Combustion air intake filter

Abstract

An air intake filter for a water heater including a frame structure including a screen, a connector and a receiver positioned to removably engage the connector to position the frame structure at or around an exterior circumferential portion of a water heater.

1 . An air intake filter for a water heater comprising: 
 a frame structure including a screen, a connector and a receiver positioned to removably engage the connector to position the frame structure at or around an exterior circumferential portion of a water heater.    
   
   
       2 . The filter of  claim 1 , wherein the frame structure includes a plurality of receivers and connectors, the plurality of receivers positioned to removably engage the connectors.  
   
   
       3 . The filter of  claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises a connection post.  
   
   
       4 . The filter of  claim 1 , wherein the receiver comprises a receiving opening.  
   
   
       5 . The filter of  claim 1 , further comprising a tab, the tab operable to release the connector from engagement with the receiver.  
   
   
       6 . The filter of  claim 5 , wherein the connector is positioned proximal to one end portion of the frame structure and the tab is positioned proximal to an end portion of the frame structure distal from the connector.  
   
   
       7 . The filter of  claim 1 , wherein the frame structure is sited and shaped to enclose a space formed between a bottom portion of the water heater and a surface on which the water heater is located.  
   
   
       8 . The filter of  claim 7 , wherein the water heater is mounted on legs.  
   
   
       9 . The filter of  claim 1 , wherein the frame structure is vertically expandable.  
   
   
       10 . The filter of  claim 1 , wherein the frame structure is a metallic material.  
   
   
       11 . The filter of  claim 1 , wherein the frame structure is plastic.  
   
   
       12 . An air intake filter for a water heater comprising: 
 a first frame structure including a screen, a connector and a receiver; and    a second frame structure including a screen, a connector and a receiver;    wherein the connector of the first frame structure is positioned to removably engage the receiver of the second frame structure to position the first and second frame structures at or around an exterior circumferential portion of a water heater.    
   
   
       13 . The filter of  claim 12 , wherein the connector of the second frame structure is positioned to removably engage the receiver of the first frame structure to secure the first and second frame structures.  
   
   
       14 . The filter of  claim 12 , wherein the first frame structure includes a tab, the tab operable to release the connector of the second frame structure from the receiver of the first frame structure.  
   
   
       15 . The filter of  claim 14 , wherein the connector of the first frame structure is positioned proximal to one end portion of the first frame structure and the tab is positioned at the end portion of the first frame structure distal from the connector.  
   
   
       16 . The filter of  claim 12 , wherein the second frame structure includes a tab, the tab operable to release the connector of the first frame structure from engaging the receiver of the second frame structure.  
   
   
       17 . The filter of  claim 16 , wherein the connector of the second frame structure is positioned proximal to one end portion of the second frame structure and the tab is positioned at the end portion of the second frame structure distal from the connector.  
   
   
       18 . The filter of  claim 12 , wherein the first and second frame structures are sited and shaped to enclose a space formed between a bottom portion of the water heater and a surface on which the water heater is mounted.  
   
   
       19 . The filter of  claim 18 , wherein the water heater is mounted on legs.  
   
   
       20 . The filter of  claim 12 , wherein the first and second frame structures are vertically expandable.  
   
   
       21 . The filter of  claim 12 , wherein the first and second frame structures are metallic.  
   
   
       22 . The filter of  claim 12 , wherein the first and second frame structures are plastic.  
   
   
       23 . A system comprising: 
 a water heater; and    a filter comprising a frame structure including a screen, a connector and a receiver positioned to removably engage the connector to position the frame structure at or around an exterior circumferential portion of said water heater.    
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the water heater includes an air intake positioned at a bottom portion of said water heater.  
   
   
       25 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the frame structure is sited and shaped to enclose a space formed between a bottom portion of the water heater and a surface on which the water heater is located.  
   
   
       26 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the frame structure is vertically expandable.