Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Patent Application
Optimized Inflatable Barriers
Cross References to Related Applications
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part from U.S. patent
application serial no.
16/106,055, entitled "Blow-Dry Enclosure" filed on August 21, 2018, which is
hereby
incorporated by reference as if set forth in full in this application for all
purposes.
[0002] This application further claims priority from the following U.S.
provisional patent
applications, all entitled "Optimized Blow-Dry Enclosures": serial no.
62/900,599 filed on
September 15, 2019; serial number 62/964,826, filed on January 23, 2020, and
serial no.
63/003,612, filed on April 1, 2020, which are hereby incorporated by reference
as if set
forth in full in this application for all purposes.
Technical Field
[0003] The disclosed embodiments relate generally to tools and methods used
in the
water restoration industry, and in particular to those for controlling
temperature, relative
humidity, and air flow in an affected space, as well as controlling
contamination and noise
pollution of adjoining spaces. Embodiments further relate to tools and methods
used in the
healthcare and personal care industries, in particular to those for keeping
rooms hygienic
and for controlling microbes and infective agents.
Background
[0004] Unless otherwise indicated herein, elements described in this
section are not
prior art to the claims and are not admitted being prior art by inclusion in
this section.
[0005] It is very common for a water leak, large or small, in a structure
built on a raised
foundation, to find its way into a crawlspace. The crawlspace is a confined
space that
exists between the ground floor of a building and the earth that it rests
upon, when the
building is constructed with a raised foundation and not a slab of concrete
foundation. This
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space can be very shallow, with sometimes only 10-12" between the structure
and the
earth. Usually it is in the order of 18-24", which is still very confined and
difficult for
maneuvering workers, supplies and equipment. In the common event that a
crawlspace or
another space or structure is affected by a water leak, it is critical to
restore a dry and
hygienic environment, which means removing the water from the structure and,
often, the
earth.
[0006] Drying crawl spaces can be difficult and time-consuming, hence
costly. This is
due to many factors including cold ambient temperatures, high relative
humidity, the nature
of the construction materials used in these spaces, hazards like electrical
wires, plumbing,
screws and nails sticking out of the structure, toxic gases, animals dead or
alive, and
possibly venomous, insects both dangerous and pestilent, and just the nature
of the
extremely confined space. Professionals in the water restoration industry
struggle with all
these issues while performing their duties.
[0007] The process of drying a structure, for example a crawl space below a
house
after water damage has occurred, currently requires workers to make use of
high-powered
fans (air movers); portable dehumidifiers (dehu's) or desiccants, as well as
in some cases
improvised containment, or cordoning off of a space and/or the introduction of
additional
heat. The process attempts to get moisture out of the building materials and
into the air
where the dehu or desiccants can remove it from the structure as quickly and
efficiently as
possible, thus restoring the building to a safe and hygienic dry standard.
[0008] The current procedures typically require that the equipment treat
the volume of
space included in all of, most of, or a large part of the affected structure,
instead of limiting
that space to the actual affected areas. Even when this space is "contained"
or made
smaller, professionals extensively use disposable plastic sheeting, such as
sold by
Visqueen. The contained space is often much larger than it has to be, and the
process of
building containment is time-consuming; it generates additional waste that
must be
disposed of and that may be polluting the environment; and the disposables
increase the
cost. Existing methods waste time, energy, and money. They are also noisy and
contaminating.
[0009] The recent worldwide pandemic has further shown a need in hospitals,
clinics,
and care homes to keep rooms taken by or inhabited by sick people isolated
from rooms
and corridors where healthy people must be protected. Further, there is a need
in care
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homes to maintain rooms or sections of a building as safe spots for personnel.
Embodiments of the invention provide methods and tools to achieve this by
containing the
relevant sections and providing over-pressure or under-pressure in the
protected or
contained sections.
[0010] Climate change has also lengthened and intensified fire seasons in
many parts
of the world and the communities that surround the actual burn zones are
endangered by
the resulting air pollution. In cases with comorbidities such as asthma, COPD
and
emphysema, the high levels of smoke and ash in the atmosphere put people at
much
greater risk for complications. This can be mitigated by evacuation (at great
expense) or
hospitalization (at even greater expense). Embodiments of the invention
provide methods
and tools to control for this using positive air pressure, without the need
for relocation.
Summary
[0011] Water leaks in buildings create damage and unhealthy conditions.
Professionals
in the water restoration industry mitigate these by drying out affected
structures. For
various reasons, current methods are time and energy consuming, and costly.
They are
also noisy and polluting the environment. Embodiments of the invention address
these
problems.
[0012] The healthcare and personal care industries have a need to contain
infectious
diseases, for example by creating safe spaces for workers, patients, and/or
customers.
Such a need may be temporary, creating a situation much like that in the
restoration
industry, even though there may be no need to remove moisture. A cost-
effective means
of containment must be installed temporarily, and a contaminated space may be
kept at a
negative air pressure (i.e., a pressure that is lower than in adjacent safe
spaces), or a safe
space may be kept at a positive air pressure, i.e., an air pressure that is
higher than in
adjacent unsafe spaces.
[0013] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the invention comprises an
inflatable bag
that is in a shape that allows separating air in a first section of space in a
building from air
in a second section of space, and that allows providing containment of air in
the first
section. The inflatable bag is configured to keep the air in the first section
at a different
pressure than the air in the second section. The first section and the second
section are
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outside the inflatable barrier. The shape has a front, a back, two sides, a
top, and a bottom.
Along the two sides, and in some embodiments along the top and/or bottom, the
inflatable
bag has edge seals in the form of two or more parallel tubes that may be
inflatable. On the
back, the inflatable bag has a first opening, which is configured to receive
air inflow from
an air mover. On the front and/or on the back, the inflatable bag has a first
vent carrier,
configured to hold and connect to a removable and replaceable vent. The vent
is
configured to release air from inside the inflatable bag into the first
section of space (in
case of restoration work) or the second section of space when there is a need
for
pressurized (positive or negative) containment, while the inflatable bag stays
inflated. The
inflatable bag may feature a ground piece at its bottom that is made of a more
rugged
material than the inflatable bag's front and back.
[0014] Some embodiments may include a sleeve (at the front or the back)
that can hold
a tension rod to prevent the inflatable bag from bulging out of shape. The
inflatable bag
may have means for pending it from an expandable rod, for example such as
shown in
FIGS 25-26. An embodiment may have an air inflow tube coupled with the first
opening on
one end, and coupled with the air mover on the other end. The first opening
may be
reinforced with webbing, and the air inflow tube may be restricted from
bulging in one or
more directions.
[0015] Embodiments may have means for restricting their width and/or
height, for
example zippers, straps, and/orflaps with hooks and/or grommets. Embodiments
may also
have means for connecting to adjacent units, for example using connectors such
as
zippers for horizontal or vertical chaining.
[0016] An embodiment may include an internal channel for routing air
through the
whole inflatable bag from the first opening to the first vent carrier.
[0017] The inflatable bag may include a warning at the front, and the
warning may be
in the shape of a letter X. An embodiment may have a clear window on the front
to hold
and display information. An embodiment may further include a pocket at the
front.
[0018] The embodiment may further include edge hooks to minimize airgaps
around
the edges when air pressure is lost, and/or a ballast container to minimize an
airgap at the
bottom when air pressure is lost.
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[0019] An embodiment may include an air gate comprising a tunnel between
the front
and the back. The tunnel has a flexible circumference, allowing it to at least
partially
collapse when an object is passed through, and to fully collapse when no
object passes
through the tunnel. In some cases, a tunnel is configured to hold one or more
air filters.
[0020] An embodiment may further include an internal light to provide light
to a part of
the first and/or a part of the second section. The light may be a LED strip.
An embodiment
may further comprise a foot switch, or a pressure sensitive mat, that allows a
user to
temporarily reduce pressure inside the bag to make it possible to create a
side opening to
pass through.
[0021] In a second aspect, an embodiment comprises an inflatable bag that
is in a
shape that allows separating air in a first section of space in a building
from air in a second
section of space, and that allows providing containment of air in the first
section. The
inflatable bag is configured to keep the air in the first section at a
different pressure than
the air in the second section. The first section and the second section are
outside the
inflatable barrier. The shape has a front, a back, two sides, a top, and a
bottom. Along the
two sides, the inflatable bag has edge seals in the form of two or more
parallel inflatable
tubes. The inflatable bag includes a transparent window that allows visual
contact from
one side of the inflatable bag to the other side, and the inflatable bag
includes an air gate,
the air gate comprising a tunnel with a flexible circumference that allows the
tunnel to fully
collapse when no object is passed through and to partially collapse when an
object is
passed through, while hugging the object to stop airflow through the tunnel.
