U.S. patent application number 15/110970 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-10 for shield and eye protection method.
The applicant listed for this patent is 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY. Invention is credited to Tomomi Ito, Yuki Miyashita, Hiroshi Yoshikawa.
Application Number | 20160324228 15/110970 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53757664 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160324228 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ito; Tomomi ; et
al. |
November 10, 2016 |
SHIELD AND EYE PROTECTION METHOD
Abstract
Problem: To provide a shield and an eye protection method where
it is possible to improve the convenience of handling. Resolution
Means: A shield (1) for protecting the eyes of a user wearing a
non-woven mask (2) is provided with an attachment section (E1)
formed on a lower edge section (12) side of the shield (1),
overlapping with the non-woven mask (2), and attached to the
non-woven mask (2), and with an eye protection section (E2) formed
on an upper edge section (11) side of the shield (1) and capable of
protecting the eyes of the user, a linking section (20), which is
fixed to be able to be attached and detached to and from the
non-woven mask (2), being formed on the attachment section
(E1).
Inventors: |
Ito; Tomomi; (Kanagawa,
JP) ; Miyashita; Yuki; (Tokyo, JP) ;
Yoshikawa; Hiroshi; (Tokyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY |
Saint Paul |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53757664 |
Appl. No.: |
15/110970 |
Filed: |
January 27, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
January 27, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2015/013062 |
371 Date: |
July 12, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 2500/30 20130101;
A62B 18/082 20130101; A41D 13/1184 20130101; A62B 23/025 20130101;
A41D 13/1161 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/11 20060101
A41D013/11 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 31, 2014 |
JP |
2014-016795 |
Claims
1. A shield for protecting the eyes of a user wearing a non-woven
mask, the shield comprising: an attachment section formed on a
lower edge section side of the shield, the attachment section
overlapping with the non-woven mask and being attached to the
non-woven mask; and an eye protection section formed on an upper
edge section side of the shield, the eye protection section being
capable of protecting the eyes of the user, the attachment section
having a linking section formed thereon, the linking section being
fixed to be able to be attached and detached to and from the
non-woven mask.
2. The shield according to claim 1, wherein a linking strength of
the linking section with respect to the non-woven mask is 0.05 N or
more.
3. The shield according to claim 2, wherein the linking section
comprises mechanical engagement means having an engagement
element.
4. The shield according to claim 2, wherein the linking section
comprises an adhesive.
5. The shield according to claim 4, wherein the adhesive has a
characteristic having a linking strength of 1.5 N or less with
respect to the non-woven mask.
6. The shield according to claim 1, wherein a notch section is
formed in the lower edge section at a position corresponding to a
portion covering a nose in the non-woven mask.
7. The shield according to claim 1, wherein the linking section is
formed at a position corresponding to at least both end sections in
the width direction of the non-woven mask.
8. An eye protection method for protecting eyes of a user wearing a
non-woven mask, the method comprising the step of: attaching a
shield having a linking section to the non-woven mask via the
linking section, the linking section being fixed to be able to be
attached and detached to and from the non-woven mask; and
protecting the eyes with the shield.
9. The eye protection method according to claim 8, wherein the
shield is attached to the non-woven mask in a state of being worn
by a user and the shield is detached from the non-woven mask in a
state of being worn by a user.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Application No.
2014-016795, filed Jan. 31, 2014, the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] An aspect of the present invention relates to a shield for a
mask and an eye protection method.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A shield according to one aspect of the present invention
protects the eyes of a user wearing a non-woven mask and includes
an attachment section formed on a lower edge section side of the
shield, overlapping with the non-woven mask, and attached to the
non-woven mask, and an eye protection section formed on an upper
edge section side of the shield and capable of protecting the eyes
of the user, where a linking section, which is fixed to be able to
be attached and detached to and from the non-woven mask, is formed
on the attachment section.
[0004] According to this aspect, a linking section, which is fixed
to be able to be attached and detached to and from the non-woven
mask, is formed on the attachment section on the lower edge section
side of the shield. Due to this, when the attachment section is
made to overlap with the non-woven mask, the shield is attached to
the non-woven mask by the linking section being fixed to be able to
be attached and detached to and from the non-woven mask. With such
a configuration, it is possible for the shield to be attached
without detaching the non-woven mask from the face in a state where
the non-woven mask is worn by the user. Accordingly, when the user
performs work where it is necessary to protect the eyes, the shield
may be attached to the non-woven mask which is already being worn
and only the shield may be detached after the work is finished in a
state where the non-woven mask is being worn. In addition, it is
possible to handle the shield as a member which is independent from
the mask. Due to the above, it is possible to improve the
convenience of handling of the shield for protecting the eyes.
[0005] In a shield according to another aspect, the linking
strength of the linking section with respect to the non-woven mask
may be 0.05 N or more.
[0006] In a shield according to another aspect, the linking section
may comprise a mechanical engagement means having engagement
elements.
[0007] In a shield according to another aspect, the linking section
may comprise an adhesive.
[0008] In a shield according to another aspect, the adhesive may
have a characteristic having a linking strength of 1.5 N or less
with respect to the non-woven mask.
