Reusable air filter device

Abstract

An air filtration device is provided. The device comprises a frame member with a detachable filter element, and the filter element comprises a fabric, textile, or similar pliable material that is operable to be washed by various methods. Methods and devices include a filter element and various attachment mechanisms for securing the filter element to a frame and selectively removing the filter element for cleaning and replacement purposes.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An air filtration device, comprising:
 a frame comprising a length and a height;   the frame comprising a plurality of selectively interconnectable frame members that form a substantially rectilinear frame when provided in an assembled state;   the frame at least partially defining an air flow path;   a filter member comprising a flexible textile material, a first side, a second side, a length, a height, and an internal volume provided between the first side and the second side;   wherein the length and the height of the filter member are equal to or greater than the length and the height of the frame;   the filter member further comprising an opening extending along at least a portion of the height of the filter member and at least a portion of the length of the filter member, and wherein the opening is sized and operable to receive the frame such that the frame is operable to be provided within the internal volume of the filter member; and   wherein the filter member is operable to be separated from the frame and wherein the flexible textile material of the filter member is operable to withstand liquid saturation and elevated temperatures.   
     
     
         2 . The air filtration device of  claim 1 , wherein the opening of the filter member comprises a zipper. 
     
     
         3 . The air filtration device of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible textile material comprises at least one of: polyester, cotton, wool, bamboo, acrylic, nylon, rayon, spandex, acetate, lastex, orlon and Kevlar. 
     
     
         4 . The air filtration device of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of interconnectable frame members are provided and wherein at least one of the length and the height of the frame may be selectively varied based upon a selection of the plurality of interconnectable frame members. 
     
     
         5 . The air filtration device of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of supports extend in the air flow path, the plurality of supports providing structural support to at least one of the frame and the filter member. 
     
     
         6 . The air filtration device of  claim 1 , wherein the filter member is provided with a static electric charge. 
     
     
         7 . The air filtration device of  claim 1 , wherein the filter member comprises at least one of an antibacterial treatment, a carbon treatment, and a dust-attracting treatment. 
     
     
         8 . The air filtration device of  claim 1 , wherein the elevated temperatures comprise temperatures equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. 
     
     
         9 . An air filtration device, comprising:
 a frame comprising a length and a height;   the frame comprising a plurality of selectively interconnectable frame members that form a substantially rectilinear frame when provided in an assembled state;   the frame at least partially defining an air flow path;   a filter member comprising a flexible textile material, a first side, a second side, and an internal volume provided between the first side and the second side;   the filter member further comprising an opening, and wherein the opening is sized and operable to receive the frame such that the frame is provided within the internal volume of the filter member; and   wherein the filter member is operable to be separated from the frame and wherein the flexible textile material of the filter member is operable to withstand liquid saturation and elevated temperatures.   
     
     
         10 . The air filtration device of  claim 9 , wherein the opening of the filter member comprises a zipper to selectively close the opening. 
     
     
         11 . The air filtration device of  claim 10 , wherein the zipper extends along at least a portion of length and the height of the frame member when the filter member is secured to the frame member. 
     
     
         12 . The air filtration device of  claim 9 , wherein the flexible textile material comprises at least one of: polyester, cotton, wool, bamboo, acrylic, nylon, rayon, spandex, acetate, lastex, orlon and Kevlar. 
     
     
         13 . The air filtration device of  claim 9 , wherein a plurality of interconnectable frame members are provided and wherein at least one of the length and the height of the frame may be selectively varied based upon a selection of the plurality of interconnectable frame members. 
     
     
         14 . The air filtration device of  claim 9 , wherein a plurality of supports extend in the air flow path, the plurality of supports providing structural support to at least one of the frame and the filter member. 
     
     
         15 . The air filtration device of  claim 9 , wherein the filter member is provided with a static electric charge. 
     
     
         16 . The air filtration device of  claim 9 , wherein the filter member comprises at least one of an antibacterial treatment, a carbon treatment, and a dust-attracting treatment. 
     
     
         17 . The air filtration device of  claim 9 , wherein the elevated temperatures comprise temperatures equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. 
     
     
         18 . The air filtration device of  claim 10 , wherein the zipper extends along each of the at least two adjacent, perpendicular sides of the filter member. 
     
     
         19 . The air filtration device of  claim 9 , wherein the air filtration device is sized to correspond to existing duct work intended to receive a filtration device.