[0022] An inflatable barrier comprises two or more concatenated inflatable
inner
chambers, wherein at least two of the two or more concatenated inflatable
inner chambers
include an air inlet/outlet, and wherein the two or more concatenated
inflatable inner
chambers are generally in a shape that allows separating air in a first
section of space in
a building from air in a second section of space in the building and that
allows providing
containment of the air in the first section, wherein the first section and the
second section
are outside the inflatable barrier and wherein the inflatable bag is
configured to keep the
air in the first section at a different pressure than the air in the second
section; and an
outer sleeve comprising a main body with a circumference matching a
circumference of
the two or more concatenated inflatable inner chambers, vertical connector
halves on
sides of a front and sides of a back of the main body, and horizontal
connector halves at
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a top and at a bottom of the main body, the horizontal connector halves
configured to
connect the main body with two of a top, a bottom, and an extension, and the
vertical
connector halves configured to connect the inflatable barrier to another
inflatable barrier.
[0023] In the inflatable barrier, the outer sleeve further may comprise
holes in the main
body for the at least two air inlet/outlets.
[0024] The outer sleeve further may comprise horizontally paired sets of D-
rings on
both a front and a back, wherein the D-rings are configured to receive straps
that allow
shortening and/or curving the width of the inflatable barrier.
[0025] The outer sleeve may further comprise horizontally paired straps on
a front and
a back, wherein the straps allow shortening and/or curving a width of the
inflatable barrier.
[0026] The outer sleeve may comprise edge seals. In some embodiments, the
edge
seals may comprise two parallel tubes filled with foam. The edge seals may be
detachable,
and may be attached to and detached from the vertical connector halves.
[0027] The inflatable inner chambers may be taller than the outer sleeve.
The top may
comprise edge seals. The extension may comprise edge seals. The connector
halves may
be or may include zipper halves.
[0028] A further understanding of the nature and the advantages of
particular
embodiments disclosed herein may be realized by reference of the remaining
portions of
the specification and the attached drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0029] The invention will be described with reference to the drawings, in
which:
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates an inflatable barrier according to an embodiment
of the
invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a vent and a vent carrier according to an
embodiment of the
invention;
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates an inflatable barrier with a vent that can be
rotated, according
to an embodiment of the invention;
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[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of using embodiments of the invention
in a
crawlspace,
[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates a combination of two embodiments of the
invention;
[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates how towers, according to an embodiment of the
invention, can
minimize air gaps right below a ceiling;
[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates a combination of two inflatable barriers with
zipper connectors
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0037] FIG. 8 illustrates a combination of two inflatable barriers with
hook-and-loop
fastener connectors according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0038] FIG. 9 illustrates a combination of two inflatable barriers with
snap connectors
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0039] FIG. 10 illustrates an inflatable barrier with straps according to
an embodiment
of the invention;
[0040] FIG. 11 illustrates an inflatable barrier with anchor tabs according
to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0041] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of using several inflatable barriers
to dry a section
of a crawl space according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0042] FIG. 13 illustrates another example of using several inflatable
barriers to dry a
section of a crawl space according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0043] FIGS. 14A-C illustrate a vent carrier and a vent according to an
embodiment of
the invention;
[0044] FIG. 15 illustrates an air focus hose according to an embodiment of
the
invention;
[0045] FIG. 16 illustrates usage of the air focus hose with sideway outlets
according to
an embodiment of the invention;
[0046] FIG. 17 illustrates a method of drying a first section of a space
according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0047] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of using inflatable barriers to
contain mold in a
section of a crawl space according to an embodiment of the invention;
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[0048] FIG. 19 illustrates a method of containing contaminants in a first
section of a
space according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0049] FIG. 20 illustrates an inflatable barrier optimized for use in a
doorway according
to an embodiment of the invention;
[0050] FIGS. 21A-B illustrate an inflatable barrier optimized for use in a
window
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0051] FIG. 22 illustrates a room with two or more inflatable barriers
chained on their
sides according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0052] FIG. 23 illustrates an inflatable barrier with edge seals optimized
for use in a
doorway according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0053] FIG. 24 illustrates details at the back of an inflatable barrier
according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0054] FIG. 25 illustrates details at the top of an inflatable barrier
according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0055] FIGS. 26A-D illustrate alternative details at the top of an
inflatable barrier
according to embodiments of the invention;
[0056] FIG. 27 illustrates details on the bottom of an inflatable barrier
according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0057] FIGS. 28A-C illustrate details of an inflatable barrier with a
horizontally restricted
air inflow tube according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0058] FIG. 29 illustrates an inflatable barrier with vertical zippers to
restrict its width
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0059] FIG. 30 illustrates an embodiment of the invention that includes
both the set of
tension rod sleeves of FIG. 24 and the vertical zippers of FIG. 29;
[0060] FIG. 31 illustrates an inflatable barrier with horizontal connectors
according to
an embodiment of the invention;
[0061] FIG. 32 illustrates a stackable inflatable barrier optimized for use
in a window
according to an embodiment of the invention;
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[0062] FIG. 33 illustrates air routing through an inflatable barrier
according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0063] FIG. 34 illustrates an inflatable barrier with an X marking, an
information pocket,
and a pocket for implements according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0064] FIG. 35 illustrates a static inflatable barrier according to an
embodiment of the
invention;
[0065] FIGS. 36A-F illustrate further embodiments of a static inflatable
barrier;
[0066] FIGS. 37A-B illustrate views of a stackable inflatable barrier
according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0067] FIG. 38 illustrates an inflatable barrier for temporary medical
isolation according
to an embodiment of the invention;
[0068] FIG. 39 shows details of the inflatable barrier of FIG. 38;
[0069] FIG. 40 shows a side view of the inflatable barrier of FIG. 38; and
[0070] FIGS. 41A-B show examples of filtering objects for air gates
according to
embodiments of the invention.
[0071] In the figures, like reference numbers may indicate functionally
similar elements.
The systems and methods illustrated in the figures, and described in the
Detailed
Description below, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different
embodiments. Neither the figures, nor the Detailed Description, are intended
to limit the
scope as claimed. Instead, they merely represent examples of different
embodiments of
the invention.
Detailed Description
[0072] Water leaks in buildings create damage and unhealthy conditions.
Professionals
in the water restoration industry mitigate these by drying out affected
structures. For
various reasons, current methods are time and energy consuming, and costly.
They are
also noisy and polluting the environment. Embodiments of the invention address
these
problems.
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[0073] FIG. 1 illustrates an inflatable barrier 100 according to an
embodiment of the
invention. Inflatable barrier 100 comprises an inflatable bag 110 with a first
opening 120
located on a first side 130. Inflatable bag 110 may generally be in the shape
of a block, or
any other shape that is suited for separating parts of a space between a
ceiling and a
ground. Inflatable bag 110 is made of a rugged material that withstands
puncturing. In
some embodiments, the material is fire-rated. In further embodiments, the
material is
coated on the inside with an impermeable layer to reduce air leakage. In yet
further
embodiments, the material is lightweight and machine washable.
[0074] First opening 120 is configured to receive air inflow from a first
air mover 140. In
some embodiments, first air mover 140 is connected to first opening 120 via a
hose 150.
[0075] Inflatable bag 110 further comprises one or more vents 160 on first
side 130. In
some embodiments, a vent may be removable and replaceable.
[0076] FIG. 2 illustrates a vent 220 and a vent carrier 210 according to an
embodiment
of the invention. In this embodiment, inflatable barrier 200 comprises vent
220 that is
removable and replaceable. Vents may be configured to let out air in a
preferred direction,
for example in an angle of 15, 30, or 45 degrees. Vents may be color coded (or
otherwise
coded) to indicate the air angle. For instance, vents could have a number of
vanes that
indicate the angle, for example 5 vanes for 15 degrees, 4 vanes for 30
degrees, and 3
vanes for 45 degrees. A user may remove vent 220 from vent carrier 210, and if
required,
replace it with a different vent, for example to change the angle of air flow.
[0077] FIG. 3. illustrates an inflatable barrier 300 with a vent 310 that
can be rotated,
according to an embodiment of the invention. Vent 310 is mounted in a vent
carrier (not
visible) that allows vent 310 to be rotated. By rotating vent 310, a user can
adjust the air
direction. If the air already comes out in an angle, it can be adjusted to
blow up, down,
sideways, or in any other required angle.
[0078] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of using embodiments of the invention
in a crawl
space 400. Crawl space 400 is located below a floor 410 and is partitioned in
first section
420 which needs to be dried, and second section 430 which does not need to be
dried.
Crawl space 400 has one or more dehumidifiers 490 (dehu's), located in first
section 420.
A first inflatable barrier 440 and a second inflatable barrier 450 separate
first section 420
from second section 430. Each first inflatable barrier 440 and second
inflatable barrier 450
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are connected with an air mover 460, and first inflatable barrier 440 is
additionally
connected with a heat injector 470.
