Replaceable filter element and snap-on filter lid assembly

A replaceable filter cartridge for use in a fluid filter assembly comprises:

• a filter element having a substantially cylindrical outer surface and a pair of oppositely-disposed filter element ends;
• a first endplate assembled to one of said pair of oppositely-disposed filter element ends;
• and
• a second endplate assembly to the other one of said pair of oppositely-disposed filter element ends, said second endplate having a substantially cylindrical outer wall which is radially spaced apart from said filter element and in combination with said filter element defines a substantially annular clearance space between the outer wall of said second endplate and the filter element, said outer wall includes a substantially annular free edge.

A fluid filter assembly for the filtering of a fluid substance comprises:

• an outer housing having a sidewall defining a hollow interior and an open end;
• a replaceable filter cartridge including a filter element and an endplate attached to an end of said filter element, said endplate includes an outer wall which is radially spaced apart from said filter element and in combination with said filter element defines a clearance space between the outer wall of said endplate and the filter element;
• and
• a separable snap-on lid constructed and arranged to assemble to said outer housing, said snap-on lid including a plurality of spaced apart locking fingers which are snapped onto said endplate to create said fluid filter subassembly, said snap-on lid being separable from said replaceable filter cartridge by flexing said snap-on lid.

A replaceable filter cartridge for use in a fluid filter assembly comprises:

• a filter element having an outer surface and a pair of oppositely-disposed filter element ends;
• a first endplate assembled to one of said pair of oppositely-disposed filter element ends;
• and
• a second endplate assembled to the other one of said pair of oppositely-disposed filter element ends, said second endplate having an outer wall which is radially spaced apart from said filter element and in combination with said filter element defines a clearance space between the outer wall of said second endplate and the filter element, said outer wall includes a substantially annular free edge.