MASK

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based on Japanese patent application No. 2021-155001 filed Sep. 24, 2021, which claims the benefit of Japanese patent application No. 2021-152107 filed Sep. 17, 2021. The contents of the prior applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a mask that covers a nose or mouth of a human.

2. Description of the Related Art

A conventional mask is disclosed in, for example, JP 2012-40163 A. The mask disclosed in the document includes a main body portion that covers the nose and mouth of a wearer, and ear strings for securing the main body portion to the face of the wearer. The main body portion is made of a breathable sheet material. The ear strings are attached to the right and left sides of the main body portion.

In the mask described above, the length of the ear string is invariable. Therefore, the ear string can be too long or too short depending on the size of the face of the wearer. If the ear string is too long, there is a problem that a gap is likely to be generated between the main body portion and the face. Such a gap becomes a path through which harmful particles (viruses, bacteria, pollen, and the like) enter a space between the main body portion and the face. On the other hand, if the ear string is too short, there is a problem that the wearer feels difficulty in breathing or feels pain in the ears due to the main body portion being in intimate contact with the face excessively.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problem, and it is an object thereof to provide a mask in which the effective length of ear strings is capable of being adjusted.

A mask according to the present invention includes: a main body portion that covers a mouth of a wearer; a pair of ear strings that are provided on right and left sides of the main body portion, and are put on ears of the wearer; and an upper locking portion to which an intermediate part of each of the ear strings is locked detachably, the upper locking portion being provided to the main body portion. The main body portion has an upper end fixing point that is a part where an upper end part of each of the ear strings is fixed, and a lower end fixing point that is a part where a lower end part of each of the ear strings is fixed. The upper locking portion is located nearer the upper end fixing point than the lower end fixing point, and is located inside the upper end fixing point with respect to a right/left direction of the main body portion.

This mask is provided with the upper locking portion to which the intermediate part of the ear string is locked detachably. The upper locking portion is located inside the upper end fixing point with respect to the right/left direction of the main body portion. In this case, the effective length (the length of a part protruding from the main body portion) of the ear string becomes smaller in a state in which the ear string is locked to the upper locking portion than in a state in which the ear string is not locked to the upper locking portion. For this reason, it becomes possible for the wearer to adjust the effective length of the ear string by choosing whether the ear string is locked to the upper locking portion or not.

Another mask according to the present invention includes: a main body portion that covers a mouth of a wearer; a pair of ear strings that are provided on right and left sides of the main body portion, and are put on ears of the wearer; and a lower locking portion to which an intermediate part of each of the ear strings is locked detachably, the lower locking portion being provided to the main body portion. The main body portion has an upper end fixing point that is a part where an upper end part of each of the ear strings is fixed, and a lower end fixing point that is a part where a lower end part of each of the ear strings is fixed. The lower locking portion is located nearer the lower end fixing point than the upper end fixing point, and is located inside the lower end fixing point with respect to a right/left direction of the main body portion.

This mask is provided with the lower locking portion to which the intermediate part of the ear string is locked detachably. The lower locking portion is located inside the lower end fixing point with respect to the right/left direction of the main body portion. In this case, the effective length of the ear string becomes smaller in a state in which the ear string is locked to the lower locking portion than in a state in which the ear string is not locked to the lower locking portion. For this reason, it becomes possible for the wearer to adjust the effective length of the ear string by choosing whether the ear string is locked to the lower locking portion or not.

According to the present invention, it is possible to implement a mask in which the effective length of ear strings is capable of being adjusted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment of a mask according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for illustrating an upper corner region R1 and a lower corner region R2 of the main body portion 10.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing an upper locking portion 30.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing the upper locking portion 30.

FIG. 5 is a side view showing a lower locking portion 40.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing the lower locking portion 40.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for illustrating an effect of the mask in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for illustrating the effect of the mask in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for illustrating a modified example of the upper locking portion 30.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for illustrating a modified example of the lower locking portion 40.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for illustrating another modified example of the upper locking portion 30.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for illustrating another modified example of the lower locking portion 40.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for illustrating another modified example of the upper locking portion 30.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for illustrating another modified example of the lower locking portion 40.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and a redundant description will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment of a mask according to the present invention. A mask 1 includes a main body portion 10, a pair of ear strings 20, an upper locking portion 30, and a lower locking portion 40. The main body portion 10 covers the mouth of a wearer. The main body portion 10 may cover only the nose and mouth or may cover only the mouth, out of the eyes, nose and mouth. When the mask 1 is not worn, the main body portion 10 is in a shape of a planar rectangular sheet. FIG. 1 shows the outer surface of the main body portion 10, namely the surface opposite to the inner surface, the inner surface being the surface facing the face of the wearer. The main body portion 10 is made of a breathable material. As the material, for example, a nonwoven fabric, paper, or gauze can be used.

The main body portion 10 has an upper end fixing point 12, and a lower end fixing point 14. The upper end fixing point 12 is a part of the main body portion 10, at which an upper end part 20a of each of the ear strings 20 is fixed. The upper end part 20a is fixed to the outer surface of the main body portion 10. Therefore, the upper end fixing point 12 is present on the outer surface of the main body portion 10. The upper end part 20a of each of the ear strings 20 is fixed directly to the main body portion 10 at the upper end fixing point 12 so as not to be displaced relative to the main body portion 10. The ear strings 20 (upper end parts 20a) can be fixed to the upper end fixing points 12 by, for example, welding (ultrasonic welding, heat welding, or the like).

The lower end fixing point 14 is a part of the main body portion 10, at which a lower end part 20b of each of the ear strings 20 is fixed. The lower end part 20b is fixed to the outer surface of the main body portion 10. Therefore, the lower end fixing point 14 is present on the outer surface of the main body portion 10. The lower end part 20b of each of the ear strings 20 is fixed directly to the main body portion 10 at the lower end fixing point 14 so as not to be displaced relative to the main body portion 10. The ear strings 20 (lower end parts 20b) can be fixed to the lower end fixing points 14 by, for example, welding.

The pair of the ear strings 20 are provided on the right and left sides of the main body portion 10. When the mask 1 is worn, the ear strings 20 are put on the ears of the wearer. Thus, the main body portion 10 is secured to the face of the wearer. The ear strings 20 have stretchability. As the ear strings 20, for example, rubber strings can be used.

The upper locking portion 30 is provided to the main body portion 10. An intermediate part of each of the ear strings 20 is locked detachably to the upper locking portion 30. As used herein, “detachably” means that it is possible to switch repeatedly a state in which the ear string 20 is locked to the upper locking portion 30 and a state in which the ear string 20 is not locked to the upper locking portion 30 alternately without damaging the mask 1. The intermediate part of the ear string 20 is a part of the ear string 20 excluding the upper end part 20a and the lower end part 20b. The intermediate part of each of the ear strings 20 is fixed to the upper locking portion 30. That is, in the state in which the intermediate part of the ear string 20 is locked to the upper locking portion 30, the place of the ear string 20, at which the ear string 20 is locked to the upper locking portion 30, is not displaced even when the ear string 20 is pulled. The intermediate part of each of the ear strings 20 is locked to the upper locking portion 30 on the side of the outer surface of the main body portion 10.

The upper locking portion 30 is located nearer the upper end fixing point 12 than the lower end fixing point 14. That is, the distance from the upper locking portion 30 to the upper end fixing point 12 is smaller than the distance from the upper locking portion 30 to the lower end fixing point 14 with respect to the top/bottom direction (identical with the vertical direction in FIG. 1) of the main body portion 10. Note that the distance from the upper locking portion 30 shall be the distance measured from the center of the upper locking portion 30. The upper locking portion 30 is located inside the upper end fixing point 12 with respect to the right/left direction (identical with the horizontal direction in FIG. 1) of the main body portion 10. That is, the distance from the upper locking portion 30 to a side end 10c (the side end 10c nearer to this upper locking portion 30) of the main body portion 10 is larger than the distance from the upper end fixing point 12 to the side end 10c (the side end 10c nearer to this upper end fixing point 12). The upper locking portion 30 is located outside the upper end fixing point 12 with respect to the top/bottom direction of the main body portion 10. That is, the distance from the upper locking portion 30 to the top end 10a of the main body portion 10 is smaller than the distance from the upper end fixing point 12 to the top end 10a.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of the upper locking portions 30 are provided for each of the ear strings 20. The plurality of the upper locking portions 30 include an upper locking portion 30a (first upper locking portion), and an upper locking portion 30b (second upper locking portion). The upper locking portion 30b is located inside the upper locking portion 30a with respect to the right/left direction of the main body portion 10. That is, the distance from the upper locking portion 30b to the side end 10c of the main body portion 10 is larger than the distance from the upper locking portion 30a to the side end 10c of the main body portion 10. Also, the upper locking portion 30b is located outside the upper locking portion 30a with respect to the top/bottom direction of the main body portion 10. That is, the distance from the upper locking portion 30b to the top end 10a of the main body portion 10 is smaller than the distance from the upper locking portion 30a to the top end 10a of the main body portion 10.

The upper end fixing points 12 and the upper locking portions 30 are preferably located in upper corner regions R1 (see FIG. 2) of the main body portion 10. The upper corner regions R1 are the regions within 25 mm from the top end 10a and within 40 mm from the side ends 10c. In the main body portion 10, the upper end fixing points 12 and the upper locking portions 30 are arranged symmetrically.

