RESPIRATORY ISOLATION ENCLOSURE FOR PATIENTS

Abstract

Implementations of a respiratory isolation enclosure for patients comprise a side surface, an upper surface, and one or more access openings and ventilation openings, and in some implementations may further comprise a lower surface. In some implementations, a method of using the respiratory isolation enclosure for patients comprises positioning and enclosing a patient with an infectious disease in the respiratory enclosure to respiratorily isolate the patient and prevent the spread of the disease from the patient to healthcare providers or other persons.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to implementations of a respiratory isolation enclosure for patients.

BACKGROUND

Presently, the focus is on healthcare workers wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as shown in FIG. 1. For example, gloves, masks, and shields are worn to prevent the spread of an infectious disease from patients to healthcare providers. However, the supplies for PPE can be limited, especially during a pandemic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates example existing personal protective equipment (PPE).

FIG. 2 illustrates an implementation of an example respiratory isolation enclosure for patients according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example use of the respiratory isolation enclosure for patients of FIG. 2 according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example diagram representation of the negative air pressure environment in the respiratory isolation enclosure for patients according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates another implementation of an example respiratory isolation enclosure for patients according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate another implementation of an example respiratory isolation enclosure for patients according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an example use of the respiratory isolation enclosure for patients of FIGS. 6-8 according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 11-15 illustrate various manufacturing or production representations of the respiratory isolation enclosure for patients of FIGS. 5 and 6-8 according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of a respiratory isolation enclosure for patients (“respiratory enclosure”) are provided. In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure comprises a side surface, an upper surface, and one or more access openings and ventilation openings. In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure may further comprise a lower surface.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure is configured to enclose and respiratorily (or respirationally) isolate a patient with an infectious disease, such as COVID-19, to prevent the spread of the disease to healthcare providers or workers, such as doctors, nurses, and ancillary staff.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure is configured to enclose and respiratorily isolate a single patient, such as in a hospital bed, by fitting the patient and the bed in the respiratory enclosure, which may be positioned in a room or other location.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure is configured to enclose and respiratorily isolate a patient while allowing the patient to see and be seen transparently through the respiratory enclosure by various persons, including family and/or friend visitors, to help minimize the impact of isolation from others while in the respiratory enclosure.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure is configured to maintain a negative pressure or negative air pressure environment in the respiratory enclosure to prevent the spread of an infectious disease from a patient in the respiratory enclosure to healthcare providers or other persons outside of the respiratory enclosure.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure is configured to allow access to a patient positioned in the respiratory enclosure.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure is configured to allow equipment to be connected to a patient positioned in the respiratory enclosure.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure is configured to allow ventilation, such as air, into and/or out of the respiratory enclosure.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure is configured to connect to an external ventilation system, such as a ventilation system of the building, room, etc. in which the respiratory enclosure is used.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure is configured to connect to other suitable ventilation components, such as to a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to prevent infection or disease spread.

In some implementations, a method of using the respiratory enclosure comprises positioning and enclosing a patient with an infectious disease in the respiratory enclosure to respiratorily isolate the patient and prevent the spread of the disease from the patient to healthcare providers or other persons.

Presently, the focus is on healthcare workers wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) 10, such as shown in FIG. 1. For example, gloves 11, masks 12, and shields 13 are worn to prevent the spread of an infectious disease from patients to healthcare providers. However, the supplies for PPE 10 can be limited, especially during a pandemic.

FIG. 2 illustrates an implementation of an example respiratory isolation enclosure for patients (“respiratory enclosure”) 100 according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 comprises a side surface 110 and an upper or top surface 120. In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 may further comprise a lower or bottom surface.

As shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 also comprises one or more access openings 140 and one or more ventilation openings 150. In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 may further comprise any other suitable components.

As shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the side surface 110 extends from the upper surface 120 to the floor or similar surface, e.g. when the respiratory enclosure 100 is used. For example, in some implementations, the side surface 110 extends from the edge or perimeter of the upper surface 120.

In some implementations, the side surface 110 may extend from the upper surface 120 to a lower surface of the respiratory enclosure 100.

In some implementations, the side surface 110 extends generally vertical from the upper surface 120, e.g. when the respiratory enclosure 100 is used.

In some implementations, the side surface 110 extends from the upper surface 120 to the floor, e.g. when the respiratory enclosure 100 is used, such that the side surface 110 encircles the interior of the respiratory enclosure 100.

