Filter Media Having Angled Embossments

Abstract

A pleated filter media configured to receive a stream of fluid flowing in a first direction is provided. The pleated filter media includes a first filter media panel and a second filter media panel coupled to the first filter media panel at a first pleat extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The pleated filter media also includes a first embossment disposed on the first filter media panel and the second filter media panel. The first embossment extends in a third direction transverse to the first direction and the second direction.

Claims

1. A pleated filter media configured to receive a stream of fluid flowing in a first direction, the pleated filter media comprising: a first filter media panel; a second filter media panel coupled to the first filter media panel at a first pleat extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction; and a first embossment disposed on the first filter media panel and the second filter media panel, the first embossment extending in a third direction transverse to the first direction and the second direction.

2. The pleated filter media of claim 1, wherein the first embossment is disposed at a first angle relative to the second direction, the first angle being greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees.

3. The pleated filter media of claim 2, wherein the first angle is substantially equal to forty-five degrees.

4. The pleated filter media of claim 2, further comprising a second embossment disposed on at least one of the first filter media panel or the second filter media panel, wherein the second embossment is disposed at a second angle relative to the second direction, the second angle being different than the first angle.

5. The pleated filter media of claim 4, wherein the second embossment is disposed on the first filter media panel and the second filter media panel.

6. The pleated filter media of claim 2, further comprising a second embossment disposed on at least one of the first filter media panel or the second filter media panel at a second angle relative to the second direction, wherein the first embossment terminates at a first axis, and the second embossment is offset from the first embossment and terminates at the first axis.

7. The pleated filter media of claim 6, wherein the second angle is equal to the first angle.

8. The pleated filter media of claim 1, wherein the first panel includes a first clean side and a first dirty side opposite the first dirty side, and the second panel includes a second clean side and a second dirty side opposite the second clean side, the second dirty side facing the first dirty side, and wherein the first embossment defines a first protruding portion on the first clean side and a second protruding portion on the second clean side.

9. The pleated filter media of claim 8, wherein the first protruding portion is parallel to the second protruding portion.

10. The pleated filter media of claim 8, wherein the first embossment defines a first recessed portion on the first dirty side and a second recessed portion on the second dirty side, the first recessed portion aligned with the second recessed portion.

11. The pleated filter media of claim 1, wherein the first panel includes a first clean side and a first dirty side opposite the first dirty side, and the second panel includes a second clean side and a second dirty side opposite the second clean side, the second dirty side facing the first dirty side, and wherein the first embossment defines a first protruding portion on the first dirty side and a second protruding portion on the second dirty side.

12. The pleated filter media of claim 11, wherein the first protruding portion engages the second protruding portion.

13. The pleated filter media of claim 12, wherein the first protruding portion is parallel to the second protruding portion.

14. A pleated filter media configured to receive a stream of fluid flowing in a first direction, the pleated filter media comprising: a first filter media panel including a first embossment extending in a second direction transverse to the first direction; and a second media panel coupled to the first media panel at a first pleat, the second media panel including a second embossment engaging the first embossment and extending from the first pleat in a third direction transverse to the first direction.

15. The pleated filter media of claim 14, wherein the first embossment is disposed on the first filter media panel and the second filter media panel.

16. The pleated filter media of claim 14, wherein the first pleat extends in a second direction, and wherein the first embossment is disposed at a first angle relative to the second direction, and the second embossment is disposed at a second angle relative to the second direction, the first and second angles each being greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees.

17. The pleated filter media of claim 16, wherein the first angle equals the second angle.

18. The pleated filter media of claim 16, further comprising a third embossment disposed on at least one of the first filter media panel or the second filter media panel, wherein the third embossment is disposed at a third angle relative to the second direction, the third angle being different than the first angle.

19. The pleated filter media of claim 16, further comprising a third embossment disposed on at least one of the first filter media panel or the second filter media panel at a third angle relative to the second direction, wherein the first embossment terminates at a first axis, and the second embossment is offset from the first embossment and terminates at the first axis.

20. The pleated filter media of claim 19, wherein the third angle is equal to the first angle.

21. The pleated filter media of claim 14, wherein the first panel includes a first clean side and a first dirty side opposite the first dirty side, and the second panel includes a second clean side and a second dirty side opposite the second clean side, the second dirty side facing the first dirty side, and wherein the first embossment defines a first protruding portion on the first dirty side and a second protruding portion on the second dirty side.

22. The pleated filter media of claim 21, wherein the first protruding portion engages the second protruding portion.

23. The pleated filter media of claim 22, wherein the first protruding portion is parallel to the second protruding portion.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0014] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 1A is a bottom perspective view of a filter element in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 1B is a top perspective view of the filter element of FIG. 1A;

[0017] FIG. 2 is an end view of the filter element of FIG. 1A, showing a first panel of filter media;

[0018] FIG. 3A is a plan view of a filter media of the filter element of FIG. 1A, showing a first side of the filter media prior to being pleated;

[0019] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the filter media of FIG. 3A, showing the first side of the filter media after being pleated;

[0020] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the filter media of FIG. 3B taken through the line 4-4;

[0021] FIG. 5 is an end view of another filter element in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 6 is an end view of another filter element in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 7 is an end view of another filter element in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 8 is an end view of another filter element in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 9 is an end view of another filter element in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 10 is an end view of another filter element in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 11 is an end view of another filter element in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 12 is an end view of another filter element in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; and

[0029] FIG. 13 is an end view of another filter element in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0030] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1A-2, a filter element 10 is illustrated. As will be described in more detail below, in use, the filter element 10 may receive a stream of fluid (e.g., air) flowing in a first direction D1 in order to remove particulate matter from the stream of fluid. In this regard, the filter element 10 may include a side 12 through which the flow of fluid exits the filter element 10, and a side 14 through which the flow of fluid enters the filter element 10. In this regard, the side 12 may be a clean side, and the side 14 may be a dirty side. In other implementations, the filter element 10 may receive the stream of fluid flowing in a direction opposite the first direction D1, such that the side 14 is the clean side through which the flow of fluid exits the filter element 10, and the side 12 is the dirty side through which the flow of fluid enters the filter element 10.

[0033] The filter element 10 may include a pleated filter media 16, a peripheral frame 18, and a screen 20 (FIG. 1B). The peripheral frame 18 may be made of a rubber or rubber-like polymer material such as polyurethane, for example, and may define, or be disposed about, an opening 22 (FIG. 1B). Upon installation in a housing (not shown), the frame 18 may sealingly engage the housing in order to control the flow of fluid through the housing. The screen 20 may be supported by the peripheral frame 18 such that the screen covers the clean side 12 of the filter element 10. For example, the screen may be disposed within the opening 22.

[0034] The pleated filter media 16 may include a plurality of filter media panels 26-1, 26-2, . . . 26-n. As illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, each filter media panel 26-n may include an inlet edge 28, an outlet edge 30, a first lateral edge 31, a second lateral edge 33, a clean side 32, a dirty side 34, a plurality of embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n, and a central axis A1. The outlet edge 30 may be opposite and parallel to the inlet edge 28. The first and second lateral edges 31, 33 may extend between the inlet edge 28 and the outlet edge 30. The clean side 32 may extend between the inlet edge 28 and the outlet edge 30. The dirty side 34 may be opposite the clean side 32 and extend between the inlet edge 28 and the outlet edge 30. The central axis A1 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the flow direction D1 and be disposed in a center of the filter media panel 26-n. While the pleated filter media 16 is generally illustrated as being formed into a cuboid-shape, the pleated filter media 16 may be formed into other shapes (e.g., a cylinder) within the scope of the present disclosure, such that the inlet edges 28 and outlet edges 30 of the plurality of filter media panels 26-1, 26-2, . . . 26-n collectively define other shapes (e.g., coaxial cylinders).

[0035] Each filter media panel 26-n may be coupled to an adjacent filter media panel 26-n at the inlet edge 28 or the outlet edge 30. For example, the inlet edge 28 of a first filter media panel 26-1 may be coupled to the inlet edge 28 of a second filter media panel 26-2, while the outlet edge 30 of the first filter media panel 26-1 may be coupled to the outlet edge 30 of a third filter media panel 26-3. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, in some implementations, the filter media panels 26-1, 26-2, . . . 26-n are formed from a folded, unitary sheet of filter media, such that filter media 16 includes a plurality of pleats 38 aligned with the inlet edges 28 or the outlet edges 30. Accordingly, each filter media panel 26-n may be coupled to an adjacent filter media panel 26-n at one of the pleats 38.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the pleats 38 or the inlet and outlet edges 28, 30 may define a plurality of peaks 40 and valleys 42. The pleats 38 or the inlet and outlet edges 28, 30 may extend in a second direction D2 that is transverse (e.g., orthogonal) to the first direction D1. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the peaks 40 may define, or otherwise be disposed in, a first plane P1 proximate the clean side 12 of the filter element 10, while the valleys 42 may define, or otherwise be disposed in, a second plane P2 proximate the dirty side 14 of the filter element 10. In some implementations, the first plane P1 is parallel to the second plane P2. Accordingly, the direction D1 of the flow of fluid (e.g., air) through the filter media 16 may be transverse (e.g., orthogonal) to the first or second planes P1, P2.

[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the embossments 36-n may be formed in the filter media 16 such that each embossment 36-n defines (i) a protrusion 46 on one of the clean side 32 or the dirty side 34, and (ii) a channel 48 on the other of the clean side 32 or the dirty side 34. Each embossment 36-n may be spaced from an adjacent embossment 36-n by a substantially planar portion of the filter media 16 defining a plurality of gaps 50 between the embossments 36-n.

[0038] The embossments 36-n (e.g., the protrusions 46 or the channels 48) may extend between the inlet edge 28 and the outlet edge 30 in one or more directions D3-1, D3-2, . . . D3-n, such that each embossment 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n (e.g., each of the directions D3-1, D3-2, . . . D3-n) defines (i) a first angle -1, -2, . . . -n relative to the inlet edges 28, the outlet edges 30, the peaks 40, or the valleys 42 (e.g., relative to the direction D2 or the first or second planes P1, P2) and (ii) a second angle -1, -2, . . . -n relative to the direction D1 of the flow of fluid. For example, a first embossment 36-1 may be disposed at a first angle -1 and a second angle -1, a second embossment 36-2 may be disposed at a first angle -2 and a second angle -2, and a third embossment 36-3 may be disposed at a first angle -3 and a second angle -3. In some implementations, each first angle -n is substantially equal (+/three degrees) to one or more of the other first angles -n, and each second angle -n is substantially equal to one or more of the other second angles -n. In this regard, each embossment 36-n may be substantially parallel (+/three degrees) to one or more of the other embossments 36-n. In some implementations, each embossment 36-n is parallel to a plurality (e.g., all) of the other embossments 36-n. The first angles -n and the second angles -n may be greater than zero degrees and less than ninety degrees. In some implementations, the first angles -n and the second angles -n are each substantially (+/three degrees) equal to forty-five degrees. In this regard, the directions D3-n may extend toward the outlet edge 30 or the second lateral edge 33 from the first lateral edge 31 or the inlet edge 28. While the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n are generally illustrated as extending from one of the first lateral edge 31 or the second lateral edge 33, it will be appreciated that the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n may be spaced apart from both the first and second lateral edges 31, 33 within the scope of the present disclosure. In this regard, the first and second lateral edges 31, 33 of a first filter media panel 26-1 may be sealingly coupled to the first and/or second lateral edges 31, 33, respectively, of a second filter media panel 26-2 by an adhesive or other suitable fastening technique, in order to prevent the flow of fluid between the first lateral edges 31 of the first and second filter media panels 26-1, 26-2 and between the second lateral edges 33 of the first and second filter media panels 26-1, 26-2.

[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 4, in some implementations, at least one of the embossments 36-n may be disposed on a plurality of the media panels 26-n, such that each embossment 36-n defines a protruding portion 46-n having a convex surface, and a channel portion 48-n having a concave surface. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, first and second embossments 36-1, 36-2 may each be disposed on both the first filter media panel 26-1 and the second filter media panel 26-2. Accordingly, the first embossment 36-1 may define a first protruding portion 46-1 on the clean side 32 of the first media panel 26-1, a first channel portion 48-1 on the dirty side 34 of the first media panel 26-1, a second protruding portion 46-2 on the clean side 32 of the second media panel 26-2, and a second channel portion 48-2 on the dirty side 34 of the first media panel 26-1. Similarly, the second embossment 36-2 may define a third protruding portion 46-3 on the dirty side 34 of the first media panel 26-1, a third channel portion 48-3 on the clean side 32 of the first media panel 26-1, a fourth protruding portion 46-4 on the dirty side 34 of the second media panel 26-2, and a fourth channel portion 48-4 on the clean side 32 of the second media panel 26-2.

[0040] In the pleated configuration (FIG. 3B), the first, second, third, and fourth protruding portions 46-1, 46-2, 46-3, 46-4 and the first, second, third, and fourth channel portions 48-1, 48-2, 48-3, 48-4 may each extend from the same pleat 38. In some implementations, the pleat 38 intersects the first and second embossments 36-1, 36-2 such that, in the pleated configuration, the first protruding portion 46-1 and the first channel portion 48-1 are aligned with, or substantially parallel to, the second protruding portion 46-2 and the second channel portion 48-2, respectively, and the third protruding portion 46-3 and the third channel portion 48-3 are aligned with, or substantially parallel to, the fourth protruding portion 46-4 and the fourth channel portion 48-4, respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 4, one or more protruding portions 46-n (e.g., a convex surface) on a first media panel 26-1 may engage another protruding portion 46-n (e.g., a convex surface) on a second media panel 26-2. In some implementations, a first of the protruding portions 46-n engages a second of the protruding portions 46-n along an entire length of the first or second protruding portions 46-n. Similarly, one or more channel portions 48-n (e.g., a concave surface) on a first media panel 26-1 may face another channel portion 48-n (e.g., a concave surface) on a second media panel 26-2. In some implementations, a first of the channel portions 48-n faces a second of the channel portions 48-n along an entire length of the first or second channel portions 48-n. While the protruding portions 46-n and channel portions 48-n are illustrated as having a generally semi-cylindrical cross-sectional shape extending along the length of the protruding portions 46-n and channel portions 48-n, respectively, the protruding portions 46-n and channel portions 48-n may define portions (e.g., half) of other cross-sectional shapes (e.g., square, rectangular, oval, oblong, stadium, etc.) within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] With reference to FIG. 2, during use of the filter element 10, fluid may flow in the direction D1 through the second plane P2 adjacent the dirty side 14 of the filter element 10. As the fluid strikes the embossments 36-n (e.g., the protrusions 46), the embossments 36-n may redirect the flow of fluid in one of the directions D3-1, D3-2, . . . D3-n and through and along the channels 48 and the gaps 50 between the embossments 36-n. In this regard, the embossments 36-n may direct the flow of fluid toward the first lateral edge 31 or the second lateral edge 33 and toward the first plane P1 adjacent the clean side 12 of the filter element 10, allowing dust and other particulate matter to be collected proximate the first and second lateral edges 31, 33.

[0042] The embossments 36-n extending from, or intersected by, the pleats 38 can increase a distance (as measured in a direction extending substantially parallel to the first or second planes P1, P2) between (i) the clean sides 32 of adjacent media panels 26-n and (ii) the dirty sides 34 of adjacent media panels 26-n, thus improving the flow of fluid along the gaps 50 between the adjacent clean sides 32 and dirty sides 34 of adjacent media panels 26-n.

[0043] With reference to FIG. 5, another filter element 10a is shown. The structure and function of the filter element 10a may be substantially similar to that of the filter element 10, apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the Figures. Accordingly, the structure and/or function of similar features will not be described again in detail. In addition, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like features, while like reference numerals containing letter extensions (i.e., a) are used to identify those features that have been modified.

[0044] The filter element 10a may include a pleated filter media 16a, the peripheral frame 18, and the screen 20 (not shown). The pleated filter media 16a may include a plurality of filter media panels 26a-1, 26a-2, . . . 26a-n. As with filter media panels 26-n illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, each filter media panel 26a-n may include the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, the second lateral edge 33, the clean side 32, the dirty side 34, and the plurality of embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n.

[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 5, one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n (e.g., the protrusions 46 or the channels 48) may extend between the inlet edge 28 and the outlet edge 30 in one or more directions D3a-1, D3a-2, . . . D3a-n. One or more of the directions D3a-1, D3a-2, . . . D3a-n may be transverse to one or more of the directions D3-1, D3-2, . . . D3-n, such that one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n (e.g., one or more of the directions D3a-1, D3a-2, . . . D3a-n) defines an angle -1, -2, . . . -n relative to one or more of the other embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n (e.g., one or more of the directions D3-1, D3-2, . . . D3-n).

[0046] The angle -1, -2, . . . -n may be greater than zero degrees and less than one hundred eighty degrees. In some implementations, the angle -1, -2, . . . -n is substantially (+/three degrees) equal to one hundred fifteen degrees. In this regard, the directions D3a-1, D3a-2, . . . D3a-n may extend toward the outlet edge 30 or the central axis A1 from the inlet edge 28 or the second lateral edge 33, while the directions D3-1, D3-2, . . . D3-n may extend toward the outlet edge 30 or the central axis A1 from the first lateral edge 31 or the inlet edge 28. In particular, one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n may extend between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, and a central axis A1 of each filter media panel 26a-n, while another one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n may extend between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the second lateral edge 33, and the central axis A1 of each filter media panel 26a-n, such that one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n includes an end 54 disposed along (e.g., aligned with or adjacent to) the central axis A1.

[0047] In some implementations, the end 54 of one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, and the central axis A1 terminates at, or extends from a portion of the gap 50 extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the second lateral edge 33, and the central axis A1, while the end 54 of one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the second lateral edge 33, and the central axis A1 terminates at, or extends from another portion of the gap 50 extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, and the central axis A1. In particular each end 54 may be offset from the remaining ends 54 along the axis A1 (e.g., in the direction D1).

[0048] During use of the filter element 10a, fluid may flow in the direction D1, or the direction opposite D1) through the second plane P2 adjacent the dirty side 14 of the filter element 10a. As the fluid strikes the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n (e.g., the protrusions 46), the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n may redirect the flow of fluid in one of the directions D3-1, D3-2, . . . D3-n and D3a-1, D3a-2, . . . D3a-n and through and along the gaps 50 between the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n. In this regard, the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n may direct the flow of fluid toward the central axis A1 and toward the first plane P1 adjacent the clean side 12 of the filter element 10a, allowing dust and other particulate matter to be collected proximate the central axis A1.

[0049] With reference to FIG. 6, another filter element 10b is shown. The structure and function of the filter element 10b may be substantially similar to that of the filter elements 10, 10a, apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the Figures. Accordingly, the structure and/or function of similar features will not be described again in detail. In addition, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like features, while like reference numerals containing letter extensions (i.e., b) are used to identify those features that have been modified.

[0050] The filter element 10b may include a pleated filter media 16b, the peripheral frame 18, and the screen 20 (not shown). The pleated filter media 16b may include a plurality of filter media panels 26b-1, 26b-2, . . . 26b-n. As with filter media panels 26-n illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, each filter media panel 26a-n may include the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, the second lateral edge 33, the clean side 32, the dirty side 34, and the plurality of embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n.

[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 6, one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n (e.g., the protrusions 46 or the channels 48) may extend between the inlet edge 28 and the outlet edge 30 in one or more directions D3b-1, D3b-2, . . . D3b-n. One or more of the directions D3b-1, D3b-2, . . . D3b-n may be transverse to one or more of the directions D3-1, D3-2, . . . D3-n, such that one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n (e.g., one or more of the directions D3b-1, D3b-2, . . . D3b-n) defines an angle b-1, b-2, . . . b-n relative to one or more of the other embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n (e.g., one or more of the directions D3-1, D3-2, . . . D3-n).

[0052] The angle b-1, b-2, . . . b-n may be greater than zero degrees and less than one hundred eighty degrees. In some implementations, the angle b-1, b-2, . . . b-n is substantially (+/three degrees) equal to one hundred fifteen degrees. In this regard, the directions D3b-1, D3b-2, . . . D3b-n may extend toward the outlet edge 30 or the first lateral edge 31 from the central axis A1 or the inlet edge 28, while the directions D3-1, D3-2, . . . D3-n may extend toward the outlet edge 30 or the second lateral edge 33 from the central axis A1 or the inlet edge 28. In particular, one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n may extend between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, and a central axis A1 of each filter media panel 26a-n, while another one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n may extend between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the second lateral edge 33, and the central axis A1 of each filter media panel 26a-n, such that one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n includes the end 54 disposed along (e.g., aligned with or adjacent to) the central axis A1.

[0053] In some implementations, the end 54 of one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, and the central axis A1 terminates at, or extends from, the end 54 another one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the second lateral edge 31, and the central axis A1. Similarly, the end 54 of one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the second lateral edge 33, and the central axis A1 may terminate at, or extend from, the end 54 of one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, and the central axis A1. In particular, each end 54 may be aligned with another end 54 along the axis A1.

[0054] During use of the filter element 10b, fluid may flow in the direction D1, or the direction opposite D1, through the second plane P2 adjacent the dirty side 14 of the filter element 10b. As the fluid strikes the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n (e.g., the protrusions 46), the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n may redirect the flow of fluid in one of the directions D3-1, D3-2, . . . D3-n and D3b-1, D3b-2, . . . D3b-n and through and along the gaps 50 between the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n. In this regard, the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n may direct the flow of fluid toward the first and second lateral edges 31, 33 and toward the first plane P1 adjacent the clean side 12 of the filter element 10b, allowing dust and other particulate matter to be collected proximate the second lateral edges 31, 33.

[0055] With reference to FIG. 7, another filter element 10c is shown. The structure and function of the filter element 10c may be substantially similar to that of the filter elements 10, 10a, 10b, apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the Figures. Accordingly, the structure and/or function of similar features will not be described again in detail. In addition, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like features, while like reference numerals containing letter extensions (i.e., c) are used to identify those features that have been modified.

[0056] The filter element 10c may include a pleated filter media 16c, the peripheral frame 18, and the screen 20 (not shown). The pleated filter media 16c may include a plurality of filter media panels 26c-1, 26c-2, . . . 26c-n. As with filter media panels 26-n illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, each filter media panel 26c-n may include the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, the second lateral edge 33, the clean side 32, the dirty side 34, and the plurality of embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n.

[0057] As illustrated in FIG. 7, one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n (e.g., the protrusions 46 or the channels 48) may extend between the inlet edge 28 and the outlet edge 30 in one or more directions D3c-1, D3c-2, . . . D3c-n. One or more of the directions D3c-1, D3c-2, . . . D3b-n may be transverse to one or more of the directions D3-1, D3-2, . . . D3-n, such that one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n (e.g., one or more of the directions D3c-1, D3c-2, . . . D3c-n) defines an angle c-1, c-2, . . . c-n relative to one or more of the other embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n (e.g., one or more of the directions D3-1, D3-2, . . . D3-n).

[0058] The angle c-1, c-2, . . . c-n may be greater than zero degrees and less than one hundred eighty degrees. In some implementations, the angle c-1, c-2, . . . c-n is substantially (+/three degrees) equal to forty-five degrees. In this regard, the directions D3c-1, D3c-2, . . . D3c-n may extend toward the outlet edge 30 or the central axis A1 from the second lateral edge 33 or the inlet edge 28, while the directions D3-1, D3-2, . . . D3-n may extend toward the outlet edge 30 or the first lateral edge 31 from the central axis A1 or the inlet edge 28. In particular, one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n may extend between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, and the central axis A1 of each filter media panel 26a-n, while another one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n may extend between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the second lateral edge 33, and the central axis A1 of each filter media panel 26a-n, such that one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n includes the end 54 disposed along (e.g., aligned with or adjacent to) the central axis A1.

[0059] In some implementations, the end 54 of one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, and the central axis A1 terminates at, or extends from (i) a portion of the gap 50 extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the second lateral edge 33, and the central axis A1 or (ii) the end 54 of anther of the one or more embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the second lateral edge 33, and the central axis A1. Similarly, the end 54 of one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the second lateral edge 33, and the central axis A1 may terminate at, or extend from, (i) another portion of the gap 50 extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, and the central axis A1 or (ii) the end 54 of anther of the one or more embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, and the central axis A1. In particular, a portion of each end 54 may be offset from a portion of another end 54 along the axis A1, while another portion of each end may be aligned with the portion of the other end 54 along the axis A1.

[0060] During use of the filter element 10c, fluid may flow in the direction D1 through the second plane P2 adjacent the dirty side 14 of the filter element 10c. As the fluid strikes the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n, (e.g., the protrusions 46), the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n, may redirect the flow of fluid in one of the directions D3-1, D3-2, . . . D3-n and D3c-1, D3c-2, . . . D3c-n and through and along the gaps 50 between the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n. In this regard, the portion of fluid entering the clean side 12 between the second lateral edge 33 and the central axis A1 may be directed by one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n toward the central axis A1, while the portion of fluid entering the clean side 12 between the first lateral edge 31 and the central axis A1 may be directed by another one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n toward the first lateral edge 31, as the fluid flows toward the first plane P1 adjacent the clean side 12 of the filter element 10c, thus allowing dust and other particulate matter to be directed into various regions of the filter element 10c.

[0061] With reference to FIG. 8, another filter element 10d is shown. The structure and function of the filter element 10d may be substantially similar to that of the filter element 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the Figures. Accordingly, the structure and/or function of similar features will not be described again in detail. In addition, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like features, while like reference numerals containing letter extensions (i.e., d) are used to identify those features that have been modified.

[0062] The filter element 10d may include a pleated filter media 16d, the peripheral frame 18, and the screen 20 (not shown). The pleated filter media 16d may include a plurality of filter media panels 26d-1, 26d-2, . . . 26d-n. As with filter media panels 26-n illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, each filter media panel 26d-n may include the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, the second lateral edge 33, the clean side 32, the dirty side 34, and the plurality of embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n.

[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 8, one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n (e.g., the protrusions 46 or the channels 48) may extend between the inlet edge 28 and the outlet edge 30 in one or more directions D3d-1, D3d-2, . . . D3d-n. One or more of the directions D3d-1, D3d-2, . . . D3d-n may be parallel to one or more of the directions D3-1, D3-2, . . . D3-n.

[0064] In some implementations, the end 54 of one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, and the central axis A1 terminates at, or extends from a portion of the gap 50 extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the second lateral edge 33, and the central axis A1, while the end 54 of one or more of the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the second lateral edge 33, and the central axis A1 terminates at, or extends from another portion of the gap 50 extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, and the central axis A1. In particular each end 54 may be offset from the remaining ends 54 along the axis A1 (e.g., in the direction D1). In particular, each end 54 may be offset from another end 54 by a distance substantially equal to a width (measured in the direction D1) of the embossment 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n, such that an inlet edge 56 of an embossment 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, and the central axis A1 is aligned (e.g., collinear) with an outlet edge 58 of an embossment 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the second lateral edge 33, and the central axis A1, while an inlet edge 56 of an embossment 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the second lateral edge 33, and the central axis A1 is aligned (e.g., collinear) with an outlet edge 58 of an embossment 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, and the central axis. In some implementations, an inlet edge 56 of an embossment 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, and the central axis A1 may be disposed between an inlet edge 56 and an outlet edge 58 of an embossment 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the second lateral edge 33, and the central axis A1, such that a portion of the embossment 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, and the central axis A1 overlaps a portion of the embossment 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n extending between the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the second lateral edge 33, and the central axis A1.

[0065] During use of the filter element 10d, fluid may flow in the direction D1 through the second plane P2 adjacent the dirty side 14 of the filter element 10d. As the fluid strikes the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n (e.g., the protrusions 46), the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n may redirect the flow of fluid in one or more of the directions D3-1, D3-2, . . . D3-n and D3d-1, D3d-2, . . . D3d-n and through and along the gaps 50 between the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n. In this regard, the embossments 36-1, 36-2, . . . 36-n may direct the flow of fluid toward the first lateral edge 31 and toward the first plane P1 adjacent the clean side 12 of the filter element 10d, allowing dust and other particulate matter to be collected proximate the first lateral edge 31.

[0066] With reference to FIG. 9, another filter element 10e is shown. The structure and function of the filter element 10e may be substantially similar to that of the filter element 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the Figures. Accordingly, the structure and/or function of similar features will not be described again in detail. In addition, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like features, while like reference numerals containing letter extensions (i.e., e) are used to identify those features that have been modified.

[0067] The filter element 10e may include a pleated filter media 16e, the peripheral frame 18, and the screen 20 (not shown). The pleated filter media 16e may include a plurality of filter media panels 26e-1, 26e-2, . . . 26e-n. As with filter media panels 26-n illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, each filter media panel 26e-n may include the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, the second lateral edge 33, the clean side 32, the dirty side 34, and a plurality of protrusions 46e and/or channels 48e.

[0068] As illustrated in FIG. 9, one or more of the protrusions 46e and/or channels 48e may extend between the first lateral edge 31 and the second lateral edge 33 in a sinusoidal direction, while others of the protrusions 46e and/or channels 48e may extend between the first lateral edge 31 and the second lateral edge 33 in a linear direction, such that the protrusions 46e and/or channels 48e can direct the flow of fluid to a target location along the outlet edge 30. In this regard, one or more of the protrusions 46e and/or channels 48e may be parallel to one or more of the other protrusions 46e and/or channels 48e, while another one or more of the protrusions 46e and/or channels 48e may extend in a direction oblique to a direction of one or more other protrusions 46e and/or channels 48e.

[0069] With reference to FIG. 10, another filter element 10f is shown. The structure and function of the filter element 10f may be substantially similar to that of the filter element 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the Figures. Accordingly, the structure and/or function of similar features will not be described again in detail. In addition, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like features, while like reference numerals containing letter extensions (i.e., f) are used to identify those features that have been modified.

[0070] The filter element 10f may include a pleated filter media 16f, the peripheral frame 18, and the screen 20 (not shown). The pleated filter media 16f may include a plurality of filter media panels 26f-1, 26f-2, . . . 26f-n. As with filter media panels 26-n illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, each filter media panel 26f-n may include the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, the second lateral edge 33, the clean side 32, the dirty side 34, and a plurality of protrusions 46f and/or channels 48f.

[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 10, one or more of the protrusions 46f and/or channels 48f may extend between the first lateral edge 31 and the second lateral edge 33 in a sinusoidal direction. In this regard, one or more of the protrusions 46f and/or channels 48f may be parallel to one or more of the other protrusions 46f and/or channels 48f.

[0072] With reference to FIG. 11, another filter element 10g is shown. The structure and function of the filter element 10g may be substantially similar to that of the filter element 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the Figures. Accordingly, the structure and/or function of similar features will not be described again in detail. In addition, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like features, while like reference numerals containing letter extensions (i.e., g) are used to identify those features that have been modified.

[0073] The filter element 10g may include a pleated filter media 16g, the peripheral frame 18, and the screen 20 (not shown). The pleated filter media 16g may include a plurality of filter media panels 26g-1, 26g-2, . . . 26g-n. As with filter media panels 26-n illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, each filter media panel 26g-n may include the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, the second lateral edge 33, the clean side 32, the dirty side 34, and a plurality of protrusions 46g and/or channels 48g.

[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 11, one or more of the protrusions 46g and/or channels 48g may extend between the first lateral edge 31 and the second lateral edge 33 in an arcuate direction, such that the protrusions 46g and/or channels 48g can direct the flow of fluid to a target location along the outlet edge 30. In this regard, one or more of the protrusions 46g and/or channels 48g may be parallel to one or more of the other protrusions 46g and/or channels 48g, while another one or more of the protrusions 46g and/or channels 48g may extend in a direction oblique to a direction of one or more other protrusions 46g and/or channels 48g. In particular, as illustrated, a first plurality of the protrusions 46g and/or channels 48g may include a concave profile facing one or both of the outlet edge 30 and the second lateral edge 33, while a second plurality of the protrusions 46g and/or channels 48g may include a concave profile facing one or both of the outlet edge 30 and the first lateral edge 31, such that a convex profile of the first plurality of the protrusions 46g and/or channels 48g faces a convex profile of the second plurality of the protrusions 46g and/or channels 48g.

[0075] With reference to FIG. 12, another filter element 10h is shown. The structure and function of the filter element 10h may be substantially similar to that of the filter element 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the Figures. Accordingly, the structure and/or function of similar features will not be described again in detail. In addition, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like features, while like reference numerals containing letter extensions (i.e., h) are used to identify those features that have been modified.

[0076] The filter element 10h may include a pleated filter media 16h, the peripheral frame 18, and the screen 20 (not shown). The pleated filter media 16h may include a plurality of filter media panels 26h-1, 26h-2, . . . 26h-n. As with filter media panels 26-n illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, each filter media panel 26h-n may include the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, the second lateral edge 33, the clean side 32, the dirty side 34, and a plurality of protrusions 46h and/or channels 48h.

[0077] As illustrated in FIG. 12, one or more of the protrusions 46h and/or channels 48h may extend between the first lateral edge 31 and the second lateral edge 33 in an arcuate direction, such that the protrusions 46h and/or channels 48h can direct the flow of fluid to a target location along the outlet edge 30. In this regard, one or more of the protrusions 46h and/or channels 48h may be parallel to one or more of the other protrusions 46h and/or channels 48h. In particular, as illustrated, the protrusions 46h and/or channels 48h may include a concave profile facing one or both of the outlet edge 30 and the second lateral edge 33, such that a convex profile of the protrusions 46g and/or channels 48g faces the inlet edge 28 and the first lateral edge 31.

[0078] With reference to FIG. 13, another filter element 10i is shown. The structure and function of the filter element 10i may be substantially similar to that of the filter element 10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g, 10h apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the Figures. Accordingly, the structure and/or function of similar features will not be described again in detail. In addition, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like features, while like reference numerals containing letter extensions (i.e., i) are used to identify those features that have been modified.

[0079] The filter element 10i may include a pleated filter media 16i, the peripheral frame 18, and the screen 20 (not shown). The pleated filter media 16i may include a plurality of filter media panels 26i-1, 26i-2, . . . 26i-n. As with filter media panels 26-n illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, each filter media panel 26i-n may include the inlet edge 28, the outlet edge 30, the first lateral edge 31, the second lateral edge 33, the clean side 32, the dirty side 34, and a plurality of protrusions 46i and/or channels 48i.

[0080] As illustrated in FIG. 13, one or more of the protrusions 46i and/or channels 48i may extend between the first lateral edge 31 and the second lateral edge 33 in an arcuate direction, while others of the protrusions 46i and/or channels 48i may extend between the first lateral edge 31 and the second lateral edge 33 in a linear direction, such that the protrusions 46i and/or channels 48i can direct the flow of fluid to a target location along the outlet edge 30. In this regard, one or more of the protrusions 46i and/or channels 48i may be parallel to one or more of the other protrusions 46i and/or channels 48i, while another one or more of the protrusions 46i and/or channels 48i may extend in a direction oblique to a direction of one or more other protrusions 46i and/or channels 48i. In particular, as illustrated, a first plurality of the protrusions 46i and/or channels 48i may include a concave profile facing one or both of the outlet edge 30 and the second lateral edge 33, while a second plurality of the protrusions 46i and/or channels 48i may extend linearly toward the outlet edge 30 and/or the first lateral edge 31, such that a convex profile of the first plurality of the protrusions 46i and/or channels 48i faces a linear profile of the second plurality of the protrusions 46i and/or channels 48i. In some implementations, one or more of the second plurality of protrusions 46i and/or channels 48i extends in a direction substantially parallel to the axis A1.

[0081] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles a, an, and the may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms comprises, comprising, including, and having, are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0082] When an element or layer is referred to as being on, engaged to, connected to, attached to, or coupled to another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being directly on, directly engaged to, directly connected to, directly attached to, or directly coupled to another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., between versus directly between, adjacent versus directly adjacent, etc.). As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0083] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

[0084] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.