[TITLE OF INVENTION]

PACKAGE INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE SHEET MASK, USE OF SAID PACKAGE, AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING AT LEAST ONE SHEET MASK

[TECHNICAL FIELD]

[0001] The present invention relates to a package including at least one sheet mask, particularly a wet sheet mask. The present invention also relates to the use of such a package. The present invention further relates to a method for packaging at least one sheet mask.

[BACKGROUND ART]

[0002] Recently, substrate-based cosmetic products such as a sheet facial mask are widely used due to their convenience. Such sheet mask products are made of a fibrous/polymer-based sheet material impregnated with a liquid formula. The most common sheet material used for such products is nonwovens because of their easy availability and cost effectiveness.

[0003] As stated above, these sheet mask products are impregnated with a liquid formula composed of skin care ingredients including humectants and some polymers to impart skin care benefits and facilitate good adhesion of the sheet to the skin.

[0004] The impregnated sheet mask is repeatedly folded to minimize the size of packaging and then usually packed in an individual sachet. In some cases, two or more folded masks may be packed in one container.

[0005] However, in such a folded sheet mask, the individual layers of the sheet mask tend to adhere to each other, resulting in inconvenience to the user when unfolding the sheet. Since the sheet mask generally comprises multiple openings, cut-outs intended to be placed on the eyes, nose and mouth of the user, and other cut-outs on the periphery to ensure a good fit on the face, difficult and messy unfolding of the sheet mask can result in damage thereto.

[0006] Prior art related to the present invention is disclosed in the following publications.

[0007] JP3072027U and JP2004/097785 propose a facial sheet mask with at least two knobs on opposite peripheral edges. This facial sheet mask also has a folding pattern so that these knobs do not overlap each other. Therefore, this sheet mask can alleviate inconvenient unfolding of the sheet mask before use to some extent.

However, since the layers of the sheet mask overlap each other, if a high viscosity and sticky formula is used therein, the unfolding thereof is still difficult.

[0008] JP2006/042981 describes another folding method. In this method, a left region of the face pack mask is folded inward along vertical folding lines on the upper surface of the left half side of a center region before being folded outward, a right region is folded inward along vertical folding lines on the upper surface of the right half side of the center region before being folded outward, an outwardly folded left end portion and a right end portion are configured to horizontally protrude from inwardly folded outside edge portions, and the folded face pack mask is further folded in two along a lateral folding line. However, this folding method also suffers from the same disadvantages as those in JP3072027U and JP2004/097785.

[0009] A packaging method of two or more masks in one package has been proposed for easy picking up and unfolding of a sheet mask. JP2008/150317 proposes a laminated body of nonwovens for easy picking up of individual sheet masks from a package. JP5309315 describes a way of folding two or more face sheet masks in a single container which has freely openable/closable openings to facilitate easy picking up and unfolding of the sheet masks. However, two individual layers of sheet impregnated with a liquid formula still adhere to each other in these methods as well, and therefore unfolding the sheet masks before use is still difficult. US2016/0060019 also discloses a package of a multi-mask pack, wherein individual masks can be picked up easily and unfolded before use. However, this package also suffers from the same disadvantages as that of JP5309315.

[0010] WO2015/001486 and US2016/0167856 propose welding a sheet mask with an outer package in such a way that by opening the package the mask is unfolded. However, this proposal limits the folding of the mask to only one fold, which leads to an increase in package size.

[0011] Users or consumers prefer to use light or thin sheets in order to enjoy a good sensorial experience. However, when using thin tissue material, it is critical to carefully handle and unfold the sheet mask. In order to overcome this problem, mask manufacturers may introduce a secondary sheet in the shape of the sheet mask on one side of the mask, or sometimes even on both sides thereof. WO2008/075234 and WO2011/064901 describe this solution using additional liners. However, introduction of such secondary sheets may affect the performance of the mask because part of the liquid formulation may be absorbed by the secondary sheet. Furthermore, this is not cost effective. US2008/0147022 also discloses a similar solution for easy unfolding of a mask. However, this solution suffers from the same disadvantages as

WO2008/075234 and WO2011/064901.

