U.S. patent application number 15/212857 was filed with the patent office on 2016-11-10 for filter assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Access Business Group International LLC. Invention is credited to Michael K. Greene, Michael J. Kosak, Daniel L. Schlenk.
Application Number | 20160326012 15/212857 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46690738 |
Filed Date | 2016-11-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160326012 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kosak; Michael J. ; et
al. |
November 10, 2016 |
FILTER ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A filter assembly for a water treatment system includes a first
end cap and a second end cap that secure about the ends of a
filter. A central member extends through a central void in the
filter. The filter assembly has corresponding non-adhesive locking
mechanisms that interact to secure the filter assembly together.
Two gaskets may sandwich the filter and a reflector may be
positioned within the central member. An ultraviolet lamp may also
be positioned within the central member.
Inventors: |
Kosak; Michael J.; (Byron
Center, MI) ; Greene; Michael K.; (Ada, MI) ;
Schlenk; Daniel L.; (Grand Rapids, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Access Business Group International LLC |
Ada |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
46690738 |
Appl. No.: |
15/212857 |
Filed: |
July 18, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13570292 |
Aug 9, 2012 |
9422171 |
|
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15212857 |
|
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61521837 |
Aug 10, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 1/001 20130101;
C02F 1/325 20130101; C02F 2201/004 20130101; B01D 2201/291
20130101; C02F 2201/3228 20130101; B01D 35/30 20130101; C02F
2201/003 20130101; B01D 2201/4084 20130101; B01D 2201/305 20130101;
C02F 2201/006 20130101; C02F 2301/026 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C02F 1/00 20060101
C02F001/00; B01D 35/30 20060101 B01D035/30; C02F 1/32 20060101
C02F001/32 |
Claims
1. A filter assembly for a water treatment system, the filter
assembly comprising: a filter defining a central void, the filter
having a first end surface, a second end surface, and an outer
surface extending between the first end surface and the second end
surface; a first end cap positioned adjacent the first end surface
of the filter, the first end cap defining one or more outlet holes
for water to exit the filter assembly; a central member extending
through the central void in the filter, the central member at least
partially defining at least one inlet hole for receiving water that
has passed through the filter into the central member; a second end
cap positioned adjacent the second end surface of the filter; a
first locking mechanism integral with one of the central member,
the first end cap, or the second end cap; a second locking
mechanism integral with one of the first end cap or the second end
cap, the second locking mechanism engaging the first locking
mechanism to secure the filter between the first end cap and the
second end cap; and wherein the filter assembly is configured to be
assembled without adhesives or fasteners other than the first and
second locking mechanisms prior to installing the filter assembly
in the water treatment system.
2. The filter assembly of claim 1 wherein the first locking
mechanism is integral with the central member for engaging with the
second locking mechanism in one of the first or second end
caps.
3. The filter assembly of claim 2 wherein said at least one inlet
hole is integral with said first locking mechanism.
4. The filter assembly of claim 2 including a void defined in the
second end cap for receiving the first locking mechanism defined in
the central member, the void including the second locking
mechanism.
5. The filter assembly of claim 2 wherein the central member is
integral with the first end cap and the second locking mechanism is
defined in the second end cap.
6. The filter assembly of claim 1 wherein the at least one inlet
hole extends at least partially beyond the second end surface of
the filter.
7. The filter assembly of claim 1 including an ultraviolet lamp
positioned within the central member for treating water flowing
through the central member.
8. The filter assembly of claim 1 wherein one of the first end cap
or the second end cap includes a shroud positioned adjacent the
outer surface of the filter.
9. The filter assembly of claim 8 wherein the first locking
mechanism is integral with the shroud of one of the first or second
end caps and the second locking mechanism is integral with the
other of the first or second end caps.
10. The filter assembly of claim 8 wherein apertures are defined in
the shroud for allowing water to pass through the shroud.
11. The filter assembly of claim 1 wherein a first locking
mechanism is defined on each side of the central member, and second
locking mechanism is defined on each of the first end cap and the
second end cap.
12. A filter assembly for a water treatment system, the filter
assembly comprising: a filter defining a central void, the filter
having a first end surface, a second end surface, and an outer
surface extending between the first end surface and the second end
surface; a first end cap positioned adjacent the first end surface
of the filter, the first end cap defining one or more outlet holes
for water to exit the filter assembly; a second end cap positioned
adjacent the second end surface of the filter; a member extending
between the first end cap and the second end cap, the member having
at least one member locking mechanism, the member defining at least
one water passage hole to allow for passage of water through the
member; and at least one end cap locking mechanism integral with at
least one of the first end cap or the second end cap; wherein the
at least one end cap locking mechanism engages the at least one
member locking mechanism through a snap-fit connection to connect
the first end cap or the second end cap to the member.
13. The filter assembly of claim 12 wherein the member extends
through the central void in the filter and at least partially
defines the at least one water passage hole for receiving water
that has passed through the filter into the member.
14. The filter assembly of claim 13 wherein the at least one water
passage hole extends at least partially beyond the second end
surface of the filter.
15. The filter assembly of claim 13 wherein the at least one member
locking mechanism comprises a plurality of spaced apart tabs
extending from an end of the member that are separated by spaced
apart notches, the spaced apart notches forming the at least one
water passage hole.
16. The filter assembly of claim 12 wherein the first end cap
envelops the first end surface of the filter and the second end cap
envelops the second end surface of the filter.
17. The filter assembly of claim 12 including an ultraviolet lamp
positioned within the central void for treating water flowing
through the filter.
18. The filter assembly of claim 12 including at least one of a
first gasket positioned between the filter and the first end cap
and a second gasket positioned between the filter and the second
end cap.
19. The filter assembly of claim 12 wherein the member is integral
with the first end cap or the second end cap.
20. The filter assembly of claim 12 wherein a member locking
mechanism is defined on each side of the member, and an end cap
locking mechanism is defined on each of the first end cap and the
second end cap.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to filter assemblies. More
particularly, this invention relates to filter assemblies for use
in water treatment systems.
[0002] Many water treatment systems include some type of filtration
media to filter contaminants out of the water. Typically, the
filtration media is secured within the water treatment system with
one or more applications of adhesive. The adhesive adds both
material cost and labor cost to the manufacturing process.
Adhesives also may add excess time to the process, as additional
time may be required to allow the adhesive to cure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention provides a filter assembly that may be
secured together quickly without the aid of adhesives or separate
fasteners.
[0004] In one embodiment, the filter assembly includes a filter
defining a central void, a first end cap positioned adjacent a
first end surface of the filter and a second end cap positioned
adjacent a second end surface of the filter. A central member
extends through the central void in the filter and has a locking
mechanism that engages a corresponding locking mechanism on at
least one of the first and second end caps to secure the first
and/or second end caps about the ends of the filter. The central
member may define at least one inlet hole for receiving water into
the central member. A reflector may be fitted inside the central
member and an ultraviolet lamp may be positioned within the
reflector for treating water flowing through the central member. A
gasket may be positioned between each end cap and the filter. The
gaskets may be separately manufactured and assembled with the end
caps, or may be integrally formed with the end caps.
[0005] In another embodiment, the filter assembly includes a filter
defining a central void and a filter retainer with a central
member, a first end cap and a second end cap. The central member
extends through the central void and has a locking mechanism. A
flowpath may extend into an outer surface of the filter, through
the filter, into the central member through an inlet hole, through
the central member, and out of the filter assembly through an
outlet hole in the first end cap. The flowpath may extend through
the central member between an ultraviolet lamp and a reflector.
[0006] In another embodiment, the filter assembly includes a filter
defining a void, a central member extending through the central
void, a first end cap and a second end cap. The first end cap
and/or second end cap include a shroud positioned adjacent the
outer surface of the filter. An ultraviolet lamp may be positioned
at least partially within the central member.
[0007] In another embodiment, a method is provided for assembling a
filter assembly, including fitting a first gasket, a filter, and a
second gasket on a central member extending from a first end cap.
The method further includes inserting a reflector within the
central member and securing a second end cap to the end of the
central member using a non-adhesive locking mechanism.
[0008] In another embodiment, the method for assembling a filter
assembly includes molding the central member in a reflective
material.
[0009] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to
the details of operation or to the details of construction and the
arrangement of the components set forth in the following
description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be
implemented in various other embodiments and may be practiced or
carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein.
Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology
used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be
regarded as limiting. The use of "including" and "comprising" and
variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed
thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and
equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the
description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly
stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting
the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor
should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the
scope of the invention any additional steps or components that
might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or
components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the
embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a sectional view along the line 3-3 in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 4 is an exploded front perspective view of an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is an exploded front perspective view of an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is an exploded front perspective view of an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS
I. Construction
[0016] A filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present
invention is shown in FIGS. 1-3 and generally designated 10. The
filter assembly 10 generally includes a first end cap 20, a filter
50 and a second end cap 70. First and second gaskets 40, 60
sandwich the filter 50 and the first and second end caps 20, 70
secure about the ends of the gaskets 40, 60 and filter 50.
[0017] The filter 50 may be any suitable filter for treating water,
including an activated carbon filter. The filter 50 generally has a
first surface 52, a second surface 54 and an outer radial surface
56. The filter 50 defines a central void 58.
[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, the first end cap 20 includes a flat
surface 22 and a circumferential lip 24 for engaging and enveloping
the first gasket 40, the first surface 52 of the filter 50 and a
portion of the outer radial surface 56. As shown in the illustrated
embodiment, the circumferential lip 24 may include structural ribs
to increase the strength of the circumferential lip 24. A threaded
or ribbed portion 26 extends from the first end cap 20 and may
interface with a water treatment system to secure the filter
assembly 10 relative to the water treatment system. As shown in
FIG. 3, a lamp extension 28 may extend from the first end cap 20
and may interface with or secure the filter assembly 10 relative to
an ultraviolet lamp 100.
[0019] A central member 30 extends from the first end cap 20
through voids defined in the gaskets 40, 60 and the void 58 defined
in the filter 50. The central member 30 may be integrally formed
with the first end cap 20, or may be separately formed and attached
to the first end cap 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the central member 30
has a locking mechanism 32 and defines at least one inlet hole 34
proximate the second surface 54 of the filter 50 when assembled
(see FIG. 3). As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the inlet
hole 34 may be a notch defined in the end of the central member 30.
The locking mechanism 32 may be any suitable non-adhesive locking
mechanism, including ribs, grooves, threads and snap-fit
mechanisms. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 32
is a series of equally spaced apart tabs extending from an end of
central member 30 and separated by equally spaced apart notches.
Each tab has an outer end portion that includes ridges that
interfit with the internal ribs on the second end cap 70, as
further described below. In this manner the locking mechanism 32 is
integrated with the inlet holes 34. The notches may also enable
flexing of the tabs for ease of insertion of the central member 30
into the second end cap 70. In an alternative embodiment, the
locking mechanism 32 may also include the tab/notch configuration
of the illustrated embodiment with threads defined in the tabs and
second end cap 70 to secure the central member 30 and the second
end cap 70 together by rotational movement relative to one another.
The inlet hole 34 receives water into the central member 30, as
further described below. The inner surface of the central member 30
may optionally include a coiled or spiral pathway configuration to
encourage the water being treated to take more time as the flow
spirals about the ultraviolet lamp as the water passes through the
central member 30. The spiral path can be created using UV
transparent tubing, using a spiral designed baffle, or by using any
other suitable method. In another embodiment, the inner surface of
the central member 30 can be smooth or otherwise configured to
encourage direct flow through the central member 30. The first end
cap 20 may also define at least one outlet hole 36 to enable fluid
to flow from within the central member 30. In the illustrated
embodiment, a plurality of outlet holes 36 are equally spaced apart
about the circumference of the central member 30 at the junction
between the central member 30 and the lamp extension 28. The outlet
hole 36 allows water to exit from the filter assembly 10, as
further described below.
[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the second end cap 70 includes a flat
surface 72 and a circumferential lip 74 for engaging and enveloping
the second gasket 60, the second surface 54 of the filter 50. As
shown in the illustrated embodiment, the circumferential lip 74 may
include structural ribs to increase the strength of the
circumferential lip 74. The second end cap 70 defines a void 76 for
receiving the central member 30. The second end cap 70 includes a
locking mechanism 78 adjacent the void 76 corresponding to and
interfacing with locking mechanism 32 of central member 30. The
locking mechanisms 32, 78 interact to secure the end caps 20, 70
about the ends of filter 50. The locking mechanism 78 may be any
suitable non-adhesive locking mechanism, including ribs, grooves,
threads and snap-fit mechanisms. As shown in FIG. 3, the locking
mechanisms 32, 78 may have multiple, consecutive, internal ribs,
which may allow the end caps 20, 70 to secure at various distances
from each another. Accordingly, this configuration may accommodate
filters of different lengths. This configuration also allows the
locking mechanisms 32, 78 to automatically adjust during assembly
to take-up any manufacturing tolerances that the assembly may have.
For example, a manufacturing process may produce filters 50 of
slightly different lengths due to the tolerances of the process.
The locking mechanisms 32, 78 may automatically accommodate the
slight differences in length when the locking mechanisms 32, 78 are
secured together.
[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, each tab in locking mechanism
32 has an outer end portion that includes ridges that interfit with
the internal ribs on locking mechanism 78. In this manner the
second end cap 70 cooperates with the central member 30 to define
the inlet holes 34, which are integrated with the locking
mechanisms 32, 78 in the final assembly. The notches may also
enable flexing of the tabs for ease of insertion of the central
member 30 into the void 76 in second end cap 70. In an alternative
embodiment, the locking mechanism 32 may include the tab/notch
configuration of the illustrated embodiment with threads defined in
the tabs and threads defined adjacent the void 76 in the second end
cap 70 to secure the central member 30 and the second end cap 70
together.
[0022] An ultraviolet lamp 100 may be positioned within the lamp
extension 28 and within the voids in the gaskets 40, 60 and the
filter 50. A reflector 90 may be positioned between the central
member 30 and the ultraviolet lamp 100 to reflect the ultraviolet
light and maximize the ultraviolet treatment of the water as the
water flows through the central member 30. The reflector 90 may be
fixed, or may freely float without any attachment other than the
coiled annular force of the reflector, pushing against the interior
walls between the first and second end caps 20, 70 within central
member 30. In another embodiment, at least the central member 30
may be molded in a reflective material, which eliminates the
manufacturing step of separately inserting the reflector 90. Other
elements of the filter assembly 10 may be molded in reflective
material, including the second end cap locking mechanism 78. The
ultraviolet lamp 100 may have a protective material, a quartz tube
for example, to shield the ultraviolet lamp 100 from the water. In
this configuration, the quartz tube and the reflector 90 may form
an annular channel through which water may flow while being treated
with ultraviolet light.
[0023] Although shown as cylinders, the end caps 20, 70, gaskets
40, 60, and filter 50 may be in any shape suitable for the
application. The end caps 20, 70 may be made of any suitable
material including plastic and composite, and may be manufactured
using any suitable process. The gaskets 40, 60 may also be made of
any suitable material including rubber, plastic and composite, and
may be manufactured using any suitable process.
[0024] It is also contemplated that the central member 30 may
extend from either end cap 20, 70, and the locking mechanisms 32,
78 may be positioned on either side of the filter 50. It is further
contemplated that each end cap 32, 78 may have extensions that
engage and lock together within the void 58 in the filter 50.
[0025] A filter assembly according to another embodiment of the
present invention is shown in FIG. 4 and generally designated 110.
This embodiment is generally similar to the embodiments described
above, and elements functioning in the same manner as described
above will not be redescribed here. In this embodiment, a locking
mechanism 132, 142 may be positioned on each end of the central
member 130, allowing the end caps 120, 170 to be separately secured
to the central member 130. A locking mechanism 179 may be included
in end cap 120 and may engage locking mechanism 142. As
illustrated, the locking mechanism 179 may be positioned radially
inward of and adjacent to the gasket 140. The locking mechanisms
132, 142, 179 may be any suitable mechanism, including those
described above. In this embodiment, the gaskets 140 and 160 may be
molded into or otherwise integrally formed with the end caps 120,
170. This may be accomplished with any suitable process, including
a two-shot molding process.
[0026] A filter assembly according to another embodiment of the
present invention is shown in FIG. 5 and generally designated 210.
This embodiment is generally similar to the embodiments described
above, and elements functioning in the same manner as described
above will not be redescribed here. In this embodiment, an outer
shroud 296 may extend adjacent an outer surface 256 of the filter
250. The shroud 296 may enclose the filter 250 within the assembly
and may eliminate a need for an outer wrap or other securing
mechanism for the particles of filter 250. The shroud 296 may have
a plurality of apertures 298 to allow water to pass through when
entering the filter assembly 210. The apertures 298 may be sized to
provide an adequate flow rate into the filter assembly 210, while
preventing the undesired escape of particles from the filter 250.
Optionally, the apertures 298 may be replaced by a mesh screen or
wrap separately attached to, or integrally formed with the shroud
296. For example, the mesh screen or wrap may be molded into the
shroud 296. In the illustrated embodiment, the shroud 296 is
integrally formed with end cap 270, and includes a locking
mechanism 242 at its lower edge adapted to secure with a locking
mechanism 279 defined in first end cap 220. As illustrated, the
locking mechanism 279 may be positioned at a radially outward edge
of first end cap 220. Optionally, the shroud 296 may be made
integral with first end cap 220 and lock into second end cap 270,
or shroud 296 may be a separate piece and lock into both end caps
220, 270. The locking mechanisms 242, 279 may be any suitable
mechanism, including those described above. Optionally, locking
mechanisms may be defined in both end caps 220, 270 as described in
other embodiments to secure the assembly 210 and the locking
mechanisms 242, 279 may be removed. In this configuration, the
lower edge of the shroud 296 may be pressed against the first end
cap 220 and/or the gasket 240 to seal these pieces together via the
force from the locking mechanisms on the end caps 220, 270. As
illustrated, the second end cap 270 may include projections 212 and
a wall 214 that extend from a lower surface of the second end cap
270. The projections 212 may define at least one inner notch 216 on
a radially inward side of the projections 212 and at least one
outer notch 218 on a radially outward side of the projections 212.
The outer notches 218 may be positioned between the projections 212
and the wall 214. An edge 231 of the central member 230 may be
positioned within the inner notches 216 and may engage projections
212. This configuration may space the edge 231 of the central
member 230 from the second end cap 270 to allow water to flow
through the space between adjacent projections 212 and into the
central member 230.
[0027] A filter assembly according to another embodiment of the
present invention is shown in FIG. 6 and generally designated 310.
This embodiment is generally similar to the embodiments described
above, and elements functioning in the same manner as described
above will not be redescribed here. In this embodiment, the end cap
370 may be integrally formed with the central member 330. The
central member 330 may include a locking mechanism 342 that secures
with a locking mechanism defined in first end cap 320. The locking
mechanisms may be any suitable mechanism, including those described
above.
II. Assembly and Use
[0028] The filter assembly 10 is assembled by fitting the first
gasket 40, the filter 50, and the second gasket 60 onto the central
member 30. If a reflector 90 is used, the reflector 90 may be
inserted within the central member 30. The second end cap 70 is
then inserted onto central member 30, engaging locking mechanism 78
with locking mechanism 32 to retain the end caps 20, 70 about the
ends of the filter 50 and gaskets 40, 60. In this manner, the
filter assembly 10 may be assembled quickly without the aid of
adhesives or separate fasteners, which reduces labor and material
costs.
[0029] The filter assembly 110 may be assembled similar to the
method for filter assembly 10, except that the gaskets 140, 160 may
be molded into the end caps 120, 170, and the end caps 120, 170 may
be separately secured with the central member 130.
[0030] The filter assembly 210 may be assembled similar to the
method for filter assembly 10, except that the shroud 296 may be
integrally formed with the second end cap 270. The second end cap
270 and shroud 296 may be positioned over the filter 250 and
gaskets 240, 260, and fitted onto the central member 230. An edge
231 of the central member 230 may be positioned within the one or
more inner notches 216. The assembly may be secured with the
locking mechanisms 242, 279 defined in the shroud 296 and the first
end cap 220.
[0031] The flow path of water through the filter assembly 10
according to the illustrated embodiment is shown in FIG. 3. In this
embodiment, water enters the filter assembly 10 through an outer
radial surface 56 of filter 50. The water travels inward through
the filter 50 toward the central member 30 and into the central
member 30 through the inlet holes 34. While the water moves through
the filter, various contaminants are removed from the water. The
water then flows through the central member 30 between the
reflector 90 and the ultraviolet lamp 100. As noted above, a quartz
tube may surround the ultraviolet lamp 100 such that an annular
channel is formed between the reflector 90 and the quartz tube for
the water to flow through. While the water is flowing through the
central member 30, the water is irradiated by ultraviolet light
emitted by the lamp 100 and various organisms in the water are
deactivated. Once the water reaches the first end cap 20, the water
exits the filter assembly 10 through outlet holes 36. The water may
be propelled through the assembly by any suitable force, including
pump force and gravitational force.
[0032] Water may flow through the filter assemblies 110, 310 in a
similar manner to that described for filter assembly 10. Water may
flow through filter assembly 210 in a similar manner to that
described for filter assembly 10, except that water may first flow
through the apertures 298 defined in outer shroud 296 before
reaching the filter 250.
[0033] The above description is that of current embodiments of the
invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without
departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as
defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in
accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine
of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative
purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description
of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the
claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in
connection with these embodiments. For example, and without
limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention
may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially
similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This
includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such
as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art,
and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such
as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development,
recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments
include a plurality of features that are described in concert and
that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The
present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that
include all of these features or that provide all of the stated
benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the
issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for
example, using the articles "a," "an," "the" or "said," is not to
be construed as limiting the element to the singular.
* * * * *