U.S. patent application number 14/095157 was filed with the patent office on 2014-06-05 for filter assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION. Invention is credited to SCOTT HUGH BRADFORD, MARCO CASUCCI, DAVID P. COOPER, NIHAT O. CUR, BETH M. JACKSON, JAMES W. KENDALL, SARA MANFREDINI-TAUBE, TORSTEN RICKARD MATHIAS-TINGSTROM, ITALO RENZO MENEGON, GINGER ELAYNE PATERA, JOEL GRAHAM VANFAASEN.
Application Number | 20140151275 14/095157 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50824398 |
Filed Date | 2014-06-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140151275 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BRADFORD; SCOTT HUGH ; et
al. |
June 5, 2014 |
FILTER ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A gravity-driven fluid (water) treatment device that includes a
bottom portion having at least one treated fluid outlet, an upper
perimeter, and a bottom portion side wall that defines an interior
volume of the bottom portion and wherein the bottom portion side
wall is a shaped surface that is configured to frictionally engage
a plurality of differently sized fluid vessel openings and still
allow treated fluid to be delivered to the interior of a fluid
vessel through the at least one treated fluid outlets; a fluid
treatment medium positioned within a fluid filter; and a top
portion with an interior volume defined by at least one wall. The
fluid filter, the bottom portion and the top portion are each
configured to be removably engaged and disengaged to allow for
replacement of the filter and reassembly of the overall gravity
filter assembly by hand and without the use of tools.
Inventors: |
BRADFORD; SCOTT HUGH;
(Gavirate, IT) ; CASUCCI; MARCO; (Varese, IT)
; COOPER; DAVID P.; (Kalamazoo, MI) ; CUR; NIHAT
O.; (Stevensville, MI) ; JACKSON; BETH M.;
(St. Joseph, MI) ; KENDALL; JAMES W.; (Mt.
Prospect, IL) ; MENEGON; ITALO RENZO; (Brenta,
IT) ; PATERA; GINGER ELAYNE; (St. Joseph, MI)
; MANFREDINI-TAUBE; SARA; (Varese, IT) ;
MATHIAS-TINGSTROM; TORSTEN RICKARD; (Ispra, IT) ;
VANFAASEN; JOEL GRAHAM; (Holland, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION |
Benton Harbor |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
Benton Harbor
MI
|
Family ID: |
50824398 |
Appl. No.: |
14/095157 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61733020 |
Dec 4, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
210/85 ;
210/232 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 2101/322 20130101;
C02F 1/76 20130101; C02F 1/281 20130101; B01D 15/10 20130101; C02F
2101/20 20130101; C02F 1/68 20130101; C02F 2307/04 20130101; C02F
1/42 20130101; C02F 1/283 20130101; C02F 5/10 20130101; C02F
2101/306 20130101; C02F 2303/185 20130101; C02F 1/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/85 ;
210/232 |
International
Class: |
B01D 35/30 20060101
B01D035/30; C02F 1/00 20060101 C02F001/00 |
Claims
1. A gravity-driven fluid treatment device comprising: a bottom
portion having at least one treated fluid outlet, an upper
perimeter, and a bottom portion side wall that defines an interior
volume of the bottom portion and wherein the bottom portion side
wall is a shaped surface that is configured to frictionally engage
a plurality of differently sized fluid vessel openings and still
allow treated fluid to be delivered to the interior of a fluid
vessel through the at least one treated fluid outlets; a fluid
filter comprising a fluid treatment medium positioned within the
fluid filter wherein the fluid filter is operably engaged with the
bottom portion and having a fluid intake location and a fluid
outgoing location that delivers treated fluid to the interior
volume of the bottom portion and out of the at least one treated
fluid outlet of the bottom portion; a top portion having an
interior volume defined by at least one wall, at least one fluid
inlet, and a bottom perimeter defining an opening and wherein the
top portion is configured to received fluid from at least one fluid
inlet and the bottom perimeter defines an opening that is
configured to allow fluid from the at least one fluid inlet to flow
into contact with an intake surface of the fluid filter; and
wherein the fluid filter is configured to be removably engaged by
hand without the use of tools from the bottom portion and the fluid
filter, the bottom portion and the top portion are each configured
to be removably engaged and disengaged to allow for replacement of
the filter and reassembly of the gravity-driven fluid treatment
device by hand and without the use of tools.
2. The gravity-driven fluid treatment device of claim 1, wherein
the fluid filter is at least partially positioned within the bottom
portion and the fluid treated is water.
3. The gravity-driven fluid treatment device of claim 1, wherein
the fluid being treated is water and the fluid treatment medium is
a water treatment medium configured to treat water at a rate of at
least about one to two liters per minute while removing at least
chlorine odor and chlorine taste components from the water.
4. The gravity-driven fluid treatment device of claim 1, wherein
the at least one treated fluid outlet is at least one treated water
outlet and the bottom portion side wall is a conically shaped side
wall that continuously slopes upwardly from a treated water outlet
containing portion to the upper perimeter and the treated water
outlet containing portion is narrower than the upper perimeter.
5. The gravity-driven fluid treatment device of claim 4, wherein
the bottom portion side wall is a funnel shape with a funnel outlet
portion having the at least one treated water outlet.
6. The gravity-driven fluid treatment device of claim 5, wherein a
water intake location of the water filter is an at least
substantially planar surface with apertures between structural
support spokes that extend between a hub and a perimeter of the at
least substantially planar surface of the water intake location and
the water outgoing location is an at least substantially planar
surface with apertures between structural supports that extend
between a hub and a perimeter of the at least substantially planar
surface of a water outgoing location.
7. The gravity-driven fluid treatment device of claim 1, wherein
the a water intake location of the water filter is an at least
substantially planar surface with apertures between structural
support spokes that extend between a hub and a perimeter of the at
least substantially planar surface of the water intake location and
the water outgoing location is an at least substantially planar
surface with apertures between structural supports that extend
between a hub and a perimeter of the at least substantially planar
surface of a water outgoing location.
8. The gravity-driven fluid treatment device of claim 6, wherein
the apertures of the at least substantially planar surface are
apertures between structural supports that extend between a hub and
a perimeter of the at least substantially planar surface of a water
outgoing location.
9. The gravity-driven fluid treatment device of claim 8, wherein
the bottom portion side wall has a contiguously shaped exterior
surface that is configured to frictionally engage a plurality of
differently sized fluid vessel openings and the bottom portion has
a single treated fluid outlet.
10. The gravity-driven fluid treatment device of claim 9, wherein
the fluid filter is a water filter and the fluid treatment medium
is a water treatment medium and a water intake location of the
water filter is a top cap planar section that has a plurality of
apertures configured to allow water flow therethrough and into
contact with the fluid treatment medium and the water outgoing
location is a base planar section that has a plurality of apertures
configured to allow fluid flow therethrough.
11. The gravity-driven fluid treatment device of claim 10, wherein
the water treatment medium reduces chlorine taste and odor
components (CTO) per NSF 42 to a minimum of 60 gallons.
12. The gravity-driven fluid treatment device of claim 1, wherein
the fluid treatment medium is a gravity driven water treatment
medium that allows for a water flow rate of at least about two
liter per minute of flow through the water treatment medium under a
force of gravity.
13. The gravity-driven fluid treatment device of claim 1, wherein
the fluid filter comprising a fluid filter housing with an interior
volume containing the fluid treatment medium positioned within the
fluid filter housing wherein the housing comprises a top surface
with a plurality of apertures for receiving a fluid through the top
surface and into contact with the fluid treatment medium, a bottom
surface with a plurality of apertures for delivering treated fluid
to the bottom portion, and at least one perimeter wall extending
between the top surface and the bottom surface wherein the at least
one perimeter wall has an exterior surface and at least one
outwardly projecting lip positioned between the bottom surface of
the fluid filter housing and about 2/3 of the distance up from the
bottom surface toward the top surface of the fluid filter
housing.
14. The gravity-driven fluid treatment device of claim 13, wherein
the at least one perimeter wall has at least one visible indicator
thereon that is visible through a cutout portion of the bottom
portion of the gravity fluid treatment device.
15. The gravity-driven fluid treatment device of claim 14, wherein
the bottom portion of the gravity-driven fluid treatment device
further comprises: an overmolded material that is matingly engaged
with a host component of the bottom portion and the overmolded
material is a separate plastic or elastomeric material, and an
interior projecting shelf extending about the interior of the
bottom portion and configured to engage the outwardly projecting
lip of the fluid filter housing.
16. The gravity-driven fluid treatment device of claim 15, wherein
filter housing is cylindrical and further comprises at least one or
a plurality of tabular members extending downward from the
outwardly projecting lip and away from the at least one perimeter
wall and wherein the bottom portion further comprises a plurality
of spaced apart tabular members that extend into the interior
volume of the bottom portion and define spaces therebetween that
are configured to receive the tabular members of the filter
housing.
17. The gravity-driven fluid treatment device of claim 16, wherein
the tabular members have an upper shelf that extends into the
interior of the bottom portion and tapered sides extending downward
toward a treated fluid outlet of the bottom portion and wherein the
filter housing is removably engaged and disengaged with the bottom
portion by hand and without the use of tools.
18. The gravity-driven fluid treatment device of claim 1, wherein
the top portion has a perimeter rim section proximate the bottom
perimeter wherein the perimeter rim section is indented a specific
distance that defines a perimeter rim such that the top portion and
the bottom portion create a substantially contiguous surface along
the exterior of the gravity filter when the top portion and the
bottom portion are engaged with one another; The perimeter rim
section has a plurality of outwardly extending tabs that are
received in tab receiving gaps on an interior surface of the bottom
portion and when the top portion is rotated the tabs are moved into
engagement with grooves on the interior surface and proximate the
tab receiving gaps and wherein the gravity-driven fluid treatment
device is drop-shaped and the bottom portion is funnel shaped.
19. A gravity-driven water filter comprising: a bottom portion
having at least one treated water outlet, an upper perimeter, and a
bottom portion side wall that defines an interior volume of the
bottom portion and wherein the bottom portion side wall is a shaped
surface that is configured to frictionally engage a plurality of
differently sized fluid vessel openings and still allow treated
water to be delivered to the interior of a fluid vessel through at
least one treated water outlet; a water filter comprising a water
treatment medium positioned within the water filter wherein the
water filter is operably engaged with the bottom portion and having
a water intake location and a water outgoing location that delivers
treated water to the interior volume of the bottom portion and out
of the at least one treated water outlet of the bottom portion
wherein the water filter is configured to reduce chlorine taste and
odor components (CTO) per NSF 42 to a minimum of 60 gallons and
allows for a water flow rate of at least about two liter per minute
of flow through the water treatment medium under a force of gravity
and wherein the water filter includes a water filter housing with
an interior volume containing the water treatment medium positioned
within the water filter housing wherein the water filter housing
comprises a top surface with a plurality of apertures for receiving
water through the top surface and into contact with the water
treatment medium, a bottom surface with a plurality of apertures
for delivering treated water to the bottom portion, and at least
one perimeter wall extending between the top surface and the bottom
surface wherein the at least one perimeter wall has an exterior
surface and at least one outwardly projecting lip positioned
between the bottom surface of the water treatment housing and about
2/3 of the distance up from the bottom surface toward the top
surface of the water filter housing wherein the outwardly
projecting lip rests upon a shelf on the interior of the bottom
portion and extends inwardly toward the interior of the bottom
portion; a top portion having an interior volume defined by at
least one wall forming a curved exterior, at least one water inlet,
and a bottom perimeter defining an opening and wherein the top
portion is configured to received water from at least one water
inlet and the bottom perimeter defines an opening that is
configured to allow water from the at least one water inlet to flow
into contact with an intake surface of the water filter; and
wherein the water filter is configured to be removably engaged by
hand without the use of tools from the bottom portion and the fluid
filter, the bottom portion and the top portion are each configured
to be removably engaged and disengaged to allow for replacement of
the filter and reassembly of the gravity-driven water filter
assembly by hand and without the use of tools.
20. A gravity-driven water filter assembly comprising: a bottom
portion having at least one treated water outlet, an upper
perimeter, and a bottom portion side wall that defines an interior
volume of the bottom portion and wherein the bottom portion side
wall is a shaped surface that is configured to frictionally engage
a plurality of differently sized water vessel openings and still
allow treated water to be delivered to the interior of water vessel
through the at least one treated water outlets at the bottom
portion of the gravity-driven water treatment device, wherein the
bottom portion further comprises: an overmolded material matingly
engaged with a host component of the bottom portion and the
overmolded material is a plastic or elastomeric material that is
separate from the host component; a water filter comprising a water
treatment medium positioned within the water filter wherein the
water filter is operably engaged with the bottom portion and having
a water intake location and a water outgoing location that delivers
treated water to the interior volume of the bottom portion and out
of the at least one treated water outlet of the bottom portion
wherein the water filter is configured to reduce chlorine taste and
odor components (CTO) per NSF 42 to a minimum of 60 gallons and
allows for a water flow rate of at least about two liter per minute
of flow through the water treatment medium under the force of
gravity and wherein the water filter includes a water filter
housing with an interior volume containing the water treatment
medium positioned within the water filter housing wherein the water
filter housing comprises a top surface with a plurality of
apertures for receiving water through the top surface and into
contact with the water treatment medium, a bottom surface with a
plurality of apertures for delivering treated water to the bottom
portion, and at least one perimeter wall extending between the top
surface and the bottom surface wherein the at least one perimeter
wall has an exterior surface and at least one outwardly projecting
lip positioned between the bottom surface of the fluid treatment
housing and about 2/3 of the distance up from the bottom surface
toward the top surface of the water filter housing wherein the
outwardly projecting lip rests upon a shelf on the interior of the
bottom portion and extending inwardly toward the interior of the
bottom portion; and a top portion having an interior volume defined
by at least one wall forming a curved exterior, at least one water
inlet, and a bottom perimeter defining an opening and wherein the
top portion is configured to received water from at least one water
inlet and the bottom perimeter defines an opening configured to
allow water from the at least one water inlet to flow into contact
with an intake surface of the water filter; wherein the water
filter is configured to be removably engaged by hand without the
use of tools from the bottom portion and the water filter, the
bottom portion and the top portion are each configured to be
removably engaged and disengaged to allow for replacement of the
water filter and reassembly of the gravity-driven water filter
assembly by hand and without the use of tools; wherein water filter
housing is cylindrically shaped and further comprises at least one
or a plurality of tabular members extending downward from the
outwardly projecting lip and away from the at least one perimeter
wall and wherein the bottom portion further comprises a plurality
of spaced apart tabular members that extend into the interior
volume of the bottom portion and define spaces therebetween that
are configured to receive the tabular members of the filter housing
and wherein the tabular members have an upper shelf extending into
the interior volume of the bottom portion and tapered sides
extending downward toward the treated water outlet of the bottom
portion; and wherein the at least one perimeter wall has at least
one visible indicator thereon that is visible through a cutout
portion of the bottom portion of the gravity-driven water filter
assembly.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/733,020, filed on Dec.
4, 2012, entitled Water Filtration/Treatment System, the entire
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] An aspect of the present invention includes a gravity-driven
fluid treatment device having: a bottom portion; a fluid filter;
and a top portion. The bottom portion has at least one treated
fluid outlet, an upper perimeter, and a bottom portion side wall
defining an interior volume of the bottom portion. The bottom
portion side wall is a shaped surface that is configured to
frictionally engage a plurality of differently sized fluid vessel
openings and still allow treated fluid to be delivered to the
interior of a fluid vessel through the at least one treated fluid
outlets. The fluid filter includes a fluid treatment medium
positioned within the fluid filter where the fluid filter is
operably engaged with the bottom portion and has a fluid intake
location and a fluid outgoing location that delivers treated fluid
to the interior volume of the bottom portion and out of the at
least one treated fluid outlet of the bottom portion. The top
portion has an interior volume defined by at least one wall, at
least one fluid inlet, and a bottom perimeter defining an opening
and where the top portion is configured to received fluid from at
least one fluid inlet and the bottom perimeter defines an opening
that is configured to allow fluid from the at least one fluid inlet
to flow into contact with an intake surface of the fluid filter.
The fluid filter is configured to be removably engaged by hand
without the use of tools from the bottom portion and the fluid
filter, the bottom portion and the top portion are each configured
to be removably engaged and disengaged to allow for replacement of
the filter and reassembly of the entire gravity-driven fluid
treatment device by hand and without the use of tools.
[0003] Yet another aspect of the present invention is generally
directed toward a gravity-driven water filter that includes a
bottom portion, a water filter and a top portion. The bottom
portion has at least one treated water outlet, an upper perimeter,
and a bottom portion side wall that defines an interior volume of
the bottom portion. The bottom portion side wall is a shaped
surface configured to frictionally engage a plurality of
differently sized fluid vessel openings and still allow treated
water to be delivered to the interior of a fluid vessel through at
least one treated water outlets.
[0004] The water filter includes a water treatment medium
positioned within the water filter wherein the water filter is
operably engaged with the bottom portion and having a water intake
location and a water outgoing location that delivers treated water
to the interior volume of the bottom portion and out of the at
least one treated water outlet of the bottom portion. The water
filter is configured to reduce chlorine taste and odor components
(CTO) per NSF 42 to a minimum of 60 gallons and allow for a water
flow rate of at least about two liter per minute of flow through
the water treatment medium under the force of gravity. The water
filter includes a water filter housing with an interior volume
containing the water treatment medium positioned within the water
filter housing. The water filter housing includes a top surface
with a plurality of apertures for receiving water through the top
surface and into contact with the water treatment medium, a bottom
surface with a plurality of apertures for delivering treated water
to the bottom portion, and at least one perimeter wall extending
between the top surface and the bottom surface. The at least one
perimeter wall has an exterior surface and at least one outwardly
projecting lip positioned between the bottom surface of the fluid
treatment housing and about 2/3 or 1/2 of the distance up from the
bottom surface toward the top surface of the water filter housing.
The outwardly projecting lip rests upon a shelf on the interior of
the bottom portion that also extends inwardly toward the interior
of the bottom portion.
[0005] The top portion has an interior volume defined by at least
one wall forming a curved exterior, at least one water inlet, and a
bottom perimeter defining an opening. The top portion is configured
to received water from at least one water inlet and the bottom
perimeter defines an opening that is configured to allow water from
the at least one water inlet to flow into contact with an intake
surface of the water filter. The water filter is configured to be
removably engaged by hand without the use of tools from the bottom
portion and the fluid filter, the bottom portion and the top
portion are each configured to be removably engaged and disengaged
to allow for replacement of the filter and reassembly of the
overall gravity filter assembly by hand and without the use of
tools.
[0006] Yet another aspect of the present invention is generally
directed toward a gravity-driven water filter assembly that
includes a bottom portion, a water filter and a top portion. The
bottom portion has at least one treated water outlet, an upper
perimeter, and a bottom portion side wall that defines an interior
volume of the bottom portion. The bottom portion side wall is a
shaped surface configured to frictionally engage a plurality of
differently sized water vessel openings and still allow treated
water to be delivered to the interior of the water vessel through
the at least one treated water outlets at the bottom portion of the
gravity-driven water treatment device. The bottom portion further
includes an overmolded material matingly engaged with a host
component of the bottom portion. The overmolded material is a
plastic or elastomeric material from the host component.
[0007] The water filter includes a water treatment medium
positioned within the water filter where the water filter is
operably engaged with the bottom portion and has a water
intake/incoming location and a water outgoing location that
delivers treated water to the interior volume of the bottom portion
and out of the at least one treated water outlet of the bottom
portion. The water filter is configured to reduce chlorine taste
and odor components (CTO) per NSF 42 to a minimum of 60 gallons and
allows for a water flow rate of at least about one or two liter per
minute of flow through the water treatment medium under the force
of gravity. The water filter includes a water filter housing with
an interior volume containing the water treatment medium positioned
within the water filter housing. The housing includes a top surface
with a plurality of apertures for receiving water through the top
surface and into contact with the water treatment medium, a bottom
surface with a plurality of apertures for delivering treated water
to the bottom portion, and at least one perimeter wall extending
between the top surface and the bottom surface where the at least
one perimeter wall has an exterior surface and at least one
outwardly projecting lip positioned between the bottom surface of
the fluid treatment housing and about 1/2 to about 2/3 of the
distance up from the bottom surface toward the top surface of the
water filter housing. The outwardly projecting lip rests upon a
shelf on the interior of the bottom portion and extends inwardly
toward the interior of the bottom portion.
[0008] The top portion has an interior volume defined by at least
one wall forming a curved exterior, at least one water inlet, and a
bottom perimeter defining an opening. The top portion is configured
to received water from at least one water inlet and the bottom
perimeter defines an opening that is configured to allow water from
the at least one inlet to flow into contact with an intake surface
of the water filter.
[0009] The water filter is further configured to be removably
engaged by hand without the use of tools from the bottom portion
and the water filter, the bottom portion and the top portion are
each configured to be removably engaged and disengaged to allow for
replacement of the water filter and reassembly of the overall
gravity-driven water filter assembly by hand and without the use of
tools.
[0010] The water filter housing is typically cylindrically shaped
and further includes at least one or a plurality of tabular members
extending downward from the outwardly projecting lip and away from
the at least one perimeter wall. The bottom portion further
typically includes a plurality of spaced apart tabular members
extending into the interior volume of the bottom portion and
defining spaces therebetween that are configured to receive the
tabular members of the filter housing. The tabular members have an
upper shelf extending into the interior volume of the bottom
portion and tapered sides extending downward toward the treated
water outlet of the bottom portion. The at least one perimeter wall
may have at least one visible indicator thereon that is visible
through a cutout portion of the bottom portion of the gravity water
treatment device. These and other features, advantages, and objects
of the present disclosure will be further understood and
appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the
following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front prospective view of a drop-shaped gravity
filter assembly according to an aspect of the present
disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an elevated front view of a drop-shaped gravity
filter assembly according to an aspect of the present
disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a top view of a drop-shaped gravity filter
assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a drop-shaped gravity filter
assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a drop-shaped gravity filter
assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 5A is an exploded view of a drop-shaped gravity filter
assembly according to another aspect of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a drop-shaped gravity
filter assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure
taken along the plain of VI-VI in FIG. 4;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the bottom funnel
portion of a drop-shaped gravity filter assembly according to an
aspect of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a top view of the bottom funnel portion according
to an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom funnel
portion taken along lines IX-IX in FIG. 8;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom funnel
portion taken along lines X-X in FIG. 8;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the top cap portion of a
drop-shaped gravity filter assembly according to an aspect of the
present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the top cap portion of a
drop-shaped gravity filter assembly according to an aspect of the
present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 13 is an elevated side view of the top cap portion
according to an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the top cap taken along
lines XIV-XIV in FIG. 12;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the filter of the
drop-shaped gravity filter assembly according to an aspect of the
present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 15A is a front perspective view of the filter of the
drop-shaped gravity filter assembly according to another aspect of
the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the filter according
to an aspect of the present disclosure with the top filter media
retention element removed showing the interior of the filter;
[0029] FIG. 16A is a front perspective view of the filter according
to another aspect of the present disclosure with the top filter
media retention element removed showing the interior of the
filter;
[0030] FIG. 17 is a top view of the filter according to an aspect
of the present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the filter according to an
aspect of the present disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 19 is a side view of the filter according to an aspect
of the present disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 19A is a reduced height version of the filter of FIG.
19;
[0034] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the filter shown in
FIG. 19 according to an aspect of the present disclosure taken
along lines XX-XX in FIG. 17;
[0035] FIG. 20A is a cross-sectional view of the filter of FIG.
19A;
[0036] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a drop-shaped gravity
filter assembly according to another aspect of the present
disclosure seated within a stand;
[0037] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a drop-shaped gravity
filter assembly of the present disclosure seated within a vessel
such as a beverage container or pitcher;
[0038] FIG. 23 is a side view of another aspect of the drop-shaped
gravity filter assembly operably (threadably) engaged to a
faucet;
[0039] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a drop-shaped gravity
filter assembly according to another aspect of the present
disclosure;
[0040] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a shaped gravity filter
assembly positioned on a liquid retaining vessel and having a
conical top;
[0041] FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing alternatively sized
drop-shaped gravity filters according to the present disclosure
that are sized to fit variously sized vessel openings;
[0042] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the filter according to
another aspect of the present disclosure;
[0043] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the filter shown in FIG. 26
with the top cap portion removed;
[0044] FIG. 29 is an elevated side view of the filter shown in FIG.
26;
[0045] FIG. 30 is a top view of the filter shown in FIG. 26;
[0046] FIG. 31 is a bottom view of the filter shown in FIG. 26;
[0047] FIG. 32 is a cross-section view of the filter of FIG. 26
taken along line XXXII-XXXII; and
[0048] FIG. 33 is a bottom view of a filter, such as the filter
shown in FIG. 26, according to another aspect of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the
disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood
that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations,
except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be
understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in
the attached drawings, and described in the following specification
are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined
in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other
physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed
herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims
expressly state otherwise.
[0050] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the
art that construction of the described disclosure and other
components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary
embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a
wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. In
this specification and the amended claims, the singular forms "a,"
"an," and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise.
[0051] Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that
each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper
and lower limit of that range, and any other stated or intervening
value in that stated range, is encompassed within the disclosure.
The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may
independently be included in the smaller ranges, and are also
encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically
excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes
one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those
included limits are also included in the disclosure.
[0052] It is also important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the
exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few
embodiments of the present innovations have been described in
detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this
disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are
possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes
and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters,
mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations,
etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and
advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements
shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or
elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the
operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied,
the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector
or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number
of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be
varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of
the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of
materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of
a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly,
all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope
of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications,
changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating
conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary
embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present
innovations.
[0053] It will be understood that any described processes or steps
within described processes may be combined with other disclosed
processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the
present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes
disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be
construed as limiting.
[0054] It is also to be understood that variations and
modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and
methods without departing from the concepts of the present
disclosure, and further it is to be understood that such concepts
are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these
claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
[0055] FIGS. 1-4 show an assembled gravity filter assembly of an
aspect of the present disclosure. The gravity filter assembly is
generally drop-shaped design, but conceivably could be any shape
such as a cylinder-shaped design. The gravity filter assembly 10
may treat any fluid, but typically would be used to filter and/or
treat water. The drop shaped gravity filter assembly 10 typically
has at least a bottom funnel portion 12, a top cap portion 14, and
a filter 16. The bottom funnel portion typically has a perimeter 18
that operably engages the filter 16 and the top cap portion when
the components are assembled for use. The bottom funnel portion
typically, but optionally, has a cutout portion 20 that allows for
a portion of the exterior of the filter to show through and be
visible to a user of the drop-shaped gravity filter. The outside
surface 22 of the bottom funnel portion 12 typically has a
curvilinear perimeter path that terminates at a liquid outlet 24,
typically a water outlet, at the base 26 of the bottom funnel
portion 12. The bottom funnel portion is conically shaped and
tapers smoothly following the curvilinear path from the perimeter,
which is typically circular, to the base 26. The bottom funnel
portion 12, the top cap portion 14, and the filter 16 are typically
constructed of a polymeric (plastic) material, but could also be
constructed of glass or other material as well. The material may be
opaque, translucent, or transparent. Typically, the bottom funnel
portion 12 is opaque and the top cap portion 14 is transparent or
translucent. The top cap portion typically has a liquid receiving
aperture 28, which is typically circular, at the upper surface of
the top cap section. The aperture 28 is typically sized to at least
receive a given amount of water flow, which may be water flow from
a faucet.
[0056] FIGS. 5 and 5A show exploded views of embodiments of the
gravity filter assembly 10 according to the present disclosure. The
drop-shaped gravity filter assembly bottom portion 12 typically has
an over-molded material 30, which is typically a plastic or an
elastomeric material that facilitates gripping of the filter by the
user and/or the vessel it may be engaged with during a filtering
operation. The over-molded material 30 also typically has a cutout
portion 20b that matches the cutout portion 20a of the host
component 32 of the overall bottom funnel portion 12 when a cutout
portion 20 is present as part of the bottom funnel portion 12.
[0057] An aspect of the filter 16 is also shown exploded in FIG. 5
and another in FIG. 5A. The filter typically has a side wall
section 34. The side wall section 34 has an outwardly projecting
lip 36 typically positioned about two-thirds of the way to the top
of the side wall section. The outwardly projecting lip 36 is
typically positioned proximate the bottom of the side wall section,
but may be up to about 1/2 to about 2/3 up the side wall section
such that it divides the side wall section into a bottom portion 38
and an upper portion 40. The upper portion may have at least one,
but typically has a plurality of indicators 42. The indicators are
typically visible within the cutout portion 20. They typically
function to indicate to the user when the filter should be
replaced. When the filter has a six month useful life, for example,
and the user inserts the filter in April, the user should, in the
embodiment shown, place the filter within the bottom funnel
portion, such that it mates with the bottom portion and displays
"OCT" through the cutout portion as shown. In addition, a version
is conceived where the indication shows both the install and end of
life month abbreviation through the cutout portion 20. Also, as
shown in FIGS. 15A, 16A, 19A, and 20A and described in more detail
later, the filter 16 may be shorter and have the section of the
side wall with the indicators 42 removed. As shown in FIG. 5A, a
mesh material, which typically is a stainless steel mesh screen or
a plastic (polyethylene or polypropylene) mesh screen 43 may be
integrated or engaged with the filter base 44 and the filter top 60
as well.
[0058] The filter further typically includes a filter base 44,
which may be spoked (reference numeral 45) about a hub 47, FIG. 18,
or have a sufficient number and/or sized apertures 46 (or 46' in
FIG. 31) to allow water flow at a rate faster than the water flow
through the filter material 48, which may be a permeable or porous,
loose or a more compressed filter media. The filter base 44 can be
a separate component that is engaged with the side wall section 34
or the filter base may be integrated with the side wall section as
a single component. An O-ring 50 or other typically elastomeric
material is spaced within a channel 52 in the upper portion 40 or
atop the upper portion 40 of the filter side wall 34. The bottom
portion 38 of the filter side wall 34 also typically includes at
least one, but more typically a plurality, and most typically about
three downwardly projecting tabular members 54. These tabular
members are matingly received within spaces 56 between the interior
projecting members 58, which are typically wedge-shaped members or
are human incisor teeth-shaped and project into the interior of the
bottom funnel portion 12 per FIG. 7. The interior projection
members have an upper shelf 59 that extends into the interior of
the bottom funnel portion as well as tapered sides 61 extending
down toward the liquid outlet 24 (see FIGS. 7 and 8). This somewhat
lock-and-key-type engagement, where the tabular members 54 are
seated at least partially, more typically fully, within the spaces
56, between the filter 16 and the funnel portion 12 facilitates the
secure, but easy engagement and disengagement of the filter by hand
and without the use of tools with the bottom portion 12 without
being treadably engaged with one another. The engagement also
facilitates the engagement of the filter with the bottom filter
portion in such a manner that the appropriate indicator, when
employed, shows through the cutout portion and that only purposeful
adjustment of the filter within the funnel will change the
indicator when viewed through the cutout portion 20. As mentioned
above, different height versions of the filter 16 are possible. In
particular, a tall version as described above with indicators 42
arranged on side wall surface 34 as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 and a
shortened version without side wall section 38 and indicators 42
arranged on side wall surface 34 as shown in FIGS. 15A, 16A, 19A,
and 20A.
[0059] The filter also typically has a filter top 60 that seals the
filter material 48 within the overall filter 16. The filter top 60
typically a circular perimeter and typically has a perforated
structural section 62 that is typically sized and shaped to fit
within the side wall section 34 and rim 68 of the top cap portion
14. The perforated structural section is joined (shown, using
spokes 66) with a hub 64, which typically is centrally located and
has an upwardly projecting spindle 67 to facilitate it being
grasped by a user. The perforated structural section allows for
fluid, typically water, to flow through apertures 49 in the filter
top and into engagement with the filter material 48 to allow the
water or other fluid to be treated by the filter material.
[0060] The perimeter rim section 63 of the top cap portion 14 is
typically indented a specific distanced from the outer curved wall
portion 70 such that the outer curved wall portion mates with the
bottom funnel portion 12 outside surface 22 and creates an at least
substantially contiguous surface such that the exterior of the
gravity filter assembly appears to be a smooth surface when
assembled. The indented distanced creates a lip 72. As shown in
FIGS. 5, 5A, 12 and 13, the perimeter rim section 63 outer surface
74 typically includes at least one, more typically a plurality of,
and most typically about three slanted elongated members 76 that
extend away from the outer surface 74 and are received in gaps 78
in the interior surface of the bottom funnel portion such that when
the top cap portion is engaged with the bottom funnel portion and
rotated, the elongated members 76 slide into engagement with the
grooves 80 to retain the two in engagement with one another, but
still allowing the two pieces to be disengaged and reengaged with
one another by hand and without the use of tools. Alternative
versions of the engagement members are shown in FIGS. 11-13, which
show the members 76 that are smaller, more rectangular prism shaped
members that may or may not be slanted. They are shown not
slanted.
[0061] The interior of the bottom portion 12 also typically has an
interior shelf 82 (see FIG. 7) that receives the lip 36 of the side
wall of the filter 16 and engages the bottom surface of that lip
36. The top surface of the lip 36 typically engages the funnel
engaging rim 68.
[0062] The at least one medium 48 is typically a filter medium, but
conceivably could add components to the fluid (typically water)
flowing through, or otherwise, into contact with the at least one
medium 48. As discussed later in more detail, this could include
chlorine or other halogens. Typically, the at least one medium is a
filter medium 48. The medium is positioned within the filter 16 and
may include: (1) material configured to treat water, especially
water for human consumption, chosen from a treatment group
consisting of filtering particulate matter from the water; (2)
material that adds a descaling agent to the water, vitamins to the
water, minerals to the water, and/or one or more pharmaceutically
active agent(s); (3) material that removes specific soluble organic
or in-organic elemental compounds and thus improves the taste of
the water, removes odor from the water, and alters the color of the
water; (4) reduces concentrations of heavy metals, pesticides,
volatile organic compounds, specific pharmaceutically active
agents; (5) removes cysts and micro-organisms; (6) adding a halogen
such as bromine, iodine, chlorine compounds as a disinfectant agent
to the water; (7) conditions the water such as softening through
use of ion exchange resins or ALUSIL.TM. (an aluminosilicate) to
change the chemical structure of calcium chloride in solution to
reduce scaling deposition; or (8) combinations of any or all of the
above materials.
[0063] The descaling agents that may be added to the fluid by the
treatment medium may be chosen from the group consisting of organic
acid, inorganic acid, sulfonic acid, carboxylic acid, lactic acid,
acetic acid, formic acid, oxalic acid, uric acid, phosphoric acid,
hydrochloric acid, sulfamic acid, and mixtures thereof. The water
treatment medium contained in the filter may also be chosen from
the group consisting of: carbon (e.g., activated carbon particles,
such as mesoporous activated carbon, carbon powder, particles
sintered with a plastic binder, carbon particles coated with a
silver containing material, or a block of porous carbon); ion
exchange material (e.g., resin beads, flat filtration membranes,
fibrous filtration structures, etc.); zeolite particles or coatings
(e.g., silver loaded); polyethylene; charged-modified, melt-blown,
or microfiber glass webs; alumina; aluminosilicate material; and
diatomaceous earth. The water treatment medium may also be
impregnated or otherwise disposed on a porous support substrate,
such as a fabric material, a paper material, a polymer screen, or
other conceivable porous structures that may be contained in the
filter.
[0064] The water treatment medium 48 typically allows a water flow
rate of at least approximately one to two liters per minute. The
medium typically also reduces chlorine, taste and odor components
(CTO) per NSF 42 to minimum of 60 gallons and Atrazine, Benzene,
Alachlor and Lindane per NSF 53 for minimum of 60 gallons. The
filter medium 48 also typically removes lead, copper, mercury,
cadmium and arsenic (pH 6.5 per NSF 53 2004 standard) for up to 60
gallons, sfd. Media from Selecto described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,241,893 and 6,764,601, the disclosures of which are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety, may be used. The
filter medium does not typically require any presoaking and does
not typically contain any carbon fines, in particular carbon fines
that might find their way to the treated water, which often occurs
when current carbon based gravity filters are used.
[0065] An alternative version of a gravity filter assembly of the
present disclosure is shown in FIGS. 21-23. The drop-shaped gravity
filter assembly 210 includes a bulbous bottom portion with at least
one treated fluid (water) outlet aperture, but preferably a
plurality of treated fluid outlet apertures 200, which results in a
discharge pattern resembling rainfall. The drop-shaped gravity
filter assembly 210 typically also may employ an inlet plug 204
that may be threadably or otherwise engaged and disengaged with the
top cap portion 214 in such a manner as to seal the inlet and allow
the filter to be engage via a hook, clasp, or other attachment
device 209 to a backpack or other carrying device via at least one
aperture 208. The filter as shown in this version includes a
plurality of apertures 267 instead of spokes. Either may be used as
a pathway for water to enter into the filter in any of various
versions. The filter also has an alternative hub 264, which is a
flat planar upwardly extending member instead of a more spindle
type construction. As with other versions of the drop-shaped
filter, the bulbous design or the funnel shaped bottom portion
engages a plurality of vessels with differently sized openings in
their top such as differently sized pitchers 292. Also, as shown in
FIG. 21, the bulbous drop-shaped water filter may engage a flat
planar stand 284, which keeps it from rolling or moving on a flat
countertop or other surface the filter is placed upon.
[0066] FIGS. 24-25 show additional aspects of the present
disclosure. The filter shown in FIG. 24 is a filter 700 with a more
cup-shaped top portion 702 with a water inlet aperture 704. The
bottom portion 706 is substantially conical shaped with angled side
section 708. The upper tabs 710 engage mating cutouts 712 of the
top portion 702. The filter 714 has apertures 716 and an upwardly
extending post 718 with a head 720 for the user to grasp to engage
and disengage the filter according to this embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0067] FIG. 25 shows another aspect of the present disclosure
similar to the filter shown in FIG. 24, but showing an
interchangeable top portion due the common tab feature 710 with an
upwardly opening funnel portion that feeds the water inlet
aperture. FIG. 25 also demonstrates how the filter with the
universal filter within it may function to fill vessels of any size
with treated and/or filtered water or other fluids. FIG. 25 shows
the filter 700 frictionally engaged along the bottom conical
surface of the filter.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 23, the filter 900 according to another
aspect of the present disclosure may be directly engaged, typically
threadably engaged, in a watertight sealed manner to a faucet 902.
The filter media within the filter that treats water according to
the embodiment of FIG. 23 may be used so long as the pressure does
not exceed atmospheric pressure plus the height of the water within
the filter and/or a water flow rate that is slow enough to still
effectively treat water passing through or coming into contact with
the filter media.
[0069] An alternative filter 16' of the present disclosure is shown
in FIGS. 27-32. The filter top 60' is domed shaped. A mesh material
43' is typically engaged with the top of the filter side wall
section 34', for example within a slot (not shown) that runs about
the interior perimeter surface of the filter side wall section 34'.
The mesh screen material 43' across the top of the filter and
beneath the domed filter top 60' is typically constructed of
stainless steel or a plastic material such as polypropylene or
polyethylene or other thermoplastic polymer material. The mesh is
constructed and engaged with the filter side wall such that it is
capable and configured to expand upward into the domed section if
the filter material 48' expands. The top mesh 43' may be heat
staked to the side wall section. Alternatively, it could be
positioned within a slot described above. The mesh material may
also be less than taut across the top of the filter in order to
further facilitate this expansion. When engaged within a slot, the
expansion may also facilitated by the mesh screens engagement to
the side wall section 34' such that it laterally moves, if
necessary, within a slot on the interior surface of the side wall
as discussed above. Other engagements, constructions and materials
that allow for the mesh screen to expand while still retaining the
filter material can also be employed. The filter material 48' may
be a loose media and not a compressed media.
[0070] The side wall section 34' is integral with the filter base
44' according to this aspect of the present disclosure. The side
wall section 34' and the base 44' are typically injection molded
thermoplastic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene. These
components form a "can" like structure with a generally U-shaped
cross-section. The mesh component 43' positioned at the base is
typically integrally engaged to the base and molded into the base.
The mesh may be constructed of any of the materials discussed above
that might be used for the screen on the top of the filter.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 31, the filter may also employ an open cell
polyethylene expansion block 33'. The open cell material could
conceivably be another polymer material. This material's primary
function is as a safeguard against damage caused by expansion of
the filter material 48'. If the filter material 48' has already
been hydrated and is a type of filter media that expands such that
the filter media has already expanded into the domed portion of the
filter, this material prevents damage if, for example, the filter
in such a condition is placed into a freezing environment that
would cause the water within the filter material to further expand
as it becomes solid.
[0072] The apertures 49' in the domed filter top 60' are shown
shaped as raindrops, but could be any shape desired. The apertures
46' in the base are typically smaller apertures that have a square
cross-section with apertures having a diameter of from about 0.5 mm
to about 2.0 mm, more typically from about 1.0 mm to about 2.0 mm.
A slightly modified pattern of apertures 46'' are shown in FIG. 32.
The apertures of FIG. 32 are typically similarly sized as discussed
above. The apertures are distributed in a generally spoked pattern
about a central ring of apertures and have an outer ring of
apertures around the peripheral portion of the base as shown in
FIG. 32. This size and shape of aperture in the base (see FIG. 32)
causes the filtered/treated water to fall into a vessel or into the
bottom funnel portion in a manner that drips across the surface of
the base and resembles rainfall.
* * * * *