covering portion, since the central area of the glove part 1 or 2 can be exposed, users can put the liquid L on one of their palms and massage their hands to make the liquid L penetrate into the glove part 1 or 2. After the glove part 1 or 2 is soaked with the liquid L, the volatilization of the liquid L retained in the glove part 1 or 2 can be prevented by returning the turned portion (the portion surrounded by the cover-side incision 61) to its original position.

In the cover part 11g and 21g according to the present configuration, the two ends of a hooking band 611 may preferably be fixed to the peripheral edge of the cover-side incision 61, and more preferably, to an end area of the portion to be turned over by the cover-side incision 61. For example, the hooking band 611 may be made of an elastic string, rubber band or the like. According to this configuration, after the glove part 1 or 2 is soaked with the liquid L and the turned portion is returned to its original position, this returned portion can be hooked on a finger (in the shown example, the thumb) by the hooking band 611, whereby the returned portion is prevented from being detached from the cover-side incision 611.

9. Ninth Embodiment

FIGS. 10A and 10B show schematic diagrams of hand masks 100h and 200h according to the ninth embodiment. The hand mask 100h shown in FIG. 10A has a glove part 1 and a cover part 11h. Similarly, the hand mask 200h shown in FIG. 10B has a glove part 2 and a cover part 21h. The configurations of the glove parts 1 and 2 are the same as already described. It should be noted that the glove parts 1 and 2 in the present embodiment are previously soaked with the liquid L by the manufacturer of the hand masks 100h and 200h in the production process. That is to say, the hand masks 100h and 200h are marketed with the liquid L previously retained in their glove parts 1 and 2.

The cover parts 11h and 21h differ from the previously described cover parts 11 and 21 in that the cover parts 11h and 21h has closing portions for closing its open-end portions (specifically, a closing portion 7 for closing the open-end portion on the wrist side in the cover parts 11h and 21h, as well as closing portions 71 for closing the open-end portions on the fingertip side in the cover part 11h). Specifically, for example, each closing portion 7 or 71 can be formed by bonding the corresponding end portion, with the glove part 1 or 2 (which has already been soaked with the liquid L) enclosed in the cover part 11h or 21h. The bonding may be achieved in any form; available methods include the heat sealing, pressure joining, as well as bonding which uses a bonding agent, adhesive material or the like. Preferably, a cutoff line 70 for removing the closing portion 7 or 71 should be formed in the vicinity of the closing portion 7 or 71 on the side closer to the palm-covering area.

In the hand masks 100h and 200h, open-end portions of the cover parts 11h and 21h covering the glove parts 1 and 2 are closed by the closing portion 7. To use the hand mask 100h or 200h, users tear the closing portions 7 and 71 off (if the cutoff line 70 is formed near the closing portion 7, they tear the closing portions 7 and 71 off along the cutoff lines 70) and put on the glove part 1 or 2 (i.e., the glove part 1 or 2 with the cover part 11h or 21hg provided on the outside). This configuration prevents the liquid L retained in the glove part 1 or 2 from volatilizing before the hand mask 100h or 200h is used by users.

10. Tenth Embodiment

FIGS. 11A and 11B show schematic diagrams of hand masks 100i and 200i according to the tenth embodiment. The hand mask 100i shown in FIG. 11A has a glove part 1i. Similarly, the hand mask 200i shown in FIG. 11B has a glove part 2i.

The glove parts 1i and 2i differ from the previously described glove parts 1 and 2 in that the glove parts 1i and 2i are compressed in a specific form, e.g. in a tablet-like form, before being soaked with the liquid L (i.e. when in the dry state). Upon being soaked with the liquid L, the glove parts 1i and 2i are restored to specified shapes (i.e. the glove part 1i is restored to a shape that wraps around the five fingers exclusive of the fingertips as well as the back and palm of a hand, while the glove part 2i is restored to a shape that wraps around the entirety of the five fingers inclusive of the fingertips as well as the back and palm of a hand).

These hand masks 100i and 200i are conveniently portable since the glove parts 1i and 2i in their dry state are compressed in a tablet-like form.

11. Eleventh Embodiment

In the hand masks 100b and 200b according to the third embodiment, the cover parts 11b and 21b are dispensable. That is to say, they may consist of only the glove part 1b or 2b, as in the hand masks 100j and 200j shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B.

12. Twelfth Embodiment

In the hand masks 100c and 200c according to the fourth embodiment, the cover parts 11c and 21c are dispensable. That is to say, they may consist of only the glove part 1c or 2c, as in the hand masks 100k and 200k shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B.

13. Thirteenth Embodiment

FIGS. 14A and 14B show schematic diagrams of hand masks 1001 and 2001 according to the thirteenth embodiment. The hand mask 1001 shown in FIG. 14A has a glove part 11. Similarly, the hand mask 2001 shown in FIG. 14B has a glove part 21.

The glove parts 11 and 21 differ from the previously described glove parts 1 and 2 in that the glove parts 11 and 21 have a piece of tape 8 as the fastening member attached to an area near the open-end portion on the wrist side. The tape 8 is shaped like a band extending along the circumferential direction of the open-end portion and attached in a multiply-folded form, as shown in FIG. 14B. When stretched, the tape 8 has a length that is approximately equal to or slightly longer than the circumferential length of the wrist of ordinary users (typically, adult women). An adhesive layer 81 is provided on the back side of the tape 8 at its end segment (which is located in the uppermost layer when the tape is in the folded state) or over its entirety.

The hand masks 1001 and 2001 are used as follows: After putting on the glove part 11 or 21, the user picks the end of the tape 8 up with fingers and stretches it. Then, the user winds the tape 8 around the wrist over the glove part 11 or 21 (preferably, in such a manner as to make the glove part 11 or 21 come in tight contact with the wrist), and fixes the portion having the adhesive layer 81 on another portion of the tape 8, as shown in FIG. 14B. This eliminates the gap between the wrist and the glove part 1i or 2i, thereby preventing the liquid L from volatilizing through the gap. The tape 8 may also be provided at an area near an open-end portion on the fingertip side in addition to the area near the open-end portion on the wrist side.

14. Fourteenth Embodiment

FIGS. 15A and 15B show schematic diagrams of hand masks 100m and 200m according to the fourteenth embodiment. The hand mask 100m shown in FIG. 15A has a glove part 1 and a cover part 11m. Similarly, the hand mask 200m shown in FIG. 15B has a glove part 2 and a cover part 21m. The configurations of the glove parts 1 and 2 are the same as already described.

The cover parts 11m and 21m differ from the previously described cover parts 11 and 21 in that the cover parts 11m and 21m have a piece of tape 8 as the fastening member attached to an area near the open-end portion on the wrist side. The configuration of the tape 8 is the same as already described.

The hand masks 100m and 200m are also used in the same manner as the previously described hand masks 1001 and 2001: After putting on the glove part 1 or 2 and cover part 11m or 21m, the user picks the end of the tape 8 up with fingers and stretches it. Then, the user winds the tape 8 around the wrist over the cover part 11m or 21m (preferably, in such a manner that the cover part 11m or 21m comes in tight contact with the glove part 1 or 2, and the glove part 1 or 2 also comes in tight contact with the wrist), and fixes the portion having the adhesive layer 81 on another portion of the tape 8. This eliminates the gap between the wrist and the glove part 1 or 2 as well as the gap between the glove part 1 or 2 and the cover part 11m or 21m, thereby preventing the liquid L from volatilizing through the gaps. Once again, the tape 8 may also be provided at an area near an open-end portion on the fingertip side in addition to the area near the open-end portion on the wrist side.

15. Fifteenth Embodiment

FIGS. 16A and 16B show schematic diagrams of hand masks 100n and 200n according to the fifteenth embodiment. The hand mask 100n shown in FIG. 16A has a glove part 1n. Similarly, the hand mask 200n shown in FIG. 16B has a glove part 2n.

The glove parts 1n and 2n differ from the previously described glove parts 1 and 2 in that the glove parts 1n and 2n include, in addition to the portion 101 or 201 (“finger-side portion”) which covers the hand from the wrist toward the fingertips of the user, a tubular portion (“below-elbow portion”) 102 or 202 which wraps around the arm over the range from the wrist to the elbow as well as another tubular portion (“above-elbow portion”) 103 or 203 which wraps around the arm over a range extending from the elbow toward the shoulder.

In the hand masks 100n and 200n, the liquid L retained in the glove part 1n or 2n can come in contact with not only the hand within a range extending from the wrist toward the fingertips of the user, but also the arm within the range from the wrist to the elbow as well as within a range extending from the elbow toward the shoulder. Accordingly, a skin-care effect on a wide skin area including the arm can be expected.

That said, the above-elbow portions 103 and 203 in the hand masks 100n and 200n are dispensable. The below-elbow portions 102 and 202 do not always need to entirely wrap around the arm within the range from the wrist to the elbow but may wrap around only a portion of it (inclusive of the wrist area). Besides, as in the hand masks 100o and 200o shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, a cutoff line (“separation cutoff line”) 9 may be formed at the boundary between the finger-side portion 101 or 201 and the below-elbow portion 102 or 202, and (or), at the boundary between the below-elbow portion 102 or 202 and the above-elbow portion 103 or 203. Similarly to the previously described cutoff line 201, the separation cutoff line 9 can be realized in various forms, such as perforations, crease, cut line reaching a middle point in the thickness direction, incision, or thin area which is thinner than the other area. The separation cutoff line 9 provided in this manner allows users to cut off an unnecessary portion and only use the necessary one. Furthermore, the tape 8 described earlier may be provided at the boundary between the finger-side portion 101 or 201 and the below-elbow portion 102 or 202, and (or), at the boundary between the below-elbow portion 102 or 202 and the above-elbow portion 103 or 203, and (or), at an area near the open-end portion on the elbow side.

16. Sixteenth Embodiment

FIGS. 18A and 18B show schematic diagrams of hand masks 100p and 200p according to the sixteenth embodiment. The hand mask 100p shown in FIG. 18A has a glove part 1n and a cover part 11p. Similarly, the hand mask 200p shown in FIG. 18B has a glove part 2n and a cover part 21p. The configurations of the glove parts 1n and 2n are the same as already described.

The cover parts 11p and 21p differ from the previously described cover parts 11 and 21 in that the cover parts 11p and 21p include, in addition to the portion 111 or 211 (“finger-side portion”) which covers the hand from the wrist toward the fingertips of the user, a tubular portion 112 or 212 (“below-elbow portion”) which wraps around the arm over the range from the wrist to the elbow as well as another tubular portion (“above-elbow portion”) 113 or 213 which wraps around the arm over a range extending from the elbow toward the shoulder.

In the hand masks 100p and 200p, since the cover part 11p or 21p made of a liquid-proof material is provided on the outside the glove part 1n or 2n, the liquid L retained in the glove part 1n or 2n hardly volatilizes. Accordingly, the liquid L can sufficiently come into contact with the portion extending from the wrist toward the fingertips of the user, the portion extending from the wrist to the elbow, and the portion extending from the elbow toward the shoulder.

