U.S. patent application number 13/716645 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-11 for gravity filter designs configured for increased residence time.
This patent application is currently assigned to HELEN OF TROY LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is HELEN OF TROY LIMITED. Invention is credited to Vince Breidenbach, Douglas Robert Utsch.
Application Number | 20130175228 13/716645 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47833305 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130175228 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Utsch; Douglas Robert ; et
al. |
July 11, 2013 |
GRAVITY FILTER DESIGNS CONFIGURED FOR INCREASED RESIDENCE TIME
Abstract
Embodiments of water filters comprise a filter housing
configured to be disposed in a pour tray of a water filter pitcher,
wherein a filter media cartridge is disposed inside the filter
housing. The filter housing includes a housing floor, housing
sidewalls extending upwardly, away from the housing floor, and at
least one filter housing outlet disposed in one or more of the
housing floor or the housing sidewalls. The filter media cartridge
includes filter media, where the filter media cartridge comprises a
cartridge floor spaced above the housing floor, cartridge sidewalls
extending upwardly, away from the cartridge floor, and at least one
filter media cartridge outlet disposed along one or more of the
cartridge floor or the cartridge sidewalls. The water filter
pitcher further includes a riser extending upwardly, away from the
housing floor, and spaced between the housing sidewalls and the
cartridge sidewalls, where the riser extends a distance above the
cartridge floor. The riser forms a conduit volume.
Inventors: |
Utsch; Douglas Robert;
(Blanchester, OH) ; Breidenbach; Vince; (Lebanon,
OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HELEN OF TROY LIMITED; |
St. Michael |
|
BB |
|
|
Assignee: |
HELEN OF TROY LIMITED
St. Michael
BB
|
Family ID: |
47833305 |
Appl. No.: |
13/716645 |
Filed: |
December 17, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61576392 |
Dec 16, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
210/767 ;
210/232; 210/282; 210/467; 210/484 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 2201/006 20130101;
B01D 27/14 20130101; B01D 27/08 20130101; B01D 27/02 20130101; C02F
2307/04 20130101; C02F 1/003 20130101; C02F 1/283 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/767 ;
210/467; 210/484; 210/282; 210/232 |
International
Class: |
C02F 1/00 20060101
C02F001/00 |
Claims
1. A water filter configured to be inserted into a filter housing
disposed in a pour tray of a water filter pitcher, wherein the
filter housing comprises a housing floor; housing sidewalls
extending upwardly from the housing floor; at least one filter
housing outlet disposed in the housing floor, the housing
sidewalls, or both; and a riser extending upwardly from the housing
floor, wherein the water filter comprises: a filter media cartridge
configured to be accommodated inside the filter housing and
comprising filter media, wherein the filter media cartridge
comprises a cartridge floor spaced above the housing floor,
cartridge sidewalls extending upwardly, away from the cartridge
floor, and at least one filter media cartridge outlet disposed
along one or more of the cartridge floor or the cartridge
sidewalls, wherein, when the filter media cartridge is accommodated
inside the filter housing, the riser is spaced between the housing
sidewalls and the cartridge sidewalls and extends vertically above
the cartridge floor, thereby forming a conduit volume.
2. The water filter of claim 1, further comprising a water outlet
flowpath defined from the pour tray to the filter housing outlet,
such that the water introduced to the pour tray is operable to
enter into the filter media cartridge, exit the filter media
cartridge into the conduit volume, and then pass over the riser
before exiting the filter housing via the at least one filter
housing outlet.
3. The water filter of claim 1, wherein the riser and the housing
floor form the conduit volume.
4. The water filter of claim 1, wherein the riser and the cartridge
floor form the conduit volume.
5. The water filter of claim 4, wherein the riser is configured to
be attached to the cartridge sidewalls by at least one rib.
6. The water filter of claim 1, further comprising a cavity
disposed between the housing sidewalls and the cartridge sidewalls,
wherein the cavity is configured to be in fluid communication with
the conduit volume.
7. The water filter of claim 1, wherein the filter media comprises
a permeable membrane located adjacent to the cartridge floor and
loose fill filtration media adjacent to the permeable membrane and
the cartridge sidewalls.
8. The water filter of claim 1, wherein the filter media cartridge
is coupled to the filter housing to form a water-tight seal between
the pour tray and the filter media cartridge, and is configured
such that water introduced to the pour tray exits through the at
least one filter media cartridge outlet.
9. The water filter of claim 1, wherein the filter media cartridge
further comprises a retention lip that extends in a radial
direction outward from the cartridge sidewalls.
10. The water filter of claim 9, wherein the retention lip is
operable to interlock with the pour tray.
11. The water filter of claim 9, wherein the retention lip of the
filter media cartridge comprises at least one key, and is
configured such that when the filter media cartridge is
accommodated in the filter housing, the at least one key is
operable to engage at least one keyway of the pour tray.
12. The water filter of claim 11, wherein the filter media
cartridge is rotatable within the filter housing and is configured
such that when the at least one key engages the at least one keyway
and the filter media cartridge forms a water-tight seal with the
pour tray, that water introduced to the pour tray exits through the
at least one filter media cartridge outlet.
13. A water filter pitcher comprising: a pitcher body comprising a
pitcher floor and pitcher sidewalls extending from the pitcher
floor; and a pour tray coupled to the pitcher body, the pour tray
comprising: a pour tray floor; pour tray sidewalls extending
upwards from the pour tray floor; a filter housing extending below
the pour tray floor, the filter housing comprising a housing floor,
housing sidewalls extending between the housing floor and the pour
tray floor, and at least one filter housing outlet disposed along
one of more of the housing floor or the housing sidewalls; a filter
media cartridge disposed inside the filter housing and comprising
filter media, wherein the filter media cartridge further comprises
a cartridge floor spaced above the housing floor, cartridge
sidewalls extending upwardly, away from the cartridge floor, and at
least one filter media cartridge outlet disposed along one or more
of the cartridge floor or the cartridge sidewalls; and a riser
extending upwardly from the housing floor and spaced between the
housing sidewalls and the cartridge sidewalls, wherein the riser
extends vertically above the cartridge floor, the riser forming a
conduit volume.
14. The water filter pitcher of claim 13, further comprising a
water outlet flowpath defined from the filter media cartridge
outlet to the filter housing outlet, and configured such that the
water exiting the filter media cartridge must exit via the at least
one filter media cartridge outlet into the conduit volume and then
pass over the riser before exiting the filter housing via the at
least one filter housing outlet.
15. The water filter pitcher of claim 13, wherein a vertical
distance from the pitcher floor to the at least one filter housing
outlet is less than about 50% of a vertical distance that the
pitcher sidewalls extend from the pitcher floor.
16. The water filter pitcher of claim 13, wherein the riser extends
from the housing floor, the riser and the housing floor forming the
conduit volume.
17. The water filter pitcher of claim 13, wherein the riser extends
from the cartridge floor, the riser and the cartridge sidewalls
forming the conduit volume.
18. The water filter pitcher of claim 13, further comprising
further comprising a diffusion tray located below the at least one
filter housing outlet, the diffusion tray comprising a diffusion
tray floor comprising a plurality of depressions that form an
undulating surface, and a plurality of weep holes passing through
the diffusion tray floor at locations corresponding to at least one
of the depressions, wherein the diffusion tray is configured such
that water exiting from the at least one filter housing outlet is
directed to the depressions and passes through the plurality of
weep holes.
19. A method of maintaining wetness of a filter media cartridge,
comprising: providing a water filter pitcher comprising: a filter
housing comprising a housing floor, housing sidewalls vertically
extending from the housing floor, and at least one filter housing
outlet disposed in the housing floor adjacent to one or more of the
housing sidewalls; a filter media cartridge disposed inside the
filter housing and comprising filter media, wherein the filter
media cartridge comprises a cartridge floor spaced above the
housing floor, cartridge sidewalls extending upwardly, away from
the cartridge floor, and at least one filter media cartridge outlet
disposed in one or more of the cartridge floor or the cartridge
sidewalls; a riser extending upwardly, away from the housing floor
and spaced between the housing sidewalls and the cartridge
sidewalls, wherein the riser extends a vertical distance above the
cartridge floor, the interior of the riser forming a conduit
volume; and a water outlet flowpath defined from the filter media
cartridge outlet to the filter housing outlet, such that the water
exiting the filter media cartridge must exit via the at least one
filter media cartridge outlet into the conduit and then pass over
the riser before exiting the filter housing via the at least one
filter housing outlet; introducing water to the water filter
pitcher; passing water into the filter media cartridge; filtering
water with the filter media; allowing water to exit the filter
media cartridge through at least one filter media cartridge outlet;
pooling water in the conduit volume to wet at least a portion of
the filter media cartridge; and displacing water over the riser and
through the at least one filter housing outlet.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein depth of the pool corresponds
with a vertical distance the riser extends above the cartridge
floor.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein the riser extends from the
housing floor, and the riser and the housing floor together form
the conduit volume.
