End cap coupler system for linking one filter cartridge to another filter cartridge or functional member

Claim 2

A slide-on end cap coupler for linking an end-capped filter cartridge to another end-capped filter cartridge or to another functional member at the end cap thereof, comprising, in combination: (1) first and second attaching members, each having first and second opposed faces, (a) a first face of each attaching member facing one end of a filter cartridge or other functional member; and (b) a second face of each attaching member being adapted for closely-abutting contact with the second face of the other attaching member; (2) an outer periphery of the second face terminating in an outwardly extending flange, the flange of each member being adapted for closely-abutting contact when the second faces of each member are in closely-abutting contact; (3) at least two intermeshing clamping channel members having channel sides shaped to slidably move into and away from a clamping position in which the sides circumferentially embrace the abutting flanges of the attaching members and spaced apart sufficiently to engage the flanges and clamp the attaching members together; each channel member having intermeshing locking means engaging mating locking means of the other member and releasably locking the channel members together in such clamping and embracing position; and in such position embracing substantially the entire periphery of the flanges; whereby each of the first and second attaching members when a part of or attached to one end cap of an end-capped filter cartridge releasably and slidably links the filter cartridge to an end cap of another end-capped filter cartridge or to another functional member.

Claim 3

An end cap coupler according to claim 1 in which the attaching members each have interconnecting apertures for fluid flow therethrough, and the functional member is a closure closing off the interconnected apertures at one end thereof.

Claim 4

An end cap coupler according to claim 1 in which the attaching members each have interconnecting apertures for fluid flow therethrough and the functional member is a linking member for connecting the coupler to a filter assembly.

Claim 5

An end cap coupler according to claim 1 in which the attaching members each have interconnecting apertures for fluid flow therethrough and each attaching member is a part of an end cap for an end-capped filter cartridge.

Claim 6

An end cap coupler according to claim 1 in which the attaching members each have interconnecting apertures for fluid flow therethrough and each attaching member is for attachment to an end cap of an end-capped filter cartridge.

Claim 7

An end cap coupler according to claim 1, in which the attaching and clamping members are of thermoplastic polymeric material.

Claim 8

An end cap coupler according to claim 6 in which the thermoplastic resinous material is a polyester resin.

Claim 9

An end cap coupler according to claim 1 in which the intermeshing locking means of the channel member comprises a clamping tip and recess engaging a recess and clamping tip of the mating locking means.

Claim 10

An end cap coupler according to claim 8 in which the outer face of the tip is at an angle of 45° and the inner face of the tip at the recess is at an angle of 15° to the center line of the clamping means.

Claim 11

An end cap coupler according to claim 1, in which the contacting faces of the first and second attaching members are keyed to maintain them in fixed relative positions with respect to each other.

Claim 12

An end cap coupler according to claim 10 in which the key comprises lugs on one attaching member engaging recesses on the other attaching member.

Claim 13

A slide-on end cap coupler for linking two end-capped filter cartridges together at the end caps thereof, comprising, in combination: (1) first and second attaching members, each having first and second opposed faces, the outer periphery of each face terminating in an outwardly extending flange, the flanges defining a peripheral recess therebetween open at its outer side; (a) a first face of each attaching member being shaped for attachment as an end cap at one end of a filter cartridge; and (b) a second face of each attaching member being adapted for closely-abutting contact with the second face of the other attaching member; (2) at least two intermeshing clamping channel members having channel sides shaped to slidably move into and away from a clamping position in which the sides circumferentially embrace the flanges of the attaching members and spaced apart to clamp the attaching members together; each channel member having intermeshing locking means engaging mating locking means of the other member and releasably locking the channel members together in such clamping and embracing position; and in such position embracing substantially the entire periphery of the flanges; whereby each of the first and second attaching members when a part of or attached to end caps of different end-capped filter cartridges releasably and slidably link the filter cartridges together.

Claim 14

A slide-on end cap coupler for linking two end-capped filter cartridges together at the end caps thereof, comprising, in combination: (1) first and second attaching members, each having first and second opposed faces, the outer periphery of each face terminating in an outwardly extending flange, the flanges defining a peripheral recess therebetween open at its outer side; (a) a first face of each attaching member being shaped for attachment as an end cap at one end of a filter cartridge; and (b) a second face of each attaching member being adapted for closely-abutting contact with the second face of the other attaching member; (2) at least two intermeshing clamping channel members having channel sides shaped to slidably move into and away from a clamping position in which the sides circumferentially embrace the flanges of the attaching members and spaced apart to clamp the attaching members together; each channel member having intermeshing locking means engaging mating locking means of the other member and releasably locking the channel members together in such clamping and embracing position; and in such position embracing substantially the entire periphery of the flanges; whereby each of the first and second attaching members when a part of or attached to end caps of different end-capped filter cartridges releasably and slidably link the filter cartridges together.

Claim 15

An end cap coupler according to claim 12 in which the attaching and clamping members are of thermoplastic polymeric material.

Claim 16

An end cap coupler according to claim 13 in which the thermoplastic resinous material is a polyester resin.

Claim 17

An end cap coupler according to claim 12 in which the intermeshing locking means of the channel members comprises a clamping tip and recess engaging a recess and clamping tip of the mating locking means.

Claim 18

An end cap coupler according to claim 15 in which the outer face of the tip is at an angle of 45° and the inner face of the tip at the recess is at an angle of 15° to the center line of the clamping means.

Claim 19

An end cap coupler according to claim 12 in which the contacting faces of the first and second attaching members are keyed to maintain them in fixed relative positions with respect to each other.

Claim 20

An end cap coupler according to claim 17 in which the key comprises lugs on one attaching member engaging recesses on the other attaching member.

Claim 21

A modular end-capped filter cartridge having a first end cap including one of a first attaching member and a second attaching member mating therewith and a second end cap including one at a first attaching member and a second attaching member mating therewith, and adapted to be linked to a like modular cartridge at an end cap thereof or to another functional member by intermeshing clamping channel members engaging one of the first and one of the second mating attaching members, the first and second attaching members each having outer faces adapted for closely-abutting contact with the outer faces of the first or second members of an end cap of a like modular cartridge or to another functional member; an outer periphery of each outer face terminating in an outwardly extending flange, each flange being adapted for closely-abutting contact when the outer faces are in closely-abutting contact; at least two intermeshing clamping channel members having channel sides shaped to slidably move into and away from a clamping position in which the sides circumferentially embrace the abutting flanges of the first and second mating attaching members and spaced apart sufficiently to engage the flanges and clamp the attaching members together; each channel member having intermeshing locking means engaging mating locking means of the other member and releasably locking the channel members together in such clamping and embracing position; and in such position embracing substantially the entire periphery of the flanges; whereby the modular end-capped filter cartridge is releasably and slidably linked together at an attaching member to another end-capped filter cartridge at the end cap or to another functional member.

Claim 22

A modular end-capped filter cartridge having a first end cap including one of a first attaching member and a second attaching member mating therewith and a second end cap including one at a first attaching member and a second attaching member mating therewith, and adapted to be linked to a like modular cartridge at an end cap thereof or to another functional member by intermeshing clamping channel members engaging one of the first and one of the second mating attaching members, the first and second attaching members each having outer faces adapted for closely-abutting contact with the outer faces of the first or second members of an end cap of a like modular cartridge or to another functional member; an outer periphery of each outer face terminating in an outwardly extending flange, each flange being adapted for closely-abutting contact when the outer faces are in closely-abutting contact; at least two intermeshing clamping channel members having channel sides shaped to slidably move into and away from a clamping position in which the sides circumferentially embrace the abutting flanges of the first and second mating attaching members and spaced apart sufficiently to engage the flanges and clamp the attaching members together; each channel member having intermeshing locking means engaging mating locking means of the other member and releasably locking the channel members together in such clamping and embracing position; and in such position embracing substantially the entire periphery of the flanges; whereby the modular end-capped filter cartridge is releasably and slidably linked together at an attaching member to another end-capped filter cartridge at the end cap or to another functional member.

Claim 23

A modular end-capped filter cartridge according to claim 19 in which the attaching members each have interconnecting apertures for fluid flow therethrough, and the functional member is a closure closing off the interconnected apertures at one end thereof.

Claim 24

A modular end-capped filter cartridge according to claim 19 in which the attaching members each have interconnecting apertures for fluid flow therethrough and the functional member is a linking member for connecting the coupler to a filter assembly.

Claim 25

A modular end-capped filter cartridge according to claim 19 in which the attaching members each have interconnecting apertures for fluid flow therethrough and each attaching member is a part of an end cap for an end-capped filter cartridge.

Claim 26

A modular end-capped filter cartridge according to claim 19 in which the attaching members each have interconnecting apertures for fluid flow therethrough and each attaching member is for attachment to an end cap of an end-capped filter cartridge.

Claim 27

A modular end-capped filter cartridge according to claim 19 in which the attaching and clamping members are of thermoplastic polymeric material.

Claim 28

A modular end-capped filter cartridge according to claim 24 in which the thermoplastic resinous material is a polyester resin.

Claim 29

A modular end-capped filter cartridge according to claim 19 in which the intermeshing locking means of the channel members comprises a clamping tip and recess engaging a recess and clamping tip of the mating locking means.

Claim 30

A modular end-capped filter cartridge according to claim 26 in which the outer face of the tip is at an angle of 45° and the inner face of the tip at the recess is at an angle of 15° to the center line of the clamping means.

Claim 31

A modular end-capped filter cartridge according to claim 19 in which the contacting faces of the first and second attaching members are keyed to maintain them in fixed relative positions with respect to each other.

Claim 32

A modular end-capped filter cartridge according to claim 28 in which the key comprises lugs on one attaching member engaging recesses on the other attaching member.

Claim 33

A modular end-capped filter cartridge having a first end cap including a first attaching member and a second end cap including a second attaching member adapted to be linked to a like modular cartridge having like end caps at a second end cap including a second attaching member or a first end cap including a first attaching member, respectively, by intermeshing clamping channel members engaging the two attaching members, the first and second attaching members each having outer faces, the outer periphery of which terminates in two outwardly extending flanges defining a peripheral recess therebetween open at its outer side; the outer face and the outer of the two flanges of the attaching members being adapted for closely-abutting contact with the outer faces and the outer of the two flanges of the first or second attaching members of an end cap of a like modular cartridge; at least two intermeshing clamping channel members having channel sides shaped to slidably move into and away from a clamping position in which the sides circumferentially embrace the outer abutting flanges of the first and second attaching members of abutting end caps and spaced apart to engage the flanges and clamp the attaching members of each end cap together; each channel member having intermeshing locking means engaging mating locking means of the other member and releasably locking the channel members together in such clamping and embracing position; and in such position embracing substantially the entire periphery of the flanges; whereby like modular end-capped filter cartridge are releasably and slidably linked together by attaching members of the end caps.

Claim 34

A modular end-capped filter cartridge having a first end cap including a first attaching member and a second end cap including a second attaching member adapted to be linked to a like modular cartridge having like end caps at a second end cap including a second attaching member or a first end cap including a first attaching member, respectively, by intermeshing clamping channel members engaging the two attaching members, the first and second attaching members each having outer faces, the outer periphery of which terminates in two outwardly extending flanges defining a peripheral recess therebetween open at its outer side; the outer face and the outer of the two flanges of the attaching members being adapted for closely-abutting contact with the outer faces and the outer of the two flanges of the first or second attaching members of an end cap of a like modular cartridge; at least two intermeshing clamping channel members having channel sides shaped to slidably move into and away from a clamping position in which the sides circumferentially embrace the outer abutting flanges of the first and second attaching members of abutting end caps and spaced apart to engage the flanges and clamp the attaching members of each end cap together; each channel member having intermeshing locking means engaging mating locking means of the other member and releasably locking the channel members together in such clamping and embracing position; and in such position embracing substantially the entire periphery of the flanges; whereby like modular end-capped filter cartridge are releasably and slidably linked together by attaching members of the end caps.

Claim 35

A modular end-capped filter cartridge according to claim 30 in which the attaching and clamping members are of thermoplastic polymeric material.

Claim 36

A modular end-capped filter cartridge according to claim 31 in which the thermoplastic resinous material is a polyester resin.

Claim 37

A modular end-capped filter cartridge according to claim 30 in which the intermeshing locking means of the channel members comprises a clamping tip and recess engaging a recess and clamping tip of the mating locking means.

Claim 38

A modular end-capped filter cartridge according to claim 33 in which the outer face of the tip is at an angle of 45° and the inner face of the tip at the recess is at an angle of 15° to the center line of the clamping means.

Claim 39

A modular end-capped filter cartridge according to claim 30 in which the contacting faces of the first and second attaching members are keyed to maintain them in fixed relative positions with respect to each other.

Claim 40

A modular end-capped filter cartridge according to claim 35 in which the key comprises lugs on one attaching member engaging recesses on the other attaching member.

Claim 41

A modular end-capped filter cartridge having a first end cap including a first attaching member and a second end cap including a first attaching member adapted to be linked to a like modular cartridge having a first end cap including a second attaching member and a second end cap including a second attaching member, the second attaching members mating with the first attaching members, and being adapted to be linked together by intermeshing clamping channel members engaging the two attaching members, the first and second attaching members each having outer faces, the outer periphery of which terminates in two outwardly extending flanges defining a peripheral recess therebetween open at its outer side; the outer face and the outer of the two flanges of the attaching members being adapted for closely-abutting contact with the outer faces and the outer of the two flanges of the first and second attaching members; at least two intermeshing clamping channel members having channel sides shaped to slidably move into and away from a clamping position in which the sides circumferentially embrace the outer abutting flanges of the first and second attaching members of abutting end caps and spaced apart to engage the flanges and clamp the attaching members of each end cap together; each channel member having intermeshing locking means engaging mating locking means of the other member and releasably locking the channel members together in such clamping and embracing position; and in such position embracing substantially the entire periphery of the flanges; whereby like modular end-capped filter cartridges are releasably and slidably linked together by attaching members of the end caps.

Claim 42

A modular end-capped filter cartridge having a first end cap including a first attaching member and a second end cap including a first attaching member adapted to be linked to a like modular cartridge having a first end cap including a second attaching member and a second end cap including a second attaching member, the second attaching members mating with the first attaching members, and being adapted to be linked together by intermeshing clamping channel members engaging the two attaching members, the first and second attaching members each having outer faces, the outer periphery of which terminates in two outwardly extending flanges defining a peripheral recess therebetween open at its outer side; the outer face and the outer of the two flanges of the attaching members being adapted for closely-abutting contact with the outer faces and the outer of the two flanges of the first and second attaching members; at least two intermeshing clamping channel members having channel sides shaped to slidably move into and away from a clamping position in which the sides circumferentially embrace the outer abutting flanges of the first and second attaching members of abutting end caps and spaced apart to engage the flanges and clamp the attaching members of each end cap together; each channel member having intermeshing locking means engaging mating locking means of the other member and releasably locking the channel members together in such clamping and embracing position; and in such position embracing substantially the entire periphery of the flanges; whereby like modular end-capped filter cartridges are releasably and slidably linked together by attaching members of the end caps.

Claim 43

A modular end-capped filter cartridge according to claim 37 in which the attaching and clamping members are of thermoplastic polymeric material.

Claim 44

A modular end-capped filter cartridge according to claim 38 in which the thermoplastic resinous material is a polyester resin.

Claim 45

A modular end-capped filter cartridge according to claim 37 in which the intermeshing locking means of the channel members comprises a clamping tip and recess engaging a recess and clamping tips of the mating locking means.

Claim 46

A modular end-capped filter cartridge according to claim 40 in which the outer face of the tip is at an angle of 45° and the inner face of the tip at the recess is at an angle of 15° to the center line of the clamping means.

Claim 47

A modular end-capped filter cartridge according to claim 37 in which the contacting faces of the first and second attaching members are keyed to maintain them in fixed relative positions with respect to each other.

Claim 48

A modular end-capped filter cartridge according to claim 42 in which the key comprises lugs on one attaching member engaging recesses on the other attaching member.

Claim 49

An array of a plurality of modular end-capped filter cartridges, each having a first and second end cap including one of a first attaching member and a second attaching member and linked to a like modular cartridge having like end caps with first and second attaching members, the first attaching members mating with the second attaching members, and being linked together by intermeshing clamping channel members engaging the two attaching members, the first and second attaching members each having outer faces adapted for closely-abutting contact with the outer faces of the first or second attaching members of like end caps of a like modular cartridge; an outer periphery of each outer face terminating in an outwardly extending flange, each flange being adapted for closely-abutting contact when the outer faces are in closely-abutting contact; at least two intermeshing clamping channel members having channel sides shaped to slidably move into and away from a clamping position in which the sides circumferentially embrace the abutting flanges of the first or second attaching members of abutting end caps and spaced apart sufficiently to engage the flanges and clamp the attaching members of each end cap together; each channel member having intermeshing locking means engaging mating locking means of the other member and releasably locking the channel members together in such clamping and embracing position; and in such position embracing substantially the entire periphery of the flanges; whereby the modular end-capped filter cartridges are releasably and slidably linked together in the array by the attaching members of the end caps.

Claim 50

An array of a plurality of modular end-capped filter cartridges, each having a first and second end cap including one of a first attaching member and a second attaching member and linked to a like modular cartridge having like end caps with first and second attaching members, the first attaching members mating with the second attaching members, and being linked together by intermeshing clamping channel members engaging the two attaching members, the first and second attaching members each having outer faces adapted for closely-abutting contact with the outer faces of the first or second attaching members of like end caps of a like modular cartridge; an outer periphery of each outer face terminating in an outwardly extending flange, each flange being adapted for closely-abutting contact when the outer faces are in closely-abutting contact; at least two intermeshing clamping channel members having channel sides shaped to slidably move into and away from a clamping position in which the sides circumferentially embrace the abutting flanges of the first or second attaching members of abutting end caps and spaced apart sufficiently to engage the flanges and clamp the attaching members of each end cap together; each channel member having intermeshing locking means engaging mating locking means of the other member and releasably locking the channel members together in such clamping and embracing position; and in such position embracing substantially the entire periphery of the flanges; whereby the modular end-capped filter cartridges are releasably and slidably linked together in the array by the attaching members of the end caps.

Claim 51

An array of a plurality of modular end-capped filter cartridges according to claim 44 in which the attaching members each have interconnecting apertures for fluid flow therethrough, and at one end of the array is a closure closing off the interconnected apertures at one end thereof.

Claim 52

An array of a plurality of modular end-capped filter cartridges according to claim 44 in which the attaching members each have interconnecting apertures for fluid flow therethrough and at one end of the array is a linking member for connecting the array to a filter assembly.

Claim 53

An array of a plurality of modular end-capped filter cartridges according to claim 44 in which the attaching members each have interconnecting apertures for fluid flow therethrough and each attaching member is a part of an end cap for an end-capped filter cartridge.

Claim 54

An array of a plurality of modular end-capped filter cartridges according to claim 44 in which the attaching members each have interconnecting apertures for fluid flow therethrough and each attaching member is for attachment to an end cap of an end-capped filter cartridge.

Claim 55

An array of a plurality of modular end-capped filter cartridges according to claim 44 in which the attaching and clamping members are of thermoplastic polymeric material.

Claim 56

An array of a plurality of modular end-capped filter cartridges according to claim 49 in which the thermoplastic resinous material is a polyester resin.

Claim 57

An array of a plurality of modular end-capped filter cartridges according to claim 44 in which the intermeshing locking means of the channel members comprises a clamping tip and recess engaging a recess and clamping tip of the mating locking means.

Claim 58

An array of a plurality of modular end-capped filter cartridges according to claim 51 in which the outer face of the tip is at an angle of 45° and the inner face of the tip at the recess is at an angle of 15° to the center line of the clamping means.

Claim 59

An array of a plurality of modular end-capped filter cartridges according to claim 44 in which the contacting faces of the first and second attaching members are keyed to maintain them in fixed relative positions with respect to each other.

Claim 60

An array of a plurality of modular end-capped filter cartridges according to claim 53 in which the key comprises lugs on one attaching member engaging recesses on the other attaching member.