Fryer filtration arrangement

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to deep-fat fryers and, more particularly, to a deep-fat fryer cooking oil filtration arrangement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A typical deep-fat fryer will include a fryer vat containing a heating bath of cooking oil. The cooking oil is adapted to receive baskets of food products such that the food products will be immersed within and cooked by the heated cooking oil. Such fryers may also include a heat exchanger and a pump. The pump is responsible for continuously pumping the cooking oil from the fryer vat, through the heat exchanger and back into the fryer vat such that the cooking oil remains at a substantially constant temperature, thereby allowing the food products to be evenly and consistently cooked within the fryer vat. More recently, fryers have been manufactured with in vat fire tubes and associated burners, with combusted gases being passed therethrough to heat the oil, eliminating the need to constantly pump the oil from the vat through a heat exchanger.

[0003] To extend the useful life of the cooking oil, it is a common practice to filter the particulate food matter from the cooking oil to minimize the carbonization of such food matter within the cooking oil. Some conventional fryers utilize a batch filtration system, in which the cooking oil is drained from the fryer vat and then manually or mechanically filtered before returning the cleansed cooking oil back to the fryer vat. Other conventional fryers utilize a continuous filtration system, in which a continuous filter is placed within the fluid path of the cooking oil, so as to continuously filter the cooking oil as it is being recirculated between the fryer vat and the pump/heat exchanger.

[0004] Previously known batch filtration systems have included oil receiving filtration pans or tanks into which oil from the fryer vat is drained, with a filter assembly placed flat over an outlet port in the bottom of the tank. Such filter assemblies typically utilize a paper filter with a diatomaceous material, sometimes in combination with a screen. These assemblies require some structure atop the paper and filter assembly for holding it in place. Dealing with paper filters can be cumbersome and messy. Similarly, the structure used to hold filters in place can be difficult to handle. Other paperless filter assemblies have been used, with a coupling member separate from the filter assembly providing attachment. Again, such systems can be difficult to handle.

[0005] Another issue with prior art filtration systems includes difficulty in cleaning the filtration tank as necessary between filtering operations. Portable filtration tanks/systems on wheels have been used for movement between different fryer devices. Tanks or pans within drawers at the bottom of the fryer device have also been used, but their removability has been limited due to excessive weight, commonly the result of structures attached thereto such as pumps. Further, mating couplets which have been provided in the past. With drawer type units have been subject to heavy wear or even damage due to positive latch mechanisms which have been used to hold the drawer in a closed position, as well as due to exposure of seals when the drawer is in an open position.

[0006] Additionally, previously known filtration systems have not provided suitable mechanisms for emptying oil into separate containers. For example, one prior art system requires the use of a separate attachment which can be screwed in line with an oil drain path to divert oil away from the normal drain container and into a separate container.

[0007] In any deep fat fryer there may also be the problem of debris/particulate buildup in the fryer vat if the particulate does not drain out of the vat during a filtering operation. This has typically been addressed by a manual cleaning of the bottom of the vat which is a less than desirable technique.

[0008] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved fryer filtration arrangement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, a filtration arrangement for a fryer includes a pan for receiving oil from a fryer vat, the pan including an outlet opening, the outlet opening defining a first coupler. A filter assembly includes an interior defined at least in part by an outer filter screen material, a second coupler connected to the filter assembly and defining a passage which extends from the exterior of the filter assembly into the interior. The first coupler and second coupler are sized and shaped for slidingly mating with each other. The first coupler is mated with the second coupler so that oil traveling out of the pan during a filtration operation travels from the pan, through the outer filter screen material, into the interior of the filter assembly, and out of the interior of the filter assembly through a flow path defined by at least one of the first and second couplers.

[0010] In another aspect of the invention, a filtration arrangement for a fryer includes a fryer vat and a pan for receiving oil drained from the fryer vat, with a filter assembly within the pan for filtering oil passing through the pan. An oil drain path leads from an outlet opening of the fryer vat to the pan, and an oil return path leads from the pan back to an inlet opening of the fryer vat. A lower portion-of the fryer vat is shaped to direct particulate matter which settles in the fryer vat into a substantially linear region along a bottom surface of the vat. The fryer vat inlet opening is positioned at one end of the substantially linear region and the fryer vat outlet opening being positioned at an opposite end of the substantially linear region for causing oil being circulated during a filtration operation to flow from the fryer vat inlet opening, along the substantially linear region and out the fryer vat outlet opening to push particulate matter lying in the substantially linear region toward and out of the fryer vat outlet opening for delivery to the pan.

[0011] Still another aspect of the invention provides a filtration arrangement for a fryer including a fryer vat and a pan for receiving oil drained from the fryer vat, with a filter assembly within the pan for filtering oil passing through the pan. An oil drain path leads from an outlet opening of the fryer vat to the pan, and an oil return path leads from the pan back to an inlet opening of the fryer vat. A latch-free drawer is movable between open and closed positions relative to a fryer frame, and the pan is positioned in the drawer. During a filtration operation oil is drawn out of the pan along the oil return path and delivered back to the fryer vat. The oil return path is defined in part by a return coupler connected to and extending from a portion of the pan. The return coupler is aligned for slidingly mating with a corresponding coupler on the fryer frame when the drawer is moved to a closed position. The oil is drawn out of the pan along the oil return path in a manner which creates a suction force for holding the return coupler of the pan to the corresponding coupler of the fryer frame so as to maintain the drawer in a closed position during a filtration operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is a front perspective of one embodiment of a fryer including a filtration arrangement;

[0013]FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the oil pan and associated filter assembly of the fryer of FIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 3 is a cross-section of one embodiment of a return coupler which extends from the pan of FIG. 2;

[0015]FIG. 4 is a cross-section of one embodiment of a corresponding coupler which receives the coupler of FIG. 3;

[0016]FIG. 5 is a top view of one embodiment of a filter assembly;

[0017]FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the filter assembly of FIG. 5;

[0018]FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a filter assembly and pan coupling arrangement;

[0019]FIG. 8 is a schematic side elevation of the fryer of FIG. 1; and

[0020]FIG. 9 is a schematic front elevation of the fryer of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Referring to drawing FIG. 1, a perspective view of a typical fryer <b>10</b> including two fryer vats <b>12</b>A and <b>12</b>B is shown. Each fryer vat includes at least one respective basket <b>16</b>A and <b>16</b>B which is automatically movable upward and downward via respective positioning guides <b>18</b>A and <b>18</b>B in a manner well known in the art. The fryer <b>10</b> includes a frame <b>20</b> which preferably includes associated housing <b>22</b> such as stainless steel. A front panel <b>24</b> of the fryer <b>10</b> includes a control and display panel <b>26</b>A and <b>26</b>B for each fryer vat. The lower portion of the housing frame includes a set of doors <b>30</b>A, <b>30</b>B which are movable between open and closed positions, and which are illustrated in the open position. Below the doors <b>30</b>A, <b>30</b>B a drawer <b>32</b> which is movable between open and closed positions relative to the frame <b>20</b> is provided, the drawer being illustrated in the open position. Positioned within the drawer <b>32</b> is an oil receiving pan <b>34</b> having a rim <b>36</b> which sits on rails <b>38</b> of the drawer <b>32</b>. Handles <b>40</b> extend from the interior sidewalls of the pan <b>34</b> to allow the pan to be easily picked up and removed from the drawer to facilitate cleaning at a location away from the fryer <b>10</b>. Positioning of the handles <b>40</b> on the inner portion of the pan helps facilitate simple positioning of the pan in the drawer <b>32</b>. As used herein, the term “pan” is intended to broadly encompass any oil receiving container, unless otherwise specifically indicated.

[0022] A basket type screen <b>42</b> is removably positioned within the pan <b>34</b> for filtering out debris entering the pan <b>34</b> within oil which is drained from one of the fryer vats <b>12</b>A and <b>12</b>B. At the bottom of the pan <b>34</b> a filter assembly <b>45</b> is provided for filtering the oil. An oil return path from the pan <b>34</b> back to the fryer vat <b>12</b>A, <b>12</b>B is formed in part by a coupler <b>44</b> which is connected to and extends from a front sidewall of the pan <b>34</b>. The illustrated coupler <b>44</b> extends rearwardly back toward the fryer frame <b>20</b>. A corresponding coupler <b>46</b> (FIG. 2) is positioned on the fryer frame <b>20</b>, with the two couplers aligned for slidingly mating with each other in a friction fit arrangement when the drawer <b>32</b> is moved to a closed position.

[0023] In the illustrated fryer <b>10</b>, each vat <b>16</b>A, <b>16</b>B includes an associated exhaust stack <b>200</b>A, <b>200</b>B formed at the back of the fryer for venting combustion gases produced by the oil heating system which includes in vat fire tubes as will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0024] Referring now to FIG. 2, the pan <b>34</b> includes an outlet opening <b>48</b> through its bottom wall <b>50</b>. The oil return path is formed in part by a flow passage through member <b>52</b> and piping <b>54</b> which runs along the external surface of bottom wall <b>50</b> and front wall <b>56</b> of the pan <b>34</b>. The piping <b>54</b> may be placed against the surface of walls <b>50</b> and <b>56</b> as shown in order to provide good heat conduction between the pan <b>34</b> and the piping <b>54</b>. In this manner, when the pan <b>34</b> is filled with hot oil as a tank <b>12</b>A, <b>12</b>B is drained, the hot oil imparts heat to the piping <b>54</b>, through the pan <b>34</b>, before flow through the piping <b>54</b> begins. Such heat delivery to the piping <b>54</b> aids in prevention of solidification of the oil as it travels through the piping <b>54</b>, eliminating the need to use separate piping heating means such as thermal tape.

[0025] Near the top of front wall <b>56</b> a wall penetrating coupling assembly <b>58</b> passes through the wall <b>56</b>, with piping <b>60</b> extending upward from the pan <b>34</b> and rearwardly as shown. The end of piping <b>60</b> acts as the return coupler <b>44</b> and is shown in cross-section in FIG. 3. The return coupler <b>44</b> mates with corresponding coupler <b>46</b> which is shown in cross-section in FIG. 4. In the illustrated embodiment the return coupler <b>44</b> comprises a male coupler with a chamfer <b>62</b> at its end, and the corresponding coupler <b>46</b> comprises a female coupler which includes a chamfered opening <b>64</b> to facilitate sliding engagement with return coupler <b>44</b>. The internal surface of coupler <b>46</b> includes two annular recesses <b>66</b> for receiving sealing members such as o-rings <b>67</b> which engage the outer surface of the return coupler <b>44</b> in a friction fit manner when the coupler <b>44</b> is inserted therewithin. The internal o-rings <b>67</b> thus remain unexposed and protected from damage when the drawer <b>32</b> is opened and the return coupler <b>44</b> is removed from coupler <b>46</b>.

[0026] One embodiment of a filter assembly <b>45</b> is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. A rectangular metal frame <b>70</b> surrounds a stainless steel wire mesh or other filter screen material <b>72</b>. The filter assembly is envelope-shaped and includes an upperside <b>74</b> and underside <b>76</b>. While substantially the entire surface area formed by both the upperside <b>74</b> and underside <b>76</b> may be formed by the filter screen material, it is recognized that a lesser portion could be formed by the filter screen material. One side <b>78</b> of frame <b>70</b> is pivoted at corner <b>80</b> to permit movement between an open position (shown in shadow) and a closed position, with the open position providing access to an interior <b>82</b> of the assembly. Latch <b>84</b> holds frame portion <b>80</b> in the closed position when desired. Positioned within the interior <b>82</b> of the filter assembly is a removable spacer member <b>86</b> which may be in the form of a stainless steel wire-basket weave which allows oil to flow therethrough. The spacer member aids in holding the upperside <b>74</b> away from the underside <b>76</b> during operation. The underside <b>76</b> of the filter assembly includes an opening <b>88</b> therethrough which is surrounded by an annular flange <b>90</b>, best seen in the partial exploded elevation/cross-section of FIG. 7. The upperside <b>74</b> of the filter assembly includes a similar opening and annular flange, not shown. The subject filter assembly in the above form, with an opening on its upperside and underside, is commercially available from Filter-All Inc. of Magnolia, Tex.

[0027] The subject commercially available filter is modified by connecting a coupler <b>92</b> having a flow passage <b>94</b> therethrough to the opening <b>88</b> on the underside <b>76</b>, such as by welding to the flange <b>90</b>. The passage <b>94</b> leads from the exterior of the filter assembly <b>45</b> to its interior <b>82</b>. An L-shaped handle member <b>112</b> is connected to the opening and flange at the upperside <b>74</b> of the filter assembly <b>45</b> to seal off the upperside opening. The handle facilitates manual installation and removal of the filter assembly. The handle member <b>112</b> may be welded or otherwise connected to the upperside <b>74</b> of the filter assembly <b>45</b>.

[0028] The coupler <b>92</b> is sized and shaped for mating with a coupler <b>96</b> which is defined by opening <b>48</b> in the bottom wall <b>50</b> of the pan <b>34</b>. In the illustrated embodiment, the coupler <b>96</b> is formed in member <b>52</b> which may be welded or otherwise connected to the exterior surface of the bottom wall <b>50</b>. The entry to coupler <b>96</b> may be chamfered at <b>102</b> to facilitate coupler <b>92</b> being slidingly inserted therein. Coupler <b>92</b> may include an annular recess <b>104</b> which receives a sealing member such as an o-ring <b>105</b> for engaging an inner surface of coupler <b>96</b>. A friction fit, quick connect/disconnect arrangement is thereby provided. It is recognized that the o-ring could be located internally along the wall of coupler <b>96</b>. In one embodiment the coupler <b>92</b> has a cylindrical outer shape and has an outer diameter D between about 0.720″ and about 0.750″, a length L between about 0.4″ and about 0.6″, and a through diameter d between about 0.350″ and 0.400″, with a preferred outer diameter of about 0.735″, a preferred length of about 0.5″, and a preferred through diameter of about 0.350″. While the illustrated embodiment shows coupler <b>92</b> as a male coupler and coupler <b>96</b> as a female coupler, it is recognized that in other embodiments the coupler associated with filter assembly <b>45</b> could comprise a female coupler and that a male coupler could extend from the bottom wall <b>50</b> of the pan. Passage <b>106</b> is provided for leading to and coupling with piping <b>54</b> shown in FIG. 2.

[0029] Referring again to FIG. 2, the oil return path includes a pump <b>110</b> positioned therealong for drawing oil out of the pan <b>34</b>. Oil traveling out of the pan <b>34</b> during a filtration operation travels from the pan <b>34</b>, through the outer filter screen material <b>72</b> of the filter assembly <b>45</b>, into the interior <b>82</b> of the filter assembly <b>45</b>, and out of the interior <b>82</b> of the filter assembly <b>45</b> through a flow path defined by at least one of the couplers <b>92</b> and <b>96</b>. Operation of the pump <b>110</b>, and the associated flow of oil drawn out of the pan <b>34</b>, creates a suction force for holding the coupler <b>92</b> of the filter assembly <b>45</b> to the coupler <b>96</b> of the pan <b>34</b>, without requiring any latch or hold down member. The friction fit arrangement of o-ring <b>105</b> and inner surface of coupler <b>96</b> also aids in holding coupler <b>92</b> to coupler <b>96</b>. The suction force created by the pump <b>110</b>, and the associated flow of oil drawn out of the pan <b>34</b>, also holds the return coupler <b>44</b> of the pan <b>34</b> to the corresponding coupler <b>46</b> of the fryer frame <b>20</b> so as to maintain the drawer <b>32</b> in a closed position during a filtration operation, without requiring any positive latch. The friction fit engagement of o-ring <b>67</b> with the outer surface of return coupler <b>44</b> also aids in holding return coupler <b>44</b> to corresponding coupler <b>46</b>.

[0030] In one embodiment, when the couplers <b>92</b> and <b>96</b> are fully coupled at least part of the underside <b>76</b> of the filter assembly <b>45</b> is spaced from the bottom wall <b>50</b> of the pan <b>34</b> to enable oil to flow through both the upperside <b>74</b> and underside <b>76</b> of the filter assembly <b>45</b> as it is drawn out of the pan <b>34</b>. This arrangement provides a greater oil filtering surface area as compared to systems in which the filter material, such as paper media, lies flat against the bottom wall <b>50</b> of the pan <b>34</b>. Positioning pegs or posts may be provided on the bottom wall <b>50</b> of the pan <b>34</b> for such purpose, or could likewise extend from the underside <b>76</b> of the filter assembly <b>45</b>. Channels could also be formed in the bottom wall <b>50</b> of the pan <b>34</b>.

[0031] Referring now to drawing FIGS. 8 and 9, the fryer <b>10</b> including one embodiment of the subject fryer filtration arrangement is shown schematically in side and front elevation respectively. The fryer vat <b>12</b>B is shown by two spaced, adjacent dashed lines in FIG. 8 and by two spaced, adjacent solid lines in FIG. 9. An outlet opening <b>120</b>A, <b>120</b>B in a wall of each vat <b>12</b>A, <b>12</b>B leads to a respective draining pipe <b>122</b>A, <b>122</b>B. The two draining pipes <b>122</b>A, <b>122</b>B lead to a common drain pipe <b>124</b> which extends laterally across a front portion of the fryer <b>10</b>. The common drain pipe <b>124</b> includes an outlet <b>126</b> for delivering oil into the pan <b>34</b>. Thus, each vat <b>12</b>A, <b>12</b>B includes a respective oil drain path extending from its outlet opening <b>120</b>A, <b>120</b>B to the pan <b>34</b>. Positioned along each oil drain path is a flow control device <b>130</b>B (seen only in FIG. 8) for controlling the draining of each vat. In particular, each flow control device may be a manually operable valve including a respective handle <b>132</b>B for permitting a user to open and close the drain path as desired. Of course, other flow control devices may be used, including automatically controlled devices.

[0032] The oil return path from the pan <b>34</b> is formed in part by piping <b>54</b> and <b>60</b>, return coupler <b>44</b> and corresponding coupler <b>46</b>. Piping <b>134</b> leads from the coupler <b>46</b> to the pump <b>110</b>. The outlet side of the pump <b>110</b> connects to piping <b>136</b> which extends to common piping <b>138</b>. Common piping <b>138</b> includes segment <b>138</b>A which, relative to the front view FIG. 9, runs to the left, upward, rearward and then to the right, to an inlet opening <b>140</b>A in the vat <b>12</b>A. Relative to the front view of FIG. 9, segment <b>138</b>B runs to the right, upward, rearward and then to the right, to an inlet opening <b>140</b>B in the vat <b>12</b>B. Each segment <b>138</b>A, <b>138</b>B includes a respective flow control device <b>142</b>A, <b>142</b>B positioned theralong for controlling flow back to its respective vat <b>12</b>A, <b>12</b>B. The flow control devices may, for example, be manually operable valves including respective handles <b>144</b>A, <b>144</b>B for operation by a user.

[0033] By way of example, to filter the oil in vat <b>12</b>B, the flow control device <b>130</b>B is opened to permit oil to drain into the pan <b>34</b>. The flow control device <b>142</b>B is also opened to permit oil to be delivered back to the vat <b>12</b>B. The pump <b>110</b> is then operated an oil is cycled from the pan <b>34</b>, through the filter assembly <b>45</b>, back along the oil return path through the pump <b>10</b> and to the vat <b>12</b>B. During such operation the flow control devices <b>130</b>A (not shown) and <b>142</b>A are maintained in closed positions to prevent oil from draining from vat <b>12</b>A and to prevent oil from being returned to vat <b>12</b>A. When sufficient filtering has been achieved, the flow control device <b>130</b>B is closed so that the vat <b>12</b>B fills as oil is returned thereto by the pump <b>110</b>. At the conclusion of the filtration operation the flow control device <b>142</b>B is closed and the pump <b>110</b> is turned off.

[0034] Notably, a lower portion of each fryer vat <b>12</b>A, <b>12</b>B is shaped to direct particulate matter which settles in the fryer vat into a substantially linear region <b>150</b>A, <b>150</b>B along a bottom surface of the vat. In the illustrated embodiment this substantially linear settling is achieved using inclined bottom walls as best seen in the front view of FIG. 9. Each fryer vat inlet opening <b>140</b>A, <b>140</b>B is positioned at one end of the substantially linear region and each fryer vat outlet opening <b>120</b>A, <b>120</b>B is positioned at an opposite end of the substantially linear region for causing oil being circulated during a filtering operation to flow from the fryer vat inlet opening <b>140</b>A, <b>140</b>B, along the substantially linear region <b>150</b>A, <b>150</b>B, and out the fryer vat outlet opening <b>120</b>A, <b>120</b>B to push particulate matter lying in the substantially linear region toward and out of the fryer vat outlet opening <b>120</b>A, <b>120</b>B for delivery to the pan <b>34</b>. In the illustrated embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 8 relative to vat <b>12</b>B, each fryer vat <b>12</b>B includes a front wall. <b>152</b>B and a back wall <b>154</b>B, with the fryer vat inlet opening <b>140</b>B formed in the back wall <b>154</b>B, and the fryer vat outlet opening <b>120</b>B formed in the front wall <b>152</b>B. It is recognized that the relative positioning of the inlet and outlet openings on the front and back walls could be reversed, or that the openings could be formed in the sidewalls or bottom wall of the vat <b>12</b>B. A channel could also be provided in the bottom of each vat to further define the substantially linear region of settling.

[0035] Also connected to common piping <b>138</b> is an oil dump path defined by piping <b>160</b>. The piping <b>160</b> extends to a forward portion of the fryer frame <b>20</b> and includes a quick-disconnect coupling <b>162</b> at its end to facilitate connection of a hose which can be used to empty oil from the pan <b>34</b> into a separate container. A flow control device <b>164</b> is positioned along the oil dump path for controlling the flow of oil therealong. The flow control device <b>64</b> may, for example, be a manually operable valve including a handle <b>166</b> for operation by a user. In the illustrated embodiment, an oil dump is achieved by opening the flow control device <b>130</b>A, <b>130</b>B associated with the drain path of the vat to be dumped. The oil drains into the pan <b>34</b>. The flow control device <b>164</b> is then opened and flow control devices <b>142</b>A and <b>142</b>B are maintained closed. When the pump <b>110</b> is operated, oil will be delivered to the piping <b>160</b> and out of the quick-disconnect coupling <b>162</b> when a hose is connected thereto.

[0036] Also shown in FIG. 8 is the fire tube assembly <b>202</b>A, <b>202</b>B of each vat. Each fire tube assembly includes at least one associated gas burner (not shown) for generating heat which passes along the fire tube(s) of its respective assembly <b>202</b>A, <b>202</b>B. The fire tubes are submerged in the oil, below the baskets <b>16</b>A, <b>16</b>B, to thereby heat the oil. Exhaust gases are vented via stacks <b>200</b>A, <b>200</b>B shown in FIG. 1. The filtering arrangement of the present invention is particularly useful in fryers having above-described heating arrangement, because the cooking oil is not continuously recirculated.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 9, the wheel and rail arrangement <b>170</b> of the drawer <b>32</b> is also shown. Front and back lips or flanges <b>204</b> and <b>206</b> which extend from the top of the pan <b>34</b> rest on pan supporting surfaces <b>208</b> and <b>210</b> which may be formed by drawer frame rails or struts. The pan <b>34</b> may also include left and right lips/flanges <b>212</b> and <b>214</b> best seen in FIG. 8, which rest on pan supporting surfaces <b>216</b> and <b>218</b> of the drawer <b>32</b>. The lip/flange and support arrangement permits the pan <b>34</b> to be easily removed from drawer <b>32</b>, using handles <b>40</b>, without requiring manual disconnection of any components once the drawer <b>32</b> is opened. The pan <b>34</b> may be of stamped stainless steel construction. The side view of FIG. 8 shows aligned magnets <b>172</b> positioned at the front, top edge of the drawer and a front, lower edge of the fryer frame/housing for holding the drawer in the closed position during periods of non-filtration. No positive latching mechanism is required for the drawer.

[0038] Although the invention has been described and illustrated in detail it is to be clearly understood that the same is intended by way of illustration and example only and is not intended to be taken by way of limitation. For example, while a fryer including two vats has been shown in the illustrated embodiment, fryers including more or less vats could incorporate the subject filtration arrangement. Further, while the illustrated filter assembly is generally rectangular and envelope shaped, other filter assembly shapes could be used. While the filter assembly connects to the bottom wall of the pan, the outlet opening of the pan, and thus connection of the filter assembly, could also be on one of the front, back or side walls. Still further, while the illustrated coupling arrangement between the filter assembly and pan is formed by slidingly cooperating couplers, in some cases threaded couplers might be used, in which case the filter assembly handle could be used to rotate the filter assembly to achieve the desired threaded connection.

[0039] Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the invention are to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims.