Combined filter housing and extractor

Claim 1

A combined filter housing and extractor comprising: (a) filter storage means capable of holding a plurality of conically-shaped filters collapsed into a generally pie-shaped configuration therein, said storage means including; (i) a hollow generally pie-shaped housing having a top surface provided with a generally pie-shaped opening, (ii) a bottom surface, (iii) side walls, (iv) a small end wall, and (v) a larger open end through which said plurality of filters may be introduced; (b) generally pie-shaped cover means for covering said top surface opening, said cover means including; (i) cover retaining means disposed proximate the larger end thereof for cooperating with said housing means opening releasably retaining said cover means in said housing means opening, (ii) a major opening and a minor opening, and (iii) guide means disposed about said minor opening; and (c) extractor means including; (i) a V-shaped member having a pair of arms adapted to cooperate with each other by flexing under pressure, one arm of said pair of arms being slidably received into said cover means minor opening for movement perpendicular to said cover means as determined by said guide means, the other arm of said pair of arms being inserted into said cover means major opening, said major opening permitting said other arm to flex and return parallel to said cover and towards and away from said one arm within said cover means major opening, said other arm further comprising an extactor retaining means which cooperates with said housing means opening to releasably retain the cover and extractor when said other arm is in a rest position, and, (ii) resilient semi-adhesive material disposed at the distal end of each of said arms.