22. The method of claim 19, wherein the riser extends from the
cartridge floor, the riser and the cartridge floor forming the
conduit volume.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit to the U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/576,392 filed Dec. 16, 2011.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention is generally directed to water filters
and, in particular, to water filters for water filter pitchers
having water capture features.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Water filter pitchers including cartridge-style water
filters are used by consumers who wish to remove visible and
invisible impurities from tap water for drinking. Water filter
pitchers allow a consumer to select to improve the flavor of tap
water at an economical price as compared with purchasing packaged
bottled water. Additionally, water filter pitchers incorporating
cartridge water filters may decrease a consumer's waste of water
and energy by providing the consumer with a ready supply of clean
water.
[0004] In order to appeal to consumers, changes to the water filter
pitchers that may improve the aesthetics of the water filter
pitchers have been contemplated. One such change includes raising
the filter media cartridge from the bottom of the water filter
pitchers, such that the filter media cartridge becomes hidden from
view. However, the filter media cartridges may have enhanced
performance when the filter element is held in a moist condition.
Accordingly, improvements that increase the aesthetic appeal of the
water filter pitcher while improving the performance of the filter
media cartridge are required.
SUMMARY
[0005] According to one embodiment, a water filter is configured to
be inserted into a filter housing disposed in a pour tray of a
water filter pitcher, where the filter housing includes a housing
floor, housing sidewalls extending upwardly from the housing floor,
at least one filter housing outlet disposed in the housing floor,
the housing sidewalls, or both, and a riser extending upwardly from
the housing floor. The water filter includes a filter media
cartridge configured to be accommodated inside the filter housing
and comprising filter media, where, when accommodated, the filter
media cartridge comprises a cartridge floor spaced above the
housing floor, cartridge sidewalls extending upwardly, away from
the cartridge floor, and at least one filter media cartridge outlet
disposed along one or more of the cartridge floor or the cartridge
sidewalls. When the filter media cartridge is accommodated inside
the filter housing, the riser is spaced between the housing
sidewalls and the cartridge sidewalls and extends vertically above
the cartridge floor, thereby forming a conduit volume.
[0006] According to another embodiment, a water filter pitcher
includes a pitcher body that includes a pitcher floor and pitcher
sidewalls extending from the pitcher floor, and a pour tray coupled
to the pitcher body. The pour tray includes a pour tray floor, pour
tray sidewalls extending upwards from the pour tray floor, a filter
housing extending below the pour tray floor. The filter housing
includes a housing floor, housing sidewalls extending between the
housing floor and the pour tray floor, and at least one filter
housing outlet disposed along one of more of the housing floor or
the housing sidewalls. A filter media cartridge is disposed inside
the filter housing and includes filter media, where the filter
media cartridge further includes a cartridge floor spaced above the
housing floor, cartridge sidewalls extending upwardly, away from
the cartridge floor, and at least one filter media cartridge outlet
disposed along one or more of the cartridge floor or the cartridge
sidewalls. A riser extends upwardly from the housing floor and is
spaced between the housing sidewalls and the cartridge sidewalls.
The riser extends vertically above the cartridge floor, forming a
conduit volume.
[0007] According to yet another embodiment, a method of maintaining
wetness of a filter media cartridge includes providing a water
filter pitcher that includes a filter housing that includes a
housing floor, housing sidewalls vertically extending from the
housing floor, and at least one filter housing outlet disposed in
the housing floor adjacent to one or more of the housing sidewalls.
The water filter pitcher also includes a filter media cartridge
disposed inside the filter housing and including filter media,
where the filter media cartridge includes a cartridge floor spaced
above the housing floor, cartridge sidewalls extending upwardly,
away from the cartridge floor, and at least one filter media
cartridge outlet disposed in one or more of the cartridge floor or
the cartridge sidewalls. The water filter pitcher further includes
a riser extending upwardly from the housing floor and spaced
between the housing sidewalls and the cartridge sidewalls. The
riser extends a vertical distance above the cartridge floor, and
the interior of the riser forms a conduit volume. The water filter
pitcher includes a water outlet flowpath defined from the filter
media cartridge outlet to the filter housing outlet, such that the
water exiting the filter media cartridge must exit via the at least
one filter media cartridge outlet into the conduit and then pass
over the riser before exiting the filter housing via the at least
one filter housing outlet. The method of maintaining wetness of the
filter media cartridge also includes introducing water to the water
filter pitcher, passing water into the filter media cartridge,
filtering water with the filter media, and allowing water to exit
the filter media cartridge through at least one filter media
cartridge outlet. The method further includes pooling water in the
conduit volume to wet at least a portion of the filter media
cartridge; and displacing water over the riser and through the at
least one filter housing outlet.
[0008] These and additional objects and advantages provided by the
embodiments of the present invention will be more fully understood
in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with
the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The following detailed description of specific embodiments
of the present invention can be best understood when read in
conjunction with the drawings enclosed herewith.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a water filter pitcher
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of a water filter pitcher
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of a water filter pitcher
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 4A is a sectional side view of a water filter pitcher
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 4B is a sectional side view of a water filter pitcher
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a sectional side view of a water filter pitcher
according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;
and
[0016] FIG. 6 is a top view of a water filter pitcher according to
one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0017] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative
in nature and not intended to be limiting of the invention defined
by the claims. Moreover, individual features of the drawings and
invention will be more fully apparent and understood in view of the
detailed description.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to water
filters for water filter pitchers that are held above the region of
filtered water storage of the water filter pitcher. To maintain
moisture within the filter media within the water filter, the water
filter pitchers include features that retain water that has been
introduced into the filter media cartridge, and "pools" the water
as to maintain wetness inside the filter media cartridge, thereby
increasing the residence time that the water remains in contact
with the filter media. Maintaining wetness of a filter media
cartridge may prevent the filter media cartridge from drying, which
may promote filtering efficiency and longevity of the filter
media.
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, embodiments of the water filter
pitchers 90 include a pitcher body 91 and a pour tray 100. The pour
tray 100 is inserted into the pitcher body 91 along the upper
portion of the pitcher body 91. A water filter 105 that includes a
filter media cartridge 110 is inserted into the pour tray 100. A
water-tight seal is formed between the filter media cartridge 110
and the pour tray 100. Water, for example, tap water, may be
introduced into the pour tray 100, where the water collects. The
water is driven by gravity through the filter media cartridge 110
where the water filtered as it passes through filter media, and is
collected in the lower portion of the pitcher body 91. The water
filter pitcher 90 may further include a diffusion tray 200 that is
coupled to an underside of the pour tray 100. The diffusion tray
200 may be in fluid communication with the filter media cartridge
110, such that water that exits the filter media cartridge 110
flows across the diffusion tray 200 before being collected in the
pitcher body 91. As depicted in FIG. 1, the pour tray 100 and the
diffusion tray 200 may extend less than about 50% of the height of
the pitcher body 91. The water filter pitcher 90 may include a lid
94 that is inserted onto the pour tray 100 and a cover 96 that is
inserted onto the lid 94. The lid 94 and the cover 96, together,
may prevent foreign objects from entering the water filter pitcher
90.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 3, one embodiment of a pour tray 100 for a
water filter pitcher 90 is depicted. The pour tray 100 includes a
filter housing 101 that is formed into the pour tray 100, below the
pour tray floor 109. The filter housing 101 includes a housing
floor 102 and housing sidewalls 104 that extend from the housing
floor 102. As shown in FIG. 3, the housing sidewalls 104 extend
approximately vertically, creating a generally circular shape. The
filter housing 101, through the housing floor 102 and the housing
sidewalls 104, forms a recessed volume in the pour tray 100 into
which the filter media cartridge 110 may be inserted. At least one
filter housing outlet 106 passes through one of the housing floor
102 in a location adjacent to the housing sidewalls 104, or the
housing sidewalls 104 in a location adjacent to the housing floor
102. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the filter housing
outlet 106 includes openings that pass through the housing floor
102.
[0021] The water filter 105 includes the filter media cartridge 110
and the filter media 112. The filter media cartridge 110 includes a
cartridge floor 114 and cartridge sidewalls 116 that extend upward
from the cartridge floor 114. A filter media cartridge outlet 115
is located along one or more of the cartridge floor 114 or the
cartridge sidewalls 116. Filter media 112 is retained in the
interior region of the filter media cartridge 110 formed by the
cartridge floor 114 and the cartridge sidewalls 116. The filter
media 112 may include loose media 118, for example granulated
activated carbon, that is held within the filter media cartridge
110 by permeable membranes 119. The permeable membranes 119 may be
made from nonwoven filter media that contributes to filtering water
that passes through the filter media cartridge 110. The filter
media cartridge 110 further includes a filter cartridge outlet 117
located along the cartridge floor 114 that allows water to exit the
filter media cartridge 110.
[0022] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the pour tray 100
further includes a riser 120 that extends upwardly, away from the
housing floor 102, and is spaced between the housing sidewalls 104
and the cartridge sidewalls 116, when the filter media cartridge
110 is installed in the filter housing 101. In this embodiment, the
housing sidewalls 104, the cartridge sidewalls 116, and the riser
120 each have a generally cylindrical shape, where the housing
sidewalls 104, the cartridge sidewalls 116, and the riser 120 are
generally concentric with one another. The riser 120 defines an
interior volume that extends from the housing floor 102 to the top
of the riser 120 to create a conduit volume 122. The conduit volume
122 may refer to the receptacle created by the surfaces of the
riser 120 and the housing floor 102, and may also refer to an empty
volume enclosed by these surfaces.
[0023] The filter media cartridge 110 and the filter housing 101
further define a cavity 108 located between the housing sidewalls
104 and the cartridge sidewalls 116. The filter cartridge outlet
117, the conduit volume 122, the cavity 108, and the filter housing
outlet 106 are in fluid communication with one another.
[0024] The filter media cartridge 110 is secured to the pour tray
100 forming a water-tight seal between the filter media cartridge
110 and the pour tray 100. One embodiment of the interface between
a lip 126 of the filter media cartridge 110 and the pour tray 100
shown in FIG. 3 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 4A. The lip 126
is a portion of the filter media cartridge 110 that extends
radially beyond the cartridge sidewalls 116. In this embodiment,
the lip 126 and the pour tray 100 include a threaded interface 150,
as is also depicted in FIG. 1. The threaded interface 150 allows
the filter media cartridge 110 to be secured against an O-ring 180,
which forms a water-tight seal between the filter media cartridge
110 and the pour tray 100.
[0025] Another embodiments of the interface between the lip 126 and
the pour tray 100 is depicted in FIG. 4B. The embodiment depicted
in FIG. 4B (and also depicted in FIG. 2) includes a bayonet-style
fitting, where the lip 126 includes tabs 154 that are inserted into
a channel along the pour tray 100. A bayonet-style fitting as
depicted in FIG. 4B may allow for the filter media cartridge 110 to
be secured within the pour tray 100 by rotating the filter media
cartridge 110 relative to the pour tray 100, for example, by
rotating the filter media cartridge 110 relative to the pour tray
100 less than a full revolution. The O-ring 180 may provide a
slight force to maintain engagement of the tabs 154 with the
channels. The tabs 154 may have a variety of cross-sectional shapes
including, but not limited to, rectangular or circular.
[0026] The diffusion tray 200 is mechanically coupled to the
underside of the pour tray 100 such that the diffusion tray 200 is
in fluid communication with the filter housing outlet 106. The
diffusion tray 200 includes a plurality of weep holes 204 arranged
along the diffusion tray floor 202. Water that exits the filter
housing outlet 106 flows to the diffusion tray 200 and
redistributes along the diffusion tray floor 202, until the water
flows through the weep holes 204. The diffusion tray floor 202 of
the diffusion tray 200 may be contoured to direct the flow of the
water as the water comes into contact with the diffusion tray floor
202 of the diffusion tray 200. For example, the weep holes 204 may
be positioned at a constant vertical distance from the filter
housing outlet 106 in an envelope defined by the housing sidewalls
104, and may be positioned at a vertical distance from the filter
housing outlet 106 where the vertical distance increases as the
radial distance from the envelope defined by the housing sidewalls
104 increases. The diffusion tray floor 202 of the diffusion tray
200 may further include an undulating surface that forms a series
of depressions 206 along the diffusion tray floor 202. The weep
holes 204 may be positioned near the lowest portion of the
depressions 206, such that the weep holes 204 are positioned in the
depressions 206 at approximately the furthest vertical distance
from the filter housing outlet 106.
[0027] Still referring to FIG. 3, the water filter 105 includes
filter media 112 that may remove impurities, for example, protozoa,
viruses, lead, organic and inorganic compounds, and/or turbidity,
from water. Removal of impurities may be targeted to satisfy the
requirements of water purification standards including, but not
limited to, NSF/ANSI Standard 42 and/or NSF/ANSI Standard 53.
Removal of impurities is desirable, as these impurities may affect
the taste, odor, and/or the appearance of the water. In one
embodiment, the filter media 112 includes granulated activated
carbon. Impurities in the water physically bond with the granulated
activated carbon through adsorption, and are removed from the water
prior to the water exiting the filter media cartridge 110.
Granulated activated carbon may be more likely to bond with
impurities in the water (i.e., have higher rates of adsorption)
when the granulated activated carbon itself is maintained in a wet
environment.
[0028] As illustrated in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2,
the pour tray 100, and therefore the filter media cartridge 110, is
held in a position a vertical distance above the lower portion of
the pitcher body 91, where water that has passed through the filter
media cartridge 110 collects. In this embodiment, the vertical
distance from the of the diffusion tray floor 202 of the diffusion
tray 200, and therefore the vertical distance from the filter
housing outlet 106, to the pitcher floor 92 of the pitcher body 91
is less than about 50% of the vertical distance that the pitcher
sidewalls 93 extend from the pitcher floor 92 of the pitcher body
91. This may be important because a user of the water filter
pitcher 90 may perceive that the water filter pitcher 90 is "full"
when the level of water in the pitcher body 91 reaches the level of
the diffusion tray floor 202 of the diffusion tray 200. Therefore,
none of the filter media cartridge 110, and therefore the filter
media 112, may be submerged in water that has passed through the
filter media cartridge 110 and collected in the lower portion of
the pitcher body 91.
[0029] To maintain wetness of the filter media 112, the pour tray
100 depicted in FIG. 3 includes features that collect water that
has been introduced to the pour tray 100 and at least partially
passed through the filter media cartridge 110. These features allow
the water filter pitcher 90 to maintain wetness of the filter media
cartridge 110 and the filter media 112. Water that is introduced to
the pour tray 100, for example, from a tap, follows a water outlet
flowpath 140 through the water filter pitcher 90. Water first
collects in the pour tray 100 in the volume defined by the pour
tray sidewalls 107, and flows along the pour tray floor 109 towards
the filter housing 101 and the filter media cartridge 110 inserted
therein. The water enters the filter media cartridge 110 and is
filtered by the filter media 112. The water exits the filter media
cartridge 110 through the filter cartridge outlet 117. Water
flowing out of the filter media cartridge 110 is collected in the
conduit volume 122 formed in the filter housing 101 by the riser
120. The water is collected within the conduit volume 122 until the
volume of water exceeds the volume of the conduit volume 122, at
which point the level of the water will exceed the height of the
riser 120. Water that exceeds the height of the riser 120 will flow
over the riser 120 into the cavity 108. From here, water will flow
through the filter housing outlet 106 and into the lower portion of
the pitcher body 91.
[0030] The riser 120 maintains water in the conduit volume 122,
such that the water is pooled inside the conduit volume 122 at a
height relative to the cartridge floor 114 that corresponds to the
vertical height of the riser 120 relative to the cartridge floor
114. As depicted in FIG. 3, the top of the riser 120 is positioned
above the bottom of the cartridge floor 114. The configuration
depicted in FIG. 3 represents approximately the minimum height of
the riser 120. When water is pooled in the conduit volume 122, the
water will come into contact with the filter media 112, such that
the water will maintain wetness of at least a portion of the filter
media 112. The maximum height of the riser 120 corresponds with a
riser 120 that extends beyond the cartridge floor 114 but does not
contact the filter media cartridge 110. In any of the envisioned
configurations, the height of the riser 120 corresponds to a volume
of water held within the conduit volume 122, where the water will
remain in contact with the filter media 112.
[0031] By pooling the water in the conduit volume 122, the
residence time of the water in contact with the filter media 112 in
the filter media cartridge 110 is, therefore, increased as water is
held in the conduit volume 122, such that the water remains in
contact with the filter media 112 located within the filter media
cartridge 110. Additionally, maintaining wetness in the filter
media 112 may prevent the grown of bacteria and biofilm, while
maintaining the chemical reduction performance of the filter media
112 over the life of the filter media cartridge 110.
[0032] As discussed above, other embodiments of the water filter
pitcher 90 may include risers 120 that extend in a vertical
distance beyond the cartridge floor 114. Such risers 120 having
increased heights relative to the cartridge floor 114 may maintain
wetness of a larger portion of the filter media cartridge 110, and
therefore maintain wetness of a larger portion of the filter media
112 as compared to risers 120 having decreased heights relative to
the cartridge floor 114.
[0033] Though regular use of the water filter pitcher 90, the
conduit volume 122 will periodically be flushed by water that is
introduced to the pour tray 100. The periodic introduction of water
into the pour tray 100 and through the filter media cartridge 110
tends to flush water from the conduit volume 122 by displacing that
water from the conduit volume 122. The periodic flushing of the
conduit volume 122 maintains water in the conduit volume 122 and
continues to provide increased residence time of water in contact
with the filter media 112 in the filter media cartridge 110, while
enabling water to flow to the lower portion of the pitcher body
91.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of the water
filter pitcher 90 is depicted. Many of the features of this
embodiment are similar to the features described above in regard to
FIGS. 3 and 4A. In this embodiment, the riser 320 is integrated
into the filter media cartridge 310. The riser 320 extends upwardly
from the cartridge floor 314, and away from the housing floor 102.
As depicted in FIG. 5, the riser 320 extends a vertical distance
above the cartridge floor 314, forming a conduit volume 322 in the
region between the riser 320 and the cartridge sidewalls 316. The
riser 320 may be supported relative to the cartridge sidewalls 316
by at least one rib 324 extending between the riser 320 and the
cartridge sidewalls 316. The conduit volume 322 may refer to the
receptacle created by the surfaces of the riser 320 and the
cartridge floor 314, and may also refer to an empty volume enclosed
by these surfaces.
[0035] Water that is introduced to the pour tray 300 travels along
the pour tray floor 109 to the water filter 305. The water enters
the filter media cartridge 310 and the filter media 112, and the
water is filtered by the filter media 112. The water exits the
filter media 112 and flows into the conduit volume 322 formed in
the filter media cartridge 310 by the riser 320. The water is
collected within the conduit volume 322 formed in the filter media
cartridge 310 by the riser 320. The water pools within the conduit
volume 322 until the volume of water exceeds the volume of the
conduit volume 322, at which point the level of the water will
exceed the height of the riser 320. Water that exceeds the height
of the riser 320 will flow over the riser 320, through the filter
media cartridge outlet 315, and into the cavity 108. Water will
then flow from the cavity 108 through the filter housing outlet 106
and into the lower portion of the pitcher body 91.
[0036] The riser 320 maintains water in the conduit volume 322,
such that the water is pooled inside the conduit volume 322 at a
height relative to the cartridge floor 314 that corresponds to the
vertical height of the riser 320 relative to the cartridge floor
314. As depicted in FIG. 5, the vertical height of the riser 320 is
above the bottom of the cartridge floor 314. When water is pooled
in the conduit volume 322, the water will come into contact with
the filter media 112 inside the filter media cartridge 310, such
that the water will maintain wetness of at least a portion of the
filter media 112. By pooling the water in the conduit volume 322,
the residence time of the water in the filter media cartridge 310
and, therefore in contact with the filter media 112, is
increased.
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 5, the plurality of weep holes
204 in the diffusion tray 200 may allow water to flow through the
weep holes 204 into the lower portion of the pitcher body 91 in
discrete streams. Properties of the weep holes 204, for example
diameter and spacing, may be adjusted at the time of manufacture to
control the rate of flow of the discrete streams. In one
embodiment, these discrete streams may be controlled to simulate,
visually and aurally, rainfall. The discreet streams may be
pleasing to a consumer. Further, use of these discrete streams may
serve as a source identifier for the water filter pitcher 90, such
that a consumer who is interested in purchasing a water filter
pitcher 90 is able to identify the brand of the water filter
pitcher 90 by a description of the discrete streams, or by a
sensing, visually and/or aurally, the discrete streams as water
flows through the weep holes 204 and into the lower portion of the
pitcher body 91.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 6, one embodiment of the pour tray 100
may include a lock-and-key mechanism 450 that is used to secure the
water filter 405 within the filter housing 101 of the pour tray
100. The lock-and-key mechanism 450 includes a first key 460
located along the lip 126 of the filter media cartridge 410 and a
first keyway 470 located in an area proximate to the filter housing
101 of the pour tray 100. Additionally, the locking mechanism may
include a second key 462 located in an area proximate to the filter
housing 101 of the pour tray 100 and a second keyway 472 located on
the lip 126 of the filter media cartridge 410. While specific
locations of the first key 460 and the second key 462, as well as
the corresponding first keyway 470 and second keyway 472 have been
given, the locations and quantity of the features that form the
lock-and-key mechanism 450 may vary between the filter media
cartridge 410 and the pour tray 100.
[0039] As depicted in FIG. 6, the first key 460 and the second key
462 may include protrusions that extend away from one of the filter
media cartridge 410 or the filter housing 101, respectively. The
first key 460 and the second key 462 may have a variety of shapes
including, but not limited to, cylindrical or rectangular
cross-sectional shapes. Other shapes and orientations of the first
and second keys 460, 462, as well as the corresponding first and
second keyways 470, 472 are envisioned.
[0040] To install the filter media cartridge 410 into the filter
housing 101, the first key 460 is aligned with the first keyway 470
and the second key 462 is aligned with the second keyway 472. With
the respective first and second keys 460, 462 and first and second
keyways 470, 472 aligned with one another, the filter media
cartridge 410 may be seated into the filter housing 101. Once the
first and second keys 460, 462 have been aligned with the first and
second keyways 470, 472, the filter media cartridge 410 may be
secured within the pour tray 100, forming a water tight seal as to
direct the flow of water from the pour tray 100 through the filter
media cartridge 410.
[0041] The lock-and-key mechanism 450 may restrict the use of some
water filters 405 with the water filter pitcher 90. In some
embodiments, only water filters 405 and filter housings 101 of pour
trays 100 that have first and second keys 460, 462 that are
appropriately located for the first and second keyways 470, 472 may
be secured to one another. By preventing water filters 405 that do
not include appropriate lock-and-key mechanisms 450 from being
secured within the filter housing 101 of the pour tray 100, a user
of the water filter pitcher 90 may be able to ensure that the water
filter 405 is supplied from the manufacturer of the water filter
pitcher 90.
[0042] Thus, the lock-and-key mechanism 450 may serve as a source
identifier to a consumer, such that a consumer is able to identify
that the water filter 405 is connected to the manufacturer of the
water filter pitcher 90 and/or authorized to provide components for
the water filter pitcher 90. This may be important for consumable
products, for example replacement water filters 405, because the
replacement water filters 405 are often packaged and purchased
separately by the consumer after the time of purchase of the water
filter pitcher 90. By allowing the consumer to identify the source
of the replacement water filter 405, the consumer may be assured
that the replacement water filter 405 will filter water at the same
level of performance as the original water filter 405 supplied with
the water filter pitcher 90. Thus, the consumer can be assured that
through using an appropriate replacement water filter 405, the
water filter pitcher 90 will continue to filter water to the taste,
smell, and appearance that the consumer has become familiar
with.
[0043] Additionally, embodiments of the pour tray 100 and the
filter media cartridge 410 may include positive engagement
indicators that indicate to a user accurate installation of the
filter media cartridge 410 within the pour tray 100. The positive
engagement indicators may be included in one or more of the filter
media cartridge 410 or the pour tray 100. The positive engagement
indicators may also be integrated into the lock-and-key mechanism
450. The positive engagement indicators provide the user with an
indication, for example, an aural, a tactile, a visual and/or an
olfactory signal, that the filter media cartridge 410 has been
properly seated within the pour tray 100.
[0044] As depicted in FIG. 6, positive engagement indicators
delivering a visual signal to the user may include a cartridge
indicia 480 positioned along the filter media cartridge 410 and a
pour tray indicia 482 positioned along the pour tray 100. As the
filter media cartridge 410 is inserted into the filter housing 101
of the pour tray 100, aligning the lock-and-key mechanism 450
prevents the cartridge indicia 480 and the pour tray indicia 482
from being aligned. As the filter media cartridge 410 is seated
into the pour tray 100, for example by turning the filter media
cartridge 410 clockwise relative to the pour tray 100 approximately
1/8 of a revolution, the cartridge indicia 480 will align with the
pour tray indicia 482. With the cartridge indicia 480 aligned with
the pour tray indicia 482, the positive engagement indicators may
assist with communicating to a user that the filter media cartridge
410 is property seated within the pour tray 100 and ready for
use.
[0045] It should now be understood that water filters for gravity
filter water filter pitchers may include features that are
configured for increased residence time of water in contact with
the filter media in the water filters. By increasing the residence
time of water introduced into the water filter, the water filter,
and therefore the filter media, may be kept above the lower portion
of the water filter pitcher. This may improve the visual and/or
aural appeal of a water filter pitcher. Additionally, the water
filter pitcher and the filter media cartridge may include features
that limit the insertion of water filters to only those that are
acceptable as determined by the manufacturer.
[0046] It is further noted that terms like "preferably,"
"generally," "commonly," and "typically" are not utilized herein to
limit the scope of the claimed invention or to imply that certain
features are critical, essential, or even important to the
structure or function of the claimed invention. Rather, these terms
are merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features
that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the
present invention.
[0047] For the purposes of describing and defining the present
invention it is additionally noted that the term "substantially" is
utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty
that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value,
measurement, or other representation. The term "substantially" is
also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a
quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference
without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject
matter at issue.
[0048] Having described the invention in detail and by reference to
specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that
modifications and variations are possible without departing from
the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. More
specifically, although some aspects of the present invention are
identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is
contemplated that the present invention is not necessarily limited
to these preferred aspects of the invention.
[0049] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the
Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference;
the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission
that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the
extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written
document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a
document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition
assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.
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