Patent Description:
Vehicles such as commercial aircraft are used to transport passengers between various locations. Many commercial vehicles such as aircraft have High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in air conditioning systems that are able to entrap microbes and pathogens. The HEPA filters receive and sanitize air exiting the cabin or about to enter the cabin. HEPA filters and frequent cleaning of the cabin between flights are some methods to ensure the health of the passengers and crew onboard the aircraft.

Further, certain passengers may prefer to wear masks within an internal cabin of a vehicle, in an indoor space within a building, and/or at a densely populated outdoor space in order to reduce the risk of spreading pathogens. However, wearing masks for extended periods of time, such as during long flights, may be uncomfortable for certain passengers and may make conversation difficult.

<CIT> describes, in accordance with a machine translation of its abstract, an air cleaner which includes: a body having the shape of a neck band and including a flow path having a hollow inside to let air flow therein; an air inlet formed in a nape part of the body; air outlets formed at both ends of the body; at least one induction fan embedded inside the air inlet; at least one exhaust fan embedded inside the air outlet; and at least one filter placed on the induction fan and the exhaust fan. <CIT> describes, in accordance with its abstract, a facial accessory system for prophylactic face protection. The system includes a facial accessory configured to be worn about the face of a user. The facial accessory include a channel disposed therethrough in fluid communication with an array of apertures orientated and positioned to generate a substantially continuous downwards curtain of airflow about a face of a user when air is forced therethrough. The system includes an airflow distribution device in fluid communication with the channel of the facial accessory. The airflow distribution device is configured to selectively force air to flow therethrough.

A need exists for a system and a method for preventing, minimizing, or otherwise reducing the spread of pathogens between passengers onboard a vehicle during a trip, such as between passengers in an internal cabin of an aircraft during a flight, without risking harm to the passengers.

With that need in mind, certain examples of the subject invention provide a personal ventilation device that includes a first duct segment and a second duct segment both held by a support structure that is configured to be mounted on a wearer of the personal ventilation device. The personal ventilation device also includes a first nozzle mounted to the first duct segment and a second nozzle mounted to the second duct segment. The first and second nozzles are configured to be disposed proximate to opposite sides of a face of the wearer and the first nozzle directs airflow from the first duct segment across the face of the wearer to form a control volume for a breathing space of the wearer.

The invention to which this European patent relates is defined in the appended claims.

Certain examples of the subject invention provide a personal ventilation device for reducing the spread of contaminants and/or pathogens (e.g., bacterial and/or viral microbes) via aerosols in the air. For example, the personal ventilation device is a wearable device that mounts to the wearer's head, neck, shoulders, chest, and/or upper back. The personal ventilation device operates by directing airflow across the face of the wearer in proximity to the wearer's nose and mouth, forming a control volume for the personal breathing space of the wearer. For example, the personal ventilation device may create an air "displacement" effect as the air is directed at and/or across the wearer's lower face. The air may be sanitized air that has passed through a filter, a UV light source, and/or the like to disinfect and/or treat the air prior to passing across the wearer's lower face. The personal ventilation device may function essentially as an open powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) used to safeguard the wearer against contaminated air without covering the wearer's full face and/or head as typical PAPRs do. The airflow in the control volume may block aerosols that travel towards the wearer's breathing space, which is the space immediately in front of the wearer's nose and mouth from which air is inhaled. The aerosols may be blocked by being entrained in the airflow and/or forced to bypass the breathing space, such that the blocked aerosols are not inhaled or ingested by the wearer.

The personal ventilation device may be particularly useful for preventing the spread of pathogens directly from one person to another person before the air can be filtered through a cabin air conditioning system. For example, the control volume of the personal ventilation device may protect the wearer from aerosols emitted from a person to whom the wearer is holding a conversation, as well as from aerosols emitted from a nearby person who sneezed or coughed.

In addition to blocking external pathogens and contaminants, the ventilation device may supply sanitized air to the breathing space for inhalation by the wearer. For example, the ventilation device may include one or more air sanitizing components, such as a filter (e.g., HEPA filter), a UV light source, and/or the like to supply sanitized or decontaminated air into the breathing space.

According to one or more examples, the personal ventilation device may be mobile. For example, while wearing the ventilation device, the wearer may be untethered such that the wearer can ambulate or otherwise move about unhindered. Furthermore, the ventilation device may even be self-contained such that all components necessary to operate the device for providing the control air volume are integrated onboard the device without requiring connections to external components, such as air sources and power sources. For example, when the ventilation device is self-contained, the wearer can walk around (e.g., move about) while the ventilation device is in the "on" operating state, continuously forming the control volume to protect the breathing space of the wearer.

The ventilation device according to the examples described herein can be worn in vehicles, in buildings, and outdoors. At least one beneficial use application of the ventilation device is within commercial vehicles during trips, such as within internal cabins of aircraft, trains, buses, ferries and other marine vessels, and the like, where the wearer may be disposed relatively close to other people for an extended period of time. Another beneficial use application may be within theatres, concert halls, and other indoor high density environments. In at least one example, the ventilation device does not include a full mask or hood, and yet does not interfere with the wearer wearing a personal mask that covers the nose and mouth. For example, the wearer can wear both the mask and the ventilation device without added discomfort. Furthermore, the ventilation device in at least one example may be configured to accommodate and couple to a facemask to provide an integrated mask ventilation assembly.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic diagram of an air distribution system <NUM> according to an example of the subject invention.

The air distribution system <NUM> includes a personal ventilation device <NUM> (also referred to herein as ventilation device <NUM>), an air source <NUM>, and an external power source <NUM>. The ventilation device <NUM> is a wearable article that can mount to a person's head, neck, shoulders, chest, and/or back. The ventilation device <NUM> includes several components as shown in <FIG> and discussed below. In at least one example, the ventilation device <NUM> does not have every component that is shown in <FIG>.

The ventilation device <NUM> includes a support structure <NUM> which is a base or chassis that holds at least some of the other components in position. The support structure <NUM> may interface with the body of the wearer. In various examples, the support structure <NUM> may be a travel pillow (or neck pillow), a scarf, a vest, a jacket, a backpack, hat, helmet, or the like. In other examples, the support structure <NUM> may be a frame or chassis that is configured to be mounted to the wearer alone or in combination with another article, such as a travel pillow, scarf, vest, jacket, backpack, hat or helmet. For example, the support structure <NUM> may be a modular chassis that is designed to be housed in or on an article or element that is worn by the wearer. In a non-limiting example, the travel pillow may represent a modular element that is configured to be removably coupled to the chassis, such as by snapping onto the chassis. It is noted that the personal ventilation device <NUM> may be operable with or without an associated article or element worn by the wearer, which provides broad applicability for both crews and passengers in commercial vehicles as well as people outside of mass transit environments.

The ventilation device <NUM> also includes at least one duct <NUM>, such as a duct assembly, that defines pathways for channeling airflow through the ventilation device <NUM>. The duct(s) <NUM> may be tubes or pipes. The duct(s) <NUM> may be formed of light-weight materials, such as a thermoplastic. The duct(s) <NUM> are secured to the support structure <NUM> and held in place. Alternatively, the chassis or frame of the support structure <NUM> may be defined entirely or at least in part by ducts <NUM>. The duct(s) <NUM> receive air from the air source <NUM>. In an example, the air source <NUM> is a discrete source of conditioned air, such as an environmental control system on an aircraft, an air conditioning system, or the like. The discrete source may provide the air to the duct(s) <NUM> via one or more hoses <NUM> that mechanically connect to the ventilation device <NUM>. In other examples, the air source <NUM> may be the ambient environment, such as the air within the cabin of a vehicle occupied by the wearer, and the ambient air may be supplied to the ventilation device <NUM> via one or more intake ports.

The ventilation device <NUM> also includes at least one nozzle <NUM> which is coupled to the at least one duct <NUM>. The nozzle(s) <NUM> may be coupled to a respective end of the duct(s) <NUM>. The nozzle(s) <NUM> may define one or more apertures, slots, or other openings therethrough to emit airflow from the duct(s) <NUM> and/or permit air to enter the duct(s) <NUM>. The ventilation device <NUM> is arranged such that, when worn, the nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed proximate to the face of the wearer. For example, the nozzle <NUM> may be within <NUM> inches (<NUM>) of the wearer's chin, such as within <NUM> inches (<NUM>) or even within <NUM> inches (<NUM>) of the chin. According to the invention, the nozzles are configured to be disposed proximate to opposite sides of the midsagittal plane of the face of the wearer from one another, wherein the first nozzle is configured to direct airflow from a first duct segment across the face of the wearer to form a control volume for a breathing space of the wearer, and the second nozzle is configured to draw the airflow that is emitted from the first nozzle into a second duct to collect used air and enable a unidirectional flow direction across the midsagittal plane of the face of the wearer.

