Patent Application
20210289876
The present disclosure relates to air filtering head covering devices.
Head covering devices (HCDs) on the market, such as helmets, are typically designed for some type of injury prevention. For example, personal protection equipment (PPE) for the head is commonly construction helmets or welder's helmets. Recreational protective head gear includes motorcycle helmets and sports helmets such as helmets for skiers, bikers, mountain climbers, baseball, and football players. Other types of HCDs include protection equipment such as splash shields and filters for firefighters, policemen, HAZMAT specialists, health care workers, and other first responders. In many cases, the HCDs are heavy, bulky and can be uncomfortable.
One aspect of the present invention is a device for filtering air for a user comprising a rigid component comprising, a transparent face shield that provides a space for air between an inside surface of the face shield and the user's face, an intake port, through which intake air enters the device, an exhaust port, through which exhaust air exits the device, a fabric component affixed to the rigid component that, combined with the rigid component, covers the user's head and seals around the user's neck, an intake filter that filters intake air passing through the intake port, an exhaust filter that filters exhaust air passing through the exhaust port, and an air mover assembly mounted on the rigid component that moves intake air through the intake port and exhaust air through the exhaust port, wherein the air mover assembly is mounted on the rigid component by vibration absorbing members, to thereby reduce transmission of the vibration of the air mover assembly to the rigid member, thereby reducing noise from the air mover assembly within the device.
In another aspect of the invention, the air mover assembly comprises a fan supported by a housing.
In a still further aspect, an air gap is left between the housing and the rigid component.
In a yet still further aspect, the device further comprises a flexible membrane over the air gap to reduce air flow through the air gap.
In another aspect, the vibration absorbing members are elastic bands connecting the housing to the rigid component and wherein each elastic band may be attached at one end to a different corner of the housing and is attached at another end to a different point on the rigid component.
In another aspect of the invention, the housing has a rectangular periphery and wherein an elastic band is attached at each of the housing's four corners.
In still another aspect, the rigid component further comprises a mounting frame surrounding either the inlet port or the outlet port, and wherein the mounting frame comprises mounting features for receiving the other ends of the elastic bands.
In a still further aspect, the device further comprises a membrane attached at its periphery to the mounting frame and comprising an aperture to allow flow of air moved by the fan.
In a still yet further aspect, the membrane is attached around the periphery of the aperture to the housing.
In another still yet further aspect, the membrane is attached around the periphery of the aperture to the housing.
In another aspect of the invention, the device further comprising a membrane attaching frame, wherein the periphery of the membrane is sandwiched between and thus held in place by the mounting frame and the membrane attaching frame.
In still another aspect, the mounting frame and the membrane attaching frame have similar dimensions.
In a still further aspect, the flexible membrane comprises an elastomeric polymer.
In a yet still further aspect, the mounting frame is attached to the rigid component with an adhesive tape. The adhesive tape can provide further vibration isolation.
In another aspect, the fan is a multi-speed fan.
One aspect of the present invention is a device for filtering air for a user comprising a rigid component comprising a transparent face shield that provides a space for air between an inside surface of the face shield and the user's face, a first and a second intake port, through each of which intake air enters the device, a first and a second exhaust port, through each of which exhaust air exits the device, a fabric component affixed to the rigid component that, combined with the rigid component, covers the user's head and seals around the user's neck, a first and a second intake filter that filter intake air passing through the first and second intake ports, respectively, a first and a second exhaust filter that filter exhaust air passing through the first and second exhaust port, respectively, and a first and second air mover assembly mounted on the rigid component either over the first and second intake port, respectively, or over the first and second exhaust port, respectively, wherein the first and second air mover assemblies are each mounted on the rigid component by vibration absorbing members, to thereby reduce transmission of the vibration of the air mover assemblies to the rigid member, thereby reducing noise from the first and second air mover assemblies within the device.
In a still further aspect, the first and second air mover assemblies each comprise a fan supported by a housing.
In a still yet further aspect, the fan is a variable speed fan that is adjusted to a lower speed, when appropriate, to further reduce the noise from the first and second air mover assemblies within the device.
In another aspect, one of the fans first and second air mover assemblies can be turned off, when appropriate to further reduce the noise within the device.
Further aspects and embodiments are provided in the following drawings, detailed description, and claims. Unless specified otherwise, the features as described herein are combinable and all such combinations are within the scope of this disclosure.
The following drawings are provided to illustrate certain embodiments described herein. The drawings are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of claimed inventions and are not intended to show every potential feature or embodiment of the claimed inventions. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; in some instances, certain elements of the drawing may be enlarged with respect to other elements of the drawing for purposes of illustration.
Embodiments of methods, materials and processes described herein are directed towards head covering devices. Head covering devices, also referred to as personal protection headwear or personal air filtration device, can be used to provide a filtered air environment to a user to prevent a user from being infected with a contagious disease. Head covering devices may also filter the exhaust air to prevent a user from spreading a contagious disease.
Head covering devices disclosed herein include a rigid component and a flexible component combined to completely cover the head of a user. The rigid component includes a frame and a transparent face shield. The flexible component includes a fabric that seals around the neck of a user. The disclosure herein describes various designs and components of air movers with vibration absorbing members to reduce transmission of vibration and noise from the air mover to the rigid component in an air filtering head covering device.
The following description recites various aspects and embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein. No particular embodiment is intended to define the scope of the invention. Rather, the embodiments provide non-limiting examples of various compositions, and methods that are included within the scope of the claimed inventions. The description is to be read from the perspective of one of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, information that is well known to the ordinarily skilled artisan is not necessarily included.
The following terms and phrases have the meanings indicated below, unless otherwise provided herein. This disclosure may employ other terms and phrases not expressly defined herein. Such other terms and phrases shall have the meanings that they would possess within the context of this disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some instances, a term or phrase may be defined in the singular or plural. In such instances, it is understood that any term in the singular may include its plural counterpart and vice versa, unless expressly indicated to the contrary.
