Pre-molded air filter end cap and method of manufacturing an air filter
AssigneeWix Filtration Corp LLC
InventorsDonald Troy Chilton, Mitchell Jerome Baker
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The end cap (2) comprises a cylindrical gasket-type fitting formed of soft, malleable material. The end cap (2) is connected to the end of an air filter (1) with an adhesive (6). The end cap has a general “U” shaped end portion that encases one end of the air filter (1), and includes a locking tab (7). The locking tab (7) is formed on the end cap's (2) interior lip to assist in holding the end cap (2) in place. Pre-molded air filter end caps (2) are primarily designed for use in safety air filters (1) for heavy motor vehicle applications, specifically, off road vehicles such as bulldozers, bob cats, transfer trucks, and the like.
Claims14
A filter assembly (1) for providing a safety air filter arrangement disposed within a primary outer air filter assembly, said safety filter arrangement filtering air when the primary outer filter is being serviced, said filter assembly comprising:
- a substantially cylindrical filter media (4) and permeable core (3) circumscribing a longitudinal axis;
- and
- an end cap (2) secured to a first end of said filter media (4) and said permeable core (3);
- said end cap (2) having an end portion with a substantially “U” shaped cross-section forming an annular groove for receiving said first end of said filter media (4) and said permeable core (3), said “U” shaped cross-section defining an inner lip and an outer lip wherein said inner lip is shorter than said outer lip,
- wherein said end cap (2) is formed prior to securing said end cap (2) to said first end.
A method of manufacturing a filter assembly (1) for providing a safety air filter arrangement disposed within a primary outer air filter assembly, said safety filter arrangement filtering air when the primary outer filter is being serviced, said filter assembly comprising, a substantially cylindrical filter media (4) and permeable core (3) assembly, and an end cap (2) attached to a first end of said assembly (3, 4), said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing said end cap (2) having an annular groove for receiving said first end of said assembly (3, 4), said annular groove defining an inner lip and an outer lip for said end cap (2) wherein said outer lip is longer than said inner lip to define a smooth outer surface providing a sealing interface when said filter assembly is mounted within said primary outer air filter assembly;
- (b) providing said first end of said cylindrical assembly (3, 4);
- (c) securing said end cap (2) to said first end by inserting said first end into said annular groove.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.