Cabin Air Filter Device

Abstract

A cabin air filter device for cleaning air entering a vehicle is provided. The cabin air filter device comprises a cabin air filter constructed from a washable and reusable material with the cabin air filter having an original shape. The cabin air filter is capable of being positioned within the a/c and heating system of the vehicle and is capable of being washed while substantially maintaining the original shape.

Claims

1. A cabin air filter device for cleaning air entering a vehicle, the cabin air filter device comprising: a cabin air filter constructed from a washable and reusable material, the cabin air filter having an original shape; wherein the cabin air filter is capable of being positioned within the a/c and heating system of the vehicle; and wherein the cabin air filter is capable of being washed and substantially maintaining the original shape.

2. The cabin air filter device of claim 1 wherein the cabin air filter is a high efficiency air filter.

3. The cabin air filter device of claim 1 wherein the cabin air filter is pleated.

4. The cabin air filter device of claim 1 wherein the cabin air filter has a substantially rectangular shape.

5. The cabin air filter device of claim 1 wherein the cabin air filter is constructed from a plastic or nylon material.

6. The cabin air filter device of claim 1 wherein the cabin air filter is constructed from an oiled cotton material.

7. The cabin air filter device of claim 1 wherein the cab in air filter, once washed and dried, is capable of being positioned into the a/c and heating system of the vehicle.

8. A method for cleaning air entering a vehicle, the method comprising: providing a cabin air filter having an original shape; constructing the cabin air filter from a washable and reusable material; positioning the cabin air filter within the a/c and heating system of the vehicle; removing the cabin air filter from the a/c and heating system of the vehicle; washing the cabin air filter; and maintaining the original shape of the cabin air filter.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the cabin air filter is a high efficiency cabin air filter.

10. The method of claim 8 and further comprising: pleating the cabin air filter.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein the cabin air filter has a substantially rectangular shape.

12. The method of claim 8 and further comprising: constructing the cabin air filter from a plastic or nylon material.

13. The method of claim 8 and further comprising: constructing the cabin air filter from an oiled cotton material.

14. The method of claim 8 and further comprising: positioning the cabin air filter into the a/c and heating system of the vehicle once the cabin air filter has been washed and dried.

15. A cabin air filter device for cleaning air entering a vehicle, the cabin air filter device comprising: a pleated, high efficiency air filter constructed from a washable and reusable material, the cabin air filter having an original shape; wherein the cabin air filter is capable of being positioned within the a/c and heating system of the vehicle; and wherein the cabin air filter is capable of being washed and substantially maintaining the original shape.

16. The cabin air filter device of claim 15 wherein the cabin air filter is a high efficiency air filter.

17. The cabin air filter device of claim 15 wherein the cabin air filter has a substantially rectangular shape.

18. The cabin air filter device of claim 15 wherein the cabin air filter is constructed from a plastic material.

19. The cabin air filter device of claim 15 wherein the cabin air filter is constructed from an oiled cotton material.

20. The cabin air filter device of claim 15 wherein the cabin air filter, once washed and dried, is capable of being positioned into the a/c and heating system of the vehicle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a cabin air filter device, in accordance with the present invention, showing a pleated cabin air filter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Cabin Air Filter Device, indicated generally at 10, is an improved high efficiency cabin air filter 12 configured to filter the air circulated in a motor vehicle's passenger cabin. Unlike other cabin air filters, the cabin air filter 12 of the Cabin Air Filter Device 10 is washable and reusable.

[0016] The cabin air filter of the Cabin Air Filter Device 10 of the present invention is a cabin air filter 12 positioned in the a/c and heating system of the vehicle's passenger compartment. In a preferred embodiment, the cabin air filter 12 is pleated thereby increasing the cabin air filter area for filtering a greater amount of particles, dust, and debris. The number and size of the pleats of the cabin air filter 12 can vary depending on the needs and desires of the manufacturer and user.

[0017] The cabin air filter 12 of the Cabin Air Filter Device 10 of the present invention is of any suitable shape to accommodate any vehicle, but in many cases is preferably rectangular in shape to fit most outside air intakes of most vehicles. It should be noted, however, that it is within the scope of the present invention to construct the cabin air filter 12 in another shape or different shapes to fit the available space in the outside air intakes of the vehicle.

[0018] A unique difference between a current conventional disposable cabin air filter and the cabin air filter 12 of the Cabin Air Filter Device 10 of the present invention is the material which comprises the cabin air filter 12 of the present invention. The cabin air filter 12 of the Cabin Air Filter Device 10 is preferably constructed from a washable and rinsable plastic material, oiled cotton material, nylon, or similar material. Once the cabin air filter 12 is clogged or it is time for a regular change, for instance when the vehicle oil is changed, the cabin air filter 12 of the present invention is removed and rinsed of particles, dust, and debris. Once dried, the cabin air filter 12 of the Cabin Air Filter Device 10 is reinstalled and reused until it is time once again to wash, rinse, dry, and reinstall.

[0019] Being a relatively recent addition to automobile equipment, the cabin air filter 12 of the Cabin Air Filter Device 10 of the present invention is often overlooked, and can greatly reduce the effectiveness of a vehicle's air conditioning and heating performance. Clogged or dirty cabin air filters significantly reduce airflow from the cabin vents as well as introduce allergens such as pollen and dust into the cabin air stream. Generally speaking, cabin air filters cost between approximately ten dollars and forty dollars. Automakers recommend replacing the filter every twelve months or seventy five hundred miles which is a maintenance expense that adds up over time.

[0020] When using the cabin air filter 12 of the Cabin Air Filter Device 10 of the present invention, one cabin air filter lasts for years which greatly reduces vehicle maintenance costs. Additionally, unnecessary waste is avoided by using the present invention. The cabin air filter 12 of the Cabin Air Filter Device 10 also provides higher rates of effective filtration than current cabin air filters. In terms of a cabin air filter's performance and the respiratory health of a motorist and their passengers, the cabin air filter 12 and the Cabin Air Filter Device 10 is highly effective. Durably constructed of a high quality materials, the present invention will withstand many years of continued use.

[0021] Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.