U.S. patent application number 15/506187 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-31 for air filter configured in a roll.
The applicant listed for this patent is 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY. Invention is credited to Andrew R. Fox, Glen O. Gregerson, Weilai Jiang, Jonathan S. Langer, Jason S. Lind, Jonathan M. Lise, David J. Prince, Yu Wen Sun.
Application Number | 20170246583 15/506187 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55400394 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170246583 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fox; Andrew R. ; et
al. |
August 31, 2017 |
AIR FILTER CONFIGURED IN A ROLL
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to air filters. More
particularly, it relates to adjustably sized air filter systems
capable of use in a window opening. Some embodiments relate to a
filter media assembly configured in a roll. In some embodiments,
the filter media assembly includes a filter media having a leading
end opposite a trailing end and first and second opposed side edges
extending between the leading end and the trailing end.
Inventors: |
Fox; Andrew R.; (Oakdale,
MN) ; Gregerson; Glen O.; (Hudson, WI) ;
Langer; Jonathan S.; (Westfield, NJ) ; Lind; Jason
S.; (Woodbury, MN) ; Lise; Jonathan M.;
(Woodbury, MN) ; Prince; David J.; (Saint Paul,
MN) ; Sun; Yu Wen; (Woodbury, MN) ; Jiang;
Weilai; (Shanghai, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY |
St. Paul |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55400394 |
Appl. No.: |
15/506187 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
August 24, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US15/46490 |
371 Date: |
February 23, 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: |
E06B 2007/023 20130101;
E06B 7/03 20130101; B01D 2275/203 20130101; B01D 46/10 20130101;
B01D 46/46 20130101; F24F 2003/1635 20130101; B01D 2279/35
20130101; F24F 3/1603 20130101; B01D 46/4227 20130101; B01D 2279/40
20130101; F24F 13/28 20130101; B01D 46/523 20130101; F24F 2003/1657
20130101; B01D 46/0032 20130101; F24F 2221/20 20130101; F24F 13/18
20130101; E06B 7/02 20130101; B01D 46/521 20130101; B01D 46/448
20130101; B01D 46/0002 20130101; B01D 46/442 20130101; B01D 2265/04
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B01D 46/52 20060101
B01D046/52; E06B 7/03 20060101 E06B007/03; E06B 7/02 20060101
E06B007/02; B01D 46/42 20060101 B01D046/42; F24F 13/28 20060101
F24F013/28 |
Claims
1. An air filter comprising: filter media assembly configured in a
roll, the filter media assembly including filter media having a
leading end opposite a trailing end and first and second opposed
side edges extending between the leading end and the trailing
end.
2. The air filter of claim 1, further comprising: a housing for
containing the filter media assembly.
3. The air filter of claim 2, wherein the leading edge can be
releasably retained on at least one of the exterior or interior of
the housing.
4. The air filter of claim 2, wherein the filter media assembly is
replaceable within the housing.
5. The air filter of claim 1, wherein at least one of the leading
edge and the trailing edge includes a looped structure, a hooked
structure, and/or a fastening device.
6. The air filter of claim 1, wherein the first end includes a
handle.
7. The air filter of claim 1, wherein the filter media assembly is
retractable on the roll.
8. The air filter of claim 1, wherein the roll includes a central
member that is under spring tension.
9. The air filter of claim 8, wherein the central member provides
stopping points.
10. The air filter of claim 1, wherein the filter media assembly
includes sufficient filter media for multiple uses.
11. The air filter of claim 1, wherein the filter media assembly
includes separation and/or perforation lines or points.
12. The air filter of claim 1, further including a hinged
attachment mechanism.
13. The air filter of claim 12, wherein the hinged attachment
mechanism is combined with the housing or attached to the central
member.
14. The air filter of claim 13, wherein the hinged attachment
mechanism is rotatable.
15. The air filter of claim 1, wherein the filter media is at least
one of moisture-resistant, moisture-repellant, electrostatically
charged, an electret nonwoven web, and/or not electrostatically
charged.
16. The air filter of claim 1, wherein the filter media includes at
least one of carbon, activated carbon, a nonwoven, a thermoplastic,
a thermosetting material, a porous foam, fiberglass, paper, a high
loft spunbound web, a low loft spunbound web, a meltblown web,
and/or bi-modal fiber diameter meltblown media.
17. The air filter of claim 1, wherein the filter media is
pleated.
18. The air filter of claim 1, wherein the filter media is at least
one of self-supporting and non-self-supporting.
19. The air filter of claim 1, further including a cutting device
capable of cutting the filter media to a desired size.
20. The air filter of claim 19, wherein the cutting device is
integrated into the housing.
21. The air filter of claim 1, wherein the air filter is a window
air filter.
22. A kit, comprising: an air filter of claim 1; and a cutting
device capable of cutting the filter media to a desired size.
23. The kit of claim 22, wherein the cutting device is integrated
into the housing.
24. A kit, comprising: an air filter of claim 1; and an attachment
device capable of permanently or semi-permanently attaching the air
filter to a window.
25. The kit of claim 24, wherein the attachment device is at least
one of a nail, a screw, a hook, an adhesive, and/or an adhesive
backed interlocking strip.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to air filters. More
particularly, it relates to adjustably sized air filter systems
capable of use 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 recognized that, in
light of the above, a need exists for an air filter that protects
users from air quality contaminants, allows fresh air get into the
home through windows, can be easily installed and used by
consumers, is versatile to fit in most locations, and/or has
minimal impact on lighting and visibility. In some embodiments, the
filter is a window air filter.
[0004] The inventors of the present disclosure invented various
embodiments of air filters, methods of making air filters, and
methods of using air filters.
[0005] Some embodiments relate to an air filter comprising filter
media assembly configured in a roll, the filter media assembly
including filter media having a leading end opposite a trailing end
and first and second opposed side edges extending between the
leading end and the trailing end.
[0006] In some embodiments, the air filter further comprises a
housing for containing the filter media assembly. In some
embodiments, the leading edge can be releasably retained on at
least one of the exterior or interior of the housing. In some
embodiments, the filter media assembly is replaceable within the
housing. In some embodiments, at least one of the leading edge and
the trailing edge includes a looped structure, a hooked structure,
and/or a fastening device. In some embodiments, the first end
includes a handle. In some embodiments, the filter media assembly
is retractable on the roll. In some embodiments, the roll includes
a central member that is under spring tension. In some embodiments,
the central member provides stopping points. In some embodiments,
the filter media assembly includes sufficient filter media for
multiple uses. In some embodiments, the filter media assembly
includes separation and/or perforation lines or points.
[0007] Some embodiments further include a hinged attachment
mechanism. In some embodiments, the hinged attachment mechanism is
combined with the housing or attached to the central member. In
some embodiments, the hinged attachment mechanism is rotatable.
[0008] In some embodiments, the filter media is at least one of
moisture-resistant, moisture-repellant, electrostatically charged,
an electret nonwoven web, and/or not electrostatically charged. In
some embodiments, the filter media includes at least one of carbon,
activated carbon, a nonwoven, a thermoplastic, a thermosetting
material, a porous foam, fiberglass, paper, a high loft spunbound
web, a low loft spunbound web, a meltblown web, and/or bi-modal
fiber diameter meltblown media. In some embodiments, the filter
media is pleated. In some embodiments, the filter media is at least
one of self-supporting and non-self-supporting.
[0009] Some embodiments further include a cutting device capable of
cutting the filter media to a desired size. In some embodiments,
the cutting device is integrated into the housing.
[0010] In some embodiments, the air filter is a window air
filter.
[0011] Some embodiments relate to a kit comprising an air filter as
described above or herein and a cutting device capable of cutting
the filter media to a desired size. In some embodiments, the
cutting device is integrated into the housing.
[0012] Some embodiments relate to a kit comprising an filter as
described above or herein and an attachment device capable of
permanently or semi-permanently attaching the air filter to a
window. In some embodiments, the attachment device is at least one
of a nail, a screw, a hook, an adhesive, and/or an adhesive backed
interlocking strip.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary retractable air
filter in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary retractable
air filter in a retracted state in accordance with principles of
the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an exemplary retractable
air filter in a un-retracted state in accordance with principles of
the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary retractable air
filter in accordance with principles of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIGS. 4A-4C are perspective views of an exemplary
retractable air filter for use in, for example, a vertically
opening window in accordance with principles of the present
disclosure; and
[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view of an exemplary retractable air filter
installed in, for example, a horizontally opening window in
accordance with principles of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Various embodiments and implementations will be described in
detail. These embodiments should not be construed as limiting the
scope of the present application in any manner, and changes and
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the embodiments and implementations. For example, many of
the embodiments, implementations, and examples are discussed with
specific reference to window air filters, but these should not be
construed to limit the application scope to this one exemplary
implementation. Further, only some end uses have been discussed
herein, but end uses not specifically described herein are included
within the scope of the present application. As such, the scope of
the present application should be determined by the claims.
[0020] One embodiment of a retractable filter 20 useable in a
window in accordance with principles of the present disclosure is
illustrated in FIG. 1. The retractable filter 20 includes a filter
media assembly 30 having a filter media 32. In some embodiments,
the filter media assembly 30 can be in the form of a roll 33. In
some embodiments, the filter media 32 is wound on a central member
34 and can be easily expanded and retracted (i.e. unrolled and
rolled back up). Details on the various components are provided
below.
[0021] In general terms, the adjustable length of the filter media
assembly 30, due to the retractable nature, allows it to fit in a
wide variety of window sizes. The retractable filter 20 can be
attached to a partially opened window. The retractable filter 20
can fit a wide variety of window sizes. The retractable filter 20
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.
[0022] In some embodiments, a roll of filter media assembly 30 has
a first, or leading, end 36 and a second, or trailing, end (not
shown) opposite the first end 36 adjacent to a central member 34.
First and second side edges 38, 40 extend between the first end 36
and the second end. In some embodiments, the filter media assembly
30 is generally rectangular when extended. In some embodiments, the
first end 36 can include a handle 42 for increased usability. In
some embodiments, one or both of the first and second side edges
38, 40 can include a looped structure (generally indicated by
dashed line 44) or other fastening device, as is discussed in more
detail below.
[0023] As illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2B, in some embodiments, the
central member 34 may be contained within a housing 50. The housing
50 can be any suitable shape for containing the roll 33 and/or
providing expansion and retraction of the filter media assembly 30.
Some exemplary shaped include rectangular or tubular. In some
embodiments, the housing 50 includes at least one side 52 and,
optionally, top and bottom ends 54, 56. In some embodiments, the
leading end 36 of the filter media assembly 30 is easily accessible
to a user and/or can be releasably retained on an exterior or
interior of the housing 50. In some embodiments, the filter media
assembly 30 is replaceable within the housing 50. In some
embodiments, the filter media assembly 30 can be user replaceable
without replacing the housing 50 and/or mounting components (see,
e.g., FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the filter media assembly 30
may also be replaceable without requiring replacement of internal
winding (e.g. spring) components. For example, a refill filter
media assembly 30 may slidably engage the central member 34
containing the winding components. The housing 50 can provide
several benefits, such as, for example, improved seal between the
filter media 32 and the window frame, improved aesthetic design,
and/or enhanced locations and surface area for mounting the
retractable filter 20 to the window structure. In some embodiments,
the housing 50 provides a further benefit by firmly defining and
fixing the distance between the mounting members for the two ends
of the media central roll 34, which aids in assembly versus
requiring the user to measure and install separate brackets.
[0024] In some embodiments, the filter media assembly 30 is
retractable onto the roll 33 and unwound, or expanded, from the
roll 33, as indicated by arrow "A" of FIG. 2B. In some embodiments,
the central member 34 can be a spring-wound inner shaft or similar
structure to provide retractability of the filter media assembly
30. In some embodiments, when the user desires to use the
retractable filter 20 in the window, the filter media assembly 30
is unrolled by pulling on the handle 42 of the leading end 36. In
some embodiments, the filter media assembly 30 unwinds from the
central shaft member 34, which is under a spring tension, as the
user continues to pull. In one embodiment, the central member 34
and spring mechanism (not shown) can provide stopping points, where
the length of the unwound filter media assembly 30 can be
temporarily fixed, until the spring mechanism is re-engaged. When
the user wants to return the filter media assembly 30 to within the
housing 50 or otherwise retract the filter media assembly 30, for
example to close the window, the user re-engages the spring
mechanism, which re-winds the filter media assembly 30 back into
the housing 50.
[0025] In some embodiments, the filter media assembly 30 includes
filter media 32 of suitable size to fit a wide variety of window
dimensions. In some embodiments, the filter media assembly 30 may
be longer than needed for a single use. In some embodiments, the
filter media assembly 30 has a length suitable to provide for one
or more filter media 32 changes, for example, wherein the dirty
filter media 32 is discarded, and a clean segment of filter media
32 is unwound from the next section on the filter media assembly
30. In some embodiments, the filter media assembly 30 can be cut to
expose a new length of clean filter media 32, providing for
multiple filter changes from a single filter media assembly 30.
With particular reference to FIG. 2B, in some embodiments, the
filter media assembly 30 includes a plurality of separation lines
60 to divide the filter media assembly 30 into discrete filter
lengths. In some embodiments, each separation line 60 can be formed
from any number of through-cuts suitable to provide separation. In
one embodiment, the separations lines 60 are perforated lines
formed at positions along the filter media assembly 30
corresponding to common window widths. The separation lines 60 can
be at varying (e.g., increasing or decreasing) distances from one
another or uniform distances. Additionally, or alternately, a
cutting device (not shown) may be integrated into the housing 50.
Any cutting device may be used. In some embodiments, the cutting
device can, for example, be a thin metal strip having a serrated
edge.
[0026] In some embodiments, the filter media assembly 30 may
incorporate looped structures 44, for example, either integrally or
by addition, such as lamination, into one or both of the first and
second side edges 38, 40. The loop structure 44 may be mated to a
hook structure (see, e.g., FIG. 4A) which is applied to the window
frame and/or sash members. In some embodiments, the combined
hook/loop structure holds in the filter media assembly 30 in place
and reasonably seals the side edges 38, 40 from air bypassing the
filter media assembly 30. In some embodiments, low-profile hooks,
such as used in diapers, may be used, preferably with an adhesive
back-side coating. In some embodiments, the hook and loop may be
reversed in attachment orientation. In some embodiments, for
example, where the retractable filter 20 is mounted in a recessed
window, where a good mating edge for hook and loop attachment may
not be available, the retractable filter 20 may include secondary
strips or structures that can be attached to the window frame
and/or sash to help facilitate the engagement. In some embodiments,
the filter media 32 may also or alternatively be conformable, which
will allow the filter media 32 to attach to hook structures in
multiple planes.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary retractable filter 20
including a hinged attachment mechanism 62, which may be combined
with the housing 50 or which may be attached directly to the
central member 34 at the roll 33 and the window. In one embodiment,
the hinge 62, or similar mechanism, is rotatable to allow the
filter media assembly 30 to pivot away from the window when the
filter media assembly 30 is not in use and swing into the window
when in use. This motion could allow for easier user interface and
help enable better sealing of the filter media assembly 30 to the
window cavity. In some embodiments, a locking mechanism (not shown)
may be included to help retain the housing 50 in one or more
rotated positions.
[0028] The particular filter media 32 selected for the filter media
assembly 30 can be particularly suited have any of the particular
desired characteristics described herein. In some embodiments, the
filter media assembly 30 is constructed from moisture-resistant
materials. In some embodiments, the filter media may 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 onto material(s) of the filter media
32. In some embodiments, 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. 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, the
entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein).
[0029] In other embodiments, the filter media 32 is not
electrostatically charged. In some embodiments, additional
multi-functional media grades, which incorporate activated carbon
or other materials for purifying gas-phase pollutants, may also or
alternatively 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/or fine particle pollution
from the outdoor air.
[0030] Other nonwoven webs useful with the filter media 32 can be a
high loft spunbond webs, such as described, for example, in U.S.
Pat. No. 8,162,153 to Fox et al., the entirety of which is
incorporated herein. In other embodiments, the filter media 32 can
be a low loft spunbond web, such as is described in U.S. Pat. No.
7,947,142 to Fox et al., the entirety of which is incorporated
herein. 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., the entirety of which is
incorporated herein. Other non-limiting example of useful nonwoven
web formats include bi-modal fiber diameter meltblown media such as
those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,858,163, the entirety of which
is incorporated herein.
[0031] In some embodiments, the filter media 32 is an
electrostatically charged nonwoven type of media. In some
embodiments, the filter media 32 can be a pleated filter media
including at least a portion that has been folded to form a
configuration comprising rows of generally parallel, oppositely
oriented folds. In some embodiments, 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.,
to form a pleated filter for use in applications such as air
filtration., for example those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,740,137
to Kubokawa et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 7,622,063 to Sundet et al.,
the entire teachings of both of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0032] In some embodiments, the filter media 32 can consist of the
filter media or web 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 rolled condition to the unrolled condition
without significantly damaging the structural integrity of the
filter media assembly 30. In some embodiments, the filter media can
be repeatedly transitioned between the rolled and unrolled
conditions without significantly damaging the structural integrity
of the filter media assembly 30. The filter media 32 of the
assembly 30 can be self-supporting or non-self-supporting. For
example, where the filter media assembly 30 consists of the filter
media 32 alone, the filter media or web can be self-supporting or
non-self-supporting. In some embodiments, where the filter media
assembly 30 consists of the filter media or web 32 and a support
structure, the filter media 32 can be non-self-supporting with an
additional supporting structure rendering the filter media assembly
30, as a whole, to be self-supporting. For example, the filter
media 32 can be wire-backed. 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.
[0033] In some embodiments, the retractable air filters 20 are
useful in protecting users from outside air quality contaminants As
discussed above, an electrostatically charged media 32 may be used.
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
may help provide moderate airflow through the filter.
[0034] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate aspects of the materials and
construction of an exemplary retractable filter 120, similar to
retractable filter 20, installed in a sliding-type window 180,
which can be either single or double hung. Sliding windows are
predominant in North America and China. Attachment of the
retractable filter 120 to a window 180, with or without housing
150, may be either permanent or semi-permanent. In some
embodiments, attachment mechanisms 190, 192 provide secure holding
of the retractable filter 120 to the window 180 because the
attachment point may undergo moderate stress from the inner spring
forces as the filter media assembly 130 is extended and retracted.
Some exemplary permanent fixation options include nails, screws,
and certain types of adhesives. In some embodiments, the attachment
is semi-permanent, such as using Command.TM. strips, adhesively
backed interlocking hooks, rare earth magnets, etc. The housing 150
may be attached to the window frame 182 (or surrounding structures)
in the major plane of the window, or it may be attached to the
window frame 182 (or surrounding structures) perpendicular to the
major plane of the window 180. In another embodiment, the housing
150 may not be mounted to the window frame 182 at all, and may
rather be pinched between the window sash 184 and the window frame
182. When expanded, the side edges 138, 140 of the filter media
assembly 130 can be attached to the window frame/sill members with
mechanical or adhesive components.
[0035] Finally, similar to the vertical sliding window 180 of FIGS.
4A-4C discussed above, FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary retractable
filter 220 installed in a horizontal sliding window 280. In some
embodiments, the housing 250 of the retractable filter 220 is
attached at one end of the window 280, the window 280 is partially
opened, and the filter media assembly 230 is expanded to cover the
window gap. It is noted that 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 media assembly 230
to gain entry to the indoors. In some embodiments, this bypass may
be avoided by the use of a piece of foam, weather-stripping, etc.
(not shown).
[0036] The air filters of the present disclosure can be placed in
any desired frame or housing. Some exemplary frames are described
in, for example, U.S. Patent Application No. 62/041,496 and
62/041,499, both of which are incorporated in their entirety
herein. 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. 62/041,501, incorporated
herein in its entirety. The air filter assembly or media of U.S.
Pat. No. 62/206,928 can be used in the air filters of the present
disclosure.
[0037] 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.
[0038] All references mentioned herein are incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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).
[0041] 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.
* * * * *