MULTI-STAGE FILTER CARTRIDGE WITH SNAP FIT FILTERS

摘要

A filter cartridge is described that is designed to accommodate multi-stage filtration, for example dual stage filtration. A filter cartridge includes an outer filter with an endplate and an inner filter arranged within the central axis of the outer filter and that includes an endplate. The endplate of the outer filter includes an outer portion and an inner portion substantially surrounded by the outer portion. The inner portion is axially positioned relative to the outer portion and distal to the inner and outer filters relative to the outer portion. The inner portion includes an upwardly extending flange. The endplate of the inner filter includes a downwardly extending flange. The endplates of the outer and inner filters are arranged in a snap fit connection through engagement of the upwardly extending and the downwardly extending flanges. The endplate structure can provide a filter cartridge with filters of generally equal lengths.