CA2134914A1 - Face mask with adjustable ear loops and method of manufacture - Google Patents
Face mask with adjustable ear loops and method of manufactureInfo
- Publication number
- CA2134914A1 CA2134914A1 CA 2134914 CA2134914A CA2134914A1 CA 2134914 A1 CA2134914 A1 CA 2134914A1 CA 2134914 CA2134914 CA 2134914 CA 2134914 A CA2134914 A CA 2134914A CA 2134914 A1 CA2134914 A1 CA 2134914A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- face mask
- stoppers
- ear loops
- elastic
- thermo
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
- A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
- A41D13/05—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches protecting only a particular body part
- A41D13/11—Protective face masks, e.g. for surgical use, or for use in foul atmospheres
- A41D13/1161—Means for fastening to the user's head
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
- A62B18/08—Component parts for gas-masks or gas-helmets, e.g. windows, straps, speech transmitters, signal-devices
- A62B18/084—Means for fastening gas-masks to heads or helmets
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A face mask has adjustable ear loops which may be easily produced, handled and adjusted to any user. the mask includes a cup shape face mask body, a pair of ear loops which includes at least one piece of elastic string fastened to each of two opposing peripheral portions of face mask body, and ring type stoppers made of thermo-contracting plastic through which said loops are passed making the loops adjustable to any user. A
manufacturing process of the face mask is comprised of the steps of preparing a cup shape face mask provided with at least a piece of elastic string fastened to each of two opposing peripheral portions of the face mask body, passing the elastic strings through the ring type stoppers made of a thermo-contracting plastic, and contracting the stoppers by heating.
A face mask has adjustable ear loops which may be easily produced, handled and adjusted to any user. the mask includes a cup shape face mask body, a pair of ear loops which includes at least one piece of elastic string fastened to each of two opposing peripheral portions of face mask body, and ring type stoppers made of thermo-contracting plastic through which said loops are passed making the loops adjustable to any user. A
manufacturing process of the face mask is comprised of the steps of preparing a cup shape face mask provided with at least a piece of elastic string fastened to each of two opposing peripheral portions of the face mask body, passing the elastic strings through the ring type stoppers made of a thermo-contracting plastic, and contracting the stoppers by heating.
Description
213~9~
--.
. . --1 AND METIIOD OF ~ANUFACTURE
Backqround of the Invention 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a face mask which covers the mouth and nose of a user. The face mask is provided with elastic strings to be used as ear loops, permits easy adjustment of the distance to the ear part and causes no pain to the ears even if it is used for a long period of time.
A face mask with adjustable ear loops in accordance with the present invention is best suited for individuals in special occupations such as, for example, dentists, dental technicians, surgeons, or their assistants, who frequently take the face mask on and off during their work. Further, it can be used in factories where dust is produced.
--.
. . --1 AND METIIOD OF ~ANUFACTURE
Backqround of the Invention 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a face mask which covers the mouth and nose of a user. The face mask is provided with elastic strings to be used as ear loops, permits easy adjustment of the distance to the ear part and causes no pain to the ears even if it is used for a long period of time.
A face mask with adjustable ear loops in accordance with the present invention is best suited for individuals in special occupations such as, for example, dentists, dental technicians, surgeons, or their assistants, who frequently take the face mask on and off during their work. Further, it can be used in factories where dust is produced.
2. Descri~tion of the Related Art The applicant has disclosed a face mask which is light in weight and excels in prevention of dust or moisture absorption in Japan Patent Application Laid Open No. 243568/1987 and U.S. Patent No. 4,807,619.
This face mask comprises at least one layer of unwoven web molded in a shape fitting the face and can be utilized for protection against dusty air, for example, by dentists, dental technicians, or assistants for ~;~ dentists, surgeons, assistants for surgeons, or general industrial workers.
Such face mask is shown in FIG. 4. This face mask has a body 2 that is manufactured of polyester or polypropylene unwoven webs molded under pressure so as to cover the mouth and nose of a user. As shown in :
~:
1`,`;', ~ :
213~91~
FIG. 4, two pairs of strip head bands 5 are fastened to the peripheral portions of the mask body 2, so that the ~`
mouth and nose of a user can be covered by putting the strip head bands 5 around the head.
This face mask, however, cannot be easily removed since it is fixed by engaging two head bands 5 around the head. When a user removes the mask, the hair becomes disheveled by the bands. Further, the degree of tightness of the bands 5 varies with the size of the head since the length of the bands 5 cannot be adjusted. Therefore, the bands may sometimes give the user a discomfort due to excessive tightness.
A face mask with rubber ear loops whose length can be adjusted is disclosed in Japan Utility Model Application Laid Open No. 126850/1983 and is shown in FIG. 5. The mask of FIG. 5 has rubber ear strings 4 fastened to the mask body 2. The strings 4 are passed through hollow tubular rings 6 and are knotted at their end to prevent the rings 6 from coming off. It is described in this disclosure that the mouth and nose can be covered with the face mask for a relatively longer period of time since the length of rubber ear -~
strings 4 between the ear and mouth can be adjusted by ' ~!
adjusting the positions of the rings 6. Although the ~ ;
above gazette does not describe the material of the mask body 2, it is presumed from the drawing that it is made of gauæe.
However, in the case of the above described mask, the diameter of the hollow tubular rings 6 should be substantially greater than the combined width of elastic rubber strings 4 since the elastic rubber strings 4 are passed through the hollow tubular rings 6. Accordingly, the rings 6 can easily be moved and therefore it is difficult to set the rubber strings 4 to the desired length without fail. In addition, knots which are formed to prevent the hollow rings 6 from coming off make the manufacturing processes more .' :
.li, : :
213'1~1~
complicated, increasing the time as much. Furthermore, the knots may prevent proper use of the mask, and the adjustable distance of hollow tubular rings 6 is limited by the knot. In addition no reference is made with regard to the material of which hollow tubular rings 6 is manufactured.
With regard to the hollow tubular rings a Japan Utility Model Application Laid Open No. 8609/1983 discloses a heat shrinkable tube to be utilized for environmental protection of joints of large diameter power cable and communication cable. A Japan Patent Application Laid Open No. 72942/1975 discloses a manufacturing process for producing a heat shrinkable film made of ethylene derivatives. However neither publication makes any reference as to the use of the heat shrinkable tube for the face mask disclosed hereunder.
Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a face mask with elastic ear loops whose length can be easily adjusted without fail and whose ring stoppers will not come off during use and which can be easily manufactured with economical costs.
As a result of examinations of the problems arising from the related art stated above, the inventor of the present invention has reached an idea capable of solving these problems by fastening elastic strings to two peripheral portions of the face mask, which has been already disclosed by the applicant as a face mask that is light in weight and excels in prevention of dust and maintains a fixed shape. The face mask is provided with ring type stoppers which enable adjustment of the length of elastic strings between the mouth and the ears at the intermediate parts of the elastic strings.
~"," :.""~
This face mask comprises at least one layer of unwoven web molded in a shape fitting the face and can be utilized for protection against dusty air, for example, by dentists, dental technicians, or assistants for ~;~ dentists, surgeons, assistants for surgeons, or general industrial workers.
Such face mask is shown in FIG. 4. This face mask has a body 2 that is manufactured of polyester or polypropylene unwoven webs molded under pressure so as to cover the mouth and nose of a user. As shown in :
~:
1`,`;', ~ :
213~91~
FIG. 4, two pairs of strip head bands 5 are fastened to the peripheral portions of the mask body 2, so that the ~`
mouth and nose of a user can be covered by putting the strip head bands 5 around the head.
This face mask, however, cannot be easily removed since it is fixed by engaging two head bands 5 around the head. When a user removes the mask, the hair becomes disheveled by the bands. Further, the degree of tightness of the bands 5 varies with the size of the head since the length of the bands 5 cannot be adjusted. Therefore, the bands may sometimes give the user a discomfort due to excessive tightness.
A face mask with rubber ear loops whose length can be adjusted is disclosed in Japan Utility Model Application Laid Open No. 126850/1983 and is shown in FIG. 5. The mask of FIG. 5 has rubber ear strings 4 fastened to the mask body 2. The strings 4 are passed through hollow tubular rings 6 and are knotted at their end to prevent the rings 6 from coming off. It is described in this disclosure that the mouth and nose can be covered with the face mask for a relatively longer period of time since the length of rubber ear -~
strings 4 between the ear and mouth can be adjusted by ' ~!
adjusting the positions of the rings 6. Although the ~ ;
above gazette does not describe the material of the mask body 2, it is presumed from the drawing that it is made of gauæe.