That said, the above-elbow portions 113 and 213 in the hand masks 100p and 200p are dispensable. The below-elbow portions 112 and 212 do not always need to entirely wrap around the arm within the range the wrist to the elbow but may wrap around only a portion of it (inclusive of the wrist area). Besides, as in the hand masks 100q and 200q shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, a cutoff line (“cover-side separation cutoff line”) 91 may be formed at the boundary between the finger-side portion 111 or 211 and the below-elbow portion 112 or 212, and (or), at the boundary between the below-elbow portion 112 or 212 and the above-elbow portion 113 or 213. Similarly to the previously described cover-side cutoff line 211, the cover-side separation cutoff line 91 can be realized in various forms, such as perforations, crease, cut line reaching a middle point in the thickness direction, incision, or thin area which is thinner than the other area. Furthermore, the tape 8 described earlier may be provided at the boundary between the finger-side portion 111 or 211 and the below-elbow portion 112 or 212, and (or), at the boundary between the below-elbow portion 112 or 212 and the above-elbow portion 113 or 213, and (or), at an area near the open-end portion on the elbow side. Additionally, as in the hand masks 100r and 200r shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, closing portions for closing the open-end portion may be formed in the cover parts 11p and 21p (specifically, a closing portion 7 for closing the open-end portion on the wrist side in the cover parts 11p and 21p, as well as closing portions 71 for closing the open-end portions on the fingertip side in the cover part 11p). In this case, a cutoff line 70 for removing the closing portion 7 or 71 may also preferably be formed in the vicinity of the closing portion 7 or 71 on the side closer to the palm-covering area. As noted earlier, in the case where the closing portions 7 and 71 are provided, the glove parts 1n and 2n are previously soaked with the liquid L by the manufacturer of the hand masks 100r and 200r in the production process. That is to say, the hand masks 100r and 200r are marketed with the liquid L previously retained in their glove parts 1n and 2n.

17. Seventeenth Embodiment

FIGS. 21A and 21B show schematic diagrams of hand masks 100s and 200s according to the seventeenth embodiment. The hand mask 100s shown in FIG. 21A has a glove part 1s. Similarly, the hand mask 200s shown in FIG. 21B has a glove part 2s.

The glove parts 1s and 2s differ from the previously described glove parts 1 and 2 in that the glove parts 1s and 2s have a bellows portion (“wrist bellows portion”) 30 formed in an area near the opening-end portion on the wrist side. Specifically, the wrist bellows portion 30 should preferably be configured so that the bellows portion expanded to the maximum length covers the root portion of the palm and the wrist, whereas the bellows portion contracted to the minimum length exposes the wrist.

Since the wrist bellows portion 30 is thus formed in the glove parts 1s and 2s, the present hand masks 100s and 200s allow users to freely adjust the length by which the wrist is covered with the glove part 1s or 2s (i.e. the length by which the wrist is exposed). Furthermore, the present hand masks 100s and 200s are adaptable for various users having different palm lengths.

18. Other Embodiments

In the hand masks 100a-100s, 200 and 200a-200s according to the previously described embodiments, the glove parts 1b-1n and 2b-2n (as well as the cover parts 11, 11b-11p, 21, and 21b-21p which cover the glove parts) are shaped so that the five fingers are individually wrapped. It is also possible to shape them so that two or more fingers are wrapped together. For example, they may be shaped so that the four fingers other than the thumb are wrapped together (the so-called “mitten-like” shape).

In the hand masks 100a and 200a according to the second embodiment, the outer surface of the glove part 1 or 2 and the inner surface of the cover part 11 or 21 may entirely (or partially) be adhered to each other to combine the glove part 1 or 2 and the cover part 11 or 21 into a single object. For example, a double-layer structure sheet consisting of a layer made of a liquid-retentive and elastically-expandable material and a layer made of a liquid-proof material adhered to each other (e.g. a double-layer sheet made of polyolefin and pulp, manufactured by Unicharm Corporation under the trade name of “Furesshumasutaa—Sakana, Niku No Tame No Hosen Shiito” [Fresh Master—Freshness-Preserving Sheet for Fish and Meat]) may be tailored into a predetermined shape (i.e. a shape that wraps around the five fingers exclusive of their fingertips as well as the back and palm of a hand, or a shape that wraps around the entirety of the five fingers inclusive of the fingertips as well as the back and palm of a hand). The same applies to any of the hand masks 100b-200c, 200b-200c, 100f-200i and 200f-200i according to the third, fourth and seventh through ninth embodiments.

In the hand masks 100c and 200c according to the fourth embodiment, for each of the five fingers, removal cutoff lines 4 and 41 extending along the finger may additionally be formed. Specifically, the removal cutoff lines 4 and 41 may be formed from the wrist side to the thumb-tip side (or to the little-fingertip side, or to both the thumb-tip side and the little-fingertip side), and additionally, the removal cutoff lines 4 and 41 may formed from the tip of one finger to that of a neighboring finger along the mutually facing flanks of those two fingers via the depressed area between them.

This configuration allows users to cut the glove part 1c or 2c and the cover part 11c or 21c along the removal cutoff lines 4 and 41, respectively, and separately open the glove part 1c or 2c and the cover part 11c or 21c into a flat shape (or separate them into the part which covers the palm and the part which covers the back of the hand). Accordingly, users can remove the glove part 1c or 2c and the cover part 11c or 21c without making their fingertips come in contact with those parts.

In the hand masks 100c and 200c according to the fourth embodiment, two removal cutoff lines 4 and 41 extending parallel to each other may be formed over a range from the wrist side to the fingertip side of one of the fingers (e.g. middle finger). In this case, the space between the two removal cutoff lines 4 and 41 should not be extremely wide (preferably, the space should be within a range from 0.5 cm to 3.0 cm).

This configuration allows users to easily remove the glove part 1c or 2c and the cover part 11c or 21c by pulling the strip-like portion between the two removal cutoff lines 4 and 41 along its extending direction and cutting off the strip-like portion along the two removal cutoff lines 4 and 41. Two removal cutoff lines 4 and 41 extending parallel to each other in this manner may also be formed over a range from the wrist side to the fingertip side of every one of the five fingers.

In the hand masks 200a-200i according to the second through tenth embodiments, the cutoff lines 201 and 211 are dispensable.

In the hand masks 1001, 100m, 100o, 100q, 2001, 200m, 200o and 200q according to the thirteenth through sixteenth embodiments, the tape 8 attached to an area near the open-end portion on the wrist side (or other locations) may be replaced by a string or rubber band.

In the hand masks 100s and 200s according to the seventeenth embodiment, a cover part may additionally be provided on the outside of the glove part 1s or 2s. In this case, similarly to the glove part is or 2s, the cover part should have a bellows portion (“cover-side wrist bellows portion”) formed in an area near the open-end portion on the wrist side. The elevated and depressed segments of the cover-side wrist bellows portion should preferably be formed at coinciding positions with those of the wrist bellows portion 30 of the glove part is or 2s so that the cover-side wrist bellows portion can be expanded or contracted with the wrist bellows portions 30.

The configurations of the hand masks 100a-100s, 200, and 200a-200s according to the previously described embodiments can be appropriately combined.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

100
a-100s . . . Hand Mask

1, 1b-1e, 1i, 1s, 2, 2b-2e, 2i, 2s . . . Glove Part

11, 11b-11c, 11f-11h, 21, 21b-21c, 21f-21h . . . Cover Part

21 . . . Cutoff Line

211 . . . Cover-Side Cutoff Line

3 . . . Bellows Portion

31 . . . Cover-Side Bellows Portion

30 . . . Wrist Bellows Portion

4 . . . Removal Cutoff Line

41 . . . Cover-Side Removal Cutoff Line

5 . . . Opening Portion
51 . . . Cover-Side Opening Portion
6 . . . Incision
601 . . . Hooking Cut
61 . . . Cover-Side Incision
611 . . . Hooking Band
7, 71 . . . Closing Portion
8 . . . Tape (Fastening Member)
9 . . . Separation Cutoff Line
91 . . . Cover-Side Removal Cutoff Line
L . . . Liquid

Information

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Date Filed

Date Published

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CPC

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Abstract

Description

Claims