Passenger Compartment Air Vent Filter

The present invention relates generally to a passenger compartment air vent filtering device. More specifically, the invention includes a cover that can be placed over top of an existing air vent in a passenger seating compartment to filter the air flowing therefrom, and comprises both a HEPA filter and a UV light disinfection filter. In a preferred embodiment, the novel air vent filtering device further comprises a moveable element, a plurality of LED lights and a scent diffuser.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an air flow filtering device for a seating area in a passenger compartment. More specifically, the invention relates to an air filtering cover that can be placed over top of an airplane cabin seat vent. The air filtering cover is secured to the air vent such that all of the air being expelled through the vent passes through the body of the air filtering cover. The air filtering cover is preferably comprised of both a replaceable HEPA filter and a UV light disinfection filter. Further, the air exits the cover via a permeable element that comprises a fixed or removable cap on one end of the cover. The cap may include a plurality of patterns, designs, textures, or physical structures, such as flower petals, bristles or the like. Further, the cap may be scent-infused to permeate the cabin air with a scent after the vent air passes through the air filtering cover. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the age of a global pandemic, health experts warn individuals against gathering in enclosed spaces as they may be more easily exposed to the spread of germs, bacteria, pathogens and viruses, such as COVID-19 or any other virus that can be transmitted through the air. However, some enclosed spaces, such as on airplanes, buses, trains and the like, cannot be avoided by individuals who are required to travel for work or other purposes. Further, in an airplane, bus, train, etc., the passenger or cabin air is typically recycled throughout the cabin after passing through one or more cabin filters. Unfortunately, cabin filters do not always remove all of the bacteria, pathogens, viruses or germs that may be circulating in the cabin air and passenger space. Further, many individuals choose to utilize the air conditioning and heating vents that are disposed overhead in the passenger convenience portion of a seat. Air vent openings may be found in the overhead passenger convenience area, alongside walls such as in buses, trains or other vehicles, on a seat back or wherever a transportation vehicle manufacturer may position the vent. As such, passengers may come into direct contact with pathogens and other airborne contaminants in the recycled cabin air via the vent as it blows air into their personal area. No device currently exists that allows a user to easily apply a cover and filter devices over a passenger cabin air vent.

Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a cabin seat air vent cover device that protects an individual from being directly exposed to airborne pathogens and other undesirable contaminants in a passenger cabin that may be expelled through the passenger's personal air vent. There is also a long felt need for an air vent cover device having redundancy filtering mechanisms to further reduce the possibility that an individual will be exposed to germs, bacteria, pathogens and viruses. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for an air vent cover device that is effective, yet relatively small and portable for easy transportation. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for an air vent cover device that not only filters the air, but that also infuses the filtered air with a pleasant scent. Finally, there exists a long felt need in the art for an air vent cover device that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and that is both safe and easy to use.

The present invention relates to a relatively small and generally cylindrical air filtering device that can be placed over an air vent in a passenger cabin. The air filtering device creates a seal around the exterior portion or body of the vent to ensure that all air passing through the vent enters into and travels through the various filters of the air filtering device. More specifically, the device is comprised of a replaceable HEPA filter and a UV light disinfection filter that both help to significantly reduce, and potentially eliminate, any germs, bacteria, pathogens and viruses that may be present within the air that passes through the device. Additionally, the top of the air filtering device is comprised of a cap having a permeable filtering element that, in differing embodiments of the device, may include elements such as artificial flowers, bristles, characters, geometric shapes, etc. The permeable filtering element may further be infused with a scent that is carried out of the device via the air passing therethrough, thereby eliminating odors from stale cabin air. Differing embodiments of the device may include a fixed or removable top cap wherein the device may also be provided as part of a kit that contains a plurality of caps having differing decorative elements, replacement filters, scent packages, instructions and the like.

In this manner, the passenger compartment air vent filter device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and allows a user to better protect himself or herself from airborne pathogens, germs, viruses, microbes and other contaminants in a passenger cabin, such as an airplane cabin, that may otherwise be expelled through an air vent and directly onto the user. Further, the device is small and portable, and can easily be carried in a pocket of a user. Finally, the passenger compartment air vent filter device is comprised of a top that can include a decorative element which makes the device aesthetically pleasing, and allows the user to customize the appearance of the device to suit his or her needs or preferences.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an improved passenger compartment air vent-cover filtering device. The filtering device is comprised of a shaped, flexible body portion that can be placed around, and secured to, the adjustment ring or opening of a passenger cabin air vent to form a seal therewith that ensures that all of the air being expelled through the vent will travel though the filtering device body. The filtering device body has an internal passageway which includes a plurality of continuous slots or openings that can house one or more air filters, such as a replaceable HEPA filter and a UV light filter. The slots or other openings are preferably arranged in a fashion directly above one another (e.g. stacked) such that the top surfaces of each of the filters are generally parallel to one another and have air passageways which are generally aligned with the internal air passageway of the filter body. In one embodiment of the filtering device, each of the filters may be secured within the body via a plurality of tabs upon which the filters rest. In another embodiment, the body may comprise one or more pull-out trays that, when in the open position, extend outwardly from the filter device body such that each filter can be placed within its individual tray and the tray pushed back into the body of the device. Each slot or opening is further covered via a hinged cover that is preferably made from the same material as the device body, and generally convex in shape in order to sit flush with the outer surface of the device body.

After being placed on and secured around the air vent on the transportation vehicle, the expelled air will pass through the internal passageway of the filtering device of the present invention and through each of the filters to purify the air and eliminate any bacteria, germs, contaminants or pathogens that may be circulating within the passenger compartment or cabin air. The filtering device is further comprised of a decorative or aesthetically pleasing cap that in differing embodiments may be any number of permeable decorative elements such as, but not limited to, flower petals/flowers, bristles, geometric shapes, airplanes, buses, train cars, a flat surface that has a plurality of patterns, textures, designs or combinations thereof. Further, the decorative cap may be fixedly attached to the device body or removable therefrom, thereby allowing the cap to be cleaned or for the user to interchange differing caps with differing design elements.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, each decorative element or the HEPA filer itself may be infused with a scent so that the air passing through the filter and the element retains the specific scent as it is discharged into the passenger cabin, thereby eliminating the smell of stale cabin air. The end cap may also comprise an ornamental component that moves as the air flows through the same, such as a small pinwheel, mobiles or the like, which can be used to provide entertainment to a child or infant while strapped in a passenger seat. The end cap may also be equipped with one or more LED lights, which can be used for supplemental reading light.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a passenger cabin air vent cover device that protects an individual from being directly exposed to airborne pathogens and other undesirable contaminants, and that has redundancy filtering mechanisms to further reduce the possibility that an individual will be exposed. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for an air vent cover device that is relatively small and portable, and that not only filters the air but also infuses the filtered air with a pleasant scent. Finally, there exists a long felt need in the art for an air vent cover device that may also be used to entertain a small child on long trips or commutes, and that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Referring initially to the drawings,FIG. 1illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a passenger compartment air vent filtering device100of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture and having a decorative cap170. More specifically, in a preferred embodiment, the air vent filtering device100comprises a body portion110, a HEPA filter130, a UV filter150, a battery160and a decorative cap170. The body portion110is a generally cylindrical, relatively small and hollow structure that is preferably made from a soft rubber material. As explained more fully below, the body portion110houses the HEPA filter130and the UV filter150, each of which is removable, replaceable and interchangeable, as well as the battery160. Notwithstanding, it is also contemplated that the body portion110may be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible, and may further be comprised of an anti-bacterial exterior coating, such as triclosan, to further prevent the transmission of disease. It is also contemplated that the body portion110may be molded from a plastic or other suitable material with the antibacterial agent (not shown) fully embedded in the material as part of the manufacturing process.

The body portion110is further comprised of a relatively flat and generally circular bottom surface116with a continuous opening therein for engaging an air vent10opening as described more fully below. The body portion110is also comprised of a plurality of continuous opening filter slots114which can accommodate a plurality of filters such as first and second filters130,150, as described more fully in relation toFIG. 3. Once the filters130,150have been inserted into the slots114, the same are enclosed with a cover1140that is preferably made from the same material, and generally in line with, the body portion110, as best shown inFIG. 1. Each cover1140is preferably fixedly attached to the outer surface112of the body110via a hinge1146that comprises the top edge of the cover1140. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge1146is made from the same material as the body portion110, and is preferably integrally formed with the body portion110during the manufacturing process (e.g. via injection molding or additive manufacturing). Each of the covers1140have a curved convex front surface1142that rests on or sits flush with the outer surface112of the body portion's generally cylindrical shape when in a closed position, as best shown inFIG. 1.

As noted above, the air vent filtering device100also comprises a decorative end cap170that fits over the top of the body portion110, as best shown inFIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 5. In differing embodiments of the air filtering device100, the cap170may be fixedly or removably attached to the body portion110. For example, in the fixedly attached embodiment, the cap170is comprised of a side surface174that is relatively flush or inline with the outer surface112of the body portion110. In contrast, in a removable cap embodiment, the side surface174of the cap170may be larger in diameter than the diameter of the body portion110, such that the body portion110fits partially within the cap170and the side surface174covers a portion of the body portion110. In the removable embodiment, the cap170is secured to the body110via a friction or interference fit between the portion of the side surface174covering the outer surface112of the body portion. Nonetheless, in either embodiment, the connection of the decorative cap170to the body portion110must be strong enough to withstand the air pressure created by the air passing through the air vent10and the air filtering device100so that the cap170doesn't get blown off of the end of the body portion110.

Additionally, the cap170is comprised of a top surface176that includes a permeable decorative element178. In one embodiment of the device100, the element178may be a plurality of colorful artificial flower petal-like protrusions1780that give the device100an overall aesthetically pleasing appearance. Nonetheless, it is contemplated that the decorative element178may vary in differing embodiments of the device100, and a user may further be able to swap out or exchange caps170that are constructed from differing decorative elements178based on the wants and needs of the user.

For example,FIG. 2illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a decorative cap170for a passenger compartment air vent filtering device100of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture and that differs from the design of the decorative element178shown inFIG. 1. More specifically, in this embodiment of the cap170, the decorative element178is comprised of a plurality of bristles1782that form the top surface176of the cap170. It is further contemplated that in any embodiment of the device100, the decorative element178may further include a scented compound that releases a scent when air from the vent10permeates through the element178, and thereby releases the scent into the passenger compartment or cabin. The scent may be imbedded into the decorative element178, or may be provided through one or more of the removable filter elements disposes in the openings or slots, or may be added by a scent dispenser (not shown). The scent may be any one of a number of different scents such as, but not limited to, lavender, peppermint, spearmint, citrus, eucalyptus, clove, tea tree, evergreen, sandalwood, vanilla, cedarwood or a combination thereof.

Further, the decorative element178may take on a plurality of known appearances in differing embodiments of the device100such as, but not limited to, flowers/flower petals1780, bristles1782, sports team logos/mascots, fictional characters (e.g., cartoon characters), seasonal decorations (e.g., Christmas tree, snowflake, easter egg, etc.), etc. Further, one embodiment of the cap170may include a relatively flat top surface176that has a flat decorative element178with a plurality of designs, patterns, colors, or textures in any given embodiment of the device100. In addition, it is also contemplated that the device100may be provided in a kit with several removable caps170of differing decorative elements178, which can be placed on the device100as the user desires.

FIG. 3illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a passenger compartment air vent filtering device100of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the two filter trays are in the open position so that the filters130,150may be loaded therein. More specifically, inFIG. 3the placement of the HEPA filter130and UV light filter150become fully apparent. As referenced above, the body portion110has a plurality of covers1140, wherein each of the covers1140enclose one of the HEPA filter130and the UV light filter150within the body portion110of the air filtering device100. Each cover1140conceals an opening114that allows each filter130/150to be inserted into the hollow body portion110.

As best shown inFIG. 3, each of the HEPA filter130and the UV light filter150are arranged within the body portion110in a stacked fashion so that air passing through the air filtering device100from the bottom116must first pass through the HEPA filter130and then through the UV light filter150, or vice versa. This filtering redundancy significantly decreases the possibility that unwanted germs, bacteria, microbes, viruses, diseases and the like will pass through the air filtering device100and onto the user from the air vent10.

In the preferred embodiment of the device100, the interior of the body portion110may have a plurality of tabs or nubs (not shown) so that the HEPA filter130and the UV light filter150can rest upon them to retain the same in its proper position within the body portion110. Nonetheless, in an alternative embodiment of the air filtering device100it is contemplated that the body portion110may include a plurality of repositionable filter trays for holding each of the HEPA filter130and the UV light filter150so that they can partially extend outwardly from the body portion100through each filter opening114via a spring loaded sliding track assembly (not shown). Then, each filter130/150may be placed into its respective tray, and pushed back into the body portion110to retain the filters130/150within the body portion110.

Each of the first and second filters130,150purify the air leaving the air vent10prior to entering the passenger compartment. The first filter130is preferably a 0.5-micron HEPA filter, which a user may dispose of and replace after several uses. The HEPA filter130is generally disc-shaped and comprised of a relatively flat top surface132, a bottom surface134and a side surface136. The second filter150of the air filtering device100is preferably a UV light filter150. The UV light filter150is also preferably comprised of a disc-shaped body that has a flat top surface152and flat bottom surface158. However, the filter150also includes a continuous opening154in the top surface152that gives the filter150a ring-like shape or body. The inner surface155of the filter150includes a UV light source1540that extends circumferentially around the entire inner surface155, such that the light source1540shines UV light within the body portion110to kill airborne pathogens, bacteria, viruses, germs and the like in the air that passes through the body portion110and that may have passed through the HEPA filter110.

The light source1540is preferably powered by a battery160that may be stored within the UV light filter150or elsewhere in the body portion110. The battery160may be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery, and may be easily replaced or removed if necessary, for recharging. In one embodiment, the batteries can be selected from disposable batteries or rechargeable batteries in sufficient quantity to provide power to the UV light source1540. Suitable batteries include alkaline, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, etc. Throughout this specification the terms “battery”, “battery pack”, and “batteries” may be used interchangeably to refer to one or more wet or dry cells or batteries of cells in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of DC power. References to recharging or replacing batteries may refer to recharging or replacing individual cells, individual batteries of cells, or a package of multiple battery cells as deemed appropriate for any given battery technology that may be used. If the battery160is rechargeable, it can be recharged by a user via a USB charging port1560on an outer surface156of the UV light filter150. In differing embodiments of the air filtering device100, the port1560may be comprised of any number of a plurality of different USB power ports such as, but not limited to, a Mini-USB, Micro-USB, USB-A, USB-C, etc.

FIG. 4illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a passenger compartment air vent filtering device100of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the filtering device100is about to be installed on an air vent10in a passenger cabin of a public transportation vehicle. As noted above, the bottom surface116of the body portion110has a continuous opening therein that is greater in diameter than the diameter of the adjustment ring16of the air vent10that enables the air filtering device100to fit over and attach to the air vent10. Nonetheless, in an alternative embodiment of the air filtering device100, a semi-rigid or flexible body portion110is provided, and the body portion110is able to be stretched around the adjustment ring16, so that the body portion110may have a diameter that is slightly less than that of the outer adjustment ring16of the air vent10. In either embodiment, the body portion110forms a seal around the vent10such that the vent nipple12is completely enclosed and contained within the body portion110and any air that exits the vent10via the aperture14must travel through the body portion110and therefore each of the HEPA filter130and the UV light filter150before exiting the air filtering device100via the cap170and decorative filter element178.

FIG. 5illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a passenger compartment air vent filtering device100of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the filtering device100is installed on an air vent10in a passenger cabin of a public transportation vehicle. More specifically, once fully secured around the ring16, the bottom surface116makes contact with the spherical body18of the vent10to secure an airtight connection, as best seen inFIG. 5. Nonetheless, in an alternative embodiment of the air filtering device100, the bottom surface116may have an alternative attachment means, such as a plurality of suction-cups or an adhesive seal, to further secure the bottom surface116to the vent body18to form an airtight seal.

FIG. 6illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a passenger compartment air vent filtering device kit of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically,FIG. 6illustrates a retail package600that may be acquired at a retail establishment or purchased online. The package600has one or more air vent filter covers610which include one or more compartments612for holding one or more filters614, such as HEPA filter130and/or UV light filter150. Also included in the package600are several examples of the decorative end caps620,622,624, each of which may be placed over the body portion110of the air vent filter cover610. In addition, the package600provides alternative end caps630and632which are a pinwheel and mobile, respectively, and which may move when the air impinges on the end caps630,632to provide entertainment for small children during their commute. The package600may also include the battery160, a scent package640for infusing the air passing through the air filtering device with a pleasant scent and instructions650.

FIG. 7illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a passenger compartment air vent filtering device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the cap further comprises an accessory that moves as air is passing therethrough. More specifically,FIG. 7illustrates a decorative and movable element712disposed on the end of the air vent710, such as a mobile. When the air flow711passing through the air filtering device impinges on the decorative element712, the air flow711causing the decorative element to move in a generally circular direction713.FIG. 7also illustrates a number of LED lights716which may be used to provide illumination to the user in any number of different ways, and which may be in electrical communication with, and powered by, the battery160or which may contain their own battery (not shown).

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the passenger compartment air vent filtering device100can by any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the air vent filtering device100and its various components, as show in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the air vent filtering device100are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the air vent filtering device100and its components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the air vent filtering device100and its various components may be of any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference.