초록 ▼

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

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.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 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 f

What is claimed is: 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. 2. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second frame member configured to extend adjacent the second side of the filter media in the expanded position, wherein the second frame member is configured to bend or fold outwardly away from the second side of the filter media in said collapsed position. 3. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the elastic member is connected to at least the first frame member. 4. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 3, wherein the elastic member is connected to the second frame member. 5. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 3, wherein said first frame member includes a tie-down section configured to receive the elastic member. 6. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 5, wherein said second frame member includes a tie-down section configured to receive the elastic member. 7. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 1, wherein said filter media is a pleated filter media. 8. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the first frame member includes a flange for retaining at least part of the first side of the filter media within the filter frame when the filter frame is in the expanded position. 9. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 8, wherein the second frame member includes a flange for retaining at least part of the second side of the filter media within the filter frame when the filter frame is in the expanded position. 10. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the first frame member includes a first frame section hingedly connected to a second frame section. 11. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 10, wherein said first and second frame sections are hingedly connected using a number of attachment pins. 12. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 10, wherein said first and second frame sections each have a tapered configuration and are hingedly connected using an adhesive tape. 13. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 10, wherein said first and second frame sections are hingedly connected using a living hinge. 14. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 10, further comprising a closet-door mechanism for maintaining the pivotal alignment between the first and second frame sections. 15. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 1, wherein the first frame member further includes at least one foldable end section adapted to retain the first filter media end panel. 16. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 15, wherein the foldable end section includes a locking mechanism configured to frictionally receive a portion of the first filter media end panel. 17. A collapsible filter assembly, comprising: 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. 18. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 17, wherein the elastic member is coupled to tie-down section of the frame member. 19. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 17, wherein each frame member includes a flange for retaining the sides of the filter media within the filter frame. 20. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 17, wherein said first and second frame sections are hingedly connected using a number of attachment pins. 21. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 17, wherein said first and second frame sections each have a tapered configuration and are hingedly connected using an adhesive tape. 22. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 17, wherein said first and second frame sections are hingedly connected using a living hinge. 23. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 17, further comprising a closet-door mechanism for maintaining the pivotal alignment between the first and second frame sections. 24. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 17, wherein each frame member further includes at least one foldable end section adapted to retain at least one of the first and second filter media end panels. 25. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 24, wherein each foldable end section includes a locking mechanism configured to frictionally receive a portion of the filter media end panel. 26. 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; and wherein each frame member includes a flange for retaining the first and second sides of the filter media within the filter frame. 27. 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 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. 28. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 27, wherein the second frame member extends between the first and second end panels in both the collapsed and expanded positions. 29. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 27, wherein the first frame member includes first and second sections, and a hinge between the first and second sections. 30. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 29, wherein the second frame member extends between the first and second end panels in both the collapsed and expanded positions, and wherein the second frame member includes first and second sections, and a hinge between the first and second sections. 31. The collapsible filter assembly of claim 30, wherein the hinge of the first frame member moves away from the first side of the filter when the filter frame moves to the collapsed position, and the hinge of the second frame member moves away from the second side of the filter when the filter frame moves to the collapsed position. 32. 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; 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.