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

The mask structure with rod-shaped materials from nose to chin addresses glasses fogging and airtightness issues by directing exhaled air away from glasses, ensuring clear vision and reduced infection risk.

JP2026076089APending Publication Date: 2026-05-11合同会社CACAO
View PDF 5 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
合同会社CACAO
Filing Date
2024-10-23
Publication Date
2026-05-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional masks fail to effectively prevent glasses from fogging due to exhaled air leakage, particularly in cold or high-humidity environments, and struggle to balance airtightness and comfort, especially in settings requiring strict infection control.

Method used

A mask structure incorporating multiple rod-shaped shape-retaining materials extending from the nose to the chin, forming a mountain-like shape that directs exhaled air away from the glasses and adjusts to fit snugly to the face for improved adhesion and airtightness.

Benefits of technology

Prevents glasses fogging by effectively directing exhaled air, maintains clear vision, and reduces the risk of infection by ensuring a comfortable, airtight fit adaptable to various environments.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 2026076089000001_ABST
    Figure 2026076089000001_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

This mask provides enhanced 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.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0009]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mask having a structure that efficiently discharges exhaled air, prevents the glasses from fogging, and reduces shortness of breath when using glasses.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a mask that improves the adhesion of the mask and achieves both safety and comfort so that it can be used even in environments where hospitals and infection control are required.

[0003] The present invention relates to a technique for adjusting the discharge direction of exhaled air by a shape-retaining material provided inside the mask to prevent the glasses from fogging.

[0004] In addition, by adopting a structure that can adjust the adhesion between the mask and the face, it belongs to a design technique that achieves high adhesion even in an environment where infection control is required.

Background Art

[0005] In conventional masks, the problem of glasses fogging frequently occurs due to exhaled air leaking from the nose or mouth parts, and many countermeasures have been proposed.

[0006] Many commercially available masks adopt a technique of using a shape-retaining material at the nose part to enhance adhesion, but it is difficult to completely prevent exhaled air leakage, and it cannot exert a sufficient effect particularly on preventing glasses fogging.

[0007] In addition, there is also a technique of forming a space for storing exhaled air inside the mask so that exhaled air does not directly touch the glasses.

[0008] However, with this structure, it is difficult to completely control exhaled air, and it is particularly difficult to prevent glasses from fogging in a cold environment or a high-humidity situation.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0012] 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].

[0013] 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]

[0014] 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 sufficiently considered, and further improvements are needed. [See Patent Document 3]

[0015] 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 sufficiently considered. [See Patent Document 4]

[0016] A technique has been disclosed in which a 45°C 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]

[0017] Specifically, structures have been proposed that prevent glasses from fogging up by placing a check valve-like piece around the nose or an air leak prevention material to fit snugly to the nose and prevent air leakage. However, there are no designs that can be molded to stably expel exhaled air towards the jaw and whose airtightness can be adjusted as needed.

[0018] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-61585 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-023888 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-035558 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-054270 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-036317 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0019] The present invention relates to a method for expelling exhaled air towards the chin using a mask that incorporates multiple rod-shaped shape-retaining materials extending from the nose to the chin, for users who wear glasses.

[0020] With conventional masks, a frequent problem occurred where the wearer's exhaled breath would leak out from the nasal area, causing glasses to fog up.

[0021] The mask of the present invention forms a mountain-shaped space from the nose to the chin, controls the discharge of exhaled air in the direction of the chin, and discharges it to the outside without staying inside the mask, thereby preventing glasses from fogging up.

[0022] In addition, this shape-retaining material can be operated by the user as needed and adhered to the face, and has the advantage of being usable even in an environment where infection control is strict. Thereby, it is possible to achieve both a comfortable wearing feeling and high airtightness.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0023] In conventional masks, due to insufficient adhesion to the face, exhaled air leaks from the nose, and particularly in users wearing glasses, the problem of the glasses fogging up has occurred.

[0024] This fogging blocks the field of vision and becomes a factor that hinders comfortable work and activities. Also, in environments such as hospitals and clean rooms, when the airtightness of the mask is low, the risk of infection may increase.

[0025] In contrast, a structure is provided in which a plurality of rod-shaped shape-retaining materials are installed inside the mask, and by creating a gap from the nose to the chin, exhaled air is effectively discharged to prevent the glasses from fogging up.

[0026] With this structure, it is possible to reduce the stress on the user caused by fogging of the glasses, and at the same time adjust the airtightness, which also contributes to reducing the risk of infection.

Effects of the Invention

[0027] According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively prevent the glasses from fogging up, which has been a problem with conventional masks.

[0028] A plurality of rod-shaped shape-retaining materials installed inside the mask form an appropriate space from the nose to the chin, and exhaled air is discharged in the direction of the chin, so that air leakage from the nose part is suppressed.

[0029] As a result, lens fogging of eyeglasses is significantly reduced, allowing users to maintain clear vision and perform work and daily activities comfortably.

[0030] Furthermore, it is expected to maintain comfort even during prolonged use while also reducing the risk of airborne bacteria and infection.

[0031] Furthermore, by manually adjusting the shape-retaining material to control exhaled breath, the seal to the face can be increased as needed, making it suitable for environments with strict infection control, such as hospitals and clean rooms.

[0032] This allows for a balance between the comfort and close fit of the mask, enabling flexible use tailored to the user's needs.

[0033] In addition, the shape-retaining material's adjustment function is expected to reduce airborne bacteria and infection risk, especially during prolonged use, while maintaining comfort.

[0034] In this way, by simultaneously achieving both anti-fogging and airtightness adjustment functions for eyeglasses, it provides effects not found in conventional technologies. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] 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 breath. [Figure 2] This diagram shows how a shape-retaining material is used to create a mountain-like shape below the nose, forming an air pocket in the space between the face and the mask body, making it easier to breathe. [Figure 3] This diagram shows a shape-retaining material incorporated from the bridge of the nose towards the chin, shaped into a mountain-like form to create space between the cheeks and chin. [Figure 4] A diagram showing the device tightly attached to the entire surface in environments where airborne bacteria control is strict. A simplified version of the shape in [Figure 1]. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the mask being worn with a slightly looser fit, making it easier to breathe. The shape shown in [Figure 2] is shown. [Figure 6] The mask incorporates a shape-retaining material to prevent glasses from fogging up, creating a mountain-shaped space from the bridge of the nose to the chin when worn. [Figure 3] shows the mask in this shape. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [Examples]

[0037] Shape-retaining material A is a shape-retaining material that is generally incorporated into the upper part of a mask, such as a nonwoven mask, which is the part that comes into contact with the nose. Figures 1 to 6 show the features of the present invention, in which rod-shaped shape-retaining materials B, C, D, and E are incorporated from the bridge of the nose towards the chin when worn.

[0038] When the mask is worn on the face in the state shown in Figure 1 and molded to fit the face, it will be in the state shown in Figure 4, and the entire mask will adhere more closely to the face, allowing the mask to fully perform its filtering function by filtering out exhaled air.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, shape-retaining materials B, C, and D are molded into a mountain-like shape that is away from the face, and Figure 5 shows the mask in this state when worn. The creation of areas where exhaled air accumulates around the nose and mouth improves breathability, but the leakage of exhaled air from around the mask is greater than in Figure 4.

[0040] Figure 3 shows the shape-retaining materials B, C, D, and E molded into a mountain shape away from the face, and Figure 6 shows the state in which the mask is worn with a distance of 11 arbitrarily set away from the face so that parts 9 and 10 are in contact with the face. Exhaled air is expelled towards the chin A and does not leak around the mask, completely preventing glasses from fogging up.

[0041] While it may not fully utilize the mask's purification capabilities, it effectively prevents glasses from fogging up while simultaneously preventing exhaled breath from scattering horizontally into the surrounding environment, and also prevents the act of exhaling forward with the nose exposed from the mask. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 1. Mask body 2 Ear loops 3. Nose and contact area 4 Shape retaining material B 5 Shape retaining material C 6 Shape retaining material D 7 Shape retaining material E 8 Shape retaining material A 9. Face and contact area L during mountain shape formation 10. Face and contact area R during mountain shape formation 11. Distance between the face and the mountain-shaped contour during formation. A. Exhalation pathway

Claims

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.