Sporting goods makers in Japan have begun manufacturing protective masks and medical supplies, which are in short supply across the country. The companies are making use of production methods and materials that have supported athletes and outdoors activities.
Yamamoto Corporation in Osaka City, a maker of wetsuits, has produced a medical mask cover made of the same rubber material that protects the body for water sports.
The mask cover has a higher degree of contact with the face than commercially available masks, and is said to be able to keep the virus from getting through. On April 23, the company began taking preorders for the masks on its website, giving priority to medical professionals.
The company has been selling masks made from wetsuit material to the general public since early April. Because of the shortage of these products in the medical field, it innovated a new type of mask with more air vents on the nose and mouth for easier breathing. The company president said: "The key to preventing the collapse of medical care is to prevent medical personnel from becoming infected. I hope we can be of some help."
Last year, Japan's national team made it to the top eight in the Rugby World Cup held in Japan for the first time in history. Taiko Co. in Nagano City, which provided the socks for the team, has developed a seamless "ami-mask" that uses its longstanding manufacturing skills and is now available for sale through the company's website.
A three-dimensional manufacturing method that creates the heels of its socks was used to produce a mask that fits the contours of the face. The company plans to produce 3,000 to 5,000 of these masks a month.
"It won't prevent the virus from entering, but I hope it helps prevent droplet infections caused by sneezing and coughing," the company said. "They are as durable as socks and can be washed."
Yokohama yacht sail maker North Sails Japan is using existing materials and equipment to produce reusable gowns intended for medical use.
The company was prompted to do so by a doctor who pointed out the nationwide shortage of medical gowns. The company started with a prototype made of the lightweight material for tailwind sails. Using its sewing method for stitching sails, the company was able to create a gown that can be washed by hand and reused.
The company has already supplied several hundred gowns for use in medical facilities, and has received orders from nursery schools and elderly facilities.
While waterproof and airtight, the current material is vulnerable to fire, so North Sails said it is up to on-site personnel to decide whether or not to use the gowns. The company will continue production based on feedback from users, saying, "We would like to make more improvements."
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