WORK-MASK WEARING DEVICE AND HELMET USING THE SAME

Abstract

[Problem] It is to obviate the trouble of making fine adjustments of a mounting angle to a helmet even if there are significant differences among individual workers in position of the mouth. [Constitution] A helmet A1 includes work-mask wearing devices 100, 100 attached to right and left ear areas of an edge a1 of the helmet A1 and a work mask connected to the work-mask wearing devices 100, 100. The work-mask wearing device 100 includes a first plate 10 with a holder 12 and a second plate 20 joined to the other end side of the first plate and adapted to be folded back. The second plate 20 has a fixing plate portion 211 and a movable plate portion 212, and the movable plate portion 212 of the second plate 20 is rotatable with respect to the first plate 10 not only in an open state but also in a closed state.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to work-mask wearing devices that allow users to detach work masks, such as dust masks and gas masks, with helmets on.

BACKGROUND ART

In light of the fact that a large proportion of workers wear only helmets and not work masks as before when working in such working environments as to adversely affect human bodies, such as when working at construction sites, the present inventors have proposed an invention of a work-mask wearing device that allows a user to detach a work mask with a helmet on (Patent Literature 1).

• Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-75522

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

Unfortunately, although this work-mask wearing device is very convenient and well-received, significant variations among individual workers in the position of the mouth may sometimes cause misalignment between straps of the work mask and the work-mask wearing device. The misalignment may hinder the proper wearing of the work mask, requiring fine adjustments such as devising a manner to attach the work mask on an edge of the helmet. Such adjustments are bothersome and adversely affects the increase in the wearing rate of work masks.

When the design is modified to allow fine adjustments of a mounting angle relative to the helmet, the worker for whom adjustments are made will be able to use the helmet with no problem, but another worker will need to make fine adjustment again when using the helmet. Such modification may not always be a fundamental solution.

The present invention is devised in light of the above-described situation, and it provides a work-mask wearing device that obviates the need to make fine adjustment of its mounting angle to a helmet and provides a helmet using the work-mask wearing device.

Solution to Problem

A work-mask wearing device according to the present invention to connect a work mask and a helmet, including a first plate including a holder on one end side thereof, the holder being adapted to hold an edge of the helmet; and a second plate, including one end side and an other end side, the one end side of the second plate being joined to an other end side of the first plate and adapted to be folded back, and the other end side of the second plate being adapted to connect with an end of the work mask, wherein the first plate and the second plate are provided with first fixing means for releasably maintaining a closed state where outer surfaces of the plates overlap each other, and the second plate is rotatable in its entirety or in part with respect to the first plate not only in an open state but also in the closed state.

According to the present invention, the work mask is connected to the second plate, and the holder of the first plate is used to mount the work-mask wearing device on the edge of the helmet. In this state, the first and second plates are brought into the closed state, then the outer surfaces of the plates overlap each other, with the distance between the helmet and the work mask reduced, so that the work mask covers a mouth of a worker. In this process, the whole or part of the second plate is pulled by the work mask and thereby automatically inclined in the pulled direction, and as a result, the whole or part of the second plate and the end of the work mask are aligned, so that the work mask is properly worn. Conversely, when the first and second plates are brought into the open state, with the distance between the helmet and the work mask increased, so that the whole or part of the second plate is inclined downward due to a weight of the work mask itself, and the work mask comes off from the mouth of the worker and hangs down.

Accordingly, the work mask can be properly worn without making fine adjustments of the mounting angle to the helmet even if there are significant differences among individual workers in position of the mouth. Accordingly, usability is improved, contributing to the enhancement of the wearing rate of the work mask.

Preferably, the first fixing means may include a claw provided in the second plate and a circular-arc hole formed in a surface of a plate body of the first plate, the circular-arc hole being adapted to receive and engage the claw.

In this case, the configuration is simplified because the claw serves both as a guide and an engagement piece for the circular-arc hole. The cost can be reduced in this respect.

The second plate may include a fixed plate portion, including one end side joined to the other end side of the first plate and adapted to be folded back; and a movable plate portion, including one end side and an other end side, the one end side of the movable plate portion being rotatabley joined to an other end side of the fixed plate portion, and the other end side of the movable plate portion being adapted to connect with the end of the work mask. Preferably, the fixed plate portion of the second plate may be provided with a stopper that is contactable with a portion of the movable plate portion to limit a rotation angular range of the movable plate portion.

In this case, the stopper limits the rotation angular range of the movable plate portion. Accordingly, even if the first and second plates are brought into the open state in a rough manner, the stopper securely abuts and stops the movable plate portion to prevent the work mask from hitting the breast or other part of the worker with a large force. This aspect improves the usability.

The second plate may include a main plate configured to include the fixed plate portion and the movable plate portion; and a sub plate, including one end side and an other end side, the one end side of the sub plate being rotatabley joined to an other end side of the main plate, and the other end side of the sub plate including an insertion through-hole for passing therethrough a strap of the work mask. In this case, the main plate and the sub plate are provided with second fixing means for releasably maintaining a closed state where inner surfaces of the plates overlap each other.

In this case, as the strap of the work mask is passed through the insertion through-hole formed in the sub plate, the work mask will not come close to the worker and annoy him when the first and second plates are in the open state. Moreover, the work mask in the closed state can be attached smoothly. These aspects also improve the usability.

The second fixing means may include a projection provided on an inner surface of the movable plate portion of the main plate and a depression formed in an inner surface of the sub plate, the depression being adapted to receive and engage the projection.

In the first plate, the holder thereof may be provided so as to overhang in a thickness direction of the first plate.

In this case, the first plate and other parts is spaced apart from and thereby does not contact the face of the worker, the worker hardly feels uncomfortable even when he sweats during work. Moreover, wear comfort is favorable even for a worker wearing eyeglasses because there exists no portion in contact with temples of the eyeglasses. These aspects further improve the usability.

The holder of the first plate may include, for example, a base, being adapted to be disposed along, below, and opposite the edge of the helmet; an inner claw of straight plate-like shape, standing on an inner side of the base and being contactable with an inner side of the edge of the helmet; and an outer claw, standing on an outer side of the base and being contactable with an outer side of the edge of the helmet.

In this case, the edge of the helmet is sandwiched and held between the inner claw and the outer claw, so that a wider range of types etc. of helmets may be used, which further enhances the usability.

In the case of the first plate having the above-described holder, at least one of the outer claw and the base is passed through an annular cushioning member for stably attaching the work-mask wearing device onto the edge of the helmet.

In this case, it is possible not only to stabilize the attachment on the edge of the helmet but also to further enlarge the range of types etc. of applicable helmets through the adjustment of a thickness of the cushioning member. This aspect further enhances the usability.

In the case where the work-mask wearing device is mounted on an edge of a helmet with no gutter, the work-mask wearing device may further include a first attachment member including a distal end that is adapted to hold the edge of the helmet with no gutter. In this case, the base of the holder of the first plate is formed with a hole to mount from above a base end of the first attachment member along the first plate. Similarly, in the case where the work-mask wearing device is mounted on an edge of a helmet with gutter, the work-mask wearing device may further include a second attachment member including a distal end of L-shaped cross section adapted to hook the edge of the helmet with gutter. In this case, the base of the holder of the first plate is formed with a hole to mount from above a base end of the second attachment member along the first plate.

In either case, the work-mask wearing device can be securely mounted on the edge of the helmet irrespective of the type of the helmet with or without gutter, further enlarging the range of the types etc. of applicable helmets, and thus improving the usability.

A helmet according to the present invention includes the above-described work-mask wearing devices attached to right and left ear areas of the edge of the helmet and a work mask connected to the other end sides of the second plates of the work-mask wearing devices. Also, the work-mask wearing devices may not be attached to but integrated with the right and left ear areas of the edge of the helmet.

The helmet as described above produces a similar effect to that of the above-described work-mask wearing device. That is, the work mask can be properly worn without making fine adjustments even when there are significant differences among individual workers in position of the mouth. Accordingly, the usability is improved, and the wearing rate of the work mask can be increased.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1(A) and (B) are schematic side views showing states where a helmet with no gutter is worn, where FIG. 1(A) is a view showing a state where a work-mask wearing device is in a closed state, and FIG. 1(B) is a view showing a state where the work-mask wearing device is in an open state.

FIGS. 2(A) and (B) are schematic side views showing states where a helmet with gutter is worn similarly to the FIGS. 1(A) and (B), where FIG. 2(A) is a view showing the state where the work-mask wearing device is in the closed state, and FIG. 2(B) is a view showing the state where the work-mask wearing device is in the open state.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the work-mask wearing device in the open state of the helmet shown in FIGS. 1(A) and (B).

FIG. 4 is a back view of the work-mask wearing device in the open state.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the work-mask wearing device in the closed state.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a holder of a first plate of the work-mask wearing device.

FIG. 7 is a partially omitted schematic side view of the work-mask wearing device.

FIGS. 8(A) and (B) are views showing an attachment member for the helmet with no gutter, where FIG. 8(A) is a side view and FIG. 8(B) is a front view.

FIGS. 9(A) and (B) are views showing an attachment member for the helmet with gutter as shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B), where FIG. 9(A) is a side view and FIG. 9(B) is a front view.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment member for the helmet with no gutter as shown in FIGS. 8(A) and (B) in a state of being attached to the holder of the first plate.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the attachment member for the helmet with gutter as shown in FIGS. 9(A) and (B) in a state of being attached to the holder of the first plate.

FIGS. 12(A) and (B) illustrate a modified helmet corresponding to FIGS. 1(A) and (B), where FIG. 12(A) illustrates a state where the work-mask wearing device is in a closed state, and FIG. 12(B) illustrates a state where the work-mask wearing device is in an open state.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1(A) to 12(B). A later section of Reference Signs List indicates the correspondence between the components shown in the drawings and the matters defining the invention described in the claims.

FIGS. 1(A) and (B) are schematic side views showing states where a helmet with no gutter is worn, and FIGS. 2(A) and (B) are schematic side views showing states where a helmet with gutter is worn. Reference numerals A1, A2 denote a helmet with no gutter and a helmet with gutter, respectively; a1, a2 denote edges of the helmets A1, A2, respectively; 100 denotes a work-mask wearing device, 200 denotes a work mask such as a dust mask or a gas mask, and 300 denotes goggles, which are often used together with the work mask 200. FIGS. 1(A) and (B) and FIGS. 2(A) and (B) illustrate only one of the work-mask wearing devices 100.

The helmet A1 is a safety cap made of ABS, PC, PE or EPF. As shown in FIGS. 1(A) and (B), the helmet A1 includes the work-mask wearing devices 100, 100 attached to right and left ear areas of the edge a1 of the helmet A1 and the work mask 200 connectable to the work-mask wearing devices 100, 100. Either side of the work mask 200 is provided with upper and lower dual stretchable bands 201 such as rubber bands.

The helmet A2 has a similar configuration to that of the helmet A1. As shown in FIGS. 2(A) and (B), the helmet A2 includes the work-mask wearing devices 100, 100 attached to right and left ear areas of the edge a2 of the helmet A2 and the work mask 200 connectable to the work-mask wearing devices 100, 100. The two kinds of helmets are different from each other only in the shapes of the edges a1, a2 and attachment members 30, 40 used for the work-mask wearing devices 100, 100. The edge a1 has no gutter, while the edge a2 has a gutter of U-shape in cross-sectional view. That is, A1 is a helmet with no gutter, and A2 is a helmet with gutter. The attachment member 30 is used for the edge a1 of the helmet A1, while the attachment member 40 is used for the edge a2 of the helmet A2.

The configuration of each of the work-mask wearing devices 100 will be described, focusing on a case where it is used with the helmet A1. FIG. 3 is a front view of the work-mask wearing device 100 in an open state of the helmet A1, FIG. 4 is a back view of the work-mask wearing device 100 in the open state, and FIG. 5 is a front view of the work-mask wearing device 100 in an closed state. Reference numeral 10 denotes a first plate; 20 denotes a second plate having a fixed plate portion 211, a movable plate portion 212, etc.; and 30 denotes the attachment member.

As shown in FIG. 3, the work-mask wearing device 100 is a molded article of resin such as plastic materials, which is used to connect the work mask 200 and the helmet A1. The work-mask wearing device 100 includes the first plate 10 with a holder 12 on one end side thereof, the holder being adapted to hold the edge a1 of the helmet A1; the second plate 20, one end side of which is joined to the other end side of the first plate 10 and adapted to be folded back and the other end side of which is adapted to connect with ends of the stretchable bands 201 (see FIGS. 1(A) and (B)) of the work mask 200; and the attachment member 30 having a holding member 31 adapted to hold the edge a1 of the helmet A1. The attachment member 30 is an optional component to securely mount the work-mask wearing device 100 on the edge a1 of the helmet A1.

The first plate 10 and the second plate 20 are as a whole bent into a generally L shape, as shown in FIG. 3.

The first and second plates 10, 20 are provided with first fixing means for releasably maintaining the closed state where outer surfaces (front surfaces as shown in FIG. 3) of the two plates overlap each other. The first fixing means includes a claw 213, provided on the movable plate portion 212 of the second plate 20, and a circular-arc hole 13, formed in a surface of a plate body 11 of the first plate 10 and adapted to receive and engage the claw 213. Accordingly, the movable plate portion 212 of the second plate 20 is rotatable with respect to the first plate 10 not only in the open state but also in the closed state (see FIGS. 3 and 5).

The first plate 10 has a plate body 11, which is shaped like a plate slightly curved so as to conform to a cheek of the face of a worker, and the holder 12 to be arranged parallel to the edge a1 of the helmet A1.

The plate body 11 is at such a relative position as to be inclined an angle of about 30° to 50° to the holder 12. The circular-arc hole 13 is formed through centrally in the surface of the plate body 11. Teeth 14 each having a triangular cross section form a plurality of rows on an inner surface of the plate body 11 to detachably fix the attachment member 30 (see FIGS. 4 and 10). Across the other end side of the plate body 11 are hinge shafts 15, 15 to join the plate body 11 to the one end side of the second plate 20 in a openable and closable manner (see FIGS. 4 and 7).

An end of the plate body 11 has a cut-out hook hole 16 to pass therethrough a stretchable band 310 of the goggles 300 (see FIGS. 1(A) and (B)). The cut-out hook hole 16 is a circular-arc hole having a width corresponding to a width of the stretchable band 310 of the goggles 300, and a partially cut-out portion of the cut-out hook hole 16 serves as a groove for receiving the stretchable band 310. The cut-out hook hole 16 may be omitted when the goggles 300 are not used.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the holder 12 of the first plate 10. As shown in FIG. 6, the holder 12 is provided on one end side of the plate body 11 so as to overhang in its thickness direction (see FIG. 10). Specifically, the holder 12 has a base 121, disposed along, below, and opposite the edge a1 of the helmet A1; inner claws 122, 122 of straight plate-like shape, standing on an inner side of the base 121 and being contactable with an inner side of the edge a1 of the helmet A1 (see FIG. 10); and outer claws 123, 123 each having a ¼ circular-arc cross section that stand on an outer side of the base 121 and being contactable with an outer side of the edge a1 of the helmet A1 (see FIG. 10).

Accordingly, the edge a1 of the helmet A1 is elastically sandwiched between the inner claws 122, 122 and the outer claws 123, 123, so that the work-mask wearing device 100 can be held on the edge a1 of the helmet A1.

At a position between the outer claws 123 in a central portion of the base 121 of the holder 12, a hole 124 is formed to receive a base end of the attachment member 30 from above along the plate body 11 (see FIG. 10).

The holder 12 is provided with a total of four annular cushioning members 50 made of rubber to stably mount the work-mask wearing device 100 onto the edge a1 of the helmet A1. Specifically, the cushioning members 50 are placed around distal ends of the outer claws 122, 122 and around the portions of the base 121 between the inner claws 122 and the outer claws 122.

The second plate 20 has a main plate 21 and a sub plate 22, as shown in FIG. 3. One end side of the sub plate 22 is joined to the other end side of the main plate 21 and adapted to be folded back. The second plate 20 is at such a relative position as to be inclined at an angle of about 120° to 150° to the plate body 11 of the first plate 10.

The main plate 21 and the sub plate 22 are provided with second fixing means for releasably maintaining a closed state where inner surfaces (back surfaces as shown in FIG. 4) of the plates overlap each other. As shown in FIG. 4, the second fixing means has a projection 2121, provided on an inner surface of the movable plate portion 212 (see FIG. 7), and a depression 223, formed in the inner surface of the sub plate 22 and adapted to receive and engage the projection 2121 (see FIG. 7). A distal end of the projection 2121 is formed integrally with a bifurcated engagement piece 2125 that is resiliently contactactable with an inner surface of the depression 223 (see FIG. 7).

As shown in FIG. 3, the main plate 21 is configured to include the fixed plate portion 211, one end side of which is joined to the other end side of the first plate 10 and adapted to be folded back; and the movable plate portion 212, one end side of which is rotatably joined to the other end side of the fixed plate portion 211 and the other end side of which is adapted to connect with the ends of the stretchable bands 201 of the work mask 200.

Across the one end side of the fixed plate portion 211 are hinge bearings 2111, 2111 to be paired with the hinge shafts 15, 15 of the first plate 10. The other end side of an inner surface of the fixed plate portion 211 is provided with a rotation shaft 2112, which is a screw to pivotally support the movable plate portion 212. The outer sides of the other end side of the fixed plate portion 211 form stoppers 2113, 2113 that are adapted to contact outer ends of the movable plate portion 212 and limit a rotation angle range of the movable plate portion 212.

In a central portion of the one end side of the movable plate portion 212, the projection 2121 of generally rectangular parallelepiped shape (see FIG. 7) is provided over the inner surface of the fixed plate portion 211, and the rotation shaft 2112 passes through a central portion of the projection 2121. The movable plate portion 212 is rotatable in a predetermined range about the rotation shaft 2112, with the movable plate portion 212 and the fixed plate portion 211 existing in the same plane.

The other end side of the movable plate portion 212 is provided with a open/close holding piece 2122 extending obliquely downward (see FIG. 7). The above-described claw 213 is disposed near the open/close holding piece 2122. On either side of the claw 213, fixing holes 2123, 2123 are formed side by side to connect the ends of the stretchable bands 201 of the work mask 200.

The fixing holes 2123 are pairs of upper and lower slots 2123a, 2123b to fold back the ends of the stretchable bands 201 of the work mask 200 in U shapes and fix the same. The hole sizes of the slots 2123a are gradually decreased along the width direction (right direction in FIG. 3), and the hole sizes of the slots 2123b are gradually decreased in the opposite direction to the above direction.

In the other end side of the movable plate portion 212 and alongside the fixing holes 2123, 2123, there are hinge shafts 2124, 2124 to couple openably and closably the one end side of the sub plate 23.

Across the one end side of the sub plate 22 are hinge bearings 221, 221 to be mated with the hinge shafts 2124, 2124 of the movable plate portion 212. Across the other end side of the sub plate 22 are insertion through-holes 222, 222 to pass therethrough the stretchable bands 201 of the work mask 200.

FIG. 7 is a partially omitted schematic side view of the work-mask wearing device 100. As shown in the figure, the first plate 10 and the second plate 20 are openable and closable in a direction “A”. When the claw 213 of the second plate 20 is received in the circular-arc hole 13 of the first plate 10, the closed state between the first plate 10 and the second plate 20 is releasably maintained.

The main plate 21 and the sub plate 22 of the second plate 20 are openable and closable in a direction “B”. When the projection 2121 of the main plate 21 is received in the depression 223 of the sub plate 22, the closed state between the main plate 21 and the sub plate 22 is releasably maintained.

FIGS. 8(A) and (B) are a side view and a front view of the attachment member 30. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the attachment member 30 is attached to the holder 12 of the first plate 10.

The attachment member 30 is used to mount the work-mask wearing device 100 on a helmet with no gutter. As shown in FIGS. 8(A) and (B) and FIG. 10, the attachment member 30 has the holding member 31 with a U-shaped cross section, which is adapted to hold the edge a1 of the helmet A1, and a plate-like attaching member 32, which is formed below the holding member 31 and adapted to be received in the hole 124 of the holder 12 of the first plate 10. An outer surface of the attaching member 32 is formed with a plurality of rows of teeth 321 having triangular cross-sections that are adapted engage the teeth 14 of the first plate 10.

It is possible to attach the work-mask wearing device 100 to the edge a1 of the helmet A1 using only the holder 12, but it is better to use the attachment member 30 when there is a possibility that the work-mask wearing device 100 cannot be securely fixed due to a difference in type of the helmet with no gutter or other reasons.

In this case, when the attachment member 30 is inserted from above into the hole 124 of the holder 12 of the first plate 10 as shown in FIG. 10, the teeth 321 of the attaching member 32 are brought into meshing engagement with the teeth 14 of the first plate 10. When removing the attachment member 30, the attaching member 32 is pulled out while being slightly spaced from the inner surface of the plate body 11.

The holding member 31 of the attachment member 30 is of a shape conforming to the curved surface of the edge a1 of the helmet A1, so that, in combination with the original function of the holder 12, the edge a1 of the helmet A1 can be securely held irrespective of some variations in shape and size of the helmet with no gutter.

FIGS. 9(A) and (B) are a side view and a front view of the attachment member 40. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a state where the attachment member 40 is attached to the holder 12 of the first plate 10.

The attachment member 40 is used to mount the work-mask wearing device 100 on a helmet with gutter. As shown in FIGS. 9A(A) and (B) and FIG. 11, the attachment member 40 has a holding member 41 with an L-shaped cross section, which is adapted to hold the edge a2 of the helmet A2, and a plate-like attaching member 42, which is formed below the holding member 41 and adapted to received in the hole 124 of the holder 12 of the first plate 10. An outer surface of the attaching member 42 is formed with a plurality of rows of teeth 421 having triangular cross-sections that are adapted to engage the teeth 14 of the first plate 10.

It is possible to attach the work-mask wearing device 100 to the edge a2 of the helmet A2 using only the holder 12, but it is better to use the attachment member 40 when there is a possibility that the work-mask wearing device 100 cannot be securely fixed due to a difference in type of the helmet with no gutter or other reasons.

In this case, when the attachment member 40 is inserted from above into the hole 124 of the holder 12 of the first plate 10 as shown in FIG. 11, the teeth 421 of the attaching member 42 are brought into meshing engagement with the teeth 14 of the first plate 10. When removing the attachment member 40, the attaching member 42 is pulled out while being slightly spaced from the inner surface of the plate body 11.

The holding member 41 of the attachment member 40 is of such a shape as to press the edge a2 of the helmet A2 from above (see FIG. 11), so that, in combination with the original function of the holder 12, the edge a2 of the helmet A2 can be securely held irrespective of some variations in shape and size of the helmet with gutter.

The helmet A1 is structured as described above, and the following describes how to use the helmet A1 with reference to FIGS. 1(A) and (B) and other figures. First, the ends of the stretchable bands 201 of the work mask 200 are connected to the work-mask wearing devices 100, 100. During the connection, as shown in broken lines in FIG. 7, the ends of the stretchable bands 201 of the work mask 200 are drawn through the insertion through-holes 222 of the sub plates 22 of the work-mask wearing devices 100, and then they are drawn through the fixing holes 2123b and then fixing holes 2123a of the main plates 21. The fixing holes 2123a and 2123b have such shapes as to prevent the stretchable bands 201 of the work mask 200 from coming off easily.

When the attachment members 30 are to be used, they are attached to the work-mask wearing devices 100, 100 in advance.

Next, a worker wears the helmet A1 and attaches the work-mask wearing devices 100, 100 onto the edge a1 of the helmet A1, by fitting them in the open state slightly obliquely over the edge a1 from underneath. When goggles 300 are used together with the work mask 200, the stretchable band 310 of the goggles 300 is drawn through the cut-out hook holes 113 of the plate bodies 11 to connect the goggles 300. FIG. 1(B) shows this state.

When the worker starts to work, he pinches the open/close holding pieces 2122 of the work-mask wearing devices 100, 100 and flips the main plates 21 toward the first plates 10, so that outer surfaces of the main plates 21 overlap with the outer surfaces of the first plates 10. When the claws 213 of the second plates 20 are put into the respective circular-arc holes 13 of the first plates 10, elastic forces of the claws 213 maintain the closed state between the first plates 10 and the second plates 20.

At the same time, the stretchable bands 201 of the work mask 200 press the sub plates 22 and make it fall onto the main plates 21, so that the main and sub plates enter the closed state. That is, the inner surfaces of the sub plates 22 and the inner surfaces of the main plates 21 overlap each other. When the projections 2121 of the main plates 21 come into the depressions 223 of the sub plates 22, elastic forces of the engagement pieces 2125 produced in the depressions 223 maintain the closed state between the sub plates 22 and the main plates 21.

The first plates 10 and the second plates 20 of the work-mask wearing devices 100, 100 are thus brought into the closed state, and then the work mask 200, which should have hung down due to its own weight, is pulled toward and finally placed over the mouth of the worker. Simultaneously, the movable plate portions 212 and the sub plates 22 are pulled by the stretchable bands 201 of the work mask 200 and thereby automatically inclined to the pulled direction, resulting in the alignment of the movable plate portions 212, the sub plates 22, and the stretchable bands 201 of the work mask 200. FIG. 1(A) shows this state.

The movable plate portions 212 and the sub plates 22, and the stretchable bands 201 of the work mask 200 are thus aligned, totally irrespective of differences in position of the mouths of individual workers. Therefore, the work mask 200 can be properly worn without making fine adjustments of a mounting angle to the helmet A1, as distinct from conventional devices.

Conversely, when the work mask 300 is not used, the worker pinches the open/close holding piece 2122 of the work-mask wearing devices 100, 100 and flips the second plates 20 in the opposite direction. The claws 213 of the flipped second plates 20 thus come off from the circular-arc holes 13 of the first plates 10, and the weight of the work mask 20 brings the first plates 10 and the second plates 20 into the open state. Simultaneously, the projections 2121 of the main plates 21 get disengaged from the depressions 223 of the sub plates 22, and the weight of the work mask 20 brings the sub plates 22 and the main plates 21 into the open state.

The first plates 10 and the second plates 20 of the work-mask wearing devices 100, 100 are thus brought into the open state, then the weight of the work mask 20 directs the movable plate portions 212 and the sub plates 22 downward. The work mask 200 accordingly drops off from the mouth of the worker. FIG. 1(B) shows this state. The work mask 200 is positioned below the jaw of the worker and slightly forward of his face, the work mask 200 will not be particularly annoying to the worker.

Moreover, when the worker takes off the helmet A1 is taken off in the state as shown in FIG. 1(B), the work mask 200 makes contact with the vicinity of his jaw, so that the helmet A1 is detached from the work-mask wearing devices 100, 100, and the work-mask wearing devices 100, 100 are accordingly taken off together with the work mask 200 and the goggles 300.

The helmet A2 will not be described herein because it is used in the exactly same manner as described above.

Unlike the conventional devices, the above described wearing devices make it possible to wear the work mask 200 properly without making fine adjustments of the mounting angle to the helmet A1 or A2 even if there are significant differences among the workers in position of the mouth. The first plates 10 and the second plates 20 are spaced apart from the face of the worker, so that the worker hardly feels uncomfortable even when the worker sweats in use. The worker can wear the work mask 200 and the goggles 300 comfortably without feeling that his entire head is squeezed by the work mask 200 and the goggles 300. Such wear comfort will be hardly lost even for a worker wearing eyeglasses because there exists no portion to make contact with the temples of the eyeglasses.

Moreover, there is no need to take off the helmet A1 or A2 each time when the work mask 200 is put on or taken off during work. The same holds true for a case where the goggles 300 are put on or taken off. When taking off the helmet A1 or A2 with the work-mask wearing devices 100, 100 attached thereto, the work-mask wearing devices 100, 100, the work mask 200 and the goggles 300 will be taken off all together.

Consequently, unlike the conventional example, the usability is improved significantly, and under an environment adversely affecting a human body, the wearing rate of the work mask 200 practically increases drastically. Moreover, the usability is favorable also because the work-mask wearing device 100 can be shared for a helmet with no gutter and one with gutter, by choosing either one of the attachment members 30, 40 as needed. From a manufacturers' standpoint, the work-mask wearing device 100 can be applied to a wide range of types of helmets and the like if various types of attachment members are prepared, resulting in advantageously reduced costs.

Next, a modified helmet will be described with reference to FIGS. 12(A) and (B). FIGS. 12(A) and (B) are schematic side views for illustrating a helmet in use, i.e. in a state where the helmet with no gutter is worn.

In a helmet A3 described herein, work-mask wearing devices 10′, 10′ are not attached to right and left ear areas of an edge a3, but they are integrated with the helmet A3. The work-mask wearing devices 10′ differ from the work-mask wearing devices 10 primarily in that the holders 12 are not provided, and the one end sides of the plate bodies 11 are fixed to the right and left ear areas of the edge a3 of the helmet A3. Obviously, the helmet A3 and the work-mask wearing devices 10′ may be separately provided and integrated with each other by screws or other connecting means.

As the work-mask wearing devices 10′ are fixed to the helmet A3 as described above, it is possible to do away with the attachment members 30 or 40. As the other configurations are completely the same as those of the work-mask wearing devices 10, and therefore detailed descriptions will not be provided.

The work-mask wearing device according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments but may be modified in design, as long as the second plate is rotatable in part with respect to the first plate not only in the open state but also in the closed state.

With regard to the first plate, the holder thereof may be of any structure, and the first plate may be of any general shape and material, as long as it is adapted to hold the edge of an helmet. The first plate may be modified in design as needed in accordance with the type etc. of the helmet.

With regard to the second plate, as long as the one end side thereof is joined to the first plate and adapted to be folded back and the other end side thereof is adapted to connect with an end of the work mask, the second plate may or may not have a sub plate, may be joined in any manner, may be connected to a work mask in any manner, and may be of any general shape and material. The second plate may be modified in design as needed in accordance with the type etc. of the helmet. The second plate may be modified in design such that the entire second plate is rotatable with respect to the first plate. As to the first and second fixing means, any fixing method may be employed as long as the first and second fixing means can releasably maintain the closed state between the plates. For example, magnets, springs or other fixing means may be used.

The helmet according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. As long as the work-mask wearing device is provided on the edge of the helmet, the work-mask wearing device may be fixed with any fixing means and at any fixing positions to the helmet in accordance with the type of the helmet. Particularly, the work-mask wearing device may not be completely fixed to the helmet body, but it may be configured such that the work-mask wearing device is provided openably and closably so as not to be annoying when the work-mask wearing device is not used. Moreover, the work mask may be of any type, and goggles may or may not be used.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

• A1 helmet (helmet with no gutter)
• A2 helmet (helmet with gutter)
• A3 helmet
• a1, a2, a3 edge
• 100, 100′ work-mask wearing device
• 10 first plate
• 11 plate body
• 12 holder
• 124 hole
• 13 circular-arc hole (part of first fixing means)
• 20 second plate
• 21 main plate
• 211 fixed plate portion
• 212 movable plate portion
• 2121 projection (part of second fixing means)
• 213 claw (part of first fixing means)
• 22 sub plate
• 222 insertion through-hole
• 223 depression (part of second fixing means)
• 30 attachment member (first attachment member)
• 31 holding member (distal end of first attachment member)
• 40 attachment member (second attachment member)
• 41 holding member (distal end of the second attachment member)
• 200 work mask
• 201 stretchable band (end of work mask: strap)

Claims

1. A work-mask wearing device to connect a work mask and a helmet, the device comprising:

a first plate including a holder on one end side thereof, the holder being adapted to hold an edge of the helmet; and

a second plate, including one end side and an other end side, the one end side of the second plate being joined to an other end side of the first plate and adapted to be folded back, and the other end side of the second plate being adapted to connect with an end of the work mask, wherein

the first plate and the second plate are provided with first fixing means for releasably maintaining a closed state where outer surfaces of the plates overlap each other, and

the second plate is rotatable in its entirety or in part with respect to the first plate not only in an open state but also in the closed state.

2. The work-mask wearing device according to claim 1, wherein

the first fixing means includes:

a claw provided in the second plate; and

a circular-arc hole formed in a surface of a plate body of the first plate, the circular-arc hole being adapted to receive and engage the claw.

3. The work-mask wearing device according to claim 2, wherein

the first plate and the second plate are bent as a whole,

the first plate is at a relative position such that the plate body thereof is inclined at an angle of about 30° to 50° to the holder thereof oriented parallel to the edge of the helmet, and

the second plate is at such a relative position as to be inclined at an angle of about 120° to 150° to the plate body of the first plate.

4. The work-mask wearing device according to claim 1, wherein

the second plate includes:

a fixed plate portion, including one end side joined to the other end side of the first plate and adapted to be folded back; and

a movable plate portion, including one end side and an other end side, the one end side of the movable plate portion being rotatably joined to an other end side of the fixed plate portion, and the other end side of the movable plate portion being adapted to connect with the end of the work mask.

5. The work-mask wearing device according to claim 4, wherein the fixed plate portion of the second plate is provided with a stopper that is contactable with a portion of the movable plate portion to limit a rotation angular range of the movable plate portion.

6. The work-mask wearing device according to claim 4, wherein

the second plate includes:

a main plate configured to include the fixed plate portion and the movable plate portion; and

a sub plate, including one end side and an other end side, the one end side of the sub plate being rotatably joined to an other end side of the main plate, and the other end side of the sub plate including an insertion through-hole for passing therethrough a strap of the work mask, and

the main plate and the sub plate are provided with second fixing means for releasably maintaining a closed state where inner surfaces of the plates overlap each other.

7. The work-mask wearing device according to claim 6, wherein

the second fixing means includes:

a projection provided on an inner surface of the movable plate portion of the main plate; and

a depression formed in an inner surface of the sub plate, the depression being adapted to receive and engage the projection.

8. The work-mask wearing device according to claim 1, wherein the holder of the first plate overhangs in a thickness direction of the first plate.

9. The work-mask wearing device according to claim 1, wherein

the holder of the first plate includes:

a base, being adapted to be disposed along, below, and opposite the edge of the helmet;

an inner claw of straight plate-like shape, standing on an inner side of the base and being contactable with an inner side of the edge of the helmet; and

an outer claw, standing on an outer side of the base and being contactable with an outer side of the edge of the helmet.

10. The work-mask wearing device according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the outer claw and the base is passed through an annular cushioning member for stably attaching the work-mask wearing device onto the edge of the helmet.

11. The work-mask wearing device according to claim 9, further comprising a first attachment member including a distal end that is adapted to hold the edge of the helmet with no gutter, wherein

the base of the holder of the first plate is formed with a hole to mount from above a base end of the first attachment member along the first plate.

12. The work-mask wearing device according to claim 9, further comprising a second attachment member including a distal end of L-shaped cross section adapted to hook the edge of the helmet with gutter, wherein

the base of the holder of the first plate is formed with a hole to mount from above a base end of the second attachment member along the first plate.

13. A helmet comprising:

two of the work-mask wearing devices according to claim 1 attached to the edge of the helmet; and

a work mask connected to the other end sides of the second plates of the work-mask wearing devices.

14. A helmet comprising:

two of the work-mask wearing devices according to claim 1 integrated with the edge of the helmet; and

a work mask connected to the other end sides of the second plates of the work-mask wearing devices.