Suspended aerosol isolation barrier

Abstract

A Suspended Aerosol Isolation Barrier (SAIB) comprises a suspended protective barrier, an optional lateral protective barrier, and a ceiling surface connector. The SAIB reduces exposure to airborne particles and aerosols for both patients and service providers, and protects those in the vicinity and unmasked individuals in adjacent areas. The suspended protective barrier includes a frame and a transparent layer. The suspended protective barrier attaches to a ceiling disposed above. The lateral protective barrier is a flexible material that attaches to a perimeter of the suspended protective barrier and extends downwards. The ceiling surface connector has a first end that attaches to the suspended protective barrier and a second end that attaches to the ceiling. A service provider attaches the lateral protective barrier to the suspended protective barrier after sanitization. Once a patient is seated, the SAIB is lowered over the patient such that the patient is protected by the SAIB.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to medical devices, and more specifically, to aerosol containment instruments.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The presence of Covid-19 has created new and serious challenges for industries which provide close-proximity patient/client interaction and care. At significant risk are those providers in the field of dentistry. The combination of sustained contact between provider and patient, the minimal physical proximity necessary and the level of exposure to aerosolized oral pathogens from procedures or merely breathing creates a high-risk situation. For these reasons, it is imperative that those in the dental field and other similar fields utilize all means available and reasonable to limit exposure. Presently, there are many products that attempt to prevent or evacuate these aerosols.

SUMMARY

A Suspended Aerosol Isolation Barrier (SAIB) comprises a suspended protective barrier, an optional lateral protective barrier, and a ceiling surface connector. The SAIB reduces exposure to airborne particles and dental aerosols for both patients and medical providers. The suspended protective barrier includes a frame and a transparent layer. The suspended protective barrier attaches to a ceiling surface disposed above. The lateral protective barrier is a flexible material that attaches to a perimeter of the suspended protective barrier and extends downwards. The lateral protective barrier is optional and is not included in some embodiments. The ceiling surface connector has a first end that attaches to the suspended protective barrier and a second end that attaches to the ceiling surface.

In operation, a service provider, such as a dentist or dental hygienist, sanitizes an area and the suspended protective barrier of the SAIB. Next, the service provider optionally attaches the lateral protective barrier to the suspended protective barrier. After the patient enters the area and is seated, the SAIB is lowered over the patient. The patient is covered and protected by the SAIB. Next, the service provider extends their hands through the lateral protective barrier to serve the patient. The service provider sees the patient through the transparent layer of the suspended protective barrier. After the patient visit is complete, the SAIB is raised permitting the patient to exit the area. After the patient has left, the area is sanitized, the lateral protective barrier is discarded (if the lateral protective barrier is employed), the suspended protective barrier is sanitized, and a new lateral protective barrier is optionally attached to the suspended protective barrier in preparation for the next patient.

In one embodiment, a SAIB is provided as an SAIB assembly kit. The SAIB assembly kit includes materials for forming a suspended protective barrier and a ceiling surface connector, and an amount of instructions. The instructions provide instructions as to how to assemble the SAIB, how to mount the ceiling surface connector to a ceiling, and how to use the SAIB. An amount of tools is optionally provided along with the SAIB assembly kit to aid users in assembly and installation of the SAIB. The SAIB assembly kit is provided in a single package or in a plurality of packages. The instructions are provided via printed materials or via a link to a digital resource that provides the instructions to users. Materials and instructions for forming and using the lateral protective barrier are optionally included in the SAIB assembly kit.

The novel SAIB provides significant flexibility for service providers to perform work on a patient. Service providers are able to approach a patient from various sides and angles. Conventional systems that address aerosol transmission do not provide flexibility to practitioners. Existing techniques do not easily move or adjust to accommodate a service provider's positioning, and practitioners tend to be impeded by barrier positioning. In addition, the novel SAIB accommodates all sizes of patients. The novel SAIB is suspended overhead thereby providing for easy removal, allowing patients to comfortably enter and exit, and allowing adjustment of height of the SAIB to be at a comfortable level for both practitioners and patients. Suspension of the novel SAIB consumes minimal to no floor space thereby providing more leg room and operational space for service providers.

The SAIB is applicable to any environment in which a service provider is performing services on a person. A service provider is able to perform work on a client who is covered by the SAIB more safely than if no SAIB were utilized. The SAIB may be used in other medical settings and in non-medical settings where services are provided to patients or clients. The SAIB provides a low-cost and quick assembly technique for containment of aerosols and for minimizing transfer of aerosols between individuals. The suspended protective barrier is formed from low-cost materials, including a transparent layer formed by a clear acrylic sheet and a frame formed from PVC pipes. Use of the SAIB reduces transfer of aerosols as compared to settings where the SAIB is not utilized. Sanitation of the SAIB is also more efficient as compared to existing techniques, because the lateral protective barrier is cheap and disposable and the suspended protective barrier is formed from low-cost materials and is easily sanitized.

Further details and embodiments and methods are described in the detailed description below. This summary does not purport to define the invention. The invention is defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, where like numerals indicate like components, illustrate embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a Suspended Aerosol Isolation Barrier (SAIB) 10.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a top-down view of the SAIB 10.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the SAIB 10 before a lateral protective barrier is attached to a frame of the suspended protective barrier 11.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method 100 in accordance with at least one novel aspect.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method 200 in accordance with at least another novel aspect.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing how the SAIB 10 reduces exposure to airborne particles and aerosols between patients and medical providers.

FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram showing the SAIB 10 being used in a clinical setting.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a Suspended Aerosol Isolation Barrier (SAIB) 300 in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing how the SAIB 300 reduces exposure to airborne particles and aerosols between medical provider 320 and patient 330.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a suspended aerosol isolation barrier assembly kit 400 in accordance with one embodiment.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing materials 420, 430 and 440 provided with the suspended aerosol isolation barrier assembly kit 400.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13, and 14 are instructions 410 provided with the suspended aerosol isolation barrier assembly kit 400.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing conventional aerosol transmission reduction techniques.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to some embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a Suspended Aerosol Isolation Barrier (SAIB) 10. The SAIB 10 includes a suspended protective barrier 11 and a lateral protective barrier 12. In this example, the lateral protective barrier 12 is a plastic sheet that attaches to the suspended protective barrier 11. The suspended protective barrier 11 has a transparent surface 13. The suspended protective barrier 11 is attached to a ceiling surface 14 via a ceiling surface connector 15. In another example the suspended protective barrier 11 attaches to a surface that is farther from the ground than the suspended protective barrier 11. In one example, a ceiling I-hook is connected to the ceiling surface 14 and the ceiling surface connector 15 connects to the ceiling I-hook. It is understood that ceilings and joists have different configurations and that any suitable ceiling attachment may be employed to attach the ceiling surface connector 15 to the ceiling surface 14.

In accordance with another novel aspect, the SAIB 10 is adjustable to be configured to cover and protect a user. The suspended protective barrier 11 is height-adjustable. For example, a service provider raises the suspended protective barrier 11 upwards, a client/patient is seated, and the service provider lowers the suspended protective barrier 11 over the client/patient once comfortably seated. In one example, the ceiling surface connector 15 includes a chain, an S-hook, a split key ring, and end anchors. The chain is connected to the ceiling surface 14. The end anchors are attached to a frame of the suspended protective barrier 11. The S-hook connects the split key ring and end anchors to the chain at an appropriate level thereby allowing the suspended protective barrier 11 to be height-adjusted to a desired level.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a top-down view of the SAIB 10. In this example, a suspended protective barrier 11 has a rectangular-shaped frame 16 with the transparent surface 13 attached to the frame 16. Reference numeral 17 identifies a connector that is a hole in one of the corners of the frame 16. In this example, the lateral protective barrier 12 is attached to the frame 16.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the SAIB 10 before a lateral protective barrier is attached to the frame 16 of the suspended protective barrier 11. In this example, the suspended protective barrier 11 is attached to the ceiling surface 14.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method 100 in accordance with at least one novel aspect. In a first step (101), a suspended protective barrier is formed. The suspended protective barrier includes a transparent layer. The suspended protective barrier attaches to a ceiling surface disposed above the suspended protective barrier. In one example, the forming involves attaching a transparent layer to a frame and attaching ceiling connectors to the frame.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method 200 in accordance with at least another novel aspect. In a first step (201), a suspended protective barrier is provided to a user. In one example, the user is a medical provider. The suspended protective barrier includes a transparent layer. The suspended protective barrier attaches to a ceiling surface disposed above the suspended protective barrier.

In a second step (202), the user is instructed to attach the suspended protective barrier to the ceiling surface using a ceiling surface connector.

In a third step (203), the user is instructed to attach a lateral protective barrier to a perimeter of the suspended protective barrier.

In a fourth step (204), the user is instructed to lower the suspended protective barrier over a patient such that the patient is surrounded by the suspended protective barrier and by the lateral protective barrier.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing how the SAIB 10 reduces exposure to airborne particles and dental aerosols between medical provider 20 and patient 30. The SAIB 10 is adjustable to be configured to cover and protect patient 30. The suspended protective barrier 11 is height-adjustable. For example, a medical provider 20 raises the suspended protective barrier 11 upwards, the patient 30 is seated, and the medical provider 20 lowers the suspended protective barrier 11 over the patient 30. In this embodiment, lateral protective barrier 12 is attached to the suspended protective barrier 11 to further contain aerosols. In one example, the ceiling surface connector 15 includes a chain, an S-hook, a split key ring, and end anchors. The chain is connected to the ceiling surface 14. The end anchors are attached to a frame of the suspended protective barrier 11. The S-hook connects the split key ring and end anchors to the chain at an appropriate level thereby allowing the suspended protective barrier 11 to be height-adjusted to a desired level.

The SAIB 10 provides significant flexibility for medical provider 20 to perform work on the patient 30. The medical provider 20 is able to approach the patient 30 from various sides and angles. The SAIB 10 accommodates all sizes of patients. The SAIB 10 is suspended overhead thereby providing for easy removal, providing for patient 30 to comfortably enter and exit, and providing for adjustment of height of the SAIB 10 to be at a comfortable level for both the medical provider 20 and patient 30. Suspension of the SAIB 10 consumes minimal to no floor space thereby providing more leg room and operational space for medical provider 20.

FIG. 7 is a perspective diagram showing the SAIB 10 being used in a clinical setting.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a Suspended Aerosol Isolation Barrier (SAIB) 300 in accordance with another embodiment. The SAIB 300 includes a suspended protective barrier 311. In this embodiment, the SAIB 300 does not include any lateral or side protective barrier as is provided in SAIB 10 shown in FIG. 1. Despite not providing a lateral cover, the SAIB 300 tends to reduce aerosol transmission when used in various settings.

The suspended protective barrier 311 has a transparent surface 313. The suspended protective barrier 311 is attached to a ceiling surface 314 via a ceiling surface connector 315. In another example, the suspended protective barrier 311 attaches to a surface that is farther from the ground than the suspended protective barrier 311. In one example, a ceiling I-hook is connected to the ceiling surface 314 and the ceiling surface connector 315 connects to the ceiling I-hook. It is understood that ceilings and joists have different configurations and that any suitable ceiling attachment may be employed to attach the ceiling surface connector 315 to the ceiling surface 314.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing how the SAIB 300 reduces exposure to airborne particles and aerosols between medical provider 320 and patient 330. The SAIB 300 is adjustable to be configured to cover and protect the patient 330. The suspended protective barrier 311 is height-adjustable. For example, a medical provider 320 raises the suspended protective barrier 311 upwards, the patient 330 is seated, and the medical provider 320 lowers the suspended protective barrier 311 over the patient 330. In one example, the ceiling surface connector 315 includes a chain, an S-hook, a split key ring, and end anchors. The chain is connected to the ceiling surface 314. The end anchors are attached to a frame of the suspended protective barrier 311. The S-hook connects the split key ring and end anchors to the chain at an appropriate level thereby allowing the suspended protective barrier 311 to be height-adjusted to a desired level.

The SAIB 300 provides significant flexibility for medical provider 320 to perform work on a patient 330. The medical provider 320 is able to approach a patient 330 from various sides and angles. The SAIB 300 accommodates all sizes of patients. The SAIB 300 is suspended overhead thereby providing for easy removal, allowing patient 330 to comfortably enter and exit, and providing adjustment of height of the SAIB 300 to be at a comfortable level for both the medical provider 320 and patient 330. Suspension of the SAIB 300 consumes minimal to no floor space thereby providing more leg room and operational space for medical provider 320.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a suspended aerosol isolation barrier assembly kit 400 in accordance with one embodiment. The suspended aerosol isolation barrier assembly kit 400 is provided and is used to assemble a suspended aerosol isolation barrier (SAIB) such as the SAIB 10 shown in FIG. 1 or the SAIB 300 shown in FIG. 8. The suspended aerosol isolation barrier assembly kit 400 comprises assembly instructions 410, materials 420 that form the suspended protective barrier, materials 430 that form the ceiling surface connector, materials 440 that form the lateral protective barrier, and packaging 450. The materials 440 that form the lateral protective barrier are excluded in some embodiments in which the assembled suspended aerosol isolation barrier does not include a lateral protective barrier.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing materials 420, 430, and 440 provided with the suspended aerosol isolation barrier assembly kit 400. It is appreciated that the materials 420, 430, and 440 used to construct and install SAIB 10 or 300 are significantly lower cost as compared to conventional systems shown in FIG. 15. The materials 420, 430, and 440 are readily available at typical hardware stores. The SAIBs 10 and 300 and the assembly kit 400 provide a low-cost, mass adoptable solution to minimize transmission of aerosols between individuals.

FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13, and 14 are instructions 410 provided with the suspended aerosol isolation barrier assembly kit 400. For additional information on the structure and operation of one embodiment of the SAIBs 10 or 300 and how to construct one embodiment of the SAIBs 10 or 300, see U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/071,774 filed on Aug. 28, 2020, the entire subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing conventional aerosol transmission reduction techniques. The SAIB 10 and 300 provide significant advantages over existing aerosol transmission reduction systems. The known aerosol transmission reduction systems shown in FIG. 15 are supported by the floor thereby consuming leg space and valuable operational floor space. The known aerosol transmission reduction systems shown in FIG. 15 also do not provide for height adjustability and tend to cause some patients to feel claustrophobic. The known aerosol transmission reduction systems shown in FIG. 15 also do not provide flexibility or movement thereby limiting functionality for use in various settings.

Although certain specific embodiments are described above for instructional purposes, the teachings of this patent document have general applicability and are not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Accordingly, various modifications, adaptations, and combinations of various features of the described embodiments can be practiced without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a suspended protective barrier having a transparent surface, wherein the suspended protective barrier is attachable to a ceiling surface disposed above the suspended protective barrier; anda ceiling surface connector having a chain and a hook, wherein the chain attaches the suspended protective barrier to the ceiling surface, wherein the hook is attachable to links of the chain such that the suspended protective barrier is height-adjustable to a desired level, wherein the hook is an S-hook, wherein an end of the chain is connected to the ceiling surface, and wherein the ceiling surface connector also includes a split key ring and end anchors.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a lateral protective barrier, wherein the lateral protective barrier is attachable to the suspended protective barrier and extendable downwards from the suspended protective barrier.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the lateral protective barrier is a flexible material.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the lateral protective barrier is disposable.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the ceiling surface connector comprises: a first of the end anchors attaches to a first corner of the suspended protective barrier;a second of the end anchors attaches to a second corner of the suspended protective barrier;a third the end anchors attaches to a third corner of the suspended protective barrier; anda fourth of the end anchors attaches to a fourth corner of the suspended protective barrier, wherein each of the end anchors attaches to the split key ring.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the suspended protective barrier comprises: a frame that surrounds and supports the transparent surface.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transparent surface is a rigid structure that is non-opaque.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a Suspended Aerosol Isolation Barrier (SAIB).

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the suspended protective barrier has a frame, wherein the end anchors are attached to the frame of the suspended protective barrier, and wherein the S-hook connects the split key ring and end anchors to the chain at the desired level.

10. A method comprising: providing a suspended protective barrier, wherein the suspended protective barrier includes a transparent layer, wherein the suspended protective barrier attaches to a ceiling surface disposed above the suspended protective barrier via a ceiling surface connector having a chain and a hook, wherein the hook is attachable to links of the chain such that the suspended protective barrier is height-adjustable to a desired level, wherein the hook is an S-hook, wherein an end of the chain is connected to the ceiling surface, and wherein the ceiling surface connector also includes a split key ring and end anchors.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: instructing a user to attach the suspended protective barrier to the ceiling surface by attaching the suspended protective barrier to the chain at the desired level using the S-hook.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the user is a service provider, the method further comprising: instructing the service provider to lower the suspended protective barrier over a patient such that the patient is covered by the suspended protective barrier.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: instructing the service provider to attach a lateral protective barrier to a perimeter of the suspended protective barrier.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: instructing the service provider to dispose of the lateral protective barrier and sanitize the suspended protective barrier after providing services to the patient; andattaching a new lateral protective barrier to the perimeter of the suspended protective barrier before receiving a new patient.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the lateral protective barrier is a flexible material.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the lateral protective barrier is disposable.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the suspended protective barrier includes a frame, and wherein the frame is disposed along a perimeter of the transparent layer.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the S-hook connects the end anchors attached to a frame of the suspended protective barrier to links of the chain at the desired level.

19. The method of claim 10, wherein the transparent layer is a rigid structure that is non-opaque.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the suspended protective barrier and the ceiling surface connector are parts of a Suspended Aerosol Isolation Barrier (SAIB).