Frame for receiving a filter element and method for providing

Abstract

Provided is an apparatus for receiving a filter member. The apparatus, in this embodiment, includes a plurality of discrete substantially rigid frame sections. In this embodiment, each respective section of the plurality of sections lies generally in a respective plane substantially oriented about a respective axis and has a respective length greater than a respective width. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plurality of sections are joined width-to-width generally oriented with respect to a plane in an assembled orientation to circumscribe a quadrilaterally bound zone for effecting said receiving. Further to this embodiment, adjacent portions of respective joined sections in the assembled orientation establish respective joining structures. Even further to this embodiment, each respective joining structure maintains the adjacent portions oriented substantially about a respective axis.

1 . An apparatus for receiving a filter member, the apparatus comprising:
 a plurality of discrete substantially rigid frame sections, wherein:
 each respective section of said plurality of sections lying generally in a respective plane substantially oriented about a respective axis and a having a respective length greater than a respective width; 
 said plurality of sections being joined width-to-width generally oriented with respect to a plane in an assembled orientation to circumscribe a quadrilaterally bound zone for effecting said receiving; 
 adjacent portions of respective joined sections in said assembled orientation establishing respective joining structures; and 
 each respective said joining structure maintaining said adjacent portions oriented substantially about a respective axis. 
   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus for receiving a filter member as recited in  claim 1  wherein each said respective joining structure includes at least one joining element; each joining element of said at least one joining element including at least two portions for effecting a latching relationship between said respective adjoining members. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus for receiving a filter member as recited in  claim 2  wherein a first portion of said at least two portions is integrally formed in one of said adjacent sections, and wherein a second portion of said at least two portions is integrally formed in an other of said adjacent sections than said one adjacent section. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus for receiving a filter member as recited in  claim 2  wherein at least one of said at least one first portion presents a ramp structure generally oriented about an initial axis, and wherein at least one said at least one second portion presents a stop portion; said ramp structure being deflected from said initial axis as said ramp structure is urged against said stop portion along an installation path; said ramp structure returning substantially to said initial orientation about said initial axis when said ramp structure is urged past said stop portion along said installation path to an installed orientation; said ramp structure bearing against said stop portion to effect resisting removal back along said installation path when said ramp structure is in said installed orientation. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus for receiving a filter member as recited in  claim 2  wherein said at least one joining element is at least two joining elements. 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus for receiving a filter member as recited in  claim 3  wherein at least one of said at least one first portion presents a ramp structure generally oriented about an initial axis, and wherein at least one said at least one second portion presents a stop portion; said ramp structure being deflected from said initial axis as said ramp structure is urged against said stop portion along an installation path; said ramp structure returning substantially to said initial orientation about said initial axis when said ramp structure is urged past said stop portion along said installation path to an installed orientation; said ramp structure bearing against said stop portion to effect resisting removal back along said installation path when said ramp structure is in said installed orientation. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus for receiving a filter member as recited in  claim 6  wherein said at least one joining element is at least one latching structure and two guiding structures; each guiding structure of said at least two guiding structures including a guide member in said one adjacent section slidingly received within a receiving structure in said other adjacent section. 
     
     
         8 . A method for providing a frame for receiving a filter element; the method comprising:
 providing a pair of first members;   providing a pair of second members; and   arranging said first members alternately with said second members in an assembled orientation to establish a plurality of joining structures between adjoining first and second members, wherein each respective joining structure maintains said members oriented substantially about a respective axis, and further wherein said first members and said second members cooperate to define a volume for effecting said receiving.   
     
     
         9 . A method for providing a frame for receiving a filter element as recited in  claim 8  wherein each said respective joining structure includes at least one joining element; each joining element of said at least one joining element including at least two portions for effecting a latching relationship between said respective adjoining members. 
     
     
         10 . A method for providing a frame for receiving a filter element as recited in  claim 9  wherein a first portion of said at least two portions is integrally formed in one of said adjoining structures, and wherein a second portion of said at least two portions is integrally formed in an other of said adjoining structures than said one adjoining structure. 
     
     
         11 . A method for providing a frame for receiving a filter element as recited in  claim 9  wherein at least one of said at least one first portion presents a ramp structure generally oriented about an initial axis, and wherein at least one said at least one second portion presents a stop portion; said ramp structure being deflected from said initial axis as said ramp structure is urged against said stop portion along an installation path; said ramp structure returning substantially to said initial orientation about said initial axis when said ramp structure is urged past said stop portion along said installation path to an installed orientation; said ramp structure bearing against said stop portion to effect resisting removal back along said installation path when said ramp structure is in said installed orientation. 
     
     
         12 . A method for providing a frame for receiving a filter element as recited in  claim 9  wherein said at least one joining element is at least two joining elements. 
     
     
         13 . A method for providing a frame for receiving a filter element as recited in  claim 9  wherein at least one of said at least one first portion presents a ramp structure generally oriented about an initial axis, and wherein at least one said at least one second portion presents a stop portion; said ramp structure being deflected from said initial axis as said ramp structure is urged against said stop portion along an installation path; said ramp structure returning substantially to said initial orientation about said initial axis when said ramp structure is urged past said stop portion along said installation path to an installed orientation; said ramp structure bearing against said stop portion to effect resisting removal back along said installation path when said ramp structure is in said installed orientation.