Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
MASK MAINTAINING WARMTH IN NASAL AREA
Background of the Invention
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a mask maintaining warmth
in the nasal area which prevents the intrusion of microscopic
particles such as pollen into the nasal cavity and prevents,
relieves, or eliminates the occurrence of allergic reactions due
to pollen and the like by maintaining warmth in the nasal area.
Relevant Art
Generally, the symptoms of allergic reactions to pollen and
the like take the form of sneezing, running noses, nasal
congestion, and inflammation of the nasal membrane. It is known
that these symptoms occur when allergens such as cedar pollen,
dust, mites, and exhaust fumes attach to the mucous membrane
within the nasal cavity. Since enormous pain or discomfort can
be inflicted on a patient if the above-mentioned symptoms occur
in force, many types of countermeasures have been attempted in
order to prevent or relieve these symptoms.
For example, one of the most common ways for preventing or
relieving the above-mentioned symptoms is to wear a mask made
from gauze in a sheet form. In this case, it is not possible' to
sufficiently block the intrusion of allergens with only the
gauze, so masks having allergen absorbing or filtering layers
made from activated carbon or ceramics are also used. These
methods attempt to physically block the intrusion of allergens
into the nasal cavities by covering the nose with the above-
mentioned masks. In addition to these methods, medical
21~~~5v
treatment or relief such as the taking of medication which
suppresses the above-mentioned symptoms or the application of
liquid medication to the nasal membrane by spraying within the
nasal cavity are performed.
However, with the above-mentioned methods which used masks,
the effect of preventing the intrusion of allergens does not
last because the central portion of the mask becomes obstructed
by moisture from breathing and mucous while the mask is being
worn, thereby forcing air to enter from the sides. If the holes
in the mask are made larger in order to prevent such
obstructions, the effect of blocking allergens is also reduced,
so in practice, such methods are unreliable in preventing or
relieving symptoms.
Additionally, with the method in which medication is taken,
even if the symptoms are relieved during the period of
effectiveness of the medication, the symptoms return when the
period of effectiveness ends, so even if the medication is
retaken, the symptoms remain until the medication takes effect.
In order to avoid this, it is necessary to regularly take the
medication at prescribed time intervals. Additionally, methods
which depend upon medication are generally not preferable
because there is a possibility of side-effects. V~lith a method
in which medication is applied to the nasal membrane by
spraying, it is difficult to continually prevent symptoms over a
long period of time since the applied medication can flow off
along with mucous which is secreted by the nasal membrane.
Additionally, in recent years, an immunization method called
"desensitization treatment" has been suggested, but has yet to
be widely accepted.
3 21642 ~~
Summary of the Invention
The present invention is provided in order to resolve the
above-mentioned problems, and has as one of its objective the
provision of a mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area which
is able to simply and effectively prevent, relieve, or eliminate
the occurrence of allergic reactions to pollen and the like
without the fear of side-effects.
The present invention is a mask maintaining warmth in the
nasal area comprising a main body in the form of a sheet, a
nasal area warmth-maintenance portion provided in a central
portion of the main body and covering at least the nasal area of
the face when said mask is worn, and a strap for fixing the main
body to the face; wherein said nasal area warmth-maintenance
portion has an upper end portion covering at least the top
portion of the nose and the upper end portion is provided so as
to protrude from one side of the main body.
The present inventor has discovered that the symptoms of
allergic nasal inflammation such as hay fever are able to be
prevented, relieved, or eliminated by maintaining or adding
warmth to the nasal and surrounding areas. In the mask
maintaining warmth in the nasal area of the present invention,
the main body blocks intrusion of microscopic allergens, such as
pollen, into the nasal cavity, and the nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion prevents, relieves, or eliminates the
occurrence of symptoms by maintaining or adding warmth to the
nasal and surrounding areas.
Additionally, because the upper end portion of the nasal
area warmth-maintenance portion is provided so as to protrude
4 2~~42~
from the side of the main body while the mask is worn on the
face, warmth is able to be maintained or added to the top
portion of the nose without the main body of the mask blocking
the field of view.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Fig. 1A is a front view of the first embodiment of a mask
maintaining warmth in the nasal area of the present invention as
seen from inside.
Fig. 1B is a sectional view along the line X-X of Fig. 1A.
Fig. 2A is a front view of an example of the first
embodiment of a mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area of the
present invention when worn over the face.
Fig. 2B is a front view of another example of the first
embodiment of a mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area of the
present invention when worn over the face.
Fig. 3 is a transparent front view of the human face.
Fig. 4 is a front view showing an example of the second
embodiment of the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area of
the present invention.
Fig. S is a plan view showing the shape of the metallic
wiring used in another example of the second embodiment of the
mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area of the present
invention.
Fig. 6 is a front view showing yet another example of the
second embodiment of the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal
area of the present invention.
Fig. 7A is a front view showing yet another example of the
second embodiment of the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal
_ 5 2:1~~~»
area of the present invention.
Fig. 7B is a sectional view along line Z-Z of Fig. 7A.
Fig. 8A is a front view showing yet another example of the
second embodiment of the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal
area of the present invention.
Fig. 8B is a sectional view along the line x-x of Fig. 8A.
Fig. 9A is a front view showing yet another example of the
second embodiment of the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal
area of the present invention.
Fig. 9B is a sectional view along the line X-X of Fig. 9A.
Fig. 9C is a sectional view along the line Z-Z of Fig. 9A.
Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a modification of the strap of
the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area of the present
invention.
Fig. 11A is a diagram showing a state of wearing of the
mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area when the attachment
positions of the strap are wide apart.
Fig. 11B is a diagram showing a state of wearing of the
mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area when the attachment
positions of the strap are close together.
Fig. 12 is a schematic illustration of the tear-producing
organs.
Fig. 13 is a front view of the face showing a test example
of a thermograph.
Fig. 14 is a graph showing the concentration of pollen in
March 1994 and March 1995 (in Chiyoda Ward in central Tokyo,
Japan) .
Fig. 15A is a front view of Example 3 of the mask
maintaining warmth in the nasal area seen from the inside.
21642~~
6
Fig. 15B is a sectional view along the line X-X of Fig.
15A.
Fig. 15C is a sectional view along the line Z-Z of Fig.
15A.
Fig. 16A is a diagram showing a modification example of the
mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area of the present
invention as worn over the face with the ribs folded.
Fig. 16B is a diagram showing a modification example of the
mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area of the present
invention as worn over the face with the ribs spread.
Fig. 17A is a diagram showing another modification example
of the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area of the present
invention as worn over the face with the ribs folded.
Fig. 17B is a diagram showing another modification example
of the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area of the present
invention as worn over the face with the ribs spread.
Fig. 18A is a frontal view showing the nasal area warmth
maintenance device of the present invention.
Fig. 18B is a back view showing the nasal area warmth
maintenance device of the present invention.
Fig. 19 is a diagram showing the nasal area warmth
maintenance device shown in Fig. 18 as worn over the face.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
The mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area of the
present invention basically comprises a main body, a nasal area
warmth-maintenance portion, and a strap. When this mask
maintaining warmth in the nasal area is attached to the face by
pulling the strap over the ears, the nasal area warmth-
2~s~~~s
maintenance portion provided in the central portion of the
sheet-form main body covers at least the nasal area, and the
upper end portion thereof protrudes from one side of the main
body so as to cover at least the top portion of the nose.
With the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area of the
present invention, the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion may
be formed as a part of the main body, or formed separately from
the main body and attached to the main body at at least one
point. However, if the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion is
formed separately from the main body, then it is desirable that
the lower end portion thereof be attached to the main body.
Additionally, the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion may be
attached to the main body so as to be able to be freely removed
or reattached.
In either case, it is desirable that the upper end portion
of the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion be formed in a
three-dimensional manner so as to conform to the shape of the
top portion of the nose. In order to achieve this, it is
desirable that a metallic wire be provided along at least the
upper end portion of the above-mentioned nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion, wherein the metallic wire may be in the
shape of a flat sheet. Additionally, the metallic wire may be
formed as a loop beneath the surface of the mask maintaining
warmth in the nasal area. The material for this metallic wire
should preferably be a material having ductility which is able
to be shaped by bending, or an alloy having mnematic properties,
i.e., an alloy having the ability to revert to a pre-specified
shape under certain environmental conditions, may also be used.