However, in the case of the above described mask, the diameter of the hollow tubular rings 6 should be substantially greater than the combined width of elastic rubber strings 4 since the elastic rubber strings 4 are passed through the hollow tubular rings 6. Accordingly, the rings 6 can easily be moved and therefore it is difficult to set the rubber strings 4 to the desired length without fail. In addition, knots which are formed to prevent the hollow rings 6 from coming off make the manufacturing processes more .' :
.li, : :
213'1~1~
complicated, increasing the time as much. Furthermore, the knots may prevent proper use of the mask, and the adjustable distance of hollow tubular rings 6 is limited by the knot. In addition no reference is made with regard to the material of which hollow tubular rings 6 is manufactured.
With regard to the hollow tubular rings a Japan Utility Model Application Laid Open No. 8609/1983 discloses a heat shrinkable tube to be utilized for environmental protection of joints of large diameter power cable and communication cable. A Japan Patent Application Laid Open No. 72942/1975 discloses a manufacturing process for producing a heat shrinkable film made of ethylene derivatives. However neither publication makes any reference as to the use of the heat shrinkable tube for the face mask disclosed hereunder.
Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a face mask with elastic ear loops whose length can be easily adjusted without fail and whose ring stoppers will not come off during use and which can be easily manufactured with economical costs.
As a result of examinations of the problems arising from the related art stated above, the inventor of the present invention has reached an idea capable of solving these problems by fastening elastic strings to two peripheral portions of the face mask, which has been already disclosed by the applicant as a face mask that is light in weight and excels in prevention of dust and maintains a fixed shape. The face mask is provided with ring type stoppers which enable adjustment of the length of elastic strings between the mouth and the ears at the intermediate parts of the elastic strings.
~"," :.""~
3!~
213'1~14 The present invention relates to a face mask comprising:
(a) a cup-shaped face mask body;
(b) a pair of ear loops made of at least one piece of elastic string, both ends of each loop being fastened to one of two opposing peripheral portions of the face mask body; and (c) ring type stoppers made of a thermo~
contracting plastic, which respectively retain a loop formed by said at least one elastic string at its intermediate part to permit controlling the distance between the peripheral portions of the mask and the ears.
The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a face mask with adjustable ear loops comprising the steps of:
(a) connecting at least two elastic strings for ear loops to respective opposing peripheral -portions of a cup-shaped face mask body; -~
(b) passing said at least two elastic strings for the ear loops through holes of ring type stoppers made of thermo-contracting plastic; and (c) contracting the ring type stoppers by heating.
Brief Descri~tion of the Drawinqs :~
FIG. 1 is a top view of the face mask with adjustable ear loops according to the invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross section along A-A in FIG. 1 of the face mask with ad~ustable ear loops according to the invention.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the face mask with adjustable ear loops according to the invention.
FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a conventional face mask put on the face.
: '~''' ~, ~,; ' '`, . ' , ' ` ` .; ~ ;`
213~14 FIG. 5 is a conventional mask made of gauze with ear loops on which stoppers are respectively provided.
Detailed Descri~tion of the Preferred Embodiments The embodiments of the present invention and the functions of the components of the face mask with adjustable ear loops in accordance with the present invention are described below in detail. A general view of a face mask with adjustable ear loops according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, a face mask body 2 according to the present invention is provided with at least two elastic strings 4 which are respectively fastened to the opposing peripheral portions of the face mask body 2. Ring stoppers 6, which respectively retain a loop formed by fastening both ends of the elastic string, are connected to the loop at its intermediate part to permit controlling a distance between the peripheral portions of the mask and the ears.
A nose grip 10 made for example of an aluminum strip is fitted to the nose part of the mask body 2.
The aluminum strip is adapted to keep close contact with the face and provide air-tightness at the nose part upon deformation of the aluminum band along the nose profile when the user wears the face mask. This is a general configuration of the face mask with ear loops according to the present invention. The elements of this mask are described in details below.
30~ Face Mask Body Though the principal functions of the mask body depend on the purpose of use, it is at least required ; to filter off dust or particulate substances in the air. Sometimes it is also required to absorb moisture in the air. If harmful substances are suspended in the air, the face mask is required to provide the function to absorb those harmful substances.
.
