Patent Publication Number: US-2022221174-A1

Title: Raised floor air sanitization system

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to raised floor systems and, more particularly, to a raised floor system including air sanitizing devices. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Many air sanitizing systems exist that maintain air purity and sanitization, and often use ultraviolet light to destroy pathogens in the air. Commercial buildings, which generally have higher foot traffic and therefore greater exposure to pathogens, often incorporate sanitization systems such as HEPA filters into their ventilation systems. However, the filters are often placed away from the air or ventilation inlets and outlets, limiting the effectiveness of cleaning the air at the site of higher foot traffic or populated working environments (e.g., open office floor plans). 
     SUMMARY 
     To the extent consistent, any of the aspects detailed herein may be used in conjunction with any or all of the other aspects detailed herein. 
     This disclosure relates to a raised floor system that includes a plurality of base units and at least one sanitizer unit. The plurality of base units are configured to define a portion of a floor. The sanitizer unit is configured to provide sanitized air to an environment above the floor. The sanitizer unit includes a housing; an ultraviolet light source disposed in the housing; a fan configured to facilitate air to flow into the housing, across the ultraviolet light source, and out of the housing into the environment; and a cover plate disposed on the housing, the cover plate configured to define a portion of the floor and to allow air to exit the housing into the environment. 
     In aspects, the floor may be configured to support floor loads from about 10 pounds per square foot (lbs/ft 2 ) to 50,000 lbs/ft 2 . 
     In other aspects, each base unit and the sanitizer unit may be configured to support floor loads from about 10 pounds per square foot (lbs/ft 2 ) to 50,000 lbs/ft 2 . 
     In some aspects, the plurality of base units and the at least one sanitizer unit may be spaced-apart to define channels therebetween. 
     In additional aspects, the raised floor system may include a channel plate configured to cover at least one of the channels, the channel plates supported by the base units or sanitizer unit. 
     In yet other aspects, the sanitizer unit and plurality of base units are configured to be modularly re-arranged between a first configuration and a second configuration. 
     In aspects, the housing of the sanitizer unit may include an inlet along a wall of the housing to permit air flowing between the sanitizer units and the plurality of base units to enter the sanitizer unit. 
     In alternative aspects, the housing of the sanitizer unit, when covered by the cover plate, may cooperate with the base units to define an approximately level plane along top surfaces thereof. 
     In more aspects, the ultraviolet light source may include an ultraviolet bulb or an ultraviolet light emitting diode. 
     This disclosure also provides a raised floor system that includes a plurality of pedestals, a plurality of floor tiles, and at least one sanitizer unit. Each floor tile is supported by at least one pedestal of the plurality of pedestals. The plurality of floor tiles define a portion of a floor thereabove and a plenum therebelow. The sanitizer unit is configured to provide sanitized air to an environment above the floor. The sanitizer unit includes a housing; an ultraviolet light source disposed in the housing and configured; a fan configured to cause air to flow into the housing and exit the housing into the environment; and an end plate disposed on the housing, the end plate configured to allow air to exit the housing into the environment. One of the floor tiles is configured to receive the sanitizer unit therethrough such that the end plate of the sanitizer unit is approximately level with a top of the floor tile. 
     In aspects, the floor may be configured to support floor loads from about 10 lbs/ft 2  to 50,000 lbs/ft 2 . 
     In other aspects, the plurality of pedestals, plurality of floor plates, and the at least one sanitizer unit may be configured to be modularly re-arranged between a first configuration and a second configuration. 
     In some aspects, the housing of the sanitizer unit may include an inlet along a bottom portion of the housing to permit air flowing in the plenum to enter the sanitizer unit, flow through the housing of the sanitizer unit, and exit out the end plate of the sanitizer unit (for example, due to a static pressure differential between the plenum and an environment above the sanitizer unit). 
     In aspects, the housing may be a hollow tube, the ultraviolet light source may be oriented vertically within the hollow tube, and the fan may be coupled to an end of the hollow tube. In aspects, the fan urges air to flow through the hollow tube or air flows through the hollow tube due to a pressure differential between the plenum and an environment above the sanitizer unit. 