As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to “a substituent” encompasses a single substituent as well as two or more substituents, and the like.
As used herein, “for example,” “for instance,” “such as,” or “including” are meant to introduce examples that further clarify more general subject matter. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, such examples are provided only as an aid for understanding embodiments illustrated in the present disclosure and are not meant to be limiting in any fashion. Nor do these phrases indicate any kind of preference for the disclosed embodiment.
As used herein, the term “user” refers to any individual who uses an HCD.
As used herein, the term “filter,” as a noun, refers to a device, typically composed of fibrous or porous materials which removes unwanted components, usually in the form of particulates, such as dust, pollen, mold, viruses, and bacteria, from air. Filters containing an adsorbent or catalyst, such as charcoal (carbon), may also remove odors and gaseous pollutants such as volatile organic compounds or ozone. Air filters are generally used in applications where air quality is important. As a verb, “filter” refers to the act of removing particles from air.
As used herein, the term “transparent” is used in its normal sense, that is the property of allowing light to pass through so that behind can be distinctly seen therethrough. The transparent components described and defined below are preferably clear, but may be tinted, in whole or in part.
The term “negative air flow” is used to indicate that, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, air is actively pulled inside the HCD through an intake filter by an air mover and the air is exhausted out an exhaust filter.
The term “positive air flow” is used to indicate that, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, air is actively pulled inside the HCD by an air mover through an intake filter in the air mover and exhausted through an exhaust filter.
The term “neutral air flow” is used to indicate that, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, a substantially static flow of air is maintained in the HCD. The air flow into and out of the HCD is controlled by the breathing in and breathing out of the user.
As used herein, the term “thermoelectric cooler” refers to cooling devices that operate on the principle of the Peltier effect. A thermoelectric cooler may also be used for temperature control for both heating and cooling depending upon how it is arranged in a device.
As used herein, the term “Peltier effect” refers to the effect that creates a temperature difference by transferring heat between two electrical junctions. A voltage is applied across joined conductors to create an electric current. When the current flows through the junctions of the two conductors, heat is removed at one junction and cooling occurs. Heat is deposited at the other junction. The main application of the Peltier effect is cooling, though the Peltier effect can also be used for heating or control of temperature.
As used herein, the terms “energy recovery device” and “heat recovery device” refers to a device that operates on the basis of air-to-air exchange theory where two air-streams in contact and passing in opposite directions transfers heat/energy between the two air-streams.
As used herein, the term “phase-change material” or “PCM” refers to materials that use the heat of crystallization, melting or some other phase change to thereby either store heat in a predetermined temperature range or release heat in a predetermined lower temperature range.
As used herein, the term “hook-and-loop fastener” which is commonly referred to as “Velcro” refers to two components: typically, two lineal fabric strips (or, alternatively, round “dots” or squares) which are attached (sewn or otherwise adhered) to the opposing surfaces to be fastened. The first component features tiny hooks, the second features smaller loops. When the two are pressed together the hooks catch in the loops and the two pieces fasten or bind temporarily. When separated, by pulling or peeling the two surfaces apart, the strips make a distinctive “ripping” sound.
The present disclosure relates to HCDs and other mouth and nose-covering devices to provide a controlled and comfortable environment to a user. Users may need a controlled environment due to various health-related reasons such as to protect those with respiratory ailments, compromised immune systems, advanced age, from airborne contagion. The same protection may also be needed for the protection of health care providers. Alternatively, such devices may be desirable to use in harsh environments, such as extreme cold or heat, or environments with high levels of suspended particulate, such as dust. Still further, such devices may also be desirable to protect the user from harsh noise environments. The present disclosure illustrates embodiments of HCDs and masks that include filtering fabric and an air mover.
In various exemplary embodiments, the HCD includes an air intake filter fabric component (FFC) designed to provide clean air to a user. Fabric located in the neck and head area may act as an air intake filter. Exhaled air from a user may be exhausted through an exhaust port. An air mover pulls the air from inside the HCD and exhausts it to the environment. The exhaust air is filtered in instances where the user is infected with a disease but wishes to go out in public.
In various exemplary embodiments, an HCD includes a rigid component and a fabric component where a portion of the fabric is permeable to air and a portion that is impermeable to air. An air mover attached to the rigid component can pull air from inside the HCD and exhausts it to the environment, pull air from outside the HCD to inside the HCD and exhaust it to the environment, or maintain a neutral air flow as desired by a user. The air passes through an inlet port to enter the HCD and an outlet port to exit the HCD that is spanned by a filter cartridge assembly comprising an air filter.
In various exemplary embodiments, an air mover assembly is mounted to the rigid component with vibration absorbing members to reduce transmission and noise from the air mover to the rigid component. The vibration absorbing members are elastomeric polymers. An air mover assembly may be attached to the rigid component by a mounting frame wherein the frame is attached to the air mover with vibration absorbing members.
The following embodiments relate to a HCD with filtered air and capable of negative, positive, or neutral air flow mode to provide a comfortable and controlled environment for a user. The HCD comprises a fabric component that can filter coming into or out of the device.
The term “negative air flow” is used to indicate that, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, air is actively exhausted from inside the HCD by the air mover. The negative flow” thus created by the active exhaust serves to draw air into the HCD through the FFC. As a result of this design, the intake air can be drawn into the device from a large surface. Consequently, the intake air can be a gentler stream of air, as compared to the stream of air if an air mover were pushing the intake air into the device. This gentler stream is believed to improve the comfort of the preferred embodiments of the invention.
The HCD may also be capable of “positive air flow” wherein air is actively drawn into the device through an inlet filter by an air mover and exhausted through the FFC. The HCD may also be capable of “neutral air flow” wherein air is drawn into and out of the device through the breathing of the user.
Frame 106 may be constructed from a polymer or metal or a combination thereof. The polymer may comprise fiberglass, carbon fiber, graphene, polyamide, polycarbonate (PC), polyester, high density or low density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), phenolic, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), maleimide, bismaleimide, polyetherimide, polyimide, plastarch, furan, silicone, polysulfone, rubber, or a combination thereof. The frame may have a generally oval shape and circles a user's head, with a lower half passing below the user's chin and an upper half passing above a user's forehead.
In a preferred embodiment, face shield 108 is shaped as a hemi-ellipsoid. The shield comprises a transparent polymer or glass. The polymer may comprise an acrylic such as polymethylmethacrylate. The polymer may comprise polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate, glycol modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), or cellulose acetate butyrate or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the face shield is made from a laminate of polymeric films, each contributing to the structural or optical properties of the face shield. As an example, one layer of the laminate may be included to provide shatter resistance.
The face shield is preferably set close enough to the face of a user where the user's eyes are unable to focus on the inner surface of the face shield, and thus not interfere with the vision of the user. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the face shield is not set close enough where the eyes are unable to focus on the inner surface of the face shield. Face shield 108 may be permanently attached to the frame 106 or may be detachable from the frame. If permanently attached, this may be accomplished by using an adhesive, thermal welding, or some other means. If detachable, the face shield may be held securely to the frame using an attaching device, such as a hook and loop fastener (Velcro®), clamps, clasps, magnets, screws, or other means.
The face shield may have a thickness in the range of about 0.05-0.25 inches. In the depicted embodiment, the face shield 108 has a thickness of about 0.125 inches. The face shield may be constructed from materials that are approved for impact resistance by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The face shield may be double-walled, preferably with a vacuum therebetween, for extra insulation. The face shield may comprise a scratch resistant coating or layer on the inner and/or outer surface. The face shield may comprise an anti-fogging coating on the inner or outer surface. A replaceable protective layer may be placed over the outer surface of the face shield. Naturally, the replaceable protective layer should comprise a transparent polymer.
A top portion of the transparent face shield may extend above a user's eyes, a bottom portion extends below the user's mouth and a first and second side portion extend beyond the user's side peripheral vision. The top portion of face shield may extend above a user's forehead and the bottom portion extends below the user's chin.
Preferably, the FFC filters the replacement air entering the HCD 102 so that the filtering blocks at least 95% of particles 0.3 microns or larger (N95) or at least 99% of particles 0.3 microns or larger (N99) or at least 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger (N100). While N95 may be most comfortable for a mask wearer, who is required to draw fresh air in and expel air out by normal breathing activity; higher levels of filtration may be obtained by the inventive devices because the exhaust and the drawing fresh air in are aided by the fan(s).
As depicted, the FFC 112 is comprised of a single piece or sheet of filtering fabric. The single sheet of filtering fabric, together with the transparent face shield and the frame, cover a user's entire head and a lower portion of the single sheet of filtering fabric encircles the user's neck and forms a seal therewith. FFC may comprise a drawstring to tighten around the neck of a user for better sealing properties. The single sheet of filtering fabric may possess enough stretch to allow the device to be placed over the user's head while leaving the lower portion of the single sheet of filtering fabric intact and still capable of forming a seal around the user's neck.
Alternatively, the lower portion of the single sheet of filtering fabric may comprise a slit to allow the device to be placed over the user's head. In this embodiment, the lower portion further comprises a closure to close the slit and form the seal around the user's neck. That closure may be effected by a hook and loop fastener®, a zipper, snaps, buttons or any other means of closing the slit. When the zipper is unzipped, allows the device to be fit over the user's head, and when zipped facilitates the fabric component forming a seal around the user's neck.
In some embodiments, the FFC may comprise two types of fabric, whereby only a portion of the fabric allows air to pass through. In other embodiments, the fabric is the same, but some of the fabric is coated to make it impermeable to air. In this way, air flow through some of the FFC, but through not all of it. In yet other embodiments, the fabric may be impermeable to air flow and filter sections are incorporated into the FFC. In these embodiments, less than 50% of the FFC allows air to pass through while the remaining balance of the FFC is impermeable to air flow. In other embodiments, less than 50% of the FFC 112 is impermeable to air flow while the remaining balance of the FFC allows air to pass through.
In yet other embodiments, the FFC is equipped with filtering components that are held in place by the fabric part of the FFC. Such filtering components are preferably made of a porous filter medium. Alternatively, the filtering components use or are combined with other air filtering methods, such as electrostatic filtering or water filtering.
In some embodiments, the length of the FFC may be extended in some instances to cover the area for those users who have a tracheotomy or have a tracheotomy tube. The fabric may have a port to allow for a tracheotomy tube to pass through. The port may have an elastomeric ring to form a seal around the tube.
In some embodiments, the FFC may extend to the base of the neck and rest on the shoulders of the user. The FFC may be a stiff fabric to help provide support for the user. In other embodiments, shoulder supports may extend from the frame of the HCD to the shoulders.
In some embodiments, the FFC may comprise a frontal fabric seal located in front of the neck region of the user below the bottom of the frame. Such a frontal fabric may be designed to be impermeable to an air flow. This provides additional protection of a user, such as a health care working with a person, such as a patient, who is coughing or sneezing.
In other embodiments, a separate frontal fabric may be attached to the FFC near the bottom of the frame in front of the neck region of the user. The bottom of the frontal fabric may or may not be attached to the bottom of the FFC. The frontal fabric may act like an apron, i.e. blocking particles exhaled by someone directly in front of the user. This embodiment may be particularly useful for healthcare workers, attending to patients who are coughing or sneezing. Such an apron may be convenient to take off and clean. Alternatively, the apron may be disposable, such as a paper-based tissue.
In some embodiments, the FFC may comprise a small foam block or insert that a user can use to scratch their noses without having to remove the HCD. The foam block or insert may be mounted on the face shield or on the frame. In other embodiments, the FFC comprises finger sockets that protrude into the facial area of the HCD 102. Finger sockets allow a user to insert their fingers without compromising the environment inside the HCD but yet allow the user to scratch or rub an itch. The FFC may be baggy and stretchable enough for a user to scratch their nose or dab their face without breaking the seal around the user's neck.
In some embodiments, the FFC may comprise two or more layers of fabric and wherein an ultra-violet (UV) light emitting diode (LED) may be placed between the two or more layers of fabric. The UV-LED is to disinfect the air that enters the device. In a preferred embodiment, the UV LED is a UV-C emitting LED that emits light with a wavelength in the range of about 200-280 nm.
In yet other embodiments, the HCD may be equipped with at least one UV source that is directed at the inside of the FFC, so as to disinfect the inside surface of the FFC and the air that passes through it before being inhaled by the user.
Referring to the embodiment depicted in
Further illustrated in
Also shown in HCD in
The earpieces or noise reduction devices 118 are mounted to the face shield 108 but may also be mounted elsewhere such as on the frame or FFC. The noise absorbing devices may be made of a noise and vibration absorbing material such as a polymeric foam, rubber, or cloth. The noise reduction devices may be permanently adhered to the face shield or frame or may be adhered using a hook and loop fastener or other detachable mechanism. The noise reduction devices 118 may be removable, replaceable, and washable.
The earpieces may also serve the purpose of keeping the HCD centered laterally on the user's head. In other words, the earpieces may provide soft buffers between the user's head and the inside surfaces of the HCD. In some embodiments, it is preferred to provide multiple sizes of earpieces, which can be removably attached inside the HCD, in order to accommodate different sizes of users' heads.
The one or more fans may be powered by a battery, such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery, nickel cadmium battery, or a nickel metal hydride battery. The batteries may be located near the top of the rigid frame. The fans may be powered by a solar cell and where the solar cell may be mounted in the HCD. The fans may be removable to replace the batteries or if the fan is damaged, breaks down, loses efficiency, etc. The fans may be dual speed or other variable speed fans. The speed may be controlled by the user of the HCD. The fans may be capable of delivering more than about 1 cfm of air. The fans may be capable of delivering about 1-10 cfm of air. The fans may run intermittently with feedback to deliver a desired amount of air to the user and to keep the air fresh inside the HCD. The HCD may comprise an air flow sensor or an air pressure sensor to monitor air flow and pressure within the HCD.
In other embodiments, the face shield fits into one channel and the FFC fits into a second channel on the other side of the frame. The face shield can be held in its channel by similar means to those described above. The FFC can be held in its channel by any of those same means.
Preferably, the frame 106 comprises two exhaust channels, one on each side of the frame. Air is drawn into each exhaust channel, through air intake 134, by the negative pressure created by the fan and then out the exhaust port. Intake 134 is located at the bottom of the frame near the mouth area of a user. The intake may be a single opening (such as a slit) or a plurality of openings aligned in parallel as illustrated in
In some embodiments, such as where the fans are located within the exhaust channels, the ends of the exhaust channels form the exhaust ports. In other embodiments, such as where the fans are outside the exhaust channels, the air exits the exhaust channels and is drawn through the fans and then out a separate exhaust port.
The exploded view of
At the bottom of the frame near the mouth area of the user 104 is seen a cross-section of the exhaust channel 156 that runs from the bottom of the frame towards the fans 122, 124. Air enters the exhaust channel through the intake 134. The fans pull the air through the exhaust channels and pulls the air up through the exhaust port 128.
The negative air flow in the HCD 102 is illustrated in
In some instance, HCD 102 may also operate in neutral mode. Neutral mode is where the air is balanced by the fans such that air moving in and out of the HCD is controlled by the breathing of the user. In some embodiments, one fan is pushing air into the HCD while the other fan is pulling air out of the HCD.
In some embodiments, such as those depicted in
The following embodiments describe a different design of the frame than what is previously depicted in
Frame 202 further comprises an air intake 206 near the bottom of the frame 206 and near the mouth area of a user. This is similar to intake 134 in frame 106. The frame also comprises a second intake port on the other side of the frame. The frame comprises a second channel 208 on the underside or bottom of the frame. An outer wall and inner wall that are joined at the top but not the bottom forms the channel. The second channel runs along the perimeter and underside of the frame.
Frame 202 further comprises air exhaust ports 210 on the outer wall of the frame. Exhaust ports 210 are located at about the opposite side of the frame from intakes 206. In other embodiments, a partition may be located between the air exhaust ports 210 within channel 208.
The inner width between the inner and outer walls of the second channel 208, varies along the perimeter. The narrowest portion of the frame is in the region between the intake ports 206. The second channel widens along the perimeter towards the exhaust ports 210. The widest portion forms compartments 212. The compartments may also be referred to as “bump outs”. In these compartments may be located one or more air moving devices, such as centrifugal fans. The compartments may also contain one or more power sources such as one or more battery packs. The second channel narrows near the air exhaust ports 210.
Air may flow in frame 202 in an HCD as follows. Air may enter intake ports 206 near the mouth of a user. One or more fans 214 aid in drawing exhaust air into the intake ports. Air then flows through second channel 208 towards the air exhaust ports 210 on the opposite end of the frame from the air intake ports 206. The air may be exhausted into the environment as the air passes through the exhaust ports or through a filter before it is exhausted to the environment.
In some embodiments, there is no frame. The face shield may be directly attached to the FFC. Either the face shield, the FFC, or both may comprise pathways or channels to direct to bring air to the air moving devices and out the exhaust ports.
The following embodiments describe systems and methods to provide a controlled temperature and breathing environment within an HCD by conditioning the air within the HCD with an environmental control component. The environmental control component can control the air flow, temperature, or humidity or a combination thereof within the device.
The INF further comprises one or more pockets 406. An inlet filter 408 may be placed or inserted into the one or more pockets 406 to filter incoming air. The filter may be replaceable. The filter may block at least 95% of particles 0.3 microns or larger. The filter may be a coarse filter, fine filter, semi-HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter, HEPA filter, or an ultra-low particulate air (ULPA) filter. The filter may be a combination hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen chloride filter. The filter may be replaceable if clogged, damaged, or require a more or less coarse filter. The filter may provide a particulate-free atmosphere to the user wherein the particles include viruses, bacteria, dust (such as wood or silica dust), pollen, or smoke.
Air flow in HCD 402 occurs as follows. Incoming air 410 from the environment passes through a filter located in pocket 406 wherein particulates are removed. Exhaust air 462 from the user may then be exhausted through an air intake port located in the frame as previously illustrated in
The HCD described herein further comprises at least one additional air inlet 414. The additional air inlet may comprise a thermoelectric cooler. The thermoelectric cooler may be designed to heat or cool incoming air 416. The thermoelectric cooler may be combined with a heat exchanger device to increase efficiency of heat transfer between incoming and exhaust air. The thermoelectric cooler may be used to control the temperature of the air to prevent fogging on the face shield 408 or humidity build-up in the HCD. The inner surface of the face shield may comprise an anti-fogging layer. The pocket may also contain a thermoelectric cooler. The thermoelectric cooler may operate on the principle of the Peltier effect.
The additional air inlet or other air inlet may comprise an energy recovery or heat recovery device. Such a device would heat incoming intake air with outgoing exhaust air in order to maintain a comfortable environment within an HCD described herein. The pocket may also contain an energy recovery device.
Additional air inlet or other air passage may comprise a sensor that detects one or more harmful or poisonous gases as the gases enter the HCD. The harmful gases may include CO2, CO, NOx, radon, or methanethiol. Pocket may also contain one or more sensors.
The depicted HCD further includes a water reservoir 418. The water reservoir acts as a water source to the neck fabric wherein the water may be wicked by the neck fabric to provide evaporative cooling for the user to provide cooling to the neck area and cool air to breathe.
The HCD described herein may comprise a compartment containing ice that is adjacent an inlet filter. Incoming air is cooled as it passes over the ice. As the ice melts, the water is evaporated as the air passes over which can provide a further mode of cooling.
The HCD described herein may further include a fluid atomizer or mister. The atomizer may use water in the water reservoir to provide a mist of water inside an HCD. An HCD described herein may further include an environmental control device that can be used by a user to control the temperature inside the HCD by raising or lowering the temperature. The environmental control device may further comprise a source of water vapor to increase the humidity of the air inside the device.
The HCD described herein may further include a heater. The heater can heat the air inside an HCD. The heater may be an electric resistive heater. The HCD described herein may further include a chiller to chill the air inside an HCD.
In some embodiments, fabric components described herein may comprise a phase-change material, such as that deployed in high-end sport clothing. The phase-change material, which may be encapsulated in the fabric of the FFC or held in reservoirs elsewhere in the HCD, works by reversibly storing and releasing heat at pre-defined temperature ranges. In the most common example, the phase change material is used to retain heat in a device designed to be used in sub-zero environments. The material, such as a paraffin or lipid, melts when in an environment with a temperature above a certain point. This melting is endothermic, so cools the inside of the device. When the device is in a colder environment, the material solidifies, e.g., crystallizes, which change is exothermic, thus warming the inside of the device.
Another temperature-affecting technology that may be incorporated into the FFC is one that is designed to wick perspiration away from the user. As that perspiration evaporates, the user is cooled thereby. One commercial example of such technology is available from Arctic Cool® in their products sold as HydroFreeze™.
An HCD described herein may further include a multi-speed air moving system. The multi-speed air moving system may be a dual speed fan. If a pre-set environmental threshold or parameter is exceeded within the HCD, such as temperature or humidity, the air moving system increases to a higher speed to improve the environment by increasing air flow within the HCD. The air mover may be adjusted continually to maintain a desired target atmosphere in the device.
An HCD described herein may further include an environmental control device that can be used by a user to control the humidity inside the HCD by raising or lowering the moisture level. The environmental control component captures water vapor to lower humidity of the air inside the device.
An HCD described herein may include one or more sensors to provide filter end of useful life alerts to the user based on at least one of age of the filter, increased head pressure on the filter and optical readings indicating a dirty filter.
In some embodiments, wearable electronics may be embedded in the neck fabrics, frame, air moving device, or face shield to provide environmental monitoring and thermal regulation within the HCDs described herein. The wearable electronics may also monitor the vital signs of a user such as pulse rate, blood pressure, respiration, skin moisture, and body temperature. The electronics may be powered by the power source used for the air moving device or a separate power source may be used. The electronics may include one or more sensors may be included to detect for air leaks around the fabric component sealed around the neck area.
The following embodiments relate to a variable flow head covering device (VFHCD) capable of negative, positive, or neutral air flow to provide a comfortable and controlled environment for a user.
Frame 1504 may be constructed from a rigid polymer or metal or a combination thereof. The polymer may comprise fiberglass, carbon fiber, graphene, polyamide, polycarbonate (PC), polyester, high density or low density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), phenolic, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), maleimide, bismaleimide, polyetherimide, polyimide, plastarch, furan, silicone, polysulfone, rubber, or a combination thereof. The frame may have a generally oval shape and circles a user's head, with a lower half passing below the user's chin and an upper half passing above a user's forehead.
