Functional unit for assembly into a filter block, kit for assembly of a functional unit into a filter block, and air filter unit

Abstract

The present application relates to a functional unit for assembly into a filter block, a kit for assembly of a functional unit into a filter block, and an air filter unit. The functional unit comprises a base member defining between a bottom wall and two pairs of side walls extending from the bottom wall and defining a receiving space, a first removable perforated cover removably attached to the base member over at least a portion of the space, a sliding member provided on an outer surface of one of the two pairs of side walls, and a second movable perforated cover configured with a complementary sliding member. The present disclosure relates to an air filter unit, for example an air filter unit adapted for assembly into an air conditioning system, comprising an adjustable functional unit for holding, for example, a scent material or a scent dispensing device. The adjustable unit is configured to adjust to accommodate various types and sizes of air filters.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to air filter units, for example, for use in air handling systems such as air conditioning systems, air purifiers, etc. Background Technology

[0002] Air conditioning systems typically include filter media, such as paper or fabric filters, through which air is forced to flow to remove unwanted contaminants. The accumulation of contaminants, external odors, and odors in the recirculated air can all contribute to an unpleasant smell emanating from the air conditioning system.

[0003] Various solutions exist for improving the odor of air conditioned by air conditioning. Most solutions are designed as passive systems, i.e., reservoirs containing odorants through which air flows, passively releasing the odorant into the airflow. Other solutions include spray devices that release odorants into the airflow at defined time intervals before or after air is discharged from the air conditioning system. Most solutions are typically designed to distribute a single, predetermined odor at predetermined times and do not provide on-demand odor dissipation or user-selective odor dissipation.

[0004] Furthermore, in most cases, the size of the odor dissipation unit is determined by the specific type of filter, making it impossible for an odor dissipation unit designed for one filter to be used in another filter, for example, due to the specific size of each type of filter. Utility Model Content

[0005] This disclosure provides an adjustable functional unit for storing odorant material or, preferably, dispersing odor device. The adjustable functional unit is designed to allow easy access to its interior to allow for both replacement of the odorant material or odorant device and adjustment of the unit's size so that it can be fitted into different types of filters. The unit is adjustable, allowing for a tight, removable fit within the filter without protruding beyond the filter's boundaries or height.

[0006] In one aspect of this disclosure, a functional unit for assembly into a filter block is provided, the unit comprising: a base member defined between a bottom wall and two pairs of sidewalls extending from the bottom wall and defining a receiving space; a first removable perforated cover removably attached to the base member above at least a portion of the space; a sliding member disposed on the outer surfaces of a pair of sidewalls in the sidewalls; and a second movable perforated cover configured with complementary sliding members; the second movable perforated cover being configured to slide above the base member between an extended position and a retracted position, in the extended position being capable of accessing the space, and in the retracted position being preventing access to the space.

[0007] In other words, the second perforated cover is slidably associated with the base member of the functional unit, such that the complementary sliding member of the second perforated cover can reciprocate over the sliding member of the base unit. Sliding occurs between an extended position and multiple retracted positions, in which the space defined by the base member can be accessed, for example, for placing or removing odorant material, and in these multiple retracted positions, the second movable perforated cover prevents access to the space. By having multiple retracted positions, the positioning of the second perforated cover in each retracted position defines the overall dimensions of the functional unit. Sliding the second perforated cover to the retracted position allows adjustment of the overall dimensions of the functional unit, particularly its length, to accommodate filter units of different sizes (or different receiving cavities defined within the filter unit), as described below.

[0008] In some embodiments, the sliding member is integrally formed with the base member. For example, the base member may be made of molded or printed plastic, thus the sliding member is integrally formed with the base member. Alternatively, the sliding member may be fixedly attached to the base member, for example, by bonding, welding, riveting, etc.

[0009] In some embodiments, the complementary sliding member is integrally formed with the second movable perforated cover. For example, the second movable perforated cover may be made of molded or printed plastic, thus the complementary sliding member is integrally formed with the second movable perforated cover. Alternatively, the complementary sliding member may be fixedly attached to the second movable perforated cover, for example, by bonding, welding, riveting, etc.

[0010] In some embodiments, the sliding is performed along the longitudinal axis of the functional unit.

[0011] The functional unit allows for the placement of different functional elements within a space. In some embodiments, the space houses an odorant material. The odorant material can be, for example, an evaporable solid or a matrix containing volatile odor components that can be released from the odorant material (through perforations in the first and second covers) when air is forced through a filter housing the functional unit. In other words, when an air handling unit or air conditioner is turned on, air passing through the filter enters the functional unit, causing the odorant to partially evaporate, thereby allowing odors to dissipate from the air.

[0012] Alternatively, in some preferred embodiments, the space accommodates an odorant dispensing device. The odorant dispensing device is controlled to allow the dispensing of odors according to user needs, independent of the operation of an air handling or air conditioning system equipped with filters. In some embodiments, the odorant dispensing device includes one or more odorant canisters and a dispensing actuator for selectively dispensing odorant from one or more odorant canisters according to user needs. As used herein, a canister refers to a container that holds odorant components and is associated with or includes a device that allows the dispensing of a desired dose of odorant components. The canister can be made of any suitable material (e.g., plastic, metal, glass, ceramic, composite, etc.) that is chemically inert to the odorant components. The canister can hold the odorant components, such as odorant components in liquid form, under ambient pressure. Alternatively, the canister can hold atomized components. The canister is typically designed to be airtight and / or moisture-proof and can be transparent, translucent, opaque, or light-blocking.

[0013] Each odorant component typically includes at least one fragrance or perfume ingredient. According to some embodiments, at least one of the odorant components includes one or more essential oils. It is worth noting that most essential oils used for fragrance purposes can be mild to potent corrosives and therefore easily corrode metal components such as pipes. Unlike typical odorization systems located relatively far from the air filter unit and requiring ductwork to deliver the odorant components, by positioning the odorant dispenser directly within the filter block and distributing the odorant components into the filtered air, contact between the odorant components and the metal components of the air handling or air conditioning system is minimized (if not eliminated), thereby minimizing or even preventing corrosion formation.

[0014] According to other embodiments, at least one of the odorant components includes an antimicrobial agent, thereby reducing or preventing bacterial growth on the filter.

[0015] As described above, the odorant dispensing device includes one or more cans. According to some embodiments, the odorant dispensing device includes two or more cans, such as two, three, four, five, six, or even more cans, and is configured to selectively dispense odorant from the cans according to user needs. Therefore, the odorant dispensing device can selectively dispense odorant from the cans according to user needs for such dispensing, or selectively dispense odorant from more than one can according to user needs. According to some embodiments, the device includes two or more cans, each holding a different odorant composition. The cans may have the same or different shapes and volumes.

[0016] Within the scent dispenser, each can is associated with a selection module configured to selectively actuate the dispensing of scent agent from the can. The term selective actuation, or any linguistic variation thereof, means that the selection module is configured to allow actuation of desired scent agent from desired cans in the device, based on the user's preference for a specific fragrance to be dispensed. According to some embodiments, the selection module may be configured to dispense a range of scent agents based on user needs or prior programming. According to other embodiments, the selection module is configured to selectively and simultaneously actuate one or more cans. According to some embodiments, the cans may carry one or more identification and / or authentication devices that can be read / identified by the selection module. Alternatively, the cans may include one or more mechanical or electronic identification devices configured to interact with an identification mechanism (which is associated with or part of the scent dispenser) (e.g., different resistor or electrical contact patterns that may be closed or switched differently by each can to provide its identification). In this way, the attachment of unauthorized or incompatible cans can be prevented, and the type of can (e.g., the type of odor) can be identified.

[0017] The selection module is typically electrically operated. It can be powered from an air handling or air conditioning unit or system equipped with a filter unit. Alternatively, the selection module may include a power source, such as a replaceable or rechargeable battery. Alternatively, the selection module may be manually activated by a user. However, according to some preferred embodiments, the selection module is wired or wirelessly electronically operated.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the selection module includes a communication and control utility configured to communicate with a user-operable control utility for receiving odor requests from a user. This user-operable control utility is, for example, an application installed on a handheld device or integrated into the operation or entertainment system of a vehicle in which an air filter unit is installed. The communication and control module can also be configured to provide the user with various feedback and indications associated with the odorant dispensing device, such as operating status, fault indications, odorant dispensing sequence or process indications, alarms indicating the need to replace one or more canisters, authentication alarms (e.g., in the case of an unauthorized canister being installed in the device), etc.

[0019] As a non-limiting example, a suitable selective allocation actuator may be the selective allocation actuator described in the applicant’s PCT application publication number WO2023 / 002472 (the relevant parts of which are incorporated herein by reference); however, other selective allocation actuators are also considered to be within the scope of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to a particular design of selective allocation actuators.

[0020] When the second cover is in the extended position, the user can access the space defined by the base component to replace the odorant material or odorant container.

[0021] In another aspect, this disclosure provides a kit for assembling a functional unit as described herein into a filter block, the kit comprising: the functional unit as described herein; a first frame member configured for attachment to a first end of a cavity defined in the filter block, the first frame member also configured to removably receive an end of the base member; and a second frame member configured for attachment to an opposing second end of a cavity defined in the filter block, the second frame member also configured to removably receive an end of a second movable perforated cap.

[0022] The kit includes a first frame member and a second frame member configured to attach to opposing end walls of a receiving cavity defined in a filter into which a functional unit will be received. Each of the first and second frame members is further configured to removably receive the end of the functional unit when the second cover of the functional unit is in one of its retracted positions, such that the functional unit is securely but removably held between the frame members when in the retracted position.

[0023] According to another aspect, an air filter unit is provided, comprising: a filter block and an elongated cavity defined in the filter block and having an upper edge; a first frame member attached to a first end of the elongated cavity; a second frame member attached to an opposite second end of the elongated cavity; and a functional unit as described herein, the functional unit being removably received in the elongated cavity and flush with the upper edge of the filter block, such that the end of the base member is removably received in the first frame member, the end of a second movable perforated cover is removably received in the second frame member, and the second movable perforated cover is in a functional position such that the functional unit extends along the entire length of the elongated cavity and is tightly but removably held within the cavity between the first frame member and the second frame member.

[0024] Therefore, an air filter unit has an elongated cavity defined within a filter block. As used herein, the term filter block means a filter element comprising one or more filter media designed to remove contaminants from air forced through the block. Filter blocks can be made of any suitable material, such as paper, fabric (natural or synthetic), felt, plastic, etc. Filter blocks can have any suitable shape or size.

[0025] An elongated cavity is defined between two ends, and a frame member can be attached to each of these ends such that the functional unit is securely received within the frame member when it is in one of its retracted positions. Because the second cover of the functional unit can present multiple retracted positions, the length of the functional unit can be adjusted to the length of the cavity defined within the filter block. Therefore, the functional unit can be fitted into various filter blocks and its entirety can be securely held within the filter block without protruding beyond the cavity or its upper edge.

[0026] In some embodiments, the elongated cavity occupies up to about 25% of the area of ​​the filter air filter unit, for example, between about 10% and about 20%, thereby allowing sufficient filtration area without significantly affecting the filtration efficiency of the filter unit.

[0027] Typically, a cavity is formed within a filter block, but no pores (i.e., through-holes) are formed within the filter block. In other words, the bottom wall of the cavity is also lined with or made of filter media so as not to impede the filtration function or efficiency of the filter block. According to some embodiments, the bottom wall of the cavity is lined with or made of filter media with a thickness of at least about 0.3 mm. According to some embodiments, the bottom wall of the cavity is made of non-pleated sheets of filter material.

[0028] The air filter unit disclosed herein can be fitted into any suitable air handling system, such as HVAC (heating, ventilation and / or conditioning) systems, air purifiers, central air conditioning systems, small central air conditioning systems, stand-alone air conditioning units, air coolers, ventilation systems, air conditioning systems in vehicles (e.g., cars, trucks), etc.

[0029] This disclosure also covers embodiments defined in the following numbered clauses.

[0030] 1. A functional unit for assembly into a filter block, the functional unit comprising:

[0031] A base member defined between a bottom wall and two pairs of side walls extending from the bottom wall and defining a receiving space;

[0032] A first removable perforated cover is removably attached to the base member above at least a portion of the space.

[0033] A sliding member, wherein the sliding member is disposed on the outer surface of one pair of sidewalls of the two pairs of sidewalls; and

[0034] A second movable perforated cover, the second movable perforated cover being configured with complementary sliding members;

[0035] The second movable perforated cover is configured to slide over the base member between an extended position and a retracted position, in the extended position allowing access to the space, and in the retracted position preventing access to the space.

[0036] 2. The functional unit according to Embodiment 1, wherein the sliding member and the base member are integrally formed.

[0037] 3. The functional unit according to Embodiment 1, wherein the complementary sliding member is integrally formed with the second movable perforated cover.

[0038] 4. The functional unit according to Embodiment 1, wherein the sliding is performed along the longitudinal axis of the functional unit.

[0039] 5. The functional unit according to Embodiment 1, wherein the space contains odorant material.

[0040] 6. The functional unit according to Embodiment 1, wherein the space contains an odorant dispensing device.

[0041] 7. The functional unit according to Embodiment 6, wherein the odorant dispensing device includes one or more odorant canisters and a dispensing actuator, the dispensing actuator being used to selectively dispense odorant from one or more of the odorant canisters according to user needs.

[0042] 8. A kit for assembling functional units into a filter block, the kit comprising:

[0043] The functional unit according to Embodiment 1; and

[0044] A first frame member, configured to attach to a first end of a cavity defined in the filter block, the first frame member also configured to removably receive the end of the base member; and

[0045] A second frame member is configured to attach to the opposite second end of the cavity defined in the filter block, and the second frame member is also configured to removably receive the end of the second movable perforated cap.

[0046] 9. The kit according to embodiment 8 further includes an odorant material removably received in the functional unit.

[0047] 10. The kit according to embodiment 8 further includes an odorant dispensing device removably received in the functional unit.

[0048] 11. The kit according to embodiment 10, wherein the odorant dispensing device includes one or more odorant canisters and a dispensing actuator for selectively dispensing odorant from one or more of the odorant canisters according to user needs.

[0049] 12. An air filter unit, comprising:

[0050] A filter block and an elongated cavity, the elongated cavity being defined within the filter block and having an upper edge;

[0051] A first frame member is attached to the first end of the elongated cavity;

[0052] A second frame member is attached to the opposite second ends of the elongated cavity; and

[0053] According to the functional unit described in Embodiment 1, it is removably received in the elongated cavity and flush with the upper edge of the elongated cavity, such that:

[0054] - The end of the base member is removably received in the first frame member.

[0055] - The end of the second movable perforated cover is removably received in the second frame member, and

[0056] - The second movable perforated cover is in a functional position such that the functional unit extends along the entire length of the elongated cavity and is held tightly but removably within the elongated cavity between the first frame member and the second frame member.

[0057] 13. The air filter unit according to embodiment 12 further includes an odorant material removably received in the functional unit.

[0058] 14. The air filter unit according to embodiment 12 further includes an odorant dispensing device removably received in the functional unit.

[0059] 15. The air filter unit according to Embodiment 14, wherein the odorant dispensing device includes one or more odorant canisters and a dispensing actuator for selectively dispensing odorant from one or more of the odorant canisters according to user needs. Attached Figure Description

[0060] To better understand the subject matter disclosed herein and to illustrate how it can be implemented in practice, embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0061] Figure 1A This is a perspective top view of an air filter unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein functional units are assembled in the air filter unit.

[0062] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A perspective top view of the air filter unit, with functional units removed.

[0063] Figures 2A-2B This is a perspective view of a functional unit without frame components: [The remaining text appears to be a fragment and doesn't translate directly. It seems to be discussing a perspective view of a functional unit without frame components.] Figure 1A The retraction position ( Figure 2A ), and in an extended position that allows access to space ( Figure 2B ).

[0064] Figure 3 Through Figure 2A Sectional view of line III-III in the diagram.

[0065] Figures 4A-4C This is an isolated view of the functional unit attached to the frame member in three retracted positions: fully retracted position ( Figure 4A ),like Figure 1A The first intermediate retracted position of the filter unit ( Figure 4B ) and the second intermediate retraction position ( Figure 4C ).

[0066] Figure 5A The functional unit is shown in the space where the second cover is removed and the odor distribution device is assembled into the base component.

[0067] Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A The functional unit in which the first cover is removed. Detailed Implementation

[0068] First turn Figures 1A to 1B An exemplary air filter unit 100 according to this disclosure is shown. The air filter unit 100 is designed, for example, to be incorporated into an air conditioning system such as a vehicle. The filter unit 100 includes a filter block 102, which in this case is made of one or more layers of pleated filter sheets. The filter block is held in a filter frame 104, which may also be made of filter material or non-filter material. The filter frame 104 typically has higher rigidity than the filter block 102. However, it is not necessarily necessary to have such a filter frame in the case of a solid block of filter material (e.g., a porous material block), since the solid block will have sufficient rigidity (i.e., self-supporting).

[0069] The elongated cavity 106 is defined within the filter block 102. Figure 1B As can be seen more clearly, an elongated cavity 106 extends along an elongated axis X1 between two cavity ends 106A and 106B. A first frame member 108A and a second frame member 108B are attached to the cavity ends 106A and 106B, respectively, and are configured to removably receive the functional unit 110.

[0070] It can also be seen that the cavity 106 is defined between the filter medium of the filter unit 102 and the bottom wall 102S, which is typically also made of filter material so as not to obstruct the filtration function of the filter unit. Furthermore, the cavity 106 has a top edge 107. The functional unit 110 is received within the cavity such that the functional unit does not protrude beyond the edge 107, i.e., the top surface of the functional unit is flush with the top edge 107, so as not to interfere with the insertion of the filter unit into the air conditioning system.

[0071] exist Figures 2A-2BThe functional unit 110, seen separately in two operating positions, has a base member 112 defined between a bottom wall and two pairs of side walls extending from the bottom wall and defining a receiving space 124. A first removable perforated cover 114 is removably attached to the base member 112 above at least a portion of the space 124, and a second movable perforated cover 116 is positioned above the base member 112 in an extended position (L) allowing access to the space 124. E ,like Figure 2B (as shown) and the second cover 116 prevents entry into the space 124 at multiple retracted positions (one of which, L) R1 ,like Figure 2A Slide between (as shown).

[0072] The sliding arrangement allows the second cover 116 to slide above the base member 112. Figure 3 This is better seen in the image. The base member is configured with a sliding member 120, which in this example is in the form of a recess defined in the longitudinal sidewall of the base member 112. However, it is also conceivable that the sliding member 120 may be a separate element, such as a track member, attached to the outer surface of the sidewall of the base member. The second cover 116 is configured with a complementary sliding member 122, which is configured to be slidably fitted into the sliding member 120 of the base member 112. Thus, sliding movement in the longitudinal direction is permitted by the relative movement of the complementary sliding member 122 within the sliding member 120.

[0073] exist Figures 4A-4C The system provides a functional unit 110 in several retracted positions, adjustable to different sizes of the cavity 106. In the extended position, such as... Figure 2B As shown, functional unit 110 is located at its maximum longitudinal dimension L E In the fully retracted position, such as Figure 4A As shown, functional unit 110 is located in its most compact vertical dimension L R Between the extended position and the fully retracted position, the second cover 116 can slide to various intermediate retracted positions, for example, respectively in... Figures 4B-4C The L shown in the middle R1 and L R2 (L) R <L R1 <L R2 <L E This depends on the longitudinal distance between the two frame members 108A and 108B attached to the end of cavity 106. In other words, the longitudinal dimension of functional unit 110 depends on the longitudinal dimension of cavity 106 and can be adjusted by sliding the second cover 116 to the appropriate retracted position.

[0074] The end 118A of the base member 112 is removably received within the first frame member 108A within the elongated cavity 106 of the filter unit 100, while the end 118B of the second cover 116 is correspondingly received within the second frame member 108B. When assembling the air filter unit, the functional unit 110 is in its fully retracted position (L... R The second cover 110 is inserted into cavity 106, and end 118A is inserted into first frame member 108A. Then, the second cover 116 is slid longitudinally until end 118B is fitted into second frame member 108B. In this way, the total length of functional unit 110 can be adjusted to the length of cavity 106 and is securely (but removably) held therein. To enable access to space 124, for example, for changing odorant material, as will be explained below, functional unit 110 retracts to its fully retracted position (L). R ), lifted from frame members 108A, 108B, and the second cover 116 can slide from its retracted position to its extended position (L). E ), thereby exposing space 124.

[0075] As described above, the functional unit can accommodate various functional elements or devices within space 124. For example, space 124 can contain odorant material, which may be, for example, an evaporable solid or a matrix containing volatile odor components, which can be released (through perforations in the first and second covers) when air is forced through the filter housing the functional unit. In other words, when the air conditioner is turned on, air passing through the filter enters the functional unit, causing the odorant to partially evaporate, thereby allowing odor to dissipate from the air.

[0076] Alternatively, such as Figures 5A-5B As shown, space 124 houses odorant dispensing device 130. Odorant dispensing device 130 is controlled, for example, by a selective control mechanism 132 to allow odor to be dispensed from odor canisters 134 according to user demand, independent of the operation of the air conditioning system equipped with filter unit 100. In this specific example, odorant dispensing device 130 includes two odorant canisters 134, which are independently actuated to dispense odorant via selective control mechanism 132. However, it should be understood that only one such canister may be housed in space 124, or more than two such canisters may be housed in space 124 and used independently.

[0077] Each odorant component typically includes at least one fragrance or flavoring ingredient. It is also anticipated that one or more of these cans will include antimicrobial agents to reduce or prevent bacterial growth on the filter unit.

[0078] Within the odorant dispensing device 130, each can 134 is typically associated with a mechanism 132 configured to selectively actuate the dispensing of odorant from the can, as explained above. Mechanism 132 is typically wired or wirelessly operated.

[0079] The mechanism 132 may also include a communication and control utility (not shown) configured to communicate with a user-operable control utility (e.g., an application mounted on a handheld device or integrated into the operation or entertainment system of a vehicle equipped with an air filter unit) to receive a request for flavoring from the user. The communication and control module may also be configured to provide the user with various feedback and indications associated with the odorant dispensing device, such as operating status, fault indications, indications of odorant dispensing sequence or process, alarms indicating the need to replace one or more canisters, authentication alarms (e.g., in the event of an unauthorized canister being installed in the device), etc.

Claims

1. A functional unit for assembly into a filter block, characterized in that The functional unit includes: A base member defined between a bottom wall and two pairs of side walls extending from the bottom wall and defining a receiving space; A first removable perforated cover is removably attached to the base member above at least a portion of the space. A sliding member, wherein the sliding member is disposed on the outer surface of one pair of sidewalls of the two pairs of sidewalls; and A second movable perforated cover, the second movable perforated cover being configured with complementary sliding members; The second movable perforated cover is configured to slide over the base member between an extended position and a retracted position, in the extended position allowing access to the space, and in the retracted position preventing access to the space.

2. The functional unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding member is integrally formed with the base member.

3. The functional unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The complementary sliding member is integrally formed with the second movable perforated cover.

4. The functional unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sliding is performed along the longitudinal axis of the functional unit.

5. The functional unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The space contains odorant material.

6. The functional unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The space-containing odorant dispensing device.

7. The functional unit according to claim 6, characterized in that, The odorant dispensing device includes one or more odorant canisters and a dispensing actuator for selectively dispensing odorant from one or more of the odorant canisters according to user needs.

8. A kit for assembling a functional unit into a filter block, characterized in that, The kit includes: The functional unit according to claim 1; A first frame member, configured to attach to a first end of a cavity defined in the filter block, the first frame member also configured to removably receive the end of the base member; and A second frame member is configured to attach to the opposite second end of the cavity defined in the filter block, and the second frame member is also configured to removably receive the end of the second movable perforated cap.

9. The kit of claim 8, wherein, The kit also includes odorant material that is removably incorporated into the functional unit.

10. The kit of claim 8, wherein, The kit also includes an odorant dispensing device that is removably housed within the functional unit.

11. The kit of claim 10, wherein, The odorant dispensing device includes one or more odorant canisters and a dispensing actuator for selectively dispensing odorant from one or more of the odorant canisters according to user needs.

12. An air filter unit characterized by The air filter unit includes: A filter block and an elongated cavity, the elongated cavity being defined within the filter block and having an upper edge; A first frame member is attached to the first end of the elongated cavity; A second frame member is attached to the opposite second ends of the elongated cavity; and The functional unit according to claim 1 is removably received in the elongated cavity and flush with the upper edge of the elongated cavity, such that: The end of the base member is removably received in the first frame member. The end of the second movable perforated cap is removably received in the second frame member, and The second movable perforated cover is in a functional position such that the functional unit extends along the entire length of the elongated cavity and is held tightly but removably within the elongated cavity between the first frame member and the second frame member.

13. The air filter unit of claim 12, wherein, The air filter unit also includes odorant material that is removably received within the functional unit.

14. The air filter unit according to claim 12, characterized in that, The air filter unit also includes an odorant dispensing device that is removably housed within the functional unit.

15. The air filter unit of claim 14, wherein, The odorant dispensing device includes one or more odorant canisters and a dispensing actuator for selectively dispensing odorant from one or more of the odorant canisters according to user needs.

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