CA2172929A1 - Portable enclosure system and method for providing a suitable breathing environment therein - Google Patents
Portable enclosure system and method for providing a suitable breathing environment thereinInfo
- Publication number
- CA2172929A1 CA2172929A1 CA002172929A CA2172929A CA2172929A1 CA 2172929 A1 CA2172929 A1 CA 2172929A1 CA 002172929 A CA002172929 A CA 002172929A CA 2172929 A CA2172929 A CA 2172929A CA 2172929 A1 CA2172929 A1 CA 2172929A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- chamber
- air
- enclosure system
- portable enclosure
- fan
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G13/00—Operating tables; Auxiliary appliances therefor
- A61G13/10—Parts, details or accessories
- A61G13/108—Means providing sterile air at a surgical operation table or area
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
- A61G10/00—Treatment rooms or enclosures for medical purposes
- A61G10/005—Isolators, i.e. enclosures generally comprising flexible walls for maintaining a germ-free environment
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B31/00—Containers or portable cabins for affording breathing protection with devices for reconditioning the breathing air or for ventilating, in particular those that are suitable for invalids or small children
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Pulmonology (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Accommodation For Nursing Or Treatment Tables (AREA)
Abstract
A portable enclosure system and method for providing a suitable breathing atmosphere therein includes a chamber. The chamber may assume a variety of shapes. An electric fan and filter assembly is provided and is attached to the chamber by way of a flexible air hose. The fan draws air into the fan and filter assembly and exhausts it into the air hose through a filter.
The filtered air travels into the chamber thus providing a positive pressure within the chamber. The positive pressure within the chamber forces unwanted particulates out of the chamber by way of exhaust ports and prevents unwanted particulates from entering the chamber. In providing an enclosure filled with a suitable breathing environment, the chamber is placed on a substantially flat surface. The fan is turned on and the chamber is allowed to be purged of unwanted allergens. The fan remains on to maintain a positive pressure within the chamber and provide a steady supply of fresh filtered air.
The filtered air travels into the chamber thus providing a positive pressure within the chamber. The positive pressure within the chamber forces unwanted particulates out of the chamber by way of exhaust ports and prevents unwanted particulates from entering the chamber. In providing an enclosure filled with a suitable breathing environment, the chamber is placed on a substantially flat surface. The fan is turned on and the chamber is allowed to be purged of unwanted allergens. The fan remains on to maintain a positive pressure within the chamber and provide a steady supply of fresh filtered air.
Description
A PORTABLE ENCLOSURE SYSTEM AND METHOD
FOR PROVIDING A SUITABLE BREATHING ENVIRONMENT THEREIN
Field of the invention.
The present invention relates to a portable enclosure system and a method for providing a suitable breathing environment therein, and in particular, is concerned with providing a suitable breathing environment for persons with allergies.
Ba~.k~round of the Invention There are a variety of human diseases which are caused by airborne allergens such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopy derm~titi~. For example, asthma is a condition which is characterized by recurring attacks of dyspnea (shortness of breath), a feeling of pressure on the chest, wheezing coughing and anxiety. The distressing symptoms are caused by a constriction of the bronchial tubes which are the tube-like structures which carry air to andfrom the lungs. The length of an "asthma attack" may vary from several minutes to several hours. The main cause of true asthma is sensitivity to certain substances in the air such as hair, dandruff, cat and dog dander, pollen, dust, mites, insect excrement and other small air-borne particles. These substances are collectively called "allergens". Although sensitivity to asthma may be reduced or cured by a series of injections with small doses of the offending allergen, they can only be prevented by eli~in:~l ing, as far as possible, the offending allergen from the environment. The most vulnerable time for an asthmatic, especially an asthmatic child, to have an asthma attack is while sleeping. The patient may suffer through the attack for several minutes -before awakening. The combined effects of the asthma attack, fatigue and cl~rkn~ss may exacerbate the anxiety an asthmatic feels during an attack. In children, this may cause panic and physical injury as a result. Unfortunately, in any household, one of the greatest concentrations of allergens is found on the surface of a bed. When a persons gets into bed, these allergens become air-borne and are breathed by the asthmatic and could result in an asthma attack.
Although the known art offers a number of examples wherein an enclosure system is provided, none are suitable for home use and none combine the required qualities of removing unwanted allergens, portability, safety, ease1 0 of assembly, ease of operation, ease and low cost of manllfacture and quietoperation so as not to disturb the sleep of the asthmatic. For example, United States Letters Patent 3,000,370 entitled "Oxygen Tent Apparatus", issued to John J. Viers on September 19, 1961 discloses an enclosure system designed to ~(lmini~ter oxygen. Disadvantages associated with the Viers tent include a 1 5 frame which is complex in design, cumbersome and not suited to the portability required for home use. Additionally, the Viers system requires a large electric motor and compressor unit to provide the required circulation to and from the enclosure. Finally, the Viers enclosure system is designed specifically to ~lmini~ter oxygen and does nothing to remove unwanted allergens from the breathing air. Another example of the known art is United States Letters Patent 2,603,214, entitled "Allover Bed and Canopy to Administer Oxygen" issued to Taylor on July 15, 1952. Again, the Taylor canopy is not suited to home use as it is not portable, requires a cumbersome framing system, various inlets and outlets to accommodate the oxygen supply and cooling units and requires complex mechanical accessories to operate. The Taylor canopy is not designed to remove allergens from an enclosed space.
Therefore, there is a need for a portable enclosure system and method for creating and maintaining a suitable breathing environment for those -persons with allergies which avoids the disadvantages described above and is quiet, easy to assemble, convenient to store and inexpensive to m~nllfacture.
Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable enclosure system and a method which creates a suitable breathing environment for persons with allergies and is safe, quiet, easy to assemble, convenient to store and inexpensive to manllfactllre.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a portable enclosure system comprising a soft-walled structure to enclose a volume of air; means for supporting the structure; means for generating a positive air pressure within the structure; means for removing unwanted allergens from the air entering the structure; and, means for exhausting allergen con~aminated air from the structure.
It is contemplated that the chamber may assume a variety of shapes capable of enclosing a sufficient volume of air to provide a suitable breathing environment. For example, tent-like shapes, dome shapes and conical shapes may be used.
It is further contemplated that the chamber may be fabricated from a variety of materials which possess the required characteristics of softness, flexibility, resilience, light-weight and capable of enclosing a pressurized atmosphere.
It is additionally contemplated that the chamber may obtain its desired shape by suspending the chamber from suitable external framing means or by supporting the chamber using integral framing members.
2 ~ 72929 In the plerelled embodiment of the present invention there is provided a soft-walled plastic enclosure comprising three rectangular side panels and a rectangular top panel which are transparent and joined in such a way as to form a box-like chamber. The bottom of the enclosure is sealed with a plastic membrane. The rem~ining side of the enclosure is covered with a plastic, transparent curtain, with a width greater than the width of the enclosure and with a length greater than the height of the enclosure to allow entrance andegress from the enclosure while being sufficiently sealed to m~int~in a positivepressure within the enclosure.
For the purpose of connecting each of the panel frames together in the plefell~d embodiment of the invention and in order to form a self-supporting box-like chamber each of the panel frames possesses a lap of material or skirt around its outer circumference. It is evident that the panel frames can be joined together using these laps of material by overlapping them and sealing them together to form an air-tight seal which results in the provision of support for the overall structure.
In the plcfell~d embodiment of the present invention there is provided a portable enclosure system comprising a box-like soft-walled chamber made from four rectangular transparent panels which are framed by inflatable collars joined to form the chamber. The bottom of the chamber is sealed by a plastic membrane. The front of the chamber is closed by a flexible, plastic and Lldl~alellL curtain. In the practice of the invention, the chamber is placed on a surface and is of sufficient length and width to provide the desiredvolume of enclosed space. On a sleeping surface, such as a bed, the chamber may enclose the upper torso and head of the sleeper or it may be dimensioned so that it encloses the entire bed.
It is contemplated that the enclosure may enclose the upper torso and head of a sleeping person who will move about during sleep. Therefore, provision is made for such movement by the curtain being free at its bottom end and joined at its sides to the adjacent side framing collar. Furthermore, itis jointed at its top to the adjacent top framing collar. The curtain can be a single piece or it can be a two piece curtain with one piece overlapping the other to facilitate entering and exiting the chamber while still m~int~in a positive air pressure in the chamber.
Incidentally, it will be appreciated that movement of the sleeper could raise the curtain off of the sleeping surface and thus cause the corruption of the environment within the enclosure by allowing allergens to enter. To solve this particular difficulty, the invention contemplates a curtain of sufficient length that it lies substantially horizontally on the surface upon which the chamber is placed. It is contemplated that the curtain is of sufficient weight to lay flat on the surface to assist in m~int~ining a positive pressure environmentwithin the chamber while allowing the comfortable movement of the sleeper.
In the practice of the invention the fan and filter assembly is electrically operated and capable of generating a sufficient air flow to provide a positive pressure within the chamber. It will be appreciated that the fan must be adequately reliable and quiet to provide a steady flow of air without disturbing the sleeper. The fan may operate on ac current or it may operate on dc current to suit the circumstance of operation.
Pursuant to the present invention there is provided a filter of adequate efficiency to remove the unwanted allergens from the air entering the chamber. The filter is modular and removable from a fan and filter assembly.
A suitable filter may be chosen and installed such that the desired size of allergen is removed from the air exhausted by the fan.
It is contemplated that the invention include a sufficient length of flexible hose which is sufficiently resilient to resist crushing yet sufficiently light-weight so as not to disturb the stability of the chamber. To resolve the difficulty of counterbalance, the chamber may be suitably counter-weighted to offset the effect of the weight of the hose on the stability of the chamber. Thechamber and the fan/filter assembly are provided with suitable connectors to provide an air-tight seal between the open end of the hose and the chamber.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a method for providing a suitable breathing environment within an enclosed space which comprises the steps of: enclosing a first volume of air; filtering and supplying a positive pressure to the first volume of air at a first location; and, exhausting air from the first volume of air at a second location.
Advantages of the present invention are that it provides for a portable enclosure system which is lightweight, easy to assemble, easy to store while not in use, inexpensive to m~mlf~cture and purchase, quiet in operation, safe to use, and provides for a method which produces a suitable breathing environment for persons with allergies.
Brief Des~ tion of the D~wil~x The present invention will be further understood from the following description with references to the drawings in which:
Fig. l illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention as it would appear on a sleeping surface.
2 ~ 72929 -Fig. 3 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the present invention as it would appear enclosing the upper torso of a person.
