Abstract:
A method that allows an individual to personally test for contaminants in an air supply. The method consists of purchasing the test kit, placing the test kit on a device that produces air circulation and blowing air through the test kit. The test kit is then removed from the device, repackaged and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The air quality test kit comprises a test filter, a filter backing pad and a support, which together form a device that captures and retains particles carried in an airflow.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
   This is a Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 10/714,705 filed Nov. 17, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,898,960 entitled “Indoor Air Quality Test Apparatus” which is a Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 10/106,663, filed Mar. 26, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,672,134 B2 entitled “Indoor Air Quality Test Apparatus”. Reference is hereby made to the following co-pending application, which was filed on even date with the present application, “Indoor Air Quality Test Apparatus”, by Michael D. Bodnar. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention pertains to a method to test for contaminants in an indoor air supply. More particularly, the invention pertains to a method that allows an individual such as a homeowner to test for contaminants contained in an indoor air supply by utilizing devices that produce air circulation. 
   There is always a concern over whether contaminants exist in the air supply of an indoor room. Such concern arises because human or animal inhalation of contaminants may lead to respiratory infections and diseases. Additionally, fungus growing in a room can corrode metal surfaces, create an unappealing sight, become a serious fire hazard, and increase energy costs due to lower performance levels of air delivery systems. Contaminants that may be inhaled include fumes, fibers, allergens, fungi, bacteria and any other matter that poses a risk to indoor air quality. 
   The detection of contaminants in an indoor environment is crucial because most people cannot visually tell whether a room is contaminated. In addition, indoor rooms often do not have the appropriate ventilation to eliminate contaminants without the aide of experts. Therefore, various techniques have attempted to provide a means for detecting contaminants. 
   One technique is to call upon an industrial hygienist to visit a particular site and perform air monitoring tests utilizing special equipment. This technique, however, is labor intensive and often cost prohibitive, particularly for a residential homeowner. 
   A simple technique to detect the presence of contaminants in an indoor air supply is presently not available. The present invention is directed at a simple, inexpensive method to detect the presence of contaminants in an indoor air supply. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention is a method that allows an individual to test for contaminants in an indoor air supply. The homeowner purchases the test kit which includes a test device having a test filter, a support and a filter backing pad. The test filter is made of a material that will capture and retain contaminants carried in the air. The support includes a central opening to which the test filter is attached. The homeowner then places the test device onto a device that produces air circulation. The air circulation device is then operated for a predetermined amount of time. The air circulation device is then turned off and the test device is removed from the air circulation device, repackaged and sent to a laboratory for analysis. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a test kit. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a standard heating and ventilation system along with the test kit. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a standard box fan along with the test device. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a standard vacuum cleaner along with the test device. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The present invention allows a homeowner to perform a test for airborne contaminants in a home or other building. In particular, the present invention is a versatile test kit that can be used with a variety of different devices that produce air circulation such as a heating and ventilation system, a box fan or a vacuum cleaner. The test kit allows a homeowner to obtain an air sample in a reasonable amount of time, which can then be mailed to a testing facility for analysis. 
     FIG. 1  shows the components comprising test kit  10 . The test kit  10  includes a package  12 , a set of instructions  14 , an order form  16 , a test device T (formed by a support  18 , a test filter  20  and a filter backing pad  22 ), a pair of pin openings  24 , a pair of pins  26  and a container  28 . The test kit  10  is a pre-assembled kit stored within the package  12 . The package  12  can be a box or any sort of container that can hold objects. The test kit  10  includes the set of instructions  14  and the order form  16 . The instructions  14  explain how to use and install the test kit  10 . The order form  16  is a series of questions that must be answered by the user of the test kit  10 . The order form  16  assists the test facility in interpreting the contaminants collected by the test kit  10  to ensure more accurate results. 
   The test filter  20  is positioned such that it is sandwiched between the support  18  and the filter backing pad  22 . The test filter  20  is mounted on the filter backing pad  22  such that the filter backing pad  22  provides support for the test filter  20 . The test filter  20  is mounted on the filter backing pad  22  preferably by gluing the test filter  20  onto the filter backing pad  22 . However, any adhesive or fastener may be used to mount the test filter  20  to the filter backing pad  22 . The test filter  20  is preferably approximately a 50 square millimeter, mixed-cellulose ester. 
   The filter backing pad  22  is preferably made of a material with a low, restrictive airflow that is thick and sturdy enough to support the test filter  20  as well as withstand air pressure while the test device T is in use, such as paper or mesh screen. The filter backing pad  22  is preferably a square shape that has a width approximately 3.25 inches and a length approximately 3.25 inches. The filter backing pad  22  is preferably this shape and size so that the test device T can easily fit into a standard envelope for mailing to the testing facility for analysis. Additionally, this size allows a user to obtain a sample size small enough to be submitted through the mail but large enough for the testing facility to be able to perform an adequate analysis. However, the filter backing pad  22  can have a length less than approximately 3⅞ inches and a width less than approximately 3⅞ inches, a measurement not greater than the height of a standard envelope. The filter backing pad  22  should not be much smaller than the preferred size to ensure that an adequate sample size is obtained. Additionally, the test kit  10  is designed such that the pressure loss through the test filter  20  and the filter backing pad  22  approximately equals the pressure loss of air flowing through the support  18 . This ensures that there is a uniform pressure across the support  18 , the test filter  20  and the filter backing pad  22 . 
   The support  18  is preferably a square shape with a width of approximately 3.25 inches and a length of approximately 3.25 inches. The support  18  is preferably this shape and size so that the test kit  10  can easily fit into a standard envelope for mailing to the testing facility for analysis. Additionally, this size allows a user to obtain a sample size small enough to be submitted through the mail but large enough for the testing facility to be able to perform an adequate analysis. However, the support  18  can have a length less than approximately 3⅞ inches and a width less than approximately 3⅞ inches, a measurement not greater than the height of a standard envelope. The support  18  should not be much smaller than the preferred size to ensure that an adequate sample size may be obtained. The support  18  and the filter backing pad  22  should have the same shape and size to permit easy mailing of the test kit  10  to the testing facility. 
   The support  18  is preferably made of a porous cardboard material that supports the test filter  20  and the filter backing pad  22 . The support  18  includes a central opening to which the test filter  20  is attached. The test filter  20  is attached to the support  18  preferably by gluing the test filter  20  to the support  18 , however, any adhesive or fastener may be used to attach the test filter  20  to the support  18 . The central opening of the support  18  preferably has a circular shape with a diameter of approximately 2 inches. The central opening of the support  18  has this shape and size so that the test kit  10  can be used with a vacuum cleaner attachment hose. The shape and size of the central opening of the support  18  is consistent with the shape and size of the vacuum cleaner attachment hose. Additionally, the central opening of the support  18  has this shape and size to ensure that an adequate sample size is obtained. 
   A pair of pin openings  24  extend through the support  18  and the filter backing pad  22 . The pin openings  24  provide a place to insert the pair of pins  26 . The pair of pins  26  can be used to help fasten the test device T. Although a pair of pin openings  24  are shown, the test kit  10  can be made with a single pin opening or with a plurality of pin openings. 
   The container  28  is used to cover the test filter  20  when the test device T is not in use. The container  28  should be secured during shipment and storage of the test kit  10  in order to preserve the condition and contents of the test filter  20  before and after testing. When the test device T is in use, the test device T is removed from the container  28 . The container  28  can be of any type as long as the test filter  20  fits inside the container  28  when not in use. One example of the container  28  is depicted in  FIG. 1 , which shows a plastic bag with a self sealing connection. Other examples of the container  28  are a molded plastic container that seals or a sealable cardboard box. 
   In general, the test kit  10  is used by a homeowner who has purchased pre-assembled test kit  10 . The test kit  10  is sold in a package  12  that includes a test device T formed by a test filter  20 , a support  18  and a filter backing pad  22 . The test kit  10  also includes instructions  14  for use and an order form  16  to be filled out when submitting the test kit  10  for analysis. 
   Second, the homeowner takes the purchased test kit  10  home and removes the test kit  10  from the packaging  12 . The test device T is placed on a device that produces air circulation, such as a heating and ventilation system, a fan or a vacuum cleaner. 
   Third, the air circulation device is then operated for a recommended length of time that is specified in the test kit instructions  14 . The operation of the air circulation device will cause air to flow through the test filter  20 . As air moves through the test filter  20 , the test filter  20  will capture and retain air contaminants. 
   Fourth, after the specified period of operation, the homeowner removes the test device T from the air circulation device. 
   Fifth, the test device T is then repackaged and sent to a test facility with a request for analysis. Along with the test device T, the order form  16  provided with the test kit  10  is filled out and sent to the test facility to assist the test facility in interpreting the contaminants collected by the test device T. 
   Sixth, the test facility performs an analysis on the test filter  20  and provides an air quality report to the homeowner. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates a typical home heating and ventilation system  30  along with the test kit  10 . To use the test kit  10  with the home heating and ventilation system  30 , first the user removes the existing particulate filter  32  from the heating and ventilation system  30 .
         Second, the test device T is then removed from the container  28  while making sure not to touch the test filter  20 . With the test filter  20  facing towards the air-flow, the test device T is placed in the center of the existing particulate filter  32 .   Third, the test device T is fastened to the existing particulate filter  32  by pushing the pair of pins  26  through the pin openings  24  and all the way through the existing particulate filter  32 .   Fourth, the fastened test device T and particulate filter  32  are inserted into the existing filter housing  34  facing towards the air-flow.   Fifth, a blower of the heating and ventilation system  30  is operated. The blower should run continually for a minimum of four hours up to a maximum of 16 hours (“sampling period”). The blower will cause air to flow through the test filter  20 . As air moves through the test filter  20 , the test filter  20  will capture and retain air contaminates.   Sixth, the start time of the sampling period is recorded on the order form  16  as well as that the heating and ventilation system testing method was used.   Seventh, after the sampling period is completed, the test device T and the existing particulate filter  32  are removed from the heating and ventilation system  30 .   Eighth, the test device T is removed from the existing particulate filter  32 
 
while taking care not to touch the test filter  20 .
   Ninth, the test device T is placed back into the container  28  for mailing.   Tenth, the finish time of the sampling period is recorded on the order
 
form  16  as well as any remaining information on the order form  16 .
   Eleventh, the test device T and the order form  16  are mailed together to the testing facility for analysis. The testing facility performs an analysis on the test filter  20  and provides an air quality report to the user. Using the heating and ventilation system  30  for testing is the preferred and most accurate method to measure indoor air quality.       
     FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a standard box fan  34  along with the test device T. Although a box fan  34  is shown in  FIG. 2 , any other type of fan may be used with the test kit  10 . To use the test device T with the box fan  34 , the fan  34  is first placed in a central location within a room to be tested. 
   Second, the fan  34  is turned on to operate on the high setting. 
   Third, the test device T is removed from the container  28  while making sure not to touch the test filter  20 . 
   Fourth, the test device T is placed on the inlet side of the fan  34  halfway up from the bottom of the fan  34  and two inches in from the outer edge of the fan  34 . The suction from the fan  34  will keep the test filter  20  in place, however, the support  18  should be taped in place to prevent movement. 
   Fifth, the fan  34  continues to operate on the high setting for a minimum of 24 hours up to a maximum of 72 hours (“sampling period”). The fan  34  will cause air to flow through the test filter  20 . As air moves through the test filter  20 , the test filter  20  will capture and retain air contaminates. 
   Sixth, the start time of the sampling period is recorded on the order form  16  as well as that the fan testing method was used. 
   Seventh, after the specified period of operation, the test device T is removed from the fan  34  while taking care not to touch the test filter  20 . 
   Eighth, the test device T is then repackaged in the container  28  for mailing. 
   Ninth, the finish time of the sampling period is recorded on the order form  16  as well as any remaining information on the order form  16 . 
   Tenth, the test device T and the order form  16  are mailed together to the testing facility for analysis. The testing facility performs an analysis on the test filter  20  and provides an air quality report to the user. Using the box fan  34  testing method allows a homeowner to test for air contaminates in a particular room. 
     FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a standard vacuum cleaner  36  along with the test device T. To use the test device T with the vacuum cleaner  36 , first the vacuum cleaner  36  is placed in a central location within in a room to be tested. Second, an attachment hose  38  without any attachments is connected to the vacuum cleaner  36 . The end  40  of the attachment hose  38  should be placed between one to four feet off of the floor. 
   Third, the vacuum cleaner  36  is turned on. 
   Fourth, the test device T is removed from the container  28  and is placed on the end  40  of the attachment hose  38 . The test filter  20  is placed in the center of the end  40  of the attachment hose  38 . The suction from the vacuum cleaner  36  will keep the test filter  20  in place. 
   Fifth, the vacuum cleaner  36  continues to operate for a minimum of 3 minutes up to a maximum of 6 minutes (“sampling period”). The vacuum cleaner  36  will cause air to flow through the test filter  20 . As air moves through the test filter  20 , the test filter  20  will capture and retain air contaminates. 
   Sixth, the start time of the sampling period is recorded as well as that the vacuum cleaner testing method was used. 
   Seventh, after the specified sampling period, the test device T is removed from the vacuum cleaner  36  while taking care not to touch the test filter  20 . 
   Eighth, the test device T is then repackaged in the container  28  for mailing. 
   Ninth, the finish time of the sampling period is recorded on the order form  16  as well as any remaining information on the order form  16 . 
   Tenth, the test device T and the order form  16  are mailed together to the testing facility for analysis. The testing facility performs an analysis on the test filter  20  and provides an air quality report to the user. 
   Using the vacuum cleaner  36  testing method allows a homeowner to test for air contaminates in a particular room or to sample the exhaust air from a vacuum cleaner  36 . Additionally, using a vacuum cleaner  36  allows a shorter sampling period. However, vacuum cleaners  36  are known for expelling microscopic contaminates into the air. 
   Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.