Gas separation – With means facilitating transportability or handling of... – Handle feature for apparatus or part thereof
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-16
2001-06-12
Bushey, C Scott (Department: 1724)
Gas separation
With means facilitating transportability or handling of...
Handle feature for apparatus or part thereof
C055S372000, C055S378000, C055S467000, C055S482000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06245120
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable/mountable air cleaner, and more specifically, to an air cleaner which includes a carrying handle extending from an air cleaner elongated body, dimensioned and configured to be mountable between 16 inch joists of a ceiling structure (measured from center to center of the joists), a dual air filter system where a fine air filter is mounted within the elongated body, and a pull-chain switching mechanism mounted in a recess of the handle for actuating the air cleaner.
Because home and industrial workshops generate a substantial quantity of saw dust and other fine particulate matters which are readily dispersed in the air, fine dust air cleaners have been developed. They are generally of two types: a floor mounted/console unit or a ceiling/wall mounted device. Typical examples of floor mounted/console units are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,802,168 and 4,894,071 which utilize rollers or wheels to move the fine dust air cleaner to a desired location. An example of a ceiling or wall mounted air cleaner device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,930,818 where a more permanent type of mounting system is used.
Air cleaners with forced air filters and associated blowers are generally preferable over electrostatic type air cleaners because of lower cost, easier installation and maintenance, and higher capacity. On the other hand, air cleaners utilizing forced air filters and associated blowers have been unable to process large amounts of highly contaminated air and have also been difficult to service for cleaning and/or replacement of filters. As also indicated above, prior art air cleaners have either been of the portable or mountable type, but typically have not been both. Some users have preferred to move an air cleaner unit to a desired location, while others prefer to mount the air cleaner in a more permanent location. As disclosed in the aforementioned copending patent application, it is possible to provide a self-contained portable/mountable air cleaner which can provide both the portable and mountable desired functions. Moreover, constructing the air filter principally of a durable molded plastic allows for a light-weight air cleaner that can be easily moved or lifted for mounting overhead in compliance with weight limit standards for such activities.
According to the present invention, the portable/mountable air cleaner discloses an optional mounting strap system which facilitates installation when mounting to a ceiling and is dimensioned to fit between typical 16 inch joists in common ceiling structures. As this 16 inch measurement is made from center to center and the standard joist width is 3 inches, the unit must be less than 13 inches in maximum width to fit between such joists. Being able to mount the unit between such joists is beneficial as it allows for a greater head clearance, better space utilization, and reduces the chances of head injuries caused by running into the unit. Furthermore, the present invention discloses an improved integrally molded elongated body designed to contain a dual filter system including a coarse air filter and a fine air filter which can be easily accessed and removed for cleaning. Moreover, the present invention discloses a recessed handle which contains additional means for activating the air cleaner appropriate for ceiling suspension.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Among the several objects and advantages of the present invention include:
The provision of a new and improved portable/mountable air cleaner;
The provision of the aforementioned air cleaner which includes a carrying handle for transporting the air cleaner to a desired location or for mounting the air cleaner to a ceiling, wall or other structure, as may be desired;
The provision of the aforementioned air cleaner which can be mounted between the typical 16 inch joists of a ceiling structure;
The provision of the aforementioned air cleaner which includes an integrally molded elongated body designed to contain a dual air filter system including a coarse air filter and a fine air filter;
The provision of the aforementioned air cleaner in which the design of the air filters, their positioning within the elongated body, and the structure of their support within the elongated body are all fashioned so that both filters may be easily removed and cleaned;
The provision of the aforementioned invention with a pull chain for activating the unit and an activation light, both designed to aid in operating the unit when it is suspended from the ceiling.
Briefly stated, the portable/mountable air cleaner of the present invention includes an elongated body containing an air cleaner with a power driven air moving assembly. A supporting base extends from the elongated body for resting on a supporting surface. A carrying handle extends from the elongated body generally opposite the supporting base to facilitate carrying the air cleaner. Spaced suspension straps are associated with the elongated body for mounting the elongated body to a ceiling or wall structure.
The spaced suspension straps are preferably detachably associated with the elongated body. The spaced suspension straps also preferably extend transversely to the elongated body and extend through spaced slots formed in the elongated body. Preferably, the spaced slots are formed in the carrying handle on each side of an opening in the carrying handle that is large enough to facilitate grasping by a user. Fasteners such as hook fasteners or the like may be attached to each of outer ends of the spaced suspension straps for engaging complementary fasteners mounted to the ceiling or wall structure.
Preferably, the elongated body is configured, arranged, and dimensioned to fit between the typical 16 inch joists in a ceiling structure (measured from center to center of the joists). The body of the air cleaner is also preferably constructed of a durable, light-weight plastic which can be easily transported and lifted for mounting overhead.
A switch for energizing the air cleaner is mounted in a recessed area of the carrying handle. The switch preferably includes a pull cord and toggle combination for activating or deactivating the switch. The pull cord allows for activation while the unit is suspended and the toggle allows for activation while the unit is resting on a supporting surface. An activation light is also mounted in a recessed area of the carrying handle so that someone on the ground can readily ascertain whether the supported unit is activated.
The elongated body also preferably further includes a dual filtration system including coarse and fine air filters and an integrally molded elongated body designed to hold both filters. The filters and the elongated body are both fashioned so that the filters may be easily accessed for cleaning.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description that follows.
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Sandor Nagyszalanczy, Woodshop Dust Control,
Bushey C Scott
Emerson Electric Co.
Howrey Simon Arnold & White , LLP
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