Vehicle lavatory with air replenishment system

Abstract

A vehicle restroom monument assembly includes an enclosure having a plurality of walls that cooperate to define a restroom interior, an entry door, and a toilet located within the restroom. The enclosure includes an entry door and the toilet includes an exit door. An air replenishment system is configured to move a first amount of air from the restroom interior through the exit door and a second amount of air through the entry door to the restroom interior to replenish the air within the restroom.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to clean restrooms for aircraft or other vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] Commercial airline operations have been disrupted by the Covid 19 crisis. As a result, there is a desire to develop and deploy technologies, products, and solutions that clean, sanitize, disinfect, or even sterilize aircraft interiors before, during, or after flight. As used herein, "cleaning" means cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing, refilling, or any combination thereof.

[0003]

[0003] Aircraft operating in commercial service must be fuel efficient and safe to fly. Aircraft manufacturers, suppliers, and government regulators, such as the FAA, develop procedures, regulations, processes, and requirements to ensure that products introduced into aircraft are safe, meet requirements and regulations, are lightweight, low power, and compact in volume.

[0004]

[0004] Solutions for cleaning the interior of aircraft have been proposed to airline operators, but there remains a need to ensure that these technologies, products, or solutions also meet industry needs for efficiency and safety at the same time. Furthermore, while commercially available products have been adapted for use on aircraft, these products may not meet industry requirements to be able to fly or be certified as airborne equipment.

[0005]

[0005] Air in an aircraft cabin is typically recirculated about 20 times per hour. In addition, the fresh air entering the cabin is filtered. This provides a cleaner cabin atmosphere than many other forms of public transportation. However, the lavatory is one area of ​​the cabin where passengers are confined to a small space where air is not recirculated as frequently as in an open cabin. This can increase the chances of airborne pathogens spreading during air travel. In an attempt to reduce the spread of such pathogens, the air inside the lavatory can be recirculated every time a passenger uses the lavatory.

[0006]

[0006] Bacteria and virus killing by ultraviolet (UV) light or disinfection occurs on surfaces that are in the direct "line of sight" of the light emitted by the UV light source. Optimal disinfection occurs when the angle of incidence is 0°, in other words, perpendicular or normal to the surface. Germicidal effectiveness decreases when the UV rays are at an angle to the surface that needs to be disinfected. The effectiveness of UV light decreases as the angle of incidence increases. For reference, disinfection intensity is reduced by about 10% at a 20° angle of incidence (20° from the normal or 70° from the surface) and about 40% at a 30° angle of incidence. In addition, the further the UV light source is from the surface to be disinfected, the lower the intensity of the light on the disinfected surface. This reduces the effectiveness of disinfection. For reference, the intensity of UV-C light is reduced by about 95% at a distance of about 1 meter from the light source.

[0007]

[0007] The description of the background art disclosed in any of the present patent applications contains information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. None of the information provided herein is an admission that it is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0008]

[0008] The present invention is directed to a clean restroom that includes one or more features. In general, a clean restroom addresses passenger hygiene concerns by providing an integrated touchless solution (e.g., dispensing water and soap / sanitizer), eliminating airborne contaminants on demand (e.g., using an air replenishment system), implementing an easy-to-clean surface configuration even when the restroom is occupied, consolidating consumables (e.g., wipes) in one or a very few storage areas that are easily accessible from the cabin aisle (or outside the restroom enclosure) to reduce cleaning and restocking challenges for crew, and providing a method of communicating the sanitary status of the restroom to passengers without requiring crew involvement.

[0009]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle restroom monument assembly is provided that includes an enclosure having a plurality of walls that cooperate to define a restroom interior with an entry door disposed on one of the walls and a tower assembly disposed on one of the walls and extending outwardly therefrom. A sanitizing recess is defined on a front side of the tower assembly, the sanitizing recess including access to hand sanitizer therein. The hand sanitizer may be associated with a liquid or gel dispenser, a sanitizing wipe, or the like.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention uses a tower assembly having one or more access doors therein to provide a station or tower assembly stocked with and containing hand sanitizer dispensers and / or disinfecting wipes that is directly accessible from the aircraft cabin aisle. The tower assembly preferably provides a hygiene station for passengers that is accessible from the aisle (i.e., outside the lavatory) and also provides passengers with information regarding the cleanliness of the lavatory and steps being taken to keep the lavatory and / or cabin as clean as possible.

[0011]

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, a fixed tower or tower assembly is integrated into or located next to an aircraft monument such as a lavatory or galley. The tower includes, but is not limited to, a non-contact hand sanitizer dispenser, a disinfectant wipe dispenser, and / or a trash receptacle. The trash receptacle is located inside the tower and / or inside a trash compartment or trash receptacle space inside the lavatory. The hand sanitizer dispenser and / or the disinfectant wipe dispenser are both accessible from the aircraft cabin aisle. The trash compartment is accessible from the lavatory or from the aisle via the trash receptacle in the tower. The trash receptacle is emptied from the aisle side of the tower, which reduces the need for flight attendants or maintenance personnel to enter the lavatories for maintenance.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, an access panel or door located on the upper side of the tower provides access to disposable tissue and towel dispensers (all towels, tissues, wipes, etc., sometimes referred to herein as wipes) located within and accessible within the lavatory, thereby reducing the need for flight attendants or maintenance personnel to enter the lavatory for maintenance purposes and to replace wipes.

[0013]

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, a display panel is located on the outside of the tower. This display panel communicates status information to the crew and / or passengers using illuminated information or graphics, display screens, or integrated, color-coded wash lights. This information can include, but is not limited to, the approximate time that the beverage cart will pass through the cabin, cleaning status such as cleaning method and cleaning protocol used in the lavatory, time since the lavatory air was refilled, and service information such as lavatory availability / vacancy. The display screen can include illuminated icons that activate to communicate vacant, occupied, cleaned, in use, etc., or the display screen can be an embedded flat screen display to run informational graphics such as on-board sanitation procedures and techniques, or can include advertising.

[0014]

[0014] Passengers will appreciate that they have access to the hygiene station without having to enter the lavatory since the hygiene products can be accessed from the aisle. In addition, the display screen provides passengers with additional information related to procedures and techniques being used to increase cleanliness within the cabin, which helps to increase passenger confidence in their air travel.

[0015]

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, a restroom monument assembly for a vehicle is provided, the restroom monument assembly including an enclosure including a plurality of walls that cooperate to define a restroom interior having an entry door and an entry, a toilet including an outlet disposed within the restroom interior, and an air replenishment system configured to move a first quantity of air from the interior of the restroom through the outlet and to move a second quantity of air to the interior of the restroom through the entry.

[0016]

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention also provides the ability to remove airborne pathogens after each use of the lavatory. The present invention provides the ability to generate airflow using the toilet as an existing or newly generated air inlet and outlet. The air inlet may be active (forced air from the ECS system) or passive (ventilation opening to the general cabin). The location of the inlet can be customized compared to the prior art. In a preferred embodiment, a toilet dry flush cycle is used to suck or pull air from the lavatory to provide airborne pathogen removal and air circulation. The dry flush cycle is used without passenger presence and can be customized for flow and duration. Thus, the lavatory vacuum system can be reused or used to remove air from the lavatory after each use. This provides a fresh air environment for all passengers using the lavatory. In a preferred embodiment, an air recirculation or refill system inside the lavatory of an aircraft has a cycle time of less than 30 seconds and can communicate the current air quality inside the lavatory to passengers or crew.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, a toilet vacuum system (or a separate vacuum system) is used in dry mode (without water) to draw air from inside the lavatory. The opening time of the toilet flush valve (or outlet) is electronically programmed based on the required amount of air to be extracted and the position of one or more inlets. A dry flush of the toilet is a short-time, high-volume operation that generates a flow of, for example, about 150 l / s. This vacuum system can be activated automatically after a passenger leaves the lavatory, or it can be activated manually by pressing a button (or otherwise activating a switch) located outside the lavatory. When a person is in the lavatory, manual activation of the vacuum system is disabled. In a preferred embodiment, it takes about 10 seconds for the vacuum to remove a volume of air inside the lavatory. It will be understood that the amount of air displaced from the lavatory is at least a majority of the air in the lavatory. Some air may be extracted or displaced from the toilet outlet during a regular flush (a typical aircraft toilet outlet is open for about 4 seconds during a normal flush, resulting in some air leaking through the outlet). However, this is not sufficient to clean or replenish the air in the lavatory. Thus, for the purposes of the present invention, the first amount of air removed from the lavatory is at least half the amount of air present inside the lavatory before the air replenishment system is activated, and may even reach 100% of the air. A typical volume of an aircraft lavatory is about 1.1 m3. The airflow at 0° and 1 atm is about 0.117 m3 / s. Thus, it should take about 10 seconds to completely remove the entire amount of air in the lavatory (the first amount of air). This period may be longer in lavatories with larger volumes and shorter in lavatories with smaller volumes. Due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the lavatory, cabin air enters the lavatory through the lavatory door decompression vent and / or the ECS inlet (which may be located, for example, behind the mirror). In one embodiment, a HEPA (or other air filter) is placed in the decompression vent to filter the air entering the lavatory. An air fragrance cartridge or dispenser may also be placed in the decompression vent to introduce a fresh scent into the air entering the lavatory.In another embodiment, the air fragrance cartridges or dispensers may be located in other areas of the restroom, such as above the ceiling panels.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, an indicator outside the restroom communicates the air quality level within the restroom. This indicator or display screen or member may contain information including, but not limited to, the amount of time since the last air recirculation cycle, an indication of a color such as red indicating that air has not been recirculated since a passenger last used the restroom, or green indicating that air has been recirculated since a passenger last used the restroom, and / or an indication of the restroom status such as "vacant" or "occupied."

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle restroom monument assembly is provided, the vehicle restroom monument assembly including an enclosure having a plurality of walls that cooperate to define a restroom interior, an entry door disposed on one of the plurality of walls, and a UV disinfection system including a first light module disposed inside the restroom. The first light module includes an ultraviolet light source that emits ultraviolet light, and a lens member. The UV disinfection system includes a first reflective surface including a reflective coating thereon, a first direct surface to be disinfected, and a first indirect surface to be disinfected. The lens member is configured to direct the ultraviolet light beam to the first direct surface to be disinfected. The lens member is also configured to direct the ultraviolet light beam to the first reflective surface, the first reflective surface being inclined to direct the ultraviolet light beam to the first indirect surface to be disinfected. Preferably, the ultraviolet light beam reflected by the first reflective surface reaches the first indirect surface to be disinfected at an angle of 30° to 90°, more preferably the angle is between 60° to 90°, and most preferably the angle is between 75° to 90°. These same angular ranges apply to the light beam that is directed toward the surface to be disinfected.

[0019]

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the UV disinfection system includes a controller configured to activate the UV disinfection system a predetermined number of seconds after the restroom interior is emptied.In a preferred embodiment, the UV disinfection system includes a controller configured to activate the UV disinfection system a predetermined amount of time after a previous activation of the UV disinfection system.

[0020]

[0021] In preferred embodiments, the first reflective surface is disposed adjacent to the non-reflective surface. In some embodiments, the first reflective surface is not parallel to the non-reflective surface. In preferred embodiments, the lens member includes a first portion having a first thickness and a second portion having a second thickness. The first portion is configured to direct the ultraviolet light beam to the first direct surface to be disinfected, and the second portion is configured to direct the ultraviolet light beam to the first reflective surface (the light beam may be directed at different angles relative to the direct and indirect surfaces to be disinfected).

[0021]

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the UV disinfection system includes a manual activation switch configured to activate a UV disinfection system located outside the interior of the restroom (e.g., outside the entry door). Preferably, the manual activation switch is part of an activation assembly that includes an indication system configured to indicate a UV disinfection status of the interior of the restroom. In a preferred embodiment, the indication system includes a plurality of indicator lights including a first indication state and a second indication state. The first indication state indicates that the compartment is clean and the second indication state indicates that the compartment is not clean. In a preferred embodiment, the manual activation switch is disabled when the entry door is locked and the interior of the restroom is occupied and / or the manual activation switch is disabled.

[0022]

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a UV disinfection system for providing UV light disinfection to at least some of the surfaces inside an aircraft and / or restroom. For example, the UV light may be FUV (222 nm wavelength), UV-C, UV-B, etc. It will be appreciated that the areas of the restroom with the most touch points are the door handles, areas around the sink and countertop including faucets, soap dispensers, and waste flaps, and certain areas associated with the toilet bowl and toilet shroud such as flush buttons, seat cover dispensers, seats and covers. Areas with a high number of touch points increase the likelihood of pathogens spreading in these areas and therefore require more attention for sanitization to reduce the risk of pathogens spreading. Thus, application of UV light to these high touch point surfaces can help sanitize the surfaces and reduce the risk of transmission of viruses, etc.

[0023]

[0024] Additionally, surface films or coatings applied to surfaces in the restroom can reflect approximately 95% of the UV light that strikes the coated surface. Thus, one solution is to position the UV lamp or light source so that the light beam is directed perpendicular to and as close as possible to the high-risk surface. However, this may not be feasible for a number of reasons, including cost and power considerations. Thus, the present invention positions the UV lamp as close as feasible to the high-risk surface, modifies the effective angle with the UV lamp lens geometry (e.g., refracts the light beam), and uses UV reflective surfaces to direct the UV light to the high-risk surface as efficiently as possible to maximize the germicidal potential. In general, the present invention provides a disinfection system that rapidly kills pathogens on high-risk surfaces in the restroom in a manner that ensures that the desired surfaces are disinfected after each passenger use.

[0024]

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, to disinfect the sink and countertop area, a UV light source is placed under the restroom mirror. The UV light source includes a lens that can direct the UV light as desired to the specific surface to be disinfected. The lens can include sections of various thicknesses to redirect or angle the light. The lens cover directs the UV light waves or rays (e.g., via refraction) in a specific direction and angle (sometimes referred to herein as the "effective angle"). At least a portion of the surfaces of the restroom sink and countertop are coated with a UV reflective material. Thus, when the UV light hits these surfaces, a portion of the UV light is reflected at an angle perpendicular to the UV reflective surface, referred to herein as the "reflection angle." The effective angle and reflection angle of the system are configured so that the UV light from the UV light source hits a specific target in the restroom.

[0025]

[0026] These targets include, but are not limited to, countertop surfaces, specifically around the sink perimeter and waste flap perimeter, surfaces of the waste flap, surfaces within the sink bowl, surfaces of the sink faucet and handles, including the undersides of the faucet and handles, surfaces of soap dispensers, including the undersides of soap dispensers, surfaces surrounding paper towel / wipe / tissue dispensers, and surfaces of interior door handles, including the undersides of door handles.

[0026]

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, one or more UV light sources can be positioned under a baby changing table, on one or more of the walls of the restroom under a shroud or cover, under a seat cover dispenser, and / or under a toilet shroud in the restroom. The UV light sources include lens covers of various thicknesses that direct UV light waves in a specific direction and angle, i.e., effective angle. Surfaces around the toilet seat in the restroom are coated with a UV-reflective material. These surfaces can include, but are not limited to, the walls surrounding the toilet seat, the restroom floor pan, the toilet shroud, and / or the toilet bowl. When the UV light hits these surfaces, a portion of the UV light is reflected at an angle perpendicular to the UV-reflective surface, which may be referred to herein as the reflection angle. The effective angle and reflection angle of the system are configured so that the UV light from the UV light source hits a specific target in the restroom. The toilet geometry can be modified to ensure that the UV light hits the target surface, or enclosures, reflective surfaces, panels, etc. can be added to the walls or other components of the restroom and coated with a UV-reflective material to provide the required reflection angle.

[0027]

[0028] Other targets may include, but are not limited to, the surface of the toilet flush button, the surfaces surrounding the seat cover dispenser, all surfaces of the toilet paper dispenser including the underside of the dispenser, and the surface of the toilet lid.

[0028]

[0029] The present invention includes a compact, broad-effectiveness UV lamp. As mentioned above, the effectiveness of these lamps is affected by the geometry of the lens on the lamp, particularly by varying the thickness of the lens. The UV lamp is preferably placed in an unobtrusive location in the restroom.

[0029]

[0030] The present invention also includes UV reflective materials that can be applied to certain reflective surfaces in the restroom (thus providing a reflective surface and a non-reflective surface that does not include a coating thereon) that direct the UV light to strike surfaces in the restroom that have the greatest number of passenger touch points, which are the surfaces most responsible for the spread of pathogens between passengers.

[0030]

[0031] The combination of broad-effectiveness UV lamps and UV-reflective surfaces creates a UV disinfection solution that maximizes surface cleaning speed and effectiveness in an automated manner. One critical success factor in the present invention is the UV lamp form factor that fits under restroom mirrors and / or other inconspicuous locations, as well as the variable thickness light lens that provides a focused effective angle. The second critical success factor is the application of UV-reflective materials to restroom surfaces, which allows the UV light to be directed to targets that are not typically in the line of sight of the UV light source, such as under faucet handles or doorknobs. The combination of the two success factors described above creates an automated UV disinfection system that achieves cleaning effectiveness. This is achieved by placing the UV light source close to the target cleaning surface and orienting the UV light by optical reflection so that the direction of the light wave is as close as possible to the normal of the target cleaning surface. These factors increase the amount of energy that is transferred for disinfection and impacts pathogens on the target surface. This reduces the amount of time the target surface needs to be exposed to UV light for disinfection.

[0031]

[0032] The present invention also allows the disinfection process to be automated, so that maintenance personnel do not need to use UV wands or apply disinfectant chemicals for target surfaces to be disinfected. For example, the UV disinfection system can be activated at a predetermined time or after each use of the restroom (similar to the air replenishment system discussed herein). In a preferred embodiment, both the air replenishment system and the UV disinfection system are activated after each use of the restroom. In a preferred embodiment, the UV disinfection system can be activated using a manual activation button / switch as described herein. It will be understood that automated UV disinfection systems and processes can be tuned for high levels of performance or disinfection, and manual maintenance items such as wands and sprays depend on staff training and discipline, have variable results, and may be much less effective than expected. Preferably, the UV disinfection system is configured not to be activated or to activate ultraviolet light when a person is in the restroom (e.g., when the door is locked or when a person is sensed to be inside the restroom). In one embodiment, the UV disinfection system may not include an indirect surface to be disinfected.

[0032]

[0033] In preferred embodiments, the aircraft restroom monument assembly also provides for optimization of aircraft restroom cleanliness by reducing factors that typically lead to uncleanliness, such as parting lines between adjacent components, horizontal surfaces near sinks that allow water to pool, and the presence of objects that extend perpendicularly from horizontal surfaces, such as soap dispensers and faucets, that make cleaning around these objects difficult.

[0033]

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle restroom monument assembly is provided that includes an enclosure having first, second, third, and fourth walls that cooperate to define a restroom interior, an entry door disposed on the second wall, and a sink assembly disposed within the restroom interior. The sink assembly includes a sink including a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall that cooperate to define the sink interior. The top wall includes a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface partially defining the sink interior. The top surface is a counter.

[0034]

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, a sink including a generally vertically oriented spout or opening for a user to place their hands replaces a conventional sink bowl that is generally horizontally oriented. The sink geometry prevents water from collecting on a horizontal surface (such as a typical countertop located adjacent to the spout of the sink) and helps to force water through a drain at the bottom of the sink by gravity. The sink also preferably has a smaller footprint than a conventional sink bowl and countertop combination which frees up space in the restroom. In a preferred embodiment, the leading edge of the sink is shaped to provide a handle for passenger stability during turbulence.

[0035]

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the restroom monument assembly also includes a "dry shelf" located above the sink. Personal items such as cell phones and cosmetics can be placed on this dry shelf, which will remain dry as all of the liquids remain contained within the sink below the dry shelf. In a preferred embodiment, within or below the dry shelf are also included touchless water and soap dispensers that are within or dispensed within the sink. In use, when a user inserts their hand into the sink and places it under the touchless water dispenser, the presence of the hand is captured by a motion sensor, IR distance sensor, or other technology used to activate the touchless device. When the water dispenser is activated, water flows from the dispenser. When a user inserts their hand into the sink and places it under the touchless soap dispenser, the presence of the hand is captured by a motion sensor, IR distance sensor, or other technology used to activate the touchless device. When the soap dispenser is activated, soap flows from the dispenser.

[0036]

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, a UV disinfecting light is located in and / or beneath the drying cabinet and is enabled when hands are not present in the sink or when otherwise activated (e.g., by a switch, system, etc.) This UV light disinfects surfaces within the sink.

[0037]

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, there are few or no visible mounting hardware on the exposed surface of the sink or drying rack, which allows the exposed surface of the sink and drying rack to be easily cleaned by crew or maintenance personnel. Preferably, the sink or basin and drying rack are removable using concealed fasteners.

[0038]

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the sink requires little or no hand contact with any surfaces during use, is easy to wipe down, and its components are easy to remove for extensive cleaning, maintenance, or replacement. It will be appreciated that the enclosed nature of the design measures that potentially damage UV virus destruction technology allows it to be focused where it is most effective and least harmful (as prolonged exposure can cause damage to skin). The over / under arrangement of wet and dry zones (e.g., drying shelves above the sink) allows for less ingress of furnishings into the restroom space, reducing the risk of passenger contact with adjacent potentially unsanitary surfaces.

[0039]

[0040] The sink isolates the restroom's hand washing functions within a clean environment, embeds typically hard-to-clean equipment (such as faucets and soap dispensers) within an easy-to-clean wiping surface (within the drying cabinet), and allows for the safe integration of active and passive biocidal technologies. Preferably, easy deep clean maintenance is enabled by making all major contact surfaces quickly removable without the need to disconnect system interfaces. However, this is not a limitation of the invention.

[0040]

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle restroom monument assembly including an enclosure having a plurality of walls that cooperate to define a restroom interior, a door disposed on one of the plurality of walls, and a first component disposed within the restroom interior including a first visual indicator coating on an exterior surface thereof. The first visual indicator coating includes at least a first excitation additive configured to illuminate when illuminated by a first light comprising light waves within a predetermined wavelength range. Preferably, the predetermined wavelength range is within the ultraviolet range. The range may be the entire ultraviolet range or a subset thereof.

[0041]

[0042] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of sterilizing a part, comprising covering at least a portion of an outer surface of the part with a first visual indication coating. The first visual indication coating comprises at least a first excitation additive configured to illuminate when irradiated with a first light comprising light waves within a predetermined wavelength range. The method also comprises directing an ultraviolet light source to the outer surface of the first visual indication coating such that the first excitation additive is illuminated at a first level to sterilize the outer surface of the first visual indication coating. In a preferred embodiment, the first excitation additive is a first fluorescent additive, and the method further comprises moving the ultraviolet light source closer to the outer surface of the first visual indication coating such that the first excitation additive is illuminated at a second level brighter than the first level.

[0042]

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a disinfection system that includes both active and passive disinfection methods. Passive disinfection can be done by adding antimicrobial coatings, films, etc. to surfaces in the lavatories. Active disinfection can include using a UV wand or light to disinfect the surfaces. UV disinfection can be done by the crew during the flight or at other predetermined times. UV disinfection can also be done automatically at predetermined intervals during the flight or using the UV disinfection system described herein after each use of the lavatories. The present invention includes disinfecting aircraft lavatories using antimicrobial additives in a coating or film that is applied to the surfaces that passengers are most likely to touch. In the present invention, "passive" refers to a visual indicator, not an antimicrobial effect. The passive indication is a luminescent visual indicator that the part is disinfected. It is passive in that the spot absorbs the UV light and retains a visual indication (glowing / colored light / hologram) that the part is protected as long as the energy is in the material. Active is an indicator that the part has a UV wand or light energy directed at the surface. The glow is only visible with focused light energy. Passive generally refers to where no further action is required from the user to provide a clean / disinfected / sterilized surface. "Continuously active" is the phrase used by the Environmental Protection Agency for these types of materials, but will be understood by those skilled in the art to indicate that the antimicrobial agent is always effective beyond the initial application.

[0043]

[0044] It will be appreciated that there are several mechanisms that may be used to destroy and disintegrate bacterial, viral, and fungal organisms and prevent them from multiplying on board an aircraft. Generally, these mechanisms for destroying and disintegrating bacterial, viral, and fungal organisms and preventing them from multiplying on board an aircraft are referred to herein as "disinfecting" or "cleaning."

[0044]

[0045] Electrical / polar attraction is the addition of a conductive material (e.g., silver and copper are common) that has an ionic charge that attracts and destroys microbial activity. This form of passive disinfection is sometimes referred to herein as "conductive disinfection" and the material is sometimes referred to herein as a "conductive disinfectant." Another method involves mechanical disruption, where the surface or additive has a rough surface topography. Microorganisms have a difficult time adhering to rough or uneven surfaces to form colonies, and the roughness can also be rough enough to tear or destroy cell membranes, killing bacteria and disrupting viral growth. This form of passive disinfection is sometimes referred to herein as "mechanical disruption disinfection" and the material is sometimes referred to herein as a "mechanical disruption disinfectant."

[0046] UV radiation can also be used, as certain wavelengths can focus on cell walls, rupturing the cell walls and rendering the bacteria, germ cells, or viruses harmless. This form of "excited" sanitization may be referred to herein as "UV disinfection" and the materials may be referred to herein as "UV sanitizers." This requires some skill or technique of operation to ensure that proper sanitization occurs, and that the entire surface is efficiently disinfected.

[0045]

[0047] With respect to the methods where sanitization is achieved by surface topography, chemical, electrical attraction, or mechanical means, for these methods discussed herein, one skilled in the art will be able to understand that it is difficult to determine how effective the antimicrobial additive is in performing the task of killing microorganisms, and also difficult to determine whether the antimicrobial additive is still present on the surface to be cleaned. For example, in the case of electrical or chemical means, the additive is distributed evenly throughout the medium to ensure effectiveness, without operator intervention or skill, but there is no visual or mechanical proof that the material is active and working. With respect to surface topography or other mechanical means, the surface accomplishes the task without operator intervention, and it cannot be determined that it is still effective unless the surface is inspected on a microscopic scale.

[0046]

[0048] The present invention involves the addition of additives or dyes in disinfection coatings or films that luminesce or illuminate when illuminated by light of a particular range of wavelengths. The luminescence provides a visual indication of disinfection. The additives can be fluorescent and / or phosphorescent dyes defined by the wavelength of UV or laser energy used to create the desired response. Both fluorescence and phosphorescence are based on the ability of a material to absorb light and emit light of a longer wavelength and therefore lower energy. The main difference is the time it takes to do so. With fluorescence, the luminescence is essentially immediate and therefore usually only visible if the light source (such as UV light) is continuously on, whereas phosphorescent materials can store the absorbed light energy for some time and later emit the light, resulting in an afterglow that persists even after the light is switched off.

[0047]

[0049] In other words, fluorescent dyes provide an immediate response and fade rapidly when the energy source (UV light or laser) is removed. Phosphorescent dyes provide a sustained period of response based on the amount of energy absorbed and the desired energy decay response. The illumination response can last from 5 seconds to several hours. Fluorescent and / or phosphorescent dyes or additives may be generally referred to herein as "excitation additives."

