Top load liquid filter assembly, system and methods
A top load liquid filter assembly includes a filter lockout mechanism to ensure that the filter base and cover are not connectable unless there is a proper filter cartridge installed therein. The filter system can also include an automatic drain mechanism and a cartridge retention mechanism. One example embodiment further includes an air bleed vent. A filter cartridge usable in the topload liquid filter assembly includes first and second protrusions and cover-gripper members. Methods of use, installing, servicing, and retaining can be practiced.
1. A filter cartridge comprising:
(a) a first endcap defining a first open volume;
(i) the first endcap defining a tubular wall lining the first open volume;
(b) a tubular construction of filter media secured to the first endcap;
(c) a second endcap secured to the filter media at an end opposite of the first endcap;
(d) at least a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending from the tubular wall radially inward into the first open volume;
(i) the first protrusion being spaced from the second protrusion in a vertical direction along the tubular wall;
(ii) the first protrusion being circumferentially spaced from the second protrusion along the tubular wall; and
(e) at least first and second cover-gripping members extending from the first endcap;
(i) the first and second cover-gripping members being opposed to each other and being deflectable radially toward and away from each other;
(ii) the first and second cover-gripping members each being constructed and arranged to mate with a portion of a cover, when the filter cartridge is operably connected to a cover.
2. A filter cartridge according to claim 1 further comprising:
(a) a first endcap seal member operably held by the first endcap; and
(b) a second endcap seal member operably held by the second endcap.
3. A filter cartridge according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the first and second cover-gripping members extend from the tubular wall radially inwardly into the first open volume.
4. A filter cartridge according to claim 3 wherein:
(a) the first and second cover-gripping members each have a respective arched segment being opposed to each other in a concave orientation; and
(b) each respective arched segment defines a projection that is constructed and arranged to be received by a portion of a cover, when the filter cartridge is operably connected to a cover.
5. A filter cartridge according to claim 2 wherein:
(a) the first endcap defines a first neck; the first endcap seal member being oriented on an outer radial surface of the first neck; and
(b) the second endcap defines a second neck; the second endcap seal member being oriented on an outer radial surface of the second neck; and
(c) a plurality of standoffs extending axially from the first endcap and being spaced radially outwardly from the first neck.
6. A filter cartridge according to claim 1 further comprising:
(a) at least a third protrusion and a fourth protrusion extending from the tubular wall and into the first open volume;
(i) the third protrusion being circumferentially-spaced from the first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the fourth protrusion; and
(ii) the third protrusion being vertically spaced from only two of the first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the fourth protrusion.
7. A filter cartridge according to claim 2 further comprising:
(a) a first endcap second seal member; wherein,
(i) the first endcap defines a first neck, the first neck defining a through-channel arrangement;
(A) the first endcap seal member being oriented on an outer radial surface of the first neck on one side of the through-channel arrangement; and
(B) the first endcap second seal member being oriented on an outer radial surface of the first neck on a second side of the through-channel arrangement; and
(b) a second filter media construction operably oriented to cover the through-channel arrangement.
8. A filter cartridge according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the first endcap defines a first open aperture.
9. A filter cartridge according to claim 1 wherein:
(a) the first endcap is a closed endcap.
10. A filter cartridge according to claim 9 wherein:
(a) the first and second cover gripper members include spaced flexible projections each having a bead, projecting from the first endcap.