Patent Description:
Vehicles such as commercial aircraft are used to transport passengers between various locations. Systems are currently being developed to disinfect or otherwise sanitize surfaces within aircraft, for example, that use ultraviolet (UV) light.

Typically, UV light disinfection is more effective when a UV light emitter is closer to a surface that is to be disinfected. However, in various settings, such as within the confined space of an internal cabin of a commercial aircraft, placing UV light emitters close to surfaces or areas to be disinfected may not be practical. As such, a UV light emitter may be spaced apart from an area or space that is to be disinfected at a relatively long distance. In such a scenario, the UV light emitter typically needs to be of sufficient power to effectively disinfect the target area or space. With increased distance to the target, the power typically needed for the UV light emitter is also generally increased. As can be appreciated, effective UV light disinfection within a particular setting may typically require an increased amount of time and power.

<CIT>, in accordance with its abstract, states a disinfection system that includes a base, a first arm mechanically coupled to the base at a first joint, a second arm mechanically coupled to the first arm at a second joint, and an emission module mechanically coupled to the second arm at a third joint. The emission module may include a third arm that includes one or more scanners configured to emit electromagnetic energy further configured to disinfect a first surface. The emission module may also include the one or more scanners, focusing lens, a lens frame, and a rotary actuator, wherein the rotary actuator is configured to align one of the one or more scanners with the focusing lens to produce a narrow electromagnetic beam, or position the focusing lens out of alignment with the one of the one or more scanners to produce a broad electromagnetic beam.

<CIT>, in accordance with its abstract, states a motor vehicle with a vehicle interior, comprising at least one first disinfection device with at least one first UV light source for disinfecting the air in the vehicle interior and at least one second disinfection device with at least one second UV light source for disinfecting at least one surface in the vehicle interior, the first disinfection device is arranged on an air-conditioning unit or fan of a ventilation device which supplies the vehicle interior with air or on an interior trim part underneath a reversibly movable cover, and the second disinfection device is arranged on an arm which can be moved in the vehicle interior.

<CIT>, in accordance with its abstract, states systems and methods for disinfection of aircraft galleys and lavatories and other surfaces, using UV light sources and/or a disinfection unit powered by a fuel cell or other external power source.

<CIT>, in accordance with its abstract, states sanitizing surfaces in a location related to aircraft with multiple rows of seats. A sanitization device includes a mobile body configured to travel along the aisle of the aircraft. An arm extends from the sanitization device laterally from the mobile body across the seats, and a source of UV radiation mounted on the sanitization device is directed across the seats exposing surfaces in the passenger area to UV radiation. There can be a unit hand operated, pushed down the aisle by hand, wings deployed and stowed by hand. There can be a plug-in version with long extension cords that a human can keep from tangling. The operator can be protected with skin and eye protective gear and there can be remote control by an operator standing nearby.

<CIT>, in accordance with its abstract, states an ultraviolet (UV) light sanitizing system and method to sanitize at least one surface within an enclosed space. The UV light sanitizing system includes a UV light assembly that is selectively moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The UV light assembly is stowed within a stowage chamber connected to the enclosed space in the stowed position. The UV light assembly deploys out of the stowage chamber and into the enclosed space in the deployed position.

A need exists for a UV light disinfecting system that can be quickly and easily positioned with respect to an area, space or the like that is to be disinfected. Further, a need exists for a UV light disinfecting system that can be moveably secured within a confined space, such as within an internal cabin of a vehicle. Also, a need exists for a UV light disinfecting system that utilize less power.

With those needs in mind, a disinfecting system for an enclosed space is defined, according to claim <NUM>. Other embodiments of the disinfecting system are defined in the appended dependent claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

Certain examples not forming part of the claimed subject matter, may provide a disinfecting method for an enclosed space. The disinfecting method includes moveably coupling an articulating arm to a structure within the enclosed space; coupling an ultraviolet (UV) lamp to the articulating arm, wherein the UV lamp is configured to emit UV light toward a disinfection zone within the enclosed space; and moving the UV lamp via the articulating arm relative to the disinfection zone.

Certain examples not forming part of the claimed subject matter, may provide an enclosed space including a structure, and a disinfecting system moveably coupled to the structure, as described herein.

Certain examples of the presently described subject matter refer to a system and a method for positioning an ultraviolet (UV) lamp in close proximity to a target disinfection zone. The system and method include a mechanism that moves the UV lamp in relation to a structure, such as between a stowed position and a deployed position. In at least one example, the mechanism includes an articulating arm that moveably couples the UV lamp to a structure within an enclosed space, such as an internal cabin of a vehicle. The scope is determined with reference to the appended claims.

<FIG> illustrates a schematic block diagram of a disinfecting system <NUM> within an enclosed space <NUM>. In at least one example, the enclosed space <NUM> is an internal cabin of a vehicle, such as a commercial aircraft. In at least one other example, the enclosed space <NUM> is one or more rooms within a residential or commercial building. As an example, the enclosed space <NUM> can be an operating room within a hospital. In at least one other example, the enclosed space <NUM> is an open air venue, such as a stadium, concert space, and/or the like.

The disinfecting system <NUM> includes an articulating arm <NUM> that moveably secures an ultraviolet (UV) lamp <NUM> to a structure <NUM> within the enclosed space <NUM>. In at least one example, the structure <NUM> is a ceiling within the enclosed space <NUM>. As another example, the structure <NUM> is a panel within the enclosed space. For example, the structure <NUM> is a wall. In at least one example, the structure <NUM> is a spacer panel, a passenger service unit (PSU), overhead stowage bin assembly, or the like within an internal cabin of a vehicle. In at least one example, the structure <NUM> is a seat assembly within the enclosed space. For example, the structure <NUM> is a seat assembly within an internal cabin of a vehicle.

The articulating arm <NUM> includes one or more pivot joints <NUM> that allow the articulating arm <NUM> to pivot, rotate, or otherwise move. In at least one example, one or more dampers <NUM> are coupled to the one or more pivot joints <NUM> to control a rate of motion of the articulating arm <NUM>. For example, the dampers <NUM> include or more brakes, clutches, servos, and/or the like. As an example, the dampers <NUM> can include a pneumatic damper. As another example, the dampers <NUM> can include a metal brake (such as an aluminum brake) coupled to a passive magnet. As another example, the dampers <NUM> can include electromagnetic brakes and/or clutches. Alternatively, the articulating arm <NUM> may not include any damper.

The articulating arm <NUM> allows the UV lamp <NUM> to be moved between various positions. For example, the articulating arm <NUM> is configured to allow the UV lamp <NUM> to be moved between a stowed position (such as recessed within a ceiling, spacer panel, PSU, headrest of a seat assembly, or the like), and a deployed position, in which a disinfection zone <NUM> is disinfected through operation of the UV lamp <NUM>. The damper(s) <NUM> control a rate of motion of the articulating arm <NUM> as the UV lamp <NUM> is moved between different positions.

Optionally, the arm <NUM> can be configured to move through ways other than articulation. For example, the arm <NUM> can be pivotal, rotational, telescoping, and/or the like. As another example, the arm <NUM> can be fixed in position and not configured to move.

The UV lamp <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> having one or more UV light emitters <NUM>, such as one or more bulbs, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and/or the like. The UV light emitters <NUM> are configured to emit UV light <NUM> onto or into the disinfection zone <NUM>. In at least one example, the disinfection zone <NUM> includes an air space, such as a breathing space within the enclosed space <NUM>. As another example, the disinfection zone <NUM> includes a surface of a structure (for example, the structure <NUM> and/or another structure) that is to be disinfected. The surface can be any physical surface within the enclosed space <NUM>. For example, the surface can include walls, floors, ceilings, tables, countertops, seats, and/or the like within the enclosed space <NUM>. In the example in which the enclosed space <NUM> is an internal cabin of a vehicle, the surfaces includes floors, walls, ceilings, passenger seats, counters, drawers, cabinets, and/or the like, such as within a passenger cabin, galleys, lavatories, and/or the like. As another example, the disinfection zone <NUM> includes an air space and a surface of a structure.

In at least one example, the UV lamp <NUM> emits the UV light <NUM> (such as through the UV light emitters <NUM>) in a far UV light spectrum, such as at a wavelength of <NUM>, which neutralizes (such as kills) microbes (for example, viruses and bacteria), while posing no risk to humans. The UV lamp <NUM> may be used within the enclosed space <NUM> to decontaminate and kill pathogens. Optionally, the UV lamp <NUM> can be configured to emit the UV light <NUM> at other wavelengths, such as the UVC spectrum (for example, at a wavelength of <NUM>).

In at least one example, a latch <NUM> is coupled to the structure <NUM>. The latch <NUM> also couples to the articulating arm <NUM>. The latch <NUM> is configured to be selectively engaged or otherwise moved between a locked position and an unlocked position, so that the articulating arm <NUM> can be locked in position (such as in the stowed position), and unlocked (such as in the deployed position). For example, in the locked position, the latch <NUM> ensures that the articulating arm <NUM> is in the stowed position. In the unlocked position, the latch uncouples from the articulating arm <NUM>, and the articulating arm <NUM> and the UV lamp <NUM> can moved into (for example, fall) into the deployed position, with the movement being controlled by the one or more dampers <NUM>.

In at least one example, an activation member <NUM> that is configured to control the latch <NUM>. For example, the activation member <NUM> is coupled to a switch <NUM>, which is in turn coupled to the latch <NUM>. For example, the activation member <NUM> is a button, dial, lever, or the like that is configured to be engaged by an individual. The activation member <NUM> can be disposed on or within the structure <NUM>. For example, the activation member <NUM> can be in an armrest of a seat assembly, or secured to a wall, ceiling, or the like. As the activation member <NUM> is engaged by an individual, the switch <NUM> moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, thereby allowing the disinfecting system <NUM> to move into the deployed position. An individual may move the disinfecting system <NUM> back to the stowed position, at which the latch <NUM> automatically locks the disinfecting system <NUM> in place. Optionally, the disinfecting system <NUM> may not be coupled to the structure <NUM> through the latch <NUM>. Also, optionally, the system may not include the activation member <NUM> and the switch <NUM>.

As described herein, the disinfecting system <NUM> for the enclosed space <NUM> includes the articulating arm <NUM> moveably coupled to the structure <NUM> within the enclosed space <NUM>. The UV lamp <NUM> is coupled to the articulating arm <NUM>. The UV lamp <NUM> is configured to emit the UV light <NUM> toward (and subsequently onto and/or into) the disinfection zone <NUM> within the enclosed space <NUM>. The articulating arm <NUM> allows the UV lamp <NUM> to move relative to the disinfection zone <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective front view of an aircraft <NUM>. The aircraft <NUM> includes a propulsion system <NUM> that includes engines <NUM>, for example. Optionally, the propulsion system <NUM> may include more engines <NUM> than shown. The engines <NUM> are carried by wings <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM>. In other examples, the engines <NUM> may be carried by a fuselage <NUM> and/or an empennage <NUM>. The empennage <NUM> may also support horizontal stabilizers <NUM> and a vertical stabilizer <NUM>.

The fuselage <NUM> of the aircraft <NUM> defines an internal cabin <NUM>, which includes a flight deck or cockpit, one or more work sections (for example, galleys, personnel carry-on baggage areas, and the like), one or more passenger sections (for example, first class, business class, and coach sections), one or more lavatories, and/or the like. The internal cabin <NUM> is an example of an enclosed space <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

Alternatively, instead of an aircraft, examples may be used with various other vehicles, such as automobiles, buses, locomotives and train cars, watercraft, and the like. Further, examples may be used with respect to fixed structures, such as commercial and residential buildings. In general, the sanitizing systems described herein may be used to sanitize various components, such as within enclosed spaces, outdoor spaces, and the like.

<FIG> illustrates a top plan view of an internal cabin <NUM> of an aircraft. The internal cabin <NUM> may be within the fuselage <NUM> of the aircraft, such as the fuselage <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, one or more fuselage walls may define the internal cabin <NUM>. The internal cabin <NUM> includes multiple areas, including a front section <NUM>, a first-class section <NUM>, a business class section <NUM>, a front galley station <NUM>, an expanded economy or coach section <NUM>, a standard economy of coach section <NUM>, and an aft section <NUM>, which may include multiple lavatories and galley stations. It is to be understood that the internal cabin <NUM> may include more or less areas than shown. For example, the internal cabin <NUM> may not include a first-class section, and may include more or less galley stations than shown. Each of the sections may be separated by a cabin transition area <NUM>, which may include class divider assemblies between aisles.

The disinfecting system <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be used to disinfect or otherwise sanitize various disinfection zones within the internal cabin <NUM>, such as air space therein, passenger seats <NUM>, monuments, stowage bin assemblies, components on and within lavatories, galley equipment and components, and/or the like.

<FIG> illustrates a top plan view of an internal cabin <NUM> of an aircraft. The internal cabin <NUM> is an example of the internal cabin <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The internal cabin <NUM> may be within a fuselage <NUM> of the aircraft. For example, one or more fuselage walls may define the internal cabin <NUM>. The internal cabin <NUM> includes multiple areas, including a main cabin <NUM> having passenger seats, and an aft section <NUM> behind the main cabin <NUM>. It is to be understood that the internal cabin <NUM> may include more or less areas than shown.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective interior view of an internal cabin <NUM> of an aircraft. The internal cabin <NUM> includes outboard walls <NUM> connected to a ceiling <NUM>. Windows <NUM> may be formed within the outboard walls <NUM>. A floor <NUM> supports rows of seats <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a row <NUM> may include two seats <NUM> on either side of an aisle <NUM>. However, the row <NUM> may include more or less seats <NUM> than shown. Additionally, the internal cabin <NUM> may include more aisles than shown.

Overhead stowage bin assemblies <NUM> are secured to the ceiling <NUM> and/or the outboard wall <NUM> above and inboard from the PSU <NUM> on either side of the aisle <NUM>. The overhead stowage bin assemblies <NUM> are secured over the seats <NUM>. The overhead stowage bin assemblies <NUM> extend between the front and rear end of the internal cabin <NUM>. Each stowage bin assembly <NUM> may include a pivot bin or bucket <NUM> pivotally secured to a strongback. The overhead stowage bin assemblies <NUM> may be positioned above and inboard from lower surfaces of the PSUs <NUM>. The overhead stowage bin assemblies <NUM> are configured to be pivoted open in order to receive passenger carry-on baggage and personal items, for example.

The disinfecting system <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be used to disinfect or otherwise sanitize various disinfection zones within the internal cabin <NUM>, such as air space therein, passenger seats <NUM>, monuments, stowage bin assemblies, components on and within lavatories, galley equipment and components, and/or the like. The seats <NUM>, the PSUs <NUM>, spacer panels between the PSUs <NUM>, the stowage bin assemblies <NUM>, the outboard walls <NUM>, the ceiling <NUM>, and the like are examples of structures, such as the structure <NUM> shown in <FIG>, to which the disinfecting system <NUM> can be moveably secured.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a lateral view of the disinfecting system <NUM> within an internal cabin <NUM> of a vehicle <NUM> (such as a commercial aircraft). The internal cabin <NUM> is an example of the enclosed space <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The disinfecting system <NUM> is moveably coupled to a spacer panel <NUM> above a seat <NUM> within the internal cabin <NUM>. The spacer panel <NUM> is an example of the structure <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

In at least one example, the disinfecting system <NUM> includes a plurality of arm segments that are configured to move relative to one another. The plurality of arm segments can be moveably coupled to each other through a plurality of pivot joints. Any of the examples described herein can include the plurality of arm segments. For example, the disinfecting system <NUM> includes the articulating arm <NUM>, which includes a first arm segment <NUM> and a second arm segment <NUM>. The first arm segment <NUM> moveably coupled to the spacer panel <NUM> through a first pivot joint 110a. The first arm segment <NUM> is coupled to the second arm segment <NUM> through a second pivot joint 110b. The articulating arm <NUM> is able to pivot, rotate, and/or otherwise move about the first pivot joint 110a and the second pivot joint 110b. The first pivot joint 110a and the second pivot joint 110b allow the articulating arm <NUM> to move between the deployed position, as shown in <FIG>, and a stowed position, in which the articulating arm <NUM> recedes into a cavity <NUM> formed in the spacer panel <NUM>. The UV lamp <NUM> may also be configured to slide or otherwise move relative to the second arm segment <NUM> in the direction of arrows A, such as via one or more tracks. Optionally, the UV lamp <NUM> may be fixed in relation to the second arm segment <NUM>.

The articulating arm <NUM> allows the disinfecting system <NUM> to be moved to the deployed position, where the UV lamp <NUM> is closer to the disinfection zone <NUM>, such as a breathing space of an individual <NUM> seated within the seat <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the pivot joints 110a and 110b allow the articulating arm <NUM> to articulate relative to the X-Z plane.

<FIG> illustrates a front view of the disinfecting system <NUM> within the internal cabin of <FIG>. The spacer panel <NUM> is adjacent a PSU <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the pivot joints 110a and 110b allow the articulating arm <NUM> to articulate relative to the Y-Z plane, as well as the X-Y plane, in addition to the X-Z plane.

The articulating arm <NUM> may include more or less pivot joints than those shown. For example, the articulating arm <NUM> may include a single arm segment coupled to the spacer panel <NUM> through a single pivot joint. As another example, the articulating <NUM> may include three arm segments coupled to one another through at least three pivot joints.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the activation member <NUM> can be coupled to a portion of the seat <NUM> (such as an armrest), a portion of a PSU, and/or the like. Optionally, the system may not include the activation member <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a lateral view of a disinfecting system <NUM> within an internal cabin <NUM> of a vehicle <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a front view of the disinfecting system <NUM> within the internal cabin <NUM> of <FIG>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in this example, the structure to which the disinfecting system <NUM> is moveably secured is a headrest <NUM> of a seat assembly <NUM>. The articulating arm <NUM> includes a first arm segment <NUM> coupled to a second arm segment <NUM> through a first pivot joint 110a, which allows the first arm segment <NUM> and the second arm segment <NUM> to articulate relative to one another. The second arm segment <NUM> can moveably coupled to the headrest <NUM> through a second pivot joint, and/or a telescoping connection. In this manner, the articulating arm <NUM> can be moved between the deployed position, as shown in <FIG>, and a stowed position, in which the disinfecting system <NUM> is stowed behind the headrest <NUM>.

In at least one example, the disinfecting system <NUM> also includes a distance ranging unit <NUM>, such a laser sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or the like. The distance ranging unit <NUM> is configured to detect an appropriate distance for the disinfecting system <NUM> relative to the individual <NUM>. The distance ranging unit <NUM> can be in communication with the UV lamp <NUM>, such as through one or more wired or wireless connections. In at least one example, the UV lamp <NUM> is configured to emit UV light in response to receiving a signal from the distance ranging unit <NUM> indicating that the UV lamp <NUM> is at a predetermined distance from the individual <NUM> associated with a predetermined appropriate distance. The distance ranging unit <NUM> can be used with any of the examples described herein. Optionally, the disinfecting system <NUM> may not include the distance ranging unit <NUM>.

The disinfecting system <NUM> can be moveably secured to other portions of the seat assembly <NUM>, such as to a lateral portion of the headrest <NUM>, an armrest <NUM>, or the like. Further, the articulating arm <NUM> may include more or less arm segments than shown.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the activation member <NUM> can be coupled to a portion of the seat assembly <NUM> (such as an armrest), a portion of a PSU, and/or the like. Optionally, the system may not include the activation member <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a lateral view of a disinfecting system <NUM> within an internal cabin <NUM> of a vehicle <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a front view of the disinfecting system <NUM> within the internal cabin <NUM> of <FIG>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the disinfecting system <NUM> is moveably coupled to a PSU <NUM> or a spacer panel connected thereto. The articulating arm <NUM> may include more or less arm segments than shown.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the activation member <NUM> can be coupled to a portion of the seat (such as an armrest), a portion of a PSU, and/or the like. Optionally, the system may not include the activation member <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a front view of a disinfecting system <NUM> within an internal cabin <NUM> of a vehicle <NUM>. In this example, the disinfecting system <NUM> includes a support bar <NUM>, which may be coupled to a structure, such as a PSU <NUM>, a spacer panel connected thereto, and/or the like. The support bar <NUM> can be fixed to the structure, or moveable coupled thereto, such as through one or more pivot joints. A plurality of articulating arms 104a, 104b, and 104c such as any of those described herein are moveably coupled to the support bar <NUM>, such as via one or more pivot joints. Each articulating arm 104a, 104b, and 104c is in turn coupled to a UV lamp 116a, 116b, and 116c, respectively. The support bar <NUM> and the articulating arms 104a-c can be moved to position the UV lamps 116a-116c over respective seats 706a, 706b, and 706c. More or less articulating arms and UV lamps can be coupled to the support bar <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the activation member <NUM> can be coupled to a portion of the seat (such as an armrest), a portion of a PSU, and/or the like. Optionally, the system may not include the activation member <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a lateral view of a disinfecting system <NUM> secured to a headrest <NUM> of a seat <NUM>, according to an example of the claimed subject matter. <FIG> illustrates a front perspective view of the disinfecting system <NUM> of <FIG>. The disinfecting system <NUM> includes the articulating arm <NUM> pivotally coupled to a side <NUM> of the headrest <NUM> via a pivot joint <NUM>, which allows the articulating arm <NUM> to pivot between the deployed position shown in <FIG> in which a main body <NUM> of the disinfecting system <NUM> is disposed to a side of a head <NUM> of an individual <NUM> seated within the seat <NUM>, and a stowed position, in which the main body <NUM> is disposed between seats, behind and to a side of the seat, and/or the like.

In at least one example, the main body <NUM> includes the UV lamp <NUM>, which is configured to emit the UV light into the disinfection zone <NUM>, such as the breathing space of the individual <NUM>. Optionally, the UV lamp <NUM> may be embedded within the main body <NUM> and configured to emit the UV light into an air stream passing through the main body <NUM>, and which is expelled into the disinfection zone <NUM>. In this manner, the UV lamp <NUM> does not directly emit the UV light into the disinfection zone <NUM>, but rather within an air channel within the main body <NUM>. An internal fan <NUM> may be within the main body <NUM>, and is configured to blow the disinfected air stream out through air outlets <NUM> formed in the main body <NUM>. According to the claimed subject matter, the disinfecting system <NUM> includes a first UV lamp 106a that is configured to emit the UV light into the disinfection zone <NUM>, as well as an embedded second UV lamp 106b within the main body <NUM>, which is configured to emit the UV light into an air stream within the main body <NUM>. In at least one example, the disinfecting system <NUM> include one of the UV lamp 106a or the UV lamp 106b.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, the activation member <NUM> can be coupled to a portion of the seat (such as an armrest), a portion of a PSU, and/or the like. Optionally, the system may not include the activation member <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a flow chart of a disinfecting method. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the disinfecting method is for the enclosed space <NUM>, and includes moveably coupling, at <NUM>, the articulating arm <NUM> to the structure <NUM> within the enclosed space <NUM>; coupling, at <NUM>, the UV lamp <NUM> to the articulating arm <NUM>, wherein the UV lamp <NUM> is configured to emit the UV light <NUM> toward the disinfection zone <NUM> within the enclosed space <NUM>; and moving, at <NUM>, the UV lamp <NUM> via the articulating arm <NUM> relative to the disinfection zone <NUM>. In at least one example, said moving <NUM> includes moving the UV lamp <NUM> between a stowed position and a deployed position.

In at least one example, the enclosed space <NUM> is an internal cabin of a vehicle. As a further example, the structure <NUM> is one or more of a spacer panel, a passenger service unit (PSU), a portion of a seat, or an overhead stowage bin assembly within the internal cabin.

As described herein, examples provide UV light disinfecting systems and methods that can be quickly and easily positioned with respect to an area, space or the like that is to be disinfected. Further, examples provide UV light disinfecting systems and methods that can be moveably secured within a confined space, such as within an internal cabin of a vehicle. Also, examples provide UV light disinfecting systems and methods that utilize a reduced amount of power, as the UV lamps can be moved into a close proximity with respect to a disinfection zone.

While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like can be used to describe examples, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (and/or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various examples without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various examples, the examples are by no means limiting and are exemplary examples. Many other examples will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various examples should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims and the detailed description herein, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "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 disinfecting system (<NUM>) for an enclosed space (<NUM>), the disinfecting system (<NUM>) comprising:
a seat (<NUM>) with a headrest (<NUM>), wherein the headrest (<NUM>) comprises a pivot joint (<NUM>) at a side (<NUM>);
an articulating arm (<NUM>) pivotally coupled to the side (<NUM>) of the headrest (<NUM>) via the pivot joint (<NUM>) within the enclosed space (<NUM>);
a main body (<NUM>) coupled to the articulating arm (<NUM>) and comprising a first and second ultraviolet (UV) lamp (106a, 106b), wherein the articulating arm (<NUM>) is configured to pivot between a deployed position in which the main body (<NUM>) is disposed to a side of a head (<NUM>) of an individual (<NUM>) seated within the seat (<NUM>), and a stowed position in which the main body (<NUM>) is behind and to a side of the seat (<NUM>),
wherein the first UV lamp (106a) is configured to emit UV light (<NUM>) toward a disinfection zone (<NUM>) within the enclosed space (<NUM>), and
wherein the second ultraviolet (UV) lamp (106b) is embedded within the main body (<NUM>) and configured to emit the UV light (<NUM>) into an air stream passing through the main body (<NUM>),
wherein the articulating arm (<NUM>) allows the UV lamps (106a, 106b) to move relative to the disinfection zone (<NUM>).