Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
193 words
A filter assembly for use with a water discharge hose of a washing machine comprising: a body having an inlet tubular member and an elongated outlet tubular member, said members being substantially coaxial and axially spaced from each other, each tubular member having an inner end which faces the inner end of the other tubular member, and an outer end, a plurality of circumferentially spaced fins secured to and extending outwardly from said tubular members, means for fluidly connecting said outer end of said inlet tubular member to the discharge hose, a tubular filter element, means for attaching one end of said filter element to said inlet member and the other end of said filter element adjacent said outer end of said outlet tubular member so that said filter element encloses said fins and so that said inner end of said outlet member is positioned at a midpoint of said filter element, and means positioned between said inner ends of tubular members for diverting fluid flow from said outer end towards said inner end of said inlet member radially outwardly around the inner end of said outlet member and toward said filter element.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
193 words
A filter assembly for use with a water discharge hose of a washing machine comprising: a body having an inlet tubular member and an elongated outlet tubular member, said members being substantially coaxial and axially spaced from each other, each tubular member having an inner end which faces the inner end of the other tubular member, and an outer end, a plurality of circumferentially spaced fins secured to and extending outwardly from said tubular members, means for fluidly connecting said outer end of said inlet tubular member to the discharge hose, a tubular filter element, means for attaching one end of said filter element to said inlet member and the other end of said filter element adjacent said outer end of said outlet tubular member so that said filter element encloses said fins and so that said inner end of said outlet member is positioned at a midpoint of said filter element, and means positioned between said inner ends of tubular members for diverting fluid flow from said outer end towards said inner end of said inlet member radially outwardly around the inner end of said outlet member and toward said filter element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said diverting means comprises a conical member having its apex pointing towards said inlet member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said tubular members, said conical member and said fins are of a one piece construction.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein said tubular members, said conical member and said fins are constructed of plastic.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said tubular members are tubular and cylindrical in shape.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein the radial width of said fins adjacent said outlet member is greater than the radial dimension of said fins adjacent said inlet member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said filter element comprises a stretchable mesh material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The invention as defined in claim 7 wherein said filter element comprises a portion of a nylon stocking.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said attaching means comprises a resilient ring.