U.S. patent application number 15/503945 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-24 for adjustable air filter.
The applicant listed for this patent is 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY. Invention is credited to Nicolas A. Echeverri, Andrew R. Fox, Bryan L. Gerhardt, Weilai Jiang.
Application Number | 20170241192 15/503945 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55400394 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170241192 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fox; Andrew R. ; et
al. |
August 24, 2017 |
ADJUSTABLE AIR FILTER
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to air filters. More
particularly, it relates to adjustably sized air filter systems
useable in window opening. Some exemplary window air filter
assemblies include two u-shaped frame members that can be coupled
to form an adjustable frame assembly; and a filter media assembly
that is attachable to the frame assembly and that includes an
adjustable length media. The window filter assemblies are capable
of moving between a collapsed state to an expanded state.
Inventors: |
Fox; Andrew R.; (Oakdale,
MN) ; Jiang; Weilai; (Shanghai, CN) ;
Gerhardt; Bryan L.; (Woodbury, MN) ; Echeverri;
Nicolas A.; (Woodbury, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY |
St. Paul |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55400394 |
Appl. No.: |
15/503945 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
August 24, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US15/46488 |
371 Date: |
February 14, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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62041496 |
Aug 25, 2014 |
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62041499 |
Aug 25, 2014 |
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62041500 |
Aug 25, 2014 |
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62041501 |
Aug 25, 2014 |
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62206928 |
Aug 19, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 46/442 20130101;
B01D 46/46 20130101; F24F 2221/20 20130101; B01D 46/448 20130101;
B01D 2279/40 20130101; B01D 2265/04 20130101; F24F 13/28 20130101;
F24F 2003/1657 20130101; B01D 46/4227 20130101; E06B 7/02 20130101;
F24F 3/1603 20130101; B01D 2279/35 20130101; B01D 46/10 20130101;
F24F 2003/1635 20130101; E06B 2007/023 20130101; B01D 46/521
20130101; E06B 7/03 20130101; F24F 13/18 20130101; B01D 46/523
20130101; B01D 2275/203 20130101; B01D 46/0002 20130101; B01D
46/0032 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E06B 7/02 20060101
E06B007/02; B01D 46/00 20060101 B01D046/00; E06B 7/03 20060101
E06B007/03; B01D 46/52 20060101 B01D046/52 |
Claims
1. A window air filter assembly, comprising: first and second
u-shaped frame members that can be coupled to form an adjustable
frame assembly; and a filter media assembly that is attachable to
the frame assembly and that includes an adjustable length filter
media; wherein the window filter assembly is expandable from a
collapsed state to an expanded state.
2. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and
second u-shaped frame members are telescopically coupled.
3. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and
second u-shaped frame members are in a spring-loaded engagement
with one another.
4. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and
second u-shaped frame members include at least one of a detent,
notch, or other mechanism to selectively lock the adjustable window
air filter assembly in a desired length or orientation.
5. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and
second u-shaped frame members are frictionally secured to one
another.
6. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and
second u-shaped frame members are identical but asymmetric.
7. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the frame
assembly is made of at least one of plastic, metal, paper, wood,
and/or cardboard.
8. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, further including an
adjustable element that assists in retaining the adjustable air
filter within a window.
9. The window air filter assembly of claim 8, wherein the
adjustable element is at least one of a spring-loaded end member,
rubber materials, or a gripping structure.
10. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the filter
media is held in place in or on the frame assembly by at least one
of open tubes, pockets, partial loops, adhesive strips, hook and
loop connection means, and/or a loop-engaging fastener
material.
11. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, further including a
spring-loaded engagement with one another to provide continuous
dimensional adjustability
12. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the filter
media is at least one of an extended surface area media, pleated,
corrugated, and/or a high surface area media.
13. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the filter
media is self-supporting.
14. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the filter
media has an electrostatic charge.
15. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the filter
media includes at least one of porous foam, a nonwoven, paper,
and/or fiberglass.
16. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the filter
media is wire-backed.
17. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the window
filter assembly can self-retain the shape of the selected expanded
and/or collapsed state.
18. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the window
filter assembly can be adjusted to fit windows of various
sizes.
19. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the window
filter assembly has a size that can be adjusted to fit in a
partially open window.
20. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the air
filter media is replaceable and/or removable.
21. The window air filter assembly of claim 20, wherein the air
filter media can be replaced by at least one of (a) through an open
length along one side of the first or second u-shaped frame
members; (b) by insertion from one of the major faces of the
adjustable air filter; and/or (c) through one of the major
ends.
22. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the filter
media is pleated.
23. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the filter
media has an elastic or elongating structure.
24. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the filter
media includes at least one of elastic filaments, extruded elastic
filaments, and/or elastic netting.
25. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, further including
elongated pleat tip supports.
26. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the filter
media is corrugated.
27. The window air filter assembly of claim 1, further including a
restraining strap or component.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to air filters. More
particularly, it relates to adjustably sized air filter systems
useable in a window opening.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Windows are available in a large variety of sizes and can
include vertically or horizontally operable sashes to provide air
flow between an exterior and an interior of a building structure.
Occupants of a building structure often desire opening windows to
let fresh air into an interior of a home, business, or otherwise
enclosed space. However, in many locations, such as highly
populated areas of China, the outside air is more contaminated than
the indoor air. Novel filtering solutions are needed to let the
fresh aspects of the outdoor air in without letting in the
pollution or contaminants. Outdoor contaminants may include larger
particles such as pollen, dust, and mold spores and smaller
particles such as those forming PM.sub.2.5, bacteria, and viruses.
Gaseous outdoor pollutants such as odors, NO.sub.x, SO.sub.2,
ozone, and others may also be of concern in some locations.
SUMMARY
[0003] The inventors of the present disclosure realized that a need
exists for a window filter that protects users from outside air
quality contaminants, allows fresh air get into the home through
windows, can be easily installed and used by consumers, is
versatile to fit most window sizes, and has minimal impact on
lighting and visibility. The inventors of the present disclosure
invented and discovered apparatuses and methods that address at
least some of these goals.
[0004] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a
window air filter assembly, comprising: first and second u-shaped
frame members that can be coupled to form an adjustable frame
assembly; and a filter media assembly that is attachable to the
frame assembly and that includes an adjustable length filter media;
wherein the window filter assembly is expandable from a collapsed
state to an expanded state.
[0005] In some embodiments, the first and second u-shaped frame
members are telescopically coupled.
[0006] In some embodiments, the first and second u-shaped frame
members are in a spring-loaded engagement with one another.
[0007] In some embodiments, the first and second u-shaped frame
members include at least one of a detent, notch, or other mechanism
to selectively lock the adjustable window air filter assembly in a
desired length or orientation.
[0008] In some embodiments, the first and second u-shaped frame
members are frictionally secured to one another.
[0009] In some embodiments, the first and second u-shaped frame
members are identical but asymmetric.
[0010] In some embodiments, the frame assembly is made of at least
one of plastic, metal, paper, wood, and/or cardboard.
[0011] Some embodiments further include an adjustable element that
assists in retaining the adjustable air filter within a window.
[0012] In some embodiments, the adjustable element is at least one
of a spring-loaded end member, rubber materials, or a gripping
structure.
[0013] In some embodiments, the filter media is held in place in or
on the frame assembly by at least one of open tubes, pockets,
partial loops, adhesive strips, hook and loop connection means,
and/or a loop-engaging fastener material.
[0014] Some embodiments further include a spring-loaded engagement
with one another to provide continuous dimensional
adjustability.
[0015] In some embodiments, the filter media is at least one of an
extended surface area media, pleated, corrugated, and/or a high
surface area media.
[0016] In some embodiments, the filter media is
self-supporting.
[0017] In some embodiments, the filter media has an electrostatic
charge.
[0018] In some embodiments, the filter media includes at least one
of porous foam, a nonwoven, paper, and/or fiberglass.
[0019] In some embodiments, the filter media is wire-backed. In
some embodiments, the window filter assembly can self-retain the
shape of the selected expanded and/or collapsed state.
[0020] In some embodiments, the window filter assembly can be
adjusted to fit windows of various sizes.
[0021] In some embodiments, the window filter assembly has a size
that can be adjusted to fit in a partially open window.
[0022] In some embodiments, the air filter media is replaceable
and/or removable.
[0023] In some embodiments, the air filter media can be replaced by
at least one of (a) through an open length along one side of the
first or second u-shaped frame members; (b) by insertion from one
of the major faces of the adjustable air filter; and/or (c) through
one of the major ends.
[0024] In some embodiments, the filter media is pleated.
[0025] In some embodiments, the filter media has an elastic or
elongating structure.
[0026] In some embodiments, the filter media includes at least one
of elastic filaments, extruded elastic filaments, and/or elastic
netting.
[0027] In some embodiments, the assembly further includes elongated
pleat tip supports.
[0028] In some embodiments, the filter media is corrugated.
[0029] In some embodiments, the assembly further includes a
restraining strap or component.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary adjustable air filter
in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 2A is a side view of an exemplary filter frame useful
with the adjustable air filter of FIG. 1 in accordance with
principles of the present disclosure and partially unassembled;
[0032] FIG. 2B is a side view of the filter frame of FIG. 2A in an
assembled state;
[0033] FIG. 2C is a side view of an exemplary filter frame useful
with an adjustable air filter in accordance with principles of the
present disclosure including a spring loaded end frame;
[0034] FIGS. 3A-3D are cross-sectional views of exemplary
adjustable air filters in accordance with principles of the present
disclosure;
[0035] FIG. 4A is a perspective view an exemplary pleated filter
media assembly useful with adjustable air filters of the present
disclosure and in an expanded condition;
[0036] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the pleated filter
media assembly of FIG. 4A, taken along the line 4B-4B;
[0037] FIG. 4C is a side view of a portion of the pleated filter
media assembly of FIG. 4A in a collapsed condition;
[0038] FIGS. 5A-5C are cross-sectional views of filter media as
useful with the adjustable air filters of the present
disclosure;
[0039] FIGS. 6A-6B are perspective views of an adjustable air
filter for use in a vertically opening window in accordance with
principles of the present disclosure; and
[0040] FIGS. 7A-7B are perspective views of an adjustable air
filter installed in a horizontally opening window in accordance
with principles of the present disclosure.
[0041] The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may
be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular
components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details
disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely
as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the inventions described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] The present disclosure will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
exemplary embodiments are shown. The scope of this disclosure,
however, may be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth or shown
herein.
[0043] One embodiment of an adjustable window air filter assembly
20, in accordance with principles of the present disclosure, is
shown in FIG. 1. The adjustable air filter 20 is generally
configured to be expandable and, optionally, retractable and to
self-retain in a desired state for installation and use in a window
opening. The adjustable air filter 20 includes a filter media
assembly 30 and a frame assembly 40. The filter media assembly 30
includes an adjustable length filter media 32. The frame assembly
40 includes opposing first and second frame members 42, 44. Details
on the various components are provided below. In general terms, the
adjustable air filter 20 does not require a fully rigid frame
permanently surrounding the filter media assembly 30 and can be
adjusted to fit window openings of various sizes.
[0044] With additional reference to FIGS. 2A-2C, the frame assembly
40 of the adjustable window filter 20 has an adjustable length
along a major, or longitudinal, axis. The adjustable air filter 20
is intended to require a simple length adjustment by a user to set
the major dimension of the frame assembly 40. The frame assembly 40
can include the at least two frame members 42, 44 to provide
expansion and contraction of along the major axis. In some
embodiments, the frame members 42, 44 are identical but asymmetric.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, when assembled, the frame assembly 40
contains the filter media assembly 30. The filter media assembly 30
is adjustable to correspond to the adjusted length of the frame
assembly 40 as discussed in more detail below. The adjustable air
filter 20 is configured to be readily adjustable along the
longitudinal axis and contracted or expanded by directing the frame
members 42, 44 toward or away from each other.
[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a telescopic engagement
of the two frame members 42, 44. Various interlocking geometries
may be used to secure the telescoping frame members 42, 44 to one
another. Upon transitioning the frame assembly 40 to a desired size
or length by manipulating the frame members 42, 44, the frame
assembly 40 and the filter media assembly 30 can be secured in the
selected state. In some embodiments, the frame members 42, 44
include a detent, notch, or other mechanism to selectively lock the
adjustable air filter 20 in a preferred or desired length or
orientation once set (not shown). In other embodiments, the frame
members 42, 44 are frictionally secured at the preferred
length.
[0046] With particular reference to FIG. 2A, the frame members 42,
44 are generally U-shaped in profile and each includes a first
section 50(a, b), a second section 52(a, b), and a third section
54(a, b) extending between the first section 50(a, b) and the
second section 52(a, b), respectively. The first and second
sections 50, 52 extend parallel to one another and the third
section 54 is perpendicular to both the first and second sections
50, 52. In one embodiment, the first section 50 has a length
greater than the second section 52. Asymmetric features may be used
to allow easier motion in the longitudinal direction of travel. The
frame members 40, 42 are constructed of a rigid and lightweight
material such as plastic, metal, paper, wood, and/or cardboard for
example.
[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 2B, when assembled, the first section
50a of the first frame member 42 is diametrically opposed to the
first section 50b of the second frame member 44. In other words,
the first section 50a of the first frame member 42 mates with the
second section 52b of the second frame member 44. The first section
50 terminates in a first end portion 56 opposite the third section
54 and the second section 52 terminates in a second end portion 58
opposite the third section 54. The end portions 56, 58 can be
slidably matable and end portions 56, 58 at least partially
overlapping. In some embodiments, either the first or second end
portion 56, 58 is larger in at least one direction (i.e., has a
larger cross-section) than the other. In one embodiment, the end
portions 56, 58 are frictionally fit together. In some embodiments,
the entire length of the first sections 50a, 50b have a larger
cross-sectional width than the second sections 52a, 52b.
[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 2C, an adjustable element 60 can be
included on one or more of the third section 54 of the frame
members 42, 44. The adjustable element 60 can be a spring-loaded
end member, for example. The spring-loaded end member 60 can be
included to allow easier installation of the adjustable air filter
20, for example, if the frame members 42, 44 are locked in position
after initial sizing to the user's window. The adjustable element
60 may be employed, particularly of the entire frame 40 is not
spring-loaded. An adjustable element 60 can improve installation
and removal of the product by providing a small amount of
adjustability (e.g. 2-50 mm of travel) on the adjustable air filter
20 that is intended to fit snugly into a window opening.
Additionally, the adjustable element 60 can assist in retaining the
adjustable air filter 20 within the open window cavity. The
spring-loaded end member 60 can be included on one or both ends to
provide an outward pushing force to hold the adjustable air filter
20 into the window frame during use. The adjustable element 60 can
also provide the benefit of a continuous outward pushing force that
would help hold the filter in place during use. The adjustable
element 60 can include rubber materials, a micro-replicated
gripping surface, or other structures. The adjustable air filter
can also otherwise employ rubber materials or other gripping
structures to improve the frictional fit in the window opening.
[0049] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate cross-sectional views of adjustable
air filters according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As
illustrated, the frame members 142, 144, 242, 244 can be U-shaped
channels in cross-section. The filter media assembly 30 is captured
on an interior of the U-shaped channel of the frame members 142,
144, 242, 244. Other shapes suitable to capture edges 34 of the
pleated filter media assembly 30 are also acceptable, for example,
C-shaped channels or channels which can "pinch" onto a filter
media. In some embodiments, the air filter media is held in the
frame assembly by at least one of at least one of open tubes,
pockets, partial loops, adhesive strips, hook and loop connection
means, and/or a loop-engaging fastener material.
[0050] In some embodiments, the filter frame 240 is spring-loaded
for both adjustability and ease of installation and removal. FIGS.
3C-3D illustrate cross-sectional embodiments of a spring 62
included for spring-loading of the filter frame 240. The spring 62
may be separated from the filter 30 by a wall 64 extending along a
length of frame members 242, 244. In some embodiments, the spring
62 does not travel the entire length of the filter frame 240 and
the first and second sections 250, 252 are in a spring-loaded
engagement with one another to provide continuous dimensional
adjustability and a continuous outward force once installed in the
window.
[0051] The pleated filter media assembly 30 is optionally
replaceable. With additional reference to FIGS. 1-2C, the filter
media assembly 30 may be refilled by having one or more frame
members 40, 42 including a hinge or other mechanism (not shown) for
opening to allow removal of the spent filter media assembly 30 and
insertion of a new filter media assembly 30. Any or some of the
frame sections 50, 52, 54 can include hinged connections (not
shown) to allow for simple filter media assembly 30 replacement.
Alternatively, the filter media assembly 30 is replaceable through
an open length along one side of the third section 54, for example.
Alternatively, the replaceable filter media assembly 30 may be
inserted from one of the major faces of the adjustable air filter
20, and may or may not require moveable components on the frame
members 42, 44; for example, insertion and replacement of the
filter media assembly can be achieved by a front or back
face-loading replacement of filter media assembly 30.
[0052] One embodiment of a filter media assembly 30 is shown in
FIGS. 4A through 4C. The filter media 32 of the filter media
assembly 30 is pleated and includes a plurality of pleats 70 each
including a fold line 72 defining a pleat tip 74 and a pair of
adjacent panels 76. As used herein, the term "pleated" refers to
filter media at least a portion of which has been folded to form a
configuration comprising rows of generally parallel, oppositely
oriented folds. Each fold is referred to as a pleat. Pleats can be
formed in the filter media 32 (or in the pleated filter media
assembly 30) using various methods and components as are well known
in the art (e.g., those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,740,137 to
Kubokawa et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,622,063 to Sundet et al., and U.S.
Patent Application No. 62/073067, the entire teachings of each of
which are incorporated herein by reference). The pleated filter
media assembly 30 can have any desired shape, including, for
example, the quadrilateral or rectangular shape (the term
"rectangular" being specifically inclusive of a square shape)
shown, defining opposing sides 34a, 34b and opposing ends 35a,
35b.
[0053] As discussed more specifically below, the pleated filter
media assemblies can consist of the filter media or web 32 alone or
can include one or more additional components or structures applied
or assembled to the filter media 32 so long as the resultant filter
media assembly 30 can at least be transitioned from the collapsed
condition to the expanded condition without damaging a structural
integrity of the filter media assembly 30, and optionally can be
repeatedly transitioned between the collapsed and expanded
conditions without damaging a structural integrity of the filter
media assembly 30.
[0054] The filter media 32 of the assembly 30 can be
self-supporting or non-self-supporting. As used herein, the term
"self-supporting filter media or web" can describe at least one of
the following conditions: (1) a filter media or web that is
deformation resistant without requiring stiffening layers, adhesive
or other reinforcement in the filter media web; or (2) the filter
media generally maintains its shape when subjected to an airstream
as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,169,202 to Kubokawa,
the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference;
or (3) a web or media having sufficient coherency and strength so
as to be drapable and handleable without substantial tearing or
rupture. As used herein, the term "non-self-supporting" can denote
an air filter media that is not capable, in the absence of a
support frame and/or a support grill, of withstanding the forces
encountered due to typical air flow.
[0055] For example, where the pleated filter media assembly 30
consists of the pleated filter media 32 alone, the filter media or
web 32 can be self-supporting or non-self-supporting. Where the
pleated filter media assembly 30 consists of the pleated filter
media or web 32 and a support structure, the pleated filter media
32 can be non-self-supporting with the addition supporting
structure rendering the pleated filter media assembly 30, as a
whole, to be self-supporting. For example, the filter media 32 can
be wire-backed.
[0056] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate various examples of pleated filter
media that can be employed with the adjustable air filter 20. The
pleated filter media are expandable in at least one direction
corresponding to the major axis. FIG. 5A illustrates a coarse
pleated filter assembly 130 useful in the adjustable air filter 20.
The coarse pleated filter assembly 130 contains filter media 132
continuously bonded to an expanded metal mesh 136 and then
co-pleated, has adjustability controlled by the bending properties
of the expanded metal mesh 136 and the length provided by the
pleated structure. FIG. 5B illustrates a filter media assembly 230
having a mini-pleat filter media 232 construction that can be
dimensionally adjustable by having an elastic structure 236, such
as elastic filaments (e.g. Spandex), extruded elastic filaments, or
an elastic netting (such as is available from Conwed) instead of
the typically non-elongating pleat support structures (such as
expanded metal mesh, plastic netting, etc.). The elongating pleat
tip supports, or elastic structure, 236 may attach to one or both
of the pleated element top and bottom pleat tips 238. FIG. 5C
illustrates a filter media assembly 330 having a corrugated filter
media 332 construction, as described in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/968,609, filed Aug. 16, 2013, entitled "Nestable Framed
Pleated Air Filter and Method of Making" and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/968,626, filed on Aug. 16, 2013, entitled
"Framed Pleated Air Filter with Upstream Bridging Filaments" may
also be used, in which the pleat support members 336 are elastic
filaments (e.g. Spandex), extruded elastic filaments, or an elastic
netting (such as is available from Conwed, for example).
[0057] The particular filter media 132, 232, 332 selected for the
filter media assemblies 130, 230, 330 can be any desired filter
media. Some exemplary filter media may be particularly suited to
have particular desired characteristics. In some embodiments, the
filter media assembly 30 (and, accordingly, filter media assemblies
130, 230, 330) is constructed from moisture-resistant materials. In
some embodiments, the filter media may optionally include
additional layers or features to specifically block or repel water,
such as rain. In some embodiments, an electrostatic charge is
optionally imparted into or on to material(s) of the filter media
32. An electrostatically charged media 32 may be used, of which
many grades are available, and many of which offer high efficiency
with low pressure drop. Thus, in some embodiments, the filter media
32 can be an electret nonwoven web. Electric charge can be imparted
to the filter media 32 in a variety of ways as is well known in the
art, for example by hydrocharging, corona charging, etc. (e.g., as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,947,142 (mentioned above)). In other
embodiments, the filter media 32 is not electrostatically charged.
Additional multi-functional media grades, which incorporate
activated carbon or other materials for purifying gas-phase
pollutants, may also be incorporated into the filter structure. In
some embodiments, the filter media 32 can be constructed, for
example, from nonwoven fibrous media formed of thermoplastics or
thermosetting materials such as polypropylene, linear polyethylene
and polyvinyl chloride. Other suitable, non-limiting materials for
the filter media include porous foams, nonwovens, papers,
fiberglass, or the like. In some embodiments, the filter media 32
comprises a filter media that attracts and captures dust, allergens
such as pollen and mold spores, and fine particle pollution from
the outdoor air.
[0058] Other nonwoven webs useful with the filter media 32 can be a
high loft spunbond web, such as described, for example, in U.S.
Pat. No. 8,162,153 to Fox et al., the entire teachings of which are
incorporated herein by reference. In other embodiments, the filter
media 32 can be a low loft spunbond web, such as those described in
U.S. Pat. No. 7,947,142 to Fox et al., the entire teachings of
which are incorporated herein by reference. In yet other
embodiments, nonwoven webs useful with the filter media 32 are
generated by other techniques and/or have other characteristics,
such as the meltblown nonwoven webs disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,858,297 to Shah et al. (mentioned above). Other non-limiting
example of useful nonwoven web formats include bi-modal fiber
diameter meltblown media such as that described in U.S. Pat. No.
7,858,163, the entire teaching of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0059] The present adjustable air filters 20 are useful in
protecting users from outside air quality contaminants. An
electrostatically charged media 32 may be used, of which many
grades are available, and many of which offer high efficiency with
low pressure drop. Additional multi-functional media grades, which
incorporate activated carbon or other materials for purifying
gas-phase pollutants, may also be incorporated into the filter
media assembly 30. By incorporating an extended surface area and by
covering moderate portion of the window, in combination with using
a low pressure drop web enabled by the electrostatic charging, a
reasonably low pressure drop can be achieved for the filter, which
should help provide moderate airflow through the filter. A pleated
structure can provide a significantly lower airflow resistance than
a flat sheet for the same filter perimeter dimensions and allow
fresh air get into the home or building structure through at least
partially open windows.
[0060] Aspects of the materials and construction of the pleated
filter media assembly 130, 230, 330 are akin to filter media
assembly 30 and are such that the filter media assemblies 130, 230,
330 can, in some embodiments, be repeatedly transitioned between an
expanded condition as in FIG. 4B and a collapsed condition as in
FIG. 4C, with a spacing distance between successive pleat tips 74
in the expanded condition being greater than that of the collapsed
condition. As a point of reference, the "expanded condition" of the
pleated filter media assembly 30 as an individual component
generally corresponds with the "expanded state" of the window air
filter 120, 220 (e.g., FIGS. 6A and 6B) as a whole, except that the
window air filter 120, 220 includes additional components
(described above) that retain the pleated filter media assembly 30
in the particular size and shape of the expanded state. In other
words, while the pleated filter media assembly 30 can be
transitioned (e.g., stretched or compacted) to any of a number of
different "expanded conditions" and "collapsed conditions". The
window air filter 120, 220, as a whole, can self-retain the shape
of the selected expanded state and collapsed state.
[0061] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate an adjustable air filter 120
installed in vertically sliding-type windows 180 either single or
double hung. FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate an adjustable air filter 280
installed in a horizontally sliding-type window. These sliding
window types appear to be the predominant types in both North
America and the China region. The dimensional adjustability in the
major dimension of the adjustable air filter 120, 220 provides
adjustability to fit a variety of window 180, 280 widths (the
cross-direction of window travel). The frame assembly 140, 240 can
be captured on one side by the window sash and by three sides by
the window frame. The adjustable air filter 120, 220 is expanded to
the cross-direction dimension of the window, and the window is
partially closed on the filter to provide adjustability in the
window-motion direction. A small gap may be created between the two
window segments, allowing air to flow from the outside between the
two window segments and bypassing the filter 120, 220 to gain entry
to the indoors. This bypass may be avoided by the use of a piece of
foam, weather-stripping, etc. (not shown). The adjustable air
filter 120, 220 can be employed in a partially open window, where
only 10-30% of the window area is blocked, for example, leaving a
large percentage of the window area still open for light passage
and visibility. In some embodiments, the adjustable air filter 20
further has a restraining strap or component to prevent it from
falling out the window (not shown). As discussed above, the length
of the adjustable air filter 120, 220 is adjustable to fit a
variety of window sizes, and the filter frame 140, 240 optionally
has a locking mechanism to fix the size once expanded to fit the
window. The air filter assembly of the present disclosure can be
used in a powered air filtration system such as, for example, that
described in U.S. Patent Application No. 62/041501, incorporated
herein in its entirety. The air filter media can come in roll form,
such as, for example, that described in US Patent Application No.
62/041500, the entirety of which is incorporated herein. The air
filter media or assembly can include expandable elements as is
described in U.S. Patent Application No. 62/206,928, incorporated
herein in its entirety.
[0062] The terms first, second, third and the like in the
description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between
similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or
chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used
are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the
embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of
operation in other sequences than described or illustrated
herein.
[0063] All references mentioned herein are incorporated in their
entirety.
[0064] Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in
the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes
and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be
understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under
appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention
described herein are capable of operation in other orientations
than described or illustrated herein.
[0065] The recitation of all numerical ranges by endpoint is meant
to include all numbers subsumed within the range (i.e., the range 1
to 10 includes, for example, 1, 1.5, 3.33, and 10).
[0066] All references mentioned herein are incorporated herein in
their entirety.
[0067] Those having skill in the art will appreciate that many
changes may be made to the details of the above-described
embodiments and implementations without departing from the
underlying principles thereof. Further, various modifications and
alterations of the present invention will become apparent to those
skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention. The scope of the present application should,
therefore, be determined only by the following claims and
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *