Universal keying element

Abstract

A fluid filter system comprising a universal keying element has been disclosed. A filter subassembly component usable in the fluid filter system, such that the filter subassembly component is to at least one of filter a fluid entering the fluid filter system and regulate a flow in the fluid filter system, the filter subassembly component comprising a universal keying element. The universal keying element including a first configuration of engaging surfaces cooperable with a matching configuration of a complementary keying element of a first compatible filter subassembly component, and a second configuration of engaging surfaces cooperable with a matching configuration of a complementary keying feature of a second compatible filter subassembly component, in which the filter subassembly component is severally couplable to the first compatible filter subassembly component and the second compatible filter subassembly component.

Description

UNIVERSAL KEYING ELEMENTBACKGROUND

[0001] Conventionally, filtering devices are implemented in commercial and consumer appliances, such as vending machines, to filter fluids by circulating fluids through the filtering device and dispensing out filtered fluid for consumption. The filtering devices include a cartridge member and a head member. The cartridge member has one or more filters and the head member has a valve. Generally, the filter(s) is provided with a set of keying elements configmed to facilitate rotatable mounting of the cartridge member to the head member via the valve. The valve, when accessed via the cartridge, may either cause the valve to allow an inlet of fluid into the cartridge and an exit of filtered fluid from the cartridge.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0002] Conventional fluid filter systems that are implemented in commercial and consumer appliances, have a head member and a cartridge member. The cartridge member can have a hollow body and a neck portion contiguous to the hollow body. The hollow body can have a filtering media disposed inside it which can filter any fluid that enters the fluid filter system. The neck portion has an inlet passage and an outlet passage for the fluid to enter and exit the cartridge member. The head member includes a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port that correspond to the inlet and outlet passages on the neck portion of the cartridge member. The fluid inlet port allows the fluid to enter into the cartridge member and to the filtering media and the fluid outlet port allows fluid to exit from the cartridge member.

[0003] The head member and the cartridge member are designed to detachably assemble with each other as well as work together to operate the fluid filter system by controlling the fluid flow into the cartridge member. Accordingly, the head member includes a rotary valve disposed within an axial bore. The rotary valve is operable to allow or disallow fluid flow into the cartridge through the fluid inlet port. The rotary valve includes a valve member configured for reception within an interior of the head member in such a manner to facilitate rotation of the valve member relative to the head member portion between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, fluid is permitted to flow through the filter assembly and in the closed position flow through the fluid filter system is restricted. In this regard, the neck portion of the cartridge member can have a pair of diametrically opposed keying elements extending radially outwardly therefrom. Each keying element may form a keyed surface formation that is to efficiently mate and engage with the valve member to operate the fluid flow in the fluid filter system. In other words, the keying elements on the neck portion may engage and cooperate with the valve member, in order to facilitate fluid flow and switch fluid filter system between the open position and the closed position. The keying element can be a keying lug. The valve member of the head member, correspondingly, can have diametrically opposed reception lugs that can receive the keying elements on the cartridge and engage with the engagement surface of the keying element.

[0004] Generally, the fluid filter system has limited operational life and requires replacement of the filters to continue filtration operation. Conventionally, while replacing the filters of the conventional fluid filter systems, the general requirement is to ensure that a genuine filter with the same design specifications and parameters is implemented to ensure proper operation of the fluid filter system. In this regard, conventional keying elements are implemented in the fluid filter system that prevent the use of incompatible filters. The conventional keying elements only engage the proper filter within the fluid filter system.

[0005] Generally, the conventional keying element have a single configuration, i.e., keying elements extending radially outwardly therefrom having a single configuration with respect to the size of the keying elements and the width. The conventional keying elements may only mate and engage with the reception lugs having configurations corresponding to the single configuration of the conventional keying element. In this instance, only keying elements having similar configurations may engage and mate with one another. For example, the conventional keying elements on the cartridge member may only mate with the head member having receptor lugs with exactly same configmation as the conventional keying element. As a result, for each different configuration of the head member and the cartridge member, a new configuration of the keying element is required to be designed and manufactured, which may be time-consuming, burdensome for the operator. At the same time, in assemblies and workshops which use multiple configmations of keying elements, an inventory of all such different configurations of keying elements and receptor lugs has to be maintained. In addition, at the time of assembly, the correct configuration of keying element has to be used with the complementary receptor lug, which may adversely affect the productivity in assembly of fluid filter system.

[0006] Examples of a universal keying element on a filter subassembly component of a fluid filter system are described herein. In an example, the fluid filter system of the present subject matter may be implemented in commercial and consumer appliances, such as vending machines, to filter fluids by circulating fluids through the filtering device and dispensing out filtered fluid for consumption. In an example, the fluid filter system may have a pair of filter subassembly components that may engage with one another for the fluid filter system to effectively flow filtered fluid from the fluid filter system. The filter subassembly components may include a filter head and a filter cartridge. The filter subassembly components used in the fluid filter system of the present subject matter may detachably assemble with each other as well as work together to operate the fluid filter system by controlling the fluid flow. These filter subassembly components may engage with one another only when the filter subassembly components are compatible with each other.

[0007] In an example, the one of the pair of the filter subassembly components may have the universal keying element and the another one of the pair of the filter subassembly component may have complementary keying features to the universal keying element. The universal keying element may be designed to co-operate with two different configmations of two different another one of the pair of the filter subassembly component. Two different another one of the pair of the filter subassemblycomponents may imply two similar components each having two different configmations. For instance, two different filter heads, each having different configurations with respect to each other, or two different fdter cartridges each having different configmations with respect to each other. In view of the above, the universal keying element of the one of the pair of the filter subassembly component may severally cooperate with two different another one of the pair of the filter subassembly components. Such that, each of the two different another one of the pair of the filter subassembly components, having two different configurations with respect to each other, may have complementary keying features to the universal keying element. In this example, the complementary keying features may be corresponding and matching configurations to the universal keying elements.

[0008] The one of the pair of the filter subassembly component having the universal keying element is hereinafter referred to as the filter subassembly component. The another one of the pair of the filter subassembly component that has complementary keying features is hereinafter referred to as the compatible filter subassembly component. As illustrated above, two different another one of the pair of the filter subassembly components having two different configurations may cooperate and mate with the filter subassembly component having the universal keying element. In this regard, two compatible filter subassembly components i.e., a first compatible filter subassembly component and a second compatible filter subassembly component may be co-operable with the filter subassembly component having the universal keying element. The first compatible filter subassembly component and the second compatible filter subassembly component may have different configmations with respect to each other and each of the two may have matching configmations corresponding to the filter subassembly component having the universal keying element.

[0009] In an aspect, the universal keying element may be axially projecting keys on the filter subassembly component. The universal keying element may have at least two configmations including a first configuration of engaging surface and a second configmation of engaging surface. The first configmation of engaging surface may be the surface of the universal keying element with axially projecting keys of a first configuration which may include projecting keys of a single configuration of width and size as required by the manufacturer on the universal key element. The second configuration of engaging surface may also be the surface of the universal keying element with axially projecting keys having width and size of projecting keys different from the first configuration of engaging surface and may also be based on the requirements of manufacturer on the universal key element. In this example, the first configuration of engaging surface may have a different configuration of axially projecting keys than the second configuration of engaging surface.

[0010] Corresponding to the universal keying element, the complementary keying element may be implemented to compatible filter subassembly components. In an example, the complementary keying element may be axially projecting key corresponding to one of the first configuration of engaging surface and the second configuration of the engaging surface to, thereby, form an interlocking profile. The interlocking profile may be formed when the complementary keying element and theuniversal keying elements cooperate with one another to cause the filter subassembly component and the compatible filter subassembly component to cooperate and engage with one another.

[0011] In view of the above, the filter subassembly component having the universal keying element with both the first configuration of engaging surface and the second configuration of engaging surface may easily severally co-operate with the first compatible filter subassembly component and the second compatible filter subassembly component. In this instance, the filter subassembly component having the universal keying element with both the first configuration of engaging surface and the second configmation of engaging surface may individually and at different instance separately co-operate with the first compatible filter subassembly component and the second compatible filter subassembly component. The matching configuration of the complementary keying element may correspond to one of the first configmation of engaging surface and the second configuration of the engaging surface.

[0012] In an example, the complementary keying element of the first compatible filter subassembly may be corresponding to the first configuration of engaging surface. In another example, the complementary keying element of the second compatible filter subassembly may correspond to the second configuration of the engaging surface. In one instance, the first compatible filter subassembly having the complementary keying element may have axially projecting keys corresponding to the first configmation of engaging surface. In another instance, the second compatible filter subassembly having the complementary keying element may have axially projecting keys corresponding to the second configmation of engaging surface.

[0013] In view of the above, the filter subassembly component having the universal keying element may be co-operable with the matching configuration of the complementary keying element of the first compatible filter subassembly component through the first configmation of engaging surfaces. In another instance, the filter subassembly component having the universal keying element may be cooperable with the matching configuration of the complementary keying element of the second compatible filter subassembly component through the second configmation of engaging surfaces. In both the instances, the filter subassembly component may severally cooperate with the first compatible filter subassembly component and the second compatible filter subassembly component. In other words, the filter subassembly component may individually, one at a time, cooperate with one of the first compatible filter subassembly component and the second compatible filter subassembly component. Additionally, in both the instances as stated above as soon as the filter subassembly component and one of the first compatible filter subassembly component and the second compatible filter subassembly component are co-operable.

[0014] In an instance the filter subassembly component may be a filter cartridge, the compatible filter subassembly may be a filter head. In another instance, the filter subassembly may be the filter head and the compatible filter subassembly may be the filter cartridge.

[0015] The filter head may include an outer head body and a valve device disposed in the outer head body. The outer head body may have an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The valve devicemay regulate fluidic communication between the inlet opening and the outlet opening of the outer head body for controlling the passage of the fluid therethrough. The inlet opening may provide an opening for the fluid to enter the fluid filter system and the outlet opening may provide an outlet for the filtered fluid to exit from the fluid filter system.

[0016] The filter cartridge may include a housing and a neck portion contiguous to the housing. The housing may enclose a filter media for filtering a fluid. In this example, the filter media may be a filter through which the fluid may be passed through to get filtered fluid. The filter media may be replaceable in the fluid filter assembly. In an example, the neck portion may have an inlet port and an outlet port. The inlet port may direct unfiltered fluid received from the inlet opening of the filter head to the housing when the filter head and the filter cartridge cooperate with one another. Correspondingly, the outlet port may direct filtered fluid out of the housing and to the outlet opening of the filter head when the filter head and the filter cartridge cooperate with one another. In this example, the outlet port may be in a fluidic communication with the inlet port, such that the unfiltered fluid entering from the inlet port may be directed through the fluidic communication between may be allowed to exit from the outlet port.

[0017] As stated above, in the fluid filter system, the filter head and the filter cartridge, may detachably assemble with each other as well as work together to operate the fluid filter system. One of the filter subassembly components may have the universal keying element, to cooperate and engage with the compatible filter subassembly component.

[0018] In an instance, the filter cartridge is the filter subassembly component having the universal keying element, the universal keying element on the filter cartridge may be a universal keying lug. The universal keying lug may correspond to the universal keying element and may have the first configmation of engaging surface and the second configuration of engaging surface. As the filter cartridge has two configurations of engaging surfaces i.e., the first configmation of engaging surface and the second configmation of engaging surface, the filter cartridge may severally cooperate with at least two different filter heads. Each of the at least two different filter heads having corresponding configmations to one of the two configurations of engaging surfaces on the filter cartridge. The two different filter heads may include a first filter head and a second filter head, and both may have a keying receptor lug. In this example, the keying receptor lug may be the complementary keying element having matching configurations corresponding to the universal keying lug. In an example, the keying receptor lug of the first filter head may have matching configmation corresponding to the first configmation of engaging surface and the corresponding keying receptor lugs of the second filter head may have matching configuration corresponding to the second configuration of engaging surface. In view of the above, the filter cartridge having the universal keying lug may be severally cooperate with at least two different filter heads, i.e., the first filter head and the second filter head. Such that, each of the two different filter heads i.e., the first filter head and the second filter head have different configurations of corresponding keying receptor lugs thereon, i.e., corresponding to the universal keying lug. In otherwords, the first cartridge having universal keying lug may individually, one at a time, co-operate with one of the two different fdter heads, i.e., the first filter head and the second filter head because of the corresponding and matching configurations of the corresponding keying receptor lugs on each of the two different filter heads.

[0019] In another instance, the filter head is the filter subassembly component having the universal keying element, in this instance, the universal keying element on the filter head may be a universal keying receptor lug. The universal keying receptor lug may correspond to the universal keying element and may have the first configuration of engaging surface and the second configuration of engaging surface. As the filter head has two configurations of engaging surfaces i.e., the first configuration of engaging surface and the second configmation of engaging surface, the filter head may severally cooperate with at least two different filter cartridges. Each of the at least two different filter cartridges having matching configurations corresponding to one of the two configurations of engaging surfaces on the filter head. The two different filter cartridges may include a first filter cartridge and a second filter cartridge, and both may have a keying lug. In this example, the keying lug may be the complementary keying element having matching configurations corresponding to the universal keying receptor lug. In an example, the keying lug of the first filter cartridge may have matching configuration corresponding to the first configuration of engaging surface on the filter head. The keying lug of the second filter cartridge may have matching configmation corresponding to the second configuration of engaging surface of the filter head. In view of the above, the filter head having the universal keying receptor lug may be severally cooperate with at least two different filter cartridges, i.e., the first filter cartridge and the second filter cartridge. Such that each of the two different filter cartridges have different configurations of corresponding keying lugs thereon i.e., corresponding to the universal keying lug. In other words, the first head having universal keying receptor lug may individually, one at a time, co-operate with one of the two different filter cartridges, i.e., the first filter cartridge and the second filter cartridge because of the corresponding and matching configmations of the keying lugs on each of the two different filter cartridges.

[0020] In view of the above configuration, the universal keying element allows one of the pair of the filter subassembly components to severally cooperate (i.e., individually with one filter subassembly component at a time) with at least two sets of another one of the pair of the subassembly components. Each of the two sets of another one of the pair of the subassembly components have different configmations with respect to each other and may have matching configmations with respect to the universal keying element on one of the pair of the subassembly components.

[0021] In view of the above, the universal keying element of the present subject matter may not only ensme that genuine components (the filter subassembly component and the compatible filter subassembly component) me co-operated engaged with one another, but also that components (the filter subassembly component and the compatible filter subassembly component) of varying configurations may co-operate and engage with one another in the fluid filter system.

[0022] Through the universal keying element, the filter subassembly component may severally cooperate with two compatible filter subassembly components each having different configmations with respect to each other. In other words, the filter subassembly component through the universal keying element may severally cooperate with compatible filter subassembly components, which may have corresponding and matching configurations with respect to one of the first configuration of engaging surface and the second configuration of engaging surface and different configurations with respect to each other. Even with different configurations, the universal keying element may efficiently engage the filter subassembly component and the compatible filter subassembly components.

[0023] In view of the above, the universal keying element does not limit co-operates of the pair of filter subassembly components to a single configmation. The universal keying elements may have two different configurations, such that the one of the pair of the filter subassembly component may severally couple with two different another one of the pair of the filter subassembly components. The two different another one of the pair of the filter subassembly components may be same components having different configurations. In this regard, the filter subassembly component may individually and once at a time couple with compatible filter subassembly components similar configurations to one of the two configmations on the filter subassembly component, thereby allowing the compatible filter subassembly component to the filter subassembly component. In this regard, for each different configmation of keying lugs, a new configuration of the universal keying element may not be required to be designed and manufactured, as the universal keying element may severally cooperate with two different configmations.

[0024] The above aspects are further illustrated in the figures and described in the corresponding description below. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Therefore, various arrangements that encompass the principles of the present subject matter, although not explicitly described or shown herein, may be devised from the description, and are included within its scope.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0025] Systems and / or methods, in accordance with examples of the present subject matter are now described and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0026] Figure 1A illustrates a fluid filter system according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0027] Figure IB illustrates the fluid filter system according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0028] Figure 2A illustrates a filter head having a first configuration of complementary keying element, according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0029] Figure 2B illustrates the filter head having a second configuration of complementary keying element according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0030] Figure 2C illustrates a filter cartridge having a universal keying lug according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0031] Figure 3A illustrates a filter head having a first configuration of complementary keying element, according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0032] Figure 3B illustrates the filter head having a second configuration of complementary keying element according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0033] Figure 3C illustrates a filter cartridge having a universal keying lug according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0034] Figure 4A illustrates a filter head having a first configuration of complementary keying element, according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0035] Figure 4B illustrates the filter head having a second configuration of complementary keying element according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0036] Figure 4C illustrates a filter cartridge having a universal keying lug according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0037] Figure 5 A illustrates the filter head having the first configuration of complementary keying element, according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0038] Figure 5B illustrates the filter head having the second configuration of complementary keying element according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0039] Figure 5C illustrates the filter cartridge having the universal keying lug according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0040] Figure 6A illustrates the universal keying lug cooperating via first configuration of driving surface with the receptor keying lug, according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0041] Figure 6B illustrates the universal keying lug cooperating via second configuration of driving surface with the receptor keying lug, according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0042] Figure 6C illustrates different configurations of the universal keying lug, according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0043] Figure 7A illustrates a universal keying receptor lug cooperating via first configmation of driven surface with the keying lug, according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0044] Figure 7B illustrates the universal receptor keying lug cooperating via second configmation of driven surface with the keying lug, according to an example of the present subject matter.

[0045] It may be noted that throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown. Moreover, the drawings provide examples and / or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and / or implementations provided in the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0046] The present subject matter is further described with reference to Figures 1 to 7B. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0047] Figure 1A illustrates a fluid filter system 100 according to an example of the present subject matter. Figure IB illustrates the fluid filter system 100 according to an example of the present subject matter. For the sake of brevity, Figures 1 A and IB have been explained in conjunction with each other.

[0048] Examples of the fluid filter system 100 of the present subject matter may be implemented in commercial and consumer appliances, such as vending machines, and the like.

[0049] In an example, the fluid filter system 100 may have a pair of filter subassembly components, i.e., a first filter subassembly component 102 and a second filter subassembly component (illustrated in Figure 1 A as 104-1 and in Figure IB as 104-2) that may engage with one another for the fluid filter system 100 to effectively flow filtered fluid from the fluid filter system 100. The pair of filter subassembly components 102, may include a filter head (not shown in Figure 1A and IB) and a filter cartridge (not shown in Figure 1A and IB). In an instance, the first filter subassembly component 102 may be the filter cartridge and second filter subassembly component (illustrated in Figure 1A and IB as 104-1 and 104-2) may be the filter head. In another instance, the first filter subassembly component 102 may be the filter head and the second filter subassembly component may be the filter cartridge.

[0050] The first filter subassembly component 102 and the second filter subassembly component (illustrated in Figure 1A and IB as 104-1 and 104-2) in the fluid filter system 100 may detachably assemble with each other as well as work together to operate the fluid filter system 100 by controlling the fluid flow. These fdter subassembly components may engage with one another only when compatible with each other.

[0051] In an example, the first filter subassembly components 102 may have a universal keying element 106 and the second filter subassembly component have complementary keying features to the universal keying element 106.

[0052] The universal keying element 106 of the present subject matter may be designed as such to individually co-operate the first fdter subassembly components 102 with two different configmations of the two different second filter subassembly component, as illustrated in Figure 1A and IB as 104-1, 104-2. In view of the embodiments illustrated above in Figure 1A and IB, the two different configmations of two second filter subassembly component 104-1, 104-2 that may have different configmations with respect to one another may correspond to two compatible filter subassemblycomponents. The compatible filter subassembly components may include another one of the pair of the filter subassembly components that has matching configuration may be compatible to co-operate with the first filter subassembly component 102 having the universal keying element.

[0053] The universal keying element 106 may be axially projecting keys on the first filter subassembly component 102. The universal keying element 106 may have at least two configurations including a first configuration of engaging surface (not shown in Figure 1A and IB) and a second configmation of engaging surface (not shown in Figure 1 A and IB). The first configuration of engaging surface may be the surface of the universal keying element 106 with axially projecting keys of a first configmation. The first configuration of engaging surface of the universal keying element 106 may include projecting keys of a single configuration of width and size as required by the manufacturer on the universal key element 106. The second configuration of engaging surface may also be the surface of the universal keying element 106 with axially projecting keys having width and size of projecting keys different from the first configuration of engaging surface and may also be based on the requirements of manufacturer on the universal key element 106. In this example, the first configuration of engaging surface may have a different configuration of axially projecting keys than the second configmation of engaging surface. In an example, the first configuration of engaging surface and the second configmation of engaging surface may differ based on the width, shape of the keys, size of the keys, and the like.

[0054] Two different second filter subassembly components, i.e., the second filter subassembly component 104-1 and the second filter subassembly component 104-2. Each of the second filter subassembly component 104-1 and the second filter subassembly component 104-2 may have different complementary keying features with respect to each other and may have corresponding complementary keying features to one of the first configuration of engaging surface and the second configuration of engaging surface the universal keying element 106. The complementary keying element may be axially projecting key corresponding to one of the first configmation of engaging surface and the second configmation of the engaging surface to thereby form an interlocking profile. The interlocking profile may be formed when the complementary keying element and the universal keying element 106 cooperate with one another to cause the first filter subassembly component 102 to severally cooperate with one of the two different compatible filter subassembly components 104-1, 104-2.

[0055] In an example, as illustrated in Figure 1 A, the second filter subassembly component 104- 1 may have complementary keying element 108-1 having matching configuration to the first configmation of engaging surface. The first configuration of complementary keying element 108-1 may be complementary keying featmes corresponding to the first configmation of engaging surface of the universal keying element 106. The second filter subassembly component 104-1 may have axially projecting keys in the first configuration of complementary keying element 108-1 corresponding to the first configuration of engaging surface. In this example, the first configuration of engaging surfacesmay be cooperable with matching configurations i.e., first configuration of complementary keying element 108-1 of the second filter subassembly component 104-1.

[0056] In another example, as illustrated in Figure IB, the second filter subassembly component 104-2 may have complementary keying element 108-1 having matching configuration to the first configmation of engaging surface. The second configuration of complementary keying element 104-2 may be complementary keying features corresponding to the second configmation of engaging surface of the universal keying element 106. The second fdter subassembly component 104-2 may have axially projecting keys in a second configuration of complementary keying element 108-2 corresponding to the second configuration of engaging surface. In this example, the second configuration of engaging surfaces may be cooperable with matching configurations i.e., second configuration of complementary keying element 108-2 of the second filter subassembly component 104-2.

[0057] In another instance, the second compatible filter subassembly having the complementary keying element may have axially projecting keys corresponding to the second configuration of engaging surface.

[0058] In view of the above, the second compatible filter subassembly component 104-1 and the second compatible filter subassembly component 104-2 may have different configurations with respect to each other and each of the two may have matching configurations to the first filter subassembly component 102 having the universal keying element 106.

[0059] As illustrated above that two different second filter subassembly components 104-1, 104- 2 having two different configurations with respect to each other and matching configmations to one of the first configuration of engaging surfaces and the second configuration of engaging surfaces of universal key element 106 may allow the first filter subassembly component 102 to severally cooperate with one of the two different second filter subassembly component 104-1, 104-2.

[0060] In this regard, two different second filter subassembly component 104-1, 104-2 may individually, one at a time, be co-operable with the first filter subassembly component 102 having the universal keying element 104.

[0061] The second filter subassembly component 104-1 has been hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the first compatible filter subassembly component 104-1. The second filter subassembly component 104-2 has been hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the second compatible filter subassembly component 104-2. The first filter subassembly component 102 that includes the universal keying element 106 has been hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the filter subassembly component 102.

[0062] The filter subassembly component 102 having the universal keying element 106 may be cooperable with the matching configuration of the complementary keying element of the first compatible filter subassembly component 104-1 through the first configuration of engaging surfaces. In another instance, the filter subassembly component 102 having the universal keying element 106 may also be cooperable with the matching configuration of the complementary keying element of thesecond compatible filter subassembly component 104-2 through the second configuration of engaging surfaces. In both the instances, the filter subassembly component 102 may severally cooperate, i.e., individually and at different instances separately, with the first compatible filter subassembly component 104-1 and the second compatible filter subassembly component 104-2.

[0063] In both instances, the filter subassembly component and the compatible filter subassembly component may cooperate and mate with one another for the fluid filter system to effectively flow filtered fluid from the fluid filter system.

[0064] In view of the above, the universal keying element 106 of the present subject matter may not only ensure that genuine components (the filter subassembly component and the compatible filter subassembly component) are co-operated and engaged with one another, but also that components (the filter subassembly component and the compatible filter subassembly component) of varying size capacities may co-operate and engage with one another in the fluid filter system.

[0065] In one example, the first filter subassembly component 102 is a filter cartridge 200 and in this instance, the compatible filter subassembly components (as illustrated above as 104-1 and 104-2) is a filter head 202. This example has been elucidated in Figures 2A-5C.

[0066] As illustrated above, the fluid filter system 100 may include filter subassembly components, such as the filter cartridge 200 and the filter head 202. As stated above, the filter cartridge 200 and the filter head 202 may cooperate with one another to efficiently filter fluid in the fluid filter system 100.

[0067] As illustrated in Figures 2A-5C, the filter cartridge 200 may include a housing 206 and a neck portion 208 contiguous to the housing 206. The housing 206 may enclose filter media (not shown) for filtering fluid. In this example, the filter media may be a filter (not shown) through which the fluid may be passed to filter out impurities. The filter media may be replaceable in the fluid filter system 100. The neck portion 208 that may be contiguous to the housing 206 may have an inlet port (not shown) and an outlet port (not shown). The inlet port may direct unfiltered fluid to the housing 206. Correspondingly, the outlet port may direct filtered fluid out of the housing 206. In this example, the outlet port may be in a fluidic communication with the inlet port, such that the unfiltered fluid entering from the inlet port may be directed through the fluidic communication between may be allowed to exit from the outlet port. The filter cartridge 102 may also have a universal keying lug 204. The universal keying lug 204 may be formed on an outer surface of the neck portion and protruding in an axial direction therefrom. The universal keying lug 204 of the filter cartridge 200 may correspond to the universal keying element 106, as illustrated in Figure 1 A and IB. In view of the illustrations in Figure 1A and IB, the universal keying lug may have two configurations, i.e., a first configmation of driving surface and the second configuration of driving surface. In the present example, the first configuration of driving surface may correspond to the first configuration of engaging surface. Similarly, the second configmation of the driving surface may be similar to the second configmation of engaging surface.

[0068] The engaging surfaces of the filter cartridge 200 (i.e., first configuration of engaging surface and second configuration of engaging surface) are driving surfaces. The filter cartridge 200 when co-operated to the filter head 202 and on being operated by an operator, may through the driving surfaces, cause the filter head 202 to move between an open condition and a closed condition, as will be explained later in detail.

[0069] The compatible filter subassembly component in this instance is the filter head 202 which may include an outer head body 210 and a valve device 212 disposed in the outer head body 210. In this example, the valve device 212 may be a rotational valve. In an example, the outer head body 210 may have an inlet opening (not shown) and an outlet opening (not shown). The valve device 212 may be movably disposed in the outer head body 210 and may regulate fluidic communication between the inlet opening and the outlet opening of the outer head body 210 for controlling the passage of the fluid therethrough. In this example, the valve device 212 of the filter head when engaged and actuated, through a driving component, such as the filter cartridge 200, may cause the filter head 202 to move between an open condition and a closed condition.

[0070] In the present example, as also illustrated in Figures 2A-5C, the filter cartridge 200 may have two configmations of driving surfaces, i.e., the first configmation of driving surface and the second configmation of the driving surface. As the filter cartridge 200 has two configmations of driving surfaces i.e., the first configuration of driving surface and the second configuration of driving surface, the two different configurations allow filter cartridge 200 to severally cooperate with at least two different filter heads. The two different filter heads include a first filter head 202-1 and a second filter head 202-2. Each of the at least two different filter heads 202-1, 202-1 having corresponding configmations to one of the two configurations of driving surfaces on the filter cartridge 200.

[0071] In an example, each of the first filter head 202-1 and a second filter 202-2, may have a keying receptor lug 216. The keying receptor lug 216 may be the complementary keying element having matching configurations to the universal keying lug 204. In an example, the keying receptor lug 216 of the first filter head 202-1 may have matching configuration to the first configuration of driving surface of the filter cartridge 200 and the corresponding keying receptor lugs 216 of the second filter head 202- 2 may have matching configuration to the second configuration of driving surface of the filter cartridge 200. In view of the above, the filter cartridge 200 having the universal keying lug 204 may severally cooperate with at least two different filter heads, i.e., the first filter head 202-1 and the second filter head 202-2, such that each of the two different filter heads have different configurations of corresponding keying receptor lugs 216 thereon with respect to each other. In other words, the filter cartridge 200 having universal keying lug 204 may one at a time and individually co-operate with one of the two different filter heads, i.e., the first filter head 202-1 and the second filter head 202-2. Since the two different filter heads, i.e., the first filter head 202-1 and the second filter head 202-2, the corresponding and matching configurations of the corresponding keying receptor lugs 216 on each of the two different filter heads.

[0072] Figures 2 A and 2B illustrate two different filter heads 202-1 and 202-2, each having the keying receptor lug 216 having different configurations with respect to each other, and matching configurations to one of the first configuration of driving surface and the second configuration of driving surface of the filter cartridge 200 as illustrated in Figure 2C. As illustrated in Figure 2A and 2B, the width of the keying receptor lug 216 as illustrated in Figure 2A is less than the width of the keying receptor lug 216 as illustrated in Figure 2B. In this instance, the filter cartridge 200 may severally cooperate, i.e., one at a time cooperate with one of the two different filter heads 202-1 and 202-2.

[0073] Similar to figure 2A-2C, figures 3A-5C illustrate different configmations in respect of different sizes and widths of keys in the corresponding keying receptor lugs of the driving surface on universal keying lug 204 on the filter cartridge 200 and corresponding matching configurations on the two different filter heads.

[0074] In view of the above, Figures 2A-5C illustrate different configurations of the driving surface on universal keying lug 204 on the filter cartridge 200 and corresponding matching configmations on the two different filter heads, however, the illustrations of different configurations are not limited thereto.

[0075] Figure 6A illustrates the universal keying lug cooperating via first configuration of driving surface with the keying receptor lug 216, according to an example of the present subject matter. Figure 6B illustrates the universal keying lug cooperating via second configuration of driving surface with the keying receptor lug 216, according to an example of the present subject matter. Figure 6C illustrates different configurations of the universal keying lug, according to an example of the present subject matter. For the sake of brevity, figures 6A, 6B and 6C are explained with respect to each other.

[0076] In an example, the universal keying lug 204 may have two circumferential ends, i.e., a first circumferential end 300 and a second circumferential end 302. The first circumferential end 300 may have a first cartridge mating edge 304 and the second circumferential end 302 may have a second cartridge mating edge. In an example, the second cartridge mating edge may be formed as having a plurality of second cartridge sub-edges (as illustrated in Figure 6A as 306-1, 306-2). The plurality of second cartridge sub-edges 306-1 and 306-2 for instance, include plurality of keys circumferentially extending from one of the second circumferential end 302. Figures 6A-6C illustrate, the plurality of second cartridge mating edges including at least two sub-edges, however, the implementations of the present subject matter are not limited thereto and may include multiple other sub-edges depending on the requirement at the time. In an example, the universal keying lug 204 includes an axial end facing an open end of the neck portion 208 away from the housing 206, as illustrated in Figures 2C, 3C, 4C and 5C. The axial end has a cartridge interlocking profde, as illustrated cooperable with the compatible filter subassembly component, such as one of the at least two different filter heads 202. The cartridge interlocking profile includes the keys of the universal keying lug 204. The cartridge interlocking profile may be cooperable with the corresponding keying receptor lugs on each of the at least two differentfilter heads. The dotted profile indicated by 600 in figures 6A-6C indicates cartridge interlocking profde 600 for various configurations of universal keying lug 204 used in the filter cartridge 200.

[0077] In one example, the first cartridge mating edge 304 and one of the plurality of second cartridge sub-edges 306-1 may be the first configuration of engaging surfaces of the filter cartridge 200, as illustrated in Figure 6A. From the second cartridge mating edge, one of the plurality of second cartridge sub-edges 306-2 that align with the first cartridge mating edge 304 along a circumference of the neck portion 208 may act as the first configuration of driving surfaces of the filter cartridge 200. In this example, the first configuration of driving surfaces of the filter cartridge 200 may correspond to the first configuration of engaging surfaces as illustrated above. In an instance, the filter cartridge 200 is severally co-operated with the compatible filter subassembly component, such as one of the two different fdter heads (as illustrated in Figures 2A-5C), the filter cartridge 200 may be accessed by the operator to actuate and drive one of the two different filter heads to which the fdter cartridge 200 is cooperated at that point in time. The filter cartridge 200 may through the engaging surfaces i.e., first configmation of driving surface and second configuration of driving surface actuate and drive the compatible filter subassembly component, such as one of the two different filter head having matching configmations to the universal keying lug 204. In this instance, the filter cartridge 200 may cause the one of the two different filter head be driven between the open condition or the closed condition, as will be explained later. In this example, the first configuration of driving surfaces has a first circumferential width 602 measmed along a circumferential direction of the neck portion 208, as illustrated in Figure 6A.

[0078] Correspondingly, the first cartridge mating edge 304 and another of the plurality of second cartridge sub-edges 306-2 of the second cartridge mating edges may be a second configuration of driving surfaces of the filter cartridge 200, as illustrated in Figure 6B. The second configuration of driving surfaces may have a second circumferential width 604, as illustrated in Figure 6B, measured along the circumferential direction of the neck portion 208. For the second cartridge mating edge, the another of the plurality of second cartridge sub-edges 306-2 may include the plurality of second cartridge sub-edges not including the one of the plurality of second cartridge sub-edges 306-1 of the first configuration of driving surfaces and thereby including the remaining of the plurality of cartridge sub-edges. In this example, the first cartridge mating edge 304 and the another of the plurality of second cartridge sub-edges 306-2 may align along the circumference of the neck portion 208 to act as the second configmations of driving surface of the filter cartridge 200. The second configuration of the driving surfaces may be similar to the second configuration of engaging surfaces, as illustrated above in Figures 1A and IB. The second configmation of the driving surfaces may be similar to the first configmation of the driving surfaces but may have different circumferential width measured along the circumferential direction of the neck portion.

[0079] In another instance, the first cartridge mating edge 304 may also have the plurality of first cartridge sub-edges 304-1 and 304-2. Each of the first cartridge mating edge may be composed of aplurality of first cartridge sub-edges 304-1, 304-2, such that each of the plurality of first cartridge subedges 304-1, 304-2 of the first cartridge mating edge may be aligned with at most one of the plurality of second cartridge sub-edges 302-1, 302-2 of the second cartridge mating edges being aligned along a circumference of the neck portion 208 to act as a plurality of configurations of driving surfaces of the filter cartridge 200. Each of the plurality of configmations of driving surfaces may have different circumferential widths measured between the first cartridge mating edge and the second cartridge mating edges along a circumferential direction of the neck portion.

[0080] The first cartridge mating edge 304 may be composed of the plurality of first cartridge subedges 304-1, 204-2, such that each of the plurality of cartridge sub-edges 304-1, 204-2 of the first cartridge mating edge 304 may align with at most one of the plurality of second cartridge sub-edges 306-1, 306-2 of the second cartridge mating edges. The alignment being along a circumference of the neck portion 208 to act as a plurality of configmations of driving surfaces, i.e., the first configuration of the driving surfaces and the second configuration of the driving surfaces. In this example, each of the plurality of configurations of driving surfaces (the first configmation of the driving surfaces of the filter cartridge and the second configuration of the driving surfaces) having different configmations and circumferential widths measured between the first cartridge mating edges 304 and the second cartridge mating edges along a circumferential direction of the neck portion 208. The different circumferential widths through each of the plurality of configurations of driving surfaces (the first configuration of the driving surfaces of the filter cartridge and the second configuration of the driving surfaces), allow the filter cartridge 200 to severally co-operate with at least two compatible filter subassembly components, such as at least two different filter heads each having different configurations of corresponding keying receptor lugs 216 of corresponding circumferential widths, as will be explained later.

[0081] In this instance, as illustrated in Figure 6C, one of the plurality of first cartridge sub-edges 304-1, of the first cartridge mating edge 304 and one of the plurality of mating edges 306-1 may be aligned along a circumference of the neck portion 208 to act as the first configmation of driving surfaces of the fdter cartridge 200. The first configmation of driving surfaces of the driving surfaces in this instance may be similar to the first configmation of engaging surfaces, as illustrated in Figure 1 A and IB. In this example, the first configmation of driving surfaces may have the first circumferential width (not shown) measured between the one of the plurality of first cartridge sub-edges 304-1 of the first cartridge mating edge 304 and one of the plurality of second cartridge sub-edges 306-1 of the second cartridge mating edges along a circumferential direction of the neck portion 208. The first circumferential width (not shown) measured between the one of the plurality of first cartridge sub-edges 304-1 of the first cartridge mating edge 304 and the one of the plurality of sub-edges 306-1 of the second cartridge mating edges may correspond to the first circumferential width 602.

[0082] Corresponding to the above example, another of the plurality of first cartridge sub-edges 304-2 of the first cartridge mating edge 304 and another of the plurality of second cartridge sub-edges of the second cartridge mating edges me aligned along a circumference of the neck portion 208 to actas the second configuration of driving surfaces of the filter cartridge 200. For the first cartridge mating edge 304 the another of the plurality of first cartridge sub-edges 304-2 may include the plurality of subedges except the one of the plurality of first cartridge sub-edge 304-1 of the first configuration of driving surfaces and thereby including the remaining of the plurality of sub-edges. For the second cartridge mating edge, the another of the plurality of second cartridge sub-edges 306-2 may include the plurality of sub-edges except the one of the plurality of second cartridge sub-edge 306-1 of the first configuration of driving surfaces and thereby including the remaining of the plurality of sub-edges. The second configmation of driving surfaces of the driving surfaces in this instance may be similar to the second configmation of engaging surfaces as illustrated in Figure 1A and IB. The second configuration of driving surfaces may have the second circumferential width (not shown) measured between the other of the plurality of first cartridge sub-edges 304-2 of the first cartridge mating edge 304 and the other of the plurality of sub-edges 306-2 of the second cartridge mating edges along the circumferential direction of the neck portion 208. The second circumferential width (not shown) measured between the other of the plurality of first cartridge sub-edges 304-2 of the first cartridge mating edge 304 and the other of the plurality of sub-edges 306-2 of the second cartridge mating edges may correspond to the second circumferential width 604.

[0083] In addition to the above, Figure 6C illustrates various examples of configurations of universal keying lug 204. Even though examples of various configurations of universal keying lug 204 have been explained above, however, the configurations are not limited thereto and may include various other configurations.

[0084] Figure 7A illustrates a universal keying receptor lug cooperating via first configuration of driven surface with the keying lug, according to an example of the present subject matter. Figure 7B illustrates the universal receptor keying lug cooperating via second configuration of driven surface with the keying lug, according to an example of the present subject matter. For the sake of brevity, Figures 7A-7B have been explained in conjunction with each other.

[0085] In another example, the first filter subassembly component 102 is the filter head 202 and in this instance, the compatible filter subassembly components may be the filter cartridge 200.

[0086] As illustrated above in Figure 1A and IB, the fluid filter system 100 may include filter subassembly components, such as the filter cartridge 200 and the filter head 202. As stated above, the filter cartridge 200 and the filter head 202 may cooperate with one another to efficiently filter fluid in the fluid filter system 100. In this example, the filter subassembly component may be the filter head 202 and the compatible filter subassembly component is the filter cartridge 200.

[0087] The filter head 202 may have a universal keying receptor lug 700. The universal keying receptor lug 700 of the filter head 202 may be similar to the universal keying element 106, as illustrated in Figure 1 A and IB. In an example, the universal keying receptor lug 700 may also have an axial end facing an open end of the outer head body 210. The axial end has a head interlocking profile 710 cooperable with the corresponding keying lugs on each of the at least two different filter cartridges. Thehead interlocking profile 710 may include the keys of the universal keying receptor lug that when cooperated with the filter cartridge may engage with corresponding keying lugs 706 of the filter cartridge 200. The dotted profile indicated by 706 in figures 7A and 7B indicate head interlocking profile 708 for various configurations of universal keying receptor lug 700 used in the filter head 202.

[0088] In an instance, the filter head 202 may include an outer head body 210 and a valve device 212 disposed in the outer head body 210. In this example, the valve device 212 may be a rotational valve. In an example, the outer head body 210 may have an inlet opening (not shown) and an outlet opening (not shown). The valve device 212 may be movably disposed in the outer head body 210 and may regulate fluidic communication between the inlet opening and the outlet opening of the outer head body 210 for controlling the passage of the fluid therethrough. In this example, the valve device 212 when engaged and actuated, through a driving component, such as the filter cartridge 200, may cause the filter head 202 to move between the open condition and the closed condition. In this example, when the filter head 202 and the filter cartridge 200 are in co-operation through the universal keying element 106, the neck portion 208 is to drive and cause the rotation of the valve device 212, in this instance the filter head 202 may be driven and may cause the valve device 212 to one of cause the outer head body 114 to the open condition in which the fluid is permitted to flow and the closed condition in which the fluid flow is restricted.

[0089] In an example, the valve device 212 may cooperate and engage with the neck portion 208 of the filter cartridge 200 to regulate fluidic communication in the fluid filter system via a universal key element 106.

[0090] The filter head 202 may have a universal keying receptor lug 700. The universal keying receptor lug 700 of the fdter head 202 may be similar to the universal keying element 106, as illustrated in Figure 1. In an example, the universal keying receptor lug 700 may also have an axial end facing an open end of the outer head body 210. The axial end has a head interlocking profile cooperable with the corresponding keying lugs 706 on each of the at least two different filter cartridges (not shown).

[0091] In an example, the universal keying receptor lug 700 may be formed on an inner surface (not shown) of the valve device 212 and protruding in a circumferential direction thereof. The universal keying receptor lug 700 may be similar to the universal keying lug 204 may have two circumferential ends, i.e., a first circumferential end 300 and a second circumferential end 302, as illustrated in Figure 7 A.

[0092] The first circumferential end 300 may have a first head mating edge (shown as 702-1, 702- 2 in Figures 7A and 7B) and the second circumferential end 302 may have a second head mating edge (shown as 704-1, 704-2 in Figures 7A and 7B).

[0093] In an example, the first head mating edge and the second head mating edge may be corresponding edges on the universal keying receptor lug 700 at the first circumferential end 300 and second circumferential end 302, respectively, that may mate with the compatible filter subassembly component. In an example, the second head mating edge may be formed as having a plurality of secondhead sub-edges 704-1, 704-2. The plurality of second head sub-edges 704-1, 704-2 may include plurality of keys protruding in an axial direction from one of the second circumferential end 302. Even though the illustrations demonstrate at least two second head sub-edges, the configmations of the subedges on the second head mating edge may vary and may include different configurations.

[0094] Even though configmations with such embodiments have not been illustrated in the figures, however, in one example, the first head mating edge may include only one mating edge. In this example, the first head mating edge and one of the plurality of second head sub-edges 704-1 of the second head mating edge may be the first configmation of engaging surfaces of the filter head 202. For the second head mating edge, the plurality of second head sub-edges may include the one of the plurality of second head sub-edges 704-1 that align with the first head mating edge along a circumference of the valve device 212 to act as a first configmation of driven surfaces of the filter head 202. In this example, the first configmation of engaging surfaces may be the first configuration of driven surfaces of the filter head 202. In an instance, in which the filter head 202 is severally co-operated with the compatible filter subassembly component, such as the filter head 202, the compatible filter subassembly component such as filter cartridge 200 when accessed by the operator may through the engaging surfaces i.e., first configmation of driven surface on the filter head 202, may cause the filter head 202 be driven between the open condition or the closed condition, as will be explained later. In this example, the first configmation of driven surfaces has a first circumferential width measured along a circumferential direction of the valve device 212. The first circumferential width in this example corresponds to the first circumferential width 710 illustrated in reference to Figure 7A.

[0095] Correspondingly, the first head mating edge, including a single mating edge, and another of the plurality of second head sub-edges 704-2 of the second circumferential end 302 may be a second configmation of driven surfaces of the filter head 202, such that the second configuration of driven surfaces may have a second circumferential width measured along the circumferential direction of the valve device 212. The second circumferential width in this example corresponds to a second circumferential width 712 illustrated hereinbelow in reference to Figure 7B . For the second head mating edge, the another of the plurality of second head sub-edges 704-2 may include the plurality of second head sub-edges not including the one of the plurality of second head sub-edges 704-1 of the first configmation of driven surfaces and thereby including the remaining of the plurality of second head sub-edges. In this example, the first head mating edge and the another of the plurality of second head sub-edges 704-2 of the second circumferential end 302 may align along the circumference of the valve device 212 to act as the second configurations of driven surface of the fdter head 202. The second configmation of the driven surfaces may correspond to the second configmation of engaging surfaces, as illustrated above in reference to the Figmes 1 A and IB. The first configuration of the driven surfaces may correspond to the first configuration of the driven surfaces, as illustrated above in reference to the Figures 1A and IB but may have different circumferential width measured along the circumferential direction of the valve device 212.

[0096] In both instances as illustrated above, the filter head 202 may have the universal receptor keying lug 700. In this instance, the filter cartridge may be the compatible filter subassembly component, such that the filter cartridge may have the keying lug 706 that may have matching configmation to one of the first configuration of driven surface and the second configuration of driven surface of the universal receptor keying lug 220 of the filter head 202. In this instance, the first head mating edge and the plurality of second head sub-edges 704-1, 704-2 are to severally cooperate with at least two different filter cartridges, such that each of the at least two different filter cartridge each have different configmations of corresponding keying lugs thereon.

[0097] In another instance, the first head mating edge may also have a plurality of first head subedges 702-1, 702-2, as illustrated in Figures 7 A and 7B Even though the illustrations demonstrate at least two sub-edges on the second head sub-edges, the configurations of the sub-edges on the second head mating edge may vary and may include different configurations.

[0098] Each of the first head mating edge may be composed of a plurality of first head sub-edges 702- 1 , 702-2, such that each of the plurality of first head sub-edges 702- 1 , 702-2 of the first head mating edge may be aligned with at most one of the plurality of second head sub-edges 704-1, 704-2 of the second cartridge mating edges being aligned along a circumference of the valve device to act as a plurality of configurations of driven surfaces of the filter head 202. Each of the plurality of configmations of driven surfaces may have different circumferential widths measured between the first head mating edge and the second head mating edges along a circumferential direction of the valve device 212.

[0099] In an example, the first head mating edge may be composed of the plurality of first head sub-edges 702-1, 702-2, such that each of the plurality of first head sub-edges of the first head mating edge may align with at most one of the plurality of second head sub-edges 704-1, 704-2 of the second head mating edges. The alignment being aligned along a circumference of the valve device 212 to act as a plurality of configurations of driven surfaces, i.e., the first configuration of the driven surfaces of the filter head 202 and the second configuration of the driven surfaces of the filter head 202. In this example, each of the plurality of configurations of driven surfaces (the first configuration of the driven surfaces of the filter cartridge and the second configuration of the driven surfaces) having different circumferential widths measured between the first head mating edge and the second circumferential end 302 along a circumferential direction of the valve device 212. The different circumferential widths through each of the plurality of configmations of driven surfaces (the first configmation of the driven surfaces of the filter head 202 and the second configuration of the driven surfaces), allow the filter head 202 to severally co-operate with at least two compatible filter subassembly components, such as at least two different filter cartridges (not shown) each having different configmations of corresponding keying lugs 706 of corresponding circumferential widths, as illustrated in Figures 7 A and 7B.

[0100] In this instance, one of the plurality of first head sub-edges 702-1 of the first head mating edge and one of the plurality of second head sub-edges 704-1 of the head cartridge mating edges maybe aligned along a circumference of the valve device 212 to act as the first configuration of driven surfaces of the filter head 202. The first configuration of driven surfaces in this instance may correspond to the first configuration of engaging surfaces as illustrated in Figure 1. In this example, the first configuration of driven surfaces may have a first circumferential width 710 measured between the one of the plurality of first head sub-edges 702-1 and one of the plurality of second head sub-edges 704-1 along a circumferential direction of the valve device 212, as illustrated in Figure 7A.

[0101] Corresponding to the above example, as illustrated in Figure 7B, another of the plurality of first head sub-edges 702-2 of the first head mating edge and another of the plurality of second head sub-edges 704-2 of the second head mating edges are aligned along a circumference of the valve device 212 to act as the second configuration of driven surfaces of the filter head 202. For the first head mating edge, the another of the plurality of first head sub-edges 702-2 may include the plurality of sub-edges except the one of the plurality of first head sub-edges 702-1 of the second configuration of driven surfaces and thereby including the remaining of the plurality of first head sub-edges. For the second head mating edge, the another of the plurality of second head sub-edges 704-2 may include the plurality of second head sub-edges except the one of the plurality of second head sub-edges 704-1 of the second configuration of driven surfaces and thereby including the remaining of the plurality of first head subedges. The second configuration of driven surfaces in this instance may be similar to the second configuration of engaging surfaces as illustrated in Figure 1A and IB. The second configuration of driven surfaces may have a second circumferential width 712 measured between the other of the plurality of first head sub-edges 702-2 of the first head mating edge and the other of the plurality of second head sub-edges 704-2 of the second head mating edges along the circumferential direction of the valve device 212, as illustrated in Figure 7B.

[0102] For instance, the filter head includes the universal keying receptor lug 700. The first circumferential end 300 may have the first head mating edge 702 and the second circumferential end 302may have the second cartridge mating edge 224 formed as having a plurality of sub-edges.

[0103] In the fluid filter system 100, the valve device 212 and neck portion 208 may co-operate with one another through the universal keying element 106 as such that, the filter cartridge 200 may drive the filter head 202 causing the valve device 212 to be driven to the open condition or the closed condition. In one example, in case the universal keying receptor lug 700 is implemented on the filter head 202, the head interlocking profile may be cooperable with the corresponding keying lugs 706 on each of the at least two different filter cartridges. The head interlocking profile (not shown) may include the keys of the universal keying receptor lugs 700 that when co-operated with the filter cartridge may engage with corresponding keying lugs 706 of the filter cartridge.

[0104] In another example, as illustrated in reference to Figures 6A and 6B, in case the universal keying lug 204 is implemented on the filter cartridge 200, the cartridge interlocking profile may be cooperable with the valve device 212 on each of the at least two different filter heads. The dotted profdeindicated by 706 in figures 7A and 7B indicate head interlocking profile 708 for various configurations of universal keying receptor lug 700 used in the filter head 202.

[0105] In both instances, the inlet opening may be fluidically connected to the inlet port and correspondingly, the outlet opening may be connected to the outlet port. In this manner, in the open condition, the fluid entering through the filter head 202 via the inlet opening may be caused to pass through the inlet port to the filter media for filtration and the filtered fluid may be caused to exit from the outlet port to the outlet opening. Correspondingly in the closed condition, the valve device 212 may not allow fluid to flow.

[0106] In addition to the above illustrations, the embodiments of the present subject matter may be applied in various other instances. Additionally, the configmations of universal keying receptor lug 700 is not limited to the illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B, and may include various other configurations as well.

[0107] In view of the above, the filter subassembly component 102 having the universal keying element 106 may be cooperable with the matching configuration of the complementary keying element of the first compatible filter subassembly component 104-1 through the first configuration of engaging surfaces. In another instance, the filter subassembly component 102 having the universal keying element 106 may be cooperable with the matching configuration of the complementary keying element of the second compatible filter subassembly component 104-2 through the second configmation of engaging surfaces. In both the instances, the filter subassembly component 102 may severally cooperate with the first compatible filter subassembly component 104-1 and the second compatible filter subassembly component 104-2. Additionally, in both the instances as stated above, one of the first compatible filter subassembly component 104-1 and the second compatible filter subassembly component 104-2 are severally co-operable with the filter subassembly component 102.

[0108] Through the universal keying element 106, the filter subassembly component may severally cooperate with two compatible filter subassembly components 104-1, 104-2 through one of the engaging surfaces, i.e., the first configmation of engaging surface or the second configmation of engaging surface. In other words, the filter subassembly component 102 through the universal keying element 106 may severally cooperate with compatible filter subassembly components 104-1, 104-2, that may have corresponding configurations with respect to one of the first configuration of engaging surface and the second configuration of engaging surface.

[0109] In view of the above, the universal keying element 106 does not limit the co-operation and engagement of the pair of filter subassembly components to a single configuration. The universal keying elements 106 may have two different configmations, such that the one of the pair of the filter subassembly component 102 may severally couple with two different another one of the pair of the filter subassembly components 104-1, 1040-2. The two different another one of the pair of the filter subassembly components 104-1, 104-2 may be same components having different configurations. In this regard, the filter subassembly component 102 may individually and once at a time couple withcompatible filter subassembly components 104-1, 104-2 similar configurations to one of the two configmations on the filter subassembly component, thereby allowing the compatible filter subassembly component to the filter subassembly component. In this regard, for each different configuration of keying lugs, a new configmation of the universal keying element may not be required to be designed and manufactured, as the universal keying element may severally cooperate with two different configmations.

[0110] Although examples for the present disclosure have been described in language specific to structural features and / or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific featmes and methods are disclosed and explained as examples of the present disclosure.

Claims

I / We Claim:

1. A filter cartridge usable in a fluid filter system, the fdter cartridge comprising: a housing for enclosing filter media for filtering a fluid; and a neck portion contiguous to the housing, the neck portion comprising: an inlet port for directing unfiltered fluid into the housing; an outlet port in fluidic communication with the inlet port, wherein the outlet port is for directing filtered fluid out of the housing; and a universal keying lug formed on an outer surface of the neck portion and protruding in an axial direction therefrom, the universal keying lug comprising: a first circumferential end having a first cartridge mating edge, and a second circumferential end having a second cartridge mating edge formed as having a plurality of second cartridge sub-edges, wherein the first cartridge mating edge and the plurality of second cartridge sub-edges are to severally cooperate with at least two different filter heads each having different configmations of corresponding keying receptor lugs thereon.

2. The filter cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein the universal keying lug comprises an axial end facing an open end of the neck portion away from the housing, the axial end having a cartridge interlocking profile cooperable with a valve device in each of the at least two different filter heads.

3. The filter cartridge as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first cartridge mating edge and one of the plurality of second cartridge sub-edges is a first configmation of driving surfaces of the filter cartridge, wherein the first configuration of driving surfaces has a first circumferential width measured along a circumferential direction of the neck portion.

4. The filter cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first cartridge mating edge and another of the plurality of second cartridge sub-edges is a second configuration of driving surfaces of the filter cartridge, wherein the second configmation of driving surfaces has a second circumferential width measured along the circumferential direction of the neck portion.

5. The filter cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first cartridge mating edge is composed of a plurality of first cartridge sub-edges, one of the plurality of first cartridge sub-edges of the first cartridge mating edge and one of the plurality of second cartridge sub-edges of the second cartridge mating edges being aligned along a circumference of the neck portion to act as a first configuration of driving surfaces of the filter cartridge, the first configuration of driving surfaces having a first circumferential width measured between the one of the plurality of first cartridge sub-edges of the firstcartridge mating edge and one of the plurality of second cartridge sub-edges of the second cartridge mating edges along a circumferential direction of the neck portion.

6. The filter cartridge as claimed in claim 5, wherein another of the plurality of first cartridge mating sub-edges of the first cartridge mating edge and another of the plurality of second cartridge mating sub-edges of the second cartridge mating edges are aligned along the circumference of the neck portion to act as a second configuration of driving surfaces of the filter cartridge, the second configmation of driving surfaces having a second circumferential width measured between the other of the plurality of first cartridge mating sub-edges of the first cartridge mating edge and the other of the plurality of second cartridge mating sub-edges of the second cartridge mating edges along the circumferential direction of the neck portion.

7. The filter cartridge as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first cartridge mating edge is composed of a plurality of first cartridge mating sub-edges, wherein each of the plurality of first cartridge mating sub-edges of the first cartridge mating edge is aligned with at most one of the plurality of second cartridge mating sub-edges of the second cartridge mating edges being aligned along a circumference of the neck portion to act as a plurality of configmations of driving surfaces of the filter cartridge, each of the plurality of configurations of driving surfaces having different circumferential widths measured between the first cartridge mating edge and the second cartridge mating edges along a circumferential direction of the neck portion.

8. A filter head usable in a fluid filter system, the filter head comprising: an outer head body having an inlet opening and an outlet opening for passage of fluid therethrough; and a valve device movably disposed in the outer head body to regulate fluidic communication between the inlet opening and the outlet opening of the outer head body for controlling a passage of fluid therethrough, the valve device comprising a universal keying receptor lug formed on an inner surface thereof and protruding in an axial direction therefrom, the universal keying receptor lug having a first circumferential end and a second circumferential end, wherein the universal keying receptor lug has a first head mating edge formed at the first circumferential end and a plurality of second head mating sub-edges formed at the second circumferential end, wherein the first head mating edge and the plurality of second head mating sub -edges me to severally cooperate with at least two different filter cartridges, each of the at least two different filter cartridges having different configmations of corresponding keying lugs thereon.

9. The filter head as claimed in claim 8, wherein the universal keying receptor lug comprises an axial end facing an open end of the outer head body, the axial end having a head interlocking profile cooperable with the corresponding keying lugs on each of the at least two different filter cartridges.

10. The filter head as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first head mating edge and one of the plurality of second head mating sub-edges is a first configuration of driven surfaces of the filter head, wherein the first configuration of driven surfaces has a first circumferential width measured along a circumferential direction of the valve device.

11. The filter head as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first head mating edge and another of the plurality of second head mating sub-edges is a second configuration of driven surfaces of the filter head, wherein the second configmation of driven surfaces has a second circumferential width measured along the circumferential direction of the valve body.

12. The filter head as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first head mating edge is composed of a plurality of first head mating sub-edges, one of the plurality of first head mating sub-edges of the first head mating edge and one of the plurality of second head mating edges of the second head mating edges being aligned along a circumference of the valve device to act as a first configmation of driven surfaces of the filter head, the first configmation of driven surfaces having a first circumferential width measmed between the one of the plurality of first head mating sub-edges of the first head mating edge and one of the plurality of second head mating sub-edges of the second head mating edges along the circumferential direction of the valve device.

13. The filter head as claimed in claim 12, wherein another of the plurality of first head mating subedges of the first head mating edge and another of the plurality of second head mating sub-edges of the second head mating edges are aligned along the circumference of the valve device to act as a second configmation of driven surfaces of the filter head, the second configuration of driven surfaces having a second circumferential width measmed between the other of the plurality of first head mating sub-edges of the first head mating edge and the other of the plurality of second head mating sub-edges of the second head mating edges along the circumferential direction of the valve device.

14. The filter head as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first head mating edge is composed of a plurality of first head mating sub-edges, wherein each of the plurality of first head mating sub-edges of the first head mating edge is aligned with at most one of the plurality of second head mating sub-edges of the second head mating edges being aligned along the circumference of the valve device to act as a plurality of configurations of driven surfaces of the filter head, each of the plurality of configurationsof driven surfaces having different circumferential widths measured between the first head mating edge and the second head mating edges along the circumferential direction of the valve device.

15. A filter subassembly component usable in a fluid filter system, the filter subassembly component to at least one of filter a fluid entering the fluid filter system and regulate a flow in the fluid filter system, the filter subassembly component comprising: a universal keying element having: a first configuration of engaging surfaces cooperable with a matching configuration of a complementary keying element of a first compatible fdter subassembly component; and a second configuration of engaging surfaces cooperable with a matching configuration of a complementary keying feature of a second compatible filter subassembly component, wherein the filter subassembly component is severally couplable to the first compatible filter subassembly component and the second compatible filter subassembly component.

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