Filter with expandable end cap facilitating easier change-out

A replaceable filter element configured to be received by a cylindrical, perforated filter basket having an inner wall and a circular, concave bottom surface with a diameter, D, the filter element comprising:

• a cylindrical filtering medium having proximal and distal ends defining a length and a lengthwise hollow bore enabling a fluid to be filtered to enter into the hollow bore and pass through the medium from the inside out;
• an elastomeric end cap bonded to the distal end of the filtering medium, the end cap having a central area that closes off the distal end of the lengthwise hollow bore and a circular, outer perimeter defining a diameter D′ less than D;
• and
• the central area of the end cap further being dome shaped, thereby presenting a convex outer surface to the concave bottom surface of the filter basket, such that when the filtering element is inserted into the filter basket with the end cap positioned adjacent the bottom of the filter basket, the end cap assumes a pressurized state when a fluid entering the filtering element applies pressure to the central area of the end cap, causing the convex surface of the end cap to conform against the concave surface of the filter basket and the outer perimeter of the end cap to expand radially outwardly from D′ to D, and a non-pressurized state wherein the dome shape is re-established and outer perimeter of the end cap returns to D′, facilitating an easier removal of the element from the basket.