AIRBORNE PATHOGEN SANITIZATION SYSTEM

Abstract

A vehicle lavatory monument assembly that includes an enclosure having a plurality of walls that cooperate to define a lavatory interior, an entry door positioned on one of the plurality of walls, and a sanitization assembly positioned in the lavatory interior. The sanitization assembly includes a duct portion that includes an inner surface that defines a duct interior, an inlet, an outlet and an airflow path that extends from the inlet, through the duct interior and out the outlet. A fan is positioned to move air in through the inlet and out through the outlet. An air sanitizing light system that includes at least a first air sanitizing light emitter is disposed in the duct interior between the inlet and the outlet. A reflective coating is disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface.

Claims

1. A vehicle lavatory monument assembly comprising: an enclosure that includes a plurality of walls that cooperate to define a lavatory interior, wherein an entry door is positioned on one of the plurality of walls, and a sanitization assembly positioned in the lavatory interior, wherein the sanitization assembly includes a duct portion that includes an inner surface that defines a duct interior, an inlet, an outlet and an airflow path that extends from the inlet, through the duct interior and out the outlet, wherein a fan is positioned to move air in through the inlet and out through the outlet, wherein an air sanitizing light system that includes at least a first air sanitizing light emitter is disposed in the duct interior between the inlet and the outlet, and wherein a reflective coating is disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface.

2. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 1 wherein the air sanitizing light system includes a plurality of air sanitizing light emitters arranged in a first circumferential array about the inner surface of the duct portion.

3. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 2 further comprising a sink positioned in the lavatory interior, wherein the sanitization assembly is positioned above the sink, wherein the duct portion includes a transparent section defined therein, wherein an exterior sanitizing light system that includes at least a first exterior sanitizing light emitter is disposed in the duct interior, wherein the first exterior sanitizing light emitter is positioned to direct light through the transparent section and to an exterior of the duct portion.

4. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 3 further comprising a fragrance dispenser positioned within the airflow path between the inlet and the outlet.

5. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 2 wherein the inner surface of the duct portion defines a radius, wherein the air sanitizing light emitters in the first circumferential array are arranged to direct light radially inwardly.

6. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 2 wherein the air sanitizing light emitters in the first circumferential array are arranged to direct light at a non-zero angle to the radius.

7. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 2 wherein the air sanitizing light emitters in the first circumferential array are arranged in a helical pattern.

8. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 1 wherein the sanitization assembly includes a mounting member that includes a main body portion and first and second bracket members connected to the main body portion, wherein the first and second bracket members each include an opening defined therethrough, wherein the duct portion extends through the openings in the first and second bracket members.

9. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 1 wherein the air moving through the duct interior cools the first sanitizing light emitter.

10. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 4 wherein the fragrance dispenser is positioned within the airflow path between the inlet and the transparent section.

11. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 4 wherein the fragrance dispenser is positioned within the airflow path and adjacent the inlet.

12. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 4 wherein the fragrance dispenser is positioned within the airflow path and adjacent the outlet.

13. A vehicle lavatory monument assembly comprising: an enclosure that includes a plurality of walls that cooperate to define a lavatory interior, wherein an entry door is positioned on one of the plurality of walls, wherein a sink is positioned on one of the plurality of walls, wherein the sink includes a backsplash, wherein a mirror is positioned above the sink, and a first sanitization assembly positioned between the mirror and the backsplash, wherein the first sanitization assembly includes a duct portion that includes an inner surface that defines a duct interior, an inlet, an outlet and an airflow path that extends from the inlet, through the duct interior and out the outlet, wherein a fan is positioned to move air in through the inlet and out through the outlet, wherein the duct portion includes a transparent section defined therein between the inlet and the outlet, wherein a reflective coating is disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface, an air sanitizing light system that includes a plurality of air sanitizing light emitters arranged in a first circumferential array about the inner surface of the duct portion disposed in the duct interior between the inlet and the transparent section, wherein the air moving through the duct interior cools the first sanitizing light emitter, an exterior sanitizing light system that includes a plurality of exterior sanitizing light emitters disposed in the duct interior and positioned to direct light through the transparent section and to the sink, a fragrance dispenser positioned within the airflow path between the transparent section and the outlet.

14. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 13 further comprising a second sanitization assembly disposed in the lavatory interior, wherein the second sanitization assembly includes a duct portion that includes an inner surface that defines a duct interior, an inlet, an outlet and an airflow path that extends from the inlet, through the duct interior and out the outlet, wherein a reflective coating is disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface, an air sanitizing light system that includes a plurality of air sanitizing light emitters arranged in a first circumferential array about the inner surface of the duct portion disposed in the duct interior between the inlet and the outlet, and a fragrance dispenser positioned within the airflow path between the transparent section and the outlet.

15. The vehicle lavatory monument assembly of claim 14 wherein the sink includes an outboard side surface, wherein the mirror includes an outboard side surface, and wherein the outlet and the fan are positioned outboard of the outboard side surface.

