Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
167 words
A frame for supporting a filter element, the frame comprising a support member, a plurality of rods extending from the support member and secured thereto, and at least one strap connecting the rods together, said at least one strap having a base part to which is secured each rod, and at least one side wall which projects from the base part, said at least one side wall being formed with a cut-out for each rod for retaining that rod therein such that said frame is generally flat with the support member and said at least one strap generally straight when in an unassembled condition and said support member is bent and said at least one strap is bent in the region of each cut-out until its ends meet or overlap, so that each cut-out is deformed, to form a generally tubular frame in which each of said rods is substantially enclosed in one of said cut-outs of said at least one strap when in an assembled condition.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
167 words
A frame for supporting a filter element, the frame comprising a support member, a plurality of rods extending from the support member and secured thereto, and at least one strap connecting the rods together, said at least one strap having a base part to which is secured each rod, and at least one side wall which projects from the base part, said at least one side wall being formed with a cut-out for each rod for retaining that rod therein such that said frame is generally flat with the support member and said at least one strap generally straight when in an unassembled condition and said support member is bent and said at least one strap is bent in the region of each cut-out until its ends meet or overlap, so that each cut-out is deformed, to form a generally tubular frame in which each of said rods is substantially enclosed in one of said cut-outs of said at least one strap when in an assembled condition.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
A frame as claimed in claim 1 in which said at least one side wall comprises two side walls positioned with respect to each other such that said at least one strap is generally channel-shaped.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A frame as claimed in claim 1 in which said at least one strap comprises a plurality of straps spaced axially along the rods.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
A frame as claimed in claim 1 in which said frame is formed of metal and in which the rods are secured to the support member and to the at least one strap by spot welding.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A frame as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an end cap at the opposite end to the support member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
A frame as claimed in claim 5, wherein said at least one strap comprises a strap located at the opposite end and end cap is retained within said strap.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
77 words
A frame as claimed in claim 5, wherein said at least one strap comprises a strap located at the opposite end and the end cap is formed with indentations and is retained on the frame by spring force of the rods which are located in the indentations, said strap adjacent the end cap being spaced from the end cap by a distance such that the spring force of the rods is sufficient to retain the end cap.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
44 words
A frame as claimed in claim 1, in which an end portion of each rod remote from the support member is bent substantially at right angles so that when the frame is in the assembled condition the end portion of each rod projects inwardly.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
A frame as claimed in claim 1, in which the rods are solid cylindrical bars and the cut-outs are arcuate so as to grip the rods when the frame is in the assembled condition.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
A frame as claimed in claim 1 in which the support member is formed from a piece of sheet material having a series of slots to facilitate bending into the annular shape.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
A frame as claimed in claim 1, in which the ends of said at least one strap have releasable connecting means for connecting said ends together.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
Filtering apparatus comprising at least one frame as claimed in claim 1 and a filter element mounted on the said at least one frame.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
Filtering apparatus as claimed in claim 12 in which the filter element is provided in the form of a bag which fits over and around the said at least one frame.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
Filtering apparatus as claimed in claim 13 in which the support member is formed with a groove to receive a band for gripping the bag against and in the groove.