Patent ID: 7175030

Claim:
A filter element, comprising: ring-shaped filter media with a first end and an opposite second end, a rigid annular support ring fixed to the first end of the media, the support ring including an axial distal end facing away from the filter media, and a series of flexible, spaced-apart tabs connected to the distal end and projecting outward, radially and axially, at an angle from the distal end of the support ring; and an end cap sealingly bonded to the second end of the filter media, wherein the support ring includes i) an annular segment fixed to the first end of the filter media, ii) a radially-enlarged annular mouth portion having the tabs thereon being interposed between the annular segment and tabs, and projecting radially outward and axially away from an axial outer end of the annular segment, and the tabs projecting axially and radially outwardly from a distal outer axial end of the annular mouth portion, and (iii) a concave annular portion with a radius interconnecting the annular segment and the enlarged mouth portion, and having a configuration enabling the support ring to be received within and supported by a curled end of an annular member.