Patent ID: 8424686

Claim:
A filter apparatus, comprising: a filter cartridge, defining an axis of attachment of the filter cartridge, and including a filter element, and a tubular-shaped sealing collar, extending from the filter cartridge about the axis of attachment of the filter cartridge; the tubular-shaped sealing collar having a body of resilient material defining a circumference of the collar about the axis of attachment and including a radially interior wall having a first sealing portion and a second sealing portion, the second sealing portion extending away from an axial end of the first sealing portion at an obtuse angle, the tubular-shaped sealing collar having a stepped end at an axial most extent thereof, with first and second axial faces, wherein the second axial face extends axially beyond the first axial face; the tubular-shaped sealing collar also having a reinforcement element completely embedded within the body of the tubular shaped sealing collar and positioned radially outward of the second axial face, for resisting a change in the circumference of at least a portion of the tubular shaped collar about the axis of attachment, the reinforcement element extending axially at a length that is greater than the first sealing portion and less than the second sealing portion such that, wherein the reinforcement element is parallel to the first sealing portion.