     Another aspect of this disclosure provides an air sanitizer unit for a raised floor system. The air sanitizer unit includes a housing configured to integrate with a modular raised floor system defining a floor. The housing includes a cover configured to be approximately level with a top surface of the raised floor system. An ultraviolet light source is disposed in the housing. The air sanitizer unit includes a fan configured to cause air to flow into the housing, across the ultraviolet light source, and exit the housing into an environment above the floor. 
     In aspects, the housing may approximate a base unit of a raised floor system and may be configured to replace a base unit of the raised floor system. 
     In other aspects, the fan may be configured to pull air flowing between base units of the raised floor system or pull air from the environment above the raised floor system and cause the air to flow out of the housing and into the environment above the raised floor system. 
     In additional aspects, the cover may include a first grate at a first end portion thereof and a second grate at a second portion thereof, wherein the fan is configured to pull air into the housing through either the first grate or second grate and the other of the first grate or second grate. 
     In yet other aspects, the cover may include a first grate at a first end portion thereof and a second grate at a second end portion thereof, the ultraviolet light source disposed in the housing between the first and second grates. 
     In yet further aspects, the sanitizer unit may further include a floor tile configured to receive the housing, the floor tile configured to replace a standard floor tile of a raised floor system. 
     In an aspect, the housing may be configured to be suspended by a floor tile of a raised floor system such that the air sanitizer unit does not interfere with a top surface of the floor tile. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become more apparent in view of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one illustrative aspect of a raised floor air sanitization system in accordance with aspects of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged, perspective, partially exploded view of a sanitizer base unit configured for use with the raised floor air sanitization system of  FIG. 1  or any other suitable raised floor air sanitization system; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another sanitizer base unit configured for use with the raised floor air sanitization system of  FIG. 1  or any other suitable raised floor air sanitization system; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are perspective, exploded views of the raised floor air sanitization system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective partially cut away view of another illustrative aspect of a raised floor air sanitization system in accordance with aspects of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged, perspective, partially exploded view of an air sanitization diffuser for under-floor air distribution (UFAD) of the raised floor air sanitization system of  FIG. 5  or any other suitable raised floor air sanitization system; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of still another illustrative aspect of a raised floor air sanitization system in accordance with aspects of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged, perspective view of another air sanitization diffuser for UFAD of the raised floor air sanitization system of  FIG. 7  or any other suitable raised floor air sanitization system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , a raised floor air sanitization system  100  for providing cable management, air handling, and air sanitization is illustrated. The raised floor air sanitization system includes a plurality of floor base units  110 , one or more sanitizer base units  120 , and one or more channel plates  114 . 
     The plurality of floor base units  110  may include any number of floor base units  112  arranged in any desirable manner (e.g., a square grid) to meet the needs of the location of the raised floor air sanitization system  100 . The raised floor air sanitization system  100  may be at least partially covered by traditional flooring (not shown) such as, but not limited to, vinyl tiles, carpet, carpet tiles, linoleum, laminate flooring, rubber tiles, wood, stone, and ceramic tiles. 
     Each base unit  112  generally defines a box-like structure and is configured to withstand floor loads when installed (e.g., 10 pounds per square foot (lbs/ft 2 ) to 200 lbs/ft 2 , or load ratings from 100 lbs to 50.00 lbs). In aspects, the box-like structure may be a podium. Base units  112  may be of any shape or size, such as, but not limited to, polygons, cylinders, or triangular-box structures. The base units  112  may be made of any suitable material for withstanding floor loads, such as metal, high strength plastic, combinations thereof, etc. Channel plate  114  is similarly configured to withstand floor loads and may be made of the same or different material(s) as the base units  112 . 
