(19)
(11) EP 0 894 443 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
12.03.2003 Bulletin 2003/11

(21) Application number: 98107718.3

(22) Date of filing: 28.04.1998
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7A41D 13/00

(54)

Mask

Maske

Masque


(84) Designated Contracting States:
DE ES FR GB IT SE

(30) Priority: 31.07.1997 JP 20613397
26.12.1997 JP 35902797

(43) Date of publication of application:
03.02.1999 Bulletin 1999/05

(73) Proprietor: SAN-M Package Co., Ltd.
Haibara-Gun, Shizuoka (JP)

(72) Inventor:
  • Miyake, Kaoru, c/o SAM-M PACKAGE Co., Ltd.
    Haibara-Gun, Shizuoka (JP)

(74) Representative: Schwabe - Sandmair - Marx 
Stuntzstrasse 16
81677 München
81677 München (DE)


(56) References cited: : 
EP-A- 0 658 321
WO-A-97/46123
US-A- 5 467 765
EP-A- 0 695 774
FR-A- 2 304 323
   
       
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION


    1. Field of the Invention



    [0001] The present invention relates to a mask as a hygienic material used on a face, covering the mouth and the nose, in particular, to a mask used in an operation room of a hospital or in a clean room of a semiconductor manufacturing plant.

    2. Description of the Related Art



    [0002] In a surgical operation room or in a clean room, contamination or fouling of the indoor air by the germ or dust is prevented by the use of a facial mask. Since the facial mask needs to have substantially the same shape as the facial contour around the mouth and the nose in order to effectively shield between the inner side and the outer side of the mask, various kinds of masks are on market, including the folded type comprising a fabric partially folded with the both edges fixed, and the three-dimensionally molded type having a preliminarily three-dimensional shape without deformation.

    [0003] The folded type comprises a single rectangular fabric partially folded with the both edges fixed so that the mask main body portion forms a substantially three-dimensional convex shape by expanding the folded part. That is, although it is an ordinary facial mask with a two-dimensional shape, it can have a three-dimensional shape by expanding the folded part in use.

    [0004] However, in addition to the inherent difficulty in breathing by having the mouth and the nose covered by a mask, since the material of the mask comprises a fine mesh as well as the rear side of the mask main body comes in direct contact with the mouth, the air-flow area tends to be narrow. As a consequence, the mask fabric slides whenever the user breathes normally or talks with the other staff members, resulting in causing further difficulty in breathing.

    [0005] On the other hand, the three-dimensionally molded type can be used as it is, without deformation since the shape of the main body portion is formed three-dimensionally in the manufacturing process, and thus it is handy.

    [0006] However, the need of the manufacturing equipment for molding integrally and the large-scale manufacturing process pushes up the manufacturing cost. Besides, storage or transportation of many facial masks results in generating dead space.

    [0007] A mask showing the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known from US-A-5,467,765. For contouring the face mask on the nose and the cheeks of the wearer, this document proposes to place a metal/plastic PVC-strip along one upper edge of the top inner perimeter.

    [0008] From WO 97/46123 (folling under Article 54(3) EPC) a universal fit face mask is known. In this mask, an elastic member is arranged between two layers of the mask and attached to the middle layer of three layers.

    [0009] Both of the above two latter-mentioned proposals do not solve the problem of the mask collapsing during inhalation of the person wearing the mask.

    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION



    [0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a mask used on a face, capable of ensuring a space between the mask main body portion and the user's face for breathing as well as handling convenience in piling up in a large quantity during the conveyance or storage without generating dead space.

    [0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mask used on a face, capable of achieving the above-mentioned object even with a simple configuration.

    [0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a mask used on a face, without the risk of contacting the rear side of the mask main body with the user's mouth even during the inhalation.

    [0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a mask used on a face, capable of achieving the above-mentioned objects without requiring much labor in expanding the folded portions.

    [0014] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, a mask according to claim 1 is provided by the present invention. The subclaims relate to advantageous embodiments of the invention.

    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



    [0015] 

    FIG. 1 a is a perspective view showing the entire configuration of one embodiment of the mask of the present invention. FIG. 1 b is a cross-sectional view of the mask taken vertically with respect to FIG. 1 a .

    FIG. 2 a is a perspective view showing the entire configuration of a modified embodiment of the mask of the present invention with a different folding manner. FIG. 2 b is a cross-sectional view of the mask of FIG. 2 a .

    FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mask of FIG. 1 with the mask main body expanded.

    FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the mask of the present invention.

    FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken on the line X-X of FIG. 4.

    FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged schematic plan view of FIG. 4.

    FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken on the line A-A of FIG. 4.

    FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken on the line B-B of FIG. 4.

    FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mask of FIG. 4 being used.

    FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the mask of FIG. 4 in the state of the use.

    FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken on the line Y-Y of FIG. 4.

    FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment with a configuration different from that of FIG. 7 of the mask of the present invention.

    FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment with a configuration different from that of FIG. 8 of the mask of the present invention.

    FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another embodiment with a configuration different from that of FIG. 13 of the mask of the present invention.

    FIGS. 15 to 18 shows a mask of another embodiment different from the mask shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of the mask.

    FIG. 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken on the line X' -X' of FIG. 15.

    FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of the mask of FIG. 15 in the state of the use.

    FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken on the line Y'-Y' of FIG. 17.

    FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mask of FIG. 15 being used.


    DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT



    [0016] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanied drawings.

    [0017] The facial mask has the entire configuration as shown in FIG. 1 a , comprising a mask main body 10, an elastic member, such as a plastic thin plate 20, rubber bands 30, and side tapes 40.

    [0018] The mask main body 10 comprises a rectangular high density mesh fabric with the middle part partially folded and fixed by the side tapes 40 along the shorter sides 12 including the folded portions 11. The means for the fixation is not limited to a side tape 40 but can be other means, such as an adhesive.

    [0019] A cross-sectional view of the mask main body 10 is shown in FIG. 1 b . The folded mask main body 10 has a plurality of folded portions (superimposed portions) 11 are provided. In some cases, a folded portion (superimposed portion) 11 can be provided in the singularity. In this embodiment, the main body 10 is folded successively in one direction, but a different folding manner can be optionally adopted, such as the one shown in FIG. 2.

    [0020] As shown in FIG. 1 a , since the both end portions (shorter ends) 12 of the folded mask main body 10 are fixed, the folded portions 11 cannot expand thereat, but can be expanded at the other parts except the both end portions 12.

    [0021] The rubber bands 30, which are attached to the shorter ends 12 of the folded mask main body 10, are to be hooked on the ears for wearing the mask 1. In this case, the folded portions 11 of the mask main body 10 can be expanded in the vertical direction. As another embodiment, the rubber bands 30 can be attached to the longer sides 13. In this case, the rubber bands 30 can be attached on the head with the mask main body 10 vertically expanded.

    [0022] As shown in FIG. 1 b , the mask main body 10 is provided with the plastic thin plate 20 along the folding lines. The plastic thin plate 20 is a narrow flat plate interposed by the fabrics comprising the mask main body 10 and stored inside thereof. The cross-section of the plastic thin plate 20 has a rectangular shape(or a substantially rectangular shape), with the longer sides contacted with the fabrics comprising the mask main body 10.

    [0023] In order to maintain a straight shape, the plastic thin plate 20 is attached (fixed) integrally to the mask main body 10 at the both ends. As to the position to be fixed, it is possible either to attach (fix) entirely, or partially, for example, at substantially the center of the plastic thin plate 20 to the rear side of the mask main body 14. In this case, since the plastic thin plate 20 is attached at the center portion only with the rear side, the attached portion cannot be observed so that the appearance is not ruined. The plastic thin plate 20 not in use has a straight shape and the mask main body 10 has a substantially flat shape.

    [0024] The mask main body 10 has a substantially convex shape with the middle part of the folded portions 11 expanded as shown in FIG. 3. At the time, the plastic thin plate 20 has an arch-like shape accordingly so as to prevent deformation of the substantially convex shape portion (substantially cup-like portion) 15 of the mask main body 10. Since the plastic thin plate 20 is attached on the rear side 14 of the mask main body, the substantially convex shape 15 of the rear side 14 of the mask main body can be maintained even during inhalation so as to prevent disturbance of breath caused by the mask main body suffocating the mouth and the nose.

    [0025] The mask main body can regain the substantially flat shape from the substantially convex shape by folding the mask main body 10 along the folding lines.

    [0026] FIGS. 4 to 11 show another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 4, the numeral 10 denotes a rectangular mask main body comprising a ventilating material, such as paper, fabric, or non-woven fabric. The rectangular mask main body 10 has a plurality of folding lines 11 parallel to the longer sides 13. In some cases, a folded portion (superimposed portion) 11 can be provided in the singularity. The mask 1 has the both end portions of the folding lines 11 bound at the both shorter side portions 12 (both end portions) of the rectangular mask main body 10 by welding, adhering or stitching.

    [0027] In this embodiment, the both end portions of the folded portions 11 are bound by welding (such as welding by supersonic waves). In FIGS. 6, 10, the portions welded by supersonic waves are marked with X.

    [0028] In the case of welding, the mask main body 10 comprising a ventilating material, such as paper, fabric, and non-woven fabric, including thermal welding materials such as polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene, and nylon, but a material not thermally weldable can be partially included. In the case a material not thermally weldable is included, it can be used in the state interposed between thermally weldable materials. That is, it can be used by laminating in the order of a thermally weldable material, a not thermally weldable material, and a thermally weldable material.

    [0029] The rectangular mask main body 10 facing at least to the nose and the mouth, comprises a rectangular rear side member 10b of a ventilating material, such as paper, fabric, and non-woven fabric with a filter function, and a front side member 10a of a ventilating material, such as paper, fabric, and non-woven fabric with a filter function, arranged on the opposite side of the rear side member 10b. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, a rectangular middle member 101 of a ventilating material, such as paper, fabric, and non-woven fabric, is interposed between the front side member 10a and the rear side member 10b.

    [0030] Examples of a material of the middle member 101 include thermally weldable materials such as polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene and nylon.In some cases, the middle member 101 can be made from a material other than the thermally weldable materials such as polypropylene, polyester, and the like, or other thermally weldable materials.

    [0031] A longitudinal elastic member, such as the plastic thin plate 20 is stored inside the mask main body 10, with the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal elastic member 20 arranged parallel to the longer sides 13 of the rectangular mask main body 10 and the both end portions of the longitudinal elastic member 20 connected with the mask main body 10.

    [0032] That is, the both end portions of the longitudinal elastic member 20 are arranged at the both shorter sides of the mask main body 10 and integrated therewith by welding, adhering or stitching. (Although only one longitudinal elastic member 20 is shown in the drawing, two or more pieces can be provided optionally.)

    [0033] Accordingly, since the mask 1 has the both end portions of the folded portions 11 bound by welding, adhering, or stitching but the other parts of the folded portions 11 not bound, and the both end portions of the longitudinal elastic member 20 are connected to the mask main body 10 with the longitudinal direction of the elastic member 20 arranged parallel to the longer sides 13 of the mask main body 10, by expanding the folded portions 11 at the time of wearing the mask 1 on the face, both the elastic member 20 and the mask main body 10 deform to have a substantially convex shape (substantially cup-like shape) with the substantially center portion of the mask main body 10 protruding as shown in FIGS. 9, 11, which is maintained owing to the existence of the elastic member 20. Since the rear side of the substantially convex-shaped mask main body 10 becomes a substantially concave shape on the user's face, the mask 1 hardly comes in direct contact with the mouth so that the handiness of the mask is improved. Besides, since the mask 1 has the configuration of expanding the folded portions 11 as shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, of the substantially flat-shaped mask 1 as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, at the time of putting on the face, the mask 1 can be packed in a compact form in the substantially flat shape at the time of shipping from the manufacturing plant.

    [0034] The connection of the both end portions of the longitudinal elastic member 20 and the mask main body 10 will be described. The both end portions 20a, 20b of the elastic member are arranged at the both shorter ends of the rectangular rear side member 10b and the rectangular front side member 10a, respectively. And the movement of the both end portions 20a, 20b of the elastic member 20 are prevented by heat welding of the both shorter sides of the rear side member 10b and the front side member 10a.

    [0035] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6, 10, a first longitudinal curved band-like member 30a comprising a heat weldable material such as polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene and nylon holds one shorter side of the rectangular rear side member 10b and one shorter side of the rectangular front side member 10a. The first band-like member 30a, one shorter side of the rectangular rear side member 10b, and one shorter side of the rectangular front side member 10a are heat welded so as to prevent the movement of one end of the elastic member 20. Further, a second longitudinal curved band-like member 30b comprising a heat weldable material such as polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene and nylon holds the other shorter side of the rectangular rear side member 10b and the other shorter side of the rectangular front side member 10a. The second band-like member 30b, the other shorter side of the rectangular rear side member 10b, and the other shorter side of the rectangular front side member 10a are heat welded so as to prevent the movement of the other end of the elastic member 20.

    [0036] Accordingly, since the first band-like member 30a, the second band-like member 30b, and the mask main body 10 are integrated by heat welding one end of the mask main body 10 with the first band-like member 30a, the rear side member 10b, and the front side member 10a so as to prevent the movement of one end of the elastic member 20 and heat welding the other end of the mask main body 10 with the second band-like member 30b, the rear side member 10b, and the front side member 10a so as to prevent the movement of the other end of the elastic member 20, the first band-like member 30a, the second band-like member 30b and the elastic member 20 can be attached to the mask main body 10 more easily.

    [0037] Although one shorter side of the rectangular rear side member 10b and one shorter side of the rectangular front side member 10a are held by the first band-like member 30a, and the other shorter side of the rectangular rear side member 10b and the other shorter side of the rectangular front side member are held by the second band-like member 30b in this embodiment, the movement of the both end portions 20a, 20b of the elastic member can be prevented by heat welding the both shorter sides of the rear side member 10b and the front side member 10a without using the first band-like member 30a and the second band-like member 30b.

    [0038] In the case the air-flow resistance of the rectangular rear side member 10b is smaller than the air-flow resistance of the rectangular middle member 101 of the mask 1 in use, the rectangular middle member 101 tends to move toward the mouth. However, owing to the longitudinal elastic member 20, the movement is prevented. And since the air-flow resistance of the longitudinal rear side member 10b is smaller than the air-flow resistance of the rectangular middle member 101, the rear side member 10b does not tend to follow the breath and thus the movement of the rear side member 10b toward the mouth can be prevented.

    [0039] In the case the rear side member 10b comprises a material with a fine texture, the rear side member 10b of the mask 1 in use tends to move toward the mouth due to the user's breath. However, by attaching the rear side member 10b directly to the elastic member 20 by adhesion, the movement of the rear side member 10b is prevented by the elastic member 20 so that the rear side member 10b of the mask 1 hardly comes in direct contact with the mouth.

    [0040] The numeral 50 denotes a practically deformable longitudinal member for allowing the mask 1 to closely contact with the face, such as a wire.

    [0041] Although the middle member 101 is provided between the front side member 10a and the rear side member 10b in the above-mentioned embodiment, the mask main body 10 can consist of the front side member 10a and the rear side member 10b without the middle member 101 as shown in FIGS. 12, 13.

    [0042] Although the longitudinal elastic member 20 is stored in the rectangular mask main body 10 in the above-mentioned embodiment, the longitudinal elastic member 20 can be arranged on the rear side of the mask main body 10 as shown in FIG. 14.

    [0043] Further, in integrating the longitudinal elastic member 20 with the mask main body 10, the longitudinal elastic member 20 can be directly welded or adhered to the front side member 10a (or rear side member 10b). In short, any configuration can be adopted as long as a longitudinal elastic member 20 is attached on a rectangular mask main body 10.

    [0044] Further, although both end portions of the longitudinal elastic member 20 are arranged at both shorter sides of the mask main body in the above-mentioned embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 14) so as to be integrated with both shorter sides of the mask main body 10 by welding, adhering or stitching, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, both end portions of the longitudinal elastic member 20 can be arranged not contacting with both shorter sides of the mask main body 10 as shown in FIGS. 15 to 19.

    [0045] Specifically, if both end portions of the longitudinal elastic member 20 are arranged at both shorter sides of the mask main body 10 so as to be integrated with both shorter sides of the mask main body 10 by welding, adhering or stitching so that both end portions of the longitudinal elastic member 20 are at both shorter sides of the mask main body 10 (FIGS. 1 to 14), both end portions of the longitudinal elastic member 20 stored in the mask main body 10 can be felt by the skin via the rear side member 10 so as to cause an uncomfortable feeling.

    [0046] In this case, in order to cope with the uncomfortable feeling, both end portions of the longitudinal elastic member 20 can be positioned not contacting with both shorter sides of the mask main body 10 so that the longitudinal elastic member 20 can be integrated with the mask main body 10 by welding, adhering or stitching the vicinity of the longitudinal elastic member 20 so as to maintain the state as shown in FIGS. 15 to 19 ( in FIGS. 6, 10, 17, the x mark denotes a portion welded, adhered, or stitched). As a method for integrating the longitudinal elastic member 20 with the mask main body 10, the longitudinal elastic member 20 can be directly welded or adhered to the mask main body 10.

    [0047] Both end portions of the longitudinal elastic member 20 are arranged at substantially the center part of both shorter sides 12 of the mask main body 10 in the above-mentioned embodiments(FIGS. 1 to 19).

    [0048] Although a plastic thin plate was presented as an example of the longitudinal elastic member 20 in the above-mentioned configuration (FIGS. 1 to 19), it is not limited thereto, but as a material, metals and other materials can be used. In short, a member which can generate elastic deformation in a substantially convex shape with the substantially center portion of the mask main body 10 projecting by the deformation of the elastic member 20 and the mask main body 10 together at the time of expanding the darts at the time of wearing the mask 1 on the face. Although a single longitudinal elastic member 20 is provided in the drawings of the above-mentioned embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 19), it can be provided in a plurality as needed.

    [0049] Since the both end portions of the folded portions are bound by welding, adhering or stitching but the other parts of the folded portions are not bound, and a longitudinal elastic member is provided with the longitudinal direction parallel to the longer sides of the mask main body, with the both end portions of the longitudinal elastic member arranged on the shorter sides of the mask main body and integrated with the shorter ends of the mask main body by welding, adhering, or stitching in the mask according to claim 1, by expanding the folded portions at the time of wearing the mask on the face, both the elastic member and the mask main body deform to have a substantially convex shape with the substantially center portion of the mask main body protruding, which is maintained owing to the existence of the elastic member. Since the rear side of the substantially convex-shaped mask main body becomes a substantially concave shape on the user's face, the mask hardly comes in direct contact with the mouth so that the handiness of the mask is improved. Besides, since the mask has the configuration of expanding the folded portions of the substantially flat-shaped mask at the time of putting on the face, the mask can be packed in a compact form in the substantially flat shape at the time of shipping from the manufacturing plant.

    [0050] Since the mask according to claim 1 comprises the longitudinal elastic member arranged on the rear side of the mask main body, the movement of the rear side of the mask main body toward the mouth by the user's breath can be prevented.

    [0051] Since the longitudinal elastic member is stored in the rectangular mask main body in the mask according to claim 2, in addition to the effect of the mask of claim 1, the rectangular mask main body comprising a ventilating material, such as paper, fabric, and non-woven fabric comes in contact with the face but the longitudinal elastic member does not come in direct contact with the face, the handiness of the mask can be improved.

    [0052] Since the longitudinal elastic member is arranged between the rectangular middle member and the rectangular rear side member in the mask according to claims 5 or 6, in addition to the effect of the mask of claim 1, the rectangular rear side member comprising a ventilating material, such as paper, fabric, and non-woven fabric comes in contact with the face but the longitudinal elastic member does not come in direct contact with the face, the handiness of the mask can be improved.

    [0053] Besides, since the air-flow resistance of the rectangular rear side member is smaller than the air-flow resistance of the rectangular middle member, the rectangular middle member 101 tends to move toward the mouth. However, owing to the longitudinal elastic member, the movement is prevented. And since the air-flow resistance of the longitudinal rear side member is smaller than the air-flow resistance of the rectangular middle member, the rear side member does not tend to follow the breath and thus the movement of the rear side member toward the mouth can be prevented.

    [0054] Since the rectangular rear side member is integrated with the longitudinal elastic member by welding, adhering, or stitching in the mask according to claims 3 or 6, in addition to the effect of the mask of claim 1, the movement of the rectangular rear side member toward the mouth following the breath can be prevented.

    [0055] Since the movement of the longitudinal elastic member can be prevented at the time the both shorter sides of the rear side member and front side member are integrated by welding, adhering or stitching in the mask according to claims 3 or 6, in addition to the effect of claim 1, the elastic member can be attached to the inside of the mask main body easily.

    [0056] In a mask according to the invention, by expanding the folded portions at the time of wearing the mask on the face, both elastic member and mask main body deform together to have a substantially convex shape with the substantially center portion of the mask main body protruding, which is maintained owing to the existence of the elastic member. Since the rear side of the substantially convex-shaped mask main body becomes a substantially concave shape on the user's face, the mask hardly comes in direct contact with the mouth so that the handiness of the mask is improved.

    [0057] In a mask according to the invention both end portions of the longitudinal elastic member stored in the mask main body are arranged not contacting with both shorter sides of the mask main body when the mask is on the face so that they cannot be felt by the skin via the rear side member so as to eliminate the uncomfortable feeling.

    [0058] Since both end portions of the folded portions are bound by welding, adhering or stitching but the other parts of the folded portions are not bound, and a longitudinal elastic member is provided with the longitudinal direction parallel to the longer sides of the mask main body, with both end portions of the longitudinal elastic member arranged not contacting with the shorter sides of the mask main body and integrated with the mask main body by welding, adhering, or stitching the vicinity of the longitudinal elastic member , by expanding the folded portions at the time of wearing the mask on the face, both elastic member and mask main body deform to have a substantially convex shape with the substantially center portion of the mask main body protruding, which is maintained owing to the existence of the elastic member. Since the rear side of the substantially convex-shaped mask main body becomes a substantially concave shape on the user's face to ensure the space between the mask and the mouth, the mask hardly comes in direct contact with the mouth so that the handiness of the mask is improved.

    [0059] Besides, since the mask has the configuration of expanding the folded portions of the substantially flat-shaped mask at the time of putting on the face, the mask can be packed in a compact form in the substantially flat shape at the time of shipping from the manufacturing plant.

    [0060] Furthermore, the uncomfortable feeling can be eliminated.


    Claims

    1. A mask comprising a rectangular mask main body (10) of a ventilating material, such as paper, fabric, and non-woven fabric, having folded portions folded in the direction parallel to the longer sides (13) of the mask main body (10), with the both end portions of the folded portions on the shorter sides (12) of the mask main body (10) bound by welding, adhering or stitching,
    wherein a longitudinal elastic member (20) is provided with the longitudinal direction parallel to the longer sides (13) of the mask man body (10), with the both end portions of the longitudinal elastic member arranged on the shorter sides (12) of the mask main body (10),
    wherein the longitudinal elastic member (20) is attached on a rear side (14) or attached to a rear side member of the mask main body (10)
    characterized in that
    the both end portions of the longitudinal elastic member (20) are arranged at substantially the center part of the both shorter sides (12) of the mask main body (10).
     
    2. A mask according to claim 1, wherein the rectangular mask main body (10) comprises a rear side member facing, in use, the nose and the mouth, and a front side member arranged opposing to the rear side member,
    the longitudinal elastic member (20) is stored in the rectangular mask body (10),
    the longitudinal elastic member (20) has both end portions arranged at a position not contacting with the shorter sides (12) of the mask main body (10), and is integrated and bound by welding, adhering or stitching the rear side member and the front side member in the vicinity of the longitudinal elastic member so as to be stored in the mask main body.
     
    3. The mask according to claim 1, wherein both end portions of the longitudinal elastic member (20) are integrated with the shorter sides (12) of the main body (10) by welding, adhering or stitching.
     
    4. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the rectangular mask main body (10) comprises a rectangular rear side member of a ventilating material, such as paper, fabric, and non-woven fabric, facing, in use, the nose and the mouth, and a rectangular front side member of a ventilating material, such as paper, fabric, and non-woven fabric, arranged opposing to the rear side member,
    and the longitudinal elastic member (20) is stored in the rectangular mask main body (10).
     
    5. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the rectangular mask main body comprises
    a rectangular front side member of a ventilating material, such as paper, fabric, and non-woven fabric, a rectangular middle member of a ventilating material, such as paper, fabric, and non-woven fabric, and a rear side member of a ventilating material, such as paper, fabric, and non-woven fabric facing, in use, the nose and the mouth, successively laminated from the front to the rear side,
    wherein the longitudinal elastic member (20) is arranged between the rectangular middle member and the rectangular rear side member, with the air-flow resistance of the rectangular rear side member smaller than the air-flow resistance of the middle member.
     
    6. The mask according to claim 1, wherein the rectangular mask main body (10) comprises a rectangular front side member of a ventilating material, such as paper, fabric, and non-woven fabric, a rectangular middle member of a ventilating material, such as paper, fabric, and non-woven fabric, and a rear side member of a ventilating material, such as paper, fabric, and non-woven fabric facing, in use, the nose and the mouth, successively laminated from the front to the rear side,
    wherein the longitudinal elastic member (20) is arranged between the rectangular middle member and the rectangular rear side member, with the longitudinal elastic member and the rectangular rear side member integrated by welding, adhering or stitching.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Maske mit einem rechteckigen Maskenhauptkörper (10) aus einem luftdurchlässigen Material, wie zum Beispiel Papier, Gewebe, Struktur und nicht gewebte Struktur, mit gefalteten Abschnitten, die in der Richtung parallel zu den längeren Seiten (13) des Maskenhauptkörpers (10) gefaltet sind, wobei beide Endabschnitte der gefalteten Abschnitte an den kürzeren Seiten (12) des Maskenhauptkörpers (10) durch Verschweißen, Anhaften oder Vernähen gebunden sind,
    wobei ein längliches elastisches Bauteil (20) vorgesehen ist, mit der Längsrichtung parallel zu den längeren Seiten (13) des Maskenhauptkörpers (10), wobei beide Endabschnitte des länglichen elastischen Bauteils an den kürzeren Seiten (12) des Maskenhauptkörpers angeordnet sind,
    wobei das längliche elastische Bauteil (20) an der Rückseite (14) oder an einem Rückseiten-Bauteil des Maskenhauptkörpers (10) befestigt ist,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
    die beiden Endabschnitte des länglichen elastischen Bauteils (20) an im Wesentlichen dem Mittelteil der beiden kürzeren Seiten (12) des Maskenhauptkörpers (10) angeordnet sind.
     
    2. Maske gemäß Anspruch 1, bei welcher der rechteckige Maskenhauptkörper (10) ein Rückseiten-Bauteil umfasst, welches bei der Verwendung der Nase und dem Mund zugewandt ist, und ein Vorderseiten-Bauteil, welches gegenüber dem Rückseiten-Bauteil angeordnet ist,
    das längliche elastische Bauteil (20) in dem rechteckigen Maskenkörper (10) untergebracht ist,
    das längliche elastische Bauteil (20) mit beiden Endabschnitten an einer Position angeordnet ist, die nicht mit den kürzeren Seiten (20) des Maskenhauptkörpers (10) in Kontakt steht, und durch Verschweißen, Anhaften oder Vernähen in das Rückseiten-Bauteil und das Vorderseiten-Bauteil integriert oder dort gebunden ist, und zwar in der Umgebung des länglichen elastischen Bauteils, um so in dem Maskenhauptkörper untergebracht zu werden.
     
    3. Maske nach Anspruch 1, bei der beide Endabschnitte des länglichen elastischen Bauteils (20) mit den kürzeren Seiten (12) des Hauptkörpers (10) durch Verschweißen, Anhaften oder Vernähen integriert sind.
     
    4. Maske nach Anspruch 1, bei der der rechteckige Maskenhauptkörper (10) ein rechteckiges Rückseiten-Bauteil aus einem luftdurchlässigen Material, wie zum Beispiel Papier, Struktur und nicht gewebte Struktur umfasst, welches bei der Verwendung der Nase und dem Mund zugewandt ist, und ein rechteckiges Vorderseiten-Bauteil aus einem luftdurchlässigen Material, wie zum Beispiel Papier, Struktur und nicht gewebte Struktur, das gegenüber dem Rückseiten-Bauteil angeordnet ist,
    und bei der das längliche elastische Bauteil (20) in dem rechteckigen Maskenhauptkörper (10) untergebracht ist.
     
    5. Maske nach Anspruch 1, bei der der rechteckige Maskenhauptkörper ein rechteckiges Vorderseiten-Bauteil aus luftdurchlässigem Material, wie zum Beispiel Papier, Struktur und nicht gewebte Struktur umfasst, ein rechteckiges Mittel-Bauteil aus einem luftdurchlässigen Material, wie zum Beispiel Papier, Struktur und nicht gewebte Struktur, und ein Rückseiten-Bauteil aus einem luftdurchlässigen Material, wie zum Beispiel Papier, Struktur und nicht gewebte Struktur, welches bei der Verwendung der Nase und dem Mund zugewandt ist, und zwar in Abfolge laminiert von der Vorder- zur Rückseite hin,
    wobei das längliche elastische Bauteil (20) zwischen dem rechteckigen Mittel-Bauteil und dem rechteckigen Rückseiten-Bauteil angeordnet ist, wobei der Luftströmungswiderstand des rechteckigen Rückseiten-Bauteils geringer ist als der Luftwiderstand des Mittel-Bauteils.
     
    6. Maske nach Anspruch 1, bei der der rechteckige Maskenhauptkörper (10) ein rechteckiges Vorderseiten-Bauteil aus einem luftdurchlässigen Material, wie zum Beispiel Papier, Struktur und nicht gewebte Struktur, umfasst, ein rechteckiges Mittel-Bauteil aus einem luftdurchlässigen Material, wie zum Beispiel Papier, Struktur und nicht gewebte Struktur, und ein Rückseiten-Bauteil aus einem luftdurchlässigen Material, wie zum Beispiel Papier, Struktur und nicht gewebte Struktur, das bei der Verwendung der Nase und dem Mund zugewandt ist, und zwar in Abfolge laminiert von der Vorder- zur Rückseite hin,
    wobei das längliche elastische Bauteil (20) zwischen dem rechteckigen Mittel-Bauteil und dem rechteckigen Rückseiten-Bauteil angeordnet ist, wobei das längliche elastische Bauteil und das rechteckige Rückseiten-Bauteil durch Verschweißen, Anhaften oder Vernähen integriert sind.
     


    Revendications

    1. Masque comprenant un corps principal de masque rectangulaire (10) en un matériau d'aération, tel que du papier, du tissu, et du tissu non tissé, comportant des parties pliées, pliées dans la direction parallèle aux grands côtés (13) du corps principal de masque (10), les deux parties d'extrémité des parties pliées des petits côtés (12) du corps principal de masque (10) étant liées par soudage, collage ou couture,
       dans lequel un élément élastique longitudinal (20) est disposé, avec la direction longitudinale parallèle aux grands côtés (13) du corps principal de masque (10), les deux parties d'extrémité de l'élément élastique longitudinal étant agencées sur les petits côtés (12) du corps principal de masque (10),
       dans lequel l'élément élastique longitudinal (20) est fixé sur une face arrière (14) ou fixé sur un élément de face arrière du corps principal de masque (10),
       caractérisé en ce que :

    les deux parties d'extrémité de l'élément élastique longitudinal (20) sont agencées sensiblement au niveau de la partie centrale des deux petits côtés (12) du corps principal de masque (10).


     
    2. Masque selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le corps principal de masque rectangulaire (10) comprend un élément de face arrière faisant face, lors de l'utilisation, au nez et à la bouche, et un élément de face avant disposé à l'opposé de l'élément de face arrière,
       l'élément élastique longitudinal (20) est rangé dans le corps de masque rectangulaire (10),
       l'élément élastique longitudinal (20) a ses deux parties d'extrémité agencées dans une position ne venant pas en contact avec les petits côtés (12) du corps principal de masque (10), et est intégré et fixé par soudage, collage ou couture de l'élément de face arrière et de l'élément de face avant au voisinage de l'élément élastique longitudinal de façon à être rangé dans le corps principal de masque.
     
    3. Masque selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les deux parties d'extrémité de l'élément élastique longitudinal (20) sont intégrées aux petits côtés (12) du corps principal (10) par soudage, collage ou couture.
     
    4. Masque selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le corps principal de masque rectangulaire (10) comprend un élément de face arrière rectangulaire en un matériau d'aération, tel que du papier, du tissu, et du tissu non tissé, faisant face, lors de l'utilisation, au nez et à la bouche, et un élément de face avant rectangulaire en un matériau d'aération, tel que du papier, du tissu, et du tissu non tissé, disposé à l'opposé de l'élément de face arrière,
       et l'élément élastique longitudinal (20) est rangé dans le corps principal de masque rectangulaire (10).
     
    5. Masque selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le corps principal de masque rectangulaire comprend :

    un élément de face avant rectangulaire en un matériau d'aération, tel que du papier, du tissu, et du tissu non tissé, un élément médian rectangulaire en un matériau d'aération, tel que du papier, du tissu, et du tissu non tissé, et un élément de face arrière en un matériau d'aération, tel que du papier, du tissu, et du tissu non tissé, faisant face lors de l'utilisation, au nez et à la bouche, stratifiés successivement de la face avant à la face arrière,

       dans lequel l'élément élastique longitudinal (20) est agencé entre l'élément médian rectangulaire et l'élément de face arrière rectangulaire, la résistance à l'écoulement de l'air de l'élément de face arrière rectangulaire étant inférieure à la résistance à l'écoulement de l'air de l'élément médian.
     
    6. Masque selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le corps principal de masque rectangulaire (10) comprend un élément de face avant rectangulaire en un matériau d'aération, tel que du papier, du tissu, et du tissu non tissé, un élément médian rectangulaire en un matériau d'aération, tel que du papier, du tissu, et du tissu non tissé, et un élément de face arrière en un matériau d'aération, tel que du papier, du tissu, et du tissu non tissé, faisant face, lors de l'utilisation, au nez et à la bouche, stratifiés successivement de la face avant à la face arrière,
       dans lequel l'élément élastique longitudinal (20) est agencé entre l'élément médian rectangulaire et l'élément de face arrière rectangulaire, l'élément élastique longitudinal et l'élément de face arrière rectangulaire étant intégrés par soudage, collage ou couture.
     




    Drawing