FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)
FILTER ELEMENT
FLEETGUARD FILTERS PRIVATE LIMITED
An Indian Company having registered address at:
136, Park Marina Road,
Baner, Pune - 411 045, MH, India
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present subject matter relates generally to a filter element, and more specifically to a filter element having a central support tube.
BACKGROUND
[002] A filter element of tubular type that is disposable after a limited period of use is well known in the art. The filter element usually comprises a cylindrical shaped filter media through which fluid enters radially from outside inward. The cylindrical shaped filter media is arranged between two end caps. The filtered fluid is discharged axially via anyone or both of the end caps. In these filter elements, a tubular frame is integrated as a supporting structure that forms a wall of an axial inner space through which the filtered fluid is derived. The end caps are preformed from plastic material and are attached to the ends of the filter element or to the ends of the tubular frame or to both. The end caps embrace the ends of the filter element and at least one of the end caps is provided with a suitable opening for permitting the discharge of the filtered fluid from inside of the filter media/tubular frame.
[003] In existing filter elements described above, mostly circular cylinders are used both as tubular frame and filter media. Typically, both ends or at least one end of the tubular frame is embedded in the end caps for providing strength. Others use tangential projections on bottom surfaces of the tubular frame for engaging the bottom end cap for strength. Other known arts discard the tubular frame and use a housing with clamps on the outer surface of the housing and clamp-tabs on the filter media for providing required strength and sealing. It is well known that elliptic cylinders provide less flow resistance and thus are much more suitable for

some filter applications. This problem of providing strength and sealing further complicates if one prefers the elliptic cylinder as tubular frame with an elliptic cylinder-shaped filter media.
[004] Conventionally, this complication of providing accurate sealing and appropriate strength for elliptic cylinder filter media and tubular frames have been dealt in prior arts by either appropriate by molding the filter media/tubular frame with the end caps during manufacturing. These manufacturing methods are costlier with need of expert tool, resulting in increased cost of manufacturing. In light of the above shortcomings and drawbacks of the existing filter elements, there exists a need for an elliptic cylinder-shaped filter element without any need of molding together or expert tools so as to limit the manufacturing cost for achieving perfect sealing of the filter media which may also provide the strength of withstanding all radial and axial pressures.
SUMMARY
[005] Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems.
[006] Before the present subject matter relating to a filter element having a central support tube, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular system(s) and methodologies described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the implementations or versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter.

[007] This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a filter element having a central support tube. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the present subject matter.
[008] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a filter element is disclosed. In the said embodiment the filter element comprises an elliptic tubular frame, a first end cap is secured to the first end of elliptic tubular frame using a first securing means, a second end cap is secured to the second end of elliptic tubular frame using a second securing means and an elliptic tubular filter mounted on the elliptic tubular frame. Further, the first securing means is one of a Snap-On retention or a welding retention, and the second securing means is one of a Snap-On retention or a heat stake retention.
[009] In one embodiment, the Snap-On retention comprises Snap-On retention tabs disposed on inner surface of the elliptic tubular frame near the first end and the second end, and Snap-On retention clamps disposed on the first end cap and the second end cap. Further in the example, during assembly, the Snap-On retention tabs are received in the Snap-On retention clamps for securing first end cap to the first end of elliptic tubular frame and the second end cap to the second end of elliptic tubular frame using the Snap-On retention.
[0010] In one other embodiment, the welding retention comprises integrating the first end cap to the first end of elliptic tubular frame by welding.
[0011] In one more embodiment, the heat stake retention comprises heat retention tabs disposed on inner surface of the elliptic tubular frame near the second end, and retention holes disposed on the second end cap. Further

in the example, during assembly, the heat retention tabs are received in the retention holes, and wherein the heat retention tabs are deformed using a heat staking process for securing the second end cap to the second end of elliptic tubular frame.
[0012] Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments. It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the below mentioned detailed description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the present document example constructions of the disclosure; however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific system/ apparatus or method disclosed in the document and the drawings.
[0014] The present disclosure is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer various features of the present subject matter.
[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view depicting a filter element with a tubular frame, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 2A, Figure 2B and Figure 2C illustrate perspective views of a first end cap, an elliptic tubular frame, and a second end cap, respectively, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0017] Figure 3 is a front sectional view of the filter element, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0018] Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of the filter element, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0019] Figure 5 illustrates the elliptic tubular frame with first cap and second cap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0020] Figure 6 illustrates the elliptic tubular frame integrated with first cap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0021] Figure 7 illustrates, heat retention tabs in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0022] Figure 8 illustrates another embodiment of the second cap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0023] Figure 9 illustrates a heat shank retention, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0024] Figure 10 illustrates a gasket O-ring and its cut section, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0025] In the above accompanying drawings, a number relates to an item identified by a line linking the number to the item. When a number is accompanied by an associated arrow, the number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.

[0026] Further, the figures depict various embodiments of the present subject matter for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the present subject matter described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although a filter element having a central support tube, similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary Filter element having a central support tube is now described.
[0028] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. For example, although the present disclosure will be described in the context of a filter element having a central support tube, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that Filter element having a central support tube can be utilized in any situation where there is need to remove mold defects and have a good fit. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but

is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0029] In an aspect of the present disclosure, in order to overcome the above referenced problems and to provide various advantages elaborated in the subsequent section, a filter element is disclosed.
[0030] In the said embodiment the filter element comprises an elliptic tubular frame, a first end cap is secured to the first end of elliptic tubular frame using a first securing means, a second end cap is secured to the second end of elliptic tubular frame using a second securing means and an elliptic tubular filter mounted on the elliptic tubular frame. In one example, the first end cap and the second end cap are formed from polyurethane material or plastic, and wherein the elliptic tubular frame is made from polymer or plastic Further, the first end cap is an open-end cap and the second end cap is a closed end cap. Additionally, the first end cap comprises a first receiving portion for receiving the elliptic tubular frame and the elliptic tubular filter media in an airtight manner, and the second end cap comprises a second receiving portion for receiving the elliptic tubular frame and the elliptic tubular filter media in an airtight manner. In one other example, the elliptic tubular filter is welded using ultrasound methodology to one or more energy directors disposed on an outer surface of the elliptic tubular frame.
[0031] Furthermore, the first securing means is one of a Snap-On retention or a welding retention, the second securing means is one of a Snap-On retention or a heat stake retention. In one embodiment, the Snap-On retention comprises Snap-On retention tabs disposed on inner surface of the elliptic tubular frame near the first end and the second end, and Snap-On retention clamps disposed on the first end cap and the second end cap.

Further in the example, during assembly, the Snap-On retention tabs are received in the Snap-On retention clamps for securing first end cap to the first end of elliptic tubular frame and the second end cap to the second end of elliptic tubular frame using the Snap-On retention. Further, the multiple Snap-On retention clamps are positioned on inner perimeters of the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion.
[0032] In one other embodiment, the welding retention comprises integrating the first end cap to the first end of elliptic tubular frame by welding.
[0033] In one more embodiment, the heat stake retention comprises heat retention tabs disposed on inner surface of the elliptic tubular frame near the second end, and retention holes disposed on the second end cap. Further in the example, during assembly, the heat retention tabs are received in the retention holes, and wherein the heat retention tabs are deformed using a heat staking process for securing the second end cap to the second end of elliptic tubular frame.
[0034] Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate, or at least partially address, problems in the prior art, and assist the air filter manufacturers, consumers, and suppliers. It should be noted that the above advantages and other advantages will be better evident in the subsequent description. Further, in the subsequent section the present subject is better explained with reference to the figures.
[0035] Referring now to the drawings, Figures. 1-9 illustrate a filter element 100 according to present invention. It should be noted that Figure 1-9 are merely an example. A person skilled in the art will recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications of the embodiments of the

present disclosure. The filter element 100 may be any of various types of filter elements, including, but not limited to, an air filter, a fuel filter, an oil filter, or a hydraulic filter, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Before proceeding with the description of the figures 1-9, Table 1 provided nomenclatures used in the figures.
Table1: Nomenclature

Number Name Number Name
100 filter element 216 second receiving portion
102 elliptic tubular filter media 218 circumference
104 elliptic tubular frame 220 inner perimeter
106 first end cap 222 Snap-On retention
108 second end cap 402,404 energy directors
200 first receiving portion 406 gasket O-ring
202 circumference 408 heat stake retention
204 Snap-On retention clamps 502 heat retention tabs
206 inner perimeter 602 head
208 wall 604 body
210 first end 606 support web

212 Second end 702 retention holes
214 Snap-On retention tabs
[0036] As shown in Figure 1-9, the filter element 100 includes an elliptic tubular filter media 102, an elliptic tubular frame 104, a first end cap 106, and a second end cap 108. In the subsequent in order to avoid repetition and to maintain the readability, the preset subject is further explained with reference to Figure 1-9 jointly and intermittently.
[0037] In one embodiment, the filter element comprises an elliptic tubular frame 104, a first end cap 106 is secured to the first end 210 of elliptic tubular frame 104 using a first securing means, a second end cap 108 is secured to the second end 212 of elliptic tubular frame 104 using a second securing means and an elliptic tubular filter 102 mounted on the elliptic tubular frame 104.
[0038] In on aspect of the present subject matter, the elliptic tubular filter media 102 and the elliptic tubular frame 104 have elliptical cylindrical shapes and extend along a central axis X-X’ of the filter element 100 (as seen in figure 1-6). Further, the elliptic tubular filter media 102 has a hollow inner volume and is mounted on the elliptic tubular frame 104 and positioned axially between the first end cap 106 and the second end cap 108. In one example, the elliptic tubular filter media 102 is welded to one or more energy directors 402, 404 disposed on an outer surface of the elliptic tubular frame 104. Further, a first set of energy directors 402 may be disposed on periphery of the first end 210 and a second set of energy directors 404 may be disposed on one vertical rib of the elliptic tubular frame 104. In one example, the elliptic tubular filter media 102 may be a pleated filter media. The elliptic tubular filter media 102 may include cellulose material, spun

polyester, or any other material suitable for filtering purposes, in accordance with embodiments
[0039] In on embodiment , the elliptic tubular frame 104 includes a wall 208 extending around the central axis X-X’ and defining an open channel along the central axis X-X’ (as feen in figure 2b, 3, 5). In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the wall 208 of the elliptic tubular frame 104 may be of elliptical cross-section around the central axis X-X’. The elliptic tubular frame 104 includes openings in the wall 208, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The elliptic tubular frame 104 allows fluid to flow radially (relative to the central axis X-X’) through the wall 208, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Further, the elliptic tubular frame 104 includes a first end 210 and a second end 212. The first end 210 and the second end 212 include openings that allow fluid to flow along the central axis X-X’ into or out of the open channel inside the elliptic tubular frame 104. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the elliptic tubular frame 104 may be made of various materials, such as plastic or polymer.
[0040] In one other embodiment, the first end cap 106 is an open-end cap having an opening provided at its center. The first end cap 102 includes a groove for receiving a gasket o ring 406. The first end cap 106 includes a first receiving portion 200 provided between the opening and its circumference 202. The first receiving portion 200 may receive the elliptic tubular frame 104 and the elliptic tubular filter media 102 together in an airtight manner during assembly. Furthermore, the first end cap 106 is secured to the first end 210 of elliptic tubular frame 104 using a first securing means. In one example, the first securing means is one of a Snap-On retention 222 or a welding retention.

[0041] In one embodiment, the second end cap 108 is a closed end cap. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the second end cap 108 includes a second receiving portion 216 provided between the center and its circumference 218. The second receiving portion 216 may receive the elliptic tubular frame 104 and the elliptic tubular filter media 102 together in an airtight manner, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the second end cap 108 is secured to the second end 212 of the elliptic tubular frame 104 using a second securing means. In example, the second securing means is one of a Snap-On retention 222 or a heat stake retention 408.
[0042] In one embodiment where the securing means is a Snap on retention, the first end cap 106 includes multiple Snap-On retention clamps 204. As may be clearly seen in figure 2a, the multiple Snap-On retention clamps 204 are positioned on an inner perimeter 206 of the first end cap 106. Further, the elliptic tubular frame 104 includes multiple Snap-On retention tabs 214 on its inner surface and near the first end 210 and the second end 212 (as seen in Figure 2B). Furthermore, the second end cap 108 also includes multiple Snap-On retention clamps 204. As may be clearly seen in figure 2c, the multiple Snap-On retention clamps 204 are positioned on an inner perimeter 220 of the second end cap 108.
[0043] In one embodiment, as seen figure 3, during assembly, the multiple Snap-On retention tabs 214 on the inner surface of the elliptic tubular frame 104 near the first end 210 and the second end 212 are received in a snap-fit manner in the multiple Snap-On retention clamps 204 positioned on the inner perimeter 206 of the first end cap 106 and on the inner perimeter 220 of the second end cap 108, respectively. In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving of the multiple Snap-On retention tabs 214 by the multiple Snap-On retention clamps 204 provides a fluid-tight and leak-proof sealing

between the elliptic tubular filter media 102, the elliptic tubular frame 104, the first end cap 106, and the second end cap 108. In an exemplary embodiment, numbers of the Snap-On retention tab 214 and the Snap-On retention clamp 204 may be varied according to the required radial and axial pressures.
[0044] In one embodiment where the securing means is a welding retention, the first end cap106 to the first end 210 of elliptic tubular frame by welding.
[0045] In one embodiment where the securing means is heat stake retention 408 as seen figure 6, heat retention tabs 502 are disposed on inner surface of the elliptic tubular frame 104 near the second end 212 and retention holes 702 disposed on an inner perimeter of the second end cap 108. In on example, the heat retention tabs 502 are made of plastic and comprises a hollow head 602, a support web 606 and a body 604 coupled with the elliptic tubular frame 104. In on example, during assembly, the heat retention tabs 502 are received in the retention holes 702. Further, the heat retention tab 502, and in particular the head 602 is deformed using a heat staking process for securing the second end cap 108 to the second end 212 of elliptic tubular frame 104.
[0046] In one example heat staking process may be understood as a pulsed-heat process to join two or more parts out of which one at least is made of plastic. In one embodiment of the heat stake retention 408, during assembly a metal insert is placed in the hollow head 602 of the heat retention tabs 502. The hollow head 602 provides a certain degree of interference and also serves to guide the insert towards the support web 606 and the second end cap 108. Further, during heat staking process, the generated heat travels through the metal insert to the hollow head 602 made of plastic. Heat generated during the heat staking process causes the plastic of the hollow

head 602 to melt, and the insert is imbedded into in the hollow head 602. The molten plastic flows into the serrations, flutes, or undercuts of the insert, and when the heat terminates, the plastic re-solidifies and the insert is securely encapsulated in place there by securing the elliptic tubular filter media 102, the elliptic tubular frame 104, and the second end cap 108. Further the heat staking retention 408 providing a fluid-tight and leak-proof sealing between the elliptic tubular filter media 102, the elliptic tubular frame 104, and the second end cap 108.
[0047] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these following advantages may include.
[0048] Some embodiments of the present disclosure can be used for various purposes, including, though not limited to, manufacturing and servicing of the internal combustion engines.
[0049] Some embodiments of the filter element having a central support tube eliminates dust entry in clean side while removing the breather element (all dust collected will be retained inside the element ).
[0050] Some embodiments of the filter element having a central support tube with a design of an improved elliptic cylinder-shaped filter element provide an improved and alternative embodiment ensuring simple and efficient design, ease of manufacturing and assembly.
[0051] Some embodiments of the filter element provide an efficient and compact filter element.

[0052] Some embodiments of the filter element secure locking by using securing means and ultrasonic welding provides a fluid-tight and leak-proof sealing.
[0053] Although the description provides implementations of the filter element having a central support tube, it is to be understood that the above descriptions are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations for the filter element having a central support tube.

I/We Claim:
1. A filter element, the filter element comprising:
an elliptic tubular frame, wherein the elliptic tubular frame comprises a perforated wall, a first end, and a second end;
a first end cap is secured to the first end of elliptic tubular frame using a first securing means;
a second end cap is secured to the second end of elliptic tubular frame using a second securing means; and
an elliptic tubular filter mounted on the elliptic tubular frame.
2. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the first securing means is one of a Snap-On retention or a welding retention, and wherein the second securing means is one of a Snap-On retention or a heat stake retention.
3. The filter element of claim 2, wherein the Snap-On retention comprises:
Snap-On retention tabs disposed on inner surface of the elliptic tubular frame near the first end and the second end;
Snap-On retention clamps disposed on the first end cap and the second end cap; and
wherein during assembly, the Snap-On retention tabs are received in the Snap-On retention clamps for securing first end cap to the first end of elliptic tubular frame and the second end cap to

the second end of elliptic tubular frame using the Snap-On retention.
4. The filter element of claim 2, wherein the welding retention comprises integrating the first end cap to the first end of elliptic tubular frame by welding.
5. The filter element of claim 2, wherein the heat stake retention comprises:
heat retention tabs disposed on inner surface of the elliptic tubular frame near the second end; and
retention holes disposed on the second end cap; and
wherein during assembly, the heat retention tabs are received in the retention holes, and wherein the heat retention tabs are deformed using a heat staking process for securing the second end cap to the second end of elliptic tubular frame.
6. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the first end cap is an open-end cap and the second end cap is a closed end cap.
7. The filter element of claim 2, wherein the first end cap comprises a first receiving portion for receiving the elliptic tubular frame and the elliptic tubular filter media in an airtight manner, and wherein the second end cap comprises a second receiving portion for receiving the elliptic tubular frame and the elliptic tubular filter media in an airtight manner.

8. The filter element of claim 7, wherein the multiple Snap-On retention clamps are positioned on inner perimeters of the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion.
9. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the first end cap and the second end cap are formed from polyurethane material or plastic, and wherein the elliptic tubular frame is made from polymer or plastic.
10. The filter element of claim 1, wherein the elliptic tubular filter is welded using ultrasound methodology to one or more energy directors disposed on an outer surface of the elliptic tubular frame.