Methods to minimize the risk of infection transmission

Abstract

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for minimizing the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and / or other infectious diseases between individuals in close proximity to one another. The systems described herein may include a substantially transparent shield component, a chamber component, and a suction component. The disclosed systems and associated methods are intended to remove any SARS-CoV-2 virus and / or other infectious pathogens that may be mobile within aerosols.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63026110, filed on May 17, 2020, and is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 924,649, filed on July 9, 2020. The contents of the above - mentioned applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to systems and related methods designed to minimize the risk of transmission of the COVID - 19 virus and / or other infectious agents in environments where individuals are in close physical proximity to each other, thereby having a high risk of transmission. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systems, including an aerosol shield function and a suction function, that can be installed on an object, such as a chair, on which a shield component is disposed, and related methods.

Background Art

[0003] COVID - 19 is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS - CoV - 2). The first cases of COVID - 19 were reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Since then, the virus has spread around the world, resulting in a global pandemic. More than 15.4 million patients have been diagnosed with COVID - 19 across more than 213 countries and regions. As of the date of this disclosure, the death toll from COVID - 19 has been reported to be over 631,000.

[0004] COVID-19 can be transmitted through droplet contact (e.g., coughing and sneezing), direct physical contact, indirect physical contact (e.g., contact with contaminated surfaces), and airborne transmission. However, the primary way COVID-19 is transmitted is through small droplets produced by coughing, sneezing, and talking, when individuals are in close physical proximity to one another. COVID-19 can also be transmitted by infected individuals who show no symptoms. The future impact of COVID-19 remains a concern because there are no known solutions to mitigate or eliminate these undesirable conditions that contribute to ongoing transmission.

[0005] Because COVID-19 can be transmitted at least through droplet contact (e.g., coughing and sneezing), direct physical contact, indirect physical contact (e.g., contact with contaminated surfaces), and airborne transmission, physical proximity between people increases the risk of transmitting COVID-19. Social distancing, also known as physical distance, has been one of the primary tactics used worldwide to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Social distancing involves maintaining a certain minimum physical distance between individuals and reducing the number of times individuals have close physical contact with one another. However, not all actions make it possible to maintain a sufficient minimum physical distance. For example, many healthcare workers must be in close proximity to their patients in order to perform their duties. When physical proximity between people is unavoidable, there is a need for effective systems to mitigate the risk of transmitting COVID-19.

[0006] Particles are classified based on their size. Coarse particles are 2.5 to 10 microns in size. Fine particles are smaller than 2.5 microns. Ultrafine particles are smaller than 0.1 microns in size. The human nose generally filters particles larger than 10 microns. If a particle is smaller than 10 microns, it can enter the respiratory system. If a particle is smaller than 2.5 microns, it can enter the alveoli. Ultrafine particles can enter the bloodstream and target organs. COVID-19 exists as ultrafine particles.

[0007] Current research suggests that most respiratory transmission of COVID-19 occurs through large respiratory droplets. Such large droplets typically travel up to about 6 feet before falling to the ground. However, actions such as coughing and sneezing aerosolize droplets, further spreading them and increasing the risk of transmission (i.e., if the droplets carry COVID-19). When aerosolized, COVID-19 can travel up to about 20 feet and remain airborne longer than when not aerosolized. In addition to coughing and sneezing, respiratory droplets are routinely aerosolized in dental practice.

[0008] Dentists who utilize aerosolization in their practice, and their staff as well, are at high risk of contracting COVID-19. Patients of such dentists are similarly at high risk of infection from the dentist, as well as from dental assistants in the surrounding area during treatment. The majority of such risks are due to the dispersion and transmission of droplets from the central part of the dentist's and assistant's face, and from the patient's nasal cavity area. [Overview of the project]

[0009] The systems and methods enabled by this disclosure advantageously address the shortcomings known in the current state of the art. In one embodiment enabled by this disclosure, a method is enabled that advantageously enhances the effectiveness of suppressing the risk of transmitting COVID-19 by mitigating direct, indirect, and / or other contact between individuals. In one embodiment enabled by this disclosure, a method for minimizing the risk of transmission may comprise a shield component, a chamber component, and a suction component for drawing aerosols adhering to the interior surface of the shield component from the space between the shield component and an individual using an object on which the shield component is placed, such as a chair.

[0010] According to embodiments contemplated by this disclosure, a substantially transparent shielding component may be operably mounted on a trolley and may extend from the trolley over an individual, for example, a patient using a dental chair, a patient using a hospital bed, an individual using a car seat, or an individual using an aircraft seat. According to another embodiment contemplated by this disclosure, a substantially transparent shielding component may be operably mounted on a ceiling and may extend downward from the ceiling over an individual, for example, a patient using a dental chair. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the chamber component may further include a diode that emits ultraviolet light. According to another aspect of this disclosure, the substantially transparent shielding component may further include magnifying material and / or auxiliary lighting to enhance visibility, for example, the inside of a patient's mouth using a dental chair, for example, if the substantially transparent shielding component is operably mounted on a dental chair. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the suction component may include a device capable of generating a vacuum and may include an air filter.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the system may include a single integrated unit comprising a substantially transparent shield component, a chamber component, and a suction component disclosed herein.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the system may further include a docking station that can function as a power source for the system's components. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is a perspective view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, and the substantially transparent shield component is attached to the chair by hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0014] [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is a top view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, and the substantially transparent shield component is attached to the chair by hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0015] [Figure 1C] Figure 1C is a side view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, and the substantially transparent shield component is attached to the chair by hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0016] [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a perspective view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, and the substantially transparent shield component is attached to the dental chair by a rotatable arm attached to the headrest of the dental chair.

[0017] [Figure 2B]Figure 2B is a top view of the system of the present disclosure, where the patient is using a dental chair as contemplated by the present disclosure, and the substantially transparent shield component is attached to the dental chair by a rotatable arm attached to the headrest of the dental chair.

[0018] [Figure 2C] Figure 2C is a side view of the system of the present disclosure, where the patient is using a dental chair as contemplated by the present disclosure, and the substantially transparent shield component is attached to the dental chair by a rotatable arm attached to the headrest of the dental chair.

[0019] [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a perspective view of the system of the present disclosure, where the patient is using a dental chair as contemplated by the present disclosure, and the substantially transparent shield component is attached to the dental chair by a rotatable arm attached to the armrest of the dental chair.

[0020] [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a top view of the system of the present disclosure, where the patient is using a dental chair as contemplated by the present disclosure, and the substantially transparent shield component is attached to the dental chair by a rotatable arm attached to the armrest of the dental chair.

[0021] [Figure 3C] Figure 3C is a side view of the system of the present disclosure, where the patient is using a dental chair as contemplated by the present disclosure, and the substantially transparent shield component is attached to the dental chair by a rotatable arm attached to the armrest of the dental chair.

[0022] [Figure 4A]Figure 4A is a perspective view of the system of the present disclosure, where the patient is using a dental chair as contemplated by the present disclosure, and the substantially transparent shield component is integrated into the dental tray.

[0023] [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a top view of the system of the present disclosure, where the patient is using a dental chair as contemplated by the present disclosure, and the substantially transparent shield component is integrated into the dental tray.

[0024] [Figure 4C] Figure 4C is a side view of the system of the present disclosure, where the patient is using a dental chair as contemplated by the present disclosure, and the substantially transparent shield component is integrated into the dental tray.

[0025] [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a perspective view of the system of the present disclosure, where the patient is using a dental chair as contemplated by the present disclosure, and the components of the system are integrated into a single unit attachable to the base of the dental chair.

[0026] [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is a top view of the system of the present disclosure, where the patient is using a dental chair as contemplated by the present disclosure, and the components of the system are integrated into a single unit attachable to the base of the dental chair.

[0027] [Figure 5C] Figure 5C is a perspective view of the substantially transparent shield component contemplated by the present disclosure, and the shield component includes a removable substantially transparent sheet.

[0028] [Figure 6A]Figure 6A is a perspective view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, and a substantially transparent shield component extends from the ceiling above the patient and over the patient, extending alongside the existing dental lamp.

[0029] [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a top view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, and a substantially transparent shield component extends from the ceiling above the patient and over the patient, extending alongside the existing dental lamp.

[0030] [Figure 6C] Figure 6C is a side view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, and a substantially transparent shield component extends from the ceiling above the patient and over the patient, extending alongside the existing dental lamp.

[0031] [Figure 7A] Figure 7A is a perspective view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, and a substantially transparent shield component is mounted on the ceiling above the patient using the dental chair and extends downward from the ceiling, and the substantially transparent shield component includes LED lighting, magnification functions, and optionally a screen capable of providing the patient with entertainment or other media content.

[0032] [Figure 7B] Figure 7B is a perspective view of the substantially transparent shield component shown in Figure 7A.

[0033] [Figure 8A] Figure 8A is a perspective view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, and a substantially transparent shield component is connected to and extends from a rotatable, self-supporting base.

[0034] [Figure 8B] Figure 8B is a top view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, and the substantially transparent shield component is connected to and extends from a rotatable, self-supporting base.

[0035] [Figure 8C] Figure 8C is a side view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, and a substantially transparent shield component is connected to and extends from a rotatable, self-supporting base.

[0036] [Figure 9A] Figure 9A is a perspective view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, and a substantially transparent shield component extends from and is connected to a rotatable, freestanding base, the height of which is adjustable using a handle.

[0037] [Figure 9B] Figure 9B is a top view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, and a substantially transparent shield component extends from and is connected to a rotatable, freestanding base, the height of which is adjustable using a handle.

[0038] [Figure 9C] Figure 9C is a side view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, and a substantially transparent shield component extends from and is connected to a rotatable, freestanding base, the height of which is adjustable using a handle.

[0039] [Figure 10A]Figure 10A is a perspective view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, and the suction component of the system is mounted on a wall adjacent to the dental chair used by the patient.

[0040] [Figure 10B] Figure 10B is a top view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, and the suction component of the system is mounted on a wall adjacent to the dental chair used by the patient.

[0041] [Figure 10C] Figure 10C is a side view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, and the suction component of the system is mounted on a wall adjacent to the dental chair used by the patient.

[0042] [Figure 11A] Figure 11A is a perspective view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, and the components of the system are integrated into a single unit.

[0043] [Figure 11B] Figure 11B is a top view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, and the components of the system are integrated into a single unit.

[0044] [Figure 11C] Figure 11C is a side view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, and the components of the system are integrated into a single unit.

[0045] [Figure 12A]Figure 12A is a perspective view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, the components of the system are integrated into a single unit, and the system further includes a docking station for supplying power to the integrated unit.

[0046] [Figure 12B] Figure 12B is a top view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, the components of the system are integrated into a single unit, and the system further includes a docking station for supplying power to the integrated unit.

[0047] [Figure 12C] Figure 12C is a side view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, the components of the system are integrated into a single unit, and the system further includes a docking station for supplying power to the integrated unit.

[0048] [Figure 13A] Figure 13A is a perspective view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, and the components of the system are integrated into a wall-mountable unit, with a substantially transparent shield component extending from the unit via a foldable arm.

[0049] [Figure 13B] Figure 13B is a top view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, and the components of the system are integrated into a wall-mountable unit, with a substantially transparent shield component extending from the unit via a foldable arm.

[0050] [Figure 13C]Figure 13C is a side view of the system of the present disclosure, in which the patient is using a dental chair as intended by the present disclosure, and the components of the system are integrated into a wall-mountable unit, with a substantially transparent shield component extending from the unit via a foldable arm.

[0051] [Figure 14A] Figure 14A is a perspective view of the system according to this disclosure, and the objects intended by the system include aircraft seats.

[0052] [Figure 14B] Figure 14B is a side view of the system according to this disclosure, and the objects intended by the system include aircraft seats. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0053] The following disclosures are provided to describe various embodiments of systems and related methods intended to minimize the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and other viruses and infectious pathogens that may be transmitted between individuals in physical proximity and / or between individuals who may interact with a common surface or object. Those skilled in the art will understand additional embodiments and uses of the systems that extend beyond the examples of this disclosure. Any terms contained in any claim should be construed as defined in this disclosure. Singular forms should be read to imply and disclose plural substitutions. Similarly, plural forms should be read to imply and disclose singular substitutions. Unless otherwise specified, conjunctions should be read inclusively.

[0054] For example, expressions such as "at least one of A, B, and C" should be read as meaning that A, B, or C can be used individually or in combination with the remaining elements. Additionally, such a group may contain multiple instances of one or more elements of that group, which may be included in the other elements of the group. Unless otherwise specified, all numbers, measurements, and values ​​are given as approximations.

[0055] Terms and expressions used throughout this disclosure are to be interpreted broadly. Terms are intended to be understood to correspond to the definitions provided herein. Technical dictionaries and general meanings understood within the applicable technical field are intended to supplement these definitions. Where a suitable definition cannot be determined from this specification or a technical dictionary, such terms should be understood according to their plain and common meaning. However, any definitions provided herein take precedence over all other sources.

[0056] The various purposes, features, embodiments, and advantages described herein will become more apparent from the following detailed description, along with the accompanying drawings.

[0057] To clearly illustrate the components and features discussed throughout this disclosure, several frequently used terms are defined herein without limitation. The term “COVID-19” is, as used throughout this disclosure, the infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The term “Aerosol” is, as used throughout this disclosure, defined as a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas. The term “Universal Mount” is, as used throughout this disclosure, defined as a universal clamp with one or more compatible mounts. The term “Individual” is, as used throughout this disclosure, to be interpreted broadly and without limitation as synonymous with “Subject” rather than in any restrictive way.

[0058] Herein, various aspects of this disclosure will be described in detail without limitation. The following disclosure describes, for example, systems and related methods for minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission resulting from physical closeness between individuals. Those skilled in the art will understand that alternative markings for systems and methods consistent with the scope and intent of this disclosure may be provided. A skilled reader should not consider the inclusion of alternative markings to be any limitation.

[0059] Refer to Figures 1 to 13 to describe in more detail the systems enabled by this disclosure. The substantially transparent shield components 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, and 1400 contemplated by this disclosure can be operably mounted on any number of objects, including, but not limited to, chairs (e.g., dental chairs 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 701, 801, 901, 1001, 1101, 1201, and 1301), hospital beds, automobile seats, aircraft seats 1401, a self-supporting base 902 that is height-adjustable and can rotate 360 ​​degrees around a horizontal axis, a movable trolley 804, or a ceiling 702. The substantially transparent shield component can be attached to an object by any suitable means of connection, which will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. As merely an example, as shown in Figure 1, the substantially transparent shield component may be attached to the back of a chair by a hook-and-loop fastener 104. Figures 1 to 13 show embodiments contemplated by this disclosure in which the substantially transparent shield component extends over a patient using, for example, dental chairs 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 701, 801, 901, 1001, 1101, 1201, 1301.

[0060] The substantially transparent shield components of this disclosure may be operably mounted to an object of the nature intended by this disclosure by arms 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 601, 703, 802, 1002, 1103, 1203, and 1302. The arms may be rotatable, including, but not limited to, rotatable around the head of a patient using a dental chair, and the substantially transparent shield components may be mounted through the arms. The arms may be foldable and extendable. The substantially transparent shield components may be mounted to a chair or other object by other suitable means, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

[0061] The arm can be attached to a dental chair or other object by any suitable means, which will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. Mounting may also be by universal mount 405, though not limited to this.

[0062] The substantially transparent shield components of this disclosure may be curved. The substantially transparent shield components of this disclosure may include protrusions that correspond to the curvature of an individual's face.

[0063] The substantially transparent shielding components of this disclosure may be removable. The substantially transparent shielding components of this disclosure may be disposable.

[0064] If the substantially transparent shield component of this disclosure is attached to a chair, for example, a dental chair for patients, the substantially transparent shield component may be attached in any number of locations on the chair, including, but not limited to, the backrest of chair 103, the armrest of chair 303, or the headrest of chair 203.

[0065] Referring here to Figures 8A to 8C, if the object is a trolley, the trolley may further include an upwardly extending embodiment 803 that can be height-adjusted and rotated around a horizontal axis. The base of the trolley may exist in any number of forms, including, but not limited to, a tripod 804. According to such embodiments, the base of the tripod may further be foldable.

[0066] The suction component of the system of this disclosure may include freestanding units 304, 403, 805, 903, 1102, and 1202, or it may be mountable to the wall 1003. The suction component may include a device that can suction and thereby create a vacuum. The suction component may include, but is not limited to, a High Energy Particular Air filter (i.e., a "HEPA" filter), a carbon filter, and / or other types of filters that will be understood by those skilled in the art after benefiting from this disclosure.

[0067] As shown in Figures 3A to 3C, the suction component may include a hose 305 connected to the shield component 300 of the system of this disclosure.

[0068] Referring here to Figures 4A to 4C, the substantially transparent shield component of the system of the present disclosure may form a dental tray. According to such embodiments, the dental tray may further include light-emitting diodes positioned around the tray frame to improve visibility for the dentist performing dental work on a patient using a dental chair. According to such embodiments, the substantially transparent shield component / dental tray may be replaceable. According to such embodiments, the substantially transparent shield component / dental tray may be washable. According to such embodiments, the substantially transparent shield component / dental tray may be connected to the arm of a dental chair by an extendable / foldable connection configuration including a ball joint 404 operably attached to the substantially transparent shield component / dental tray, but is not limited to these.

[0069] Referring here to Figures 6A-6C and 7A-7B, the substantially transparent shield component of the present disclosure may be operably mounted to a ceiling 702 and may extend downward from the ceiling. According to such embodiments, in the case of a dental clinic, arms 601, 703 associated with the substantially transparent shield component may be connected to a dental lamp 602 and may extend along the dental lamp 602. According to such embodiments, arms associated with the substantially transparent shield component may be connected to a dental lamp via a universal mount 603.

[0070] The systems of this disclosure may comprise fully integrated units 503, 1102, 1202, and 1303, including substantially transparent shield components, chamber components, and suction components. The fully integrated units may be mountable to a wall 1003. The integrated units may further include a storage area for replacing the substantially transparent shield 1104.

[0071] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the system of the present disclosure may utilize a docking device 1204 for power.

[0072] The substantially transparent shield component may include, but is not limited to, any substantially transparent solid material such as certain types of plastic or clear glass. In one embodiment, the shield component may be constructed using a material that is not toxic to humans. Plastics that may be suitable for use when preparing the shield component may include, but is not limited to, polymethyl methacrylate, cellulose acetate butyrate, polycarbonate, or glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate. Preferably, the shield component may include a lightweight material to facilitate contracting and expanding of the shield component toward or away from the front of the object and the patient or other individual using the object.

[0073] When in use, the shield component is intended to be positioned to approach but not come into contact with an individual sitting in a chair or otherwise using the object. In a preferred embodiment, the distance between the interior portion of the shield component and the individual using the object may be about 1 inch, but is not limited. In another preferred embodiment, the distance between the interior portion of the shield component and the individual using the object may be about 10 inches, but is not limited. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, any other distance between the interior surface of the shield component and the individual that allows the individual to remain comfortably present is intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0074] The shield components of this disclosure may exist in substantially any number of dimensions. In one exemplary embodiment, the shield component may be about 3 feet to about 6 feet in length, preferably, but not limited to, about 4 feet to about 4 feet 6 inches. The shield component may preferably be made of a lightweight material to facilitate the movement of the shield toward and away from an object and an individual using the object. The shield component may be about 1 foot 6 inches to about 3 feet in width, preferably, but not limited to, about 2 feet to about 2 feet 6 inches.

[0075] A substantially transparent shield component may include material on each side so as to extend from the surface of the shield component toward an object, partially or completely enclosing the user of the object. Such embodiments of the shield component of the present disclosure may further include openings on each side to allow, for example, a dentist or dental assistant to perform dental work on a patient using a patient chair while the shield component is in a position where it is tilted. Alternatively, such extensions to the sides of the shield component may be omitted, thereby further increasing accessibility to the user of the chair or other object.

[0076] The system of this disclosure further includes a chamber component. The chamber component may be operably attached to the suction component. The chamber component may be located, but is not limited to, about two-thirds of the distance from the distal end of the substantially transparent shield component to the proximal end of the component. The location of the chamber component may be adjacent to the location of the mouth and nose area of ​​the individual using the object on which the shield component is located.

[0077] The chamber component may extend to an opening that may be located at the distal end of the shield component. The chamber component of the system of this disclosure may further include a diode that emits ultraviolet light capable of disinfecting aerosols entering the chamber component from the space between the interior surface of the shield component and objects.

[0078] The system of the present disclosure further includes a suction component, such as a vacuum, which can draw air from the space between the interior surface of the shield component and the front of the person using the object intended by the present disclosure. The movement of air from the person using the object toward the suction component may optionally be further facilitated by a component that can pressurize the air to propel it forward toward the suction component.

[0079] The chamber component of the system of this disclosure may further include a diode that emits ultraviolet light capable of disinfecting aerosols entering the chamber component from the space between the interior surface of the shield component and the front of the individual using the object.

[0080] The system of this disclosure may further include, for example, auxiliary lighting to improve visibility for a dentist or dental assistant performing dental work in the mouth of a patient using a dental chair, as intended by this disclosure. The auxiliary lighting may be located inside a substantially transparent shield component, but is not limited to this.

[0081] As discussed herein, the systems of the present disclosure may further include, but are not limited to, magnifying materials such as a magnifying glass, a light-emitting diode providing auxiliary illumination, and / or, but are not limited to, a camera communicatively connected to a liquid crystal display, the magnifying materials being located within a portion of the shield component at a location intended to be adjacent to where the patient's mouth may be. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the above location may be about two-thirds of the distance from the distal end of the shield component to the proximal end of the shield component.

[0082] In one embodiment of the system enabled by this disclosure, the shield component 1400 may be operably mounted to a seat in an aircraft 1401. According to such an embodiment, the shield component may be removable. According to this embodiment, the structure and operation of the shield component of this disclosure may be substantially identical to those described above, except that the suction component may include a hose 1402 extending from near the proximal end of the shield component in the head area of ​​the individual using the aircraft seat to an aircraft ventilation system accessible in the roof portion of the aircraft interior 1403 located just above the passenger seat. Alternatively, the hose may extend from near the distal end of the shield component to the floor of the aircraft interior. According to this embodiment, the shield component may be removable from the aircraft seat. According to this embodiment, the shield component may be removed by activating a release mechanism by pressing, for example, a button that may be located within a radius of about 16 inches from the aircraft seat, although this is not limited to this embodiment.

[0083] In another embodiment of the system enabled by this disclosure, a substantially transparent shield component may be operably mounted to a passenger seat in an automobile. According to this embodiment, the structure and operation of the shield component of this disclosure may be substantially identical to those described above, but the suction component may be easily portable and may fit within the console compartment of an automobile.

[0084] In another embodiment of the system enabled by this disclosure, a substantially transparent shield component may be operably mounted on a bed, such as a hospital bed, for example. The shield component may extend to a length of about 5 to about 8 feet, preferably, but not limited to, about 6 to about 7 feet. The shield component may be positioned to recline toward the front of an individual lying in the bed. According to such embodiments, the shield component may be designed to completely enclose the user of the bed. According to such embodiments, an opening from which air can be drawn in may be located at either end of the shield component.

[0085] While various aspects of the system and method of this disclosure have been described above, the description of this disclosure is intended to illustrate, not limit, the scope of the system. The present invention is defined by the claims and not by the examples and embodiments provided in the above disclosure. Those skilled in the art will, having benefited from the above disclosure, understand additional aspects of the system enabled by this disclosure that may be realized in alternative embodiments. Other aspects, advantages, embodiments, and modifications are within the claims.

Claims

1. A method to reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission, To provide a substantially transparent shield component with a dental tray for holding dental tools, To provide chamber components, To provide a suction component for drawing aerosols adhering to the interior surface of the shield component from the space between the shield component and an individual using an object on which the shield component is placed, Includes, The method further comprises a substantially transparent shielding component, which includes light-emitting diodes arranged to illuminate the space between the substantially transparent shielding component and the individual.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the substantially transparent shield component is operably mounted on a trolley and extendable from the trolley over the object.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the substantially transparent shield component is operably attached to a chair and extends over the individual using the chair.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the substantially transparent shielding component is operably mounted to the ceiling of a room and is extendable downward from the ceiling over an individual located in the room.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the substantially transparent shield component is operably mounted on an aircraft seat and extends over an individual using the seat.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the substantially transparent shield component is operably mounted on a car seat and extends over an individual using the seat.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the substantially transparent shield component is operably mounted to a bed and extendable over the individual using the bed.

8. A method according to claim 1, wherein the chamber component includes one or more diodes that emit ultraviolet light.

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the substantially transparent shield component includes an expanding aspect.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the magnifying aspect comprises one or more of a magnifying glass, a light-emitting diode, and a camera communicatively connected to a display screen.

11. A method according to claim 10, wherein the display screen includes a liquid crystal display.

12. A method according to claim 1, wherein the substantially transparent shield component, the chamber component, and the suction component comprise a single integrated unit.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein the integrated unit further includes a storage location for replacing a substantially transparent shield.

14. A method according to claim 1, further comprising a docking station for supplying power to the substantially transparent shielding component, the chamber component, and the suction component.

15. A method to reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission, A virtually transparent shield component with a dental tray for holding dental tools, Chamber components and A suction component for drawing aerosols adhering to the interior surface of the substantially transparent shield component from the space between the shield component and an individual using an object on which the shield component is placed, Includes providing a single integrated unit, The method further comprises a substantially transparent shielding component, which includes light-emitting diodes arranged to illuminate the space between the substantially transparent shielding component and the individual.

16. A method according to claim 15, wherein the integrated unit is wall-mountable.

17. A method according to claim 15, wherein the chamber component includes a diode that emits ultraviolet light.

18. A method according to claim 15, wherein the substantially transparent shield component includes an expanding aspect.

19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the magnifying element comprises one or more of a magnifying glass, a light-emitting diode, and a camera communicatively mounted on a display screen.

20. A method according to claim 15, wherein the substantially transparent shield component is positioned about 10 inches from the individual's face.

Images