[0009] In a shield according to another aspect, a notch section may
be formed in the lower edge section at a position which corresponds
to a portion which covers the nose in the non-woven mask.
[0010] In a shield according to another aspect, the linking section
may be formed at a position which corresponds to at least both end
sections in the width direction of the non-woven mask.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a state when a
shield according to an embodiment of the present invention is
used.
[0012] FIG. 2A is a front view illustrating a state before
attaching the shield according to the embodiment of the present
invention to a non-woven mask.
[0013] FIG. 2B is a front view illustrating a state where the
shield according to the embodiment of the present invention is
attached to the non-woven mask.
[0014] FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a case of
adopting a mechanical engagement means as a linking section.
[0015] FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a case of
adopting an adhesive as the linking section.
[0016] FIGS. 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating shields according
to modified examples.
[0017] FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating examples of the
mechanical engagement means.
[0018] FIGS. 6A to 6D are diagrams illustrating examples of the
mechanical engagement means.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described
in greater detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In
the following description, the same or the equivalent elements are
given the same reference number, and duplicate descriptions are
omitted. Here, the terms "upper" and "lower" will be used in the
following description with reference to the state when a user is
wearing a shield and a non-woven mask.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a state when a
shield 1 according to the present embodiment is used. FIG. 2A is a
front view illustrating a state before attaching the shield 1
according to the present embodiment to a non-woven mask 2. FIG. 2B
is a front view illustrating a state where the shield 1 according
to the present embodiment is attached to the non-woven mask 2. As
illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A and 2B, the shield 1 is attached
to be able to be attached and detached to and from the non-woven
mask 2 for covering the periphery of the mouth and nose of the user
and is a member for covering the periphery of the eyes of the
user.
[0021] The non-woven mask 2 is formed of a mask member with a
rectangular shape and may comprise a single member or a multi-layer
member. In addition, a flexible metal insert (which is not
illustrated in the diagram) may be provided along the edge section
2a on the bridge of the nose. Rubber strings 3 for hooking on the
ears are attached at both edge sections 2c and 2c in the width
direction (the long side direction) of the non-woven mask 2. Here,
the manner of attaching the non-woven mask 2 is not particularly
limited, and the mask need not be a type hooked over the ears, but
may be a type where a string is tied behind the head. The front
surface 2d of the non-woven mask 2 is a surface where the shield 1
is attached. In the non-woven mask 2, at least the front surface 2d
comprises a non-woven fabric. However, a part of the mask member
constituting the non-woven mask 2 may include a member other than
the non-woven fabric.
[0022] The shield 1 is a member protecting the eyes of the user
wearing the non-woven mask 2. The shield 1 is provided with an
attachment section E1 formed on a lower edge section 12 side of the
shield 1, overlapping with the non-woven mask 2, and attached to
the non-woven mask 2, and with an eye protection section E2 formed
on an upper edge section 11 of the shield 1 and being able to
protect the eyes of the user. The shield 1 has the attachment
section E1 on the lower edge section 12 side overlapping with the
front surface 2d of the non-woven mask 2 and is attached to be able
to be attached and detached in a state where the non-woven mask 2
is worn by a person A linking section 20 fixed to be able to be
attached and detached to and from the non-woven mask 2 is formed on
the attachment section E1. The shield 1 is formed of a transparent
planar member having flexibility. Polyester, acrylic acid resin,
polycarbonate, polystyrene, and the like are used as the material
of the shield 1. A polymer film forming the shield 1 has a
thickness of 0.05 mm to 0.25 mm, most preferably a thickness of 0.1
mm, and imparts a desired flexibility to the shield 1. The term
"flexibility" has the meaning that the modulus of elasticity of the
material which forms the shield 1 is approximately 400 MPa to 7,000
MPa, preferably approximately 1,200 MPa to 5,000 MPa, and most
preferably approximately 1,350 MPa to 3,500 MPa.
[0023] Description will be given of the shape of the shield 1
according to the present embodiment. However, the shape and size of
the shield 1 according to the present embodiment is only an
example, and as long as the shield 1 has a configuration which is
able to be attached to the non-woven mask 2 and which is able to
protect the eyes of the user, any kind of configuration may be
used. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the shield 1 has a lower
edge section 12 which is an edge on the side which is linked with
the non-woven mask 2 (in other words, the lower side in a state
where the non-woven mask 2 is used), an upper edge section 11 which
is an edge on the opposite side to the lower edge section 12 (in
other words, a tip end section on the upper side in a state where
the non-woven mask 2 is used), and both edge sections 13 and 13
which are the edges of the non-woven mask 2 in the width direction.
