JP-2026076089-A - A mask with a space-forming function to prevent glasses from fogging up.

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a mask that enhances airtightness while ensuring breathability depending on the situation. [Solution] The mask incorporates multiple rod-shaped shape-retaining materials from the nose to the chin, creating a mountain-like space from the nose to the chin, allowing exhaled air to be efficiently expelled towards the chin. This space prevents exhaled air from directly contacting glasses, effectively suppressing fogging, while also reducing breathlessness. The shape-retaining materials can be manually adjusted by the user to improve the fit between the mask and the face, allowing the user to wear the mask comfortably and perform tasks without obstructing their vision. [Selection Diagram] Figure 1

Inventors

• 小川　恒

Assignees

• 合同会社CaCaO

Dates

Publication Date

20260511

Application Date

20241023

Claims (3)

1. In masks worn on the face, (a) The mask body has a structure that covers most of the face from the nose to the chin, (b) Multiple rod-shaped shape-retaining materials are installed from the bridge of the nose to the chin, (c) This creates a mountain-shaped space from the nose to the mouth and chin. (d) Through this space, the user's exhaled air is expelled towards the jaw, (e) It has a function to prevent glasses from fogging up by the exhalation of breath, (f) A mask whose fit to the face can be adjusted by manipulating the shape-retaining material as needed.
2. Claim 1 is characterized in that the shape-retaining material is made of metal or plastic and can be manually adjusted to conform to the contours of the face.
3. The mask according to claim 1 or 2 is designed to be used in hospitals and other environments with strict infection control, and is characterized in that it can be made to fit completely to the body as needed.

Description

The present invention relates to a mask that, when wearing glasses, efficiently expels exhaled air, prevents glasses from fogging up, and reduces breathlessness. Furthermore, this relates to masks that improve the fit and achieve both safety and comfort, making them suitable for use in hospitals and environments requiring infection control. This invention relates to a technology that prevents glasses from fogging up by adjusting the direction of exhaled air expulsion using a shape-retaining material provided inside the mask. Furthermore, by employing a structure that allows for adjustment of the seal between the mask and the face, it represents a design technology that achieves a high level of airtightness even in environments where infection control is required. Conventional masks frequently cause problems such as glasses fogging up due to exhaled air leaking from the nose and mouth area, and many countermeasures have been proposed. Many commercially available masks employ technology that uses shape-retaining material in the nose area to improve airtightness, but it is difficult to completely prevent exhaled air from leaking out, and they are not particularly effective in preventing glasses from fogging up. Furthermore, there is a technology that creates a space inside the mask to collect exhaled air, preventing it from directly touching the glasses. However, this design makes it difficult to completely control exhalation, and it is particularly challenging to prevent glasses from fogging up in cold or humid environments. Furthermore, in environments where airborne bacteria control is strict, such as hospitals and clean rooms, masks must be worn tightly against the face, which presents the challenge of balancing airtightness and comfort for the user. To address this challenge, a new mask structure is proposed that incorporates multiple shape-retaining materials positioned from the nose to the chin, directing exhaled air toward the chin. This structure prevents exhaled air from leaking out of the nose, thus preventing glasses from fogging up. Furthermore, by adjusting the shape-retaining material, the mask's fit can be improved as needed. A technique has been demonstrated in which a thin film is incorporated into the nose area of a mask to prevent upward leakage of exhaled air and reduce fogging of glasses. However, the measures are concentrated only around the nose, and improvements to the exhaled air pathway and ease of breathing have not been adequately considered [see Patent Document 1]. A technique has been disclosed in which the top of the mask is folded downwards to create a V-shape, thereby improving the seal between the mask and the nose and preventing leakage of exhaled air. However, this structure does not control the overall flow of exhaled air or take into consideration ease of breathing. [See Patent Document 2] A technology has been disclosed that prevents glasses from fogging up by creating a space inside the mask and adjusting the flow of exhaled air. This technology reduces glasses fogging by accumulating exhaled air and optimizing the exhalation path within the mask. However, the airtightness of the mask and ease of breathing have not been adequately considered, and further improvements are needed. [See Patent Document 3] A technology has been disclosed in which a folded edge is provided at the nose area of the mask, and when the mask is opened, the folded edge stands up, improving the seal between the face and the mask and preventing exhaled air from directly contacting glasses. However, improvements to the exhaled air pathway and ease of breathing have not been adequately considered. [See Patent Document 4] A technique has been disclosed in which a 45° deformable airflow prevention valve is attached to the upper end of the mask frame to prevent exhaled air from leaking out around the nose. However, methods for ensuring the stability of the exhaled air path and ease of breathing have not been considered. [See Patent Document 5] Specifically, structures have been proposed that prevent glasses from fogging up by fitting snugly to the nose and preventing air leakage by placing a check valve-like piece around the nose or by placing an air leakage prevention material. However, there are no designs that can be molded to stably expel exhaled air towards the jaw and allow for adjustment of the seal as needed. Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-61585Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-023888Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-035558Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-054270Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-036317 The diagram shows a structure in which a nonwoven fabric or similar oral mask is made of multiple shape-retaining materials positioned from the bridge of the nose towards the chin, ensuring that the mask adheres closely to the face. The diagram also shows a state in which the mask adheres closely to the face, allowing it to fully perform its filtering function against exhaled brea