     The raised floor air sanitization system  100  is configured to define channels  102  (see  FIG. 4A ) between the floor base units  112  and/or the one or more sanitizer base units  120 , wherein the channels  102  enable the passage and organization of power cables, networking cables, etc. In aspects, the channels may be used for room air circulation and/or ventilation. Channel plates  114  are positioned to cover or span the channels  102  or other gaps between adjacent base units  112 , between a base unit  112  adjacent a sanitizer base unit  120 , between adjacent sanitizer base units  120 , and/or between a base unit  112  or sanitizer base unit  120  and a wall or other structure. Channel plates  114  may be supported by edges of the sanitizer base units  120  or a base unit  112 . Channels  102  are configured to receive cables, pipes, vents, or the like. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , the sanitizer base unit  120  of the raised floor air sanitization system  100  includes a housing  122 , a cover plate  124 , and one or more ultraviolet (UV) light sources  126  disposed in the housing  122 . In aspects, the sanitizer base unit  120  includes a fan  128  also disposed in the housing  122 . The sanitizer base unit  120  is configured to supply the environment above the raised floor air sanitizer system  100  with sanitized air. 
     The cover plate  124  is configured to removably couple to the housing  122 . The cover plate  124  and housing  122  are configured to withstand floor loads (e.g., commercial floor loads of a mall or office building), such that, together with the plurality of base units  110  and channel plates  114 , the raised floor air sanitization system  100  is able to withstand floor loads. 
     The cover plate  124  includes one or more grates  125  to allow air to pass through the sanitizer base unit  120 . The grates  125  may cover 1% to 99% of a surface area of the cover plate  124 . In aspects, the grates  125  are positioned such that they are not directly over the UV light source  126  to limit UV light from traveling directly into the environment. In aspects, the grates  125  cover 1% to 25% of the surface area of the cover plate such that the UV light source  126  is located in the housing  122  under the remaining 99% to 75%, respectively, of the surface area of the cover plate such that UV light is not directly emitted into the environment. In aspects, a first grate  125  is disposed on one side of the UV light source  126  and a second grate  125  is disposed on a second, opposite side of the UV light source  126 . In such aspects and other aspects, the fan  128  is positioned to direct air from the first grate  125  across the UV light sources  126  to the second grate  125 . 
     The UV light source  126  sanitizes free-flowing air or air pulled into the sanitizer base unit  120  via the fan  128  by emitting UV radiation to destroy or weaken any pathogens, viruses, bacteria, mold, fungi, or other similar harmful organisms or pollutants. The air may be pulled from the environment above the raised floor sanitizing system  100 , e.g., through one or more of the grates  125 , and/or from the channels  102 . The UV light source  126  may be UV bulbs or UV light emitting diodes (UV LEDs). One or more UV light sources  126  may be positioned in the housing  122 , such as two UV bulbs or an array of UV LEDs. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , another sanitizer base unit  1200  is shown including a fan  128  positioned at a first end portion of the housing  122 , a plurality of UV light sources  126  disposed and distributed about a middle portion of the housing  122 , and a grate  125  at a second end portion of the housing  122 . The housing  122  of sanitizer base unit  120   b  includes a curved wall  121  to guide air flowing through the sanitizer base unit  120   b  through the grates  125 . As indicated by arrows “AF,” air is drawn into the sanitizer base unit  120   b  from an inlet on the side of the housing  122  or alternatively or additionally from a grate disposed above fan  128 . The air may be drawn from the channels  102 , a plenum space below the raised floor air sanitizer system  100 , or the environment above the raised floor air sanitizer system  100 . The air exits through the grate  125  and back to the environment to provide sanitized air into the environment above the raised floor air sanitizer system  100 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 4A-B , the plurality of base units  110  are arranged in a grid pattern, each base unit  112  spaced apart from an adjacent base unit  112  or sanitizer base unit  120  so as to define channels  102  therebetween. A plurality of sanitizer base units may be arranged adjacent to each other or adjacent to base units  112 . The plurality of base units  110  and the one or more sanitizer base units  120  are of approximately the same height so as to provide a level surface across a top plane shared by the plurality of base units  110  and sanitizer base unit  120 . In aspects, the plurality of base units  110  and/or one or more sanitizer units  120  may include adjustable legs or walls such that when disposed and distributed over an uneven surface, they plurality of base units  110  and sanitizer units  120  share a common level, top plane. In further aspects, the plurality of base units  110  and one or more sanitizer units  120  may be adjustable to follow inclined surfaces, such as ramps. 
