Liquid filter arrangements are described and shown. The arrangements generally include a filter member comprising a shell enclosing a filter cartridge. Unique features for interface between the enclosed filter cartridge and the shell are provided. Also provided are unique features for interaction between the cartridge and a filter head, in use.

Liquid filter arrangements are described and shown. The arrangements generally include a filter member comprising a shell enclosing a filter cartridge. Unique features for interface between the enclosed filter cartridge and the shell are provided. Also provided are unique features for interaction between the cartridge and a filter head, in use.

The invention provides filters and methods of assembling filters. In an exemplary embodiment, the filter includes a porous element, a compression element, and a housing. The compression element can be configured to receive the porous element, thereby forming an assembly. For example, the compression element can receive the porous element in a slip-fit relationship. The housing can have an opening formed therein that is configured to receive the assembly. In some embodiments, the assembly can be retained within the opening when the assembly is received therein. For example, the opening can receive the assembly in a press-fit relationship.

The invention provides filters and methods of assembling filters. In an exemplary embodiment, the filter includes a porous element, a compression element, and a housing. The compression element can be configured to receive the porous element, thereby forming an assembly. For example, the compression element can receive the porous element in a slip-fit relationship. The housing can have an opening formed therein that is configured to receive the assembly. In some embodiments, the assembly can be retained within the opening when the assembly is received therein. For example, the opening can receive the assembly in a press-fit relationship.

A filter element (2) is disclosed which comprises a filtration media (4) and an end fitting (6) through which a sealing connection is made between the filter element and a housing (100) so that, when the sealing connection is made, the end fitting defines in part a flow path for fluid between the housing and the filter element. The end fitting includes an annular seal (36′) made from a compressible material which extends around the periphery of the filter element, and a support (30, 31, 32, 34) for the annular seal which can be expanded outwardly to cause the transverse dimension of the seal to increase so that the seal is urged into contact with an inner wall of a housing (100) in which the filter element is located.

A filter element (2) is disclosed which comprises a filtration media (4) and an end fitting (6) through which a sealing connection is made between the filter element and a housing (100) so that, when the sealing connection is made, the end fitting defines in part a flow path for fluid between the housing and the filter element. The end fitting includes an annular seal (36′) made from a compressible material which extends around the periphery of the filter element, and a support (30, 31, 32, 34) for the annular seal which can be expanded outwardly to cause the transverse dimension of the seal to increase so that the seal is urged into contact with an inner wall of a housing (100) in which the filter element is located.

A fluid filter assembly includes a housing, a proximal end cap, and a nut plate. The housing defines a longitudinal axis and includes an inner surface. The inner surface surrounds the longitudinal axis and defines a hook portion. The proximal end cap is disposed within the housing and includes a flange engaging the inner surface of the housing. The nut plate is disposed within the housing and includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end engages the hook portion of the housing. The distal end engages the proximal end cap.

A fluid filter assembly includes a housing, a proximal end cap, and a nut plate. The housing defines a longitudinal axis and includes an inner surface. The inner surface surrounds the longitudinal axis and defines a hook portion. The proximal end cap is disposed within the housing and includes a flange engaging the inner surface of the housing. The nut plate is disposed within the housing and includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end engages the hook portion of the housing. The distal end engages the proximal end cap.

A water filter assembly for filtering water, adapted to be coupled to piping of a piped water system, the water filter apparatus comprising: a housing having first and second housing ends, the housing having an inlet and an outlet located at the first housing end, the second housing end having an opening, the housing being for removably receiving a filter element assembly through the opening in the second housing end, and a housing bottom cover releasably mountable over the opening in the second housing end. Preferably the assembly further comprises a filter head adapted to be coupled to piping of a piped water system and means for removably securing the first housing end to the filter head. Preferably the housing bottom cover is adapted to be secured to the housing via an interference fit.

A water filter assembly for filtering water, adapted to be coupled to piping of a piped water system, the water filter apparatus comprising: a housing having first and second housing ends, the housing having an inlet and an outlet located at the first housing end, the second housing end having an opening, the housing being for removably receiving a filter element assembly through the opening in the second housing end, and a housing bottom cover releasably mountable over the opening in the second housing end. Preferably the assembly further comprises a filter head adapted to be coupled to piping of a piped water system and means for removably securing the first housing end to the filter head. Preferably the housing bottom cover is adapted to be secured to the housing via an interference fit.