The upper edge section 11 extends along the width direction of the
shield 1 so as to draw an arc so as to protrude to the opposite
side to the lower edge section 12 at a position which is separated
from the edge section 2a of the non-woven mask 2 when attached. A
dimension L1 between an apex 11a (the point which is separated to
be furthest from the edge section 2a of the non-woven mask 2) of
the upper edge section 11 and the lower edge section 12 is not
particularly limited; however, the dimension L1 is set to 100 to
150 mm. An extending section 14 which extends along the width
direction is formed in the lower edge section 12 of the shield 1
and a notch section 16 with a V shape is formed at the central
position in the width direction. In other words, the notch section
16 is formed in the lower edge section 12 of the shield 1 at a
position which corresponds to a portion which covers the nose in
the non-woven mask 2. A depth dimension L2 of the notch section 16
is not particularly limited; however, the dimension L2 is set to 10
to 25 mm. In addition, an angle .alpha. of the notch section 16 is
not particularly limited; however, the angle .alpha. is set to
45.degree. to 135.degree.. The extending section 14 is formed on
both sides in the width direction to interpose the notch section 16
in the central position. In the present embodiment, the extending
section 14 extends to the outside from both the edge sections 2c
and 2c of the non-woven mask 2 when attached. In addition, both the
edge sections 13 and 13 extend at an angle so as to widen toward
the upper edge section 11 side. The shield 1 is partitioned into a
base section 17 provided at a position which corresponds to both
eyes of the user and which is a region near the central position in
the width direction and lateral sections 18 provided at both sides
of the base section 17 in the width direction. The lateral sections
18 are configured so as to extend toward the ears of the user when
used. A dimension L3 between the tip end sections 18a and 18a of
the lateral sections 18 in the width direction, in other words, the
total length of the shield 1 in the width direction, is not
particularly limited; however, the dimension L3 is set to 180 to
350 mm. In the shield 1, at least the region closer to the lower
edge section 12 than the central position in the up and down
direction is defined as the attachment section E1. In addition, the
region closer to the upper edge section 11 side than the attachment
section E1 is defined as the eye protection section E2.
[0024] Description will be given of the linking section 20 of the
shield 1. The linking section 20 is for attaching the shield 1 to
the non-woven mask 2 by linking with the non-woven mask 2. The
linking section 20 is able to release the link with the non-woven
mask 2 and it is possible to detach the shield 1 from the non-woven
mask 2 by this releasing. In addition, the linking section 20 may
be able to repeatedly perform the linking and releasing with
respect to the non-woven mask 2. In such a case, the shield 1 is
able to be repeatedly attached and detached with respect to the
non-woven mask 2. In addition, the shield 1 is fixed to the
non-woven mask 2 by the linking section 20 with a strength (a
linking strength) of a degree which is able to attach the shield 1
to the non-woven mask 2 to be able to be attached and detached to
and from the non-woven mask 2 in a state where the non-woven mask 2
is worn by a person. By having such a linking strength, the shield
1 has a configuration which is able to be attached to the non-woven
mask 2 via the linking section 20 in a state where the non-woven
mask 2 is worn by the user, and which is able to be detached from
the non-woven mask 2 in a state where the non-woven mask 2 is worn
by the user. The linking strength of the linking section 20 is set
to be a strength of a degree that the shield 1 does not fall off
when the linking section 20 of the shield 1 is linked with the
non-woven mask 2 while the user is wearing the non-woven mask 2.
Here, it is preferable that the linking strength be set to a
strength at which the shield 1 does not fall off even in a case
where the user moves his/her head while performing work in a state
where the shield 1 is attached to the non-woven mask 2. In
addition, the linking strength is set to a strength of a degree
where it is possible to detach the shield 1 by pulling the shield 1
in a state where the user is wearing the non-woven mask 2 without
applying excessive force. In addition, the linking strength may be
set to a strength of a degree where it is possible to detach the
shield 1 without causing excessive damage (for example, tearing or
ripping of the non-woven mask 2, excessive fluffing on the surface,
or the like) to the non-woven mask 2 when the shield 1 is
detached.
[0025] The linking section 20 is formed in the attachment section
E1 of the shield 1. In addition, the linking section 20 is formed
on the rear surface (the surface which is opposite to the eyes of
the user when being worn) of the shield 1. The linking section 20
is configured by fixing a flat member, which is able to link with
respect to the non-woven mask 2, to the rear surface of the
attachment section E1 of the shield 1. In the present embodiment,
the linking section 20 is formed so as to extend along the
extending section 14 of the lower edge section 12. The linking
section 20 is configured so as to extend in a band shape having a
predetermined width. The width of the linking section 20 may be set
to approximately 90 to 110 mm and the total length of the linking
section 20 may be set to approximately 180 to 220 mm (in the
present embodiment, since the linking section 20 is divided into
two by the notch section 16, the total length refers to both
parts). In the present embodiment, the edge section 20a on the
lower side of the linking section 20 coincides with the extending
section 14 of the lower edge section 12 of the shield 1 and the end
sections 20b and 20b of the linking section 20 coincide with the
edge sections 13 and 13 of the shield 1. With such a configuration,
the linking section 20 is formed at a position which corresponds to
substantially the entirety of the non-woven mask 2 in the width
direction including a position which corresponds to both end
sections of the non-woven mask 2 in the width direction.
[0026] When attaching the shield 1 to the non-woven mask 2, the
attachment section E1 of the shield 1 overlaps with the front
surface 2d of the non-woven mask 2 and the linking section 20 is
pushed onto and links with the front surface 2d of the non-woven
mask 2. Here, the size of the attachment section E1 (the amount of
overlap between the shield 1 and the non-woven mask 2), in other
words, where the linking section 20 links with the front surface 2d
of the non-woven mask 2 (to what extent the position is separated
from the edge section 2a of the non-woven mask 2) is not
particularly limited as long as it is within a range where it is
possible to sufficiently cover the eyes of the user with the shield
1. For example, a dimension L4 of the attachment section E1 which
is a region where the shield 1 overlaps with the non-woven mask 2
may be set to approximately 15 to 50 mm (refer to FIG. 2B).
However, it is not necessary for a boundary line between the
attachment section E1 and the eye protection section E2 to be
precisely defined on the product. At least a region closer to the
lower edge section 12 side than the upper edge section 20c of the
linking section 20 may function as the attachment section E1. Here,
a visible mark indicating the attachment section E1 (in other
words, a visible mark illustrating a guide to what extent the
shield 1 overlaps with the non-woven mask 2) may be illustrated on
the shield 1. In addition, depending on the method of attachment by
the user, a part of the eye protection section E2 may overlap with
the non-woven mask 2. It is preferable that the shield 1 be
positioned such that the center line of the shield 1 in the width
direction and the center line of the non-woven mask 2 in the width
direction substantially coincide. In addition, it is preferable
that the notch section 16 be positioned at a position which
corresponds to the portion which covers the nose in the non-woven
mask.
[0027] As long as it is possible to link with the front surface 2d
of the non-woven mask 2, it is possible to adopt any configuration
as the configuration of the linking section 20. In detail, it is
preferable that the linking strength of the linking section 20 with
respect to the non-woven mask 2 be 0.05 N or more. For example, as
illustrated in FIG. 3A, the linking section 20 may comprise a
mechanical engagement means 30. Examples of the mechanical
engagement means 30 include a hook-and-loop fastener (a mechanical
fastener), and the like. The mechanical engagement means 30 has a
structure where a plurality of engagement elements (hooks) 31 are
integrally formed with a base material 32 and each of the
engagement elements 31 is directly provided on the base material
32. The rear surface of the base material 32 of the mechanical
engagement means 30 (a surface which is opposite to the surface
where the engagement elements 31 are formed) is fixed to a rear
surface 1b of the shield 1 by adhesive, bonding material, or the
like. The fixing strength of this portion is at least higher than
the linking strength of the linking section 20 with respect to the
non-woven mask 2. Here, from the point of view of suppressing
damage to the non-woven mask 2 during detachment without
excessively increasing the linking strength and carrying out the
fixing so as to be able to be attached and detached with respect to
the non-woven mask 2, it is preferable that the mechanical
engagement means 30 be adopted where the linking strength with
respect to the non-woven mask 2 is 0.05 N or more. On the other
hand, the upper limit of the linking strength is not particularly
limited and it is generally possible to use a mechanical engagement
means 30 which can be normally used with respect to non-woven
fabric by persons skilled in the art. Here, in some aspects, the
upper limit of the linking strength may be 1.5 N or less.
[0028] Here, the "linking strength" described herein is a value
measured in the following manner. First, the non-woven mask 2 and
the shield 1 overlap such that the width direction of the non-woven
mask 2 and the width direction of the shield 1 are parallel to each
other. At this time, at least a portion of the linking section 20
overlaps with the non-woven mask 2. After that, a cylindrical
roller with a smooth surface and having a mass of 1 kg moves back
and forth twice to link the non-woven mask 2 and the shield 1.
Next, in a state where the non-woven mask 2 is fixed to a jig, the
shield 1 is pinched by a clip of a tensile tester and is peeled off
so as to be lifted off in a direction at 90.degree. with respect to
the non-woven mask 2 at a speed of 300 mm/min. The force which is
necessary at this time is defined as the "linking strength of the
linking section with respect to the non-woven mask".
[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the engagement elements 31 of the
present embodiment are provided with a column section 31a extending
from the base material 32 and a head section 31b formed at the tip
end of the column section 31a. The shape of the engagement elements
31 is not particularly limited, but may be appropriately set based
on the dimensions (the length and the width) and the degree of
stretchability of the mechanical engagement means 30. For example,
as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the engagement elements 31 may be
provided with the column section 31a with a cylindrical shape and
the head section 31b with a hemispherical shape. Here, the head
section 31b may be provided with a plurality of grooves on a
circular plate as illustrated in FIG. 5B, or may have a circular
plate shape as illustrated in FIG. 5C. Alternatively, as
illustrated in FIG. 6A, the engagement elements 31 may be provided
with the column section 31a with a prism shape and the head section
31b with an arrowhead shape. In addition, as illustrated in FIG.
6B, the engagement elements 31 may be provided with the column
section 31a which extends obliquely upward and the head section 31b
which bends obliquely downward from the tip end of the column
section 31a. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 6C, the engagement
elements 31 may be provided with the column section 31a which
extends upward and the head section 31b which extends so as to
curve to one side in the lateral direction from the upper end of
the column section 31a and may form the shape of a J as a whole. In
addition, as illustrated in FIG. 6D, the engagement elements 31 may
be provided with the column section 31a which extends upward and
the head section 31b which extends so as to curve to both sides in
the lateral direction by being divided into a fork from the upper
end of the column section 31a.
[0030] The height of the engagement elements 31 may be 0.25 to 0.75
mm or may be 0.38 to 0.68 mm. In addition, the density of the
engagement elements 31 may be 900 to 2400 elements/inch.sup.2, or
may be 900 to 1600 elements/inch.sup.2. Here, the "height of the
engagement elements 31" indicates the distance from the surface of
the base material 32 to the top portion (the highest position) of
the head section 31b of the engagement element 31 and, for example,
is a dimension illustrated by H in FIG. 5A. In this range,
regardless of the shape of the engagement elements 31, it is
possible to secure an appropriate linking strength which is
required as the linking section 20 of the shield 1. In addition,
when attaching the shield 1 in a state where the user is wearing
the non-woven mask 2, it is possible to carry out the linking with
light pressure without excessively pressing the linking section 20
to the non-woven mask 2. In addition, the shield does not peel off
even if the user shakes his/her head in a state where the shield 1
is attached to the non-woven mask 2. In addition, at the time of
detachment, it is possible for the user to detach the shield 1 with
a pulling force needing only one hand. In addition, it is possible
to not to leave visible damage on the non-woven mask at the time of
detachment. In a case where the obtained linking strength is lower
than the numerical range described above, it is difficult to
maintain the state where the shield 1 is attached to the non-woven
mask 2. In a case where the obtained linking strength is higher
than the numerical range described above, there is a possibility
that the non-woven mask 2 will be damaged when detaching the shield
1.
[0031] The material of the mechanical engagement means 30 having
stretchability is a thermoplastic resin or the like and examples of
the material include a mixture of polypropylene resin (PP) and
polyethylene resin (PE), or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)
resin. In a case of using the mixture of PP and PE, PP and PE may
be mixed in a weight ratio of approximately 95:5 to 30:70. When the
amount of PP exceeds the upper limit, the PP characteristic becomes
dominant and there is a tendency for the engagement elements to
harden. In contrast, when the amount of PP is less than the lower
limit, the engaging force of the engagement elements is weakened.
PP may be either of a homopolymer or a copolymer. Examples of PE
include low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene
(HDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), and the like.
[0032] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the linking section
20 may comprise an adhesive 40. In detail, the linking section 20
may comprise a tape 41 provided with a layer of the adhesive 40. In
the tape 41, the layer of the adhesive 40 is provided on the base
material 42. The rear surface of the base material 42 of the tape
41 (the surface opposite to the layer of the adhesive 40) is fixed
to the rear surface 1b of the shield 1. The fixing strength of this
portion is at least higher than the linking strength between the
linking section 20 and the non-woven mask 2. For example,
double-sided tape may be used as the tape 41. The rear surface of
the base material 42 (the surface opposite to the surface where the
layer of the adhesive 40 is formed) is fixed to a rear surface 1b
of the shield 1 by an adhesive, a bonding material, or the like.
The fixing strength of this portion is at least higher than the
linking strength of the linking section 20 with respect to the
non-woven mask 2. The adhesive 40 may have a characteristic having
an adhesive strength of 0.05 N or more with respect to the
non-woven mask 2 or may have a characteristic having an adhesive
strength of 0.05 to 1.5 N. As the adhesive 40, for example,
acrylic-based adhesives, synthetic rubber-based adhesives, and
silicon-based adhesives are used. In this range, it is possible to
secure an appropriate linking strength which is required as the
linking section 20 of the shield 1. In addition, when attaching the
shield 1 in a state where the user is wearing the non-woven mask 2,
it is possible to carry out the linking with light pressure without
excessively pressing the linking section 20 to the non-woven mask
2. In addition, the shield does not peel off even if the user
shakes his/her head in a state where the shield 1 is attached to
the non-woven mask 2. In addition, at the time of detachment, it is
possible for the user to detach the shield 1 with a pulling force
needing only one hand. In addition, it is possible to not to leave
visible damage on the non-woven mask at the time of detachment. In
a case where the obtained linking strength is lower than the
numerical range described above, it is difficult to maintain the
state where the shield 1 is attached to the non-woven mask 2. In a
case where the obtained linking strength is higher than the
numerical range described above, there is a possibility that the
non-woven mask 2 will be damaged when detaching the shield 1.
[0033] Next, the action and effect of the shield 1 according to the
present embodiment will be described.
[0034] Here, in the related art, a mask with a shield, in which the
shield is fixed by fusing or the like to the mask, for protecting
the eyes is known. Such a mask with a shield is used in the medical
sites such as in hospitals. For example, packages each having a
plurality of masks with a shield stacked with each other are placed
on a rack or the like in a hospital and the user takes out the mask
with a shield from the package and wears the mask when performing
work where the eyes are protected. However, in the site of health
care, the user will already be wearing a normal type mask in many
cases and it is necessary to detach the normal type mask to wear
the mask with a shield. In addition, after the work where eye
protection is necessary is finished, it is necessary to detach the
whole mask with a shield and put on the normal mask again. In
addition, the area of the mask with a shield is larger compared to
the area of a normal mask and there is a demand to improve the
convenience of handling.
[0035] On the other hand, according to the shield 1 according to
the present embodiment, the linking section 20 fixed to be able to
be attached and detached to and from the non-woven mask 2 is formed
on the attachment section E1 on the lower edge section 12 side of
the shield 1. Due to this, when the attachment section E1 of the
shield 1 overlaps with the front surface 2d of the non-woven mask
2, the shield 1 is attached to the non-woven mask 2 by the linking
section 20 being fixed to the front surface 2d of the non-woven
mask 2 so as to be able to be attached and detached. With such a
configuration, it is possible for the shield 1 to be attached
without detaching the non-woven mask 2 from the face in a state
where the user is wearing the non-woven mask 2. Accordingly, when
the user performs work where it is necessary to protect the eyes,
the shield may be attached to the non-woven mask 2 which is already
being worn and only the shield 1 may be detached after the work is
finished in a state where the non-woven mask 2 is being worn. In
addition, it is possible to handle the shield as a member which is
independent from the mask. Accordingly, in a case where a plurality
of the shields 1 is packaged by being stacked with each other, it
is possible to make the package of the masks with a shield more
compact than in the related art.
[0036] In addition, since the shield 1 according to the present
embodiment is a member which is independent from the non-woven mask
2, for example, it is possible to discard only the non-woven mask 2
and store the shield 1 or it is possible to continue to use the
non-woven mask 2 and discard only the shield 1. In addition, for
example, in a case where the shield and the mask are fixed using a
clip or the like, it is necessary to prepare the clip as a separate
member; however, since the linking section 20 is fixed to the
shield 1 itself in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to
prepare a separate member such as the clip. Due to the above, it is
possible to improve the convenience of handling of the shield for
protecting the eyes.
[0037] In addition, in the shield 1 according to the present
embodiment, the linking strength of the linking section 20 with
respect to the non-woven mask 2 may be 0.05 N or more. Due to this,
it is possible to reliably attach the shield 1 to the non-woven
mask 2 without the shield 1 being peeled off easily.
[0038] In the shield 1 according to the present embodiment, the
linking section 20 may comprise the mechanical engagement means 30
which has the engagement elements 31. In such a case, since it is
difficult for the linking strength to be lowered even after
repeated use, it is possible to repeatedly use the shield 1 while
the non-woven mask 2 is being worn. In addition, since it is
possible to easily detach the shield 1 from the non-woven mask 2,
it is possible to provide safe eye protective equipment for health
care workers which is easy to dispose of. Then, without using a
release sheet unlike an adhesive, after the shields 1 are stacked
with each other and put into a package, it is possible to place the
package onto a rack or the like. For this reason, an action of
peeling off and throwing away a release sheet each time the shield
1 is used is not necessary and it is possible to provide protective
equipment for protecting the eyes which is accessible for health
care workers.
[0039] In addition, in the shield 1 according to the present
embodiment, the linking section 20 may comprise the adhesive 40. In
such a case, there is an effect in that the peeling sound is
minimized when the shield 1 is detached from the non-woven mask 2.
In addition, since it is possible to easily detach the shield 1
from the non-woven mask 2, it is possible to provide safe eye
protective equipment for health care workers which is easy to
dispose of.
[0040] In addition, in the shield 1 according to the present
embodiment, the linking strength of the adhesive 40 with respect to
the non-woven mask 2 may be 1.5 N or less. In such a case, it is
possible to provide eye protective equipment able to be repeatedly
used while the non-woven mask 2 is being worn without causing
excessive raising in the non-woven fabric.
[0041] In addition, in the shield 1 according to the present
embodiment, the notch section 16 is formed in the lower edge
section 12 at a position which corresponds to a portion which
covers the nose in the non-woven mask 2. Accordingly, when the user
attaches the shield 1 in a state where the non-woven mask 2 is
being worn, it is possible to carry out the attaching by aligning
the position of the notch section 16 of the shield 1 with the
position of the nose. According to the above, it is possible to
easily align the positions when attaching the shield 1.
[0042] In addition, in the shield 1 according to the present
embodiment, the linking section 20 is formed at a position which
corresponds to at least both end sections in the width direction of
the non-woven mask 2. Due to this, for example, compared to a case
where the linking section 20 is formed only at the central position
in the width direction of the non-woven mask 2, it is possible to
attach the shield 1 to the non-woven mask 2 so as to be
well-balanced.
[0043] In addition, the eye protection method according to the
present embodiment is for protecting the eyes of the user wearing
the non-woven mask 2, in which the shield 1 having the linking
section 20 which is fixed so as to be able to be attached and
detached to and from the non-woven mask 2 is attached to the
non-woven mask 2 via the linking section 20 and the eyes are
protected with the shield 1. By using such a method, it is possible
to achieve actions and effects similar to the shield 1 described
above.
[0044] In addition, in the eye protection method according to the
present invention, the shield 1 is attached to the non-woven mask 2
in a state of being worn by the user and the shield 1 is detached
from the non-woven mask 2 in a state of being worn by the user. Due
to this, it is possible for the user to easily protect his/her
eyes.
[0045] The present invention is not limited to the embodiment
described above.
[0046] The shape and size of the shield 1 and the shape and size of
the linking section 20 according to the embodiment described above
are merely one example and may be appropriately changed. For
example, as in a shield 100 illustrated in FIG. 4A, the entirety of
the lower edge section 12 may extend straight without a notch
section being formed in the lower edge section 12. In accordance
with this, the linking section 20 is also formed on the shield 100
so as to extend straight along the lower edge section 12. In
addition, a notch section 116 which is smaller than the notch
section 16 illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B may be formed as in a
shield 110 illustrated in FIG. 4B. The depth dimension of the notch
section 116 is smaller than the width of the linking section 20.
Accordingly, the linking section 20 is configured as a single
continuous member without being divided at the position of the
notch section 116. In addition, a notch section 126 which is larger
than the notch section 16 illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B may be
formed as in the shield 100 illustrated in FIG. 4C. In addition,
the position where the linking section 20 is formed may be
separated from the lower edge section 12. In the example
illustrated in FIG. 4C, the linking section 20 is formed at a
position which corresponds to the valley portion of the V-shape in
the notch section 126 and is separated from the lower edge section
12 toward a position on the upper side. Here, the linking section
20 in FIGS. 2A and 2B, FIGS. 4A and 4B, and the like may be
separated from the lower edge section 12.
[0047] In addition, the shield need not have the shape of a fan as
in the shields 1, 100, 110, and 120, but may have any shape such as
a rectangle, a trapezoid, a circle, an ellipse, or a rounded
rectangle. In addition, the linking section 20 in the embodiment
described above is formed so as to extend along substantially the
entirety of the shield 1 in the width direction (excluding the
position of the notch section); however, the linking section 20 may
be partially formed. For example, the linking section 20 may be
partially formed at least at positions which correspond to both end
sections of the non-woven mask 2 in the width direction, and the
linking section 20 need not be formed near the central section. In
addition, the linking section 20 may be formed so as to be
separated from the edge sections 13 on both sides of the shield in
the width direction. In addition, the linking section 20 is
configured so as to have a predetermined width and to extend in a
band shape; however, the linking section 20 is not limited to this
shape. For example, the linking section 20 which is formed with a
rectangular shape or a circular shape may be arranged at one
location or at a plurality of locations at predetermined positions
on the shield.
Examples
[0048] Detailed description will be given below of a shield
according to one aspect of the present invention based on Working
Examples; however, the configuration of the shield is not limited
to the following Working Examples.
[0049] First, shields were prepared as Working Examples 1 to 6 and
Comparative Examples 1 to 3 using linking sections according to
conditions which were different to each other. In all of the
Working Examples, a shield having the shape illustrated in FIG. 4B
was used, and a linking section having a width of 15 mm and a
length of 50 mm was used. Working Examples 1 to 6 and Comparative
Examples 1 to 3 had the respective mechanical engagement means used
as the linking section and their mechanical engagement means had
different pin densities and pin heights (for the details of the
conditions, refer to Table 1 and Table 2). In addition, in Working
Example 5, the linking section was set by attaching a weak adhesive
double-sided tape to the shield. In addition, in Working Example 6,
the linking section was set by attaching an adhesive double-sided
tape to the shield. For these Working Examples and Comparative
Examples, the linking strength with respect to the non-woven mask
was measured and various types of tests relating to use were
performed. For the measuring of the linking strength, the linking
strength was measured when the shield was first attached to the
non-woven mask and the linking strength was measured after
repeating the attaching and detaching 10 times. As the non-woven
masks which were used, three types of commercially available masks
were selected and used. In addition, as tests relating to the use,
tests were performed regarding the ease of attaching when attaching
the shield to the non-woven mask, whether or not there was peeling
in a state where the shield was attached to the non-woven mask,
whether or not the shield was able to be attached to the non-woven
mask when used repeatedly, the ease of detaching when detaching the
shield from the non-woven mask, and the state of the mask after
detaching the shield.
[0050] As illustrated in Table 1, in Working Examples 1 to 4, it
was confirmed that it was possible for the linking strength of the
linking section with respect to the non-woven mask to be 0.05 N or
more for all of the non-woven masks even after repeated use. Even
when the linking strength value is weakest (the linking strength
with respect to the non-woven mask 2 after 10 repetitions in
Working Example 4), it was possible for the linking strength to be
0.05 N or more. In Working Examples 1 to 4, favorable results were
obtained in all of the test items. On the other hand, as
illustrated in Table 2, in Comparative Examples 1 to 3, it was
confirmed that the linking strength of the linking section with
respect to the non-woven mask was less than 0.05 N for all of the
non-woven masks. In addition, in Comparative Examples 1 to 3, it
was confirmed that it was not possible to attach the shield to the
non-woven mask.
[0051] As illustrated in Table 3, in Working Example 5, it was
confirmed that it was possible for the linking strength of the
linking section with respect to the non-woven mask to be 0.05 N or
more for all of the non-woven masks even after repeated use. In
addition, in Working Example 5, it was confirmed that it was
possible for the linking strength of the linking section with
respect to the non-woven mask to be 1.5 N or less for all of the
non-woven masks even after repeated use. In Working Example 5,
favorable results were obtained in all of the test items. In
Working Example 6, it was confirmed that it was possible for the
linking strength of the linking section with respect to the
non-woven mask to be 0.05 N or more for all of the non-woven masks
even after repeated use. In addition, in Working Example 6, it was
confirmed that the linking strength of the linking section with
respect to the non-woven mask was 1.5 N or more for all of the
non-woven masks even after repeated use. In such a case, when the
shield was detached from the non-woven mask, excessive fluffing
occurred on the front surface of the non-woven fabric, fluff on the
front surface of the non-woven mask was taken away by the
engagement section, and the front surface of the non-woven mask was
damaged, but it was confirmed that favorable results were obtained
for the other test items.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Results of experiments on shields according
to Working Examples. Working Working Working Working Example 1
Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Pin density 1600 1600 900 1600
(pins/inch.sup.2) Pin height 470 500 680 370 (.mu.m) Linking Non-
0.283 0.272 0.131 0.167 strength woven (N) mask 1 Non- 0.11 0.155
0.103 0.056 woven mask 2 Non- 0.339 0.324 0.116 0.072 woven mask 3
Linking Non- 0.192 0.250 0.125 0.132 strength woven after mask 1
repeating Non- 0.132 0.126 0.082 0.051 attaching woven and mask 2
detaching Non- 0.233 0.187 0.106 0.126 10 times woven (N) mask 3
Effect of Attaching Attaching Attaching Attaching fixing member was
was was was Ease of attaching easy easy easy easy Ease of peeling
Did not Did not Did not Did not from the mask peel peel peel peel
Verification of after after after after whether shield is three
three three three peeled after shaking shakes shakes shakes shakes
head left and right three times Sticking test Attaching Attaching
Attaching Attaching Confirmation to the to the to the to the of
linking mask was mask was mask was mask was strength possible
possible possible possible after even after even after even after
even after attaching and attaching attaching attaching attaching
detaching and and and and 10 times detaching detaching detaching
detaching 10 times 10 times 10 times 10 times Sticking test
Detaching Detaching Detaching Detaching Ease of was was was was
detaching possible possible possible possible from the with one
with one with one with one mask hand hand hand hand Sticking test
There was There was There was There was State of no visible no
visible no visible no visible mask after damage damage damage
damage detaching the on the on the on the on the shield mask mask
mask mask
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Results of experiments on shield according
to Comparative Examples. Comparative Comparative Comparative
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Pin density 300 2500 1600
(pins/inch.sup.2) Pin 1300 460 200 height (.mu.m) Linking Non-
0.025 0.029 0.01 strength woven (N) mask 1 Non- 0.018 0.044 --
woven mask 2 Non- 0.037 0.035 -- woven mask 3 Linking Non- 0.049
0.039 0.01 strength woven after mask 1 repeating Non- 0.027 0.047
-- attaching woven and mask detaching 2 10 times Non- 0.048 0.044
-- (N) woven mask 3 Effect of Attaching Attaching Attaching fixing
member was not was not was not Ease of possible possible possible
attaching Ease of peeling Evaluation Evaluation Evaluation from the
mask was not was not was not Verification of possible possible
possible whether shield is peeled after shaking head left and right
three times Sticking test Evaluation Evaluation Evaluation
Confirmation of was not was not was not linking strength possible
possible possible after attaching and detaching 10 times Sticking
test Came off Came off Came off Ease of mask easily mask easily
mask easily detaching from the mask Sticking test There was There
was There was State of mask no visible no visible no visible after
damage damage damage detaching on the on the on the the shield mask
mask mask
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Results of experiments on shields according
to Working Examples. Working Working Example 5 Example 6 Weak
Adhesive adhesive double- double- sided sided tape tape Linking
Non- 0.530 5.252 strength woven (N) mask 1 Non- 0.448 10.397 woven
mask 2 Non- 0.252 9.925 woven mask 3 Linking Non- 0.451 2.026
strength woven after mask 1 repeating Non- 0.429 1.759 attaching
woven and mask 2 detaching Non- 0.228 3.418 10 times woven (N) mask
3 Effect of Attaching Attaching fixing member was was Ease of
attaching possible easy Ease of peeling Did not Did not from the
mask peel peel Verification of after after whether shield three
three is peeled after shakes shakes shaking head left and right
three times Sticking test Attaching Attaching Confirmation to the
mask to the mask of linking was possible was possible strength even
after even after after attaching and attaching and attaching and
detaching detaching detaching 10 times. 10 times 10 times However,
the linking strength was not uniform. Sticking test Detaching
Shield Ease of was possible was detached detaching from with one
hand while the mask controlling the mask with one hand Sticking
test There was Excessive State of no visible fluffing mask after
damage on occurred detaching the mask on the surface the shield of
the non-woven fabric and the mask was damaged.
* * * * *