Collapsible extended surface filter and air cleaner system using collapsible extended surface filter

Abstract

A collapsible air cleaner filter is provided. The filter includes a pleated media filter having a first end, a second end, and a filter media extending between the first and second ends, wherein the filter media includes a first plurality of flexible end portions and a second plurality of flexible end portions, the first and second plurality of flexible end portions are separated by a plurality of pleats, and the filter media extends a first length between the first and second plurality of flexible end portions, and an end member coupled to the first end of the pleated media filter, the end member extending a second length parallel to the first length, the first length being greater than the second length.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A filter for an air cleaner having an enclosing structure including a first wall, a second wall and two side surfaces, the filter comprising:
 a collapsible pleated filter media comprising a first end and a second end, and a flexible support member extending between the first end to the second end;   a first end member coupled to the first end of the pleated filter media; and   a second end member coupled to the second end of the pleated filter media;   wherein the first and second end members each define structures adapted to engage a system for holding the collapsible pleated filter media in an extended state in the enclosing structure, the system comprising multiple support arms extending across the flexible support member from the first end member to the second end member.   
     
     
         2 . The filter of  claim 1 , wherein the collapsible pleated filter media is configured to be provided in said enclosing structure such that the first end member creates an effective seal with the first wall. 
     
     
         3 . The filter of  claim 2 , wherein the collapsible pleated filter media is configured to be provided in said enclosing structure such that the second end member creates an effective seal with the second wall. 
     
     
         4 . The filter of  claim 1 , wherein the collapsible pleated filter media further comprises a first portion, and the collapsible pleated filter media is configured to be provided in said enclosing structure such that the first portion creates an effective seal with one of the two side surfaces. 
     
     
         5 . The filter of  claim 4 , wherein the collapsible pleated filter media further comprises a second portion, and the collapsible pleated filter media is configured to be provided in said enclosing structure such that the second portion creates an effective seal with the other of the two side surfaces. 
     
     
         6 . The filter of  claim 1 , wherein one of the two side surfaces is a rear wall of the air cleaner or a sealing surface or structure provided on the rear wall. 
     
     
         7 . The filter of  claim 1 , wherein one of the two side surfaces is a door of the air cleaner or a sealing surface or structure provided on the door. 
     
     
         8 . A filter for an air cleaner having an enclosing structure including a first wall, a second wall and two side surfaces, the filter comprising:
 a pleated media filter having a first end, a second end, and a filter media having a pleat edge and an end portion, a portion of the pleat edge is included in the end portion;   a first end structure provided at the first end of the pleated media filter and a second end structure provided at the second end of the pleated media filter such that the pleated media filter extends between the first and second end structures;   and a flexible support member having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the first end structure and the second end coupled to the second end structure such that the flexible support member extends between the first and second end structures,   wherein the collapsible filter is designed such that: when the collapsible filter is placed into the enclosing structure, it is maintained in an extended state by a system comprising multiple support arms extending from the first end member to the second end member and across the flexible support member.   
     
     
         9 . The filter of  claim 8 , wherein the collapsible pleated filter media is configured to be provided in said enclosing structure such that the first end member creates an effective seal with the first wall. 
     
     
         10 . The filter of  claim 9 , wherein the collapsible pleated filter media is configured to be provided in said enclosing structure such that the second end member creates an effective seal with the second wall. 
     
     
         11 . The filter of  claim 8 , wherein the collapsible pleated filter media further comprises a first portion, and the collapsible pleated filter media is configured to be provided in said enclosing structure such that the first portion creates an effective seal with one of the two side surfaces. 
     
     
         12 . The filter of  claim 11 , wherein the collapsible pleated filter media further comprises a second portion, and the collapsible pleated filter media is configured to be provided in said enclosing structure such that the second portion creates an effective seal with the other of the two side surfaces. 
     
     
         13 . The filter of  claim 8 , wherein one of the two side surfaces is a rear wall of the air cleaner or a sealing surface or structure provided on the rear wall. 
     
     
         14 . The filter of  claim 8 , wherein one of the two side surfaces is a door of the air cleaner or a sealing surface or structure provided on the door.