Method of assembling an improved bead-lock high-pressure filter utilizing a stamped metal cover, and filter obtained thereby

A fluid filter assembly for filtering a fluid, comprising:

• a housing having a longitudinal axis and a periphery that defines an open end, said periphery including at least one radially inwardly deformed portion adjacent the open end having a C-shaped portion that terminates in a flange, wherein said flange is a generally flat annular plate having an end that extends in a generally radial direction outwardly from said housing,
• a filter medium positioned via the open end within the housing,
• a cover assembly positioned in the open end of the housing comprising a cover plate and a retainer plate each having a mutually spaced apart outer peripheral edge in which the peripheral edges cooperate to form a recess receiving said radially inwardly deformed portion of said housing wherein the outer peripheral edge of the cover plate has a dimension less than an inner dimension of the periphery of the housing, and
• a gasket disposed in said recess defined by said mutually spaced apart outer peripheral edges for engaging and effecting a seal between the cover assembly and said inwardly deformed portion of the housing, said gasket having a peripheral edge dimension which is less than the dimension of the peripheral edge of the cover plate,
• wherein the gasket is in radial compression caused by the C-shaped portion of the radially inwardly deformed portion of the housing periphery.