U.S. patent application number 17/501354 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-03 for air purifier in a furniture article.
The applicant listed for this patent is BISSELL Inc.. Invention is credited to Adam Brown, Jeffrey A. Scholten, Derek Everett Smith.
Application Number | 20220062810 17/501354 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220062810 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scholten; Jeffrey A. ; et
al. |
March 3, 2022 |
AIR PURIFIER IN A FURNITURE ARTICLE
Abstract
A room air purifier has a body with a frame at least partially
defining an interior chamber and an opening to the chamber. A
purification mechanism in the chamber includes one or more filters
and one or more blowers. A panel is configured to removably mount
to the body and cover the opening to the chamber. A base mounted to
the body, and each leg of a set of legs is mounted to the base. A
nonwoven fabric portion covers at least part of the body. The
blower when activated generates an inflow through the nonwoven
fabric portion and a filter, and an outflow though the body, all
while hidden from view in what to an observer looks like an article
of furniture.
Inventors: |
Scholten; Jeffrey A.; (Ada,
MI) ; Smith; Derek Everett; (Grand Rapids, MI)
; Brown; Adam; (Holland, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BISSELL Inc. |
Grand Rapids |
MI |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/501354 |
Filed: |
October 14, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16299561 |
Mar 12, 2019 |
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17501354 |
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International
Class: |
B01D 46/00 20060101
B01D046/00; B01D 46/10 20060101 B01D046/10; B01D 46/42 20060101
B01D046/42; B01D 46/44 20060101 B01D046/44 |
Claims
1. A room air purifier, comprising: a body at least partially
defining an interior chamber, the body having a plurality of sides;
a top coupled with the body; at least one opening provided between
the top and the body; and a purification mechanism provided within
the interior chamber, the purification mechanism comprising at
least one filter and at least one blower, wherein the purification
mechanism is configured to generate an inflow through the at least
one opening and an outflow to an exterior of the body through at
least one of the plurality of sides.
2. The room air purifier of claim 1 wherein the top is removably
coupled to the body.
3. The room air purifier of claim 1 wherein the top is coupled to
the body by at least one of nesting in a socket on the body,
resting on a shoulder on the body, snap-fitting to the body,
latching to the body, or being hinged to the body.
4. The room air purifier of claim 1, further comprising a set of
legs extending from a base, wherein the base couples to the top via
at least one of the plurality of sides.
5. The room air purifier of claim 4 wherein the set of legs defines
an access area.
6. The room air purifier of claim 4 wherein the set of legs project
at an angle generally outwardly away from a central axis.
7. The room air purifier of claim 1 wherein the at least one blower
includes a first blower and a second blower, wherein the first
blower is independent of the second blower.
8. The room air purifier of claim 1, further comprising a bezel
provided between the top and the body.
9. The room air purifier of claim 8, further comprising a user
interface provided on the bezel.
10. The room air purifier of claim 1 wherein the top comprises a
recessed area surrounded by a lip raised above a surface of the
recessed area.
11. The room air purifier of claim 1 the outflow to the exterior of
the body is through a frame on at least one of the plurality of
sides.
12. The room air purifier of claim 11 wherein the frame further
comprises vents.
13. A room air purifier, comprising: a body at least partially
defining an interior chamber, the body having, an upper portion, a
lower portion, and a plurality of sides; a top attached to the
upper portion of the body; a purification mechanism provided within
the interior chamber, the purification mechanism comprising at
least one filter and at least one blower; and dual inlets in fluid
communication with the purification mechanism wherein the
purification mechanism is configured to generate an airflow through
the dual inlets.
14. The room air purifier of claim 13 wherein the dual inlets are
spaced about opposite potions of the room air purifier.
15. The room air purifier of claim 13 wherein the dual inlets are
located on at least two of the plurality of sides.
16. The room air purifier of claim 13 wherein the top is removably
coupled to the body.
17. A room air purifier, comprising: a body at least partially
defining an interior chamber and an opening to the interior
chamber, the body having a plurality of sides; a top supported by
the body; at least one opening provided between the top and the
body; a working air flow path including the at least one opening
and at least one aperture located at one or more of the plurality
of sides; and a purification mechanism fluidly coupled to the
working air flow path, wherein the purification mechanism comprises
at least one filter and at least one blower.
18. The room air purifier of claim 17, further comprising a bezel
provided between the top and the body.
19. The room air purifier of claim 18, further comprising a user
interface provided on the bezel.
20. The room air purifier of claim 17, further comprising a set of
legs extending from a base coupled to the top via at least one of
the plurality of sides, wherein the set of legs defines an access
area.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/299,561, filed Mar. 12, 2019 which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Air purifying devices incorporated into decorative articles
or into articles of furniture are known. Such devices typically use
filters or ultraviolet light or ion injectors to purify the air
surrounding the device. Yet there are continual issues in
manufacture, operation, function, and ornamental appearance that
remain unresolved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0003] One aspect of the disclosure is directed to a room air
purifier comprising a body at least partially defining an interior
chamber, the body having a plurality of sides, a top coupled with
the body, at least one opening provided between the top and the
body, and a purification mechanism provided within the interior
chamber, the purification mechanism comprising at least one filter
and at least one blower, wherein the purification mechanism is
configured to generate an inflow through the at least one opening
and an outflow to an exterior of the body through at one of the
plurality of sides.
[0004] One aspect of the disclosure is directed to a room air
purifier comprising a body at least partially defining an interior
chamber, the body having, an upper portion, a lower portion, and a
plurality of sides, a top attached to the upper portion of the
body, a purification mechanism provided within the interior
chamber, the purification mechanism comprising at least one filter
and at least one blower, and dual inlets in fluid communication
with the purification mechanism wherein the purification mechanism
is configured to generate an airflow through the dual inlets.
[0005] Yet another aspect of the disclosure relates to a room air
purifier, comprising a body at least partially defining an interior
chamber and an opening to the interior chamber, the body having a
plurality of sides, a top supported by the body, at least one
opening provided between the top and the body, a working air flow
path including the at least one opening and at least one aperture
located at one or more of the plurality of sides, and a
purification mechanism fluidly coupled to the working air flow
path, wherein the purification mechanism comprises at least one
filter and at least one blower.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] In the drawings:
[0007] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of an
article of furniture having an air purifier function according to
various aspects described herein.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a direction of air
flow in the first embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of aspects of the first
embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIGS. 4a and 4b are a sectional side views of a portion of
the first embodiment of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIGS. 5a and 5b are rear views of a portion of the first
embodiment of FIG. 1 showing electrical access.
[0012] FIGS. 6a and 6b are front views of a portion of the first
embodiment of FIG. 1 showing a user interface.
[0013] FIG. 7 is an isometric view a portion of the first
embodiment of FIG. 1 with the top removed.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an alternative air purifier
configuration according to various aspects described herein.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a side view of the first embodiment of FIG. 1
showing an access area.
[0016] FIG. 10 is the side view FIG. 9 incorporating an autonomous
floor cleaning device.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a front view of the first embodiment of FIG. 1
incorporating an autonomous floor cleaning device.
[0018] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of another embodiment of an
article of furniture having an air purifier function according to
various aspects described herein.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of a direction of air
flow in the embodiment of FIG. 12.
[0020] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of aspects of the embodiment of
FIG. 12.
[0021] FIG. 15 is a closer view of the base of the embodiment of
FIG. 12.
[0022] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an article
of furniture according to various aspects described herein.
[0023] FIG. 17 is an isometric view of legs for the embodiment of
FIG. 16.
[0024] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a base for the embodiment of
FIG. 16.
[0025] FIG. 19 is an isometric view of another embodiment of an
article of furniture according to various aspects described
herein.
[0026] FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a base for the embodiment of
FIG. 19.
[0027] FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a body for the embodiment of
FIG. 19.
[0028] FIG. 22 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an air
purifier according to various aspects described herein.
[0029] FIG. 23 an isometric view of a base for the embodiment of
FIG. 22.
[0030] FIG. 24 is an isometric view of legs for the embodiment of
FIG. 22.
[0031] FIG. 25 is an isometric view of another embodiment of an air
purifier according to various aspects described herein.
[0032] FIG. 26 is an isometric view of legs for the embodiment of
FIG. 25.
[0033] FIG. 27 is an isometric view of another embodiment of an air
purifier according to various aspects described herein.
[0034] FIG. 28 is an isometric view of a top for the embodiment of
FIG. 27.
[0035] FIG. 29 is an isometric view of a body for the embodiment of
FIG. 27.
[0036] FIG. 30 is an isometric view of another embodiment of an air
purifier according to various aspects described herein.
[0037] FIG. 31 is an isometric view of a top for the embodiment of
FIG. 30.
[0038] FIG. 32 is an isometric view of a base for the embodiment of
FIG. 30.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] The present disclosure relates to various aspects of an air
purifier that are unobtrusive in a distinctly ornamental appearance
of an article of furniture, yet also include distinctly improved
functional features hidden in the ornamental appearance. Such
features relate to intelligent control, automatically switchable
configurations, easily convertible arrangements, and amplified
filtration by at least a nonwoven portion of a fabric covering,
among other things.
[0040] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate basic elements of an embodiment of an
air purifier 10 configured as an article of furniture. The air
purifier 10 comprises a top 12, a body 14, a base 16, and a set of
legs 18 extending from the base 16 that enables the air purifier 10
to be supported on a floor or other surface. The body 14 encloses a
chamber 20 that includes a purification mechanism 22. The chamber
20 has an opening 21 at an upper end of the body 14, which can be
covered by the top 12. As shown in FIG. 2, air flow is directed
into and out of the body 14 by the purification mechanism 22, dirty
air being drawn into the body 14 according to the inflow A, and
clean air being exhausted from the body 14 according to the outflow
B. The top 12 is preferably a structure formed of a polymer, either
molded, injected, or assembled, though other materials such as wood
or metal are within the scope of the invention. The top 12
comprises an upper surface 24 that is configured to look like and
function as a tabletop, and sides 26 that are preferably
dimensioned to be equal where the overall horizontal cross section
of the top 12 and the body 14 will be square. Thus, the top 12 can
be oriented on the body 14 in any one of four possible positions.
The top 12 may include a user interface 28 on one of the sides 26
where the square configuration will enable a user to position the
user interface 28 on any side of the body 14 by simply rotating the
top 12 relative to the body 14 before positioning the top 12 on the
body 14. Alternatively, one or more elements of the user interface
28 can be coupled to, located on, or incorporated into the upper
surface 24 of the top 12. It is contemplated that the user
interface 28 can include a water resistant or waterproof touch
display. The water resistant or waterproof touch display can
include, but are not limited to, technologies such as described by
International Protection Marking codes as IPX4 and IPX5. It is
further contemplated that the top 12 can include a lower surface 29
of suitable outward use so that the top 12 can be rotated
vertically and seated in a position where either the lower surface
29 or the upper surface 24 is exposed. The vertical rotation allows
the top 12 to optionally be oriented on the body 14 in any one of
eight possible positions. The lower surface 29 and the upper
surface 24 can be manufactured or coated in different materials. By
way of non-limiting example, materials that can be used to coat at
least one or more portions of the lower surface 29 or the upper
surface 24 include glass, wood veneer, plastic, cloth, or
metal.
[0041] The top 12 may be configured to attach to the body 14 in any
one of several well-known ways, including, but not limited to
nesting in a socket on the body 14, resting on a shoulder on the
body 14, snap-fitting to the body 14, latching to the body 14, or
being hinged to the body 14. Further, the top 12 may have an
electrical connection (not shown) coupled to the user interface 28
on a side 26 that will engage another electrical connection (not
shown) on the body 14 that is coupled to the purification mechanism
22, or that is on the purification mechanism 22 for direct coupling
when the top 12 is attached to the body 14. It will be understood
that a user interface 28 on the top 12 is optional, and that the
horizontal cross sectional shape of the top 12 and the body 14 need
not be square. For example, if two opposing sides of 26 of the top
12 are longer than the other two opposing sides 26 of the top, the
horizontal cross sectional shape will be generally rectangular.
Within the scope of the invention, the horizontal cross sectional
shape can be any shape consistent with being an ornamental article
of furniture. For, example, the horizontal cross sectional shape
may be triangular where two sides are intersected by a hypotenuse,
such as a corner cabinet where the two sides are disposed against
the walls at a corner, and the hypotenuse is exposed to view. In
another example, the hypotenuse need not necessarily be straight;
it may be circular, curved, or arcuate to accentuate other features
in the article.
[0042] The body 14 will preferably have a horizontal cross
sectional shape similar to the top 12. Though it will be understood
that the body 14 may have any horizontal cross sectional shape,
regardless of the horizontal cross sectional shape of the top, so
long as the top 12 effectively covers the opening 21 of the chamber
20. The body 14 includes a frame 30 with openings configured to
allow the inflow A and the outflow B through vertical sides 31 to
fluidly communicate with the purification mechanism 22. The frame
30 is preferably covered completely with a fabric 32 that is
adapted to act as pre-filter for the inflow A. The frame 30 can
include structures such as ribs, contoured protrusions, or other
supporting structures such that the fabric can be configured into
predetermined patterns or shapes when the air purifier 10 is
activated. Alternatively, one or more openings (not shown) not
covered in fabric can be provided between the top 12 and the body
14 that are configured to allow the inflow A and the outflow B
through vertical sides 31 to fluidly communicate with the
purification mechanism 22.
[0043] The fabric 32 will preferably be knitted to have a greater
porosity than a woven fabric, and preferably wherein the porosity
is such that no more than 250 pascals of pressure drop will occur
across the fabric with an air inflow A of 300 cubic feet per minute
(CFM) or 0.142 cubic meters per second (m.sup.3/s). Furthermore,
the inflow A need not necessarily by on a side different from the
outflow B. The inflow A may be in one portion of a given side, and
the outflow B may be in another portion of the given side; the
inflow A may be on a side opposite from the outflow B; and there
may be multiple inflows A as well as multiple outflows B.
[0044] A bezel 34 is provided between the top 12 and the body 14.
The bezel 34 may be configured as an adapter to enable different
tops 12 to attach to different bodies 14. As well, the bezel 34 may
be a decorative feature to enhance the ornamental appearance of the
air purifier 10. In this respect, the bezel 34 may be formed of a
different material than either the top 12 or the body 14, and it
may have a different texture or color than either the top 12 or the
body 14. Further, it will be understood that a user interface (not
shown) can be provided on the bezel 34.
[0045] The base 16 is preferably formed of a material similar to
the top 12, i.e., a polymer, either molded, injected, or assembled,
though other materials such as wood or metal are within the scope
of the invention. The base 16 can include receptacles or sockets 40
to receive the set of legs 18. Preferably, each socket 40 will
project at an angle generally outwardly away from a central axis
41. The number of sockets 40 will generally equal the number of
legs 18 in the set. The base is preferably adapted to be
permanently affixed to the body 14 and to have a footprint that is
no larger than that of the body 14. Alternatively, the set of legs
18 can directly attach to the base 16 without sockets 40.
[0046] Each leg 18 is attached to the socket in any one of various
well known ways, such as bolting, screwing, bayonet fixture, or
snap or press fit. The legs 18 may be formed of wood, polymer, or
composite materials, and will preferably have a tapered shape. Each
leg 18 will have an elastomeric cap 42 at its terminal end to
absorb vibrations and minimize noise from the air purifier 10. The
legs 18 may also be covered by a hydrographic sleeve 44, with or
without texture. The number of legs 18 will typically be four,
though more or fewer are within the scope of the invention, so long
as the number of legs is adequate to support the air purifier 10 on
a surface.
[0047] FIGS. 4a and 4b show more detail about an embodiment of the
top 12. The top 12 comprises a recessed area 50 surrounded by a lip
52 raised above the surface of the recessed area 50. It will be
understood that the lip 52 inhibits the flow of liquid that may be
spilled on the top 12 beyond the lip 52. Moreover, the lip 52
preferably extends beyond the vertical sides 31 of the body 14 so
that any liquid that might flow over the lip 52 will fall beyond
the sides 26 and not dribble down the vertical sides 31. In FIG.
4b, it can be seen that the top 12 has a depending sidewall 54 and
base wall 56 that nests in a shoulder 58 on the body 14, or as
shown in FIG. 4b, the bezel 34.
[0048] FIGS. 5a and 5b show embodiments providing wire management
in the air purifier 10. In FIG. 5a, it can be seen that power is
provided to the air purifier 10 by a cord 60 preferably extending
through the base 16 to the components therein that require power,
such as a user interface, motors, controllers, and the like. In
FIG. 5a, a power panel 62 is disposed on the vertical side 31 near
the top 12 to enable convenient access for devices that may be
supported on the top 12. For example, the power panel 62 may have
Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports 64, or any other power
pass-through connector, and a pass through power socket 66.
Electronic devices that require power for charging by a USB cord,
for example, can be plugged into the USB ports, and appliances that
require power from a conventional socket can be plugged into the
power socket 66. In FIG. 5b, it is contemplated that the power
panel 62 can be disposed in the chamber 20, and accessible via the
opening 21 when the top 12 is moved to expose the opening 21. In
this embodiment, USB and power cords can extend through a power
port 68 to connect to the power panel 62 inside the body 14. While
a USB port has been specifically described as an example, it is
contemplated that any power pass-through connector, including
inductive charging can be used additionally or alternatively to the
USB port.
[0049] FIGS. 6a and 6b show embodiments of a user interface 70
disposed on the vertical side 31 of the body 14, preferably hidden
from view by the fabric 32 when not in display. In FIG. 6a, the
user interface 70 may comprise a plurality of lights 72, which are
visible from behind the fabric 32 when the plurality of lights 72
are activated. In FIG. 6b, the user interface 70 comprises a
plurality of indicia 74, which are visible from behind the fabric
32 when activated, and that are readable by a user.
[0050] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the purification mechanism 22.
A first filter 80 is disposed in the frame 30 on one vertical side
31a of the body 14 where inflow A enters the chamber. A second
filter 82 is disposed in the frame 30 on another vertical side 31b
of the body 14 where another inflow A' enters the chamber. The
first and second filters 80, 82 may be alike, or they may differ in
various aspects such as thickness, filter media, porosity, and
intended pollutant capture. For example, the first filter 80 can be
configured to capture particulates and the second filter 82 may be
configured to capture gases. The frame 30 may have adjustable vents
(not shown) behind the fabric 32 that are controllable to permit or
obstruct the inflows A, A' as desired. In this respect, it may be
that a user wishes to filter only particulates and not gases in
which case the purification mechanism 22 can be set to permit the
inflow A and obstruct the inflow A'. Or a user may wish to filter
only gases, and not particulates, in which case the purification
mechanism 22 can be set to permit the inflow A' and obstruct the
inflow A. The purification mechanism 22 includes a single blower 84
that generates the outflow B. The frame 30 may be configured to
direct the outflow B from one or both vertical sides 31c, 31d.
Preferably, the first and second filters 80, 82 are independently
removable for easy cleaning or replacement.
[0051] FIG. 8 schematically shows an embodiment where the
purification mechanism 22 comprises independent blowers 86, 88,
each one associated with the corresponding first or second filter
80, 82 respectively. Thus, inflow A may pass through the fabric 32,
the frame 30 and the first filter 80 before entering a plenum 90.
Separately, inflow A' may pass through the fabric 32, the frame 30
and the second filter 82 before entering the plenum 90. The first
and second filters 80, 82 can be uniquely designed for filtration
of particulate matter (PM) or volatile organic compounds (VOC).
Each independent blower 86, 88 may be independently controllable.
It will be appreciated that when only one blower is operating, the
chamber 20 will be configured to prevent one inflow from exhausting
anywhere other than the specified outflow B.
[0052] At least one PM sensor 92 or a gas or VOC sensor 94 can be
in communication with the independent blowers 86, 88 to adjust the
speed of one or more independent blower 86, 88 based on input from
the at least one PM sensor 92 or the VOC sensor 94. By way of
non-limiting example, the at least one PM sensor 92 or the VOC
sensor 94 are illustrated between the fabric 32 and the first and
second filters 80, 82. It is contemplated that the location of the
at least one PM sensor 92 or the VOC sensor 94 can be at any
location on or in the air purifier 10. By way of further
non-limiting example, the plenum 90 in turn may include a PM sensor
93 or a VOC sensor 95 in addition to or as an alternative to the at
least one PM sensor 92 or VOC sensor 94.
[0053] It is further contemplated that any number or type of
sensors can be in communication with the independent blowers 86,
88. Sensor types can include, but are not limited to, odor sensors,
motion sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, optical
sensors, or aural sensors.
[0054] FIG. 9 is a side view of the air purifier 10 illustrating an
access area 81 defined by the set of legs 18, the base 16, and a
floor 83. A docking station 85 can be located in or adjacent to the
access area 81. The docking station 85 can be electrically
connected to the air purifier 10 via a connector 87 using any known
electrical connection. It is contemplated that the connector 87 can
illustrate a wireless induction of electricity between the air
purifier 10 and the docking station 85.
[0055] The connector 87 is illustrated as connecting the power
panel 62 of the air purifier 10 to the docking station 85, however,
it is contemplated that connector 87 can couple to any portion of
the air purifier 10 that permits the flow of electricity to the
docking station 85. Optionally, the docking station 85 can include
a protrusion 89 that extends into the access area 81.
[0056] FIG. 10 illustrates an autonomous floor cleaning device 91
coupled to the docking station 85. It is contemplated that the
autonomous floor cleaning device 91 can be any autonomous
vehicle.
[0057] FIG. 11 further illustrates the access area 81 with, by way
of non-limiting example, the autonomous floor cleaning device 91.
The set of legs 18 partially defining the access area 81 which can
be thought of as an opening under the air purifier 10 which
receives the docking station 85. A communications module 97 coupled
to the docking station 85 can be used to autonomously guide the
autonomous floor cleaning device 91 to the docking station 85. The
communications module 97 can use, by way of non-limiting example,
infrared line-of-sight homing beacons to communicate with the
autonomous floor cleaning device 91.
[0058] FIGS. 12-14 illustrate basic elements of another embodiment
of an air purifier 100. The air purifier 100 comprises a body 140,
a base 160, and a set of legs 180 extending from the base 160 that
enables the air purifier 100 to be supported on a floor or other
surface. The body 140 encloses a chamber 200 that includes a
purification mechanism 220. The chamber 200 has a front opening 210
in a recess 240 in the body 140. The front opening 210 is adapted
to receive an inflow A to the chamber 200. A top 250 has a
plurality of openings 255 that enable an outflow B from the chamber
200.
[0059] The front opening 210 is bounded by a jamb 260 in the recess
240 that is configured to receive an open frame 300 by friction
fit. Additionally or alternatively, hooks or detented latches can
be used to secure the open frame 300. A tab 310 on the frame 300
enables the frame to be removed from and replaced on the jamb 260.
A fabric cover 320 is attached to the frame 300 in any one of
several well know ways such that it preferably can be movable with
the frame 300 as a unit. The fabric cover 320 and the frame 300 are
configured such that portion of the fabric cover 320 extends over
the recess 240 to create the impression of an infinity background.
The fabric cover 320 is adapted to act as pre-filter for the inflow
A. The fabric cover 320 will preferably be knitted to have a
greater porosity than a woven fabric, and preferably wherein the
porosity is such that no more than 250 pascals of pressure drop
will occur across the fabric with an air inflow A of 300 CFM.
Moreover, the position of the jamb 260 in the recess 240 preferably
defines what appears to the casual observer as an infinity
background for the fabric cover 320 when the frame 300 is mounted
to the jamb 260.
[0060] A filter 800 is configured to be mounted within the frame
300 to provide a designed filer function to the inflow A. Because
the filter 800 is changeable, different types of filters may be
used, such as particulate filters or gaseous filters of varying
capacities.
[0061] The purification mechanism 220 includes a single blower 410
that generates airflow in a channel 420 in fluid communication with
the plurality of openings 255 in the top 250. The blower 410 draws
the inflow A through the pre-filter of the fabric cover 320, the
open frame 300 and the filter 800, and exhausts the filtered
outflow B through the channel 420 and the plurality of openings
255. It will be appreciated that the blower 410 may be controlled
by a variable speed controller (not shown) to adjust the speed of
the inflow A, and the outflow B. As well, a single blower may be
replaced by more than one blower, and more than one filter to
accommodate different filtering functions, such as particulate and
gaseous filtering.
[0062] A user interface 500 may be disposed on a tab 510 depending
from the body 140 over the recess 240 so that it appears to float
over the infinity background. The user interface 500 may be any
type of display from individual coded lights to a fully integrated
text and graphic display. It will be appreciated that visibility
and aesthetics may be enhanced by lighting provided to the recess
240.
[0063] FIG. 15 shows more detail of the base 160 which is
preferably formed of a polymer, either molded, injected, or
assembled, though other materials such as wood or metal are within
the scope of the invention. The base 160 comprises sockets 170 to
receive the set of legs 180. Preferably, each socket will project
at an angle generally outwardly away from a central axis 190. The
number of sockets 170 will generally equal the number of legs 180
in the set. The base 160 is preferably adapted to be permanently
affixed to the body 140 and to have a footprint that is no larger
than that of the body 140. Alternatively, the set of legs 180 can
directly attach to the base 160.
[0064] Each leg 180 is attached to the socket in any one of various
well known ways, such as bolting, screwing, bayonet fixture, or
snap or press fit. The legs 180 may be formed of wood, polymer, or
composite materials, and will preferably have a tapered shape. Each
leg 180 will have an elastomeric cap 195 at its terminal end to
absorb vibrations and minimize noise from the air purifier 100. The
legs 180 may also be covered by a hydrographic sleeve 198, with or
without texture. The number of legs 180 will typically be four,
though more or fewer are within the scope of the invention, so long
as the number of legs is adequate to support the air purifier 100
on a surface.
[0065] FIGS. 16-32 illustrate the ornamental appearance of various
embodiments of articles of furniture and air purifiers.
[0066] FIG. 16 illustrates, in isometric view, the ornamental
appearance of an embodiment of an article of furniture.
[0067] FIG. 17 illustrates, in isometric view, the ornamental
appearance of the legs of the embodiment of FIG. 16.
[0068] FIG. 18 illustrates, in isometric view, the ornamental
appearance of the base of the embodiment of FIG. 16.
[0069] FIG. 19 illustrates, in isometric view, the ornamental
appearance of another embodiment of an article of furniture.
[0070] FIG. 20 illustrates, in isometric view, the ornamental
appearance of a base for the embodiment of FIG. 19.
[0071] FIG. 21 illustrates, in isometric view, the ornamental
appearance of a body for the embodiment of FIG. 19.
[0072] FIG. 22 illustrates, in isometric view, the ornamental
appearance of an embodiment of an air purifier.
[0073] FIG. 23 illustrates, in isometric view, the ornamental
appearance of a base of the embodiment of FIG. 22.
[0074] FIG. 24 illustrates, in isometric view, the ornamental
appearance of the legs of the embodiment of FIG. 22.
[0075] FIG. 25 illustrates, in isometric view, the ornamental
appearance of another embodiment of an air purifier.
[0076] FIG. 26 illustrates, in isometric view, the ornamental
appearance of legs of the embodiment of FIG. 25.
[0077] FIG. 27 illustrates, in isometric view, the ornamental
appearance of another embodiment of an air purifier.
[0078] FIG. 28 illustrates, in isometric view, the ornamental
appearance of a top of the embodiment of FIG. 27.
[0079] FIG. 29 illustrates, in isometric view, the ornamental
appearance of a body of the embodiment of FIG. 27.
[0080] FIG. 30 illustrates, in isometric view, the ornamental
appearance of another embodiment of an air purifier.
[0081] FIG. 31 illustrates, in isometric view, the ornamental
appearance of a top of the embodiment of FIG. 30.
[0082] FIG. 32 illustrates, in isometric view, the ornamental
appearance of a base of the embodiment of FIG. 30.
[0083] To the extent not already described, the different features
and structures of the various aspects of the present disclosure may
be used in combination with each other as desired. Thus, the
various features of the different aspects may be mixed and matched
as desired to form new aspects, whether or not the new aspects are
expressly described.
[0084] While aspects of the present disclosure have been
specifically described in connection with certain specific aspects
thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration
and not of limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are
possible within the scope of the forgoing disclosure and drawings
without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure which
is defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and
other physical characteristics relating to the aspects disclosed
herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims
expressly state otherwise.
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