Abstract:
A fluid filter system includes a first segment and a second segment. The first segment includes a filter medium, a notch adapted to engage a detent, and a first actuation member. The second segment includes a detent engageable with the notch to secure the first segment to the second segment, and a second actuation member. The detent is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and is normally biased into the locked position. The second actuation member is configured to cooperate with the first actuation member in order to move the detent between the locked and unlocked positions.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a fluid filter assembly, such as an oil filter assembly, and more particularly to a fluid filter assembly that is configured to be quickly and easily changed.  
         [0002]     A conventional oil filter assembly for an internal combustion engine typically includes a threaded end, which is rotated, twisted, or spun, onto a corresponding mounting structure of the engine. Once the assembly is mounted onto the engine, oil is circulated through the engine for filtering. Unfiltered oil from the engine is passed through a filtering medium, such as a pleated paper cylinder, of the assembly. As the unfiltered oil passes through the filtering medium, impurities contained within the oil are retained by the filter medium. Filtered oil is then passed back into the engine. Eventually, an oil filter assembly, or at least the filtering medium within the assembly, needs to be replaced due to the fact that it becomes clogged with numerous impurities, thereby diminishing its filtering ability.  
         [0003]     Typical filters may be one-, two-, or three-part filters, depending on whether the parts of the filter can be disconnected from one another. In a one-part filter assembly, the filter medium is contained within a housing, and the entire filter assembly is screwed onto and off of an engine. When the filter medium is clogged, the entire filter assembly must be replaced.  
         [0004]     A typical two-part filter assembly includes a casing and a base that threadably engage one another to form a housing around the filter medium. The base is affixed to a mounting structure of an engine or an oil pump assembly. For example, the base may be screwed onto a mounting stud of the engine. The casing, including the filter medium, may be removably secured, such as through threadable engagement, to the base, without removing the base from the engine. When the filter medium needs to be replaced, the casing is removed from the base, and a new casing is secured to the base.  
         [0005]     A typical three-part filter assembly is similar to the two part filter assembly, except that the filter medium is separable from the rest of the assembly. As such, only the filter medium needs to be replaced, and the rest of the assembly may be reused with a new filter medium.  
         [0006]     In order to change the filter medium in typical filters, one component is typically unscrewed from another component. The threads of, and/or other components (such as gaskets) located proximate to such threadable interfaces, are prone to sticking, which can pose difficulties in removing an oil filter from the engine (for a one-part filter assembly), or the casing from the base (for a two- or three-part filter assembly). Often, a specialized tool, such as an oil filter wrench, is required to remove the filter or casing from the engine. In many vehicles, however, the oil filter assembly is located at a position that is difficult to access. Thus, using a tool with some oil filters may be difficult.  
         [0007]     Thus, a need exists for an oil filter assembly that is quick, clean, and easy to connect and disconnect from an engine. That is, a need exists for a system and method of quickly and efficiently changing an oil filter.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a fluid filter system that includes a segment, such as a filter module, and an additional, separable segment, such as an adapter that is configured to be removably secured to a mounting stud of a device, such as an engine.  
         [0009]     The filter module may include a main body that houses a filter medium, a circumferential notch formed at a lower end, and a first actuation member. The first actuation member may be a ring including a first set of teeth, wherein the first actuation ring is fixed within the filter module.  
         [0010]     The adapter may include a generally cylindrical base integrally formed with an outer wall and a fluid outlet tube, wherein a fluid inlet cavity is defined between the outer wall and the fluid outlet tube, at least one detent, and a second actuation member. The detent may be a pawl engageable with the notch to secure the filter module to the adapter. The pawl is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and is normally biased into the locked position. For example, the pawl may be spring-biased into the locked position. In the locked position, the pawl outwardly extends from the outer wall of the adapter, while the pawl recedes into the outer wall in the unlocked position.  
         [0011]     The second actuation member may also be a ring moveably secured within the adapter and having a second set of teeth that mesh with the first set of teeth when the filter module is connected to the adapter. The first and second actuation rings cooperate to move the pawl into the unlocked position, wherein the filter module disconnects from the adapter when the pawl is in the unlocked position. In certain embodiments of the present invention, rotation of the first actuation ring causes a corresponding rotation in the second actuation ring. The rotation of the second actuation ring causes the second actuation ring to contact the pawl in order to move the pawl into the unlocked position.  
         [0012]     The adapter may also include a coiled spring having one end secured to the second actuation ring and another end fixedly secured within the adapter. The coiled spring tends to keep the second actuation ring from contacting the pawl. Thus, the coiled spring tends to keep the pawl in the locked position, or allows the pawl to remain in the locked position.  
         [0013]     The adapter may also include at least one anchor post extending from the base. The pawl may include a ramped end integrally formed with an intermediate section connected to a pivotable anchor member. The pivotable anchor member pivotally secures to the post and allows the second actuation ring to move the pawl between the locked and unlocked positions.  
         [0014]     The filter module may also include an anti-drain valve positioned proximate a fluid inlet that sealingly engages the fluid outlet tube, an annular seal member sealingly engaging the outer wall, and a spring-biased drip seal plug positioned proximate a fluid outlet.  
         [0015]     Certain embodiments of the present invention also provide a method of disconnecting an oil filter module from an adapter secured to a mounting stud of an engine. The method may include: (i) rotating the oil filter module relative to the adapter, wherein the rotating comprises rotating a module actuation member fixed within the filter module; (ii) causing an adapter actuation member movably secured within the adapter and mated to the module actuation member to rotate in response to the rotating the oil filter module step, (iii) moving the adapter actuation member into contact with a detent that is retained by a notch to secure the filter module to the adapter, (iv) disengaging the detent from the notch through the moving the adapter actuation member step, and (v) disconnecting the oil filter module from the adapter through the disengaging step, wherein the disconnecting step comprises removing the module actuation member from a mating position with the adapter actuation member. Removal of the oil filter module from the adapter may be facilitated by spring action.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of a fluid filter assembly secured to a mounting stud of an engine according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  illustrates an isometric top view of an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  illustrates a bottom view of an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  illustrates a lateral view of an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an adapter through line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2  according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  illustrates an isometric top view of a lower actuation ring and pawls according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  illustrates a bottom view of a lower actuation ring and pawls according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  illustrates a partial side cross-sectional view of a filter module according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 9  illustrates a filter module in an initial mated position with respect to an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 10  illustrates a filter module in a fully mated position with respect to an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 11  illustrates a filter module being disconnected from an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional view of an oil filter assembly secured to a mounting stud through line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 1  according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0028]      FIG. 13  illustrates an isometric top view of an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 14  illustrates an isometric top view of an adapter according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0030]      FIG. 15  illustrates an isometric top view of a plurality of elongated pawl members and a spring latch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0031]     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings, certain embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the attached drawings.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0032]      FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of a fluid filter assembly  10  secured to a mounting stud  12  of an engine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fluid filter assembly  10  includes a first segment, such as a base or adapter  14  and a second segment, such as a filter refill, insert or module  16 . The filter assembly  10  is configured to filter fluid, such as oil within an internal combustion engine. The filter assembly  10  is a two piece assembly in which the adapter  14  is configured to threadably secure to the mounting stud  12 , while the filter module  16  is configured to be threadably or otherwise removably secured to the adapter  14 , as discussed below.  
         [0033]      FIG. 2  illustrates an isometric top view of the adapter  14 . The adapter  14  may be a metal, such as steel, an aluminum silicon alloy, or a nonmetallic material, and includes a generally circular base  18  integrally formed with an outer wall  20  and a fluid outlet tube  22 . The base  18  supports a lower actuation ring  24  such that the lower actuation ring  24  may slidably rotate over the base  18 . The lower actuation ring  24  is positioned on the outside of the outer wall  20  proximate the base  14 . The lower actuation ring  24  is a generally circular structure having a plurality of upstanding teeth units  28  separated from one another at regular intervals by straight-edged walls  30 .  
         [0034]     Pawls  26 , which extend outwardly from the outer wall  20 , are positioned over the straight-edged walls  30 . Each pawl  26  includes a ramped end  32  integrally formed with an intermediate portion  34  and a blunted straight end  36 . Each ramped end  32  is proximate one of the teeth units  28 . While two teeth units  28  and two pawls  26  are shown in  FIG. 2 , more or less teeth units  28  and pawls  26  than those shown may be used with the adapter  14 .  
         [0035]     A fluid inlet cavity  38  is defined between the outer walls  20  and the outlet tube  22 . Unfiltered fluid passes into the fluid inlet cavity  38  from a source, such as an engine, and into the module  16  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). A fluid outlet passage  40  is formed through the fluid outlet tube  22 . Filtered fluid passes from the module (shown in  FIG. 1 ) into the fluid outlet passage  40 , and back into the source, such as the engine. The fluid outlet passage  40  is shown having a regular shape with a plurality of angled sides  42 . The radial cross-section of the fluid outlet passage  40  is an  8  pointed star including two squares, in which one square is rotated forty-five degrees with respect to the other. The sides  42  are configured to receive distal ends of a tool, such as a ratchet, screwdriver, or the like, so that the adapter  14  may be secured and removed from the mounting stud  12  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). That is, an operative end of a tool may grip the adapter through the angled sides  42 . Alternatively, the radial cross-section of the fluid outlet passage  40  may be any shape, such as triangular, rectangular, or even circular.  
         [0036]      FIG. 3  illustrates a bottom view of the adapter  14 . A sealing gasket  44  is positioned underneath the base  18  and is configured to sealingly engage the mounting stud  12  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). A plurality of fluid inlet passages  46  are formed through the base  18  around the fluid outlet tube  22 . The fluid inlet passages  46  are unobstructed paths for fluid to pass through into the fluid inlet cavity  38  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). Pawl anchor posts  48  extend upwardly from the base  18  (only the bottom surfaces of the posts  48  are shown in  FIG. 3 ).  
         [0037]      FIG. 4  illustrates a lateral view of the adapter  14 . Each teeth unit  28  of the lower actuation ring  24  includes a plurality of teeth  50  integrally formed with a support  52 . The support  52  is integrally formed with, and extends above, the straight edged walls  30 . Adjacent teeth  50  are separated by gaps  54 . As discussed below with respect to  FIGS. 8-11 , teeth of an actuation ring of the module  16  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) are configured to mesh, interconnect, or otherwise mate with the teeth units  28  of the adapter  14 . While the teeth units  28  are shown having sawteeth, each teeth unit  28  may, alternatively, be a block, tab, or arcuate unit having a plurality of upstanding members, such as blocks, tabs, clasps, curves, or the like, that may mate with reciprocal structures of the module  16  (shown in  FIG. 1 ).  
         [0038]     Underneath each teeth unit  28  is a clearance area  56 . The clearance area  56  allows the lower actuation ring  24  to be moved in the direction of arrow A. A stop post  58  extends upwardly from the base  18  of the adapter  14  into the clearance gap  56 . The stop post  58  limits the range of motion of the lower actuation ring  24  over the base  18 . That is, when an edge  60  of the straight edge wall  30  is moved into abutment with the stop post  58 , the lower actuation ring  24  can no longer be moved in the direction of arrow A. A spring member (discussed below with respect to  FIGS. 6-7 ) assists in moving the actuation ring  24  in the direction of arrow A′ toward its original, or at-rest, position.  
         [0039]     As the lower actuation ring  24  is moved in the direction of arrow A, front ends  62  of the supports  52  contact the ramped ends  32  of the pawls  26 . As the lower actuation ring  24  continues to move in this direction, the supports  52  slide over the ramped ends  32 , thereby urging the pawls  26  radially inward toward the fluid outlet tube  22 . Thus, the actuation ring  24  may act as a camming mechanism with respect to the pawls  26 .  
         [0040]     As the lower actuation ring  24  is moved in the direction of arrow A′, either manually, or through the spring member (discussed below with respect to  FIGS. 6-7 ), the supports  52  move away from the pawls  26 . Thus, the pawls  26  are allowed to move radially outward to their original, or at-rest, positions as the supports  52  move away from the pawl  26 . In particular, spring members (discussed below with respect to  FIGS. 6-7 ) act to urge the pawls  26  back to their original positions, in which the pawls  26  outwardly extend from the outer wall  20 .  
         [0041]     Instead of pawls, various other resilient protuberances, or other such detents, may be used with the adapter  14 . For example, the adapter  14  may include stiff wires, blocks, posts, semi-spherical or rounded buttons, spring-biased bumps, or the like, that may be urged radially inward by rotation of the lower actuation ring  24  and snap back to their original positions when the actuation ring  24  disengages from them.  
         [0042]     For example,  FIG. 15  illustrates an isometric top view of a plurality of elongated pawl members  200  and a spring latch assembly  202  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pawl members  200  and the spring latch assembly  202  may be secured within the adapter  14  (shown, for example, in  FIGS. 1-4 ) as described above. Each pawl member  200  includes an arcuate main body  204  integrally connected to an inwardly-curved latch engaging portion  206 . The spring latch assembly  202  includes a generally cylindrical body  208  having spring arms  210  that exert a force into the inwardly-curved latch engaging portions  206 .  
         [0043]      FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the adapter  14  through line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the pawls  26  are movably retained within notches  64  formed in the outer wall  20 . Thus, each pawl  26  may be urged radially inward toward the fluid outlet tube  22  and subsequently radially away from the fluid outlet tube  22  through directions A and A′. That is, when the lower actuation ring  24  is rotated into the pawls  26 , as noted above, the pawls  26  move radially inward toward the fluid outlet tube  22 . Further, when the lower actuation ring  24  is moved away from the pawls  26 , as noted above, the pawls move radially away from the fluid outlet tube  22 .  
         [0044]      FIG. 5  also shows that a lower interior portion  66  of the fluid outlet passage  40  is threaded. As such, the adapter  14  may be threadably secured to the mounting stud  12  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ).  
         [0045]      FIG. 6  illustrates an isometric top view of the lower actuation ring  24  and the pawls  26 .  FIG. 7  illustrates a bottom view of the lower actuation ring  24  and the pawls  26 . For the sake of clarity, other components of the adapter  14  are not shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 .  
         [0046]     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the pawls  26  are integrally formed with pivotable anchor members  68  that pivotally secure around the pawl anchor posts  48 . Leaf springs  70  are secured to the blunted straight ends  36  of the pawls  26 , and include free ends  72  that abut the anchor members  68 . The leaf springs  70  exert an outwardly-directed force into the ends  36  of the pawls  26 . Thus, the leaf springs  70  bias the pawls  26  outwardly from the outer wall  20 . As the lower actuation ring  24  is rotated into the pawls  26 , as discussed above, the force exerted by the leaf springs  70  into the ends  36  of the pawls  26  is overcome, thereby moving the pawls  26  inwardly by way of the anchor members  68  pivoting about the anchor posts  48 . That is, the pawls  26  recede within the outer wall  20  (shown, for example, in  FIGS. 5 ). During this time, the free ends  72  of the leaf springs  70  move over the anchor members  68  toward the anchor posts  48 . As the actuation ring  24  moves out of contact with the pawls  26 , the free ends  72  move away from the anchor posts  48  over the anchor members  68 , thereby outwardly pushing the blunted straight ends  36  of the pawls  26 . Thus, the pawls  26  move radially outward to their original positions by way of the anchor members  68  pivoting about the anchor posts  48  through the force exerted by the leaf springs  70 . While leaf springs  70  are shown, various other types of force-exerting members may be used. For example, coil springs, latching spring assemblies, and the like may be used to exert force into the pawls  26 .  
         [0047]     As noted above, the adapter  14  (shown in  FIGS. 1-5 ) includes a coil spring  74  having one end  76  secured around an anchor post  48 ′ and an opposite end  78  secured to the lower actuation ring  24 . When the lower actuation ring  24  is moved in the direction of arrow A, the end  76  remains anchored to the anchor post  48 ′, while the end  78  moves along with the lower actuation ring  24 . Thus, the coil spring  74  is stretched when the lower actuation ring  24  is moved in the direction of arrow A. When the actuation force is no longer applied to the lower actuation ring  24 , the spring force built up through the stretching of the coil spring  74  tugs on the lower actuation ring  24 , thereby moving the lower actuation ring  24  back to its original position (in which it does not contact the pawls  26 ). As the lower actuation ring  24  moves away from the pawls  26 , the pawls  26  move radially outward to their original positions.  
         [0048]      FIG. 8  illustrates a partial side cross-sectional view of the filter module  16 . The filter module  16  includes a bottom ring or plate  80  having an annular notch  82  that is configured to snapably or otherwise removably retain the pawls (as discussed below). An actuation ring  86  is also retained by the bottom plate  80 . For clarity, the actuation ring  86  is not shown in cross-section.  
         [0049]     The actuation ring  86  includes a plurality of regularly spaced downwardly-extending teeth  88  separated by gaps  90 . The teeth  88  are configured to mesh, interconnect, cooperate, or otherwise mate with the teeth units  28  of the lower actuation ring  24  (shown in  FIGS. 2 , and  4 - 7 ) of the adapter  14  (shown in  FIGS. 1-5 ). That is, the teeth  88  mate into gaps  54  of the lower actuation ring  24 , while the teeth  50  of the lower actuation ring mate into the gaps  90  of the actuation ring  86 . Because the actuation ring  86  includes regularly-spaced teeth  88  over its entire circumference, the actuation ring  86  easily mates with the lower actuation ring  24  (without the need for a particular locating process). That is, because the lower actuation ring  24  includes a plurality of regularly spaced teeth units  28  (shown, for example, in  FIG. 2 ), and the actuation ring  86  includes teeth  88  over its entire circumference, any portion of the actuation ring  86  may mate with the regularly spaced teeth units  28  of the adapter  14 . Alternatively, the actuation ring  86  may include regularly-spaced teeth units separated by spaces, and/or the lower actuation ring  24  may include regularly-spaced upwardly-extending teeth over its entire circumference.  
         [0050]     An anti-drain valve  92  is positioned above the bottom plate  80  and is secured to a lower end  93  of a filter support  94 . The anti-drain valve  92  includes a flap  96  and a fixed end  98  secured to the lower end  93  of the filter support  94 . The flap  96  sealingly engages a top surface of the bottom plate  80 . As fluid enters the module  16 , the fluid exerts a pressure into the flap  96 , thereby urging the flap  96  away from the bottom plate  80 , and allowing fluid to pass therethrough.  
         [0051]     The filter end cap or support  94  supports a filter medium  100  around a central tube  102  having a plurality of holes  104  for filtered fluid to pass through. A pressure relief cap  106  is secured over the top end  108  of the filter support  94 . A bypass valve or pressure relief plug  112  is positioned within the pressure relief cap  106 . A coil spring  114  is positioned around a shaft  116  of the pressure relief plug  112  between a top cap  118  of the plug  112  and a base  120  of the pressure relief cap  106 . The pressure relief plug  112  plugs a drain formed through the pressure relief cap  106 . The shaft  116  of the pressure relief plug  112  is integrally formed with the top cap  118  and a lower cap  160  that is positioned below the pressure relief cap and covers the outlet of the drain (not shown) of the pressure relief cap  106 . Fluid within the pressure relief cap  106  exerts a force into the lower cap  160 . When the fluid pressure differential is great enough (for example, due to an excessive pressure drop across the filter medium  100 ), the force exerted into the lower cap  160  forces the pressure relief plug  112  open. That is, the lower cap  160  disengages from the drain or fluid outlet of the pressure relief cap  106  and fluid flows therethrough. At the same time, the spring  114  positioned between the top cap  118  and the portion of the pressure relief cap  106  around the fluid outlet compresses. The built-up energy in the spring  114  acts to move the pressure relief plug  112  back into engagement around the fluid outlet when fluid pressure exerted on the lower cap  160  decreases.  
         [0052]     While the pressure relief plug  112  is shown with a coiled spring  114 , various other types of pressure relief plugs or valves may be used with the oil filter assembly  10 . For example, the bypass valve shown and described in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/033,566, filed Jan. 11, 2005, entitled “Oil Filter Assembly,” by Weinberger, et al. may be used in addition to, or in lieu of, the pressure relief plug  112  and the pressure relief cap  106 . Additionally, the bypass or pressure relief valve shown and described in U.S. application Ser. No.______, filed Feb. 13, 2006, entitled “Pressure Relief Valve for Fluid Filter System,” by Weinberger et al. (Attorney Docket No. 17212US01), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, may also be used with embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0053]     A coiled spring  122  is disposed between an underside of the relief cap  106  and a drip seal plug  124 . While a hole is shown formed through the drip seal plug  124  in  FIG. 8 , there may not be a hole formed through the drip seal plug  124 . The coil spring  122  exerts a force into the drip seal plug  124 , thereby forcing the drip seal plug  124  into a fluid outlet member  126  of the lower end  93  of the filter support  94 . The fluid outlet member  126  includes a plurality of openings that are sealed by the drip seal plug  124 .  
         [0054]     The module  16  also includes a cover or can  128  that covers the internal components of the module  16 . The can  128  may be plastic, metal, or various other components capable of protecting and securing the internal components of the module  16 .  
         [0055]      FIG. 9  illustrates the filter module  16  being initially mated with the adapter  14 . The filter module  16  is urged into the adapter  14  in the direction of arrow D. During this stage, the teeth  88  of the actuation ring  86  of the module  16  begin to mesh, interconnect, or otherwise mate with the teeth units  28  of the lower actuation ring  24 . Additionally, legs  130  of the drip seal plug  124  abut a top circumferential edge  132  of the fluid outlet tube  22 . As the legs  130  abut the top edge  132 , and the module  16  is further urged in the direction of arrow D, the drip seal plug  124  remains stationary relative to the top edge  132  (but moves relative to the filter module  16 ), while the fluid outlet member  126  of the filter support  94  continues to move downward relative to the top edge  132 . Thus, the drip seal plug  124  moves out of sealing engagement with the fluid outlet member  126 , and the coiled spring  122  compresses against the base  120  of the pressure relief cap  106 . During this process, an inner diameter  140  of the anti-drain valve  92  sealingly slides over the fluid outlet tube  22  in the direction of arrow D, while an annular sealing member  142 , such as a U cup seal, secured within the bottom plate  80  sealingly slides over the outer wall  20  of the adapter  14 . Thus, the module  16  sealingly secures to the adapter  14  where the anti-drain valve  92  sealingly engages the fluid outlet tube  22 , and where the annular sealing member  142  sealingly engages the outer wall  20 .  
         [0056]     As the module  16  is urged in the direction of arrow D, the pawls  26  engage the ramped lower edge  144  of the bottom plate  80 . As the module  16  continues to move in the direction of arrow D, the ramped lower edge  144  forces the pawls  26  radially inward. That is, movement of the pawls  26  over the ramped lower edge  144  forces the pawls  26  to recede into the outer wall  20 .  
         [0057]      FIG. 10  illustrates the filter module  16  in a fully mated position with respect to the adapter  14 . Once the pawls  26  slide past the ramped lower edge  144  of the module  16 , the pawls  26  snap into the notch  82  of the bottom plate  80 . In this fashion, the module  16  secures to the adapter  14 . Also, as mentioned above, the anti-drain valve  92  sealingly engages the fluid outlet tube  22 , while the sealing member  142  sealingly engages the outer wall  20 .  
         [0058]     Also, in this position, the teeth  88  of the actuation ring  86  are fully mated with the teeth units  28  of the lower actuation ring  24 . Further, the drip seal plug  124  is disengaged from the fluid outlet member  126  of the filter support  94 . As such, fluid may flow out of the fluid outlet member  126  into the fluid outlet tube  22 .  
         [0059]      FIG. 11  illustrates the filter module  16  being disconnected from the adapter  14 . In order to disconnect the filter module  16  from the adapter  14 , the filter module  16  is rotated in the direction of arrow A. When the filter module  16  is rotated, the actuation ring  86 , which is mated with the lower actuation ring  24  of the adapter  14 , rotates the lower actuation ring  24  in the same direction. Movement of the lower actuation ring  24  in the direction of arrow A moves the pawls  26  radially inward, as discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 4 , and  6 - 7 , for example. As the pawls  26  move radially inward, the pawls  26  move out of the notch  82 . Consequently, the force built up in the spring  122  is exerted into the drip seal plug  124 , thereby ejecting the filter module  16  from the adapter  14 . At the same time, the drip seal plug  124  is forced back into a sealing engagement with the fluid outlet member  126 . Thus, any fluid remaining in the module  16  is sealed inside the module  16  by the drip seal plug  124 , and the anti-drain valve  92 .  
         [0060]     The filter module  16  and the adapter  14  may be configured to allow the module  16  to disconnect from the adapter at a variety of degrees of rotation. For example, the movement of the filter module  16  in the direction of arrow A may cause the pawls  26  to disengage from the notch  82  as discussed above through a fraction of a full turn. The distance of rotation for disconnecting the module  16  from the adapter  14  depends on the distance of the pawls  26  from the teeth units  28 . Once the module  16  is disconnected from the adapter  14 , the pawls snap back to their original positions as discussed above in  FIGS. 4 , and  6 - 7 , for example.  
         [0061]      FIG. 12  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the oil filter assembly  10  secured to the mounting stud  12  through line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 1 . Unfiltered oil from a source, such as an engine, passes through outlets  150  of the mounting stud  12  into the adapter  14 . The unfiltered oil then passes through the fluid inlet passages  46  (shown, for example, in  FIG. 3 ) of the adapter  14 . The pressure exerted by the unfiltered oil forces the flaps  96  of the anti-drain valve  92  open and the unfiltered oil passes into the filter medium  100 . The filter medium  100  filters impurities from the unfiltered oil. The filtered oil then passes through holes  104  of the central tube  102  and through passages formed through the fluid outlet member  126 . The filtered fluid then passes through the fluid outlet passage  40  of the adapter  14  and into a fluid inlet tube  152  of the mounting stud  12 , which delivers the filtered fluid back to the source, such as an engine.  
         [0062]     If, however, the filter medium  100  is clogged, or the oil is too viscous due to cold temperature, unfiltered fluid will flow around the filter medium  100  into the pressure relief cap  106 . As unfiltered fluid congregates within the pressure relief cap  106 , the fluid exerts a pressure into the lower cap  160  of the pressure relief plug  112 , as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 8 . The pressure exerted by the fluid may be sufficient to unseat the lower cap  160  from the pressure relief cap  106 , as discussed above.  
         [0063]      FIG. 13  illustrates an isometric top view of an adapter  170  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The adapter  170  includes an actuation ring  172  that includes regularly-spaced teeth  174  over the entire circumference of the actuation ring  172 . Additionally, the adapter  170  includes a fluid outlet tube  175  having a square shaped fluid outlet passage  176 . The adapter  170  may be used with the filter module  16  shown, for example, in  FIGS. 1 , and  8 - 12 .  
         [0064]      FIG. 14  illustrates an isometric top view of an adapter  180  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The adapter  180  includes an actuation ring  182  having a plurality of upwardly-extending tabs  184 . The tabs  184  are configured to mate with reciprocal slots formed in an actuation ring (not shown) of a filter module (not shown).  
         [0065]     Instead of the pawls  26 , the adapter  180  includes a plurality of protuberances  186  having ramped surface  188 . The actuation ring  182  may be actuated into the protuberances  186  similar to the actuation ring  24  (shown, for example, in  FIGS. 2 , and  4 - 7 ) actuating into the pawls  26  (shown, for example, in  FIGS. 2 , and  4 - 7 ) in order to move the protuberances  186  radially inward. Each protuberance  186  is integrally connected to a spring member  190  having a vertical beam (not shown) integrally connected to the protuberance  186 , and a horizontal beam  192  integrally connected to the vertical beam. The horizontal beams  192  may connect at a central joint  194 . When the actuation ring  182  moves into the protuberances  186 , the protuberances  186  move radially inward, thereby inwardly flexing the vertical beams. Alternatively, the horizontal beams  192  may connect at a central ring having a central opening that allows fluid to pass unobstructed through a fluid outlet.  
         [0066]     Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide a fluid filter assembly, such as an oil filter assembly, that is quick and easy to connect and disconnect from a fluid source, such as an engine. In general, embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method of quickly and efficiently changing a fluid filter. The filter module may be removed from the adapter by merely rotating the filter module relative to the adapter over a short distance. Once the old filter module, or insert, is removed, a new one may be connected to the adapter. Optionally, the oil filter module may be removed and the filter medium within the insert replaced. Then, the insert containing the new filter medium may be connected to the adapter.  
         [0067]     While the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.