CN114401776A - Filter base for electronic connection to mating filter housing assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A filter base for receiving a mating filter housing assembly, the mating filter housing assembly having: a base platform having a fluid inlet leg and a fluid outlet leg; and a wire harness assembly including a connector housing integrally formed or connected with the base platform for establishing an electrical connection between the filter base and a mating filter housing assembly. The wire harness assembly has conductors extending between a first connector and a second connector, with one or more spring contacts disposed on the second connector. The contacts are flexible from the first position to the second position when the curved contact sections of the one or more contacts engage the mating connection surface of the complementary mating filter housing assembly. The mating connection surface may be a circuit pad of a printed circuit board, wherein the contact flex contact section is configured to be positioned in mechanical and electrical engagement with the circuit pad when the filter housing assembly is received within 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 filter housings 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 a particular filter attribute. Such as in a refrigerator, the mechanical supports may be in line with and in fluid communication with the inflow and outflow conduits. More particularly, the present invention relates to a filter housing and mount to which the filter housing may be attached and removed by a push-actuated release. Controlled attachment or detachment of a filter sump containing filter media may be activated by pushing the sump axially toward a mechanical support. Certain key lock designs allow a user to identify and match certain filter configurations received by the mechanical support and reject other filter configurations. An internal shut-off valve activated by a push-type activation release may prevent 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 that allows 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 completed 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 layout. 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 has a switch that is activated to activate a 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 switches, which activate the valve. The filter inlet is coplanar with the refrigerator wall and forces difficult access to the filter cartridge.

The titles submitted by Huda at 2006, 8/28 are: in U.S. patent application No. 11/511,599, "FILTER HOUSING APPARATUS WITH rotary FILTER replacement mechanism (FILTER warming APPARATUS WITH rotation FILTER REPLACEMENT MECHANISM)", a FILTER assembly having 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 the base of a FILTER. A simple push mechanism actuates self-driven release and switching devices that hold and release the filter housing sump and provide an inflow shutoff valve to prevent leakage and spillage. At the beginning of the filter change-out procedure, the rotary cut-out and locking mechanism is activated and released by an axial force acting on the filter housing.

The present invention is particularly useful as 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 a water filtration device for a refrigerator. Refrigerators are appliances having an outer cabinet, a refrigerating compartment disposed within the outer cabinet and having a rear wall, a pair of opposite side walls, at least one door disposed opposite the rear wall, a top and a bottom, and a freezing compartment disposed within the outer cabinet and adjacent to the refrigerating 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 in fluid communication with a source of water 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 relates to a filter base for receiving a complementary mating filter housing assembly, the filter base comprising: a base platform having a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port; 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; conductors extending between the first connector and the second connector; one or more contacts disposed on the second connector, the one or more contacts being flexible 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 contact-receiving housings extending from the upper surface, the contact-receiving housings sized to receive the first end portions of the one or more contacts.

The one or more contacts may include: termination sections mounted on the second connector at a first end and received in the contact receiving housing; compliant segments extending from the termination segment; and substrate engagement sections extending from the compliant section, and wherein the one or more contact mating portions comprise the substrate engagement section.

The one or more contact termination sections may include folded regions proximate the free ends that form insulation displacement slots that mate with conductors extending between the first and second connectors.

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

The filter base also includes conductor-receiving conduits integral with the upper and lower surfaces of the connector housing and dimensioned to receive a portion of the conductor extending between the first connector and the second connector, wherein the conductor located 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 curved contact sections 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 a plurality of fluid inlet ports and fluid 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; conductors extending between the first connector and the second connector; one or more contacts disposed on the second connector, the one or more contacts being flexible from a first position to a second position when the curved contact sections 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 contact-receiving housings extending from the upper surface, the contact-receiving housings sized to receive the first end portions of the one or more contacts; and a filter housing for enclosing the filter media, the filter housing having a body and a top for forming a fluid tight seal with the body, the filter housing top 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 structured to mechanically and electrically engage the curved contact segment of the one or more contacts when the filter housing is received within the filter base.

The one or more contacts may have: termination sections mounted on the second connector at a first end and received in the contact receiving housing; compliant segments extending from the termination segment; and substrate engagement sections extending from the compliant section, and wherein the one or more contact bend contact sections comprise the substrate engagement section.

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

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

A printed circuit board housing is located on or attached to the filter housing top, the printed circuit board housing including a recess for receiving a printed circuit board therein and for attaching the printed circuit board to the filter housing top.

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

The filter housing top inlet port and outlet port each extend vertically upward from the cartridge housing top in a direction parallel to the axial center, wherein each of the inlet port and outlet port has at least one approximately cylindrical in cross-section portion or section including a first section forming the top of the inlet port and outlet port, a third section adjacent the housing top, and a second section between the first section and the third section, the second section having at least one hole or cavity for fluid flow, the first section and the third section 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 the filter housing top mating connection surface.

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

The combination also includes 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 filter housing top, the mating connection surface in electrical communication with the electronic circuit component.

In a third aspect, the present disclosure 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 flexible from a first position to a second position when the curved contact sections of the one or more contacts engage a mating connection surface of a complementary mating filter housing assembly, and the wire harness assembly further includes 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 contact-receiving housings extending from the upper surface, the contact-receiving housings sized to receive first ends of the 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 the mating connection surface of the filter housing with the one or more contact curved contact sections to establish an electrical connection between the filter base and the filter housing assembly such that the wire assembly one or more contacts flex from the first position to the second position and remain engaged with the mating connection surface during flexing; 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 opposing drive key of the locking member such that extraction inhibits the filter housing assembly.

In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a refrigerator comprising a filter base configured to receive a filter cartridge assembly, wherein the filter base comprises: a base platform having a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port; 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; conductors extending between the first connector and the second connector; one or more contacts disposed on the second connector, the one or more contacts being flexible 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 contact-receiving housings extending from the upper surface, the contact-receiving housings sized to receive the first end portions of the one or more contacts; and wherein the filter cartridge assembly comprises a housing having a substantially cylindrical body and a top for forming a fluid tight seal with the body, the housing top having an axial center and further comprising: an inlet port and an outlet port extending from the top of the housing, each of the inlet port and the outlet port having a body, the body having 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 outlet port top section having at least one seal at the junction with the middle section, and the inlet port and outlet port bottom section having at least one seal at the junction with the middle section, each of the seals having an outer surface of a first diameter, and the inlet and outlet port mid-sections having an outer surface, the outer surface having a diameter extending less than the respective seal first diameters of the inlet and outlet ports such that the inlet and outlet port mid-sections 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 extending finger comprising a contact portion on one side forming a first angle with respect to the housing top along a first direction and an adjacent side forming a second angle with respect to the housing top along the first direction, such that the first and second angles 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, the electronic circuit component housing being located on or connected to the filter cartridge assembly housing.

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

It is another object of the present invention to provide a filter housing apparatus that is mounted on a surface having a non-rotating locking device with pressure activation for replacement and removal.

It is another 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 another 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 or for analyzing other criteria associated with a filter cartridge, such as whether the filter media in a replaceable filter cartridge has reached the end of its useful life, that allows for electronic authentication of the filter housing assembly.

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 illustration 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 following description of an embodiment when read 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 the 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 nub or tab for attachment.

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

Fig. 2E shows 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 securing a filter key to a filter head or filter manifold.

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

Fig. 2I depicts a complementary angled 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 a filter key and a complementary angled 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 view of a second embodiment of a filter manifold having an extended support member.

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

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

Fig. 5B is a bottom perspective view of the filter head of fig. 5A.

Fig. 5C is a top perspective view of the filter head of fig. 5A.

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

Fig. 5E is a bottom perspective view of the filter head of fig. 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.

Fig. 5H is a side view of the unitary, one-piece filter head of fig. 5G.

Fig. 5I is a bottom view of the unitary, 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 a filter key with an extended boss.

FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a 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 view of the filter key of fig. 7A.

Fig. 7D depicts a side view of the filter key of fig. 7A.

Fig. 7E depicts an end or transverse side view of the embodiment of the filter key of fig. 7A showing the boss raised above the plane formed by the fingers and two wings extending transversely outward from the boss.

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

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 the floating lock with the extension member.

FIG. 8F is a side view of the floating lock with extension member of FIG. 8E.

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

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 having a boss connected to a filter manifold having an extension support.

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 top of the filter housing 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 of the 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 perspective view of another embodiment of a filter base according to the present invention.

Fig. 22A is a downward 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 lead assembly of fig. 25.

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

Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the filter base and lead 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 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 30 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, lateral, 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 embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary or illustrative is intended 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 eliminates the need for excessive force and tight tolerances found in prior art filter housings, allowing for frequent and frequent filter changes and optimal filter performance. The filter housing assembly of the present invention provides simplified filter replacement to minimize process downtime and eliminates the need for tools. A simple push mechanism actuates self-driven release and switching devices that hold and release the filter housing sump or cartridge and provide an inflow shutoff to prevent leakage and spillage. The floating or slide lock moves in a direction perpendicular or radial to the axial movement of the sump in response to axial insertion force from the filter cartridge and allows the insertion of a particular connector piece or filter key into the floating lock. Once inserted, the floating lock retracts toward its original position under the influence of a resilient force (such as two springs in series, or other complementary resilient mechanism that holds the floating lock under retraction tension as it moves from its initial position). The combination of a filter key and a floating lock allows for identification of a particular filter model and may be configured to reject all filters 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 assists in pushing the cartridge out of its seat. At the beginning of the filter change-out procedure, 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 application in conjunction with water treatment systems and the operation of water treatment systems. 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. Although the filter assembly may be fixedly secured in a location within an operating environment requiring fluid filtration, such as attached to an interior side wall of a refrigerator, other operating environments are certainly contemplated and the filter assembly may be used in any number of environments in which the filter assembly enters and may be placed in fluid communication with the incoming and outgoing fluid inlet ports. For illustrative purposes only, the application of filtration of water for plumbing into a refrigerator is discussed.

Filter housing assembly 200 includes a removable, removable canister or sump of the filter assembly from 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 non-floating port 11. A connection means or filter key 5 is attached to the filter manifold 3. Filter base 100 includes a non-floating port 11 having a base platform 1104, a locking member or floating lock 12, and a backplate 13. The filter head 2 is fixed to the filter housing 1 with a watertight fit. This attachment scheme may be formed by watertight screw fitting, gluing, 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, a 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 adhesive, welding, press fit, friction fit, and the like. 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 cap that facilitates the direction of fluid 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, and is preferably a carbon block filter. It is typically shaped in a similar manner as the filter housing 1, in one embodiment it 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 the filter housing assembly 200 with a row of strengthening ribs extending at least partially down the outer surface of the 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 a mounting assembly for ensuring proper alignment with the filter base 100. The reinforcing ribs 16 are preferably integral with the filter housing 1, but may also be attached as a separate component part. The ribs 16 may extend along 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 that encloses a filter media 8 by a closed end cap 7 at one end and an open end cap 6 at the other end. Typically, an O-ring seal (such as O-ring seal 9) is used to prevent water leakage, where different components are desired to mate. The filter manifold 3 and filter key 5 are joined with 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 attached to each other and to the filter head 2. FIG. 1B is a side plan view of one embodiment of the filter assembly of the present invention.

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

Fig. 2B is a lateral 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 preferably shaped for receiving a complementary protrusion on the filter manifold 3, and preferably shaped for receiving a dovetail-shaped protrusion; however, other connected, complementary shapes are not excluded.

For example, fig. 2G depicts a grooved groove 51b of a non-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. Furthermore, the filter key 5 may be integral with the filter manifold 3. Similarly, filter manifold 3 may be bonded, sonic welded, press fit, friction fit, or integrally formed with the top of the filter housing. As depicted in the illustrative embodiment, the groove 51 is shaped to accept a snap feature located on the filter manifold 3 for press-fit or snap-fit. 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 introduce and accommodate different key configurations that can be used to specify a particular filter type and expressly reject other filter types. Additionally, filter key 5 may include an angled ramp section on at least its bottom edge, wherein filter key 5 slidably mates with the top surface of filter manifold 3 or filter head 400.

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

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

Fig. 2J depicts a side view, in partial cross-section, of the filter head 400 showing the mating protrusion or rail 321 and the complementary angled ramp section 59b for interlocking with the slotted groove 51 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 location 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 flow 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, enhancing structural integrity for mounting to a filter base and remaining securable in place during attachment.

Referring to fig. 4A through 4C, in a preferred attachment scheme for 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 protrusion 32 and groove 51 of filter key 5 allows a user to remove and replace 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. Alternatively, these components may be separately manufactured and attached by adhesive, welding, press-fit, friction-fit, 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 groove 51 of the filter key 5.

In the embodiment depicted by 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 shroud 4 that covers and protects the filter head 2. The filter manifold 3 or 300 is positioned within the filter head 2 and attached to the 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 eccentric port 21. In this way, both the port 21 of the filter head 2 and the port 31 of the filter manifold 3 are eccentric and parallel to each other about a plane that intersects substantially the centre point of the filter head 2. As shown in fig. 1, 4 and 5, the recessed portion 22 formed around 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 lies 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.

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

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

The filter head 210 depicts another embodiment as shown in fig. 5D through 5F. In this embodiment, as depicted in the top perspective view of fig. 5F, there is a curved receiving boss or support member 230 on the top surface of the filter head 210 on one side of the centerpoint and two parallel lateral support members 240a, b located opposite the curved boss 230 on the other side of the centerpoint of the filter head 210. These structural support members serve to align the filter key 5 with the filter head 210 and help secure the filter key 5. As depicted in fig. 4A, the filter head may be used in conjunction with a filter manifold 300 without an extension support. Structural support member 230 provides a physical stop for filter key 5, which typically slides over protrusion 32 provided by filter manifold 300. The lateral support members 240a, b serve to align the filter key 5 and prevent it from being inadvertently displaced. 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, for example in the form of a single injection molded piece, or a two-piece construction in which the filter manifold 3, 310 is welded, fused, or otherwise permanently attached to the filter head 2, 210 as a sub-assembly.

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 protrusion 420 and groove 51 of filter key 5 allows a user to remove and replace filter key 5. Drawing (A)

And 5H is a side view of the unitary, 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, thereby 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 to filter manifold 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 unitary, one-piece filter head of fig. 5G depicting the off-axis central 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 filter heads 2, 210, respectively), fig. 5I illustrates that there is no axially centered cylinder in the monolithic filter head 400 design for receiving a port from the open end cap 6.

The filter manifold 300 includes an eccentric port 310 and a central portion 330 that fits securely within the recess 220 of the filter head 210. The projection 320 receives the groove from the filter key 5. In this embodiment, structural support member 230 and lateral structural support members 240a, b secure filter key 5 when filter key 5 is slidably inserted into 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 top of the filter head 210 and centered between the lateral support members 240a, 240b may be employed to act as a lock or snap fit for the filter key 5. Additionally, in another embodiment, the structural support member 230 may be formed with an aperture 235 located directly away from a center point of the filter head 210 at the base where the support member 230 intersects the top of the filter head 210. The aperture 235 is designed to receive a protruding material or locking nub or tab 53 which is placed at or formed with the corresponding end of the filter key 5 at the lower end of the lateral side. The locking nubs or tabs 53 on the filter key 5 are inserted into the apertures 235 on the curved portion of the structural support member 230 and prevent axial removal of the filter key 5 from the filter head 210. Fig. 2A to 2F show the locking nub 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 depicted in fig. 2A-2F, filter key 5 includes at least one attachment member, such as a laterally extending finger 52 and 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 as 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 therewith. However, the fingers may also be removably attached, and the filter key design is not limited to an integrally formed construction. The laterally extending fingers 52 may be formed in a number of 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 filter key 5, and gap 54 may be wider in some places than in others. Using the number 1,0 symbols to indicate the finger (1) or gap (0), there are many different configurations possible for the filter key. The configuration shown in fig. 2E will be designated 101010101 on each side. As a separate example, for the symbol 100010101, this would mean that the lateral finger (1) is followed by a wide gap (000), then the finger (1) is followed by a gap (0), and the finger (1) is followed by another gap (0) until 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, the mechanical key identifier of a particular filter housing assembly may be employed. 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 an electrical signature, or any combination thereof, for identification purposes. More importantly, a particular filter key finger/gap configuration will only allow a particular filter housing assembly to be used in a given system, in addition to the identity of the filter housing assembly.

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 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 by an increment to allow the finger 52 on the filter key 5 to span between the gaps 122 on the floating lock 12. Once the fingers 52 have passed between the corresponding gaps on the floating lock 12 (which is slidably restrained under tension), the floating lock 12 is partially returned towards its original position by the tension retraction force so that at least one extended finger on the filter key 5 aligns or interlocks with at least one projection or drive key on the floating lock 12 and this alignment resists any direct outward axial withdrawal force.

Each attachment member or finger 52 of filter key 5 includes a ramp 58 as depicted in fig. 2A and 2F. These angled features are made to slidably contact complementary beveled edges or angled features 121a, b of the drive keys 123A, b of the floating lock 12 shown in fig. 3A and 3E. During insertion of the key 5, sliding contact of the angled features of the fingers of the filter key laterally displaces the floating lock 12 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 angularly facing fingers, projections or drive keys 123a, b and gaps 122 which may correspond to each other with the fingers 52 and gaps 54 on the filter key 5. The drive key/gap arrangement of the floating lock 12 need not be fully complementary to the finger/gap arrangement of the filter key 5. It is only necessary that the floating lock 12 be able to fully accommodate the inserted filter key 5 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 with a receiving wedge 129a, b, respectively, which opposes the ramp 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 disposed on at least one longitudinal side of the floating lock 12, as depicted in fig. 3D and 3E. Below and in the middle of the drive keys 123a, b there is a row of position stops 125 which form a track structure extending longitudinally along the floating lock 12. The position stop 125 prevents the fingers 52 from extending further 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 filter key 5. The position stop 125 also includes a ramp or angled surface 126 for sliding contact with the ramps 58 of the fingers 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 extending finger 52 of filter key 5 contacts drive key 123a, b, floating lock 12 moves away from its initial position against the retraction force and moves according to the contacting angled 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, resisting 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 is free to respond to the retraction force and will move towards 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 remove filter housing assembly 200, the user again pushes filter housing assembly axially inward, which releases wings 56a, b on filter key 5 from drive keys 123a, b. This releases the floating lock 12 to return to its original position and positions the fingers 52 on the filter key 5 at the gaps 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 truncated stanchions 1101a, b of non-floating port 11 assist in pushing or withdrawing filter housing assembly 200 from filter base 100.

Fig. 9A is a perspective view of a non-floating port 11 working in tandem with the back plate 13 or the 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, base platform 1104 of non-floating port 11 will also retain locking members, such as floating lock 1200 and floating lock 1212 of fig. 8. For simplicity, although reference is primarily made to the interaction of non-floating port 11 with floating lock 12, 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 enclosure 1102 prevents excessive movement of the floating lock 12 and protects the floating lock from extraneous, unintended movement during installation.

Fig. 9B is a top plan view of non-floating port 11. The posts 1101a, b are located on opposite sides of the enclosure 1102 and extend through the base platform 1104. Each inlet/outlet strut 1101a, b has an upper strut portion that extends vertically upward in an axial direction relative to the top surface of the base platform 1104 and a lower strut portion that extends downward in an axial direction relative to the base platform 1104. Ports 1103 represent inlet and outlet ports for fluid and extend perpendicular to the posts 1101a, b. The shut-off legs 1101a, b include shut-off plugs 14 that act as valve seals to stop fluid flow when the filter cartridge is removed. The truncated posts 1101a, b are preferably cylindrical, containing spring activated O-ring sealing plugs for sealing the inlet and outlet lines during cartridge removal. In one embodiment, the back plate 13 is snap-fit into the non-floating port 11. To accommodate this, snap fits 1105 are shown on the non-floating port 11 that receive corresponding fits 135 on the 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. Although the back plate 13 is preferably attached to the non-floating port 11 by a snap fit, other attachment schemes known in the art, such as adhesives, welding, and various mechanical fasteners, are also readily available. The rear plate 13 is formed with an extension 132 on each end and a shaping gap 133 therebetween. Gap 133 is shaped to surround truncated struts 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 the fingers and the gap 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. Dome 1302 includes a slot 1304 that is formed to receive extension member 128 from floating lock 12. The slot 1304 helps to keep the floating lock 12 moving linearly 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 itself appears to return the floating lock 12 to its original centered position.

At all times during insertion, the filter housing assembly is under withdrawal forces that tend to push the housing out of the filter base. These extraction forces are generated by resilient members in each of the truncated struts 1101a, B of the non-floating port 11 (shown in fig. 9B) which force the truncated plug 14 into position to block the inlet and outlet ports. Preferably, although the extraction force on the shear plug 14 is provided by a spring 1110 in each port, 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 the block plug 14 further up against each block leg 1101a, b of the 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 locking nubs or tabs; however, it may include a locking nub to facilitate attachment to the filter head. Fig. 7F depicts a filter key 590 having a locking nub or tab 501. Locking nub 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 displaced by the interaction of wings 560a, b of extension boss 550 on filter key 500 or 590 with drive keys 1210a, b of floating lock 1200.

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, causing the floating lock 1200 or 1212 to move laterally in a direction 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 members or fingers 520 of filter key 500 are located within gaps 1220 on floating lock 1200 or 1212. Once filter key 500 or 590 is inserted, floating lock 1200 or 1212 is partially returned toward 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, thus preventing a direct withdrawal 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. Boss 550 rises above a horizontal plane 570 formed by the tops of fingers 520 and angles toward fingers 520, with its highest point at one end of filter key 500. Boss 550 is angled downwardly from its apex toward 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 rising above plane 570 formed by fingers 520 and wings 560a, b extending transversely from boss 550, which wings may similarly be considered hammerhead-shaped. The purpose of wings 560a, b is to contact corresponding angled 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 gap 1220 that may correspond to each other with fingers 520 and gap 540 on filter key 500 or 590. The finger/gap configuration of floating lock 1200 need not be fully complementary to the finger/gap configuration of filter key 500 or 590. Floating lock 1200 is required to fully accommodate the inserted filter key 500 only when the filter housing assembly is axially inserted into the filter base. Furthermore, once floating lock 1200 is subjected to a retraction force for returning it partially 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, preventing any withdrawal without further displacement of floating lock 1200 or 1212.

Using floating lock 1200 and filter key 500 as an illustrative example, when wings 560a, b on filter key 500 are in sliding contact with protrusions or drive keys 1210a, b on floating lock 1200, floating lock 1200 moves in a lateral motion perpendicular to the axial motion of insertion. In this manner, the floating lock 1200 is longitudinally displaced in a radial direction relative to the filter housing assembly axis. The fingers 520 of the filter key 500 are located in the gaps 1220 on the floating lock 1200. Once the filter key 500 is inserted, the floating lock 1200 is partially returned toward 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, thus preventing the direct withdrawal 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. Additionally, the present invention is not limited to any particular finger/gap sequence. The finger/gap arrangement on one side of floating lock 1200 need not be symmetrical to the finger/gap arrangement on the opposite side. Floating lock 1200 is responsive to tension, such as complementary springs acting thereon from two separate directions, to provide resistance longitudinally. 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 fingers 520 of the filter key 500 have passed the gaps 1220. When partially retracted, fingers 520 are aligned behind or below fingers 1230 of 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 the locking member or floating lock 1200 depicting a protrusion or drive key 1210a located at one end of the floating lock 1200 on the longitudinal or side panel 1240. The actuation key 1210a opposes a similar actuation key 1210b (not shown) located on the opposite longitudinal panel of the floating lock 1200. Both drive keys are designed with angled faces for slidably interacting with wings 560a, b of boss 550 on filter key 500. Each drive key is preferably integrally manufactured 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. As shown in fig. 8C, below the drive key 1210a is a position key or physical stop 1250, which is preferably formed with a supporting transverse wall 1260 of the floating lock 1200. As shown in fig. 8B, the positioning key 1250 is positioned between the drive keys 1210a, B. The positioning key 1250 may be integrally formed with the side wall 1260 or may be separately attached to the side wall by any acceptable means in the art, such as adhesive, welding, gluing, press-fitting, and the like. Positioning key 1250 acts as a physical stop to ensure that over travel of floating lock 1200 is prevented. The positioning key 1250 is located below the drive keys 1210a, b by a distance designed to accommodate insertion of the boss 550 of the filter key 500. When key 500 is inserted into floating lock 1200, boss 550 passes through a gap 1270 in floating lock 1200 formed by the space between drive keys 1210a, b. The wings 560a, b of the boss 550 extend outwardly relative to the width of the boss 550, spanning 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 tends to hold floating lock 1200 in its original position, which is preferably a centered position, under the retracting force of a resilient member, such as a series spring. During insertion of filter key 500, wings 560a, b interact with drive keys 1210a, b to longitudinally shift floating lock 1200 off-center under a resilient retraction force. When fully inserted, when the boss 550 reaches and contacts the positioning key 1250, 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 floating lock 1200 toward its original position.

Once wings 560a, b reach positioning key 1250 and the user releases the insertion force initially applied to the filter housing assembly, the withdrawal force from cutoff plug spring 1110 will dominate. These forces push the filter housing assembly axially outward away from the 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 partially longitudinally displace toward its original position when filter key 500 is slightly moved axially outward. At this point, wings 560a, 560b interact with edge corners 1280a, 1280b to push off center, displace filter key 500, and engage or contact surfaces 1300a, 1300b 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, thereby inhibiting the filter housing assembly from being withdrawn from the filter base.

Fig. 12A to 12E present yet another embodiment of a filter housing assembly 600 having a housing 610 with a substantially cylindrical body 612 and a top 614 for forming a fluid tight seal with the body. The top 614 is depicted as being substantially dome-shaped to facilitate the filter housing assembly as a pressurized container; however, if design constraints are required, it may be a flat surface. The cylindrical body 612 and the housing top 614 share a longitudinal axial centerline 616. The protrusions 618 extend upward in an axial direction from the top portion 614 and outward in a radial direction about the axial center 616. Dimensionally, the protrusions 618 extend upward from the top surface of the housing top 614 by approximately 0.15 inches to 0.35 inches-and preferably 0.24 inches. The housing 610 may hold a filter media therein for filtering fluid, may act as a sump, or may act as a bypass cartridge without filter media. The housing 610 is also adapted to accommodate a connection assembly 665 consisting of an electronic circuit component 660 and a housing 662 accommodating 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 also 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 for ensuring proper alignment with the filter base. The reinforcing ribs 613 are preferably integral with the filter housing 600, but may be attached as a separate component. 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 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. Once the inlet port is inserted into the receiving filter base post, seals 627 and 628 inhibit fluid exiting the bore or cavity 640a of the inlet port middle section from contacting the outer surfaces of the inlet port top section 622 and bottom section 624, respectively. 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 to form a fluid tight fit.

In at least one embodiment, inlet port intermediate section 623 has a different diameter D2 that is not equal to and less than D1 such that inlet port intermediate section 623 is formed with an outer surface profile to allow fluid to flow around intermediate section 623 after inlet ports 620 are inserted into their respective struts. Inlet fluid from the filter base strut fluid port is contained in and between seals 627, 628 and the circumferential strut inner wall. Fluid crosses around the inlet port mid-section and enters the inlet port mid-section bore or cavity 640 a. In this manner, the filter base strut fluid port may be located 180 degrees away from the inlet port cavity on the opposite side of the middle section inlet port cavity (i.e., facing the middle section outer wall).

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 diameter at its center that is smaller than the diameter 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 configuration, 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 for entry into the inlet port mid-section aperture or cavity 640 a.

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 houses 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 inches 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 inches 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 about and around the inlet port mid-section from the outlet port on one side of the strut to the inlet aperture 640a of the mid-section to the other side. A fluid seal is maintained with such fluid flow such that fluid is inhibited from contacting the outer surface of the inlet port top or bottom section. This allows the outer surface profile of inlet midsection 623 to be smaller than and directly within the compressive seal diameter D1 at the inner post wall of the filter base. Fluid is allowed to flow around the inlet midsection, contained in the seal, and is inhibited from flowing outside the midsection.

The outlet port 630 (similarly having a substantially cylindrical body 631 with a first or top section 632, a second or middle section 633, and a third or bottom section 634) extends vertically upward in a longitudinal axial direction from the top surface of the housing top 614 substantially parallel to the top 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 614 to outlet port middle section 633 and is separated from middle section 633 by seal 637. Seals 637, 638 prevent fluid exiting bore or cavity 640b of outlet port middle section 633 from contacting the outer surfaces of outlet end 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 in 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, forming 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 containment filter base post.

In the embodiment depicted in fig. 12, the outer surface profile of outlet midsection 633 is depicted in the form of an hourglass shape having a diameter D4 at its center that is less than the diameter at the topmost or bottommost point of the midsection closest to seals 637, 68. The body of the outlet port middle section may also be formed of other shapes, such as a smaller cylindrical, rectangular or triangular section with a diameter less than D3, or a tapered configuration, with the middle section 633 having at least one region where the surface contour width or radial extension remains within the limits of diameter D3 to allow fluid exiting the outlet port middle section bore or cavity 640b and contained in seals 637, 638 and the circumferential strut inner wall to flow around the outlet port middle section to the opposite side for input to the filter base from the bore in the receiving strut.

The inlet port sections 622-624 and the outlet port sections 632-634 may each have an outer surface profile that is separate and distinct from one another. 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 case, the corresponding middle section will have an outer surface topology (e.g., an outer diameter in a substantially cylindrical embodiment) having an outer surface profile with a diameter or width that is sufficiently smaller than the inner wall that receives the filter base post to form an annular gap that allows fluid to flow around and about the middle section between their corresponding upper and lower seals.

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

Both inlet port 620 and outlet port 630 include apertures or cavities 640a, b on their respective intermediate sections 623, 633 for passage of fluid. The inlet and outlet port apertures or cavities 640a, b are exposed in a direction away from the filter base post apertures in fluid communication with the apertures 640a, b. The relative placement of the holes is helpful because if the inlet and outlet holes 640a, 640b are in a direction facing the filter base post holes (simply defined by convention as the forward direction) as the filter cartridge is withdrawn, any fluid that is expelled from the holes 640a, b may drip onto electronic circuit components located in front of the filter key in the PCB housing 662 or electronic components and surfaces populated on the printed circuit board 660. Once filter housing 610 is installed in the filter base or manifold, the cavities 640a, b of the inlet and outlet ports are designed to be remote from the filter base port (not shown). Water flowing through housing assembly 600 thus enters and exits cavities 640a, b, respectively, flows around intermediate sections 623, 633 of the inlet and outlet ports in the manifold struts, 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 establishing undue 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 and are substantially perpendicular to a non-diametric chord line C1 of the housing top 614. Moving the inlet and outlet ports away from the corresponding parallel diameters of the housing top helps to allow enough room on the housing top 614 to place the PC board housing 662 and PC board 660. Dimensionally, the distance between the chord line C1 and the parallel diameter of the housing top 614 may be between 0.1 inches 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 features of the housing assembly 600. The inlet port 620 and the outlet port 630 are spaced about 0.65 inches to 0.85 inches, and optionally 0.74 inches, from each other on chord line C1. Filter key 650 is centered on and intersects chord line C1 at a right angle.

A filter key 650 structured for mating attachment to a filter base or manifold is located on or connected to the housing 610 and extends upwardly in a direction parallel to the axial center 616 of the housing top 614. Filter key 650 includes a base 651 having front and rear lateral sides 652a, 652b through which grooves 654 extend for receiving protrusions 618 on housing top 614, and lengthwise or longitudinal sides 653 extending substantially parallel to protrusions 618, as shown in fig. 13A-13C. Filter key 650 is secured to housing top 614 via the connection between grooves 654 and protrusions 618.

The base 651 extends upwardly along the housing top axial center 616, and has exposed front and rear surfaces 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 rear sides 652a, 652b depicts longitudinal sides 653a, b that taper inwardly by an upward extension and then project upwardly parallel to the central axis to a top surface that supports an attachment member such as a finger 655, as discussed further below.

The fingers 655 (and in at least one other embodiment, a plurality of extending fingers) extend from the top of the base 651, the fingers 655 extending substantially parallel to the exposed front and rear sides 652a, 652b and substantially perpendicular to the housing top axial centerline 616. The fingers 655 also include contact portions 656 on one side that substantially form a first angle and are exposed in a first direction relative to the housing top, presenting cam surfaces for slidable engagement with the filter base drive key. In a second embodiment, adjacent sides 657 (as depicted in fig. 13) are introduced so as to form a second angle and are exposed in a second direction relative to the top of the housing such that the first and second angles are not equal.

Once installed on the top of the housing, the filter key is spaced from either of the ports 620, 630 by approximately 0.4 inches to 0.6 inches-and optionally 0.53 inches, as measured on chord line C1 from the nearest outer surface point of either port on each side of the filter key. In this way, 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 base. As shown in fig. 13A-13C, the PCB housing and recess may be attached to, or preferably integral with, a 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 illustrated in fig. 14A through 14D.

The filter key may extend partially within the recess 663, as depicted in fig. 13A. This filter key extension 650a can shape the attached PC board to accommodate the extension 650a, with the PC board having an elongated "horseshoe" shaped footprint around the extension. As shown in fig. 13A, the recess 663 is substantially linear at one end 663A, extending outwardly from the filter key holder exposed sides 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 inches to 1.67 inches (optionally 1.57 inches), and a transverse or shorter dimension of about 0.63 inches to 0.83 inches (optionally 0.73 inches). The recess 663 is depicted as: has a longitudinal dimension (from inner wall to inner wall) that may have a length of about 1.37 inches to 1.57 inches (and optionally 1.47 inches) at its substantially linear end 663 a; and has a transverse or shorter dimension having a length of about 0.52 inches to 0.72 inches (and optionally 0.62 inches) such that the recess resembles a generally rectangular basin with a bend angle on the end furthest from the filter key.

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

The PCB housing side walls extend upward from the PCB housing bottom surface such that the top edge of the PCB housing becomes flat in a plane perpendicular to the housing axial center 616. The PCB housing is designed to accommodate a relatively straight tablet 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 plate and to allow for proper electrical attachment of the filter housing 610 to a connector on the filter base.

The PCB housing may alternatively be designed to extend past the back side of the filter key (not shown) that is exposed at the back side. In another alternative, PCB housing 662 may be presented as a distinct piece separate from filter key 650 itself to be separately connected to housing assembly 600 (not shown). In yet another alternative, the PCB housing 662 may be integral with the housing 610 at the top 614 or elsewhere on the housing body 612 as may be required by manufacturing requirements.

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

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 sliding interaction with corresponding connector terminals (not shown) during insertion and removal of the filter assembly from its respective base. In one embodiment, the PC board includes four pads for electrical connection (two sets of two pad connectors). The pads are exposed upwardly on the PC board, particularly during the pushing motion for inserting and removing the filter cartridge, and are preferably rectangular footprint shapes to accommodate tolerances in the filter base connector.

In operation, printed circuit board 660 assists the processor in utilizing a cryptographic authentication element 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 encryption capabilities 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 the estimated water flow rate (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 which also monitors filter usage time and estimated water flow, among other variables.

In at least one embodiment of the 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 wire harness assembly as described herein is merely one illustrative means of forming an electrical connection between a filter housing assembly according to the present invention and a mating filter base, and other means of forming such an electrical connection are not excluded.

Referring now to fig. 15 and 16, an exemplary 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 typical applications, the wiring harness 710 is operatively connected to, located at, 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.

A contact 718 is disposed at one end of the conductor 716. The contacts 718 are configured to be inserted into the housing 720 of the first connector 712. Although press-contact 718 is shown, contact 718 is 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 an appliance, such as a refrigerator.

As best shown in fig. 16-18, the second connector 714 has spring contacts 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. Contact 722 is stamped and formed from a material having suitable electrical and mechanical properties.

The contact 722 has a wire termination section 724, a transition or compliant section 726, and a mating portion or substrate engagement section 728 that connects to a mating connection surface of a corresponding connection assembly having an electronic circuit component (e.g., a circuit pad of the electronic circuit component 742 or a connection device 740). The wire termination section 724 has a fold region 730 disposed near the free end 732. Slots 734 are provided in the fold region 730 to form insulation displacement slots that cooperate with the conductor 716 to electrically engage the contact 722 with the conductor 716.

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

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

The connector housing 746 of the second connector 714 has an upper surface 748 and an opposing 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 of the contacts 722 may be positioned in the 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 end 732 of the contact 722 and a portion of the folded region 730 of the wire termination section 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 aligned with the contact-receiving housing 752 such that the conductor 716, which is located 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 of the contacts 722 may be located in a contact receiving protrusion 756. However, other numbers of contact accommodating protrusions 756 may be provided based on the number of contacts 722 and conductors 716. A slot 758 is provided in the contact receiving protrusion 56. The slot 758 is sized to receive and retain a portion of the fold region 30 of the wire termination section 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 section 724 is inserted into the slot 758 of the contact receiving protrusion 756. As insertion of the contact 722 continues, the slot 734 of the fold region 730 of the wire termination section 724 engages the conductor 716 located in the conductor receiving conduit 754, thereby displacing the insulation of the conductor 716 as 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 section 724 properly positioned in the slot 758 of the contact receiving protrusion 756, the wire termination section 724 is maintained 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, an electronic circuit component 742, such as a printed circuit board 660, is engaged with the bend sections 738 of the substrate engagement sections 728 of the contacts 722. When this occurs, the resilient contacts 722 flex (e.g., compress or deform, etc.) from one position to another such that the curved sections 738 of the substrate engagement sections 728 of the contacts 722 exert a force on the mating connection surfaces or circuit pads 740 (also referred to as one or more connection devices 740) of the electronic circuit component 742 (e.g., circuit pads 661 of the printed circuit board 660) to maintain the contacts 722 in mechanical and electrical engagement with the circuit pads 740.

When mating between the electronic circuit component 742 and the contacts 722 occurs, 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 flex 4mm or more to provide a sufficient mating force between the contacts 722 and the circuit pads 740. When the contact 722 elastically flexes, the wire termination section 724 remains in a fixed position in the slot 758 of the contact receiving protrusion 756. The substrate engagement section 728 moves in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the contact 722, pivoting the transition or compliant section 726 about the point where the transition or compliant section 726 engages the wire termination section 724. The stiffness of the point where the transition or compliant section 726 engages the wire termination section 724 and the stiffness of the coin 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 latched or otherwise maintained in place to prevent accidental withdrawal of the circuit pad 740 from the contact 722.

Referring now to fig. 19-21, an exemplary wiring harness 7110 (also referred to as an electrical connector 7110) includes a first connector 7112, a second connector 7114, and a wire or conductor 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 the first connector 7112. Although press-contact contacts 7118 are shown, the contacts 7118 are 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 the circuitry of an appliance (e.g., a refrigerator).

As best shown in fig. 19 and 20, the second connector 7114 has spring contacts 7122 disposed therein. In the embodiment shown, four contacts 7122 are provided so that each of the conductors 7116 can 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 housing end sections 7124, transition or compliant sections 7126, and mating or substrate engagement sections 7128 that connect to mating connection surfaces of corresponding connection assemblies having electronic circuit components (e.g., circuit pads of the electronic circuit components 7142 or connection devices 7140). The housing end section 7124 has a housing engagement member 7130 extending from a vertical member 7132. A mounting opening 7134 (fig. 21) is provided in the case engagement member 7130. In the illustrative embodiment shown, although the housing engagement member 7130 extends at a substantially right angle from the vertical member 7132, other angles may be used. The embossments 7136 extend from the housing engaging member 7130 to the upright member 7132 to provide additional strength and stability. The shape, size, and positioning of the embossments 7136 may vary depending on the amount of stiffness or resiliency of the contacts desired.

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

A substrate engagement section 7128 extends from the transition or compliant section 7126. In the illustrative embodiment shown, although the substrate engagement section 7128 extends at a substantially right angle from the transition or compliant section 7126, other angles may be used. The substrate engagement section 7128 or mating portion has curved contact sections 7138 configured to be positioned in mechanical connection and electrical engagement with circuit pads 7140 (such as pads 661 of the printed circuit board 660, shown in fig. 12-14) of a mating electronic circuit component 7142 (fig. 19). Embossings 7144 are provided on the curved contact sections 7138 to provide additional strength and stability between the curved contact sections 7138. The shape, size, and positioning of the embossments 7144 may vary depending on 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 opposing 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 illustrated embodiment, four openings 7152 are provided, however, other numbers of openings 7152 can 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 contacts 7156 have openings 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 the openings 7158, the openings 7152, and the openings 7134 to secure the conductors 7116 and the 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 sections 7138 of the substrate engagement sections 7128 of the contacts 7122. When this occurs, the resilient contacts 7122 flex (e.g., compress or deform) from one position to another such that the bent sections 7138 of the substrate engagement sections 7128 of the contacts 7122 exert a force on the mating connection surface or circuit pad 740 of the electronic circuit component or printed circuit board 7142 to hold the contacts 7122 in mechanical and electrical engagement with the circuit pads 7140.

When mating between the printed circuit board 7142 and the contacts 7122 occurs, movement of the printed circuit component 7142 toward the electrical connector 114 causes the contacts 7122 to elastically deform or flex 4mm or more to provide a sufficient mating force between the contacts 7122 and the circuit pads 7140. The housing engagement section 7130 and the vertical member 7132 of the housing termination section 7124 remain in a fixed position as the contacts 7122 elastically flex. The substrate engagement section 7128 moves in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the contact 7122, causing the transition or compliant section 7126 to pivot about a point where the transition or compliant section 7126 engages the vertical member 7132. The stiffness of the point where the transition or compliant section 7126 engages the vertical member 7132 determines the mating force applied by the contact 7122 to the circuit pad 7140.

After mating of the circuit pads 7140 with the contacts 7122 occurs, the electrical connector 7114 and the circuit board 7142 are latched or otherwise maintained in place to prevent accidental withdrawal of the circuit pads 7140 from the contacts 7122.

Fig. 22 illustrates another embodiment of a filter base assembly according to the present disclosure that is adapted to be operatively connected to a wiring harness assembly for forming an electrical connection between the 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 it 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, although 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), those skilled in the art will appreciate the applicability of the housing 1011 also includes use with the floating locks 1200 and 1212. The housing 1011 includes a protruding envelope 1002 that is larger than the floating lock 1012 and is formed to enclose the floating lock 1012 therein. The enclosure 1002 prevents excessive movement of the floating lock 1012 and protects the floating lock from extraneous, unintended movement during installation.

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 extending perpendicular to the longer or longitudinal side 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 the water tubes of the refrigerator. The shut-off struts 1001a, b include shut-off plugs (not shown) that act as valve seals to stop fluid flow when the cartridge is removed. The truncated struts 1001a, b are preferably cylindrical, containing spring activated O-ring sealing plugs for sealing the inlet and outlet lines during cartridge removal. In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 22, the base platform 1010 is integrally formed with posts 1001a, b disposed on either longitudinal side of the base platform housing 1011. Each inlet/outlet strut 1001a, b has an upper strut portion 1004a, b extending vertically upwardly in an axial direction relative to the top surface of the base platform 1010 and a lower strut portion 1005a, b extending downwardly in an axial direction relative to the base platform 1010. In at least one embodiment, the struts 1001a, b can be spaced apart from each other by about 0.65 inches 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 includes curved portions shaped to surround the truncated struts 1001a, b and also includes a central aperture 1031 that allows 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 extension attachment members or fingers and gaps (fig. 22) to allow a resilient member such as a coil spring 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 one embodiment, the spring case 1090 is preferably attached to the filter base 1000 by a snap fit, but other attachment schemes known in the art are also readily available, such as adhesives, welding, and various mechanical fasteners.

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 a wire or conductor 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 typical applications, the wiring harness 810 is operatively connected to, located at, 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 connecting component of the filter base 1000.

A contact (not shown) is provided 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 an electrical circuit of an appliance, such as a refrigerator.

The second connector 814 has spring contacts 822 disposed therein. In the illustrated embodiment, four contacts 822 are provided so that each of the conductors 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 sections 824, transition or compliant sections 826 and substrate engagement sections 828 or mating portions for connection to mating connection surfaces of corresponding connection assemblies 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). Slots may be provided in the fold region to form insulation displacement slots that cooperate with the conductor 816 to electrically engage the contact 822 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 contact 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 compliant section 826 extends from the wire termination section 824. In the illustrative embodiment shown, although the transition or compliant section 826 extends from the wire termination section 824 at an obtuse angle, other angles, such as substantially right angles, may also be used. The embossments 836 may extend from the wire termination section 824 to the transition or compliant section 826 to provide additional strength and stability between the wire termination section 824 and the transition or compliant section 826. The shape, size, and positioning of the embossments 836 may vary depending on the amount of stiffness or resiliency of the contacts desired.

A substrate engagement section 828 extends from the transition or compliant section 826. In the illustrative embodiment shown, although the substrate engagement section 828 extends upward from the transition or compliant section 826 at a substantially right angle, other angles may be used. The substrate engagement or mating portion 828 has curved contact sections 838 that are configured to be positioned in mechanical and electrical engagement with circuit pads or connection devices of a corresponding connection assembly having electronic circuit components, such as the pads 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 located within a water filter base assembly of an appliance. In some embodiments, the appliance is a refrigerator. Here, wiring harness 810 is located within a filter base 1000 that is configured to receive a corresponding mating filter housing or cartridge assembly (e.g., a water cartridge). In this embodiment, 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, embossments 844 may be provided on the curved contact segment 838 to provide additional strength and stability to the curved contact segment 838. The shape, size, and positioning of the embossments 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 that includes substantially planar extensions 849, 851 separated by a gapped recess 847 for receiving a portion of the base platform enclosure 1002 and floating lock 1012 (fig. 27) disposed therebetween. Extensions 849, 851 are connected by intermediate portion 853 such that connector housing 846 forms a substantially "U" shaped member for at least partially surrounding both enclosure 1002 and floating lock 1012. Intermediate portion 853 includes slots 855 for receiving therein resilient tongues 1070 of housing 1090 to secure connector housing 846 to filter base 1000, as shown, for example, in fig. 25-26. Although the connector housing 846 is preferably attached to the housing 1011 by snap-fit by inserting at least a portion of the housing extensions 849, 851 into the laterally extending slotted portions 1020a and 1020b, respectively, of the base platform 1010 (fig. 22) to allow the tongue 1070 to be received in the connector housing slot 855, such as by snap-fit, other attachment schemes known in the art, such as adhesives, welding, and various mechanical fasteners, may be readily employed.

A contact receiving housing 852 located on or integral with each of the planar extensions 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 of the contacts 822 can be located in the 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 a contact 822 and a portion of the wire termination section 824 therein.

Conductor receiving conduit 854 is provided integral with upper surface 848 and 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, which is located 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 of the contacts 822 may be located in the contact receiving projections 856. However, other numbers of contact receiving projections 856 may be provided based on the number of contacts 822 and conductors 816. A slot 858 is provided in the contact receiving protrusion 856. The slot 858 is sized to receive and retain a portion of the wire termination section 724 therein.

During assembly of the second electrical connector 814 and the wire harness 810, the conductor 816 is inserted into the conductor-receiving conduit 854 such that an end of the conductor 816 extends within the conductor-receiving conduit 854 past the contact-receiving housing 852.

With the conductors 816 fully inserted, the contacts 822 are inserted into the connector housing 846 from the bottom surface 850. A portion of the wire termination section 824 is inserted into the slot 858 of the contact receiving protrusion 856. As insertion of the contact 822 continues, the wire termination section 824 engages the conductor 816 located in the conductor receiving conduit 854, thereby displacing the insulation of the conductor 816 as 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 segment 824 properly positioned in the slot 858 of the contact receiving protrusion 856, the wire termination segment 824 is maintained 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 the interaction described above with respect to the interaction between the filter key 5 and the floating lock 12, for example. The filter key 650 includes at least one finger or extended attachment member for mating or interlocking with corresponding protrusions or drive keys 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 keys to longitudinally displace the floating lock 1012 from its initial position by an increment that allows the filter key fingers to span between gaps on the floating lock 1012. Once the fingers have passed between corresponding gaps on the floating lock 1012 (which is slidably restrained under tension), the floating lock 12 is partially returned toward its original position by the tension retraction force so 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 when the filter housing is inserted too slowly into the filter base or the axial insertion force is insufficient. As shown in fig. 30A, drive key 1024 includes a receiving wedge 1029 having an extended shelf portion 1030 (as compared to drive keys 1023a, b) to capture an attachment member or finger of the filter key opposite sloped edge 1021. As shown in fig. 30, drive keys 1024a, 1024b are located at one end of floating lock 1012, with spaced apart projections 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, either of the drive keys 1023a, b may be replaced with the drive key 1024 instead without adversely affecting the intended interlock functionality. Upon insertion, when the fingers of the filter key 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 angled portions or edges 58 and 1021 of contact. Once the wings of the fingers of the filter key clear the lip 1027 of the drive key, the floating lock 1012 is not inhibited from reacting to the retraction force and moves slightly rearward toward its original position where the diamond-shaped wings are then captured by the receiving wedges 1029. This position locks the filter key 600 to the floating lock 1012, resisting 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 present invention functions in a manner similar to that described above with respect to, for example, the filter key 5 and the slidable lock 12.

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 sections 838 of the substrate engagement sections 828 of the contacts 822 of the wire harness 810 when the filter housing assembly 600 is inserted into the filter base 1000. When this occurs, the spring contacts 822 flex (e.g., compress, deform, etc.) from one position to another such that the curved sections 838 of the substrate engagement sections 828 of the contacts 822 exert a force on the mating connection surface or circuit pad 661 of the printed circuit board 660 to maintain the contacts 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 flex 4mm or more to provide sufficient mating force between the contacts 822 and the circuit pads 661. When the contacts 822 elastically flex, the wire termination segments 824 remain in a fixed position in the slots 858 of the contact receiving projections 856. The substrate engagement section 828 moves in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the contact 822, pivoting the transition or compliant section 826 about the point where the transition or compliant section 826 engages the wire termination section 824. The stiffness of the point where the transition or compliant section 826 engages the wire termination section 824 and the stiffness of the coin 836 determine the mating force applied by the contact 822 to the circuit pad 661.

After mating of the circuit pad 661 with the contacts 822 occurs, the electrical connector 814 and the printed circuit board 660 are latched or otherwise maintained in place to prevent accidental withdrawal of the circuit pad 661 from the contacts 822.

In certain embodiments, an appliance (e.g., a refrigerator) may include a wiring harness assembly as described herein, and the wiring harness may be connected to circuitry of the appliance. In the case where the appliance is a refrigerator, the wiring harness may be a portion of the refrigerator manifold structured to receive a water filter. In this regard, the electrical connection or printed circuit board may be located outside of 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 is engaged with the printed circuit board to establish electrical connection between the circuit of the refrigerator and the circuit of the water filter.

In one or more embodiments, electrical communication between the contacts 822 and the printed circuit board 660 can be used as part of an electronic authentication system for a filter housing or filter cartridge assembly, such as the filter housing assembly 600. In such embodiments, the filter housing of the filter cartridge may also include a memory device embedded therein, such as a microchip or integrated circuit, 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 an ice bin). 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 filter base 1000 and flow will be inhibited when the filter housing assembly 200 or 600 is removed from the filter base 100, 1000. The cut-off plugs in the legs 1101a, b or 1001a, b seal the fluid flow until the filter housing assembly 200, 600 is inserted into the filter base 100, 1000. Upon insertion, fluid will flow to 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 parts 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, etc. 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 filter compositions disclosed in the following published applications may be used as filtration media: US2005/0051487 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 present 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 (21)

1. A filter base for releasable connection to a complementary mating filter housing assembly, comprising:

a base platform having a fluid inlet leg and a fluid outlet leg extending in an axial direction; and

a floating lock in sliding communication with the base platform, the floating lock having a bottom surface, a top surface, a longitudinal side or long side, and a lateral side or short side, the floating lock comprising:

at least one protrusion or drive key on the longitudinal side extending inwardly in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal side for contacting the complementary mating filter housing component, the at least one protrusion or drive key comprising a surface angled relative to the axial direction and at least partially exposed toward the bottom surface; 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; and

one or more contacts disposed on the second connector, the one or more contacts being flexible from a first position to a second position when a mating portion of the one or more contacts engages a mating connection surface of the complementary mating filter housing assembly.

2. The filter base of claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion or drive key comprises an edge or wedge for releasably securing the complementary mating filter housing component.

3. The filter base of claim 1 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 sized to receive the first end of the one or more contacts.

4. The filter base of claim 1 wherein the floating lock includes a position stop centered on the lateral side and located above the at least one protrusion or drive key to provide a physical stop during insertion of the complementary mating filter housing assembly.

5. The filter base of claim 4 wherein the position stop comprises a track structure that longitudinally straddles the floating lock.

6. The filter base of claim 1 including a housing for receiving the floating lock, the housing allowing the floating lock to slidably move in the housing in a direction parallel to the longitudinal sides.

7. The filter base of claim 1 including: an inlet port in fluid communication with the filter base inlet leg, the filter base inlet leg in fluid communication with an inlet port from the complementary mating filter housing assembly when connected thereto; and an outlet port in fluid communication with the filter base outlet leg, and the filter base outlet leg is in fluid communication with the outlet port from the complementary mating filter housing assembly when connected thereto.

8. The filter base of claim 7, wherein the inlet leg includes a shut-off plug for blocking fluid flow from the inlet port during withdrawal of the filter housing assembly, the shut-off plug in contact with a resilient member to exert an axial or vertical force on the shut-off plug.

9. The filter base of claim 7, wherein the outlet post includes a shut-off plug for blocking fluid flow from the outlet port during withdrawal of the filter housing assembly, the shut-off plug in contact with a resilient member to exert an axial or vertical force on the shut-off plug.

10. The filter base of claim 1 including a back plate attached to the base platform for at least partially housing the floating lock.

11. The filter base of claim 1 including at least one resilient member in contact with the floating lock to provide a retraction force when the floating lock is acted upon by the filter housing assembly during insertion or extraction of the filter housing assembly.

12. The filter base of claim 7 including a resilient member within each of the posts to provide a withdrawal force when compressed by insertion of the complementary mating filter housing assembly.

13. A filter base for releasably receiving a complementary mating filter housing assembly, comprising:

a base platform having a top surface;

a port for a fluid inlet;

a port for a fluid outlet;

an upper inlet leg in fluid communication with the inlet port, the upper inlet leg extending vertically upward from the base platform top surface in an axial or vertical direction, the upper inlet leg including a first shutoff plug and a resilient member for applying an axial or vertical force to the first shutoff plug to block fluid flow from the inlet port during withdrawal of the filter housing assembly;

an upper outlet leg in fluid communication with the outlet port, the upper outlet leg extending vertically upward from the base platform top surface in the axial or vertical direction, the upper outlet leg including a second block plug and a resilient member for applying an axial or vertical force to the second block plug to block fluid flow from the outlet port during withdrawal of the filter housing assembly;

a lower inlet leg in fluid communication with the upper inlet leg and the inlet port, the lower inlet leg extending downwardly from the base platform in the axial or vertical direction for receiving an inlet port from the filter housing assembly;

a lower outlet leg in fluid communication with the upper outlet leg and the outlet port, the lower outlet leg extending axially downward from the base platform in the axial or vertical direction for receiving the outlet port from the filter housing assembly;

a housing for at least partially housing a floating lock, the housing allowing the floating lock to slidably move therein;

the floating lock has long side or longitudinal side and short side or transverse side, the floating lock includes:

a drive key or protrusion on at least one of the longitudinal sides for releasably mating with the complementary mating filter housing component, the drive key or protrusion being located on an inner face of the floating lock longitudinal side and having an angled surface for contacting the complementary mating filter housing component such that when the complementary mating filter housing component is inserted within the floating lock, the angled surface moves to move the floating lock in a direction parallel to the longitudinal side;

at least one resilient member attached to the floating lock to provide a retraction force when the floating lock is slidably acted upon by the filter housing assembly during insertion or extraction; 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;

one or more contacts disposed on the second connector, the one or more contacts being flexible from a first position to a second position when the curved contact sections of the one or more contacts engage the 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 the first end of the one or more contacts.

14. The filter base of claim 13 wherein the drive key or protrusion includes a wedge portion on one end for releasably securing the complementary filter housing assembly.

15. The filter base of claim 13 including a locating key centered on the floating lock, above and adjacent the drive key or protrusion for providing a physical stop for the complementary filter housing assembly during insertion or extraction thereof.

16. The filter base of claim 13 including a back plate attached to the base platform for receiving the floating lock.

17. The filter base of claim 13 including at least two drive keys or projections on opposite longitudinal sides of the floating lock with a space therebetween for receiving the complementary mating filter housing components, the drive keys being spaced apart such that an attachment portion of the complementary mating filter housing components can be inserted therebetween.

18. The filter base of claim 17 wherein the at least two drive keys or protrusions are located on the longitudinal sides such that the attachment portion of the complementary mating filter housing assembly can pass over the at least two drive keys or protrusions during insertion or extraction.

19. A filter base for releasably receiving a complementary mating filter housing assembly, comprising:

a base platform;

a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port;

an inlet strut in fluid communication with the inlet port and an outlet strut in fluid communication with the outlet port, the inlet and outlet struts extending in an axial direction perpendicular to a plane of the base platform:

a shaped recess for receiving a movable sliding lock, the recess at least partially enclosing the lock and having a width and a length that allow the lock to be longitudinally displaced in the recess in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and parallel to the plane of the base platform;

the lock having a bottom surface, a top surface, and a long side or longitudinal side and a short side or transverse side such that the longitudinal side is longer than the transverse side and perpendicular to the transverse side and is seated within the shaped recess, the lock comprising:

at least one drive key on the longitudinal side extending laterally inward at the bottom surface in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal side for slidably receiving an attachment member of the complementary mating filter housing assembly, the at least one drive key comprising: an angled portion at least partially exposed toward the bottom surface; and an edge or wedge on each of the drive key bottoms for releasably contacting the attachment member of the complementary mating filter housing assembly;

at least one resilient member in contact with the floating lock for applying a longitudinal retraction force in a direction tending to push or pull the floating lock back to an original position;

a back plate for slidably securing the floating lock within a non-floating port;

a shutoff plug in each of the posts for terminating fluid flow from the inlet and outlet ports when the complementary mating filter housing assembly is removed from the filter base;

a resilient member within each of the struts for applying an axial withdrawal force to the complementary mating filter housing assembly while moving the shutoff plug to a position to stop fluid flow when the complementary mating filter housing assembly is withdrawn; 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 of one or more electrical contacts.

20. The filter base of claim 19 including a locating key centered on a lateral side of the floating lock and located above the at least one drive key to provide a physical stop during insertion of the complementary mating filter housing assembly.

21. A refrigerator water filtration system comprising:

a refrigerator adapted to receive a filter base; and

the filter base includes:

a base platform;

a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port;

an inlet strut in fluid communication with the inlet port and an outlet strut in fluid communication with the outlet port, the inlet and outlet struts extending in an axial direction perpendicular to a plane of the base platform;

a shaped recess for receiving a movable sliding lock, the recess at least partially enclosing the lock and having a width and a length that allow the lock to be longitudinally displaced in the recess in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and parallel to the plane of the base platform;

the lock having a bottom surface, a top surface, and a long side or longitudinal side and a short side or transverse side such that the longitudinal side is longer than the transverse side and perpendicular to the transverse side and is seated within the shaped recess, the lock comprising:

at least one drive key on the longitudinal side extending laterally inward at the bottom surface in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal side for slidably receiving an attachment member of a complementary mating filter housing assembly, the at least one drive key comprising: an angled portion at least partially exposed toward the bottom surface; and an edge or wedge on each of the drive key bottoms for releasably contacting the attachment member of the complementary mating filter housing assembly;

at least one resilient member in contact with the floating lock for applying a longitudinal retraction force in a direction tending to push or pull the floating lock back to an original position;

a back plate for slidably securing the floating lock within a non-floating port;

a shutoff plug in each of the posts for terminating fluid flow from the inlet and outlet ports when the complementary mating filter housing assembly is removed from the filter base; and

a resilient member within each of the struts for applying an axial withdrawal force to the complementary mating filter housing assembly while moving the shutoff plug to a position to stop fluid flow when the complementary mating filter housing assembly is withdrawn; 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 being dimensioned to receive the first end of the one or more contacts;

wherein the connector housing comprises substantially planar extensions separated by gapped recesses for receiving the filter base port forming recesses, and wherein the connector housing extensions are disposed at least partially within laterally extending slotted portions of the base platform, and wherein the connector housing extensions are connected by an intermediate portion having a longitudinal slot for receiving a resilient tongue therein, the resilient tongue extending perpendicularly from a spring housing, the spring housing comprising at least one resilient member in contact with the locking member to provide a retraction force when the locking member is acted upon by the complementary mating filter housing assembly during insertion or extraction of the filter housing assembly; and is

Wherein the filter cartridge assembly comprises:

a housing having a substantially cylindrical body and a top for forming a fluid tight seal with the body, the housing top having an axial center and further comprising:

an inlet port and an outlet port extending from the housing top, each of the inlet and outlet ports having a body, the body having 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 a junction with the middle section, and the inlet and outlet port bottom sections having at least one seal at a junction with the middle section, each of the seals having an outer surface first diameter, and the inlet and outlet port mid-sections having outer surfaces with diameters extending less than the inlet and outlet port respective seal first diameters such that the inlet and outlet port mid-sections are formed in an hourglass shape;

a filter key on or connected to the housing for mating attachment to the filter base, the filter key comprising an extending finger, the 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 along a first direction, the adjacent side forming a second angle with respect to the housing top along 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 electronic circuit components therein and for further connecting the electronic circuit components to the housing top, the electronic circuit component housing being located on or connected to the filter cartridge assembly housing.

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