In some implementations, the side surface 110 may comprise a continuous surface that encircles the interior of the respiratory enclosure 100, e.g. when the respiratory enclosure 100 is used. In some implementations, the side surface 110 may comprise two or more surfaces that encircle the interior of the respiratory enclosure 100.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the side surface 110 may comprise two sets of generally opposite facing surfaces. In some implementations, the surfaces are attached and extend to encircle the interior of the respiratory enclosure 100 as a generally rectangular shaped side surface 110.

In some implementations, the side surface 110 may comprise any other suitable configuration of surfaces. In some implementations, the side surface 110 may encircle the interior of the respiratory enclosure 100 in any other suitable shape, e.g. when the respiratory enclosure 100 is used.

In some implementations, the side surface 110 may be weighted or otherwise suitably configured to keep the side surface 100 in place or position extending to the floor or similar surface, e.g. when the respiratory enclosure 100 is used. For example, in some implementations, the side surface 110 may comprise one or more weights or other suitable components. In some implementations, the weights or other suitable components are positioned at or adjacent to the lower or bottom edge of the side surface 110, which may position at or adjacent to the floor when the respiratory enclosure 100 is used.

In some implementations, the weights or other suitable components may have any suitable size, shape, or other configuration.

In some implementations, the side surface 110 may be weighted or otherwise suitably configured, such as by the above described weights or other suitable components, such that the side surface 110 at least generally encloses and/or seals the interior of the respiratory enclosure 100 at the floor or similar surface when the respiratory enclosure 100 is used.

In some implementations, the side surface 110 may be weighted or otherwise suitably configured such that the side surface 110 is at least generally kept in place or position extending from the upper surface 120 to the floor or other suitable surface when the respiratory enclosure 100 is used.

In some implementations, the upper surface 120 extends from the upper or top edge of the side surface 110. In some implementations, the upper surface 120 extends generally horizontal from the side surface 110, e.g. when the respiratory enclosure 100 is used.

In some implementations, the upper surface 120 extends from the side surface 110, e.g. when the respiratory enclosure 100 is used, such that the upper surface 120 covers or encloses above the interior of the respiratory enclosure 100.

In some implementations, the upper surface 120 may comprise a continuous surface that covers or encloses above the interior of the respiratory enclosure 100, e.g. when the respiratory enclosure 100 is used. In some implementations, the upper surface 120 may comprise two or more surfaces that cover or enclose above the interior of the respiratory enclosure 100.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the upper surface 120 may comprise two sets of generally opposite facing surfaces. In some implementations, the surfaces are attached and extend to cover or enclose above the interior of the respiratory enclosure 100 as a generally vaulted or domed shaped upper surface 120.

In some implementations, the upper surface 120 may comprise any other suitable configuration of surfaces. In some implementations, the upper surface 120 may cover or enclose above the interior of the respiratory enclosure 100 in any other suitable shape, e.g. when the respiratory enclosure 100 is used.

As shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 comprises one or more access openings 140. In some implementations, the access openings 140 may be any suitable shape. In some implementations, the access openings 140 may be any suitable size.

In some implementations, the access openings 140 may be positioned at any suitable location of the respiratory enclosure 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, one or more of the access openings 140 may be positioned on the side surface 110.

In some implementations, the access openings 140 may have any other suitable configuration. In some implementations, the access openings 140 may have any other suitable feature.

In some implementations, the access openings 140 are configured to be openable. In some implementations, the access openings 140 are configured to be sealable or resealable

In some implementations, the access openings 140 are configured to allow access to a patient positioned in the respiratory enclosure 100. For example, in some implementations, the access openings 140 are configured to allow a healthcare worker or provider to access a patient in the respiratory enclosure 100.

In some implementations, the access openings 140 may be configured to allow access into the respiratory enclosure 100 for any other suitable purpose.

In some implementations, the access openings 140 are configured to allow equipment to be connected to a patient positioned in the respiratory enclosure 100. For example, in some implementations, the access openings 140 are configured to allow equipment positioned outside of the respiratory enclosure 100 to be connected to a patient in the respiratory enclosure 100.

In some implementations, the connected equipment may include a ventilator. In some implementations, the connected equipment may include monitoring equipment. In some implementations, the connected equipment may include any other suitable equipment.

As shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 comprises one or more ventilation openings 150. In some implementations, the ventilation openings 150 may be any suitable shape. In some implementations, the ventilation openings 150 may be any suitable size.

In some implementations, the ventilation openings 150 may be positioned at any suitable location of the respiratory enclosure 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, one or more of the ventilation openings 150 may be positioned on the upper surface 120.

In some implementations, the ventilation openings 150 may have any other suitable configuration. In some implementations, the ventilation openings 150 may have any other suitable feature.

In some implementations, the ventilation openings 150 are configured to be openable. In some implementations, the ventilation openings 150 are configured to be sealable or resealable

In some implementations, the ventilation openings 150 are configured to allow ventilation, such as air, into the respiratory enclosure 100. In some implementations, the ventilation openings 150 are configured to allow ventilation out of the respiratory enclosure 100.

For example, in some implementations, one or more of the ventilation openings 150 may be configured to connect to an external ventilation system, such as a ventilation system of the building, room, etc. in which the respiratory enclosure 100 is used. In some implementations, the ventilation system may be a portable ventilation system positioned adjacent to the respiratory enclosure 100.

In some implementations, one or more of the ventilation openings 150 may be configured to connect to any other suitable ventilation components, such as to a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter used to filter output and/or input air from the respiratory enclosure 100 for infection or disease spread control.

As described more below, in some implementations, the ventilation openings 150 may be configured to connect to a ventilation system to provide a negative air pressure environment in the respiratory enclosure 100.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 may be any suitable shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, in some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 may be generally rectangular prism shaped.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 may be any suitable size. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 is sized to house a patient. In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 is sized to house a patient including the patient's bed, such as a hospital bed.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 is an individual sized enclosure. For example, in some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 is smaller than the size of a room, such as a patient's room at a hospital or other care facility. In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 is appropriately sized to house one patient and one bed that is inside a room.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 is transparent. For example, in some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 is configured such that a patient positioned in the respiratory enclosure 100 can be seen from outside of the respiratory enclosure 100, such as through the side surface 110. In this way, in some implementations, a patient can see and be seen by various persons, including family and/or friend visitors, to help minimize the impact of isolation from others.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 may be semi-transparent. In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 may be translucent. In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 may be opaque. In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 may be partly transparent, semi-transparent, translucent, and/ or opaque. In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 may have any other suitable visibility feature.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 is configured to respiratorily (or respirationally) isolate a patient with an infectious disease, such as COVID-19, to prevent the spread of the disease to healthcare providers or workers, such as doctors, nurses, and ancillary staff.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 is configured to help prevent the spread of an infectious disease from a patient to healthcare providers.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 is configured to reduce the spread of an infectious disease from a patient to healthcare providers.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 is configured to respiratorily isolate a patient while allowing the patient to see and be seen through the respiratory enclosure 100 by various persons, including family and/or friend visitors, to help minimize the impact of isolation from others while in the respiratory enclosure 100.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 is configured to maintain a negative pressure or negative air pressure environment in the respiratory enclosure 100 to prevent the spread of an infectious disease from a patient to healthcare providers. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates an example diagram representation of the negative air pressure maintained within the respiratory enclosure 100.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 is configured to maintain a negative air pressure by maintaining a lower air pressure within the respiratory enclosure 100 than the air pressure outside of the respiratory enclosure 100, such as in the room or other location in which the respiratory enclosure 100 is positioned. In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 is configured to maintain the negative air pressure by allowing more air to exit or output from the respiratory enclosure 100 than air to enter or input into the respiratory enclosure 100.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations, a sufficient amount of air, e.g. for a patient's ventilation and comfort, is allowed to input (e.g., passively) into the respiratory enclosure 100, such as through one or more of the ventilation openings 150 or other openings formed by the respiratory enclosure 100. In some implementations, a larger amount of air is allowed to output, e.g. actively suctioned or pumped, from the respiratory enclosure 100 than is allowed to input into the respiratory enclosure 100.

Thereby, in some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 maintains a negative air pressure environment in the respiratory enclosure 100, which prevents the spread of an infectious disease from a patient in the respiratory enclosure 100 to healthcare providers or other persons outside of the respiratory enclosure 100.

In some implementations, the output and/ or input of air to the respiratory enclosure 100 to maintain the negative air pressure is from a ventilation system connected to one or more of the ventilation openings 150, such as described above for FIG. 2.

In some implementations, the air outputted from the respiratory enclosure 100 to maintain the negative air pressure is output through a connected filter, such as a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, to prevent the spread of an infectious disease from a patient in the respiratory enclosure 100 to healthcare providers or other persons outside of the respiratory enclosure 100.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 is configured to allow access to a patient positioned in the respiratory enclosure 100, such as through one or more of the access openings 140.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 is configured to allow equipment to be connected to a patient positioned in the respiratory enclosure 100, such as through one or more of the access openings 140.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 is configured to allow ventilation, such as air, into and/or out of the respiratory enclosure 100, such as through one or more of the ventilation openings 150.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 is configured to connect to an external ventilation system, such as a ventilation system of the building, room, etc. in which the respiratory enclosure 100 is used, such as by one or more of the ventilation openings 150.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 is configured to connect to any other suitable ventilation components, such as to a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter for infection or disease spread control, such as through one or more of the ventilation openings 150.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 may be configured to be a self supporting enclosure. For example, in some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 may comprise framing and/or supports for the side surface 110 and/or the upper surface 120.

In some implementations, the framing and/or supports may comprise any other suitable components, features, and/or configurations. In some implementations, the framing and/or supports may be integrated to the respiratory enclosure 100, such as to the side surface 110 and/or the upper surface 120.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 may be configured to be a separately supported enclosure. For example, in some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 may be configured to be supported by framing and/or supports that are separate from the respiratory enclosure 100. In some implementations, the framing and/or supports may comprise any other suitable components, features, and/or configurations.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100 may be configured to be supported for use of the respiratory enclosure 100 in any other suitable way. For example, in some implementations, the side surface 110 and/or the upper surface 120 may be sufficiently rigid to support the respiratory enclosure 100 for use.

FIG. 5 illustrates another implementation of an example respiratory isolation enclosure for patients 200 according to the present disclosure. In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 200 is generally the same or similar to the respiratory enclosure 100 described above for FIG. 2, such as indicated by like-numbered components in the figures.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, in some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 200 comprises a side surface 210, an upper or top surface 220, and one or more access openings 240 and/ or ventilation openings 250 that are generally the same or similar respectively to the above-described side surface 110, upper or top surface 120, one or more access openings 140, and one or more ventilation openings 150 of the respiratory enclosure 100 of FIG. 2.

In some implementations, the side surface 210 may comprise a transparent polymer material. In some implementations, the transparent polymer material may be coated with an anti-viral substance or material.

In some implementations, the side surface 210 may comprise any other suitable material.

As shown in FIG. 5, in some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 200 may further comprise a skirt or skirt portion 230. In some implementations, the skirt portion 230 may extend from the side surface 210.

In some implementations, the skirt portion 230 may comprise a non transparent (e.g., translucent or opaque) polymer material. In some implementations, the skirt portion 230 may comprise a breathable material that is further configured to contain a virus or other respiratory contaminants within the respiratory enclosure 200.

In some implementations, the skirt portion 230 may comprise a woven or a non-woven material. In some implementations, the material may be the same or similar to the material of a surgical mask or an N95 mask.

In some implementations, the skirt portion 230 may comprise any other suitable material.

As described above for the respiratory enclosure 100 of FIG. 2, in some implementations, the one or more access openings 240 and/or ventilation openings 250 may be sealable and resealable. For example, in some implementations, the openings 240, 250 may comprise flaps (such as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14) configured to seal and reseal the openings 240, 250.

In some implementations, the flaps may be attached to hang down and seal the openings 240, 250. In some implementations, the flaps may be attached in any other suitable configuration to seal the openings 240, 250.

In some implementations, the flaps may be attached to the openings 240, 250 on the interior of the respiratory enclosure 200. In some implementations, the flaps may be attached to the openings 240, 250 on the exterior of the respiratory enclosure 200.

In some implementations, the flaps may be configured to unseal and allow access to the openings 240, 250, such as when a healthcare provider's hand or a part of an equipment is inserted through the opening 240, 250. In some implementations, the flaps may be configured to seal or reseal off access to the openings 240, 250, such as when a healthcare provider's hand or a part of an equipment is removed from the opening 240, 250.

As shown in FIG. 5, in some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 200 may further comprise a support 260 that is generally the same or similar to the above-described framing and/or supports of the respiratory enclosure 100 of FIG. 2.

In some implementations, the support 260 may comprise one or more components configured to position and support the respiratory enclosure 200 for use to enclose a patient. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, in some implementations, the support 260 may comprise a base 261, a vertical member 262, a horizontal member 263, and one or more hangers 264.

In some implementations, the support 260 is configured to position on a floor or other suitable surface, for example by the base 261. In some implementations, the support 260 is configured to attach to and/or support the side surface 110 and/or upper surface 120 of the respiratory enclosure 200, for example by the hangers 264.

In some implementations, the support 260 is configured to extend from the base 261 to the hangers 264, for example by the vertical member 262 and the horizontal member 263.

In some implementations, the support 260 may comprise one or more of any other suitable components configured to position and support the respiratory enclosure 200 for use to enclose a patient.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 (described below), in some implementations, the support 260 may comprise a medical intravenous (IV) support or “N pole”. In some implementations, the support 260 (such as the IV pole) may be adjustable in vertical height, horizontal reach, and/or other suitable dimension.

In some implementations, the support 260 may comprise any other suitable apparatus.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate another implementation of an example respiratory isolation enclosure for patients 300 according to the present disclosure. In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 300 is generally the same or similar to the respiratory enclosure 200 described above for FIG. 5, such as indicated by like-numbered components in the figures.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 300 comprises a side surface 310, an upper or top surface 320, a skirt portion 330, and a support 360 that are generally the same or similar respectively to the above-described side surface 210, upper or top surface 220, skirt portion 230, and support 260 of the respiratory enclosure 200 of FIG. 5. In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 300 may further comprise one or more access openings and/or ventilation openings that are generally the same or similar to the above-described access openings 240 and ventilation openings 250 of the respiratory enclosure 200 of FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 6, in some implementations, the front-facing portion (e.g., with respect to a patient lying in a bed within the respiratory enclosure 300) of the side surface 310 may comprise a fixed portion 310a and a partly openable portion 310b. In some implementations, the partly openable portion 310b is attached to the respiratory enclosure 300 at the skirt 330. In some implementations, the partly openable portion 310b is also (at least partly) removably attached to the respiratory enclosure 300 at the side surface 310.

For example, in some implementations, the partly openable portion 310b may be removably attached to the side surface 310 by a hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro®). In some implementations, the partly openable portion 310b may be removably attached to the side surface 310 in any other suitable way.

In some implementations, the partly openable portion 310b is thereby configured to be at least partly opened from the fixed portion 310a to allow access into the respiratory enclosure 300 through the front-facing portion of the side surface 310 by a healthcare provider and/or a part of an equipment (e.g., to feed or otherwise treat a patient therein).

FIGS. 12-14 (described below) illustrate further detail of the above described front-facing portion of the side surface 310 including the fixed (top window) portion 310a and the partly openable (bottom window) portion 310b.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 300 may further comprise a framing 320a that is generally the same or similar to the above-described framing and/or supports of the respiratory enclosure 100 of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 8, in some implementations, the framing 320a may be configured to attach to the support 360, such as to the hangers 364.

In some implementations, the framing 320a may further be configured to be collapsible and/or foldable, such as for moving and/or storing of the respiratory enclosure 300.

FIGS. 11, 12, and 15 (described below) illustrate further detail of the above described framing 320a.

FIGS. 11-15 illustrate various manufacturing or production representations of the respiratory isolation enclosure for patients 200, 300 of FIGS. 5 and 6-8 according to the present disclosure.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100, 200, 300 comprises any suitable dimensions. For example, as described above, in some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100, 200, 300 is configured to at least partly (i.e., partly to fully) enclose and respiratorily isolate a single patient, such as in a hospital bed, by fitting at least a portion of the patient and the bed in the respiratory enclosure, which may be positioned in a room or other location.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100, 200, 300 may comprise one or more of the dimensions shown in FIGS. 11-15.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100, 200, 300 is composed of any suitable materials. For example, in some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100, 200, 300 may be composed of a durable plastic material.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100, 200, 300 may be composed of a material, such as a plastic material, that can be autoclaved to allow the respiratory enclosure 100 to be sterilely cleaned with high heat and pressure and reused for another patient.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100, 200, 300 may be composed of one or more of the materials shown in FIGS. 11-15.

In some implementations, the respiratory enclosure 100, 200, 300 can have any suitable appearance, such as shown in one or more of the figures.

FIGS. 3, 9, and 10 illustrates an example use of the respiratory enclosure 100, 200, 300 according to the present disclosure. In some implementations, an example method of using the respiratory enclosure 100, 200, 300, with respect to the above-described figures, comprises at least partly (i.e., partly to fully) enclosing a patient with an infectious disease in the respiratory enclosure 100, 200, 300 to respiratorily (or respirationally) isolate the patient.

In some implementations, the patient is positioned and at least partly (i.e., partly to fully) enclosed in the respiratory enclosure 100, 200, 300 while in a hospital bed or on another suitable support (e.g., a gurney). In some implementations, the patient is positioned and at least partly enclosed in the respiratory enclosure 100, 200, 300 with upper surface 120, 220, 320 of the respiratory enclosure 100, 200, 300 extending at least partly over the patient and the side surface 110, 210, 310 extending at least partly down from the upper surface 120, 220, 320 toward the bed, floor, or other suitable surface and at least partly encircling the patient.

In some implementations, the method further comprises accessing the patient through one or more of the access openings 140, 240, 340 of the respiratory enclosure 100, 200, 300. In some implementations, the method further comprises connecting the patient to equipment, such as a respirator or monitor, through one or more of the access openings 140, 240, 340.

In some implementations, the method further comprises connecting the respiratory enclosure 100, 200, 300 to an external ventilation system by the one or more of the ventilation openings 150, 250, 250, such as to a ventilation system of the building, room, etc. in which the respiratory enclosure 100, 200, 300 is used. In some implementations, the ventilation system is connected to the respiratory enclosure 100, 200, 300 to maintain a negative air pressure environment in the respiratory enclosure 100, 200, 300.

In some implementations, the method further comprises connecting the respiratory enclosure 100, 200, 300 to other suitable ventilation components, such as to a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

In some implementations, the method may further comprise any other suitable use of the respiratory enclosure 100, 200, 300.

The figures, including photographs and drawings, comprised herewith may represent one or more implementations of the respiratory isolation enclosure for patients.

Details shown in the figures, such as dimensions, descriptions, etc., are exemplary, and there may be implementations of other suitable details according to the present disclosure.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “implementation” or words of similar import means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is comprised in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrase “in some implementations” or a phrase of similar import in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.

The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the above description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail.

While operations may be depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.

Claims

1. A respiratory isolation enclosure for patients comprising: a hollow enclosure comprising an upper surface and sides surfaces defining an interior volume having a top defined by the upper surface of the hollow enclosure and sides defined by the side surfaces of the hollow enclosure wherein the hollow enclosure has an open bottom for access to the interior volume, wherein the hollow enclosure is sized and shaped to house a patient lying on a bed such that the upper surface positions above the patient while lying on the bed and the sides completely encircle the patient while lying on the bed to help respiratorily isolate the patient within the interior volume of the hollow enclosure, wherein at least a portion of the side surfaces of the hollow enclosure is transparent such that the patient can be seen through the hollow enclosure when the patient is enclosed in the interior volume of the hollow enclosure and wherein the side surfaces are weighted opposite the upper surface to enclose the interior of the enclosure when the patient is lying on the bed; andone or more resealable access openings through one or more side surfaces wherein the one or more resealable access openings are sized, shaped, and positioned to allow access to a patient housed within the interior volume of the hollow enclosure.

2. The respiratory isolation enclosure for patients of claim 1 further comprising a skirt extending from the side surfaces opposite the upper surface and encircling the open bottom wherein the skirt is formed from a woven material to weight the side surfaces to enclose the interior of the enclosure when the patient is lying on the bed.

3. The respiratory isolation enclosure for patients of claim 1 further comprising a ventilation opening through the hollow enclosure wherein the ventilation opening is sized, shaped, and positioned to allow a connection of a ventilation device to the enclosure such that the ventilation device can provide ventilation to a patient enclosed in the interior formed by the enclosure and the bed.

4. The respiratory isolation enclosure for patients of claim 3 wherein the ventilation opening is through the upper surface of the hollow enclosure.

5. The respiratory isolation enclosure for patients of claim 2 wherein the transparent portion of the side surfaces of the hollow enclosure is formed from a polymer material and the upper surface and skirt are formed from a woven material.

6. The respiratory isolation enclosure for patients of claim 1 further comprising an attachment device configured to connect the upper surface of the hollow enclosure to an intravenous pole (IV) pole.

7. A method of using the respiratory isolation enclosure for patients of claim 1 comprising positioning the open bottom of the enclosure around a patient lying on a bed such that the enclosure positions above and around the patient and encloses the patient within the interior volume formed by the enclosure.

8. The method of claim 7 further comprising accessing the patient from outside of the enclosure through the access opening.

9. A method of using the respiratory isolation enclosure for patients of claim 2 comprising: positioning the open bottom of the enclosure around a patient lying on a bed such that the enclosure positions above and around the patient and encloses the patient within the interior volume formed by the enclosure; andextending the skirt around the bed and the top of the patient to help respiratorily isolate the patient.

10. The method of claim 2 further comprising tucking at a portion of the shirt under the mattress of the bed.

11. A method of using the respiratory isolation enclosure for patients of claim 6 comprising: connecting the upper surface of the hollow enclosure to an intravenous pole (IV) pole using the attachment device; andadjusting the IV pole to position the open bottom of the enclosure around a patient lying on a bed such that the enclosure positions above and around the patient and encloses the patient within the interior volume formed by the enclosure.

12. A method of using the respiratory isolation enclosure for patients of claim 3 comprising attaching the enclosure to a ventilation device through the ventilation opening and maintaining a negative air pressure in the interior volume of the enclosure using the ventilation device.

13. A method of using the respiratory isolation enclosure for patients of claim 3 comprising attaching the respiratory isolation enclosure for patients to an IV pole and adjusting the height of the height of the IV pole.

14. A method of using the respiratory isolation enclosure for patients of claim 3 comprising attaching the enclosure to an existing ventilation system in the room through the ventilation opening such that the room ventilation system can provide ventilation to the patient enclosed in the interior formed by the enclosure.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the room ventilation system comprises a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter such that ventilation outputted from the enclosure is filtered through the HEPA filter.

16. A method of using the respiratory isolation enclosure for patients of claim 2 to reduce the spread of COVID-19 comprising: positioning the open bottom of the enclosure around a patient that has tested positive for COVID-19 or a variant thereof and lying on a bed such that the enclosure positions above and around the patient and encloses the patient within the interior volume formed by the enclosure; andextending the skirt around the bed and the top of the patient to help respiratorily isolate the patient.

17. A respiratory isolation enclosure for patients comprising: a hollow enclosure comprising an upper surface and sides surfaces defining an interior volume having a top defined by the upper surface of the hollow enclosure and sides defined by the side surfaces of the hollow enclosure wherein the hollow enclosure has an open bottom for access to the interior volume, wherein the hollow enclosure is sized and shaped to house a patient lying on a bed such that the upper surface positions above the patient while lying on the bed and the sides completely encircle the patient while lying on the bed to help respiratorily isolate the patient within the interior volume of the hollow enclosure, wherein the upper surface is formed from a woven material, wherein at least a portion of the side surfaces of the hollow enclosure is transparent and is formed from a polymer material such that the patient can be seen through the hollow enclosure when the patient is enclosed in the interior volume of the hollow enclosure, and wherein the side surfaces are weighted opposite the upper surface to enclose the interior of the enclosure when the patient is lying on the bed;one or more resealable access openings through one or more side surfaces wherein the one or more resealable access openings are sized, shaped, and positioned to allow access to a patient housed within the interior volume of the hollow enclosure;a skirt extending from the side surfaces opposite the upper surface and encircling the open bottom wherein the skirt is formed from a woven material to weight the side surfaces to enclose the interior of the enclosure when the patient is lying on the bed wherein the skirt is formed from a woven material;ventilation opening through the hollow enclosure wherein the ventilation opening is sized, shaped, and positioned to allow a connection of a ventilation device to the enclosure such that the ventilation device can provide ventilation to a patient enclosed in the interior formed by the enclosure and the bed; andan attachment device configured to connect the upper surface of the hollow enclosure to an intravenous pole (IV) pole.

18. A method of using the respiratory isolation enclosure for patients of claim 17 comprising: connecting the upper surface of the hollow enclosure to an intravenous pole (IV) pole using the attachment device;adjusting the IV pole to position the open bottom of the enclosure around a patient lying on a bed such that the enclosure positions above and around the patient and encloses the patient within the interior volume formed by the enclosure;extending the skirt around the bed and the top of the patient to help respiratorily isolate the patient; andaccessing the patient from outside of the enclosure through the access opening.