Patent ID: 7063730

Claim:
A filter comprising a filter element mounted to a base, said filter element comprising first and second end caps spaced axially along an axis, said second end cap having an axial flow opening therethrough, filter media extending axially between said end caps and defining a closed-loop around a perimeter defining a hollow interior communicating with said axial flow opening, wherein fluid to be filtered flows laterally through said filter media and axially through said hollow interior and said axial flow opening, said second end cap extending laterally outwardly to an outer flange laterally outward of said filter media, a retainer on said outer flange for mounting said filter element at said second end cap to said base, wherein said retainer mounts said second end cap to said base in snap-fit relation, wherein said retainer comprises a hook on one of said second end cap and said base, and a catch on the other of said second end cap and said base, wherein said hook is on a shank which extends axially from a hinge on said one of said second end cap and said base, and wherein said hook is laterally movable about said hinge toward and away from said other of said second end cap and said base into and out of engagement with said catch.