U.S. patent application number 15/671245 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-23 for liquid pitcher including divided fluid filter for inlet and outlet filtering.
The applicant listed for this patent is Whirlpool Corporation. Invention is credited to Nihat O. CUR, KIRK W. GOODWIN, TIMOTHY A. KEE, JAMES W. KENDALL, STEVEN JOHN KUELH, VERNE H. MYERS, GINGER ELAYNE PATERA, MARK M. SENNINGER.
Application Number | 20170333817 15/671245 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50824398 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170333817 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CUR; Nihat O. ; et
al. |
November 23, 2017 |
LIQUID PITCHER INCLUDING DIVIDED FLUID FILTER FOR INLET AND OUTLET
FILTERING
Abstract
A liquid (water) pitcher that includes a pitcher having a liquid
receiving aperture configured to allow a liquid (water) to be
delivered into an interior liquid storage volume defined by at
least one upwardly extending wall extending upward from a base and
a liquid (water) filter positioned within the pitcher that includes
a filter housing and at least one gravity-driven fluid treatment
medium within the filter housing where the filter housing has a
plurality of fluid intake apertures and at least one treated fluid
outlet configured to deliver treated fluid into an internal volume
of a vessel wherein the at least one fluid filtering medium treats
the liquid at a rate of at least about one liter per minute while
removing at least chlorine odor and chlorine taste components from
the liquid (water).
Inventors: |
CUR; Nihat O.;
(Stevensville, MI) ; GOODWIN; KIRK W.; (St.
Joseph, MI) ; KEE; TIMOTHY A.; (Stevensville, MI)
; KENDALL; JAMES W.; (Mt. Prospect, IL) ; KUELH;
STEVEN JOHN; (Stevensville, MI) ; MYERS; VERNE
H.; (Benton Harbor, MI) ; PATERA; GINGER ELAYNE;
(St. Joseph, MI) ; SENNINGER; MARK M.; (St.
Joseph, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Whirlpool Corporation |
Benton Harbor |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50824398 |
Appl. No.: |
15/671245 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14095204 |
Dec 3, 2013 |
9731234 |
|
|
15671245 |
|
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|
|
61733020 |
Dec 4, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 1/281 20130101;
C02F 2303/185 20130101; B01D 15/10 20130101; C02F 1/42 20130101;
C02F 1/68 20130101; C02F 2101/306 20130101; C02F 1/283 20130101;
C02F 5/10 20130101; C02F 2101/20 20130101; C02F 1/76 20130101; C02F
1/003 20130101; C02F 2307/04 20130101; C02F 2101/322 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B01D 35/30 20060101
B01D035/30; B01D 15/10 20060101 B01D015/10; C02F 1/00 20060101
C02F001/00 |
Claims
1. A liquid pitcher comprising: a pitcher comprising a top and a
liquid storage portion; a first filter medium and a second filter
medium; a cover disposed on top of the filter; a liquid receiving
aperture in the cover, configured to allow an amount of water from
a household water supply into the liquid storage portion; a spout
for directing the amount of water out of the liquid storage
portion; wherein the first filter medium is disposed below the
liquid receiving aperture and is configured to treat the amount of
water from the household water supply that is allowed into the
liquid storage portion; wherein the second filter medium is
disposed adjacent the spout, and is configured to treat the amount
of water that is allowed out of the liquid storage portion.
2. The liquid pitcher of claim 1, wherein the first filter medium
and the second filter medium are gravity-driven.
3. The liquid pitcher of claim 1, further comprising an adapter
removably coupled to the pitcher.
4. The liquid pitcher of claim 3, wherein the filter is indirectly
removably coupled to the pitcher.
5. The liquid pitcher of claim 4, wherein the filter is removably
coupled to the adapter.
6. The liquid pitcher of claim 1, wherein the first filter medium
and the second filter medium treat the amount of water from the
household water supply at a rate of at least about one liter per
minute while removing at least chlorine odor and chlorine taste
components from the amount of water from the household water
supply.
7. The liquid pitcher of claim 6, wherein the first filter medium
and the second filter medium provide different treatment to fluid
passing through them.
8. The liquid pitcher of claim 1, wherein the first filter medium
is a compressed medium produced from activated carbon, a blown
polyethylene or an open weave fibrous material and having a pill
inside the interior of the compressed medium wherein the pill
includes a sensor, signal generator, and battery pack and provides
at least one of operational data, filter status, filter type
information and filter life information to a user display.
9. The liquid pitcher of claim 1, further comprising a filter
housing, wherein first filter medium and the second filter medium
are disposed within the filter housing.
10. A reusable pitcher for filtering household water comprising: a
pitcher comprising a top portion having a spout and a base; an
adapter removably coupled to the top portion of the pitcher; a
filter assembly removably coupled to the adapter, the filter
assembly comprising: a filter housing; a first filter medium
removably coupled with the filter housing; and a second filter
medium removably coupled with the filter housing; and a cover
disposed over the filter assembly and comprising an inlet; wherein
the inlet is configured to allow an amount of water from a
household water supply into the base; wherein the spout is
configured for directing the amount of water out of the base;
wherein the first filter medium is disposed below the inlet and is
configured to treat the amount of water from the household water
supply that is allowed into the base; and wherein the second filter
medium is disposed adjacent the spout, and is configured to treat
the amount of water that is allowed out of the base.
11. The reusable pitcher for filtering household water of claim 10,
wherein the spout is configured to direct the amount of water from
the base into another user-accessible vessel.
12. The reusable pitcher for filtering household water of claim 10,
wherein the first filter medium and the second filter medium are
gravity-driven.
13. The reusable pitcher for filtering household water of claim 10,
wherein the cover is removably coupled to the adapter.
14. The reusable pitcher for filtering household water of claim 13,
wherein the cover further comprises a removable cap providing
selective access to the inlet.
15. The reusable pitcher for filtering household water of claim 10,
wherein the filter housing further comprises a wire cage configured
to hold a flavor additive.
16. The reusable pitcher for filtering household water of claim 10,
wherein the first filter medium and the second filter medium treat
the amount of water from the household water supply at a rate of at
least about one liter per minute while removing at least chlorine
odor and chlorine taste components from the amount of water from
the household water supply.
17. The reusable pitcher for filtering household water of claim 10,
wherein first and second filter media provide different treatment
to liquid passing through them.
18. The reusable pitcher for filtering household water of claim 17,
wherein the first filter medium is configured to remove impurities
that are harmful for liquid storage, and the second filter medium
is configured to remove impurities that are harmful to liquid
flavor.
19. A pitcher system for filtering household water comprising: a
pitcher comprising a base with a top portion, the pitcher
configured to contain filtered water for later use by a user when
in a vertical position, and configured to controllably release
filtered water when the pitcher is rotated from the vertical
position; a spout; an adapter removably coupled to the top portion
of the pitcher; a filter assembly comprising: a filter housing
removably coupled to the adapter; a first filter medium disposed in
the filter housing; and a second filter medium disposed in the
filter housing; and a cover disposed over the filter assembly and
comprising a liquid receiving aperture and a movable cap providing
selective access to an inlet; wherein the liquid receiving aperture
is configured to allow an amount of water from a household water
supply into the base; wherein the first filter medium is disposed
below the liquid receiving aperture and is configured to treat the
amount of water from the household water supply that is allowed
into the base; and wherein the second filter medium is disposed
adjacent the spout when the pitcher is in the vertical position,
and is configured to treat the amount of water that is released out
of the base when the pitcher is rotated from the vertical
position.
20. The pitcher system for filtering household water of claim 19,
wherein the first filter medium and the second filter medium treat
the amount of water from the household water supply at a rate of at
least about one liter per minute while removing at least chlorine
odor and chlorine taste components from the amount of water from
the household water supply.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/095,204, filed on Dec. 3, 2013,
pending, entitled "LIQUID PITCHER INCLUDING DIVIDED FLUID FILTER
FOR INLET AND OUTLET FILTERING." U.S. patent application Ser. No.
14/095,204 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 each of the above documents are hereby incorporated by
reference.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] One aspect of the present invention includes a liquid
pitcher having a pitcher that includes a liquid receiving aperture
configured to allow a liquid to be delivered into an interior
liquid storage volume defined by at least one upwardly extending
wall extending upward from a base and a liquid filter positioned
within the pitcher that includes a filter housing and at least one
gravity-driven fluid treatment medium within the filter housing
wherein the filter housing has a plurality of fluid intake
apertures and at least one treated fluid outlet configured to
deliver treated fluid into an internal volume of a vessel. The at
least one fluid filtering medium treats the liquid at a rate of at
least about one liter per minute while removing at least chlorine
odor and chlorine taste components from the liquid. The liquid
typically being treated is water.
[0003] Another aspect of the present invention includes a water
pitcher having a pitcher with a water receiving aperture configured
to allow a water to be delivered into an interior water storage
volume defined by at least one upwardly extending wall extending
upward from a base and a lid sized to cover the water receiving
aperture and a water filter positioned within the pitcher proximate
the lid that includes a filter housing and at least one
gravity-driven fluid treatment medium within the filter housing
wherein the filter housing has a plurality of fluid intake
apertures and at least one treated fluid outlet configured to
deliver treated fluid into an internal volume of a vessel. The at
least one fluid filtering medium treats the water at a rate of at
least about one or more typically at least about two liters per
minute while removing at least chlorine odor and chlorine taste
components from the water.
[0004] Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed
toward a water pitcher that includes a pitcher having a water
receiving aperture configured to allow a water to be delivered into
an interior water storage volume defined by at least one upwardly
extending wall extending upward from a base and a lid sized to
cover the water receiving aperture and a water filter positioned
within the pitcher proximate the lid that includes a filter housing
and at least one gravity-driven fluid treatment medium within the
filter housing wherein the filter housing has a plurality of fluid
intake apertures and at least one treated fluid outlet configured
to deliver treated fluid into an internal volume of a vessel. The
at least one fluid filtering medium treats the water at a rate of
at least about one liter, but more typically at least two liters
per minute while removing at least chlorine odor and chlorine taste
components from the water. The pitcher's at least one upwardly
extending wall and base have an exterior surface and may be
constructed of a plastic material with a layer of material(s),
typically glass, gold, silver, titanium, oxide, or a combination
thereof, on the exterior surfaces thereof. Typically, the layer of
glass is about one micron thick.
[0005] In each aspect of the present invention the at least one
gravity-driven fluid treatment medium within the filter housing may
be two divided and separate gravity-driven fluid treatment (water
treatment) medium or may be two separate gravity-driven fluid
treatment medium spaced in a stacked relationship to one another
and positioned proximate one another. In either case fluid is
treated in two stages by the two separate gravity-driven fluid
treatment medium.
[0006] 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
[0007] FIG. 1 is a front prospective view of a drop-shaped gravity
filter assembly according to an aspect of the present
disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 2 is an elevated front view of a drop-shaped gravity
filter assembly according to an aspect of the present
disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a top view of a drop-shaped gravity filter
assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a drop-shaped gravity filter
assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a drop-shaped gravity filter
assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 5A is an exploded view of a drop-shaped gravity filter
assembly according to another aspect of the present disclosure;
[0013] 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;
[0014] 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;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a top view of the bottom funnel portion according
to an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom funnel
portion taken along lines IX-IX in FIG. 8;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom funnel
portion taken along lines X-X in FIG. 8;
[0018] 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;
[0019] 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;
[0020] FIG. 13 is an elevated side view of the top cap portion
according to an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the top cap taken along
lines XIV-XIV in FIG. 12;
[0022] 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;
[0023] 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;
[0024] 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;
[0025] 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;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a top view of the filter according to an aspect
of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the filter according to an
aspect of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 19 is a side view of the filter according to an aspect
of the present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 19A is a reduced height version of the filter of FIG.
19;
[0030] 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;
[0031] FIG. 20A is a cross-sectional view of the filter of FIG.
19A;
[0032] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a drop-shaped gravity
filter assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure,
positioned within the lid of a pitcher;
[0033] FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of a drop-shaped gravity
filter assembly positioned within a pitcher;
[0034] FIG. 23 is a top view of a drop-shaped gravity filter
assembly positioned within a pitcher;
[0035] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the pitcher with a standard
lid within the cap aperture in the drop-shaped gravity filter
assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure removed
from the cap aperture;
[0036] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXV-XXV
in FIG. 24;
[0037] FIG. 26 is an elevated view of the container portion of a
pitcher according to an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0038] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the container portion
of the pitcher of FIG. 26;
[0039] FIG. 28 is an elevated side view of a water pitcher
according to an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0040] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the top portion of the
water pitcher of FIG. 28;
[0041] FIG. 30 is a schematic view of a double walled vessel with
the filter and adapter as the top cap of the vessel (pitcher);
[0042] FIG. 31 is a schematic view of a single walled vessel with
the filter and adapter as the top cap of the vessel (pitcher);
[0043] FIG. 32 is a schematic view of a vessel according to an
aspect of the present disclosure showing filter medium treating
fluid entering and leaving the vessel;
[0044] FIG. 33 is a schematic view of a vessel according to an
aspect of the present disclosure showing the filter medium for
treating intake fluid and when the fluid leaves the vessel;
[0045] FIG. 34 is a top view of the filter used in the vessel
design of FIG. 33;
[0046] FIG. 35 is a schematic view of a vessel according to an
aspect of the present disclosure with two separate filter media
treating an intake fluid;
[0047] FIG. 36 is a schematic view of a vessel according to an
aspect of the present disclosure with two separate filter media
treating an outgoing fluid from the vessel;
[0048] FIG. 37 is a schematic view of a vessel showing a filter
treating intake fluid and fluid outgoing and also applying a
flavorant and employing a flow sensor on the outlet sides of the
filter(s);
[0049] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of a filter shown in FIG.
37 taken along the line XXXVIII-XXXVIII of FIG. 39;
[0050] FIG. 39 is a bottom view of a filter used in FIG. 37;
[0051] FIG. 40 is a schematic design of an electronic
sensor/signal/battery pack "pill" that is positioned within the
filter material of a filter.
[0052] FIG. 41 is a schematic design of a vessel showing a filter
treating outgoing fluid and a treatment medium (filter) that
contains a chloride "battery" that supplies chlorine to intake
water that in delivered into the vessel through the treatment
medium;
[0053] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the filter according to
another aspect of the present disclosure;
[0054] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the filter shown in FIG. 42
with the top cap portion removed;
[0055] FIG. 44 is an elevated side view of the filter shown in FIG.
42;
[0056] FIG. 45 is a top view of the filter shown in FIG. 42;
[0057] FIG. 46 is a bottom view of the filter shown in FIG. 42;
and
[0058] FIG. 47 is a cross-section view of the filter of FIG. 42
taken along line XLVII-XLVII in FIG. 42.
[0059] FIG. 48 is a bottom view of a filter, such as the filter
shown in FIG. 42, according to another aspect of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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.
[0065] 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.
[0066] 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 a water flow
from a faucet.
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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. 46) 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 threadably 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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] 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, 11, 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.
[0072] 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.
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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.
[0075] 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. One such
compound is an amorphous potassium aluminosilicate filtration media
which may be mixed with activated carbon filters water to remove
oxygen, chlorines, hardness, alkalinity, ammonia, hydrogen,
hydrogen sulfide, sodium sulfite and other contaminants. The
particular sodium aluminosilicate is a porous amorphous material
formed under ultraviolet light or sunlight to produce pore sizes of
60 .ANG. to 250 .ANG. at ambient temperatures (20.degree.
C.-35.degree. C.) and low relative humidity (5%-20%). The media is
initially formed as a microporous primarily amorphous gel
containing Na.sub.2O, Al.sub.2O.sub.3, SiO.sub.2 and H.sub.2O. The
sodium therein is displaced by potassium, whereby the filter
removes impurities from water without introducing sodium. The
potassium aluminosilicate may be a second stage filter to a first
stage filter composed of a strong base anion media charged with
potassium carbonate and/or bicarbonate. The filtration media may be
used in any type gravity filter including that in an inverted
bottle type dispenser for filtering water the flowing from the
bottle to the spigot and also filtering air which bubbles back into
the bottle in response to opening the spigot. The media as blended
with activated carbon may be composed of molded particles having
diameters from 1 to 100 microns and preferably 1-20 microns with an
average diameter of about 10 microns. It also may be blended with
zirconium oxide without carbon for reducing anion and cation
species from drinking water. The filter medium may also be a
granulated powder purification material that includes inorganic
particles having an average size ranging from about 20 nm to about
200 microns in an amount ranging from about 1 wt % to about 75 wt %
agglomerated with a zero melting index high-density polyethylene
binder and core particles having an average particle size ranging
from about 2 mesh to about 200 mesh agglomerated with the inorganic
particles and binder. The core particles include (gamma or alpha)
alumina, zeolite, carbon, or mixtures thereof.
[0076] 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.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 21-27, the gravity filter assembly 10,
which is typically a drop-shaped gravity filter, may be seated
within the center section of the cap of a liquid vessel 92, which
is shown as a pitcher in the Figures. The water pitcher is
typically a single or double walled pitcher. The Figures show a
double walled pitcher. The double walled pitcher may have an
interior volume defining wall/section 94 and an exterior defining
section 96. The interior volume defining wall and the exterior
defining section may be constructed of the same or different
materials. While plastic pitchers with both the interior volume
defining wall and exterior defining section (as well as optionally
the other components such as the handle 100, top 102, which may be
threadably or otherwise removably engageable and disengagably from
the pitcher (see FIGS. 27-29), and lid 104) may be used, typically
the interior volume defining wall 94 is a composite or single
material that is a more preferred material to contact filtered
water such as glass, stainless steel, titanium oxide, gold or
silver coating. When a single walled pitcher is used, the interior
filtered water facing surface may be plated with the materials
mentioned above. The double walled pitcher may also be constructed
of glass and constructed using a glass process that is either spun
welding of two pieces together blow formed or other controlled
process that forms such a double walled pitcher of glass. For a
single or double walled construction the glass can be blow-molded
or vapor deposited onto another media such as plastic or metal.
Either or both the interior volume defining wall 94 and the
exterior defining section 96 may be entirely glass or may be
plastic with a layer of glass on the water-contacting surface in
the case of the interior volume defining wall 94 or the exterior,
user facing surface of the exterior defining section 96. Such a
construction lightens the weight of the overall pitcher while using
a more preferred material for both tactile or visual aesthetic and
water contacting. When a plastic surface is allowed to contact the
filtered water, the user may perceive taste variations.
[0078] The pitcher may also use an adapter instead of the drop
shaped gravity filter assembly to filter water as shown in FIGS.
30-31. The adapter 98 may be a lid or other section that typically
has a filter within the adapter and constructed to allow for water
flow into the pitcher/vessel by allowing water to flow through the
adapter and filter and into the water vessel. The filter 16a
disposed within the adapter is a slightly modified version of the
adapter 16 discussed above. In this embodiment, the side wall
section may not be solid but rather have ribs or bars 106 that
provide structural support between the filter base 44a and the
filter top 60a.
[0079] FIGS. 28-29 show an alternate water vessel of the present
disclosure. The vessel is a double walled vessel as discussed
above.
[0080] Gravity filters of the present disclosure typically also
allow for fluid to be treated to flow in either direction through
the filter and treat the fluid. As shown in FIGS. 32-37, the fast
flow nature of the filter material typically used allows for a
filter material to be positioned to treat intake water (or other
fluid) flows through filter A and into the vessel and also be
treated as the water (or other fluid) flows through filter B. This
allows for some significant benefits. One such benefit allows for
certain undesirable materials to be initially removed from a fluid,
such as microorganisms and other impurities from untreated water,
but leaving chlorine and other desirable materials within the water
in the vessel during storage that would prevent further development
of microorganisms while the water resides in the vessel and prior
to consumption or use. The filter B may then be used to further
treat the water (or other fluid) in the vessel as the water is
dispensed for use. Of course, the water may be completely treated,
depending on the filter media, for all impurities and undesired
components while the untreated water is received and when it is
dispensed. FIGS. 33-34 show a divided filter that has two separate
filter media in the filter. The divided filter treats water in much
the same manner as shown in FIG. 32, but the filter media are each
positioned toward the outlet of the vessel and in such a manner
that Filter B treats the fluid as it is poured from the vessel. In
a final variant, the two filters, in the depicted versions may be
stacked on either or both the intake side or the outlet side as
depicted in FIGS. 35 and 36, respectively. In another variation, a
flavorant such as a lemon flavor or lemon juice may be applied to
the fluid within the vessel by engaging a flavor source within the
vessel as shown in FIG. 37. The lemons or other flavorant may be
held in the wire cage or other structure acting as a sieve for the
prevention of pulp transfer that could clog a filter inlet and are
typically located below the intake treatment filter.
[0081] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the filter
may be constructed with a flow sensor on the outlet portion of the
filter (see FIGS. 37-39). As shown in FIG. 40, the filter medium is
typically an open cell medium such as a blown polyethylene, a loose
granular such as activated carbon or an open weave fibrousmaterial.
A water filter flow sensor or other sensor/signal/battery pack pill
may be spaced within the compressed filter medium. Sensors such as
piezo electric flow detectors, timer circuits, chemical detectors,
and indicator generators, such as, digital or analog signals or
voltage or light may be used in the pill. The filter itself would
provide operational data, status, filter type information, filter
life (for example, by LED light indication--green=good,
yellow=replace soon, and red=expired filter). The pill typically
contains a battery power supply, timer circuit, flow sensors,
and/or chemistry sensor(s). The electronic components of the pill
typically are disposable or recyclable such that the expired filter
with the pill placed within the filter medium may be either
disposed in the trash or recycled.
[0082] The piezo sensor may be a MYLAR.TM., which is
biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate, a polyester film
made from stretched polyethylene terephthalate (PET), of a few
thousandths of an inch thick that produces an electrical signal
when mechanical force is applied. This may be amplified
sufficiently by a circuit to increment a counter to measure the
total of the volume of water that has flowed through the vessel.
Typically, this is measured upon the fluid/water exiting the vessel
as opposed to as the fluid/water enters or both. When the total
volume is reached, a transistor switch can turn power on to a red
LED to indicate that the filter has expired. The signal can also be
fed to a second driver to cause an LED to, for example, flash an
LED blue when water is being poured. The piezo sensor can be either
incorporated into the filter or into the filter medium itself as
discussed above. The sensor can be placed into a single channel to
provide a more accurate measurement.
[0083] Alternatively, a dissolving polymer may be employed in a
proportion to the volume of water to be treated. This can have a
spring loaded follower component resting on it. The follower can be
brightly colored with bands of different color. Green can indicate
the filter is okay and bright red when the filter has expired. A
circuit with parallel resistances can also be set up. As the water
dissolves and provides local short circuiting of the stage the
resistance changes and the LED intensity or color changes. An RGB
LED is typically employed.
[0084] Additionally, the interface between the filter and the
adapter can have a number of physical and/or electrical tabs that
can combine to indicate what filter type is attached. When twisted,
for example, a colored pointer may indicate what type of filter is
engaged, i.e. a CTO (chlorine, taste and odor filter) or a
microbial filter by displaying a different color for each, such as
green and blue respectively. Additionally, metal tabs could be
included in various positions along the circumference of the
interface ring between the adapter and the filter that would match
with contact on the filter housing or other surface that create the
corresponding signal and display for the type of filter.
[0085] A chlorine pill or halogen could also be a bromine or iodine
compound. As shown in FIG. 41, a vessel system may utilize a
chlorine component or other halogen compound as a water treatment
media for water that is taken into the vessel. The "chlorine
battery" may be made of a polymerized chlorine compound. This
material dissolves in water in proportion to the volume of water
that has flowed over it, releasing chlorine in a regulated amount
based upon water volume and thereby disinfecting the water. The
system may further employ a chemistry based color change indicator
located at the filter outlet is provided to notify user of filter
life state change, such as the presence of chlorine at the filter
exit indicating the filter medium is no longer removing chlorine
from the flow. The water flowing out of a second/subsequent water
treatment media would typically have the chlorine, taste and odor
components removed by a filter of the present disclosure positioned
at the outlet of the vessel. This system makes the outgoing water
pleasant to drink and microbiologically safe.
[0086] An alternative filter 16' of the present disclosure is shown
in FIGS. 42-48. 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. Alternative, 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.
[0087] 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.
[0088] As shown in FIG. 47, 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.
[0089] 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. 48.
The apertures of FIG. 48 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. 48. This size and shape of aperture in the base (see FIG. 48)
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.
* * * * *