'Hereinbelow, the present invention will be explained in
21fi4~~~
detail with reference to the drawings.
Figs. 1A and 1B show the first embodiment of the mask
maintaining warmth in the nasal area of the present invention,
wherein the mask for maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1
comprises a main body 2 formed from layered gauze in a
rectangular shape, a nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3
formed, separately from the main body 2 from skin-colored felt
in the form of an inverted T, and straps 6 and 6 formed from
rubber strands.
As seen in Fig. 1A, when the mask maintaining warmth in the
nasal area 1 is seen from the inside (the side contacting the
face) of the main body 2, the lower end portion 7 of the nasal
area warmth-maintenance portion 3 is stitched to the central
portion of the main body 2, so as to form a protruding curve in
the direction of the upper portion 5 of the main body 2.
It is preferable that a metallic wire 11 be embedded at
least along the upper portion 5 of the mask main body 2. This
metallic wire 11 should preferably be flexible, so that by
pressing down on the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1
while it is being worn, the shape of the main body 2 can be
formed into a three-dimensional shape conforming to a shape of
the face.
Additionally, straps 6 and 6 are attached to both ends of
each side portion 12 and 12 of the main body 2, and by laying
these straps 6 and 6 over the ears, the mask maintaining warmth
in the nasal area 1 is able to be affixed to the face.
Fig. 2A shows the state of the present embodiment of the
mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 when worn over the
face.' In Fig. 2A, the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area
9 2~6~~~
1 is fixed to the face by the straps 6 and 6 which are laid over
the ears. In this state of wearing, the main body 2 which is in
the form of a rectangular sheet covers the mouth and a portion
of the nasal area, and the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion
3 which is attached to the central portion of the main body 2
covers at least the entirety of the nasal area. Additionally,
this nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 has approximately
an inverted T-shape, and the upper end portion thereof projects
from the upper portion 5 of the main body 2, covering at least
the upper portion of the nasal area n.
For the purposes of the present specification, the nasal
area n is defined as the entire body of the nose which protrudes
on either side of a center line Y on the face, and the upper
portion of the nasal area n is defined as the part of the nasal
area n which is not covered by the main body 2.
The present invention was achieved through the realization
that the occurrence of symptoms of allergic nasal inflammation,
such as hay fever, could be prevented and symptoms which already
exist could be relieved or eliminated by maintaining or adding
warmth to at least both nasal cavities or the nasal cavities and
the sinuses. That is, the present inventor discovered, as
explained later in the test data, that when measuring the
temperature distribution on the face, the temperature around the
nasal crest in subjects suffering from an allergic nasal
inflammation was low in comparison to that of healthy test
subjects, and the allergic symptoms could be prevented,
relieved, or eliminated by holding the temperature around the
nasal crest at the same temperature or above that of healthy
subjects.
CA 02164256 2001-11-19
1
The positions of the nasal cavities and sinuses of the face
are schematically shown in Fig. 3. Here, the cavities on either
side of the center line Y are the nasal cavities M. On both
sides of the nasal cavities M, and connected thereto, are the
ethmoidal cavity s1 in the vicinity of the optic cavity and the
maxillary cavity s2 under the cheek bones, which are the
sinuses. Here, the sinuses s refer to either one or both of the
ethmoidal cavity s1 as well as the maxillary cavity s2.
In the state of wearing shown in Fig. 2A, the nasal area
warmth-maintenance portion 3 in the shape of an inverted T is
formed so as to conform to the shape of the nasal area n and the
surrounding areas, so that both the nasal cavity M and the
sinuses s are effectively warmed.
Although the reason for the correlation between the
temperature of the nasal crest area and the occurrence of the
symptoms of hay fever and allergic nasal inflammation are not
yet clear, it is believed that when the temperature of the nasal
area is low, physical changes which are harmful to the normal
biological mechanisms of the nasal membranes occur such as
restrictions to the blood flow, insufficiency of oxygen or
nourishment to the cells, or inactivity of the metabolism due to
the reduced function of the cells, resulting in the nasal
membrane becoming extremely sensitive to stimulation such as the
attachment of allergens. Therefore, if at least the nasal
cavity, or both the nasal cavity and the sinuses, are kept warm
by maintaining the temperature of the nasal area, the disordered
immune system functions of the nasal membrane return to their
normal state, making it possible to prevent, relieve, or
eliminate symptoms. Furthermore, if warmth is added instead of
11 2~.6~~a~
simply maintaining the temperature, more certain prevention or
faster relief or elimination can be expected.
In order to ensure that the main body conforms to the
surface of the face along the horizontal direction when the mask
maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 is worn in such a way
that the side to which the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion
3 is attached contacts the face, the lengths of the straps 6 may
be adjusted. Alternatively, an elastic force can be used to
affix the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 to the
face, by forming the straps 6 from an elastic material such as
rubber. Since the upper end portion 4 of the nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion 3, of which the lower end portion 7 is
affixed to the central portion of the main body 2, is pushed
upwards over the top portion of the nasal area n when the mask
maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 is worn over the face,
the upper end portion 4 solidly cradles and covers the upper
portion of the nasal area n, so that when seen from the front in
Fig. 2, it projects from the upper portion 5 of the main body.
The length of the projection of the upper end portion 4 should
preferably be within a range of 5 mm to 30 mm from the upper
portion 5 when the mask is worn over the face.
Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the space between the
surface of the face and the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal
area by pressing on the upper portion 5 of the main body, in
which is embedded a flexible metallic wire 11, so as to form the
metallic wire 11 into a shape conforming to the shape of the
horizontal direction of the nasal area n. In this case, because
the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 is positioned so as
to cover the entire nasal area n, it is possible to solidly
2~.64~~~u
12
cover the nasal area n and surrounding area.
Additionally, it is desirable not only that a flexible
metallic wire 11 be embedded in the upper portion 5 of the main
body 2, but also that a second metallic wire 21 be embedded
parallel to the first metallic wire 11. It is further desirable
that the second metallic wire 21 be embedded at the position at
which the lower end portion 7 of the nasal area warmth
maintenance portion is attached to the main body 2. When a mask
maintaining warmth in the nasal area having this second metallic
wire 21 is worn over the face, the second metallic wire 21 goes
over the end of the nose as shown in Fig. 2B. Therefore, if the
first and second flexible metallic wires 11 and 21 are shaped to
conform to the form of the nose at the respective positions by
pressing on the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1,
then the attachment between the nasal area warmth maintenance
portion 3 and the nasal area further improves, and the warmth
maintenance effect is further increased.
The inverted T-shape of the nasal area warmth-maintenance
portion 3 of the present embodiment as shown in Fig. 1 is
effective for maintaining warmth in the nasal area n and
surroundings, especially the sinuses below each cheek; however,
it is not necessarily restricted to such a shape, and for
example, may be circular, elliptical, oval, triangular with
rounded angles, trapezoidal, polygonal (such as diamond shaped),
or heart-shaped.
In addition to felt as mentioned above, the material used
for the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 can be any type
of material which is able to maintain warmth in the nasal area n
and its surroundings. For example, it can be formed from one,
~~6~~~~~i
13
or a layering of, at least two of materials chosen from the
group consisting of woven cloth, cloth, unwoven cloth, felt,
paper, cotton, plastic, foam plastic, rubber, foam rubber,
sponge, natural leather, synthetic leather, artificial skin, and
metallic foil. More specifically, woven cloth, knitted cloth,
unwoven cloth, gauze, thin paper such as tissue paper, or the
layering thereof; the layering of a layer of material having
high air-holding capability such as gauze or degreased cotton;
or a layered body including at least one of the group consisting
of plastic, foam plastic, rubber, foam rubber, sponge, metallic
foil, natural leather, synthetic leather, or artificial skin
made from collagen or polyglutamates may be suggested.
Additionally, it is desirable that at least the outer
surface of the upper end portion 4 of the nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion 3 be colored to skin color. When this type
of mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area is worn, it is only
possible to slightly see a skin-colored upper end portion 4 over
a normal gauze mask, so that there is no reason for concern with
one's appearance. Alternatively, at least the upper end portion
4 of the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 can be made
transparent. In this case, there is no large difference in
appearance from that in which a normal mask is worn because the
skin is able to been seen through the transparent upper end
portion 4, so that it can be worn without self-consciousness.
As examples of such transparent materials, polyethylene,
polypropylene, vinyl polychloride, polybutane,
polyethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol,
poly(meth)acrylic resin, polyesters, polycarbonate, ABS resin,
polystyrene, silicone resin, natural or synthetic resin,
CA 02164256 2001-11-19
14
gelatin, cellulose-type resins, or gel-form polymers, may be
mentioned. When these transparent materials are used, the
appearance during wearing can be further improved by making at
least the outer surface non-glossy, or embossing them with
designs mimicking the shape of the skin.
Additionally, it is possible to perform a raising
procedure, floc processing, or embossing on at least the site of
the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 contacting the face.
With the application of this type of processing, a heat-
insulating air pocket is formed between the facial surface and
the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3, thereby further
increasing the warmth-maintenance ability of the nasal area
warmth-maintenance portion 3.
The heat conductivity of the nasal area warmth-maintenance
portion 3 is not especially restricted, but should preferably be
less than 1 x 10-3 cal/cm~sec~°C. Beyond this range, the
radiation of heat becomes too large, making it difficult in
practice to maintain warmth in the nasal area unless a heating
unit is used.
The main body 2 of the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal
area 1 of the present embodiment is a permeable sheet covering
at least both the nostrils and the mouth when worn. Main body 2
not only absorbs or blocks the passage of allergens in the form
of air-borne microscopic particles, but also prevents cold air
from being directly inhaled into the nasal cavity where it could
irritate the mucus membranes of the nasal cavity M and sinuses s
from within. The shape of this main body 2 is normally
rectangular, but may be elliptical or polygonal (such as
triangular). The material of the main body 2 may be any
15
2~.~9:~~u
material conventionally used in the field as long as it is in
the form of a sheet and is permeable. Although layered gauze or
a combination of gauze and degreased cotton are normally used,
layers of thin paper such as tissue paper, unwoven cloth, or
permeable foam plastic or foam rubber sheets may also be used.
while it is preferable that a metallic wire 11 for fitting
the main body 2 to the shape of the face during wearing is
embedded in at least the upper portion 5 of the main body 2,
this metallic wire 11 does not necessarily have to be provided
in only the upper portion 5, and it may be bent downwards at
either end of the upper portion 5, extending along both side
portions 12 and 12 to the lower end portions of the side
portions 12 and 12. Furthermore, it can be provided on the
bottom end 8, thereby forming a ring around the entire outer
circumference of the main body 2. It is preferable that this
metallic wire 11 be flat, in order to prevent wrinkling of the
mask of the main body 2, and to allow attachment along a wide
area of the face.
when the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 and the
main body 2 are formed as separate bodies, as in the present
embodiment, it is preferable that the nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion 3 and the main body 2 be connected at at
least the lower end portion 7 of the nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion 3. Since the upper end portion of the nasal
area warmth-maintenance portion 3 is stably supported by the
nasal crest and the upper portion of the main body 5, if
slipping is prevented by connecting to the main body at the
lower end portion 7, then the entire nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion 3 can be held at a designated position.
16
With the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 of the
present invention, the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3
can be pre-formed into a three-dimensional shape so that at
least an upper end portion 4 thereof covers at least the upper
portion of the nasal area n.
Since this three-dimensionally-formed nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion 3 is pressed by the main body 2, suitably
attaching to the facial surface, and the upper end portion 4 of
the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 solidly covers the
upper end of the upper portion of the nasal area n, the entire
nasal area n and the surroundings are effectively warmed.
Furthermore, since the eyes are not blocked by the main body 2,
the field of view is not obstructed when the mask maintaining
warmth in the nasal area 1 is worn.
Additionally, since the main body 2 and the nasal area
warmth-maintenance portion 3 of the mask maintaining warmth in
the nasal area 1 are both formed from pliant sheets, it can be
flattened or folded as needed for storage or carrying.
The nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 and the main
body 2 can be connected irreversibly as mentioned above by
sewing, gluing, or pinning, but they may also be detachably
connected using snaps, velcro, hooks, zippers, laces, or the
like. when they are detachably connected, it is possible to
wash only the main body 2 by removing the nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion 3. Additionally, it is possible to make
either the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 or the main
body 2 disposable. In particular, the protrusion length of the
upper end portion 4 of the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion
3 can be adjusted by changing the connection position when
21G~~,j
velcro is used as a connector, so it can be fit to all types of
facial features and dimensions from those of children through
those of adult males and females.
Fig. 4 shows the second embodiment of the mask maintaining
warmth in the nasal area of the present invention. In this
embodiment, the main body 2 and the nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion 3 are formed unitarily. That is, as shown
in Fig. 4, the main body 2 formed from layered gauze has an
upper end portion 4 protruding from the central portion of the
upper portion 5 along the vertical line x. The nasal area
warmth-maintenance portion 3 of this embodiment is formed from
the central portion of the main body 2 to the upper end portion
4 in an area corresponding to the nasal area n. In this
embodiment, a flexible metallic wire 9 is embedded through the
entire outer perimeter of the nasal area warmth-maintenance
portion 3 so that the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3
can be fitted to the shape of the nasal area n.
If the upper end portion 4 is positioned upwards and the
straps 6 are laid over the ears in a manner similar to a normal
mask when the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 of the
present embodiment is worn, then the nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion 3 is positioned so as to cover the entire
nasal area n. By pressing on the metallic wire 9 from the
outside, or grasping the metallic wire 9, it can be shaped so
that the upper end portion 4 solidly covers the upper portion of
the nasal area n and the entire nasal area warmth-maintenance
portion 3 solidly covers and is affixed to the facial features
of the nasal area n and its surroundings.
When the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 is
18 2164~j
shaped in this way, the entire nasal area n and its surroundings
can be effectively warmed because the area which is the nasal
area warmth-maintenance portion 3 appropriately attaches to the
facial surface at the nasal area and its surroundings, and the
upper end portion 4 extends to the upper portion of the nasal
area n and solidly covers it. Since the main body 2 does not
block the eyes, this mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1
will not obstruct the field of view when worn.
Although the metallic wire 9 used in the mask maintaining
warmth in the nasal area 1 shown in Fig. 4 is provided as a loop
around the entire perimeter of the nasal area warmth-maintenance
portion 3, the metallic wire 9 does not necessarily have to be
in the form of a loop, but should be provided along at least the
upper end portion 4. For example, as indicated by reference
numeral 9a in Fig. 5, it can be formed in a U-shape or a V-shape
by punching it out from a metallic sheet. Additionally, this
metallic wiring may be covered by a plastic such as polyethylene
or polyvinylchloride, or held by a ribbon formed from these
types of plastics.
This metallic wire 9 is not restricted to only the nasal
area warmth-maintenance portion 3, and may be provided from the
upper end portion 4 to both ends of the upper portion 5 of the
main body 2. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 6, it can be
provided so as to meet the bottom ends of both side portions 12
and 12. In this case, if the mask maintaining warmth in the
nasal area 1 is worn over the face by pressing the portions
provided with the metallic wire 9 onto the face, and depending
on the situation, either grasping and shaping the metallic wire
so that the upper end portion 4 solidly covers the upper portion
~16~~5
19
of the nasal area, or shaping the upper portions 5 and 5 to
conform to the shape of the face, not only does the nasal area
warmth-maintenance portion 3 effectively warm the nasal area and
its surroundings, but the main body 2 covers a wide area of the
face, thereby improving the warmth and dust-prevention effect.
Additionally, the main body 2 tends not to become wrinkled,
thereby improving the appearance when worn. While it is
preferable that this metallic wire 9 be formed from a flexible
metal, a mnematic alloy may also be used. A mnematic alloy is
an alloy having the property of returning to its original form
when heated, such as, for example, a nickel-titanium alloy
having high elasticity. Therefore, if the mask maintaining
warmth in the nasal area 1 of the present invention is made by
using a metallic wire of a mnematic alloy with an original shape
conforming to the shape of the nasal area n and its
surroundings, even if the shape of the mask maintaining warmth
in the nasal area is changed for storage or transport, the nasal
area warmth-maintenance portion 3 is shaped to a three-
dimensional form corresponding to the nasal area n when worn
because the metallic wire 9 will return to its original form due
to the heat of the body or breath.
Additionally, while a metallic wire 9 is provided in at
least the upper end portion of the nasal area warmth-maintenance
portion in order to maintain a three-dimensional shape of the
mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area of the present
embodiment, the means for maintaining the three-dimensional
shape is not necessarily restricted to this. For example, the
entire nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 can be formed
from a flexible metallic foil such as aluminum foil, or metallic
21G~~5~i
foil can be layered into the entire nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion 3 or a portion thereof.
Particularly in the case of the present embodiment in which
the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 and the main body 2
are formed unitarily, it can be made easier for at least the
upper end portion 4 of the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion
3 to be formed in to a three-dimensional shape by employing at
least one vertical rib parallel to the center line X of the mask
maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 or forming at least one
horizontal rib perpendicular to the center line X.
An example of a mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area
having vertical ribs is shown in Fig. 7. The nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion 3 and the main body 2 of mask maintaining
warmth in the nasal area 1 are formed unitarily from a sheet of
layered tissue paper. Four vertical ribs p1, p2, p3, and p4 are
formed parallel to and symmetric with regard to the center line
x, and for each rib, an upper end is fixedly connected to the
upper end portion 4 and the lower end is fixedly connected to
the lower portion 8 of the main body. In this mask maintaining
warmth in the nasal area 1, a metallic wire 9 held by a plastic
ribbon is embedded so as to extend along the upper end portion 4
and reach both ends of the upper portion S and 5 of the main
body.
When the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 of
Fig. 7 is worn, the main body 2 is pulled from both sides by the
straps 6, so that the protruding nasal area causes the nasal
area warmth-maintenance portion 3 to bulge outwardly. Then, in
response to this change, the upper end portion 4 deforms in
order to solidly cover the upper area of the nose. Furthermore,
21 21fi~2~fi
if the metallic wire 9 is pressed onto the surface of the face,
and depending on the situation, the upper end portion 4 is
shaped so as to solidly cover the upper portion of the nose by
grasping the metallic wire 9, or the upper portion 5 is shaped
so as to conform to the shape of the facial surface, then not
only does the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 effective
warm the nasal area n and its surroundings, but because the main
body 2 covers a wide area of the face, the warmth maintenance
and dust exclusion effects are improved, as is the outward
appearance. Since this mask maintaining warmth in the nasal
area is made of tissue paper, it may be used as an inexpensive
disposable mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1.
Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of the mask maintaining warmth
in the nasal area having horizontal ribs. With this mask
maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1, the nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion 3 and the main body 2 are formed as a single
body, three horizontal ribs p1, p2, and p3 are formed on the
main body 2, and each rib is affixed at both side portions 12
and 12 of the main body 2. Initially, with this mask
maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1, a metallic wire 9 made
of mnematic alloy extends from the perimeter of the upper end
portion 4 and along the upper portions 5 and 5 of each side of
the main body so as to reach the lower end portions of each side
portion 12 and 12.
when the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 of
Fig. 8 is worn, both sides of the main body 2 are pulled by the
straps 6 and 6 so that the protrusion of the nasal area causes
the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 to bulge outwardly.
As a result of this change, the main body 2 curves outwardly
21G~~5~
22
along the vertical line X, and it is possible to vertically
adjust the position of the mask to fit to the upper portion of
the nose by stretching the upper end portion 4 in the X-
direction by extending the ribs p1, p2, and p3. Furthermore, if
the metallic wire 9 is heated by body heat, the original form of
the mnematic alloy will return, shaping the upper end portion 4
so as to solidly cover the upper portion of the nose.
In the case of either vertical or horizontal ribs, the
orientation of the group of ribs may be interchanged, and they
may have an opposing arrangement as shown in Fig. 7B or an
orderly arrangement as shown in Fig. 8B.
In the present embodiment also, the nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion 3 can be pre-formed into a three-dimensional
shape so that at least the upper end portion 4 covers at least
the upper portion of the nasal area. Fig. 9 shows an example in
which the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 and the main
body 2 are formed unitarily, and the nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion is pre-formed into a three-dimensional shape
to cover the nasal area n. In Fig. 9, this mask maintaining
warmth in the nasal area 1 is formed three-dimensionally, so
that the central portion of the main body 2 formed from a sheet
of layered tissue paper bulges outwardly to form a nasal area
warmth-maintenance portion 3 conforming to the curves of the
nasal area n, and the upper end portion 4 of the nasal area
warmth-maintenance portion 3 is provided so as to protrude from
the upper portion 5 of the main body. The present embodiment
can be formed by spreading, for example, a polyvinyl alcohol-
type glue onto the main body 2 while maintaining permeability,
and performing thermocompression molding.
~1.~~~5~
23
When the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 of
Fig. 9 is worn, the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3
formed in the central portion of the main body 2 solidly covers
the nasal area and its surroundings, so that there is no need to
shape the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 to conform to
the shape of the nose after it has been put on. Additionally,
since the entire mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 is
formed from tissue paper and a metallic wire is not used, it can
be used as a mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 which
is inexpensive, disposable, and the entirety of which can be
burned.
With the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 of the
present invention, for each of the embodiments mentioned above,
it is possible to combine all types of materials in the nasal
area warmth-maintenance portion 3 in order to increase the
warmth maintenance ability or to add heat.
For example, metallic foil may be incorporated into at
least the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3. If metallic
foil is incorporated into the entirety or a portion of the nasal
area warmth-maintenance portion, the metallic foil reflects and
traps heat radiating from the skin, allowing heat to accumulate
in the space between the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3
and the nasal area n, thereby increasing the warmth-maintenance
ability.
As examples of metallic foils, aluminum foil and aluminum
alloy foil are appropriate for use. The nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion 3 can be formed from only a metallic foil.
Alternatively, on a surface of a nasal area warmth-maintenance
portion formed from cloth or plastic, metallic foil can be
2~.~~~~~
24
attached, a metallic coating in which metallic flakes have been
dispersed in an appropriate medium can be coated, or a thin
layer of metal may be formed by vapor deposition, galvanization,
or lamination.
Metallic foil is not necessarily restricted to use in the
nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3, and may be used in the
entirety or a portion of the main body 2.
A far-infrared radiative material can be used in at least
the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 of the mask
maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 of the present invention.
As a far-infrared radiative material in this case, it is
possible to use any material having the ability to receive heat
radiating from the human body and convert it into far-infrared
radiation. For example, one or a combination of two or more of
far-infrared radiative ceramics, such as the metal oxides A1203,
Si02, Ti02, Cr203, Zr02, MgO, and Fe203, carbon compounds such as
SiC, TiC, ZrC, and B4C, or nitrides such as Si3N4, BN, and A1N.
If one or a mixture of two or more of these far-infrared
radiative materials is used in the nasal area warmth-maintenance
portion 3, an entirety or a portion of the main body 2 would be
able not only to maintain but to add warmth to the nasal cavity
and the sinuses.
These far-infrared radiative materials can be powdered and
dispersed or suspended in an appropriate medium or vehicle, then
used to impregnate or coat the nasal area warmth-maintenance
portion 3 and the main body 2, if necessary. Additionally, it
is possible to form the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3
of two or more layers, and insert the far-infrared radiative
materials between the layers. At this time, in order to keep
21fi~:~
_ 25
the powdered far-infrared radiative materials from flowing or
moving between the layers, quilting can be applied to the entire
nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3, the far-infrared
materials can be affixed by an adhesive, or the far-infrared
radiative materials can be pre-shaped into a sheet-form using
flexible binders. Additionally, if the nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion 3 has a plastic or rubber layer, the
powdered far-infrared radiative materials may be premixed into
these layers.
Exothermic materials having metallic powder as the main
components may be used in at least the nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion 3. These exothermic materials, which make
use of the heat released when a metallic powder reacts with the
oxygen and water vapor in the air, are widely known and may be
composed of, for example, a mixture of metallic powder and
sodium chloride, as well as an oxidizing catalyst, if necessary.
In order to prevent an exothermic reaction from occurring during
storage, it is preferable that this mask maintaining warmth in
the nasal area 1 be sealed in a bag which is impermeable to
oxygen and water vapor.
If an appropriate amount of this exothermic material having
metallic powder as its main component is used in at least the
nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3, the mask maintaining
warmth in the nasal area 1, when worn, not only maintains
warmth, but also adds heat to the nasal cavity and the sinuses
over a long period of time due to a gradual exothermic reaction.
This exothermic material can be combined into the nasal
area warmth-maintenance portion 3 using methods similar to the
above-mentioned case for far-infrared radiative materials. In
2~~~~j~
26
this case, because oxygen and moisture are required for the
exothermic reaction, it is preferable to use a permeable multi-
layered material for the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3
and to insert the exothermic material between the layers.
Additionally, an exothermic material having calcium oxide
as its main component can be used in at least the nasal area
warmth-maintenance portion 3. This exothermic material, which
makes use of the heat released when calcium oxide reacts with
airborne moisture, is widely known, and it is possible to adjust
the amount of heat released by controlling the amount of
moisture contacting the calcium oxide. In order to prevent an
exothermic reaction from occurring during storage, it is
preferable that this mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1
be sealed in a moisture-proof bag.
If an appropriate amount of this exothermic material having
calcium oxide as its main component is incorporated into at
least the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3, the mask
maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1, when worn, can not only
maintain warmth, but can also add warmth to the nasal cavity and
the sinuses over a long period of time due to a gradual
exothermic reaction.
This exothermic material can be incorporated into the nasal
area warmth-maintenance portion 3 using methods similar to the
above-mentioned case for exothermic materials having metallic
powder as the main component.
A blood-flow promoter can be used in at least the nasal
area warmth-maintenance portion 3. In this case, a "blood-flow
promoter" refers to a physiologically safe substance, volatile
components of which penetrate into the skin and promote blood
2~~~~5~
- 27
flow in the capillaries, and as examples, methyl salicylate,
camphor, menthols, various fragrant oils, cypress oil, cypress
leaf oil, and tincture of chili peppers may be given. These
substances may also irritate the eyes or the skin, so care
should be taken when determining the location of use and amount
of use. If an appropriate amount of the substance is used in a
chosen location, the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1
when worn, not only maintains warmth, but also prevents cooling
of the nasal cavity and the sinuses over a long period of time
due to the gradual action of the blood-flow promoters.
These blood-flow promoters may be dissolved, dispersed, or
suspended in water or an organic medium, and combined into the
nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 and the entirety or a
portion of the main body 2, if necessary, by impregnation or
coating. The volatility of these blood-flow promoters can be
adjusted according to commonly-known methods such as dispersing
the substances within a polyvinyl alcohol or gelatin film, or by
forming them into microcapsules.
A magnet may be used in at least the nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion 3. The magnetic force of the magnet acts on
capillaries below the skin and promotes blood flow. Therefore,
a mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 using this magnet,
when worn, not only maintains warmth, but also prevents cooling
of the nasal cavity and the sinuses over a long period of time
due to the gradual blood flow promotion action.
This magnet can be combined into the nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion 3 and the entirety or a portion of the main
body 2, if necessary, by powdering, and performing methods
similar to those for the above-mentioned case with the far-
28
infrared radiative materials.
The allowable magnetic flux density is not restricted, but
a range of 800 ~ 1200 gauss is preferable.
In the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 of the
present invention, there may be situations in which the nasal
area warmth-maintenance portion 3 slips down when worn during
active exercise, causing the nasal area n and its surroundings
to become partially exposed. In order to prevent this
situation, an adhesive layer can be formed on the inside surface
of at least the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 to
adhere it to the nasal area n. It is preferable that this
adhesive layer be formed on the entire inside surface of the
nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 or a portion of the side
surface. If the adhesive layer is formed as a ring around the
perimeter of the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3, when
worn, the warmth-maintenance effect increases because a
retentive air pocket is formed between the nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion 3 and the nasal area n.
This adhesive layer is formed from materials which adhere
to, but do not irritate, the skin. Various types of adhesives
may be used to form the adhesive layer. For example, commonly-
known adhesives, such as those used in adhesive bandages, sodium
polyacrylate, adhesive tape, or adhesive gel can be used.
It is possible to form the entirety of the nasal area
warmth-maintenance portion 3 from an adhesive gel, then cover
the outer surface with a plastic sheet or cellophane in order to
make it non-adhesive.
with the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 of the
present invention, it is preferable that a filter layer for
2~.~~~~.~~u'
_ 29
collecting or filtering allergens be formed in the main body 2.
This filter layer may be formed from a microfilter having
microscopic pores, or from a layer of activated carbon, ion
exchange resin, ceramics, or a static absorptive material.
These types of filter layers are commonly known in the field.
This filter layer can be removably inserted between the layers
of the main body 2.
In the above explanation, the straps 6 and 6 were attached
to either end of both side portions 12 of the main body 2;
however, it is possible to adjust the positions at which the
straps are affixed to the main body. For example, as shown in
Fig. 10, it is possible to affix one end of the straps 6 to an
end 65 of the side portion 12 of the main body 2, and form a
hook 62 on the other end of the strap 6, so that the hook is
attachable to any of a plurality of loops 61 provided along the
side portion 12. In this case, by adjusting the position at
which the strap 6 is connected to the hook 62 depending on the
size of the ears, it is possible to provide a mask maintaining
warmth in the nasal area snugly fitting to any facial size from
those of children to those of adults. Additionally, even when
used by a single person, it is possible to change the style of
fit to the facial surface by adjusting the positions of the
straps, as shown in Figs. 11A and 11B. For example, if the
allergen inhalation prevention effect and the nasal area warming
effect are both required, then both the main body 2 and the
nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 can be held onto the
facial surface by widening the spacing between the fixation
portion of these straps 6 and 6 as shown in Fig. 11A.
Alternatively, if only a nasal area warmth-maintenance effect is
2~G~2~G
desired, then by holding down only the nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion 3 by reducing the spacing between the
fixation position of the straps 6 and 6 as shown in Fig. 11B,
the nasal area will be suitably warmed, but the mouth and nasal
cavity will be opened, making it easier to breathe.
The mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area of the
present invention is characterized in that it prevents or
relieves the symptoms of hay fever by maintaining or adding
warmth by covering the upper portion of the nasal area with at
least a nasal area warmth maintenance portion 3. Therefore, as
long as this characteristic is satisfied many different
modifications of the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area
of the present invention are possible.
For example, the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area
of the present invention can cover the nostrils but leave the
mouth bare when worn, as shown in Fig. 16A. However, this mask
maintaining warmth in the nasal area has at least one horizontal
rib (P1, P2 and P3 in the diagram) perpendicular to the center
line Y of the main body 2. It is desirable that by spreading
these ribs, the main body 2 can be made to cover both the
nostrils and the mouth as shown in Figure 16B. That is, with
this mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area, the lower end
portion 8 of the main body 2 is positioned between the upper lip
and the nostrils when the ribs are folded, and the lower end
portion 8 is positioned at least below the lower lip when the
ribs are spread. When this mask maintaining warmth in the nasal
area is worn with the ribs folded, while the nasal area warmth
maintenance effect and the blockage of the intrusion of
allergens and cold air into the nasal cavity are kept, the mouth
~~~~~ )~7
31
is left bare so that there is no difficulty in breathing and it
is possible to speak normally without the voice being muffled by
the mask. Additionally, in the case in which women wear the
mask, there is no worry that the mask could become smeared with
lipstick, so it is possible to more comfortably wear the mask
maintaining warmth in the nasal area while preserving the nasal
area warmth maintenance effect. On the other hand, if the mouth
needs to be covered in order to prevent the intrusion of
bacteria through the mouth, the ribs can be spread as shown in
Fig. 16B. Furthermore, it is desirable that, in addition to
embedding a metallic wire 11 along the upper portion 5 of the
main body 2, a second metallic wire 21 be embedded at a position
corresponding to the end of the nose when worn. With the
provision of two metallic wires in this manner, by pressing this
mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area onto the face, the
attachment to the nasal area improves and the warmth maintenance
effect is improved.
Additionally, the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area
of the present invention can leave both the mouth and the
nostrils bare when worn, as shown in Fig. 17A. However, in this
case also, the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 has
at least one horizontal rib (P in the diagram) perpendicular to
the center line Y of the main body 2. It is desirable that the
main body 2 be able to cover the nostrils by spreading these
ribs, as shown in Fig. 17B. That is, with this mask maintaining
warmth in the nasal area, the lower end portion 8 of the main
body 2 is positioned at the end of the nose when the ribs are
folded, and the lower end portion 8 is positioned so as to cover
at least the nostrils when the ribs are spread. When this mask
32
maintaining warmth in the nasal area is worn with the ribs
folded, while the warmth maintenance effect in the nasal area is
preserved, it is comfortable, with no difficulty in breathing,
because the nostrils and the mouth are left bare. Additionally,
when the ribs are spread, an effect identical to the previous
example of the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area when
the ribs are folded is able to be obtained. With this mask
maintaining warmth in the nasal area, similar to the previous
example, it is desirable that two metallic wires 11 and 21 be
embedded in the main body 2. Of course, it has been proven that
sufficient prevention and relief of the symptoms of allergic
nasal inflammation and hay fever can be obtained with only this
nasal area warmth maintenance.
Furthermore, with the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal
area 1 of the present invention, the nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion covers at least the top portion of the nasal
area; however, this nasal area warmth-maintenance portion can be
enlarged to warm the area surrounding the top portion of the
nose, such as the area around the eyes. For example, with hay
fever, in addition to symptoms affecting the nose such as
sneezing or congestion, the occurrence of other symptoms such as
blood-shot eyes or itching of the eyes is also common. Fig. 12
is a simplified drawing showing the tear ducts in the area
around the eyes. Normally, tears secreted by the tear glands
101 are continuously washing the surface of the eyeball 110, and
the tears flow through the lachrymal ducts 102, through the tear
sac 103 and the nasolachrymal canal 104 to the inferior nasal
canal 105. However, when allergic reactions such as hay fever
occur, the nasal membranes of the tear sac, lachrymal duct, and
33
nasolachrymal canal become inflamed and block the passages,
making it difficult for tears to flow, contributing to the
occurrence of allergic reactions. Therefore, with the mask
maintaining warmth in the nasal area of the present invention,
by warming or heating the area surrounding the tear ducts, it is
expected that these types of symptoms can be eliminated,
relieved, or prevented. For example, it is preferable that the
nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 of the mask maintaining
warmth in the nasal area of the present invention cover the
parts of the face corresponding to the lachrymal canals as shown
by the dotted line in the drawing. In practice, when patients
suffering from allergic symptoms in the eyes or the mask
maintaining warmth in the nasal area of the present invention in
the area around the lachrymal ducts was warmed, examples were
observed wherein the symptoms were relieved. For example, when
a patient who had suffered from hay fever for 15 years wore the
mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area of the present
invention, the symptoms occurring in the nose and the eyes were
relieved or eliminated. Therefore, the mask maintaining warmth
in the nasal area of the present invention is effective in
relieving or eliminating allergic symptoms occurring in the tear
apparatus.
As explained above, the mask maintaining warmth in the
nasal area of the present invention is characterized in covering
and maintaining or adding warmth to the upper portion of the
nasal area. Therefore, a nasal area warmth maintenance device
30 as shown in Figs. 18A and 18B are also included within the
scope of the present invention.
'This nasal area warmth maintenance device 30 allows
3 4 ~ ? J
attachment to the face of only the nasal area warmth maintenance
portion of the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area of the
present invention. Therefore, this nasal area warmth
maintenance device 30 is formed from a flexible warmth
maintaining sheet 31 with an adhesive layer 32 on one side,
having a shape so as to allow coverage of at least the nasal
cavity or both the nasal cavity and sinuses. This warmth
maintaining sheet 31 can be flat, or can be pre-formed into a
shape conforming to the shape of the nasal area.
This warmth maintaining sheet 31 should preferably be
formed from one, or a layering of at least two of materials
chosen from the group consisting of woven cloth, knitted cloth,
unwoven cloth, felt, paper, cotton, plastic, foam plastic,
rubber, foam rubber, sponge, natural leather, synthetic leather,
artificial skin and metallic foil. More specifically, woven
cloth, knitted cloth, unwoven cloth, gauze, thin paper such as
tissue paper, or the layering thereof; the layering of a layer
of material having high air-holding capability such as gauze or
degreased cotton; or a layered body including at least one of
the group consisting of plastic, foam plastic, rubber, foam
rubber, sponge, metallic foil, natural leather, synthetic
leather, or artificial skin made from collagen or polyglutamates
may be suggested. The heat conductivity of this warmth
maintaining sheet 31 should preferably be less than 1 x 10-3
cal/cm~sec~°C.
Additionally, the adhesive layer 32 formed on one side of
the warmth maintaining sheet 31 should be formed from a material
which adheres to but does not irritate the skin. Many different
types of adhesive materials can be used to form this adhesive
35 2~.~4
layer 32, but some possible examples are common adhesives such
as those used in adhesive bandages, sodium polyacrylate,
adhesive tape, or adhesive gels.
Fig. 19 shows this nasal area warmth maintenance device 30
as worn over the nasal area. Since this nasal area warmth
maintenance device 30 is completely uncovered, it is desirable
that at least the outer surface of the warmth maintaining sheet
31 be skin-colored or the warmth maintaining sheet 31 be
transparent. Additionally, many different types of materials
can be combined into this warmth maintaining sheet 31, similar
to the above-mentioned nasal area warmth maintenance portion of
the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area. For example,
the warmth maintenance and heating effects can be improved by
including metallic foil, far-infrared materials, heat-releasing
materials having iron powder or calcium oxide as the main
component, blood flow promoters or magnets. Additionally, by
providing irregularities on the inside of the warmth maintaining
sheet 31 with a raising procedure, it is also possible to
improve the warmth maintenance effect.
By wearing this nasal area warmth maintenance device 30, it
is possible to maintain or add warmth to at least the upper
portion of the nasal area, without obstructing the nasal cavity
or the mouth. Furthermore, there is no aversion to wear because
the mask is not placed over the ears, and the field of view is
not blocked.
Next, some examples are given in order to explain the mask
maintaining warmth in the nasal area of the present invention in
further detail.
36 2~.6~~~~'
Examples
Test Example
Here, Test Examples are explained which indicate that
allergic reactions in the nasal area due to hay fever or the
like can be prevented, relieved, or eliminated by maintaining or
adding warmth to the nasal area.
Test Subjects: Subjects A and B are sufferers of hay
fever. Subject N is a physically healthy individual who does
not suffer from the symptoms of hay fever.
On April 12, 1993, which is the time of year at which hay
fever is likely to occur, the facial temperature distributions
of Subjects A, B, and N were measured by thermography. At this
time, Subjects A and B showed the symptoms of hay fever.
In the results, whereas the entire facial surface of
Subject N was displayed in a uniform orange color in the
thermograph, in the case of Subjects A and B, the top portion of
the nasal area as indicated by reference symbol L in Fig. 13
were green in the thermograph, which indicates a low
temperature, while the rest of the face was orange. This result
indicates that the upper portion of the nasal area L of Subjects
A and B have low temperatures in comparison with the rest of the
face, and the top portion of the nasal area of Subject N.
At this time, the body temperature of Subject A was 37.5°C,
while the temperature of the upper portion of the nasal area L
was 34.0 -- 34.5°C, and the temperature of the cheek area beneath
the eyes was 35.9 ~ 36.3°C, as measured by a surface
thermometer.
Next, a heated iron powder-type warming material (Japanese
product name: "Hokaron") was applied to the upper portion of
~1~~~
37
the nasal area L of Subject A, and after 10 minutes of warming,
the warming material was disposed of, at which time the
temperature of the upper portion of the nasal area L was
measured at 43.5 ~ 45.0°C. During warming, the symptoms of hay
fever disappeared. Additionally, when the temperature of the
upper portion of the nasal area L was allowed to cool, the
symptoms returned, and when the upper portion of the nasal area
L was re-warmed, the symptoms once again disappeared.
From the above results, it is apparent that in sufferers of
allergic nasal inflammation due to hay fever and the like, the
temperature in the nasal area and its surroundings is lower than
in healthy people, and when allergens are allowed to irritate
the nasal membrane in this condition, symptoms can occur. These
symptoms can be prevented, relieved, or eliminated by
maintaining or adding warmth to the nasal area and its
surroundings.
Example 1
The mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 as shown in
Fig. 1 was produced. This mask maintaining warmth in the nasal
area 1 was made by sewing the lower end portion 7 of a nasal
area warmth-maintenance portion 3, made from skin-colored felt
and pre-formed into a three-dimensional shape so as to cover the
nasal area n and its surroundings when worn, to the central
portion of a main body 2 made from a layered gauze sheet having
12 layers having the shape of a rectangle of width 90 mm and
length 135 mm. A flattened metal wire 11 was embedded along the
upper portion 5 of the main body 2, and the side portions 12 and
12 of the main body 2 were formed in the shape of a loop, so
2~G~~~~i
_ 38
that the respective straps 6 and 6 could be inserted into the
loops and tied thereto.
The nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 has the shape
of an inverted T, having a length of 35 mm in the direction
along the nasal ridge (the vertical direction), a maximum
horizontal length of 80 mm and a thickness of 1 mm. When the
mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area is worn over the face
and the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 is fitted over
the nasal area n, then the upper end portion 4 of the nasal area
warmth-maintenance portion 3 protrudes approximately 20 mm above
the upper portion 5 of the main body 2.
This nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 is made in a
three-dimensional shape from a felt sheet.
When the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 of
Example 1 was worn with the side having the nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion 3 contacting the face and the straps 6 lain
over the ears in a manner similar to a normal mask, then the
metallic wire 11 bent to conform to the shape of the facial
surface, the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 could
solidly cover the nasal area and its surroundings and
effectively warm the area. Additionally, the field of view was
not obstructed.
Application Test 1
A test of the application of the mask maintaining warmth in
the nasal area of Example 1 was carried out. The test Subjects
were Subjects A, B, and C, all of whom suffer from hay fever.
From February to April, which is the period in which hay fever
occurs, while each test subject went through the subject's
- 39
respective normal daily routine, the severity of the symptoms
was measured for time periods in which the mask maintaining
warmth in the nasal area of Example 1 was worn, and for time
periods in which it was not worn, with the time periods recorded
in units of 1 hour. Of course, the mask was not worn during
periods of sleep. The severity of the symptoms is represented
by the number of times the nose was blown during each time
period. The results of the first test of Subject A are recorded
in Table 1, the results of the second test in Table 2, and the
results of the third test in Table 3.
Additionally, the test results of Subject B are recorded in
Table 4 and those of Subject C are recorded in Table 5. In the
row marked "Condition" in the Tables below, a "O" indicates that
a mask was worn, an "X" indicates that a mask was not worn, and
a "~" indicates that the subject was asleep and a "-" indicates
that no measurement was taken. The "Action" row indicates the
number of times the nose was blown.
Table l:
Test Date: 5 March 1994
Weather: Cloudy
Test Subject: A
Test Object: Mask Maintaining Warmth in the Nasal Area
(Example 1)
Table 1
Time 5
6
7
8
9
11
12
13
14
16
17
18
19
21
22
Condi-
tion O D D O X X X X O O O O O O O O O 0
Action 0 0 0 0 10 9 7 102 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
LocationH H H H H H H ODOD OD OD H H H H H H H
40
H = At home, OD = Outdoors
Table 2:
Test Date: 10 March 1994
Weather: Cloudy
Test Subject: A
Test Object: Mask Maintaining Warmth in the Nasal Area
(Example 1)
Table 2
Time 5
6
7
8
9
11
12
13
14
16
17
18
19
21
22
Condi-
tion 0 X X X X O O O X O O O O O X X O O
Action 0 5 3 1 7 1 0 0 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
LocationH H TR OF OF OF OF OF OFOF OF OF OF OF TR TR H H
H = At home, TR = In a train, OF = In an office
21~~~~G
._ 41
Table 3:
Test Date: 6 April 1994
Weather: Fair
Test Subject: A
Test Object: Mask Maintaining Warmth in the Nasal Area
(Example 1)
Table 3
Time 5
6
7
8
9
11
12
13
14
16
17
18
19
21
22
Condi-
tion ~ 4 4 ~ X X X X X X X O O O O O O O
Action 0 0 0 0 15 5 13 8 1125 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
LocationH H H H H H OD OD TRFI FI FI TR H H H H H
H = At home, OD = Outdoors, TR = In a train, FI = In a field
Table 4:
Test Date: 27 March 1994
Weather: Sunny
Test Subject: B
Test Object: Mask Maintaining Warmth in the Nasal Area
(Example 1)
Table 4
Time 5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Condi-
tion - - - - - - X O X X X O X X X X X X
Action 5 0 0 2 1 0 0 3 2 0 0 0
Location H H H H H H H H H H H H
H = At home
~1~~2 a ~i
42
Table 5:
Test Date: 9 February 1994
Weather: Cloudy
Test Subject: C
Test Object: Mask Maintaining Warmth in the Nasal Area
(Example 1)
Table 5
Time 5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Condi-
tion - - - X X O O O X X - - - - - - - -
Action 7 8 1 0 0 0 0
Location OF OF OF OF OF OF OF
OF = In an office
Comparative Example 1
The day after Subject A performed the first test, under
approximately the same conditions, the test was repeated using a
commercially-available pollen-proof gauze mask (having a filter)
instead of the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area of
Example 1. The results are shown in Table 6.
Table 6:
Test Date: 6 March 1994
weather: Cloudy
Test Subject: A
Test Object: Commercially Available Anti-pollen Mask
(Comparative Example)
2:1~~2
43
Table 6
Time 5
6
7
8
9
11
12
13
14
16
17
18
19
21
22
Condi-
tion D 0 D ~ X X X X O O O O O O O O 0 0
Action 0 0 0 0 17 10 5 8 3 5 3 2 5 1 2 3 0 0
LocationH H H H H H H OD OD OD OD ODOD H H H H H
H = At home, OD = Outdoors
Since the cedar pollen levels for the year 1994 were within
10 - 200 of the normal level, the symptoms in Subjects A, B, and
C were light. However, as is apparent from the results shown in
Tables 1 -- 5, there is a remarkable difference in the number of
times the nose was blown between the times in which the mask
maintaining warmth in the nasal area of Example 1 was worn and
the times in which such a mask was not worn, for all subjects in
all locations except during times of sleep, and it is clear that
this mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area prevents,
relieves, or eliminates the occurrence of symptoms of hay fever.
Referring to the Comparative Example shown in Table 6, it
can be confirmed that the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal
area of Example 1 is remarkably effective in comparison to
conventional masks.
Application Test 2
A severe application test was performed on the mask
maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 of Example 1.
Specifically, at 10:00 a.m. during his daily routine, Subject A
voluntarily inhaled a large quantity of cedar pollen from a
44
plastic bag. In the following hour, the severity of the
symptoms was observed without the mask maintaining warmth in the
nasal area 1 being worn.
After 2 to 3 minutes, sneezing began, the nose began to run
uncontrollably, the nasal membranes became swollen, pain was
experienced, and eventually, both nasal cavities became
completely congested.
At 11:00 a.m., the mask was donned, and the subsequent
conditions observed. The test results are shown in Table 7.
Table 7:
Test Date: 11 March 1994
Test Subject: A
Test Object: Mask Maintaining Warmth in the Nasal Area
(Example 1)
Table 7
Time 5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Condi-
tion 4 X X X X X O O O O O O X O O X X O
Action 0 5 2 1 1 97 15 5 6 2 1 2 17 3 2 3 5 0
LocationH H TR TR OF OF OF OF OF OF OF OF TR TR H H H H
Symptoms (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)
Location: H = At home, TR = In a train, OF = In an office
Symptoms: (1) Inhalation of cedar pollen
(2) Both nasal cavities congested
(3) Congestion somewhat relieved
(4) Same as above
(5) Congestion reduced
(6) Nasal membrane still swollen
45 ~~~~~--.r7J
(71 Same as above
From the results of the severe test shown in Table 7, it is
possible to see that wearing the mask maintaining warmth in the
nasal area quickly relieves the harsh symptoms of pollen
inhalation.
Application Test 3
Fig. 14 is a graph showing the pollen levels as measured in
Chiyoda Ward in central Tokyo, Japan, in March 1994 and March 1
-- 22, 1995. As seen in Fig. 14, the pollen level in March 1995
increased dramatically in comparison with the levels in 1994.
Under these conditions, a test identical to Application Test 1
was performed on the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1
of Example 1. The wearer of the mask was test Subject A who
suffers from hay fever. The results are shown in Tables 8 -- 10.
Table 8:
Test Date: 20 March 1995
Weather: Fair
Test Subject: A
Test Object: Mask Maintaining Warmth in the Nasal Area
(Example 1)
46 ~ 2~G4~5
Table 8
Time 0
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
11
12
Condi-
tion X X X X X X X O O O O O X
Action 0 0 0 0 2 1 55 7 5 5 3 0 10
Location
and S S S S S S H TR TR ID ID ID OD
Notes T W
Time 13
14
16
17
18
19
21
22
23
Condi-
tion X O O O O O O X X X O
Action 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 0
Location
and ID ID ID ID ID TR TR H H H S
Notes B R
S = Sleeping, T = Toilet, W = Waking, ID = Indoors,
OD = Outdoors, H = At home, TR = In a train, B = Bathing,
R = Retiring to bed
Table 9:
Test Date: 21 March 1995
Weather: Fair
Test Subject: A
Test Object: Mask Maintaining Warmth in the Nasal Area
(Example 1)
Table 9
Time 0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Condi-
tion O O O O O O X O O O O O X
Action 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 4 3 0
Location
and S S S S S S H H H H TR TR ID
Notes W
47
Time 13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
Condi-
tion X O O O O O X X O O O
Action 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 29 20 25 0
Location
and OD OD OD OD OD AU H H H H S
Notes B R
S = Sleeping, W = Waking, ID = Indoors, OD = Outdoors,
H = At home, TR = In a train, AU = Automobile,
B = Bathing, R = Retiring to bed
Table 10:
Test Date: 22 March 1995
Weather: Fair
Test Subject: A
Test Object: Mask Maintaining Warmth in the Nasal Area
(Example 1)
Table 10
Time 0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Condi-
tion O O O O O O X O O O O O X
Action 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 7 2 0 0 0
Location
and S S S S S S H TR TR ID ID ID ID
Notes W
Time 13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
Condi-
tion X O O O O O O O O O X
Action 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Location
and ID OD OD OD OD ID ID ID TR TR H
Notes B
R
S = Sleeping, W = Waking, ID = Indoors,
OD = Outdoors, H = At home, TR = In a train, B = Bathing,
48 21~42~
R = Retiring to bed
Comparative Example 2
The day before Subject A performed the first test, under
approximately the same conditions, the same application test was
performed using a commercially-available gauze mask (with
activated carbon) instead of the mask maintaining warmth in the
nasal area 1 of Example 1.
The results are shown in Table 11.
Table 11:
Test Date: 19 March 1995
Weather: Rainy
Test Subject: A
Test Object: Commercially Available Gauze Mask
(Comparative Example)
Table 11
Time 0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Condi-
tion X X X X X X X O O O O O X
Action 0 0 0 0 0 0 62 28 25 55 45 30 60
Location
and S S S S S S H TR TR ID ID ID ID
Notes W
_ 49 21fi~2
Time 13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
Condi-
tion O O O O O O O X X X X
Action 25 28 30 33 54 28 35 7 4 5 0
Location
and ID ID ID ID ID TR TR H H H S
Notes B R
S = Sleeping, W = Waking, ID = Indoors, H = At home,
TR = In a train, B = Bathing, R = Retiring to bed
As is apparent from the above results, the number of times
the nose was blown between the times at which the mask
maintaining warmth in the nasal area of the present invention
was worn and the times at which it was not worn is remarkable,
and it is clear that this mask maintaining warmth in the nasal
area prevents, relieves, or eliminates the occurrence of
allergic symptoms of hay fever. Additionally, with reference to
the Comparative Example shown in Table 11, it was confirmed that
the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area of the present
invention was more effective than a conventional mask.
Furthermore, a tendency of the symptoms which had been
suppressed by the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area of
the present invention to return was observed when blood
circulation was promoted by taking a bath. Additionally, when
the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area was worn during
sleep, the symptoms after awakening were relieved in comparison
with the case in which a mask was not worn. Also, in the above-
mentioned application test, the effect of the mask maintaining
warmth in the nasal area was evident after 1 to 5 minutes from
the time at which the mask was donned for every test subject.
Example 2
The mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 shown in
Fig. 7 was produced. with this mask maintaining warmth in the
nasal area 1, the nasal area warmth maintenance portion and the
main body 2 are formed as a single body from a layered gauze
sheet having 12 layers, with an upper end portion 4 protruding
20 mm along the vertical line X from the central portion 5 of
the main body 2 which is formed in the shape of a rectangle of
width 90 mm and length 135 mm.
This mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 has 4
vertical ribs p1, p2, p3, and p4, formed parallel and
symmetrical with respect to the center vertical line X, and the
upper end of each rib is sewn and thereby affixed to the upper
end portion 4, while the lower end of each rib is sewn and
thereby affixed to the lower portion of the main body.
Additionally, a plastic ribbon 9 holding a single metallic
wire made from mnematic alloy is embedded in the peripheral
portion of the upper end portion 4, extending to the ends of
both upper portions 5 and 5. This metallic wire formed from
mnematic alloy is pre-formed so as remember a shape conforming
to the facial features.
Loops allowing passage of the straps are formed on both
side portions 12 and 12 of the main body 2, and the straps 6 for
laying over the ears are inserted into the respective loops.
When the mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 of
Fig. 7 is worn, the nasal area warmth maintenance portion 3
bulges outwardly due to the protrusion of the nasal area, and
the upper end portion 4 curves to conform to and solidly cover
the upper portion of the nasal area. Furthermore, when the
51
plastic ribbon 9 having the mnematic alloy is heated by the
bodily warmth, the original shape returns, so that the upper end
portion 4 automatically changes shape without manual shaping so
as to solidly cover the upper portion of the nasal area and
effectively maintain warmth in the nasal area and in its
surroundings. This mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1
has a solid overall fit to the face, exhibits excellent warmth
maintenance and dust-exclusion effects, and has an agreeable
outward appearance.
Example 3
The mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 shown in
Fig. 15 was produced. with the mask maintaining warmth in the
nasal area, the nasal area warmth maintenance portion 3 and the
main body 2 are formed separately. That is, a felt nasal area
warmth maintenance portion 3 in the shape of the nasal area is
attached by velcro 13 along the external side of the lower end
portion 7 to the central portion of the main body 2 which is
formed from a layered gauze sheet having 12 layers in the shape
of a rectangle having a width of 90 mm and a length of 135 mm.
Since the nasal area warmth maintenance portion 3 is attached by
velcro 13, it can be removed or reattached to the main body 2 as
necessary.
This nasal area warmth maintenance portion 3 is formed in
the shape of an arch, the width of which gradually thins from
the lower end portion 7 to the upper end portion 4, and on its
interior surface, an unwoven cloth bag containing exothermic
materials such as metallic powder and sodium chloride is
attached. This ~a~~th~~ml~ material ~~ a~f~x~d b~ ~~ adhesive
2~~4~
52
provided within the bag to prevent it from flowing.
When this mask maintaining warmth in the nasal area 1 is
worn in a manner similar to a normal mask, with the side having
the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 on the inside, the
upper end portion 4 is provided in a position to cover the upper
portion of the nasal area because the nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion 3 is formed in a three-dimensional shape to
conform to the nasal area n. In this state, the exothermic
material on the inside of the nasal area warmth-maintenance
portion 3 is suitably heated, so that the nasal area and its
surroundings are effectively warmed over a long period of time,
eliminating the symptoms of hay fever.
Since the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 is
removably attached to the main body 2 by velcro 13, it is
possible to adjust the length from the upper portion 5 of the
main body to the upper end portion 4 of the nasal area warmth-
maintenance portion from 10 mm to 25 mm. Therefore, by
adjusting the position of the upper end portion 4 according to
the facial features and dimensions of the~wearer, a wide range
of sufferers of allergic nasal inflammation, from children to
adult men and women can use this mask maintaining warmth in the
nasal area 1.
Additionally, it is possible to extend the heating time by
removing the nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3 after it
has completed the radiation of heat, and replacing it with a new
nasal area warmth-maintenance portion 3. Furthermore, it is
possible to store spare nasal area warmth-maintenance portions 3
in vacuum-sealed packs.
If the nasal area warmth-m~inte~~~ce p~~t~~n ~e ~emev~b~~
~~.~~~ i
53
attached to the main body as in the present example, the main
body can be separated from the nasal area warmth-maintenance
portion and washed, replaced, or stored. Additionally, by
adjusting the mutual positions of the main body and the nasal
area warmth-maintenance portion to conform to the facial
dimensions, it is possible to apply to a wide range of patients.