The face shield 1506 is shaped as a hemi-ellipsoid and is preferably set close enough to the face of a user where the user's eyes are unable to focus on the inner surface of the face shield, and thus not interfere with the vision of the user. The face shield may be permanently attached to the frame 1504 or may be detachable from frame. If permanently attached, this may be accomplished by using an adhesive, thermal welding, or some other means. If detachable, the face shield may be held securely to the frame using an attaching device, such as a hook and loop fastener (Velcro®), clamps, clasps, magnets, screws, or other means.
The face shield may have a thickness in the range of about 0.05-0.25 inches. In the depicted embodiment, the face shield 108 has a thickness of about 0.125 inches. The face shield may be constructed from materials that are approved for impact resistance by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The face shield may be double-walled, preferably with a vacuum therebetween, for extra insulation. The face shield may comprise a scratch resistant coating or layer on the inner and/or outer surface to prevent abrasions or other damage. The face shield may comprise an anti-fogging coating on the inner or outer surface. A replaceable protective layer may be placed over the outer surface of the face shield. Naturally, the replaceable protective layer should comprise a transparent polymer.
A top portion of the transparent face shield may extend above a user's eyes, a bottom portion extends below the user's mouth and a first and second side portion extend beyond the user's side peripheral vision. The top portion of face shield may extend above a user's forehead and the bottom portion extends below the user's chin.
In a preferred embodiment, face shield 1506 is a rigid transparent polymer or glass. The polymer may comprise an acrylic such as polymethylmethacrylate. The polymer may comprise polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate, glycol modified polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), or cellulose acetate butyrate or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the face shield is made from a laminate of polymeric films, each contributing to the structural or optical properties of the face shield. As an example, one layer of the laminate may be included to provide shatter resistance.
In some embodiments, the face shield further comprises an area in the line of sight for a user that provides eye correction and improved vision. The VFHCD may be able to project images on the internal surface of the face shield. For example, the VFHCD may be capable of AR fora user.
In other embodiments, the transparent face shield further comprises a mechanical wiper and motor to clear debris from the front surface of the face shield. In still other embodiments, the transparent face shield further comprises a vibrator to vibrate the face shield to clear debris from the front surface of the face shield. The vibrator may be an ultrasonic vibrator or a pneumatic hammer.
As depicted, the fabric component 1508 is comprised of a single sheet of fabric. The single sheet of fabric, together with the transparent face shield and the frame, cover a user's entire head and a lower portion of the single sheet of fabric encircles the user's neck and forms a seal therewith. The fabric component comprises a drawstring 1512 to tighten around the neck of a user for better sealing properties. In some embodiments, it is preferred to include buttons on the drawstrings to hold the drawstrings in the tightened position. The drawstring is to facilitate the fabric component forming a seal around the user's neck. Alternatively, the single sheet of fabric may possess enough stretch to allow the device to be placed over the user's head while leaving the lower portion of the single sheet of fabric intact and still capable of forming a seal around the user's neck.
The fabric component shown in
The fabric component 1508 may comprise two or more layers. For example, the air impermeable portion may comprise an inner softer second sheet of fabric located between the air impermeable portion and the skin of the user. The inner sheet may be soft, washable and absorbent.
The fabric component further comprises an access 1514. The access allows a user to access the controls to the device located on the frame underneath the fabric. The access may be a flap that can be opened and closed and secured shut with a zipper, hook and loop fastener, button, or other method. The access may be located anywhere on the fabric on the periphery of the frame.
In some embodiments, the fabric component or portion may comprise a small foam block or insert that a user can use to scratch their noses without having to remove the VFHCD. The foam block or insert may be mounted on the face shield or on the frame. In other embodiments, the fabric component comprises finger sockets that protrude into the facial area of the VFHCD. Finger sockets allow a user to insert their fingers without compromising the environment inside the VFHCD but yet allow the user to scratch or rub an itch. The fabric component may be baggy and stretchable enough for a user to scratch their nose or dab their face without breaking the seal around the user's neck.
As shown in
Also shown in the VFHCD in
Mounted to the frame is an air mover 1530. The air mover may be a fan or other air moving device as previously described herein. In this embodiment, the air mover may be located near the mouth of a user or may be mounted at any other location on the frame. The frame may comprise one or more air moving devices. The air mover moves air into or out of a port in the frame. The air mover is powered by one or more batteries in a battery pack 1532 that is also mounted to the frame. The battery pack may be mounted at any location on the frame, such as the upper portion of the frame.
The VFHCD further comprises a filter assembly 1534 located on the inside of the frame. In other embodiments, the filter assembly may be located on the outside of the frame. The filter assembly further comprises a filter 1536. The filter assembly can be connected to the frame by hook-and-loop fasteners, clips, snaps, channels, or other mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the filter assembly can be reversibly removed or attached to the frame. The VFHCD may comprise two or more filter assemblies. The filter is to filter incoming air or outgoing air from inside the device.
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, the air movers may comprise a pressure sensor and a processor receiving input from the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor and processor can be adapted to increase or decrease power to the air mover to thereby regulate the pressure inside the head covering device. In some instances, the user may desire to have neutral air flow in addition to negative or positive air flow. The sensor and processor may be used to control and regulate the desired air flow.
In some embodiments, the inlet port or exhaust port further comprises filter covers to reduce noise entering or exiting the VFHCD 1500. In some embodiments, the fans may be attached with a resilient mount to the frame to reduce noise and vibration.
The filters 1536 located over the air inlet and outlet ports are pleated. This increases the surface are of the filter to increase filtering efficiency and to prevent air flow from being restricted. The surface area of the filters in the device may be greater than 50 inch2. In other embodiments, the surface area of the filters in the device may be greater than 100 inch2. In a preferred embodiment, the surface area of the filters in the device may be greater than 200 inch2. In other embodiments, the filters may not be pleated.
The inlet filter is adapted to block the passage of a virus, bacteria, smog, noxious gas, poisonous gas, smoke, or a combination thereof, to purify the incoming air for a user. The outlet filter may also filter the exhaust air. This is beneficial if a user has an infectious disease which would prevent non-wearers of the VFHCD from being infected. This device could be used in a hospital, nursing home, or other facility by an infected nurse, doctor, or other health care worker without the risk of infecting the patients that they are treating that may have compromised immune systems. The filters can be readily changed depending on the environment where the device is being used. In a preferred embodiment, the filter is a HEPA filter.
Also shown in
The filter assemblies further comprise a tab 1552. The tab may be used to grab and pull the filter assembly off the hook and loop fastener strips and away from the frame. The filter assemblies have a radius of curvature similar to the radius of curvature of the frame in order to form a uniform distance along the length of the filter assembly between the filter assembly and the frame.
The filter assembly further comprises a gasket 1556. The gasket is preferably a soft and flexible material that can form a seal between the filter assembly and the surface of the frame. The gasket may comprise a foam rubber-like material. The gasket can be designed to form a first area 1558 and a second area 1560 wherein the first area is divided from the second area. The first area covers an inlet port and the second area covers an outlet port in the frame. The gasket can substantially prevent inlet air from entering an outlet port and outlet air from entering the inlet port.
The filter assembly further comprises an attaching device to attach the filter assembly to the inner surface of the frame. In a preferred embodiment as illustrated in
The following embodiments illustrate alternative locations for the fans in a variable flow head covering device (VFHCD).
In this embodiment, the fans 1612 are moved towards the top of the frame near the battery pack. In the VFHCD 1500 embodiment they are near the mouth of the user. By moving the fans toward the top of the frame, the weight distribution of the device is improved in the VFHCD 1600 embodiment.
The following embodiments describe systems and methods to provide a controlled temperature and breathing environment within an HCD by conditioning the air within the HCD with an environmental control component. The environmental control component can control the air flow, temperature, or humidity or a combination thereof within the device.
The pocket may further comprise a thermoelectric cooler. The thermoelectric cooler may be designed to heat or cool incoming air 1706 for the user 1708. The thermoelectric cooler may be combined with a heat exchanger device to increase efficiency of heat transfer between incoming and exhaust air. The thermoelectric cooler may be used to control the temperature of the air to prevent fogging on the face shield 1710 or humidity build-up in the VFHCD. The inner surface of the face shield may comprise an anti-fogging layer. The thermoelectric cooler may operate on the principle of the Peltier effect.
The pocket may comprise an energy recovery or heat recovery device. Such a device would heat incoming intake air with outgoing exhaust air in order to maintain a comfortable environment within the VFHCD as described herein. The pocket may also contain an energy recovery device.
The pocket may comprise a sensor that detects one or more harmful or poisonous gases as the gases enter the VFHCD. The harmful gases may include CO2, CO, NOx, radon, or methanethiol. The pocket 1702 may also contain one or more sensors.
The depicted VFHCD further includes a water reservoir in the pocket. The water reservoir acts as a water source to the neck fabric wherein the water may be wicked by the neck fabric to provide evaporative cooling for the user to provide cooling to the neck area and cool air to breathe.
The VFHCD described herein may comprise a compartment containing a chilled mass such as ice. Incoming air is cooled as it passes over the ice and into the device. As the ice melts, the water is evaporated as the air passes over which can provide a further mode of cooling.
In some embodiments, a pocket may be located inside the fabric component 1704 or inside the VFHCD.
Air flow in the VFHCD embodiment in
The VFHCD described herein may further include a fluid atomizer or mister. The atomizer may use water in the water reservoir to provide a mist of water inside a VFHCD. A VFHCD described herein may further include an environmental control device that can be used by a user to control the temperature inside the device by raising or lowering the temperature. The environmental control device may further comprise a source of water vapor to increase the humidity of the air inside the device.
The VFHCD described herein may further include a heater. The heater can heat the air inside a VFHCD. The heater may be an electric resistive heater. The VFHCD described herein may further include a chiller to chill the air inside a VFHCD.
In some embodiments, the fabric components described herein may comprise a phase-change material, such as that deployed in high-end sport clothing. The phase-change material, which may be encapsulated in the fabric of the VFHCD or held in reservoirs elsewhere in the VFHCD, works by reversibly storing and releasing heat at pre-defined temperature ranges. In the most common example, the phase change material is used to retain heat in a device designed to be used in sub-zero environments. The material, such as a paraffin or lipid, melts when in an environment with a temperature above a certain point. This melting is endothermic, so the melting cools the inside of the device. When the device is in a colder environment, the material solidifies, e.g., crystallizes, which is an exothermic process, thus warming the inside of the device.
Another temperature-affecting technology that may be incorporated into the impermeable fabric portion 1712 is one that is designed to wick perspiration away from the user. As that perspiration evaporates, the user is cooled thereby. One commercial example of such technology is available from Arctic Cool® in their products sold as HydroFreeze™.
In other embodiments, the VFHCD further comprises a compressor to provide heating or cooling to the device. The compressor may be held in a backpack worn by the user. Preferably, the compressor provides heating or cooling directly to the neck area of the user. The compressor may comprise a 24V DC compressor. Alternatively, the compressor heats and/or cools the air as it is brought into the device.
A VFCD described herein may further include a multi-speed air moving system. The multi-speed air moving system may be a dual speed fan. If a pre-set environmental threshold or parameter is exceeded within the HCD, such as temperature or humidity, the air moving system increases to a higher speed to improve the environment by increasing air flow within the HCD. The air mover may be adjusted continually to maintain a desired target atmosphere in the device.
A VFHCD described herein may include one or more sensors to provide filter end of useful life alerts to the user based on at least one of age of the filter, increased head pressure on the filter and optical readings indicating a dirty filter.
In some embodiments, wearable electronics may be embedded in the neck fabrics, frame, air moving device, or face shield to provide environmental and thermal monitoring within the devices described herein. The wearable electronics may also monitor the temperature, air flow, and air conditions inside the device. The electronics may be powered by the power source used for the air moving device or a separate power source may be used. The electronics may include one or more sensors may be included to detect for air leaks around the fabric component sealed around the neck area.
The following embodiments describes an air moving device that is design to minimize and isolate vibrations and dampen noise caused by an air mover in a personal air filtration device.
The VIAMD further comprises a top fan frame 2406. The top fan frame is larger than the fan assembly 2402 and surrounds the periphery of the fan. There is a gap between the fan and the top fan frame. The gap is preferably large enough so that when the fan is in operation, the fan does not come into contact with the top fan frame such as from vibrations. The fan frame is comprised of a rigid material such as a polymer. The fan assembly frame may be rectangular, square-like, or any shape or size to be able conform to a device to provide air flow. The top frame may act as a mounting frame to mount the fan assembly to an HCD.
The VIAMD further comprises pliable or elastic members 2408 to connect the fan to the top fan frame. The members may be bands that may further be made of rubber, or other elastomer such as butyl rubber, natural or synthetic isoprene, chloroprene, nitrile rubber, or styrene-butadiene rubber. The bands hold the fan assembly in place within the front side of the top fan frame in a suspended manner. The bands are connected to the fan assembly by receiving holes 2410 located near each corner of the fan. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing has a rectangular periphery and wherein an elastic band is attached at each of the housing's four corners. The elastic bands can be thread through the holes and tied to the fan assembly. The other end of the elastic bands are connected to the top fan frame by wrapping around a frame receiving post or member 2412. Each elastic band is attached at one end to a different corner of the housing of an air assembly and is attached at another end to a different point on the rigid component of a fan frame or rigid component of the HCD. The receiving frame members protrude from an outer edge of the top fan frame. Other means may be used to connect the elastic bands to the fan and frame receiving members. In other embodiments, any combination of two or more posts may be used to connect the elastic bands to. The elastic bands can absorb vibrations during operation of the fan assembly and reduce the amount of vibrations transmitted to the rigid component of an HCD.
The VIAMD further comprises a flexible membrane 2414. The membrane comprises a silicone-based material but could be another polymeric material. The membrane can further absorb vibrations and help to dampen the sound coming from the fan. The membrane is located on the opposite side of the top fan frame 2406 from the elastic bands. The membrane spans from the top to the bottom of the top fan frame and from one side to the other side of the top fan frame. The membrane is slightly wider and longer than the frame though the membrane may be approximately the same width and length of the frame. The membrane helps to reduce air flow through the air gap. The membrane comprises an aperture to allow for air to pass through that is moved by the fan.
In some embodiments, a bottom fan frame is not used wherein the top fan frame is directly connect to a device to supply air flow from the fan. The membrane acts to form an airtight seal between the fan frame and device requiring air flow. In some embodiments, the bottom fan fame is a soft or sponge-like material to form an airtight seal to the device it is attached to. In other embodiments, a very high bonding or adhesive tape may be used to form a seal between the bottom fan frame 2418 and the device to which hit is attached to. The tape may also act as a resilient mount to further dampen and isolate vibrations.
The vibration isolating air moving device (VIAMD) 2400 or related embodiments may be used in any of the head covering devices (HCDs) disclosed herein. The VIAMD would be directly attached to the rigid frame component to pull in or push out air through an intake or exhaust port and through an intake or exhaust filter. In some embodiments, the air mover assembly would be mounted on the rigid component of an HCD described herein without the need for a fan frame by vibration absorbing members, to thereby reduce transmission of the vibration of the air mover assembly to the rigid member, thereby reducing noise from the air mover assembly within the device. The HCD may comprise receiving members to attach one end of the elastic bands to and the other end of the elastic bands to an air mover assembly. The rigid fan assembly frame component further comprises a mounting frame surrounding either the inlet port or the outlet port in an HCD, and wherein the mounting frame comprises mounting features for receiving the other ends of the elastic bands.
The VIAMD may be used in other types of air control devices such as masks for powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs).
The PAPR mask may further comprise an outlet filter 2456. The outlet filter in this embodiment is located in the transparent shield component 2458 near where the mouth of a user is located. The filter may be located elsewhere such as in the cloth component 2460 of the mask. Air leaving the mask is filtered exhaust air 2462. This design is an improvement over commonly used PAPRs where a fan is located on the belt of a user and connect by a hose to the rear of the mask. These types of masks filter the air going into the mask but not the air that is exhausted from the mask. The embodiment described herein not only protects the wearer of the PAPR mask but also protects a patient being cared for by the wearer in the instance where the wearer may be infected with a contagious disease.
The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. Nevertheless, it is understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/992,277 titled “Head Covering Device” filed on Mar. 20, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/053,519 titled “Head Covering Device with Negative Air Flow”, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/053,523 titled “Head Covering Device with Environmental Control”, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/053,526 titled “Head Covering Device with a Communication Component”, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/053,537 titled “Head Covering Device with Automatic Air Moving System”, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/053,542 titled “Head Covering Device with Shroud”, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/053,546 titled “Head Covering Device with Washable Filtering Fabric”, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/053,548 titled “Head Covering Device with Electromagnetic Radiation Filtering Face Shield”, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/053,552 titled “Protective Mask with Negative Air Flow” filed on Jul. 17, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/105,830 titled “Head Covering Device” filed on Oct. 26, 2020, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62992277 | Mar 2020 | US | |
| 63053519 | Jul 2020 | US | |
| 63105830 | Oct 2020 | US |
