Patent Description:
Air streams can carry contaminant material therein. It is often desirable to filter these contaminants from the air stream before the air enters a particular system or operation, such as in the case of combustion air entering an engine in a motor vehicle or other power generation equipment.

In filtering systems where a replaceable filter cartridge is inserted into a filter housing, sealing of the filter cartridge within the filter housing is extremely important. In order to effectively filter out contaminants from the air stream as it passes through the filter cartridge and the housing, the seal between the filter cartridge and the housing should be airtight. If not, unfiltered air and dislodged contaminants can pass through gaps between the filter cartridge and the filter housing and enter the system.

Some types of filtering systems are known to create axial sealing forces when a gasket of the filter element is axially compressed under a clamping force created between a filter housing lid and a filter housing body in a closed position. It is desirable to improve upon the known unidirectional sealing forces to improve the overall sealing between the filter element and the filter housing, and thus improve the overall filtering effectiveness of the unit.

To increase filter life and decrease maintenance intervals, it is desirable to increase the particulate holding capacity of filter cartridges.

The present disclosure provides improvements over the current state of the art.

The following documents may provide technical background to the present disclosure: <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

New and improved filter systems and filter cartridges for use in filter systems are provided, as defined in the appended claims.

In the claimed invention, a filter system is provided. The filter system includes a filter housing having a housing body defining an internal cavity. The housing body has a sealing surface extending around the internal cavity. The housing body has an axially extending tooth positioned radially inward of the sealing surface. The tooth extends axially away from the internal cavity axially past the sealing surface. A filter cartridge, as defined in appended claims <NUM> to <NUM>, is positioned within the cavity of the housing body.

The tooth of the filter housing is axially received within the region.

In the claimed invention, a filter cartridge including a filter media pack and a housing engagement member is provided. The filter media pack has a first flow face and a second flow face. The housing engagement member surrounds the filter media pack. The housing engagement member includes first and second annular sidewalls that form a trough therebetween. The trough has a constant depth between a mouth and a bottom of the trough at all locations. The trough has an enlarged region wherein the bottom of the trough has a greater width dimension than other portions of the bottom of the trough. A first end cap is secured to a first end of the filter media pack. The first end extends between the first and second flow faces. The second end cap is secured to a second end of the filter media pack, opposite the first end. The second end extends between the first and second flow faces. The housing engagement member is positioned outward of the first and second end caps.

In one example, the first annular sidewall is spaced outward from the second annular sidewall.

In one example, a super majority of the trough reduces in width between the first and second annular sidewalls when moving from the mouth thereof towards the bottom thereof.

In one example, the housing engagement member includes a seal support and a seal mounted to the seal support. The seal support defines a first plane and the bottom of the trough defines a second plane. The first and second planes are parallel to one another. The depth of the trough being defined by the spacing between the first and second planes.

In one example, the width of the bottom of the trough defining the enlarged region is measured parallel to and within the second plane.

In one example, the bottom of the trough proximate the enlarged region is planar with the second plane.

In one example, the enlarged region is formed by a pair of sidewalls that extend orthogonal to and between the first and second plane. The pair of sidewalls are spaced apart and parallel to one another.

In one example, a bottom wall defines the bottom of the trough at the enlarged region and extends generally parallel to the second plane and an end wall extends between the first and second planes and orthogonal to the pair of sidewalls.

In one example, the seal support is a flange portion that extends radially outward from the first annular sidewall. The first annular sidewall is spaced outward from the second annular sidewall.

In one example, the first and second annular sidewalls are generally connected together proximate the bottom of the trough.

In one example, the first and second annular sidewalls are formed as a single continuous body formed from a single continuous piece of material.

In one example, the annular sidewalls each have for wall segments. The annular sidewalls have a generally rectangular profile.

In one example, the housing engagement surrounds an opening, directly or indirectly, through which the filter media pack extends. The end caps are located within the opening as well.

In one example, the first end cap includes an outward extending abutment that includes an abutment face that faces one of the first and second flow faces. The second end cap includes an outward extending abutment that includes an abutment face that faces the one of the first and second flow faces. The second annular sidewall axially abuts the abutment of the first end cap and the abutment of the second end cap.

The outward extending abutment extends outward away from a side of the filter media pack.

In one example, the abutment of the first end cap and the abutment of the second end cap are spaced a same distance from the one of the first and second flow faces.

In one example, the second annular sidewall defines a generally rectangular profile having first and second sidewall segments that are parallel to one another and third and fourth sidewall segments that are parallel to one another and generally orthogonal to the first and second sidewall segments. The first and second sidewall segments have a constant height between the third and fourth sidewall segments. The third and fourth sidewall segments have an increasing height when moving from the first sidewall segment to the second sidewall segment.

In one example, a bottom edges of the first, second, third and fourth sidewall segments define a first plane that is generally parallel to the first and second flow faces. The bottom of the trough defines a second plane. The second plane is non-parallel to the first plane and non-parallel to the first and second flow faces.

In one example, the filter media pack has a generally rectangular periphery. The first, second, third and fourth sidewall segments of each of the first and second annular sidewalls are parallel to a corresponding side of the rectangular periphery of the filter media pack.

In one example, the housing engagement member includes an annular wall member that extends outward relative to the second annular sidewall. The annular wall member and the second annular sidewall form a gap with the filter media pack. An adhesive is provided within the gap to secure the housing engagement member to the filter media pack. The annular wall member define an enlarged mouth to the gap.

In one example, the enlarged mouth has a width measured perpendicular to the depth of the trough. The width is greater than a width between the second annular sidewall and an adjacent portion of the media pack or an adjacent portion of an end cap. These widths also being measured perpendicular to the depth of the trough.

In one example, the gap is closed off between the filter cartridge and second annular sidewall by a piece of shutoff tape.

In one example, the shutoff tape is spaced away from the annular wall member such that a portion of the gap is formed axially between the shutoff tape and the annular wall member.

In one example, a first support grate adjacent the first flow face is provided. A second support grate adjacent the second flow face is provided. The second support grate is generally U-shaped and receives at least a portion of the filter media pack therein with the second support grate overlapping at least three sides of the filter media pack including the second flow face.

In one example, the first and second end caps are cup shaped receiving the first and second ends of the filter media pack therein. One end of the second support grate being received in the first end cap and the other end of the second support grate being received in the second end cap.

In one example, the first support grate includes a first and a second mounting tab extending axially away from one another. The first and second mounting tabs are located at opposed ends of the first support grate. The first end cap includes a first mounting receiver receiving the first mounting tab therein. The second end cap includes a second mounting receiver receiving the second mounting tab therein.

In one example, the first end cap is secured to the first end of the filter media pack with adhesive and the second end cap is secured to the second end of the filter media pack with adhesive. The adhesive secures the first and second end caps to the filter media pack not engaging the first support grate.

In one example, the first and second planes are canted relative to the first and second flow faces in a non-parallel and non-orthogonal orientation relative thereto. As such two portions of the trough bottom formed between the first and second annular sidewalls are canted relative to the inlet and outlet flow faces.

While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

<FIG> illustrates a portion of a filter system <NUM>. In <FIG> a filter cartridge <NUM> is illustrated mounted within a housing body <NUM> of a filter housing <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional illustration of the filter system <NUM> including a housing cover <NUM> of the filter housing <NUM>. In this example, the housing cover <NUM> provides a dirty fluid inlet and the housing body <NUM> provides a clean fluid outlet. As such, fluid flow, such as air flow, flows through the filter cartridge as illustrated by arrow <NUM>.

The filter cartridge <NUM> is a repair component that can be removed from the filter housing <NUM> and replaced with a clean filter cartridge when the current filter cartridge becomes spent.

<FIG> illustrates the filter cartridge <NUM> removed from the filter housing <NUM>. The filter cartridge <NUM> generally includes a primary filter media pack <NUM> and a precleaner media <NUM>. The precleaner media increases the impurity holding capacity of the filter cartridge <NUM>. However, the precleaner media <NUM> may not be included in some embodiments.

The filter cartridge <NUM> is generally rectangular in shape. In one example, the primary filter media pack <NUM> is formed from pleated filter media while the precleaner media <NUM> is a block of foam. However, other filter medias are contemplated. For example, the primary filter media pack <NUM> could be a block of filter media, fluted filter media, foam filter media etc. The similarly, the precleaner media <NUM> could be pleated media, a block of filter media, fluted media, etc..

The filter cartridge <NUM> includes end caps <NUM> attached at opposed ends of the primary filter media pack <NUM>. These end caps <NUM> seal the ends of the primary filter media pack <NUM>. The end caps <NUM> may be secured to the primary filter media pack <NUM> with an adhesive <NUM>, such as in the example <FIG>. In some examples, the end caps <NUM> are cup shaped preformed end caps that are adhesively secured to the opposed ends of the primary filter media pack. The adhesive can be a potting compound, urethane, foamed urethane or other adhesive that properly secures the end caps and/or seals the ends of the filter media of the primary filter media pack <NUM>. In other examples, the end caps <NUM> could be molded in place to the primary filter media pack <NUM>.

In this example, an optional outlet support grate <NUM> is attached to the primary filter media pack <NUM>. The outlet support grate <NUM> is perforate to allow for fluid flow therethrough. In this example, the outlet support grate <NUM> is generally U-shaped (see for example <FIG>) and extends generally around three sides of the primary filter media pack <NUM>. In this example, the outlet support grate extends across outlet flow face <NUM> but does not extend across inlet flow face <NUM>. Further, the outlet support grate <NUM> extends along opposed sides <NUM>, <NUM> that extend axially between the outlet and inlet flow faces <NUM>, <NUM>.

In this example, a portion of filter media of the primary filter media pack <NUM> wraps around the free ends of support grate <NUM> that extends along the sides of the primary filter media pack <NUM>.

A housing engagement member <NUM> is operably attached to the primary filter media pack <NUM>. The housing engagement member <NUM> includes a seal portion <NUM>, illustrated in the form as a preformed gasket, and a seal support portion <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the seal portion <NUM> and seal support portion <NUM> are positioned radially outward of and extends around the outer periphery of the primary filter media pack <NUM>.

Seal portion <NUM> axially seals with seal surface <NUM> of housing body <NUM> (see <FIG>).

In this example, the seal support portion <NUM> is a radially directed annular flange. The seal support portion is arranged along a plane <NUM> that is non-parallel to a plane <NUM> that is parallel to the inlet flow face <NUM>. As such, plane <NUM> extends at a non-zero angle α1. In this example, the outlet flow face <NUM> is parallel to plane <NUM> and inlet flow face <NUM>.

An annular wall <NUM> extends axially from seal support portion <NUM>.

In this example, the annular wall <NUM> is connected at a first end <NUM> to a radially inner edge <NUM> of the annular seal support portion <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the annular wall <NUM> is connected a second radially directed annular flange <NUM>. The second radially directed annular flange <NUM> extends radially inward relative to the annular wall <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, in this example, a grate arrangement <NUM> extends inward of the annular flange <NUM> and across an inlet flow face of the precleaner media <NUM>.

Further, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the precleaner media <NUM> is axially received, at least in part, within the annular wall <NUM>. In this example, the annular wall <NUM> is spaced radially outward from the sides of the precleaner media <NUM>.

A frame body <NUM> operably attaches the housing engagement member <NUM> to the primary filter media pack <NUM>.

The frame body <NUM> includes a perforated base <NUM>. When assembled, in this example, the perforated base <NUM> is positioned between the inlet flow face <NUM> of the primary filter media pack <NUM> and an outlet flow face <NUM> of the precleaner media <NUM>.

Thus, precleaner media <NUM> is axially positioned between the housing engagement portion <NUM> and the frame body.

In the illustrated arrangement, the precleaner media <NUM> is axially positioned between grate arrangement <NUM> of the housing engagement portion <NUM> and the perforated base <NUM> of the frame body <NUM>.

By providing the housing engagement portion <NUM> and the frame body <NUM> as separate components that are connected together to form a unitary body (e.g. by welding or application of adhesives, it is possible to install the precleaner media <NUM> between the two preformed components.

In this example, the outlet flow face <NUM> extends in a plane <NUM> that is parallel to plane <NUM> and thus extends at angle α1 to plane <NUM>. Inlet flow face <NUM> of the precleaner media <NUM> extends in plane <NUM>. Plane <NUM> extends at a non-zero angle to planes <NUM> and <NUM>. In one example, plan <NUM> is parallel to plane <NUM>. However, other arrangements are contemplated.

Frame body <NUM> includes an axially extending annular wall <NUM> that extends axially outward from perforated base <NUM> and away from the primary filter media pack <NUM>. Annular wall <NUM> surrounds the precleaner media <NUM>.

Annular wall <NUM> is axially received within annular wall <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, annular wall <NUM> is spaced radially inward of annular wall <NUM> forming an annular trough <NUM> therebetween that extends around the outer periphery of the primary filter media pack <NUM>. In this example, the annular trough <NUM> is axially offset from the primary filter media pack <NUM>.

In this example, the axial depth D1 (see <FIG>) of the annular trough <NUM> is constant at all locations around the periphery of the primary filter media pack <NUM>. This depth is measured between a bottom of the annular trough <NUM> and a plane defined by the seal support flange <NUM>.

Annular wall <NUM> is operably sealingly attached to annular wall <NUM> to prevent fluid bypass therebetween. In one example, a sealant <NUM> is operably provided between the annular wall <NUM> and annular wall <NUM>.

In this example, a radially extending annular flange <NUM> extends radially outward from annular wall <NUM>. Annular flange <NUM> extends generally within a plane parallel to plane <NUM>. An axially outer face of the annular flange <NUM> that generally faces away from the primary filter media pack <NUM> abuts an inward facing face of annular flange <NUM>. The sealant <NUM> may be provided between annular flange <NUM> and annular flange <NUM>.

In some examples, the annular flanges <NUM>, <NUM> or other adjacent components may be welded to one another to secure the components together and to operably secure the housing engagement member <NUM> to the frame body <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, annular wall <NUM> forms a generally rectangular profile when viewed perpendicular to flow face <NUM>. The rectangular profile is generally formed from four sidewall segments <NUM>-<NUM>. Sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart and generally parallel. Sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart and generally parallel. Sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM> extend between sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM>.

In this example, sidewall segment <NUM> has an axial height that is less than sidewall segment <NUM>. More particularly, sidewall segment <NUM> extends further away from the primary filter media pack <NUM> than sidewall segment <NUM> (see e.g. <FIG>).

Sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM> are generally tapered such that they have an increasing height when moving from sidewall segment <NUM> towards sidewall segment <NUM>. This taper generally corresponds to plane <NUM> and angle α1.

The sides of the precleaner media <NUM> have similar axial heights as the adjacent sidewall segment <NUM>-<NUM>.

Annular sidewall <NUM> forms a generally rectangular profile and is formed from four sidewall segments <NUM>-<NUM>. Sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart and generally parallel to one another and parallel to sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM>. Sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart and generally parallel to one another and parallel to sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM>. Sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM> extend between sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM>.

In this example, sidewall segment <NUM> includes a radially bumped out region forming region <NUM>. Region <NUM> is spaced radially outward from the rest of sidewall segment <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the region <NUM> accepts an axially extending tooth <NUM> of the housing body <NUM> when the filter cartridge <NUM> is installed.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the region <NUM> is formed by a pair of radially outward extending sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM> that are generally perpendicular to the rest of sidewall segment <NUM>. These sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM>, in <FIG>, are parallel to one another and extend axially perpendicular to flow <NUM> and planes <NUM>, <NUM>. A sidewall segment <NUM> extends between sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM>. Sidewall segment <NUM> is generally parallel to the rest of sidewall segment <NUM>.

A radially outward extending portion <NUM> of flange <NUM> closes an axial end of the region <NUM> spaced furthest away from the primary filter media pack <NUM>. Portion <NUM>, in this example, is generally parallel to and axially spaced from the flange forming seal support portion <NUM>.

The region <NUM> forms an outward extending notch <NUM> in seal support portion <NUM>. As such, the dimension D2 of the seal support portion <NUM> proximate the region <NUM> is less than the dimension D3 of the seal support spaced away from the region <NUM>.

The frame body <NUM> includes an outward extending tab <NUM>. The tab <NUM> extends into region <NUM> when assembled.

In this example, the seal <NUM> is positioned outward of notch <NUM>.

In this example, the frame body <NUM> is attached to the primary filter media pack <NUM> by an adhesive bead <NUM> along the sides <NUM>, <NUM>. In this example, the adhesive bead <NUM> seals side panels <NUM> of the frame body <NUM> to the portion of the filter media of the primary filter media pack <NUM> that is folded over the ends of the sides of support grate <NUM>. This eliminates or reduces the likelihood of a leak path between the frame body <NUM> and the filter media of the primary filter media pack <NUM>.

The folded over portion of the filter media may be a shorter pleat panel that does not extend the full distance between the opposed flow faces of the filter media pack <NUM>.

Preferably, the adhesive bead <NUM> extends through the filter media and also adheres to the support grate <NUM>. In alternative examples, a further adhesive bead may be directly applied between the side panels <NUM> and the support grate <NUM>.

With initial reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, a further filter cartridge <NUM> configured to be mounted within the housing body and housing cover in a similar manner as filter cartridge <NUM> within housing body <NUM> and housing cover <NUM> is illustrated. However, due to the configuration of the seal in this example, this filter cartridge <NUM> is configured to cooperate with a slightly different configuration of a housing body and housing cover.

Dirty fluid would typically flow through the filter cartridge <NUM> as illustrated by arrows <NUM>.

The filter cartridge <NUM> is a repair component that can be removed from the filter housing and replaced with a clean filter cartridge when the current filter cartridge becomes spent.

The filter cartridge <NUM> generally includes a filter media pack <NUM> and is an example that does not include a precleaner media such as in the prior example. However, it is contemplated that a precleaner media could be incorporated.

The filter cartridge <NUM> is generally rectangular in shape. In one example, the filter media pack <NUM> is formed from pleated filter media, which may be a cellulose material but could take other forms and other filter medias are contemplated. For example, the filter media pack <NUM> could be a block of filter media, fluted filter media, foam filter media etc..

The filter cartridge <NUM> includes end caps <NUM> attached at opposed ends of the filter media pack <NUM>. These end caps <NUM> seal the ends of the filter media pack <NUM>. The end caps <NUM> may be secured to the filter media pack <NUM> with an adhesive <NUM>, illustrated schematically as blocks of adhesive in <FIG>. In some examples, the end caps <NUM> are cup shaped preformed end caps that are adhesively secured to the opposed ends of the filter media pack <NUM>. The adhesive <NUM> can be a potting compound, urethane, foamed urethane or other adhesive that properly secures the end caps <NUM> and/or seals the ends of the filter media of the filter media pack <NUM>. In other examples, the end caps <NUM> could be molded in place to the filter media pack <NUM>.

In this example, an optional outlet support grate <NUM> is attached to the filter media pack <NUM>. The outlet support grate <NUM> is perforate to allow for fluid flow therethrough. In this example, the outlet support grate <NUM> is generally U-shaped (see for example <FIG>). The outlet support grate <NUM> extends generally around three sides of the filter media pack <NUM>. In this example, the outlet support grate <NUM> extends across outlet flow face <NUM> but does not extend across inlet flow face <NUM>. Further, the outlet support grate <NUM> extends along opposed sides <NUM>, <NUM> that extend axially between the outlet and inlet flow faces <NUM>, <NUM> and the end caps <NUM>.

In this example, a portion of filter media of the filter media pack <NUM> wraps around the free ends of support grate <NUM> that extends along the sides of the filter media pack <NUM>. This is illustrated by pleat panel 321A and 321B in <FIG>. In this example, outer pleat panel 321A is a partial panel that does not extend entirely between inlet and outlet flow faces <NUM>, <NUM>. This arrangement occurs on both sides of the filter media pack <NUM>.

A housing engagement member <NUM> is operably attached to the filter media pack <NUM>. The housing engagement member <NUM> includes a seal portion <NUM>, illustrated in the form as a preformed gasket, and a seal support portion <NUM>. The seal portion <NUM> and seal support portion <NUM> are positioned radially outward of and extends around the outer periphery of the filter media pack <NUM>.

Seal portion <NUM> axially seals with a seal surface of the corresponding filter housing.

In this example, the seal support portion <NUM> is a radially directed annular flange. The seal support portion <NUM> is arranged along a plane <NUM> that is non-parallel to a plane <NUM> (<FIG>) that is parallel to the inlet flow face <NUM>. As such, plane <NUM> extends at a non-zero angle β1 to inlet and outlet flow faces <NUM>, <NUM>. In this example, the outlet flow face <NUM> is parallel to inlet flow face <NUM>.

An annular wall <NUM> extends axially from seal support portion <NUM>. In this example, a majority of the annular wall <NUM> extends at a non-perpendicular angle relative to plan <NUM>.

In this example, with reference to <FIG>, the annular wall <NUM> is connected at a first end <NUM> to a radially inner edge <NUM> of the annular seal support portion <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the annular wall <NUM> is connected to a second annular wall <NUM>. The second annular wall <NUM> extends axially away from end <NUM>.

Annular wall <NUM> and second annular wall <NUM> define a trough <NUM> therebetween.

In this example, both sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM> extend at non-parallel, non-perpendicular angles between planes <NUM> and <NUM> (planes <NUM> and <NUM> are illustrated in <FIG>. Due to the tapered orientations of the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> relative to one another, at substantially all locations, the trough <NUM> reduces in width when moving from a mouth thereof towards the bottom thereof. In most locations the outer sidewall <NUM> tapers inwards towards the inner sidewall <NUM>.

In this example, the annular trough <NUM> surrounds the filter media pack <NUM> and is positioned axially between the outlet and inlet flow faces <NUM>, <NUM> thereof.

Annular wall <NUM> surrounds the filter media pack <NUM> and is operably secured to the outer periphery of the filter media pack <NUM> by an adhesive <NUM>. In some examples, the annular wall <NUM> may be considered a frame body. In this example, the first and second annular walls <NUM>, <NUM> and seal support <NUM> are formed into a body that is a single continuous piece of material.

Typically, the body is a preform formed prior to being attached to the filter media pack <NUM> such as out of molded plastic.

In this example, like the prior example, the axial depth D4 of the annular trough <NUM> is constant at all locations around the periphery of the primary filter media pack <NUM>. The depth D4 is defined by plane <NUM> and a second plane <NUM> that is defined by the bottom (e.g., proximate the intersection of the annular walls <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG>) of trough <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, second annular wall <NUM> forms a generally rectangular profile when viewed perpendicular to flow face <NUM>. The rectangular profile is generally formed from four sidewall segments <NUM>-<NUM>. Two sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM> are parallel to each other and orthogonal to the other two sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM>, which are in turn parallel to one another. One sidewall segment corresponds to a corresponding side of the filter media pack <NUM> that extends between the opposed flow faces <NUM>, <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, in this example, sidewall segment <NUM> has an axial height that is less than sidewall segment <NUM> measured orthogonal to the inlet and outlet flow faces <NUM>, <NUM>.

Sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM> are generally tapered such that they have an increasing height when moving from sidewall segment <NUM> towards sidewall segment <NUM>. This taper generally corresponds to plane <NUM> and angle β1.

The free ends of the sidewall segments <NUM>-<NUM> define a plane <NUM> that is generally planar to the flow faces <NUM>, <NUM> and plane <NUM>. Planes <NUM> and <NUM> are generally at angle β1 relative to planes <NUM> and the flow faces.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the annular sidewall <NUM> also forms a generally rectangular profile and is formed from four interconnected sidewall segments that are arranged in generally parallel sets with the two sets being perpendicular to one another. Sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart and generally parallel to one another and parallel to sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM>. Sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM> spaced apart and generally parallel to one another and parallel to sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM>. Sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM> and extend between sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM>.

Notably, the portion of the seal <NUM> and seal support <NUM> proximate one of the end caps <NUM> remains at a constant distance from the inlet and outlet flow faces <NUM>, <NUM> for the entire width of the end cap <NUM>. Similarly, the portion of the seal <NUM> and seal support <NUM> proximate the other one of the end caps <NUM> remains at a constant distance from the inlet and outlet flow faces <NUM>, <NUM> for the entire width of the end cap <NUM>.

These portions generally extend perpendicular to sides <NUM>, <NUM> of the filter media pack and extend adjacent the ends of the filter media pack <NUM> that are sealed by the end caps <NUM>.

However, the portions of the seal <NUM> and seal support <NUM> that extend parallel to sides <NUM> and <NUM> extend at an angle relative to the inlet and outlet flow faces <NUM>, <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in this example, sidewall segment <NUM> includes a radially bumped out region forming region <NUM>. Region <NUM> is spaced radially outward from the rest of sidewall segment <NUM>. The region <NUM> accepts an axially extending tooth of the housing body when the filter cartridge is installed similar to region <NUM> of the prior example.

The bottom of the trough <NUM> proximate region <NUM> has an enlarged dimension parallel to plane <NUM> as compared to the rest of the bottom of the trough <NUM>.

The region <NUM> is formed, at least in part, by a pair of radially outward extending sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM> that are generally perpendicular to the rest of sidewall segment <NUM>. These sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM> are parallel to one another and extend axially perpendicular to flow faces <NUM>, <NUM> and planes <NUM>, <NUM>.

A sidewall segment <NUM> extends between sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM>. Sidewall segment <NUM> extends generally orthogonal to sidewall segments <NUM>, <NUM>.

A radially outward extending portion <NUM> closes an axial end of the region <NUM>. Portion <NUM>, in this example, is generally parallel to and axially spaced from the flange forming seal support portion <NUM> and planes <NUM>, <NUM>.

The region <NUM> forms an outward extending notch <NUM> in seal support portion <NUM>. As such, the dimension D5 of the seal support portion <NUM> proximate the region <NUM> is less than the dimension D6 of the seal support spaced away from the region <NUM>.

In this example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the seal <NUM> is positioned outward of notch <NUM>.

Seal support portion <NUM> and annular walls <NUM>, <NUM> may be considered a frame.

In this example, the frame is attached to the primary filter media pack <NUM> by an adhesive <NUM> along the sides <NUM>, <NUM> and around the outside of end caps <NUM>. The adhesive is positioned, at least in part, between annular wall <NUM> and the outer surface of the media pack <NUM> and the outer surface of the end caps <NUM>.

The frame includes an annular wall member <NUM> that extends axially away from the annular sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> and radially outward from the media pack <NUM> to define an enlarged trough region <NUM>. This enlarged trough region <NUM> assists in manufacturing and making it easier to apply adhesive <NUM>.

Shutoff tape <NUM> may be provided at an opposite end of the annular sidewall <NUM> and located between the annular sidewall <NUM> and the filter media pack <NUM> and end caps <NUM> to close off the gap between the components and prevent leakage of the adhesive <NUM> prior to curing of the adhesive <NUM> during assembly.

The enlarged trough region <NUM> defines a mouth to the gap that has a width measured perpendicular to the depth of the trough that is greater than a width between the second annular sidewall and an adjacent portion of the media pack <NUM> or an adjacent portion of an end cap <NUM>.

Preferably, the adhesive <NUM> extends through the filter media and particular portion 321A and also adheres to the support grate <NUM>. In alternative examples, a further adhesive bead may be directly applied between the media and the support grate <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the end caps <NUM> include outward extending abutment tabs <NUM> that provide abutments <NUM>. The free end of the annular sidewall <NUM> axially abut the abutments <NUM> to align the seal support <NUM> relative to the media pack <NUM> and end caps <NUM>.

In addition, with reference to <FIG>, the end caps <NUM> include notches <NUM> formed in sidewalls <NUM> thereof. The notches <NUM> preferably provide a region of exposed adhesive <NUM> that is used to secure the end caps <NUM> to the filter media pack <NUM> and to seal the ends of the filter media pack <NUM>. The exposed portion of adhesive <NUM> provides for an improved seal at the edge of sidewalls <NUM> of the end cap <NUM>.

Sidewalls <NUM> also include tapered regions <NUM> located adjacent the notches <NUM>. The tapered regions <NUM> reduce in thickness when moving toward the corresponding adjacent notch <NUM>. As such, the free edge of the sidewall <NUM> proximate the tapered region <NUM> has a reduced thickness. This reduces the step caused at this location.

The annular sidewall <NUM> aligns with the notches <NUM> such that adhesive <NUM> can contact adhesive <NUM> during assembly and provide a better seal at that location.

The shutoff tape <NUM> aligns with the tapered regions and the reduced thickness in this location reduces the step down from the outer surface of the sidewall <NUM> toward the adhesive <NUM> located therein or any filter media of filter media pack <NUM> therein to reduce any potential leak paths.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, an inlet grate <NUM> is attached proximate the inlet flow face <NUM>. The inlet grate includes a plurality of mounting tabs <NUM> that extend into mounting receivers <NUM> of the end caps <NUM>.

The mounting receivers <NUM> surround recesses or undercuts that secure the inlet grate <NUM> proximate the inlet flow face <NUM>. In some embodiments, an adhesive may be provided between the mounting tabs <NUM> and the mounting receivers <NUM> or pure mechanical connection can be provided.

To increase securement, notches <NUM> may be provided adjacent the mounting tabs <NUM> that receive part of the sidewall that defines the mounting receivers <NUM>.

In one example, the adhesive <NUM> that secures the end caps <NUM> to the filter media pack <NUM> does not engage the inlet grate <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A filter cartridge (<NUM>; <NUM>) comprising:
a filter media pack (<NUM>; <NUM>) having a first flow face (<NUM>; <NUM>) and a second flow face (<NUM>; <NUM>);
a housing engagement member (<NUM>; <NUM>) that surrounds the filter media pack (<NUM>; <NUM>), the housing engagement member includes first and second annular sidewalls (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>) that form a trough (<NUM>; <NUM>) therebetween, the trough (<NUM>; <NUM>) having a constant depth (D1) between a mouth and a bottom of the trough at all locations;
the trough (<NUM>; <NUM>) having an enlarged region (<NUM>; <NUM>) wherein the bottom of the trough (<NUM>; <NUM>) has a greater width dimension than other portions of the bottom of the trough;
a first end cap (<NUM>; <NUM>) secured to a first end of the filter media pack (<NUM>; <NUM>), the first end extending between the first and second flow faces (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>);
a second end cap (<NUM>; <NUM>) secured to a second end of the filter media pack (<NUM>; <NUM>), opposite the first end, the second end extending between the first and second flow faces (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein the housing engagement member (<NUM>; <NUM>) is positioned outward of the first and second end caps (<NUM>; <NUM>).