Patent Description:
In order for an engine to convert chemical energy stored in fuel into mechanical work, the engine utilizes air from the surrounding environment to cause the fuel to combust. However, because the air in the surrounding environment is often laden with debris particles (e.g., dust, sand, or other particles), which may damage components of the engine and/or obstruct the fuel, the air may need to be filtered prior to entering the engine. As a result, some engine-driven machines (e.g., vehicles, generators, or other types of machines) may include an air cleaner assembly having one or more filtration devices that selectively capture the debris particles while permitting clean air to pass therethrough.

As filter media within the one or more filtration devices becomes filled with the debris particles, the pressure differential across the one or more filtration devices tends to increase, which may in turn decrease the efficiency of the engine. Thus, the filter media may need to be periodically removed from the air cleaner assembly for replacement and/or cleaning. To allow removal of the filter media, the one or more filtration devices may include latch mechanisms which removably secure the filter media therein. However, due to space constraints in the machine, inclusion of the latch mechanisms may limit a size and/or quantity of the filtration devices within the air cleaner assembly, may complicate replacement of the filter media, and/or have other drawbacks.

<CIT>, discloses a case locking mechanism located between a first case part and a second case part. The mechanism comprises a projection, a deformable piece, a hook portion, a guide portion, and a holding portion. The projection is formed on an outer side surface of the first case part. The deformable piece is integrally formed with an outer side surface of the second case part and has a folded back curved portion at a midpoint in a longitudinal direction. The hook portion is formed at a distal portion of the deformable piece and is engageable with the projection. The guide portion is formed on the projection. When the case parts are closed, the guide portion guides a claw portion formed in the hook portion in such a direction that the claw portion engages with the projection. The holding projection is formed on the projection to maintain the engaged state between the claw portion and the projection.

The filtration device of the present disclosure solves one or more of the problems set forth above and/or other problems in the art.

<CIT> describes the filter assembly comprising a filter element and a retaining grid which has retaining elements distributed around the collar of the retaining grid.

<CIT> describes a media pack which is surrounded by a shell arrangement.

<CIT> describes a filter cartridge comprising a media pack and a preform.

<CIT> describes a media pack which is supported by a preformed support.

In some implementations, an adapter comprises a collar, a plurality of locking tabs, and a plurality of snap members. The collar has an upper rim, a lower rim, and a wall connecting the upper rim to the lower rim. The upper rim extends radially inward from the wall, and the lower rim extends radially outward from the wall. The plurality of locking tabs extend downwardly from the upper rim and are configured to resiliently engage a plurality of receptacles of a filter element to connect the adapter with the filter element. The plurality of snap members extend radially outward from the lower rim and are configured to resiliently engage one or more ramp members of a housing to connect the filter element with the housing.

In some implementations, a filter element comprises a casing, a flange, and a plurality of receptacles. The casing has a first end, a second end, and an outer surface that connects the first end to the second end. The outer surface defines a perimeter of the casing. The flange is connected to the outer surface and extends around the perimeter of the casing. The flange has an upper surface. The plurality of receptacles are connected to the outer surface and arranged around the perimeter of the casing. The plurality of receptacles are configured to receive a plurality of locking tabs of an adapter to permit the filter element to be connected to a housing. The plurality of receptacles extend between the first end of the casing and the upper surface of the flange.

In some implementations, a filtration device comprises an adapter, a filter element, and a housing. The adapter includes a collar, a plurality of locking tabs, and a plurality of snap members. The collar has an upper rim and a lower rim. The plurality of locking tabs extend downwardly from the upper rim. The plurality of snap members extend radially outward from the lower rim. The filter element is configured to receive the adapter and includes a casing and a plurality of receptacles. The casing has a first outer surface that defines a first perimeter of the casing. The plurality of receptacles are connected to the first outer surface and arranged around the first perimeter of the casing. The plurality of receptacles are configured to receive the plurality of locking tabs of the adapter. The housing is configured to receive the filter element and includes a shell and a plurality of ramp members. The shell has a second outer surface. The plurality of ramp members are fixedly connected to the second outer surface and are configured to engage the plurality of snap members of the adapter.

This disclosure relates to a filtration device having a latch mechanism. The filtration device has universal applicability to any device and/or system involved in filtering air. For example, the filtration device may be part of an air cleaner assembly that fluidly communicates with a power system, a fuel system, and/or the like. The device and/or system may be implemented in a machine associated with an industry, such as mining, construction, farming, transportation, or another type of industry.

To simplify the explanation below, the same reference numbers may be used to denote like features. The drawings may not be to scale.

<FIG> is a diagram of an example machine <NUM> that includes an air cleaner assembly <NUM>. The machine <NUM> is powered by an engine that utilizes an air intake system to convert chemical energy stored in fuel into mechanical work. For example, the machine <NUM> may be a ground-borne vehicle, such as a mining truck (shown in <FIG>), a tractor, a backhoe loader, a dozer, an excavator, a grader, or another type of vehicle. As another example, the machine <NUM> may be a stationary machine, such as a generator, a pump, or another type of machine.

The air cleaner assembly <NUM> is a device that is configured to filter air from an environment to prevent debris particles within the air (e.g., dust, sand, or other types of particles) from entering the air intake system associated with the engine. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the air cleaner assembly <NUM> may include a pre-cleaner <NUM>, which provides a first stage of air filtration, and a cabinet <NUM>, which provides a second stage of air filtration. In use, the air cleaner assembly <NUM> is mounted to the machine <NUM> to fluidly communicate with the air intake system associated with the engine. For example, as will be described below in connection with <FIG>, the air may enter the air intake system of the machine <NUM> by flowing into a plurality of inlet ports <NUM> of the pre-cleaner <NUM> and out of a plurality of outlet ports <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM>.

For example, the number and arrangement of air cleaner assemblies <NUM> may differ from that shown in <FIG>. Thus, there may be additional air cleaner assemblies, fewer air cleaner assemblies, different air cleaner assemblies, and/or differently arranged air cleaner assemblies than those shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> are diagrams of the air cleaner assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is an isometric view of the air cleaner assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the air cleaner assembly <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the pre-cleaner <NUM> includes a pair of doors <NUM> that are hingedly attached to the cabinet <NUM> to move between a closed position and an open position. Each door <NUM> includes a subset of the plurality of inlet ports <NUM>, which are configured to cause the air passing therethrough to spin. As the air travels along the plurality of inlet ports <NUM> to enter the cabinet <NUM>, the air may eject a majority of the debris particles within the air into a pair of collection pipes <NUM> for collection and/or removal. In such a way, the pre-cleaner <NUM> may provide the first stage of air filtration.

The cabinet <NUM> includes a platform <NUM> mounted therein to divide an interior of the cabinet <NUM> into a front interior space <NUM> and a rear interior space <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The front interior space <NUM> is configured to be covered by the pre-cleaner <NUM> to receive the air passing therethrough, and the rear interior space <NUM> is configured to fluidly communicate with the plurality of outlet ports <NUM> to allow the air to exit the air cleaner assembly <NUM>. To selectively filter a remaining amount of the debris particles within the air while permitting the air to travel from the front interior space <NUM> to the rear interior space <NUM>, the platform <NUM> includes a plurality of filtration devices <NUM>, alternatives of which will be described below in connection with <FIG>. In such a way, the cabinet <NUM> may provide the second stage of air filtration.

For example, the number and arrangement of components (e.g., the plurality of inlet ports <NUM>, the plurality of outlet ports <NUM>, the pair of doors <NUM>, the pair of collection pipes <NUM>, and/or the plurality of filtration devices <NUM>) may differ from that shown in <FIG>. Thus, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, and/or differently arranged components than those shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a front view of the plurality of filtration devices <NUM> secured within the cabinet <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the plurality of filtration devices <NUM> are compactly arranged within the cabinet <NUM> to maximize filtration capability for a given size of the cabinet <NUM>. The plurality of filtration devices <NUM> are substantially identical and interchangeable. Each filtration device <NUM> includes a mounting mechanism <NUM> that secures the respective filtration device <NUM> to the platform <NUM>. Each mounting mechanism <NUM> includes a plurality of mounting tabs <NUM>, which extend radially and fixedly from the respective filtration device <NUM>, and a plurality of fasteners <NUM> (e.g., screws, bolts, and/or another type of fastener), which are configured to extend through the plurality of mounting tabs <NUM> and into the platform <NUM>. To minimize spacing between the plurality of filtration devices <NUM>, the plurality of mounting tabs <NUM> may be spaced apart and offset from one another. Thus, when the plurality of filtration devices <NUM> are secured to the platform <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, a mounting tab <NUM> of one filtration device <NUM> may be received in a space between two mounting tabs <NUM> of an adjacent filtration device <NUM>.