[0012] JP2012/165766 discloses a compressed dry tablet mask which needs to be wetted before application. However, this disclosure is completely unrelated to the unfolding of a wet mask.

[0013] US2015/0298881 discloses an outer package for a mask, wherein using such a package enables the consumer to take out the mask easily. However, this package is not related to the unfolding of a mask.

[DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION]

[0014] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide new solutions for packaging at least one sheet mask, particularly a wet sheet mask, in order to make the handling of the sheet mask during use convenient for the consumer without affecting the performance of the sheet mask.

[0015] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a package including at least one sheet mask, wherein the package includes: the at least one sheet mask; an unfolding assistance component for assisting a user in unfolding the sheet mask before use thereof; and a packaging means which

accommodates the sheet mask and the unfolding assistance component therein. In this package, the sheet mask is folded within the packaging means in a state in which the sheet mask and the unfolding assistance component are separably combined. The present invention further provides a use of the package.

[0016] The term "sheet mask" as used in the present specification indicates, for example, a mask-shaped article obtained by processing a sheet consisting of a material such as cellulose. The sheet mask is adhered to the user's face so as to cover the face during use. The sheet mask is usually impregnated in advance with a liquid formula such as a serum or lotion. The sheet mask may be discarded after a single use or may be used multiple times.

[0017] According to a first preferred embodiment of the above-described package, the unfolding assistance component is a plate, and the sheet mask is folded around the unfolding assistance component. The unfolding assistance component has a front side on which a central region of the folded sheet mask is disposed, and a back side on which peripheral regions of the folded sheet mask are disposed. The unfolding assistance component is configured and/or dimensioned so that, on the back side thereof, an empty space is created in which the peripheral regions of the sheet mask and the back side do not overlap with each other. According to this embodiment, when the sheet mask is folded, the peripheral regions of the mask only overlap on themselves as little as possible. Further, according to this embodiment, on the back side of the unfolding assistance component, an empty space is formed which is useful for gripping the peripheral regions of the mask with the fingers in order to peel the peripheral regions of the mask away from the unfolding assistance component. Therefore, the user can easily unfold the folded mask before use regardless of the type of formula that is used for impregnation.

[0018] According to a second preferred embodiment of the above-described package, the unfolding assistance component is still a plate. However, the unfolding assistance component of this embodiment has a shape which substantially corresponds to the shape of the sheet mask when the sheet mask has been folded in half along a central line of the sheet mask. The sheet mask is folded in half while sandwiching the unfolding assistance component therebetween. According to this embodiment, the sheet which constitutes the mask can be prevented from contacting itself, and thereby the user can easily unfold the mask.

[0019] According to a third preferred embodiment of the above-described package, the unfolding assistance component includes a primary plate and a secondary plate. The primary plate has a shape which substantially corresponds to the shape of the sheet mask when the sheet mask has been folded in half along a first central line of the sheet mask. The secondary plate has a shape which substantially corresponds to the shape of the sheet mask when the sheet mask has been folded in fourths along both the first central line and a second central line that is orthogonal to the first central line. The sheet mask is folded in half while sandwiching the primary plate therebetween, and then folded in fourths while sandwiching the secondary plate therebetween. According to this embodiment, not only can the sheet mask be unfolded easily, but the sheet mask can also be packaged more compactly.

[0020] According to a fourth preferred embodiment of the above-described package, the unfolding assistance component has a central section, and at least three branch sections which extend radially from the central section and are disposed to be angularly spaced apart from each other. The branch sections are elastically bendable. The unfolding assistance component is accommodated within the packaging means together with the sheet mask in a state in which the branch sections are bent so that the free ends of the branch sections substantially exist surrounding a single point above the central section. When the unfolding assistance component is removed from the packaging means, the sheet mask which is folded around the unfolding assistance component is unfolded by the restoring force of the branch sections. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the unfolding assistance component has first to fourth branch sections which are disposed to be spaced apart from each other by 90°.

According to this embodiment, the folded sheet mask is automatically unfolded by the action of the unfolding assistance component during use. Therefore, the handling of the sheet mask is easier compared to the case of unfolding the sheet mask by hand.

[0021] According to a fifth preferred embodiment of the above-described package, the unfolding assistance component is an umbrella-type device. The unfolding assistance component is accommodated in a closed (folded) state within the packaging means together with the sheet mask. When the unfolding assistance component is removed from the packaging means and spread out (unfolded), the sheet mask which is folded around the unfolding assistance component is unfolded. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the unfolding assistance component includes the following: a pole having a tip and a base end; a plurality of outer ribs on which the sheet mask is placed, the outer ribs being pivotably connected at one end thereof to near the tip of the pole so as to be angularly spaced apart from each other; a control member that is mounted on the pole so as to be displaceable relative to the pole; and a plurality of inner ribs, the inner ribs being pivotably connected at one end thereof to the control member so as to be angularly spaced apart from each other and pivotably connected at the other end thereof to the outer ribs. According to this embodiment, the folded sheet mask is unfolded together with the umbrella-type device when the umbrella-type device is opened. Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the handling of the sheet mask is easier compared to the case of unfolding the sheet mask by hand.

[0022] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention also provides a method for packaging at least one sheet mask, wherein the method includes: folding the sheet mask using an unfolding assistance component, wherein the unfolding assistance component is used for assisting a user in unfolding the sheet mask before use thereof, and wherein the sheet mask and the unfolding assistance component are separably combined; and accommodating the combination of the folded sheet mask and the unfolding assistance component within a packaging means.

[0023] According to a first preferred embodiment of the above-described method, the unfolding assistance component is a plate, around which the sheet mask is folded. The unfolding assistance component has a front side on which a central region of the folded sheet mask is disposed, and a back side on which peripheral regions of the folded sheet mask are disposed. The unfolding assistance component is configured and/or dimensioned so that, on the back side thereof, an empty space is created in which the peripheral regions of the sheet mask and the back side do not overlap with each other.

[0024] According to a second preferred embodiment of the above-described method, the unfolding assistance component is still a plate. However, this plate has a shape which substantially corresponds to the shape of the sheet mask when the sheet mask has been folded in half along a central line of the sheet mask. The sheet mask is folded in half while sandwiching the unfolding assistance component therebetween during accommodation within the packaging means.

[0025] According to a third preferred embodiment of the above-described method, the unfolding assistance component includes a primary plate and a secondary plate. The primary plate has a shape which substantially corresponds to the shape of the sheet mask when the sheet mask has been folded in half along a first central line of the sheet mask. The secondary plate has a shape which substantially corresponds to the shape of the sheet mask when the sheet mask has been folded in fourths along both the first central line and a second central line that is orthogonal to the first central line. During accommodation within the packaging means, the sheet mask is folded in half while sandwiching the primary plate therebetween, and then folded in fourths while sandwiching the secondary plate therebetween.

[0026] According to a fourth preferred embodiment of the above-described method, the unfolding assistance component has a central section, and at least three branch sections which extend radially from the central section and are disposed to be angularly spaced apart from each other. The branch sections are elastically bendable. The unfolding assistance component is accommodated within the packaging means together with the sheet mask in a state in which the branch sections are bent so that the free ends of the branch sections substantially exist surrounding a single point above the central section. When the unfolding assistance component is removed from the packaging means, the sheet mask which is folded around the unfolding assistance component is unfolded by the restoring force of the branch sections.

[0027] According to a fifth preferred embodiment of the above-described method, the unfolding assistance component is an umbrella-type device. This umbrella-type device is accommodated in a folded state within the packaging means together with the sheet mask. When the unfolding assistance component is removed from the packaging means and unfolded, the sheet mask which is folded around the unfolding assistance component is unfolded. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS]

[0028] Non-limiting and representative embodiments of the present invention will now be explained in detail below referring to the attached drawings.

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a package according to the present invention, in a state before the combination of a sheet mask and an unfolding assistance component are accommodated within a packaging means.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which the sheet mask which has been folded as shown in FIG. 1 is unfolded and separated from the unfolding assistance component.

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates the sheet mask which has been folded as shown in FIG. 1 when viewed from the rear side.

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a second embodiment of the package according to the present invention, in a state before the combination of the sheet mask and the unfolding assistance component are accommodated within the packaging means.

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates a state in which the sheet mask which has been folded in half as shown in FIG. 4 is unfolded and separated from the unfolding assistance component.

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a third embodiment of the package according to the present invention, in a state before the combination of the sheet mask and the unfolding assistance component are accommodated within the packaging means.

[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates a state in which the sheet mask which has been folded in fourths as shown in FIG. 6 is unfolded once and separated from a secondary plate, which is a portion of the unfolding assistance component.

[0036] FIG. 8 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the package according to the present invention, in a state before the combination of the sheet mask and the unfolding assistance component are accommodated within the packaging means.

[0037] FIG. 9 illustrates a state in which the unfolding assistance component according to the fourth embodiment is placed on the unfolded sheet mask.

[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates how the sheet mask is unfolded by the unfolding assistance component according to the fourth embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 11 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the package according to the present invention, in a state before the combination of the sheet mask and the unfolding assistance component are accommodated within the packaging means.

[0040] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the unfolding assistance component according to the fifth embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 13 illustrates the combination of the sheet mask and the unfolding assistance component in a state in which they have been removed from the packaging means.

[0042] FIG. 14 illustrates a state in which the sheet mask is unfolded by the unfolding assistance component according to the fifth embodiment.

[BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION]

[0043] FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate a first embodiment of a package P including a sheet mask 1 (hereinafter referred to simply as "mask") according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the package P includes the mask 1, an unfolding assistance component 10, and a packaging means 50. In this embodiment, one package includes a single mask. However, one package may include a plurality of masks. The mask 1 is formed by, for example, processing a nonwoven sheet consisting of cellulose. In particular, as can be understood from FIG. 2, the mask 1 has a central region la and peripheral regions lb. Openings lc and Id are formed in the mask 1 at positions corresponding to the eyes and mouth of a user, and a slit le is formed at a position corresponding to the nose. Further, slits If for realizing a good fit to the user's face are formed as necessary in the peripheral regions lb of the mask 1. For example, a liquid such as a serum is impregnated in advance in the mask 1. The same mask as used in this embodiment may also be used for the masks according to the second to fifth embodiments described below.

[0044] The unfolding assistance component 10 is for assisting a user in unfolding the mask 1 before use of the mask 1. In the present specification, the unfolding assistance component 10 will be called a "folder". Therefore, this embodiment of the present invention may also be called a "folder-type package". In this embodiment, the folder 10 is a rectangular plate. However, the folder 10 may have any shape, including triangular, square, polygonal, circular, elliptical, etc. Further, the folder 10 may have a shape that is analogous to the mask 1 and a size that is smaller than the mask 1.

[0045] The folder 10 can be formed from a liquid insoluble material. In the present specification, "liquid insoluble" means that the material is not solubilized or disintegrated by the liquid impregnated in the mask. As the material for the folder 10, mention may be made of, for example, polyester, polyethylene and its derivatives, polypropylene, poly vinyl chloride, polyurethane, and the like. The thickness of the folder 10 is not particularly limited, but is preferably greater than the thickness of the mask 1. Specifically, the thickness of the folder 10 is preferably 20 to 500 microns, more preferably 50 to 200 microns, and most preferably 100 to 200 microns.

[0046] The packaging means 50 is used for accommodating the mask 1 and the folder 10 therein. The packaging means 50 is not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment, the packaging means 50 is, for example, a sachet made of an aluminum laminate film which is impermeable to gases and liquids. FIG. 1 illustrates the packaging means 50 in a state in which the opening has not yet been sealed. Once the mask 1 which has been folded using the folder 10, or in other words a combination of the mask 1 and the folder 10, has been accommodated within the packaging means 50 through the opening thereof and the opening has been, for example, heat sealed, the package P is complete. Therefore, in the state in which the mask 1 and the folder 10 are sealed within the packaging means 50, the mask 1 is folded in a state in which the mask 1 and the folder 10 are separably combined.

[0047] The method for folding the mask 1 using the folder 10 will now be explained in further detail below. In the present embodiment, the mask 1 is first folded around the folder 10 along two vertical direction folding lines Xi and X ₂ which are parallel to each other. The folding lines Xi and X ₂ are positioned on the outside of the openings lc. Next, the mask 1 is folded around the folder 10 along two horizontal direction folding lines Y[ and Y ₂ which are parallel to each other. The folding line Y is positioned on the outside of the openings lc, and the folding line Y ₂ is positioned on the outside of the opening Id. By folding twice in this way, the mask 1 is folded around the folder 10 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0048] The folder 10 has a front side 100 on which the central region la of the folded mask 1 is disposed, and a back side 110 on which the peripheral regions lb of the folded mask 1 are disposed. By forming the folder 10 with an appropriate shape and dimensions, when the mask 1 is folded around the folder 10, an empty space S is created on the back side 110 of the folder 10 in which the peripheral regions lb of the mask 1 and the back side 110 do not overlap with each other as shown in FIG. 3.

Therefore, when using the mask 1, the user can easily peel the peripheral regions lb from the folder 10 in order to unfold the mask 1.

[0049] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a second embodiment of the folder-type package P including a mask 2 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the package P includes the mask 2, an unfolding assistance component, i.e. a folder 20, for assisting a user in unfolding the mask 2 before use thereof, and a packaging means 60 which accommodates a combination of the mask 2 and the folder 20 therein. In the state in which the mask 2 has been sealed within the packaging means 60, the mask 2 is folded in a state in which the mask 2 and the folder 20 are separably combined. The packaging means 60 may also be substantially the same as the packaging means of the first embodiment.

[0050] Similar to the first embodiment, the folder 20 is a plate. The folder 20 may be formed from the same material as the folder TO of the first embodiment. As can be understood from FIG. 5, which illustrates a state in which the folder 20 and the mask 2 are separated from each other, the folder 20 has a shape which corresponds to the shape of the mask 2 when the mask 2 has been folded in half along a vertical central line L of the mask 2. According to this embodiment, when the mask 2 is

accommodated within the packaging means 60, the mask 2 is folded in half while sandwiching the folder 20 therebetween as shown by the arrow in FIG. 5. As a result, the mask 2 enters the state shown in FIG. 4. Once the mask 2 which has been folded using the folder 20, or in other words the combination of the mask 2 and the folder 20, has been accommodated within the packaging means 60 through the opening thereof and the opening has been, for example, heat sealed, the package P is complete.

[0051] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a third embodiment of the folder-type package P including a mask 2' according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the package P includes the mask 2', an unfolding assistance component, i.e. a folder 20', for assisting a user in unfolding the mask 2' before use thereof, and a packaging means 60' which accommodates a combination of the mask 2' and the folder 20' therein. In the state in which the mask 2' has been sealed within the packaging means 60', the mask 2' is folded in a state in which the mask 2' and the folder 20' are separably combined. The packaging means 60' may also be substantially the same as the packaging means of the first embodiment.

[0052] In this embodiment, the folder 20' is not a single plate, but rather consists of a primary plate 20a and a secondary plate 20b. The plates 20a and 20b may be formed from the same material as the folder 10 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the primary plate 20a has a shape which corresponds to the shape of the mask 2' when the mask 2' has been folded in half along a vertical first central line L ₂ of the mask 2' . Therefore, the primary plate 20a may be the same as the folder 20 of the second embodiment. The secondary plate 20b has a shape which corresponds to the shape of the mask 2' when the mask 2' has been folded in fourths along both the first central line L ₂ and a horizontal second central line L ₃ that is orthogonal to the first central line L ₂ .

[0053] According to this embodiment, when the mask 2' is accommodated within the packaging means 60', the mask 2' is first folded in half while sandwiching the primary plate 20a therebetween. In FIG. 7, the mask 2' has already been folded in half. Next, the mask 2' is folded in fourths while sandwiching the secondary plate 20b therebetween as shown by the arrow in FIG. 7. As a result, the mask 2' enters the state shown in FIG. 6. Once the mask 2' which has been folded using the folder 20' (i.e. the primary plate 20a arid the secondary plate 20b), or in other words the combination of the mask 2' and the folder 20', has been accommodated within the packaging means 60' through the opening thereof and the opening has been, for example, heat sealed, the package P of the third embodiment is complete.

[0054] FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the package P including a mask 3 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the package P includes the mask 3, an unfolding assistance component 30, and a packaging means 70, which is a sealable container with a lid in this embodiment. For

convenience, FIG. 8 illustrates the combination of the unfolding assistance component 30 and the mask 3 which surrounds the unfolding assistance component 30 in a state in which it is not unfolded but has been removed from the container 70. As is clear from FIG. 8, when the mask 3 is accommodated within the container 70, the mask 3 is folded in a state in which the mask 3 and the unfolding assistance component 30 are separably combined. FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrate an example in which one package includes a single mask. However, one package may include a plurality of masks.

[0055] In this embodiment, the unfolding assistance component 30 is an X-shaped flexible plate. As can be understood from FIG. 9 which illustrates a state in which the unfolding assistance component 30 is placed on the mask 3, the unfolding assistance component 30 has a central section 31, and first to fourth branch sections 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d which extend radially from the central section 31 and are disposed to be angularly spaced apart from each other, particularly spaced apart from each other by 90°. The number of branch sections should be at least 3, and may be 5, 6, or more. In this embodiment, the unfolding assistance component 30 is formed from a plastic as explained above regarding the first embodiment. Therefore, the branch sections 32a to 32d are elastically bendable. Alternatively, the unfolding assistance component 30 may be formed by bonding two or more long narrow flexible plates to each other in the central section.

[0056] According to the fourth embodiment, the branch sections 32a to 32d of the unfolding assistance component 30 are bent together with the mask 3 so that free ends Ei to E ₄ of the branch sections substantially exist surrounding a single point O above the central section 31 (refer to FIGS. 8 and 9). As a result, the mask 3 has a general potali (pouch) shape. The potali state of the mask 3 may be maintained using, for example, a clip as shown in FIG. 8. The unfolding assistance component 30 is accommodated within the packaging means 70 together with the mask 3 in a state in which the branch sections 32a to 32d are bent as described above. Thereafter, once the opening of the container 70 has been sealed by a lid 70a, the package P of the fourth embodiment is complete.

[0057] In the package of this embodiment, when the unfolding assistance component 30 is removed from the packaging means 70 together with the mask 3 and the clip is removed, the potali-shaped mask 3 which is folded around the unfolding assistance component 30 is immediately unfolded by the restoring force of the branch sections 32a to 32d. FIG. 10 illustrates how this automatic unfolding takes place with solid arrow lines. As is clear from the above explanation, the mask 3 and the unfolding assistance component 30 "pop up" once removed from the packaging means 70. Therefore, the fourth embodiment may be called a "pop-up-type package". In FIG. 10, the folding into the potali state of the mask 3, which is the reverse operation to the pop-up operation, is illustrated with dashed arrow lines.

[0058] FIGS. 11 to 14 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the package P including a mask 4 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, the package P includes the mask 4, an unfolding assistance component 40, and a packaging means 80, which is a sealable container with a lid in this embodiment. For

convenience, FIG. 11 illustrates the combination of the unfolding assistance component 40 and the mask 4 which surrounds the unfolding assistance component 40 in a state in which it is not unfolded but has been removed from the container 80. As is clear from FIG. 11 , when the mask 4 is accommodated within the container 80, the mask 4 is folded in a state in which the mask 4 and the unfolding assistance component 40 are separably combined. FIGS. 11 to 14 illustrate an example in which one package includes a plurality of masks. However, the number of masks is not particularly limited.

[0059] In this embodiment, the unfolding assistance component 40 is an umbrella-type device, and thus this embodiment will be called an "umbrella-type package". In further detail, as can be understood from FIG. 12, the unfolding assistance component 40 includes the following: a pole 41 having a tip 41a and a base end 41b (which functions as a handle); a plurality of outer ribs 42 on which the mask 4 is placed; a control member 43; and a plurality of inner ribs 44. The members 41 , 42, 43, and 44 can be formed from a material such as wood, metal, plastic, and the like. Further, the unfolding assistance component 40 may include a cover made of a flexible material which is attached to the outer ribs 42 as in a general umbrella for rain.

[0060] The outer ribs 42 are pivotably connected at their base ends 42a to near the tip 41a of the pole 41 so as to be angularly spaced apart from each other. Each outer rib 42 has a tip 42b on the opposite side of the base end 42a. Although not specifically shown, each tip 42b may have, for example, a clip function in order to actively promote the engagement of the mask 4 and the unfolding assistance component 40. The control member 43 is mounted on the pole 41 so that it can slide relative to the pole 41. The control member 43 may include a mechanism for locking its position relative to the pole 41 as necessary. The inner ribs 44 are pivotably connected at one end 44a to the control member 43 so as to be angularly spaced apart from each other. The inner ribs 44 are pivotably connected at the other end 44b to the outer ribs 42. Therefore, by sliding the control member 43 upwards from the position shown in FIG. 12, the outer ribs 42 open as shown by the dot-dot-dash lines in FIG. 12. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the outer ribs 42 may open so that they all generally exist in a single plane.

[0061] In the present embodiment, a plurality of masks 4 are combined with the unfolding assistance component 40 that is opened as described above.

Subsequently, the outer ribs 42 are folded in by sliding the control member 43 downwards from the position in an opened state. As a result, the masks 4 enter the state shown in FIG. 13 in which they are folded around the unfolding assistance component 40. In this state, the tip 41a of the pole 41 may, for example, protrude toward the outside through the nose opening formed in the masks 4 during use. Once the masks 4, which have been folded as shown in FIG. 13 using the unfolding assistance component 40, have been accommodated within the container 80 and then the opening of the container 80 has been sealed by a lid 80a, the package P of the fifth embodiment is complete.

[0062] When the unfolding assistance component 40 configured as described above is removed from the container 80 by the user and opened up, the folded masks 4 are unfolded as shown in FIG. 14. The user peels off the mask at the topmost position among the plurality of masks 4 which have been unfolded as described above, and thereby the masks 4 in an unfolded state can be easily obtained. Subsequently, the user closes the unfolding assistance component 40, and thereby the masks 4 and the unfolding assistance component 40 return to the state shown in FIG. 13. The remaining masks 4 are accommodated in this state within the container 80 together with the unfolding assistance component 40 and stored until the next use.

[0063] Various embodiments of the present invention have been explained above referring to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes may be made to the

above-described embodiments without deviating from the gist and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and changes are included in the scope of the present invention.