Air dryer

An air dryer for supplying a decontaminated air stream. The air dryer includes a housing comprising a handle and an air frame body, a fan assembly structured and arranged in the air frame body, and an air filter arranged in the air frame body downstream of the fan assembly, wherein the air filter is structured and arranged to filter an incoming air stream to supply the decontaminated air stream.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an air dryer, in particular, a hand held, portable air body dryer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Within a medical environment, for example, prior to surgery, a liquid solution, such as Betadine (povidone-iodine), for example, may be spread over a surgical area in order to clean, disinfect and/or reduce the possibility of infection at the incision site. Surgeons and nurses must wait for the solution to “air dry” (i.e., without external devices) before beginning their surgical procedures. The liquid solution may typically take three to four minutes to dry. This time delay results in lost efficiency and increased costs in the medical environment.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a method and system for reducing time delays and associated costs, and increasing efficiencies within medical environments.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an air dryer, in particular, a hand held, portable air body dryer having a filtration system, and methods of use therefore. In particular embodiments, the apparatus includes a filtration system, for example, having a high efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) air filter. In particular embodiments, the air dryer is designed ergonomically for hand-held comfort. In some embodiments, the air dryer is designed and structured such that air-flow is directed to a small area of the body intended for surgical purposes. In embodiments, the hand held, portable air body dryer may be used by doctors, nurses and other medical personnel to quickly dry a solution (e.g., Betadine) placed on the skin to sterilize the area in preparation for surgery. In embodiments, the air dryer may be used in hospitals and care facilities where clean air may be needed to dry areas of sensitive skin.

In certain embodiments, the method includes using an air dryer to distribute clean air over the wet surgical solution in order to dry the solution. According to aspects of the invention, this will reduce drying time, and thus increase the efficiency of the procedure. For example, patients will be under anesthesia for less time as a result and over a number of surgeries operating rooms can be used more efficiently. The dryer may also be used in clinics and doctor's offices when preparatory solutions are need prior to small surgical procedures. The air dryer will provide a tremendous service by proactively reducing waiting time for surgical work to begin.

In further embodiments, the method includes using an air dryer to distribute clean air to localized areas of a person in order to dry the localized area while avoiding any abrasion associated with towel drying, e.g., to dry areas of sensitive skin. Implementing aspects of the present invention provides healthy drying conditions and provides comfort for patients through its soothing air flow. For example, care givers may utilize the air dryer on certain patients after bathing when toweling, for example, might cause irritation to the skin.

Aspects of the present invention are directed to an air dryer for supplying a decontaminated air stream. The air dryer comprises a housing comprising a handle and an air frame body, a fan assembly structured and arranged in the air frame body, and an air filter arranged in the air frame body downstream of the fan assembly, wherein the air filter is structured and arranged to filter an incoming air stream to supply the decontaminated air stream.

In particular embodiments, the air filter comprises a HEPA filter.

In embodiments, the air dryer further comprising a battery operable to power the fan assembly.

In further embodiments, the battery comprises a rechargeable battery.

In additional embodiments, the air frame body includes one or more slots structured and arranged for receiving the incoming air stream.

In particular embodiments, the air frame body includes an air chamber arranged downstream of the fan assembly, that is structured and arranged for receiving the incoming air stream.

In embodiments, the air frame body includes a filter chamber structured and arranged to accommodate the air filter.

In further embodiments, the air dryer further comprises an end cap structured and arranged for removable attachment to the air frame body, wherein the end cap maintains the air filter in the filter chamber.

In additional embodiments, the air dryer further comprises a UV lighting arrangement structured and arranged to disinfect the incoming air stream.

In particular embodiments, the air dryer further comprises a heating arrangement structured and arranged to heat the incoming air stream.

In embodiments, the air dryer is structured and arranged as a portable air dryer.

In further embodiments, the housing further comprises a base platform structured and arranged between the handle and the air frame body.

In additional embodiments, the housing comprises plastic.

In particular embodiments, the fan assembly comprises a fan, a motor structured and arranged to rotate the fan, and a fan housing.

In embodiments, the air dryer further comprises a power switch operable to actuate the fan assembly.

Aspects of the present invention are directed to a method of using a portable air dryer to supply a decontaminated air stream. The method comprises activating the air dryer to generate the decontaminated air stream and supplying the decontaminated air stream to a liquid material disposed on a patient. The supplying the decontaminated air stream to the liquid material accelerates a drying of the liquid material.

In particular embodiments, the liquid material comprises a liquid solution for a surgical procedure, and the method further comprises applying the liquid solution to the patient.

In further embodiments, the liquid material comprises water.

In additional embodiments, the air dryer comprises a housing comprising a handle and an air frame body, a fan assembly structured and arranged in the air frame body, and an air filter arranged in the air frame body downstream of the fan assembly, wherein the air filter is structured and arranged to filter an incoming air stream to supply the decontaminated air stream.

In yet further embodiments, the air filter comprises a HEPA filter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to “a magnetic material” would also mean that mixtures of one or more magnetic materials can be present unless specifically excluded.

The various embodiments disclosed herein can be used separately and in various combinations unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an air dryer, in particular, a hand held, portable air body dryer having a filtration system, and methods of use therefore. In particular embodiments, the filtration system includes a high efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) air filter to provide for sanitation and cleanliness of the supplied air stream.

Conventional air dryers are not suitable for medical environments. Conventional air dryers are divided into those that dry hair (i.e., hair dryers) and those that dry the body after a shower or bath (i.e., body dryers). Hair dryers, however, do not supply filtered (e.g., cleaned) air and, therefore, are not appropriate for medical use. That is, supplying unfiltered air to an incision area in a surgical environment may, for example, cause debris to enter an incision, and cause infection. Likewise, portable body dryers do not supply filtered (e.g., cleaned) air and, therefore, are not appropriate for medical use. For example, one portable body dryer (U.S. Pat. No. 5,394,620) does not provide for sanitation and cleanliness of the supplied air stream. Generally, body dryers are stationary devices bolted to a wall such that a person may stand in the direction of the blowing air. Moreover, hair dryers and body dryers may produce a wide spread stream of air that would not be easy to control in a medical situation. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,394,620 is designed for self drying with nozzle choices for drying all parts of the body.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an air dryer, in particular, a hand held, portable air body dryer having a filtration system that is suitable for medical uses (e.g., that provides for sanitation and cleanliness of the supplied air stream). In particular embodiments, the filtration system includes a high efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) air filter to provide for sanitation and cleanliness of the supplied air stream.

FIGS. 1-4illustrate various views of an exemplary body dryer10in accordance with aspects of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 1, a switch20on the top of a handle25turns the air dryer10on and off. Outside air is drawn through one or more slots30in the frame and propelled by a fan (not shown) through a filter35, e.g., a HEPA filter, which is structured and arranged to remove dust and/or other room particles (e.g., contaminants). Clean air is then supplied from the air dryer10, and makes contact with the patient. In particular embodiments, the shape of the handle25is designed, structured, and arranged to be ergonomically comfortable for holding and maneuvering the air dryer10. A base platform40arranged between the handle25and the air frame body45is structured and arranged to accommodate the electric wires connecting the switch20and battery (not shown) to the motor (not shown).

In accordance with aspects of the invention, the dryer10is portable and powered by a battery (e.g., a rechargeable battery) In such embodiments, the dryer10is structured and arranged to be removable from a charging base (not shown) for remote use. In such embodiments, the dryer10does not require external electric wires (e.g., AC power wires and plug) that may get in the way of a surgical preparation area, making the dryer10safe and convenient. While the exemplary dryer10does not include external electric wires, the invention contemplates an air dryer including external electric wires. In embodiments, the dryer10(or components of the dryer10, e.g., the outer casing) may be made of plastic for ease of cleaning and to reduce the weight of the dryer10.

FIGS. 2-4illustrate, respectively, a side view, a top view, and a front view of the exemplary body dryer10in accordance with aspects of the present invention. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the dryer10includes the base platform40arranged between the handle25and the air frame body45. A switch20on the top of the handle25is operable to turn the air dryer10on and off. Outside air is drawn through the one or more slots30in the air frame body45, and propelled by a fan (not shown) through a HEPA filter35, both of which are located in the air frame body45.

FIG. 5illustrates a side cut-away view of the exemplary body dryer10with the HEPA filter35. As shown inFIG. 5, the dryer10includes the base platform40arranged between the handle25and the air frame body45, and a switch20on the top of the handle25, which is operable to turn the air dryer10on and off. Outside air is drawn through the one or more slots30in the air frame body45, and propelled by a fan510through the HEPA filter35. As shown inFIG. 5, a fan assembly may include the fan510arranged in a fan housing515and an associated electric motor520.

The handle25is structured and arranged to accommodate a battery530, e.g., a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, with other batteries (e.g., non-rechargeable, or Ni-Cad batteries) contemplated by the invention. The base platform40is structured and arranged with a connection535to a charging base (not shown).

The air frame body45includes an air chamber505structured and arranged downstream of the fan510and upstream of the HEPA filter35. The HEPA filter35is arranged in a filter chamber545at the end of the air frame body45. As shown inFIG. 5, the HEPA filter35, when positioned within the filter chamber545, may be maintained in proper position through abutment against a stop540and an end cap525. In embodiments, the end cap525may be removable (e.g., through a threaded connection or friction fit) so that the filter may be arranged within the filter chamber. The filter35may be removed for replacement or cleaning by twisting-off the end cap525from the air frame body45. In other embodiments, the end cap525may be made of a material sufficiently elastically deformable and/or malleable to allow for placement (and removal) of the filter35in the filter chamber545.

FIG. 6illustrates perspective cut-away views of the exemplary body dryer10in accordance with aspects of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 6, the dryer10includes the base platform40arranged between the handle25and the air frame body45. The switch20on the top of the handle25is operable to turn the air dryer10on and off. Outside air is drawn through the one or more slots30in the air frame body45, and propelled by the fan510through the HEPA filter35. As shown inFIG. 6, the fan assembly includes the fan510arranged in the fan housing515with an associated electric motor520.

As additionally shown inFIG. 6, the handle25is structured and arranged to accommodate the battery530and the switch20. The base platform40is structured and arranged to accommodate the wires (not shown) connecting the battery530and the switch20to the motor520. The air frame body45includes the air chamber505structured and arranged downstream of the fan510and upstream of the HEPA filter35. As shown inFIG. 6, the HEPA filter35, when positioned within the filter chamber545, may be maintained in proper position through abutment against the stop540and the end cap525. The fan assembly, which includes the fan housing515, the fan510and the motor520, is structured and arranged to blow air into air chamber505where the air is equalized in pressure and then passed through the HEPA filter35. Clean air is then directed at a target, e.g., a wet solution around a surgical area.

FIGS. 7A-7Dillustrate how air flows through the exemplary body dryer10in accordance with aspects of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 7A, at step705, the power switch is actuated to turn the air dryer10on. As shown inFIG. 7B, at step710, air (i.e., unfiltered air) is drawn into the air dryer10through slots via actuation of the fan. As shown inFIG. 7C, at step715, air is drawn into the fan assembly, and at step720, air is forced into the filter. At step725, air (i.e., filtered air) is passed out of the filter.

In operation, after a cleansing solution, for example, is placed on the patient at the surgical area, the dryer10is aimed at the site to quickly dry the solution. In embodiments having a battery, the hand-held dryer10provides for easy access to all parts of the body without an electrical wire potentially dragging across the surgical area or other sensitive part of a patient's body. In embodiments, the dryer10may be charged at a central station and then may be carried to distant locations in the hospital. The switch20actuates the dryer10, which produces an air flow at room temperature directly through the air frame body45and onto the patient. Dust and other room particles are removed by the enclosed, removable HEPA filter35. As a result of the reduced drying time of the cleansing solution, surgery can begin more quickly than the three to five minute wait required for air drying. The result allows surgeons to perform more procedures and the operating room to be more efficient.

In embodiments, the air dryer10may also be used by care givers on patients with sensitive skin, rashes or other skin irritations where a towel may cause chafing or discomfort. Moreover, towels may contain bacteria. Thus, implementing the present invention reduces towel usage in such situations, thereby reducing the potential for infection to occur. Additionally, using the air dryer10with open wounds will minimize contamination of the wound.

Implementing the present invention provides logistical and financial benefits. For example, the reduced need for cloth or paper towels, in most situations, will reduce the amount of energy needed over continuously washing and drying cloth towels or throw away paper products. For these reasons, the dryer10is suitable for use in hospitals, assisted-living homes, nursing facilities or at home, amongst other contemplated environments. The dryer is suitable for use on adults, children and infants.

In additional embodiments, the air dryer may include a UV lighting arrangement550structured and arranged within the air frame body45. In accordance with aspects of the invention, the UV light is operable to further disinfect the air, and provides an additional level of decontamination of the intake air. While the non-limiting embodiment ofFIG. 5schematically illustrates the UV lighting arrangement550arranged in the air chamber, in embodiments, the UV lighting arrangement550may be arranged at the intake (e.g., in the region of the slots30), within the air chamber505, and/or in the end cap525. Moreover, the UV lighting arrangement may be embodied as any known UV lighting arrangement (e.g., a ring light, a bank of LEDs, etc.).

In additional embodiments, the air dryer may include a heating arrangement555structured and arranged within the air frame body45. In accordance with aspects of the invention, the heating element is operable to heat the air, and provides additional comfort to a patient and/or reduced drying times. While the non-limiting embodiment ofFIG. 5schematically illustrates the heating arrangement555arranged in the air chamber, in embodiments, the heating element may be arranged at the intake (e.g., in the region of the slots30), within the air chamber505, and/or in the end cap525. Moreover, the heating arrangement may be embodied as any known heating arrangement (e.g., a heating coil, etc.).

While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made without departing from the essential teachings of the invention. For example, while the invention has been described with reference to a HEPA filter, those skilled in the art will understand that other filters may be used.