Filter assembly including foam and pleated media

1 . A filter assembly comprising:

a pleated media layer having a first filtering characteristic for filtering a first minimum debris size; and

a first foam layer proximate to the pleated media layer having a second filtering characteristic for filtering a second minimum debris size greater than the first minimum debris size.

2 . The filter assembly according to claim 1 , comprising inlet and outlet sides, the pleated media layer in a closer proximity to the outlet side than the first foam layer.

3 . The filter assembly according to claim 2 , wherein the pleated media layer is exposed at the outlet side.

4 . The filter assembly according to claim 2 , comprising a second foam layer proximate the first foam layer, the second foam layer in a closer proximity to the inlet side than the first foam layer, the second foam layer having a third filtering characteristic for filtering a third minimum debris size greater than the second minimum debris size.

5 . The filter assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the pleated media layer includes multiple opposing folds and adjacent walls adjoining the multiple opposing folds to form pockets.

6 . The filter assembly according to claim 5 , wherein the pleated media layer includes end portions each having a material securing the adjacent walls to one another to seal the pockets.

7 . The filter assembly according to claim 6 , wherein the pleated media layer is quadrilateral in shape, the pleated media layer and extensions adjoining the pleated media layer providing a non-quadrilateral shape.

8 . The filter assembly according to claim 7 , wherein the pleated media layer is a paper element.

9 . The filter assembly according to claim 7 , wherein the extensions are a paper element.

10 . The filter assembly according to claim 1 , comprising a housing defining a passageway, the pleated media layer and the first foam layer arranged in the passageway for filtering a fluid flowing through the passageway.

11 . The filter assembly according to claim 10 , comprising a frame, and the pleated media layer and first foam layer operatively supported by the frame, the frame locating the pleated media layer and first foam layer relative to the housing.

12 . The filter assembly according to claim 11 , wherein the frame includes a handle for facilitating removal of the pleated media layer and the first foam layer from the housing for replacement.

13 . The filter assembly according to claim 11 , wherein a mesh material is arranged between the frame and the pleated media layer for supporting the pleated media layer.

14 . The filter assembly according to claim 10 , wherein a gasket is arranged between the housing and at least one of the pleated media layer and the first foam layer for preventing the fluid from bypassing the pleated media layer and the first foam layer.

15 . A filter assembly comprising:

a pleated paper filter element; and

multiple foam layers with one foam layer adjoining the pleated paper filter element.

16 . The filter assembly according to claim 15 , wherein the pleated paper filter element and the multiple foam layers each have filtering characteristics for filtering different minimum debris sizes than one another.

17 . The filter assembly according to claim 15 , wherein one of the multiple foam layers includes a non-quadrilateral shape.

18 . The filter assembly according to claim 17 , wherein the pleated paper filter element includes multiple opposing folds and adjacent walls adjoining the multiple opposing folds to form pockets, the pockets together providing a quadrilateral shape.

19 . The filter assembly according to claim 18 , wherein extensions adjoin the pleated paper filter element, the pleated paper filter element and extensions having the non-quadrilateral shape.

20 . The filter assembly according to claim 15 , comprising a frame operatively supporting the pleated paper filter element and the multiple foam layers.