Optionally, the nozzle <NUM> may be oriented to direct the airflow in front of the wearer's face such that only a minority of the airflow, if any, impinges on the skin of the wearer. For example, the nozzle <NUM> may direct the majority of the airflow into the breathing space a few inches in front of the nose and mouth of the wearer, such as between <NUM> and <NUM> inches (<NUM> and <NUM>) in front, or more specifically between <NUM> and <NUM> inches (<NUM> and <NUM>) in front. That airflow forms the control volume to block the transfer of contaminants and pathogens across the control volume. The control volume represents a region in space occupied by continuous flowing sanitized (e.g., filtered, purified, UV radiated) air emitted from the personal ventilation device <NUM>.

In one or more examples, the ventilation system <NUM> includes at least one filter <NUM>. The filter(s) <NUM> extend into the air pathways defined by the duct(s) <NUM> to filter the air that is channeled through the duct(s) <NUM>. The filter(s) <NUM> may be disposed within the duct(s) <NUM> or connected in series with the duct(s) <NUM>. The filter(s) <NUM> may be HEPA filters or other filtering media for entraining pathogens and contaminants from the air.

The ventilation device <NUM> may also include at least one fan <NUM> that is powered to drive or force air to flow through the duct(s) <NUM>. For example, a fan <NUM> may be secured to a duct <NUM> and configured to drive airflow through the duct <NUM> and out of the nozzle <NUM> at the end of the duct <NUM> to form the control volume. The fan <NUM> drives the airflow by the rotation of vanes or blades. The rotation is powered by a power source, such as an electrical energy storage device (EESD) <NUM> or the external power source <NUM>. The EESD <NUM> is integrated on the ventilation device <NUM>, and mounted to the support structure <NUM>. The EESD <NUM> may include a battery pack, capacitors, or the like that can store electrical energy and release the energy to selectively power the fan(s) <NUM>. The external power source <NUM> is not part of the ventilation device <NUM>, and may include a vehicle electrical system, a building electrical system, a standalone battery pack, or the like. The ventilation device <NUM> may be adaptable for being powered by the external power source <NUM> by including a connector <NUM> that is electrically connected to the fan(s) <NUM> via a power cable <NUM>. The connector <NUM> is configured to releasable connect to a connector <NUM> associated with the external power source <NUM>, such as a plug on a power cord to supply electric current for selectively powering the fan(s) <NUM> and any other electrical components of the ventilation device <NUM>.

The ventilation device <NUM> may include additional components not illustrated in <FIG>, such as a UV light source for emitting UV light into a flow pathway of air to neutralize pathogens and/or contaminants, an input/output device such as an On/Off switch and/or a display, and the like.

<FIG> and the associated descriptions represent various examples of the personal, wearable ventilation device <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the ventilation device <NUM> according to an example being worn by a person. The ventilation device <NUM> in the illustrated example includes a travel pillow <NUM> (e.g., a neck pillow). The travel pillow <NUM> may define the support structure <NUM> shown in <FIG>. Alternatively, the travel pillow <NUM> may surround or be coupled to a frame or chassis that defines the support structure <NUM>.

The travel pillow <NUM> may have a similar form factor as known travel pillows that wrap around the neck of the wearer. For example, the shape of the pillow <NUM> may resemble a "U" or a horseshoe. The travel pillow <NUM> may by filled with plush, soft, compressible fill material, such as foam. The other components of the ventilation device <NUM> may be disposed within an interior volume of the pillow <NUM> or mounted to an outer case <NUM> of the pillow <NUM>. For example, the duct(s) <NUM> may be at least mostly within the interior volume and padded by the fill material to disguise the presence of the duct(s) <NUM>. Optionally, the filter(s) <NUM>, fan(s) <NUM>, connector <NUM>, and/or EESD <NUM>, if present, may also be at least partially hidden within the travel pillow <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, the ventilation device <NUM> includes a first nozzle <NUM> and a second nozzle <NUM>, which represent the nozzle(s) <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The two nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed along a top surface <NUM> of the outer case <NUM> and project beyond the top surface <NUM>. The top surface <NUM> is based on the orientation in which the wearer is wearing the pillow <NUM>, as the surface that faces towards the top of the wearer's head. The nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> are also located proximate to a front <NUM> of the pillow <NUM>. The front <NUM> is based on the direction that the wearer is facing when looking straight ahead, and the front <NUM> has an access passage <NUM> in the illustrated example. The access passage <NUM> enables modifying the diameter of the pillow <NUM>. The nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed on opposite sides of the access passage <NUM> and are positioned proximate to opposite sides of the wearer's face. For example, the nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> are located on opposite sides of the midsagittal plane of the wearer. The first nozzle <NUM> is positioned proximate to the left side of the face, and the second nozzle <NUM> is proximate to the right side of the face. The nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned such that both are within a certain designated proximity distance of the wearer's chin, such as within <NUM> inches, within <NUM> inches, within <NUM> inches, or within <NUM> inches (<NUM>, within <NUM>, within <NUM>, or within <NUM>) of the chin.

The nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> each define one or more openings therethrough. In the illustrated example, both nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> define an elongated slot <NUM> to shape the control volume <NUM>. By forcing the airflow through an elongated, narrow slot <NUM>, the airflow emitted from the nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> may cause the control volume <NUM> to have a relatively flat shape, similar to a conventional shield (e.g., an air shield). For example, two of the three dimensions of the control volume <NUM> may be significantly greater (e.g., 3x, 5x, 10x, or the like) than the third dimension. The third dimension may represent a depth of the shield <NUM>, and the first and second dimensions may represent the length and width of the shield <NUM> perpendicular to the depth dimension. Although not shown in <FIG>, the nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled to the duct(s) <NUM> that are entirely or at least mostly concealed within the pillow <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a front view of the ventilation device <NUM> according another example. <FIG> illustrates a top-down view of the ventilation device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The ventilation device <NUM> in <FIG> includes the travel pillow <NUM> shown in <FIG>, but the nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> are slightly different from the nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> in <FIG>. For example, the first nozzle <NUM> in the illustrated example is disposed on a first end effector <NUM>, and the second nozzle <NUM> is disposed on a second end effector <NUM>. The end effectors <NUM>, <NUM> project from the pillow <NUM> at or proximate to the front <NUM> on different sides of the access passage <NUM>. The nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed at distal ends of the end effectors <NUM>, <NUM>. Optionally, the end effectors <NUM>, <NUM> may be flexible and/or adjustable to enable repositioning the nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> to control the direction of airflow. For example, if the airflow is impinging the wearer's chin, mouth, and/or nose, the wearer may adjust one or both effectors <NUM>, <NUM> to direct the airflow farther away from the wearer's face to reduce the amount of air that impinges on the skin. Optionally, the end effectors <NUM>, <NUM> may be removable and/or replaceable. For example, the wearer can periodically remove the end effectors <NUM>, <NUM> for cleaning/sanitizing or for substituting the end effectors <NUM>, <NUM> with new ones.

<FIG> show arrows that represent the direction of airflow. In the illustrated example, the first nozzle <NUM> emits airflow from the first end effector <NUM> across the face of the wearer to form the control volume <NUM> for a breathing space <NUM> of the wearer. For example, the control volume <NUM> may extend across the breathing space <NUM> and in front of at least a portion of the breathing space <NUM> to shield the breathing space <NUM>, displacing ambient air by supplying a continuous stream of filtered air. In the illustrated example, the second nozzle <NUM> collects the air that is used to form the control volume <NUM> after the air flows across the midsagittal plane of the wearer.

This air is referred to as used air. The used air can have pathogens and/or contaminants received when in the shield <NUM>. The used air can be collected for filtering within the ventilation device <NUM>. By controlling one nozzle (e.g., <NUM>) as an outgoing port and the other nozzle (e.g., <NUM>) as an incoming port, the airflow has a single, unidirectional flow direction <NUM> across the face of the wearer, either right-to-left or left-to-right.

<FIG> is a top-down cross-sectional view of a ventilation device <NUM> not configured for providing the unidirectional flow according to the invention, showing the internal components according to a first example. The ventilation device <NUM> includes the travel pillow <NUM> as the support structure (shown in phantom). The ventilation device <NUM> includes a first duct segment <NUM> and a second duct segment <NUM> both held by the support structure. For example, the duct segments <NUM>, <NUM> are at least partially contained within an interior volume <NUM> of the pillow <NUM>. The duct segments <NUM>, <NUM> are fluidly coupled to each other within an integrated duct assembly <NUM>. For example, the duct assembly <NUM> includes a manifold or common segment <NUM> that has an intake port <NUM>. The first and second duct segments <NUM>, <NUM> branch off in different directions from the manifold <NUM> and wrap at least partially around the neck of the wearer. The duct assembly <NUM> may extend along a curved path that surrounds a majority of the neck, such as at least <NUM> degrees around the neck. In the illustrated example, a filter <NUM>, such as a HEPA filter, is disposed within the manifold <NUM>. The intake port <NUM> is coupled to the hose <NUM> of the air source <NUM>, which may represent an environmental control system of an aircraft. The air source <NUM> supplies air to the ventilation device <NUM> via the hose <NUM> and the intake port <NUM>. The received air is filtered through the filter <NUM> before flowing through the first and second duct segments <NUM>, <NUM>.

The first nozzle <NUM> is mounted to first duct segment <NUM>, and the second nozzle <NUM> is mounted to the second duct segment <NUM>. In the illustrated example, both the first and second nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> discharge the filtered air to form the control volume that protects the breathing space of the wearer. For example, the nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> may both be positioned to direct the air across the face of the wearer, such as across the midsagittal plane. Unlike the example shown in <FIG> and <FIG> and contrary to the invention, , the second nozzle <NUM> discharges airflow that contributes to the control volume, such that the shield is defined by air emitted from both the first and second nozzles <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, the ventilation device <NUM> lacks powered fans. For example, the air received through the hose <NUM> may be pressurized to establish sufficient airflow through the duct assembly. Plus, the airflow that forms the shield may be a relatively low rate or velocity. The nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed to provide laminar fluid flow therethrough. The laminar airflow may be sufficient to block incoming aerosols without being sufficiently high to draw in contaminants from other areas into the breathing space.

<FIG> is a top-down cross-sectional view of a ventilation device <NUM> not configured for providing the unidirectional flow according to the invention, showing the internal components according to a second example. The ventilation device <NUM> includes the travel pillow <NUM> as the support structure (shown in phantom). The ventilation device <NUM> differs from the ventilation device <NUM> shown in <FIG> due to the lack of a direct mechanical connection to an air supply hose and the presence of fans <NUM> that actively drive the flow of air through the integrated duct assembly <NUM>. The fans <NUM> include a first fan 116A associated with the first duct segment <NUM> and a second fan 116B associated with the second duct segment <NUM>. In the illustrated example, the fans 116A, 116B are located at distal ends of the respective duct segments <NUM>, <NUM> and the nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> are mounted to the fans 116A, 116B. The fans 116A, 116B may be battery-powered from the EESD <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) or may be powered via the external power source <NUM> plug-in. Both fans 116A, 116B are rotated in designated directions to create negative pressure that draws air from the ambient environment into the intake port <NUM> and through the filter <NUM>. The filtered air is then partitioned into two flow streams through the duct segments <NUM>, <NUM> before being discharged from the nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> to form the control volume. Both flow streams contribute to the formation of the control volume in <FIG>, similar to <FIG>.

One benefit of the illustrated example is the avoidance of being tethered to an external air supply via a hose, which enables the ventilation device <NUM> to be more mobile and portable. Furthermore, if the fans 116A, 116B are powered via the integrated EESD <NUM>, the ventilation device <NUM> can also avoid the use of external power connections, rendering the device <NUM> entirely self-contained and fully portable. The wearer could not only wear the device <NUM> when walking and moving about, but also operate the device <NUM> to provide the control volume while walking. In an aircraft example, the wearer may be a passenger that can use the device <NUM> to provide the control volume while walking through the departing airport, boarding the aircraft, seated during the flight, exiting the aircraft, and walking through the destination airport.

<FIG> is a top-down cross-sectional view of a ventilation device <NUM> not configured for providing the unidirectional flow according to the invention, showing the internal components according to a third example. The ventilation device <NUM> may include the travel pillow <NUM> (not shown) as the support structure, or may lack the travel pillow. The ventilation device <NUM> is similar to the ventilation device <NUM> shown in <FIG> except that the first and second duct segments <NUM>, <NUM> are not integrated or fluidly coupled. The first duct segment <NUM> is fluidly discrete and disconnected (e.g., mechanically separate) from the second duct segment <NUM>, although both are disposed within the pillow. The first duct segment <NUM> includes a first filter 114A located at a first intake port 212A. The fan 116A draws ambient air into the first intake port 212A through the first filter 114A into the first duct segment <NUM>. The second duct segment <NUM> includes a second filter 114B located at a second intake port 212B. The fan 116B draws ambient air into the second intake port 212B through the second filter 114B into the second duct segment <NUM>. The air streams are discharged as described above with reference to <FIG>. The filters 114A, 114B may be HEPA filters. The arrangement shown in <FIG> may simplify the construction and/or free space at the rear of the pillow <NUM> behind the neck of the wearer. The lack of ductwork behind the neck could potentially provide more comfort to the wearer.

<FIG> is a top-down cross-sectional view of a ventilation device <NUM> not configured for providing the unidirectional flow according to the invention, showing the internal components according to a fourth example. The ventilation device <NUM> is similar to the ventilation device <NUM> shown in <FIG> except for the placement of the fans 116A, 116B. In the illustrated example, the fans 116A, 116B are disposed at or proximate to the corresponding filters 114A, 114B. For example, the first fan 116A and the first filter 114A may be integrated to define a first fan module <NUM>. Likewise, the second fan 116B and the second filter 114B may define a second fan module <NUM>. The fans 116A, 116B are disposed proximate to the rear of the ventilation device <NUM>, such that the fans 116A, 116B are spaced apart from the nozzles <NUM>, <NUM>. The nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> may be mounted to respective first and second adjustable end effectors <NUM>, <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, to enable selective orientations of the nozzles <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top-down cross-sectional view of the ventilation device <NUM> configured for providing the unidirectional flow according to the invention and showing the internal components according to a fifth example. The ventilation device <NUM> includes the travel pillow <NUM> (shown in phantom) as the support structure. In other examples, the ventilation device <NUM> may lack the travel pillow <NUM>, instead including a different integrated wearable article or element, or even just having a modular chassis or frame without an integrated wearable article or element. The ventilation device <NUM> is similar to the example shown in <FIG> except that the first and second fans 116A, 116B are operated to provide the unidirectional flow direction <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. For example, the first duct segment <NUM> is fluidly coupled to the second duct segment <NUM> via the manifold <NUM>, which has the filter <NUM>. The first fan 116A is controlled to rotate in a specific direction that discharges airflow from the first duct segment <NUM> out of the first nozzle <NUM> to form the control volume. The second fan 116B associated with the second duct segment <NUM> is controlled to rotate in a specific direction that draws ambient air through the second nozzle <NUM> into the second duct segment <NUM>. At least some of the air that is drawn through the second nozzle <NUM> is the air of the shield that was discharged from the first nozzle <NUM>. The result is that the airflow that forms the shield travels in the flow direction <NUM> across the face of the wearer from the first nozzle <NUM> to the second nozzle <NUM>. The air in the second duct segment <NUM> is driven through the filter <NUM> before being discharged through the first nozzle <NUM> to repeat the cycle. In the illustrated example, the second nozzle <NUM> functions as an intake port. The ventilation device <NUM> optionally may have no other intake ports or indeed may have at least one other intake port. The air in the illustrated example is continuously recycled and filtered. Optionally, the fans 116A, 116B in <FIG> can be operated such that the direction of flow is opposite the direction <NUM> shown.

In an alternative example, the ventilation device <NUM> shown in <FIG> may have only one fan, such as only the second fan 116B. The second fan 116B may be powered to provide sufficient flow that the filtered air downstream of the filter <NUM> is discharged from the first nozzle <NUM> with sufficient velocity and/or flow rate to form an effective shield.

<FIG> is a top-down cross-sectional view of the ventilation device <NUM> configured for providing the unidirectional flow according to the invention and showing the internal components according to a sixth example. The ventilation device <NUM> is arranged that same as the ventilation device <NUM> in <FIG>, except that the fans 116A, 116B are controlled to direct air in different directions in order to provide the unidirectional flow direction <NUM> as required by the invention and shown in <FIG>. For example, the first fan 116A pushes air from the first duct segment <NUM> out of the first nozzle <NUM>, and the second fan 116B pulls air into the second duct segment <NUM> through the second nozzle <NUM>. The air in the second duct segment <NUM> is discharged into the ambient environment from an exhaust port <NUM> of the ventilation device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top-down cross-sectional view of the ventilation device <NUM> configured for providing the unidirectional flow according to the invention, showing the internal components according to a seventh example. The ventilation device <NUM> is arranged that same as the ventilation device <NUM> in <FIG>, except that the fans 116A, 116B are controlled to direct air in different directions in order to provide the unidirectional flow direction <NUM> as required by the invention and shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The air flows through the device <NUM> as described above with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a side elevation view of the ventilation device <NUM> according to another example being worn by a person. <FIG> is a perspective view of the ventilation device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In the illustrated example, the support structure is a collar <NUM> of a vest <NUM>. The vest <NUM> includes fabric panels <NUM> that lay on the shoulders, chest, and/or back of the wearer. The collar <NUM> extends upward from the panels <NUM> and curves to surround at least a majority of the neck of the wearer, similar to a conventional vest or jacket collar. The duct(s) <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and the nozzle(s) <NUM> may be integrated into the collar <NUM>. Other components of the ventilation device <NUM> may be mounted to other portions of the vest <NUM>. For example, fans and filters may be integrated into a back panel <NUM> or pack of the vest <NUM> that aligns with the wearer's upper back. In addition, one or more rechargeable battery packs <NUM>, control devices, and/or input devices may be integrated into one or both front panels <NUM> of the vest <NUM> that align with the upper chest of the wearer. The back panel <NUM> may include one or more ports and/or vents. For example, an intake port <NUM> may releasably couple to the hose <NUM> of a vehicle air supply.

Although the form factor is changed, the ventilation device <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> may operate as described above with respect to the examples integrated into the travel pillow <NUM>, shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a person wearing a vest <NUM> that incorporates the ventilation device <NUM> according to an example. The ventilation device <NUM> in <FIG> is similar to the ventilation device <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> shows a control volume <NUM> generated by the ventilation device <NUM>. The control volume <NUM> protects the personal breathing space of the person wearing the vest <NUM> from airborne pathogens and/or contaminants. In another example, the ventilation device <NUM> may be incorporated into a jacket or another article of clothing other than a vest.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the ventilation device <NUM> according to another example being worn by a person. The ventilation device <NUM> in <FIG> is more exposed than the pillow and vest examples. The ventilation device <NUM> includes first and second fan modules <NUM>, <NUM>. Each fan module <NUM>, <NUM> may include a power fan and a nozzle for discharging air and/or receiving air. The fan modules <NUM>, <NUM> may also include filters and/or filter assemblies. The fan modules <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled to a chassis <NUM> that wraps around the back of the wearer's neck and extends from the module <NUM> to the module <NUM>. The chassis <NUM> may also hold the EESD <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The EESD <NUM> may be spaced apart from the fan modules <NUM>, <NUM>, such as located at the back of the wearer's head. The EESD <NUM> may be connected to the fan modules <NUM>, <NUM> via concealed electrical power cables that are routed through the chassis <NUM>. The fan modules <NUM>, <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> may be supported by a frame <NUM> which may abut against a chest of the wearer and/or the shoulders of the wearer. The frame <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> may define or represent the support structure, which together hold the fan modules <NUM>, <NUM> in a fixed position relative to the wearer.

In an alternative example, the chassis <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be an integrated duct assembly. For example, the chassis <NUM> may be defined by hollow ducts, such as first and second duct segments that route air to and/or from the fan modules <NUM>, <NUM>. The duct assembly of the chassis <NUM> may be similar to the duct assembly shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>.

In <FIG>, the wearer is also wearing a personal facemask <NUM> that covers the nose and mouth. Because the fan modules <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart from the wearer, such as a few inches in front of, below, and/or to the lateral sides of the wearer's face, the ventilation device <NUM> does not interfere with the wearing of the other facemask <NUM>.

For example, the person can wear both the ventilation device <NUM> and a discrete personal facemask at the same time without experiencing added discomfort.

<FIG> illustrates the fan modules <NUM>, <NUM> of the ventilation device <NUM> shown in <FIG> mounted to a half facemask <NUM>. In an example, the support structure of the ventilation device <NUM> may be configured to removably mount to the half facemask <NUM> to form a combined unit. For example, the ventilation device <NUM> may include magnets, fasteners, latches, friction-fit features, and/or the like to enable selective coupling to a discrete mask, such as the facemask <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the fan modules <NUM>, <NUM> of the ventilation device <NUM> shown in <FIG> mounted to a full facemask <NUM>. Optionally, the magnets, fasteners, latches, friction-fit features, and/or the like on the support structure may also enable selective coupling to the full facemask <NUM>. The full facemask <NUM> may include a rigid transparent material, such as a polymer, through which the wearer sees.

<FIG> is a front elevation view of the ventilation device <NUM> according to another example including an array <NUM> of at least three fan modules <NUM>. <FIG> is a top-down view of the ventilation device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The device <NUM> has four modules <NUM> in the illustrated example, with two modules <NUM> on each side of the wearer's face. By including multiple nozzles on the same side of the face, the fan modules <NUM> can form a larger control volume, such as a taller control volume that ensure protection of the mouth and nose. The individual nozzles and/or fan modules <NUM> can be adjusted to aim the discharged airflow at slightly different locations relative to the wearer's face.

<FIG> illustrates a flow chart <NUM> of a method for delivering sanitized air to a personal breathing space according to an example of the present invention.

The method includes, at <NUM>, securing first and second duct segments to a support structure that is configured to be mounted on a wearer of the personal ventilation device. At <NUM>, a first nozzle is mounted to the first duct segment, and a second nozzle is mounted to the second duct segment. The first and second nozzles are mounted proximate to opposite sides of a face of the wearer. For example, the duct segments may at least partially surround the neck of the wearer, and the nozzles may be mounted to distal ends of the duct segments that are spaced apart along opposite sides of a lateral centerline of the ventilation device <NUM>. For example, when worn, the nozzles are disposed along opposite sides of the wearer's midsagittal plane within a designated proximity distance of the wearer's chin. At <NUM>, the first nozzle is oriented to direct airflow from the first duct segment across the face of the wearer to form a control volume for the personal breathing space of the wearer. According to the invention the second nozzle draws the airflow that is emitted from the first nozzle into the second duct to collect used air and enable a unidirectional flow direction across the midsagittal plane of the face of the wearer.

As described herein, examples of the subject disclosure provide a ventilation device and methods for delivering sanitized (e.g., filtered, conditioned, treated, disinfected, decontaminated, UV radiated, etc.) air into a personal breathing space to block the spread of pathogens. According to the invention, the ventilation device is configured for creating a unidirectional flow direction across the midsagittal plane of the face of the wearer.

In at least one example, one of the nozzles at the end of the ducts direct the airflow toward the mouth/ nose of the user. The ventilation device may include at least one fan that is controlled to move the air across the face. The fans may use one nozzle as an intake port to provide a unidirectional airflow cycle. In one or more examples, the ventilation device is embedded into a travel pillow which combines fresh air with pillow head support. The nozzles can be moveable, to allow the user to direct the air so that it is comfortable and properly directed toward the mouth and nose. The nozzle can also be a slit that can create an "air curtain" that is directed across the face. There can be multiple nozzles, positioned around the wearable device to create a sort of helmet airflow, or a broad curtain of air around a majority of the face and head, in order to create a unidirectional flow direction across the midsagittal plane of the of the wearer.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is defined in the claims. The examples comprising at least the features of the claims are examples of the invention.

While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various examples of the disclosure, the examples are by no means limiting and are exemplary examples.

In the appended claims and the detailed description herein, the terms "including" and "containing" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the term "comprising" and the term "in which" is used as the plain-English equivalents of the term "wherein. " Moreover, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

Claim 1:
A personal ventilation device (<NUM>) comprising:
a first duct segment (<NUM>) and a second duct segment (<NUM>) both held by a support structure that is configured to be mounted on a wearer of the personal ventilation device; and
a first nozzle (<NUM>) mounted to the first duct segment and a second nozzle (<NUM>) mounted to the second duct segment, wherein the first and second nozzles are configured to be disposed proximate to opposite sides of the midsagittal plane of the face of the wearer from one another, and wherein the device is configured so that the first nozzle directs airflow from the first duct segment across the face of the wearer to form a control volume for a breathing space of the wearer, and the second nozzle draws the airflow that is emitted from the first nozzle into the second duct to collect used air and enable a unidirectional flow direction across the midsagittal plane of the face of the wearer.