[Invention Title]

MASK

[Technical Field]

The present invention relates to a mask, and more particularly, to a mask

capable of reducing resistance to breathing and enhancing dust filtering, warmth

providing, and moisture retention effects.

[Background Art]

Generally, various kinds of masks are used for warmth in winter time, or for

blocking pollen floating in the air in spring, sand from the deserts of China, dust at

construction sites, noxious odor from paint, and so on, from entering into the respiratory

system.

A conventional mask will be described below with reference to the

accompanying drawings.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a conventional mask worn by a user, FIG. 7 is a side

view showing resistance of the mask to the flow of air when the user exhales, and FIG. 8

is a side view showing the mask being sucked up against the user's mouth and nose

when the user inhales.

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, a conventional mask 5 generally has inner and outer

layers formed of densely woven fabric, or wool in order to reduce resistance to

breathing. The inner and outer layers are generally formed of the same material.

In the densely woven mask 5, since the inner and outer layers are worn in close

contact with a user's face, they may block the user's mouth and nose and increase

resistance to breathing when the user inhales, thereby making inhalation uncomfortable,

as shown in FIG. 8.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, when the user wears the conventional mask 5

together with glasses, air may enter a gap 8 between the face and the nose upon

inhalation due to the bridge 7 of the nose, thereby fogging up the glasses.

In order to reduce resistance to breathing, a semi-spherical mask 5 is developed

to enable uniform passage of air through the entire surface of an outer layer. However,

the semi-spherical mask 5 cannot be folded to be inserted into a pocket of the user. In

addition, since the semi-spherical mask 5 has an outer layer only, it-is not very effective

for warmth and retaining moisture in wintertime.

In addition, in the case of the mask 5 formed of woven wool, while resistance to

breathing can be lowered, the mask has no wrinkled layer therein and the outer layer has

a low density. Therefore, it is relatively less effective at particle filtering, providing

warmth and retaining moisture.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 6, it is possible for the conventional mask 5 to

form the gap 8 between the nose and the face due to the bridge 7 of the nose. Here, an

airflow 6 passes through the gap 8 and thus particulates are not filtered out of the

airflow 6.

In order to prevent introduction of air containing particulates, a method of

inserting an aluminum wire into the mask 5 and bending the aluminum wire to conform

to the contours of the face and the nose and thus close the gap 8 has been developed.

In addition, a mask 5 including a sponge attached thereto to prevent formation of the

gap 8 between the nose and the face has been developed, but such masks still fail to

simultaneously provide warmth, retain moisture, and filter particulates.

In conclusion, in order to close the gap 8 between the mask 5 and the face due

to the bridge 7 of the nose and thus block out particulates in the air, the mask 5 has been

developed to employ a soft metal trim or a sponge. However, problems resulting from

resistance to breathing have still not been solved.

[Disclosure]

[Technical Problem]

In order to solve the foregoing and/or other problems, it is an aspect of the

present invention to provide a mask capable of reducing resistance to breathing, and

enhancing dust filtering, warmth providing, and moisture retention effects.

[Technical Solution]

One aspect of the present invention provides a mask including: an outer layer

formed of a densely woven material; an inner layer formed of a fine net-like material

such as gauze, a non-woven fabric, and a bandage material; and a wrinkled fabric

disposed between the inner and outer layers, wherein the mask functions as an handy

mask for reducing resistance to breathing, filtering dust, providing warmth, and

retaining moisture.

The mask may have a narrow width that covers the nose and mouth only.

The inner and outer layers may be formed of the same material but with

different densities, and the outer layer may have a higher density than the inner layer.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a mask including: an inner

layer disposed to contact a user's face, an outer layer disposed opposite to the inner

layer and formed of a densely woven material, a wrinkled fabric interposed between the

inner and outer layers, and mask wires attached to both sides of the outer layer to hook

around the ears of the user.

The inner and outer layers may be formed of different materials, and the inner

layer may have a fine net-like structure formed from one selected from gauze, a non-

woven fabric, and a bandage material.

In addition, the wrinkled fabric may be formed of one selected from wrinkled

cloth, cloth embedded with wool, a cluster of string, luffa, wool having the form of

sponge, and the material inside comforters.

The inner and outer layers may be formed of the same material but with

different densities. Here, the outer layer may have a higher density than the inner layer.

[Advantageous Effects]

The mask in accordance with the present invention includes the outer layer

formed of a densely woven fabric to filter external particulates. The inner layer of the

mask uses the net-like structure to reduce resistance to breathing. In addition, the

wrinkled fabric inserted between the inner and outer layers separates the outer layer

from the user's nose and mouth. As a result, air can pass through the entire surface of

the semi-spherical mask to reduce resistance to breathing. Further, particulates in the

air are filtered through the outer layer of the mask and then filtered again through the

wrinkled fabric to increase the filtering effect of the mask. Furthermore, the fabric in

the mask is effective in providing warmth and retaining moisture.

[Description of Drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mask, a portion of which is folded to show

different densities of inner and outer layers;

FIG. 2 is a front view of an outer layer of an unfolded mask in accordance with

the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of an inner layer of an unfolded mask in accordance with

the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a left side view of a mask in accordance with the present invention

(right view is the same);

FIG. 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a mask in accordance with the

present invention;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a conventional mask worn by a user;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a conventional mask worn by a user showing resistance

to breathing;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a conventional mask showing adherence of the mask to

the user's mouth and nose when the user inhales;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a gap between an outer layer and a

user's face due to fabric inserted between the outer and inner layer;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a mask worn by a user;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a mask worn by a user showing the air passing

through the mask;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a semi-spherical (cap-shaped) mask in

accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the semi-spherical mask of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the semi-spherical mask of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 15 is a rear view of the semi-spherical mask of FIG. 12.

[Modes of the Invention]

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in

detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference

numerals refer to like elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mask, a portion of which is folded to show

different densities of inner and outer layers;

FIG. 2 is a front view of an outer layer of an unfolded mask in accordance with

the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of an inner layer of an unfolded mask in accordance with

the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a left side view of a mask in accordance with the present invention

(right view is the same);

FIG. 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of a mask in accordance with the

present invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a gap between an outer layer and a

user's face due to fabric inserted between the outer and inner layer;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a mask worn by a user;

FIG. 11 is a front view of a mask worn by a user showing the air passing

through the mask;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a semi-spherical (cap-shaped) mask in

accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the semi-spherical mask of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the semi-spherical mask of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 15 is a rear view of the semi-spherical mask of FIG. 12.

As shown in the drawings, a mask in accordance with an embodiment of the

present invention is used for reducing resistance to breathing, and enhancing dust

filtering, warmth providing, and moisture retention effects. The mask includes an

inner layer 2 disposed to contact a user's face, an outer layer 1 disposed opposite to the

inner layer 2, a spacing material 3 formed of a wrinkled thick fabric and interposed

between the inner and outer layers 2 and 1 , and mask wires 4 attached to both sides of

the outer layer 1 to hook around the ears of the user. The spacing material 3 between

the inner and outer layers 2 and 1 allows the mask to have a predetermined gap between

the inner and outer layers 2 and 1.

In addition, the mask in accordance with an embodiment of the present

invention has a narrow width so that it can be used as a small handy mask for covering a

user's nose and mouth only, depending on a working environment.

Further, the outer layer 1 and the inner layer 2 are formed of different materials.

For example, the outer layer 1 is formed of a densely woven material, and the inner

layer 2 is essentially formed of a fine net-like material. The inner layer 2 may be

formed of one of gauze, a non-woven fabric, a bandage material, or their equivalents,

but is not limited thereto. Therefore, it is possible to obtain effects of dust filtering,

warming and moisture retention using the outer layer, and reduce resistance to breathing

using the inner layer 2.

Furthermore, the inner and outer layers 2 and lmay be formed of the same

material but with different densities. For example, the inner and outer layers 2 and

lmay be formed of the same fine net-like material. Preferably, the outer layer has a

higher density than the inner layer, as this helps to minimize resistance to breathing.

The inner and outer layers 1 and 2 function to fix and protect the spacing

material 3 interposed therebetween.

In addition, the spacing material 3 may be formed of one selected from

wrinkled cloth, cloth embedded with wool, a cluster of string, luffa, wool having the

form of sponge, the material inside comforters, etc., and is not limited.

A mask in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will now be

described in detail.

First, the inner and outer layers 2 and lare formed of different materials. For

example, one of the inner and outer layers 2 and lis formed of a densely woven material,

and the other is formed of a fine net-like material.

The outer layer 1 is formed of a densely woven material such as non-woven

texture to filter fine particulates, thereby preventing external air from directly contacting

a user's face or entering the mask and providing warmth.

In order to increase the effects of providing warmth and filtering fine

particulates, the outer layer 1 may be formed of fabric denser than the conventional

mask 5. Here, even though the outer layer 1 is formed of dense fabric, resistance to

breathing can be reduced in comparison with the conventional mask because air can

uniformly pass through the entire surface of the outer layer 1 which is spaced apart from

the user's nose and mouth by the spacing material 3.

When the mask has only the outer layer 1 formed of a densely woven material,

without the spacing material 3, the outer layer 1 closely covers the user's nose and

mouth to increase resistance to breathing. In addition, when the outer layer 1 is

formed of gauze to reduce resistance to breathing, dust filtering and warming effects are

also reduced because external air can directly enter the user's nose and mouth.

The inner layer 2 is formed of a material having a fine net-like structure,

selected from gauze, a non-woven fabric, a bandage material and their equivalents, but

is not limited thereto.

The inner layer 2 can reduce resistance to breathing and prevent the spacing

material 3 interposed between the inner and outer layers 2 and lfrom directly contacting

the user's lips. In addition, it is possible to prevent the spacing material 3 from being

sucked into the user's mouth or nose.

The technical reason for employing the inner layer 2 having the net-like

structure will be described in detail below.

While it is possible to prevent suction of the spacing material 3 into the user's

mouth by using the inner layer 2 formed of a densely woven material, since the inner

layer 2 more closely covers the user's mouse and nose in comparison with the

conventional mask, using a densely woven material for the inner layer 2 may cause even

more resistance to breathing than in the conventional mask shown in FIG. 8. Therefore,

the inner layer 2 should be formed of a fine net-like material. Though the inner layer 2

formed of a fine net-like material is less effective in dust filtering, this loss is made up

for by the outer layer 1 and the spacing material 3 which also filter out dust and

particulates.

The spacing material 3 disposed between the inner and outer layers 2 and 1

functions to close a gap between the user's nose and face due to the bridge of the nose.

In addition, the spacing material 3 spaces the inner and outer layers 2 and 1 apart to

lengthen an interval 9 between the outer layer 1 and the user's nose and mouth so that

air inhaled and exhaled by the user can pass through any part of the surface of the outer

layer 1.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the mask in accordance with an embodiment of

the present invention can remarkably decrease resistance to breathing so that the user

can breathe easier even when out of breath after exercise or labor while wearing the

mask.

Further, the spacing material 3 again filters particulates that pass through the

outer layer, provides warmth, and allows air to evenly pass through the entire surface of

the outer layer when the user breathes, thereby reducing resistance to breathing in

comparison with the conventional mask.

In addition, as shown in FIG 10, the spacing material 3 makes the mask in

accordance with an embodiment of the present invention evenly adhere to the user's

face to close a gap between the user's face and the outer layer 1 of the mask, thereby

blocking particulates from entering into the mask. In addition, when water is applied

to the spacing material 3, particulates coming into contact with the spacing material 3

adhere thereto, thus enhancing the mask's filtering effect. Therefore, the spacing

material 3 can reduce resistance to breathing, and increase effects of warming, dust

filtering, moisture retention, and so on.

Meanwhile, the inner and outer layers 2 and 1 may be formed of the same

material with different densities. For example, the inner and outer layers 2 and 1 may

be formed of the same net-like structure of material. Preferably, the outer layer 1 has a

higher density than the inner layer 2.

As described above, when the inner and outer layers 2 and 1 of the mask in

accordance with an embodiment of the present invention are formed of a fine net-like

material, it is possible to minimize resistance to breathing through the mask. That is,

the mask including the spacing material can uniformly pass air through the entire

surface of the outer layer 1 to reduce resistance to breathing in comparison with the case

of the outer layer 1 being formed of a densely woven material.

The spacing material 3 also functions to filter particulates and provide warmth.

[Industrial Applicability]

As can be seen from the foregoing, the mask in accordance with the present

invention includes inner and outer layers having different structures, and wrinkled fabric

interposed therebetween. The outer layer is formed of a densely woven fabric to filter

external particulates, and the inner layer of the mask uses the net-like structure to reduce

resistance to breathing. In addition, the wrinkled fabric inserted between the inner and

outer layers separates the outer layer from the user's nose and mouth. As a result, air

can pass through the entire surface of the semi-spherical mask to reduce resistance to

breathing. Further, particulates in the air are filtered through the outer layer of the

mask of the present invention, and then filtered again through the wrinkled fabric to

increase the filtering effect of the mask. Furthermore, the fabric in the mask is

effective in providing warmth and retaining moisture.

While few exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown

and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may

be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the

invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.