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 closed endcap having an inside wall defining a first open volume;
(b) a tubular construction of filter media secured to the closed endcap;
(c) an open endcap secured to the filter media at an end opposite of the closed endcap;
(d) at least a first protrusion and a second protrusions extending from the inside wall into the first open volume;
(i) the first protrusion being spaced from the second protrusion in a vertical direction along the inside wall; and
(ii) the first protrusion being circumferentially spaced from the second protrusion along the inside wall.
2. A filter cartridge according to claim 1 further comprising:
(a) a closed endcap seal member operably held by the closed endcap; and
(b) a open endcap seal member operably held by the open endcap.
3. A filter cartridge according to claim 2 wherein:
(a) the closed endcap defines a first neck; the closed endcap seal member being oriented on an outer radial surface of the first neck; and
(b) the open endcap defines a second neck; the open endcap seal member being oriented on an outer radial surface of the second neck; and
(c) a plurality of standoffs extending axially from the closed endcap and being spaced radially outwardly from the first neck.
4. 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.
5. A filter cartridge according to claim 2 wherein:
(a) the closed endcap defines a first neck, the first neck defining a through-channel arrangement;
(i) the closed endcap seal member being oriented on an outer radial surface of the first neck on one side of the through-channel arrangement; and
(ii) the closed 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.
6. A filter cartridge according to claim 1 further including:
(a) first and second cover gripper members with spaced flexible projections each having a bead, projecting from the closed endcap.
7. A method of installing a filter cartridge into a top load filter assembly; the method comprising:
(a) orienting a filter cartridge having a tubular construction of filter media into an open mouth of a filter housing; the filter housing defining a base at an end opposite of the mouth; the base defining an inlet and outlet arrangement;
(i) the filter housing having an inner filter support mounted therein;
(ii) the filter housing further having a core piece within the inner filter support; the core piece holding a basket;
(b) while orienting, pushing the filter cartridge against the basket to disengage the core piece and the inner filter support;
(c) after disengaging, axially moving both the filter cartridge and the core piece relative to the inner filter support; and
(d) operably orienting a service cover over the mouth.