Filter with change indicator

• US 8,021,618 B1
• Filed: 09/19/2006
• Issued: 09/20/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/19/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Nathan R. Cooper
• Original Assignee: Nathan R. Cooper
• Inventors: Cooper, Nathan R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Conley; Sean E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): YOO, REGINA M
• Application Number:
  US11/523,138
• Time in Patent Office: 1,827 Days
• Field of Search: 422/120, 422/122, 422/123, 422/5
• US Class Current: 422/123
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 46/0086 Filter condition indicators

Abstract

A filter change indicator is provided and includes a fragrance and auditory emission apparatus adapted to be installed in disposable-type air filters utilized to remove contaminants carried along in the air stream of HVAC systems. The fragrance and auditory emission apparatus functions to emit a shrill tone or whistling noise when the air filter becomes dirty or clogged. The fragrance and auditory emission apparatus also functions as an air freshener or a room deodorizer.

Claims

1. A fragrance and auditory emission apparatus comprising:

a fragrance media, said fragrance media is supported by a surrounding frame to which a periphery of said fragrance media is secure; and

an audible signaling device, said audible signaling device is inserted through and retained by said surrounding frame, said surrounding frame defines a first planar surface, a second planar surface, and an integral lattice under which said fragrance media is contained, said first planar surface of said surrounding frame includes a plurality of open sections divided by support members forming said lattice, said support members are each defined as having a V-shaped configuration, said support members are joined by a bridge disposed therebetween about a linearly-elongated centerline of said surrounding frame, wherein said bridge has a bore formed centrally therethrough, wherein said bore is inserted with said audible signaling device, said audible signaling device emits an auditory impression or signal when negative pressure drop across an air filter increases to a predetermined value, thereby indicating a dirty or clogged air filter, said audible signaling device comprises an elongated tubular body which includes an upper, circular hollow flange mounted thereto on an upstream end, said flange has a centered aperture on a top portion and a centered aperture at a bottom portion thereof, wherein said flange includes upper and lower sidewalls and axially spaced apart sidewalls so as to form a resonating chamber, said tubular body has a restricted longitudinal cavity extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof, wherein said cavity decreases in diameter approaching said distal end, said distal end of said tubular body tapers substantially into an annular projection so as to form a bougie, wherein said bougie is inserted through said bore of said bridge and penetrates a filter medium of the air filter, wherein said audible signaling device further comprises a fastener, said fastener is connected to said bougie so as to removably secure said fragrance and auditory emission apparatus to the air filter, said audible signaling device emits a shrill tone or whistling noise when the air filter becomes inefficient or when the air filter becomes excessively obstructed with particulates, and wherein said fastener defines an elongated, cylindrical configuration having a centered hole formed therethrough, wherein said centered hole has a diametric measure dimensionally accommodating an outer circumferential surface of said distal end of said tubular body, said fastener is held onto said bougie via mechanical interference, said fastener includes a circular flange molded integral with an inner circumferential wall of said fastener at a rearward end thereof, said circular flange extends upwardly towards a frontal end of said fastener, said circular flange functions as a stop to impede said bougie from extending past said fastener when said fastener is secured to said bougie.

2. The fragrance and auditory emission apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second planar surface is disposed with an attachment means for removably attaching said fragrance media to said second planar surface.

3. The fragrance and auditory emission apparatus of claim 2, wherein said fragrance media is defined as a fibrous sheet material impregnated or coated with a fragrance agent so as to emit a pleasant scent and function as an air freshener.

4. The fragrance and auditory emission apparatus of claim 3, wherein said fibrous sheet material is defined as a fabric material adapted to steadfastly adhere to said attachment means, said fibrous sheet material includes a centered aperture allowing passage of said audible signaling device therethrough.

5. The fragrance and auditory emission apparatus of claim 3, wherein said fragrance agent is selected from a variety of fragrances, scent substances and compositions, or substances that otherwise act to condition, modify, or otherwise charge the atmosphere or modify the environment, thereby providing a broad selection of fragrances capable of being selected by user and according to user preference.

6. The fragrance and auditory emission apparatus of claim 2, wherein said fragrance media is defined as a fibrous sheet material impregnated or coated with a deodorizing agent so as to remove malodors from the air.

7. The fragrance and auditory emission apparatus of claim 6, wherein said deodorizing agent is selected from the group consisting of cyclodextrin, silicates, alumina, carbonates, activated carbon, sodium bicarbonate, zeolites, natural saponins, and other odor removing substances and combinations thereof.

8. The fragrance and auditory emission apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bridge is integrally molded with said support members during fabrication process.

9. The fragrance and auditory emission apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bridge is suitably coupled to said support members via a suitable coupling means or permanent adhesive.

10. The fragrance and auditory emission apparatus of claim 1, wherein said audible signaling device comprises an elongated tubular body which includes an upper, circular hollow flange mounted thereto on an upstream end, said flange has a centered aperture on a top portion and a centered aperture at a bottom portion thereof, wherein said flange includes upper and lower sidewalls and axially spaced apart sidewalls so as to form a resonating chamber, said tubular body has a restricted longitudinal cavity extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof, wherein said cavity decreases in diameter approaching said distal end.

11. The fragrance and auditory emission apparatus of claim 10, wherein said distal end of said tubular body tapers substantially into an annular projection in such a manner so as to form a bougie, said bougie is inserted through said bore of said bridge and penetrates or pierces a filter medium of the air filter completely therethrough from the upstream end thereof in a manner such that a lower recess of said flange abuts snugly against a frontal surface of said bridge and said bougie projects from the downstream end of the air filter.

12. The fragrance and auditory emission apparatus of claim 10, wherein said audible signaling device further comprises a fastener, said fastener is connected to said bougie, thereby removably securing said fragrance and auditory emission apparatus to the air filter, and wherein said audible signaling device emits a shrill tone or whistling noise when the air filter becomes inefficient or when the air filter becomes excessively obstructed with particulates.