FIELD

Aspects of various embodiments are directed to filter apparatuses and related approaches for use, manufacture and implementation.

OVERVIEW

Filters are useful for a variety of applications, including personal, residential, commercial and industrial. For instance, filters are often used to filter air for breathing, in the aforementioned applications.

Certain applications involve filtering air provided by a room or area-specific heating, ventilating and/or air conditioning system. As a particular example, hotel and motel rooms are often heated, ventilated and cooled by a room-specific system. Such systems may, for example, utilize a ventilation mechanism that conveys air for heating or cooling the air in a fresh-air or recirculation mode, or simply for bringing fresh air in from outside the room. These room-specific systems often use filters in some manner. However, these filters are susceptible to damage and accumulation of dirt, bacteria and other undesirable contaminants.

These and other matters have presented challenges to the use and implementation of filters for a variety of applications.

Various example embodiments are directed to filters, filter apparatuses, and their implementation, which may address various challenges including those above. In this context, specific embodiments are directed to disposable filter systems that may be implemented with a variety of room-type heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. In certain embodiments, such disposable filter systems include a filter material and a mechanical engagement system that facilitate engaging the filter with a room HVAC system. Such engagement may be, for example, external to mechanical HVAC equipment and utilized the mechanical engagement system to engage with an outer surface thereof, thus facilitating application to a variety of types of HVAC equipment and which may allow any other filters to remain in place. Specific embodiments are directed to an adjustable filter apparatus, which may be configured to be tailored in size (e.g., by hand) to fit particular types of HVAC equipment.

The above discussion/summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The figures and detailed description that follow also exemplify various embodiments. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Various example embodiments may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 shows a filter apparatus and an implementation, as may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 2 shows a configurable filter apparatus, as may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 3 shows a configurable filter apparatus, as may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 4 shows a filter apparatus 400 with a filter media 410 surrounded by removable portions that facilitate sizing of the filter apparatus in both height and width;

FIG. 5 shows a filter apparatus as may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments; and FIG. 6 shows a filter media apparatus having a relatively flat filter media material and a plurality of filter media pleats, as may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments.

While various embodiments discussed herein are amenable to modifications and alternative forms, aspects thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure including aspects defined in the claims. In addition, the term “example” as used throughout this application is only by way of illustration, and not limitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure are believed to be applicable to a variety of different types of apparatuses, systems and methods involving filters. In certain implementations, aspects of the present disclosure have been shown to be beneficial when used in the context of disposable filters that can be utilized to add temporary filtration for applications such as those involving HVAC equipment in industrial and residential settings and air distribution in vehicles such as automobiles and airplanes. Various aspects are directed to adding such filtration without necessarily modifying the equipment itself or otherwise requiring proprietary componentry. While not necessarily so limited, various aspects may be appreciated through a discussion of examples using such exemplary contexts.

In connection with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes a filter material configured to filter particulates from air passing through the filter material, and coupling material configured and arranged to couple a surface of the filter material to an air passage opening of a ventilator apparatus. The filter material has an adjustable component configured for providing two or more sizing configurations of the filter material, for instance via removal or folding thereof. The coupling may be achieved while facilitating air flow through the filter material and with the air passage opening. Such an apparatus can address challenges such as those noted above, and may provide a disposable filter that is readily useful for adding sanitary filtration to a ventilation unit. The coupling material may utilize, for example, double-sided tape, or adhering glue-type material coupled to the filter material. In some instances, the coupling material is adhered to the filter material and also passes air for filtering by the filter material. The coupling material may thus also be configured to pass air to facilitate filtering of the air by the filter material.

Certain embodiments are directed to a filter apparatus, its use and/or manufacture.

The filter apparatus has an adjustable perforated tear-away system that allows the user to adjust the size of the filter apparatus according to a particular make, model and specific manufacturer of ventilation equipment to which the filter apparatus is to be applied. This can facilitate implementation without the need to have a custom specific sized filter for the equipment to which the filter apparatus is provided.

In various implementations, the filter material has a first region having a fixed filter area, and a second region that is separable from the first region and having a further filter area adjacent the fixed filter area. The first and second regions sharing a boundary at a reduced-strength portion of the filter material. The coupling material is coupled to a portion of the second region and to a portion of the first region, and the second region of the filter material is configured and arranged with the coupling material in at least one removable portion. The at least one removable portion is separable from the first region to facilitate adjusting a total filter area size of the apparatus. The coupling material coupled to the portion of the first region is configured to couple the first region to a surface of the ventilator apparatus adjacent the opening with the first region covering the opening. In certain applications, the coupling material coupled to the portion of the second region is configured to couple the filter material over an opening without utilizing the coupling material coupled to the portion of the first region.

In certain embodiments, the apparatus has a surface area defined by coplanar portions of the coupling material and filter material. The coupling material may include a removable portion configured for separating from a remaining portion of the coupling material and therein reducing the surface area of the apparatus.

The filter material may include a removable portion. In this or other contexts, the coupling material may be coupled to the removable portion and another portion of the filter material.

In some embodiments, the coupling material is configured and arranged to pass air to facilitate filtering of the air by the filter material, and the filter and coupling materials are configured and arranged in a plurality of removable portions.

Various embodiments are directed to methods of filtering. In some embodiments, a method includes providing filter material with an adjustable component, and sizing the filter material via removal of the adjustable component (or a portion thereof). The sized filter material may be coupled to an air passage opening of a ventilator apparatus by adhering a surface of the filter material to an external surface of the ventilator apparatus adjacent an air passage opening with a coupling material. The filter material may then be used to filter air flowing through the air passage.

In some implementations, the filter material is coupled to the ventilator apparatus by providing the filter material with a first region having a fixed filter area and a second region separable from the first region and having a further filter area adjacent the fixed filter area. The first and second regions share a boundary at a reduced-strength portion of the filter material, with coupling material coupled to a portion of the second region and to a portion of the first region. A filter area size of the apparatus is adjusted by removing at least one removable portion of the second region. The coupling material is used to couple the first region to a surface of the apparatus adjacent the opening with the first region covering the opening. In some implementations, the apparatus has a surface area defined by coplanar portions of the coupling material and filter material. The filter material is coupled to the air passage opening by removing a removable portion of the filter material utilizing a reduced- strength portion of the filter material at an intersection between the removable portion and another portion of the filter material, and therein reducing the surface area of the apparatus.

Various embodiments are directed to manufacturing a filter apparatus. In a particular embodiment, a filter material is provided with an adjustable component to facilitate setting the size of the filter material. The filter material is configured to filter particulates from air passing through the filter material. Coupling material is coupled to the filter material, and configured to couple a surface of the filter material to a surface area of a ventilator apparatus adjacent an air passage opening thereof, while facilitating air flow through the filter material and with the air passage opening.

In some implementations, the filter material has a first region having a fixed filter area, and a second region that is separable from the first region and having a further filter area adjacent the fixed filter area. The first and second regions share a boundary at a reduced-strength portion of the filter material. The coupling material is coupled to the filter material by coupling an adhesive to a portion of the second region and to a portion of the first region. The second region of the filter material is configured with at least one removable portion separable from the first region to facilitate adjusting a total filter area size of the apparatus.

In certain embodiments, providing filter material and coupling a coupling material thereto includes defining a surface area of a filter apparatus with coplanar portions of the coupling material and filter material. The coupling material may be configured with a region of reduced strength to provide a removable portion configured for separating from a remaining portion of the coupling material and therein reducing the surface area of the apparatus.

Referring to the Figures, Figure 1 shows a filter apparatus 100 and a corresponding ventilation apparatus 110 for coupling thereto. The ventilation apparatus includes a front unit 111, wall sleeve 112 (e.g., for extending through a wall in a home, hotel or industrial application), and external filter grille 113. A variety of types of HVAC equipment may be utilized within the sleeve 112, such as for proving air conditioning, heating, air exchange, or a combination thereof. The front unit 111 may include an air intake 114 and an air discharge 115. The filter apparatus 100 is configured for coupling to the air intake 114 or air discharge 115, to provide filtration of air moved by the ventilation apparatus 110. Further, various embodiments as characterized herein may be applicable to other ventilation apparatuses, as may be used for example with automotive vents, airplane vents, hospital vents, and more.

The filter apparatus 100 may be implemented utilizing a variety of adaptable filters.

In one embodiment, the filter apparatus 100 as shown includes a detachable region 120 extending around a perimeter 121 at which the detachable region may be separated, and a filter media 130 within the perimeter 121. Adhesive (coupling) material 123 and 124 may be provided around the perimeter 121, on both the detachable region 120 and a region inside the perimeter 121 and round the filter media 130. Other adaptable filters that may be used are exemplified in further figures, as may be used for application to a variety of vent or opening types including that shown in Figure 1.

The filter apparatus 100 may be utilized to adhere to and filter air passing through the intake 114 and/or discharge 115. For instance, the perimeter 121 may be sized to fit the discharge 115, and an outer perimeter (and width) of the detachable region 120 may be sized to fit the intake 114. The perimeter 121 and width of the detachable region 120 may thus be implemented to suit particular applications. In certain embodiments, additional detachable regions, as represented by region 140, may be implemented with the filter apparatus 100. Additional adhesive may also be similarly placed thereon.

In some implementations, an adhesive may be coupled to the filter material 130 and adhered thereto, and further used to adhere the filter material to the ventilation apparatus 110. The adhesive may be removable relative to the ventilation apparatus 110, for instance such that it is permanently adhered to the filter material 130 and temporarily adhered to the ventilation apparatus (e.g., for a short hotel stay). For instance, two-sided tape with a stronger adherence to the filter material and a weaker adherence to the ventilation apparatus may be used in this context. In some implementations, adhesive material as characterized herein may be applied after sizing of an adjustable filter apparatus. For instance, where adhesive is desirably applied to a limited region within an outer perimeter, such an adhesive may be applied after setting a desired outer perimeter size by removing detachable regions. Referring to an embodiment represented by cross-sectional view 103, adhesive material 150 is provided with opposing surfaces covered with a removable material at 151 and 152, such as a coated material that adheres to the adhesive in a manner that allows easy removal of the coated material. For application, the removable material (e.g., 152) may be removed from one of the opposing surfaces to expose the adhesive, after which the adhesive may be applied to the sized filter, for instance to provide adhesive 123 or 124. Once applied, the removable material (e.g., 151) may be removed from the other side of the adhesive, providing a surface for adhering the filter apparatus for use, such as for adhering to the intake 114 or discharge 115. Accordingly, the covered adhesive material 150 may be provided in a roll or other form, which may be cut or otherwise detached to size. Referring to side view 103, the adhesive material may include openings 161, 162 and 163 (or more) that facilitate air flow through the adhesive and for filtering via filter media coupled thereat.

In some embodiments, the filter apparatus shown in Figure 1 includes an adhesive formed around a perimeter thereof, at a particular width. Removable strips of non permanent adhering type material (e.g., wax paper-like) can be lightly adhered to the adhesive such that individual ones of the strips may be removed to expose the adhesive.

With this approach, the filter apparatus can be utilized for subsequent coupling to more than one HVAC type unit. For instance, a small (e.g., ¼”) strip of adhesive may be exposed for coupling to an HVAC type unit. After removal, another such strip may be exposed for coupling to another such unit. In this context, a single filter may be used multiple times, such as by a traveler staying at multiple hotels.

Figure 2 shows a filter apparatus 200 having removable portions 210 and 211 on two sides, facilitating tailoring of the overall surface area of the filter apparatus. This approach may involve, for example, using removable (non-adhering) material to expose an adhesive surface. This approach may also involve using a perforation or other weakening structure 212 at the shown intersections to facilitate complete removal of outer edges of the filter apparatus.

Figure 3 shows another filter apparatus 300 with removable portions 310, 311 and 312 coupled for removal from a filter media 330. In this embodiment, filter portions facilitate reduction in width of the filter apparatus. Perforated/weakened portions 320 may be provided as shown, to facilitate removal of the removable portions. Adhesive 331 may be placed adjacent a perimeter of the filter media 330. Further embodiments may include multiple removable portions on multiple sides, such as two or more such portions relative to Figure 2.

Figure 4 shows a filter apparatus 400 with a filter media 410 surrounded by removable portions that facilitate sizing of the filter apparatus in both height and width. Specifically, removable portions 410, 420, 430 and 440 are respectively coupled along a perimeter of the filter media 410 and may be individually removed along lines 411, 421, 431 and 441 (e.g., weakened portions). Comer portions 450, 451, 452 and 453 are also removable to correspond to removal of one or both of the respective removable portions adjacent thereto.

Figure 5 shows a filter apparatus 500, as may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments. The filter apparatus 500 includes filter media 510 and a detachable region 520 for adjusting the size thereof, detachably coupled to perimeter 511. Adhesive 512 and 522 may be located as shown, with adhesive 512 inside perimeter 511 and adhesive 522 on the detachable region 520. The filter apparatus 500 may, for example, be implemented in a manner similar to that depicted with Figure 1 and with circular intakes and exhausts, such as may be applicable in airplanes, automobiles, as well as home or industrial HVAC systems.

Figure 6 shows a filter media apparatus 600 having a relatively flat filter media material 610 and a plurality of filter media pleats, including pleat 610. The pleats may be operable to increase the total surface area of the filter media, for instance with air flowing into the pleats from a backside (underneath, as shown). The filter media apparatus 600 and pleats may be applied to one or more of a variety of embodiments herein, such as those shown in the other figures (e.g., for application for an HVAC unit as shown in Figure 1). Further, the pleats 611, or similar pleat structures, may be implemented with differently- shaped filters such as circular (e.g., in Figure 5), oblong, elliptical, and square. Further, rounded pleats, square pleats, and pleats having varied shapes may be utilized in a similar manner.

Based upon the above discussion and illustrations, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various modifications and changes may be made to the various embodiments without strictly following the exemplary embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein. For example, various types of filter attachment componentry and filter materials can be used, in addition to and/or in alternative to those listed. Filter sizing and adjustability may be tailored for particular applications. In addition, the various embodiments described herein may be combined in certain embodiments, and various aspects of individual embodiments may be implemented as separate embodiments. The embodiments shown in the figures and/or as described herein may be implemented together, or certain components characterized with particular embodiments may be used separately. Such modifications do not depart from the true spirit and scope of various aspects of the invention, including aspects set forth in the claims.