J-Hook Filter Assembly

Abstract

A fluid filter assembly includes a housing, a proximal end cap, and a nut plate. The housing defines a longitudinal axis and includes an inner surface. The inner surface surrounds the longitudinal axis and defines a hook portion. The proximal end cap is disposed within the housing and includes a flange engaging the inner surface of the housing. The nut plate is disposed within the housing and includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end engages the hook portion of the housing. The distal end engages the proximal end cap.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of manufacturing a fluid filter assembly, the method comprising:
 providing a housing having an inner surface surrounding a longitudinal axis;   inserting a filter element within the housing;   engaging a proximal end cap with a proximal end of the filter element;   engaging a nut plate with the proximal end cap, the nut plate having an axially- extending ring; and   engaging a hook portion of the housing with the axially-extending ring to (i) secure the filter within the housing and (ii) wedge the nut plate between the hook portion and the proximal end cap.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein engaging a hook portion of the housing with the axially extending ring includes crimping the housing to the axially-extending ring. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal end cap includes a radially outwardly extending flange, and wherein engaging the proximal end cap with an end of the filter element includes engaging the flange with the inner surface of the housing. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the inner surface of the housing includes a radially inwardly extending intermediate portion, and wherein the flange engages the intermediate portion. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the flange includes a plurality of fluid openings circumferentially spaced about the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the fluid openings direct fluid toward the filter element. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the inner surface of the housing includes a radially inwardly extending intermediate portion, and wherein at least one of the proximal end cap and the nut plate engages the intermediate portion. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the hook portion defines a j-shaped construct. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the hook portion extends radially inwardly. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 engaging a distal end cap with a distal end of the filter element, the distal end disposed opposite the proximal end; and   engaging the distal end cap with the inner surface of the housing.