US7156891B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Forced air system air filter
Assignee: Filtration Group Inc
•
Filing: 2004-09-10
•
Granted: 2007-01-02
•
Expires: 2024-09-10
Abstract
Abstract An air filter including a filter media having a plurality of flat pleats defining a plurality of truncated pleat tips and sloping side surfaces along a front face and a rear face. The truncated pleat tips are oriented perpendicular to the direction of pleating and are configured with a planar tip portion. The reinforcement structure includes at least one generally planar first reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of the pleating and connected to the truncated pleat tips along the rear face. The reinforcing structure further includes at least one generally planar second reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and connected to the truncate pleat tips along the front face.
Inventors
- 👤 Philip J. Winters
- 👤 Kevin Hobbs
- 👤 Michael Corbat
- 👤 Dean Kerstetter
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 10:13
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D46/00; B01D46/52; B01D46/521; B01D46/523; B01D46/0002; B01D46/0016; B01D46/10; B01D2265/00; B01D2265/06; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S55/00; Y10S55/05; Y10S55/31
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 123
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
An air filter, comprising: a filter media having a plurality of flat pleats defining a plurality of truncated pleat tips and sloping side surfaces along a front face and a rear face of the filter media, the truncated pleat tips oriented perpendicular to a direction of pleating and configured with a planar tip portion; a filter media reinforcing structure comprising: at least one generally planar first reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and connected to the truncated pleat tips along the rear face; and at least one generally planar second reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and connected to the truncated pleat tips along the front face.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
An air filter, comprising: a filter media having a plurality of flat pleats defining a plurality of truncated pleat tips and sloping side surfaces along a front face and a rear face of the filter media, the truncated pleat tips oriented perpendicular to a direction of pleating and configured with a planar tip portion; a filter media reinforcing structure comprising: at least one generally planar first reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and connected to the truncated pleat tips along the rear face; and at least one generally planar second reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and connected to the truncated pleat tips along the front face.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The filter as recited in claim 1 , wherein each first reinforcing strip is bonded to the planar tip portion of the truncated pleat tips along the rear face.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The filter as recited in claim 1 , wherein each second reinforcing strip is bonded to the planar tip portion of the truncated pleat tips along the front face.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter as recited in claim 1 , wherein the filter media is composed of low melt fibers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The filter as recited in claim 1 , wherein each planar tip portion is defined by a pair of offset score lines formed in the filter media as opposing longitudinal edges of the planar tip portion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
57 words
The filter as recited in claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing structure further comprises at least one reinforcing member oriented perpendicular to the direction of pleating, each such reinforcing member having a first planar element extending along one sloping side surface of the rear face from a first edge to a second edge adjacent the rear face.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The filter as recited in claim 1 , wherein an included angle between the planar tip portion and the sloping side surfaces is at least ninety degrees (90°).
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The filter as recited in claim 1 , wherein the filter is disposed within a frame.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The filter as recited in claim 8 , wherein the frame has a configuration selected from the group consisting of having one, two or four frame members.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The filter as recited in claim 8 , wherein any dimension between adjacent truncated pleat tips across the front or rear face is substantially equivalent.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
The filter as recited in claim 8 , wherein at least one dimension between adjacent truncated pleat tips across the front or rear face is different than remaining dimensions between adjacent truncated pleat tips.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
87 words
The filter as recited in claim 8 , wherein the frame includes a U-shaped frame member made up of a first frame member bounded by two corners and from which extends second and third frame members, the assembly of the first, second and third members forming the U-shaped frame member, each of the first, second and third frame members of which is formed from U-shaped channel; and a fourth frame member, removably attached at the extent of the second and third frame members to form the frame.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
93 words
The filter as recited in claim 8 , wherein the frame includes an L-shaped frame member comprised of a first frame member bounded by a first corner from which extends a second frame member, the first and second frame members forming the L-shaped frame member, each member of which is formed from U-shaped channel material; a third frame member, hingedly attached to the first frame member by a first hinge, opposite the first corner; a fourth frame member, hingedly attached to the second frame member by a second hinge, opposite the first corner.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
119 words
The filter as recited in claim 8 , wherein the frame includes an L-shaped frame member comprised of a first frame member bounded by a first corner and from which extends a second frame member, the first and second frame members forming the L-shaped frame member; a third frame member, hingedly attached to the first frame member by a first hinge opposite the first corner; and a fourth frame member, hingedly attached to the second frame member by a second hinge, opposite the first corner; whereby the first and second hinges allow the first and second frame members to open and close such that the first, second, third and fourth frame members form the frame in a closed position.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The filter as recited in claim 14 , wherein the first, second, third and fourth frame members are each comprised of U-shaped channel.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
119 words
The filter as recited in claim 8 , wherein the frame includes an L-shaped frame member comprised of a first frame member bounded by a first corner and from which extends a second frame member, the first and second frame members forming the L-shaped frame member; a third frame member, hingedly attached to the first frame member by a first hinge opposite the first corner; and a fourth frame member, hingedly attached to the second frame member by a second hinge, opposite the first corner; whereby the first and second hinges allow the first and second frame members to open and close such that the first, second, third and fourth frame members form the frame in a closed position.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
30 words
The filter as recited in claim 8 , wherein the frame includes a cross-braced shaped frame member, said cross-braced frame member comprised of a rectangular frame reinforced by cross bracing.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
51 words
The filter as recited in claim 8 , wherein the frame includes an upper half frame; a lower half frame; a hinge, coupling the upper half frame to the lower half frame, said hinge allowing the upper and lower half frames to be opened and closed with respect to each other.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
The filter as recited in claim 18 , wherein at least one of said upper and lower half frames includes cross bracing.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
46 words
The filter as recited in claim 5 , wherein the offset score lines of the truncated pleat tips along the front face are separated a first distance and the offset score lines of the truncated pleat tips along the rear face are separated a second distance.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter as recited in claim 20 , wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
The filter as recited in claim 20 , wherein the first distance is substantially equivalent to the second distance.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
16 words
The filter as recited in claim 21 , wherein the second distance is approximately 0.03125 inches.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
16 words
The filter as recited in claim 22 , wherein the second distance is approximately 0.03125 inches.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
129 words
An air filter, comprising: a filter media having a plurality of flat pleats defining a plurality of truncated pleat tips and sloping side surfaces along a front face and a rear face, the truncated pleat tips oriented perpendicular to the direction of pleating and configured with a planar tip portion; a filter media reinforcing structure comprising: at least one reinforcing member oriented perpendicular to the direction of pleating, each such reinforcing member having a first planar element extending along one sloping side surface of the rear face from a first edge to a second edge adjacent the rear face; and at least one generally planar first reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and connected to the truncated pleat tips along the rear face and the reinforcing member.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
129 words
An air filter, comprising: a filter media having a plurality of flat pleats defining a plurality of truncated pleat tips and sloping side surfaces along a front face and a rear face, the truncated pleat tips oriented perpendicular to the direction of pleating and configured with a planar tip portion; a filter media reinforcing structure comprising: at least one reinforcing member oriented perpendicular to the direction of pleating, each such reinforcing member having a first planar element extending along one sloping side surface of the rear face from a first edge to a second edge adjacent the rear face; and at least one generally planar first reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and connected to the truncated pleat tips along the rear face and the reinforcing member.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
30 words
The filter as recited in claim 25 , wherein each first planar reinforcing strip is bonded to the planar tip portion of the truncated pleat tips along the rear face.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
32 words
The filter as recited in claim 25 , wherein each reinforcing member further includes a second planar element extending from the second edge to a third edge between adjacent truncated pleat tips.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
45 words
The filter as recited in claim 26 , wherein each reinforcing member further includes a third planar element extending from the third edge to a fourth edge, such that the fourth edge is contiguous with the first planar element between the first and second edges.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
25 words
The filter as recited in claim 28 , wherein the fourth edge is connected to the first planar element to bisect the first planar element.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter as recited in claim 28 , wherein the fourth edge bonded to the first planar element.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
55 words
The filter as recited in claim 28 , wherein each reinforcing member further includes a fourth planar element extending from the fourth edge to a fifth edge so that the fourth planar element is contiguous and parallel with a portion of the first planar element and the fifth edge is disposed adjacent the first edge.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
23 words
The filter as recited in claim 31 , wherein the fourth planar element is connected to the portion of the first planar element.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
23 words
The filter as recited in claim 31 , wherein the fourth planar element is bonded to the portion of the first planar element.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter as recited in claim 25 , wherein the filter media is composed of low melt fibers.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
28 words
The filter as recited in claim 25 , wherein an included angle between the planar tip portion and the sloping side surfaces is at least ninety degrees (90°).
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
17 words
The filter as recited in claim 25 , wherein the filter media is disposed within a frame.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
27 words
The filter as recited in claim 36 , wherein the frame has a configuration selected from the group consisting of having one, two or four frame members.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
87 words
The filter as recited in claim 36 , wherein the frame includes a U-shaped frame member made up of a first frame member bounded by two corners and from which extends second and third frame members, the assembly of the first, second and third members forming the U-shaped frame member, each of the first, second and third frame members of which is formed from U-shaped channel; and a fourth frame member, removably attached at the extent of the second and third frame members to form the frame.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
93 words
The filter as recited in claim 36 , wherein the frame includes an L-shaped frame member comprised of a first frame member bounded by a first corner from which extends a second frame member, the first and second frame members forming the L-shaped frame member, each member of which is formed from U-shaped channel material; a third frame member, hingedly attached to the first frame member by a first hinge, opposite the first corner; a fourth frame member, hingedly attached to the second frame member by a second hinge, opposite the first corner.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
119 words
The filter as recited in claim 36 , wherein the frame includes an L-shaped frame member comprised of a first frame member bounded by a first corner and from which extends a second frame member, the first and second frame members forming the L-shaped frame member; a third frame member, hingedly attached to the first frame member by a first hinge opposite the first corner; and a fourth frame member, hingedly attached to the second frame member by a second hinge, opposite the first corner; whereby the first and second hinges allow the first and second frame members to open and close such that the first, second, third and fourth frame members form the frame in a closed position.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
23 words
The filter as recited in claim 40 , wherein the first, second, third and fourth frame members are each comprised of U-shaped channel.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
119 words
The filter as recited in claim 36 , wherein the frame includes an L-shaped frame member comprised of a first frame member bounded by a first corner and from which extends a second frame member, the first and second frame members forming the L-shaped frame member; a third frame member, hingedly attached to the first frame member by a first hinge opposite the first corner; and a fourth frame member, hingedly attached to the second frame member by a second hinge, opposite the first corner; whereby the first and second hinges allow the first and second frame members to open and close such that the first, second, third and fourth frame members form the frame in a closed position.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
30 words
The filter as recited in claim 36 , wherein the frame includes a cross-braced shaped frame member, said cross-braced frame member comprised of a rectangular frame reinforced by cross bracing.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
51 words
The filter as recited in claim 36 , wherein the frame includes an upper half frame; a lower half frame; a hinge, coupling the upper half frame to the lower half frame, said hinge allowing the upper and lower half frames to be opened and closed with respect to each other.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
22 words
The filter as recited in claim 44 , wherein at least one of said upper and lower half frames includes cross bracing.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
25 words
The filter as recited in claim 36 , wherein any dimension between adjacent truncated pleat tips across the front or rear face is substantially equivalent.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
34 words
The filter as recited in claim 36 , wherein at least one dimension between adjacent truncated pleat tips across the front or rear face is different than remaining dimensions between adjacent truncated pleat tips.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
36 words
The filter as recited in claim 25 , wherein each planar tip portion is defined by a pair of offset score lines formed in the filter media as opposing longitudinal edges of the planar tip portion.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
46 words
The filter as recited in claim 48 , wherein the offset score lines of the truncated pleat tips along the front face are separated a first distance and the offset score lines of the truncated pleat tips along the rear face are separated a second distance.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter as recited in claim 49 , wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
19 words
The filter as recited in claim 49 , wherein the first distance is substantially equivalent to the second distance.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter as recited in claim 50 , wherein the second distance is at least approximately 0.03125 inches.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter as recited in claim 50 , wherein the second distance is at least approximately 0.03125 inches.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
19 words
The filter as recited in claim 25 , wherein the truncated pleat tips are configured with a variable frequency.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
20 words
The filter as recited in claim 54 , wherein the variable frequency includes a first frequency and a second frequency.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
176 words
An air filter, comprising: a filter media having a plurality of flat pleats defining a plurality of truncated pleat tips and sloping side surfaces along a front face and a rear face, the truncated pleat tips oriented perpendicular to the direction of pleating and configured with a planar tip portion defined by a pair of offset score lines formed in the filter media as opposing longitudinal edges of the planar tip portion; a filter media reinforcing structure comprising: at least one reinforcing member oriented perpendicular to the direction of pleating, each such reinforcing member having a first planar element extending along one sloping side surface of the rear face from a first edge to a second edge adjacent the rear face; at least one generally planar first reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and connected to the planar tip portions along the rear face and each reinforcing member; and at least one generally planar second reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and connected to the planar tip portions along the front face.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
176 words
An air filter, comprising: a filter media having a plurality of flat pleats defining a plurality of truncated pleat tips and sloping side surfaces along a front face and a rear face, the truncated pleat tips oriented perpendicular to the direction of pleating and configured with a planar tip portion defined by a pair of offset score lines formed in the filter media as opposing longitudinal edges of the planar tip portion; a filter media reinforcing structure comprising: at least one reinforcing member oriented perpendicular to the direction of pleating, each such reinforcing member having a first planar element extending along one sloping side surface of the rear face from a first edge to a second edge adjacent the rear face; at least one generally planar first reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and connected to the planar tip portions along the rear face and each reinforcing member; and at least one generally planar second reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and connected to the planar tip portions along the front face.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
31 words
The filter as recited in claim 56 wherein each reinforcing member further includes a second planar element extending from the second edge to a third edge between adjacent truncated pleat tips.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
42 words
The filter as recited in claim 57 , wherein each reinforcing member further includes a third planar element extending from the third edge to a fourth edge, the fourth edge contiguous with the first planar element between the first and second edges.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
25 words
The filter as recited in claim 58 , wherein the fourth edge is connected to the first planar element to bisect the first planar element.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter as recited in claim 58 , wherein the fourth edge bonded to the first planar element.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
55 words
The filter as recited in claim 58 , wherein each reinforcing member further includes a fourth planar element extending from the fourth edge to a fifth edge so that the fourth planar element is contiguous and parallel with a portion of the first planar element and the fifth edge is disposed adjacent the first edge.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
23 words
The filter as recited in claim 61 , wherein the fourth planar element is connected to the portion of the first planar element.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
23 words
The filter as recited in claim 61 , wherein the fourth planar element is bonded to the portion of the first planar element.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
29 words
The filter as recited in claim 61 , wherein each first reinforcing strip is bonded to the planar tip portion of the truncated pleat tips along the rear face.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
29 words
The filter as recited in claim 56 , wherein each second reinforcing strip is bonded to the planar tip portion of the truncated pleat tips along the front face.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter as recited in claim 56 , wherein the filter media is composed of low melt fibers.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
28 words
The filter as recited in claim 56 , wherein an included angle between the planar tip portion and the sloping side surfaces is at least ninety degrees (90°).
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
16 words
The filter as recited in claim 56 , wherein the filter is disposed within a frame.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
87 words
The filter as recited in claim 68 , wherein the frame includes a U-shaped frame member made up of a first frame member bounded by two corners and from which extends second and third frame members, the assembly of the first, second and third members forming the U-shaped frame member, each of the first, second and third frame members of which is formed from U-shaped channel; and a fourth frame member, removably attached at the extent of the second and third frame members to form the frame.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
93 words
The filter as recited in claim 68 , wherein the frame includes an L-shaped frame member comprised of a first frame member bounded by a first corner from which extends a second frame member, the first and second frame members forming the L-shaped frame member, each member of which is formed from U-shaped channel material; a third frame member, hingedly attached to the first frame member by a first hinge, opposite the first corner; a fourth frame member, hingedly attached to the second frame member by a second hinge, opposite the first corner.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
119 words
The filter as recited in claim 68 , wherein the frame includes an L-shaped frame member comprised of a first frame member bounded by a first corner and from which extends a second frame member, the first and second frame members forming the L-shaped frame member; a third frame member, hingedly attached to the first frame member by a first hinge opposite the first corner; and a fourth frame member, hingedly attached to the second frame member by a second hinge, opposite the first corner; whereby the first and second hinges allow the first and second frame members to open and close such that the first, second, third and fourth frame members form the frame in a closed position.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
23 words
The filter as recited in claim 71 , wherein the first, second, third and fourth frame members are each comprised of U-shaped channel.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
119 words
The filter as recited in claim 68 , wherein the frame includes an L-shaped frame member comprised of a first frame member bounded by a first corner and from which extends a second frame member, the first and second frame members forming the L-shaped frame member; a third frame member, hingedly attached to the first frame member by a first hinge opposite the first corner; and a fourth frame member, hingedly attached to the second frame member by a second hinge, opposite the first corner; whereby the first and second hinges allow the first and second frame members to open and close such that the first, second, third and fourth frame members form the frame in a closed position.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
30 words
The filter as recited in claim 68 , wherein the frame includes a cross-braced shaped frame member, said cross-braced frame member comprised of a rectangular frame reinforced by cross bracing.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
51 words
The filter as recited in claim 68 , wherein the frame includes an upper half frame; a lower half frame; a hinge, coupling the upper half frame to the lower half frame, said hinge allowing the upper and lower half frames to be opened and closed with respect to each other.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
22 words
The filter as recited in claim 75 , wherein at least one of said upper and lower half frames includes cross bracing.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
26 words
The filter as recited in claim 68 , wherein the frame has a configuration selected from the group consisting of having one, two or four s.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
25 words
The filter as recited in claim 68 , wherein any dimension between adjacent truncated pleat tips across the front or rear face is substantially equivalent.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
28 words
The filter as recited in claim 68 , wherein at least one dimension between adjacent truncated pleat tips is different than remaining dimensions between adjacent truncated pleat tips.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
46 words
The filter as recited in claim 60 , wherein the offset score lines of the truncated pleat tips along the front face are separated a first distance and the offset score lines of the truncated pleat tips along the rear face are separated a second distance.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter as recited in claim 80 , wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
19 words
The filter as recited in claim 80 , wherein the first distance is substantially equivalent to the second distance.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter as recited in claim 80 , wherein the second distance is at least approximately 0.03125 inches.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter as recited in claim 80 , wherein the second distance is at least approximately 0.03125 inches.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
19 words
The filter as recited in claim 66 , wherein the truncated pleat tips are configured with a variable frequency.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
20 words
The filter as recited in claim 85 , wherein the variable frequency includes a first frequency and a second frequency.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
153 words
An air filter, comprising: a filter media having a plurality of flat pleats defining a plurality of truncated pleat tips and sloping side surfaces along a front face and a rear face, the truncated pleat tips oriented perpendicular to the direction of pleating and configured with a planar tip portion; a filter media frame comprising: at least one reinforcing member oriented perpendicular to the direction of pleating, each such reinforcing member having a first planar element extending along one sloping side surface of the front face from a first edge to a second edge adjacent the front face; at least one generally planar first reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and connected to the planar tip portions along the rear face; and at least one generally planar second reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and connected to the planar tip portions along the front face and each reinforcing member.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
153 words
An air filter, comprising: a filter media having a plurality of flat pleats defining a plurality of truncated pleat tips and sloping side surfaces along a front face and a rear face, the truncated pleat tips oriented perpendicular to the direction of pleating and configured with a planar tip portion; a filter media frame comprising: at least one reinforcing member oriented perpendicular to the direction of pleating, each such reinforcing member having a first planar element extending along one sloping side surface of the front face from a first edge to a second edge adjacent the front face; at least one generally planar first reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and connected to the planar tip portions along the rear face; and at least one generally planar second reinforcing strip oriented in the direction of pleating and connected to the planar tip portions along the front face and each reinforcing member.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
32 words
The filter as recited in claim 87 , wherein each reinforcing member further includes a second planar element extending from the second edge to a third edge between adjacent truncated pleat tips.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
42 words
The filter as recited in claim 88 , wherein each reinforcing member further includes a third planar element extending from the third edge to a fourth edge, the fourth edge contiguous with the first planar element between the first and second edges.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
25 words
The filter as recited in claim 89 , wherein the fourth edge is connected to the first planar element to bisect the first planar element.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter as recited in claim 89 , wherein the fourth edge bonded to the first planar element.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
55 words
The filter as recited in claim 89 , wherein each reinforcing member further includes a fourth planar element extending from the fourth edge to a fifth edge so that the fourth planar element is contiguous and parallel with a portion of the first planar element and the fifth edge is disposed adjacent the first edge.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
23 words
The filter as recited in claim 92 , wherein the fourth planar element is connected to the portion of the first planar element.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
23 words
The filter as recited in claim 92 , wherein the fourth planar element is bonded to the portion of the first planar element.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
29 words
The filter as recited in claim 87 , wherein each first reinforcing strip is bonded to the planar tip portion of the truncated pleat tips along the rear face.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
33 words
The filter as recited in claim 87 , wherein each second reinforcing strip is bonded to the planar tip portion of the truncated pleat tips along the front face and each reinforcing member.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter as recited in claim 87 , wherein the filter media is composed of low melt fibers.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
28 words
The filter as recited in claim 87 , wherein an included angle between the planar tip portion and the sloping side surfaces is at least ninety degrees (90°).
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
16 words
The filter as recited in claim 87 , wherein the filter is disposed within a frame.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
87 words
The filter as recited in claim 99 , wherein the frame includes a U-shaped frame member made up of a first frame member bounded by two corners and from which extends second and third frame members, the assembly of the first, second and third members forming the U-shaped frame member, each of the first, second and third frame members of which is formed from U-shaped channel; and a fourth frame member, removably attached at the extent of the second and third frame members to form the frame.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
93 words
The filter as recited in claim 99 , wherein the frame includes an L-shaped frame member comprised of a first frame member bounded by a first corner from which extends a second frame member, the first and second frame members forming the L-shaped frame member, each member of which is formed from U-shaped channel material; a third frame member, hingedly attached to the first frame member by a first hinge, opposite the first corner; a fourth frame member, hingedly attached to the second frame member by a second hinge, opposite the first corner.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
119 words
The filter as recited in claim 99 , wherein the frame includes an L-shaped frame member comprised of a first frame member bounded by a first corner and from which extends a second frame member, the first and second frame members forming the L-shaped frame member; a third frame member, hingedly attached to the first frame member by a first hinge opposite the first corner; and a fourth frame member, hingedly attached to the second frame member by a second hinge, opposite the first corner; whereby the first and second hinges allow the first and second frame members to open and close such that the first, second, third and fourth frame members form the frame in a closed position.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
23 words
The filter as recited in claim 102 , wherein the first, second, third and fourth frame members are each comprised of U-shaped channel.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
119 words
The filter as recited in claim 99 , wherein the frame includes an L-shaped frame member comprised of a first frame member bounded by a first corner and from which extends a second frame member, the first and second frame members forming the L-shaped frame member; a third frame member, hingedly attached to the first frame member by a first hinge opposite the first corner; and a fourth frame member, hingedly attached to the second frame member by a second hinge, opposite the first corner; whereby the first and second hinges allow the first and second frame members to open and close such that the first, second, third and fourth frame members form the frame in a closed position.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
30 words
The filter as recited in claim 99 , wherein the frame includes a cross-braced shaped frame member, said cross-braced frame member comprised of a rectangular frame reinforced by cross bracing.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
51 words
The filter as recited in claim 99 , wherein the frame includes an upper half frame; a lower half frame; a hinge, coupling the upper half frame to the lower half frame, said hinge allowing the upper and lower half frames to be opened and closed with respect to each other.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
22 words
The filter as recited in claim 106 , wherein at least one of said upper and lower half frames includes cross bracing.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
27 words
The filter as recited in claim 99 , wherein the frame has a configuration selected from the group consisting of having one, two or four frame sections.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
25 words
The filter as recited in claim 99 , wherein any dimension between adjacent truncated pleat tips across the front or rear face is substantially equivalent.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
28 words
The filter as recited in claim 99 , wherein at least one dimension between adjacent truncated pleat tips is different than remaining dimensions between adjacent truncated pleat tips.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
36 words
The filter as recited in claim 110 , wherein each planar tip portion is defined by a pair of offset score lines formed in the filter media as opposing longitudinal edges of the planar tip portion.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
46 words
The filter as recited in claim 111 , wherein the offset score lines of the truncated pleat tips along the front face are separated a first distance and the offset score lines of the truncated pleat tips along the rear face are separated a second distance.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter as recited in claim 94 , wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter as recited in 113 , wherein the first distance is substantially equivalent to the second distance.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter as recited in 113 , wherein the first distance is substantially equivalent to the second distance.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter as recited in claim 113 , wherein the second distance is at least approximately 0.03125 inches.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter as recited in claim 113 , wherein the second distance is at least approximately 0.03125 inches.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
19 words
The filter as recited in claim 94 , wherein the truncated pleat tips are configured with a variable frequency.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
20 words
The filter as recited in claim 117 , wherein the variable frequency includes a first frequency and a second frequency.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2010-01-01 | 2010-07-03 | 2011-01-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2014-01-01 | 2014-07-03 | 2015-01-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2018-01-01 | 2018-07-03 | 2019-01-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |