Patent ID: 8821724

Claim:
A liquid filter member configured to be threadably mounted on a filter head, the liquid filter member comprising: (a) an outer shell having a sidewall defining an interior and an open end; (i) the outer shell defining a top; (b) a filter cartridge non-removably positioned within the interior of the shell; (i) the filter cartridge comprising pleated media extending between first and second end caps; (A) the media defining a pleat tip outer diameter; (ii) the first end cap being an open end cap with a central aperture and including an axially outwardly projecting seal mount thereon; (A) the filter cartridge including a seal mounted on the axially outwardly projecting seal mount and configured to form an outwardly directed radial seal against a seal surface supported by the filter head when the liquid filter member is disposed in position for use; and, (B) the seal mount being positioned to support the seal at a location to form a seal diameter such that the seal is located in overlap with the media at a location spaced between an inside perimeter of the media and an outside perimeter of the media, across the first end cap; and, (iii) the second end cap being closed; and, (c) a top plate non-removably secured within the shell such that fluid is prevented from passing between the top plate and the shell from the interior of the shell to the exterior of the shell, the top plate having an upper portion and a lower portion; (i) the top plate upper portion having an inwardly threaded region by which the filter member can be mounted on a filter head for use; and, (ii) the top plate lower portion being positioned to engage, in axial overlap, the first end cap, to inhibit the cartridge from being removed from the shell; (iii) the top plate including: (A) a first region, having the inside threaded region, positioned below the top of the shell; and, (B) a second region extending axially away from the first region; and, (d) the filter cartridge not being sealed, by a seal member, to the top plate.