     The plurality of base units  110  and a plurality of sanitizer base units  120  may be arranged in any suitable configuration. Strategically, multiple sanitizer base units  120  may be positioned in areas of higher traffic or occupancy so as to provide cleaner air in those areas. For example, a server closet with low traffic may have one or two sanitizer base units  120  in the raised floor air sanitizer system  100 , but a high traffic, open-floor office plan may have several sanitizer base units  120  positioned between desks or workspaces. The raised floor air sanitizer system  100  is configured to be adaptable to the air sanitizing requirements of any space, building or environment. In aspects, the raised floor air sanitizing system  100  may be easily reconfigured any number of times by redistributing or replacing a base unit  112  for a sanitizer base unit  120  or vice versa. For example, the raised floor air sanitizer system may include a “checker-board” pattern of base units  112  and sanitizer units  120  or a pattern of three base units  112  between each sanitizer unit  120 . 
     The sanitizer base units  120  are able to be relocated and powered easily, since the raised floor sanitizing system  100  is configured to enable passage of power and networking cables through the channels  102  of the raised floor sanitizing system  100 , and power cables can be easily routed through the channels  102  to power the sanitizer base units  120 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 4B , a power cable  10  can be connected to a power strip  12  in electrical communication with a power source (e.g., an outlet or other connection to utility or generator power) and routed to a sanitizer base unit  120  to power the sanitizer base unit  120 . In aspects, the sanitizer base units  120  may be integrated into an existing installation of a raised floor system by replacing any base unit  112 . The housing  122  and cover plate  124  of the sanitizer base unit  120  may be configured in any shape or structure to mimic a base unit of an existing raised floor system. The sanitizer base unit  120 , is configured to be a “plug-and-play” device such that it can be quickly and easily installed in any existing or new raised floor system and powered via power cables routed through the channels of the raised floor system. Thus, the sanitizer base unit  120  may convert an existing raised floor system into a raised floor air sanitizing system  100  of this disclosure. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , another raised floor air sanitizing system  200  provided in accordance with aspects of this disclosure is illustrated, and generally includes a plurality of pedestals  210 , sanitizer units  220 , and a plurality of floor tiles  230 . Raised floor air sanitizing system  200  may be made of a variety of materials and is configured to withstand floor loads. The raised floor air sanitizing system  200  is configured to be arranged in any desirable pattern or grid, similarly, as detailed above with respect to raised floor sanitizing system  100  ( FIG. 1 ). Indeed, to the extent consistent, any of the aspects of raised floor sanitizing system  100  ( FIG. 1 ) detailed herein may be utilized with raised floor sanitizing system  200 , and vice versa. 
     The pedestals  210  operate to elevate floor tiles  230  to define an air handling system such as plenum  202  below. The air handling system (e.g., including plenum  202 ) enables power and networking cables to be routed under the floor as desired. Additionally, the air handling system (e.g., including plenum  202 ) provides a space for underfloor air distribution (UFAD), such as forced ventilation, air conditioning, or heating. Each pedestal of the plurality of pedestals  210  may be made of any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, or wood. 
     Each floor tile  232  of the plurality of floor tiles  230  may be metal (or other suitable) plates supporting traditional flooring or may be traditional floor tiles supported directly by the pedestals  210 . The floor tiles  230  may be of any shape or size. At least one floor tile  232  of the plurality of floor tiles  230  is configured to receive a top end of the sanitizer unit  220 . The raised floor air sanitizing system  200  may include as many floor tiles  232  configured to receive as many air sanitizer units  220  as desired and arranged in any pattern as desired. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , sanitizer unit  220  includes a housing  222 , end plates  224   a ,  224   b , and one or more UV light sources  226 . In aspects, the sanitizer unit  220  includes a fan  228 . Housing  222  may be a tube, a box, or other similar structure, and configured to surround the UV light source(s)  226 . The UV light source(s)  226  may be disposed on end plate  224   b  or otherwise positioned vertically, horizontally, or in another suitable manner. End plates  224   a ,  224   b  include one or more slots  225  such that when end plates  224   a ,  224   b , are coupled to opposite ends of the housing  222 , air may flow through end plate  224   b , into and through the housing  222  where it is sanitized by the UV light source(s)  226  via UV radiation, and out of the end plate  224   a  into the environment above the UV light source(s)  226 . In aspects, the plenum space has a higher pressure than a pressure of the environment above the raised floor sanitizing system  200  creating a pressure differential that causes air to flow from the plenum  202 , through the air sanitizer unit  220 , and into the environment above the raised floor sanitizing system  200 . In aspects, a fan  228  urges air to flow through the sanitizer unit  220  in the above-noted manner or other suitable manner and into the environment above the raised floor air sanitizer system  200 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the sanitizer unit  220  is received by and couples to the floor tiles  230 . End plate  224   a  includes a lip that overlaps a hole in the floor tile  230  such that the floor tile  230  retains the sanitizer unit  220 . In aspects, the sanitizer unit  220  is approximately level with a top surface of the floor tile  232  such that it smoothly integrates with the plurality of floor tiles  230  (i.e., does not create an “obstacle” in the floor surface). In aspects, the sanitizer unit is configured to be suspended by a floor tile  232 . 
     Any number of floor tiles  230  with sanitizer units  220  may be used in the raised floor air sanitizer system  200  as similarly discussed above with reference to raised floor air sanitizer system  100  ( FIG. 1 ). Power may be supplied to the sanitizer units  220  from power cables and power outlets disposed or routed through the plenum  202 . Sanitizer unit  220  and floor tiles  230  are configured to withstand floor loads when coupled together. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , another raised floor air sanitizing system  300  provided in accordance with aspects of this disclosure is illustrated, and generally includes a plurality of pedestals  310 , sanitizer units  320 , and a plurality of floor tiles  330 . The raised floor air sanitizing system  300  is configured similar to the raised floor air sanitizing system  200  as detailed above. Indeed, to the extent consistent, any of the aspects of raised floor sanitizing system  100  ( FIG. 1 ) or raised floor air sanitizing system  200  ( FIG. 5 ) detailed herein may be utilized with raised floor sanitizing system  300 , and vice versa. 
     Sanitizer units  320  include a housing  322  to hold a plurality of UV light sources  326  (e.g., UV bulbs). Housing  322  includes length L 3  such that housing  322  extends parallel to the plurality of floor tiles  330  to include any number of UV light sources  326 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , housing  322  includes a plurality of UV light sources  326  having five UV bulbs. In another example, length L 3  may be sufficiently long enough such that the housing  322  may have fifteen UV bulbs disposed therein. 
     Sanitizer unit  320  includes a fan  328 . In aspects, fan  328  is a centrifugal fan. Centrifugal fan  328  provides increased air pressure and a steadier flow of air over the plurality of UV light sources  326  compared with an axial fan. Sanitizer unit  320  includes a shaft  324  with a grate  325  at an end portion thereof configured to support the sanitizer unit  320  on a floor tile  332  and allow sanitizer air to flow from the sanitizer unit  320  into the environment above, as similarly described above with respect to end plate  224   a  of sanitizer unit  220  ( FIG. 6 ). 
     The phrases “in an aspect,” “in aspects,” “in various aspects,” “in some aspects,” or “in other aspects” may each refer to one or more of the same or different aspects in accordance with the present disclosure. A phrase in the form “A or B” means “(A), (B), or (A and B).” A phrase in the form “at least one of A, B, or C” means “(A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C).” 
     From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications can also be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the same. It should be understood that various aspects disclosed herein may be combined in different combinations than the combinations specifically presented in the description and accompanying drawings. While several aspects of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular aspects. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.