CA2230436A1

CA2230436A1 - Water filter

Info

Publication number: CA2230436A1
Application number: CA 2230436
Authority: CA
Inventors: Robert Ian Mackinnon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-02-18
Filing date: 1998-02-17
Publication date: 1998-08-18

Abstract

A cartridge for a water purification jug is provided.
The jug which has a pouring spout and a funnel with a funnel tube pointing downwardly into the jug. The cartridge has releasable sealing means for preventing water from passing between the cartridge and the funnel tube. The cartridge comprises a container and a cover.
The container has an outer shell with a side wall and a bottom, and an inner shell with a side wall and a bottom. The container and jug having means to align the container properly in relation to the spout. The outer shell side wall has a plurality of small openings, at least on a portion of the container which is adjacent to the first imaginary line. The inner and outer shells form at least one passageway between the inner and outer shells. The inner shell has a plurality of small openings in or adjacent to a bottom of the inner shell such that water may flow from an interior of the inner shell to the passageway only through the small openings in the inner shell. The cartridge having means for retaining water and any small particles of purification media in the bottom of the cartridge. The means may either be a) a partial dome extending upwardly from the bottom of the inner shell, wherein the partial dome has a cavity which faces away from the spout, and wherein the small openings in the outer shell side wall are further from the bottom of the cartridge than the small openings in the inner shell, or b) at least one weir and a siphon break in the passageway between the inner shell and the outer shell. The siphon break is between the weir and the small openings in the outer shell, and the weir extends upwardly from the bottom of the cartridge, small openings in the inner shell are adjacent a position distal from the spout and the small openings in the outer shell are in or adjacent to the bottom of the container.

Description

MAC.P0018 WATER FILTER
Field of the Invention The present invention is related to a water 5 purification device. In particular it relates to a filter cartridge and filter jug for a water purification device.
Background to the Invention Water purification devices comprising a jug with a 10 pouring spout at one side and a lifting handle diagonally opposite are known. A funnel, to receive fresh cold tap water or similar drinking water, fits inside the jug. The funnel has a tubular end which extends downwardly. The tubular end is considerably 15 smaller in cross section than the funnel. The tubular end is still within the jug and leads to a lower part of the jug. A filter cartridge is pressed sealingly into the tubular end, so that water entering the funnel must pass through the filter cartridge in order to accumulate 20 in the lower part of the jug.
The filter comprises a cover and a bottom container part, holding a granulate mixture through which water may flow to be purified. Devices of this type are generally known. As water flows through the cartridge, 25 the granulate mixture, for example ion exchange media, activated carbon or the like, provides a purifying action. When purified water has collected in the bottom of the jug it is poured from the spout by lifting and tilting with the sidLe handle.
Experience shows that it is difficult to completely avoid some portion c,f the granulate mixture held inside the filter from passing through small openings in the filter cartridge. Activated carbon is a particularly friable material, and the normal movement that occurs 35 during transportation will cause small fragments of carbon to be generated. Such carbon fragments are often sufficiently small to pass through small openings in the cartridge. This is particularly undesirable, since carbon fragments are dark in colour and are quickly noticed by the end user when carried by the flow of purified water into the bottom of the jug. As the funnel and jug are usually made of transparent materials, the presence of dark carbon fragments or 5 other particles is the focus of complaints by end users.
The present invention is directed to minimizing the problem of carbon fragments and particles from the granulate mixture escaping through small openings in the cartridge, because small fragments are unsightly and 10 cause concern to the end user.
Summary of the Invention Accordingly, the invention provides a cartridge for a water purification device comprising a jug which has a pouring spout and a funnel with a funnel tube pointing 15 downwardly into the jug, said cartridge having releasable sealing m.eans for preventing water from passing between the cartridge and the funnel tube, and said cartridge having an imaginary first longitudinal line on the periphery of the cartridge which may be 20 aligned with an imaginary second longitudinal line on the funnel tube, said second imaginary line being closest to the spout, wherein the cartridge comprises:
i) a container, which has an outer shell with a side wall and a bottom, an inner shell with a side wall 25 and a bottom, wherein said container is for holding a water purification medium, said container and jug having means to align the first and second imaginary lines together, and ii) a cartridge cover attached to the container, 30 said cartridge cover having at least one aperture therein for ingress of water from the funnel, said cartridge cover and container being in fluid communication, said outer shell side wall having a plurality of 35 small openings, at least on a portion of the container which is adjacent to the first imaginary line; said inner and outer shells forming at least one passageway between the inner an.d outer shells, and said inner shell having a plurality c,f small openings in or adjacent to a bottom of the inner shell such water may flow from an interior of the inne!r shell to the passageway only 5 through the small openings in the inner shell;
said cartridge having means for retaining some water containing any purification media particles in the bottom of the cartri.dge, said means being selected from the group consistinq of a) a partial dome extending 10 upwardly from the bottom of the inner shell, wherein the partial dome has a cavity which faces away from the first imaginary line!, and wherein the small openings in the outer shell side! wall are further from the bottom of the cartridge than t.he small openings in the inner 15 shell, and b) at lea,st one weir and a siphon break in the passageway betwe!en the inner shell and the outer shell, said siphon break being between the weir and the small openings in tb,e outer shell, said weir extending upwardly from the bottom of the cartridge, wherein the 20 small openings in th,e inner shell are adjacent a position distal from the first imaginary line and the small openings in thLe outer shell are in or adjacent to the bottom of the cc,ntainer.
In one embodime!nt, the inner shell of the container 25 is an insert which hLas a side wall, a bottom, and an open top with a rim, said insert being within the outer shell and having a plurality of small openings adjacent to the insert bottom.
In another embodiment, the inner shell of the 30 container is an inse!rt which has a side wall, a bottom and an open top with, a rim, said insert being within the outer shell and havi.ng a plurality of small openings in the insert bottom.
In a further embodiment, the plurality of small 35 openings comprises a, mesh.
In another embodiment, an inner surface of the outer shell is provi.ded with means for holding the top rim and the bottom of the insert. Preferably, the means for holding the top rim of the insert comprises a continuous protuberance on an inner surface of the outer shell, such that the top rim of the insert sealingly 5 engages with the inner surface of the outer shell.
Alternatively, the means comprises a series of protuberances around~ the inner perimeter of the outer shell, said protuberances being situated to sealingly engage the top rim with the inner surface of the outer 10 shell.
In yet another embodiment, a centre portion of the bottom of the insert bottom has an opening directly below the partial dome shape, with means to sealingly hold the insert against the bottom of the container.
In a further embodiment, the insert has an open bottom, with a bottom rim, and the bottom rim is sealingly engaged with the bottom of the outer shell.
In another embodiment, a centre area of the bottom of the outer shell is in sealing engagement with the 20 bottom rim of the insert and is elevated slightly above the bottom rim of the insert.
In yet another embodiment, the means for aligning the first and second imaginary lines is selected from the group consisting of a) a longitudinal indentation 25 extending from the bottom of the outer shell at least part way up the outer shell side wall, said longitudinal indentation being caoperable with a corresponding longitudinal projection in the funnel tube and b) a longitudinal projection extending from the bottom of the 30 outer shell at least part way up the outer shell side wall, said longitudinal projection being cooperable with a corresponding longitudinal indentation in the funnel tube.
In a further em~bodiment, the longitudinal 35 indentation is a graove which extends from the bottom of the container and tapers uniformly to be less wide and less deep with increasing distance up the outer shell side wall.
In another embodiment, the longitudinal projection is a fin-like protrusion.
In yet another embodiment, the outer shell is 5 sealingly engaged around the inner shell, and the bottom of the inner shell has a partial dome shape extending into the interior of the inner shell, with a plurality of openings in the bottom of the inner shell.
In another embodiment, the outer shell is sealingly 10 engaged around the inner shell, and the bottom of the inner shell has a partial dome shape extending into the interior of the inner shell, with an opening in the bottom of the inner shell, said opening in the bottom of the inner shell being covered with a mesh.
In a further embodiment, the small openings in the outer shell are in a circumferential band, at an elevation above the bottom surface of the container, to ensure that a pool of water containing any small particles of purification media accumulates within the 20 cartridge.
In another embodiment, the outer shell has an upper rim and the small openings are between the inner shell and the upper rim of the outer shell so that water may flow from the passageway over the upper rim.
Another aspect of the invention provides a cartridge for a water purification device comprising a jug which has a pouring spout and a funnel with a funnel tube pointing downwardly into the jug, said cartridge having releasable sealing means for preventing water 30 from passing between the cartridge and the funnel tube, wherein the cartridge comprises:
i) a container, which has an outer shell with a side wall and a bottom, an inner shell with a side wall and a bottom, wherein said container is for holding a 35 water purification medium, and ii) a cartridge cover attached to the container, said cartridge cover having at least one aperture therein for ingress of water from the funnel, said cartridge cover and container being in fluid communication, said outer shel.l having a plurality of small 5 openings for passage of water out of the container into a lower portion of t.he jug; said inner and outer shells forming at least one first passageway between the inner and outer shells, an.d said inner shell having a plurality of small c,penings in or adjacent to a bottom 10 of the inner shell such water may flow from an interior of the inner shell t.o the passageway only through the small openings in th.e inner shell;
said outer shell having at least one outer groove extending part-way up the outer shell, said outer groove 15 being defined by an inner wall and two side walls, there also being walls adjacent to the side walls such that there is a second passageway between the side walls and the adjacent walls, and the adjacent walls form a weir for passage of water from the first passageway to the 20 second passageway.
In one embodiment, the adjacent walls and the second passageway are part of the outer shell.
In another embodiment, the adjacent walls are part of the inner shell and the adjacent walls are sealingly 25 engaged with the outer shell.
In yet another embodiment, there are from two to six outer grooves equidistantly spaced around the outer shell.
When the alignm.ent means is a groove and 30 cooperating projection, preferably the longitudinal groove extends from the closed bottom end of the container at least part way up the side wall into an upper portion of the cartridge. The groove is preferably wider and deeper near to the closed bottom 35 end of the container, and preferably tapers uniformly to be less wide and less deep with increased distance up the side wall.

As indicated hereinbefore, when there is an insert, around the inside of the container there is provided means for holding the insert in correct position.
Preferably, the means is a continuous protuberance.
5 Even more preferably, the protuberance is situated just above the top end of the longitudinal groove. The protuberance sealingly holds the top rim of the insert, against the inside surface of the outer shell of the container. The insert has a matching longitudinal 10 groove in the side wall to allowing a close fit with the longitudinal groove in the outer shell of the container.
The insert side wall further has small openings, preferably disposed in a band, close to the bottom surface of the container through which purified water 15 can flow.
A cover to the cartridge preferably has small openings whereby water may flow into the filter and through to the granulate mixture held in the container.
The water may pass downward through the purification 20 mixture and flow out of small openings in the inner shell, near to the bottom surface of the container. The water then may flow upward in a passageway formed between the side walls of the inner and outer shells of the container, to leave the cartridge through small 25 openings in the outer shell. Preferably, when there is an insert, small openings in the outer shell are elevated at least part way up the side wall above the closed bottom surface.
The invention also provides a jug with a pouring 30 spout and a funnel with a funnel tube sealingly connected to project downwardly into the jug.
Preferably the spout is diametrically opposite to a lifting handle. The inside surface of the funnel tube preferably has a fin-like longitudinal projection 35 extending inwardly, from the open bottom end of the funnel tube at least part way up the side wall. The fin-like projection aids in defines the correct radial alignment of the partial dome of the inner shell, or the weir, as the case my be, to the funnel and purification jug.
In the case of the embodiment with the partial dome 5 inside, a pool of water containing small particles of purification media may accumulate in the lower portion of the cartridge due to the elevation of small openings in the container side wall, through which the water flows out of the filter to the bottom of the jug. The 10 spoon-shaped partial dome of the insert retains some portion of the pool of water containing small particles of purification media within the cartridge when the jug is tilted to pour out purified water.
In one embodiment, the means defining the correct 15 radial alignment of the spoon-shaped partial dome of the insert to the purification jug is defined in part by the engagement of the insert with the longitudinal groove in the cartridge side wall, and in the other part with the engagement of the longitudinal groove with the fin-like 20 projection extending inwardly within the funnel tube.
In another embodiment, the means defining sealing the insert against the cartridge bottom surface may be advantageously improved with the centre area of the cartridge bottom surface being elevated partially above 25 the sealing edge of the insert side wall.
As indicated hereinbefore, in one embodiment the insert is omitted from the device, and the bottom surface of the inner shell of the container is formed into a partial dome with an opening through the bottom 30 surface directly below the partial dome. This opening is covered by a mesh or screen, preferably sealingly attached to the bottom surface of the container around the perimeter of the opening. The inner shell has no other openings, and the mesh or screen is capable of 35 excluding the granulate mixture but allow passage of purified water. The outer shell is preferably a cup-shaped base, which is fixed externally around the lower portion of the container. The cup-shaped base has side walls extending at least part way up from the bottom surface, with a matching longitudinal groove to locate closely around the longitudinal groove in the inner 5 shell side wall. Furthermore, small openings in a circumferential band~ in the cup-shaped base, at an elevation above the bottom surface, ensure a pool of water containing small particles of purification media accumulates within the cartridge.
In another embodiment, the cup-shaped base fixed externally around the cartridge has no openings through the side wall, and purified water which passes upwardly between the cup-shaped base and the exterior side wall of the cartridge may overflow over an upper rim of the 15 base into the bottom of the jug below.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a side view of a jug and a funnel fixed inside, showing a partially cut away section of a filter cartridge which is sealingly inserted into a funnel 20 tube.
Figure 2 is a side elevation of the filter cartridge of Figure 1, showing a band of small openings at an elevation part way up a side wall of the cartridge and looking directly at a longitudinal alignment groove 25 in the cartridge side wall.
Figure 3 is a side view of a filter cartridge container of Figure 1, with a partially broken away section to show a spoon-shaped partial dome of an insert.
Figure 4 is a section across the diameter of the filter cartridge at A-A in Figure 1, looking downward onto the spoon-shaped dome of the insert.
Figure 5 is a vertical section across a filter cartridge container at right angles to the view in 35 Figure 3, with a section of the insert partially broken away to show the relative position of small openings through a side wall of the insert and container side wall.
Figure 6 is a vertical section through a different embodiment of a filter cartridge to that of Figure 5, to show the different relative positions of small openings 5 through the insert and container side walls, and webs provided on the inside wall of the container.
Figure 7 is a section at B-B across the diameter of the filter cartridge shown in Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the insert of 10 Figures 6 and 7.
Figure 9 is a vertical elevation through a further filter cartridge showing the position of the insert.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of the insert of Figure 9.
Figure 11 is a section across the diameter at D-D
in Figure 9, looking downward through the upper part of the insert.
Figure 12 is a section across the diameter of the filter cartridge at C-C in Figure 9, looking downward 20 through the lower part of the insert.
Figure 13 is a side view of the filter cartridges in Figures 9 to 17.
Figure 14 is a vertical elevation through the filter cartridge of Figure 13, showing the position of 25 an insert.
Figure 15 is a perspective view of the insert of Figures 14, with a section of the insert partially broken away to show the relative position of small openings through the bottom of the insert.
Figure 16 is a section across the diameter at F-F
in Figure 14, looking downward through the upper part of the insert.
Figure 17 is a section across the diameter of the filter cartridge at E-E in Figure 14, looking downward 35 through the lower part of the insert.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments The drawings are not to scale and the general size . _ .

of openings and wall thicknesses are exaggerated to improve the overall clarity of all the drawings. The Figures show water filter cartridges in which the container has an outer shell, and in which the inner 5 shell comprises a separately formed insert. Embodiments in which the contain,er has an inner shell and a separately formed outer shell are not shown in the drawings.
One aspect of the present invention is intended to 10 minimize the complaint of small carbon particles being carried with the flow of purified water into the bottom of the filter jug. This is accomplished by providing, in a water filter container, two sets of screens of small openings and a quiescent chamber between the sets.
15 The two sets of screens of small openings and quiescent chamber may be provided by means of an insert that fits inside a container of the filter cartridge.
In order to retain water in the bottom of the filter cartridge, and therefore retain any small 20 particles of purification media, the insert may comprise, in part, a partial dome shape. The dome may be circular or elliptical. The dome shape extends upward from the bottom of the cartridge, being partially open over a minor segment of its circumference, thus allowing 25 purifying granulate to fill the total volume of the cartridge without leaving voids, or unwashed areas.
Some water and any small particles of purification media may also be contained in the bottom of the container by means of one or more dams in the chamber 30 which is between the insert and an outer wall of the filter cartridge. A siphon break may also be required to prevent siphoning of purified water over the dam.
Figure 1 shows a jug 120 in outline. Jug 120 has a handle 118 and pouring spout 117. In the embodiment 35 shown in Figure 1, pouring spout 117 is diametrically opposed to handle 118, although this is not necessary for the invention. Inside jug 120 there is a funnel 115 which has a downwardly depending funnel tube 116. Jug 120 has a bottom portion 119 in which purified water may collect. Bottom portion 119 is fluid communication with pouring spout 117 so that purified water may be poured 5 from bottom portion 119 through pouring spout 117. At the bottom of funnel 116 there is a tapering fin-like projection 121. The function of projection 121 will be explained hereinafter.
With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a filter 10 cartridge 130 may be sealingly engaged in funnel tube 116. Filter cartridge 130 comprises a filter container 133 (see Figure 2) and cartridge cover 112. Cartridge cover 112 has openings 113 therein for entry of unpurified water into filter cartridge 130. Filter 15 cartridge container 133 contains a filter media, e.g. a water purifying granulate (not shown), within filter cartridge internal volume 109. Filter cartridge 133 has a locking ring 123 which sealingly presses against an upper portion 131 and rim 132 of funnel tube 116.
Cartridge container 133 has a tapering longitudinal groove 111 (see Figure 2) extending from the bottom 134 of container 133, partially up the side wall 101 of container 133, and preferably tapers uniformly being less wide and less deep as the distance increases from 25 the bottom surface of the container 133. At the furthest distance from the bottom surface, the side portions of the longitudinal groove preferably join together at a point. Longitudinal groove 111 engages with fin-like projection 121 and is for the purpose of 30 correctly aligning the filter cartridge 130 in relation to the pouring spout 117 as will be explained hereinafter.
In the present invention, a first imaginary longitudinal line 150, on cartridge 133, 6hown in Figure 35 4 is aligned with a second imaginary longitudinal line 151, on funnel tube 116. Second imaginary line 151 is closest to funnel 117 than any other imaginary longitudinal line on funnel tube 117. The positions of fin 121 and groove 111 ensure alignment of imaginary lines 150 and 151. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other methods of providing the 5 alignment may be used instead of the groove. For example, even placing coloured dots on the cartridge cover 112 and funnel 115, for visually ensuring the correct alignment would suffice but obviously is not as certain as positive alignment means like the groove 111 10 and fin 121.
Cartridge container 133 has an insert 106. The top end of insert 106 is held sealingly against container side wall 101 by a means for holding the insert 106 in place. Such means may be a continuous internally 15 circumferential protuberance 125. Alternatively, the means may be a series of internal protuberances placed circumferentially around the inside of side wall 101, with gaps between adjacent protuberances. There is a passageway 104 between the inner surface of cartridge 20 container 133 and the outer surface of insert 106. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-5, there is a circumferential band of small openings 103 close to the bottom of insert 106 and a circumferential band of small openings 102 in side wall 101 of cartridge container 25 133. Small openings 102 are higher than small openings 103.
In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, there is a spoon-shaped dome 107 attached to the bottom of insert 106. Such a spoon-shaped dome may be present in the 30 embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 7 but it is not shown in the drawings, for clarity.
In one embodiment of the present invention, e.g. in Figures 1 to 5, the bottom surface 134 of the cartridge container 133 has no opening. A major segment of the 35 cartridge container 133 has a circumferential band of small openings 102 at a sufficient elevation for a pool of purified water to accumulate inside the bottom of the filter cartridge 130. In use, water flows uniformly downward through the interior volume of the filter cartridge, and the purifying granulate within is fully utilized. The purified water then passes through small 5 openings 103 in the insert 106 close to the bottom surface of the container 133. Purified water then flows upward, through passageway 104 to a higher elevation of small openings 102 in the container side wall 101.
The change in direction of water flow, combined 10 with little to distu.rb the flow of water within the relatively quiescent. space of passageway 104, results in any carbon fragments and small particles of purification media that pass through the band of small openings 103 tending to settle ou.t of suspension. Without the mass 15 of purification medi.a acting to impel movement of particles through the second band of small openings 102 in the container side wall 101, any fragments and small particles tend to be retained within passageway 104.
In order to ret.ain water and any small particles of 20 purification media i.n the bottom of container 133 it is desirable to include a means to prevent water from fully draining from filter cartridge 130 when the jug 120 is tilted to pour out purified water. Without such means, as the relative difference in elevation between the 25 small openings 102 i.n the cartridge side wall 101, and small openings 103 i.n the insert 106 becomes equal through tilting, all. the water accumulated in the bottom of the cartridge wou.ld be poured out. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, a quantity of 30 purified water may be retained inside the cartridge by the spoon-shaped partial dome 107. The partial dome shape 107 is preferably rotationally oriented to the pouring spout 117 sc, that tilting the jug to pour purified water prevents the retained pool of water and 35 any small particles of purification media within the cartridge from flowi.ng toward the periphery of the insert 106, where it. would flow out through small openings 103 in the side wall. The rotational orientation of the spoon-shaped partial dome 107 within the filter cartridge 103 is important when inserted into the funnel tube by t,he end user. The longitudinal 5 alignment groove 111 with fin 121 ensures accurate radial orientation of the insert 106 and therefore the partial dome 107 wit,hin the filter cartridge 130, and the filter cartridge 130 within the purification jug 120.
Inward projection of the longitudinal groove 111 means that there shc~uld be a corresponding longitudinal groove in insert 106, as shown in Figures 4 and 7. Such a corresponding groove facilitates alignment of the insert 106 during assembly of the filter cartridge 130, 15 and assists in guiding the insert 106 into a correct sealing position against the bottom surface 134 of the container 133. Guiding the insert during filter assembly prevents the insert 106 becoming jammed, or being physically damaged. The matching vertical 20 fin-like projection 121 on the interior wall of the funnel tube 116 engages with the longitudinal groove 111 in the container 133. A replacement filter cartridge may be correctly inserted into the funnel by the end user and rotated until the fin-like projection 121 is 25 found to match the longitudinal groove 111 indentation on the cartridge, when the cartridge is pressed down into the sealing position. It will be understood that the fin-like project,ion 121 and groove 111 may be of any cross-sectional shape which facilitates alignment.
The general shape of the purification jug may be changed as desired. The filter cartridge 133 is pressed sealingly into the f'unnel tube 116, so that water from the funnel 115 must enter the filter cartridge through openings 113 in the cartridge cover 112. Purified water 35 and any sediment or small particles of purification media collects in the bottom of the jug 119 below the filter cartridge. When purified water is required, the jug is lifted by the handle 118 and water poured from the spout 117.
The filter cartridge internal volume 109 contains a mixture of water purifying granulate, which for clarity 5 is not shown but can be appreciated to fill the interior volume of the cartridge.
Figure 3 is best viewed in conjunction with Figure 1, since the cross-sectional views are at right angles to each other. The views show the insert 106 with the 10 top rim 149 held sealingly against the container side wall 101 by a continuous circumferential protuberance 125. Insert 106 preferably conforms in shape to that of container 101, apart from the provision of a passageway 104. Typically, insert 106 is generally cylindrical 15 with a slight taper. The spoon-shaped partial dome 107 in the centre portion of insert 106 is generally circular or elliptical. Partial dome 107 is configured to allow free flowing granulate to spread within the internal volume of the cartridge. The partial dome-20 shaped projection 107 is preferably shaped so that it iscompletely surrounded by purification media without leaving voids or unwashed areas of the mixture.
In operation, as the jug 120 is tilted to pour purified water from the spout 117, an amount of water is 25 retained within the spoon-shaped partial dome 107. The retention of water provides a desired means to retain small particles of purification media and carbon fragments within the filter cartridge.
Figure 4 is a view across the diameter of the 30 filter cartridge 130 at section A-A in Figure 1, and illustrates the inward projection of the longitudinal alignment groove 111 in the container side wall 101.
Insert 106 has an inward projecting wall structure 148 which corresponds to the inward projecting wall 35 structure 147 in side wall 101, which defines groove 111. The longitudinal alignment groove 111 engages the fin-like projection 121 on the inner surface of funnel CA 02230436 l998-02-l7 tube 116.
To facilitate t:he insert 106 being held sealingly against the bottom surface 114 of container 133 and avoid a recess for water to accumulate at the bottom 5 surface 105 of the container, the centre area 108 of the container bottom surface may be raised.
An alternative configuration for retaining water in container 133 is shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8. In the em~odiment shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8, like reference 10 numbers are employed to designate correspondingly sim.ilar parts that have been described previously herein, in relation to the embodiments of Figures 1-5.
For the sake of brevity, it is understood that the difference resides generally in the position of small 15 openings 124 through the container side wall 101.
Not.withstanding this difference, the functional performance remains similar for each embodiment.
Referring again to Figures 6, 7 and 8 it will be appreciated that wat;er enters passageway 104 through 20 sma.ll openings 103 in insert 106, near to the bottom surface 134 of the container. In this embodiment, the sma.ll openings 103 extend over a minor segment of the insert side wall adjacent to the longitudinal groove 111, as best shown in Figures 7 and 8. Small openings 103 may be adjacent to one, or both sides of longitudinal groove 111. Purified water therefore flows upward in one or more passageways 104, bounded by one or more generally vertical web protrusions 127 from the container side wall 101. Vertical web 127 extends from 30 the bottom surface :L34 of the container at least part way up the side wal:L to an elevation above small openings 103 in the insert 106.
Insert 106 is sealingly held against the longitudinal surface of vertical web 127, to form 35 pa~sageway 104. Therefore, water will flow upward through passageway :L04 and flow over the top of web 127 int:o passageway 129, and leave the filter cartridge through small openings 124 in the container side wall 101. The elevation of vertical web protrusion 127 provides a pool of purified water within the cartridge.
It should be noted that the inverted U-shape 5 configuration of passageways 104 and 129 may induce a siphon effect that will draw down the desired pool of water from within the cartridge. To break the siphon effect, one or more second vertical web protrusions 126 may be provided. Vertical web protrusions 126 extend 10 from the bottom surface of the container at least partially up the side wall to end at an elevation higher than vertical web 127. Web protrusions 126 thus enable formation of a passageway 128 is fluidly connected to each passageway 129 and provides atmospheric connection 15 at the highest elevation of the inverted U-shape configuration of passageways. Insert 106 is also sealingly held against the longitudinal surface of vertical web 126. It will be understood that although web protrusions 126 and 127 are shown as integral parts 20 of container 133, instead they may be integral parts of insert 106.
Small openings 124 are provided through the container side wall 101 between vertical web protrusions 126 and 127, close to the bottom surface of the 25 container, in passageways 128 and 129. Passageway 129 allows purified water to flow downward and out of the cartridge. Passageway 128 connects to the highest elevation of the inverted U-shape water passage configuration to break any siphon by fluidly connecting 30 it to atmospheric pressure.
The presence of the partial dome 107 is not essential in the embodiment shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8 when webs 126 and 127 are present. However, the inclusion of a partial dome 107 would provide additional 35 assurance that water and any sediment or small particles of purification media would be retained within container 133.

From the standpoint of being able to fill container 133 with particulate purifying media, it is desirable not to impede flow of the particles into the cavity beneath the partial dome 107. For this reason, a spoon 5 shape, as shown most clearly in Figure 1, is preferred.
Similarly, from the standpoint of fully utilizing the purifying media when water flows through the media, it is desirable not to introduce "dry" spots in the media in the cavity beneath the partial dome 107. A spoon-10 shaped partial dome is preferred for this reason also.
It will be understood that instead of smallopenings 103 being in the side wall of insert 106, as shown in Figures 1-8, there may be small openings or a mesh in a bottom to insert 106. In this case, 15 vertically inclined passageway 104 would therefore need to be connected to openings 103 underneath the bottom of insert 106. Water would then be able to flow through the openings or mesh in the bottom of insert 106 before moving upwardly through passageway 104.
The embodiments in Figures 9-17 provide filter cartridges with a number of cavity passageways, and depending on the orientation of the cartridge when inserted into the funnel, one or more of these cavities will retain water however much the jug is tilted. The 25 flow of retained water back into the purification cartridge from the cavity passageways provides a sufficient pool of water to prolong the period that the granulate mixture stays moist.
The device comprises a filter cartridge having 30 substantially cylindrical side walls and a bottom surface. In the embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 12 the bottom surface has no openings therein. In the embodiment shown in Figures 14 to 17 the bottom surface has openings therein.
Referring to Figures 9 to 13, at least one, but preferably three or more, longitudinal grooves 204 are disposed around the cartridge side wall 207, and extend CA 02230436 l998-02-l7 vertically at least part way up the side wall from the bottom surface of the cartridge. The side portion 218 of each longitudinal groove, has small openings 205 through which the filtered water may exit the filter cartridge into the bottom of the jug. The longitudinal grooves 204 preferably taper uniformly from the bottom surface, being less wide and less deep as the distance increases from the bottom surface of the purification cartridge. At the furthest distance from the bottom 10 surface, the side portions 218 of the longitudinal groove preferably join together at point 216.
Figure 9 is a vertical section through the device, showing at the right side a section through a longitudinal groove 204 with a side portion 218 of the groove in the background, and small openings 205 near the bottom surface 215. On the opposite, i.e. left, side is the cartridge side wall 207 of approximately cylindrical section, and a bottom surface 215 that has no openings. Around the inside surface of the cartridge side wall 207 iS a continuous protuberance 206 that holds the insert 208 sealingly against the inner surface 217 of each longitudinal groove, and against the bottom surface 215 of the cartridge. The granulate mixture is contained in the cartridge within the volume bounded by the side wall 207 and the insert 208.
The section in Figure 12 shows the orientation of the insert 208 relative to the longitudinal grooves 204.
Water passes from the insert 208 through small openings 209 in insert 208, close to the bottom surface 215 of the cartridge, and flows upward through a cavity passageway 213 formed between the webs 210 of the insert 208 and the cartridge side wall 207. The large diameter end 212 of the insert 208 iS held sealingly against the protuberance 206 on the cartridge side wall 207.
Therefore, water must flow over the top portion 211 of the insert web 210, and the direction is then reversed to flow downward through the cavity passageway 214 formed between the insert web 210 and the side portion 218 of the longitudinal groove. Water exits the purification cartridge through small openings 205 in the side portion of the longitudinal groove 218.
Typically about 10 to 15% of the interior volume of the purification cartridge may be provided for cavity passageways. The water contained in the cavity spaces cannot be wholly drained by the normal action of tilting the cartridge to pour water out of the jug. Sufficient 10 water containing small particles of purification media and carbon fragments is retained.
The section across the cartridge in Figure 12 shows small openings 209 in the insert, between each web 210.
However, the radial orientation of the insert 208 is 15 immaterial with respect to the longitudinal grooves 204.
The sealing fit of the insert against the inner surface of each groove 217, ensures the abutting small openings 209 are closed off. Water cannot flow directly from the insert to exit through the openings 205 in the 20 longitudinal grooves without first passing through the adjoining cavity passageways 213 and 214.
Figure 10 shows the insert 208 in a perspective view, as approximately an inverted truncated cone shape with the large diameter end open. The webs 210 are 25 uniformly disposed around the outer surface, extending vertically from the small diameter end of the truncated cone to the top position 211 just below the large diameter end 212. ~isposed around the small diameter end of the truncated cone, and between each of the webs 30 210, are small openings 209 that allow water to pass from the granulate mixture into the cavity passageways 213 and 214 formed between the webs on the insert and the cartridge side wall.
The insert is self-guiding as it is pressed 35 sealingly into the purification cartridge, and locates automatically in the desired position. It will be appreciated that there are twice as many webs 210 on the insert as there are longitudinal grooves 204, and the side portion of the grooves 218 join together at point 216 to guide the insert webs between the grooves.
Adjacent to the bottom surface of the cartridge, the 5 depth and width of the longitudinal groove section entirely fills the cavity 214. These features provide self-alignment, as the insert 208 is pressed into the filter cartridge.
Figure 11 should be viewed at D-D in Figure 9, and 10 shows a section through the insert 208 just above the top position of each web 211. The filtered water flows through small openings 209 in the insert, and upward through passageway 213, and over the top of the web 211, and downward through passageway 214. The inverted 15 truncated cone shape 208 of the insert is held sealingly against the inner surface 217 of each longitudinal groove 204, to ensure water flows in the desired direction through the passageways 213 and 214.
As with the embodiment of Figures 9 to 13, the 20 embodiment of Figures 14 to 17 has at least one, and preferably three or more, longitudinal grooves 304 disposed around the cartridge side wall 307. The longitudinal grooves 304 extend vertically at least part way up the side wall 307 from the bottom surface 315 of 25 the cartridge. The grooves 304 are generally U-shaped, or V-shaped in cross-section, and terminate at least part way up the side wall at position 216 in the upper portion of the container. Even more preferably, the end of each longitudinal groove blends into the side 30 wall of the container to form a smooth band around the inside surface of the container, as shown in Figure 13.
Above this band, on the inside surface of the container, is a means for sealing a cup-shaped insert when inserted into the container. The means is preferably a 35 continuous protuberance as described herein with relation to other embodiments.
Shown in Figure 14 is a vertical section through the device, with the view showing a substantially frustoconical insert 308 in the assembled position inside the container 307. Insert 308 has a bottom 323 with openings 319 therein. The right hand side of the 5 drawing shows the longitudinal groove 304 blending into the container side wall, somewhat below a continuous protuberance 306 around the inside surface of the container. The protuberance holds in locking engagement the open end of the insert 308 against the inner surface 10 of the container 307.
As seen in Figure 15, the open end 312 of the insert is curvilinear in cross-section, to merge sealingly with the container inner surface when held by the continuous protuberance 306. It will be appreciated 15 that it is possible to stack a number of inserts in a nesting relationship, to facilitate storage and positioning during the manufacture and assembly of the filter cartridge. ~oreover, the frustoconical configuration of the insert 308 assists movement past 20 the protuberance 306 during assembly. It is to be noted an interlocking relationship between the open end 312 of the insert and the continuous protuberance 306 is intended to prevent inadvertent removal of insert 308, and open end 312 of the insert is made the same size, or 25 slightly larger than the inside diameter of the container surface it engages.
During assembly of the filter cartridge, the insert 308 is guided into position by the inner surface 317 of each longitudinal groove 304, and by two or more 30 generally vertical radial webs 310 on the inside of the container. There are two webs equally disposed around the container side wall for each of the longitudinal grooves. The webs 310 extend up the side wall 307 from the bottom surface 315 of the container, at least part 35 way toward the protuberance 306 around the inside of the container. The insert 308 is sealingly held against the container side wall 307 by the protuberance 306, CA 02230436 l998-02-l7 sealingly held against the inner surface 317 of each longitudinal groove 304, and sealingly held against each web 310.
Although the insert 308 resists all downward 5 movement beyond the sealing contact with each longitudinal groove and the vertical webs in the container side wall, it is still possible that the weight of granulate in a moist condition may cause the insert bottom 323 to sag or dilate. In that occurrence 10 a reduction in the height of the horizontal cavity 322 would restrict the flow of water from the openings 319.
Because the insert 308 iS preferably made from the same resilient plastic material as the container 307, it is advantageous to extend one or more vertical webs 321 from the bottom surface of the container 315 to contact with the insert. This reduces the risk of the bottom surface of the insert dilating and restricting the flow of water.
In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, water percolates through the granulate and through small openings 319 in the small end of the insert 308, and flows into a horizontal cavity 322 formed between the small end of the insert and the bottom surface 315 of the container. As will be appreciated from Figures 14 and 17, purified water flows outward in cavity 322 to the container side wall, but is prevented from entering the passageway 314 formed between the longitudinal groove 304 and the adjacent webs 310, by an upstanding projection 320 on the bottom surface 315 of the container.
The upstanding projections 320 may be viewed as minor segments of a circle that encompasses the inner surface 317 of each longitudinal groove and the generally vertical edge of the webs 310. In Figure 14 iS shown the sealing relationship of the projecting segments 320 against the insert 308, that precludes water entry from the horizontal cavity 322. As best seen in Figure 17, each projecting segment 320 effectively spans the distance between each longitudinal groove and the adjacent webs, and is sealingly attached to the surfaces.
It will be appreciated from Figures 16 and 17 that water may only flow in an upward direction from the bottom of the cartridge through the passageway 313, which is formed between adjacent webs 310, and the side wall 307 of the container and insert 308. In the upper 10 portion of the passageway 313, water passes over the top 311 of each web, whereupon, the direction is reversed, and water flows downward in the passageway 314 formed between each longitudinal groove 304 and adjacent web 310.
As seen in Figures 14 and 17, purified water exits the cartridge from small openings 324 shown in the bottom surface of the container 315. Although the small openings may be of various configurations, it is advantageous for the openings to be contained in 20 peripheral areas of the bottom surface near the container side wall, joined by the longitudinal groove 304, the adjacent web 310, and the projecting segment 320.
The flow of water, being out of the insert 308 and 25 upward over the top of the webs 311, ensures that a pool of water is retained within the cartridge, which will contain any sediment or small particles of purification media from the granulate mixture. Typically about 10-15% of the interior volume of the cartridge is provided 30 for the horizontal cavity 322, and passageways 313 and 314. Purified water and any sediment or small particles of purification media retained within the cartridge cannot be drained by the normal action of pouring, through lifting and tilting the jug.
It will be understood that there may be a plurality of vertical passages, so that the water must follow a serpentine passage before exiting through openings 324.

Claims

1. A cartridge for a water purification device comprising a jug which has a pouring spout and a funnel with a funnel tube pointing downwardly into the jug, said cartridge having releasable sealing means for preventing water from passing between the cartridge and the funnel tube, and said cartridge having an imaginary first longitudinal line on the periphery of the cartridge which may be aligned with an imaginary second longitudinal line on the funnel tube, said second imaginary line being closest to the spout, wherein the cartridge comprises:
i) a container, which has an outer shell with a side wall and a bottom, an inner shell with a side wall and a bottom, wherein said container is for holding a water purification medium, said container and jug having means to align the first and second imaginary lines together, and ii) a cartridge cover attached to the container, said cartridge cover having at least one aperture therein for ingress of water from the funnel, said cartridge cover and container being in fluid communication, said outer shell side wall having a plurality of small openings, at least on a portion of the container which is adjacent to the first imaginary line; said inner and outer shells forming at least one passageway between the inner and outer shells, and said inner shell having a plurality of small openings in or adjacent to a bottom of the inner shell such that water may flow from an interior of the inner shell to the passageway only through the small openings in the inner shell;
said cartridge having means for retaining water and any small particles of purification media in the bottom of the cartridge, said means being selected from the group consisting of a) a partial dome extending upwardly from the bottom of the inner shell, wherein the partial dome has a cavity which faces away from the first imaginary line, and wherein the small openings in the outer shell side wall are further from the bottom of the cartridge than the small openings in the inner shell, and b) at least one weir and a siphon break in the passageway between the inner shell and the outer shell, said siphon break being between the weir and the small openings in the outer shell, said weir extending upwardly from the bottom of the cartridge, wherein the small openings in the inner shell are adjacent a position distal from the first imaginary line and the small openings in the outer shell are in or adjacent to the bottom of the container.

2. A cartridge for a water purification device comprising a jug which has a pouring spout and a funnel with a funnel tube pointing downwardly into the jug, said cartridge having releasable sealing means for preventing water from passing between the cartridge and the funnel tube, wherein the cartridge comprises:
i) a container, which has an outer shell with a side wall and a bottom, an inner shell with a side wall and a bottom, wherein said container is for holding a water purification medium, and ii) a cartridge cover attached to the container, said cartridge cover having at least one aperture therein for ingress of water from the funnel, said cartridge cover and container being in fluid communication, said outer shell having a plurality of small openings for passage of water out of the container into a lower portion of the jug; said inner and outer shells forming at least one first passageway between the inner and outer shells, and said inner shell having a plurality of small openings in or adjacent to a bottom of the inner shell such water may flow from an interior of the inner shell to the passageway only through the small openings in the inner shell;

said outer shell having at least one outer groove extending part-way up the outer shell, said outer groove being defined by an inner wall and two side walls, there also being walls adjacent to the side walls such that there is a second passageway between the side walls and the adjacent walls, and the adjacent walls form a weir for passage of water from the first passageway to the second passageway.

3. A cartridge according to Claim 1 wherein the inner shell of the container is an insert which has a side wall, a bottom, and an open top with a rim, said insert being within the outer shell and having a plurality of small openings placed in a position selected from the group consisting of a) adjacent to the insert bottom and b) in the insert bottom, and the means for retaining water and any small particles of purification media in the bottom of the cartridge, comprises a partial dome extending upwardly from the bottom of the inner shell, wherein the partial dome has a cavity which faces away from the first imaginary line, and wherein the small openings in the outer shell side wall are further from the bottom of the cartridge than the small openings in the inner shell.

4. A cartridge according to Claim 1 wherein the outer shell is provided with means for holding the top rim and the bottom of the insert, in which the means for holding the top rim comprises a plurality of protuberances on an inner surface of the outer shell, which engages with the top rim of the insert to seal the top rim against the outer shell.

5. A cartridge according to Claim 1 wherein a centre portion of the bottom of the insert bottom has an opening directly below the partial dome shape, with means to sealingly hold the insert against the bottom of the container.

6. A cartridge according to Claim 9 wherein the plurality of openings in the bottom of the inner shell comprise a mesh covering.

7. A cartridge according to Claim 1 wherein the means for retaining some water in the bottom of the cartridge, said means comprises at least one weir and a siphon break in the passageway between the inner shell and the outer shell, said siphon break being between the weir and the small openings in the outer shell, said weir extending upwardly from the bottom of the cartridge, wherein the small openings in the inner shell are adjacent a position distal from the first imaginary line and the small openings in the outer shell are in or adjacent to the bottom of the container.

8. A cartridge according to Claim 7 wherein there is a first weir on each side of a position distal from the first imaginary line, with small openings in the inner shell being adjacent to a position distal to the first imaginary line and leading to a passageway between the first weirs, and wherein the siphon break comprises a second weir between the first weir and a position adjacent the first imaginary line, said first and second weirs extending longitudinally from the bottom of the outer shell, and the second weir extending further from the bottom of the outer shell than the first weir, and wherein the small openings in the outer shell are adjacent the bottom of the container but absent from the portion of the outer shell leading to the passageway between the two weirs.

9. A cartridge according to Claim 1 wherein the cartridge has aligning means for aligning the first and second imaginary lines, said aligning means being selected from the group consisting of a) a longitudinal groove extending from the bottom of the outer shell at least part way up the outer shell side wall, said longitudinal groove being cooperable with a corresponding longitudinal projection in the funnel tube and b) a longitudinal projection extending from the bottom of the outer shell at least part way up the outer shell side wall, said longitudinal projection being cooperable with a corresponding longitudinal groove in the funnel tube.

10. A cartridge according to Claim 4 wherein the cartridge has aligning means for aligning the first and second imaginary lines, said aligning means being selected from the group consisting of a) a longitudinal groove extending from the bottom of the outer shell at least part way up the outer shell side wall, said longitudinal groove being cooperable with a corresponding longitudinal projection in the funnel tube and b) a longitudinal projection extending from the bottom of the outer shell at least part way up the outer shell side wall, said longitudinal projection being cooperable with a corresponding longitudinal groove in the funnel tube.

11. A cartridge according to Claim 6 wherein the cartridge has aligning means for aligning the first and second imaginary lines, said aligning means being selected from the group consisting of a) a longitudinal groove extending from the bottom of the outer shell at least part way up the outer shell side wall, said longitudinal groove being cooperable with a corresponding longitudinal projection in the funnel tube and b) a longitudinal projection extending from the bottom of the outer shell at least part way up the outer shell side wall, said longitudinal projection being cooperable with a corresponding longitudinal groove in the funnel tube.

12. A cartridge according to Claim 7 wherein the cartridge has aligning means for aligning the first and second imaginary lines, said aligning means being selected from the group consisting of a) a longitudinal groove extending from the bottom of the outer shell at least part way up the outer shell side wall, said longitudinal groove being cooperable with a corresponding longitudinal projection in the funnel tube and b) a longitudinal projection extending from the bottom of the outer shell at least part way up the outer shell side wall, said longitudinal projection being cooperable with a corresponding longitudinal groove in the funnel tube.

13. A cartridge according to Claim 8 wherein the cartridge has aligning means for aligning the first and second imaginary lines, said aligning means being selected from the group consisting of a) a longitudinal groove extending from the bottom of the outer shell at least part way up the outer shell side wall, said longitudinal groove being cooperable with a corresponding longitudinal projection in the funnel tube and b) a longitudinal projection extending from the bottom of the outer shell at least part way up the outer shell side wall, said longitudinal projection being cooperable with a corresponding longitudinal groove in the funnel tube.

14. A cartridge according to Claim 2 wherein the adjacent walls and the second passageway are part of the outer shell.

15. A cartridge according to Claim 2 wherein the adjacent walls are part of the inner shell and the adjacent walls are sealingly engaged with the outer shell.

16. A cartridge according to Claim 2 wherein there are from two to six outer grooves equidistantly spaced around the outer shell.