[0079] Heat injector 470 takes in air from second section 430 and heats the
air before
injecting it into first inflatable barrier 440. The hot air inflates first
inflatable barrier 440, so
that it becomes a wall in crawl space 400 from its bottom to the underside of
floor 410. The
hot air also escapes first inflatable barrier 440 via vents 480, blowing into
first section 420,
which it dries out as a result of its temperature, humidity, and speed. The
air mover 460
connected with first inflatable barrier 440 recycles air from first section
420 into first
inflatable barrier 440, so that it stays sufficiently inflated. As is apparent
from FIG. 4,
second inflatable barrier 450 may function well without a heat injector. Air
injected from
first section 420 by its air mover 460 keeps second inflatable barrier 450
sufficiently
inflated. The one or more dehumidifiers 490 may further heat and remove
moisture from
the recycling air.
[0080] FIG. 5 illustrates a combination 500 of two embodiments of the
invention.
Combination 500 includes first inflatable barrier 510 mounted on top of second
inflatable
barrier 520. First inflatable barrier 510 is connected with first air mover
530, and second
inflatable barrier 520 is connected with second air mover 540. First
inflatable barrier 510
is additionally connected, via one of its vents, with air block 550. First
inflatable barrier 510
further features towers 560 at its top, and connector flaps 570 at its
corners.
[0081] First inflatable barrier 510 and second inflatable barrier 520 are
vertically
connected via connectors 580, which provide the capability to do so without
creating a
horizontal air gap. By stacking two or more inflatable barriers, potentially
of different
standard heights, it is possible to build a combined inflatable barrier of any
height that may
be required. As was shown in FIG. 4, it may also be required to combine two or
more
inflatable barriers horizontally. Connector flaps 570 provide the capability
to do so without
creating a vertical air gap. Embodiments may provide connectors in any
direction,
including vertical and horizontal connectors in an x/y/z coordinate system, as
well as in
any other angles to such coordinate systems. Connectors may or may not include
a flap.
In some embodiments, connectors may further include a snap, a hook-and-loop
fastener
(for example, such as provided by Velcro), a zipper, a tie, a hook, a loop or
ring, or any
other connection mechanism known in the art.
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[0082] The towers 560 at the top of first inflatable barrier 510 allow
filling up the height
of a crawl space while leaving minimal gaps due to features at the bottom of
the crawl
space ceiling, as will be shown with respect to FIG. 6. Although FIG. 5 shows
towers 560
for clarity drawn at a little distance from each other, in embodiments towers
560 may be
directly adjacent to each other.
[0083] The air block 550 provides an optional extension to first inflatable
barrier 510
and/or second inflatable barrier 520. A user may use a vent for connecting a
hose to inflate
air block 550. Air leaving first inflatable barrier 510 enters and inflates
air block 550 to fill
up gaps and/or irregularities of a crawlspace.
[0084] FIG. 6 illustrates how towers 650, according to an embodiment of the
invention,
can minimize air gaps right below a ceiling 600. A first inflatable barrier
610 is mounted on
top of a second inflatable barrier 620 using connector 680. Ceiling 600 has
features such
as sewer pipe 630 and support beams 640. By providing extra surface area,
towers 650
can more accurately follow the profile at the bottom of ceiling 600, thereby
minimizing air
gaps around those ceiling features.
[0085] Embodiments may provide towers in a variety of shapes, including
single blocks
lined up along the length of an inflatable barrier as shown in the figures, or
as extensions
with other shapes such as cylinders, puckers, balls, multiple blocks, and any
other shapes
that provide additional surface area.
[0086] FIG. 7 illustrates a combination 700 of two inflatable barriers with
zipper
connectors according to an embodiment of the invention. Combination 700
includes first
inflatable barrier 710 and second inflatable barrier 720. First inflatable
barrier 710 has a
first connector flap 730, and second inflatable barrier 720 has a second
connector flap
740. First connector flap 730 and second connector flap 740 each include part
of zipper
750. Zipper 750 provides a fast and convenient way to connect first connector
flap 730
and second connector flap 740, and thereby to connect first inflatable barrier
710 and
second inflatable barrier 720.
[0087] FIG. 8 illustrates a combination 800 of two inflatable barriers with
hook-and-loop
fastener connectors according to an embodiment of the invention. Combination
800
includes first inflatable barrier 810 and second inflatable barrier 820. First
inflatable barrier
810 has a first connector flap 830 and second inflatable barrier 820 has a
second
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connector flap 840. First connector flap 830 and second connector flap 840
each include
part of a hook-and-loop fastener, such that first inflatable barrier 810 and
second inflatable
barrier 820 can be connected to each other fast and conveniently.
[0088] FIG. 9 illustrates a combination 900 of two inflatable barriers with
snap
connectors according to an embodiment of the invention. Combination 900
includes first
inflatable barrier 910 and second inflatable barrier 920. First inflatable
barrier 910 has a
first connector flap 930 and second inflatable barrier 920 has a second
connector flap 940.
First connector flap 930 and second connector flap 940 each include part of a
complementary pair of snaps, such that first inflatable barrier 910 and second
inflatable
barrier 920 can be connected to each other fast and conveniently.
[0089] FIG. 10 illustrates an inflatable barrier 1000 with straps 1010
according to an
embodiment of the invention. Straps 1010 may be positioned at the front or
back, or both,
of inflatable barrier 1000. The lengths of straps 1010 are adjustable, which
allows for
curving and/or shortening inflatable barrier 1000. Straps 1010 on the front of
inflatable
barrier 1000 allow for curving forward, and straps (not shown) on the back of
inflatable
barrier 1000 allow for curving backward. In some embodiments, straps 1010 are
removable. An embodiment with straps 1010 both on the front and the back
allows for
shortening inflatable barrier 1000.
[0090] FIG. 11 illustrates an inflatable barrier 1100 with anchor tabs 1110
according to
an embodiment of the invention. The embodiment may provide anchor tabs 1110 at
one
or more corners. An anchor tab may include a grommet through which a user can
insert
an anchor 1120 to fasten inflatable barrier 1100 to a crawl space ground, or
generally, an
anchor tab may include any provisions known in the art that allow fastening
inflatable
barrier 1100 to the crawl space ground.
[0091] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of using several inflatable barriers
to dry a section
of a crawl space 1200 according to an embodiment of the invention. Crawl space
1200 is
located below a floor 1210 and is partitioned in first section 1220 which
needs to be dried,
and second section 1230 which does not need to be dried. Crawl space 1200 has
one or
more dehumidifiers (dehu 1275), that are located in first section 1220. A
first combination
1240 of inflatable barriers and a second combination 1250 of inflatable
barriers separate
first section 1220 from second section 1230. Each of the individual inflatable
barriers in
first combination 1240 and second combination 1250 is connected with at least
one air
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mover 1260, and one or more of the individual inflatable barriers may also be
connected
with a heat injector 1270. By stacking sufficient inflatable barriers, the
height of crawl space
1200 is fully blocked. By side-connecting sufficient inflatable barriers, a
sufficient part of
the circumference of first section 1220 is blocked off.
[0092] Heat injector 1270 takes in air from second section 1230, heats it,
and injects it
into one of the inflatable barriers. The one or more dehu 1275's dry out and
also heat the
air, and with dry warm air moving around first section 1220, moisture is
removed efficiently.
[0093] FIG. 13 illustrates another example of using several inflatable
barriers to dry a
section of a crawl space 1300 according to an embodiment of the invention.
Crawl space
1300 is located below a floor 1310 and is partitioned in first section 1320
which needs to
be dried, and second section 1330 which does not need to be dried. Crawl space
1300
includes first wall 1340 and second wall 1350, which may have features such as
corners
and partial extensions that don't fill up the full height of crawl space 1300.
Convenient
placement of air blocks 1360 allows full separation of first section 1320 from
second
section 1330.
[0094] FIGS. 14A-C illustrate a vent carrier 1400 and a vent 1410 according
to an
embodiment of the invention. The function of vent carrier 1400 is to allow a
user to connect
and disconnect vent 1410 to and from inflatable barrier 1420 (a small part of
whose fabric
is shown), as well as rotate it in any desired direction. FIG. 14A shows vent
1410 and vent
carrier 1400 separately. FIG. 14B shows a perspective view of vent carrier
1400 with vent
1410 inserted. FIG. 14C shows a cross-cut of FIG. 14B. With regular use,
inflatable barrier
1420 will get dirty, and users may want to wash it, for example in a washing
machine.
However, in a washing machine, hard parts are undesirable, so in an
embodiment, vent
carrier 1400 may be made from a soft material, for example polyurethane, which
may be
sewn or glued to the fabric, whereas vent 1410 may be made, for example, from
a hard
plastic. Vent carrier 1400 fits around vent 1410, and when vent 1410 has been
inserted
into vent carrier 1400, it can rotate as desired. A user may firmly attach
vent 1410 to vent
carrier 1400 by tying a strap 1450 around vent carrier 1400, as shown in FIGS.
14B-C.
Strap 1450 may be a simple rope, a tie wrap, a zip tie, or a strap with hook
and loop
fastener areas, such as made by Velcro, or any other strap that firmly ties
vent carrier 1400
to vent 1410.
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[0095] In an embodiment, vent carrier 1400 may have inside facing barbs
1430, and
vent 1410 may have matching outside facing barbs 1440. The barbs will further
strengthen
a connection between vent carrier 1400 and vent 1410 when strap 1450 is tied
around
vent carrier 1400. However, the barbs leave it sufficiently easy to disconnect
vent 1410
from vent carrier 1400 when no strap is tied around vent carrier 1400.
[0096] FIG. 15 illustrates an air focus hose 1510 according to an
embodiment of the
invention. An air focus hose allows a user to direct air flow at specific
objects or locations
that are wetter than their surroundings and that need additional air flow to
dry fast enough.
Air focus hose 1510 is connected to inflatable barrier 1500 at a vent carrier.
Air focus hose
1510 may be made of a low-cost flexible plastic, such as low-density
polyethylene (LDPE).
In this way, a user may reuse air focus hose 1510 as needed, and recycle it
when done.
In other embodiments, air focus hose 1510 may be made of the same material as
inflatable
barrier 1500. In further embodiments, air focus hose 1510 may be internally
reinforced
with a metal or plastic spiral or other reinforcement. One manner of
connecting air focus
hose 1510 to inflatable barrier 1500 is to insert a vent into a vent carrier
(both not shown),
then insert the vent carrier into air focus hose 1510, and subsequently tie a
strap around
air focus hose 1510, the vent carrier, and the vent. During operation,
inflatable barrier 1500
is inflated, and air escapes through the vent into air focus hose 1510. Air
focus hose 1510
transports the air from its entrance at inflatable barrier 1500 to its exit at
the other end.
Since the material is flexible, a user can place the exit wherever needed, and
use any
convenient method to keep it in place. One basic method is to place a stone or
other weight
in the exit or elsewhere inside to prevent it from moving. Another method is
to stick it to
some surface, for example using duct tape, an adhesive, a nail, a screw, a
staple, or a zip
tie.
[0097] FIG. 16 illustrates usage of the air focus hose 1600 with sideway
outlets 1610
according to an embodiment of the invention. Sideway outlets 1610 provide a
user extra
flexibility to direct the air as needed. The user ties up the end of air focus
hose 1600 if no
air flow is needed there, and cuts one or a few holes to form sideway outlets
1610 as
needed. Again, the user can place air focus hose 1600 in any desired path by
using one
or more stones or other weights to weigh it down, and/or by sticking it to any
convenient
surface.
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[0098] FIG. 17 illustrates a method 1700 of drying a first section of a
space according
to an embodiment of the invention. Method 1700 comprises the following steps.
[0099] Step (a) 1710 ¨ Placing an inflatable bag between the first section
and a second
section of the space. The bag is placed such that, when inflated, it cordons
off the first
section from the second section. The first section needs to be dried. The
second section
may not need to be dried.
[0100] Step (b) 1720¨ Moving air from the first section into the inflatable
bag to inflate
it.
[0101] Step (c) 1730¨ OPTIONAL ¨ Heating air from the second section.
[0102] Step (d) 1740¨ OPTIONAL ¨ Injecting the heated air from the second
section
into the inflatable bag to further inflate it.
[0103] Step (e) 1750 ¨ Releasing air from the inflatable bag into the first
section to
provide an air flow in the first section while keeping the inflatable bag
inflated. The flowing
warm or hot air will absorb moisture from structures, floors, and/or ceilings
in the first
section.
[0104] Step (f) 1760 ¨ Using a dehumidifier or desiccant to extract
moisture from the
flowing warm air in the first section.
[0105] Step (g) 1770¨ Repeating steps (b) ¨ (f) until the first section has
reached a dry
standard. The dry standard may be an industry dry standard.
[0106] FIG. 18 illustrates an example of using inflatable barriers to
contain mold, lead,
asbestos, or other contaminants in a section of a crawlspace 1800 according to
an
embodiment of the invention. Crawlspace 1800 is located below floor 1810 and
is
partitioned in a first section 1820 which needs to be made hygienic, and
second section
1830 which does not need to be treated. First section 1820 is separated from
second
section 1830 by (in this example) first inflatable barrier 1840 and second
inflatable barrier
1850. Both are connected with filtering air mover 1890, which may include a
high-efficiency
particulate air (HEPA) filter, or any other filter capable of effectively
removing non-hygienic
particles from the air. Filtering air mover 1890 is located inside first
section 1820, and filters
and moves air from first section 1820 into first inflatable barrier 1840 and
second inflatable
barrier 1850. These inflate, and hence cordon first section 1820 off from
second section
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1830. Clean air may be released into second section 1830 or anywhere else. As
a result
of the air being taken out of first section 1820, it will have a lower air
pressure than second
section 1830. Clean air may seep back into first section 1820 through gaps and
replace
air that has been removed.
[0107] FIG. 19 illustrates a method 1900 of containing contaminants in a
first section of
a space according to an embodiment of the invention. A contaminant may be, for
example,
mold, lead, asbestos, an airborne infective agent, a poisonous or disease-
causing gas or
dust, etc. The method comprises the following steps.
[0108] Step 1910 ¨ Placing an inflatable bag between a first section and a
second
section of a space. Embodiments place the inflatable bag such that (once
inflated) it
separates the first section from the second section.
[0109] Step 1920¨ Filtering and/or cleaning air from the first section, for
example using
a NEPA filter. A NEPA filter reduces the number of particles in the air,
thereby making the
air more hygienic. In another example, an embodiment cleans the air by
exposing it to UV
light. Yet another embodiment removes gaseous pollutants using adsorption or
chemisorption. Embodiments may use any type of filter that effectively removes
the
contaminants from the air.
[0110] Step 1930 ¨ Moving a first part of the filtered air into the
inflatable bag to inflate
it. This results in the physical separation of the first and second sections.
[0111] Step 1940¨ Releasing the filtered air from the inflatable bag. An
embodiment
releases the filtered air through one or more relatively small openings, to
keep the pressure
in the inflatable bag high enough to keep it inflated.
[0112] Step 1950 ¨ Releasing a second part of the filtered air into a space
other than
the first section. By moving part of the filtered air out of the first section
to a location outside
of the (building that includes the) first section, the embodiment can keep the
first section
at a lower air pressure ("negative air pressure") than the second section,
preventing
leakage of contaminants, infective agents, poisonous or disease-causing gases,
etc. from
the first section into the second section.
[0113] Step 1960¨ Determining if the first section is sufficiently hygienic
by determining
if the presence of contaminants in the first section is sufficiently low. Upon
determining that
the first section is not sufficiently hygienic, repeating steps 1920 through
1960. Upon
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determining that the first section is sufficiently hygienic, the method may
end. In an
embodiment, mold may be measured with a mold test kit such as those that are
readily
available in the industry. For other contaminants, embodiments use
commensurate
measuring equipment.
[0114] While a user may often place an inflatable bag horizontally on the
floor, in some
circumstances the user may decide to place the inflatable bag vertically, i.e.
on one of its
sides, for example to close off a door opening.
[0115] In case there is a need to provide a safe space, for example a room
where
people with COPD can protect themselves from polluted air (smog or another
regional air
pollution event), the method may be reversed in the sense that the second
space is the
safe space (a room with overpressure), and the surroundings are the first
space
(atmospheric pressure). Protected people would stay in the room with
overpressure, while
the air mover with NEPA and/or other filters would be outside (the first
space).
[0116] FIG. 20 illustrates an inflatable barrier 2000 optimized for use in
a doorway 2005
according to an embodiment of the invention. Inflatable barrier 2000 includes
inflatable
bag 2010 with edge seals 2015 on the sides 2020 and top 2025. At the front,
inflatable
barrier 2000 features warnings 2030 in one or more languages. The warnings
2030 may
be in the shape of a letter X, enforcing a message to stay out. At the bottom
2035 are two
vent carriers 2050, which may hold vents or closed lids. Inflatable barrier
2000 further
features a clear window 2060 behind which information may be inserted, and
edge hooks
2070, which may be used to clamp inflatable barrier 2000 to the edges of a
doorway, such
that in case of a malfunction or a loss of power, containment is minimally
compromised.
Edge hooks 2070 may be adjustable to fit a range of door frame sizes. FIG. 20
shows
inflatable barrier 2000 from the side of a clean and/or dry area, where people
may be
moving around.
[0117] The inflatable bag 2010 is generally in a shape (for example a block
shape) that
allows separating air in a first section of space in a building from air in a
second section of
space in the building. The first section may be in the front of and the second
section may
be behind the inflatable barrier 2000. Generally, a user will just temporarily
place inflatable
barrier 2000 in between the first section and the second section, and separate
them
temporarily.
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[0118] FIGS. 21A-B illustrate inflatable barriers 2100 optimized for use in
a window
2105 according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 21A depicts inflatable
barriers
2100 from the outside, for example from outside a building. Half of window
2105 is closed,
the other half is open and has two inflatable barriers stacked into it. The
lower inflatable
barrier has two sections, the upper has four sections. The inflatable barriers
2100 are
chained with connectors 2115, which may include zippers as drawn, or flaps
with snaps,
hooks and loops, or any other connection method known in the art. While FIG.
21A shows
embodiments with four and two sections respectively, an embodiment may have
any
number of sections. Each embodiment includes a vent carrier and/or a vent
2110, and vent
2110 may include a screen to keep insects and other creatures out of the
inflatable bag.
Vent 2110 is placed on a chamber or air tube inside the inflatable bag at
least partially
separated from other chambers or air tubes inside the inflatable bag. This
separation may
be achieved by one or more septa sewn into the main body of the inflatable bag
(for
example, one septum on either side of the chamber), or similar means.
[0119] FIG. 21B depicts inflatable barriers 2100 from the inside, for
example from inside
the building. Air enters the upper inflatable barrier via air inflow tube
2120, which may be
a polystyrene hose temporarily coupled with vent carrier 2130, or it may be an
air inflow
tube permanently coupled with the inflatable bag. The air leaves the upper
inflatable barrier
via vent carrier 2135 and air tube 2125, which is temporarily coupled with the
lower
inflatable barrier at vent carrier 2140.
[0120] Whereas FIGS. 21A-B show the use of two inflatable barriers in a
window, a
user may decide to use only one, or stack more than two, dependent on the size
of a
window and on sizes of available inflatable barriers. Even though FIGS. 21A-B
show that
a user has stacked a larger inflatable barrier on top of a smaller one, he or
she may stack
inflatable barriers in any order. And although FIG. 21B shows how air may be
looped from
a first inflatable barrier to a second one, a user may equally well provide
separate inflatable
barriers each with their own air flow.
[0121] FIG. 22 illustrates a room 2200 with two or more inflatable barriers
2210 chained
on their sides according to an embodiment of the invention. Each of the
inflatable barriers
2210 includes a connector 2220 on at least one of its sides. Connector 2220
may be or
may include a zipper connector, such that two or more adjacent inflatable
barriers 2210
may be connected to form a wall that can separate two sections of space from
each other.
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Each of the inflatable barriers 2210 touches both the floor and the ceiling of
room 2200,
so that air may not flow below or over the wall. The connector 2220 is
configured to stop
the air, too, so that no air flows between the two sections of space via a gap
between
adjacent inflatable barriers 2210. The only flow of air, if any, is through
the inflatable
barriers 2210. A user may place inflatable barriers 2210 in a straight line,
as shown, or in
accordion formation, or any combination of those two.
[0122] FIG. 23 illustrates an inflatable barrier 2300 with edge seals 2310
optimized for
use in a doorway according to an embodiment of the invention. Along a first
side 2315, a
top 2320, and a second side 2325, inflatable barrier 2300 features two or more
edge seals
2310, wherein each of the edge seals 2310 is or includes an inflatable tube
that runs in
parallel with first side 2315, top 2320, and/or second side 2325. FIG. 23
shows three
parallel edge seals 2310, a number that has experimentally proven to be
effective for
closing gaps along a doorway. However, an embodiment may include any number of
edge
seals. The example embodiment in FIG. 23 further shows vent carriers 2335,
which may
hold vents, rings, or closed lids. A ring may provide rigidity or structure to
a flexible vent
carrier without restricting air flow.
[0123] FIG. 24 illustrates details at the back of an inflatable barrier
2400 according to
an embodiment of the invention. Whereas FIG. 20 showed a perspective from the
side of
a clean and/or dry area, FIG. 24 shows a perspective from inside a room that
needs to be
dried and/or decontaminated. On this side of inflatable barrier 2400 there may
be no
people, so some embodiments show no warnings on this side and provide no
information
window. However, this side does have a first opening 2410 that may permanently
or
detachably connect to an air inflow tube 2415. Also, the embodiment features
vent carriers
2420, which may hold vents, rings, or closed lids. Air inflow tube 2415 is
configured to be
connected to an air mover 2440, which may take moist or purified air from this
side of
inflatable barrier 2400, and force it into inflatable barrier 2400. Some
embodiments may
include a HEPA or other filter in air inflow tube 2415 or in their inflatable
bag, whereas
other embodiments may rely on a HEPA or other filter integrated into or
attached to air
mover 2440. Yet other embodiments may attach air inflow tube 2415 directly to
an external
HEPA or other filter.
[0124] Inflatable barrier 2400 further shows one or more sets of sleeves
2425 or
sleeves 2430 that may hold a tension rod 2435. When inserted, tension rod 2435
prevents
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inflatable barrier 2400 from bulging out of shape when inflated, which may
happen when
inflatable barrier 2400 is placed in an opening that is smaller than its size,
thus exerting
side load.
[0125] FIG. 25 illustrates details at the top of an inflatable barrier 2500
according to an
embodiment of the invention. When installing an inflatable barrier in a
doorway or window,
it is convenient to place the inflatable barrier in the correct position prior
to inflating it.
Inflatable barrier 2500 includes loops 2510 through which expandable rod 2520
may be
placed. Similar to a rod for a shower curtain, expandable rod 2520 allows a
user to hang
inflatable barrier 2500 in place at the top of a doorway or window. Expandable
rod 2520 is
drawn wider than inflatable barrier 2500. However, in a practical situation, a
doorway is
slightly narrower than the width covered by inflatable barrier 2500 and its
edge seals, so
that the edge seals when inflated seal off any gaps. Therefore, when
inflatable barrier 2500
is installed in a doorway and hanging from expandable rod 2520, expandable rod
2520 is
configured narrower than drawn here. Loops 2510 may be kept short, so that
when
inflatable barrier 2500 becomes deflated, no unnecessary gaps open up.
[0126] FIGS. 26A-D illustrate alternative details at the top of an
inflatable barrier 2600
according to embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 26A, instead of loops, as
in FIG. 25,
inflatable barrier 2600 features a channel 2605 through the inflatable bag
near its top, in
which expandable rod 2610 may be placed. Again, expandable rod 2610 allows a
user to
hang inflatable barrier 2600 in place at the top of a doorway or window prior
to inflating it.
[0127] In FIG. 26B, the embodiment includes partial loops with snaps 2615.
One partial
loop may have a male and the other may have a female snap, such that they can
snap
together and form closed loops as drawn, to hold expandable rod 2610.
[0128] In FIG. 260, the embodiment includes partial loops with loops and
hooks
fasteners 2620. One partial loop may have a loop fastener and the other may
have a hook
fastener, such that they can stick together and form a closed loop as drawn,
to hold
expandable rod 2610.
[0129] In FIG. 26D, the embodiment includes hooks 2625. Hooks 2625 are
rigid, such
that they can be hung onto expandable rod 2610, as drawn. Hooks 2625 may be
tight, as
drawn, to prevent or minimize an airgap between inflatable barrier 2600 and a
door frame
or other feature above it.
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[0130] The embodiments in FIGS. 26A-D show some alternative means with
which
inflatable barrier 2600 can be suspended from expandable rod 2610. However,
embodiments may use any other method known in the art to suspend objects from
a rod.
[0131] FIG. 27 illustrates details on the bottom of inflatable barrier 2700
according to
an embodiment of the invention. This embodiment includes ground piece 2710,
which may
be made of a stronger material than the remainder of the inflatable bag.
Ground piece
2710 may be made of vinyl, coated vinyl, synthetic fiber, or any other
material that is
resistant to abrasion and puncture. Ground piece 2710 may cover just the
bottom of
inflatable barrier 2700, as drawn, or it may extend over and also cover the
bottom of the
edge seals and other parts of the inflatable bag that may touch the ground or
other
potentially rough surfaces and risk being damaged by debris, nails, and other
sharp
objects.
[0132] The embodiment may further have connectors 2720 at its bottom,
allowing
inflatable barrier 2700 to be stacked onto an extension block as further
detailed with
respect to FIGS. 37A-B. Connectors 2720 may include zippers, as drawn, snaps,
or any
other means of connecting known in the art. Snaps may be male, female, or bi-
gender.
[0133] In case some malfunction or loss of power causes an embodiment to
deflate,
containment might be lost if not for edge hooks (such as edge hooks 2070 in
FIG. 20) and
one or more ballast containers 2730. Ballast containers 2730 may be attachable
(here
drawn as fabric cylinders that may be filled with ballast, such as metal
balls, sand, etc.,
zipped to ground piece 2710) using connectors 2720, or may be permanently
attached to
the ground piece 2710. By weighing down inflatable barrier 2700, ballast
containers 2730
minimize any air gaps below inflatable barrier 2700. They also provide tension
between
the top and the bottom of the inflatable bag, thus keeping the sides taut and
preventing
gaps along the edges too.
[0134] FIGS. 28A-B illustrate details of an inflatable barrier 2800 with a
horizontally
restricted air inflow tube 2810 according to an embodiment of the invention.
The
embodiment has air vents 2820 placed on both sides of air inflow tube 2810,
which in this
example are located near the ground. The arrangement allows for convenient
placement
of air inflow tube 2810 and an air mover, and for a low flow of air from air
vents 2820 along
a moist or contaminated floor. However, if air inflow tube 2810 is allowed to
bulge wide, it
may hinder the flow of air from air vents 2820. Therefore, in this embodiment,
air inflow
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tube 2810 is horizontally restricted. For example, it may have a horizontal
seam 2830 that
effectively separates air inflow tube 2810 in two vertically stacked tubes
(FIG. 28A). FIG.
28A also shows crosscuts 28B and 280 for features shown in FIGS. 28B and 280.
As an
alternative for horizontal seam 2830, air inflow tube 2810 may include a
horizontal septum
2840 that divides its internal channel into two separate cavities while
restricting the overall
width (FIG. 28B). Further embodiments may include a mesh fabric 2850 sewn or
otherwise
attached in the hole in the in the inflatable bag that lets in air flowing
from air inflow tube
2810. Mesh fabric 2850 protects the shape of the hole, and therefore the
general shapes
of both the inflatable bag and air inflow tube 2810 at their point of
connection.
[0135] FIG. 29 illustrates an inflatable barrier 2900 with vertical zippers
2910 to restrict
its width according to an embodiment of the invention. Vertical zippers 2910
are placed in
pairs along the front and back of inflatable barrier 2900, so that its width
may be restricted
by closing a pair of vertical zippers 2910 on each the front and back, or its
width can be
increased by opening a pair of vertical zippers 2910 on each the front and
back. FIG. 29
shows only the pairs of vertical zippers 2910 on the front of inflatable
barrier 2900. Their
matching pairs of vertical zippers 2910 on the back are not shown. Inflatable
barrier 2900
may include multiple pairs on each the front and the back to provide for
multiple options to
restrict its width.
[0136] An alternative embodiment may restrict its width in different ways
than with
zippers. For example, it could use horizontal straps, or flaps with hooks
and/or grommets,
or any other means known in the art.
[0137] Similarly, an embodiment may include means to restrict its height,
wherein the
means to restrict its height may comprise horizontal zippers, vertical straps,
flaps with
hooks and/or grommets, or any other means known in the art. Such an embodiment
is
shown in FIG. 21A-B and FIG. 32, where an inflatable barrier includes
horizontal zippers
that can be closed to restrict its height. Although FIG. 29 shows inflatable
barrier 2900
optimized for a doorway and FIGS. 21A-B show inflatable barriers 2100
optimized for a
window, embodiments may be optimized for any application and may restrict
height, width,
or any other dimension, as useful in an application.
[0138] FIG. 30 illustrates an embodiment of the invention that includes
both the set of
tension rod sleeves of FIG. 24 and the vertical zippers of FIG. 29. The
inflatable barrier
3000 includes three vertical zippers 3010 on each the right and the left. This
embodiment
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allows for 6 different widths, as each side could be set to full width,
shortened by one
zipper distance, or shortened by two zipper distances. A tension rod 3020 may
be inserted
in those of the sleeves 3030 that are visible when a required number of
zippers has been
closed. Tension rod 3020 may have a fixed length, which could be shorter than
the
minimum width of inflatable barrier 3000, i.e. the width when on both sides it
is shortened
by (in this example embodiment) two zipper distances. Alternatively, an
embodiment may
come with a set of tension rods of different lengths (two fixed lengths are
shown). Yet
alternatively, tension rod 3020 could be extendable to allow for different
widths.
[0139] FIG. 31 illustrates an inflatable barrier 3100 with side-by-side
connectors 3110
according to an embodiment of the invention. Side-by-side connectors 3110 are
located
on the sides of inflatable barrier 3100 and may be both on the front and the
back. They
may include vertical zippers, as drawn, or any other type of connectors known
in the art,
including but not limited to snaps, and hook and loop fasteners. Side-by-side
connectors
3110 allow for horizontally chaining two or more units of inflatable barrier
3100 in accordion
formation, such as shown here, or in straight formation, such as shown in FIG.
22. Some
embodiments may use the outer zippers of vertical zippers 2910 in FIG. 29 as
the side-by-
side connectors 3110, whereas other embodiments may separate those.
[0140] FIG. 32 illustrates a stackable inflatable barrier 3200 optimized
for use in a
window according to an embodiment of the invention. Windows tend to come in
multiple
standard widths and heights. The use of embodiments that can easily be stacked
reduces
the number of different inflatable barriers that a services company needs to
own, and
therefore reduces the cost of its operation. Stackable embodiments may be
produced in a
few different sizes to facilitate stacking up to any potential height.
Stackable inflatable
barrier 3200 has edge seals 3210 along both sides. Some embodiments may
further have
edge seals 3210 on the top and/or bottom (as drawn). Along the top and bottom,
stackable
inflatable barrier 3200 includes stacking connectors 3220 that allow for
chaining vertically.
Stacking connectors 3220 may include zippers, as shown, or snaps, hook and
loop
fasteners, or any other fastener known in the industry. In case of zippers,
these may
double-function to reduce the height of stackable inflatable barrier 3200 when
a window is
less tall than stackable inflatable barrier 3200.
[0141] FIG. 33 illustrates air routing through an inflatable barrier 3300
according to an
embodiment of the invention. When a vent is located close to an air inflow
tube, such as
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shown in FIG. 28, air flow 3305 may flow directly from the air inflow tube to
the vent, if
unobstructed, and the inflatable bag will not inflate. Inflatable barrier 3300
shows an
inflatable bag with the front removed for an inside view. Air flow 3305 is
channeled from
the first opening 3310 (drawn with a dashed line) into all parts of the
inflatable bag, and
cannot reach vent carriers or vents 3315 (also drawn with dashed lines)
directly. The air
travels through or into the whole inflatable bag. Air channels are created
using septa 3320,
that may be sewn, radio-frequency (RF) welded, glued, or attached in any other
way known
in the art, inside the inflatable bag. In some embodiments, air may flow over
the tops or
below the bottoms of septa 3320, whereas in other embodiments air may only
flow through
openings in septa 3320. Based on the positions of such openings, including any
openings
above or below the septa 3320, if any, an embodiment may have any airflow
deemed
suitable for a certain situation or for any situation. Although FIG. 33 shows
vents 3315 at
the front of the inflatable bag, an alternative embodiment may have vents 3315
both at the
front and at the back of the inflatable bag, or only at the back of the
inflatable bag.
Embodiments may have the vents 3315 or vent carriers at the top, the bottom,
or anywhere
between the top and bottom. Flexibility in the positioning of septa 3320 and
openings in
septa 3320 allows an embodiment to be optimized for whatever location vents
3315 may
have.
[0142] FIG. 34 illustrates an inflatable barrier 3400 with an X marking
3410, an
information pocket 3420, and a pocket for implements 3430 according to an
embodiment
of the invention. Inflatable barrier 3400 is shown from the front, i.e. a side
on which the air
is assumed to be dry and uncontaminated, and where people can safely move
around.
The air at the backside is assumed to be moist and/or contaminated, and under
treatment.
It may be unsafe to move there, and people need to be warned to stay out. X
marking
3410 may warn people in multiple languages, and because of its shape,
generally conveys
the message to stay out. Information pocket 3420 features a transparent
window, which
allows showing specific information about the work in progress, including the
type of
cleaning and or drying that is being performed, the schedule of the work, etc.
The pocket
for implements 3430 may be used for holding straps, a remote control for an
air mover,
and other materials.
[0143] FIG. 34 further illustrates carrier handles 3440 and pressure
sensitive mats 3450
or foot switches 3460. Carrier handles 3440 allow for conveniently positioning
inflatable
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barrier 3400, whether inflated or not. Pressure sensitive mats 3450, or,
alternatively, foot
switches 3460 or any other external switches known in the art, including but
not limited to
Bluetooth, apps on handheld devices, etc., allow for temporarily reducing
inflation of
inflatable barrier 3400, such that a person who needs to pass from one side to
another
can briefly create an opening between the edge seals and an abutting door
frame. The
person can then pass through the opening.
[0144] FIG. 35 illustrates a static inflatable barrier 3500 according to an
embodiment of
the invention. Unlike a regular inflatable barrier, static inflatable barrier
3500 does not need
an air inflow hole or tube at the back, and does not have vent carriers or
vents. Its purpose
is to provide containment, even when there is a power outage. Static
inflatable barrier 3500
includes an air inflow tube 3510 at the front, connected to an external pump
3520 (air
mover). Pump 3520 may include a pressure sensor 3530, or be coupled to a
pressure
sensor inside static inflatable barrier 3500, to prevent inflating static
inflatable barrier 3500
below its minimum or above its maximum rated pressure. Both air inflow tube
3510 and
pump 3520 may be small, as they are mainly used to maintain pressure, rather
than to
provide a constant air flow emanating from static inflatable barrier 3500. In
normal usage,
pump 3520 may include a backup battery or may be coupled with an external
uninterruptable power supply (UPS 3540), to ensure continued operation during
a power
outage. Where no permanent electricity is available, a user may install a
backup generator,
or even use a manual pump. Embodiments in which pump 3520 has a small size may
have
the additional benefit of relatively low added noise. Embodiments of static
inflatable barrier
3500 have edge seals on at least two sides (FIG. 35 shows edge seals on three
sides to
make it optimal for use in a doorway), loops at the top (or a channel through
the inflatable
bag) for an expandable tension rod, sleeves for one or more tension rods at
the front and/or
back to prevent bulging out of shape, X marking to warn people to stay out.
They may
include stronger bottom material, and other elements described in this patent
document.
[0145] FIGS. 36A-F illustrate further embodiments of a static inflatable
barrier. FIG. 36A
illustrates inner chamber 3610, at least two of which are inserted into the
outer chambers
3632 inside outer sleeve 3620 depicted in FIG. 36B. Inner chamber 3610
comprises an
inflatable vertical tube, bar, or other elongated shape. It features air
inlet/outlet 3615. The
static inflatable barrier may not have vent carriers or vents. It may be used
in situations
where an ongoing availability of power, such as electricity, is not
guaranteed. Each inner
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chamber 3610, when inserted in outer sleeve 3620, is individually inflated or
deflated via
its air inlet/outlet 3615. Once inner chamber 3610 is inflated, it may be left
inflated during
the inflatable barrier's use, after which it may be deflated for the
inflatable barrier's removal
and transportation elsewhere. As described with reference to other
embodiments, the
bottom of inner chamber 3610 may include or be made of a heavy-duty material,
stronger
than its remainder. Air inlet/outlet 3615 may comprise a first part
permanently connected
to the inflatable tube, bar, or other elongated shape, and a second part
removably inserted
into the first part. The second part may hold an air valve for letting air
flow into inner
chamber 3610, but not out of it. Inner chamber 3610 may be deflated by
removing the
second part from the first part so that air inside inner chamber 3610 is no
longer obstructed
and can freely flow out.
[0146] FIG. 36B illustrates the outer sleeve 3620, which comprises main
sleeve 3621,
dividers 3622 that separate the inside into outer chambers 3632 (four dividers
3622A-D
are shown, separating the inside of main sleeve 3621 into five separate outer
chambers
3632A-E). Main sleeve 3621 may be open at the top and the bottom, and allows
attaching
a separate top, bottom, top extension, or bottom extension. Attached to the
side of main
sleeve 3621 are edge seals 3640. Around the circumference of its top is top
zipper half
3641 and around the circumference of its bottom is bottom zipper half 3642.
Main sleeve
3621 has a hole 3643 for air inlet/outlet 3615 (FIG. 36A) at each of the outer
chambers
3632. It also includes vertical zipper halves 3645 and D-rings 3648A-C.
[0147] In the embodiment shown, the static inflatable barrier comprises
five outer
chambers 3632 to insert five units of inner chamber 3610. However, other
embodiments
may comprise fewer or more chambers. In one example embodiment, an inner
chamber
3610 may be 1 foot wide, 4 inches deep, and 8 feet tall. In another example
embodiment,
an inner chamber 3610 may be 1 foot wide, 4 inches deep, and 10 feet tall.
Both
embodiments may be used in an outer sleeve 3620 that is (again, for example) 8
feet tall,
4 inches deep, and 5 feet wide, as will be discussed below. In yet other
embodiments,
chambers may have any width, any depth and/or any length. In a further
embodiment,
inner chamber 3610 is made of a clear material, allowing light to pass through
more easily.
[0148] Outer sleeve 3620 fits tightly around the units of inner chamber
3610 when these
are inflated. The position of each hole 3643 on main sleeve 3621 matches the
position of
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air inlet/outlet 3615 on an inner chamber 3610, so that inner chamber 3610 can
be inflated
or deflated while it is positioned inside outer sleeve 3620.
[0149] In some embodiments, outer sleeve 3620 is equally tall as inner
chamber 3610.
However, in other embodiments, inner chamber 3610 may be taller than outer
sleeve 3620.
In those other embodiments, inner chamber 3610 may only be fully inflated when
no top
is attached to main sleeve 3621, and/or when no bottom is attached to main
sleeve 3621.
When no top or bottom is present, inner chamber 3610 will stick out. However,
main sleeve
3621 may be extended with one or two extensions, as will be described
hereunder,
allowing full coverage and protection of each installed inner chamber 3610.
[0150] A combination of two or more units of inner chamber 3610 and outer
sleeve
3620 provides an inflatable barrier segment that may be tall and wide enough
to cordon
off a section of a room, hallway, or other space in a building, and provide
containment
irrespective of the continuous presence of electricity or other power. Edge
seals 3640
provide this containment around the edges, for example in a doorway. Edge
seals 3640
may or may not be inflatable. In an embodiment, edge seals 3640 each comprise
two
parallel tubes that may be filled with foam to provide elasticity. In another
embodiment,
edge seals 3640 comprises another number of parallel tubes, or the tubes are
filled with
another material than foam.
[0151] In many cases, a single segment of the inflatable barrier is
insufficient to achieve
containment of a section of a space, and multiple segments are needed. In this
case,
vertical zipper halves 3645 allow for the capability to concatenate such
multiple segments
until full containment is achieved. Although not shown in FIG. 36B, vertical
zipper halves
3645 are located not only at the front, but also at the back of outer sleeve
3620. Vertical
zipper halves 3645 may be situated on main sleeve 3621 directly next to edge
seals 3640.
Or, in some embodiments, vertical zipper halves 3645 may be on flaps that are
connected
to the main body. Yet other embodiments do not comprise vertical zipper halves
3645 but
other means of connecting sections, including but not limited to snaps,
straps, hooks and
rings, such as previously shown in FIGS. 6-9.
[0152] Also in many use situations, a whole number of segments may be too
wide. For
example, if one segment is five feet wide, and a part of a room that is 13
feet wide must
be contained, then two segments are insufficient for containment, but three
segments
together are too wide for the room. Three segments minus two inner chambers
would be
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just right, though. Three segments might have a total of fifteen inner
chambers, and if two
of the fifteen chambers are not inflated then the total width can be made to
fit. Outer sleeve
3620 comprises sets of D-rings 3648. Three sets are shown: set D-rings 3648A
is
horizontally paired at the top of outer sleeve 3620. Set D-rings 3648B is
horizontally paired
halfway between the top and the bottom, and set D-rings 36480 is horizontally
paired at
the bottom. While only the front of outer sleeve 3620 is shown, further sets
of D-rings 3648
are located at the back. D-rings 3648 allow straps, bungees, ropes, strings,
or twines to
be tied to outer sleeve 3620, which makes it possible to shorten its width,
and match its
width to the number of inner chambers that is actually inflated and needed.
Straps (etc.)
may alternatively be used to curve a segment by tying straps at the front
differently than
straps at the back of outer sleeve 3620.
[0153] While FIG. 36B depicts 3 sets of D-rings 3648, with matching sets at
the back
that are not shown, other embodiments may have fewer or more than six sets.
Yet other
embodiments may have no D-rings, but straps directly sewn onto or connected to
outer
sleeve 3620. And further embodiments may use vertical zippers, such as
vertical zippers
2910 illustrated in FIG. 29.
[0154] FIG. 36B further shows openings 3647A-E, which as drawn may each be
covered by a flap. Should any of the inner chamber 3610 units become deflated,
then such
a malfunctioning unit may be replaced through its opening, without the need to
deinstall
the whole combination of outer sleeve 3620 and its inner chamber 3610 units.
Thus, an
inner chamber 3610 can be replaced with minimum impact on the containment
provided
by the whole unit. FIG. 36B yet further shows that the dividers 3622 may carry
a LED strip
3623A (that is, using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or any other form of
lighting known in
the art). When placement of a containment unit impacts the amount of light
that may reach
a contained space, then a LED strip 3623 may mitigate this. Further, a user
may suspend
a lighting armature 3623B from D-rings 3648 to help keep the contained space
sufficiently
illuminated.
[0155] In an embodiment slightly different than shown in FIG. 36B, edge
seals 3640
are not permanently attached to main sleeve 3621, but they include vertical
zipper halves,
allowing them to be attached to and detached from vertical zipper halves 3645.
[0156] FIG. 360 depicts top 3650, which may comprise simply a sheet 3651 of
fabric
or canvas whose shape matches the open top of main sleeve 3621, and whose
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circumference matches the circumference of main sleeve 3621. Top 3650 has a
zipper
around sheet 3651 to match top zipper half 3641 and/or bottom zipper half
3642.
Embodiments may use top 3650 also as a bottom element (not separately drawn).
In some
embodiments, a bottom element is made of heavy-duty fabric or canvas to
provide extra
ruggedness.
[0157] FIG. 36D illustrates an alternative top 3660, with edge seals 3661.
This
embodiment makes the static inflatable barrier especially suitable for
doorways. It also
allows it to match to similar irregular/changeable surfaces.
[0158] FIG. 36E illustrates extension outer sleeve 3670. Its zipper 3674
matches top
zipper half 3641, and/or bottom zipper half 3642, such that extension outer
sleeve 3670
can be connected to outer sleeve main sleeve 3621 at its top or bottom when
outer sleeve
3620 is not tall enough. In some embodiments, inner chamber 3610 is tall
enough to fill
both outer sleeve 3620 and one or more units of extension outer sleeve 3670.
In other
embodiments, a separate short version of inner chamber 3610 is added to fill
the space
inside extension outer sleeve 3670. Extension outer sleeve 3670 is divided
into separate
outer chambers 3671 by dividers 3673. Extension outer sleeve 3670 may further
include
D-rings 3675, which serve the same function as D-rings 3648 on outer sleeve
3620.
[0159] FIG. 36F illustrates extension outer sleeve 3680, which is similar
as extension
outer sleeve 3670, but with the addition of edge seals 3681 at its sides,
and/or edge seal
3682 at its top. In some embodiments, a continuous edge seal may run from one
side over
the top to the other side.
[0160] Embodiments of the inflatable barrier are made of fabric or canvas
that is airtight,
especially inner chamber 3610, and that provides protection against puncturing
and
excessive wear, which might jeopardize a product's durability. Ruggedness is
important
for all parts of the invention depicted in FIGS. 36B-F. Therefore, these parts
are made of
fabrics or canvas that is durable, and that withstands puncturing and wear. In
some
embodiments, a fabric or canvas is also machine washable.
[0161] FIGS. 37A-B illustrate views of a stackable inflatable barrier 3700
according to
an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 37A provides a view from the top outside,
and FIG.
37B provides a view from the bottom inside. However, the embodiment may be
symmetrical, and its positioning may be reversible. Stackable inflatable
barrier 3700 may
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be used, for example, in a tall doorway, below inflatable barrier 2300. Both
its top 3710
and its bottom 3720 may be made with a stronger material than the remainder of
the
inflatable bag, for example they may be made of vinyl, coated vinyl, synthetic
fiber, or any
other material that is resistant to abrasion and puncture. The embodiment may
have
connector straps 3730 which may feature snaps, as drawn, or any other means of
connecting known in the art. Snaps may be male, female, or bi-gender.
Connector straps
3730 allow stacking regular inflatable barriers such as shown in FIG. 27 to
stackable
inflatable barrier 3700. Stackable inflatable barrier 3700 may further have
vent carrier 3740
and vent carrier 3750, to one of which a user may attach an external air
inflow tube, and
into the other a user might insert a closed lid or a vent. It may also have a
permanent air
inflow tube that attaches to a vent carrier of, for example, the inflatable
barrier 2000 (FIG.
20). Stackable inflatable barrier 3700 may further have means to restrict its
height or width
as discussed with reference to FIGS. 21A-B and 29.
[0162] FIG. 38 illustrates an inflatable barrier 3800 for temporary medical
isolation
according to an embodiment of the invention. Inflatable barrier 3800 includes
one or more
transparent windows 3810 and one or more air gates 3820. Inflatable barrier
3800 may be
used in, for example, a doorway of a room where temporarily a sick person is
isolated from
other inhabitants of a house. The room may be kept at negative pressure to
prevent
bacteria and viruses entering the remainder of the house via air flow. Visual
communication between the sick person and other people in the house can take
place
through the transparent windows 3810. Caretakers may pass food, medicine, and
other
items to the sick person via the one or more air gates 3820. In some
embodiments, the air
gates 3820 may be constructed as tunnels with a flexible circumference, and
the tunnels
may collapse from air pressure on the inside of inflatable barrier 3800, which
is kept
inflated. When nothing is passed through the air gates 3820, the tunnels are
collapsed and
no air flows through them from the house into the room (or vice versa in case
the negative
pressure is not maintained). When a caretaker passes something to the sick
person via
one of the air gates 3820, the flexible circumference gives way, but leaves
minimal room
around the object or objects. In other embodiments, the air gates 3820 may be
constructed
as tunnels with a rigid circumference, and the tunnels may be closed at one or
both sides
with a small door or a cap. [0163] If the room is maintained at negative
pressure, it is
important that clean air can flow into it. Users of inflatable barrier 3800
may insert a filtering
object into one or more of the air gates 3820 to enable the inflow of clean
air. If the air
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gates 3820 have a rigid circumference, then their doors or caps may include
such filters.
In embodiments, the filters are replaceable. In further embodiments, the
filters may be
located in dedicated air gates.
[0164] FIG. 39 shows details of the inflatable barrier 3800 of FIG. 38. The
transparent
windows 3810 allow visual contact with the sick person in the isolation room.
Some
embodiments may provide for privacy curtains on either side of inflatable
barrier 3800, to
allow the sick person or a caregiver to block visual contact when unwanted.
FIG. 39 also
shows a front view of air gates 3820, whose flexible walls are collapsed.
[0165] FIG. 40 shows a side view of the inflatable barrier 3800 of FIG. 38.
In this view,
a person who may not be knowledgeable of medical isolation procedures
demonstrates
that the air gates 3820 may be passed through from the front to the backside
3825. In the
case of flexible walls, the flexible walls would retract sufficiently to let
the person's arm
pass through, but would still collapse enough around the arm to not let air
flow from one
side to the other.
[0166] FIGS. 41A-B show examples of filtering objects for the air gates
3820 according
to embodiments of the invention. FIG. 41A shows filtering object 4100 in a
side view. For
clarity, filtering object 4100 is drawn as having a transparent outer vessel
with a first
opening 4110 on one side and a second opening 4120 on the other side. Inside
are
mounted a first filter 4130 and a second filter 4140. In this embodiment,
first filter 4130 and
second filter 4140 have conical shapes, and are mounted in opposite
directions. They are
mounted in the outer vessel in such a way that no airflow is possible around
the filters.
Some embodiments may have only one filter, or more than two filters. In other
embodiments, the filter or filters may be in another shape than conical. The
filters include
a material that allows air to flow through, but not contaminants such as
viruses, bacteria,
mold, and other unhealthy vectors. The filter may be or include a high-
efficiency particulate
air (NEPA) filter. Although the outer vessel is shown as transparent, in
embodiments the
outer vessel may be non-transparent, or partially transparent. In further
embodiments, the
outer vessel may comprise multiple sections that can be temporarily connected
to each
other, for example with screw connections, allowing removal and replacement of
filters.
[0167] FIG. 41B shows filtering object 4150, which includes microbiological
filter 4160.
In general, filtering object 4150 may include any combination of filters, for
example with at
least one NEPA filter and at least one microbiological filter.
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[0168] Although the description has been described with respect to
particular
embodiments thereof, these particular embodiments are merely illustrative, and
not
restrictive. For example, figures show application of the respective
inflatable barriers in
various crawlspaces. However, inflatable barriers can also be effectively used
to dry out
spaces that are not limited in height. Part of a kitchen or bathroom might
have water
damage in the lowest couple of feet, whereas a ceiling might be many feet
away. One or
more inflatable barriers can cordon off the circumference of the section to be
dried, and a
tarp could close the top of the cordoned off section. With similar variations,
inflatable
barriers can effectively be used to dry out many types of space that needs to
be dried out.
[0169] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that
follow, "a", "an",
and "the" includes plural references unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Also, as
used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the
meaning of "in"
includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0170] Thus, while particular embodiments have been described herein,
latitudes of
modification, various changes, and substitutions are intended in the foregoing
disclosures,
and it will be appreciated that in some instances some features of particular
embodiments
will be employed without a corresponding use of other features without
departing from the
scope and spirit as set forth. Therefore, many modifications may be made to
adapt a
particular situation or material to the essential scope and spirit.
33
