- 1 Filter Apparatus The invention relates to a filter apparatus for filtering air in any premises and to a method of assembly. The invention is directed particularly but not solely towards a filter apparatus when used in hospitality kitchens or near deep fryers or any cooking appliances. 5 Background of Invention Existing filters are used to clean exhaust fumes from cooking facilities like restaurants or in homes. They are also useful for residential situations like cooking in kitchens. Any fumes can be hazardous to users and to the building. Many commercial cooking facilities must 10 meet health and safety rules and regulations to keep the air clean and safe by ventilation and filtering. For buildings any unwanted fumes can cause damage to a building structure which is costly to repair and clean. Fumes can contain both chemical and temperature problems for the 15 fabric of a building thus increasing general maintenance costs. With some fumes there is also the potential fire hazard whereby fumes from cooking can provide an accelerant to any possible fire. Unwanted odours can be damaging to a business potentially putting off any customers. 20 Because of high replacement cost of existing filters, cleaning becomes an economic necessity. Also cleaning filters is necessary because if left in too long, they get clogged up, loosing adequate ventilation therethrough. Cleaning is costly being a time consuming job which can also damage the filters and damage them by over cleaning. Recycling is not particularly easy to do, sometimes involving more cost to the consumer and to the 25 environment in cleaning waste and high energy use plus high chemical use. Traditionally filters are made from metals such as aluminium which include an outer metal frame with mesh in between. These filters are designed to receive and divert air from above cooking to capture any oil and steam etc but do not have any means to absorb and retain oil. 30 The use of cardboard has not been considered before, because of the perception that cardboard is flameable or a fire risk. Cardboard is being used in vehicles as an air filter whereby air is drawn through the pores of the cardboard ie with no gaps which can only -2 allow for dust, particulates or solids to be trapped thereon. Such a cardboard air intake filter would not be able to be used to filter air from cooking, as it would clog up causing odour problems, a fire risk and damage to all surrounding surfaces. 5 In this specification unless the contrary is expressly stated, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge; or known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned. 10 Object of the Invention It is an object of the invention to provide an improved filter apparatus and method of assembly that ameliorates some of the disadvantages and limitations of the known art or at least provide the public with a useful choice. 15 Summary of Invention In a first aspect the invention resides in a filter apparatus including a filter member 3, the filter member 3 including at least one elongate shaped body defining a length dimension with ends and sides and transverse dimension, the elongate shaped body includes a shaped middle 20 member 30 sandwiched between a first planar member 31 and a second planar member 32 wherein the first and second planar members form the sides of the body, which has a construction that provides at least one opening or passageway 33 oriented through and between the shaped middle member and between the first and second members 31, 32 to allow when in use, air flow there through, such that any non air materials or particulates 25 including oil or water vapour, are able to be deposited on or in the filter member to be absorbed, whereby the filter member is formed of cellulosic material eg cardboard or paper. Preferably a perimeter frame 2 is provided to provide a perimeter frame forming an enclosed space 4 to surround and hold the ends of each filter member 3 in place. 30 Preferably the perimeter frame 2 includes a planar member adhered to the ends of filter member 3.
-3 Preferably, the planar member of the perimeter frame 2 is formed of a cardboard material having a U shaped cross section with a space therein to house an end portion of the filter member. 5 Preferably there are a plurality of the shaped middle members 30 each sandwiched between first 31 and second 32 planar members thereby forming an alternating pattern of first or second planar members and shaped middle members. Preferably, the shaped middle member 30 of the filter member 3, includes wavy or 10 corrugated shaped pattern. Alternatively the shaped middle member 30 includes an angled pattern. Alternatively the shaped middle member 30 includes a zig-zag pattern. Alternatively the shaped middle member includes 30 a spaced post pattern. 15 Alternatively the shaped middle member includes 30 a castellated pattern. Alternatively the shaped middle member includes 30 a slit pattern. Preferably the first 31 and second 32 planar members comprise at least one layer of material. 20 Preferably, the filter member 3 extends into the space of the perimeter frame. Preferably the filter member 3 and/or frame can be recycled to retrieve the oil. Preferably the filter member 3 comprises a plurality of separate single elongate strips of 25 corrugated cardboard having a length from end to end and a width from side to side. Alternatively the filter member 3 comprises a single piece of corrugated cardboard which is cut and folded to form connected strips of compressed or concertinaed cardboard. Preferably the filter member 3 is adapted to absorb or retain some fluids such as oil, water 30 and steam and solids such as dust or particulates. Alternatively, the filter member 3 comprises a material having a concertina shape including peaks and valleys.
-4 Preferably the concertina shape extends continuously across the entire enclosed area. Preferably on one side of the filter member 3 there is provided a peak which has an opening to allow air in and on the other side of the peak there is a valley or backing. 5 In a second aspect the invention resides in a method of assembly for a filter apparatus which includes the following steps of: Provide a sheet or panel filter member comprising a shaped middle member sandwiched between first and planar members; Cut the sheet into strips of filter members 3 10 Put the strips side by side abutment and optionally attach to each other to form a polygonal shape eg rectangle or square or circle; Surround polygonal shape with a perimeter frame. In a third aspect the invention resides in a method of assembly for a filter apparatus whereby 15 including a perimeter frame and filter member arranged together whereby the perimeter frame forms an enclosed space sized and adapted to allow the filter member to be inserted and supported therein the enclosed space having sides and perimeter outside end faces, such that the filter member has a construction that has openings oriented to allow when in use, air flow there through such that any non air materials or particulates, are able to be deposited on 20 or in the filter member whereby the filter member is formed of cardboard whereby the method includes the steps of: Cut and assemble the perimeter frame Cut lines at certain spacing on at least one side of a sheet of cardboard Cut lines at certain spacing on other side of a sheet of cardboard making sure the cuts 25 are alternative for each side as shown in figure 3; Fold cardboard to form the filter member 3; Insert filter member 3 into frame 2 to form the filter assembly 1 Install filter assembly into position with respect to an air flow 30 To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and application of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The -5 disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting. Brief Description 5 The invention will now be described, by way of example only, by reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of the filter apparatus of the present invention. Figure 2 is a close up view of part of the filter member from figure 1. 10 Figure 3 is a side view of the filter apparatus of figure 1. Figure 4 is a close up view of the bottom of the filter apparatus of figure 3. Figure 5 is a close up side view of a portion of the filter member of figure 3. Figure 6 is a close up view of a portion of the filter member of figure 5. Figure 7 is a close up view similar to figure 6 15 Figure 8 is a close up view similar to figure 5 Figure 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the filter apparatus. Figure 10 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the filter apparatus Figure 11 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the filter apparatus 20 Figure 12 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the filter apparatus. Figure 13 is a schematic close up view of a strip of the filter member. Figure 14 is a schematic cross section of the filter apparatus excluding the perimeter frame, with a wavy pattern with a double reinforced covering. 25 Figure 15 is a schematic cross section of the filter apparatus with a wavy pattern with a single reinforced covering. Figure 16 is a schematic cross section of the filter apparatus excluding the perimeter frame with a zig-zag pattern with a single reinforced covering Figure 17 is a schematic cross section of the filter apparatus excluding the perimeter frame 30 with a post like pattern with a single reinforced covering Figure 18 is a schematic cross section of the filter apparatus excluding the perimeter frame with a castellated pattern with a single reinforced covering -6 Figure 19 is a schematic cross section of the filter apparatus excluding the perimeter frame with a circular tube pattern with a single reinforced covering Figure 20 is a schematic cross section of the filter apparatus excluding the perimeter frame 5 with a slit like pattern with a single reinforced covering Description of Drawings The following description will describe the invention in relation to preferred embodiments of the invention, namely a filter apparatus and method of assembly and installation. The 10 invention is in no way limited to these preferred embodiments as they are purely to exemplify the invention only and that possible variations and modifications would be readily apparent without departing from the scope of the invention. Figures 1-20 show a filter apparatus 1 which is constructed and adapted to filter fumes, air 15 steam etc from any source such as for example from a stove or cooker. Filter apparatus 1 is constructed and designed to absorb a portion of the fumes such as oil, particulates etc while still providing for uninterrupted air flow there through, which is almost like the nose having hairs within. The filter apparatus can be made or manufactured to include at least a portion of cellulosic material which can be for example cardboard or stiff paper. 20 Filter apparatus 1 can include a perimeter frame 2 adapted to support a filter member 3. The perimeter frame 2 forms a peripheral planar member surrounding a side enclosed space 4 having sides 5 and outside end faces 6. Enclosed space 4 is sized and dimensioned to allow the filter member 3 to be located and end supported therein but is open from the front and 25 rear to allow air flow there through. Filter apparatus 1 can have a top 7, bottom 8 and sides 9, a front 10 and back 11. Though these terms relate to the use of the filter apparatus 1 they do serve to define positions with respect to each other and so are not limed to this use. In this example the front 10 of the filter member 3 can be similar to the back 11 which can also be true for the perimeter frame 2. 30 Perimeter frame 2 in one example comprises a channel like cross sectional profile such as for example being a U-shaped cross having a space formed therein whereby there is an outer surface 15 and inner surface 16. The channel profile also includes a base 20 with side walls -7 21 & 22 extending there from with an enclosed space 23 between. In this example the channel profile can be a substantially square shaped or box like profile rather than a rounded profile. Inner surface 15 relates to the surface and space located between the side walls 21 & 22 and base 20. 5 As seen in figures 1-8, a single filter member 3 is shown rather than multiple filter members 3 as shown in figures 9-20, includes the first or second planar members 31 or 32 of filter member 3, cardboard and shaped middle member 30 (eg corrugated or wavy shape) are cut at cut lines on one surface portion to form a cut opening 34 leaving only the other surface 10 portion 32 or 31 uncut so that when the corrugated card is to be assembled, it can be folded at the cut lines 34 to form a wave like pattern as mentioned.. The cut lines 34 are oriented across the corrugated shape 30 so that when folded at the cut lines 34 the voids 33 between the surfaces 31 and 31 and corrugated internal portions are exposed. On each side of the filter means there valleys and peaks which mean that on each opposite side of the filter 15 member 3 these valleys and peaks are now peaks and valleys. It is the cut openings 34 where any fumes and/or air flow F is directed towards and through whereby the air is able to enter the void 33 on each side of the filter member 3. Because cardboard is porous or textured, it can absorb moisture from an air flow which is able to 20 fluidly travel through the void 33 of filter member 3 on one side 10 and out a cut opening 34 located on the opposite side 11 of the filter member 3 - see figures 4 & 7. Also as shown by the arrows in figure 5 the passageway or void 33 can have two main channels (one 35 on one side of the internal corrugated portions 30 and another 36 on the 25 other side of the corrugated portion 30, leading to an exit through cut opening 34. In any cooking situations, including oil cooking, one gets an oil vapour 37 which is forced through the filter member 3 whereby any particulates are able to be deposited onto any of the inner surfaces of the void 33 as the oil component or any particulates get caught or trapped on the fibrous texture of the cardboard of the corrugated portions 30 and of the inner surface 30 portions 31 and 32. As the air is pulled or pushed through the filter member 3, water, water vapour or oil or oil vapour and also dust or carbon can also be attracted to the filter member 3 to be gathered or deposited thereon or therein which eventually may block the air flow there through, which means the filter apparatus needs replacing or recycling.
- 8 Filter member 3 can be formed as a continuous one piece cardboard member which can be folded and cut into a concertina shape or the filter member 3 can be formed from more than one, several or a plurality of folded cardboard portions or it can be formed as separate strips 5 of cardboard stacked on top of each other having exposed edges on both sides of the filter apparatus 1. As shown in figures 9-20 filter member 3 comprises at least one elongate shape dimensioned area to extend from side to side (for example, though top to bottom can also be done) of the 10 enclosed space 4 defining a length, providing at least one passageway 12 transverse to the length from the front to rear or vice versa for the passage of air or fumes to pass there through and there against a portion of the filter member 3 to cause oil or non air to be absorbed there on and therein. 15 The at least one elongate shaped body defines a length dimension with ends and sides and transverse dimension. The elongate shaped body includes a shaped middle member 30 sandwiched between a first planar member 31 and a second planar member 32 which has a construction that provides at least one opening, passageway or void 33 oriented through the middle member 30 in the transverse direction and between the first and second planar 20 members 31, 32 to allow when in use, air flow there through, such that any non air materials or particulates including oil or water vapour, are able to be deposited on or in the filter member whereby the filter member is formed of cardboard or paper. The shaped middle member 30 of filter member 3 has a cross section as shown as being for 25 example a wave like elongate pattern. The wave like pattern comprises peaks 25 and valleys 26 continuously extending in an alternating form from the top to the bottom of the apparatus 1. Each peak 25 and valley 26 extend continuously from side 9 to side 9 of the filter apparatus 1 between an inner surface of the channel which is at right angles to the top to bottom alternating pattern. 30 The filter member 3 has an end portion whereby a peripheral border portion is supported by the peripheral frame 3. This means that filter member 3 peripheral portion is located within the channel space 23 of the perimeter frame 2. As shown in the figures, filter member 3 is -9 fabricated from cardboard. Figure 2a shows the cardboard is corrugated comprising a corrugated internal portion 30 located between the first planar member 31 & the second planar member 32. In between the internal corrugated portion 30 and first and second planar members 31 & 32 there is the passageway or void 33. 5 The filter apparatus 2 can include more than one filter member 3 making up an alternating pattern of planar members 31 and 32 and shaped middle members 3 which can either be separately formed and joined or integrally formed with at least one layer or more. The planar members 31, 32 are formed as the sides with the shaped planar member 30 10 sandwiched in between but providing at least one passage for the air to pass through and/or be absorbed into the planar members and shaped planar members. Once absorbed into cardboard, the oil or whatever can be absorbed then can migrate therein therethrough to possibly allow more uptake of oil. 15 The filter apparatus 1 can be coated or layered to enhance its fire or heat resistance. Intumescent coatings or layers can be combined with any parts or components of the apparatus. Assembly Method of the filter apparatus for figures 1-8 20 Cut and assemble the perimeter frame 2; Cut lines or openings 34 at certain spacing on one side of a sheet of corrugated cardboard 30; Cut lines or openings at certain spacing on other side of a sheet of corrugated cardboard 30 making sure the cuts are alternating for each side as shown in figure 3; Fold corrugated cardboard to form the filter member 3; 25 Insert filter member 3 into perimeter frame 2 to form the filter assembly 1 and; Install filter assembly into position with respect to an air flow or cooking appliance. Assembly Method for figures 9-20 Have a sheet or panel filter member comprising a shaped middle member 30 sandwiched 30 between first 31 and second 32 planar members; Cut the sheet into strips of filter members 3; Put the strips side by side abutment and optionally attach to each other to form a polygonal shape eg rectangle or square or circle and; - 10 Surround polygonal shape with a perimeter frame. As shown in figure 9, alternatively the perimeter frame 2 can be formed from a pizza type container with a central flat front and rear portions cut out for the filter member 3 to form a 5 frame in the cross sectional shape of a channel which can be U shaped. Alternatively the frame channel can be made from an L shaped cross sectional shape and another L shaped which can be slid together with an overlapping portion. During fitting of the filter member 3 this can be concertinaed or compressed after folding to allow easier inserting into the space 5 between the perimeter frame 2. 10 In yet another option for the apparatus, filter member 3 which previously can be cut on one side of a sheet of cardboard which is then folded to produce an exposed edge, can be formed from a plurality of separately cut strips of corrugated cardboard abutting each other directly, as seen in figure 9-11. Figure 12 shows yet another variation for the filter member 3 which 15 can be formed as one piece member and spiral wound each other. In this example there is no need for a perimeter frame 2, though such a frame can be used if required or desired. In all these examples for the filter member 3 as shown in figure 13, the requirement is to at least have a standard corrugated cardboard consisting of an outer planar cardboard face or 20 surface layer 50 and 51 of a certain thickness, forming a void there between with wavy shaped inner cardboard 54 in between whereby cutting just one face or both will enable the wavy shaped inner cardboard or void to be exposed to then allow air to be drawn or pushed there through. Cardboard faces 50 and 51 are formed as elongate strip like members having ends forming a length with sides being significantly less dimension than the length 25 dimension, with the wavy shaped inner cardboard 54 being oriented with the wave extending along from end to end thereby having a plurality of tunnels 55 extending at right angles to the end to end length whereby the tunnels extend from side to side of the strips. For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", 30 "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal" and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices - 11 illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting 5 Advantages a) Modest cost b) Is biodegradable c) can reduces smells 10 d) Simple assembly e) Easy replacement f) Simple installation g) Able to be recycled h) Less unwanted odours 15 i) Reduced fire risk to the flue j) Does not clog but allows air flow there through k) Able to retrieve waste products there from 1) High surface area for high absorbency m) Able to be used in any filter assembly 20 n) Able to absorb some oils, steam and water eg fluids o) Able to attract dust and carbon to the filter member p) Air is drawn through channels through the filter member which allows any particulates or oil vapour or steam to be deposited thereon without blocking q) Gel barrier can be formed on filter member which is able to be a fire barrier 25 Variations Throughout the description of this specification, the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprising" and "comprises", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Though the apparatus is useful for filtering air from cooking 30 situations, any other situations not necessarily involving cooking are also possible, such as, for example, simple air filtering of any constituent make up, where air flow and trapping of any unwanted constituents of the air is required.
- 12 Though perimeter frame 2 is shown as a channel profile cross section as shown, other cross sections are possible such as L shaped, or simply just a strip of material. The cross section can be formed from separate components. The perimeter frame can be formed of the same 5 material as the filter member 3 or it can be different eg cardboard or metal. The planar members 31 and 32 can be formed of one layer or many layers. The filter members 3 can be adhered together or not, or be adhered to the perimeter frame 2 only. For the material forming the apparatus, cardboard, paper, multilayered paper, pasteboard, 10 stiff paper, heavy duty paper or any cellulosic type material capable of absorbing and yet being strong enough to provide a body with at least one passageway through is envisaged. At least a portion of the planar member and shaped member must include cellulosic material to allow absorption therein. 15 The filter member 3 can be removably attached to the inside space of the perimeter frame 2 cross section or it can be friction fitted, slotted or clipped into place. Alternatively, the filter member 3 can be glued or clipped in place. In some situations, minimally the filter member 3 can be removed and replaced or simply not 20 used. The filter member 3 is shown as being a wavy pattern as is typical with common corrugated cardboard as shown in figures 1, 2, 9-14 with a double outer layer 31. However other cross sections or shapes are equally possible with single outer layers 31 and 32 as long a passageway is always formed for the movement of air therethrough, such as for example wavy pattern 30 as in figure 15, zig-zag or alternating angle pattern 30 as in figure 16, 25 spaced post pattern 30 as in figure 17, castellated pattern 30 as in figure 18, circular tube pattern 30 of figure 19 and slits 30 in the shape of rectangles as in figure 20. It is important that the filter member 3 at least provides a through passageway 12. Handles or slots or tabs can be added to the filter apparatus 1 or perimeter frame 2, to 30 facilitate handling or removal from the filter apparatus from a housing installation. The cuts or opening which allow the air flow in and out can be continuous or be discrete in extent. Openings 34 are shown as being horizontal in orientation but equally they can be - 13 positioned at other angles such as for example, vertical. Openings 34 can be lines or circular shaped openings. The spacing of openings 34 can be varied as required. Other types of cardboard or paper can also be used such as multiple layers and voids as long 5 as the advantages of cardboard are provided such as absorbency and voids. As shown in the drawings a rectangular shaped filter assembly is shown but other shapes are also possible such as for example square, triangular, or circular. Both the frame and filter can be made from cardboard but minimally the filter member 3 needs to be formed of cardboard. 10 It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is hereinbefore described. 15 20 25