Fig. 4 illustrates the flow of air through one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 5 illustrates in cross-section a front view of one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 6 illustrates in cross-section a side view of one embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description 1 0 Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated an portable enclosure system (8) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention including a box-like, soft-walled chamber (10) which comprises three transparent side panels (12, 14, 16), one transparent top panel (20), one transparent curtain (18) and a bottom sealing membrane (21). Framing side 1 5 panels (12, 14 and 16) and top panel (20) are inflatable rectangular collars (22, 24, 26 and 28). Each of the inflatable collars has a skirt (30). When the individual inflatable collars are brought adjacent to each other to form the chamber, the skirts (30) overlap and are sealed together to form an air-tight boundary (32) between adjacent inflatable collars. The chamber (10) is equipped with a fan and filter assembly (34) of sufficient capacity to provide an adequate air flow to purge unwanted allergens from the chamber and m~int~in a positive pressure within the chamber to prevent allergens from re-entering the chamber. The filter is positioned so that it sits above the fan and fan motor filtering air exhausted by the fan into the air hose (36). The filter is a removable and replaceable modular type filter of varying efficiency as desired.
g An adequate length of hose (36) sufficiently dimensioned to provide the required amount of air flow to the chamber is also provided. Although in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention hose (36) is shown in con~llul~ication with the enclosed volume formed by the chamber by way of aperture (38) in the top transparent panel (20), it will be understood by a person skilled in the art that hose (36) may communicate with the enclosed volume of air through any one of panels (12, 14 or 16) in such a manner as to provide a flow of filtered air from the top portion of the chamber to the bottomof the chamber. Filtered air is blown into the chamber (10) by the fan (34) by 1 0 way of air hose (36). Air cont~ining allergens is exhausted from the chamber by way of a plurality of exhaust ports, one (40) of which is shown in Figure 1.
In the event the fan fails or the filter becomes clogged, the exhaust port allows an adequate amount of air back into the chamber to allow normal and comfortable breathing on the part of the person therein.
1 5 Fig. 2, shows a preferred embodiment of the portable enclosure system with the chamber (10) mounted on a single bed (50). Panel (14) rests against the head board (52) of the bed (50). In the shown embodiment of the invention, the chamber (10) is dimensioned so that it encloses the upper torso and head of the sleeper. The width of the chamber (10) is adequately dimensioned so that it substantially covers the width of the mattress (54) of bed (50). Connecting hose (36) connects the air and filter assembly (34) with the chamber by aperture (38 shown in Fig. 1) in top panel (20). Fan and filter assembly (34) is shown oriented to one side of the bed (50) and can be placed in any position on the floor so that the operator finds it convenient.
Referring to Fig. 3, one embodiment of the present invention is shown in perspective view wherein the chamber (10) is placed on a surface (62). Chamber (10) is dimensioned to adequately enclose the upper torso and head of the sleeper (60). Curtain (18) is shown closing one side of the chamber and extending horizontally towards the foot of the sleeping surface. Curtain (18) is sufficiently dimensioned to accommodate the movement of the person within the chamber without significantly degrading the positive pressure atmosphere within the chamber. As the person shifts position during sleep, curtain (18) adjusts its shape and position to accommodate the movements of the person inside the chamber (10) without displacing the entire chamber off of the surface upon which it rests. To further increase the stability of the chamber and resist external loads imposed by the attached air hose, the chamber may be counter-weighted with suitable weights.
Exhaust port (40) is also shown as is inflation valve (44).
Connecting hose (36) fixed to aperture (38) is also shown.
Referring to Fig. 4, in operation, the chamber is placed upon a substantially flat surface such as a sleeping surface. The person enters the enclosure by way of curtain (18) and curtain (18) then closes the front side of the chamber and lays substantially horizontal on the bed to m~int~in a positive air pressure within the chamber. Air is drawn into the fan and filter assembly (34) through a plurality of intake vents (70) and is filtered to remove particulate matter. Typically, a filter capable of removing particulates of 5 microns or larger is chosen but a filter of lesser or greater efficiency may be chosen. Thefiltered air travels the length of the hose (36) and enters the chamber (10) through the aperture (38 not shown) in the top panel (20 not shown). The fan produces a positive air pressure within the chamber. The air pressure in the chamber is such that a sleeper does not notice any pressure. As the air pressurebuilds within the chamber, allergens which were present in the atmosphere of the chamber are forced to the bottom of the chamber and blown from the chamber via the plurality of exhaust ports (40). A small amount of filtered air will also leak from under the curtain. However, the leak rate is not sufficient to degrade the positive air pressure within the chamber.
The electric fan (not shown but mounted in the same enclosure as the filter (34)) may also be adjustable to control and vary the amount of airblown into the chamber and thus the air pressure in the chamber. The electric motor may be powered by alternating or direct ~ullellls.
Figure 5 shows section A-A indicated in Figure 4. The chamber (10) is shown on a surface (62). Inflatable collars (22, 26 and 28) are shown insection. Inflatable collar (24) is also shown. The collars shown are substantially rounded but the invention contemplates collars which can obtain other shapes when inflated. Panels (12, 16 and 20) are shown in section as are 1 0 the adjoining seems (32) between the collars.
Figure 6 shows section B-B indicated in Figure 3. The chamber (10) is mounted on a sleeping surface (50). Top panel (20) is shown framed by inflatable collar (28). Seam (32) is also shown joining top inflatable collar (28) to side inflatable collar (22). Curtain (18) is shown closing the front end of the 1 5 chamber and extending towards the foot of the sleeping surface to provide a suitable seal to m~int~in a positive air pressure within the chamber. Fan and filter assembly (34) is shown attached to hose (36) which is in communication with top panel (20) through connecting means (38).
The portable enclosure system as described herein was tested to determine its efficiency in removing particulates from the atmosphere of the chamber. A particulate counter capable of detecting particles from 2 microns in size to 5 microns in size per cubic foot of air was used to measure the concentration of allergens in the ambient air and in the air of the chamber overtime.
2 ~ 72929 Allergens of concern are shown in the following table:
ALLERGEN SIZE ALLERGEN SIZE ALLERGEN SIZE
microns microns microns bacteria 0.5 - 50 cement 5 - 150 pollen 10 - 50 powder mold 2 - 20 human and 5 - 500 dust 30 - 500 animal hair skinflakes 2-150 woolfibre > 10 cottonfibre >50 insect 5 plant spores 10 - 50 mites 100 - 300 excrement During the test, the test system was placed on top of a bed in a normal household environment. The bed was ~git~te~l to simulate a person entering it as a large amount of particulate matter is found on the surface of the bed and is made air-borne when the bed is disturbed. The particulate concentration of the air within the chamber was measured over time and the results were as follows:
ELAPSED TIME CONCENTRATION CONCENTRATION
PARTICLES PER PARTICLES PER
CUBIC FOOT CUBIC FOOT
immediately after 75,900 8,300 1 0 agitation 5 minutes 48,600 4,800 15 minutes 4,500 700 2 l 72929 In operation, the present invention had the following results:
ELAPSED TIME CONCENTRATION CONCENTRATION
PARTICLES PER PARTICLES PER
CUBIC FOOT CUBIC FOOT
immediately after ll,l00 900 bedding agitation 5 minutes 2,800 l00 8 minutes 0 15 minutes 900 0 30 minutes 600 0 60 minutes 300 0 The particulate concentration in the air being exhausted from the chamber was also measured with the following results:
ELAPSED TIME CONCENTRATION CONCENTRATION
PARTICLES PER PARTICLES PER
CUBIC FOOT CUBIC FOOT
immediately after 38,700 7,300 bedding agitation 5 minutes 11,600 2,200 15 minutes 400 0 Numerous modifications, variations, and adaptations may be made to the particular embodiments of the invention described above without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims.
FOR PROVIDING A SUITABLE BREATHING ENVIRONMENT THEREIN
Field of the invention.
The present invention relates to a portable enclosure system and a method for providing a suitable breathing environment therein, and in particular, is concerned with providing a suitable breathing environment for persons with allergies.
Ba~.k~round of the Invention There are a variety of human diseases which are caused by airborne allergens such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopy derm~titi~. For example, asthma is a condition which is characterized by recurring attacks of dyspnea (shortness of breath), a feeling of pressure on the chest, wheezing coughing and anxiety. The distressing symptoms are caused by a constriction of the bronchial tubes which are the tube-like structures which carry air to andfrom the lungs. The length of an "asthma attack" may vary from several minutes to several hours. The main cause of true asthma is sensitivity to certain substances in the air such as hair, dandruff, cat and dog dander, pollen, dust, mites, insect excrement and other small air-borne particles. These substances are collectively called "allergens". Although sensitivity to asthma may be reduced or cured by a series of injections with small doses of the offending allergen, they can only be prevented by eli~in:~l ing, as far as possible, the offending allergen from the environment. The most vulnerable time for an asthmatic, especially an asthmatic child, to have an asthma attack is while sleeping. The patient may suffer through the attack for several minutes -before awakening. The combined effects of the asthma attack, fatigue and cl~rkn~ss may exacerbate the anxiety an asthmatic feels during an attack. In children, this may cause panic and physical injury as a result. Unfortunately, in any household, one of the greatest concentrations of allergens is found on the surface of a bed. When a persons gets into bed, these allergens become air-borne and are breathed by the asthmatic and could result in an asthma attack.
Although the known art offers a number of examples wherein an enclosure system is provided, none are suitable for home use and none combine the required qualities of removing unwanted allergens, portability, safety, ease1 0 of assembly, ease of operation, ease and low cost of manllfacture and quietoperation so as not to disturb the sleep of the asthmatic. For example, United States Letters Patent 3,000,370 entitled "Oxygen Tent Apparatus", issued to John J. Viers on September 19, 1961 discloses an enclosure system designed to ~(lmini~ter oxygen. Disadvantages associated with the Viers tent include a 1 5 frame which is complex in design, cumbersome and not suited to the portability required for home use. Additionally, the Viers system requires a large electric motor and compressor unit to provide the required circulation to and from the enclosure. Finally, the Viers enclosure system is designed specifically to ~lmini~ter oxygen and does nothing to remove unwanted allergens from the breathing air. Another example of the known art is United States Letters Patent 2,603,214, entitled "Allover Bed and Canopy to Administer Oxygen" issued to Taylor on July 15, 1952. Again, the Taylor canopy is not suited to home use as it is not portable, requires a cumbersome framing system, various inlets and outlets to accommodate the oxygen supply and cooling units and requires complex mechanical accessories to operate. The Taylor canopy is not designed to remove allergens from an enclosed space.
Therefore, there is a need for a portable enclosure system and method for creating and maintaining a suitable breathing environment for those -persons with allergies which avoids the disadvantages described above and is quiet, easy to assemble, convenient to store and inexpensive to m~nllfacture.
Summary of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable enclosure system and a method which creates a suitable breathing environment for persons with allergies and is safe, quiet, easy to assemble, convenient to store and inexpensive to manllfactllre.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a portable enclosure system comprising a soft-walled structure to enclose a volume of air; means for supporting the structure; means for generating a positive air pressure within the structure; means for removing unwanted allergens from the air entering the structure; and, means for exhausting allergen con~aminated air from the structure.
It is contemplated that the chamber may assume a variety of shapes capable of enclosing a sufficient volume of air to provide a suitable breathing environment. For example, tent-like shapes, dome shapes and conical shapes may be used.
It is further contemplated that the chamber may be fabricated from a variety of materials which possess the required characteristics of softness, flexibility, resilience, light-weight and capable of enclosing a pressurized atmosphere.
It is additionally contemplated that the chamber may obtain its desired shape by suspending the chamber from suitable external framing means or by supporting the chamber using integral framing members.
2 ~ 72929 In the plerelled embodiment of the present invention there is provided a soft-walled plastic enclosure comprising three rectangular side panels and a rectangular top panel which are transparent and joined in such a way as to form a box-like chamber. The bottom of the enclosure is sealed with a plastic membrane. The rem~ining side of the enclosure is covered with a plastic, transparent curtain, with a width greater than the width of the enclosure and with a length greater than the height of the enclosure to allow entrance andegress from the enclosure while being sufficiently sealed to m~int~in a positivepressure within the enclosure.
For the purpose of connecting each of the panel frames together in the plefell~d embodiment of the invention and in order to form a self-supporting box-like chamber each of the panel frames possesses a lap of material or skirt around its outer circumference. It is evident that the panel frames can be joined together using these laps of material by overlapping them and sealing them together to form an air-tight seal which results in the provision of support for the overall structure.
In the plcfell~d embodiment of the present invention there is provided a portable enclosure system comprising a box-like soft-walled chamber made from four rectangular transparent panels which are framed by inflatable collars joined to form the chamber. The bottom of the chamber is sealed by a plastic membrane. The front of the chamber is closed by a flexible, plastic and Lldl~alellL curtain. In the practice of the invention, the chamber is placed on a surface and is of sufficient length and width to provide the desiredvolume of enclosed space. On a sleeping surface, such as a bed, the chamber may enclose the upper torso and head of the sleeper or it may be dimensioned so that it encloses the entire bed.
It is contemplated that the enclosure may enclose the upper torso and head of a sleeping person who will move about during sleep. Therefore, provision is made for such movement by the curtain being free at its bottom end and joined at its sides to the adjacent side framing collar. Furthermore, itis jointed at its top to the adjacent top framing collar. The curtain can be a single piece or it can be a two piece curtain with one piece overlapping the other to facilitate entering and exiting the chamber while still m~int~in a positive air pressure in the chamber.
Incidentally, it will be appreciated that movement of the sleeper could raise the curtain off of the sleeping surface and thus cause the corruption of the environment within the enclosure by allowing allergens to enter. To solve this particular difficulty, the invention contemplates a curtain of sufficient length that it lies substantially horizontally on the surface upon which the chamber is placed. It is contemplated that the curtain is of sufficient weight to lay flat on the surface to assist in m~int~ining a positive pressure environmentwithin the chamber while allowing the comfortable movement of the sleeper.
In the practice of the invention the fan and filter assembly is electrically operated and capable of generating a sufficient air flow to provide a positive pressure within the chamber. It will be appreciated that the fan must be adequately reliable and quiet to provide a steady flow of air without disturbing the sleeper. The fan may operate on ac current or it may operate on dc current to suit the circumstance of operation.
Pursuant to the present invention there is provided a filter of adequate efficiency to remove the unwanted allergens from the air entering the chamber. The filter is modular and removable from a fan and filter assembly.
A suitable filter may be chosen and installed such that the desired size of allergen is removed from the air exhausted by the fan.
It is contemplated that the invention include a sufficient length of flexible hose which is sufficiently resilient to resist crushing yet sufficiently light-weight so as not to disturb the stability of the chamber. To resolve the difficulty of counterbalance, the chamber may be suitably counter-weighted to offset the effect of the weight of the hose on the stability of the chamber. Thechamber and the fan/filter assembly are provided with suitable connectors to provide an air-tight seal between the open end of the hose and the chamber.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a method for providing a suitable breathing environment within an enclosed space which comprises the steps of: enclosing a first volume of air; filtering and supplying a positive pressure to the first volume of air at a first location; and, exhausting air from the first volume of air at a second location.
Advantages of the present invention are that it provides for a portable enclosure system which is lightweight, easy to assemble, easy to store while not in use, inexpensive to m~mlf~cture and purchase, quiet in operation, safe to use, and provides for a method which produces a suitable breathing environment for persons with allergies.
Brief Des~ tion of the D~wil~x The present invention will be further understood from the following description with references to the drawings in which:
Fig. l illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention as it would appear on a sleeping surface.
2 ~ 72929 -Fig. 3 illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the present invention as it would appear enclosing the upper torso of a person.
Fig. 4 illustrates the flow of air through one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 5 illustrates in cross-section a front view of one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 6 illustrates in cross-section a side view of one embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description 1 0 Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated an portable enclosure system (8) in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention including a box-like, soft-walled chamber (10) which comprises three transparent side panels (12, 14, 16), one transparent top panel (20), one transparent curtain (18) and a bottom sealing membrane (21). Framing side 1 5 panels (12, 14 and 16) and top panel (20) are inflatable rectangular collars (22, 24, 26 and 28). Each of the inflatable collars has a skirt (30). When the individual inflatable collars are brought adjacent to each other to form the chamber, the skirts (30) overlap and are sealed together to form an air-tight boundary (32) between adjacent inflatable collars. The chamber (10) is equipped with a fan and filter assembly (34) of sufficient capacity to provide an adequate air flow to purge unwanted allergens from the chamber and m~int~in a positive pressure within the chamber to prevent allergens from re-entering the chamber. The filter is positioned so that it sits above the fan and fan motor filtering air exhausted by the fan into the air hose (36). The filter is a removable and replaceable modular type filter of varying efficiency as desired.
g An adequate length of hose (36) sufficiently dimensioned to provide the required amount of air flow to the chamber is also provided. Although in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention hose (36) is shown in con~llul~ication with the enclosed volume formed by the chamber by way of aperture (38) in the top transparent panel (20), it will be understood by a person skilled in the art that hose (36) may communicate with the enclosed volume of air through any one of panels (12, 14 or 16) in such a manner as to provide a flow of filtered air from the top portion of the chamber to the bottomof the chamber. Filtered air is blown into the chamber (10) by the fan (34) by 1 0 way of air hose (36). Air cont~ining allergens is exhausted from the chamber by way of a plurality of exhaust ports, one (40) of which is shown in Figure 1.
In the event the fan fails or the filter becomes clogged, the exhaust port allows an adequate amount of air back into the chamber to allow normal and comfortable breathing on the part of the person therein.
1 5 Fig. 2, shows a preferred embodiment of the portable enclosure system with the chamber (10) mounted on a single bed (50). Panel (14) rests against the head board (52) of the bed (50). In the shown embodiment of the invention, the chamber (10) is dimensioned so that it encloses the upper torso and head of the sleeper. The width of the chamber (10) is adequately dimensioned so that it substantially covers the width of the mattress (54) of bed (50). Connecting hose (36) connects the air and filter assembly (34) with the chamber by aperture (38 shown in Fig. 1) in top panel (20). Fan and filter assembly (34) is shown oriented to one side of the bed (50) and can be placed in any position on the floor so that the operator finds it convenient.
Referring to Fig. 3, one embodiment of the present invention is shown in perspective view wherein the chamber (10) is placed on a surface (62). Chamber (10) is dimensioned to adequately enclose the upper torso and head of the sleeper (60). Curtain (18) is shown closing one side of the chamber and extending horizontally towards the foot of the sleeping surface. Curtain (18) is sufficiently dimensioned to accommodate the movement of the person within the chamber without significantly degrading the positive pressure atmosphere within the chamber. As the person shifts position during sleep, curtain (18) adjusts its shape and position to accommodate the movements of the person inside the chamber (10) without displacing the entire chamber off of the surface upon which it rests. To further increase the stability of the chamber and resist external loads imposed by the attached air hose, the chamber may be counter-weighted with suitable weights.
Exhaust port (40) is also shown as is inflation valve (44).
Connecting hose (36) fixed to aperture (38) is also shown.
Referring to Fig. 4, in operation, the chamber is placed upon a substantially flat surface such as a sleeping surface. The person enters the enclosure by way of curtain (18) and curtain (18) then closes the front side of the chamber and lays substantially horizontal on the bed to m~int~in a positive air pressure within the chamber. Air is drawn into the fan and filter assembly (34) through a plurality of intake vents (70) and is filtered to remove particulate matter. Typically, a filter capable of removing particulates of 5 microns or larger is chosen but a filter of lesser or greater efficiency may be chosen. Thefiltered air travels the length of the hose (36) and enters the chamber (10) through the aperture (38 not shown) in the top panel (20 not shown). The fan produces a positive air pressure within the chamber. The air pressure in the chamber is such that a sleeper does not notice any pressure. As the air pressurebuilds within the chamber, allergens which were present in the atmosphere of the chamber are forced to the bottom of the chamber and blown from the chamber via the plurality of exhaust ports (40). A small amount of filtered air will also leak from under the curtain. However, the leak rate is not sufficient to degrade the positive air pressure within the chamber.
The electric fan (not shown but mounted in the same enclosure as the filter (34)) may also be adjustable to control and vary the amount of airblown into the chamber and thus the air pressure in the chamber. The electric motor may be powered by alternating or direct ~ullellls.
Figure 5 shows section A-A indicated in Figure 4. The chamber (10) is shown on a surface (62). Inflatable collars (22, 26 and 28) are shown insection. Inflatable collar (24) is also shown. The collars shown are substantially rounded but the invention contemplates collars which can obtain other shapes when inflated. Panels (12, 16 and 20) are shown in section as are 1 0 the adjoining seems (32) between the collars.
Figure 6 shows section B-B indicated in Figure 3. The chamber (10) is mounted on a sleeping surface (50). Top panel (20) is shown framed by inflatable collar (28). Seam (32) is also shown joining top inflatable collar (28) to side inflatable collar (22). Curtain (18) is shown closing the front end of the 1 5 chamber and extending towards the foot of the sleeping surface to provide a suitable seal to m~int~in a positive air pressure within the chamber. Fan and filter assembly (34) is shown attached to hose (36) which is in communication with top panel (20) through connecting means (38).
The portable enclosure system as described herein was tested to determine its efficiency in removing particulates from the atmosphere of the chamber. A particulate counter capable of detecting particles from 2 microns in size to 5 microns in size per cubic foot of air was used to measure the concentration of allergens in the ambient air and in the air of the chamber overtime.
2 ~ 72929 Allergens of concern are shown in the following table:
ALLERGEN SIZE ALLERGEN SIZE ALLERGEN SIZE
microns microns microns bacteria 0.5 - 50 cement 5 - 150 pollen 10 - 50 powder mold 2 - 20 human and 5 - 500 dust 30 - 500 animal hair skinflakes 2-150 woolfibre > 10 cottonfibre >50 insect 5 plant spores 10 - 50 mites 100 - 300 excrement During the test, the test system was placed on top of a bed in a normal household environment. The bed was ~git~te~l to simulate a person entering it as a large amount of particulate matter is found on the surface of the bed and is made air-borne when the bed is disturbed. The particulate concentration of the air within the chamber was measured over time and the results were as follows:
ELAPSED TIME CONCENTRATION CONCENTRATION
PARTICLES PER PARTICLES PER
CUBIC FOOT CUBIC FOOT
immediately after 75,900 8,300 1 0 agitation 5 minutes 48,600 4,800 15 minutes 4,500 700 2 l 72929 In operation, the present invention had the following results:
ELAPSED TIME CONCENTRATION CONCENTRATION
PARTICLES PER PARTICLES PER
CUBIC FOOT CUBIC FOOT
immediately after ll,l00 900 bedding agitation 5 minutes 2,800 l00 8 minutes 0 15 minutes 900 0 30 minutes 600 0 60 minutes 300 0 The particulate concentration in the air being exhausted from the chamber was also measured with the following results:
ELAPSED TIME CONCENTRATION CONCENTRATION
PARTICLES PER PARTICLES PER
CUBIC FOOT CUBIC FOOT
immediately after 38,700 7,300 bedding agitation 5 minutes 11,600 2,200 15 minutes 400 0 Numerous modifications, variations, and adaptations may be made to the particular embodiments of the invention described above without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims.
Claims (28)
1. A portable enclosure system comprising:
a soft-walled structure;
means for supporting the structure;
means for generating a positive air pressure within the structure;
means for removing unwanted allergens from the air entering the structure; and, means for exhausting allergen contaminated air from the structure.
a soft-walled structure;
means for supporting the structure;
means for generating a positive air pressure within the structure;
means for removing unwanted allergens from the air entering the structure; and, means for exhausting allergen contaminated air from the structure.
2. The portable enclosure system of claim 1, wherein the structure is a hollow chamber for holding a volume of air which can be of a plurality of shapes such as conical, rectangular, spherical or triangular.
3. The portable enclosure system of claim 2, wherein the chamber is boxlike comprising three rectangular side panels, a rectangular top panel, a rectangular bottom membrane, and a curtain-like partition on one side all attached together.
4. The portable enclosure system of claim 3, wherein the curtain-like partition is a single sheet of material attached at its top and at its sides to the adjacent top and sides of the open end of the structure, the width of the curtain being greater than the width of the structure and the length of the curtain being greater than the height of the structure thereby creating a flexible and foldable front curtain to act as an opening to the chamber which enables a person to enter and exit the structure, and while the curtain is in its resting position, prevent unwanted allergens from entering the structure.
5. The portable enclosure of claim 4, wherein the curtain is sufficiently dimensioned and resilient to allow the movement of the lower body of a person whose upper body and head are enclosed by the structure.
6. The portable enclosure system of claims 1 or 5, wherein the chamber is fabricated from resilient material that enables the enclosure of a pressurized atmosphere within the chamber.
7. The portable enclosure system of claim 6, wherein the chamber is fabricated from a resilient plastic material.
8. The portable enclosure system of claim 7, wherein the chamber is fabricated from a plastic material having the characteristics of transparency, light-weight, pliability, durability, flexibility and resilience.
9. The portable enclosure system of claim 8, wherein the chamber is adequately dimensioned to enclose at least the upper torso and head of an adult or child.
10. The portable enclosure system of claim 9, wherein the supporting means comprises a plurality of rigid framing members releasably coupled together and being arranged so that their shape is the desired shape of the structure.
11. The portable enclosure system of claim 10, wherein the chamber surrounds the said releasably coupled framing members.
12. The portable enclosure system of claim 10, wherein the chamber is suspended from the releasably coupled framing members.
13. The portable enclosure system of claim 9, wherein the supporting means comprise resilient rectangular box members circumferentially surrounding a plurality of the said panels and fixed thereto, said members joined in spaced relationship with each other to form the box-like chamber.
14. The system as claimed in claim 13, wherein three of the side panels and the top panel are circumferentially surrounded by elongate resilient members.
15. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein said members are inflatable plastic collars each collar being tubular shaped and surrounded by a rectangular plastic skirt disposed about its horizontal axis.
16. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein when the plastic panels and their associated inflatable plastic collars are arranged so that a self-supporting, box-like chamber is formed and the horizontally disposed skirts of adjacent collars are in an overlapping arrangement and are fixed together to form an air-tight seal between each of the adjacent collars.
17. The portable enclosure system of claim 16, wherein the chamber is counterweighted to provide for increased stability and to counter external loads thereon caused by the attached air hose.
18. The portable enclosure system of claim 1, wherein the means for producing a positive pressure within the structure comprises a fan driven by an electric motor coupled to an air hose in communication with the structure.
19. The portable enclosure system of claim 18, wherein the electric motor is ac or dc powered and of a variable speed controllable by the operator to achieve the desired air flow.
20. The portable enclosure system of claim 19, wherein the fan and motor assembly is sufficiently quiet so as to not disturb the sleep of a person sleeping in the chamber.
21. The portable enclosure system of claim 20, wherein the air hose is of sufficient length and width to provide the desired air flow to the structure and is resilient, crush proof and light enough not to destabilize the structure to which it is attached.
22. The portable enclosure system of claim 21, wherein the chamber is counterweighted to increase its stability on the sleeping surface and to counter the weight of the hose hanging from the chamber
23. The portable enclosure system of claim 1, wherein the means to remove unwanted allergens from the air entering the structure comprises a filter.
24. The portable enclosure system of claim 23, wherein said filter is a modular, removable, high efficiency particulate filter positioned adjacent to and above the fan capable of removing particulate matter from the air exhausted by the fan.
25. The portable enclosure system of claim 24, wherein said filter can be chosen and installed to remove a specific size of allergen as desired.
26. The portable enclosure system of claims 1 or 18, wherein the method to exhaust allergen contaminated air from the structure comprises the generation of a positive pressure in the chamber, said structure having a plurality of exhaust ports at its bottom portion, said allergen contaminated air pushed from the upper portion of the structure to the bottom of the structure by incoming fresh and filtered air and out the exhaust ports.
27. A portable enclosure system comprising a soft-walled structure in the form of a box-like hollow chamber for placing on a sleeping surface, closed on all four sides, the top and the bottom; said chamber assembled from a plurality of rectangular transparent plastic panels and a curtain which faces the foot of the sleeping surface, a panel which faces the head of the sleeping surface, two side panels on either side of the sleeping surface, a top panel and a bottom sealing membrane; said chamber having self-supporting means, free from external projecting parts, comprising inflatable plastic collars circumferentially surrounding each of the head panel, the top panel and the two side panels and fixed thereto, each of said collars being tubular shaped and surrounded by rectangular plastic skirts disposed about their horizontal axis; said plastic collars so arranged that a box-like chamber is formed and the horizontally disposed skirts of adjacent collars are in an overlapping arrangement and are fixed together to form an air-tight seal between each of the adjacent collars; said curtain facing the front of the bed being an elastically deformable, transparent, plastic, rectangular sheet free at its bottom end, joined at its sides to the adjacent inflatable framing collars and joined at its top to the adjacent top inflatable framing collar; the width of the curtain greater than the width of the chamber and the length of the curtain being greater than the height of the chamber so that the bottom edge of the curtain will lie horizontally upon the surface of the bed and is sufficiently long and heavy to prevent unwanted allergens from entering the chamber while not degrading the comfort of the sleeping asthmatic; said enclosure system having means for generating a positive pressure therein comprising a fan and motor assembly connected by a sufficiently long and crush proof air hose to the chamber, said fan being ac or dc powered and capable of being adjusted by the operator to control the volume of air exhausted by the fan; said fan disposed in an serial arrangement with a filter capable of removing unwanted allergens from the exhaust air flow of the fan; said enclosure system having means for exhausting unwanted allergens from the enclosure comprising a plurality of exhaust ports in the bottom portion of the side panels of the enclosure to allow allergen laden air to be exhausted from the chamber and a allow flow of fresh filtered air through the chamber.
28. A method for providing a suitable breathing environment within an enclosed space comprising the steps of: enclosing a first volume of air;
filtering and supplying air at a positive pressure to the first volume of air at a first location; and exhausting air from the first volume of air at a second location.
filtering and supplying air at a positive pressure to the first volume of air at a first location; and exhausting air from the first volume of air at a second location.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002172929A CA2172929A1 (en) | 1996-03-28 | 1996-03-28 | Portable enclosure system and method for providing a suitable breathing environment therein |
| US08/639,031 US5832919A (en) | 1996-03-28 | 1996-04-16 | Portable inflatable enclosure system with filtered positive pressure gas fed therein |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002172929A CA2172929A1 (en) | 1996-03-28 | 1996-03-28 | Portable enclosure system and method for providing a suitable breathing environment therein |
| US08/639,031 US5832919A (en) | 1996-03-28 | 1996-04-16 | Portable inflatable enclosure system with filtered positive pressure gas fed therein |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2172929A1 true CA2172929A1 (en) | 1997-09-29 |
Family
ID=25678399
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002172929A Abandoned CA2172929A1 (en) | 1996-03-28 | 1996-03-28 | Portable enclosure system and method for providing a suitable breathing environment therein |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5832919A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2172929A1 (en) |
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| CN113648158A (en) * | 2021-07-29 | 2021-11-16 | 中国科学院苏州生物医学工程技术研究所 | Virus-protective biological safety bin for living body fluorescence imaging instrument |
| CN113648158B (en) * | 2021-07-29 | 2022-06-17 | 中国科学院苏州生物医学工程技术研究所 | Virus-protective biological safety bin for living body fluorescence imaging instrument |
| DE102022116468B3 (en) | 2022-07-01 | 2022-12-29 | Cellforce Group Gmbh | Clean room arrangement and method for the rapid provision of a clean room and use of the clean room arrangement |
| WO2024003356A1 (en) | 2022-07-01 | 2024-01-04 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e. V. | Clean room arrangement and method for rapidly providing a clean room |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US5832919A (en) | 1998-11-10 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |