Systems, Devices, and/or Methods for Managing Aircraft Ventilation Cross-References to Related Applications

[1] This application claims priority to, and incorporates by reference herein in its entirety, pending United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63058924 (Attorney Docket No. 1459-02), filed July 30, 2020.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[2] A wide variety of potential practical and useful embodiments will be more readily understood through the following detailed description of certain exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying exemplary drawings in which:

[3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an airplane 1000;

[4] FIG. 2 comprises two diagrams of exemplary embodiments of devices 2000;

[5] FIG. 3 comprises three diagrams of exemplary embodiments of gaspers 3000;

[6] FIG. 4 is a diagram of pressurized airflows in an exemplary airplane cabin 4000;

[7] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a mask 5000;

[8] FIG. 5B is a different perspective view of mask 5050; and

[9] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pair of exemplary embodiments of a mask 6000.

Detailed Description

[10] Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system comprising an environmental control system of an airplane, a plurality of overhead air vents, a tube, an airflow valve, and a mask. The environmental control system is constructed to provide pressurized and filtered air to a cabin of the airplane. Each of the plurality of air vents is in proximity to, and associated with, a seat on the airplane. [11] As summarized by Andrew Pavia in the Journal of Infectious Diseases (vol. 195, number 5, 1 March 2007), the impact of air travel on the spread of infectious diseases has led to considerable concern but limited study. Although published 13 years ago, this observation is largely true today, although the pace of applied research is quickening. Prior to the arrival of worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, more than 1.5 billion people traveled by air each year; travelers were always likely to be afraid of virulent infectious organisms on their flight, but with the present worldwide outbreak of COVID-19, airlines travel is depressed, and travelers are almost universally anxious if not reluctant to resume air travel. The health of both passengers and the airline industry is indeed in jeopardy.

[12] Feelings of reluctance to resume air travel are justified. There are several important ways in which air travel can influence the global spread of emerging and established infectious disease. Respiratory infections may be spread on the aircraft through close contact and large droplets; airborne spread through small- particle aerosols, as in the case of severe acute respiratory syndrome (“SARS”), different strains of influenza, the highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 (the novel coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19), the super- contagious measles virus; contaminated food is a relatively minor concern. While aircraft can transport infected disease vectors, such as rats or malaria-infected mosquitoes, the greatest concern for global health is the ability of a person with a contagious illness to travel to virtually any part of the world within 24 hours. The importance of air travel for the spread of seasonal influenza was recently demonstrated by empirical data showing that the spread of influenza was delayed by the decrease in air travel after the attacks of 11 September 2001. With the continued spread pandemic COVID-19 and seriously increased risk of contracting it in confined spaces, we must address seriously address the protection of air travelers for personal and population health. Three of the pillars of prevention of COVID-19 viral transmission are extremely difficult to implement on commercial passenger flights: (1) universal use of approved masks that offer some respiratory pathogen protection (and preferably cover the eyes, not just face and nose); (2) aggressive, thorough surface disinfection; and, (3) social distancing of at least 6 feet. In airline travel, social distancing is virtually impossible to achieve; liquid disinfectants are already in widespread use. The present invention describes an effective, affordable, convenient alternative solution to individual masks to provide every plane passenger maximum protection from airborne diseases including CQVTD-19 and all other respiratory pathogens.

[13] Certain exemplary embodiments promote passenger safety by redirecting filtered air from an environmental control system (“ECS”) built into every commercial airliner and delivering it directly to every individual passenger. These ubiquitously installed system have consistent components in common, including air compression and filtration systems, designed to reliably provide purified air at all times and to pressurize cabins for higher altitudes where oxygen concentrations are low (and atmospheric ozone concentrations can be high).

[14] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an airplane 1000, which comprises an ECS 1050 and a pair of engines 1500. ECS 1050 comprises:

[15] A cabin pressure control valve 1100;

[16] An ozone catalytic converter 1200 (two locations);

[17] An air-conditioning pack 1300 (two locations);

[18] A recirculation system 1400 (two locations);

[19] A passenger compartment air distribution duct system 1600; and

[20] A mix manifold 1700.

[21] Certain exemplary embodiments comprise ECS 1050 of airplane 1000. ECS 1050 is constructed to provide pressurized and filtered air to a cabin 1020 of airplane 1000. ECS 1050 comprises a plurality of overhead air vents (see, e.g., gaspers 3000 of FIG. 3), which are coupled to passenger compartment air distribution duct system 1600). Each of the plurality of air vents in proximity to and associated with a seat on airplane 1000. Each of the plurality of air vents comprising a fitting (see, e.g., fitting 2500 of FIG. 2). A tube can couple each of the plurality of air vents to a tube (see, e.g., tube 2600 of FIG. 2). The tube (see, e.g., tube 2600 of FIG. 2) is coupleable the fitting (see, e.g., fitting 2500 of FIG.

2). The tube can be directly or indirectly coupled to an airflow valve (see, e.g., airflow valve 2700 of FIG. 2).

[22] ECS 1050 is releasably coupleable to a mask (see, e.g, mask 5000 or mask 5050 of FIG. 5). The mask is coupleable to the airflow valve (see, e.g., airflow valve 2700 of FIG. 2), wherein the airflow valve is adjustable by a user to control a quantity of air flowing to the mask.

[23] The tube (see, e.g., tube 2600 of FIG. 2) can be coupleable to the fitting via a quick connect fitting (see, e.g., fitting 2500 of FIG. 2). The tube (see, e.g., tube 2600 of FIG. 2) can be releasably coupled to a gasper (see, e.g., gaspers 3000 of FIG. 3) by means of an overlying suction device (see, e.g., suction device 2800 of FIG. 2) for a duration of a flight of airplane 1000.

[24] The tube can be releasably coupled to a manifold (see, e.g., manifold 2900 of FIG. 2), the manifold installed over a gasper array (see, e.g., gaspers 3000 of FIG.

3)·

[25] The mask (see, e.g, mask 5000 or mask 5050 of FIG. 5) can be a hooded shield, the hooded shield comprising a plurality of apertures (see, e.g., apertures 6700 of FIG. 6) that channel air in front of a face of the user.

[26] The mask (see, e.g, mask 5000 or mask 5050 of FIG. 5) can comprise a headband (see, e.g., headband 6300 of FIG. 6) secured by hook and loop fasteners (see, e.g., hook and loop fasteners 5160 of FIG. 5).

[27] The headband (see, e.g., headband 6300 of FIG. 6) can be lined with a moisture absorbing, one-use padding (see, e.g., moisture-absorbing, one-use padding 5140 of FIG. 5). The headband can be a substantially continuous ring worn on a forehead of a wearer (see, e.g., headband 6300 of FIG. 6).

[28] The headband (see, e.g., headband 6300 of FIG. 6) can have an open back portion to allow the user to recline their head against a seatback of airplane 1000 without having a portion of the headband between their head and the seatback. The mask (see, e.g, mask 5000 or mask 5050 of FIG. 5) can comprise a clear face shield (see, e.g, face shield 5200 of FIG. 5). The clear face shield (see, e.g, face shield 5200 of FIG. 5) can be coupled to a hollow visor (see, e.g, hollow visor 6420 of FIG. 6) in front, which hollow visor acts as an air plenum (see, e.g, air plenum 6400 of FIG. 6) to release compressed air through a plurality of slits or apertures arrayed around a base of the hollow visor (see, e.g, apertures 6700 of FIG. 6).

In certain exemplary embodiments, airplane 1000 can comprise a plurality of collecting ducts (see, e.g, collecting ducts 4600 of FIG. 4) under a floor of the airplane.

[29] Certain exemplary embodiments provide a three-part system, which comprises (1) a custom, self-adjustable airflow valve with nipple or threaded hose adapter (to accept a breathing tube) that attaches to (or replaces) the individual overhead air vents (colloquially known as “gaspers”) in virtually all commercial aircraft (one gasper vent dedicated to each passenger).

[30] FIG. 2 comprises two diagrams of exemplary embodiments of devices 2000.

Each gasper 2050 can comprise a switch 2100 (e.g., a rotatable switch) and a gasper outlet 2200. When switch 2100 is opened, compressed air blows through outlet 2200 upon a passenger seat location. Devices 2000 comprise a fitting 2500 (e.g., a quick coupling) which can couple a tube 2600 to an ECS.

[31] The three-part system further comprises (2) a hollow air conducting/breathing tube made of semi-flexible, durable plastic (of variable interior diameter likely between approximately 3/8” and approximately 1/4” and of sufficient length to attach to each end-user) which connects the air flow valve to: (3) a one-use or multiple-use hood or mask with fitting to accept the breathing tube to be distributed to and worn by every seated passenger (a lightweight, transparent over-the-head shield [preferable], full face mask or half mask); this component can be supplied as a reusable/multiple use (which could be cleaned and sterile packaging) or a one-use item, in which circumstance it would be collected by service personnel at the end of each flight for return to the manufacturer for recycling into new equipment.

[32] An additional component can be versions of exemplary self-adjustable air flow valve that allow the breathing tube to be temporarily attached to a gasper by means of an over-lying suction device for the duration of the flight in any existing aircraft without modification. Alternatively, one or more custom-fitting manifolds with two or three of our self-adjustable valves/hose connectors can be designed to fit over an existing gasper array to be installed either temporarily (e.g. with a suction device) or permanently (with epoxy/other glue or other attachment method). In certain exemplary embodiments, the entire gasper valve tubing assembly can be redesigned and manufacturer to replace the existing arrays.

[33] FIG. 3 comprises three diagrams of exemplary embodiments of gaspers 3000.

[34] FIG. 4 is a diagram of pressurized airflows in an exemplary airplane cabin 4000, which comprises passenger compartment air distribution 4100, cabin exhaust air outlet 4200, a recirculation air filter 4300, a recirculation fan 4400, and a conditioned air mix manifold 4500.

[35] It is presumed to be a reasonable facsimile other commercial passenger aircraft. The general flow of pressurized, purified air is discharged via adjustable vents called “gaspers” from the top of the cabin to the bottom, where intake vents collect the “used air” and recirculate it into the system for re- purification (a portion of the air is discharged into the atmosphere). By directing purified air from gaspers directly into a hooded shield worn by each passenger, exhaled air and excess compressed air can be discharged directly downward out of the shield for more efficient collection by the flow intake ducts, further protecting wearers from recirculated “used air” depicted at passenger shoulder level.

[36] Certain exemplary embodiments to/enhancements of existing ECS, can comprise one or more of:

[37] additional air filtration components such as mechanical, electrostatic and ultraviolet C light-based air purification modules (with linkages to pre existing onboard ozone mitigation components if required);

[38] additional and/or enhanced air compressor components, air conditioning packs, and air mix manifolds;

[39] recirculation system modifications comprising ultra-high efficiency particulate air filters;

[40] cabin ventilation system reconfiguration including addition to/modification of conducting risers that conduct air from below cabin floor to the overhead cabin ventilation system;

[41] modifications of/improvements to the cabin pressure control system;

[42] custom design and replacement of the entire gasper valve array assembly with our device or redesign and incorporation of quick disconnect devices such as that used in medical air or other gas outlets in hospitals to replace a component of the ECS; in such embodiments, connecting breathing hoses could also be fitted with the appropriate quick connector fitting; and/or

[43] more comprehensive re-engineering of ECS components and venting to improvement the performance of the delivery of purified air to passengers and crew.

[44] FIG. 3 comprises three diagrams of exemplary embodiments of gaspers 3000. [45] Certain exemplary embodiments provide a novel, lightweight, head-mounted device with removable face shield for delivering breathable, purified, compressed air to wearers as a component of a system designed to protect individuals from airborne diseases including COVID-19 and all other respiratory pathogens.

[46] Certain exemplary embodiments provide a device constructed to promote airline passenger safety by redirecting filtered air from the built-in “gasper” system of the ECS built into commercial airliners and delivering purified air directly to individual passengers. Certain exemplary devices can be used to deliver breathable compressed air from any compressed air source, stationary or portable, to protect users from airborne pathogens and other hazards such as smoke, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), and/or toxic gases, etc.

[47] Certain exemplary embodiments provide a one-user or multiple-user device to be distributed to and worn by seated passengers in an aircraft.

[48] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a mask 5000.

FIG. 5B is a different perspective view of mask 5050.

[49] Certain exemplary embodiments provide an adjustable, lightweight “one size fits all” headband 5100 made of hard plastic band 5120 secured by hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro - Velcro is a registered trademark of Velcro BVBA of Deinze Belgium) or other fastening method. Headband 5100 can be lined with moisture-absorbing, one-use padding 5140 for user comfort;

[50] headband 5100 can be a substantially continuous ring worn on a forehead of a wearer;

[51] headband 5100 can be coupled to a clear face shield 5200; which clear face shield 5200 is coupled to a hollow visor 5300 in front, which acts as an air plenum to release compressed air through a plurality of slits or apertures 5400 arrayed around a base 5320 of visor 5300. [52] Multiple slits or apertures 5400 can be defined in an array, which directs air into a continuous curtain of compressed air that provides the user with a supply of pure, breathable air while directing the majority of air flow away from the face and downward - allowing breathing but directing air flow downward away from a wearer’s face so that exhaled breath is directed into the collecting ducts in the aircraft’s floor. In certain exemplary embodiments:

[53] a user-adjustable intake air valve 5500 is also integrated into a headband at a juncture of the headband;

[54] hollow visor 5300 can extend horizontally outward up to approximately 4.5 inches from headband 5100, which creates a positive pressure air space that permits full protection from particulates and aerosols exhaled by proximate passengers yet allows wearers to drink liquids and touch their faces; a parent can even wipe children’s faces with tissues;

[55] clear face shield 5200 can be removable/replaceable and can be coupled to a forward edge of hollow visor 5300, wrapping around it at least 180 degrees;

[56] attachment of face shield 5200 to visor 5300 can be accomplished by many methods, allowing for easy removal/cleaning/replacement;

[57] components in the headgear array can be injection molded with a suitable thermoplastic material;

[58] face shield 5200 can comprise one of many possible clear, non-fogging materials; and/or

[59] thermoplastic components can be fixedly coupled together via fasteners and/or glue, etc.

[60] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pair of exemplary embodiments of a mask 6000. As illustrated, exemplary masks can comprise:

[61] an adapter 6100 constructed for coupling the mask to an aircraft’s gasper connection;

[62] a clear anti-fogging replaceable face shield 6600;

[63] flexible light weight hose 6200; [64] replaceable and/or adjustable headband 6300;

[65] a hollow plastic visor air plenum 6400;

[66] a hollow visor 6420;

[67] air supply distribution aperture 6500 directed toward a front of a nose and mouth of a wearer; and/or

[68] apertures 6700 defined in the air plenum can be constructed for air distribution.

[69] Certain exemplary embodiments provide a system in which a headband extends just behind a wearer’s ears so the headband is open in the back to allow wearers to recline their heads against airliner seatbacks. Adjustable elastic straps can be fitted above and below the occipital protuberance of a skull of the wearer to secure the device.

Definitions

[70] When the following terms are used substantively herein, the accompanying definitions apply. These terms and definitions are presented without prejudice, and, consistent with the application, the right to redefine these terms during the prosecution of this application or any application claiming priority hereto is reserved. For the purpose of interpreting a claim of any patent that claims priority hereto, each definition (or redefined term if an original definition was amended during the prosecution of that patent), functions as a clear and unambiguous disavowal of the subject matter outside of that definition.

[71] a - at least one.

[72] act - to do something.

[73] activity - an action, act, step, and/or process or portion thereof.

[74] adapter - a device used to effect operative compatibility between different parts of one or more pieces of an apparatus or system.

[75] adjustable - capable of being changed to a sought state.

[76] air plenum - a volume that receives air for distribution.

[77] airflow - a current of atmospheric gas that is breathable by a human. [78] airplane - a fixed-wing aircraft that is propelled forward by thrust from a jet engine, propeller, or rocket engine.

[79] and/or - either in conjunction with or in alternative to.

[80] aperture - an opening in something.

[81] apparatus - an appliance or device for a particular purpose.

[82] array - a systematic arrangement of similar objects, usually in rows and columns.

[83] associate - to join, connect together, and/or relate.

[84] associated with - related to.

[85] back - a rear portion of something when worn in a proper orientation.

[86] base - a supporting portion of something.

[87] cabin - a section of an aircraft in which passengers travel.

[88] can - is capable of, in at least some embodiments.

[89] channel - to convey in a predetermined direction.

[90] circuit - an electrically conductive pathway and/or a communications connection established across two or more switching devices comprised by a network and between corresponding end systems connected to, but not comprised by the network.

[91] clear - optically transparent.

[92] collect - to gather together.

[93] compressed air - air kept under a pressure that is greater than atmospheric pressure.

[94] comprising - including but not limited to.

[95] configure - to make suitable or fit for a specific use or situation.

[96] connect - to j oin or fasten together.

[97] constructed to - made to and/or designed to.

[98] continuous - substantially lacking a discontinuity.

[99] control - to adjust.

[100] convert - to transform, adapt, and/or change.

[101] couple - to physically j oin in some fashion.

[ 102] coupleable - capable of being j oined, connected, and/or linked together. [103] define - to establish the outline, form, or structure of.

[104] device - a machine, manufacture, and/or collection thereof.

[105] duct - a pipe, tube, or channel that conveys and directs an air stream.

[106] duration - a time period during which a flight is in progress.

[107] environmental control system - a system constructed to provide an air supply, thermal control and cabin pressurization for crew and passengers of an aircraft.

[108] face - the front part of the head in humans.

[109] filter - to remove particulates from air.

[110] fitting - a component that is constructed to be coupled to another component.

[111] flight - an incidence of travel through the air from a departure location to a destination via an airplane.

[112] floor - a base of an airplane cabin upon which people walk.

[113] flow - to circulate or move a fluid.

[114] front - a forward surface.

[115] gasper - a small, circular vent above an airplane passenger seat that can be adjusted by a user for personal comfort.

[116] generate - to create, produce, give rise to, and/or bring into existence.

[117] head - a top portion of a human that comprises a brain.

[118] headband - a strip of material worn on or around a human head.

[119] hollow - defining an unfilled space within.

[120] hood - a covering for a part of a human head.

[121] hook and loop fastener - a fastener that comprises two components: typically, two lineal fabric strips (or, alternatively, round “dots” or squares) which are attached (sewn or otherwise adhered) to the opposing surfaces to be fastened. The first component comprises tiny hooks, the second comprises smaller loops. When the two are pressed together the hooks catch in the loops and the two pieces fasten or bind temporarily. When separated, by pulling or peeling the two surfaces apart, the strips make a distinctive “ripping” sound. [122] install - to connect or set in position and prepare for use.

[123] manifold - a machine element used to split or combine air streams.

[124] mask - a protective covering for the nose and mouth and/or nose and eyes of a wearer.

[125] may - is allowed and/or permitted to, in at least some embodiments.

[126] method - a process, procedure, and/or collection of related activities for accomplishing something.

[127] moisture-absorbing, one-use padding - a disposable cushion that is capable of taking in and holding liquids.

[128] open - having a separation in space.

[129] overhead air vents - ports above passenger seats on an uprightly oriented airplane via which air is delivered to an airplane cabin from an environmental control system.

[130] overlying - having a part that covers another part.

[131] plurality - the state of being plural and/or more than one.

[132] portion - a part of a whole.

[133] predetermined - established in advance.

[134] pressurize - to provide air having a predetermined force per unit area.

[135] provide - to furnish, supply, give, and/or make available.

[136] proximity - close to something.

[137] quantity - an amount.

[138] quick connect fitting - a coupling comprising a collet and an O-ring that is used to provide a fast, airtight, make-or-break connection of air transfer lines.

[139] receive - to get, take, acquire, and/or obtain.

[140] recline - to incline backwards.

[141] releasably - coupled so as to be substantially nondestructibly removable.

[142] release - to free from something that binds, fastens, or holds back; to let go.

[143] request - to express a desire for and/or ask for.

[144] ring - a band of material. [145] seat - a chair or other device upon which a posterior of a human can be supported.

[146] seatback - a portion of a seat that supports a back of a user.

[147] set - a related plurality.

[148] shield - a device that blocks flow of air and particulates entrained in air from a predetermined direction.

[149] slit - an elongated opening.

[150] store - to place, hold, and/or retain.

[151] substantially - to a great extent or degree.

[152] suction - something that works via production of a partial vacuum by the removal of air in order to force fluid into a vacant space or procure adhesion.

[153] support - to bear the weight of, especially from below.

[154] system - a collection of mechanisms, devices, machines, articles of manufacture, processes, data, and/or instructions, the collection designed to perform one or more specific functions.

[155] transmit - to send, provide, furnish, and/or supply.

[156] tube - a hose of any shape through which air can flow.

[157] user - a person that uses a device and/or system.

[158] valve - a device by which the flow of a fluid is started, stopped, and/or regulated by a movable part that opens, shuts, or partially obstructs one or more ports or passageways.

[159] vent - a device that channels pressurized air.

[ 160] via - by way of and/or utilizing.

[161] visor - a proj ecting front piece of a mask.

Note

[162] Still other substantially and specifically practical and useful embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from reading the above-recited and/or herein-included detailed description and/or drawings of certain exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that numerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the scope of this application.

[163] Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument, with respect to any claim, whether of this application and/or any claim of any application claiming priority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise:

[164] there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or element, any particular sequence of activities, or any particular interrelationship of elements;

[165] no characteristic, function, activity, or element is “essential”;

[166] any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated;

[167] any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any activity can be performed in multiple jurisdictions; and

[168] any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary.

[169] Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. When any range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that range includes all values therein and all subranges therein. For example, if a range of 1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values therebetween, such as for example, 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includes all subranges therebetween, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14, 1.93 to 9, etc.

[170] When any claim element is followed by a drawing element number, that drawing element number is exemplary and non-limiting on claim scope. No claim of this application is intended to invoke paragraph six of 35 USC 112 unless the precise phrase “means for” is followed by a gerund.

[171] Any information in any material (e.g., a United States patent, United States patent application, book, article, etc.) that has been incorporated by reference herein, is only incorporated by reference to the extent that no conflict exists between such information and the other statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of such conflict, including a conflict that would render invalid any claim herein or seeking priority hereto, then any such conflicting information in such material is specifically not incorporated by reference herein.

[172] Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, other than the claims themselves, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and the scope of subject matter protected by any patent that issues based on this application is defined only by the claims of that patent.