To adequately filter the air entering the intake system of the machine <NUM>, each of the plurality of filtration devices <NUM> may have a length in a range of approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), a width in a range of approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), and a depth in a range of approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). For example, the length may be approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), the width may be approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), and the depth may be approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). Furthermore, in order to minimize spacing between the plurality of filtration devices <NUM>, each of the plurality of mounting tabs <NUM> may have a radial length in a range of approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). For example, the radial length may be approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). Other dimensions are possible.

For example, the number and arrangement of components (e.g., the plurality of filtration devices <NUM>, the plurality of mounting tabs <NUM>, and/or the plurality of fasteners <NUM>) may differ from that shown in <FIG>. Thus, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, differently shaped components, and/or differently arranged components than those shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> are diagrams of a filtration device <NUM>, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. <FIG> is an isometric view of the filtration device <NUM> in an unlatched state. <FIG> is an isometric view of the filtration device <NUM> in a latched state. It should be understood that the filtration device <NUM> may correspond to one or more of the plurality of filtration devices <NUM> of <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the filtration device <NUM> includes a filter element <NUM> and a housing <NUM> that is configured to receive the filter element <NUM>. The filter element <NUM> includes a casing <NUM>, a filter media <NUM>, a grip <NUM>, and a flange <NUM>. The casing <NUM> includes a first end <NUM>, a second end <NUM>, and an outer surface <NUM> that defines an outer perimeter of the casing <NUM> and connects the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> defines a first opening <NUM>, and the second end <NUM> defines a second opening <NUM> that communicates with the first opening <NUM> to form a hollow interior <NUM> of the casing <NUM>. The filter media <NUM>, which may be a fluted and/or pleated material such as, for example, paper and/or cotton, is disposed within the hollow interior <NUM> and is configured to filter the air flowing through the filtration device <NUM>. For example, the filter media <NUM> may be configured to capture debris particles within the hollow interior <NUM> of the casing <NUM> as the air travels from the first opening <NUM> and through the second opening <NUM>.

The grip <NUM> is fixedly connected to the first end <NUM> of the casing <NUM> and extends across the first opening <NUM> from a first side edge <NUM> of the first opening <NUM> to a second side edge <NUM> of the first opening <NUM>. The grip <NUM> is structured and arranged to facilitate handling of the filtration device <NUM> (e.g., during installation and/or removal of the filtration device <NUM>). For example, the grip <NUM> may be substantially H-shaped (as shown in <FIG>), I-shaped, or have another similar shape.

The flange <NUM> is connected to the outer surface <NUM> of the casing <NUM> and extends around the outer perimeter of the casing <NUM>. The flange <NUM> includes a plurality of snap members <NUM> that each form part of a latch mechanism that connects the filter element <NUM> with the housing <NUM> when the filtration device <NUM> is in the latched state (as shown in <FIG>). Each snap member <NUM> includes a fulcrum <NUM> and a lever <NUM> mounted on the fulcrum <NUM>. The fulcrum <NUM> projects radially from an upper end portion <NUM> of the flange <NUM>, and the lever <NUM> extends in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the fulcrum <NUM>. The lever <NUM>, which is substantially planar and has a substantially rectangular shape, includes a latch portion <NUM> and a handle portion <NUM>. The latch portion <NUM> is located at a first end <NUM> of the lever <NUM>, the handle portion <NUM> is located at a second end <NUM> of the lever <NUM> that is opposite to the first end <NUM>, and the fulcrum <NUM> is substantially centered therebetween. The latch portion <NUM> includes a lower inner surface <NUM> that faces a lower end portion <NUM> of the flange <NUM> and a substantially rectangular aperture <NUM>. The handle portion <NUM> is configured to be depressed in a direction that is substantially parallel to the fulcrum <NUM> to disengage the latch mechanism. To facilitate depressing the handle portion <NUM>, the handle portion <NUM> may include a bent section <NUM>.

