AIR FILTERING SHELTER

Abstract

An air filtering shelter 100 comprising a shelter frame 110 comprising a plurality of frame members 112 defining a sheltered area 102. Filter media 120 extends across the plurality of frame members 112, where the filter media 120 is disposed over the sheltered area 102. An airflow guide 130 extends across the plurality of frame members 112 between the sheltered area 102 and the filter media 120. The airflow guide 130 is impermeable and the filter media 120 and the airflow guide 130 define an airflow channel 125 between them. An airflow generator 140-1 is coupled to the shelter frame 110. The airflow generator 140-1 has an inlet 142 in the airflow channel 125 and an outlet 144 in the sheltered area 102.

Claims

1. An air filtering shelter comprising: a shelter frame comprising a plurality of frame members defining a sheltered area, wherein the frame members are rods; a filter media extending across the plurality of frame members, wherein the filter media is disposed over the sheltered area; an airflow guide extending across the plurality of frame members between the sheltered area and the filter media, wherein the airflow guide is impermeable and the filter media and the airflow guide define an airflow channel between them; and an airflow generator coupled to the shelter frame, wherein the airflow generator has an inlet in the airflow channel and an outlet in the sheltered area.

2. The air filtering shelter of claim 1, wherein the shelter frame is collapsible to a collapsed state and expandable to an erected state.

3. The air filtering shelter of claim 2, wherein the shelter frame is manually collapsible and expandable.

4. The air filtering shelter of claim 2, wherein the shelter frame is collapsible and expandable by a motor.

5. The air filtering shelter of claim 2, wherein in the erected state the air filtering shelter defines the sheltered area.

6. The air filtering shelter of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of frame members are pivotably coupled to at least one pivot joint.

7. The air filtering shelter of claim 1, wherein the filter media is coupled to an outer surface of one or more frame members and the airflow guide is coupled to an inner surface of one or more frame members.

8. The air filtering shelter of claim 1, wherein the filter media is detachable from the plurality of frame members.

9. The air filtering shelter of claim 1, further comprising an ultraviolet (UV) light source configured to emit UV light into the airflow channel.

10. The air filtering shelter of claim 1, further comprising a rechargeable power source in operative communication with the airflow generator.

11. The air filtering shelter of claim 1, further comprising an air quality sensor disposed in the sheltered area, wherein the air quality sensor is in operative communication with the airflow generator.

12. The air filtering shelter of claim 1, further comprising a filter element coupled to the airflow generator about the inlet.

13. The air filtering shelter of claim 1, wherein the air filtering shelter defines a canopy.

14. The air filtering shelter of claim 1, wherein the air filtering shelter defines a tent.

15. A method of filtering air with the air filtering shelter of claim 1 comprising: drawing air through the filter media into the airflow channel defined between the filter media and the airflow guide; and passing the air from the airflow channel through the airflow generator to the sheltered area defined by the airflow guide.

Description

[0082] Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures in which:

[0083] FIG. 1 is an example air filtering shelter;

[0084] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the example air filtering shelter; and

[0085] FIG. 3 is a perspective detail view of a portion of the air filtering shelter.

[0086] FIG. 1 depicts one example air filtering shelter 100 that is consistent with the current disclosure and FIG. 2 depicts an example exploded view of the example air filtering shelter of FIG. 1. The shelter 100 defines a sheltered area 102. The example shelter 100 is generally configured to filter ambient air that enters the sheltered area 102. The shelter 100 is generally collapsible, such as for storage. The shelter 100 is generally expandable, such as for use as a shelter. In embodiments, the shelter 100 is repeatably collapsible and expandable for repeated use and storage. The shelter may be a variety of types of shelters such as a tent, an umbrella, or a canopy, as examples. In this example, the shelter 100 is a canopy, which form a portion of a larger contained area. In some other embodiments, the sheltered area 102 may be a fully contained area, such as where the shelter is a tent.

[0087] Ambient air passes through the walls of the air filtering shelter 100 and is filtered before reaching the sheltered area 102. The air filtering shelter 100 has a shelter frame 110. The shelter frame 110 has a plurality of frame members 112. The frame members 112 are disposed about the sheltered area 102. The frame members 112 form the underlying structure of the shelter 100. The frame members 112 may be constructed of a variety of types of materials and combinations of materials. The frame members 112 may be semi-flexible rods, poles, and bars. When in an expanded position, the plurality of frame members 112 may be structurally rigid to support materials forming the walls of the shelter. The frame members 112 may be constructed of materials as have been discussed in detail above.

[0088] The filter media 120 is disposed over the sheltered area 102. The filter media defines an outer surface 104 of the shelter 100. The filter media 120 extends across the plurality of frame members 112. In some embodiments, the filter media 120 defines an outer surface 104 of the shelter. The filter media 120 may be disposed over the sheltered area 102. The filter media 120 is in direct contact with ambient air surrounding the shelter 100. In some embodiments, the filter media 120 is coupled to another component that is coupled to the frame members. The filter media 120 may be coupled to the airflow guide 130 around one or more frame members of the plurality of frame members 112. In some embodiments the filter media 120 is coupled to one or more frame members of the plurality of frame members 112. The filter media 120 may be coupled to an outer surface of one or more frame members. In some embodiments the filter media 120 is fixed to the frame members 112. In such embodiments, filter media 120 may be coupled to the frame members 112 with adhesive, heat or ultrasonic welding, fasteners such as bolts, and the like. In some examples the filter media 120 is detachable from the shelter frame 110. In such examples the filter media 120 may be coupled directly or indirectly to the shelter frame 110 with snap connections, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, straps, and the like. Such a configuration may advantageously facilitate maintenance of the filter media 120 such as cleaning or replacing the filter media 120.

[0089] In various implementations, it is not necessary that the filter media 120 extend across every frame member of the plurality of frame members 112 that form the shelter 100. In the current example, the filter media 120 is formed from multiple segments of filter media 122. Each segment of filter media 122 extends across two frame members of the plurality of frame members 112. In some alternate embodiments, the segments of filter media 122 may extend across three or more frame members of the plurality of frame members 112. The filter media 120 may have a total surface area about equal to the outer surface area of the shelter 100. The filter media 120 may have a surface area that is more than half of the outer surface area of the shelter 100. The filter media 120 may have surface areas that have been discussed in detail above.

[0090] The filter media 120 may be constructed of a variety of different types of materials and combinations of materials, examples, configurations, and properties of which have been described in detail, above. Also, as mentioned above, the filter media 120 may be washable. Such a configuration advantageously extends the useful life of the filter media 120. Washable filter media may advantageously reduce the waste that is typically associated with replacing filters of filtration systems.

[0091] Some configurations consistent with those described above may advantageously protect individuals within the sheltered area 102 from pollution in the ambient environment. By disposing the filter media 120 over the sheltered area 102 and coupling the filter media 120 to the frame members 112 of the shelter frame 110, the filter media 120 may have a significantly larger surface area for filtration than the surface area of filter media in a typical filtration element for a sheltered area. The larger surface area may advantageously increase the filtration capacity of the system. The larger surface area may advantageously decrease the pressure drop across the filter media 120. A decreased pressure drop may extend the useful life of the filter media 120.

[0092] The airflow guide 130 extends across the plurality of frame members 112 between the sheltered area 102 and the filter media 120. The airflow guide 130 is configured to guide air that has passed through the filter media 120 to the sheltered area 102. In particular, the airflow guide 130 is configured to guide air from the filter media 120 to the airflow generators 140-1, 140-2. The airflow guide 130 is configured to obstruct airflow directly from the filter media 120 to the sheltered area 102. The airflow guide 130 is configured to obstruct airflow from the sheltered area 102 to the ambient environment through the filter media 120. As such, the airflow guide 130 may generally be air impermeable. In some embodiments the airflow guide 130 is substantially air impermeable. In the current example, the airflow guide 130 defines an inner surface of the shelter 100. In particular, the airflow guide 130 defines an outer boundary of the sheltered area 102.

[0093] In the current example, the airflow guide 130 extends across each of the plurality of frame members 112. In some other implementations, it is not necessary that the airflow guide extend across every frame member that forms the shelter. In some embodiments, the airflow guide extends across two frame members. The airflow guide may extend across three or more frame members. The airflow guide may have a plurality of airflow guide segments, similar to the filter media 120 shown here. The airflow guide 130 may have a surface area that is equal to the surface area of the filter media 120. The airflow guide 130 may have a surface area that is greater than the surface area of the filter media. The airflow guide 130 may have a surface area consistent with the surface areas discussed above.

[0094] The airflow guide 130 may be disposed over the sheltered area 102. The airflow guide 130 may be coupled to the shelter frame 110 directly or indirectly. In some embodiments, the airflow guide 130 and the filter media 120 are coupled to each other around two or more frame members of the plurality of frame members 112. In this example, the shelter frame 110 is disposed between the airflow guide 130 and the filter media 120. In some embodiments the airflow guide 130 and the filter media 120 surround the shelter frame 110. In some embodiments, the airflow guide 130 is coupled to two or more frame members of the plurality of frame members 112. In this example, the airflow guide 130 is coupled to an inner surface of one or more frame members of the plurality of frame members 112. The airflow guide 130 may be coupled directly or indirectly to the frame members 112 with adhesive, heat or ultrasonic welding, fasteners such as bolts, and the like. In some examples the airflow guide is detachably coupled to the shelter frame 110. In such examples the airflow guide 130 may be coupled to the shelter frame with snap connections, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, straps, and the like. Such a configuration may advantageously facilitate maintenance of the airflow guide 130. Maintenance of the airflow guide 130 may include cleaning or replacing the airflow guide.

[0095] The airflow guide 130 may be constructed of various types of materials and combinations of materials. The airflow guide 130 generally has a lower permeability than the filter media. In some embodiments, the airflow guide 130 is an impermeable material. The airflow guide 130 may be a textile material. The airflow guide 130 may be fabric. The airflow guide 130 may be polypropylene fabric.

[0096] An airflow channel 125 is defined between the filter media 120 and the airflow guide 130. The airflow channel 125 is configured to accommodate airflow from the filter media 120 to the sheltered area 102. The airflow channel 125 may extend from the filter media 120 to the sheltered area 102. Ambient air may extend from the ambient environment through the filter media 120 into the airflow channel 125. In this example, the plurality of frame members 112 are disposed in the airflow channel 125. The airflow channel 125 may have configurations and parameters as have been discussed above.

[0097] FIG. 3 is a perspective detail view of a portion of the air filtering shelter of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 3 depicts the first airflow generator 140-1 coupled to the shelter frame 110. In particular, in the current example, a first airflow generator 140-1 is coupled to the shelter frame on a first side, and a second airflow generator 140-2 is coupled to the shelter frame 110 on a second side (visible in FIGS. 1 and 2). The second airflow generator 140-2 and the first airflow generator 140-1 may be substantially similar. In some alternate embodiments a second airflow generator 140-2 is omitted.

[0098] The first airflow generator 140-1 defines an inlet 142 in the airflow channel 125. The first airflow generator 140-1 defines an outlet 144 in the sheltered area 102. The first airflow generator 140-1 is generally configured to generate airflow from the ambient environment through the filter media 120 and into the sheltered area 102. In the current example, the first airflow generator 140-1 is coupled to the shelter frame 110. In some embodiments, the first airflow generator 140-1 may be detachable and attachable to the shelter frame 110. In some embodiments the first airflow generator 140-1 is fixed to the shelter frame 110. The first airflow generator 140-1 may be at least partially disposed in the airflow channel 125.

[0099] In the current example, the first airflow generator 140-1 is a fan. In particular, the first airflow generator 140-1 is a centrifugal fan or impeller fan having a radially-directed air inlet 142 and an axially-directed outlet 144. The first airflow generator 140-1 has a plurality of fan blades 146 that are configured to draw air into the air inlet 142 and expel air through the air outlet 144. The fan blades are configured to rotate about a fan axis 10. In some other embodiments the first airflow generator 140-1 may be an axial fan. In such embodiments the first airflow generator may be disposed in an opening defined by the airflow guide 130 such that its axial inlet is positioned in the airflow channel 125 and its axial outlet is positioned in the sheltered area 102.

[0100] Although transparent in the current image, a filter element 148 (depicted as transparent for visibility of other components) may be positioned to extend across the inlet 142 of the first airflow generator 140-1. The filter element 148 may be a second filtration stage of the shelter 100. Such a configuration may improve the overall filtration efficiency of the shelter 100 compared to single-stage filtration systems. In some embodiments the filter element 148 is coupled to the first airflow generator 140-1 about the inlet 142. The filter element 148 may be detachable from the first airflow generator 140-1. The filter element 148 generally incorporates second filter media. The second filter media may be constructed of materials and have properties as have been discussed above.

[0101] The first airflow generator 140-1 is generally in operative communication with a power source 150, which is shown schematically in FIG. 3. The second airflow generator 140-2 (FIG. 1) may also be coupled to the power source 150. Alternatively, the second airflow generator 140-2 may have its own power source. The power source 150 may include a battery, such as in a battery pack. The power source 150 may be a rechargeable power source. In some such embodiments, the power source 150 may define a port that is configured to receive a charging cable such as a universal serial bus (USB) cable, which has been discussed above. The power source 150 may be a replaceable power source such a disposable battery. The power source 150 may be coupled to the shelter 100 through a variety of approaches as have been discussed above. The shelter 100 may have a pocket that is configured to receive the power source 150. The pocket may be coupled to the airflow guide 130. The pocket may be coupled to an inner surface of the airflow guide 130 within the sheltered area 102. The pocket may be coupled to the shelter frame 110, in some embodiments.

[0102] The shelter 100 may have an ultraviolet light (UV) source 160 in various embodiments. The UV light source 160 may be configured to emit UV light in the airflow channel. The UV light source 160 may be configured to emit UV light between the first filter media 120 and the outlet 144 of the first airflow generator 140-1. The UV light source 160 may advantageously neutralize or limit the growth of microbes in the air from the airflow channel 125. Neutralizing or limiting the growth of microbes in the airflow channel 125 may purify the air in the sheltered area 102. In the current example, the UV light source 160 is coupled to the first airflow generator 160a at the inlet 162. The UV light source 160 is positioned to emit UV light to air passing through the inlet 142 of the first airflow generator 140-1. In some other embodiments the UV light source 160 may be positioned in the airflow channel 125. Particularly, the UV light source 160 may be positioned between the filter media 120 and the airflow guide 130. In some other embodiments the UV light source may be positioned at the outlet 144 of the airflow generator 140-1. The UV light source 160 may be coupled to the shelter frame 110. The UV light source 160 may emit UV light, which has been discussed in detail, above. In embodiments incorporating a UV light source 160, the power source 150 may be in operative communication with the UV light source 160. In some other embodiments, the UV light source 160 may have a power source that is separate from the power source 150 of the first airflow generator 140-1.

[0103] As discussed in detail above, the shelter frame 110 may be collapsible to a collapsed state and expandable to an erected state. FIG. 1 depicts an example erected state. In various embodiments, the shelter 100 defines the sheltered area 102 in the erected state. In some embodiments consistent with FIG. 1, in a collapsed state at least a portion of the frame members 112 are pivoted together about their ends to form a stacked configuration. In such a collapsed state, the shelter 100 does not necessarily define a sheltered area 102. As discussed above, the shelter frame 110 may be collapsible and expandable manually, by a motor drive, or both manually and by a motor drive.

[0104] In the current example, the plurality of the frame members 112 are coupled. In the current example, the plurality of frame members 112 are pivotably coupled to at least one pivot joint 170. In some such examples, each of the plurality of frame members 112 have a first end 114-1 pivotably coupled to a first pivot joint 170-1, and a second end 114-2 pivotably coupled to a second pivot joint 170-2. In the current example, the first pivot joint 170-1 is defined by the first airflow generator 140-1 and the second pivot joint 170-2 is defined by the second airflow generator 140-2. The first pivot joint 170-1 is positioned on one end of the sheltered area 102, and the second pivot joint 170-2 is positioned on an opposite end of the sheltered area 102. The first pivot joint 170-1 and the second pivot joint 170-2 may mutually define a pivot axis 10 of the plurality of frame members. In some such embodiments, the plurality of frame members 112 may be pivoted about the pivot axis 10 in a first direction to define an expanded configuration. The plurality of frame members may be pivoted about the pivot axis 10 in a second direction to define a collapsed position. Now the first pivot joint 170-1 will be described. The discussion of the first pivot joint 170-1 also applies to the second pivot joint 170-2.

[0105] In the current example, the first pivot joint 170-1 defines outer circumferential rails 172 about the body of the first airflow generator 140-1. The first end 114-1 of each of a plurality of frame members 112 is pivotably and translatably coupled to the rails 172 for collapse of the shelter 100 and expansion of the shelter 100.

[0106] The shelter 100 may have an air quality sensor 180 in a variety of embodiments, which is visible in FIG. 1. In the current example, the air quality sensor 180 is disposed in the sheltered area 102. Such a configuration may advantageously allow the shelter 100 to monitor air quality. The air quality sensor 180 may identify when the air quality is below a threshold, identify particular gaseous constituents in the air, or both identify when air quality is below a threshold and identify particular gaseous constituents in the air. The air quality sensor 180 may be in operative communication with the first airflow generator 140-1, the second airflow generator 140-2, or both the first airflow generator 140-1 and the second airflow generator 140-2. The air quality sensor 180 may be in operative communication with the airflow generator 140-1, 140-2 through a controller. In some embodiments, the air quality sensor 180 may operate the airflow generator 140-1, 140-2 upon sensing air quality that is below a threshold. In some such embodiments the air quality sensor 180 may operate the airflow generator 140-1, 140-2 upon detection of a particular constituent in the air. Such configurations may advantageously reduce energy that would otherwise be wasted to operate the airflow generator 140-1, 140-2 and other components when air filtration is unnecessary.

[0107] The shelter may have a communication module 190, in a variety of embodiments. The communication module 190 may be configured to inform a user of air quality in the sheltered area 102. The communication module 190 may be in data communication with the air quality sensor 180. The communication module 190 may include one or more user interfaces such as a screen, a speaker, and a wireless communication component. The user interface may have a variety of configurations and may have various components and combinations of components. The user interface may include a screen coupled to the air purification device. The screen may be configured to provide a visual notification to a user. The user interface may include a speaker coupled to the air purification device. The speaker may provide an audio notification to a user. The user interface may include a wireless communication component configured to communicate with a user device such as a laptop, smartphone, iPhone, speaker, or other devices. The user interface may send data directly to a user device, or to a database that may be accessed by a user or a home automation system through a network.

[0108] For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number A is understood as A ±5 percent of A. Within this context, a number A may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number A modifies. The number A, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein.