Collapsible auto expanding media filter
First Claim
1. A collapsible filter assembly, comprising:
- at least one filter element including a filter media having first and second sides and first and second end panels;
a collapsible filter frame actuatable between a collapsed position and an expanded position, the collapsible filter frame including a first frame member configured to extend adjacent the first side of the filter media in the expanded position;
wherein the first frame member is configured to bend or fold outwardly away from the first side of the filter media in said collapsed position; and
an elastic member configured to bias the filter frame to the expanded position.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Collapsible filter assemblies for use with pleated or other filter media are disclosed. A collapsible filter assembly can include at least one filter element including a filter media supported within a collapsible filter frame. The filter frame can include a number of frame members each including a number of frame panel sections hingedly connected to each other. Each frame member can be configured to bend or fold outwardly away from the sides of the filter media to permit the filter frame to be actuated between a collapsed position and an expanded position. A number of elastic members can be coupled to opposing sets of frame members in order to bias the filter frame in the expanded position, causing the filter assembly to self-expand when removed from its packaging. During installation, such auto-expanding feature reduces the amount of time required for the installer to place the filter assembly into service.
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Citations
32 Claims
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1. A collapsible filter assembly, comprising:
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at least one filter element including a filter media having first and second sides and first and second end panels; a collapsible filter frame actuatable between a collapsed position and an expanded position, the collapsible filter frame including a first frame member configured to extend adjacent the first side of the filter media in the expanded position; wherein the first frame member is configured to bend or fold outwardly away from the first side of the filter media in said collapsed position; and an elastic member configured to bias the filter frame to the expanded position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A collapsible filter assembly, comprising:
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at least one filter element including a pleated filter media having first and second sides and first and second end panels; a collapsible filter frame actuatable between a collapsed position and an expanded position, the collapsible filter frame including a plurality of frame members each including a first frame section hingedly connected to a second frame section; and an elastic member adapted to bias the filter frame in said expanded position, the elastic member being coupled to at least two opposing frame members; wherein each frame member is adapted to bend or fold outwardly away from the sides of the filter media in said collapsed position. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A collapsible filter assembly, comprising:
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at least one filter element including a filter media having first and second sides and first and second end panels; a collapsible filter frame actuatable between a collapsed position and an expanded position; and wherein each frame member includes a flange for retaining the first and second sides of the filter media within the filter frame.
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27. A collapsible filter assembly, comprising:
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at least one filter element including a filter media having first and second sides and first and second end panels; a collapsible filter frame actuatable between a collapsed position and an expanded position, the collapsible filter frame including a first frame member and a second frame member, wherein the first frame member extends between the first and second end panels in both the collapsed and expanded positions; and wherein the first frame member is configured to bend or fold outwardly away from the first side of the filter media in the collapsed position. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. A collapsible filter assembly, comprising:
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at least one filter element including a filter media having first and second sides and first and second end panels; and a collapsible filter frame actuatable between a collapsed position and an expanded position, the collapsible filter frame including a first frame member configured to retain the first side of the filter media in the expanded position, and a second frame member configured to retain the first side of the filter media in the expanded position; wherein each of the first and second frame members include at least one foldable end section including a locking mechanism configured to frictionally receive a portion of at least one of the filter media end panels, the foldable end section configured to retain at least one of the first and second filter media end panels.
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Specification