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are, respectively, a side view and a front view showing the upper locking portion 30. FIG. 3 is a diagram in which the upper locking portion 30 is seen from the right/left direction of the main body portion 10. FIG. 4 is a diagram in which the upper locking portion 30 is seen from the same viewpoint as FIG. 1, namely from the side of the outer surface of the main body portion 10. The upper locking portion 30 is made of a protrusion that protrudes from the main body portion 10. In the present embodiment, the upper locking portion 30 protrudes on the side of the outer surface of the main body portion 10. The upper locking portion 30 is in a screw shape, and has a stem portion 32 (first stem portion) and a head portion 34 (first head portion). The stem portion 32 is in a columnar shape or a cylindrical shape, and extends from the main body portion 10 to the head portion 34. That is, one end of the stem portion 32 is fixed directly to the outer surface of the main body portion 10, and the head portion 34 is connected to the other end of the stem portion 32. When the mask 1 is worn, the ear string 20 is hooked on the stem portion 32 as needed. Thus, the ear string 20 is locked to the upper locking portion 30.

The head portion 34 is in a disk shape, and protrudes from the stem portion 32 in front view (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 4). In detail, the central axis of the head portion 34 is present on the extended line of the central axis of the stem portion 32, and the diameter of the head portion 34 is larger than the diameter of the stem portion 32. When the mask 1 is worn, the head portion 34 functions as a stopper for preventing the ear string 20 from coming off from the stem portion 32. The distance dl between the main body portion 10 and the head portion 34 of the upper locking portion 30 is invariable, and smaller than the thickness of the ear string 20. Thus, the intermediate part of the ear string 20 is fixed to the upper locking portion 30 in a state of being interposed between the outer surface of the main body portion 10 and the head portion 34.

The upper locking portion 30 is attached to the main body portion 10. The upper locking portion 30 can be attached to the main body portion 10 by, for example, adhesion (hot-melt adhesion or the like). Alternatively, the upper locking portion 30 may be attached to the main body portion 10 by having the stem portion 32 penetrate through the main body portion 10 and fitting a receiving member to the stem portion 32 from the opposite side (the side of the inner surface of the main body portion 10). As a material of the upper locking portion 30, for example, metal, resin, paper, cellulose nanofiber, or the like can be used. The resin may be biodegradable plastic.

Returning to FIG. 1, the lower locking portion 40 is provided to the main body portion 10. The intermediate part of each of the ear strings 20 is locked detachably to the lower locking portion 40. However, the place of the intermediate part of the ear string 20, at which the ear string 20 is locked to the lower locking portion 40, is different from the place of the intermediate part of the ear string 20, at which the ear string 20 is locked to the upper locking portion 30. The intermediate part of each of the ear strings 20 is fixed to the lower locking portion 40. That is, in the state in which the intermediate part of the ear string 20 is locked to the lower locking portion 40, the place of the ear string 20, at which the ear string 20 is locked to the lower locking portion 40, is not displaced even when the ear string 20 is pulled. The intermediate part of each of the ear strings 20 is locked to the lower locking portion 40 on the side of the outer surface of the main body portion 10.

The lower locking portion 40 is located nearer the lower end fixing point 14 than the upper end fixing point 12. That is, the distance from the lower locking portion 40 to the lower end fixing point 14 is smaller than the distance from the lower locking portion 40 to the upper end fixing point 12 with respect to the top/bottom direction of the main body portion 10. Note that the distance from the lower locking portion 40 shall be the distance measured from the center of the lower locking portion 40. The lower locking portion 40 is located inside the lower end fixing point 14 with respect to the right/left direction of the main body portion 10. That is, the distance from the lower locking portion 40 to the side end 10c (the side end 10c nearer to this lower locking portion 40) of the main body portion 10 is larger than the distance from the lower end fixing point 14 to the side end 10c (the side end 10c nearer to this lower end fixing point 14). The lower locking portion 40 is located outside the lower end fixing point 14 with respect to the top/bottom direction of the main body portion 10. That is, the distance from the lower locking portion 40 to the bottom end 10b of the main body portion 10 is smaller than the distance from the lower end fixing point 14 to the bottom end 10b.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of the lower locking portions 40 are provided for each of the ear strings 20. The plurality of the lower locking portions 40 include a lower locking portion 40a (first lower locking portion), and a lower locking portion 40b (second lower locking portion). The lower locking portion 40b is located inside the lower locking portion 40a with respect to the right/left direction of the main body portion 10. That is, the distance from the lower locking portion 40b to the side end 10c of the main body portion 10 is larger than the distance from the lower locking portion 40a to the side end 10c of the main body portion 10. Also, the lower locking portion 40b is located outside the lower locking portion 40a with respect to the top/bottom direction of the main body portion 10. That is, the distance from the lower locking portion 40b to the bottom end 10b of the main body portion 10 is smaller than the distance from the lower locking portion 40a to the bottom end 10b of the main body portion 10.

The lower end fixing points 14 and the lower locking portions 40 are preferably located in lower corner regions R2 (see FIG. 2) of the main body portion 10. The lower corner regions R2 are the regions within 25 mm from the bottom end 10b and within 40 mm from the side ends 10c. In the main body portion 10, the lower end fixing points 14 and the lower locking portions 40 are arranged symmetrically.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are, respectively, a side view and a front view showing the lower locking portion 40. FIG. 5 is a diagram in which the lower locking portion 40 is seen from the right/left direction of the main body portion 10. FIG. 6 is a diagram in which the lower locking portion 40 is seen from the same viewpoint as FIG. 1, namely from the side of the outer surface of the main body portion 10. The lower locking portion 40 is made of a protrusion that protrudes from the main body portion 10. In the present embodiment, the lower locking portion 40 protrudes on the side of the outer surface of the main body portion 10. The lower locking portion 40 is in a screw shape, and has a stem portion 42 (second stem portion) and a head portion 44 (second head portion). The stem portion 42 is in a columnar shape or a cylindrical shape, and extends from the main body portion 10 to the head portion 44. That is, one end of the stem portion 42 is fixed directly to the outer surface of the main body portion 10, and the head portion 44 is connected to the other end of the stem portion 42. When the mask 1 is worn, the ear string 20 is hooked on the stem portion 42 as needed. Thus, the ear string 20 is locked to the lower locking portion 40.

The head portion 44 is in a disk shape, and protrudes from the stem portion 42 in front view (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 6). In detail, the central axis of the head portion 44 is present on the extended line of the central axis of the stem portion 42, and the diameter of the head portion 44 is larger than the diameter of the stem portion 42. When the mask 1 is worn, the head portion 44 functions as a stopper for preventing the ear string 20 from coming off from the stem portion 42. The distance d2 between the main body portion 10 and the head portion 44 of the lower locking portion 40 is invariable, and smaller than the thickness of the ear string 20. Thus, the intermediate part of the ear string 20 is fixed to the lower locking portion 40 in a state of being interposed between the outer surface of the main body portion 10 and the head portion 44.

The lower locking portion 40 is attached to the main body portion 10. The lower locking portion 40 can be attached to the main body portion 10 by, for example, adhesion. Alternatively, the lower locking portion 40 may be attached to the main body portion 10 by having the stem portion 42 penetrate through the main body portion 10 and fitting a receiving member to the stem portion 42 from the opposite side (the side of the inner surface of the main body portion 10). As a material of the lower locking portion 40, for example, metal, resin, paper, cellulose nanofiber, or the like can be used. The resin may be biodegradable plastic.

Effects of the mask 1 will be described. The mask 1 is provided with the upper locking portion 30 to which the intermediate part of the ear string 20 is locked detachably. The upper locking portion 30 is located inside the upper end fixing point 12 with respect to the right/left direction of the main body portion 10. In this case, the effective length of the ear string 20 becomes smaller in the state in which the ear string 20 is locked to the upper locking portion 30 than in the state in which the ear string 20 is not locked to the upper locking portion 30. This is because the ear string 20 in the state of being locked to the upper locking portion 30 extends from the upper end fixing point 12 to the ear of the wearer via the upper locking portion 30 as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show the states in which the ear string 20 is locked to, respectively, the upper locking portion 30a and the upper locking portion 30b. For this reason, it becomes possible for the wearer to adjust the effective length of the ear string 20 by choosing whether the ear string 20 is locked to the upper locking portion 30 or not. Accordingly, the mask 1 in which the effective length of the ear strings 20 is capable of being adjusted is implemented.

By adjusting the effective length of the ear string 20 in this way, it becomes easy for the main body portion 10 to be in intimate contact with the face of the wearer moderately regardless of the size of the mask 1 or the size of the face. Moreover, the wearer can improve tightness of the main body portion 10 by making the effective length of the ear strings 20 smaller in such an environment that an infection risk to viruses or the like is relatively high (e.g. in a crowded room), whereas the wearer can reduce the tightness of the main body portion 10 by making the effective length of the ear strings 20 larger in such an environment that the infection risk is relatively low (e.g. in the outdoors where there are few people). By reducing the tightness of the main body portion 10, the wearer becomes less likely to feel difficulty in breathing or pain in the ears.

Furthermore, the mask 1 is provided with the lower locking portion 40 to which the intermediate part of the ear string 20 is locked detachably. The lower locking portion 40 is located inside the lower end fixing point 14 with respect to the right/left direction of the main body portion 10. In this case, the effective length of the ear string 20 becomes smaller in the state in which the ear string 20 is locked to the lower locking portion 40 than in the state in which the ear string 20 is not locked to the lower locking portion 40. This is because the ear string 20 in the state of being locked to the lower locking portion 40 extends from the lower end fixing point 14 to the ear of the wearer via the lower locking portion 40 as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show the states in which the ear string 20 is locked to, respectively, the lower locking portion 40a and the lower locking portion 40b. For this reason, it becomes possible for the wearer to adjust the effective length of the ear string 20 by choosing whether the ear string 20 is locked to the lower locking portion 40 or not. Note that the wearer may lock the ear string 20 to only either one of the upper locking portion 30 or the lower locking portion 40.

The upper locking portion 30 is configured such that the intermediate part of each of the ear strings 20 is fixed to the upper locking portion 30. In this case, the effective length of the ear string 20 becomes easier to keep constant, because the place of the intermediate part of the ear string 20, at which the ear string 20 is locked to the upper locking portion 30, is not displaced. Moreover, it is possible to maintain a state in which an arbitrary part of the intermediate part of the ear string 20 is locked to the upper locking portion 30. Thus, the effective length of the ear string 20 also becomes capable of being adjusted continuously.

The lower locking portion 40 is configured such that the intermediate part of each of the ear strings 20 is fixed to the lower locking portion 40. In this case, the effective length of the ear string 20 becomes easier to keep constant, because the place of the intermediate part of the ear string 20, at which the ear string 20 is locked to the lower locking portion 40, is not displaced. Moreover, it is possible to maintain a state in which an arbitrary part of the intermediate part of the ear string 20 is locked to the lower locking portion 40. Thus, the effective length of the ear string 20 also becomes capable of being adjusted continuously.

The upper locking portion 30 is located outside the upper end fixing point 12 with respect to the top/bottom direction of the main body portion 10. In this case, the intersection point of the ear string 20 extending to the ear via the upper locking portion 30 and the side end 10c of the main body portion 10 approaches the top end 10a, compared to a case where the upper locking portion 30 is provided at the same position as or inside the upper end fixing point 12 with respect to the top/bottom direction of the main body portion 10. This is advantageous in that the upper part of the side end 10c is unlikely to be turned up when the mask 1 is worn.

The lower locking portion 40 is located outside the lower end fixing point 14 with respect to the top/bottom direction of the main body portion 10. In this case, the intersection point of the ear string 20 extending to the ear via the lower locking portion 40 and the side end 10c of the main body portion 10 approaches the bottom end 10b, compared to a case where the lower locking portion 40 is provided at the same position as or inside the lower end fixing point 14 with respect to the top/bottom direction of the main body portion 10. This is advantageous in that the lower part of the side end 10c is unlikely to be turned up when the mask 1 is worn.

The intermediate part of each of the ear strings 20 is locked to the upper locking portion 30 on the side of the outer surface of the main body portion 10. In this case, there is an advantage that the upper locking portion 30 is not in contact with the face when the mask 1 is worn. Similarly, the intermediate part of each of the ear strings 20 is locked to the lower locking portion 40 on the side of the outer surface of the main body portion 10. In this case, there is an advantage that the lower locking portion 40 is not in contact with the face when the mask 1 is worn.

The upper locking portion 30 is made of the protrusion protruding from the main body portion 10. In this case, it is possible to easily realize the upper locking portion 30 to which the intermediate part of the ear string 20 can be locked. Similarly, the lower locking portion 40 is made of the protrusion protruding from the main body portion 10. In this case, it is possible to easily realize the lower locking portion 40 to which the intermediate part of the ear string 20 can be locked.

The upper locking portion 30 has the stem portion 32 and the head portion 34. In this case, it is possible to stably maintain the state in which the intermediate part of the ear string 20 is locked to the upper locking portion 30 due to the head portion 34 functioning as the stopper. Similarly, the lower locking portion 40 has the stem portion 42 and the head portion 44. In this case, it is possible to stably maintain the state in which the intermediate part of the ear string 20 is locked to the lower locking portion 40 due to the head portion 44 functioning as the stopper.

The distance d1 (see FIG. 3) between the main body portion 10 and the head portion 34 of the upper locking portion 30 is smaller than the thickness of the ear string 20. In this case, the intermediate part of the ear string 20 can be fixed to the upper locking portion 30 just by interposing the ear string 20 between the outer surface of the main body portion 10 and the head portion 34. For this reason, it is possible to realize the upper locking portion 30 to which the intermediate part of the ear string 20 can be fixed with simple structure.

The distance d2 (see FIG. 5) between the main body portion 10 and the head portion 44 of the lower locking portion 40 is smaller than the thickness of the ear string 20. In this case, the intermediate part of the ear string 20 can be fixed to the lower locking portion 40 just by interposing the ear string 20 between the outer surface of the main body portion 10 and the head portion 44. For this reason, it is possible to realize the lower locking portion 40 to which the intermediate part of the ear string 20 can be fixed with simple structure.

The plurality of the upper locking portions 30 are provided for each of the ear strings 20. Also, one upper locking portion 30 (the upper locking portion 30b) is located inside the other upper locking portion 30 (the upper locking portion 30a) with respect to the right/left direction of the main body portion 10. In this case, the effective length of the ear string 20 becomes smaller in the state in which the ear string 20 is locked to the upper locking portion 30b (see FIG. 8) than in the state in which the ear string 20 is locked to the upper locking portion 30a (see FIG. 7). For this reason, the wearer can adjust the effective length of the ear string 20 also by choosing which upper locking portion 30 the ear string 20 is locked to. Thus, it is possible to widen the adjustable range of the effective length of the ear string 20.

The upper locking portion 30b is located outside the upper locking portion 30a with respect to the top/bottom direction of the main body portion 10. In this case, the intersection point of the ear string 20 extending to the ear via the upper locking portion 30b and the side end 10c of the main body portion 10 approaches the top end 10a, compared to a case where the upper locking portion 30b is provided at the same position as or inside the upper locking portion 30a with respect to the top/bottom direction of the main body portion 10. This is advantageous in that the upper part of the side end 10c is unlikely to be turned up when the mask 1 is worn.

The plurality of the lower locking portions 40 are provided for each of the ear strings 20. Also, one lower locking portion 40 (the lower locking portion 40b) is located inside the other lower locking portion 40 (the lower locking portion 40a) with respect to the right/left direction of the main body portion 10. In this case, the effective length of the ear string 20 becomes smaller in the state in which the ear string 20 is locked to the lower locking portion 40b (see FIG. 8) than in the state in which the ear string 20 is locked to the lower locking portion 40a (see FIG. 7). For this reason, the wearer can adjust the effective length of the ear string 20 also by choosing which lower locking portion 40 the ear string 20 is locked to. Thus, it is possible to widen the adjustable range of the effective length of the ear string 20. Note that the wearer may lock the ear string 20 to the upper locking portion 30a and the lower locking portion 40b, or may lock the ear string 20 to the upper locking portion 30b and the lower locking portion 40a.

The lower locking portion 40b is located outside the lower locking portion 40a with respect to the top/bottom direction of the main body portion 10. In this case, the intersection point of the ear string 20 extending to the ear via the lower locking portion 40b and the side end 10c of the main body portion 10 approaches the bottom end 10b, compared to a case where the lower locking portion 40b is provided at the same position as or inside the lower locking portion 40a with respect to the top/bottom direction of the main body portion 10. This is advantageous in that the lower part of the side end 10c is unlikely to be turned up when the mask 1 is worn.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made. In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the upper locking portion 30b is provided outside the upper locking portion 30a with respect to the top/bottom direction of the main body portion 10. However, with respect to the top/bottom direction of the main body portion 10, the upper locking portion 30b may be provided at the same position as the upper locking portion 30a, or may be provided inside the upper locking portion 30a. In that case, there is an advantage that a space for providing the upper locking portion 30b is easy to secure even when the distance from the upper locking portion 30a to the top end 10a of the main body portion 10 is small.

In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the lower locking portion 40b is provided outside the lower locking portion 40a with respect to the top/bottom direction of the main body portion 10. However, with respect to the top/bottom direction of the main body portion 10, the lower locking portion 40b may be provided at the same position as the lower locking portion 40a, or may be provided inside the lower locking portion 40a. In that case, there is an advantage that a space for providing the lower locking portion 40b is easy to secure even when the distance from the lower locking portion 40a to the bottom end 10b of the main body portion 10 is small.

In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the plurality of the upper locking portions 30 (upper locking portions 30a, 30b) are made of mutually separate members. However, the plurality of the upper locking portions 30 may be made of an integrated member as shown, for example, in FIG. 9. In FIG. 9, the upper locking portion 30a and the upper locking portion 30b have a common base 36. One end of the stem portion 32 is fixed to the main body portion 10 via the base 36. In this case, the mask 1 becomes easier to manufacture because the plurality of the upper locking portions 30 can be attached together to the main body portion 10.

In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the plurality of the lower locking portions 40 (lower locking portions 40a, 40b) are made of mutually separate members. However, the plurality of the lower locking portions 40 may be made of an integrated member as shown, for example, in FIG. 10. In FIG. 10, the lower locking portion 40a and the lower locking portion 40b have a common base 46. One end of the stem portion 42 is fixed to the main body portion 10 via the base 46. In this case, the mask 1 becomes easier to manufacture because the plurality of the lower locking portions 40 can be attached together to the main body portion 10.

In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the plurality of the upper locking portions 30 are provided for each of the ear strings 20. However, only one upper locking portion 30 may be provided for each of the ear strings 20. The same shall apply to the lower locking portion 40.

In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the upper locking portion 30 is provided outside the upper end fixing point 12 with respect to the top/bottom direction of the main body portion 10. However, with respect to the top/bottom direction of the main body portion 10, the upper locking portion 30 may be provided at the same position as the upper end fixing point 12, or may be provided inside the upper end fixing point 12. In that case, there is an advantage that a space for providing the upper locking portion 30 is easy to secure even when the distance from the upper end fixing point 12 to the top end 10a of the main body portion 10 is small.

In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the lower locking portion 40 is provided outside the lower end fixing point 14 with respect to the top/bottom direction of the main body portion 10. However, with respect to the top/bottom direction of the main body portion 10, the lower locking portion 40 may be provided at the same position as the lower end fixing point 14, or may be provided inside the lower end fixing point 14. In that case, there is an advantage that a space for providing the lower locking portion 40 is easy to secure even when the distance from the lower end fixing point 14 to the bottom end 10b of the main body portion 10 is small.

In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the distance d1 between the main body portion 10 and the head portion 34 of the upper locking portion 30 is smaller than the thickness of the ear string 20. However, the distance d1 may be equal to the thickness of the ear string 20, or may be larger than the thickness of the ear string 20. The same shall apply to the distance d2 between the main body portion 10 and the head portion 44 of the lower locking portion 40.

In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the distance d1 between the main body portion 10 and the head portion 34 of the upper locking portion 30 is invariable. However, the distance d1 may be variable. In that case, it is preferable that the minimum value of the distance d1 is smaller than the thickness of the ear string 20, and the maximum value of the distance d1 is larger than the thickness of the ear string 20. In order for the distance d1 to be variable, the stem portion 32 can have double structure composed of an inner cylinder 32a and an outer cylinder 32b as shown, for example, in FIG. 11. In FIG. 11, the head portion 34 is connected to the inner cylinder 32a, whereas the head portion 34 is not connected to the outer cylinder 32b. Also, only the outer cylinder 32b, out of the inner cylinder 32a and the outer cylinder 32b, is fixed to the main body portion 10. The inner cylinder 32a (and the head portion 34) is configured to be movable up and down relative to the outer cylinder 32b.

Such a configuration can be realized by using, for example, a screw or spring. In a case where a screw is used, it is sufficient to form a male screw on the outer side surface of the inner cylinder 32a and form a female screw screwed to the male screw on the inner side surface of the outer cylinder 32b. In that case, it is possible to move the head portion 34 up and down to change the distance d1 by turning the head portion 34. In a case where a spring is used, it is sufficient to connect the bottom surface of the inner cylinder 32a and the bottom surface of the outer cylinder 32b with a tension spring. In that case, the distance dl increases when the wearer pulls the head portion 34 upward (the up direction in FIG. 11) with the hand, and the distance d1 decreases when the the hand is released because the head portion 34 returns to the original position by the restoring force of the spring.

In the case where the distance d1 is variable in this way, the ear string 20 can be easily attached to and detached from the upper locking portion 30 by increasing the distance d1 when switching the state in which the ear string 20 is locked to the upper locking portion 30 and the state in which the ear string 20 is not locked to the upper locking portion 30. Moreover, in the state in which the ear string 20 is locked to the upper locking portion 30, the state becomes easier to stably maintain by decreasing the distance d1.

In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the distance d2 between the main body portion 10 and the head portion 44 of the lower locking portion 40 is invariable. However, the distance d2 may be variable. In that case, it is preferable that the minimum value of the distance d2 is smaller than the thickness of the ear string 20, and the maximum value of the distance d2 is larger than the thickness of the ear string 20. In order for the distance d2 to be variable, the stem portion 42 can have double structure composed of an inner cylinder 42a and an outer cylinder 42b as shown, for example, in FIG. 12. In FIG. 12, the head portion 44 is connected to the inner cylinder 42a, whereas the head portion 44 is not connected to the outer cylinder 42b. Also, only the outer cylinder 42b, out of the inner cylinder 42a and the outer cylinder 42b, is fixed to the main body portion 10. The inner cylinder 42a (and the head portion 44) is configured to be movable up and down relative to the outer cylinder 42b. Such a configuration can be realized by using, for example, a screw or spring.

In the case where the distance d2 is variable in this way, the ear string 20 can be easily attached to and detached from the lower locking portion 40 by increasing the distance d2 when switching the state in which the ear string 20 is locked to the lower locking portion 40 and the state in which the ear string 20 is not locked to the lower locking portion 40. Moreover, in the state in which the ear string 20 is locked to the lower locking portion 40, the state becomes easier to stably maintain by decreasing the distance d2.

In the above-described embodiment, the upper locking portion 30 may be colored in a different color (including a fluorescent color) from the main body portion 10. Examples of the color include red, orange, yellow, green, and blue. In this case, it is sufficient that at least a part (visible part in front view) of the upper locking portion 30 is colored. The upper locking portion 30 may have a phosphorescent property so as to emit light in a dark place. The upper locking portion 30 having the phosphorescent property can be realized by, for example, applying a phosphorescent paint to the surface of the upper locking portion 30. The case where the upper locking portion 30 has a phosphorescent property shall be included in the case where the upper locking portion 30 is colored. In the case where the plurality of the upper locking portions 30 are provided, those upper locking portions 30 may be colored in the same color, or may be colored in mutually different colors. By coloring the upper locking portion 30 in this way, fashionability of the mask 1 can be improved. Moreover, it becomes easy for children to wear the mask 1 willingly.

In the above-described embodiment, the lower locking portion 40 may be colored in a different color from the main body portion 10. In this case, it is sufficient that at least a part (visible part in front view) of the lower locking portion 40 is colored. The lower locking portion 40 may have a phosphorescent property so as to emit light in a dark place. The case where the lower locking portion 40 has a phosphorescent property shall be included in the case where the lower locking portion 40 is colored. In the case where the plurality of the lower locking portions 40 are provided, those lower locking portions 40 may be colored in the same color, or may be colored in mutually different colors. Also, the lower locking portion 40 may be colored in the same color as the upper locking portion 30, or may be colored in a different color from the upper locking portion 30. By coloring the lower locking portion 40 in this way, fashionability of the mask 1 can be improved. Moreover, it becomes easy for children to wear the mask 1 willingly.

In the above-described embodiment, the upper locking portion 30 may be configured to emit an aroma. Examples of the aroma include an aroma of fruit such as strawberry or grape, and an aroma of a herb such as a eucalyptus or rosemary. The upper locking portion 30 emitting the aroma can be realized by, for example, applying an aromatic agent to the surface of the upper locking portion 30. By making the upper locking portion 30 emit an aroma in this way, the mask 1 can be used more comfortably. Moreover, it becomes easy for children to wear the mask 1 willingly.

In the above-described embodiment, the lower locking portion 40 may be configured to emit an aroma. By making the lower locking portion 40 emit an aroma in this way, the mask 1 can be used more comfortably. Moreover, it becomes easy for children to wear the mask 1 willingly.

In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the upper locking portion 30 (the head portion 34) has a circular shape in front view. However, the front shape of the upper locking portion 30 (the head portion 34) is arbitrary, and may be, for example, an ellipse, polygon, cross, star, heart, animal shape, vehicle shape, or the like. Also by characterizing the front shape of the upper locking portion 30, fashionability of the mask 1 can be improved. Moreover, it becomes easy for children to wear the mask 1 willingly. The same shall apply to the front shape of the lower locking portion 40 (the head portion 44).

In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the ear string 20 is locked to the upper locking portion 30 and the lower locking portion 40 on the side of the outer surface of the main body portion 10. However, the ear string 20 may be locked to the upper locking portion 30 and the lower locking portion 40 on the side of the inner surface of the main body portion 10.

In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the upper end fixing point 12 and the lower end fixing point 14 are present on the outer surface of the main body portion 10. However, the upper end fixing point 12 and the lower end fixing point 14 may be present on the inner surface of the main body portion 10.

In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the upper locking portion 30 is the protrusion composed of the stem portion 32 and the head portion 34. However, the upper locking portion 30 may be a protrusion in a hook shape as shown, for example, in FIG. 13. In FIG. 13, the upper locking portion 30 is bent inward with respect to the right/left direction of the main body portion 10. The intermediate part of the ear string 20 is locked to the upper locking portion 30 in a state of being hooked on a vertical portion 38a of the upper locking portion 30. A horizontal portion 38b of the upper locking portion 30 functions as a stopper for preventing the ear string 20 from coming off from the vertical portion 38a. The distance d3 between the horizontal portion 38b and the main body portion 10 is preferably smaller than the thickness of the ear string 20. In that case, it is possible to realize the upper locking portion 30 to which the intermediate part of the ear string 20 can be fixed. However, the distance d3 may be equal to the thickness of the ear string 20, or may be larger than the thickness of the ear string 20.

In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the lower locking portion 40 is the protrusion composed of the stem portion 42 and the head portion 44. However, the lower locking portion 40 may be a protrusion in a hook shape as shown, for example, in FIG. 14. In FIG. 14, the lower locking portion 40 is bent inward with respect to the right/left direction of the main body portion 10. The intermediate part of the ear string 20 is locked to the lower locking portion 40 in a state of being hooked on a vertical portion 48a of the lower locking portion 40. A horizontal portion 48b of the lower locking portion 40 functions as a stopper for preventing the ear string 20 from coming off from the vertical portion 48a. The distance d4 between the horizontal portion 48b and the main body portion 10 is preferably smaller than the thickness of the ear string 20. In that case, it is possible to realize the lower locking portion 40 to which the intermediate part of the ear string 20 can be fixed. However, the distance d4 may be equal to the thickness of the ear string 20, or may be larger than the thickness of the ear string 20.

In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the mask 1 is provided with both the upper locking portion 30 and the lower locking portion 40. However, the mask 1 may be provided with only either one of the upper locking portion 30 or the lower locking portion 40.

In the above-described embodiment, an example is given in which the ear strings 20 have stretchability. However, the ear strings 20 may not have stretchability. In that case, as a material of the ear strings 20, for example, a nonwoven fabric can be used.

Number	Date	Country	Kind
2021-152107	Sep 2021	JP	national
2021-155001	Sep 2021	JP	national

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Priority Claims (2)