CN114364443A - Filter base for electronic connection to mating filter housing assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A filter base for receiving a complementary mating filter housing assembly. The filter base includes a base platform having fluid inlet and outlet legs, and a harness assembly including a connector housing integral with or connected to the base platform for establishing an electrical connection between the filter base and the filter housing assembly. The wire harness assembly includes a conductor extending between a first connector and a second connector, wherein one or more resilient contacts are disposed on the second connector. The connector housing has an upper surface and an oppositely facing lower surface and is sized to receive a first end portion of one or more contacts. The contacts may flex from a first position to a second position when the mating portion of the one or more contacts engages the mating connection surface of the filter housing assembly. The mating connection surface may be a circuit pad of a printed circuit board, wherein the contact mating portion is configured to be positioned in mechanical and electrical engagement with the circuit pad when the filter housing assembly is received in the filter base.

Description

Filter base for electronic connection to mating filter housing assembly

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a filter apparatus, in particular to a filter housing apparatus to facilitate easy removal and replacement of the filter housing from mechanical supports, and to a push-on filter design that activates a floating key lock, wherein the key can be used both as a lock and as an identifier for specific filter attributes. The mechanical support may be in line with and in fluid communication with the inflow and outflow conduits, for example in a refrigerator. More particularly, the present invention relates to a filter housing and mount, wherein the filter housing can be attached to and removed from the mount by a push-actuated release. Controlled attachment or detachment of a filter sump containing filter media may be initiated by pushing the sump axially toward a mechanical support. Certain key lock designs allow a user to identify and match certain filter configurations accommodated by the mechanical support and reject other filter configurations. An internal closure activated by a push-actuated release may block spillage during filter housing removal and replacement. The mechanical support may include a filter base for establishing an electrical connection between the filter base and the filter housing apparatus to allow for electronic authentication of the filter housing assembly, or for analysis of other criteria associated with the filter cartridge, such as whether the filter media has reached the end of its useful life.

Background

The present invention relates to a water filtration system having a locking and unlocking mechanism for replacing the filter when the filter media has reached its useful life. The use of liquid filtration devices is well known in the art, as shown in U.S. Pat. nos. 5,135,645, 5,914,037, and 6,632,355. Although these patents show filters for water filtration, the filters are difficult to replace due to their design and arrangement. For example, U.S. patent No. 5,135,645 discloses a filter cartridge that is a plug-in cartridge having a series of switches to prevent water flow when the cartridge is removed for replacement. The filter must be manually inserted and removed and a switch activated to activate the valve mechanism to prevent water flow when the filter is removed. The lid of the filter is placed in the side wall of the refrigerator and is used to activate the switch that activates the valve. The filter inlet is coplanar with the refrigerator wall and forces difficult access to the filter cartridge.

U.S. patent application No. 11/511,599 to Huda filed on 28.8.2006 entitled: in FILTER HOUSING APPARATUS WITH rotary FILTER changing mechanism (FILTER using APPARATUS WITH ROTATING FILTER REPLACEMENT MECHANISM), a FILTER assembly WITH a rotator actuating mechanism including a first internal rotator and a second internal rotator is taught as an effective way to insert, lock and remove a FILTER HOUSING from its base. A simple push mechanism actuates the self-driven release and switch device to hold and release the filter housing sump and provide a water inlet shut off to prevent leakage and spillage. At the beginning of the filter change-out process, the rotary shut-off and locking mechanism is activated and released by an axial force acting on the filter housing.

The present invention is particularly applicable to a water filtration system for a refrigerator having a water dispensing device and an optional ice dispensing device. Water or water and ice used in refrigerators may contain contaminants from municipal water sources or from underground wells or aquifers. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a water filtration system to remove rust, sand, silt, dirt, sediment, heavy metals, microbial contaminants, such as giardia sporins, chlorine, pesticides, mercury, benzene, toluene, MTBE, cadmium bacteria, viruses, and other known contaminants. Particularly useful water filtration media for microbial contamination include those found in U.S. patent nos. 6,872,311, 6,835,311, 6,797,167, 6,630,016, 5,331,037 and 5,147,722, and are incorporated herein by reference. One of the uses of the present filter device is as a water filtering device for a refrigerator. A refrigerator is a household appliance having an outer cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the outer cabinet and having a rear wall, a pair of opposing side walls, at least one door disposed opposite the rear wall, a top and a bottom, and a freezer compartment disposed within the outer cabinet and adjacent the fresh food compartment. Refrigerators typically have a water dispenser disposed within the door and in fluid communication with a source of water and a filter for filtering the water. In addition, refrigerators typically have an ice dispenser in the door and are in fluid communication with a water source and a filter for filtering the water. It has been found that the filter assembly of the present invention can be used as a filter for a refrigerator having a water dispenser and/or an ice dispenser.

Disclosure of Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to a filter base for receiving a complementary mating filter housing assembly, the filter base comprising: a base platform having fluid inlet and outlet ports; and a wire harness assembly for establishing an electrical connection between the filter base and a complementary mating filter housing assembly, the wire harness assembly comprising: a first connector; a second connector; a conductor extending between the first connector and the second connector; one or more contacts disposed on the second connector, the one or more contacts being deflectable from a first position to a second position when a mating portion of the one or more contacts engages a mating connection surface of a complementary mating filter housing assembly; and a connector housing integral with or connected to the base platform, the connector housing having an upper surface and an oppositely facing lower surface and a contact-receiving enclosure extending from the upper surface, the contact-receiving enclosure being sized to receive a first end portion of one or more contacts.

The one or more contacts may include a termination portion mounted on the second connector at the first end portion and received in the contact receiving housing, a flexible portion extending from the termination portion, and a substrate engagement portion extending from the flexible portion, and wherein the one or more contact mating portions include the substrate engagement portion.

One or more of the contact termination portions may include a folded region proximate the free end forming an insulation displacement slot that mates with a conductor extending between the first connector and the second connector.

The filter base further includes a contact receiving projection extending from a lower surface of the connector housing, the contact receiving projection including a slot sized to receive and retain a portion of the fold region of the termination portion of the one or more contacts therein.

The filter base further includes a conductor-receiving conduit integral with the connector housing upper and lower surfaces, the conductor-receiving conduit sized to receive a portion of the conductor extending between the first connector and the second connector, wherein the conductor positioned in the conductor-receiving conduit extends through the contact-receiving housing.

The mating connection surface may be a circuit pad of a printed circuit board of a complementary mating filter housing assembly, and wherein the one or more contact mating portions have a curved contact portion configured to be positioned in mechanical and electrical engagement with the circuit pad when the complementary mating filter housing assembly is received within the filter base.

The connector housing is partially disposed within the laterally extending slotted portion of the base platform.

In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a combination filter base and filter housing assembly, the combination comprising: a filter base having fluid inlet and outlet ports on a base platform; a wire harness assembly for establishing an electrical connection between the filter base and the filter housing assembly, the wire harness assembly comprising: a first connector; a second connector; a conductor extending between the first connector and the second connector; one or more contacts disposed on the second connector, the one or more contacts being deflectable from a first position to a second position when the deflected contact portion of the one or more contacts engages a mating connection surface of a complementary mating filter housing assembly; and a connector housing integral with or connected to the base platform, the connector housing having an upper surface and an oppositely facing lower surface and a contact-receiving enclosure extending from the upper surface, the contact-receiving enclosure being dimensioned to receive a first end portion of one or more contacts; and a filter housing for enclosing the filter media, the filter housing having a main body and a top portion for forming a fluid seal with the main body, the filter housing top portion including a mating connection surface for engaging the one or more contact mating portions to establish an electrical connection between the filter base and the filter housing assembly, the mating connection surface being configured to mechanically and electrically engage the curved contact portions of the one or more contacts when the filter housing is received within the filter base.

The one or more contacts may have a termination portion mounted on the second connector at the first end portion and received in the contact receiving housing, a flexible portion extending from the termination portion, and a substrate engagement portion extending from the flexible portion, and wherein the one or more contact bend contact portions include the substrate engagement portion.

The one or more contacts of the filter base flex from a first position to a second position when the curved contact portions of the one or more contacts engage the mating connection surface of the filter housing top portion.

The mating connection surface may be a circuit pad of a printed circuit board located on or connected to the top portion of the filter housing.

A printed circuit board housing is located at or connected to the filter housing top portion, the printed circuit board housing including a recess for receiving a printed circuit board therein and for connecting the printed circuit board to the filter housing top portion.

The filter housing top portion includes inlet and outlet ports located along a chord line that does not intersect an axial center of the filter housing top portion such that a diametrical line extending perpendicularly through the chord line is divided into unequal portions, the inlet and outlet ports being received within inlet and outlet struts of the filter base.

The filter housing top portion inlet and outlet ports each extend vertically upward from the cartridge housing top portion in a direction parallel to the axial center, wherein the inlet and outlet ports each have at least one approximately cylindrical cross-section portion or section, including a first section forming the top portion of the inlet and outlet ports, a third section adjacent the housing top portion, and a second section located between the first and third sections, the second section having at least one hole or cavity for fluid flow, the first and third sections having a first diameter, and the second section having a second diameter that is not equal to the first diameter.

The inlet port and outlet port second section may be formed in an hourglass shape.

The inlet port second section cavity and the outlet port second section cavity are exposed in a direction opposite to the filter housing top portion mating connection surface.

The combination further comprises: a filter key located on or connected to the filter housing top portion, the filter key including an extended attachment member having an at least partially exposed bottom surface that releasably engages a top surface of the at least one shaped protrusion when the filter key is inserted into a locking member located on the filter base in the axial insertion direction, thereby inhibiting extraction of the filter housing assembly.

The combination further includes an electronic circuit component housing disposed adjacent the filter key and having a recess for receiving the electronic circuit component therein and for further connecting the electronic circuit component to the top portion of the filter housing, the mating connection surface in electrical communication with the electronic circuit component.

In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for attaching a filter housing assembly to a filter base, the filter base including a base platform and a wire harness assembly for establishing an electrical connection between the filter base and the filter housing assembly, the wire harness assembly including a first connector, a second connector, conductors extending between the first connector and the second connector, and one or more contacts disposed on the second connector and bent from a first position to a second position when bent contact portions of the one or more contacts engage mating connection surfaces of a complementary mating filter housing assembly, and further including a connector housing integral with or connected to the base platform, the connector housing having an upper surface and an oppositely facing lower surface and a contact-receiving shell extending from the upper surface, the contact-receiving housing dimensioned to receive a first end portion of one or more contacts, the method comprising: inserting the inlet and outlet ports of the filter housing assembly into the inlet and outlet legs of the filter base to generate a resilient withdrawal force in the axial insertion direction; inserting a filter key of a filter housing assembly into a locking member of a filter base; upon insertion, engaging a mating connection surface of the filter housing with the one or more contact bend contact portions to establish an electrical connection between the filter base and the filter housing assembly such that the one or more contacts of the wire assembly bend from the first position to the second position and remain engaged with the mating connection surface during bending; and releasing the filter housing assembly such that the resilient extraction force acts on the filter key attachment member in the axial extraction direction to engage the filter key attachment member bottom contact surface with the top surface of the drive key opposite the locking member to inhibit extraction of the filter housing assembly.

In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure relates to a refrigerator comprising a filter base configured to receive a filter cartridge assembly, wherein the filter base comprises: a base platform having fluid inlet and outlet ports; and a wire harness assembly for establishing an electrical connection between the filter base and a complementary mating filter housing assembly, the wire harness assembly comprising: a first connector; a second connector; a conductor extending between the first connector and the second connector; one or more contacts disposed on the second connector, the one or more contacts flexing from a first position to a second position when a mating portion of the one or more contacts engage a mating connection surface of a complementary mating filter housing assembly; and a connector housing integral with or connected to the base platform, the connector housing having an upper surface and an oppositely facing lower surface and a contact-receiving enclosure extending from the upper surface, the contact-receiving enclosure being dimensioned to receive a first end portion of one or more contacts; and wherein the filter cartridge assembly comprises a housing having a substantially cylindrical body and a top portion for forming a fluid seal with the body, the housing top portion having an axial center and further comprising: an inlet port and an outlet port extending from the housing top portion, each of the inlet port and the outlet port having a body with a top section, a middle section, and a bottom section adjacent the housing top section and in fluid communication with the cylindrical body, the inlet port and the outlet port top section having at least one seal at a connection with the middle section, and the inlet port and the outlet port bottom section having at least one seal at a connection with the middle section, each of the seals having an outer surface first diameter, and the inlet port and the outlet port middle section having an outer surface with a diameter extending less than the respective seal first diameters of the inlet port and the outlet port such that the inlet port middle section and the outlet port middle section are formed in an hourglass shape; a filter key located on or connected to the housing for mating attachment to the filter base, the filter key comprising an extended finger comprising a contact portion and an adjacent side on one side, the contact portion forming a first angle with respect to the housing top portion in a first direction, the adjacent side forming a second angle with respect to the housing top portion in the first direction, such that the first angle and the second angle are not equal; and optionally, an electronic circuit component housing disposed adjacent the filter key and having a recess for receiving the electronic circuit component therein and for further connecting the electronic circuit component to the housing top portion, the electronic circuit component housing being located in or connected to the filter cartridge assembly housing.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a filter housing apparatus mounted on a base with an automatic locking mechanism for simple replacement and removal.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a surface mounted filter housing apparatus having a pressure activated non-rotating locking means for replacement and removal.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a filter housing apparatus for use with a water and/or ice dispensing apparatus whereby filtered water is provided to the water and/or ice dispensing apparatus.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a filter base apparatus for establishing an electrical connection between a filter base and a mating filter housing assembly that allows for electronic verification of the filter housing assembly or for analysis of other criteria associated with the filter cartridge, such as whether the filter media in a replaceable filter cartridge has reached the end of its useful life.

Drawings

The features of the invention believed to be novel and the elements characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The figures are for illustrative purposes only and are not drawn to scale. The invention itself, however, both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the detailed description which follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a top exploded view of one embodiment of the filter assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a side plan view of the embodiment of the filter housing assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C depicts a perspective view of a filter housing assembly with reinforcing ribs extending at least partially down the outer surface of the filter housing.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a filter key of the present invention.

Fig. 2B is a lateral side view of the filter key of fig. 2A.

Fig. 2C depicts a bottom plan view of the filter key of fig. 2A showing a groove and locking tab for attachment.

Fig. 2D depicts a perspective view of the opposite side of the filter key of fig. 2C.

FIG. 2E depicts a bottom view of the filter key of FIG. 2A.

Fig. 2F is a longitudinal side view of the filter key of fig. 2A.

Fig. 2G depicts a slotted groove that includes a wider upper portion for securely keying the filter to the filter head or filter manifold.

Fig. 2H is a side view of the filter key depicting an angled ramp section extending at least partially the length of the bottom surface of the filter key.

Fig. 2I depicts a complementary sloped ramp section for the filter key of fig. 2H.

Fig. 2J depicts a side view, in partial cross-section, of the filter head showing a mating protrusion for interlocking with a grooved groove on the filter key and a complementary sloped ramp section for interlocking with a ramp section on the bottom edge of the filter key.

FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a floating or sliding lock of the present invention.

Fig. 3B is a perspective view from the opposite side of the floating lock of fig. 3A.

Fig. 3C is a lateral side view of the floating lock of fig. 3A.

FIG. 3D depicts a top view of the floating lock of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3E depicts a cross-sectional longitudinal side view of the floating lock of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a filter manifold.

Fig. 4B is a top plan view of a second embodiment of a filter manifold having extended support members.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a filter manifold.

Figure 5A is a side view of one embodiment of the filter head of the present invention.

Figure 5B is a bottom perspective view of the filter head of figure 5A.

Figure 5C is a top perspective view of the filter head of figure 5A.

Fig. 5D is another embodiment of a filter head with a snap-fit lock for the filter key.

Figure 5E is a bottom perspective view of the filter head of figure 5D.

Fig. 5F is a top perspective view of the filter head depicting the aperture for receiving the filter key.

Fig. 5G depicts a one-piece or unitary filter head/filter manifold configuration having inlet and outlet ports for fluid flow.

Figure 5H is a side view of the one-piece, one-piece filter head of figure 5G.

Fig. 5I is a bottom view of the one-piece, one-piece filter head of fig. 5G depicting an off-axis central cylinder for receiving an end cap port of a filter cartridge.

Fig. 6A and 6B are exploded views of a second embodiment of the filter assembly of the present invention showing the filter key with an extended boss.

Fig. 7A is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the filter key of the present invention having an extended boss.

Fig. 7B is a bottom perspective view of the filter key of fig. 7A.

FIG. 7C depicts a top plan view of the filter key of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7D depicts a side plan view of the filter key of FIG. 7A.

Fig. 7E depicts an end or lateral side view of the embodiment of the filter key of fig. 7A, showing a boss elevated above the plane created by the finger, and two wings extending laterally outward from the boss.

FIG. 7F is a perspective view of another embodiment of the filter key of the present invention showing the locking tab on the bottom of the lateral side.

FIG. 8A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the floating lock of the present invention.

Fig. 8B is a top view of the floating lock of fig. 8A.

Fig. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the floating lock of fig. 8A depicting the drive key at one end of the floating lock on the longitudinal or side panel.

Fig. 8D depicts an exploded view of the drive key of fig. 8C, showing edge angles and faces.

FIG. 8E depicts a perspective view of a floating lock with an extension member.

Fig. 8F is a side view of the floating lock of fig. 8E with an extension member.

FIG. 8G is a side or cross-sectional view of the floating lock of FIG. 8E with an extension member.

Fig. 9A is a perspective view of a non-floating port of the present invention.

Fig. 9B is a top plan view of the non-floating port of fig. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a top plan view of one embodiment of the back plate of the present invention.

Fig. 10B is a bottom perspective view of the back plate of fig. 10A.

Fig. 10C is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the back plate of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the filter assembly of the present invention showing a filter key with bosses attached to a filter manifold with extension supports.

Fig. 12A is a front view of another embodiment of a filter assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 12B is a front top perspective view of the filter assembly of FIG. 12A.

Fig. 12C is a rear top perspective view of the filter assembly of fig. 12A.

Fig. 12D is a rear view of the filter assembly of fig. 12A.

FIG. 12E is an enlarged, fragmentary, rear top perspective view of the filter assembly of FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13A is a front top perspective view of a filter key for use with the filter assembly embodiment of FIG. 12A.

Fig. 13B is a rear perspective view of the filter key of fig. 13A.

Fig. 13C is a side view of the filter key of fig. 13A.

Fig. 14A is a top view of the embodiment of the filter assembly of fig. 12A with the printed circuit board secured directly to the filter housing top portion without the PCB housing.

Fig. 14B is a partial perspective view of the filter assembly embodiment of fig. 14A.

Fig. 14C is a partial front view of the filter assembly of fig. 14A.

Fig. 14D is a partial side view of the filter assembly of fig. 14A.

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of an electrical connector and wiring harness for use in a filter assembly according to the present invention.

Fig. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the electrical connector and wiring harness of fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector and the wiring harness of fig. 15.

Fig. 18 is an enlarged view of several contacts of the electrical connector of fig. 17.

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of an electrical connector and wiring harness for use in the filter assembly according to the present invention.

Fig. 20 is a bottom perspective view of the electrical connector and wiring harness of fig. 19.

Fig. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the electrical connector and the wiring harness of fig. 19.

FIG. 22 is an upward facing perspective view of another embodiment of a filter base according to the present invention.

Fig. 22A is a downward facing perspective view of the filter base of fig. 22.

FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of a third embodiment of an electrical connector and wiring harness for use in a filter assembly according to the present invention.

Fig. 24 is a bottom perspective view of the electrical connector and wiring harness of fig. 23.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a filter base including an electrical connector and a wiring harness for connecting to a mating filter housing assembly according to the present invention.

Fig. 26 is an enlarged perspective view of the filter base and wire assembly of fig. 25.

Fig. 27 is a bottom plan view of the filter base and wire assembly of fig. 25.

Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the filter base and wire assembly of fig. 24 in combination with a mating filter housing assembly.

Fig. 29 is an enlarged perspective view of the combination filter assembly of fig. 28.

Fig. 30 is an upward facing perspective view of the floating lock of fig. 27.

Fig. 30A is an enlarged view of the device key of fig. 30 depicting a receiving wedge with an extended shelf portion.

Detailed Description

In describing embodiments of the present invention, reference will be made herein to fig. 1 through 30A of the drawings in which like numerals refer to like features of the invention. The features of the invention are not necessarily shown to scale.

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. For example, words such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "horizontal," "vertical," "upward," "downward," longitudinal, transverse, radial, "clockwise," or "counterclockwise" merely describe the configuration shown in the figures. Indeed, the referenced components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to identify similar elements.

Additionally, in the subject specification, the words "exemplary," "illustrative," and the like are used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" is intended only to present concepts in a concrete fashion.

The present invention relates to a filter housing assembly for filtering liquids, including intercepting chemical, particulate and/or microbial contaminants. The use of a mechanical locking assembly of the filter housing without the excessive force and tight tolerances necessary in prior art filter housings allows for easy and frequent filter replacement and optimization of filter performance. The filter housing assembly of the present invention provides simplified filter replacement to minimize process downtime and without the aid of tools. A simple push mechanism actuates the self-driven release and switch means to hold and release the filter housing sump or cartridge and provide a water inlet shut-off to prevent leakage and spillage. The floating or sliding lock, which responds to axial insertion force from the filter cartridge, moves perpendicular or radial to the axial movement of the sump and allows the insertion of a particular connector or filter key into the floating lock. Once inserted, the floating lock retracts toward its original position under the influence of a spring force, such as two springs in series, or other complementary spring mechanism, that holds the floating lock under retraction tension as it moves from its original position. The combination of the filter key and the floating lock allows for the identification of a particular filter model and may be configured to reject all filter types except a particular filter type.

Removal of the filter cartridge is performed in the same manner. The axial insertion force radially moves the floating lock, which allows the filter key to be removed from the floating lock. The extraction force provided by spring tension or the like helps push the cartridge out of its seat. At the beginning of the filter change process, the fluid shut-off and locking mechanism is activated by an axial force acting on the filter cartridge.

The invention is described below with reference to its use in conjunction with a water treatment system and the operation of the water treatment system. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be applied to any device requiring the filtration of a liquid.

FIG. 1A is a top exploded view of an embodiment of the filter assembly of the present invention. The filter assembly may be fixedly secured in place within an operating environment requiring fluid filtration, such as attached to an interior side wall of a refrigerator, although other operating environments are certainly contemplated and the filter assembly may be used in any number of environments in which the filter assembly may enter and may be in fluid communication with the inflow and outflow fluid inlet ports. For purposes of illustration only, the application of filtering water being piped into a refrigerator is discussed.

The filter housing assembly 200 includes a removable, removable canister or sump of the filter assembly that is removable from the filter base 100. The filter housing assembly 200 includes: a filter housing 1 enclosing a filter medium 8; a filter head 2 attached at one end to the filter housing 1 and at the other end to the filter manifold 3 and the non-floating port 11. A connector or filter key 5 is attached to the filter manifold 3. The filter base 100 includes a non-floating port 11 having a base platform 1104, a locking member or floating lock 12, and a back plate 13. The filter head 2 is fixed to the filter housing 1 with a watertight fit. This attachment scheme may be made by watertight screw fitting, bonding, welding or other watertight fastening mechanisms commonly used in the art for sealing abutting components, typically abutting plastic components. As discussed in further detail below, filter key 5 is connected to filter manifold 3. Filter key 5 may be formed as a unitary piece with filter manifold 3 or may be securely attached by other methods such as bonding, welding, press fitting, friction fitting, etc. The filter key 5 may also be removably attached for replacement by the end user. A filter manifold 3 is attached to the filter head 2. The filter medium 8 is located in the filter housing 1. Each end of the filter media 8 is secured by a cover that facilitates the direction of fluid being processed by the filter. At one end, the filter media 8 is secured by a closed end cap 7 and at the other end by an open end cap 6. The filter medium 8 may be any filter medium known in the art, preferably a carbon block filter. It is generally shaped in a similar manner as the filter housing 1, in one embodiment the filter housing 1 is cylindrical. The open end cap 6 is designed to interface and be in fluid communication with the filter head 2.

In another embodiment, the filter housing 1 may comprise reinforcing ribs 16 located longitudinally on the outer surface of the filter housing. Fig. 1C depicts a perspective view of filter housing assembly 200 having a row of reinforcing ribs extending at least partially along the outer surface of filter housing 1. The stiffening ribs 16 also serve as guides for inserting the filter housing assembly 200 into a shroud (not shown), which may be part of the mounting assembly, to ensure proper alignment with the filter base 100. The reinforcing ribs 16 are preferably formed integrally with the filter housing 1, but may also be attached as separate components. The ribs 16 may extend the entire length of the filter housing 1 or, as shown, may extend to a point intermediate the end caps 6,7 of the filter housing assembly 200.

The filter housing assembly 200 is a finished assembly comprising a filter housing 1, the filter housing 1 enclosing a filter medium 8 by a closed end cap 7 at one end and an open end cap 6 at the other end. Typically, O-rings, such as O-ring 9, are used to prevent water leakage where the different components are intended to mate. The filter manifold 3 and filter key 5 are connected to the filter head 2 and secured to the filter housing 1 to form an assembled filter housing apparatus 200. These components may be integral, permanently affixed, or removably connected to each other and to the filter head 2. FIG. 1B is a side plan view of an embodiment of the filter assembly of the present invention.

Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the connector or filter key 5.

Fig. 2B is a lateral side view of the filter key 5. As previously described, the bottom of filter key 5 is attached to filter manifold 3 by any number of fastening schemes, or may be integrally formed with filter manifold 3.

FIG. 2C depicts a recess 51 that is preferably shaped to receive a complementary protrusion on filter manifold 3, and is preferably shaped to receive a dovetail-shaped protrusion; however, other connected, complementary shapes are not excluded.

For example, fig. 2G depicts a grooved groove 51b that is not a dovetail joint. Slotted groove 51b may include a wider upper portion 51c to more securely secure filter key 5 to filter manifold 3. The connection of the filter key 5 to the filter manifold 3 may be adhesive, sonic welding, press fit, friction fit, or the like. Further, filter key 5 may be integral with filter manifold 3. Similarly, filter manifold 3 may be bonded, sonic welded, press fit, friction fit, or integrally formed with the filter housing top portion. As shown in the exemplary embodiment, recess 51 is shaped to receive a press-fit or snap-fit snap member located on filter manifold 3. In this way, filter key 5 may be removably attached to filter manifold 3. Similarly, the filter manifold 3 may be designed to be removably attached to the filter head 2. Thus, the design has more flexibility to incorporate and accommodate different key configurations that can be used to specify a particular filter type and purposefully reject other filter types. Additionally, filter key 5 may include an inclined ramp section 59a on at least a bottom edge thereof, wherein filter key 5 slidably mates with a top surface of filter manifold 3 or filter head 400.

Fig. 2H is a side view of filter key 5 depicting sloped ramp section 59a extending at least partially the length of the bottom surface of filter key 5. The inclined slope 59a is located at one end of the bottom edge of the filter key 5 and extends into the filter key main body 5 a.

Fig. 2I depicts a perspective view of filter head 400, filter head 400 having a complementary sloped ramp section 59b for mating with sloped ramp section 59a of filter key 5. The ramped ramp section 59a may matingly abut the complementary ramped ramp section 59b to interlock and help secure the filter key 5 to the filter head 400. For a two-piece design utilizing filter manifold 3, complementary sloped ramp sections 59b are formed on the top surface of filter manifold 3.

Fig. 2J depicts a side view, partially in section, of the filter head 400, showing a mating protrusion or rail 321 for interlocking with the grooved groove 51b, and a complementary sloped ramp section 59 b.

Fig. 4A depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a filter manifold 300. Port 310 is shown offset from the center of filter manifold 300. Fig. 4A depicts a filter manifold without an extension support member. Preferably, port 310 is an outlet port; however, the invention is not limited to a particular inlet and outlet location and the ports may be interchanged. When port 310 is used as an outlet or outlet port, filter manifold 300 takes fluid from filter media 8 through the central port of port cover 6 and directs the fluid radially outward from the axial center to port 310. In this embodiment, the inlet port is located on the filter head 2. By locating the inlet and outlet ports off-axis, the filter housing assembly 200 has a more robust design, has enhanced structural integrity, is for mounting to a filter base, and is for remaining securable in place during attachment.

Referring to fig. 4A through 4C, in a preferred attachment scheme of filter key 5, a protrusion or guide 32 or 320 is formed on or near the centerline of filter manifold 3 or 300. The projection or rail 32 or 320 is preferably a rectangular section extending above the circular center portion 33 or 330. The protrusions or rails 32 allow for precise alignment of the filter key 5 while providing a robust connection. Preferably, the dovetail, press-fit or friction-fit interconnection between the protrusion 32 and the recess 51 of the filter key 5 allows the user to remove and replace the filter key 5. This allows for the designation of a particular filter key and, accordingly, a particular filter cartridge. Projections or rails 32, 320 may be integrally formed with filter manifold 3 or 300, respectively, and filter manifold 3 may be integrally formed with the filter housing top portion. Alternatively, these components may be separately manufactured and attached by bonding, welding, press fitting, friction fitting, or other suitable means known in the art. Preferably, the protrusions or rails 32, 320 have a dovetail-shaped surface for slidably mating with the complementary grooves 51 of the filter key 5.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 4B and 4C, the protrusion 32 may be on the extension support 34. Fig. 4B depicts a top view of filter manifold 3 showing extension supports 34 extending longitudinally or radially outward along a radius from central portion 33. The extension support 34 supports an optional shield 4 that covers and protects the filter head 2. Filter manifold 3 or 300 is disposed within filter head 2 and attached to filter head 2.

Fig. 5A depicts a side view of one embodiment of the filter head 2. The filter head 2 is shown with an off-centre port 21. In this manner, both port 21 of filter head 2 and port 31 of filter manifold 3 are off-center and parallel to each other about a plane that approximately intersects a center point of filter head 2. As shown in fig. 1, 4 and 5, the recessed portion 22 formed about the center point of the filter head 2 receives the central portion 33 of the filter manifold 3. If extension support 34 is used with filter manifold 3, extension support 34 is positioned substantially perpendicular to the plane formed by ports 21 and 31 when filter manifold 3 is inserted into filter head 2. The extension support 34 provides a snap-fit design for the shroud 4 at each end.

Figure 5B is a bottom perspective view of the filter head.

Fig. 5C is a top perspective view of the filter head 2 depicting the recessed portion 22.

The filter head 210 depicts another embodiment as shown in fig. 5D through 5F. In this embodiment, as shown in the top perspective view of fig. 5F, on the top surface of the filter head 210 are a curved receiving boss or support member 230 on one side of the centerpoint and two parallel lateral support members 240a, b on the other side of the centerpoint of the filter head 210 opposite the curved boss 230. These structural support members serve to align the filter key 5 with the filter head 210 and help secure the filter key 5. As shown in fig. 4A, the filter head may be used in conjunction with a filter manifold 300 without an extended support. Structural support member 230 provides a physical stop for filter key 5, filter key 5 typically sliding over protrusion 32 provided by filter manifold 300. The lateral support members 240a, b serve to align the filter key 5 and prevent its accidental displacement. Fig. 5E is a bottom perspective view of the filter head 210. Fig. 5D is a side view of the filter head 210.

In another embodiment, the filter head 2, 210 may be integral with the filter manifold 3, 310, such as a one-piece construction in the form of a single injection molded piece, or a two-piece construction welded, fused, or otherwise permanently attached to the filter head 2, 210 as a subassembly with the filter manifold 3, 310.

Fig. 5G depicts a one-piece or unitary filter head/filter manifold construction 400 having an inlet port 410a and an outlet port 410 b. The protrusion 420 is preferably a shaped section that extends above and off-axis from the circular center of the filter head 400. The protrusion 420 allows for precise alignment of the filter key 5 while providing a robust connection. The dovetail, press-fit, or friction-fit interconnection between the protrusion 420 and the recess 51 of the filter key 5 allows the user to remove and replace the filter key 5.

Fig. 5H is a side view of the integrated, one-piece filter head 400. The cylindrical wall 424 is sized to receive the open end cap 6 of the filter housing 1. Cylindrical wall 426 is offset from the axial center of filter head 400 and is configured to receive the central axial port of end cap 6, redirecting fluid flow away from the axial center such that port 410b is within cylinder 426 and port 410a is outside cylinder 426. This redirection of fluid flow performs a similar function as filter manifolds 3, 310 without the need to align the central axial port of end cap 6 with the filter manifold hole.

Fig. 5I is a bottom view of the one-piece, one-piece filter head of fig. 5G depicting an off-axial center cylinder 426 for receiving a port of the open end cap 6 of the filter cartridge. In contrast to fig. 5B and 5E, which depict perspective views of the underside of the filter heads 2, 210, respectively, fig. 5I shows that there is no axially centered cylinder in the unitary filter head 400 design for receiving a port from the open end cap 6.

The filter manifold 300 includes an off-center port 310 and a central portion 330 that fits securely within the recess 220 of the filter head 210. The protrusion 320 receives a recess from the filter key 5. In this embodiment, the structural support member 230 and the lateral structural support members 240a, b secure the filter key 5 when the filter key 5 is slidably inserted into the protrusion 320. The curved portion of the structural support member 230 forces the filter key 5 to be inserted in only one direction. An additional boss 232 on the top of the filter head 210 and centered between the lateral support members 240a, b may be employed to act as a locking or snap-fit for the filter key 5. Additionally, in another embodiment, the structural support member 230 may be formed with an aperture 235 directly away from a center point of the filter head 210 at the base where the support member 230 intersects a top portion of the filter head 210. This aperture 235 is designed to receive a protruding material or locking lug or tab 53 provided or formed at the corresponding end of the filter key 5 on the lower end of the lateral side. The locking projection or tab 53 on the filter key 5 is inserted into the aperture 235 on the curved portion of the structural support member 230 and prevents axial removal of the filter key 5 from the filter head 210. Fig. 2A to 2F show the locking projection 53 on the bottom of the lateral side of the filter key 5. Fig. 5D is a side view of the filter head 210 depicting the aperture 235 for receiving the filter key 5.

As shown in fig. 2A-2F, the filter key 5 includes at least one attachment member, such as a laterally extending finger 52, preferably a plurality of extending fingers. Fig. 2C is a bottom perspective view of the filter key 5. In the first illustrative embodiment, the filter key 5 is shown having ten laterally extending fingers 52. The fingers 52 are preferably constructed of the same material as the base 55 of the filter key 5 and are integrally formed with the base 55 of the filter key 5. However, the fingers may also be removably attached, and the filter key design is not limited to an integrally formed configuration. The laterally extending fingers 52 may form many different configurations. In the illustrative embodiment, there is a uniform gap 54 between each finger 52. In other configurations, fingers may be absent on one or both sides of the filter key 5, and the gap 54 may be wider in some places than in others. The use of the numeral 1,0 reference to indicate a finger (1) or gap (0) may have many different configurations for the filter key. The configuration shown in fig. 2E will be designated 101010101 on each side. As a separate example, for reference numeral 100010101, this would indicate that the lateral finger (1) is followed by a wide gap (000), then the finger (1) is followed by a gap (0), the finger (1) is followed by another gap (0), and the last finger (1). The present invention is not limited to any particular finger/gap sequence. In addition, the finger/gap arrangement on one side of the filter key 5 need not be symmetrical to the finger/gap arrangement on the opposite side. By having different finger/gap configurations, a mechanical key identifier for the particular filter housing assembly used can be manufactured. The filter key 5 may also be color coded to facilitate identification of different filter cartridges or housing assemblies. It may also be textured, mirrored, transparent, translucent, material modified or have conductive features, or any combination thereof, for identification purposes. More importantly, in addition to the identification of the filter housing assembly, a particular filter key finger/gap configuration will only allow the use of a particular filter housing assembly in a given system.

The fingers 52 of the filter key 5 are strength-bearing attachment members for mating or interlocking with corresponding projections or drive keys 123a, b located on the longitudinal sides of the locking member or floating lock 12, as depicted in fig. 3. There must be at least one protrusion or drive key on the floating lock 12 that corresponds to and lines up with at least one finger or attachment member on the filter key 5 so that when the filter key 5 is inserted to mate with the floating lock 12, the drive key slidably contacts the finger and the floating lock 12 is longitudinally displaced an increment to allow the finger 52 on the filter key 5 to move back and forth between the gaps 122 on the floating lock 12. Once the fingers 52 have passed between the corresponding gaps on the floating lock 12, the floating lock 12 is slidably restrained under tension, the floating lock 12 returns partially to its original position by a tension retraction force, such that the at least one extending finger on the filter key 5 aligns with or interlocks with the at least one projection or drive key on the floating lock 12, and the alignment resists any direct outward axial withdrawal force.

Each attachment member or finger 52 of the filter key 5 includes a ramp 58 as shown in fig. 2A and 2F. Such that they slidably contact complementary beveled edges or beveled members 121a, b of the drive keys 123A, b of the floating lock 12 shown in fig. 3A and 3E. During insertion of the filter key 5, sliding contact of the angled parts of the fingers of the filter key laterally displaces the floating lock 12 away from its initial position and allows the fingers of the filter key 5 to be inserted into the gap 122 between the drive keys 123a, b.

A perspective view of the locking member or floating lock 12 is depicted in fig. 3A and 3B. The floating lock 12 has obliquely facing fingers, projections or drive keys 123a, b and gaps 122 that may correspond to each other with the fingers 52 and gaps 54 on the filter key 5. The drive key/clearance arrangement of the floating lock 12 need not be fully complementary to the finger/clearance arrangement of the filter key 5. The floating lock 12 must be able to fully accommodate the inserted filter device 5 only when the filter housing assembly 200 is axially inserted into the filter base 100. Each projection or drive key 123a, b of the floating lock 12 is shaped to receive a wedge 129a, b, respectively, opposite the inclined portion or edge 121a, b to capture the finger 52 of the filter key 5. The fingers 52 may have a cross-sectional diamond shape to facilitate capture by the drive key receiving wedges 129a, b. The drive keys 123a, b are provided on at least one longitudinal side of the floating lock 12, as shown in fig. 3D and 3E. Below and intermediate the drive keys 123a, b is a row of position stops 125 forming a track structure extending longitudinally along the floating lock 12. The position stop 125 prevents further extension of the finger 52 during insertion. No position stop 125 is required for each drive key 123a, b as long as there is at least one position stop 125 to inhibit over-insertion of the filter key 5. The position stop 125 also includes a sloped or inclined surface 126 for sliding contact with the sloped surface 58 of the finger 52 on the filter key 5. The position stops 125 are shown as a row of serrated edges, but need not correspond one-to-one with the drive keys 123a, b.

Upon insertion, when the attachment member or extension finger 52 of the filter key 5 contacts the drive key 123a, b, the floating lock 12 moves away from its original position against the retraction force and moves according to the contacting beveled edges 58 and 121. Once the wings 56a, b of the finger 52 clear the lips 127a, b of the drive keys 123a, b, the floating lock 12 is not inhibited from reacting to the retraction force and moves slightly rearwardly toward its original position where the diamond-shaped wings 56a, b are then captured by the receiving wedges 129a, b. This position locks the filter key 5 to the floating lock 12 against any direct axial withdrawal force.

There is a gap or space 124 between the bottommost portion of the drive keys 123a, b and the topmost portion of the position stop 125. When the wings 56a, b of the finger 52 are pushed into the gap or space upon withdrawal, there is no structure to prevent the floating lock 12 from responding to the tensile retraction forces acting thereon. Thus, the floating lock 12 may be free to respond to retraction forces and will tend to move toward its initial position. This will align the fingers 52 of the filter key 5 within the gaps 122 of the floating lock 12 and allow for easy extraction of the filter housing 200.

To withdraw the filter housing assembly 200, the user again pushes the filter housing assembly axially inwardly, which releases the wings 56a, b on the filter key 5 from the drive keys 123a, b. This releases the floating lock 12 to return to its original position and positions the finger 52 on the filter key 5 at the gap 122 of the floating lock 12. The filter housing assembly 200 is now free to be withdrawn from the filter base 100. Resilient members 1110 within closure posts 1101a, b of non-floating port 11 assist in pushing or withdrawing filter housing assembly 200 away from filter base 100.

Fig. 9A is a perspective view of a non-floating port 11, the non-floating port 11 cooperating with a back plate 13 or a back plate 1300 to hold the floating or sliding lock 12 in place while allowing the floating or sliding lock 12 to freely move longitudinally away from and back to its central position during insertion and extraction of the filter housing assembly 200. As discussed further herein, the base platform 1104 of the non-floating port 11 will also retain locking members, such as floating lock 1200 and floating lock 1212 of fig. 8. For simplicity, reference is primarily made to the interaction of non-floating port 11 with floating lock 12, although the applicability of non-floating port 11 also includes use with floating locks 1200 and 1212. The non-floating port base platform 1104 includes a protruding enclosure 1102 that is larger than the floating lock 12 and is made to enclose the floating lock 12 therein. The packaging 1102 prevents excessive movement of the floating lock 12 and protects the floating lock from extraneous, unintended movement when installed.

Fig. 9B is a top plan view of non-floating port 11. The posts 1101a, b are located on opposite sides of the package 1102 and extend through the base platform 1104. Each inlet/outlet strut 1101a, b has an upper strut portion that extends vertically upwardly in an axial direction relative to the top surface of the base platform 1104 and a lower strut portion that extends axially downwardly relative to the base platform 1104. Ports 1103 represent inlet and outlet ports for fluid and extend perpendicular to the posts 1101a, b. The shutoff struts 1101a, b include shutoff plugs 14 that act as valve seals to stop fluid flow when the filter cartridge is removed. The closure posts 1101a, b are preferably cylindrical, containing spring-actuated O-ring plugs for sealing the inlet and outlet lines during cartridge removal. In an embodiment, the back plate 13 is snap-fitted into the non-floating port 11. To accommodate this, a snap fitting 1105 is shown on non-floating port 11 that receives a corresponding fitting 135 on back plate 13. Referring to fig. 1, a floating lock 12 is supported by a non-floating port 11 and a back plate 13.

Fig. 10A is a top plan view of one embodiment of the back plate 13 of the present invention.

Fig. 10B depicts a bottom perspective view of the back plate 13. A back plate 13 secures a locking member or floating lock 12 within a support structure in the non-floating port 11. The back plate 13 is preferably attached to the non-floating port 11 by a snap fit, although other attachment schemes known in the art, such as adhesives, welding, and various mechanical fasteners, may also be readily employed. The rear plate 13 is formed with an extension 132 on each end and a shaped gap 133 therebetween. Gap 133 is shaped to surround closure pillars 1101a, b of non-floating port 11. In this embodiment, the back plate 13 includes a central aperture 131 that allows the floating lock 12 to move longitudinally. The floating lock 12 may include an extension member opposite the face configured with fingers and gaps to allow a resilient member, such as a coil spring or torsion spring, to act thereon. Fig. 3C and 3E are side views of the floating lock showing the extension member 128. Fig. 3B is a perspective view of floating lock 12 with extension member 128. Fig. 8E depicts a floating lock 1212 having an extension member 1280. In these embodiments, the extension member is subjected to resilient means retained by the backplate.

Fig. 10C is a top plan view of another embodiment of a back plate 1300 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the top side of the back plate 1300 includes a dome-shaped slotted cover 1302 over the central hole. The cover 1302 is formed to enclose the spring or other resilient member around the extension member 128 extending from the floating lock 12. The dome 1302 includes a slot 1304 that is formed to receive the extension member 128 from the floating lock 12. The slot 1304 helps to maintain the linear movement of the floating lock 12 within the dome 1302. In this embodiment, two complementary resilient members (such as springs) would reside on each side of the extension member 128 of the floating lock 12. One resilient member preferably exerts a force on the float lock extension member in one direction, while the other resilient member exerts a force on the float lock extension member in the opposite direction. In this manner, regardless of the manner in which the floating lock 12 is moved or displaced, the retraction force manifests itself to return the floating lock 12 to its original centered position.

At all times during insertion, the filter housing assembly is under a withdrawal force that tends to push the housing out of the filter base. These extraction forces are generated by resilient members in each closure strut 1101a, B of the non-floating port 11 (shown in fig. 9B) that force the shutoff plug 14 into position to block the inlet and outlet ports. Preferably, the extraction force on the shutoff plug 14 is provided by a spring 1110 in each port, although other resilient members may be used to provide similar results. Insertion of the filter housing assembly into the filter base acts against these extraction forces and pushes shutoff plugs 14 further upward against each shutoff strut 1101a, b of non-floating port 11. This allows fluid to enter while maintaining the filter housing assembly at a constant extraction force.

A protective port shield 4 may be placed over the filter head 2 to protect the floating lock 12 and filter key 5 mechanism from damage and debris. The shield 4 is preferably supported by an extending support on the filter manifold.

Fig. 6A and 6B are exploded views of another embodiment of the filter assembly of the present invention, showing the combination of filter manifold 300, filter key 500, and filter head 210. Filter key 500 is depicted without a locking tab; however, it may include locking tabs to facilitate attachment to the filter head. Fig. 7F depicts filter key 590 with locking tab 501. Locking tab 501 is located at the bottom of filter key 590. In this embodiment, filter key 500 or 590 and filter manifold 300 are modified such that locking member or floating lock 1200 or 1212 of fig. 8 is slidably displaceable with drive key 1210a, b of floating lock 1200 by interacting wings 560a, b of extension boss 550 on filter key 500 or 590.

Filter key 500 or 590 is inserted into floating lock 1200 by axial insertion of the filter housing assembly into the filter base. The hammer wings 560a, b on the fingers 520 of the filter key 500 and the drive keys 1210a, b on the floating lock 1200 or 1212 slidably contact each other, resulting in lateral movement of the floating lock 1200 or 1212 perpendicular to the axial movement of insertion. In this manner, the floating lock 1200 or 1212 is longitudinally displaced in a radial direction relative to the filter housing assembly axis. The attachment member or finger 520 of filter key 500 is positioned within a gap 1220 on floating lock 1200 or 1212. Upon insertion of filter key 500 or 590, floating lock 1200 or 1212 is partially returned to its original position by a retraction tension, preferably by a complementary spring force, such that the fingers on floating lock 1200 or 1212 are directly aligned with fingers 520 on filter key 500 or 590, thereby preventing a direct extraction force from removing the filter housing assembly from the filter base.

Fig. 7F depicts a top perspective view of filter key 590. At one end of filter key 590 is an upwardly extending angled boss 550. The boss 550 rises above a horizontal plane 570 formed by the top portions of the fingers 520 and slopes toward the fingers 520 with its highest point at one end of the filter key 500. The boss 550 slopes downwardly from its highest point toward the fingers 520. Preferably, boss 550 is an upwardly facing triangular or wedge-shaped design having wings 560a, b for interacting with drive keys 1210a, b, respectively, on floating lock 1200.

Fig. 7E depicts an end view of filter key 500 showing hammerhead-shaped boss 550 elevated above plane 570 formed by fingers 520, and wings 560a, b extending laterally from boss 550, similar to what may be considered hammerhead-shaped. The purpose of wings 560a, b is to contact corresponding tilt drive keys 1210a, b on floating lock 1200.

A perspective view of a complementary locking member or floating lock 1200 is depicted in fig. 8A. The only difference between floating lock 1200 of fig. 8A and floating lock 1212 of fig. 8E is the addition of an extension member 1280 on floating lock 1212. Floating lock 1200 has fingers 1230a, b and gaps 1220 that may correspond to fingers 520 and gaps 540 on filter key 500 or 590. The finger/clearance configuration of floating lock 1200 need not be completely complementary to the finger/clearance configuration of filter key 500 or 590. It is only necessary that the floating lock 1200 fully accommodate the inserted filter key 500 when the filter housing assembly is axially inserted into the filter base. Furthermore, once floating lock 1200 is subjected to a retraction force acting to partially return it toward its original position, at least one attachment member or finger on filter key 500 or 590 must be vertically aligned with at least one finger on floating lock 1200 or 1212 to prevent any withdrawal without further displacement of floating lock 1200 or 1212.

Using floating lock 1200 and filter key 500 as an illustrative example, floating lock 1200 moves in a lateral motion perpendicular to the axial motion of insertion when wings 560a, b on filter key 500 slidingly contact protrusions or drive keys 1210a, b on floating lock 1200. In this manner, the floating lock 1200 is longitudinally displaced in a radial direction relative to the filter housing assembly axis. Fingers 520 of filter key 500 are positioned within gaps 1220 on floating lock 1200. Once the filter key 500 is inserted, the floating lock 1200 is partially returned to its original position by the retraction tension, preferably by a complementary spring force, such that the fingers on the floating lock 1200 are directly aligned with the fingers 520 on the filter key 500, thereby preventing the direct extraction force from removing the filter housing assembly from the filter base.

The extending fingers 1230a, b are preferably constructed of the same material as the floating lock 1200 and are integrally formed therewith. However, the fingers 1230 may also be removably attached, and the floating lock design is not limited to an integrally formed configuration. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to any particular finger/gap sequence. The finger/gap configuration on one side of floating lock 1200 need not be symmetrical to the finger/gap configuration on the opposite side. Floating lock 1200 is responsive to tension, such as complementary springs acting thereon from two separate directions, to provide longitudinal resistance. The floating lock 1200 is effectively moved longitudinally when acted upon by the filter key 500 and is forced partially back towards its original position after the finger 520 of the filter key 500 has passed through the gap 1220. Upon partial retraction, the fingers 520 are aligned behind or below the fingers 1230 of the floating lock 1200. FIG. 8B is a top view of floating lock 1200 showing laterally extending fingers 1230a, B and adjacent gaps 1220 between the fingers.

Fig. 8C is a cross-sectional view of locking member or floating lock 1200 depicting protrusion or drive key 1210a located at one end of floating lock 1200 on longitudinal or side panel 1240. Drive key 1210a is located on an opposite longitudinal panel of floating lock 1200, opposite a similar drive key 1210b (not shown). Both drive keys are designed with an inclined surface for slidably interacting with wings 560a, b of boss 550 on filter key 500. Each drive key is preferably manufactured integrally with floating lock 1200; however, the drive key may be manufactured separately and attached to the longitudinal panels of floating lock 1200 by attachment means known in the art. Below the drive key 1210a is a position key or physical stop 1250, preferably formed with a support side wall 1260 of the floating lock 1200, as shown in fig. 8C. As shown in fig. 8B, the position key 1250 is positioned between the drive keys 1210a, B. The position keys 1250 may be integrally formed with the side walls 1260 or may be separately attached to the side walls 1260 by any acceptable means known in the art (e.g., adhesive, welding, gluing, press-fitting, etc.). Position key 1250 acts as a physical stop to ensure that excessive movement of floating lock 1200 is prevented. The position keys 1250 are positioned below the drive keys 1210a, b a distance designed to accommodate insertion of the bosses 550 of the filter key 500. When the filter key 500 is inserted into the floating lock 1200, the boss 550 passes through a gap 1270 in the floating lock 1200 formed by the space between the drive keys 1210a, b. The wings 560a, b of the boss 550 extend outwardly relative to the width of the boss 550 and move laterally between the side wall 1260 and the drive keys 1210a, b. In this manner, wings 560a, b keep floating lock 1200 from retracting to its original position upon insertion of boss 550. At any time, floating lock 1200 is subjected to the retracting force of a resilient member, such as a series spring, which tends to hold floating lock 1200 in its original position, which is preferably a centered position. During insertion of filter key 500, wings 560a, b interact with drive keys 1210a, b to longitudinally displace floating lock 1200 off-center under the action of the resilient retraction force. When the boss 550 reaches and contacts the position key 1250 when fully inserted, the wings 560a, b are no longer retained by the drive keys 1210a, b because the length of the drive keys 1210a, b is shorter than the length of the boss 550. At this point in the insertion process, the tension retraction force displaces the floating lock 1200 toward its original position.

Once wings 560a, b reach position key 1250, and the user releases the insertion force initially applied to the filter housing assembly, the extraction force from shutoff plug spring 1110 dominates. These forces push the filter housing assembly axially outward, away from floating lock 1200. Since wings 560a, b are no longer captured between drive keys 1210a, b and side wall 1260, floating lock 1200 will tend to move longitudinally, partially toward its original position, as filter key 500 moves slightly axially outward. At this point, wings 560a, b interact with edge corners 1280a, b to push off center, move filter key 500, and engage or contact faces 1300a, b to prevent filter housing retraction. Fig. 8D depicts an exploded view of drive key 1210a having edge corners 1290a and faces 1300 a.

The fingers 520 of the filter key 500 are now aligned with the fingers 1230 of the floating lock 1200 and remain in contact in the vertical plane in the axial direction, preventing the filter housing assembly from being withdrawn from the filter base.

Fig. 12A-12E present yet another embodiment of a filter housing assembly 600 having a housing 610 with a substantially cylindrical body 612 and a top portion 614 for forming a fluid seal with the body. Top portion 614 is depicted as being substantially dome-shaped to facilitate filter housing assembly as a pressurized container; however, it may be a flat surface if design constraints are required. The cylindrical body 612 and the housing top portion 614 share a longitudinal axial centerline 616. The protrusions 618 extend axially upward from the top portion 614 and radially outward about the axial center 616. Dimensionally, the protrusions 618 extend upward from the top surface of the housing top portion 614 by approximately 0.15 to 0.35 inches, preferably 0.24 inches. The housing 610 may contain a filter media therein for filtering fluid, may function as a sump, or may function as a bypass cartridge without filter media. The housing 610 is further adapted to receive a connection assembly 665, which is comprised of an electronic circuit component 660 and a housing 662 for receiving the electronic circuit component therein. The electronic circuit component 660 is illustrated in fig. 12-13 and the following description as a printed circuit board 660, but other electronic circuit components may be used with the filter housing assembly of the present invention, including but not limited to: a microcontroller, microprocessor, microchip (such as erasable programmable read-only memory ("EPROM")), or any other type of analog, digital, or mixed-signal integrated circuit ("IC") technology.

The filter housing 600 may include at least one reinforcing rib 613 located longitudinally on the outer surface of the filter housing. The reinforcing ribs 613 may serve as guides for inserting the filter housing assembly 600 into a shroud (not shown), which may be part of a mounting assembly, to ensure proper alignment with the filter base. The reinforcing ribs 613 are preferably integrally formed with the filter housing 600, but may be attached as separate components. For example, as shown in fig. 12A, the ribs 613 extend along the length of the cylindrical body 612 parallel to the axial centerline 616.

As shown in fig. 12A to 12E, the inlet port 620 is divided into three different sections: a first or top section 622, a second or middle section 623, and a third or bottom section 624. The third or bottom section 624 extends vertically upward in a longitudinal axial direction from a surface of the housing top portion 614 substantially parallel to the axial centerline 616. The inlet port bottom section 624 is distinguished from the middle section 623 by a seal 628. Inlet port top section 622 extends upwardly from inlet port middle section 623 to the topmost surface of the port and is distinguished from middle section 623 by seal 627. Seals 627 and 628 prevent fluid exiting the bore or cavity 640a of the inlet port middle section from contacting the outer surfaces of the inlet port top and bottom sections 622, 624, respectively, once the inlet port is inserted into the base post of the containing filter. The seals 627 and 628 provide a circumferential press fit or sealing force against the inner cylindrical wall of the legs of the filter base (not shown). The seals 627, 628 are normally held in place on the inlet port by insertion into a groove in the cylindrical outer surface of the inlet port such that the diameter D1 of the outermost seal radial extension is slightly larger than the diameter of the inner wall of the receiving leg, thereby allowing the resiliently compressible seal to be compressed by the inner wall of the receiving leg upon insertion into a fluid tight fit.

In at least one embodiment, the inlet port intermediate section 623 has a varying diameter D2 that is not equal to and less than D1 such that the inlet port intermediate section 623 is formed with an outer surface profile to allow fluid to flow around the intermediate section 623 after the inlet ports 620 are inserted into their respective struts. Incoming fluid from the filter base post fluid port is contained between the seals 627, 628 and the circumferential post inner wall. The fluid moves back and forth around the inlet port mid-section and into the bore or cavity 640a of the inlet port mid-section. In this way, the filter base post fluid ports may be located on opposite sides of the middle section inlet end mouth, i.e., facing the middle section outer wall, one hundred eighty degrees from the inlet end mouth.

In the embodiment depicted in fig. 12, the outer surface profile of the inlet mid-section 623 is depicted in the form of an hourglass shape having a smaller diameter at its center than at the topmost or bottommost point of the mid-section closest to the seals 627, 628. The body of the inlet port mid-section may also be formed of other shapes, such as a smaller cylindrical, rectangular or triangular section with a diameter less than D1, or a tapered structure, where the mid-section 623 has at least one region in which its measured width or diameter is less than the diameter D1, providing an annular space for fluid to flow around the mid-section structure to allow fluid to exit the filter base input port into the strut to enter the aperture or cavity 640a of the inlet port mid-section.

In at least one embodiment, the inlet port 620 is substantially cylindrical at its top and bottom sections to correspond to its respective cylindrical cavity that receives the strut. The outermost surface profile of the inlet port 620 at the seal 627, 628/strut inner wall interface may measure (represented by diameter D1) between 0.25 and 0.45 inches, and optionally 0.36 inches, while the inlet midsection diameter D2 of the inlet port 620 may be between 0.2 and 0.4 inches, and optionally 0.28 inches. The mid-section diameter D2 is smaller than the diameter D1 and the diameter of the receiving strut to enable fluid flow around the inlet port mid-section from the outlet port on one side of the strut to the inlet aperture 640a on the other side of the mid-section. A fluid tight seal is maintained in this fluid flow situation, preventing fluid from contacting the outer surface of the top or bottom section of the inlet port. This allows the outer surface profile of inlet midsection 623 to be smaller than and within the compressive sealing diameter D1 at the post inner wall of the filter base. Fluid is allowed to flow around the inlet midsection, contained by the seal, and flow outside the midsection is inhibited.

Outlet port 630 similarly has a substantially cylindrical body 631 having a first or top section 632, a second or middle section 633, and a third or bottom section 634 extending vertically upward in a longitudinal axial direction from the top surface of housing top portion 614 substantially parallel to top portion axial center 616. Outlet port top section 632 extends downwardly from its highest point to an outlet port middle section 633 and is separated from middle section 633 by a seal 638. Outlet port bottom section 634 extends upwardly from housing top portion 614 to outlet port middle section 633 and is separated from middle section 633 by seal 637. Seals 637, 638 prevent fluid flowing out of bore or cavity 640b of outlet port middle section 633 from contacting the outer surfaces of outlet port top and bottom sections 632, 634, respectively. Seals 637, 638 provide a circumferential press fit or sealing force against an inner cylindrical wall of a filter base (not shown) that receives the posts. The seals 637, 638 are typically held in place on the outlet port by insertion into grooves on the outer wall surface of the outlet port such that the diameter D3 of the outermost seal radial extension is slightly larger than the diameter of the inner wall of the receiving leg, allowing the resiliently compressible seal to be compressed by the inner wall of the receiving leg upon insertion into a fluid tight fit. In a similar manner to the inlet port, outlet port mid-section 633 may be formed in other shapes that allow fluid to flow around the mid-section when the mid-section is placed within the receiving filter base post.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 12, the outer surface profile of outlet midsection 633 is shown in the form of an hourglass shape having a smaller diameter D4 at its center than at the topmost or bottommost point of the midsection closest to seals 637, 638. The body of the outlet port mid-section may also be formed of other shapes, such as a smaller cylindrical, rectangular or triangular section having a diameter less than D3, or a tapered structure, wherein the mid-section 633 has at least one region in which the surface profile width or radial extension is maintained within the limits of diameter D3 to allow fluid exiting the bore or cavity 640b of the outlet port mid-section and contained by seals 637, 638 and the circumferential post inner wall to flow around the outlet port mid-section to the opposite side for input from the bore in the receiving post to the filter base.

The inlet port sections 622-624 and the outlet port sections 632-634 may each have separate and distinct outer surface profiles from each other. In the alternative, the inlet port sections 622-624 and the outlet port sections 632-634 may have substantially similar outer surface topologies. In any event, the respective intermediate sections will have an outer surface topology (e.g., outer diameter in a substantially cylindrical embodiment) whose outer surface profile has a diameter or width that is less than the inner wall that houses the filter base legs by an amount sufficient to create an annular gap that allows fluid to flow around the intermediate sections between their respective upper and lower seals.

The outermost diameter D3 of outlet port 630 at the seal/strut inner wall interface may measure between 0.25 and 0.45 inches, and optionally 0.36 inches, while the outlet mid-section 633 diameter D4 of outlet port 630 may be between 0.2 and 0.4 inches, and optionally 0.28 inches. The smaller radial extension D4 of the middle section is smaller than the diameter D3 to enable fluid flow around the outlet port middle section. This allows the outer surface profile of the inlet midsection 623 to extend radially less than the compression seal diameter at the strut inner wall of the manifold.

Both inlet and outlet ports 620, 630 include apertures or cavities 640a, 640b on their respective intermediate sections 623, 633 for passage of fluid. The inlet and outlet port holes or cavities 640a, b are exposed in a direction away from the filter base post holes that are in fluid communication with the holes 640a, b. The relative arrangement of the holes is helpful because as the cartridge is withdrawn, if the inlet and outlet holes 640a, 640b are in a direction facing the filter base post holes (defined as a forward direction by convention only), any fluid that is expelled from the holes 640a, 640b may drip onto electronic circuit components located in front of the filter keys in the PCB housing 662 or electronic components and surfaces populated on the printed circuit board 660. Once the filter housing 610 is installed in the filter base or manifold, the inlet and outlet port cavities 640a, b are designed to face away from the filter base port (not shown). Water flowing through housing assembly 600 thus enters and exits chambers 640a, b, respectively, flows around intermediate sections 623, 633 of the inlet and outlet ports in the manifold strut, and continues to enter the ports. The variable width, radial extension, or diameter D2, D4 of the intermediate sections 623, 633, respectively, allows water to flow around the inlet and outlet port intermediate sections within the cylindrical cavity of the strut without creating excessive pressure that might otherwise force a leak through the seals 627, 628, 637, 638 and onto the filter housing assembly 600 that would otherwise cause damage to the electronics disposed on the printed circuit board 660, as described further below.

As shown in fig. 12E, the inlet port 620 and the outlet port 630 extend from a non-diametric chord line C1 of the housing top portion 614 and are substantially perpendicular to the non-diametric chord line C1. Moving the inlet and outlet ports away from the respective parallel diameters of the housing top portion helps to leave sufficient space on the housing top portion 614 to place the PC board housing 662 and PC board 660. Dimensionally, the distance between chord line C1 and the parallel diameter of housing top portion 614 may be between 0.1 and 0.5 inches, and optionally 0.3 inches. The inlet and outlet ports are off-center from the diagonal to accommodate the remaining specific components of the housing assembly 600. The inlet port 620 and the outlet port 630 are spaced about 0.65 to 0.85 inches, and optionally 0.74 inches, from each other on chord line C1. The filter key 650 is centered on and intersects perpendicularly the chord line C1 with the chord line C1.

A filter key 650 configured for mating attachment to a filter base or manifold is located or connected to the housing 610 and extends upwardly in a direction parallel to the axial center 616 of the housing top portion 614. The filter key 650 includes a base 651 having a front lateral side 652a and a rear or back lateral side 652b with a recess 654 extending therethrough for receiving the protrusion 618 on the housing top portion 614, and a longitudinal side 653 extending substantially parallel to the protrusion 618, as shown in fig. 13A-13C. Filter key 650 is secured to housing top portion 614 via the connection between groove 654 and protrusion 618.

The base 651 extends upwardly along the housing top portion axial center 616, and has exposed front and rear faces 652a, 652b, respectively, and two exposed longitudinal sides 653a, b. A cross section of the base 651 in a plane parallel to the front and back sides 652a, 652b depicts longitudinal sides 653a, b that taper inwardly by extending upwardly and then project upwardly parallel to the central axis to a top surface that supports an attachment member such as finger 655, as discussed further below.

The fingers 655 extend from the top of the base 651 (and in at least one other embodiment, a plurality of extending fingers), the fingers 655 extending substantially parallel to the exposed front and rear sides or sides 652a, b and substantially perpendicular to the housing top portion axial centerline 616. The finger 655 further includes a contact portion 656 on one side, substantially forming a first angle and exposed in a first direction relative to the housing top portion, having a cam surface for slidingly engaging the filter base drive key. In the second embodiment, adjacent sides 657 are introduced (as shown in fig. 13), form a second angle, and are exposed in a second direction relative to the housing top portion such that the first angle and the second angle are not equal.

Once installed on the housing top portion, the filter key is spaced approximately 0.4 to 0.6 inches, and optionally 0.53 inches, from either of the ports 620, 630, as measured on chord line C1 from the nearest outer surface point of either port on each side of the filter key. In this manner, the filter key is centered between the ports. The filter key extends forwardly (away from the exposed faces of the holes 640a, b) beyond the chord line C1, extending through the centers of both ports, such that the filter key is not centered lengthwise on the chord line C1, and extends in one direction (generally defined only as forward) farther from the inlet and outlet ports than in the opposite direction.

A PCB housing or cradle 662 having a recess 663 formed for receiving the printed circuit board 660 extends forwardly from the filter key base. As shown in fig. 13A-13C, the PCB housing and recess may be attached to filter key 650, or preferably integrally formed with filter key 650. Alternatively, the printed circuit board 660 may be directly connected to the filter housing 610 without the need for a PCB housing structure, as shown in fig. 14A through 14D.

The filter key may extend partially within the recess 663 as shown in fig. 13A. Filter key extension 650a may shape the attached PC board to accommodate extension 650a, thereby giving the PC board an elongated "horseshoe-shaped" footprint around the extension. As shown in fig. 13A, the recess 663 is substantially linear at one end 663A, extending outward from the filter key base exposed side surfaces 653A, b. The opposing sides 663b of the recess 663 may be curved as shown. PCB housing 662 may have a length (from outer wall to outer wall) of about 1.47 to 1.67 inches (optionally 1.57 inches), and a transverse or shorter dimension of about 0.63 to 0.83 inches (optionally 0.73 inches). Recess 663 is depicted as having a longitudinal dimension (from inner wall to inner wall) that may have a length of about 1.37 to 1.57 inches (and optionally 1.47 inches) at its substantially linear end 663a, and a transverse or shorter dimension of about 0.52 to 0.72 inches (and optionally 0.62 inches) in length, such that the recess resembles a generally rectangular basin with curved corners on the end furthest from the filter key.

The PCB housing 662 is connected to or integral with the longitudinal sides 653a, b of the filter key and extends on each side through and is centered on the exposed side 652a, b of the filter key, respectively. When installed, the PCB housing bottom surface is preferably formed in the shape of the housing top portion 614. Since the housing top portion 614 is depicted as being dome-shaped in one embodiment, the PCB housing bottom surface is concave facing the housing top portion.

The PCB housing side walls extend upward from the PCB housing bottom surface such that the top edge of the PCB housing is flat in a plane perpendicular to the housing axial center 616. The PCB housing is designed to accommodate a relatively straight, flat PC board. Alternatively, the PCB housing may be shaped in a non-flat manner to accommodate a printed circuit board that is not shaped as a flat panel and to allow for proper electrical connection of the filter housing 610 with connectors on the filter base.

The PCB housing may alternatively be designed to extend beyond the rear exposed back of the filter key (not shown). In another alternative, PCB housing 662 may present a distinct piece that is separate from filter key 650 itself for separate connection to housing assembly 600 (not shown). In yet another alternative, the PCB housing 662 may be integral with the housing 610 at the top portion 614 or elsewhere on the housing body 612 as desired for manufacturing.

The PCB housing 662 further includes exposed posts 664 disposed therein for mechanically supporting the printed circuit board 660. Other extension members or flanges extending inwardly from the recess side walls 663a, b are used to support the PC board around its periphery.

The PCB includes pads 661 for electrical connection to a connector located on the filter base. The pads 661 are optionally gold plated and are designed for a wiping interaction with corresponding connector terminals (not shown) during insertion and removal of the filter assembly from its respective chassis. In an embodiment, the PC board includes four pads for electrical connection (two sets of two pad connectors). The pads are exposed upwardly above the PC board and are preferably rectangular in footprint shape to accommodate tolerances in the filter base connector, particularly during the pushing motion for inserting and extracting the filter cartridge.

In operation, printed circuit board 660 assists the processor in utilizing cryptographic authentication elements with protected hardware-based key storage (up to 16 keys). Electronic components such as authentication chips, capacitors, resistors, diodes, LEDs, etc. are supported on the bottom side of the PCB opposite the pads 661. The printed circuit board performs cryptographic functions using a secure hash algorithm ("SHA") having a 256-bit key length. The circuit board 660 can also house additional electronics for storing information about estimated water flow (through the filter housing assembly) and total filter usage time. This information is transmitted via a main control board, optionally mounted on or within the refrigerator, and further monitors filter usage time and estimated water flow, among other variables.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connection of the filter housing assembly 600 to a mating filter base may be accomplished using an electrical connector or wiring harness assembly such as that of fig. 15-18. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the wiring harness assembly described herein is merely one illustrative means of making an electrical connection between a filter housing assembly according to the present invention and a mating filter base, and does not exclude other means of making such an electrical connection.

Referring now to fig. 15 and 16, an illustrative wiring harness 710 (also referred to as an electrical connector 710) includes a first connector 712, a second connector 714, and a wire or conductor 716 extending therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, four conductors 716 are provided, but other numbers of conductors 716 may be provided to accommodate electrical requirements without departing from the scope of the present invention. In a typical application, the wiring harness 710 is operatively connected to, positioned on, and/or forms a portion of a filter base for mating with a complementary filter housing assembly. Here, in some embodiments, the first connector 712 of the wire harness 710 is operatively coupled (e.g., electrically and mechanically coupled) with a corresponding connection component of the filter base assembly.

Contact 718 is disposed at one end of conductor 716. The contacts 718 are configured to be inserted into the housing 720 of the first connector 712. Although press contact points 718 are shown, contacts 718 are not limited thereto. Additionally, the first connector 712 need not be limited to the type of plug connector shown. In some embodiments, the first connector 712 is connected to a circuit of a home appliance such as a refrigerator.

As best shown in fig. 16-18, the second connector 714 has a resilient contact 722 disposed therein. In the illustrated embodiment, four contacts 722 are provided so that each conductor 716 can be terminated. However, other numbers of contacts 722 may be provided based on the number of conductors 716. The contacts 722 are stamped and formed of a material having suitable electrical and mechanical properties.

The contacts 722 have wire terminating portions 724, transition or flexible portions 726, and mating portions or substrate engaging portions 728 for connecting to mating connection surfaces of corresponding connection assemblies having electronic circuit components (e.g., circuit pads of electronic circuit components 742 or connection devices 740). The wire termination portion 724 has a fold region 730 disposed proximate the free end 732. A slot 734 is disposed in the fold region 730 to form an insulation displacement slot that cooperates with the conductor 716 to dispose the contact 722 in electrical engagement with the conductor 716.

A transition or flex portion 726 extends from the wire termination portion 724. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the transition or flex portion 726 extends from the wire termination portion 724 at substantially a right angle, although other angles may be used. A protrusion 736 extends from the wire terminating portion 724 to the transition or compliant portion 726 to provide additional strength and stability between the wire terminating portion 724 and the transition or compliant portion 726. The shape, size, and positioning of the protrusions 736 can vary depending on the amount of stiffness or resiliency desired for the contacts.

A substrate engagement portion 728 extends from the transition or flexible portion 726. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the substrate engaging portion 728 extends from the transition or flexible portion 726 at substantially a right angle, although other angles may be used. The substrate engagement or mating portion 728 has a curved contact portion 738 that is configured to be positioned in mechanical and electrical engagement with a circuit pad or connection device 740 (e.g., the circuit pad or connection device 740 having corresponding connection components of an electronic circuit component 742, such as the pad 661 of the printed circuit board 660 of the filter housing assembly 600 described with respect to fig. 12-13). In at least one embodiment, the wiring harness 710 is positioned within a water filter base assembly of a household appliance, such as a refrigerator. Here, the wiring harness 710 may be positioned within a filter base configured to receive a corresponding mating filter housing or cartridge assembly (e.g., a water cartridge). In such embodiments, the wiring harness 710 may be used to establish an electrical connection between the circuitry of the refrigerator and the connection assembly of the filter cartridge (e.g., water filter cartridge). A protrusion 744 is provided on the curved contact portion 738 to provide additional strength and stability to the curved contact portion 738. The shape, size, and positioning of the projection 744 may vary depending on the amount of stiffness or resiliency desired for the contact.

The connector housing 746 of the second connector 714 has an upper surface 748 and an oppositely facing lower surface 750. The contact receiving housing 752 extends from the upper surface 748 in a direction away from the lower surface 750. In the illustrated embodiment, four contact-receiving housings 752 are provided such that each contact 722 may be positioned within a contact-receiving housing 752. However, other numbers of contact receiving housings 752 may be provided based on the number of contacts 722 and conductors 716. The contact-receiving housing 752 is sized to receive the free ends 732 of the contacts 722 and a portion of the fold-over area 730 of the wire termination portion 724 therein.

A conductor receiving conduit 754 is disposed between the upper surface 748 and the lower surface 750. The conductor receiving conduit 754 is sized to receive a portion of the conductor 716 therein. The conductor-receiving conduit 754 is disposed in line with the contact-receiving housing 752 such that the conductor 716 positioned in the conductor-receiving conduit 754 extends through the contact-receiving housing 752.

Contact receiving protrusions 756 extend from the lower surface 750 in a direction away from the upper surface 748. In the illustrated embodiment, four contact receiving protrusions 756 are provided such that each contact 722 may be positioned within a contact receiving protrusion 756. However, other numbers of contact receiving protrusions 756 may be provided based on the number of contacts 722 and conductors 716. The slot 758 is disposed in the contact receiving projection 56. The slot 758 is sized to receive and retain a portion of the fold region 30 of the wire termination portion 724 therein.

During assembly of the second electrical connector 714 and the wire harness 710, the conductor 716 is inserted into the conductor-receiving conduit 754 such that an end of the conductor 716 extends through the contact-receiving housing 752 in the conductor-receiving conduit 754.

With the conductors 716 fully inserted, the contacts 722 are inserted into the connector housing 746 from the bottom surface 750. The fold region 730 of the wire termination portion 724 is inserted into the slot 758 of the contact receiving protrusion 756. As the contact 722 continues to be inserted, the slot 734 of the fold region 730 of the wire termination portion 724 engages the conductor 716 positioned in the conductor receiving channel 754, displacing the insulation of the conductor 716, as is known for insulation displacement type contacts, and providing a mechanical and electrical connection between the contact 722 and the conductor 716.

With the wire termination portion 724 properly positioned in the slot 758 of the contact receiving protrusion 756, the wire termination portion 724 is held in place by barbs, an interference fit, or other known means.

With the contacts 722 properly secured to the conductors 716 and the housing 746 of the electrical connector 714, the electronic circuit component 742, such as the printed circuit board 660, is moved into engagement with the curved portions 738 of the substrate engagement portions 728 of the contacts 722. When this occurs, the resilient contact 722 flexes (e.g., compresses, deforms, etc.) from one location to another such that the flex portion 738 of the substrate engagement portion 728 of the contact 722 exerts a force on a mating connection surface or circuit pad 740 (also referred to as one or more connection devices 740) of an electronic circuit component 742 (e.g., circuit pad 661 of the printed circuit board 660) to maintain the contact 722 in mechanical and electrical engagement with the circuit pad 740.

When mating occurs between the electronic circuit component 742 and the contacts 722, movement of the electronic circuit component 742 (e.g., the printed circuit board 660) toward the electrical connector 714 causes the contacts 722 to elastically deform or deflect 4mm or more to provide sufficient mating force between the contacts 722 and the circuit pads 740. When the contacts 722 are resiliently deflected, the wire terminating portions 724 remain in a fixed position within the slots 758 of the contact receiving protrusions 756. The substrate engagement portion 728 moves in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the contact 722 such that the transition or flexible portion 726 pivots about the point at which the transition or flexible portion 726 engages the wire termination portion 724. The rigidity of the point at which the transition or flexible portion 726 engages the wire termination portion 724 and the rigidity of the protrusion 736 determine the mating force applied by the contact 722 to the circuit pad 740.

After mating of the circuit pad 740 with the contact 722 occurs, the electrical connector 714 and the electronic circuit component 742 (e.g., the printed circuit board 660) are held in place by a latch or other means to prevent unwanted withdrawal of the circuit pad 740 from the contact 722.

Referring now to fig. 19-21, a second illustrative wiring harness 7110 (also referred to as an electrical connector 7110) includes a first connector 7112, a second connector 7114, and electrical wires or conductors 7116 extending therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, four conductors 7116 are provided, although other numbers of conductors 7116 may be provided to accommodate electrical requirements without departing from the scope of the present invention.

A contact 7118 is disposed at one end of the conductor 7116. The contacts 7118 are configured to be inserted into a housing 7120 of a first connector 7112. Although press-contact 7118 is shown, the contact 7118 is not limited thereto. In addition, the first connector 7112 is not limited to the type of plug connector shown. In some embodiments, the first connector 7112 is connected to a circuit of a home appliance (e.g., a refrigerator).

As best shown in fig. 19 and 20, the second connector 7114 has resilient contacts 7122 disposed therein. In the embodiment shown, four contacts 7122 are provided so that each conductor 7116 may be terminated. However, other numbers of contacts 7122 may be provided based on the number of conductors 7116. The contacts 7122 are stamped and formed of a material having suitable electrical and mechanical properties.

The contacts 7122 have a housing termination portion 7124, a transition or flexible portion 7126, and a mating portion or substrate engagement portion 7128 for connection to a mating connection surface of a corresponding connection assembly having electronic circuit components (e.g., circuit pads of the electronic circuit components 7142 or connection devices 7140). The housing termination section 7124 has a housing engagement member 7130 extending from a vertical member 7132. A mounting opening 7134 (fig. 21) is provided in the housing engagement member 7130. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the housing engagement member 7130 extends substantially at a right angle from the vertical member 7132, although other angles may be used. The protrusions 7136 extend from the housing engaging member 7130 to the vertical member 7132 to provide additional strength and stability. The shape, size, and positioning of the protrusion 7136 may be varied depending upon the amount of stiffness or resiliency of the contact desired.

A transition or flexible section 7126 extends from the housing termination section 7124. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the transition or flexible portion 7126 extends from the housing termination portion 7124 at substantially a right angle, although other angles may be used.

A substrate engagement portion 7128 extends from the transition or flexible portion 7126. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the substrate engagement portion 7128 extends from the transition or flexible portion 7126 at substantially a right angle, although other angles may be used. The substrate engagement portion 7128 or mating portion has a curved contact portion 7138 configured to be positioned in mechanical and electrical engagement with a circuit pad 7140 (e.g., pad 661 of the printed circuit board 660 shown in fig. 12-14) of a mating electronic circuit component 7142 (fig. 19). Protrusions 7144 are provided on the curved contact portions 7138 to provide additional strength and stability between the curved contact portions 7138. The shape, size, and positioning of the protrusions 7144 may be varied depending upon the amount of stiffness or resiliency of the contacts desired.

The connector housing 7146 of the second connector 7114 has an upper surface 7148 and an oppositely facing lower surface 7150. As best shown in fig. 21, the opening 7152 extends from the upper surface 7148 to the lower surface 7150. In the embodiment shown, four openings 7152 are provided, however other numbers of openings 7152 may be provided based on the number of contacts 7122 and conductors 7116. The opening 7152 is sized to receive mounting hardware 7154 therein.

An annular contact 7156 is disposed at the end of the conductor 7116. The annular contact 7156 is disposed in line with the opening 7152. The ring contact 7156 has an opening 7158 to receive mounting hardware 7154 therein.

During assembly of the second electrical connector 7114 and the wire harness 7110, the opening 7158 of the ring contact 7156 of the conductor 7116 is positioned in line with the opening 7152. The mounting openings 7134 of the contacts 7122 are also positioned in line with the openings 7152. Mounting hardware 7154 is inserted through opening 7158, opening 7152, and opening 7134 to secure the conductors 7116 and contacts 7122 to the connector housing 7146. Mounting hardware 7154 also provides electrical connection between ring contacts 7156 of conductors 7116 and contacts 7122.

With the contacts 7122 properly secured to the housing 7146 of the electrical connector 7114, the printed circuit board 7142 is moved into engagement with the bent portions 7138 of the substrate engagement portions 7128 of the contacts 7122. When this occurs, the resilient contact 7122 flexes (e.g., compresses or deforms) from one position to another such that the curved portion 7138 of the substrate engagement portion 7128 of the contact 7122 exerts a force on the mating connection surface or circuit pad 7140 of the electronic circuit component or printed circuit board 7142 to maintain the contact 7122 in mechanical and electrical engagement with the circuit pad 7140.

When mating occurs between the printed circuit board 7142 and the contacts 7122, movement of the electronic circuit component 7142 toward the electrical connector 7114 causes the contacts 7122 to elastically deform or deflect 4mm or more to provide sufficient mating force between the contacts 7122 and the circuit pads 7140. The housing engagement member 7130 and the vertical member 7132 of the housing termination section 7124 remain in a fixed position as the contacts 7122 resiliently deflect. The substrate engagement portion 7128 moves in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the contact 7122 such that the transition or flexible portion 7126 pivots about the point at which the transition or flexible portion 7126 engages the vertical member 7132. The rigidity of the point at which the transition or flexible portion 7126 joins with the vertical member 7132 determines the mating force applied by the contact 7122 to the circuit pad 7140.

After the circuit pads 7140 are mated with the contacts 7122, the electrical connector 7114 and the circuit board 7142 are held in place by latches or other means to prevent unwanted withdrawal of the circuit pads 7140 from the contacts 7122.

Fig. 22 depicts another embodiment of a filter base assembly according to the present invention that is adapted to be operatively connected to a wiring harness assembly for making an electrical connection between a filter base and a complementary mating filter housing assembly, such as filter housing assembly 600. The filter base 1000 includes a base platform 1010 having a housing 1011 for holding a locking member, such as a floating or sliding lock 1012, in place while allowing the locking member to move freely away from and back to its central position in a direction perpendicular to the axial extension of the posts 1001a, b during insertion and extraction of a mating filter housing assembly, such as the filter housing assembly 600. Posts 1001a, b are provided on either side of the housing 1011 for receiving inlet and outlet ports of a mating filter housing. In one or more embodiments, the floating lock 1012 may be structurally identical to the floating lock 12, as described above with respect to fig. 3A-3E. In other embodiments, the housing 1011 may also hold the floating locks 1200 and 1212 of fig. 8. For simplicity, reference is primarily made to the interaction of the housing 1011 with the floating lock 1012 (e.g., the locking member or floating lock 12), but those skilled in the art will appreciate that the applicability of the housing 1011 also includes use with the floating locks 1200 and 1212. The housing 1011 includes a protruding enclosure 1002 that is larger than the floating lock 1012 and allows it to enclose the floating lock 1012 therein. The package 1002 prevents excessive movement of the floating lock 1012 and protects the floating lock from extraneous, accidental movement when installed.

The inlet/outlet posts 1001a, b are located on opposite sides of the enclosure 1002 on the laterally extending portion of the base platform housing 1011, i.e., the portion of the housing 1011 that extends perpendicular to the longer or longitudinal sides of the housing 1011. Ports 1003a, b represent inlet and outlet ports for fluid and extend along parallel axes to posts 1001a, b, respectively, and connect to water lines of the refrigerator. The closure posts 1001a, b include shutoff plugs (not shown) that act as valve seals to stop fluid flow when the filter cartridge is removed. The closing struts 1001a, b are preferably cylindrical, containing spring-actuated O-ring plugs for sealing the inlet and outlet lines during cartridge removal. In an embodiment, as shown in fig. 22, the base platform 1010 is integrally formed with posts 1001a, b, the posts 1001a, b being disposed on either longitudinal side of the base platform housing 1011. Each inlet/outlet leg 1001a, b has an upper leg portion 1004a, b extending vertically upwardly relative to the top surface of the base platform 1010 in an axial direction and a lower leg portion 1005a, b extending downwardly relative to the base platform 1010 in an axial direction. In at least one embodiment, the struts 1001a, b can be spaced apart from each other by about 0.65 to 0.85 inches, and optionally 0.74 inches, to accommodate insertion of inlet and outlet ports of a mating filter housing assembly, such as inlet port 620 and outlet port 630 of filter housing assembly 600. The housing 1011 comprises a curved portion shaped to surround the closing struts 1001a, b and further comprises a central hole 1031 allowing longitudinal movement (parallel to the longitudinal sides) of the locking member or floating lock 1012. As best shown in fig. 22A, the floating lock 1012 may include an extension member 1080 opposite the face configured with extended attachment members or fingers and gaps (fig. 22) to allow a resilient component, such as a coil or torsion spring, to act thereon. In these embodiments, the extension member 1080 is acted upon by a resilient device retained within the spring housing 1090, as shown in fig. 22A. In an embodiment, the spring case 1090 is preferably attached to the filter base 1000 by a snap fit, although other attachment schemes known in the art, such as adhesives, welding, and various mechanical fasteners, may be readily employed.

Referring now to fig. 23-24, a wiring harness 810 (also referred to as an electrical connector 810) for mechanical connection with the filter base 1000 is shown. The wiring harness 810 includes a first connector 812, a second connector 814, and wires or conductors 816 extending therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, four conductors 816 are provided, but other numbers of conductors 816 may be provided to accommodate electrical requirements without departing from the scope of the present invention. In a typical application, the wiring harness 810 is operatively connected to, positioned on, and/or forms a portion of a filter base for mating with a complementary filter housing assembly (e.g., as shown in fig. 25-29 and described in more detail below). Here, and in at least some other embodiments of the present invention, the first connector 812 of the wire harness 810 is operatively coupled (e.g., electrically and mechanically coupled) with a corresponding connection component of the filter base 1000.

A contact (not shown) is disposed at a first end of the conductor 816. The contacts are configured to be inserted into the housing 820 of the first connector 812 and may be crimped in a similar manner as the contacts 718 and 7118, as shown in fig. 17 and 21, respectively; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the contacts are not so limited. Additionally, the first connector 812 is not limited to the type of plug connector shown. In one or more embodiments, the first connector 812 is connected to a circuit of a home appliance such as a refrigerator.

The second connector 814 has a resilient contact 822 disposed therein. In the illustrated embodiment, four contacts 822 are provided so that each conductor 816 can be terminated. However, other numbers of contacts 822 may be provided based on the number of conductors 816. The contacts 822 are stamped and formed from a material having suitable electrical and mechanical properties.

The contacts 822 have wire termination portions 824, transition or flex portions 826, and substrate engagement portions 828 or mating portions for connection to mating connection surfaces of a corresponding connection assembly having electronic circuit components (e.g., circuit pads 661 of the printed circuit board 660 of the filter housing assembly 600). The wire termination section 824 may have a fold region disposed proximate a free end (not shown). A slot may be provided in the fold region to form an insulation displacement slot that cooperates with the conductor 816 to place the contact 822 into electrical engagement with the conductor 816. In one or more embodiments, the free ends of the contacts 822 can be configured in a manner similar to the contacts 722, with the fold region 730 proximate the free end 732 and including a slot 734 therein, as shown in fig. 18; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the configuration of the contacts 822 is not so limited.

A transition or flex portion 826 extends from the wire termination portion 824. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the transition or flex portion 826 extends from the wire termination portion 824 at an obtuse angle, although other angles, such as substantially right angles, may be used. A protrusion 836 may extend from the wire termination portion 824 to the transition or compliant portion 826 to provide additional strength and stability between the wire termination portion 824 and the transition or compliant portion 826. The shape, size, and positioning of protrusions 836 may vary depending on the amount of stiffness or resiliency of the contacts desired.

A substrate engagement portion 828 extends from the transition or flex portion 826. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the substrate engagement portion 828 extends upward from the transition or flex portion 826 substantially at a right angle, although other angles may be used. The substrate engagement or mating portion 828 has a curved contact portion 838 that is configured to be positioned in mechanical and electrical engagement with a circuit pad or connection device of a corresponding connection assembly having an electronic circuit component, such as the circuit pad 661 of the printed circuit board 660 of the filter housing assembly 600, as described with respect to fig. 12-14. In a particular embodiment, the wiring harness 810 is positioned within a water filter base assembly of a household appliance. In some embodiments, the household appliance is a refrigerator. Here, the wiring harness 810 is positioned within a filter base 1000 that is configured to receive a corresponding mating filter housing or cartridge assembly (e.g., a water cartridge). In such embodiments, the wiring harness 810 may be used to establish an electrical connection between the circuitry of the refrigerator and the connection assembly of the filter cartridge (e.g., water filter cartridge). In one or more embodiments, a protrusion may be provided on the curved contact portion 838 to provide additional strength and stability to the curved contact portion 838. The shape, size and positioning of the protrusions may vary depending on the amount of stiffness or resiliency desired for the contacts.

The connector housing 846 of the second connector 814 has an upper surface 848 and an oppositely facing lower surface 850, the lower surface 850 including substantially planar extensions 849, 851 separated by a gapped recess 847, the gapped recess 847 for receiving a portion of the base platform package 1002 and the floating lock 1012 (fig. 27) disposed therebetween. Extensions 849, 851 are connected by intermediate portion 853 such that connector housing 846 forms a generally "U" -shaped member for at least partially surrounding enclosure 1002 and floating lock 1012. Intermediate portion 853 includes slots 855 for receiving therein resilient tabs 1070 of housing 1090 for securing connector housing 846 to filter base 1000, for example, as shown in fig. 25-26. Connector housing 846 is preferably attached to housing 1011 by snap-fit by inserting at least a portion of housing extensions 849, 851 into laterally extending slotted portions 1020a and 1020b, respectively, of base platform 1010 (fig. 22) to allow tab 1070 to be received in connector housing slot 855, for example by snap-fit, although other attachment schemes known in the art, such as adhesive, welding, and various mechanical fasteners, may be readily employed.

A contact accommodating housing 852 positioned on or integral with each planar extension 849, 851 extends from the connector housing upper surface 848 in a direction away from the lower surface 850. In the illustrated embodiment, four contact receiving housings 852 are provided such that each contact 822 can be positioned in a contact receiving housing 852. However, other numbers of contact receiving housings 852 may be provided based on the number of contacts 822 and conductors 816. The contact receiving housing 852 is sized to receive a free end of the contact 822 and a portion of the wire termination section 824 therein.

The conductor receiving conduit 854 is provided integral with the upper surface 848 and the lower surface 850. The conductor receiving conduit 854 is sized to receive a portion of the conductor 816 therein. The conductor receiving conduit 854 is disposed in line with the contact receiving housing 852 such that the conductor 816 positioned in the conductor receiving conduit 854 extends through the contact receiving housing 852.

The contact receiving projections 856 extend from the connector housing lower surface 850 in a direction away from the upper surface 848. In the illustrated embodiment, four contact receiving projections 856 are provided such that each contact 822 may be positioned in the contact receiving projections 856. However, other numbers of contact receiving projections 856 can be provided based on the number of contacts 822 and conductors 816. Slots 858 are provided in contact receiving projections 856. The slot 858 is sized to receive and retain a portion of the wire termination portion 824 therein.

During assembly of the second electrical connector 814 and the wire harness 810, the conductors 816 are inserted into the conductor receiving conduit 854 such that ends of the conductors 816 extend within the conductor receiving conduit 854 past the contact receiving housing 852.

With conductors 816 fully inserted, contacts 822 are inserted into connector housing 846 from bottom surface 850. A portion of the wire termination section 824 is inserted into the slot 858 of the contact receiving protrusion 856. As the contact 822 continues to be inserted, the wire termination section 824 engages the conductor 816 positioned in the conductor receiving conduit 854, causing displacement of the insulation of the conductor 816, as is known for insulation displacement type contacts, and providing a mechanical and electrical connection between the contact 822 and the conductor 816.

With the wire termination section 824 properly positioned in the slot 858 of the contact receiving protrusion 856, the wire termination section 824 is held in place by barbs, an interference fit, or other known means.

Referring now to fig. 28-29, a filter base 1000 having an electrical connector or harness 810 is shown connected to a corresponding mating filter housing assembly 600. In one or more embodiments, the interaction between the filter key 650 and the floating lock 1012 of the filter housing assembly 600 is the same as described above with respect to the interaction between the filter key 5 and the floating lock 12. The filter key 650 includes at least one finger or extended attachment member for mating or interlocking with a corresponding protrusion or drive key 1023a, b located on a longitudinal side of the floating lock 1012 such that when the filter key 650 is inserted to mate with the floating lock 1012, the filter key attachment member slidably contacts the drive key to move the floating lock 1012 longitudinally an incremental amount from its initial position to allow the filter key fingers to move back and forth between gaps on the floating lock 1012. Once the fingers have passed between the corresponding gaps on the floating lock 1012, the floating lock 1012 is slidably restrained under tension, the floating lock 1012 partially returns to its original position by a tension retraction force, such that the filter key fingers align or interlock with at least one projection or drive key on the floating lock 1012, and this alignment resists any direct outward axial withdrawal force.

In at least one embodiment, as shown in fig. 30, the locking member or floating lock 1012 can include at least one drive key 1024, and preferably a pair of opposing drive keys 1024a and 1024b that are shaped differently from the remaining drive keys 1023a, b to facilitate interlocking or latching between the filter key 650 and the floating lock 1012, such as if the filter housing is inserted too slowly into the filter base or the axial insertion force is insufficient. As best shown in fig. 30A, the drive key 1024 includes a receiving wedge 1029 having an extended shelf portion 1030 (as compared to the drive keys 1023a, b) to capture an attachment member or finger of the filter key opposite the sloped edge 1021. As shown in fig. 30, drive keys 1024a, 1024b are positioned at one end of floating lock 1012, with spaced protrusions or drive keys 1023a, b forming the remainder of the longitudinal sides of the lock; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments, any of the drive keys 1023a, b may be replaced with a drive key 1024 without adversely affecting the intended interlock function. Upon insertion, when the filter key fingers contact the drive keys 123a, b and 1024, the floating lock 1012 moves away from its original position against the retraction force and moves according to the contacting angled portions or edges 58 and 1021. Once the wings of the filter key fingers clear the drive key lip 1027, the floating lock 1012 is not inhibited from reacting to the retraction force and moves slightly back toward its original position, and the diamond-shaped wings are then captured by the receiving wedges 1029. This position locks the filter key 650 to the floating lock 1012 against any direct axial withdrawal forces.

For simplicity, further detailed description of the interaction between filter key 650 and lock 1012 will not be repeated herein; however, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the releasably secured locking mechanism of this embodiment of the invention functions in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the filter key 5 and slidable lock 12, for example.

The electrical connection between the wire harness 810 and the printed circuit board 660 will now be described. With the contacts 822 properly secured to the conductors 816 and the housing 846 of the electrical connector 814, the printed circuit board 660 is moved into engagement with the bent contact portions 838 of the substrate engagement portions 828 of the contacts 822 of the wire harness 810 as the filter housing assembly 600 is inserted into the filter chassis 1000. When this occurs, the resilient contact 822 flexes (e.g., compresses, deforms, etc.) from one position to another such that the flex portion 838 of the substrate engagement portion 828 of the contact 822 exerts a force on the mating connection surface or circuit pad 661 of the printed circuit board 660 to maintain the contact 822 in mechanical and electrical engagement with the circuit pad 661.

When mating occurs between the printed circuit board 660 and the contacts 822, movement of the printed circuit board 660 toward the electrical connector 814 causes the contacts 822 to elastically deform or deflect 4mm or more to provide sufficient mating force between the contacts 822 and the circuit pads 661. When the contacts 822 are resiliently deflected, the wire terminating portion 824 is held in a fixed position in the slots 858 of the contact receiving projections 856. The substrate engagement portion 828 moves in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the contacts 822 such that the transition or flex portion 826 pivots about the point at which the transition or flex portion 826 engages the wire termination portion 824. The rigidity of the transition or flex portion 826 and the point at which the wire termination portion 824 engage and the rigidity of the bumps 836 determine the mating force applied by the contacts 822 to the circuit pads 661.

After circuit pad 661 is mated with contacts 822, electrical connector 814 and printed circuit board 660 are held in place by latches or other means to prevent unwanted withdrawal of circuit pad 661 from contacts 822.

In certain embodiments, a household appliance (e.g., a refrigerator) may include a wire harness assembly as described herein, and the wire harness may be connected to circuitry of the household appliance. Where the household appliance is a refrigerator, the wiring harness may be part of a refrigerator manifold configured to receive a water filter. In this regard, the electrical connection member or printed circuit board may be located outside the water filter and connected to the electrical circuit of the water filter. When the water filter is inserted into the manifold, the wire harness engages the printed circuit board to establish an electrical connection between the electrical circuit of the refrigerator and the electrical circuit of the water filter.

In one or more embodiments, electrical communication between contacts 822 and printed circuit board 660 may be used as part of an electronic authentication system for a filter housing or filter cartridge assembly (e.g., filter housing assembly 600). In such embodiments, the filter housing of the filter cartridge may further include a memory device, such as a microchip or integrated circuit, embedded therein that includes a unique identifier associated with the filter cartridge such that the circuit associated with the filter base may be used to determine, through electronic authentication based on the unique identifier, whether the filter cartridge is a valid or authentic OEM (original engineering manufacturer) filter cartridge, or to determine other criteria associated with the filter cartridge, such as whether the filter media in the replaceable filter cartridge has reached the end of its useful life.

It is contemplated that embodiments of the present invention may be provided in a refrigerator (e.g., within a refrigerator cabinet). The output of the filter assembly can be selectively coupled to a water dispenser or an ice dispenser. The water supply to the refrigerator will be in fluid communication with the filter base 100 or the filter base 1000 and flow will be inhibited when the filter housing assembly 200 or 600 is removed from the filter base 100, 1000. Shutoff plugs in posts 1101a, b or 1001a, b seal fluid flow until filter housing assembly 200, 600 is inserted into filter base 100, 1000. Upon insertion, fluid will flow toward the filter housing assembly and filtered water will return from the filter housing assembly.

All of the components of the filter housing assembly 200, 600 and filter base 100, 1000 may be made using molded plastic components according to processes known in the art. The filter medium may be made of known filter materials such as carbon, activated carbon, malodorous carbon, porous ceramics, and the like. Filter media that may be used in the filter housing of the present invention include a variety of filter media that are capable of reducing one or more harmful contaminants in the water entering the filter housing apparatus. Representative filter media that can be used in the filter housing include those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,872,311, 6,835,311, 6,797,167, 6,630,016, 5,331,037, and 5,147,722. In addition, the filtration compositions disclosed in the following published applications can be used as filtration media: US 2005/0051487 and US 2005/0011827.

The filter assembly is preferably mounted on a surface adjacent the water source. The mounting means is also preferably proximate to the use of filtered water produced by the filter housing apparatus.

While the invention has been particularly described, in conjunction with a specific embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims (31)

1. A filter base for receiving a complementary mating filter housing assembly, the filter base comprising:

a base platform having fluid inlet and outlet legs; and

a wire harness assembly for establishing an electrical connection between the filter base and the complementary mating filter housing assembly, the wire harness assembly comprising:

a first connector;

a second connector;

a conductor extending between the first connector and the second connector;

one or more contacts disposed on the second connector, the one or more contacts flexing from a first position to a second position when a mating portion of the one or more contacts engage a mating connection surface of the complementary mating filter housing assembly; and

a connector housing integral with or connected to the base platform, the connector housing having an upper surface and an oppositely facing lower surface and sized to receive a first end portion of the one or more contacts.

2. The filter base of claim 1 wherein the one or more contacts have a termination portion mounted on the second connector at the first end portion, a flexible portion extending from the termination portion, and a substrate engagement portion extending from the flexible portion, and wherein the one or more contact mating portions comprise the substrate engagement portion.

3. The filter base of claim 2, wherein the one or more contact termination portions have a fold region proximate a free end forming an insulation displacement slot that mates with the conductor extending between the first connector and the second connector.

4. The filter base of claim 3 further comprising a contact receiving projection extending from a lower surface of said connector housing, said contact receiving projection comprising a slot sized to receive and retain therein a portion of said fold region of said terminating portion of said one or more contacts.

5. The filter base of claim 1 further comprising a conductor receiving conduit integral with the connector housing upper and lower surfaces, the conductor receiving conduit sized to receive a portion of the conductor extending between the first connector and the second connector, wherein the conductor positioned in the conductor receiving conduit extends through a contact receiving shell of the connector housing.

6. The filter base of claim 1, wherein the mating connection surface is a circuit pad of a printed circuit board of the complementary mating filter housing assembly, and wherein the one or more contact mating portions have a curved contact portion configured to be positioned in mechanical and electrical engagement with the circuit pad when the complementary mating filter housing component is received within the filter base.

7. The filter base of claim 1 wherein said connector housing is partially disposed within a laterally extending slotted portion of said base platform.

8. The filter base of claim 1 wherein the connector housing includes substantially planar extensions separated by interstitial recesses for receiving at least a portion of a shaped shell disposed in the filter base platform therebetween, and wherein the connector housing extensions are at least partially disposed within laterally extending slotted portions of the base platform.

9. The filter base of claim 8 wherein said connector housing extensions are connected by an intermediate portion having a slot for receiving a resilient tongue therein, said resilient tongue extending perpendicularly from a spring housing, said spring housing including at least one resilient member in contact with a locking member of said filter base to provide a retraction force when said locking member is acted upon by said complementary mating filter housing assembly during insertion or extraction of said filter housing assembly from said filter base.

10. The filter base of claim 9 wherein said spring housing spring tabs are received by snap fit within said connector housing mid-slot to connect said spring housing to said connector housing.

11. The filter base of claim 1 wherein said fluid inlet and outlet struts are connected to or integral with laterally extending portions of said base platform.

12. The filter base of claim 8 wherein said fluid inlet and outlet legs are connected to or integral with a laterally extending portion of said base platform and at least a portion of said shaped housing extends longitudinally between said inlet and outlet legs.

13. The filter base of claim 1 further comprising inlet and outlet ports extending along axes parallel to said inlet and outlet struts.

14. A combination filter base and filter housing assembly, the combination comprising:

the filter base comprising a base platform having fluid inlet and outlet legs;

a wire harness assembly for establishing an electrical connection between the filter base and the filter housing assembly, the wire harness assembly comprising:

a first connector;

a second connector;

a conductor extending between the first connector and the second connector;

one or more contacts disposed on the second connector, the one or more contacts flexing from a first position to a second position when a curved contact portion of the one or more contacts engages a mating connection surface of the filter housing assembly; and

a connector housing integral with or connected to the base platform, the connector housing having an upper surface and an oppositely facing lower surface and sized to receive a first end portion of the one or more contacts; and

the filter housing assembly including a filter housing for enclosing a filter media, the filter housing having a main body and a top portion for forming a fluid seal with the main body, the filter housing top portion including the mating connection surface for engaging the one or more contact mating portions to establish an electrical connection between the filter base and the filter housing assembly, the mating connection surface configured to mechanically and electrically engage the curved contact portions of the one or more contacts when the filter housing is received within the filter base.

15. The combination of claim 14, wherein the one or more contacts have a termination portion mounted on the second connector at the first end portion, a flexible portion extending from the termination portion, and a substrate engagement portion extending from the flexible portion, and wherein the curved contact portion of the one or more contacts comprises the substrate engagement portion.

16. The combination of claim 14, further comprising one or more contacts of the filter base that flex from a first position to a second position when the curved contact portion of the one or more contacts engages the mating connection surface of the filter housing top portion.

17. The combination of claim 14, wherein the mating connection surface is a circuit pad of a printed circuit board located on or connected to the filter housing top portion.

18. The combination of claim 17, further comprising a printed circuit board housing located at or attached to the filter housing top portion, the printed circuit board housing including a recess for receiving the printed circuit board therein and for attaching the printed circuit board to the filter housing top portion.

19. The combination of claim 14, wherein the filter housing further comprises a memory device configured to store a unique identifier associated with the filter housing component.

20. The combination of claim 19, wherein the memory device comprises a microchip or an integrated circuit.

21. The combination of claim 19, wherein the filter housing includes electronic circuit components that electrically connect the filter housing top portion mating connection surface to the memory device.

22. The combination of claim 19, wherein the filter housing includes a recess that encapsulates the memory device.

23. The combination of claim 14, wherein the filter housing top portion includes inlet and outlet ports located along a chord line that does not intersect an axial center of the filter housing top portion such that a diametrical line extending perpendicularly through the chord line is divided into unequal portions, the inlet and outlet ports being received within the inlet and outlet struts of the filter base.

24. The combination of claim 23, wherein the inlet and outlet ports of the filter housing top portion each extend vertically upward from the cartridge housing top portion in a direction parallel to the axial center, wherein the inlet and outlet ports each have at least one approximately cylindrical cross-section portion or section, including a first section forming the top portion of the inlet and outlet ports, a third section adjacent the housing top portion, and a second section located between the first and third sections, the second section having at least one hole or cavity for fluid flow, the first and third sections having a first diameter, and the second section having a second diameter that is not equal to the first diameter.

25. The combination of claim 24, wherein the inlet and outlet port second sections are formed in an hourglass shape.

26. The combination of claim 24, wherein the inlet port second section cavity and the outlet port second section cavity are exposed in a direction opposite the filter housing top portion mating connection surface.

27. The combination of claim 14, wherein the connector housing includes substantially planar extensions separated by gapped recesses for receiving at least a portion of a shaped shell disposed therein the filter base platform, and wherein the connector housing extensions are at least partially disposed within laterally extending slotted portions of the base platform.

28. The combination of claim 27, wherein the connector housing extension is connected by an intermediate portion having a slot for receiving a resilient tongue therein, the resilient tongue extending perpendicularly from a spring housing, the spring housing including at least one resilient member in contact with a locking member of the filter base to provide a retraction force when the locking member is acted upon by the filter housing assembly during insertion or extraction of the filter housing assembly from the filter base.

29. The combination of claim 28, wherein the spring housing resilient tongue is received in the connector housing mid-portion slot by a snap fit to connect the spring housing to the connector housing.

30. A method for attaching a filter housing assembly to a filter base, the filter base comprising a base platform and a wire harness assembly for establishing an electrical connection between the filter base and the filter housing assembly, the wire harness assembly comprising a first connector, a second connector, conductors extending between the first connector and the second connector, and one or more contacts disposed on the second connector and that flex from a first position to a second position when a flexing contact portion of the one or more contacts engages a mating connection surface of a complementary mating filter housing assembly, and further comprising a connector housing integral with or connected to the base platform, the connector housing having an upper surface and an oppositely facing lower surface and being sized to receive a first of the one or more contacts An end portion, the method comprising:

inserting the inlet and outlet ports of the filter housing assembly into the inlet and outlet legs of the filter base to generate a resilient withdrawal force in an axial insertion direction;

inserting a filter key of the filter housing assembly into a locking member of the filter base;

upon insertion, engaging a mating connection surface of the filter housing with the one or more contact bend contact portions to establish an electrical connection between the filter base and the filter housing assembly such that the one or more contacts of the wire assembly bend from a first position to a second position and remain engaged with the mating connection surface during the bending; and

releasing the filter housing assembly such that the resilient withdrawal force acts on the filter key in an axial withdrawal direction to engage the filter key with the locking member to inhibit withdrawal of the filter housing assembly.

31. A refrigerator comprising a filter base configured to receive a complementary mating filter housing assembly, wherein the filter base comprises:

a base platform having fluid inlet and outlet legs; and

a wire harness assembly for establishing an electrical connection between the filter base and the complementary mating filter housing assembly, the wire harness assembly comprising:

a first connector;

a second connector;

a conductor extending between the first connector and the second connector;

one or more contacts disposed on the second connector, the one or more contacts flexing from a first position to a second position when a mating portion of the one or more contacts engage a mating connection surface of the complementary mating filter housing assembly; and

a connector housing integral with or connected to the base platform, the connector housing having an upper surface and an oppositely facing lower surface and sized to receive a first end portion of the one or more contacts; and

wherein the complementary mating filter housing assembly comprises a housing having a substantially cylindrical body and a top portion for forming a fluid seal with the body, the housing top portion having an axial center and further comprising:

an inlet port and an outlet port extending from the housing top portion, the inlet and outlet ports each having a body with a top section, a middle section, and a bottom section adjacent the housing top section and in fluid communication with the cylindrical body, the inlet and outlet port top sections having at least one seal at the connection with the middle section, and the inlet port and outlet port bottom sections having at least one seal at a connection with the middle section, the seals each having an outer surface first diameter, and said inlet and outlet port intermediate sections having outer surfaces with diameters extending less than said inlet and outlet port respective seal first diameters, forming the inlet port mid-section and the outlet port mid-section into an hourglass shape;

a filter key located on or connected to the housing for mating attachment to the filter base, the filter key comprising an extended finger comprising a contact portion and an adjacent side on one side, the contact portion forming a first angle with respect to the housing top portion in a first direction, the adjacent side forming a second angle with respect to the housing top portion in the first direction, such that the first angle and the second angle are not equal; and

optionally, an electronic circuit component housing disposed adjacent the filter key and having a recess for receiving an electronic circuit component therein and for further connecting the electronic circuit component to the housing top portion, the electronic circuit component housing located at or connected to the filter cartridge assembly housing.

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