Fluid filter with uniform spacing

Claim 2

A filter element for use in fluid filters which include a housing, for receiving the filter element in a folded condition, comprising a generally thin, flat body shaped for receipt within the housing defining two body portions when in said folded condition, said body having a fold line generally intermediate opposed ends thereof whereby the body is folded upon itself about said fold line in a substantially predetermined manner, and said fold line being formed by a double-line indentation comprising a pair of generally parallel fold lines to facilitate precise, substantially predetermined, folding and alignment of said opposed ends and generally uniform spacing of said body portions within said housing, providing improved fluid flow through the fluid filter.

Claim 3

The filter element of claim 1 wherein said generally parallel fold lines are spaced approximately the thickness of said body.

Claim 4

The filter element of claim 2 wherein said body comprises a felt-like material.

Claim 5

The filter element of claim 3 wherein said material comprises phenolic resin impregnated polyester.

Claim 8

The method of claim 5 wherein said sheet is provided of felt-like material.

Claim 9

The method of claim 6 wherein said material comprises phenolic resin impregnated polyester.

Claim 10

The method of claim 5 wherein said double fold line is formed simultaneously with cutting the filter element from the sheet.

Claim 11

The method of claim 5 wherein said generally parallel fold lines are spaced approximately the thickness of said body.

Claim 12

A fluid filter assembly, comprising: a pan including a pair of matching halves with peripheral, interior receptacle means for receiving a folded filter element; and a filter element including a generally thin, flat body shaped for receipt within said pan when in a precisely folded condition, said body having a fold line generally intermediate opposed ends thereof defining two body portions whereby the body portions can be precisely folded about said fold line in a face-to-face relation, and said fold line being formed by a double-line indentation comprising a pair of generally parallel fold lines spaced approximately the thickness of said body to facilitate substantially predetermined precise folding and alignment of said opposed ends and generally uniform spacing of said body portions providing increased fluid flow through said fluid filter assembly, as well as complete sealing of said pan.

Claim 13

A fluid filter assembly, comprising: a pan including a pair of matching halves with peripheral, interior receptacle means for receiving a folded filter element; and a filter element including a generally thin, flat body shaped for receipt within said pan when in a precisely folded condition, said body having a fold line generally intermediate opposed ends thereof defining two body portions whereby the body portions can be precisely folded about said fold line in a face-to-face relation, and said fold line being formed by a double-line indentation comprising a pair of generally parallel fold lines spaced approximately the thickness of said body to facilitate substantially predetermined precise folding and alignment of said opposed ends and generally uniform spacing of said body portions providing increased fluid flow through said fluid filter assembly, as well as complete sealing of said pan.

Claim 14

The fluid filter assembly of claim 10 wherein said body comprises a felt-like material.

Claim 15

The fluid filter assembly of claim 11 wherein said material comprises phenolic resin impregnated polyester.