FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to unique cloth fixing apparatus and related methods of use within the filtration arts. In particular, the cloth fixing apparatus described herein may find utility with industrial filters, such as drum and pan vacuum filters.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in the arts.

Traditionally, the cloth fixing method for pan and drum filters involves laying a bite of filter media in an open channel of an omega-shaped profile (i.e., “division strip”). The channel comprises a “dovetail” or “undercut” slot profile as shown. Caulking rope is inserted within the channel over the bite of filter media lying within the opening of the division strip. The caulking rope applies forces against the bite of filter media and in turn, increases frictional forces between the filter media and surfaces of the channel, thus retaining the media within the channel. To accommodate chemical exposure and improve holding or reduce wear, the division strip may, as shown, comprise a steel core over-moulded with another substrate such as a polymer, without limitation.

Turning now to FIG. 1 , a drum portion 109 of a drum filter rotates in direction 108. The drum 109 comprises a drum PPE 107, a drum shell 106, a rubber lining 105 over the drum shell 106, and polypropylene grids 104. A conventional cloth fixing apparatus 110 uses a division strip 100 secured between adjacent polypropylene grids 104. The division strip 100 comprises a channel 101 having a dovetailed or undercut slot. As shown, the division strip comprises an omega-shaped profile and may comprise an inner steel core over-moulded with a polymeric (e.g., rubber) exterior. A bite of filter media 103 is tucked in the channel 101 and caulking rope 102 is inserted into the channel 101 over the bite of filter media 103 to pinch the filter media 103 in place within the channel 101 of the division strip 100.

Current caulking technology has several disadvantages. Users of such devices complain that caulking rope is difficult to apply, requires a lot of force/energy to install, and in some cases can result in knee pain and other ergonomic health issues.

Due to the high forces required to push the caulking rope into the channel of the division strip, the omega-shaped profile can be damaged through deformation and “widening” or “opening up”. As a result, the caulking rope can easily become dislodged from the channel by the blowback air pressure during operation of the filter.

Another issue with conventional apparatus is that the installation can be timeconsuming and successful installation can largely depend on the experience of the personnel installing the caulking rope.

Embodiments of the below-proposed cloth fixing apparatus seek to improve upon existing cloth fixing devices by facilitating and expediting installation. This allows personnel to quickly and successfully fasten and secure filter media in a highly repeatable manner, and readily remove it from an industrial filter when the time comes to replace filter media. Despite its improved functionality and remarkable holding ability, the proposed cloth fixing apparatus is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an aim of embodiments of the invention to provide an improved lifting cloth fixing apparatus (1 ) for easily and cheaply retaining filter media (2) to a drum or pan filter. A particular aim is to provide a cloth fixing apparatus (1 ) which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above; or, which at least provides a useful alternative to conventional cloth fixing apparatus.

Another aim of embodiments is to provide a method of cloth fixing which is simpler to use and capable of being used by personnel of all levels of training.

Another aim of embodiments is to reduce or obviate the need, or render obsolete the practice of wire winding on drums of drum filters.

It is further desired to provide a cloth fixing apparatus and method which is expected to tolerate higher blow-back pressures during operation of an industrial filter.

It is further anticipated that embodiments may significantly reduce the time for redressing a drum with filter media as compared to traditional caulking methods.

It is further anticipated that embodiments may avoid occurrences of deformation or “opening up” of the omega-shaped profiles caused by excessive caulking rope insertion forces.

Another aim of embodiments is to improve health and safety such that prior issues/concerns seen with use of traditional caulking technology will be reduced or even eliminated.

Other preferred objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Embodiments of a cloth fixing apparatus (1 ) for securing filter media (2) to a drum or pan (e.g., vacuum) filter are disclosed. The cloth fixing apparatus (1 ) may comprise a first elongated side wedge member (3). The first elongated side wedge member (3) may have a wide lower end (10), a narrow upper end (11 ), and an angled side (12). The cloth fixing apparatus (1 ) may comprise a second elongated side wedge member (5). The second elongated side wedge member (5) may have a wide lower end (10), a narrow upper end (11 ), and an angled side (12). The cloth fixing apparatus (1 ) may comprise a central locking strip (4). The central locking strip (4) may be configured to be disposed between and abut the first (3) and second (5) elongated side wedge members at junctions (13). The cloth fixing apparatus (1 ) may comprise a division strip (6). The division strip (6) may comprise an omega-shaped profile. The division strip (6) may have a channel (9) defined by opposed angled walls (8) and an internal base

(14). In other words, the channel (9) may comprise a dovetailed or undercut slot.

The cloth fixing apparatus (1 ) is preferably configured to capture filter media (2) between internal surfaces of the channel (9), and external surfaces of the first elongated side wedge member (3), second elongated side wedge member (5), and central locking strip (4).

In some embodiments, the division strip (6) may comprise flange portions (15). In some embodiments, the division strip (6) may comprise one or more securement features (7). The securement features (7) may be provided to the flange portions

(15), without limitation.

Abutting surfaces between the central locking strip (4) and each of the first elongated side wedge member (3) and second elongated side wedge member (5) may form a junction (13). The junction (13) may comprise frictional forces between the central locking strip (4) and each of the first elongated side wedge member (3) and second elongated side wedge member (5). The abutting surfaces may comprise planar surfaces at the junction (13).

The angled side (12) of each of the first (3) and second (5) elongated side wedge bars may be configured to substantially follow the angled walls (8) of the channel (9). The narrow upper end (11 ) of each of the first (3) and second (5) elongated side wedge bars may be configured to remain flush with the filter media (2), recessed with respect to the filter media (2), and/or not protrude beyond the filter media (2) when the filter media (2) is installed and secured by the central locking strip (4).

A method of installing filter media (2) to a drum or pan filter is also disclosed. The method may comprise the step of providing a cloth fixing apparatus (1 ) as described above. The method may comprise the step of placing a bite of the filter media within the channel (9) of the division strip (6). The method may comprise the step of placing the first elongated side wedge member (3) over the bite of filter media (2) and into the channel (9) with its wide lower end (10) and angled side (12) facing the filter media (2), and with its wide lower end (10) facing towards the internal base (14) of the channel (9), such that its narrow upper end (11 ) faces away from the filter media and its angled side (12) closely follows an angled wall (8) of the channel (9). The method may comprise the step of placing the second elongated side wedge member (5) over the bite of filter media (2) and into the channel (9) with its wide lower end (10) and angled side (12) facing the filter media (2), and with its wide lower end (10) facing towards the internal base (14) of the channel (9), such that its narrow upper end (11 ) faces away from the filter media and its angled side (12) closely follows another angled wall (8) of the channel (9).

The method may comprise the step of disposing the central locking strip (4) between the first (3) and second (5) elongated side wedge members such at junctions (13), such that a surface portion of the central locking strip (4) abuts a surface portion of each of the first (3) and second (5) elongated side wedge members. The method may comprise the step of capturing the bite of filter media (2) between surfaces of the channel (9) and surfaces of the first elongated side wedge member (3), second elongated side wedge member (5), and central locking strip (4) to secure the filter media (2) to the drum or pan filter.

The angled side (12) of each of the first (3) and second (5) elongated side wedge bars respectively preferably faces away from each other and towards one of the opposed angled walls (8) of the channel (9) such that a majority of the cross- sectional area of the channel (9) is filled by the combination of: the bite of filter media (2), the first elongated side wedge bar (3), the second elongated side wedge bar (5), and the central locking strip (4).

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 is a representative schematic diagram illustrating a conventional cloth fixing apparatus and method according to the prior art.

FIG. 2 shows a non-limiting embodiment of a cloth fixing apparatus (1 ) in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a second view of the cloth fixing apparatus (1 ) depicted in FIGS. 1 & 2.

FIGS. 4 shows an installed configuration of filter media (2) using the cloth fixing apparatus (1 ) shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The proposed cloth fixing apparatus 1 and installation method thereof introduces a system comprising first 3 and second 5 elongated side wedge bars and a central locking strip 4. The side wedge bars 3, 5 and central locking strip 4 may be preferably made of a plastic material (e.g., polyethylene, polyurethane, polypropylene, polyester, rubber, or the like, without limitation). Turning now to FIGS. 2-4, a division strip 6 comprises an omega-shaped profile and a channel 9. The division strip 6 may comprise one or more securement features 7, such as holes for mounting screw fasteners or snap lock tabs, without limitation. The securement features 7 may be provided to opposing flange portions 15 of the division strip 6 as shown.

The channel 9 comprises a dovetailed or undercut slot defined by opposed angled walls 8 as shown. The channel 9 is wider at its internal base 14 than at its upper opening as shown.

A first elongated side wedge bar 3 and a second elongated side wedge bar 5 are positioned within the channel such that a wide lower end 10 of each are positioned towards the internal base of the channel 9 as shown. The wide lower end 10 of each side wedge bar 3, 5 is configured to abut filter media 2 resting against the internal base 14 of the channel 9. An angled side 12 of each of the side wedge bars 3, 5 are positioned to abut filter media 2 resting against an angled wall 8 of the channel 9.

After a bite of the filter media 2 is placed within and tucked deep into the channel 9 towards the internal base 14 of the channel, the first 3 and second 5 elongated side wedge bars are inserted into the channel 9 over top of the filter media 2 in the orientation depicted in the figures, with their respective narrow upper ends 11 facing away from the internal base 14. The central locking strip 4 is then inserted between the side wedge bars 3, 5 forming a junction 13 between the central locking strip 4 and each of the side wedge bars 3, 5. Frictional forces at each junction 13 serve to bias the side wedge bars 3, 5 outwardly toward the opposed angled walls 8, thus retaining the filter media 2 within the channel 9 via compression. Frictional forces remain between the central locking strip 4 and side wedge bars 3, 5, until the time comes when the filter media 2 is to be removed.

The central locking strip 4 may be provided in the form of an elongated rectangular prism, and may be used as a “spreader bar”. It should be understood that the long opposing sides of central locking strip 4 can be planar. The long opposing sides of central locking strip 4 can be parallel to each other, or at least substantially parallel to each other.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in some embodiments, the long opposing sides of central locking strip 4 can slightly tapered to be not exactly parallel to each other. For example, sides of central locking strip may be slightly tapered so as to form a prismatic “wedge” that rides along inner surfaces of first 3 and second 5 elongated side wedge bars. In such latter embodiments, the inner facing walls of first 3 and second 5 elongated side wedge bars may have a slight taper (to create a space between that opens/widens upwardly), and the central locking strip 4 may be slightly wider at its top end than at its lower end.

Junctions 13 between central locking strip 4 and first 3 and second 5 elongated side wedge bars may be planar surface junctions as shown, but it should be understood that these contacting surfaces can be roughened and/or have surface modifications (e.g., pips, bumps, protuberances, ridges, undulating surfaces, or other features) thereon, without limitation.

To remove/replace the filter media 2, the locking strip 4 is removed by applying an upward pulling force to the locking strip. Doing so releases the compression forces of side wedge bars 3, 5 against the filter media 2 and angled walls 8. Once loose within channel 9, the side wedge bars 3, 5 are then removed from the channel 3 and the bite of filter media 2 tucked within the channel 9 can be tugged out of the channel 9. Once the filter media 2 is removed from the channel 9 of all division strips 6 on the drum, new filter media 2 can be installed/removed in the same manner described above.

While not shown, one or more tool engagement features may be provided to an upper end surface of central locking strip 4, or to the small distal ends of the central locking strip. For example, one or more undercut recesses, lugs, threaded inserts, or threaded bores may be provided for engagement with a removal/installation tool. Such tool engagement features may assist with positioning, removal, and/or installation of the central locking strip 4. Such tool engagement features may facilitate removal from above the central locking strip 4, rather than from the ends of the central locking strip 4.

While the embodiment shown is depicted for use with a drum filter, the same may be practiced with pan filters utilizing similar division strips 6 between grids 104.

In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc. When describing methods and steps thereof, the order or appearance of a listed step may not be important. Thus, it is possible for method steps to be taken out of sequence from what is described.

The above description of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above-described invention.

In this specification, the terms ‘comprises’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, ‘including’, “has”, “having”, “incorporates”, “is provided with”, or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed. It should further be understood that embodiments described and/or depicted herein are provided for exemplary purposes only, and that certain elements, features, components, or steps described and/or depicted may be optionally omitted, replaced with art-recognized equivalents, or combined in any logical permutation consistent with the aims of the inventive concept.

LIST OF REFERENCE IDENTIFIERS

Cloth fixing apparatus

Filter media (e.g., filter cloth)

First elongated side wedge bar

Central locking strip (e.g., elongated rectangular prism spreader bar)

Second elongated side wedge bar

Division strip (e.g., comprising an omega-shaped profile and channel)

Securement feature(s)

Opposed angled walls

Channel (e.g., comprising a dovetailed or undercut slot)

Wide lower end

Narrow upper end

Angled side

Junction

Internal base

Flange portion

Division strip

Channel (e.g., dovetailed or undercut slot)

Caulking rope

Filter media (e.g., filter cloth)

Polypropylene grid

Rubber lining

Drum shell

Drum PPE

Direction of rotation (drum)

Drum (of drum filter)

Conventional cloth fixing apparatus