Two years before the Covid-19 pandemic existed, Ajikie Majima patented a way to solve a problem that would annoy millions of lipstick-wearers who want to also wear protective facemasks. That patent is:
“Mask Replacement Patch,” Ajikie Majima, Japan patent #3211488U, 2017.
Majima’s basic description of the invention: “Disclosed is a non-woven pleated mask that can be attached to a non-woven pleated mask that eliminates a gap near the upper side of the pleated mask and prevents a lipstick from attaching to a female mouth.”
Here’s further detail:
“PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a patch to be attached to a non-woven pleated mask by eliminating a gap near the upper side of the non-woven pleated mask and preventing the lipstick from sticking to a woman’s mouth to cause discomfort. SOLUTION: This is a three-dimensional patch A that covers a nose and a mouth, and double-sided tape is attached to a central portion 4b and both end portions 5b and 6b near the upper part, and a non-woven pleated mask 1 has a face covering portion. It is used by mounting it at a position near the upper side 2. It has a three-dimensional shape by inserting scissors in the vertical center part of the backing cloth A, and by stuffing cotton in the upper seam allowance except for the central part, the upper side of the face covering part of the non-woven pleated mask 1 The gap between 2 and the backing cloth A can be eliminated. The material of the patch A is double gauze or organic cotton.”