FILTER HEADER POCKET CHANNEL FRAME

Abstract

The pocket channel frame provides a means for attaching the distal ends of a pocket frame without the need of any tools. The pocket channel frame is formed from a longitudinal member having an elongated “C” shaped cross section. One end comprises is a flared out female end with a rectangular slot or 5 hole in it. The opposing distal end of the longitudinal having a C shaped cross section is swaged down into a projecting male end including a lance punched in the web. When the male end is swaged, an edge is created in the transition area from male to female which acts as a stop means for cooperatively engaging the female receiving distal end and sets the length of a short side of the pocket channel frame. During assembly, the lance snaps into the hole cooperatively engaging the slot on the 10 female side preventing the channel frame from coming back apart.

Claims

1. A filter frame header locking device comprising: a longitudinal channel member comprising a base channel and upwardly extending channel sidewalls, a pair of spaced apart aligned longitudinal reinforcement ribs extending along said longitudinal channel base, said channel sidewalls including a pair of inwardly projecting longitudinal shoulders spaced apart from and aligned with said reinforcement ribs, said longitudinal channel member including a first male end including a tab with spaced apart aligned transverse teeth for cooperatively engaging an opposing channel receiver including a lanced portion forming an inwardly raised transverse flange extending across the channel base with an upwardly projecting lip for cooperative engagement with the ratcheting teeth disposed on the tab surface of the opposing distal end of the longitudinal channel member.

2. The filter frame header locking device of claim 1, including a pocket filter including a plurality of relatively flat wedge-shaped filter bags removably retained in said filter frame head forming a filter cartridge including a series of pocket filters suspended from filter frame in adjacent side-by-side relation.

3. A filter frame header locking device comprising: a longitudinal channel member comprising a base channel and upwardly extending channel sidewalls, a pair of spaced apart aligned longitudinal reinforcement ribs extending along said longitudinal channel base, said channel sidewalls including a pair of inwardly projecting longitudinal shoulders spaced apart from and aligned with said reinforcement ribs, said longitudinal channel member including a first male end including a tab with two lateral half tangs for cooperatively engaging an opposing channel receiver including two lateral lanced portions forming inwardly raised transverse flanges on either side of said channel base, each with an upwardly projecting lip for cooperative engagement with the two tangs disposed on the tab surface of the opposing distal end of the longitudinal channel member, said channel receiver having two inwardly extending mounds which cooperatively engage an inwardly canted end portion of said tab to maintain engagement of said tangs with said upwardly projecting lips.

4. The filter frame header locking device of claim 3, including a pocket filter including a plurality of relatively flat wedge-shaped filter bags removably retained in said filter frame head forming a filter cartridge including a series of pocket filters suspended from filter frame in adjacent side-by-side relation.

5. A filter frame header locking device consisting of a longitudinal channel member including a base channel having a pair of spaced apart upwardly extending channel sidewalls, a pair of spaced apart aligned longitudinal reinforcement ribs extending along said longitudinal channel base, said channel sidewalls including a pair of inwardly projecting longitudinal shoulders spaced apart from and aligned with said reinforcement ribs, said longitudinal channel member including a first male end including a tab with two lateral half tangs for cooperatively engaging an opposing channel receiver including two lateral lanced portions forming inwardly raised transverse flanges on either side of said channel base, each with an upwardly projecting lip for cooperative engagement with the two tangs disposed on the tab surface of the opposing distal end of the longitudinal channel member, said channel receiver having two inwardly extending dimples cooperatively engaging an inwardly canted end portion of said tab tangs with said upwardly projecting lips.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] A better understanding of the present invention will be had upon reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout the views wherein:

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the prior art pocket filter;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the pocket filter of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 3 shows one end of a prior art pocket channel frame assembly wherein a “pierce and roll” fastening method is used to pierce the metal then rolls the metal back on itself;

[0032] FIG. 4 is an inner perspective view of joined free ends of the pocket channel frame of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the pocket channel frame;

[0034] FIG. 6 is an outside view of the joined free ends of the pocket channel frame;

[0035] FIG. 7 is an inside view of the two free ends assembled;

[0036] FIG. 8 is an outside view of the two free ends assembled;

[0037] FIG. 9 is a view of the cross-section of the longitudinal member forming the pocket channel frame;

[0038] FIG. 10 is a view of the first free end of the longitudinal member forming the pocket channel frame;

[0039] FIG. 11 is a view of the second free end of the longitudinal member forming the pocket channel frame;

[0040] FIG. 12 is an edge view of the first free end of the longitudinal member forming the pocket channel frame;

[0041] FIG. 13 is an edge view of the second free end of the longitudinal member forming the pocket channel frame;

[0042] FIG. 14 is a view of the pocket channel frame before being folded into a rectangular shape;

[0043] FIG. 15 is an end view of the first free end of the longitudinal member forming the pocket channel frame shown in FIG. 10;

[0044] FIG. 16 is an end view of the second free end of the longitudinal member forming the pocket channel frame shown in FIG. 11;

[0045] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the second free end of the longitudinal member forming the pocket channel frame shown in FIG. 11 aligned for joining to the first free end of the longitudinal member forming the pocket channel frame shown in FIG. 10;

[0046] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the second free end of the longitudinal member forming the pocket channel frame cooperatively engaging the first free end of the longitudinal member forming the pocket channel frame shown in FIG. 10;

[0047] FIG. 19 is a sectional end view showing the flange 42 inserted into the distal end of the channel of the filter channel frame;

[0048] FIG. 20 shows a top view of an embodiment with the first free distal female end of the longitudinal member forming the pocket channel frame with a aperture formed in a medial position of the first free end;

[0049] FIG. 21 is top view of the embodiment of FIG. 20 with the second distal free end of the male longitudinal member forming the tongue of pocket channel frame wherein a pierced and formed lover in the web of the male end forms a bump for cooperative engagement with the aperture formed in the female end to cooperatively engage the male end;

[0050] FIG. 22 is an edge view of the embodiment of FIG. 20 showing the first free female end of the longitudinal member forming the pocket channel frame;

[0051] FIG. 23 is an edge view of the embodiment of FIG. 20 showing the second free male end of the longitudinal member forming the pocket channel frame showing the stop bump which extends below the surface of the channel base and showing the coining at the bend lines;

[0052] FIG. 24 is an end view of the embodiment of FIG. 20 showing the male end of the pocket channel frame showing the stop means;

[0053] FIG. 25 is an end view of the of the embodiment of FIG. 20 showing a first free female end of the longitudinal member;

[0054] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the of the embodiment of FIG. 20 showing the second free end of the longitudinal member forming the pocket channel frame cooperatively engaging the first free end of the longitudinal member forming the pocket channel frame;

[0055] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the second free end of the embodiment of FIG. 20 of the longitudinal member forming the pocket channel frame shown in FIG. 11 aligned for joining to the first free end of the longitudinal member forming the pocket channel frame;

[0056] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 20 showing the the second free male end of the longitudinal member forming the pocket channel frame with the rectangular aperture and the stop means raised above the level of the channel base;

[0057] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 20 showing the the second free male end of the longitudinal member and first free female end of the longitudinal member in cooperative engagement forming the pocket channel frame with the rectangular aperture and the stop means raised above the level of the channel base; and

[0058] FIG. 30 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 20 showing the second free male end of the longitudinal member forming the pocket channel frame with the rectangular aperture and an indention in the top of the channel base forming the stop means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0059] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0060] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0061] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to”, “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0062] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0063] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0064] Filter assemblies usually include a plurality of pocket channel frame assemblies wherein each one supports a filter bag having an open end attached to a pocket channel frame comprising a rectangular flat pocket channel frame 10 fastened inside the open end of the bag. The pocket channel frames 10 are fastened together, side by side, and then the pocket channel frame and bag assembly is supported by a filter frame header 12 wherein the pocket channel frames are inserted into an inward facing U-shaped channel of a corresponding sized and shaped main header frame 12 such as is described pending U.S. Patent Publication 201802218902. The header frame is made from a longitudinal channel having miters spaced out along the channel and a distal end. The inner miters are bent at right angles with the U-channel facing inward. The filter frame header locking device holds the ends of the header frame together after installation of the pocket channel frames.

[0065] The pocket channel frame provides a means for attaching the distal ends of a pocket channel frame without the need of any tools. The pocket channel frame is formed from a longitudinal member having an elongated “C” shaped cross section. One end comprises is a flared out female end with a rectangular slot or hole in it. The opposing distal end of the longitudinal having a C shaped cross section is swaged down into a projecting male end including a lance punched in the web. When the male end is swaged, an edge is created in the transition area from male to female which acts as a stop means for cooperatively engaging the female receiving distal end and sets the length of a short side of the pocket frame. During assembly, the lance snaps into the hole cooperatively engaging the slot on the female side preventing the frame from coming back apart.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 4-19, the pocket filter pocket channel frame 11 comprises a longitudinal member 10 with a C-shaped cross section and including four spaced apart transverse crimps 28 allowing easy bending of the longitudinal member 10 at four corners to form a rectangular frame. The open side of the C-shaped cross-section faces inward with respect to the rectangular pocket channel frame 11.

[0067] As shown in the FIGS. 9-19, the pocket channel frame comprises a longitudinal channel member(s) 10 having cooperatively engaging free ends, a projecting male end 40 and female receiving end 42. The longitudinal channel member 10 comprises a generally flat base channel 70 formed having spaced apart opposed extending curved channel sidewalls 71. The folded or curled over 180 degrees forming curved sidewall portion 71 of the channel member 10 is spaced apart a selected distance from the channel base and extends inwardly forming flanges 74 terminating in having opposing side edges 73 of the longitudinal channel 10.

[0068] The sidewalls 71 are formed or bent at about a 180 degree angle extending inwardly spaced apart and aligned with one another for a selected distance about ⅓ of the distance across the longitudinal channel base 70 forming opposing flanges or shoulders 74. It is contemplated that the shoulders 74 could be formed separately from the channel as an insertable 10 member held in the channel by a friction fit, adhesive, soldering, welding, or other attachment means. The shoulders can be any desired length or depth.

[0069] The longitudinal channel member 10 includes a first male end forming a tab 42 for cooperatively engaging a second female end defining an opposing channel receiving end 40. The 15 male end includes at least one lateral lanced portion forming inwardly raised transverse flange at a selected position such as in the center of the channel base or web forming an upwardly projecting lip for cooperative engagement with at least one slot formed in the surface of the opposing distal end of the receiving end of the longitudinal channel member for cooperative engagement therewith.

[0070] In one preferred embodiment, an inward facing tang 20 is formed in a medial position of the 20 first free end 40 about one inch from the end. The free end of the tang 20 faces away from the first free end 40. The second free end 42 of the longitudinal member 10 has a flattened portion 44 and a rectangular aperture 22 has been formed in the medial area thereof, also about one inch from the end. Outward extending lugs or ears 32 and 34 have been swaged to provide a positive stop when the first free end 42 is inserted into the C-shaped void of the second free end 40. The edge of the C-shaped 25 channel comes against the lugs 32 and 34 at the same time the tang 20 snaps into the aperture 22.

[0071] The crimps 28 are spaced apart to position the ninety degree bends so that the resulting shape 12 with the second end 42 inserted and snapped into the first end 40 is a rectangle as shown in FIG. 5. A plurality of the pocket channel frames 11 are inserted into the wedge shaped bags 4. The pocket channel frames are fastened together and the resulting subassembly is slipped into the U-channel of the main 5 channel frame 12, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 20-30 the first free distal female end of the longitudinal member forms the pocket channel frame with a aperture formed in a medial position of the first free end. The second distal free end of the male longitudinal member forming the tongue of pocket channel frame wherein a pierced and formed lover in the web of the male end forms a bump 33 for cooperative engagement with the aperture 30 formed in the female end to cooperatively engage the male end. The second free male end of the longitudinal member forms the pocket channel frame showing the stop bump which extends below the surface of the channel base and showing the coining at the bend lines 35. The second free end of the longitudinal member forming the pocket channel frame cooperatively engaging the first free end of the longitudinal member forming the pocket channel frame. The longitudinal member forms the pocket channel frame by alignment and joining to the first free end of the longitudinal member forming the pocket channel frame. The second free male end of the longitudinal member forms the pocket channel frame with the rectangular aperture and the stop means raised above the level of the channel base and does not depend upon the ears 32, 34 to limit forward movement of the male tongue into the female or receiver end of the channel frame.

[0073] The stopping device shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 20-30 include a different stopping device than that shown in FIGS. 4-19 using ears formed out to the sides of the male end in order to abut and stop the edge of the female end when the two were assembled. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 20-30 show the side edge projections replaced with a pierced and formed “louver” in the web or channel base of the male end shown as a bump.

[0074] The embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-19 is slightly more difficult to push together to cooperatively engage the male and female ends and occasionally the female end can ride over the “ears” on the male end causing that side of the formed rectangle to be short. The stop means shown in FIGS. 20-30 requires the parts to fit very tightly together at the center of the web where th bump is located.

[0075] The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness of understanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom, for modification will become obvious to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, this invention is not intended 10 to be limited by the specific exemplification presented herein above. Rather, what is intended to be covered is within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.