16. A sanitization assembly comprising: a duct portion that includes an inner surface that defines a duct interior, an inlet, an outlet and an airflow path that extends from the inlet, through the duct interior and out the outlet, a fan positioned to move air in through the inlet and out through the outlet, an air sanitizing light system that includes at least a first air sanitizing light emitter disposed in the duct interior between the inlet and the outlet, and a reflective coating is disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface.

17. The sanitization assembly of claim 16 wherein the air sanitizing light system includes a plurality of air sanitizing light emitters arranged in a first circumferential array about the inner surface of the duct portion.

18. The sanitization assembly of claim 17 wherein the duct portion includes a transparent section defined therein, wherein an exterior sanitizing light system that includes at least a first exterior sanitizing light emitter is disposed in the duct interior, wherein the first exterior sanitizing light emitter is positioned to direct light through the transparent section and to an exterior of the duct portion.

19. The sanitization assembly of claim 18 wherein the air moving through the duct interior cools the air sanitizing light emitters.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The invention may be more readily understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a lavatory monument assembly including a plurality of sanitizing assemblies therein in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 2 is perspective view of a portion of the lavatory monument assembly of FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an interior/exterior sanitization assembly;

[0027] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an interior sanitization assembly;

[0028] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional elevational view of a sanitization assembly including a plurality of light emitters arranged in a circumferential array;

[0029] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional elevational view of a sanitization assembly including a plurality of light emitters arranged in a circumferential array;

[0030] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional elevational view of a sanitization assembly including a plurality of light emitters arranged in a circumferential array; and

[0031] FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional elevational view of a sanitization assembly including a plurality of light emitters arranged in a circumferential array.

[0032] Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments. If a component is not shown in a drawing then this provides support for a negative limitation in the claims stating that that component is “not” present. However, the above statement is not limiting and in another embodiment, the missing component can be included in a claimed embodiment.

[0034] Reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “a preferred embodiment” or any other phrase mentioning the word “embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the-disclosure and also means that any particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one embodiment can be included in any embodiment or can be omitted or excluded from any embodiment. Furthermore, any particular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein may be optional.

[0035] Referring now to the drawings, which are for purposes of illustrating the present invention and not for purposes of limiting the same, FIGS. 1-5D show a vehicle lavatory monument assembly 10 that includes one or more sanitization assembles 30 therein. In a preferred embodiment, the lavatory monument assembly is utilized in an aircraft. However, any type of vehicle, such as a train, bus, etc. is within the scope of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the lavatory monument assembly 10 generally includes an enclosure 12 that includes a plurality of walls (first wall 14, second wall 16, third wall 18 and fourth wall (now shown)) that cooperate to define a lavatory interior 22. The enclosure 12 preferably also includes a floor 24, a ceiling 26 and an entry door 28 that is positioned on one of the plurality of walls. In the figures, the entry door 28 is shown positioned on the second wall 16. However, this is not a limitation and the door can be positioned on any wall. In a preferred embodiment, the lavatory monument assembly 10 includes one or more sanitization assemblies 30 positioned in the lavatory interior 22.

[0036] FIG. 1 shows three sanitization assemblies 30 therein, a first sanitization assembly 30 below mirror 32 and above the sink 34, a second sanitization assembly 30 on the third wall next to the mirror 32 and a third sanitization assembly 30 above the door 28. Any number of sanitization assemblies within the lavatory is within the scope of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 1 also shows two different types of sanitization assemblies 30. The first type of sanitization assembly 30 that is positioned above the sink (see FIGS. 2 and 3) is also referred to generally herein as an interior/exterior sanitization assembly and is numbered 30a. The second type of sanitization assembly 30 (see FIG. 4) is referred to herein as an interior sanitization assembly and is numbered 30b. Therefore, the sanitization assemblies are labeled/numbered generally as 30 and the interior/exterior sanitization assembly is labeled/numbered specifically as 30a and the interior sanitization assembly is labeled/numbered specifically as 30b.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sanitization assembly 30 includes a duct portion 36 that includes an inner surface 38 that defines a duct interior 40, an inlet 42, an outlet 44 and an airflow path (see arrows P1) that extends from the inlet 42, through the duct interior 40 and out the outlet 44. In a preferred embodiment, a fan 46 is positioned to move air in through the inlet 42 and out through the outlet 44. The fan 46 or other air moving component can be located in the duct interior or exterior to the duct portion. In a preferred embodiment, the sanitization assembly 30 includes an air sanitizing light system 48 that includes one or more sanitizing light emitters 50 disposed in the duct interior 40 between the inlet and the outlet. As described herein, the sanitizing light emitters 50 can be UV lights, LEDs or any type of light emitting device that emits light of a wavelength that sanitizes and kills or destroys pathogens and the like. Preferably, a reflective coating 52 (see FIGS. 5A-5D) is disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface 38 of the duct.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, the interior/exterior sanitization assembly 30a is positioned between the sink 34 and the mirror 32. Preferably, the sink 34 includes a backsplash 54 and the interior/exterior sanitization assembly 30a is positioned between the top of the backsplash 54 and below the bottom of the mirror 32. In a preferred embodiment, the duct portion 36 of the interior/exterior sanitization assembly 30a includes a transparent section 56 defined therein. For example, the transparent section 56 can be a transparent cover or lens that is secured or positioned in an opening defined in the duct portion 36. It will be appreciated that the transparent section 56 allows some of the light emitted from the sanitizing light emitters 50 to pass through the transparent section, to the exterior of the duct portion or sanitization assembly so the light can sanitize components, air or the like outside or exterior to the sanitization assembly. As shown in FIG. 3, in a preferred embodiment, certain sanitizing light emitters 50 can be positioned such that light emitted therefrom is directed through the transparent section 56. These sanitizing light members 50 together may be referred to herein as an exterior sanitizing light system 58. As shown in FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, the inlet 42 and/or the fan 46 extends beyond or further outboard than the outboard side surfaces of the sink and mirror. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the first wall of the lavatory monument assembly 10 is configured to be positioned against the wall of an aircraft (i.e., outboard from the second wall). The sanitization assemblies 30 preferably include a power source, such as a wired connection to electricity or a battery, for powering the lights, fan, etc.

[0040] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the light directed through the transparent section 56 is directed to the sink and surfaces thereon (e.g., faucet, counter, dispensers, sink bowl, etc.) to sanitize those surfaces. Therefore, the interior/exterior sanitization assembly 30a helps sanitize the air within the lavatory interior by moving the air through the duct portion and also helps sanitize the surfaces on or near the sink. It will be appreciated that the exterior sanitizing light emitters that direct light through the transparent section will also sanitize some of the air within the duct interior. The interior/exterior sanitization assembly 30a can also be positioned in other locations such it can sanitize other surfaces, such as above the toilet or the door handle.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the sanitization assembly 30 may also include a fragrance dispenser positioned within the airflow path at any point between the inlet 42 and the outlet 44. FIG. 3 shows a fragrance dispenser 60 embodied as a wicking fabric through which at least a portion of the air moving along the airflow path P1 moves. However, any type of fragrance dispenser or component for providing a scent to the exiting air is within the scope of the present invention.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, in a preferred embodiment, the interior sanitization assembly 30b includes a mounting member 62 that includes a main body portion 64 that may be connected or attached to a surface, such as a wall, and first and second bracket members 66 extending from and/or attached to the main body portion 64. The first and second bracket members 66 each include an opening 68 defined therein or therethrough and the duct portion 36 extends between and through the openings 68. A transparent member or section can also be added to the sanitizing assembly 30b shown in FIG. 4.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, in a preferred embodiment, any or all of the sanitizing light emitters 50 (interior air or exterior sanitizing light members) may be arranged in various patterns and/or one or more arrays around the interior or inner surface 38 of the duct portion 30. Preferably, the duct portion 30 also includes the UV reflective coating 52 on the inside of the duct in order to reflect the light waves in the duct interior 40 through which the air flows and the airflow path P1 extends so as to help provide enough energy to kill airborne pathogens in the desired or predetermined amount of time. For example, the air sanitizing light system 48 in any of the sanitization assemblies 30, 30a or 30b can include a plurality of sanitizing light emitters 50 arranged in a circumferential array about the inner surface of the duct portion, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5D. FIG. 4 shows the sanitizing light emitters 50 in a helix pattern or array. It will be appreciated that in an embodiment where the duct portion or the inner surface thereof is not circular, the sanitizing light emitters 50 can still be arranged circumferentially, meaning they are arranged around or thereabout the inner surface.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5A, the inner surface 38 of the duct portion 36 defines a radius R1 that extends from the inner surface to the center of the circle in an embodiment, where the duct portion is circular or cylindrical. It will be appreciated that axis of the duct portion extends along the center of the duct portion. Therefore, in an embodiment, where the duct portion or the inner surface thereof is not circular, the radius or line R1 extends from the inner surface to the axis of the duct portion. The air sanitizing light emitters 50 within an array can be arranged to all direct light inwardly parallel to or along the radius R1 (or radially inwardly), as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In FIGS. 5A and 5B, each light emitter 50 includes a plurality or set of lines extending therefrom representing the light or light rays shining or emitting from the emitter. The set of lines includes a center line or arrow labeled D1 that represents the angle that the direct light is emitting from the emitter. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the direct line D1 is coincident and/or parallel to the radius R1, showing that the light is directed along the radius R1 and toward the axis of the duct portion or duct interior.

[0045] In another embodiment, the air sanitizing light emitters within an array can be arranged to all direct light at a non-zero angle θ (non-parallel or any angle between 1° and) 89° to the radius R1, as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D. In other words, as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, the direct arrow or line D1 is angled with respect to the radius R1, showing that the light is directed at a non-zero angle θ (non-parallel) to the radius R1. Line D1 also is shown as reflecting off of the reflective coating 52 in FIGS. 5C and 5D. The reflective coating can coat the entire inner surface of the duct portion and can be positioned in an number of predetermined areas to strategically reflect the light from various emitters.

[0046] In another embodiment, some air sanitizing light emitters 50 can be arranged to direct light parallel with the radius and others within the same array can be arranged to direct light at a non-zero angle.

[0047] The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of and examples for the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples and are not limiting: alternative implementations may employ differing values, measurements or ranges.

[0048] Any patents and applications and other references noted above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.