So as to not interfere with the spacing within the cabinet <NUM>, as described above in connection with <FIG>, each of the fulcrums <NUM> of the plurality of snap members <NUM> may have a length that is less than the radial length of each of the plurality of mounting tabs <NUM>. Thus, the length of each fulcrum <NUM> may be less than approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). For example, the length may be approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). Other dimensions are possible.

The housing <NUM> includes a shell <NUM>, a seal member <NUM>, a plurality of ramp members <NUM>, and the plurality of mounting tabs <NUM>. The shell <NUM> includes a first end <NUM>, a second end <NUM>, an outer surface <NUM> that connects the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>, and an inner surface <NUM> that is opposed to the outer surface <NUM>. The first end <NUM> defines a first opening <NUM>, and the second end <NUM> defines a second opening <NUM> that communicates with the first opening <NUM> to form a hollow interior <NUM> of the shell <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> defines an outer perimeter of the shell <NUM>, and the inner surface <NUM> defines an inner perimeter of the shell <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> includes a ledge <NUM> that extends around the inner perimeter of the shell <NUM> and is positioned a first distance from the first end <NUM> of the shell <NUM>. The ledge <NUM> supports the seal member <NUM>, which is an elongated strip of material (e.g., plastic) that is configured to compress the lower end portion <NUM> of the flange <NUM> of the filter element <NUM> when the filtration device <NUM> is in the latched state.

The plurality of ramp members <NUM> are fixedly connected to the outer surface <NUM> of the shell <NUM> and positioned a second distance from the first end <NUM> of the shell <NUM> that is less than the first distance. In other words, the plurality of ramp members <NUM> are arranged on the shell <NUM> at a vertical position between the first end <NUM> of the shell <NUM> and the ledge <NUM> of the shell <NUM>. The plurality of ramp members <NUM> may be arranged in subsets (e.g., of two ramp members, of four ramp members) around the outer perimeter of the shell <NUM>. Each ramp member <NUM> forms a corresponding part of the latch mechanism and is thus configured to engage one of the plurality of snap members <NUM>. Each ramp member <NUM> includes an angled surface <NUM>, a first side surface <NUM>, a second side surface <NUM>, and a bottom surface <NUM>. The angled surface <NUM> extends from the outer surface <NUM> of the shell <NUM> at an acute angle relative to the outer surface <NUM>. A vertex of the acute angle is closer to the first end <NUM> of the shell <NUM> than to the second end <NUM> of the shell <NUM>. The angled surface <NUM>, which is substantially rectangular, includes a first edge <NUM> opposing a second edge <NUM> and a third edge <NUM> opposing a fourth edge <NUM>. The first side surface <NUM> and the second side surface <NUM>, which are substantially triangular, are respectively connected to the first edge <NUM> of the angled surface <NUM> and the second edge <NUM> of the angled surface <NUM>. The bottom surface <NUM>, which is substantially rectangular, is connected to the fourth edge <NUM> of the angled surface <NUM>.

The plurality of mounting tabs <NUM>, which form part of the mounting mechanism <NUM> described above in connection with <FIG>, are fixedly connected to the outer surface <NUM> of the shell <NUM>. The plurality of mounting tabs <NUM> are positioned at a distance relative to the first end <NUM> of the shell <NUM> that is substantially equal to the first distance.

The casing <NUM>, the grip <NUM>, and/or the plurality of snap members <NUM> of the filter element <NUM>, to withstand environmental conditions, may be made of a durable material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic or another type of plastic. The flange <NUM>, in order to support the plurality of snap members <NUM> while forming a seal with the housing <NUM>, may be made of multiple materials. For example, the upper end portion <NUM> of the flange <NUM>, which supports the plurality of snap members <NUM>, may be integral with the plurality of snap members <NUM> and/or made of a durable material, such as ABS plastic. The lower end portion <NUM> of the flange <NUM>, in order to be compressible, may be formed of urethane or another type of resilient material. The shell <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, to likewise withstand environment conditions, may be made of a material such as glass-filled nylon. Other materials are possible.

To connect the filter element <NUM> to the housing <NUM>, a user may hold the grip <NUM> and insert the filter element <NUM> into the hollow interior <NUM> of the shell <NUM>. As the flange <NUM> of the filter element <NUM> enters the hollow interior <NUM>, a bottom surface <NUM> of the lower end portion <NUM> of the flange <NUM> is compressed by the seal member <NUM>, thereby forming the seal. Once the filtration device <NUM> is installed within the cabinet <NUM>, the seal may prevent air from passing through the cabinet <NUM> without first passing through the filter media <NUM>. As the lower end portion <NUM> of the flange <NUM> of the filter element <NUM> is increasingly compressed by the seal member <NUM>, the lower inner surfaces <NUM> of the latch portions <NUM> slide over the angled surfaces <NUM> of the plurality of ramp members <NUM>, causing the handle portions <NUM> of the levers <NUM> to tilt towards the casing <NUM> of the filter element <NUM>. Once the apertures <NUM> of the latch portions <NUM> contact the bottom surfaces <NUM> of the plurality of ramp members <NUM>, the plurality of snap members <NUM> automatically snap onto and engage the plurality of ramp members <NUM>. Thus, the user may place the filtration device <NUM> into the latched state without directly contacting the latch mechanism.

Conversely, to disconnect the filter element <NUM> from the housing <NUM>, the user may depress the handle portions <NUM> of plurality of snap members <NUM> and pull the grip <NUM> in a direction away from the housing <NUM>. By depressing the handle portions <NUM>, the user causes the levers <NUM> to pivot about the fulcrums <NUM>, which disengages the apertures <NUM> from the plurality of ramp members <NUM>. Due to the resiliency of the plurality of snap members <NUM>, the latch mechanism is capable of being repeatedly latched and unlatched.

For example, the number and arrangement of components (e.g., the plurality of snap members and/or the plurality of ramp members) may differ from that shown in <FIG>. Thus, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, differently shaped components, and/or differently arranged components than those shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> are diagrams of a filtration device <NUM>, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. <FIG> is an isometric view of the filtration device <NUM> in an unlatched state. <FIG> is an isometric view of the filtration device <NUM> in a latched state. It should be understood that the filtration device <NUM> may correspond to one or more of the plurality of filtration devices <NUM> of <FIG>. Furthermore, it should be understood that the filtration device <NUM> shares features with the filtration device <NUM>. The description below will focus on the differences in structure.

As shown in <FIG>, the filtration device <NUM> includes an adapter <NUM>, a filter element <NUM>, and a housing <NUM>. The adapter <NUM> includes a collar <NUM>, a plurality of locking tabs <NUM>, the plurality of snap members <NUM>, and a plurality of clamping tabs <NUM>. The collar <NUM> has an upper rim <NUM>, a lower rim <NUM>, and a wall <NUM> connecting the upper rim <NUM> to the lower rim <NUM>. The upper rim <NUM> extends radially inward from the wall <NUM>, and the lower rim <NUM> extends radially outward from the wall <NUM>. The plurality of locking tabs <NUM> extend downwardly from the upper rim <NUM> and are configured to connect the adapter <NUM> to the filter element <NUM>. Each of the locking tabs <NUM> includes a body portion <NUM> and a tooth <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> extends from the upper rim <NUM> and is spaced inwardly from the wall <NUM>, and the tooth <NUM> projects inwardly from a free end <NUM> of the body portion <NUM>. The plurality of snap members <NUM>, described above in connection with <FIG>, extend radially outward from the lower rim <NUM> and are configured to connect the adapter <NUM> to the housing <NUM>. The plurality of clamping tabs <NUM>, which may assist the plurality of snap members <NUM> in connecting the adapter <NUM> to the housing <NUM>, likewise extend radially outward from the lower rim <NUM>.

The adapter <NUM> may be formed of a single, integral piece of material. For example, to allow the plurality of locking tabs and the plurality of snap members to form resilient connections, the material may be ABS plastic, nylon, or a similar material. Other materials are possible.

The filter element <NUM>, in addition to having the casing <NUM>, the filter media <NUM>, and the grip <NUM> of the filter element <NUM>, includes a flange <NUM> and a plurality of receptacles <NUM>. The flange <NUM> is connected to the outer surface <NUM> of the casing <NUM> and extends around the outer perimeter of the casing <NUM>. The flange <NUM> includes an upper surface <NUM>, a lower surface <NUM>, and an outer surface <NUM> that connects the upper surface <NUM> to the lower surface <NUM>. The upper surface <NUM> of the flange <NUM> is configured to support the lower rim <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> when the adapter <NUM> is secured to the filter element <NUM>. The lower surface <NUM> of the flange <NUM> is configured to form a seal with the housing <NUM> when the filtration device <NUM> is in the latched state.

The plurality of receptacles <NUM> are fixedly connected to the outer surface <NUM> of the casing <NUM> and extend between the first end <NUM> of the casing <NUM> and the upper surface <NUM> of the flange <NUM>. In order to engage the plurality of locking tabs <NUM>, the plurality of receptacles <NUM> are arranged around the outer perimeter of the casing <NUM>. Each receptacle <NUM> includes an angled surface <NUM> and an opening <NUM>. The angled surface <NUM> extends from the outer surface <NUM> of the casing <NUM> at an acute angle relative to the outer surface <NUM>. A vertex of the acute angle is closer to the first end <NUM> of the casing <NUM> than to the second end <NUM> of the casing <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is positioned between the angled surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> and is configured to receive a tooth <NUM> of a respective locking tab <NUM> when the adapter <NUM> and the filter element <NUM> are in an attached state.

The flange <NUM> of the filter element <NUM> may be formed of a resilient material such as be urethane. The plurality of receptacles <NUM> of the filter element <NUM> may be integral with the casing <NUM> and thus formed of the same durable material as the casing <NUM>, such as ABS plastic or another type of plastic. Other materials are possible.

The housing <NUM>, in addition to having the shell <NUM>, the seal member <NUM>, the plurality of ramp members <NUM>, and the plurality of mounting tabs <NUM>, includes a plurality of clamps <NUM>. The plurality of clamps <NUM>, which are configured to engage the plurality of clamping tabs <NUM> on the adapter <NUM>, are pivotably mounted to the outer surface <NUM> of the shell <NUM>. The plurality of clamps <NUM>, similar to the plurality of mounting tabs <NUM>, are positioned at a distance relative to the first end <NUM> of the shell <NUM> that is substantially equal to the first distance. Because the plurality of clamps <NUM> are arranged at beveled corner portions of the outer surface <NUM>, the plurality of clamps <NUM> do not interfere with the spacing within the cabinet <NUM>, as described above in connection with <FIG>.

To attach the adapter <NUM> to the filter element <NUM>, a user may press the collar <NUM> onto the flange <NUM> of the filter element <NUM>. As the adapter <NUM> is pressed onto the filter element <NUM>, the teeth <NUM> of the plurality of locking tabs <NUM> slide over the angled surfaces <NUM> of the plurality of receptacles <NUM>, causing the body portions <NUM> to bend toward the wall <NUM> of the collar <NUM>. Once the free ends <NUM> of the body portions <NUM> contact the upper surface <NUM> of the flange <NUM>, the teeth <NUM> automatically snap into and engage with the openings <NUM> of the plurality of receptacles <NUM>. Thus, the user may place the adapter <NUM> and the filter element <NUM> into the attached state without directly contacting the plurality of locking tabs <NUM>.

Once the adapter <NUM> and the filter element <NUM> are in the attached state, the user may connect the filter element <NUM> to the housing <NUM> using substantially the same steps as described above in connection with <FIG>. Likewise, if so desired, the user may disconnect the filter element <NUM> from the housing <NUM> using substantially the same steps as described above. It should be understood, however, that the described order of assembly is provided merely as an example. In practice, the filter element <NUM> may be inserted into the housing <NUM> prior to attachment of the adapter <NUM>.

For example, the number and arrangement of components (e.g., the plurality of snap members <NUM>, the plurality of locking tabs <NUM>, the plurality of clamping tab <NUM>, the plurality of ramp members <NUM>, the plurality of receptacles <NUM>, and/or the plurality of clamps <NUM>) may differ from that shown in <FIG>. Thus, there may be additional components, fewer components, different components, differently shaped components, and/or differently arranged components than those shown in <FIG>.

While the filtration device <NUM> has been described as including the plurality of clamps <NUM> and the plurality of clamping tabs <NUM>, it should be understood that such attachment mechanisms are provided merely as an example. In practice, other types of attachment mechanisms may be used in place of, or in addition to, the plurality of clamps <NUM> and the plurality of clamping tabs <NUM>. For example, as shown and described in connection with <FIG>, the filtration device <NUM> may include only the plurality of snap members <NUM> and the plurality of ramp members <NUM>. As another example, the filtration device <NUM> may include, in place of the plurality of clamps <NUM> and the plurality of clamping tabs <NUM>, one or more different types of attachment mechanisms, such as screws, buckles, C-clamps, or other fasteners.

The filtration device <NUM>, <NUM> of the present disclosure is particularly applicable within the cabinet <NUM> of the air cleaner assembly <NUM>. As indicated above, the air cleaner assembly <NUM> may be configured to communicate with an air intake system associated with an engine. The engine may utilize air in the environment to convert chemical energy stored in fuel into mechanical work. For example, the engine may propel a ground-borne vehicle, such as a mining truck (shown in <FIG>), a tractor, a backhoe loader, a dozer, an excavator, a grader, or another type of vehicle. As another example, the engine may supply power to a stationary machine, such as a generator, a pump, or another type of machine.

Because the plurality of snap members <NUM> and the plurality of ramp members <NUM> have relatively narrow profiles and are configured to engage one another without being directly contacted by a user, the filtration devices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the present disclosure may be arranged more compactly within the cabinet <NUM>. As a result, the air cleaner assembly <NUM> may more efficiently filter debris particles out of the air. Additionally, with respect to the filtration device <NUM>, the adapter <NUM> allows the filter element <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM> to be used modularly (e.g., within other types and/or sizes of cabinets and/or with other types of attachment devices). Thus, the filtration device <NUM> may have the added benefit of cost reduction associated with production and/or storage of inventory.

Furthermore, any of the implementations described herein may be combined unless the foregoing disclosure expressly provides a reason that one or more implementations cannot be combined. Even though particular combinations of features are disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various implementations.

Claim 1:
A filtration device (<NUM>), comprising an adapter (<NUM>), a filter element (<NUM>) and a housing (<NUM>) configured to receive the filter element (<NUM>);
the adapter (<NUM>) comprising:
a collar (<NUM>) having an upper rim (<NUM>), a lower rim (<NUM>), and a wall (<NUM>) connecting the upper rim (<NUM>) to the lower rim (<NUM>), wherein the upper rim (<NUM>) extends radially inward from the wall (<NUM>), and the lower rim (<NUM>) extends radially outward from the wall (<NUM>);
a plurality of locking tabs (<NUM>) extending downwardly from the upper rim (<NUM>), and
a plurality of snap members (<NUM>) extending radially outward from the lower rim (<NUM>);
the filter element (<NUM>) comprising:
a casing (<NUM>) including a first end (<NUM>), a second end (<NUM>) and an outer surface (<NUM>) defining a perimeter of the casing (<NUM>) and connects the first end (<NUM>) to the second end (<NUM>);
filter media (<NUM>);
a flange (<NUM>) having an upper surface (<NUM>) which is configured to support the lower rim (<NUM>) of the adapter (<NUM>) and a lower surface (<NUM>) which is configured to form a seal with the housing (<NUM>); and
a plurality of receptacles (<NUM>);
wherein when the collar (<NUM>) is pressed onto the flange (<NUM>) of the filter element (<NUM>) the plurality of locking tabs (<NUM>) are configured to resiliently engage the openings (<NUM>) of the plurality of receptacles (<NUM>) of a filter element (<NUM>) to connect the adapter (<NUM>) with the filter element (<NUM>); and
wherein the plurality of snap members (<NUM>) are configured to resiliently engage one or more ramp members (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) to connect the adapter (<NUM>) with the housing (<NUM>);
characterised in that the filter element (<NUM>) comprises a grip (<NUM>);
the plurality of receptacles (<NUM>) are arranged around an outer perimeter of the casing (<NUM>), each receptacle (<NUM>) having an angled surface (<NUM>) which extends from the outer surface (<NUM>) of the casing (<NUM>) and an opening (<NUM>); and
when the collar (<NUM>) is pressed onto the flange (<NUM>) of the filter element (<NUM>), the plurality of locking tabs (<NUM>) slide over the angled surfaces (<NUM>) of the plurality of receptacles (<NUM>) causing them to bend towards the wall (<NUM>) of the collar (<NUM>).