` - 213~914 From this viewpoint, it is preferable that the mask body 2 is a cup member comprising molded multiple layers made of unwoven cloths of polyester or polypropylene. The cross section of the cup is shown in FIG. 2. The inner layer of the face mask is preferably made of unwoven cloths whose surface should be smoothed by heat treating. The outer layer of the face mask for dental use is preferably made of unwoven cloths which are coated with a water-repelling and/or ~ ;
oil-repelling materials, for example, fluorine-containing polymers to filter blood and sputum splashed from patients.
Face mask bodies that could be utilized for the ~ .- . ~:
present invention are disclosed by the appiicant in US
Patent No. 4,807,619 and 4,536,440. Such face masks bodies are comprised of one or more molded fibrous shaping layers, with a fibrous filtration layer ;~-disposed on one side of or between the molded fibrous shaping layers. In addition the face mask should preferably be light in weight. For example, the weight is preferably less than 10 g.
Next, it is preferable to provide a nose grip 10 at the nose portion of the mask body, as shown in FIG.
3. This nose grip 10 is made of a piece of strip of a mild metal such as aluminum which can be easily deformed to the various shape of nose to ensure close contact of the face mask to the nose part of the user, thus providing better airtightness. -~
The face mask is preferably formed to maintain the cup-shaped profile in a size sufficient to cover the mouth and nose of a user with a certain space reserved between the central part of the mask and the mouth and nose for comfortable use. For example, a cup that can be used with comfort has a diameter of approximately 8 to 15 cm and the height of the convex portion is approximately 5 to 8 cm.
..
' ~' A
, .': ` ,.
213~91~
Applications of this mask include the uses by dentists, dental technicians, or surgeons, and also by workers in industrial factories.
Elastic Strin~
The elastic strings 4 have a function to secure the mask body 2 onto the face to ensure close contact to the face with a certain degree of tightness to allow the air to pass only through the mask and prevent intrusion of the air from the periphery of the mask.
In consideration of this point, natural or synthetic rubber should be used as the main material for the elastic strings and the preferable modulus of elasticity is 0.1 to 3 mm2/g. Since the elastic strings are extendible, it is preferable to cover them with an extendible web such as knitting to prevent contact of the strings from the skin of users.
Next, the elastic strings 4 are preferably formed to be cylindrical or elliptical in their cross section.
This shape of the elastic strings 4 is intended to eliminate the pain to the ears when the face mask is used. The elastic strings 4 have the linear length of 15 to 40 cm. They are twofold and fastened to respective opposing peripheral portions of the mask, for example, with a fibrous thread as described above.
Accordingly the twofold strings are about 7 to 20 cm long, which enables the face mask body to be put on the ears.
Sto~ers The ring type stoppers 6 function ~o adjust the length of elastic strings 4 between the mask body 2 and the ears and therefore to adjust the pressure onto the face applied by the mask body 2 when it is put on the ears. As the material of the ring stoppers 6, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, fluorovinylidene, or silicone resin can be used.
The polyethylene resin, which excels in thermo-contracting characteristics, is transparent and can .
-- 2139L~14 -8- ~
easily be colored. In addition, it is economical in ~ ~ ;
costs. Particularly, it is recommended to use ;~
polyethylene resin whose degree of crosslinking ranges from 40 to 60% by electron beam curing at 10 to 20 ~-Mrad. The polyvinyl chloride resin is transparent and can be easily colored, and can be obtained economically. In addition it is advantageous in that the hardness is adjustable. The fluorovinylidene resin, which excels in thermo-contracting characteristics, is transparent with smoothness on its surface. It is also highly resistant to heat and light and therefore it can be used as material of the stoppers 6.
Silicone resin is transparent, smooth on its surface and highly resistant to heat and light and therefore it can be used as material for the stoppers 6. A thermo-contracting ratio of these materials is preferably 0.1 to 0.8.
When the ratio is less than 0.1, controlling of the contraction becomes somewhat difficult and the adjustment of the stopper position is not easily conducted. Meanwhile, when the ratio is more than 0.8, it is difficult to pass the elastic strings through the stoppers, thus making manufacturing process more complicated. The contraction ratio is defined as~
inner diameter after contraction Contraction ratio =
inner diameter before contraction The stoppers 6 can be respectively ring-shaped so that each of the elastic strings 4 can be passed through easily. In this point, for example, cylindrical stoppers 6 are preferable.
In addition, a preferable wall thickness of the ring stoppers 6 is 50 ~m to 1.5 mm. The inside diameter of the ring stoppers 6 can be determined in the light of the diameter of the elastic strings 4.
:- ;~
,.i -- 213~914 g More specifically, it should be approximately 1.5 to 3 times the substantial diameter of an elastic string 4 before contraction. This is because this size of the stoppers 6 enables the stoppers 6 to hold at the 5 intermediate parts of the elastic strings 4 when they are thermo-contracted by heatinq and therefore the mask body 2 can be secured on the face.
Stopper rings 6 can be approximately 1 to 30 mm in length before contraction, and preferably 3 to 12 mm 10 before contraction. If the stopper rings 6 have the length as described above, the stoppers 6 are fixed at the positions of the elastic strings 4, where the stoppers are initially set, without drifting during use. As regards the number of the ring stoppers 6, at 15 least one stopper is enough for one elastic string 4.
However, it is possible to provide two or more stoppers 6. This improves the usefulness of the face mask, because the second ring stopper 6 would be utilized when the first ring stopper 6 would be broken during 20 its use. In addition it is preferable that the inner layers of the stoppers 6 are embossed 1 to 100 ~m in depth before contraction because a moderate embossing will prevent the ring stoppers 6 from sticking to the elastic strings 4 and from shifting to different 25 position from the initial setting position. The ring stoppers 6 can be either transparent or colored. This is because transparent stoppers are inconspicuous and colored stoppers help a user to recognize the positions more easily and give a handsome color contrast to the 30 elastic strings 4.
A method for manufacturing the face mask with adjustable ear loops is now described below.
First of all, the above-described mask body 2 is prepared and the elastic strings are fastened to the 35 opposinq peripheral portions of the mask body 2, for example, by sewing with a machine. Then, each of the elastic strings 4 forming a loop is twofold and the ".~ .~' ' ' ' :
'~
213;~914 twofold elastic string is passed through the ring stopper 6. Since the ring stopper 6 is made of a thermo-contracting polymer, it can be thermo-contracted by heating with, for example, a hair drier and enables the twofold elastic strings 4 to be assembled. These manufacturing processes permit to manufacture the face mask with adjustable ear loops more easily.
The face mask with adjustable ear loops in accordance with the present invention provides the advantages described below.
(1) The length of the elastic strings 4 for ear loops can be easily adjusted without fail. Accordingly the mask can be used for various people whose faces are different in size and shape. -(2) The stoppers 6 do not come off during use.
Accordingly it can be used for a long period of time.
(3) The movable range of the stoppers 6 is wide.
Therefore, the length of the elastic strings 4 for ear loops can be adjusted so that an individual user can use the mask more easily.
(4) The stoppers 6 do not hinder proper use of the mask.
(5) Even if one of the ring stoppers 6 îs broken, the face mask can be continuously used by utilizing the second ring stopper 6.
(6) A plurality of stoppers 6 can be used on each -~
of the elastic strings 4 and, simultaneously the strength of elastic strings 4 can be adjusted.
' ''~ ' '` ~
. . - :, ~ . . :~-- :-~
r~
213'1~14 The present invention relates to a face mask comprising:
(a) a cup-shaped face mask body;
(b) a pair of ear loops made of at least one piece of elastic string, both ends of each loop being fastened to one of two opposing peripheral portions of the face mask body; and (c) ring type stoppers made of a thermo~
contracting plastic, which respectively retain a loop formed by said at least one elastic string at its intermediate part to permit controlling the distance between the peripheral portions of the mask and the ears.
The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a face mask with adjustable ear loops comprising the steps of:
(a) connecting at least two elastic strings for ear loops to respective opposing peripheral -portions of a cup-shaped face mask body; -~
(b) passing said at least two elastic strings for the ear loops through holes of ring type stoppers made of thermo-contracting plastic; and (c) contracting the ring type stoppers by heating.
Brief Descri~tion of the Drawinqs :~
FIG. 1 is a top view of the face mask with adjustable ear loops according to the invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross section along A-A in FIG. 1 of the face mask with ad~ustable ear loops according to the invention.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the face mask with adjustable ear loops according to the invention.
FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a conventional face mask put on the face.
: '~''' ~, ~,; ' '`, . ' , ' ` ` .; ~ ;`
213~14 FIG. 5 is a conventional mask made of gauze with ear loops on which stoppers are respectively provided.
Detailed Descri~tion of the Preferred Embodiments The embodiments of the present invention and the functions of the components of the face mask with adjustable ear loops in accordance with the present invention are described below in detail. A general view of a face mask with adjustable ear loops according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, a face mask body 2 according to the present invention is provided with at least two elastic strings 4 which are respectively fastened to the opposing peripheral portions of the face mask body 2. Ring stoppers 6, which respectively retain a loop formed by fastening both ends of the elastic string, are connected to the loop at its intermediate part to permit controlling a distance between the peripheral portions of the mask and the ears.
A nose grip 10 made for example of an aluminum strip is fitted to the nose part of the mask body 2.
The aluminum strip is adapted to keep close contact with the face and provide air-tightness at the nose part upon deformation of the aluminum band along the nose profile when the user wears the face mask. This is a general configuration of the face mask with ear loops according to the present invention. The elements of this mask are described in details below.
30~ Face Mask Body Though the principal functions of the mask body depend on the purpose of use, it is at least required ; to filter off dust or particulate substances in the air. Sometimes it is also required to absorb moisture in the air. If harmful substances are suspended in the air, the face mask is required to provide the function to absorb those harmful substances.
.
` - 213~914 From this viewpoint, it is preferable that the mask body 2 is a cup member comprising molded multiple layers made of unwoven cloths of polyester or polypropylene. The cross section of the cup is shown in FIG. 2. The inner layer of the face mask is preferably made of unwoven cloths whose surface should be smoothed by heat treating. The outer layer of the face mask for dental use is preferably made of unwoven cloths which are coated with a water-repelling and/or ~ ;
oil-repelling materials, for example, fluorine-containing polymers to filter blood and sputum splashed from patients.
Face mask bodies that could be utilized for the ~ .- . ~:
present invention are disclosed by the appiicant in US
Patent No. 4,807,619 and 4,536,440. Such face masks bodies are comprised of one or more molded fibrous shaping layers, with a fibrous filtration layer ;~-disposed on one side of or between the molded fibrous shaping layers. In addition the face mask should preferably be light in weight. For example, the weight is preferably less than 10 g.
Next, it is preferable to provide a nose grip 10 at the nose portion of the mask body, as shown in FIG.
3. This nose grip 10 is made of a piece of strip of a mild metal such as aluminum which can be easily deformed to the various shape of nose to ensure close contact of the face mask to the nose part of the user, thus providing better airtightness. -~
The face mask is preferably formed to maintain the cup-shaped profile in a size sufficient to cover the mouth and nose of a user with a certain space reserved between the central part of the mask and the mouth and nose for comfortable use. For example, a cup that can be used with comfort has a diameter of approximately 8 to 15 cm and the height of the convex portion is approximately 5 to 8 cm.
..
' ~' A
, .': ` ,.
213~91~
Applications of this mask include the uses by dentists, dental technicians, or surgeons, and also by workers in industrial factories.
Elastic Strin~
The elastic strings 4 have a function to secure the mask body 2 onto the face to ensure close contact to the face with a certain degree of tightness to allow the air to pass only through the mask and prevent intrusion of the air from the periphery of the mask.
In consideration of this point, natural or synthetic rubber should be used as the main material for the elastic strings and the preferable modulus of elasticity is 0.1 to 3 mm2/g. Since the elastic strings are extendible, it is preferable to cover them with an extendible web such as knitting to prevent contact of the strings from the skin of users.
Next, the elastic strings 4 are preferably formed to be cylindrical or elliptical in their cross section.
This shape of the elastic strings 4 is intended to eliminate the pain to the ears when the face mask is used. The elastic strings 4 have the linear length of 15 to 40 cm. They are twofold and fastened to respective opposing peripheral portions of the mask, for example, with a fibrous thread as described above.
Accordingly the twofold strings are about 7 to 20 cm long, which enables the face mask body to be put on the ears.
Sto~ers The ring type stoppers 6 function ~o adjust the length of elastic strings 4 between the mask body 2 and the ears and therefore to adjust the pressure onto the face applied by the mask body 2 when it is put on the ears. As the material of the ring stoppers 6, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, fluorovinylidene, or silicone resin can be used.
The polyethylene resin, which excels in thermo-contracting characteristics, is transparent and can .
-- 2139L~14 -8- ~
easily be colored. In addition, it is economical in ~ ~ ;
costs. Particularly, it is recommended to use ;~
polyethylene resin whose degree of crosslinking ranges from 40 to 60% by electron beam curing at 10 to 20 ~-Mrad. The polyvinyl chloride resin is transparent and can be easily colored, and can be obtained economically. In addition it is advantageous in that the hardness is adjustable. The fluorovinylidene resin, which excels in thermo-contracting characteristics, is transparent with smoothness on its surface. It is also highly resistant to heat and light and therefore it can be used as material of the stoppers 6.
Silicone resin is transparent, smooth on its surface and highly resistant to heat and light and therefore it can be used as material for the stoppers 6. A thermo-contracting ratio of these materials is preferably 0.1 to 0.8.
When the ratio is less than 0.1, controlling of the contraction becomes somewhat difficult and the adjustment of the stopper position is not easily conducted. Meanwhile, when the ratio is more than 0.8, it is difficult to pass the elastic strings through the stoppers, thus making manufacturing process more complicated. The contraction ratio is defined as~
inner diameter after contraction Contraction ratio =
inner diameter before contraction The stoppers 6 can be respectively ring-shaped so that each of the elastic strings 4 can be passed through easily. In this point, for example, cylindrical stoppers 6 are preferable.
In addition, a preferable wall thickness of the ring stoppers 6 is 50 ~m to 1.5 mm. The inside diameter of the ring stoppers 6 can be determined in the light of the diameter of the elastic strings 4.
:- ;~
,.i -- 213~914 g More specifically, it should be approximately 1.5 to 3 times the substantial diameter of an elastic string 4 before contraction. This is because this size of the stoppers 6 enables the stoppers 6 to hold at the 5 intermediate parts of the elastic strings 4 when they are thermo-contracted by heatinq and therefore the mask body 2 can be secured on the face.
Stopper rings 6 can be approximately 1 to 30 mm in length before contraction, and preferably 3 to 12 mm 10 before contraction. If the stopper rings 6 have the length as described above, the stoppers 6 are fixed at the positions of the elastic strings 4, where the stoppers are initially set, without drifting during use. As regards the number of the ring stoppers 6, at 15 least one stopper is enough for one elastic string 4.
However, it is possible to provide two or more stoppers 6. This improves the usefulness of the face mask, because the second ring stopper 6 would be utilized when the first ring stopper 6 would be broken during 20 its use. In addition it is preferable that the inner layers of the stoppers 6 are embossed 1 to 100 ~m in depth before contraction because a moderate embossing will prevent the ring stoppers 6 from sticking to the elastic strings 4 and from shifting to different 25 position from the initial setting position. The ring stoppers 6 can be either transparent or colored. This is because transparent stoppers are inconspicuous and colored stoppers help a user to recognize the positions more easily and give a handsome color contrast to the 30 elastic strings 4.
A method for manufacturing the face mask with adjustable ear loops is now described below.
First of all, the above-described mask body 2 is prepared and the elastic strings are fastened to the 35 opposinq peripheral portions of the mask body 2, for example, by sewing with a machine. Then, each of the elastic strings 4 forming a loop is twofold and the ".~ .~' ' ' ' :
'~
213;~914 twofold elastic string is passed through the ring stopper 6. Since the ring stopper 6 is made of a thermo-contracting polymer, it can be thermo-contracted by heating with, for example, a hair drier and enables the twofold elastic strings 4 to be assembled. These manufacturing processes permit to manufacture the face mask with adjustable ear loops more easily.
The face mask with adjustable ear loops in accordance with the present invention provides the advantages described below.
(1) The length of the elastic strings 4 for ear loops can be easily adjusted without fail. Accordingly the mask can be used for various people whose faces are different in size and shape. -(2) The stoppers 6 do not come off during use.
Accordingly it can be used for a long period of time.
(3) The movable range of the stoppers 6 is wide.
Therefore, the length of the elastic strings 4 for ear loops can be adjusted so that an individual user can use the mask more easily.
(4) The stoppers 6 do not hinder proper use of the mask.
(5) Even if one of the ring stoppers 6 îs broken, the face mask can be continuously used by utilizing the second ring stopper 6.
(6) A plurality of stoppers 6 can be used on each -~
of the elastic strings 4 and, simultaneously the strength of elastic strings 4 can be adjusted.
' ''~ ' '` ~
. . - :, ~ . . :~-- :-~
r~
Claims (4)
1. A face mask with adjustable ear loops comprising:
(a) a cup-shaped face mask body;
(b) a pair of ear loops made of at least one piece of elastic string, both ends of each loop being fastened to one of two opposing peripheral portions of said face mask body; and (c) ring type stoppers made of a thermo-contracting plastic, which respectively bundle each loop formed by said at least one elastic string at its intermediate part to permit adjusting the distance between the peripheral portions of said face mask and the ears.
(a) a cup-shaped face mask body;
(b) a pair of ear loops made of at least one piece of elastic string, both ends of each loop being fastened to one of two opposing peripheral portions of said face mask body; and (c) ring type stoppers made of a thermo-contracting plastic, which respectively bundle each loop formed by said at least one elastic string at its intermediate part to permit adjusting the distance between the peripheral portions of said face mask and the ears.
2. A face mask with adjustable ear loops according to Claim 1, wherein said stoppers have a contraction ratio of 0.1 to 0.8 of its diameter after thermo-contraction compared with its diameter before thermo-contraction.
3. A face mask with adjustable ear loops according to Claim 1, wherein each of said ring stoppers is 1 to 30 mm in length.
4. A method for manufacturing a face mask with adjustable ear loops comprising the steps of:
(a) connecting at least two elastic strings for ear loops to respective opposing peripheral portions of a cup-shaped face mask body;
(b) passing said at least two elastic strings for said ear loops through holes of ring type stoppers made of thermo-contracting plastic; and (c) contracting said ring type stoppers by heating.
(a) connecting at least two elastic strings for ear loops to respective opposing peripheral portions of a cup-shaped face mask body;
(b) passing said at least two elastic strings for said ear loops through holes of ring type stoppers made of thermo-contracting plastic; and (c) contracting said ring type stoppers by heating.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP5308588A JPH07185027A (en) | 1993-11-16 | 1993-11-16 | Face mask with ear strap and its preparation |
| JP5-308588 | 1993-11-16 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2134914A1 true CA2134914A1 (en) | 1995-05-17 |
Family
ID=17982848
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2134914 Abandoned CA2134914A1 (en) | 1993-11-16 | 1994-11-02 | Face mask with adjustable ear loops and method of manufacture |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH07185027A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2134914A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE9417924U1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5819731A (en) * | 1997-01-03 | 1998-10-13 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Face mask having a combination adjustable ear loop and drop down band |
| US9592410B2 (en) | 2013-02-15 | 2017-03-14 | Koken Ltd. | Voice transmitter |
Families Citing this family (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2009118960A (en) * | 2007-11-13 | 2009-06-04 | Kowa Co | Mask for female |
| JP2012148200A (en) * | 2012-05-18 | 2012-08-09 | Kowa Co | Mask for female |
| US9247788B2 (en) | 2013-02-01 | 2016-02-02 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Personal protective equipment strap retaining devices |
| US9259058B2 (en) | 2013-02-01 | 2016-02-16 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Personal protective equipment strap retaining devices |
| JP2014155876A (en) * | 2014-06-03 | 2014-08-28 | Kowa Company Ltd | Mask for female |
| WO2015194762A1 (en) * | 2014-06-20 | 2015-12-23 | 주식회사 엘지생활건강 | Mask |
| US20220030973A1 (en) * | 2020-08-03 | 2022-02-03 | Elizabeth Ann Floersheimer | Face masks, face masks convertible to hair accessories, and methods of making the same |
-
1993
- 1993-11-16 JP JP5308588A patent/JPH07185027A/en active Pending
-
1994
- 1994-11-02 CA CA 2134914 patent/CA2134914A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1994-11-09 DE DE9417924U patent/DE9417924U1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5819731A (en) * | 1997-01-03 | 1998-10-13 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Face mask having a combination adjustable ear loop and drop down band |
| US6095143A (en) * | 1997-01-03 | 2000-08-01 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Face mask having a combination adjustable ear loop and drop down band |
| US9592410B2 (en) | 2013-02-15 | 2017-03-14 | Koken Ltd. | Voice transmitter |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH07185027A (en) | 1995-07-25 |
| DE9417924U1 (en) | 1995-04-13 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |