CA2114174A1 - Passenger vehicle with a filtered air intake - Google Patents
Passenger vehicle with a filtered air intakeInfo
- Publication number
- CA2114174A1 CA2114174A1 CA002114174A CA2114174A CA2114174A1 CA 2114174 A1 CA2114174 A1 CA 2114174A1 CA 002114174 A CA002114174 A CA 002114174A CA 2114174 A CA2114174 A CA 2114174A CA 2114174 A1 CA2114174 A1 CA 2114174A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- duct
- filter body
- filter
- fan
- air
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H3/00—Other air-treating devices
- B60H3/06—Filtering
- B60H3/0608—Filter arrangements in the air stream
- B60H3/0641—Filter arrangements in the air stream near ventilating openings in the vehicle exterior
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
- B60H3/00—Other air-treating devices
- B60H3/06—Filtering
- B60H3/0608—Filter arrangements in the air stream
- B60H2003/065—Details for holding filter elements in position
Abstract
PASSENGER VEHICLE WITH A FILTERED AIR INTAKE
ABSTRACT
The air intake of a conventional automobile which is mounted in front of the windshield under the air intake cover at the rear of the hood is modified by the introduction into the duct of the air intake of a filtration pillow.
The pillow is formed from a plurality of separate layers of filtration material including impregnated or particulate absorption material. The absorption material is arranged for extraction of combustion products particularly hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, soot and the like. The filter member can also prevent the entry of debris, leaves and the like together with the rodents or insects.
ABSTRACT
The air intake of a conventional automobile which is mounted in front of the windshield under the air intake cover at the rear of the hood is modified by the introduction into the duct of the air intake of a filtration pillow.
The pillow is formed from a plurality of separate layers of filtration material including impregnated or particulate absorption material. The absorption material is arranged for extraction of combustion products particularly hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, soot and the like. The filter member can also prevent the entry of debris, leaves and the like together with the rodents or insects.
Description
2 ~ 7 4 PASSENGER VEHICLE WITH A FILTERED AIR INTAKE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a passen0er vehicle of the type haviny a vehicle body defining a passen~er compartment with an air intake duc~ for drawing exterior air for emission into the passenger compartment, a fan mounted in the duct for drawing air into the intake and an air emission systcm within ~he passen~er compartrnent ~or release of the air into the compartment.
Passen~er vehicles and particularly automobiles are used to,, transport persons from place to place within a citv and in most cases the motor propulsion of the passen~er vehicle involves the production of combustion products which are released from the rear of one vehicle into the path of a following vehicle.
In many cities there is much eoncern about the level of air pollution particularly in the area of roads and freeways. The major thrust toward reduction of air pollution has been with regard to reducin~ ~he contaminants released durin~ the combustion in the vehicle. However one area appears to have been fully overlooked which is that of preventin~ the entry of the contaminants into the passen~er compartment by the provision of a filter member within the intake duct.
Some attempts have been made to apply a filter element into the air intake of a passenger vehicle. However, it is believed that none of lhese devices has been successful in the marketptace probably due to the complexity of manufacture and installation which has inhibi~ed the public from usiny such devicos.
:.
211~17~
However, the current attention to the environment and pollution has 0iven a si~nificant impetus to th~ desire for filtration of the air intake into the vehicle.
One proposed arran3ement is shown in U. S. Pa~ent 3870495 ~DIXSON) which shows a corru~ated paper type filter of a relatively complex construc~ion which is inserted into the duct in the form of a cup shape so that air enters the interior of the cup and passes throu~h the paper filter material,This arran~ement does not however take into account the specific designs of the intake duct system which is presently utilized in vehicles on the rnarketplace and accordingly is ~en~rally unsatisfactory.
A filter construction is shown in U. S. Patent 4250172 (MUTZENBERG) whioh discloses a plurality of layers of fibrous mat which ar~
attached to~ether by needling to form a pillow type filter body. However this patent makes no disclosure as to how the construction may be attached into the intake duct of a vehicle.
::: German Patent Appiication 2813662 [HOLTERj discloses a filter system in which filter pads are arran~ed in a duct transverse to the duct at ` ~ ~spaced positions along the len~th of the duct. A~ain there is no disclosure as ~:
to how these may be fltted into existing intake duct sys~ems o~ commercial : au~ornobiles. ~:
SllMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is one objeet of the present invention, therefore, to provide ~
desi~n of a sirnple filter member which can be mounted in the intake duct of a ~: ~
~:~ passen~er vehicl~ so as to extract cornmon pollutants from the air drawn into ' :
' ' .
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a passen0er vehicle of the type haviny a vehicle body defining a passen~er compartment with an air intake duc~ for drawing exterior air for emission into the passenger compartment, a fan mounted in the duct for drawing air into the intake and an air emission systcm within ~he passen~er compartrnent ~or release of the air into the compartment.
Passen~er vehicles and particularly automobiles are used to,, transport persons from place to place within a citv and in most cases the motor propulsion of the passen~er vehicle involves the production of combustion products which are released from the rear of one vehicle into the path of a following vehicle.
In many cities there is much eoncern about the level of air pollution particularly in the area of roads and freeways. The major thrust toward reduction of air pollution has been with regard to reducin~ ~he contaminants released durin~ the combustion in the vehicle. However one area appears to have been fully overlooked which is that of preventin~ the entry of the contaminants into the passen~er compartment by the provision of a filter member within the intake duct.
Some attempts have been made to apply a filter element into the air intake of a passenger vehicle. However, it is believed that none of lhese devices has been successful in the marketptace probably due to the complexity of manufacture and installation which has inhibi~ed the public from usiny such devicos.
:.
211~17~
However, the current attention to the environment and pollution has 0iven a si~nificant impetus to th~ desire for filtration of the air intake into the vehicle.
One proposed arran3ement is shown in U. S. Pa~ent 3870495 ~DIXSON) which shows a corru~ated paper type filter of a relatively complex construc~ion which is inserted into the duct in the form of a cup shape so that air enters the interior of the cup and passes throu~h the paper filter material,This arran~ement does not however take into account the specific designs of the intake duct system which is presently utilized in vehicles on the rnarketplace and accordingly is ~en~rally unsatisfactory.
A filter construction is shown in U. S. Patent 4250172 (MUTZENBERG) whioh discloses a plurality of layers of fibrous mat which ar~
attached to~ether by needling to form a pillow type filter body. However this patent makes no disclosure as to how the construction may be attached into the intake duct of a vehicle.
::: German Patent Appiication 2813662 [HOLTERj discloses a filter system in which filter pads are arran~ed in a duct transverse to the duct at ` ~ ~spaced positions along the len~th of the duct. A~ain there is no disclosure as ~:
to how these may be fltted into existing intake duct sys~ems o~ commercial : au~ornobiles. ~:
SllMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is one objeet of the present invention, therefore, to provide ~
desi~n of a sirnple filter member which can be mounted in the intake duct of a ~: ~
~:~ passen~er vehicl~ so as to extract cornmon pollutants from the air drawn into ' :
' ' .
2 1 ~
the vehicle.
Accordin~ to the present invention, there is provided a passen~er vehicle comprisin~ a vehicle body havin~l a passenger compartrnent, an air intake duct for drawing exterior air for emission into the passenger compartment, a fan mounted in the duct for drawin~ air into the intake and a filter mernber mounted in the intake duct upstream of the fan, the filter memberhaving a filter body arranged for extraction from air flowing therethrou~h of particulate materials and a filter medium in the filter body for extraction of combustion products, the filt~r body comprising a plurality of layers connected to~ether to form a pillow, leaves some of the layers comprisin~ a non-woven mat of fibres, the duct havin~ fastening means therein comprisin~ at least one element adhesively fastened to a wall of the duct and havina a plurality of flexible hooks carried on the element, the hooks en~agin~ said non-woven mat of fibres to hold the filter body in place.
Preferably the filter rnember is in the form of a pillow formed by a number of layers of filter material which are attached to~ether at quil~ lines lon~itudinally and trans~/erse of the filter member. The filter layers preferably include at least some interrnedia~e layers earrying a filter medium for extraction of combustion products. Activated carbon in particulate ~rrn can be used for the filter medium in which case it is generally encapsulated between separate layers of ~he filter member.
Preferabiy the filter member i~ suppiied as a rectangular body of dimensions ~enerally lar~er than ~he air intake for rnany different vehicles so that the filter member can be cut to size along the quilt lines to match an 21~17~
internal cross section of the inner duct wall. The thickness of the pillow and the stiffness of the material is then sufficient to frictionally en~a~e the sideed~0s of the pillow with the inner duct wall ~o hold the piilow in position solely by that frictional en~a~ement.
The pillow cons~ruction is of a filter material which is s~acked in layers and quilted either by stitch lines or heat sealing for the purpose of holding an activated charcoal (carbon) or similar medium between the layers.
The conventional automobile ineludes a windshield in front of which is the hood and rearwardly of which is the passenger compartment.
Under the hood is provided the engine compartrnent which is separated from the passen~er compartment by a fire wall. In front of the windshield is provided a fresh air intake cover which is ~enerally removable to provide access to ~he inlet duct. Diffarent vehicles have a different arran3ement of th~intake cluct but ~enerally the duct ineludes a duct wall havin~ an inner duct surface leadin~ from the position underneath the intake cover to the fan positioned forwardly or rearwardly a~ required of the fire wall.
~; When the intake cover has been removed, the piilow can be cut toshape adjacent the quilt lines dependin~ upon the dimensions oiF the intake duc~of the vehicle concerned and the pillow can then be inser~ed into the intake duct and the cover replaoed.
The purpose of the filter member is to remove or reduce dust, dirt, pollen, toxin~ or pollutants to prevent them enterin~ into the interior of the passenger compartrnent. This can be used to improve problems such as general health, asthrnatic condlitions or dust and dirt buildup within the vehicle.
.. .. .. .. ......... .. . . .. . .. ... .
2 1 ~
The filter can also extract some moisture and can prevcnt entry of snow or ice particles to prevent humidity buildup within the v~hiele which can lead to fo~ging of the windows.
A pillow type filter can provide a lifetime of the order of three to twelw months dependina upon usa~e and depending upon the level of pollutants within the air.
In one example the proposed filter pillow can be of the order of 12 inches by 15 inches panel quilted in 3 inch or 2 inch dia0onal squares so it canbe readily cut to size to match the cross section of the intake duct. Most automobiles currently on the market have easy access to the underside of the intake cover to allow simple installation of the pillow into the duct by the fric~ional effect.
One embodiment of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accornpanyin~ drawin~ in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fi~ur~ 1 is a partly broken away isometric view of a passenger vehicle showin~ the air intake and the fil~er member of the presen~ invention ina first installation arran~ement.
Fi~ure 2 is a cross sectional view throu~h the inlet duct of the air intake of the passen~er vehicle of Fi~ure 1.
Figure 3 is a view similar to ~hat of Figure 1 showin~ the air intake and filter member of the presen~ invention in a second instaliation arran~ement.Fi~ure 4 is ~ cross-sectional view throu~3h the inlet duct of the air intake of IFi~ure 3.
Fi~ure 5 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 showin~ the air intake and the filter member of the present invention in a third installation arran~ement.
Figur~ 6 is a cross-sectional vilew through the inlet duct of ~he air intake of Figure 5.
Fiyure 7 is a front elevational view of a fil~er member as supplied in its initial form showin~ the shape cut to provide the insert for en~agement into the duct of Figure 2.
DETAILED C)ESC:RIPTIC)N
A passen~er vehicle as shown in Fi~ure 1 is ~enerally indicated at 10 and includes a passen~er compartment 11 and an en~ine compartment 12 which is separated from the passen~er compartment by a fire wall 13. At the front of the passen~er compartment is provided 2 windshield 14 positioned forwardly of a dash board 15 includin~ air outlet vents 16. Above the engine compartment is provided a hood 17 and rearwardly of $he hood is provide!d an air inlet cover 18 which extends across th0 front of the windshield and inciudesopenings or louvers 19 through which air can be drawn in~o a compartrnent 20 underneath the cover 18.
An air inlet system ~r drawing outside air into the passen~er compartment includes a duct 21 rnounted within the compartment 20 and leadin~ to a fan housinQ 22 within whieh a fan 23 is mounted ISee Fi~ure 3).
The ~an passes the air frsm the compartment 20 throu~h an opening in the fire wall 13 wi~h that air then escaping throu~h the outlet 16.
The vehicle of the present invention is modified by the addition of , ~; ~7~ 21~4174 a filter member 30 which is mounted within the inner duct wall 25. The filter member comprises a pillow 31 formed of a plurality of layers 32, 33 etc. of a Filter medium. The pillow 31 is formed from the layers which are co-ex~ensive and terminate at defined side edges 33. The pillow is quilted by transverse and longitudinal quilt lines 34 and 35 (Figure 7) or more preferably by dia~onal arranged quilt lines formed either by stitching or by heat sealing to interconn~ct the layers. A number of the layers are formed from a conventional polyester filter material which is of the type formed from a non-woven m~t of fibrous material. Intermediate the layers of the filter material are provided additionallayers 36 which include an impre~nated activated charcoal material carried within the layer. In one alternative the activated charcoal can be applied directly to a fibrous layer so as to be carried thereby. In an alternative arran~ement the activated charcoal can be provided in powder or particuiate forrn and carried between two layers of the filter material.
The layers are built up to a cushion havin~ a thickness sufficient to provide a required filtration eMeet on the air drawn into the duct. In addition the thickness of the pillow is sueh that i~ has sufficient stiffness so that theside edges 37 and 38 of the pillow can en0age agains~ the inside surface or inner side wall 25 of the duct ~o assist in holdin~ the pillow in place.
In order to form thè filter pillow into the required shape, an initiai filt~r pillow of for example 12 inches by 15 inehes can be cut alon~ a cut line 39 to match the inside shape of the wall 25. The spacinq between the quilt lines is selected so that in ~eneral the cu~ line 39 1i8s outside the quilt lines so that the rnaterial within the filter member can expand ou~wardly at ~he ed~e for - 8 ~ 1 7 ~
most effective attachment and filtration. The dia~onal arran~ement of the quilt lin~s is preferred for this.
The pillow of the present construction is formed of a filter material which is stacked in layers and quilted for the purpose of holdin~ ~he activated charcc>al or similar absorption medium between the layers. Other ma~erial in addition to or instead of the activated charcoal disclosed can be used to provide absorption of different pollutan~s as required. The filter member can beus~d to reduce or remove dirt, dust, pollen, toxins or pollutants such as combustion products includin~ hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, nitro~en oxides, soot and the like from ths air drawn into the interior of the automobile. This improves ~eneral health, asthmatic conditions, dust and dirt buildup and moisture buildup. Th~ filter can also prevent entry of debris such as leaves, and other unwanted entrants such as rodents, insects and the like. The panel of the order of 12 by 15 inches is preferably quilted in 2 Of 3 inch s~uares so they oan be cut to size and easily installed as explained above into most of theautomobiles currently on the market place. The device is fitted as a retrofit arrangement wlthout the necessity for a supportin~ frame or the modification to the intake hosin3.
Fi~ures 1, 3 and 5 show three different techniques for the rnountin~ of the filter element vvithin the in~ake duct.\
In Fi~ures 1 and 5 the duct includes a cylindrical wall portion 40 throuyh which air is drawn downwardly into a duct for communication to the fan (not shown). In the arran0ement in Fi~ure 1, the duct 40 is readily available simply by the removal of a cover panel. In some cases the circular 21~4174 flan~e opening 40 is covered by a cover element 41. In other cases the cov~r element ~1 is omitted. In the presence of the cover element 41, a plurality of buttons 42 are located on the cylindrical inner wall of the cover 41. The cov~r thus includes a screen portion 44 and the cylindrical wall 45 l~adin~ to a ~ottom flan~e 46. The inside surface of the cylindrical wall 45 is itself of course cylindrical and receives a plurality of separate button-type elements 42 attached thereto by adhesive layer 43. Each of the button elements Is prefereable clrcular In plan view bu~ other shapes can be used. Each of the button elements has a plurality of fïsxible hooks on the front surface thereof, that is the surface opposite to the adhesive layer. The hooks are of the type conventionally used in a hook and loop fastening system. As shown in Fi~ure 1, the button elements are posltloned around the inside surface of the peripheral wall 45 followin~ which the pillow ~ype filter body is inserted into the cover 41 and the ed~es of the filter body en~a~ed with the hook ~lements. As the filter element is formed of a non-woven polyester fibrous mesh, the hook elements en~a~e effectively with the mesh to provide a vi~orous a~achment thereto.
In Fi~ures 5 and 6 is shown an alternative arran~ement in which the flange type opening 40 can not be accessed. In this arrangement the duc~
is accessible throu~h a central openin~ 50 throu~h which ~he hand of the user can reach. The user then appliies a plurality of the buttons in a first row 51 on an upper wall 52 of the duct and in a second row 53 on a lower wall 54 of the duct. The fiiter body is then formed into a rectangular shape by cut$in~ as previously described and is foided a~ a crease line 55 $o form a ~enerally V--lo- 2114~7~
shaped pillow with two legs 56 and 57 extendin~ to the upper and lower walls 52, 54 respectively. The ends of the le~s 56 and 57 are engaged with the row of fastener elements 51 and 53 respeetively to hold the filter body in plaee.
This can be achieved by the user foldin~ the filter body and insertin~ it through the openin~ and wri0~1in~ it to the required position and then pullin~ sli~htly back on the le~s 56 and 57 to ensure their proper enga~ernent with the hook-type fastener elements.
As a further alternative in ths arran~ement in FiQure 1, in ~he situation where there is no cover 41, the fastener elements can be arranged on the inside surface of the flan~e openin~ 40 and the filter element cut to the required shape and inserted as a friction fit within the flange en0a0in~ the ed~es with the fastener elements.
In Figures 3 and 4 is shown a yet further arran~ement in which the fan 22 is mounted in the intake duct within the en~ine compartment. The iFan - is of the squirrel-ca~e ~ype havin~ a fan body 60 dependin~ into a chamber 6 below a top plate ~2. The flange body has a surroundin~ flan~e 63 which en~a~es on~o the top surface of the plate 62 and is attaehed thereto by bolt 84. A motor 65 extends upwardly from ~he top plate 63. The top plate 62 of the chamber has an openin~ dimensioned just to receive the housin~ 60 of the fan 22 which extends into the housin~ down to an air oontrol pla~e 66 which extends across the chamber 61. The air eontrol plate has 3 central openin3 67 throu~h which air passes into the end face of the fan housiny. The openin~ 67 is dimtsnsioned to control ~he air intake in conventional manner.
In this emboeliment a filter body 70 is cut to shape first to form a 11 - 21~417 ~
cylindrical peripheral ed~e havin~ a diameter ~reater than that of the openin~
67. In this installation technique, the user removes the fan housing by extractin~ the bolts 64 and liftin~ the fan housin~ upwardly to expose the plate66. The user then attaches a rin~ of the fastener elemen~s 72 on the underside of the plate 66 just around the openiny 67. The filter pillow which has been cut to size from the pad previously described is then compressed sli~htly to pass through the openin~ 67 and dropped into ~he lower part of th~ chamber.
The user can then li~t the filter upwardly toward ~he underside of the plat0 66 by caref~lly ~rasping the fibrous material of the top layer 32 of the filter material and brin~in~ that into contact and en~a~ement with the fast~ner elements 72. This arran~ement therefore acts to hold the filter in place around the full periphery on the underside of the plate 66 so that air drawn through tha hole 67 firstly passes through the filter.
The ~ilter can be supplied as a kit of parts includin~ the rectangular filter pad for cuttin~ to the required shape and a plurali~y of the ~astener elements in the form of circular buttons havin~ an adhesive layer on one side and the hooks on the opposed side. The user can therefore select the installation technique depending upon the type of vehicle and ~he construction used in that vehicle and can then apply the fastener elemen~s as required, cut the filter body to the required shape and attach it in the manner set forth above.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as hereinabove described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of sarne made within the spirit and scope of the claims without departin~ from ;` ~ 211~117~
such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanyin~ specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limitin~ sense.
, . .
:~
:~
, ,,:
:
~ ~ -:
:
the vehicle.
Accordin~ to the present invention, there is provided a passen~er vehicle comprisin~ a vehicle body havin~l a passenger compartrnent, an air intake duct for drawing exterior air for emission into the passenger compartment, a fan mounted in the duct for drawin~ air into the intake and a filter mernber mounted in the intake duct upstream of the fan, the filter memberhaving a filter body arranged for extraction from air flowing therethrou~h of particulate materials and a filter medium in the filter body for extraction of combustion products, the filt~r body comprising a plurality of layers connected to~ether to form a pillow, leaves some of the layers comprisin~ a non-woven mat of fibres, the duct havin~ fastening means therein comprisin~ at least one element adhesively fastened to a wall of the duct and havina a plurality of flexible hooks carried on the element, the hooks en~agin~ said non-woven mat of fibres to hold the filter body in place.
Preferably the filter rnember is in the form of a pillow formed by a number of layers of filter material which are attached to~ether at quil~ lines lon~itudinally and trans~/erse of the filter member. The filter layers preferably include at least some interrnedia~e layers earrying a filter medium for extraction of combustion products. Activated carbon in particulate ~rrn can be used for the filter medium in which case it is generally encapsulated between separate layers of ~he filter member.
Preferabiy the filter member i~ suppiied as a rectangular body of dimensions ~enerally lar~er than ~he air intake for rnany different vehicles so that the filter member can be cut to size along the quilt lines to match an 21~17~
internal cross section of the inner duct wall. The thickness of the pillow and the stiffness of the material is then sufficient to frictionally en~a~e the sideed~0s of the pillow with the inner duct wall ~o hold the piilow in position solely by that frictional en~a~ement.
The pillow cons~ruction is of a filter material which is s~acked in layers and quilted either by stitch lines or heat sealing for the purpose of holding an activated charcoal (carbon) or similar medium between the layers.
The conventional automobile ineludes a windshield in front of which is the hood and rearwardly of which is the passenger compartment.
Under the hood is provided the engine compartrnent which is separated from the passen~er compartment by a fire wall. In front of the windshield is provided a fresh air intake cover which is ~enerally removable to provide access to ~he inlet duct. Diffarent vehicles have a different arran3ement of th~intake cluct but ~enerally the duct ineludes a duct wall havin~ an inner duct surface leadin~ from the position underneath the intake cover to the fan positioned forwardly or rearwardly a~ required of the fire wall.
~; When the intake cover has been removed, the piilow can be cut toshape adjacent the quilt lines dependin~ upon the dimensions oiF the intake duc~of the vehicle concerned and the pillow can then be inser~ed into the intake duct and the cover replaoed.
The purpose of the filter member is to remove or reduce dust, dirt, pollen, toxin~ or pollutants to prevent them enterin~ into the interior of the passenger compartrnent. This can be used to improve problems such as general health, asthrnatic condlitions or dust and dirt buildup within the vehicle.
.. .. .. .. ......... .. . . .. . .. ... .
2 1 ~
The filter can also extract some moisture and can prevcnt entry of snow or ice particles to prevent humidity buildup within the v~hiele which can lead to fo~ging of the windows.
A pillow type filter can provide a lifetime of the order of three to twelw months dependina upon usa~e and depending upon the level of pollutants within the air.
In one example the proposed filter pillow can be of the order of 12 inches by 15 inches panel quilted in 3 inch or 2 inch dia0onal squares so it canbe readily cut to size to match the cross section of the intake duct. Most automobiles currently on the market have easy access to the underside of the intake cover to allow simple installation of the pillow into the duct by the fric~ional effect.
One embodiment of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accornpanyin~ drawin~ in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fi~ur~ 1 is a partly broken away isometric view of a passenger vehicle showin~ the air intake and the fil~er member of the presen~ invention ina first installation arran~ement.
Fi~ure 2 is a cross sectional view throu~h the inlet duct of the air intake of the passen~er vehicle of Fi~ure 1.
Figure 3 is a view similar to ~hat of Figure 1 showin~ the air intake and filter member of the presen~ invention in a second instaliation arran~ement.Fi~ure 4 is ~ cross-sectional view throu~3h the inlet duct of the air intake of IFi~ure 3.
Fi~ure 5 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 showin~ the air intake and the filter member of the present invention in a third installation arran~ement.
Figur~ 6 is a cross-sectional vilew through the inlet duct of ~he air intake of Figure 5.
Fiyure 7 is a front elevational view of a fil~er member as supplied in its initial form showin~ the shape cut to provide the insert for en~agement into the duct of Figure 2.
DETAILED C)ESC:RIPTIC)N
A passen~er vehicle as shown in Fi~ure 1 is ~enerally indicated at 10 and includes a passen~er compartment 11 and an en~ine compartment 12 which is separated from the passen~er compartment by a fire wall 13. At the front of the passen~er compartment is provided 2 windshield 14 positioned forwardly of a dash board 15 includin~ air outlet vents 16. Above the engine compartment is provided a hood 17 and rearwardly of $he hood is provide!d an air inlet cover 18 which extends across th0 front of the windshield and inciudesopenings or louvers 19 through which air can be drawn in~o a compartrnent 20 underneath the cover 18.
An air inlet system ~r drawing outside air into the passen~er compartment includes a duct 21 rnounted within the compartment 20 and leadin~ to a fan housinQ 22 within whieh a fan 23 is mounted ISee Fi~ure 3).
The ~an passes the air frsm the compartment 20 throu~h an opening in the fire wall 13 wi~h that air then escaping throu~h the outlet 16.
The vehicle of the present invention is modified by the addition of , ~; ~7~ 21~4174 a filter member 30 which is mounted within the inner duct wall 25. The filter member comprises a pillow 31 formed of a plurality of layers 32, 33 etc. of a Filter medium. The pillow 31 is formed from the layers which are co-ex~ensive and terminate at defined side edges 33. The pillow is quilted by transverse and longitudinal quilt lines 34 and 35 (Figure 7) or more preferably by dia~onal arranged quilt lines formed either by stitching or by heat sealing to interconn~ct the layers. A number of the layers are formed from a conventional polyester filter material which is of the type formed from a non-woven m~t of fibrous material. Intermediate the layers of the filter material are provided additionallayers 36 which include an impre~nated activated charcoal material carried within the layer. In one alternative the activated charcoal can be applied directly to a fibrous layer so as to be carried thereby. In an alternative arran~ement the activated charcoal can be provided in powder or particuiate forrn and carried between two layers of the filter material.
The layers are built up to a cushion havin~ a thickness sufficient to provide a required filtration eMeet on the air drawn into the duct. In addition the thickness of the pillow is sueh that i~ has sufficient stiffness so that theside edges 37 and 38 of the pillow can en0age agains~ the inside surface or inner side wall 25 of the duct ~o assist in holdin~ the pillow in place.
In order to form thè filter pillow into the required shape, an initiai filt~r pillow of for example 12 inches by 15 inehes can be cut alon~ a cut line 39 to match the inside shape of the wall 25. The spacinq between the quilt lines is selected so that in ~eneral the cu~ line 39 1i8s outside the quilt lines so that the rnaterial within the filter member can expand ou~wardly at ~he ed~e for - 8 ~ 1 7 ~
most effective attachment and filtration. The dia~onal arran~ement of the quilt lin~s is preferred for this.
The pillow of the present construction is formed of a filter material which is stacked in layers and quilted for the purpose of holdin~ ~he activated charcc>al or similar absorption medium between the layers. Other ma~erial in addition to or instead of the activated charcoal disclosed can be used to provide absorption of different pollutan~s as required. The filter member can beus~d to reduce or remove dirt, dust, pollen, toxins or pollutants such as combustion products includin~ hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, nitro~en oxides, soot and the like from ths air drawn into the interior of the automobile. This improves ~eneral health, asthmatic conditions, dust and dirt buildup and moisture buildup. Th~ filter can also prevent entry of debris such as leaves, and other unwanted entrants such as rodents, insects and the like. The panel of the order of 12 by 15 inches is preferably quilted in 2 Of 3 inch s~uares so they oan be cut to size and easily installed as explained above into most of theautomobiles currently on the market place. The device is fitted as a retrofit arrangement wlthout the necessity for a supportin~ frame or the modification to the intake hosin3.
Fi~ures 1, 3 and 5 show three different techniques for the rnountin~ of the filter element vvithin the in~ake duct.\
In Fi~ures 1 and 5 the duct includes a cylindrical wall portion 40 throuyh which air is drawn downwardly into a duct for communication to the fan (not shown). In the arran0ement in Fi~ure 1, the duct 40 is readily available simply by the removal of a cover panel. In some cases the circular 21~4174 flan~e opening 40 is covered by a cover element 41. In other cases the cov~r element ~1 is omitted. In the presence of the cover element 41, a plurality of buttons 42 are located on the cylindrical inner wall of the cover 41. The cov~r thus includes a screen portion 44 and the cylindrical wall 45 l~adin~ to a ~ottom flan~e 46. The inside surface of the cylindrical wall 45 is itself of course cylindrical and receives a plurality of separate button-type elements 42 attached thereto by adhesive layer 43. Each of the button elements Is prefereable clrcular In plan view bu~ other shapes can be used. Each of the button elements has a plurality of fïsxible hooks on the front surface thereof, that is the surface opposite to the adhesive layer. The hooks are of the type conventionally used in a hook and loop fastening system. As shown in Fi~ure 1, the button elements are posltloned around the inside surface of the peripheral wall 45 followin~ which the pillow ~ype filter body is inserted into the cover 41 and the ed~es of the filter body en~a~ed with the hook ~lements. As the filter element is formed of a non-woven polyester fibrous mesh, the hook elements en~a~e effectively with the mesh to provide a vi~orous a~achment thereto.
In Fi~ures 5 and 6 is shown an alternative arran~ement in which the flange type opening 40 can not be accessed. In this arrangement the duc~
is accessible throu~h a central openin~ 50 throu~h which ~he hand of the user can reach. The user then appliies a plurality of the buttons in a first row 51 on an upper wall 52 of the duct and in a second row 53 on a lower wall 54 of the duct. The fiiter body is then formed into a rectangular shape by cut$in~ as previously described and is foided a~ a crease line 55 $o form a ~enerally V--lo- 2114~7~
shaped pillow with two legs 56 and 57 extendin~ to the upper and lower walls 52, 54 respectively. The ends of the le~s 56 and 57 are engaged with the row of fastener elements 51 and 53 respeetively to hold the filter body in plaee.
This can be achieved by the user foldin~ the filter body and insertin~ it through the openin~ and wri0~1in~ it to the required position and then pullin~ sli~htly back on the le~s 56 and 57 to ensure their proper enga~ernent with the hook-type fastener elements.
As a further alternative in ths arran~ement in FiQure 1, in ~he situation where there is no cover 41, the fastener elements can be arranged on the inside surface of the flan~e openin~ 40 and the filter element cut to the required shape and inserted as a friction fit within the flange en0a0in~ the ed~es with the fastener elements.
In Figures 3 and 4 is shown a yet further arran~ement in which the fan 22 is mounted in the intake duct within the en~ine compartment. The iFan - is of the squirrel-ca~e ~ype havin~ a fan body 60 dependin~ into a chamber 6 below a top plate ~2. The flange body has a surroundin~ flan~e 63 which en~a~es on~o the top surface of the plate 62 and is attaehed thereto by bolt 84. A motor 65 extends upwardly from ~he top plate 63. The top plate 62 of the chamber has an openin~ dimensioned just to receive the housin~ 60 of the fan 22 which extends into the housin~ down to an air oontrol pla~e 66 which extends across the chamber 61. The air eontrol plate has 3 central openin3 67 throu~h which air passes into the end face of the fan housiny. The openin~ 67 is dimtsnsioned to control ~he air intake in conventional manner.
In this emboeliment a filter body 70 is cut to shape first to form a 11 - 21~417 ~
cylindrical peripheral ed~e havin~ a diameter ~reater than that of the openin~
67. In this installation technique, the user removes the fan housing by extractin~ the bolts 64 and liftin~ the fan housin~ upwardly to expose the plate66. The user then attaches a rin~ of the fastener elemen~s 72 on the underside of the plate 66 just around the openiny 67. The filter pillow which has been cut to size from the pad previously described is then compressed sli~htly to pass through the openin~ 67 and dropped into ~he lower part of th~ chamber.
The user can then li~t the filter upwardly toward ~he underside of the plat0 66 by caref~lly ~rasping the fibrous material of the top layer 32 of the filter material and brin~in~ that into contact and en~a~ement with the fast~ner elements 72. This arran~ement therefore acts to hold the filter in place around the full periphery on the underside of the plate 66 so that air drawn through tha hole 67 firstly passes through the filter.
The ~ilter can be supplied as a kit of parts includin~ the rectangular filter pad for cuttin~ to the required shape and a plurali~y of the ~astener elements in the form of circular buttons havin~ an adhesive layer on one side and the hooks on the opposed side. The user can therefore select the installation technique depending upon the type of vehicle and ~he construction used in that vehicle and can then apply the fastener elemen~s as required, cut the filter body to the required shape and attach it in the manner set forth above.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as hereinabove described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of sarne made within the spirit and scope of the claims without departin~ from ;` ~ 211~117~
such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanyin~ specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limitin~ sense.
, . .
:~
:~
, ,,:
:
~ ~ -:
:
Claims (5)
1. A passenger vehicle comprising a vehicle body having a passenger compartment, an air intake duct for drawing exterior air for emission into the passenger compartment, a fan mounted in the duct for drawing air into the intake and a filter member mounted in the intake duct upstream of the fan, the filter member having a filter body arranged for extraction from air flowing therethrough of particulate materials and a filter medium in the filter body for extraction of combustion products, the filter body comprising a plurality of layers connected together to form a pillow, leaves some of the layers comprising a non-woven mat of fibres, the duct having fastening means therein comprising at least one element adhesively fastened to a wall of the duct and having a plurality of flexible hooks carried on the element, the hooks engaging said non-woven mat of fibres to hold the filter body in place.
2. The vehicle according to Claim 1 wherein the filter body includes a peripheral edge, a front surface and a rear surface, the fastening means being arranged such that the hooks engage the fibrous mat at the peripheral edge of the filter body.
3. The vehicle according to Claim 2 wherein the duct includes two opposed side walls and wherein the filter body is folded along a central crease line to form a V-shape inside elevation with edges of the filter body remote from the crease line being engaged with fastening means on said opposed side walls.
4. The vehicle according to Claim 3 wherein the duct includes a circular cylindrical portion and wherein the fastening means comprises a plurality of fastening elements arranged in a cylindrical pattern on inside surface of the circular cylindrical portion, the fastening means engaging a peripheral edge of the filter body.
5. The vehicle according to Claim 1 wherein the duct includes a transverse air control plate arranged immediately upstream of an intake of the fan, the plate having a hole therein through which air is drawn into the fan, the fastening means being arranged on a side of the plate remote from the fan and facing away from the fan, the filter body having outside periphery of greater dimension than the hole for engaging the plate around the hole, the fastening means engaging a face of the filter body adjacent to and facing the fan intake to hold the filter body against the plate.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US858893A | 1993-01-25 | 1993-01-25 | |
| US008,588 | 1993-01-25 | ||
| US053,224 | 1993-04-28 | ||
| US08/053,224 US5350444A (en) | 1993-01-25 | 1993-04-28 | Passenger vehicle with a filtered air intake |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2114174A1 true CA2114174A1 (en) | 1994-07-26 |
Family
ID=26678350
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002114174A Abandoned CA2114174A1 (en) | 1993-01-25 | 1994-01-25 | Passenger vehicle with a filtered air intake |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5350444A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2114174A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (43)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE509743C2 (en) * | 1994-06-17 | 1999-03-01 | Bluecher Hasso Von | Adsorptionsfilterskikt |
| US5683478A (en) * | 1994-08-01 | 1997-11-04 | Anonychuk; Lawrence | Occupant air filter for vehicles |
| USRE37150E1 (en) * | 1994-08-01 | 2001-05-01 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Occupant air filter for vehicles |
| GB9416487D0 (en) * | 1994-08-16 | 1994-10-12 | Goodwin Thomas I | Improvements in or relating to air filters |
| US5766285A (en) * | 1995-07-18 | 1998-06-16 | Killman; Shannon R. | Filter assembly for covering a disk drive slot |
| US6080059A (en) * | 1995-10-24 | 2000-06-27 | Kim; Sinil | Motor-vehicle passenger-compartment air-cleaner |
| WO1997015377A1 (en) * | 1995-10-24 | 1997-05-01 | Kim Sinil | Motor-vehicle passenger-compartment air-cleaner |
| US5772713A (en) * | 1996-05-30 | 1998-06-30 | Salinas; Irma C. | Adjustable filter assembly |
| US5776218A (en) * | 1996-11-20 | 1998-07-07 | Enns; Victor | Duct insertion filter |
| WO1998039081A1 (en) * | 1997-03-05 | 1998-09-11 | Air-Maze Corporation | Air cleaner element having incorporated sorption element |
| US5762665A (en) * | 1997-04-03 | 1998-06-09 | Abrahamian; Nichan A. | Vehicular air purification system |
| US5810896A (en) * | 1997-07-16 | 1998-09-22 | Clemens; Mark | Air filtration and purification system for vehicle |
| FR2779662B1 (en) * | 1998-06-10 | 2000-07-13 | Valeo | COMBINED FILTRATION DEVICE CAPABLE OF RETENTION OF PARTICLES AND GASES |
| US5958096A (en) * | 1998-10-30 | 1999-09-28 | Yee; Clinton C. | Air filter for vehicle |
| US6464761B1 (en) * | 1999-12-22 | 2002-10-15 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Air induction filter assembly |
| US6309451B1 (en) * | 2000-01-26 | 2001-10-30 | Chung-Hsuan Chen | Air filtering device for an automobile |
| US6348086B1 (en) * | 2000-02-16 | 2002-02-19 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Combination blower wheel and filter cartridge system for HVAC applications |
| JP2003001028A (en) * | 2001-06-22 | 2003-01-07 | Bridgestone Corp | Filter |
| DE10145716B4 (en) | 2001-09-17 | 2022-01-27 | Valeo Klimasysteme Gmbh | air filter arrangement |
| US6939396B2 (en) * | 2003-01-31 | 2005-09-06 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Ambient air pollution trap |
| US6959696B2 (en) | 2002-04-12 | 2005-11-01 | Briggs & Stratton Corporation | Internal combustion engine evaporative emission control system |
| US7748383B1 (en) | 2002-06-19 | 2010-07-06 | Soloway Michael S | Air filters |
| US20040089154A1 (en) * | 2002-07-03 | 2004-05-13 | Le Hung T. | Inline air filter |
| US7083514B1 (en) | 2003-10-28 | 2006-08-01 | Wix Filtration Corp. | Air-filtration system for vehicle operator |
| WO2006015429A1 (en) * | 2004-08-09 | 2006-02-16 | Kool Ideas Pty Ltd | Air-conditioning |
| US7086390B2 (en) * | 2004-11-05 | 2006-08-08 | Briggs & Stratton Corporation | Integrated fuel tank and vapor containment system |
| US7185640B2 (en) * | 2004-11-05 | 2007-03-06 | Briggs & Stratton Corporation | Integrated fuel tank and vapor containment system |
| US7294178B2 (en) * | 2004-11-08 | 2007-11-13 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Low loss hydrocarbon (HC) adsorber device for air induction system |
| DE102004000046B3 (en) * | 2004-11-17 | 2005-12-08 | Mann + Hummel Gmbh | Air duct |
| US7435289B2 (en) * | 2005-09-27 | 2008-10-14 | Briggs & Stratton Corporation | Integrated air cleaner and vapor containment system |
| US7625275B1 (en) * | 2006-01-26 | 2009-12-01 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Aerodynamic rain-hat for vehicle air intake |
| US7281525B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2007-10-16 | Briggs & Stratton Corporation | Filter canister family |
| US7789927B2 (en) * | 2007-07-06 | 2010-09-07 | Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. | Portable breathable dust partition system |
| JP2009085195A (en) * | 2007-10-03 | 2009-04-23 | Yamaha Motor Co Ltd | Air cleaner for vehicle and motorcycle having the same |
| US20090308548A1 (en) * | 2008-06-16 | 2009-12-17 | Tramontina Paul F | Temporary partition curtain |
| FR2943979A3 (en) * | 2009-04-07 | 2010-10-08 | Renault Sas | Arrangement for transparent or translucent support in frontage of e.g. museum, has film including transparent and white colored pattern and partially reflective layer that is arranged such that pattern is visible on two faces of support |
| DE102009033019A1 (en) * | 2009-07-02 | 2011-01-05 | Behr Industry Gmbh & Co. Kg | Air conditioning module for tour bus, has air conditioning unit and blower that are arranged between air inlet and outlet, and filter unit fastened to module by hook and loop fastener, where air flows through filter unit |
| US8500890B2 (en) * | 2011-03-01 | 2013-08-06 | Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc. | Air channel with integrated odor absorbing element |
| GB2523297B (en) * | 2013-12-11 | 2017-09-20 | Ford Global Tech Llc | Air filtration system comprising selectively attachable auxiliary filter assembly |
| US10087898B2 (en) | 2014-09-26 | 2018-10-02 | Ford Global Technologies Llc | Air filter element assembly for a motor vehicle |
| KR101620202B1 (en) * | 2014-10-13 | 2016-05-24 | 현대자동차주식회사 | Air freshener for vehicles |
| US10024279B2 (en) * | 2015-04-08 | 2018-07-17 | Hyundai Motor Company | Apparatus for improving cooling efficiency of engine room in vehicle |
| US20170136853A1 (en) * | 2015-11-17 | 2017-05-18 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Air box cover with integral air flow straightener pattern |
Family Cites Families (17)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US2505175A (en) * | 1945-12-29 | 1950-04-25 | Davis R Burnett | Air filter |
| US3086759A (en) * | 1959-04-23 | 1963-04-23 | Mc Graw Edison Co | Evaporative cooler pad construction |
| US3287003A (en) * | 1964-06-18 | 1966-11-22 | Mc Graw Edison Co | Pad rack construction for evaporative coolers |
| US3431335A (en) * | 1966-10-20 | 1969-03-04 | G S Staunton & Co Inc | Method and apparatus for making filters |
| US3538686A (en) * | 1968-10-21 | 1970-11-10 | Louis Schwab | Self-sealing and self-holding filter frame |
| US3870495A (en) * | 1972-12-22 | 1975-03-11 | Air Purification Systems Inc | Particulate and/or gas filters and associated filtering equipment to purify air to be breathed by persons in vehicles and/or buildings, and manufacture and installation of these filters |
| US3941034A (en) * | 1974-07-11 | 1976-03-02 | Carl Helwig | Filter attachment for automobile passenger compartment air intake |
| DE2621673A1 (en) * | 1976-05-15 | 1978-01-05 | Schulz & Co | Two component open felt band filter - having two grades of felt type material joined by strips of bonding agent |
| DE2833374A1 (en) * | 1978-05-10 | 1980-02-14 | Heinz Hoelter | Chemical adsorption filter for motor cabs - has number of separate, exchangeable elements with different functions to remove different gaseous components |
| DE2811419A1 (en) * | 1978-03-16 | 1979-09-27 | Heinz Hoelter | Bonnet mounted fresh air filter for car - is held by magnetic or elastic seals when bonnet is closed down |
| DE2813662A1 (en) * | 1978-03-30 | 1979-10-11 | Heinz Hoelter | Filter for use in car interior ventilators - consists of active carbon filter and second alkali-impregnated expanded pearlite filter with copper and/or oxide coating |
| US4183765A (en) * | 1978-07-14 | 1980-01-15 | Hercules Incorporated | Method of increasing viscosity of hydroxyalkyl cellulose solutions |
| DE2845490A1 (en) * | 1978-10-19 | 1980-04-30 | Hoelter Heinz | Replaceable filter for car fresh air duct - has wedge fitting into duct and complete with trim cover |
| US4250172A (en) * | 1979-02-09 | 1981-02-10 | Hausheer Hans P | Needled fiber mat containing granular agent |
| DE3512422A1 (en) * | 1985-04-04 | 1986-10-16 | Norbert 6230 Frankfurt Böcher | Filter on the fresh-air fan of a motor car |
| DE3514038A1 (en) * | 1985-04-18 | 1986-10-23 | Hölter, Heinz, Dipl.-Ing., 4390 Gladbeck | Elastic packed bed filters for vehicles |
| JPH0496516U (en) * | 1991-01-30 | 1992-08-20 |
-
1993
- 1993-04-28 US US08/053,224 patent/US5350444A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1994
- 1994-01-25 CA CA002114174A patent/CA2114174A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US5350444A (en) | 1994-09-27 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA2114174A1 (en) | Passenger vehicle with a filtered air intake | |
| EP1110593B1 (en) | Air intake filter | |
| US3870495A (en) | Particulate and/or gas filters and associated filtering equipment to purify air to be breathed by persons in vehicles and/or buildings, and manufacture and installation of these filters | |
| US6241794B1 (en) | Minivent air filter | |
| JP3107836B2 (en) | Ventilator for tractor cab | |
| US6074450A (en) | Air filter assembly | |
| US4737173A (en) | Room air treatment system | |
| US4684381A (en) | Chemical filter for use in a cab ventilation system | |
| US5810896A (en) | Air filtration and purification system for vehicle | |
| KR20190034534A (en) | Composite air filter and its method | |
| US5683478A (en) | Occupant air filter for vehicles | |
| US6171354B1 (en) | Self-adhesive air filter for forced air climate control system | |
| US4236592A (en) | Protective structure for vehicles | |
| US5056423A (en) | Device for supplying fresh air to the passenger space of a vehicle | |
| EP0716408A2 (en) | Tires/road noise reduction arrangement | |
| WO1997015377A1 (en) | Motor-vehicle passenger-compartment air-cleaner | |
| US20030157881A1 (en) | Motor vehicle air filter apparatus with an easily removable air filter | |
| EP0211177B1 (en) | Filter element in sheet form | |
| US20200215901A1 (en) | Hood air scoop | |
| US5302153A (en) | Air filtering device for a motor vehicle | |
| USRE37150E1 (en) | Occupant air filter for vehicles | |
| US8518161B2 (en) | Hood air scoop | |
| US20040055469A1 (en) | Vehicle cabin air purifier system | |
| US6681832B1 (en) | Window screen assembly for vehicle | |
| CA2624232A1 (en) | Filter for air intake of an automobile |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |