Internally supported filter

An internally supported composite filter having a single handle adapted to be removably secured in a flow-through mounting structure for separating particulate materials from a gas stream flowing through the mounting structure, comprising:

• a closed loop of relatively rigid material forming a thin wire-like frame having a pair of opposing side portions;
• two confronting sheets of filter media having substantially the same peripheral shape as said frame and being secured thereto, said frame being positioned between said sheets inwardly of their outer peripheries;
• fastening means securing said sheets together in a relatively uncompacted fashion proximate the center of the sheets to retard bulging of the filter during filtering operations;
• and
• said handle being formed of a flexible strip, said handle having one end secured to one of said side portions and a free end adapted to be grasped by a workman to accommodate removing the filter by pulling the strip which causes the filter to pivot about the other side portion to peel it out of the mounting structure in a pivotal sliding fashion, thereby essentially minimizing shaking of the filter when the workman removes it from the mounting structure.