WO2023200797A1

WO2023200797A1 - Airborne pathogen barrier and methods of use thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2023200797A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/018192
Authority: WO
Inventors: David PENSAK; Karen PENSAK
Original assignee: Pensak David; Pensak Karen
Priority date: 2022-04-12
Filing date: 2023-04-11
Publication date: 2023-10-19

Abstract

An airborne pathogen barrier is disclosed herein. The airborne pathogen barrier includes one or more particle filtration fabric layers configured for trapping or capturing aerosol particles having a certain minimum size. The airborne pathogen barrier can be slipped over a human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device to create a breathing environment for the occupant that is substantially free of pathogen-carrying and/or pollutant-carrying aerosol particles.

Description

AIRBORNE PATHOGEN BARRIER AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

This claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/330,183, filed April 12, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference herein.

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an airborne pathogen barrier. In particular, described herein is a flexible and easily-attachable slip on pathogen filtration barrier for attachment to human carrier, transport, or stat ionary containment devices, such as baby strollers or earners, for reducing or eliminating the amount of airborne pathogens to which the occupant is exposed.

Background

Undoubtedly, some of the greatest threats to human life come in the form of bacterial and viral contagions or pathogens, which periodically wreak havoc across the globe causing epidemics and pandemics with the potential to wipe out hundreds, thousands, and even millions of people across the world. From the bubonic plague and the Spanish Flu to most recently COV.ID-19, human hi story has seen its share of deadly pandemics.

Many of the fastest-spreading and widest-reaching pandemics have been caused by airborne pathogens. Indeed, community spread can be rapid as infected individuals breath, sneeze, and cough from their lungs aerosol particles carrying the pathogen. As these pathogen- infested aerosol particles spread throughout the environment, they are inhaled by healthy individuals, thus spreading the disease throughout the region. As cities become ever more crowded, the potential for community spread becomes even more problematic. Moreover, many pathogens, such as influenza and coronavirus, tend to mutate and change into new variants over a relatively short period of time thus delaying or preventing herd immunity and/or the development of highly effective vaccines that could eradicate the pathogen-causing Illness from the human population. One subpopulation that remains relatively unprotected from certain airborne pathogens, such as those causing influenza or coronavirus, are young children and neonates. For example, even as effective coronavirus vaccines and treatments to protect adults against COVID- 19 have been developed from 2020-2022, the United States Food and Drug Administration has been slow to approve vaccines and other treatments suitable for young children and infants younger than two years old. Even face masks, such as N95 masks, have not been approved for children of this age for multiple reasons. As such, the very young remain susceptible to infection.

It is not practical or healthy to keep young children and infants confined to their homes for the extended periods of time necessary to wait until a circulating airborne pathogen bums itself out. Importantly, a need exists for cheap and efficient methods and devices capable of enabling caregivers to protect young children from airborne disease and/or to transport young children, whether such transport be in a stroller for a walk in the park or in a car seat, while reducing the amount of exposure of these young children to pathogen-carrying aerosol particles in the environment. The present invention satisfies this need.

Summary

Described herein is an airborne pathogen barrier or cover for human carrier, transport, or stationary containment devices (e.g., cribs, baby car seats, and strollers) that is an easy to use and low-cost solution to the above-described problem. The airborne pathogen barrier generally includes one or more particle filtration layers made from fabric suitable for removing from the environment a percentage of aerosol particles having a minimum particle size. The airborne pathogen barrier can be combined with (i.e., slipped over lop of) a human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device to create an interior compartment between the occupant portion (i.e., seat) of the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device and the inner surface of the particle filtration layers. As air passes through the particle filtration layer(s) and into the interior compartment, aerosol particles, including aerosol particles carrying pathogens and/or pollutants, become captured or trapped in the particle filtration fabric. As such, the air in the interior chamber does not contain pathogen-infested or pollutanl-canying aerosol particles, or contains a significantly reduced amount of such aerosol particles as compared to the environment immediately exterior to the interior chamber. One aspect of the invention features an airborne pathogen barrier that includes a slip on particle filtration member of a type and size adequate to form a barrier over an occupant portion of a human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device when the particle filtration member is disposed over the occupant portion. The particle filtration member is made of one or more particle filtration fabric layers and having an outer edge for receiving the humrm carrier, transport, or stationary containment device and configured to fi Iter or trap at least 90% of aerosol particles having a particle size of at least 0.5 microns. A portion of the aerosol particles comprise one or more airborne pathogens or airborne pollutants. In some embodiments, the particle filtration member is configured to filter or trap at least 95% of aerosol particles having a particle size of at least 0.3 microns.

In another embodiment, the particle filtration member is configured to form an interior chamber between the inner surface of the particle filtration member and the occupant portion when combined with the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device. In such an embodiment, the particle filtration member reduces the one or more airborne pathogens in the interior chamber as compared to the exterior environment when the particle filtration member is combined with the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device. In yet another embodiment, the outer edge of the particle filtration member includes a stretchable material for providing a means for closure between the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device and the particle filtration member.

In another embodiment, the particle filtration member further comprises a clear plastic window facing the occupant portion when the particle filtration member is combined with the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device. The clear plastic window may be attached to the particle filtration member by a lining or seam, and may be made from flexible vinyl. In some embodiments, the portion of the lining contains a fastening member. An example of a suitable fastening member is a zipper, such as, but not limited to, a coil zipper, stamped plastic zipper, or stamped metal zipper.

In another embodiment, one or more attachment members are disposed on the outer surface of the particle filtration member and configured for attachment to a handle or guard bar of the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device. These attachment members may include a strap, tie, hook and loop attachment, magnets, elastic ribbons, or a combination thereof. In yet another embodiment, the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device is a crib, car seal, baby carrier, or a baby carrier that is part of a stroller, each of which is suitable for a human child of less than about 5 years old.

The particle filtration fabric layers may be configured to filter or trap at least 95% of aerosol particles having a particle size of at least 0.3 microns. In some embodiment, the one or more one particle filtration fabric layers comprise pleated paper or cloth, cellulose, cotton, lycra, bamboo viscose, rayon, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, polyurethane, denim, flannel, or a combination thereof. For instance, the particle filtration fabric layer may be made from a combination of bamboo viscose and cotton or nonwoven polypropylene.

In yet another embodiment, the particle filtration member comprises 2-5 particle filtration fabric layers. Additionally, the airborne pathogen barrier may comprise an additional layer disposed between two of the particle fillration fabric layers composed of activated carbon or charcoal. In yet other embodiments, the one or more particle filtration layers are coated with an antimicrobial material such as, but not limited to, silver sulfadiazine or a silver/polymer complex configured to release silver ions. In still other embodiments, the airborne pathogen is influenza or coronavirus. In yet other embodiments, the airborne pollutants may be one or more of smog, oil smoke, cement dust, heavy dust, pollen, asbestos, tobacco smoke, soot, and/or fumes.

Another aspect of the invention features a pathogen fil tration cover for a baby carrier that includes a particle filtration member configured to be disposed over an occupant portion of a baby transport device, wherein the space between the inner surface of the particle filtration member and the occupant portion forms an interior chamber when the particle filtration member is disposed over the occupant portion. In this aspect, the particle filtration member is made of one or more particle filtration fabric layers, each of which is configured to filter or trap at least 90% of aerosol particles having a particle size of at least 0.5 microns, wherein a portion of the aerosol particles comprise one or more airborne pathogens. As such, the particle filtration member reduces the one or more airborne pathogens in the interior chamber as compared to the exterior environment when the particle filtration member is disposed over the occupant portion.

In another embodiment, the particle filtration member is disposed over the occupant portion of a baby transport device, wherein the space between the inner surface of the particle filtration member and the occupant portion forms the interior chamber, and wherein the particle filtration member reduces the one or more airborne pathogens in the interior chamber as compared to the exterior environment. The pathogen filtration cover may include any one or more of the features described above.

Another aspect of the invention features a method of preventing or reducing pathogen or pollutant exposure to an individual that includes the steps of: (1) providing the airborne pathogen barrier described above; (2) disposing an individual into the occupant portion of the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device; and (3) disposing the airborne pathogen barrier over the occupant portion of a human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device such that the particle filtration member and the occupant portion form an interior chamber, and wherein the particle filtration member comprises a clear plastic window facing the occupant portion. As such, the airborne pathogen barrier reduces the amount of airborne pathogens or pollutants within the interior chamber as compared to the environment immediately exterior to the airborne pathogen barrier. In some embodiments, the individual is a human child less than about 5 years old. In other embodiments, the human child is less than about 2 years old.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent by references to the drawings, detailed description, and examples that follow.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 A depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary airborne pathogen barrier.

FIG. IB depicts a side view of an exemplary airborne pathogen barrier.

FIG. 2 depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary airborne pathogen barrier.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary airborne pathogen barrier used to cover a child’s car seat.

FIG. 4 is a photograph of the front view of an exemplary airborne pathogen barrier used to cover a baby carrier.

FIG. 5 is a photograph of the side view of an exemplary airborne pathogen barrier used to cover a baby carrier.

FIG. 6 is a photograph of the top view of an exemplary airborne pathogen barrier used to cover a baby carrier.

FIG. 7 A depicts a front perspective view of another exemplary airborne pathogen barrier,

FIG. 7B depicts a front perspective view of the airborne pathogen barrier with a child’s car seat visible through the clear plastic window.

FIG. 7C is a side view of the airborne pathogen barrier. FIG. 8A is a photograph of the side view of an exemplary airborne pathogen barrier used to cover a child’s car seat in a partially open configuration revealing the interior compartment.

FIG. 8B is a photograph of the front perspective view of an exemplary airborne pathogen barrier used to cover a child’s car seat in a partially open configuration revealing the interior compartment

FIG. 8C is a photograph of the front perspective view of an exemplary airborne pathogen barrier used to cover a child’s car seat in the closed configuration.

The present invention springs, in part, from the inventors* development of a low-cost, flexible slip on pathogen filtration barrier for covering devices for holding, carrying, or transported individuals to create an internal environment within an interior chamber in which the amount of airborne pathogens is reduced as compared to the external environment The individual is disposed within or otherwise occupies the interior chamber of these now-covered human carrier, transport, or stationary containment devices, which devices may include, for example, baby car seats, baby strollers, and even cribs. As aerosol particles contaminated with disease-causing pathogens or other harmful particles, such as, but not limited to smog, oil smoke, cement dust, asbestos, fly ash, tobacco smoke, soot, and heavy dust, are carried by the circulating air through the particle filtration layer of the airborne pathogen barrier, the pathogen-carrying or otherwise harmful aerosol particles become trapped in the filtration fabric thus reducing or eliminating the amount of pathogens and/or harmful particles in the air that flows into the interior chamber and, ultimately, to the occupant of the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device. The present invention thus allows safe transport of humans, such as young children, during epidemics/pandemics caused by circulating airborne pathogens in the environment. Moreover, the present invention can also be used to transport humans, such as young children, and prevent the inhalation of harmful airborne pollution in the environment.

The airborne pathogen barrier generally includes one or more particle filtration fabric layers to create a particle filtration member or cover of a type and size adequate to form a barrier over most sizes of human carrier, transport, or stationary containment devices, such as baby carriers and baby car seats, it being understood that airborne pathogen barrier can be created in much larger sizes to create a particle filtration barrier over larger devices in which a young child or infant may reside, such as a crib. The particle filtration member is draped over the frame of the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device to form an interior chamber between the occupant portion of the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device and the inner surfaces of the particle filtration member creating a breathing environment that is separate from the outside environment. The outer edges of this particle filtration member can be woven so that they are heavier and do not fray. Some embodiments of the invention will include an adhesive means on the outer edges for creating a better seal or attachment (eg., friction fit) between the outer frame of the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device and the airborne pathogen barrier, such as, but not limited to hook and loop attachment (e.g., VELCRO), magnets, tape, and the like. In some embodiments, the outer edge of the particle filtration member will include a stretchable or expandable liner, which can be achievable by inserting elastic ribbon within the liner and around the outer edges. When the airborne pathogen barrier is slipped over the frame of the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device, the stretchable liner will provide a seal 'attachment to the frame.

When attached to a human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device, the airborne pathogen barrier will create an interior chamber to enable the occupant (e.g., a human child of less than about 5 years old, or less than about 2 years old) to breath in an environment that is separated from the outside environment. The outside environment includes the environment that is immediately external to the interior chamber (Ae., on the other side of the airborne pathogen barrier), which is referred to as “immediately exterior”.

The particle filtration member itself will have an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surface being in contact with the outer environment, and the inner surface fanning part of the interior chamber. Importantly, the inner surfaces of the particle filtration enclosure will not make direct contact with the head/face and upper torso of the human occupant (e.g. , young child or infant). Therefore, there is no risk of suffocation or choking.

As the outside air contacts the outer surface of the particle filtration member and passes through the particle filtration fabric laycrfs) and into the interior chamber of the airborne pathogen barrier, a percentage of aerosols having a minimum particle diameter become trapped or captured in the particle filtration layerfs). Therefore, the air in the interior chamber will have significantly reduced aerosol particles as compared to the air immediately exterior to the airborne pathogen barrier. The airborne pathogen barrier of the instant invention and methods of using the same are described in further detail below.

The methods and compositions and other advances disclosed herein are not limited to particular equipment or processes described herein because such equipment or processes may vary. Further, the terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of that which is disclosed or claimed.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms, terms of art, and acronyms used herein have the meanings commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in the field(s) of the invention, or in the field(s) where the term is used. Although any compositions, methods, articles of manufacture, or other means or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present invention, the preferred compositions, methods, articles of manufacture, or other means or materials are described herein.

Ranges may be used herein in shorthand, to avoid having to list and describe each value within the range. Any appropriate value within the range can be selected, where appropriate, as the upper value, lower value, or the terminus of the range.

As used herein, the singular form of a word includes the plural, and vice versa, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, the references “a”, “an”, and “the” are generally inclusive of the plurals of the respective terms. Likewise the terms “include”, “including”, and “or” should all be construed to be inclusive, unless such a construction is clearly prohibited from the context. Similarly, the term “examples,” particularly when followed by a listing of terms, is merely exemplary and illustrative and should not be deemed exclusive or comprehensive.

The term “comprising” is intended to include embodiments encompassed by the terms “consisting essentially of’ and “consisting of’. Similarly, the term “consisting essentially of* is intended to include embodiments encompassed by the term “consisting of.”

The term “about” refers to the variation in the numerical value of a measurement, e.g. , percentage, length, width, height, diameter, etc., due to typical error rates of the device used to obtain that measure. In one embodiment, the term “about” means within 5% of the reported numerical value; preferably, the term “about” means within 3% of the reported numerical value.

The terms “human carrier device” or “human transport device” are used interchangeably herein to refer to any device in which a human occupant can reside that is movable or transportable by the caregiver. Accordingly, the “human carrier device” or “human transport device” can be carried by the caregiver via one or more handles or fitted with wheels such that it can be pushed or pulled across a surface. In some cases, a “human carrier device” or “human transport device” can be anchored to another object, such as a vehicle. A suitable “human carrier device” or “human transport device” includes, but is not limited to, a stroller (eg., pram or baby carriage, pushchair, buggy, or stroller), a baby carrier (e.g., wrap, ring sling, or a picnic basket converted to a human carrier device), a car seat (for a young child or infant), highchairs, baby bike seats, and activity chairs.

The terms “human holding device” or “stationary human containment device” are used interchangeably herein to refer to a device in which a human occupant can reside that is not easily movable by the caregiver. A suitable “human holding device” or “stationary human containment device” may include, but is not limited to a baby crib, neonate crib, or port crib.

All patents, patent applications, publications, technical and/or scholarly articles, and other references cited or referred to herein are in their entirety incorporated herein by reference to the extent allowed by law. The discussion of those references is intended merely to summarize the assertions made therein. No admission is made that any such patents, patent applications, publications or references, or any portion thereof, are relevant, material, or prior art. The right to challenge the accuracy and pertinence of any assertion of such patents, patent applications, publications, and other references as relevant, material, or prior art is specifically reserved.

In a particular aspect, an airborne pathogen barrier is provided herein that can be used to cover the occupant compartment of human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device, such as, but not limited to, a baby carrier, car seat, or crib to create an interior chamber with reduced pathogen-carrying or other harmful aerosol particles as compared to the environment immediately exterior to the interior chamber. As such, the breathing environment within the interior chamber and to which the occupant is exposed is not contaminated with disease-causing airborne pathogens (or has significantly reduced amounts of disease-causing airborne pathogens) thus significantly decreasing the risk that the occupant will contract the illness. In addition, the interior chamber contains reduced pollutant-carrying aerosol particles as compared to the environment immediately exterior to the chamber, thereby reducing the risk of the occupant being exposed to, e.g., cancer-causing pollutants. In some embodiments, the occupant is a human occupant. The human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device may be a baby transport or holding device in which the human occupant may be a young child or infant less than about 5 years old, or less than about 4 years old, or less than about 3 years old, or less than about 2 years old, or less than about 1 year old.

The airborne pathogen barrier is of a type and size adequate to cover and form a barrier over most common sizes and shapes of human carrier or transport device (e.g., baby carriers, strollers, and car seats) existing in the art. As such, the airborne pathogen barrier may have the dimensions of about 15 in. to about 25 in. in width, and about 20 in. to about 40 in. in length. However, it being understood that the airborne pathogen barrier may be constructed to have any desired dimensions to fit over any shape or size human carrier or transport device, including larger stationary containment devices such as beds and baby cribs.

The airborne pathogen barrier will include a particle filtration member or cover made of one or more particle filtration fabric layers. As air carrying aerosols contaminated with pathogens and/or harmfill particles flows through the particle filtration layer(s) from the external environment, a significant portion of the aerosol particles and other particles above a certain particle size become trapped in or captured by the particle filtration layer(s). Thus, the air passed through the airborne pathogen barrier and into the interior chamber will be free from airborne pathogens and pollutants or have a reduced airborne pathogen and pollutant content as compared to the air immediately exterior to the airborne pathogen barrier.

In preferred embodiments, the particle filtration fabric layerfs) is a fabric made from a natural or synthetic material configured for the capture of a percentage of aerosol particles having a certain minimum particle size. For instance, the particle filtration fabric layer will trap or capture at least about 50% of aerosol particles, e.g., 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.95%, or 99.97% or more, of aerosol particles having a particular minimum diameter, e.g., a particle size of at least about 0.3 microns, 0.4 microns, 0.5 microns, 0.6 microns, 0.7 microns, 0.8 microns, 0.9 microns, 1 micron, 1.5 microns, or 2 microns in diameter. In some embodiments, the particle filtration fabric layer will trap or capture at least about 75% of aerosol particles; or at least about 90% of aerosol particles, or at least about 95% of aerosol particles meeting a particular minimum diameter threshold. Preferably, the particle filtration fabric layer will trap or capture at least about 75% of aerosol particles having a minimum particle threshold from about 0.3 to about 1.5 microns in diameter, more preferably, the particle filtration fabric layer will trap or capture at least about 90% of aerosol particles having a minimum particle threshold from about 0.3 to about 1.5 microns in diameter, more preferably, the particle filtration fabric layer will trap or capture at least about 90% of aerosol particles having a minimum particle threshold from about 0.3 microns to about 1 micron in diameter. In another embodiment, the particle filtration fabric layer will trap or capture at least about 90% of aerosol particles having a particle size of at least about 0.5 microns in diameter, or will trap or capture at least about 90% of aerosol particles having a particle size of at least about 0.3 microns in diameter, or will trap or capture at least about 95% of aerosol particles having particle size of at least about 0.3 microns in diameter. In a particular aspect, the particle filtration fabric layer will trap or capture al least about 95% of aerosol particles having a particle size of al least about 03 microns in diameter, which is referred to as an “N95” or “P95” (if oil-resistant) rated fabric layer.

The particle filtration fabric layer is configured to trap or capture aerosol particles (and other particles) by diffusion, interception, inertial impaction, or electrostatic attraction, each of which are well known in the art and will not be discussed further herein. The particle fillration fabric layer can be made from any suitable material so long as it meets the aerosol particle capture requirements discussed above. For instance, particle filtration fabric layer can be made of pleated paper or cloth, cellulose, cotton, lycra, bamboo viscose, rayon, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, polyurethane, denim, flannel, or any combination thereof. The fabric knit may be selected from any suitable knit such as, but not limited to jersey knit, rib knit, interlock knit, French Terry knit, or fleece knit, and may include wicking fibers, such as polyester fibers, on the surface to impart higher performance and durability to the fabric layer. For instance, in one particular embodiment, the particle filtration fabric is made from a jersey knit cotton material, whereas in another embodiment, the particle filtration fabric is made from a combination of bamboo viscose and organic cotton. In some embodiments, the particle filtration fabric is made of unwoven synthetic fibers. In other embodiments, the particle filtration fabric layer may be made of pleated cotton or polyester or from unwoven polypropylene fibers, e.g. , a particle filtration fabric layer that is an N95-raled fabric made of unwoven polypropylene fibers. In each case, the particle filtration fabric is engineered to trap or capture aerosol particles according to the filtration requirements above.

The particle filtration fabric layers may be chosen with a thickness and weight that balances the durability and particle filtration qualities while ensuring breathability. Thus, in some embodiments, the particle filtration fabric layer has a thickness of about 0.3 mm to about 6 mm, e.g., 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, or 6 mm, and a weight of about 100 g'm² to about 800 g/m², e.g., 100 g/m², 120 g/m², 140 g/m², 160 g'm², 180 g/m², 200 g/m², 220 g/m², 240 g/m², 260 gm², 280 g/m², 300 g/m², 320 g/m², 340 g/m², 360 g/m², 380 g/m², 400 gm², 420 g/m², 440 g'm², 460 g/m², 480 g/m², 500 g/m², 520 g/m², 540 g/m², 560 g'm², 580 g/m², 600 gm², 620 g'm², 640 g'm²660 g/m², 680 g/m², 700 g'm², 720 g''m², 740 g/m², 760 g/m², 780 g'm², or 800 g'm². Preferably, the thickness of the particle filtration fabric layer is from about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm with a weight of about 200 g/m² to about 600 g/m². For instance, in the nonlimiting embodiment described below, the particle filtration fabric layer is a combination of bamboo viscose and organic cotton having a thickness of about 2 mm and a weight of about 500 g/m² (ZORB 3D Diamond Fabric W-516, Wazoodlc Fabrics, Bensalem, Pennsylvania, United States of America), which thickness can be reduced to about 0.4 mm to about 0.6 mm by pre-washing prior to use. The particle filtration fabric layer can be made using any art standard technique (e.g., weaving, knitting, bonding, felting tufting or melt blowing).

The airborne pathogen barrier may include 1-5, or more, particle filtration layers, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more particle filtration layers. The different particle filtration layers can be the same fabric, or they can be different fabrics. Preferably, if multiple particle filtration fabric layers are used to construct the airborne pathogen barrier, then at least one of the particle filtration fabric layers meets the particle filtration requirement discussed above.

In one exemplaiy embodiment, the airborne pathogen barrier is made of two particle filtration layers. In such an embodiment, the outer particle filtration fabric layer is disposed on the inner particle filtration fabric layer, whereby at least the inner particle filtration fabric layer is capable of trapping or capturing at least about 75% of aerosol particles having a particle size of at least about 0.5 microns in diameter, more preferably, the inner particle filtration fabric layer will trap or capture at least about 90% of aerosol particles having a particle size of at least about 0.5 microns in diameter; more preferably, the inner particle fillration fabric layer will trap or capture at least about 90% of aerosol particles having a particle size of at least about 0.3 microns in diameter, or al least about 95% of aerosol particles having a particle size of al least about 0.3 microns in diameter. The particle filtration fabric layers can be adhered together by any suitable means such as, but not limited to, heat sealing tape, adhesive, quilting, and the like. In some aspects, it may be desired to coat the particle filtration fabric layers) with an antiviral or antimicrobial composition. For instance, an antibacterial composition containing one or more antibiotics may be used to coat the external surface of the particle filtration fabric. Suitable compositions may contain silver sulfadiazine (e.g., Silvadene), a metal/polymer complex that releases silver ions (e.g., SILVADUR (Dow Industrial BioSciences, Wilmington, DE, USA)) or an antibiotic agent, such as bacitracin, neomycin, or polymyxin B. For instance, in one non-limiting embodiment, the particle filtration fabric layers) is coated with SILVADUR to deliver a silver concentration of about 5 parts per million (ppm) to about 700 ppm, e.g., 5 ppm, 10 ppm, 15 ppm, 50 ppm, 100 ppm, 150 ppm, 200 ppm, 250 ppm, 300 ppm, 350 ppm, 400 ppm, 450 ppm, 500 ppm, 550 ppm, 600 ppm, 650 ppm, or 700 ppm. When multiple particle filtration fabric layers are employed, the antibacterial composition may be used to coat the outermost particle fillration fabric layer to decrease the chances of the coated layer coming into contact with the skin of the airborne pathogen barrier occupant.

In some embodiments of the invention, the airborne pathogen barrier may have one or more additional layers formulated for removing non-medical pollutants from the air such as, but not limited to, smog, oil smoke, cement dust, heavy dust, pollen, asbestos, tobacco smoke, soot, fumes, and the like. For instance, the optional additional layers) may comprise activated carbon, charcoal, or other material known in the art for adsorption of non-medical pollutants. These additional non-medical pollutant fi Illation layers can be, e.g., disposed between the inner and outer particle filtration fabric layers. The dimensions of the airborne pathogen barrier may vary to adequately cover an infant to a baby’s crib. As such, the airborne pathogen may be between about 30 in. (about 76.2 cm) to about 90 in. (about 228.6 cm), e.g, 30 in., 31 in., 32 in., 33 in., 34 in., 35 in., 36 in., 37 in., 38 in. 39 in., 40 in., 41 in., 42 in., 43 in., 44 in., 45 in., 46 in., 47 in., 48 in., 49 in., 50 in., 51 in., 52 in., 53 in., 54 in., 55 in., 56 in., 57 in., 58 in., 59 in., 60 in.,

61 in., 62 in., 63 in., 64 in., 65 in., 66 in., 67 in., 68 in., 69 in., 70 in., 71 in., 72 in., 73 in., 74 in.,

75 in., 76 in., 77 in., 78 in., 79 in., 80 in., 81 in., 82 in., 83 in., 84 in., 85 in., 86 in., 87 in., 88 in.,

89 in., or 90 in., or more in length by about 12 in. (about 30.5 cm) to about 90 in. (about 228.6 cm), e.g., 12 in,, 13 in., 14 in., 15 in., 16 in., 17 in., 18 in., 19 in., 20 in., 21 in., 22 in., 23 in., 24 in., 25 in., 26 in., 27 in., 28 in., 29 in., 30 in., 31 in., 32 in,, 33 in., 34 in., 35 in., 36 in., 37 in., 38 in. 39 in., 40 in., 41 in., 42 in., 43 in., 44 in., 45 in., 46 in., 47 in., 48 in., 49 in., 50 in., 51 in., 52 in., 53 in., 54 in., 55 in., 56 in., 57 in., 58 in., 59 in., 60 in., 61 in., 62 in., 63 in., 64 in., 65 in., 66 in., 67 in., 68 in., 69 in., 70 in., 71 in., 72 in., 73 in., 74 in., 75 in., 76 in., 77 in., 78 in., 79 in., 80 in., 81 in., 82 in., 83 in., 84 in., 85 in., 86 in., 87 in., 88 in., 89 in., or 90 in.in width. Multiple particle filtration fabric layers may be attached together by suitable techniques known in the art, such as quilting, fastening with tape, or otherwise sewn together.

It may also be desirable for the caregiver or user of the airborne pathogen barrier to be able to have a direct line of sight (i.e., see) into the interior chamber to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual seated in the occupant portion of the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device when the airborne pathogen barrier is in place. As such, in preferred embodiments, the airborne pathogen barrier will include a flexible, clear, plastic window or flap. Suitable plastics are known in the art and include, but are not limited to vinyl, polypropylene, and other similar flexible plastic materials The window or flap can be sewn into or otherwise incorporated into the particle filtration fabric layerfs), e.g., positioned such that the window or flap is on the surface of the particle filtration fabric layer(s) opposite the occupant portion of the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device (see, for example, FIGS. 3, 4, 7, and 8). The flexible, clear, plastic window or flap may be about 2 in. (5,1 cm) to about 10 in. (25.4 cm), e.g., 2 in., 3 in., 4 in., 5 in., 6 in., 7 in., 8 in., 9 in., or 10 in. in width, and about 2 in. (5.1 cm) to about 10 in. (25.4 cm), e.g., 2 in., 3 in., 4 in., 5 in., 6 in., 7 in., 8 in., 9 in., or 10 in., in length. In one particular embodiment, the flexible, clear, plastic window or flap may be 3 in. by 8 in., or 4 in. by 6 in. In another particular embodiment, the flexible, clear, plastic window or flap may be about 10 in. in width by about 4 in. in length.

The flexible, clear, plastic window or flap may have a thickness of from about 2 to about 30 gauge, e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 gauge. Preferably the thickness of the window or flap is from about 2 gauge to about 8 gauge; more preferably, the thickness of the window or flap is from about 3 gauge to about 6 gauge. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the window or flap is 2 gauge, 3 gauge, or 4 gauge clear vinyl plastic.

In some embodiments, the flexible, clear, plastic window or flap will be easily detachable (or at least partially detachable) from the airborne pathogen barrier thereby creating a porthole through the particle filtration layer(s) and providing easy access to the interior chamber without having to remove the airborne pathogen barrier from the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device. In this manner, the caregiver can tend to the occupant quickly (e.g., give food and water to the occupant) while minimize exposure of the occupant to the external environment. To this end, the flexible, clear, plastic window can be attached to the particle fi ltration layer(s) by way of lining, a portion of which includes a fastening member. Suitable fastening members are readily available in the art and include, but are not limited to zippers (e.g., coil zipper, stamped plastic zipper, stamped metal zipper), hook and loop attachment (e.g., VELCRO), magnets, elastic ribbons, and the like. An example of the detachable flexible, clear, plastic window or flap is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

In another embodiment, the device includes a flexible, clear plastic window that is sewn or otherwise attached to the particle filtration layer(s) to provide a line of sight into and out of the interior compartment, but is otherwise not detachable (see, e.g., FIGS. 7 and 8).

It may also be desirable for the caregiver to be able to hear sounds made by the occupant of the airborne pathogen barrier without having to first open the window or flap or remove the airborne pathogen barrier from the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device occupied by the individual (e.g., a human child or infant). To this end, a microphone and speaker or baby monitoring device can be incorporated into the airborne pathogen barrier. The microphone or monitoring device can be anchored to the inside of the airborne pathogen barrier (e.g., to the inner surface of the window/flap or particle fi ltration fabric layer). The speaker or video monitor can be adhered to the outside of the airborne pathogen barrier for ease of viewing/listening by the caregiver. Alternatively, the microphone or baby monitor can be linked to a mobile device. In this manner, the caregiver can quickly access the inner chamber of the airborne pathogen barrier should the occupant become agitated or cry out.

The airborne pathogen barrier may also include a thermal measuring device, such as a thermometer, digital infrared non-contact forehead thermometer, thermoscanner, and the like, that can be used to measuring the body temperature of the occupant and provide body temperature readings to a monitoring device (e.g., via wireless) held and monitored by the caregiver. The thermal measuring device can be anchored or otherwise affixed to the inner surface of the window/flap or particle filtration fabric layer. In this manner, the caregiver can monitor the body temperature of the human occupant without accessing the interior chamber.

The airborne pathogen barrier can be used to protect human children or infants (e.g., whether bom naturally, prematurely, and/or by Caesarian section). Some human infants, for example, might be bom with breathing complications or difficulty. As such, the airborne pathogen barrier may also include a small, battery-powered fan (eg., computer fan) that is anchored or otherwise affixed to the inner surface of the window/flap or particle filtration fabric layer to increase air circulation within the interior chamber.

The airborne pathogen barrier may additionally include one or more attachment means for anchoring or affixing the particle filtration member to the outer frame of the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device. In one embodiment, the other edges of the particle filtration member can be woven so that they are heavier and do not fray. Some embodiments of the invention will include an adhesive means on the outer edges for creating a better seal or attachment (e.g., friction fit) between the outer frame of the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device and the airborne pathogen barrier, such as, but not limited to hook and loop attachment (e.g., VELCRO), magnets, tape, and the like. In some embodiments, the outer edge of the particle filtration member will include a stretchable or expandable liner, which can be achievable by inserting elastic ribbon or fabric within the liner and around the outer edges. Alternatively, an elastic ribbon or fabric may be stitched, sewn, or woven around the outer edges of the particle filtration member and, optionally, fitted with one or more clasps for ease of attachment/adjustment to multiple sizes of human carrier, transport, or stationary containment devices.

In addition, the airborne pathogen barrier may have one or more additional attachment members for further anchoring the airborne pathogen barrier to the frame of the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device. For instance, pairs of straps can be sewn into or otherwise attached to the outer surfaces of the airborne pathogen barrier, the ends of which include adhesive or other attachment means. Suitable adhesive or attachment materials include, but are not limited to, straps, ties, tape, hook and loop attachment, magnets, elastic ribbons, or a combination thereof. In this manner, the pairs of straps can be fastened around the carrier handles or guard bars to further attach the airborne pathogen barrier to the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device and hold the airborne pathogen barrier in place (see, for example, FIG. 4).

An exemplary airborne pathogen barrier is depicted in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b. The airborne pathogen barrier 10 includes a particle filtration fabric member 15 that generally forms an enclosure around a human carrier or transport device (e.g., baby carrier or car seat) via the opened end 45. The attachment of the airborne pathogen barrier 10 to the human carrier or transport device creates an interior chamber 50 (see FIG. 2, the human carrier or transport device is not shown). The particle filtration fabric member 15 is constructed from a single fabric layer made of a combination of bamboo vi scose and organic cotton (ZORB 3D Diamond Fabric W- 516, Wazoodle Fabrics, Bensalem, Pennsylvania, United States of America), it being understood that multiple fabric layers can be used to create the particle filtration fabric member.

The outer edges 40 of the particle filtration fabric member 15 includes a stretchable, or elastic material to enable more secure attachment of the airborne pathogen barrier 10 to the outer frame of the human carrier or transport device. The airborne pathogen barrier 10 also includes a clear, flexible plastic window or flap 20 made of gauge 3 vinyl that is affixed to the particle filtration fabric member 15 by a zipper 25. The clear, flexible plastic window or flap 20 allows a line of site into and out of the interior chamber 50 of the airborne pathogen barrier 10. The user can access the interior chamber 50 by unzipping the zipper 25 using the pull tab 30 and opening the clear plastic window or flap 20 (see FIG. 2). The airborne pathogen barrier 10 can be slid over a baby transport device, such as a car seat 55 (see FIG. 3). The stretchable/elastic lining 40 provides a closure between the outer surfaces of the sides of the car seat 55 and the particle filtration fabric member 15. The car seat 55 is then disposed with the interior chamber 50. When an infant is seated in the car seat 55, the user can view the child through the clear, flexible plastic flap 20 and access the interior chamber 50 and the infant by unzipping the clear plastic flap 20 without having to remove the airborne pathogen barrier 10 from the car seat 55.

In some embodiments, the airborne pathogen barrier 10 is used to cover a baby carrier, such as a baby carrier that fits into a frame of a stroller or other similar device. Many such baby carriers have handles, guard bars, and other similar components attached to the baby carrier and/or stroller frame. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the airborne pathogen barrier 10 includes two sets of fastening elements 35, 35* that can be looped around the frame component and attached via a hook and loop attachment mechanism (z.e., VELCRO). However, other fastening elements are also suitable, such as, but not limited to, magnets, buttons, latches, elastic ribbons, and the like.

FIGS. 4-6 are photographs of the airborne pathogen barrier 10 covering a baby carrier 60. The baby carrier includes a handle 65. As shown in the photographs, the fastening elements 35, 35* are fastened to the handle 65 to further secure the airborne pathogen barrier 10 onto the baby carrier 60. An infant can be seated in the baby carrier 60, which, when the airborne pathogen barrier 10 is secured in place, is protected from airborne pathogens that may be circulating in the external environment. The interior compartment of the airborne pathogen barrier is sufficiently spaced from the head and body from the infant such that the infant will not make direct contact with the inner surfaces of the airborne pathogen barrier.

FIGS. 7 and 8 depicts another exemplary airborne pathogen barrier with a non-detachable window. As shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, the airborne pathogen barrier 100 includes a particle filtration fabric member 105 that generally forms an enclosure around the car seal 155. The particle filtration fabric member 105 is constructed from a single fabric layer made of a combination of bamboo viscose and organic cotton (ZORB 3D Diamond Fabric W-516, Wazoodle Fabrics, Bensalem, Pennsylvania, United States of America). In other embodiments, the particle filtration fabric member 105 is constructed of two or three layers of fabric material. The elastic liner 130 at the open end attaches the airborne pathogen barrier 100 to the car seat 155. The airborne pathogen barrier 100 also includes a clear, flexible plastic window 110 that is stitched to the particle filtration fabric member 105 via seam 115. The flexible, plastic window 110 is made of gauge 3 vinyl and allows a line of site into and out of the interior chamber of the airborne pathogen barrier 100. The particle filtration fabric member 105 can be anchored to the handle 125 of the car seat 155 by a pair of straps 120 that can be tied manually by the user.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate how the airborne pathogen barrier 100 can be used to cover the car seat 155. The particle filtration fabric member 105 is anchored to the car seat by way of the elastic liner 130, and the particle filtration fabric member 105 is stretched over the car seat such that an interior compartment 140 is created between the occupant portion 145 of the car seat 155 and the interior surface 135 of the particle filtration fabric member 105. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the particle filtration fabric member 105 is partially pulled back thereby permitting access to the interior compartment 140. This can be done without removing the straps 120 from the handle 125. To close, the user can simply pull the particle filtration fabric member 105 over the interior compartment 140 of the car seat 155 such that the elastic liner 130 holds the particle filtration fabric member 105 in place (see FIG. 8C). A direct line of site into the interior compartment 140 is provided by via the flexible, plastic window 110, which, in this embodiment, is stitched to the particle filtration fabric member 105 al seam 115 and is not detachable.

As noted above, the airborne pathogen barrier of the present invention can be used with human holding devices, which include cribs and other stationary human containment devices where the human occupant can be oriented in the horizontal or sleeping position. The airborne pathogen barrier is disposed over the occupant portion of the stationary human containment device in a manner similar to what is described above for the human carrier or transport device.

The airborne pathogen barrier design may also be designed as one or more particle filtration fabric layers for use with a human carrier (eg., a human caregiver carrying a child) such that the airborne pathogen barrier is draped over the arms of the human carrier and, optionally, attached or strapped to the human carrier by one or more suitable attachment members, such as, but not limited to, straps, ties, tape, buttons, hook and loop attachment, magnets, elastic ribbons, or a combination thereof. In this embodiments, the edges of the particle filtration fabric layers may be bound or edged with tape or other suitable material.

Also provided herein is a method of removing or reducing the amount of airborne pathogens to which the occupant of a human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device is exposed. The airborne pathogen may be a bacteria or virus, such as influenza virus, tuberculosis, or coronavirus. As individuals cough, sneeze, or breath, small aerosol particles from their lungs are expelled into the environment and begin to circulate. Many of the aerosol particles carry the pathogen, thereby increasing the chances of transmission of the pathogen to an otherwise healthy individual who happens to be within the same environment, such as, but not limited to, rooms, elevators, vehicles, parks, sidewalks, and the like. In addition, the environment may contain one or more pollutants, such as, but not limited to smog, oil smoke, cement dust, asbestos, fly ash, tobacco smoke, soot, and heavy dust. Accordingly, the individual breathing the aerosols in the environment containing these pollutants may have an increased risk of developing illness, such as ameer, asbestosis, and the like.

To safely transport or otherwise protect an individual (eg., a young human child or infant) in a potentially contaminated environment without significant exposure to the pathogencarrying and/or pollutant-carrying aerosol particles, the airborne pathogen barrier is slipped over the occupant portion (i.e., seat) of a human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device, such as a crib, baby carrier, car seat, stroller, and the like such that the combination of the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device and airborne pathogen barrier fomis an interior compartment For embodiments with fasteners (i.e, VELCRO), the straps are wrapped around the handle or guard bars and attached to anchor the airborne pathogen barrier in place.

In embodiments, with a detachable window, the caregiverunzips the flexible, clear, plastic window or flap to gain access to the interior compartment and places the child safely into the seat or other occupant portion of the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device. The caregiver then zips up the flexible, clear, plastic window or flap to close off the interior chamber and create a breathing environment for the child that is free of, or has significantly reduced, aerosol particles contaminated with pathogens and/or pollutants. In other embodiments, the caregiver can access the occupant portion of the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device by simply removing the airborne pathogen barrier (see, for example, FIGS. 8A-8C). In some embodiments, the child is less than about 5 years old, preferably, the child is less than about 2 years old

The airborne pathogen barrier can be used with human carrier or transport devices used to transport or cany human occupants (e.g., young children or infants) on an airplane, bus, train, cruise ship, etc. to protect the human occupant from airborne pathogens and/or to prevent the spread of airborne pathogens to other passengers.

In some situations, the human occupant (eg., infant or young child) may already be infected with an airborne pathogen. Thus, the airborne pathogen barrier can be used with a human carrier device, human transport device, or stationary human containment device in the same manner as described above to prevent the infected human occupant from spreading the infection to others that are in close proximity to the interior chamber. In other words, when the human occupant coughs or sneezes, aerosols carrying the airborne pathogen move from the interior chamber to the particle filtration member and become trapped or captured, thus preventing or reducing pathogen-contaminated aerosols from escaping to the external environment possibly infecting the caregiver or other individuals in close proximity to the airborne pathogen barrier. For instance, the airborne pathogen barrier can be disposed over a neonatal crib in a maternity ward or other medical care facility to prevent the spread of airborne pathogens to other neonates.

The airborne pathogen barrier can be washed or sterilized by suitable sterilization means, including, but not limited to heat (eg., baking for about 200° F), ultraviolet radiation, ethylene oxide, steam, or washing with ethanol or isopropanol, without losing its particle filtration properties.

The airborne pathogen barrier may also include particle filtration fabric layers made from cellulose or other similar material to create a disposable version for short term protection systems. The airborne pathogen barrier can also be used to protect animals (e.g., dogs, cats, deer, pigs, chickens, minks, ferrets, horses, gorillas, chimpanzees, and the like) from airborne pathogens or other pollutants during transport by placing over cages or other animal transport devices. Larger versions of the device can easily be constructed using the guidance herein for creating breathing environments with significantly reduced pathogen-containing aerosol particles.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and exemplified herein, but is capable of variation and modification within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

I claim:

1. An airborne pathogen barrier comprising: a slip on particle filtration member of a type and size adequate to form a barrier over an occupant portion of a human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device when the particle filtration member is disposed over the occupant portion, the particle filtration member comprising one or more particle filtration fabric layers and having an outer edge for receiving the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device and configured to filter or trap at least 90% of aerosol particles having a particle size of at least 0.5 microns, wherein a portion of the aerosol particles comprise one or more airborne pathogens or airborne pollutants.

2. The airborne pathogen barrier of claim 1 , wherein the particle filtration member is configured to form an interior chamber between an inner surface of the particle filtration member and the occupant portion when combined with the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device, wherein the particle filtration member reduces the one or more airborne pathogens in the interior chamber as compared to an exterior environment when the particle filtration member is combined with the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device.

3. The airborne pathogen barrier of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the outer edge comprises stretchable material for providing a means for closure between the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device and the particle filtration member.

4. The airborne pathogen barrier of claim 1, claim 2, or claim 3, wherein the particle filtration member further comprises a dear plastic window facing the occupant portion when the particle filtration member is combined with the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device.

5. The airborne pathogen barrier of claim 4, wherein the clear plastic window is attached to the particle filtration member by a lining or seam.

6. The airborne pathogen barrier of claim 5, wherein the clear plastic window comprises flexible vinyl.

7. The airborne pathogen barrier of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein a portion of the lining comprises a fastening membar.

8. The airborne pathogen barrier of claim 7, wherein the fastening member comprises a zipper.

9. The airborne pathogen barrier of claim 8, wherein the zipper is selected from the group consisting of a coil zipper, stamped plastic zipper, and stamped metal zipper.

10, The airborne pathogen barrier of any one of claims 1-9, further comprising one or more attachment members disposed on an outer surface of the particle filtration member and configured for attachment to a handle or guard bar of the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device.

11. The airborne pathogen barrier of claim 10, wherein the one or more attachment members comprise a strap, lie, hook and loop attachment, magnets, elastic ribbons, or a combination thereof.

12. The airborne pathogen barrier of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device is a crib, car seat, baby carrier, or a baby carrier that is part of a stroller, and the human is less than about 5 years old.

13. The airborne pathogen barrier of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the one or more one particle filtration fabric layers are configured to filter or trap al least 95% of aerosol panicles having a particle size of at least 0.3 microns.

14. The airborne pathogen barrier of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the one or more one particle filtration fabric layers comprise pleated paper or cloth, cellulose, cotton, lycra, bamboo viscose, rayon, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, polyurethane, denim, flannel, or a combination thereof.

15. The airborne pathogen barrier of claim 14, wherein the particle filtration fabric layer comprises a combination of bamboo viscose and cotton.

16. The airborne pathogen barrier of claim 14, wherein the particle filtration fabric layer comprises nonwoven polypropylene.

17. The airborne pathogen barrier of any one of claims 1 - 16, wherein the particle filtration member comprises 2-5 particle fillration fabric layers.

18. The airborne pathogen barrier of claim 17, further comprising an additional layer disposed between two of the particle filtration fabric layers, wherein the additional layer comprises activated carbon or charcoal.

19. The airborne pathogen barrier of any one of claims 1-18, wherein the one or more particle filtration layers are coated with an antimicrobial material.

20. The airborne pathogen barrier of claim 19, wherein the antimicrobial material is selected from the group consisting of silver sulfadiazine or a silver/polymer complex configured to release silver ions.

21. The airborne pathogen barrier of any one of claims 1 -20, wherein the particle filtration member is configured to filter or trap at least 95% of aerosol particles having a particle size of at least 0.3 microns.

22. The airborne pathogen barrier of any one of claims 1 -21, wherein the airborne pathogen is influenza or coronavirus.

23. The airborne pathogen barrier of any one of claims 1 -22, wherein the airborne pollutants comprises one or more of smog, oil smoke, cement dust, heavy dust, pollen, asbestos, tobacco smoke, soot, or fumes.

24. A pathogen filtration cover for a baby carrier, comprising: a particle filtration member configured to be disposed over an occupant portion of a baby transport device, wherein a space between an inner surface of the particle filtration member and the occupant portion forms an interior chamber when the particle filtration member is disposed over the occupant portion, the particle filtration member comprising one or more particle filtration fabric layers, each of which is configured to filter or trap at least 90% of aerosol particles having a particle size of at least 0.5 microns, wherein a portion of the aerosol particles comprise one or more airborne pathogens; and wherein the particle filtration member reduces the one or more airborne pathogens in the interior chamber as compared to an exterior environment when the particle filtration member is disposed over the occupant portion.

25. The pathogen filtration cover of claim 24, wherein the particle fi Itration member is disposed over the occupant portion of a baby transport device, wherein the space between the inner surface of the parti cle filtration member and the occupant portion forms the interior chamber, and wherein the particle filtration member reduces the one or more airborne pathogens in the interior chamber as compared to the exterior environment.

26. The pathogen filtration cover of claim 24 or claim 25, wherein an outer edge of the particle filtration member comprises stretchable material for providing a means for closure between the baby transport device and the particle fillration member.

27. The pathogen filtration cover of claim 24, claim 25, or claim 26, wherein the particular filtration member further comprises a clear plastic window facing the occupant portion of the baby transport device.

28. The pathogen filtration cover of claim 27, wherein the clear plastic window comprises flexible vinyl.

29. The pathogen filtration cover of any one of claims 24-28, further comprising one or more attachment members disposed on an outer surface of the particle filtration member and configured for attachment to a handle or guard bar of the baby transport device.

30. The pathogen filtration cover of any one of claims 24-29, wherein the baby transport device is a car seal, baby carrier, or a baby carrier that is part of a stroller.

31. The pathogen filtration cover of any one of claims 24-30, wherein the one or more one particle filtration fabric layers are configured to filter or trap at least 95% of aerosol particles having a particle size of at least 0.3 microns.

32. The pathogen filtration cover of any one of claims 24-31 , wherein the one or more one particle filtration fabric layers comprise pleated paper or cloth, cellulose, cotton, lycra, bamboo viscose, rayon, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, polyurethane, denim, flannel, or a combination thereof.

33. The pathogen filtration cover of claim 32, wherein the particle filtration fabric layer comprises a combination of bamboo viscose and cotton

34. The pathogen filtration cover of claim 32, wherein the particle filtration fabric layer comprises nonwoven polypropylene.

35. The pathogen filtration cover of any one of claims 24-34, wherein the particle fillration member comprises 2-5 particle filtration fabric layers.

36. The pathogen filtration cover of claim 35, further comprising an additional layer disposed between two of the particle filtration fabric layers, wherein the additional layer comprises activated carbon or charcoal.

37. The pathogen filtration cover of any one of claims 24-36, wherein the one or more particle filtration layers are coated with an antimicrobial material.

38. The pathogen filtration cover of claim 37, wherein the antimicrobial material is selected from the group consisting of silver sulfadiazine or a silver polymer complex configured to release silver ions.

39. The pathogen filtration cover of any one of claims 24-38, wherein the airborne pathogen is influenza or coronavirus.

40. A method of preventing or reducing pathogen or pollutant exposure to an individual, the method comprising:

(D providing the airborne pathogen barrier of any one of claims 1-23;

(2) disposing an individual into an occupant portion of a human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device; and

(3) disposing the airborne pathogen barrier over die occupant portion of the human carrier, transport, or stationary containment device, wherein the particle filtration member and the occupant portion form an interior chamber, and wherein the particle fi Itration member comprises a clear plastic window facing the occupant portion; wherein the airborne pathogen barrier reduces the mount of airborne pathogens or pollutants within the interior chamber as compared to an environment immediately exterior to the airborne pathogen barrier.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the individual is a human child less than about 5 years old.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein the human child is less than about 2 years old.