Collapsible pleated filter and frame

摘要

A collapsible HVAC filter that includes a pleated filter media pack with ends that attach to ends of a planar filter frame member. The structure collapses by folding the filter frame member along score lines and compressing the pleated filter media while the media and frame member are attached. The collapsed components occupy little space relative to the expanded filter, and can be expanded to form a completed filter with little effort required by the end user. Most of the filter media is collapsed in a generally U-shaped channel formed from the folded filter frame member.

主权项

1. A collapsible air filter comprising:
(a) an air filter media assembly comprising a plurality of generally rectangular panels interconnected together in a pleated configuration with each panel connecting to at least one adjacent panel at longitudinal panel edges, wherein one of the plurality of generally rectangular panels is a first filter media end panel located at a first end of the filter media and another of the plurality of generally rectangular panels is a second filter media end panel located at a second end of the filter media, wherein the first end of the filter media is opposite from the second end of the filter media; (b) a filter frame member comprising first and second side walls and first and second end walls, each first and second side wall being connected to each first and second end wall to form a generally rectangular structure with a central area formed in the center of the generally rectangular structure, wherein the central area comprises at least one opening formed therein (c) wherein the filter media is attached to the filter frame member thereby forming the collapsible air filter, wherein the attachment of the filter frame member with the filter media comprises the first filter media end panel being mounted to the first end wall while the second filter media end panel is mounted to the second end wall, wherein the filter media is not adhered to the central area of the filter frame member and wherein the filter media is not adhered to the first and second side panels; and (d) the collapsible air filter comprises a collapsed condition and an expanded condition, wherein when the collapsible air filter is in the expanded condition the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the first end wall and the second end wall are foldable to positions angled to the central area and wherein when the collapsible air filter is in the collapsed condition the filter frame member and the air filter media are foldable in a generally pleated configuration.