U.S. patent application number 12/037079 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-18 for neck-worn air filtration device.
This patent application is currently assigned to AUGUSTINE BIOMEDICAL AND DESIGN, LLC. Invention is credited to Mark C. Albrecht, Randall C. Arnold, Ryan S. Augustine, Scott D. Augustine, Ryan Barrows, Andrew McGregor.
Application Number | 20080307970 12/037079 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40131134 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080307970 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Augustine; Scott D. ; et
al. |
December 18, 2008 |
NECK-WORN AIR FILTRATION DEVICE
Abstract
A neck-worn personal air filtration device for providing a zone
of filtered air around or near a user's breathing zone is
described. The device comprises a blower, a hose, and a neck-worn
plenum including a filter. Air blown from the blower, passes
through the hose and into the plenum exiting the plenum. The air is
filtered by a filter for breathing by the user.
Inventors: |
Augustine; Scott D.;
(Bloomington, MN) ; Albrecht; Mark C.;
(Minneapolis, MN) ; Arnold; Randall C.;
(Minnetonka, MN) ; Augustine; Ryan S.;
(Minneapolis, MN) ; Barrows; Ryan; (Maple Grove,
MN) ; McGregor; Andrew; (Minnetonka, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP;FREDRIKSON & BYRON, P.A.
200 SOUTH SIXTH STREET, SUITE 4000
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Assignee: |
AUGUSTINE BIOMEDICAL AND DESIGN,
LLC
Eden Prairie
MN
|
Family ID: |
40131134 |
Appl. No.: |
12/037079 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60891395 |
Feb 23, 2007 |
|
|
|
60891400 |
Feb 23, 2007 |
|
|
|
60891707 |
Feb 26, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
95/273 ;
55/364 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 15/08 20130101;
A61M 16/0875 20130101; A61M 2205/42 20130101; A61M 16/108 20140204;
A61M 16/105 20130101; A61M 16/16 20130101; A61M 16/1055 20130101;
A61M 15/0083 20140204; B01D 46/02 20130101; A62B 7/10 20130101;
A62B 23/02 20130101; A61M 16/107 20140204; A61M 16/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
95/273 ;
55/364 |
International
Class: |
B01D 46/02 20060101
B01D046/02 |
Claims
1. A neck-worn personal air filtration device comprising: a blower
adapted to provide an airflow; a plenum comprising an upper surface
and a lower surface, at least a portion of the upper surface of the
plenum having an air permeable surface, the plenum being adapted to
be worn about a neck of a user; a hose connecting the blower to the
plenum; and a filter for filtering air flowing through the personal
air filtration device, the blower being adapted to provide airflow
to the plenum via the hose, the airflow being caused to exit the
plenum through the air permeable surface, and the filter being
disposed within the personal air filtration device to filter the
airflow prior to or as the air exits the plenum.
2. The personal air filtration device of claim 1, wherein the
filter comprises a point of delivery filter.
3. The personal air filtration device of claim 1, wherein the
plenum is generally U-shaped and includes a neck portion and one or
more chest portions.
4. The personal air filtration device of claim 3, wherein the neck
portion is adapted to be worn behind the neck of the user and the
chest portions are worn on a chest of the user.
5. The personal air filtration device of claim 4, wherein the air
exiting through the air permeable surface is delivered to an area
near a face of the user.
6. The personal air filtration device of claim 1 wherein the plenum
comprises a chest portion generally shaped like a bib and adapted
to be worn on a chest of the user.
7. The personal air filtration device of claim 6, wherein the
plenum further comprises one or more shoulder portions adjoined to
a top edge of the chest portion.
8. The personal air filtration device of claim 7, wherein the one
or more shoulder portions are designed to extend around a back of a
neck of the user to hold the plenum in position.
9. The personal air filtration device of claim 6, wherein one or
more connectors extend from a top edge of the chest portion.
10. The personal air filtration device of claim 1, wherein the
filter is removably attached to the plenum.
11. The personal air filtration device of claim 1, wherein the
plenum comprises a single air chamber.
12. The personal air filtration device of claim 1, wherein the
plenum comprises more than one air chamber.
13. The personal air filtration device of claim 1, wherein the
lower surface comprises an air impermeable surface.
14. The personal air filtration device of claim 1, further
comprising support structures within the plenum.
15. The personal air filtration device of claim 1, further
comprising a generally air permeable cover.
16. A method of providing filtered air to an area around a head of
a user comprising: providing a plenum comprising an upper surface
and a lower surface, at least a portion of the upper surface being
an air permeable surface and including a filter, the plenum being
adapted to be worn about a neck of the user; providing a blower,
the blower adapted to deliver air into the plenum; and delivering
air to the plenum, thereby causing the air to pass through the
filter and into the area around the head of the user.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] The present application claims priority to co-pending
provisional applications Ser. No. 60/891,395, entitled PERSONAL AIR
FILTRATION DEVICE filed on Feb. 23, 2007; Ser. No. 60/891,400,
entitled PERSONAL AIR FILTRATION DEVICE filed on Feb. 23, 2007; and
Ser. No. 60/891,707, entitled PERSONAL AIR FILTRATION DEVICE filed
on Feb. 26, 2007, each of which are incorporated by reference in
their entireties herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention is related to air filtration devices.
In particular the invention is related to air filtration devices
worn by an individual and which provide filtered air to a space
adjacent to or near the individual's face.
BACKGROUND
[0003] It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans suffer from allergic
rhinitis/conjunctivitis (AR). AR is the result of an IgE mediated
immune system response to inhaled aero-allergens, which typically
include dust mite, fungi, animal dander, pollutants, molds, and
pollens. For those individuals afflicted by AR, the short term
effects extend beyond the physical symptoms found in the eyes and
nose, often resulting in cognitive impairment, sleep disturbance,
lowered work/school productivity, and reductions in quality of
life. More alarmingly, if AR symptoms persist on a long term basis
the disease can lead to the development of comorbities, including
asthma, sinusitis, otiis media, nasal polyposis, lower respiratory
tract infection, and dental malocclusion. Typical treatment for AR
consists of three steps. First, the trigger allergen(s) is
identified and environmental control measures are employed to
minimize allergen exposure. Second, if elimination steps are
unsuccessful, medication is employed to manage and control
symptoms. Third, for perennial allergen exposure, immunotherapy may
be undertaken to obtain long term symptom control. Allergen
avoidance is the preferred treatment, providing symptom resolution
absent medication. But to date few allergen avoidance measures
exist that reduce airborne allergen concentrations to a clinically
relevant level.
[0004] Effective allergen avoidance focuses on two basic
principles: identification of the offending allergen source, and
removal/elimination of the offending source or reduction of the
concentration of inhaled aero-allergens. Commonly practiced
allergen avoidance measures that are clinically effective include
pet removal from the home and geographic re-location. Other forms
of allergen avoidance that are of questionable clinical
effectiveness but are commonly practiced include whole room air
filtration, dust mite casings, use of air conditioning, and carpet
removal.
[0005] Of the listed allergen avoidance measures, air filtration
systems, some of which remove particulates at 99.97% efficiency,
show great promise for reducing inhaled aero-allergen
concentrations to a clinically relevant level. However, the current
practice of such technologies limit their effectiveness. For
example, people often utilize room air cleaner units in an attempt
to achieve a reduction in particle levels within a localized area.
These types of units effectively remove a high percentage of
harmful particles from the air that flows through the unit.
However, individuals within the area of the unit may not experience
all of the beneficial results of this particle removal because the
air that is discharged from the unit is able to pick up additional
harmful particles from the surrounding environment prior to
reaching and being breathed in by the individuals. Furthermore, the
effectiveness of air cleaners and purifiers is greatly affected by
the size of the room, such that results worsen as the room size
increases. Other room factors such as air-tightness, the presence
of air currents and traffic which can kick up particles, also
affect the performance of air cleaners and purifiers. In the case
of dust mites residing in bedding, a room air filter can not
adequately reduce the allergenic exposure between the bedding and
the person sleeping in the bed. Given these factors, it is
difficult for an air cleaner or purifier to significantly reduce
the levels of allergens and pollutants being breathed by an
individual. Prior art air cleaners have attempted to reduce these
problems by directing air directly into the face of a sleeping
person. Such devices must blow a considerable wind on to the
sleeping person's head in order to prevent ambient particles from
circulating near the person while sleeping. Such high wind levels
may be annoying to a person who is trying to sleep. Furthermore,
many of these devices are cumbersome, expensive and unsightly.
SUMMARY
[0006] In one aspect, the invention provides a neck-worn personal
air filtration device. A blower coupled to a plenum by a hose is
adapted to provide an airflow through the hose to the plenum. The
plenum is adapted to be worn about a user's neck.
[0007] In certain embodiments, neck-worn personal air filtration
device comprises an upper and lower surfaces, at least a portion of
the upper surface being air permeable. A filter is disposed within
the device such that the airflow provided by the blower passes
through the filter prior to or as the airflow is caused to exit the
plenum through the air permeable surface. Embodiments may include,
for example, a U-shaped plenum to be worn about the user's neck or
a bib-shaped plenum to be worn on the user's chest and draped about
the user's neck. Moreover, in some embodiments, the filter may be a
point of delivery filter.
[0008] In another aspect the invention includes a method of
providing filtered air to an area around a user's head. A blower
and plenum are provided. The blower being adapted to deliver air to
the plenum, and the plenum having upper and lower surfaces, at
least a portion of the upper surface being air permeable and
including a filter. The plenum is positioned proximate the user's
head, and air is delivered to the plenum, thereby causing the air
to pass through the filter and into the area around the user's
head.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The following drawings are illustrative of particular
embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the
scope of the invention. The drawings are not to scale (unless so
stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the
explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of
the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction
with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like
elements.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a personal air
filtration system according to embodiments of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is perspective view of a portion of a hose according
to embodiments of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 is perspective view of a portion of a hose according
to embodiments of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a portion of a hose
according to embodiments of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a plenum according to
embodiments of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a plenum according to
embodiments of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the plenum of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a bib shaped plenum
according to embodiments of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a plenum according to
embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The following detailed description is exemplary in nature
and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or
configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following
description provides practical illustrations for implementing
exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in
the art will recognize that many of the examples provided have
suitable alternatives that can be utilized.
[0020] Embodiments of the invention comprise a device and method
for providing an area of filtered air adjacent to or near the face
head of a person without blowing a high volume of air toward the
face. A plenum, through which air can be filtered, is placed near
the user's head. The plenum can deliver filtered air to the space
next to or near the user's face eliminating the need to filter the
air of the entire room and making filtration more efficient. In
addition, by minimizing the time and distance between the release
of the air from the filter and inhalation by the user, the amount
of recontamination of the filtered air is decreased. Moreover, a
zone of filtered air can be created using low air flow, reducing
unwanted noise and the feeling of wind blowing in the sleeping
person's face.
[0021] Embodiments of the personal air filtration device 1, as
shown in FIG. 1, can include a blower 10, a hose 20, and a plenum
30. Blower 10 includes an air intake port 12, and an air delivery
port coupled to the hose 20. The blower 10 may be placed in
proximity to user, such as next to a chair in which the user is
sitting or next to a bed on which the user is lying. The blower 10
is preferably small to allow for easy transportation and
concealment, and is also preferably quiet so that the noise is not
disruptive. Quiet functioning of the system may be particularly
desirable when the personal air filtration device 1 is used as part
of relaxation, such as in a spa, a salon or at home. Optionally,
the blower 10 can include a component which produces white noise to
obscure any noise produced by the blower 10. Other optional
features which may be included in the blower 10 include a
temperature control to heat or cool the air, an air humidifier, a
medication dispenser, and/or an aroma dispenser. These optional
features may be controlled manually or automatically, such as by a
timing mechanism. Some blowers may include one or more air filters
disposed at one or more locations within the blower or at an air
intake or delivery ports.
[0022] The blower 10 can be attached to a hose 20. Hose 20 has a
proximal section 22 which is attached to the blower 10, a distal
section 26 which is attached to the plenum 30, and a middle section
24 connecting the proximal and distal sections 22, 26. The hose 20
may be comprised of a rigid or semi-rigid material to prevent
collapse. Alternatively, the hose 20 may be comprised of a
collapsible material, such as fabric or polymeric foam. Such a
collapsible hose would inflate when air pressure is applied and
would not feel like a hard object if touched by the user. In some
embodiments, the hose 20 is composed of both a rigid or semi-rigid
material and a collapsible material. For example, in one
embodiment, the hose 20 is rigid in the proximal and middle
sections 22, 24 and is collapsible in the distal section 26. Such a
hose 20 may include semi-rigid support members near the plenum
inlet 40. The hose may optionally include a formed elbow, such as
to transition the airflow between a substantially vertical
direction and a substantially horizontal direction.
[0023] In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the
hose 20 or a portion of the hose 20 is comprised of a flexible
material such as an air impermeable fabric and includes pleats 27
to prevent the hose from collapsing when bent. The hose 20 includes
a first surface 23 and a second surface 25. The width of the first
surface 23 is less than that of the second surface 25, such that
the second surface 25 forms a greater portion of the circumference
of the hose than the first surface 23. The difference in widths of
the first and second surfaces 23, 25 assists the second surface 25
in forming an arch relative the first surface 23, helping the hose
to stay open and assisting with air flow.
[0024] The hose 20 may include pleats 27 over a portion or all of
the hose 20. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 the second
surface 25 of the hose 20 is pleated relative to the first surface
23. The pleats 27 allow the hose 20 to bend without narrowing the
space inside the hose 20, preventing the restriction of air flow
when the hose 20 is bent. As shown in FIG. 2, when the hose 20 is
straight, the pleats 27 in the second surface 25 of the hose 20
fold in upon themselves, shortening the length of the second
surface 25. When the hose bends toward the first surface 23, the
pleats 27 in the second surface 25 open up, allowing the second
surface 25 to become longer such that the space within the hose 20
is not compressed. In some embodiments, the first surface 23 of the
hose 20 lies adjacent to the bed and the pleats 27 extend over the
elbow portion of the hose 20, allowing the hose 20 to bend without
compressing or kinking.
[0025] The plenum may be formed into many different shapes and
sizes. For instance, as described further below, the plenum is
approximately U-shaped in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 7,
and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9. When in use, the U-shaped
plenum 30 of FIG. 1 is inverted such that the bottom of the U is
oriented behind the neck of the user and forms a neck portion 37
(see FIG. 7) of the plenum 30. In alternative embodiments, the
plenum is shaped like a bib. An example of such an embodiment is
shown in FIG. 8.
[0026] Referring back to FIG. 1, the distal section 26 of the hose
20 can be connected to the plenum 30 at the plenum inlet 40. The
hose 20 may be permanently attached to the plenum inlet 40 or may
be detachable from the plenum 30. The plenum 30 includes an upper
or outward surface 32 which is adjacent to the user's head and
through which air flows, and a lower or inward facing surface 34
which can be positioned adjacent to a user's body. The upper and
lower surfaces 32, 34 of the plenum 30 are constructed of a
flexible material. At least a portion of the upper surface 32 of
the plenum 30 is partially or entirely air permeable while the
lower surface 34 is generally air impermeable. Plenum 30 can be
filled with air, supplied by the blower 10 through the hose 20. The
air escapes from the plenum 30 through the upper surface 32, into
the space adjacent to or near the user's face. In this way the
personal air filtration device 1 can deliver air to the breathing
space of the user without the need to deliver air to an entire
room. Furthermore, air is delivered directly to the user's
breathing space, avoiding contamination from nearby structures.
[0027] The upper surface 32 can be connected to the lower surface
34 of the plenum 30 along the edges of the plenum, such as by
sewing, adhesive, or thermal bonding. Alternative embodiments may
additionally include one or more panels connected between the top
and bottom surface to change the profile of the plenum. Such panels
can be connected by any suitable means and may comprise an air
impermeable material, an air permeable material, or both. The
plenum may be any shape, such as square, rectangular, round,
oblong, U-shape, or a combination of shapes. The lower surface 34
of the plenum 30 generally rests on the body of the user. For
example, it may lie on or against the user's neck, chest or
shoulders. In one embodiment, the air impermeable surfaces of the
present invention are constructed of micro fiber Polyester or
coated Nylon Supplex coated both of which are available from
Dupont.
[0028] The edges of the plenum 30 form a generally air tight
connection between the upper and lower surfaces 32, 34 of the
plenum 30. However, in some embodiments air inlet 40 is located
between the upper and lower surfaces. In such embodiments, the air
inlet 40 can form a gap in the connection between the upper and
lower surfaces 32, 34 or any panels that may be between the upper
and lower surfaces. The air inlet 40 provides a location for air to
enter the plenum 30 from the hose 20. Alternatively, the air inlet
40 may be entirely within either the upper surface, lower surface,
or other panels of the plenum.
[0029] In many embodiments, at least a portion of the upper surface
32 of the plenum 30 can include a filter 36. Air enters the blower
10 through the air intake 12 as shown by arrow 14. The blower 10
pushes air into the hose 20 as shown by arrow 16, through the hose
and into the plenum 30 as shown by arrow 28. Air then accumulates
within the plenum 30 and can exit though the air permeable portion
of the upper surface 32 by passing through the filter 36, as shown
by arrows 33. The air that exits the upper surface 32 of the plenum
30 is therefore filtered air resulting in a zone of filtered air
about the head of the user. Filter 36 may be comprised of a
material which provides HEPA (high efficiency particulate air)
levels of filtration, such as Technostat.RTM. (available from
Hollingsworth & Vose Company of East Walpole, Mass.).
[0030] By locating the filter 36 about the air permeable portion of
the upper surface 32 of the plenum 30, the air is filtered through
a large surface area. As a result, the pressure drop induced as the
air traverses the filter 36 is much less than that caused by
traversing a smaller surface area of the same filter material. By
using a large surface area, the air can be filtered effectively at
a low pressure. As a result of lower air pressure, air flow can be
reduced, allowing the blower 10 to perform quietly while still
producing an adequate volume of filtered air. Moreover, because the
plenum 30 is located near the user's head, the relatively low air
flow is effective to create a zone of filtered air about the user's
head, and prevent unfiltered air from the environment from being
inhaled by the user. Filters located where air flow leaves the
plenum 30 (i.e. at the air permeable portion of the upper surface
32) can be classified as point of delivery filters. A point of
delivery filter may be preferable because it allows for filtration
of the air at the last possible moment, thereby eliminating
contaminants that may have accumulated within the device itself
e.g. in the hose, blower, etc.
[0031] Moreover, in some embodiments, the blower 10 (see FIG. 1)
may include one or more filtration mechanisms (e.g. an ultraviolet
radiation filter, a carbon-based filter, or a HEPA or other
mechanical filter). An air intake filtration mechanism may be
positioned proximate the air intake port 12 to filter air as it is
drawn into the blower 10. Alternatively, or in addition, a
filtration mechanism may be placed near the air outlet to filter
the air as it leaves the blower 10. Embodiments including a blower
10 having a filtration mechanism may or may not include an
additional filter positioned downstream of the blower. Embodiments
that include an upstream filter, for example in the blower, instead
of one further downstream, may allow relatively more contaminants
present within the blower or hose to be passed into the user's
breathing zone.
[0032] In some embodiments, the plenum 30 is a single air chamber.
Alternatively, the plenum 30 may have multiple interconnected air
chambers. For example, the plenum 30 could have one or more points
of attachment between the upper surface 32 and the lower surface
34, such as near the periphery of the plenum 30 to form one or more
manifolds. Alternatively, one or more manifolds may not comprise
separate chambers but rather may be areas or passages within a
plenum 30 which comprises a single air chamber.
[0033] The filter may be incorporated into the plenum in a variety
of ways. As shown in FIG. 1, the filter 36 itself forms the air
permeable portion of the upper surface 32 of a plenum 30. The edges
of the filter 36 form a permanent and air tight connection with the
impermeable portions of the plenum. Alternatively, as shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6, the filter 136, 236 may be removably attached to the
air impermeable portions of the plenum 130, 230. The filter
attachment element 137, 237 may be provided by adhesive, hook and
loop fasteners such as Velcro, zippers, and/or other forms of
attachment. By providing a removable filter 136, 236, the filter
may be changed periodically as needed for washing or disposal and
replacement of the filter 136, 236 without requiring replacement of
the entire plenum 130, 230. Alternatively, the filters 136, 236 may
be permanently attached to the plenum 130, 230 such as by permanent
adhesive or sewing. In such embodiments, the entire plenum 130, 230
may be periodically washed or disposed of and replaced as
needed.
[0034] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the filter 136 forms the
upper surface 132 of the plenum 130. A filter attachment element
137 is located near the edge of the filter 136 and forms a
generally air tight connection between the filter 136 and the air
impermeable portion of the plenum. Air exits the plenum 130 through
the filter 136 as shown by arrows 133. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 6, the upper surface 232 of the plenum 230 includes a filter
236 which overlies an inner layer 238. In one embodiment, the inner
layer 238 has apertures 239 to allow air to exit and may be
comprised of an air impermeable material. After passing through the
apertures 239, air passes through the filter 236 and exits the
plenum 230 as filtered, clean air, as shown by arrows 233. In an
alternative embodiment, the inner layer 238 is comprised of an air
permeable material, potentially without apertures 239, such that
air passes through the inner layer 238 and then through the filter
230 to exit the plenum.
[0035] In some embodiments, the filter material may be somewhat
friable such that small fibers may break off of the filter surface.
This may particularly be a problem when the filter comes into
contact with the user. In addition, the user may find the feeling
of the filter to be unfamiliar when it touches the user's skin. To
prevent these problems, the plenum 30 may include a cover layer 35.
An example of an embodiment including a cover layer 35 is shown in
FIG. 1. The cover layer 35 lies over the filter 36, between the
filter 36 and the user, and completely covers the filter 36. In
this way, the cover layer 35 forms a barrier between the filter 36
and the user. The cover layer may feel more comfortable or more
familiar to the user. It may also act as a barrier between the
filter and the user's face so that fragments of the filter do not
come into contact with the user.
[0036] The cover layer 35 can be made of a material which is air
permeable to allow filtered air to pass through from the filter 36
to the user. As an example, in one embodiment, a cover layer 35 is
made of 220 thread-count Teflon coated cotton or satin can be used.
Such a cover layer 35 may feel more comfortable or more familiar to
the user. It may also act as a barrier between the filter and the
user's face so that fragments of the filter do not come into
contact with the user. Further, in some embodiments, a filter cover
may include a hydrophobic composition or treatment. Such a
composition can be applied to or included in the filter cover to
provide stain- or water-resistant properties.
[0037] The cover layer 35 may attach to the plenum 30 at the edges
of the filter 36 or it may extend over the edges of the filter 36
to attach beyond of the edges of the filter 36. Only a portion of
the edge of the cover layer 35 may attach to the plenum 30, or the
entire edge of the cover layer 35 may attach to the plenum. When
the entire edge of the cover layer 35 is attached to the plenum 30,
it encloses the filter 36 such that any fibers that detach from the
filter 36 are encased within the space between the filter 36 and
the cover layer 35, so that they do not come into contact with the
user.
[0038] The cover layer 35 may be permanently attached to the plenum
30 such as by sewing or adhesive. Alternatively, the cover layer 35
may be removably attached to the plenum such as by hook and loop
attachment or zippers. Removable attachment along a portion or all
of the edge of the cover layer 35 may be desirable in embodiments
in which the filter 36 is removable for washing or replacement, to
allow access to the filter 36. In alternate embodiments, the cover
layer 35 may be attached to the filter, which, in turn, attaches to
the plenum. In such embodiments, the cover layer 35 may be sewn to
the filter 36 or removably attached by any means such as the
removable attachment mechanisms described for other embodiments.
With this construction, the cover layer 35 forms part of the filter
36. Alternatively, the cover layer may be incorporated into a
pillow case and not directly attached to the plenum, but adapted to
slide over the plenum.
[0039] In some embodiments, air flow may be maintained across the
plenum 30 through the use of rigid or semi-rigid support structures
within the plenum 30. Such support structures would provide
sufficient open space to allow air to flow through or around the
structures. At the same time, they would be strong enough to
prevent the plenum 30 from completely collapsing under the weight
of a user's head.
[0040] The plenum is supported on the user's body and may have any
shape. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the plenum is
approximately U-shaped. When in use, the U-shaped plenum 30 is
inverted such that the bottom of the U is oriented behind the neck
of the user and forms the neck portion 37 (see FIG. 7) of the
plenum 30. The plenum 30 includes an outer edge 42 around the
outside and an inner edge 44 around the inside. Portions of the
inner edge 44 at and near the neck portion 37 are close to, and may
be in contact with, the user's neck. Two shoulder portions 38, 39
extend downward from the neck portion 37. As shown in FIG. 7, the
shoulder portions 38, 39 extend across the front of the user's
shoulders and may extend onto the front of the upper chest of the
user. At least a portion of the upper surface 32 of the plenum 30
is air permeable, such as around the wearer's face. The plenum 30
of this embodiment is supported and held in position by wrapping
around the user's neck and shoulders. Such embodiments may be used
while sitting or may be used while lying in bed or while
standing.
[0041] In alternative embodiments, the plenum is shaped like a bib.
An example of such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 8. In this
embodiment, the plenum 330 includes a chest portion 331. The lower
surface of the chest portion 331 lies against the chest of the
user. In an alternative embodiment, the plenum 330 also includes
two shoulder portions adjoined to or extending upward from a top
edge 346 of the chest portion 331. The shoulder portions extend up
and over each of the user's shoulders. The shoulder portions may be
shaped to extend toward each other behind the user's neck to hold
the plenum 330 in place. In such embodiments, the shoulder portions
may be somewhat flexible to allow them to flex when they are placed
around the user's neck.
[0042] A bib-like plenum 330 may include one or more connectors 350
designed to extend from one side of the plenum to the other, behind
the user's neck. Such a connector 350 may take the form of a strap
or a pair of strings, for example. The connector may include a
releasable attachment such as a snap, a hook and loop fastener or
it may tie to hold the plenum 330 in place and to allow it to be
put on and removed easily. As shown in FIG. 8, the connector 350
may attach to the plenum 330 at or near the top edge 346 of the
chest portion 331. Alternatively, in embodiments in which the
plenum 330 includes shoulder portions, a connector 350 may attach
at or near the top edge of the shoulder portions.
[0043] In some embodiments of the invention, the filter may cover
the entire upper surface of the plenum or it may be located at
various locations on the upper surface of the plenum in order to
provide filtered air which will be inhaled by the user. In one
embodiment of a U-shaped plenum 30, such as that shown in FIG. 7,
the filter covers the entire upper surface of the plenum. In
another embodiment of a U-shaped plenum, the filter covers the
upper surface 32 of both shoulder portions 38, 39, while the upper
surface 32 of the neck portion 37 is impermeable. Alternatively,
the filter may cover only a portion of the upper surface of each
shoulder portion 38, 39. For example, the filter may form a strip
adjacent to the inner edge 44 of a portion or all of each shoulder
portion 38, 39, thus providing filtered air through the portions of
the plenum 30 which are closest to the user's nose and mouth. The
filter may be located only on the upper surface 32 of the plenum or
it may wrap around the inner edge 44 of the plenum 30, partially
extending onto the lower surface 34 of the plenum 30.
[0044] In embodiments in which the plenum 330 is bib shaped, such
as that shown in FIG. 8, the filter may cover the entire upper
surface 332 of the plenum 330. Alternatively, the filter may cover
only part of the upper surface 332 of the chest portion 331 of the
plenum 330. In another embodiment, the filter covers only a portion
of the chest portion 331 of the plenum 330, such as the area
adjacent to the top edge 346 of the chest portion 331 of the plenum
330 comprising approximately the upper half of the chest portion
331. Alternatively, the filter may cover less than half of the
upper portion of the chest portion 331 of the plenum 330, such as
the upper one third of the chest portion. In some embodiments, the
filter is located only on the upper surface 332 of the plenum 330
which faces outward from the user's body. However, in some
embodiments, the filter may also extend around the plenum 330 and
onto the lower surface of the plenum 330, such as the portion of
the lower surface which is adjacent to the top edge 346.
[0045] Alternative embodiments may include drape portions which can
be draped over a user or a portion of a user to effectuate delivery
of filtered air. An example of such an embodiment is shown in FIG.
9. In this embodiment, the plenum 900 includes a generally
cylindrical neck portion 902 with two drape portions 904, 906
extending downward there from. The drape portions 904, 906 extend
across the front of the shoulders and onto the front of the upper
chest of the user 908 while the neck portion 902 remains behind the
neck of the user 908. At least a portion of the upper surface 910
of the plenum 900 is air permeable, such as in the area around the
user's face. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the upper surfaces
910 of both drape portions 904, 906 are air permeable while the
neck portion 902 is air impermeable. Additionally, in this
embodiment, the lower surfaces of the drape portions (not shown)
are air impermeable to direct maximum air flow through the air
permeable upper surfaces 910. When the user 908 is sitting in a
high backed chair, the lower surface of the neck portion 902 may
rest on the chair back. Alternatively, the lower surface of the
neck portion 902 may not rest on anything and the plenum 900 may be
supported and held in position by wrapping around the user's neck
and shoulders as shown. Such embodiments may be used while sitting
or may be used while lying in bed. In use, the neck portion 902
serves as an air manifold, directing incoming air flow 912 to drape
portions 904, 906 along arrows 914, 916 via internal air passages
between the neck portion 902 and drape portions 904, 906. Air
directed through such a plenum 900 can be pre-filtered air, i.e.
air filtered prior to entering the plenum 900 as in an upstream
blower, hose, or other filtering component. Alternatively, the air
may be unfiltered air to be filtered within the plenum 900 prior to
or as it is being dispersed through air permeable surface 910, such
as for example, by a point of delivery filter.
[0046] In the foregoing detailed description, the invention has
been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it
may be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be
made without departing from the scope of the invention.
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