Filter removal devices

A device for facilitating removal of a filter from an air circulation system includes a flexible element having a first, low profile position adjacent a surface of the filter and a second, extended position spaced from the surface of the filter. When in the extended position the flexible element provides a graspable or grippable medium for removing the filter from the air circulation system. The device also includes attaching means for securing the flexible element to the filter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to filters. More specifically, the present invention relates to a filter for filtering particulate contaminants from an air stream that includes a device for facilitating removal of the filter from the air stream.

Filters have been devised in the past to remove various particulate contaminants from a moving gas stream, and specifically for air streams. Such contaminants may, for example, include dust, lint, smoke, pollen, or dander. For instance, in conventional heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, a filter is inserted into the air stream to remove contaminants carried along in the air stream. The filtered air may then be recirculated throughout the HVAC system.

Conventional air filters generally include a filter media constructed from a porous material, such as open cell foam or a non-woven web of materials such as fiberglass. As a stream of air is induced to flow through the filter, particulate contaminants are entrapped or separated from the air stream and accumulated in the filter media. After a period of use in this manner, the accumulated contaminants begin to interfere with the flow of the air stream through the filter. The increased pressure drop across the filter impedes the airflow through the air filter and potentially reduces the effectiveness of the entire HVAC system. This requires that the air filter be removed and either cleaned or replaced with a new air filter.

An air filter is positioned in the air stream by inserting the filter into the ductwork of the HVAC system. A narrow support channel is typically provided in the HVAC system that is adapted to accommodate insertion of the air filter. When a user wishes to remove the filter from the support channel for cleaning or replacement, the user applies a force to the filter in a direction opposite of the insertion direction of the filter. Conventionally, this force is applied by grabbing or grasping edge portions of the filter and pulling the filter from the support channel. However, portions of the filter at times may become caught in the ductwork or the support channel upon installation, during use, or as the user tries to apply a removing force to the filter. This makes removal of the filter from the HVAC system difficult. In addition, the support channel is often just wide enough to accommodate the filter, which makes grasping or gripping a portion of the filter to apply a removing force to the filter cumbersome.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a device for facilitating removal of a filter from an air circulation system. The device includes a flexible element having a first, low profile position adjacent a surface of the filter and a second, extended position spaced from the surface of the filter. When in the extended position the flexible element provides a graspable or grippable medium for removing the filter from the air circulation system. The device also includes attaching means for securing the flexible element to the filter.

While the above-identified drawing figures set forth several embodiments of the invention, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents the invention by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principals of this invention. The figures may not be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers have been used throughout the figures to denote like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a perspective view of device10including fastener11and pull ring12for facilitating removal of a filter from an air circulation system. Fastener11includes head14and insertion portion16. Insertion portion16includes a plurality of resilient ribs18and terminates in tip19. Head14and insertion portion16are formed integrally with each other. In one embodiment, fastener11is formed of a polymeric material, such as nylon, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyamide, an ionomer, or the like. Fastener11as shown inFIG. 1is commonly referred to as a CHRISTMAS TREE™ clip, which is manufactured and sold by ITW Fastex, inc., Des Plaines, IL.

Pull ring12is formed of a flexible material and includes ring-shaped mounting portion12aand extendable portion12b. Mounting portion12aand extendable portion12bare formed integrally with each other. In one embodiment, pull ring12is die-cut from a polymeric material, such as nylon, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyamide, an ionomer, or the like.

Fastener11and pull ring12are assembled to produce device10. In particular, insertion portion16of fastener11is passed through pull ring12such that head14of fastener11is seated against ring-shaped mounting portion12aof pull ring12. Head14is shaped such that the diameter of head14is larger than the inner diameter of ring-shaped mounting portion12aof pull ring12. This prevents head14from passing through mounting portion12awhen pull ring12is engaged with fastener11.

FIG. 2is a perspective view of device10secured to filter20according to an embodiment of the present invention. Filter20includes filter media22, filter frame24, and media support lattice26. Filter media22includes first major surface28and a second major surface on a side opposite of filter20from first major surface28(not shown inFIG. 2). Filter media22may be composed of any suitable material that may be utilized to filter particulate contaminants from an air stream.

Filter media22is a sheet-like member supported by filter frame24to which a periphery of filter media22is secured. For example, filter frame24may have generally u-shaped peripheral cross-section (not shown) for receipt of the periphery of filter media22. Any suitable material may be used for filter frame24. For example, filter frame24may be made of cardboard, pasteboard, or plastic. Filter media22is then secured to filter frame24, such as mechanically or by a suitable adhesive. Filter20also optionally includes support lattice26that is positioned adjacent to one or both of first major surface28and the second major surface. Support lattice26acts to maintain filter media22in position relative to filter frame24, and to reinforce the filter media against the force of the airflow passing through filter media22.

Device10is secured to filter frame24by passing insertion portion16through a preformed aperture in filter frame24. Alternatively, if filter frame24is made of a readily penetrable material such as cardboard or pasteboard, device10may be secured to filter frame24by forcing tip19through filter frame24to create an aperture. As insertion portion16is passed through filter frame24, resilient ribs18deflect to fit through either the preformed aperture or the aperture created by forcing tip19through filter frame24. After each rib18passes through filter frame24, it returns to its relaxed state. When each rib18returns to its relaxed state, it mechanically secures device10to filter frame24because ribs18in a relaxed state are wider than the aperture. This prevents device10from being pulled from filter frame24. Insertion portion16is passed through filter frame24until head14and mounting portion12aof pull ring12are seated against filter frame24.

When filter20is installed in an air circulation system, filter20is displaced in a support channel that is adapted to accommodate filter20. However, this channel is typically rather narrow and there is typically limited space around filter20in the support channel. Thus, it is desirable for device10to have a minimal elevation relative to filter frame24to prevent device10from interfering with installation of filter20in the support channel and with surrounding structures in the air circulation system. To accomplish this, extendable portion12bof pull ring12is urgable against filter frame24. When extendable portion12bis urged against filter frame24, the inner diameter of extendable portion12bsurrounds the outer diameter of mounting portion12asuch that pull ring12is displaced substantially flat against filter frame24. In one embodiment, head14of fastener11has a substantially flat outwardly facing surface. Thus, device10sits substantially flat against filter frame24when filter20is installed in an air circulation system.

When a user wishes to remove filter20from the air circulation system for cleaning or replacement, the user applies a force to filter20in a direction opposite of the insertion direction of the filter20. To accomplish this, the user first extends extendable portion12bof pull ring12from filter frame24(as shown inFIG. 2). The user then grasps pull ring12or inserts a finger into and pulls on pull ring12. As the user pulls pull ring12, ribs18of insertion portion16are forced against an interior surface of filter frame24. This causes a force to be applied to filter20in the direction in which pull ring12is pulled. The user pulls pull ring12with a force sufficient enough to remove filter20from the air circulation system. When filter20has been removed from the air circulation system it may be cleaned, filter media22may be replaced, or filter20may be replaced with a new filter.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of a device30including strip handle32for facilitating removal of a filter from an air circulation system. Strip handle30includes slots34and36. Slots34and36are adapted to receive a device for securing strip handle32to a filter (e.g., fastener11). In one embodiment, strip handle32is formed of a flexible polymeric material, such as nylon, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyamide, an ionomer, or the like.

Fasteners11are passed through slots32and34to produce device30. In particular, insertion portion16of one fastener11is passed through slot34and insertion portion16of another fastener11is passed through slot36such that head14of each fastener11is seated against strip handle32. Slots34and36are shaped such that the diameter of head14is larger than the width of slots34and36. This prevents head14from passing through slots34and36when fasteners11are engaged with strip handle32.

FIG. 4is a perspective view of the strip handle30secured to filter20with fasteners11according to another embodiment of the present invention. Device30is secured to filter frame24by passing insertion portion16of each fastener11through a preformed aperture in filter frame24. Alternatively, if filter frame24is made of a readily penetrable material such as cardboard or pasteboard, device30may be secured to filter frame24by forcing tip19(FIG. 1) through filter frame24to create an aperture. As insertion portion16is passed through filter frame24, resilient ribs18(FIG. 1) deflect to fit through either the preformed aperture or the aperture created by forcing tip19through filter frame24. After each rib18passes through filter frame24, it returns to its relaxed state. When each rib18returns to its relaxed state, it mechanically secures device30to filter frame24because ribs18in a relaxed state are wider than the aperture. This prevents device30from being pulled from filter frame24. Insertion portion16of each fastener11is passed through filter frame24until head14and strip handle32are adjacent to filter frame24.

When filter20is installed in an air circulation system, filter20is displaced in a support channel that is adapted to accommodate filter20. However, this channel is typically rather narrow and there is typically limited space around filter20in the support channel. Thus, it is desirable for device30to have a minimal elevation relative to filter frame24to prevent device30from interfering with installation of filter20in the support channel and with surrounding structures in the air circulation system. To accomplish this, strip handle32is urgable against filter frame24by causing slots34and36to slide relative to insertion portion16of each fastener11. This causes ends38aand38bof strip handle32to slide along filter frame24in opposite directions to each other. Strip handle32is urged against filter frame24until strip handle32is displaced substantially flat against filter frame24. In one embodiment, head14of fastener11has a substantially flat outwardly facing surface. Thus, device30sits substantially flat against filter frame24when filter20is installed in an air circulation system.

When a user wishes to remove filter20from the air circulation system for cleaning or replacement, the user applies a force to filter20in a direction opposite of the insertion direction of the filter20. To accomplish this, the user first pulls strip handle32away from filter frame24until fasteners11are urged against the ends of slots34and36nearest strip handle ends38aand38b, respectively (as shown inFIG. 4). This provides a graspable or grippable medium by which the user can pull device30relative to filter frame24. As the user pulls strip handle32, ribs18of insertion portion16of each fastener11are forced against an interior surface of filter frame24. This causes a force to be applied to filter20in the direction in which strip handle32is pulled. The user pulls strip handle32with a force sufficient enough to remove filter20from the air circulation system. When filter20has been removed from the air circulation system it may be cleaned, filter media22may be replaced, or filter20may be replaced with a new filter.

FIG. 5is a perspective view of locking slot handle50for facilitating removal of a filter from an air circulation system. Handle50includes resilient tines52aand52bon one end of handle50and resilient tines52cand52don the opposite end of handle50. Resilient tines52a,52b,52c, and52dinclude locking tabs54a,54b,54c, and54don their respective ends. In one embodiment, handle50is formed of a resilient polymeric material, such as nylon, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyamide, an ionomer, or the like.

FIG. 6is a perspective view of handle50secured to filter20according to another embodiment of the present invention. Handle50is secured to filter frame24by inserting locking tabs54aand54bthrough preformed slot56in filter frame24and by inserting locking tabs54cand54dthrough preformed slot58in filter frame24. To insert locking tabs54aand54binto slot56, resilient tines52aand52bare first urged toward each other to force locking tabs54aand54badjacent to each other. Locking tabs54aand54bare then inserted into slot56. When locking tabs54aand54bhave been inserted into slot56, resilient tines52aand52bare permitted to return to their relaxed state. When resilient tines52aand52bare in their relaxed state, locking tabs54aand54bprevent handle50from becoming disengaged from slot56. A similar procedure is then used to insert locking tabs54cand54dinto slot58to fully engage handle50with filter20.

When filter20is installed in an air circulation system, filter20is displaced in a support channel that is adapted to accommodate filter20. However, this channel is typically rather narrow and there is typically limited space around filter20in the support channel. Thus, it is desirable for handle50to have a minimal elevation relative to filter frame24to prevent handle50from interfering with installation of filter20in the support channel and with surrounding structures in the air circulation system. To accomplish this, handle50is urgable against filter frame24by causing resilient tines52aand52bto slide into slot56and by causing resilient tines52cand52dto slide into slot58. Handle50is urged against filter frame24until handle50is displaced substantially flat against filter frame24.

When a user wishes to remove filter20from the air circulation system for cleaning or replacement, the user applies a force to filter20in a direction opposite of the insertion direction of the filter20. To accomplish this, the user first pulls handle50away from filter frame24, thereby pulling resilient tines52aand52bfrom slot56and resilient tines52cand52dfrom slot58(as shown inFIG. 6). This provides a graspable or grippable medium by which the user can pull handle50relative to filter frame24. As the user pulls handle50, locking tabs54aand54bare urged against slot56and locking tabs54cand54dare urged against slot58. This causes a force to be applied to filter20in the direction in which handle50is pulled. The user pulls handle50with a force sufficient enough to remove filter20from the air circulation system. When filter20has been removed from the air circulation system it may be cleaned, filter media22may be replaced, or filter20may be replaced with a new filter.

FIG. 7is a perspective view of foldable tab70(such as a file folder index tab) for facilitating removal of a filter from an air circulation system. In one embodiment, foldable tab70is formed of a resilient polymeric material, such as nylon, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyamide, an ionomer, or the like. Foldable tab70as shown inFIG. 7is manufactured and sold by Avery-Dennison Corporation, Pasadena, Calif. Foldable tab70includes tab portion72, first securing panel74, and second securing panel76. Tab portion72, first securing panel74, and second securing panel76are formed integrally with each other and are connected at foldable region77. Tab portion76includes a slot78for insertion of optional writable or printable insert79. Writable or printable insert79may be written or printed on to include, for example, the date of installation of the filter, the target date of removal of the filter, and any other useful information about the filter.

FIG. 8is a perspective view of foldable tab70secured to filter20according to another embodiment of the present invention. Foldable tab70is secured to filter frame24by adhering surfaces of securing panels74and76to filter frame24. In particular, first securing panel74is adhered to a side of filter frame24oriented transversely to first major surface28and the second major surface of filter media22(peel mode), and second securing panel76is adhered to a side of filter frame24oriented parallel to first major surface28and the second major surface of filter media22(shear mode). In an alternative embodiment, foldable tab70may be provided with a single securing panel to provide shear mode adhesion only.

When filter20is installed in an air circulation system, filter20is displaced in a support channel that is adapted to accommodate filter20. However, this channel is typically rather narrow and there is typically limited space around filter20in the support channel. Thus, it is desirable for foldable tab70to have a minimal elevation relative to filter frame24to prevent foldable tab70from interfering with installation of filter20in the support channel and with surrounding structures in the air circulation system. To accomplish this, tab portion72is urgable against filter frame24by bending or folding foldable tab70along foldable region77. Tab portion72may either be urged toward a side of filter frame24oriented either transversely or parallel to first major surface28and the second major surface of filter media22. Tab portion72is urged against filter frame24until tab portion72is displaced substantially flat against filter frame24.

When a user wishes to remove filter20from the air circulation system for cleaning or replacement, the user applies a force to filter20in a direction opposite of the insertion direction of the filter20. To accomplish this, the user first pulls tab portion72away from filter frame24. This provides a graspable or grippable medium by which the user can pull foldable tab70relative to filter frame24. As the user pulls foldable tab70, the user pulls against the adhering force of the adhesive on securing panels74and76. As a result, a force is applied to filter20in the direction in which foldable tab70is pulled. The user pulls foldable tab70with a force sufficient enough to remove filter20from the air circulation system. When filter20has been removed from the air circulation system it may be cleaned, filter media22may be replaced, or filter20may be replaced with a new filter.

FIG. 9is a front view of tag fastener90for facilitating removal of a filter from an air circulation system. Tag fastener90is one of a variety of fasteners sold under the trade name SWIFTACH® by Avery-Dennison Corporation, Pasadena, CA. Tag fastener90includes elongated connecting member92, end bar94, and paddle96. End bar94is coupled to elongated member92at one end, and paddle96is coupled to elongated member92at an end opposite end bar94. In one embodiment, elongated member92, end bar94, and paddle96are made a polymeric material, such as nylon, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyamnide, an ionomer, or the like.

FIG. 10is a perspective view of tag fastener90secured to filter20according to another embodiment of the present invention. Tag fastener90is secured to filter frame24by passing end bar94through aperture98in filter frame24. Alternatively, tag fastener90may be secured to filter frame24using a hand-held apparatus commonly referred to as a tagging gun, which creates an aperture98in filter frame24for attaching tag fastener90. An example of a tagging gun is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,475 entitled “Continuous Fastener Stock” by McCarthy et al., assigned to Dennison Manufacturing Company, Framingham, Mass., which is hereby incorporated by reference. When end bar94has been passed through aperture98, end bar94is oriented such that end bar94is substantially parallel to the side of filter frame24to which it is attached.

When filter20is installed in an air circulation system, filter20is displaced in a support channel that is adapted to accommodate filter20. However, this channel is typically rather narrow and there is typically limited space around filter20in the support channel. Thus, it is desirable for tag fastener90to have a minimal elevation relative to filter frame24to prevent tag fastener90from interfering with installation of filter20in the support channel and with surrounding structures in the air circulation system. To accomplish this, paddle96is urgable against filter frame24by passing elongated portion92through aperture98until paddle96is displaced substantially flat against filter frame24.

When a user wishes to remove filter20from the air circulation system for cleaning or replacement, the user applies a force to filter20in a direction opposite of the insertion direction of the filter20. To accomplish this, the user grabs or grasps paddle96and pulls paddle96away from filter frame24. As the user pulls paddle96, end bar94is urged against an interior surface of filter frame24. This causes a force to be applied to filter20in the direction in which paddle96is pulled. The user pulls paddle96with a force sufficient enough to remove filter20from the air circulation system. When filter20has been removed from the air circulation system it may be cleaned, filter media22may be replaced, or filter20may be replaced with a new filter.

Various modifications to the filter removal devices and uses therefor that have been described may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, while the filter removal devices have been shown secured to a side of filter frame24oriented transversely to the major surfaces of filter media22, the filter removal devices may also be secured to a side of filter frame24oriented parallel to the major surfaces of filter media22. In essence, the filter removal devices are attachable to any side of filter frame24that best facilitates removal of filter20from an air circulation system. Also, multiple filter removal devices (of like or different kind) may be mounted along filter frame24to provide additional grasping or gripping points for a user to pull filter20from the air circulation system. In addition, while the filter removal devices described have been shown attached to filter frame24, the filter removal devices may alternatively be secured to any portion of filter20that does not interfere with the operation or installation of the filter. Furthermore, besides facilitating removal of filter20from an air circulation system, the filter removal devices described may also be employed as a carrying mechanism during transportation of filter20.

In summary, when a user wishes to remove the filter from the support channel of an air circulation system for cleaning or replacement, the user applies a force to the filter in a direction opposite of the insertion direction of the filter. Conventionally, this force is applied by grabbing or grasping edge portions of the filter and pulling the filter from the support channel. However, portions of the filter at times may become caught in the ductwork or the support channel upon installation, during use, or as the user tries to apply a removing force to the filter. In addition, the support channel is often just wide enough to accommodate the filter, which makes grasping or gripping a portion of the filter to apply a removing force to the filter cumbersome. The present invention relates to a device for facilitating removal of a filter that addresses these and other issues. The device includes a flexible element which is urgable against the filter when the filter is disposed in the air circulation system and which is extendable from the filter to provide a graspable or grippable medium for removing the filter from the air circulation system. The device also includes attaching means for securing the flexible element to a portion of the filter.