[0048]

[0050] The excited additives bind or are bound to the antimicrobial additives in the disinfectant coating / film. The excited additives provide visual feedback (when they fluoresce) indicating the presence of the antimicrobial additive to which they are bound. Several methods can be used to chemically bind the excited additives to the various types of microbial disabling agents in the various disinfectants and disinfection systems described above.

[0049]

[0051] To add fluorescent or phosphorescent additives or dyes to ionic or nanoparticulate silver additives (conductive disinfectants), a coating can be provided on the particles to enhance their ionic state and stabilize it to provide long term protection. The dye chemistry can be tailored to detach from the silver particles and bind to the outer shell of the coating, showing a distinct color or watermark on the particle when illuminated by UV or other light. This provides an ionic or nanoparticulate silver additive for disinfection that includes a coating coated on the conductive disinfectant and has a dye bound to it.

[0050]

[0052] Mechanically disruptive disinfectants are often used containing ceramic microspheres or quaternary ammonium compounds to affect the surface. Dyes can be used to coat ceramics without altering or destroying the topography.

[0051]

[0053] The dye can provide feedback that the light is properly focused, along with a visual indication that the surface illumination is properly dosed, so that UV disinfection or sanitization can be effective. The intensity or color can be the visual indicator.

[0052]

[0054] Exemplary formulations of the excitation additive include SrAL204+Eu, Dy and / or Sr4a114025+Eu, Dy. Grades can be Lightonic Yellow (520 nm excitation energy) and Lightonic Blue (490 nm excitation energy). The excitation additive may not be directly bonded to the antimicrobial additive, but rather dispersed throughout the coating or resin that contains the antimicrobial additive. One purpose of including the excitation additive is to indicate that the coating is sustained or still active on the surface of the part and has not worn off from the panel surface. The antimicrobial agent is also dispersed throughout the coating, film, or resin, so the excitation additive does not need to be in immediate contact with the antimicrobial agent.

[0053]

[0055] It will be appreciated that the visual feedback provided by the excited additive allows for one or more of the following: 1) a visual indication of "high priority areas" that require a longer disinfection time when using a UV wand to disinfect a surface; 2) a visual indication that the antimicrobial additive is still present and active; and 3) a visual indication that the surface has been recently disinfected with UV light. For category 2 above, the antimicrobial additive in the film may degrade over time or not work as well. Thus, the excited additive may not light up or light up below a certain threshold (i.e., weakly), thus informing the airline that a new film needs to be applied.

[0054]

[0056] The present invention provides flight attendants and / or cleaning crews with a way to visualize the progress made in cleaning surfaces with UV light. The spread of light over the surface area and the application time that UV light is needed to be effective in killing microorganisms can be better controlled if there is a way to measure progress. Alternatively, if ultraviolet light is used as a means of disinfecting in lavatories between passenger occupancies, a change in the visual appearance of the film (e.g., coloration) can also be used as a way to indicate to passengers which surfaces have been recently cleaned.

[0055]

[0057] For example, fluorescent dyes are used to indicate where the light energy is being directed. The stronger the excitation or fluorescent response when the light is directed at a surface, the stronger the UV light and the better the level of disinfection. Bright or strong excitation will not result in strong disinfection, weak excitation will result in weak disinfection. Preferably the phosphorescent dye is on a marker or prominent area of ​​the component (e.g., toilet seat) so that the technician or passenger has a good indication that the material has been affected and disinfected.

[0056]

[0058] In a first preferred embodiment, a uniform UV fluorescent additive is added to the antimicrobial coating or film. In a preferred embodiment, the UV fluorescent additive binds to the antimicrobial additive via chemical bonds to the ionic or mechanically disrupted antimicrobial additive. In another preferred embodiment, when the surface is exposed to black light or UV light, the UV fluorescent additive illuminates with cobalt blue, green, red (or other desired) colors. This indicates to flight crew or maintenance personnel that the antimicrobial additive is still present and serving its purpose of eliminating pathogens. If the surface does not illuminate the predetermined color (or illuminates below a predetermined threshold), this indicates that the antimicrobial additive is no longer present (or is present below a predetermined threshold).

[0057]

[0059] In another preferred embodiment, a first group of UV fluorescent additives having properties of emitting a specific color when exposed to UV light due to the irradiance and half-life properties of the UV fluorescent additives are added to a specific area of ​​the antimicrobial film. In addition, a second group of UV fluorescent additives having properties of emitting a different color than the first group of UV fluorescent additives are added to an area of ​​the antimicrobial film different from the first group of UV fluorescent additives. In one embodiment, an additional group of UV fluorescent additives having properties of illumination color different from the first or second group of UV fluorescent additives can be added to an area of ​​the antimicrobial film where the first or second group of UV fluorescent additives are not present. When a surface covered by the antimicrobial film is exposed to UV light, such as UV light from a UV disinfection wand, the UV fluorescent additives emit a color determined by the UV fluorescent additive properties, such as irradiance and half-life. Surfaces containing a first group of UV fluorescent additives will emit one color (first color), surfaces containing a second group of UV fluorescent additives will emit a different color (second color) than the first group of UV fluorescent additives, and if additional UV fluorescent groups are present in the antimicrobial film, surfaces containing additional groups of UV fluorescent additives will emit a different color (third color or more) than the other groups of UV fluorescent additives. The first color may indicate high contact areas that require a longer disinfection time than areas with the second color, which are lower contact areas. In use, areas of the surface that require additional disinfection time can be visually indicated to flight crew or maintenance personnel. Areas that require additional disinfection time will be illuminated one color when exposed to the UV light of the UV disinfection wand, and areas that require less disinfection will be illuminated a different color when exposed to the UV light of the UV disinfection wand.

[0058]

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, two technologies are combined: phosphorescent dyes and fluorescent dyes. As mentioned above, the UV fluorescent dyes will immediately emit light, indicating that a directional disinfecting UV wand or light is properly aimed at the panel. The phosphorescent dyes will absorb photons of light and remain "lit," "illuminated," or "excited," or may light up as a marker or confidence builder for crew or passengers indicating that a surface has recently been cleaned or disinfected.

[0059]

[0061] A toilet seat inside a restroom is used as an example. When in use, the flight attendant (or an automated UV disinfection system as discussed herein) broadcasts UV light onto the surface of the seat, disinfecting and eliminating microorganisms from the surface. Because UV light is invisible to the naked eye, the glowing surface treatment allows a technician (if a technician is present, or during an automated system maintenance cycle, ensures that the UV lamp or directional light is properly focused on the surface) to verify where they directed the light and cleaned the surface. The phosphorescent dye remains illuminated for a longer period of time, allowing passengers entering the restroom after treatment to see and know that the seat surface has been cleaned or disinfected and is safe.

[0060]

[0062] In another embodiment, additives with UV energy absorbing properties are added to the antimicrobial surface in a specific and / or predetermined pattern. In a preferred embodiment, the method for applying these additives in a specific pattern can be inkjet printing. However, this is not limiting and the pattern can be created in other ways. When the surface containing the additive is exposed to UV light, the additive is energized and emits visible light until the energy dissipates. This provides a visual indication to flight crew, maintenance personnel, and / or passengers when the surface has been recently cleaned using UV light. If the predetermined pattern on the surface emits light, this indicates that the surface has been recently cleaned. For example, the predetermined pattern can be a word such as "SANITIZED" or it can be a logo, emblem, or other visual indicator.

[0061]

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the luminescent or phosphorescent additive can be added to the coating using an inkjet printer or the like. The surface indicator or coating can be a clean thin film that can be passed through an inkjet printer that includes or contains a dye or luminescent additive. The printer prints a predetermined pattern or design on the film. When the film is placed on a component (e.g., a toilet seat, a counter, etc.), the inkjet-added image or predetermined pattern is now an indicator for disinfection verification. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0062]

[0064] The present invention may be more readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a restroom monument assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view of the restroom monument assembly of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the restroom monument assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view of the tower assembly. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the sink assembly. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the sink assembly. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sink assembly and other components. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a top cross-sectional view of the restroom monument assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the restroom monument assembly of FIG. 1 with a wall removed. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a front view of the initiation assembly. [Figure 12] 4 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary steps of an air replenishment system. [Figure 13]4 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary steps of an air replenishment system. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a lighting assembly. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a lighting assembly. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an optical assembly. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a light assembly as part of a UV disinfection system. [Figure 17A] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary reflective surface from the UV disinfection system of FIG. [Figure 17B] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary reflective surface covered with a transparent material from the UV disinfection system of FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a top view of a toilet and shroud including a coating that includes an energizing additive; [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a restroom monument assembly showing a toilet having two coatings thereon, each having a different color-activating additive.

[0063]

[0086] Like numbers refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0064]

[0087] The following description and drawings are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, in some cases, well-known or conventional details are not described to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily limited to the same embodiment, but such references may mean at least one embodiment. If a component is not shown in the drawings, this provides support for a negative limitation in the claims that states that the component is "not present". However, the above description is not limiting, and in another embodiment, the missing component may be included in the claimed embodiment.

[0065]

[0088] In this specification, reference to "one embodiment," "one embodiment," "preferred embodiment," or any other phrase referring to the word "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and also means that any particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in any embodiment, or may be omitted or excluded from any embodiment. The appearance of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the description does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor are they independent or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Furthermore, various features are described that may be exhibited by some embodiments and not exhibited by other embodiments, or may be omitted from any embodiment. Furthermore, any particular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein may be optional. Similarly, various requirements are described that are requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments. Any of the features discussed herein with respect to one aspect or embodiment of the invention may be applied to another aspect or embodiment of the invention, as appropriate. Similarly, where appropriate, any of the features discussed herein with respect to one aspect or embodiment of the invention may be optional and / or omitted with respect to that aspect or embodiment of the invention or any other aspect or embodiment of the invention discussed or disclosed herein.

[0066]

[0089] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meaning in the art, within the context of this disclosure, and in the specific context in which each term is used.Specific terms used to describe this disclosure are discussed below or elsewhere in this specification, to provide practitioners with additional guidance regarding the description of this disclosure.For convenience, specific terms can be highlighted, for example, by using italics and / or quotation marks.The use of highlighting does not affect the scope and meaning of the term.The scope and meaning of a term is the same in the same context, regardless of whether it is highlighted or not.

[0067]

[0090] It will be understood that the same thing can be said in more than one way. As a result, alternative language and synonyms can be used for one or more of any of the terms discussed herein. There is no particular significance to whether a term is detailed or discussed herein. Synonyms for a term are provided. The listing of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any term discussed herein, is illustrative only and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or any exemplified term. Similarly, the disclosure is not limited to the various embodiments provided herein.

[0068]

[0091] Without intending to further limit the scope of the present disclosure, the following are examples of instruments, devices, methods, and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. Please note that for the convenience of the reader, titles or subtitles may be used in the embodiments, and this should not limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In case of conflict, this document, including definitions, shall prevail.

[0069]

[0092] It will be understood that terms such as "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "side", "short", "long", "up", "down", "rear", "front", "inner", "outer", and "lower", as used herein, are for ease of description only and refer to the orientation of the components as shown in the figures. It will be understood that any orientation of the components described herein is within the scope of the present invention.

[0070]

[0093] Reference is now made to the drawings, which are for purposes of illustrating, and not limiting, the invention, which show a restroom monument assembly 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the restroom monument assembly 10 generally includes an enclosure 12 including a plurality of walls (a first wall 14, a second wall 16, a third wall 18, and a fourth wall 20) that cooperate to define a restroom interior 22. The enclosure 12 also includes a floor 24, a ceiling 26, and an entry door 28, which is preferably disposed on one of the walls. In the figures, the entry door 28 is shown disposed on the second wall 16; however, this is not a limitation and the door may be disposed on any wall.

[0071]

[0094] As shown in Figures 1-4, in a preferred embodiment, the restroom monument assembly 10 includes a tower assembly 30 disposed on the second wall 16 adjacent the entry door 28. In other embodiments, the tower assembly 30 can be disposed on any of the other walls. As shown in Figure 2, an access opening 32 (which may be one or more access openings, generally referred to herein as a first access opening) is defined in the second wall 16 (or another wall, if desired), and the tower assembly 30 is disposed in the first access opening 32. It will be appreciated that the first access opening 32 provides access to the restroom interior 22 when one or more doors in the tower assembly are in an open position.

[0072]

[0095] In a preferred embodiment, the tower assembly 30 includes a frame 33 having a top wall 34, a bottom wall 36, a left side wall 38, and a right side wall 40. The tower assembly also includes a front wall 42 including a front surface 42a. The tower assembly 30 extends outwardly from the second wall 16 and defines a tower interior 44. Preferably, the tower assembly 30 also includes upper and lower or first and second doors 46 and 48 that are movable between open and closed positions, respectively. Preferably, a sanitizing recess 50 and an external trash recess or opening 52 are defined in the front surface 42a. The sanitizing recess 50 provides a user with access to hand sanitizer, and the external trash opening 52 provides access to or is in communication with a trash receptacle 54 located within a trash receptacle space 56 of the toilet interior 22, thereby allowing someone to place trash in the trash receptacle from outside the toilet. In a preferred embodiment, the sanitizing recess 50 and the external trash opening 52 are located between the first and second doors 46 and 48. However, this is not a limitation and in alternative embodiments, the sanitizing recess 50 and / or the exterior debris opening 52 may be located above or below either the first and second doors.

[0073]

[0096] As shown in FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, the first door 46 provides access to the wipe storage space 58 located at least partially inside the restroom 22 (and may also be located at least partially inside the tower), and the second door 48 provides access to the trash receptacle space 56 located at least partially inside the restroom 22 (and may also be located at least partially inside the tower). In another embodiment, the first door can provide access to both the wipe storage space and the trash receptacle space. As shown in FIG. 2, the wipe storage space 58 can include space for multiple types of wipes 60, such as paper towels, disinfectant wipes, etc., and can include a shelf 62 for placing the wipe receptacles thereon. It will be understood that the first and second doors 46 and 48 provide access to the trash receptacle 54 and the different types of wipes 60 from outside the enclosure / restroom.

[0074]

[0097] 3, one or more wipe-dispensing openings 64 are defined in a wiping panel 66 of the restroom interior, and an interior trash opening 68 is also disposed or defined in a trash bin panel 70 of the restroom interior 22. The wiping panel 66 at least partially defines the wipe storage space 58, and the trash bin panel 70 at least partially defines the trash receptacle space 56.

[0075]

[0098] As shown in Fig. 2, in a preferred embodiment, a first door 46 provides access to a sanitizer dispenser 72 disposed within the tower assembly 30 configured to dispense hand sanitizer into the sanitizing recess 50. See sanitizer outlet 74 in Fig. 4. The sanitizer dispenser 72 can be disposed on the door or within a space defined within the tower interior 44. The sanitizer dispenser 72 can dispense liquid hand sanitizer when a user places their hands in the appropriate position within the sanitizing recess 50 (e.g., using a touchless sensor), or the sanitizer dispenser can include sanitizing wipes that can be accessed by a user within the sanitizing recess.

[0076]

[0099] In a preferred embodiment, the tower assembly 30 includes a display screen 76 for providing information to passengers and crew. The display screen 76 may be located anywhere on the tower assembly 30. In a preferred embodiment, the display screen 76 is located on the first door 46. The information provided by the display screen 76 may include, for example, one or more of the following: lavatory occupancy status, disinfection level air status in the lavatory (e.g., how long it has been since the air in the lavatory was last refilled), how long it has been since lavatory surfaces were cleaned, information regarding disinfection measures taken to keep the lavatory clean, etc.

[0077]

[0100] 4, in a preferred embodiment, both the sanitizing recess 50 and the external dirt opening 52 can include at least one UV light source 78 therein for sanitizing the interior surfaces of the sanitizing recess 50 and / or the external dirt opening 52. In a preferred embodiment, the UV light source can be a light assembly 200, described below, which can include a reflective surface 220, or the like, as shown in FIG.

[0078]

[0101] In a preferred embodiment, the tower assembly 30 includes indicator lighting emanating from the tower to indicate to passengers whether the lavatory is in a "restocked" or "unrestocked" (or "sanitized" or "unsanitized") state, as described further below. The indicator lighting may be any or all of the trim lighting around the frame 33, the light emanating from the sanitizing recess 50 or the exterior trash opening 52, the color of the indicator screen 76, or a light 80 located at the top of the tower, which when the lavatory monument is placed in the aircraft, washes or illuminates the ceiling to provide an indication of the status of the lavatory from throughout the cabin. The light 80 is shown in FIG. 2 and is located under the top wall 34 of the tower assembly, which may include a lens or transparent cover 82 therein for transmitting light (see light radiation 80a in FIG. 1).

[0079]

[0102] As a result of the indicator illumination, the tower assembly 30 includes a first indicator state that indicates that the air in the restroom interior 22 is in a refilled or sanitized state, and a second indicator state that indicates that the restroom interior 22 is in an unrefilled or unsanitized state. In short, when the tower assembly 30 emits the selected color, the tower assembly indicates to the passenger that the restroom is ready to enter and that the air has recently completed a clean air make-up (and / or the restroom has completed a UV sanitization cycle). Any colors for the first and second indicator states are within the scope of the present invention. For example, a green or cyan color may be used to indicate a refilled, sanitized, or clean state, and a red color may be used to indicate an unrefilled, unsanitized, or dirty state. In another embodiment, the tower assembly 30 and / or the indicator illumination emitted therefrom may provide two or more indicator states, each with a different color. For example, the tower assembly may indicate that the restroom is occupied or unoccupied, that the restroom needs maintenance, that trash needs to be emptied, that flight attendant assistance is required by the restroom occupant, etc. Thus, if a tower assembly includes five display states, each display state is assigned a different color.

[0080]

[0103] As shown in Figures 1-3 and 5-8, in a preferred embodiment, the restroom monument assembly 10 includes a basin or sink assembly 84 disposed in the restroom interior 22. In a preferred embodiment, the sink assembly 84 includes a sink 86 including a rear wall 88, a top wall 90, a bottom wall 92 having a drain 93 therein, a first side wall 94, and a second side wall 96 that cooperate to define a sink interior 98. The top wall 90 includes a top surface 90a and a bottom surface 90b. The bottom surface 90b partially defines the sink interior 98, and the top surface 90a is a counter 100. In a preferred embodiment, the sink 86 includes an aperture 102 or opening through which a user places their hands to enter the generally vertically oriented sink interior 98. In a preferred embodiment, a front end or leading edge of the sink 86 is shaped to provide a handle for passenger stability during turbulence. As shown in the drawings, the front edges of the bottom wall 92, the first side wall 94, and the second side wall 96 are thicker than the remainder of the walls and can include a handle portion 97 extending therearound that can be grasped by a user when desired.

[0081]

[0104] As shown in Figure 6, the bottom surface of the top wall 90 is associated with a motion-activated water dispenser 91 (faucet) and a motion-activated soap dispenser 89 that dispenses soap or water when a user places their hands in the appropriate location inside the basin (see icon 95 aligned with the soap and water dispensers in Figure 6). The dispensers can be located on the bottom surface of the top wall or on a chassis 101 described below. Figure 6 also shows a UV light source for disinfecting the sink, which can be a light assembly 200 discussed herein. A reflective surface 220 (described further below) can also be included in the sink 86.

[0082]

[0105] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the sink assembly 84 and associated components. In a preferred embodiment, many of the components are easily removable for deep cleaning. The sink assembly 84 includes a chassis 101 attached to the wall or interior wall 99 of the housing. Water and soap are delivered to the water and soap dispensers 91 and 89. Water may be delivered via a pipe 103 and soap from a soap reservoir 105. However, these are merely exemplary and water and soap may be delivered to the dispensers in any known manner. A container 107 may be located below the drain pipe 93 to deliver water to a storage tank 109 (e.g., a grey storage tank) or the like. A toilet paper console 111 may be located below the sink 86 and attached to the trash panel 70.

[0083]

[0106] As best shown in FIG. 8, in a preferred embodiment, the top wall 90 (and thus the counter 100) slopes inwardly from the adjacent entry door 28 toward the third wall 18 (see front face 90c in FIG. 8). As a result, at least a portion of the leading edge of the bottom wall 92 of the sink 86 extends beyond the leading edge of the top wall 90. FIG. 8 also illustrates how a portion of the wipe storage space 58 may be disposed in the restroom interior 22 (i.e., inside the second wall) and how a portion of the wipe storage space 58 may be disposed in the tower interior 44. As shown, the wipe dispenser 60 extends into the tower interior 44. This is also true for the trash receptacle space.

[0084]

[0107] In a preferred embodiment, the top wall 90 (and / or counter 100) of the sink 86 includes a curved portion or surface 104 that contacts and is flush relative to the wiping panel 66. Preferably, the joint or groove 106 between the upper edge of the curved surface 104 and the lower edge of the wiping panel 66 is oriented vertically, thus preventing soil from building up therein. As used herein, "contacting" means that the edges may contact one another or may be closely adjacent to one another.

[0085]

[0108] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 9-13, in a preferred embodiment, the restroom monument assembly 10 includes an air replenishment system 108 that provides the ability to replenish or clean the air within the restroom interior 22 when desired (e.g., when a button is pressed or a switch is activated, when a particular action is taken, such as a user exiting the restroom, etc.). The restroom-air replenishment system can indicate the status of the air within the restroom, including a "replenished" state and an "unreplenished" state. In the refilled state, the restroom is considered available for use by passengers or passengers may enter the restroom. In the unreplenished state, the restroom is considered not available for use by passengers or passengers may not enter the restroom. In a preferred embodiment, the air replenishment system is activated each time a user exits the restroom. Thus, after a user exits the restroom, the amount of air within the restroom is in an unreplenished state, and after the air replenishment system is activated, the amount of air within the restroom is in a replenished state. As described below, activation of the air replenishment system can be automated or can be activated by the depression of a button or other manual switching action. After a predetermined period of time, the system may assume that the air is not being replenished. For example, if the restroom is not used for 15 minutes, the air in the restroom may need to be replenished. In an automated system, the air replenishment system will activate and return to the replenishment state. In a manual system, an indicator state may change (e.g., the beacon light 80 or other light on the tower assembly 30 may change from green to red, or the indicator light 130 described below may change from green to red), thus requiring the user to press a button to replenish the air in the restroom. In a preferred embodiment, the entry door may lock when the air is not being replenished.

[0086]

[0109] The enclosure 12 includes an inlet 110 for admitting air from outside the enclosure (e.g., the cabin interior, the ECS or environmental control system, etc.). The inlet 110 may be located anywhere in the restroom monument assembly 10 (e.g., in any of the walls, ceiling, floor, etc.). As shown in FIG. 9, in a preferred embodiment, the inlet 110 or decompression vent is located in the entry door 28.

[0087]

[0110] A toilet 112 including an outlet 114 is disposed in the restroom interior 22. The outlet or a valve therein includes an open state and a closed state. When the outlet 114 is in an open state, the restroom interior 22 is in fluid communication with the exterior of the restroom monument assembly 10 or the housing 12, and air within the restroom can be pulled or sucked therefrom. A vacuum system 116 (see FIG. 3) is preferably used to draw a volume of air within the restroom interior 22 from the housing 12. In a preferred embodiment, the same air vacuum system 116 used to clean the toilet can be used or reused to draw air from the restroom interior through the outlet 114 or the toilet bowl opening. In a preferred embodiment, the toilet seat and / or toilet seat cover 118 are in an open position when air is drawn from the outlet. In this embodiment, the toilet seat and / or cover 118 are automated such that they can open or move to an open position before the current volume of air within the restroom is drawn or sucked out from the outlet 114. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the system opens the toilet seat and / or cover whenever the system is activated. In a preferred embodiment, a solenoid in the toilet lid hinge cushioning mechanism 120 is activated to open the toilet seat, and then deactivated when the air cycle is complete, thus allowing the lid or cover 118 and / or seat to close.

[0088]

[0111] As shown in Figure 9, when the system is activated, a quantity of air within the enclosure is pulled through the open outlet 114 (see arrow A1 in Figure 9). At the same time, air from outside the enclosure 12 is pulled through the inlet 110 to replace the quantity of air that just exited. The air present within the restroom prior to activation of the system may be referred to herein as a first quantity of air, and the air present in the restroom after activation of the system that enters through the inlet may be referred to herein as a second quantity of air or replenished air.

[0089]

[0112] 10, in a preferred embodiment, the inlet 110 includes a filter 122 (such as a HEPA filter therein) through which air passes as it enters the interior of the restroom. In another preferred embodiment, the inlet 110 can include an air purifier 124 disposed therein through which air passes as it enters the interior of the restroom.

[0090]

[0113] The air replenishment system 108 may be activated at predetermined intervals when a button is pressed and / or a switch is activated. In a preferred embodiment, the air replenishment system 108 may only be activated when no one is in the restroom and when the entry door 28 is closed. In one embodiment, the air replenishment system 108 may not be activated when the entry door 28 is locked, since the restroom is typically locked only when a person is in the restroom. However, the system may also automatically lock the door when an air replenishment cycle is about to occur to prevent the entry door from being opened during the cycle. In a preferred embodiment, the restroom housing includes a sensor or detector to determine when a person is in the restroom.

[0091]

[0114] As shown in FIGS. 10-11, in a preferred embodiment, the air replenishment system 108 includes an activation assembly 126 that includes a manual activation button 128 and a number of indicator lights 130 that surround or encircle the button 128. The indicator lights 130 are visual indicators that surround the button 128 and can change color or turn on / off in a ring pattern to communicate information to flight attendants and / or passengers. The button can be any type of switch configured to activate the system and replenish air. The lights can be LEDs or other types of lights. The lights can also be arranged in a line or other shape. In a preferred embodiment, the lights 130 are an indication system configured to indicate the air status of the restroom interior 22. The lights can be programmed to change color between a refilled and unrefilled state. The lights can be stationary in the refilled state and flash or off in the unrefilled state. In another embodiment, the lights can act as a timer to indicate how much time has passed since the air has been refilled. For example, the lights can be all green to indicate that the air has just been refilled. Thereafter, for each minute (or other predetermined time) that passes, one of the lights may turn red (or the light may go off). Different passengers may desire to press button 128 to refill air based on how many red or off lights are present. It will be appreciated that the amount of time since the last refill may also be indicated on the display screen 76 (e.g., "10 minutes since last air refill" may be displayed on the screen).

[0092]

[0115] FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating the use of the air replenishment system 108. As shown, two different actions can occur after a passenger (abbreviated as pax, as known in the art) uses and exits the restroom (step 132), either an automated step of initiating air replenishment on the left side (step 134), or a manual action of pressing or activating a manual activation button on the right side (step 136). In a preferred embodiment, an automatic action of initiating a cleaning cycle (step 140) begins a predetermined number (x) of seconds after use of the restroom (step 138). This could be x seconds after the door is unlocked, x seconds after the door is closed, x seconds after a sensor in the restroom senses that no person is inside the restroom, or x seconds after another predetermined event. Activation of the manual activation button 128 also initiates a cleaning cycle (step 140). The system can include both automated and manual options, or one or the other. FIG. 12 includes an exemplary "(2-10 sec)" indicating that the cleaning cycle step takes 2-10 seconds. However, this is not a limitation and the refill cycle (pulling a first amount of air from the outlet or moving a second amount of air through the inlet) may take longer (e.g., 2-60 seconds), but preferably less than 30 seconds. During a cleaning or air refill cycle, the following steps may occur: initiating a vacuum extraction in the restroom toilet system (step 142), extracting air from the passenger compartment through the inlet (step 144), filtering the air through a HEPA filter (this is optional) (step 146), adding a fragrance to the inlet air (this is optional) (step 148), air flows through an upper section inside the restroom into the toilet and through the outlet (step 150), and then the restroom is ready for use (step 152).

[0093]

[0116] 12 also illustrates that while some of the above steps are occurring, the activation assembly 126 (and its indicator lights 130) may indicate that an air replenishment or clean air cycle is occurring (step 154). For example, lights may light on and off in a circular pattern to indicate that the air replenishment system is operating (similar to an indicator on a computer screen that a program is running), or lights may flash to indicate that the air replenishment system is operating or in progress. This progress indication may also be shown on the display and / or indicated by a flush light (e.g., 80).

[0094]

[0117] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 shows another flow chart or decision trees relating to when a "cleaning cycle" or air refill (or UV disinfection, discussed below) may occur. In a preferred embodiment, a cleaning cycle occurs only when a passenger is not in the restroom. Thus, the system determines whether a passenger is in the restroom. This occurs both after automatically initiating air refill (step 134) (e.g., after a predetermined period of time has elapsed and the system is ready to refill air) or after pressing a manual activation button (step 136). The system queries whether the door is locked or unlocked (step 160) and queries whether the entrance door is closed or open (step 162). If the door is locked, the system assumes that the passenger is in the restroom and the system continues to query until the door is unlocked. Thus, if the passenger presses the manual activation button 128 when the door is locked, nothing happens. If the door is open, the system continues to query until the door is closed. If the door is unlocked and closed, the system is allowed to run a cleaning cycle (step 164). If the door is reopened (step 166), the system is reset (assuming another passenger has entered the restroom).

[0095]

[0118] In a preferred embodiment, the air replenishment system includes software and / or a controller (located in a lavatory or centrally within the aircraft) that controls the operation of the system. The flow charts and / or decision trees described above may be associated with the software and / or controller.

[0096]

[0119] As shown in Figures 14-17B, in a preferred embodiment, the aircraft restroom monument 10 includes a UV disinfection system that disinfects specific surfaces in the restroom at predetermined intervals or after each use of the restroom by a passenger. The UV disinfection system includes lenses that direct UV light toward the surfaces to be disinfected (referred to herein as "direct surfaces to be disinfected") and toward other surfaces to be disinfected (referred to herein as "indirect surfaces to be disinfected"), which are coated with a UV reflective material. The UV disinfection system may be associated with the air replenishment system described above, or the UV disinfection system may be separate from the air replenishment system but operate in a similar manner (e.g., the system may be activated after use of the restroom or when a button is pressed). Thus, all descriptions related to the operation of the air replenishment system (e.g., flow charts, etc.) apply to the UV disinfection system.

[0097]

[0120] 14-16 illustrate an exemplary light assembly 200 including a lens member 202 and one or more fixtures 204 that include a UV light source 206 therein. FIG. 16 illustrates a cross section of the light assembly 200, including multiple light beams extending from the UV light source 206. The lens member 202 includes a surface shape that optionally directs the light beams toward the direct surface to be disinfected. As illustrated, some light beams may not change direction when passing through the lens member 202, while other light beams may refract, change direction, or be angled when passing through the lens member 202 based on the lens geometry. The lens member includes a first surface 200a, a second surface 200b, and a thickness. The thickness varies to direct the light beams as needed. See, for example, the first thickness T1 and the second thickness T2 in FIG. 16.

[0098]

[0121] 17-17B show an example where the light assembly 200 is positioned under a mirror 208 in a restroom and is positioned to disinfect surfaces such as a sink 210, a countertop 212, a faucet 214, and a soap dispenser 216. The arrows in the figure represent the direction of the light beams. The light beams labeled L1 and L2 represent the light beams emitted from the light assembly 200. These light beams are directed in a predetermined direction based on the lens member 202. Light beam L1 is directed to the direct surface 218 to be disinfected. See, for example, arrow L1 directed to the top of the faucet 214. Light beam L2 is directed to a reflective surface 220, and light beam L3 is reflected from the reflective surface 220 and directed to an indirect surface 222 to be disinfected, see, for example, the underside of the soap dispenser 216.

[0099]

[0122] 17-17B show an exemplary reflective surface 220 on a countertop 212 that includes a UV reflective coating 224 thereon. The reflective surface 220 has a different angle than the countertop surface. As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the angle of the reflective surface 220 is selected to direct light rays L3 to the underside of the soap dispenser 216, which is the indirect surface 222 to be disinfected. As shown in FIG. 17B, the reflective surface 220 can include a transparent material 226 or coating thereon such that the reflective surface is "embedded" into the counter (wall, panel, or other component that requires a reflective surface), so that it does not create areas for water to pool or dirt to collect. FIGS. 17A and 17B show a UV reflective coating on both the countertop surface and the angled reflective surface 220 (referred to herein as the "target reflective surface" 220). Some embodiments can include only the target reflective surface 220, while other embodiments can include a UV reflective coating 224 on many or all of the surfaces (referred to herein as the "general reflective surface"), thus providing as much reflection as possible. Other embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 17A and 17B, can include both.

[0100]

[0123] FIG. 17 also shows an exemplary target reflective surface 220 within the sink to reflect UV light onto the bottom of the faucet 214. It should be understood that these reflective surfaces are merely exemplary and that the light assemblies 200 and target reflective surfaces 220 or general reflective surfaces may be positioned and positioned throughout the interior of the restroom to strategically disinfect many surfaces and components. For example, FIGS. 3, 4, and 9 show light modules 200 positioned throughout the interior of the restroom (see also reflective surfaces 220 in FIG. 9), among others. It should be understood that any component or area within the restroom may be disinfected using UV light, such as the door handles, the area around the sink (basin 86), and the countertop including the faucet, soap dispenser, and waste flap (if present), as well as specific areas associated with the toilet 112, toilet shroud 113, cover 118, flush button 115, seat cover dispenser, and seat 117.

[0101]

[0124] With reference to FIGS. 18-19, in a preferred embodiment, the restroom monument assembly includes a visual indication system to do one or more of the following: 1) provide a visual indication of "high priority areas" that require longer disinfection times using UV light to disinfect surfaces; 2) provide a visual indication that the antimicrobial additive is still present and active in the coating on the surfaces on the components within the restroom; and / or 3) provide a visual indication that the surfaces have been recently disinfected.

[0102]

[0125] The visual indication system is preferably included in a coating, film, panel, etc. (all of which may be referred to herein as "visual indication coatings") that at least partially covers many or all of the surfaces of components within the restroom. The visual indication coating includes a luminescent dye or additive therein (also referred to herein as an excitable additive). In a preferred embodiment, the visual indication coating also includes an antimicrobial additive, thus creating a visual indication coating that is also a disinfectant coating. The present invention includes the addition of an additive or dye in the disinfectant coating or film that luminesce or illuminates when illuminated by light of a particular range of wavelengths (e.g., UV light, black light, etc.). The emission provides a visual indication of disinfection. The additive may be a fluorescent dye and / or a phosphorescent dye defined by the wavelength of the UV or laser energy used to create the desired response.

[0103]

[0126] FIG. 18 shows a visual indicator coating 168 including an antimicrobial additive and first and second excitation additives applied or coated on the seat of a toilet 112. It will be understood that the toilet is only one example and the visual indicator coating can be applied to the surface of any component in a restroom. The first excitation additive is a fluorescent additive 170 and the second excitation additive is a phosphorescent additive 172. The fluorescent additive 170 can be used to indicate where the energy of the disinfecting UV light is being directed. The stronger the excitation or fluorescent response when the UV light is directed at the surface, the stronger the UV light will be illuminated and the better the level of sanitization will occur. Bright or strong excitation will result in strong disinfection and weak excitation will result in weak disinfection. Thus, in use, as the attendant moves the UV light closer to the seat surface, the fluorescent additive or dye will be illuminated more brightly. Also, as the attendant moves the UV light closer to the normal of the seat surface, the fluorescent additive or dye will be illuminated more brightly. This sends a signal to the flight crew to move the light closer, bringing it closer to the surface normal.

[0104]

[0127] In embodiments in which the restroom includes the UV disinfection system described above, when the flight attendant is in the process of positioning the light assembly 200 and / or the reflective surface 220 and UV coating 224, the fluorescent additive can provide guidance regarding the intensity of UV light reaching the direct and indirect surfaces to be disinfected.

[0105]

[0128] Over time, the antimicrobial additive in the visual indicating coating 168 may decay or break down. The fluorescent additive may decay or break down on a similar time scale, or if the antimicrobial additive and the excited additive are combined with each other, the amount of excited additive in the coating may reduce the amount of the antimicrobial additive. As a result, the visual indicating coating (and / or the fluorescent additive therein) may light up less brightly during cleaning than it did previously. This may indicate that the previous coating was less effective at disinfecting and should be replaced. Scrub or clean the surface over time may also cause destruction of the antimicrobial properties and / or excited additive.

[0106]

[0129] The phosphorescent additive 172 is included to provide a visual indication to both flight attendants and passengers that the surface or visual indication coating 168 has recently been disinfected by UV light. As shown in FIG. 18, a predetermined pattern 174 can be included to provide a visual indication. FIG. 18 includes two predetermined patterns 18, the word "SANITIZED" on the toilet seat and a circular emblem on the shroud 113. Thus, each time the toilet seat is disinfected using UV light, the word "SANITIZED" will light up or glow, thus visually indicating to flight attendants and passengers that the toilet seat will be clean. In an embodiment in which the UV disinfection system discussed herein is used and the restroom is disinfected after each use, the phosphorescent additive 172 is illuminated each time a new passenger enters the restroom. In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined pattern portion or symbol indicating that the restroom has been cleaned will light up or be excited for approximately 60 seconds after the UV disinfection system has cleaned the surfaces and then turned off. In this case, after the restroom is automatically cleaned by the UV disinfection system, when the passenger enters the restroom (if they enter immediately after cleaning), they see the symbol and by the time they finish using the restroom, the symbol is turned off (phosphorescence is no longer excited). In another embodiment where the system is not automated and the restroom is UV disinfected before flight, the phosphorescence or glow can last for several hours. As shown in FIG. 18, the entire visual indication coating includes the fluorescent additive 170 and only the predetermined pattern portion includes the phosphorescent additive 172. In other words, the predetermined pattern portion includes both the fluorescent additive 170 and the phosphorescent additive 172.

[0107]

[0130] In a preferred embodiment, the fluorescent or phosphorescent additive 172 can be added to the coating using an inkjet printer or the like (in another embodiment, the fluorescent additive 170 can also be added using inkjet printing). The coating base can be a clean thin film that can be run through an inkjet printer with the phosphorescent additive 172 contained therein. The printer prints a predetermined pattern or design onto the film.

[0108]

[0131] FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary scenario in which the toilet 112 includes first and second fluorescent additives 170a and 170b, each of which fluoresces or illuminates a different color. It will be understood that the first and second fluorescent additives 170a and 170b may be included in the same coating or in separate coatings that are applied separately. In use, when the surface covered by the visual indication coating 168 is exposed to UV light, the first fluorescent additive 170a emits a first color and the second fluorescent additive 170b emits a second color. As shown in FIG. 19, the first fluorescent additive is on the high contact areas of the toilet seat and the rim of the toilet cover 118. Thus, the first color indicates to the attendant that the toilet seat and the rim of the toilet cover 118 require a longer disinfection time than the areas having the second color, which are lower contact areas.

[0109]

[0132] The use of the visual indication coating in aircraft restrooms is not a limitation of the present invention.The visual indication coating can be used on any surface that is disinfected in an aircraft or vehicle, or in any other scenario where a visual indication of the disinfection of a surface is desired.For example, the visual indication coating can be used in an aircraft on tray tables, seat belts, door handles, armrests, gas purses, etc.

[0110]

[0133] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout this specification and claims, the words "comprise", "including", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to", as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense. As used herein, the terms "connected", "coupled", or any variation thereof, mean any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements, and the coupling of the connections between the elements may be physical, logical, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the words "herein", "above", "below", and words of similar meaning, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole, and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above detailed description of preferred embodiments using the singular or plural may include the plural or singular, respectively. The word "or" in reference to a list of two or more items includes all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0111]

[0134] The above detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the exact form disclosed above. Although specific embodiments and examples of the present disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure, as those skilled in the art will recognize. Furthermore, any specific numbers mentioned herein are merely examples, and alternative implementations may employ different values, measurements, or ranges.

[0112]

[0135] Although the operations of any method disclosed or described herein are explicitly or implicitly shown and described in a particular order, the order of operations of each method may be changed such that certain operations may be performed in the reverse order, or such that certain operations may be performed at least partially concurrently with other operations. In alternative embodiments, separate operation instructions or sub-operations may be implemented in an intermittent and / or alternating manner.

[0113]

[0136] The teachings of the disclosure provided herein may be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. Elements and operations of the various embodiments described above may be combined to provide further embodiments. Any measurements or dimensions described or used herein are merely examples and are not limiting of the invention. Other measurements or dimensions are within the scope of the invention.

[0114]

[0137] Any of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying application papers, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the present disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ systems, functions, and concepts of the various references discussed above to provide still further embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0115]

[0138] These and other modifications can be made to the disclosure in light of the detailed description of the preferred embodiments above. Although the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how the above details appear in the text, the present teachings can be implemented in many ways. The details of the system, while encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein, may vary considerably in the details of its implementation. As noted above, a particular term used when describing a particular feature or aspect of the disclosure should not be construed as implying that the term is redefined herein to be limited to any particular feature, characteristic, or aspect of the disclosure to which the term pertains. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the detailed description of the preferred embodiments section above explicitly defines such terms. Thus, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of implementing or practicing the disclosure under the scope of the claims.

[0116]

[0139] Although certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate various aspects of the disclosure in any number of claim forms. For example, while only one aspect of the disclosure is recited as a means-plus-function claim under 35 USC § 1126, paragraph 1, other aspects may likewise be embodied as means-plus-function claims or in other forms, such as embodied in a computer-readable medium. (Claims intended to be treated under 35 USC § 112, paragraph 6, include the words "means for.") Accordingly, applicants reserve the right to add additional claims after filing to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the disclosure.

[0117]

[0140] Thus, while illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is to be understood that all terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that numerous changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A vehicle restroom monument assembly, comprising: an enclosure including a plurality of walls cooperating to define a restroom interior, one of the plurality of walls including an entry door thereon, the enclosure including an entry; a toilet located within the restroom, the toilet including an exit; and an air replenishment system configured to move a first amount of air from within the restroom through the outlet and to move a second amount of air to within the restroom through the inlet; the air replenishment system including a manual activation switch configured to activate the air replenishment system; the manual activation switch is disabled when the restroom interior is occupied and when the entry door is locked; the replenishment air system includes a controller configured to activate the replenishment air system a predetermined number of seconds after the interior of the restroom is emptied. Vehicle restroom monument assembly.

2. A vehicle restroom monument assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the manual activation switch is positioned outside the interior of the restroom.

3. 3. The vehicle restroom monument assembly of claim 2, wherein the manual activation switch is part of an activation assembly, the activation assembly including an indication system configured to indicate an air condition within the restroom.

4. 4. The vehicle restroom monument assembly of claim 3, wherein the indication system includes a plurality of indicator lights having a first indication state and a second indication state, the first indication state indicating that the vehicle interior is clean and the second indication state indicating that the vehicle interior is not clean.

5. The vehicle restroom monument assembly of claim 4 , wherein the initiation assembly is disposed on the entry door.

6. 10. The vehicle restroom monument assembly of claim 1, wherein the air replenishment system includes a controller configured to activate the air replenishment system a predetermined amount of time after a previous activation of the air replenishment system.

7. 1. A vehicle restroom monument assembly, comprising: an enclosure including a plurality of walls cooperating to define a restroom interior, one of the plurality of walls including an entry door thereon, the enclosure including an entry; a toilet located within the restroom, the toilet including an exit; and 1. An air replenishment system configured to move a first amount of air from an interior of the restroom through the outlet and a second amount of air through the inlet to an interior of the restroom, the air replenishment system including an activation assembly located exterior to the entry door, the activation assembly including a manual activation switch configured to activate the air replenishment system and a plurality of indicator lights, the indicator lights including a first indicating state indicating that the vehicle interior is clean and a second indicating state indicating that the vehicle interior is not clean, the manual activation switch being activated when the interior of the restroom is occupied and when the entry door is closed. and an air replenishment system including a controller configured to activate the air replenishment system a predetermined number of seconds after the interior of the restroom is emptied. Vehicle restroom monument assembly.

8. 8. The vehicle restroom monument assembly of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to activate the replacement air system a predetermined amount of time after a previous activation of the replacement air system.

9. 1. A method for replenishing air within a vehicle restroom including a toilet having an outlet, comprising: (a) moving a first amount of air from an interior of the restroom through the outlet and moving a second amount of air to an interior of the restroom through the inlet; an air replenishment system for replenishing air within the restroom, the air replenishment system having a manual activation switch configured to activate the air replenishment system; the manual activation switch is disabled when the interior of the restroom is occupied and when an entry door to the vehicle restroom is locked; the replenishment air system having a controller configured to activate the replenishment air system a predetermined number of seconds after the interior of the restroom is emptied. method.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein said step (a) is performed after actuation of a manual activation switch.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the manual activation switch is located outside the interior of the restroom.

12. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein said step (a) is performed a predetermined number of seconds after the restroom interior is emptied.

13. A vehicle restroom monument assembly as described in claim 1 or claim 7, wherein the toilet lid is configured to open when the air replenishment system is activated and the toilet lid is configured to close when the air replenishment system is deactivated.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the toilet lid is configured to open when the air replenishment system is activated and the toilet lid is configured to close when the air replenishment system is deactivated.

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