in the wake of COVID-19, many are wondering how people will be able to visit restaurants safely in the future. israeli inventors at avtipus patents and inventions have designed a mask that could offer diners the chance to eat without removing it. powered by a remote control level, the user can open the ‘mouth’ of the mask via a slot in the front, allowing food to be passed through. the mask is intended to make visits to a restaurant less risky — ‘you can eat, enjoy, drink and you take out the fork and it will be closed, and you’re protected against the virus and other people sitting with you,’ explains asaf gitelis, vice president of avtipus patents and inventions.

 

avtipus patents and inventions has already submitted a patent for the design, and plans to start manufacturing it within the coming months. previously, designboom explored the wonderworld of japanese face masks with 30 variations, and 3 DIY templates you can make at home. other masks on designboom include a product for ‘safety, beauty, and transformation’, and an ‘isolation shell’ made from two flat sheets. see all our coverage relating to masks and face coverings here.