US20160326012A1 - Filter assembly - Google Patents
Filter assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160326012A1 US20160326012A1 US15/212,857 US201615212857A US2016326012A1 US 20160326012 A1 US20160326012 A1 US 20160326012A1 US 201615212857 A US201615212857 A US 201615212857A US 2016326012 A1 US2016326012 A1 US 2016326012A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- end cap
- filter
- filter assembly
- locking mechanism
- water
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 72
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 51
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 12
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000010453 quartz Substances 0.000 description 4
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N silicon dioxide Inorganic materials O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 3
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000037361 pathway Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/001—Processes for the treatment of water whereby the filtration technique is of importance
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D35/00—Filtering devices having features not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00, or for applications not specifically covered by groups B01D24/00 - B01D33/00; Auxiliary devices for filtration; Filter housing constructions
- B01D35/30—Filter housing constructions
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/30—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by irradiation
- C02F1/32—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by irradiation with ultraviolet light
- C02F1/325—Irradiation devices or lamp constructions
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2201/00—Details relating to filtering apparatus
- B01D2201/29—Filter cartridge constructions
- B01D2201/291—End caps
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2201/00—Details relating to filtering apparatus
- B01D2201/30—Filter housing constructions
- B01D2201/301—Details of removable closures, lids, caps, filter heads
- B01D2201/305—Snap, latch or clip connecting means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D2201/00—Details relating to filtering apparatus
- B01D2201/40—Special measures for connecting different parts of the filter
- B01D2201/4084—Snap or Seeger ring connecting means
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
- C02F2201/002—Construction details of the apparatus
- C02F2201/003—Coaxial constructions, e.g. a cartridge located coaxially within another
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
- C02F2201/002—Construction details of the apparatus
- C02F2201/004—Seals, connections
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
- C02F2201/002—Construction details of the apparatus
- C02F2201/006—Cartridges
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
- C02F2201/32—Details relating to UV-irradiation devices
- C02F2201/322—Lamp arrangement
- C02F2201/3228—Units having reflectors, e.g. coatings, baffles, plates, mirrors
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2301/00—General aspects of water treatment
- C02F2301/02—Fluid flow conditions
- C02F2301/026—Spiral, helicoidal, radial
Definitions
- the filter assembly includes a filter defining a void, a central member extending through the central void, a first end cap and a second end cap.
- the first end cap and/or second end cap include a shroud positioned adjacent the outer surface of the filter.
- An ultraviolet lamp may be positioned at least partially within the central member.
- the method for assembling a filter assembly includes molding the central member in a reflective material.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view along the line 3 - 3 in FIG. 1 .
- a central member 30 extends from the first end cap 20 through voids defined in the gaskets 40 , 60 and the void 58 defined in the filter 50 .
- the central member 30 may be integrally formed with the first end cap 20 , or may be separately formed and attached to the first end cap 20 .
- the central member 30 has a locking mechanism 32 and defines at least one inlet hole 34 proximate the second surface 54 of the filter 50 when assembled (see FIG. 3 ).
- the inlet hole 34 may be a notch defined in the end of the central member 30 .
- the locking mechanism 32 may be any suitable non-adhesive locking mechanism, including ribs, grooves, threads and snap-fit mechanisms.
- the locking mechanism 78 may be any suitable non-adhesive locking mechanism, including ribs, grooves, threads and snap-fit mechanisms. As shown in FIG. 3 , the locking mechanisms 32 , 78 may have multiple, consecutive, internal ribs, which may allow the end caps 20 , 70 to secure at various distances from each another. Accordingly, this configuration may accommodate filters of different lengths. This configuration also allows the locking mechanisms 32 , 78 to automatically adjust during assembly to take-up any manufacturing tolerances that the assembly may have. For example, a manufacturing process may produce filters 50 of slightly different lengths due to the tolerances of the process. The locking mechanisms 32 , 78 may automatically accommodate the slight differences in length when the locking mechanisms 32 , 78 are secured together.
- An ultraviolet lamp 100 may be positioned within the lamp extension 28 and within the voids in the gaskets 40 , 60 and the filter 50 .
- a reflector 90 may be positioned between the central member 30 and the ultraviolet lamp 100 to reflect the ultraviolet light and maximize the ultraviolet treatment of the water as the water flows through the central member 30 .
- the reflector 90 may be fixed, or may freely float without any attachment other than the coiled annular force of the reflector, pushing against the interior walls between the first and second end caps 20 , 70 within central member 30 .
- at least the central member 30 may be molded in a reflective material, which eliminates the manufacturing step of separately inserting the reflector 90 .
- Other elements of the filter assembly 10 may be molded in reflective material, including the second end cap locking mechanism 78 .
- the ultraviolet lamp 100 may have a protective material, a quartz tube for example, to shield the ultraviolet lamp 100 from the water. In this configuration, the quartz tube and the reflector 90 may form an annular channel through which water may flow while being treated with ultraviolet light.
- the end caps 20 , 70 , gaskets 40 , 60 , and filter 50 may be in any shape suitable for the application.
- the end caps 20 , 70 may be made of any suitable material including plastic and composite, and may be manufactured using any suitable process.
- the gaskets 40 , 60 may also be made of any suitable material including rubber, plastic and composite, and may be manufactured using any suitable process.
- central member 30 may extend from either end cap 20 , 70 , and the locking mechanisms 32 , 78 may be positioned on either side of the filter 50 . It is further contemplated that each end cap 32 , 78 may have extensions that engage and lock together within the void 58 in the filter 50 .
- FIG. 4 A filter assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 4 and generally designated 110 .
- This embodiment is generally similar to the embodiments described above, and elements functioning in the same manner as described above will not be redescribed here.
- a locking mechanism 132 , 142 may be positioned on each end of the central member 130 , allowing the end caps 120 , 170 to be separately secured to the central member 130 .
- a locking mechanism 179 may be included in end cap 120 and may engage locking mechanism 142 . As illustrated, the locking mechanism 179 may be positioned radially inward of and adjacent to the gasket 140 .
- the locking mechanisms 132 , 142 , 179 may be any suitable mechanism, including those described above.
- the gaskets 140 and 160 may be molded into or otherwise integrally formed with the end caps 120 , 170 . This may be accomplished with any suitable process, including a two-shot molding process.
- FIG. 5 A filter assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5 and generally designated 210 .
- This embodiment is generally similar to the embodiments described above, and elements functioning in the same manner as described above will not be redescribed here.
- an outer shroud 296 may extend adjacent an outer surface 256 of the filter 250 .
- the shroud 296 may enclose the filter 250 within the assembly and may eliminate a need for an outer wrap or other securing mechanism for the particles of filter 250 .
- the shroud 296 may have a plurality of apertures 298 to allow water to pass through when entering the filter assembly 210 .
- the apertures 298 may be sized to provide an adequate flow rate into the filter assembly 210 , while preventing the undesired escape of particles from the filter 250 .
- the apertures 298 may be replaced by a mesh screen or wrap separately attached to, or integrally formed with the shroud 296 .
- the mesh screen or wrap may be molded into the shroud 296 .
- the shroud 296 is integrally formed with end cap 270 , and includes a locking mechanism 242 at its lower edge adapted to secure with a locking mechanism 279 defined in first end cap 220 .
- the locking mechanism 279 may be positioned at a radially outward edge of first end cap 220 .
- the shroud 296 may be made integral with first end cap 220 and lock into second end cap 270 , or shroud 296 may be a separate piece and lock into both end caps 220 , 270 .
- the locking mechanisms 242 , 279 may be any suitable mechanism, including those described above.
- locking mechanisms may be defined in both end caps 220 , 270 as described in other embodiments to secure the assembly 210 and the locking mechanisms 242 , 279 may be removed. In this configuration, the lower edge of the shroud 296 may be pressed against the first end cap 220 and/or the gasket 240 to seal these pieces together via the force from the locking mechanisms on the end caps 220 , 270 .
- the second end cap 270 may include projections 212 and a wall 214 that extend from a lower surface of the second end cap 270 .
- the projections 212 may define at least one inner notch 216 on a radially inward side of the projections 212 and at least one outer notch 218 on a radially outward side of the projections 212 .
- the outer notches 218 may be positioned between the projections 212 and the wall 214 .
- An edge 231 of the central member 230 may be positioned within the inner notches 216 and may engage projections 212 . This configuration may space the edge 231 of the central member 230 from the second end cap 270 to allow water to flow through the space between adjacent projections 212 and into the central member 230 .
- the filter assembly 210 may be assembled similar to the method for filter assembly 10 , except that the shroud 296 may be integrally formed with the second end cap 270 .
- the second end cap 270 and shroud 296 may be positioned over the filter 250 and gaskets 240 , 260 , and fitted onto the central member 230 .
- An edge 231 of the central member 230 may be positioned within the one or more inner notches 216 .
- the assembly may be secured with the locking mechanisms 242 , 279 defined in the shroud 296 and the first end cap 220 .
- the water While the water is flowing through the central member 30 , the water is irradiated by ultraviolet light emitted by the lamp 100 and various organisms in the water are deactivated. Once the water reaches the first end cap 20 , the water exits the filter assembly 10 through outlet holes 36 . The water may be propelled through the assembly by any suitable force, including pump force and gravitational force.
- Water may flow through the filter assemblies 110 , 310 in a similar manner to that described for filter assembly 10 .
- Water may flow through filter assembly 210 in a similar manner to that described for filter assembly 10 , except that water may first flow through the apertures 298 defined in outer shroud 296 before reaching the filter 250 .
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Toxicology (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Physical Water Treatments (AREA)
- Separation Using Semi-Permeable Membranes (AREA)
Abstract
A filter assembly for a water treatment system includes a first end cap and a second end cap that secure about the ends of a filter. A central member extends through a central void in the filter. The filter assembly has corresponding non-adhesive locking mechanisms that interact to secure the filter assembly together. Two gaskets may sandwich the filter and a reflector may be positioned within the central member. An ultraviolet lamp may also be positioned within the central member.
Description
- This invention relates to filter assemblies. More particularly, this invention relates to filter assemblies for use in water treatment systems.
- Many water treatment systems include some type of filtration media to filter contaminants out of the water. Typically, the filtration media is secured within the water treatment system with one or more applications of adhesive. The adhesive adds both material cost and labor cost to the manufacturing process. Adhesives also may add excess time to the process, as additional time may be required to allow the adhesive to cure.
- The present invention provides a filter assembly that may be secured together quickly without the aid of adhesives or separate fasteners.
- In one embodiment, the filter assembly includes a filter defining a central void, a first end cap positioned adjacent a first end surface of the filter and a second end cap positioned adjacent a second end surface of the filter. A central member extends through the central void in the filter and has a locking mechanism that engages a corresponding locking mechanism on at least one of the first and second end caps to secure the first and/or second end caps about the ends of the filter. The central member may define at least one inlet hole for receiving water into the central member. A reflector may be fitted inside the central member and an ultraviolet lamp may be positioned within the reflector for treating water flowing through the central member. A gasket may be positioned between each end cap and the filter. The gaskets may be separately manufactured and assembled with the end caps, or may be integrally formed with the end caps.
- In another embodiment, the filter assembly includes a filter defining a central void and a filter retainer with a central member, a first end cap and a second end cap. The central member extends through the central void and has a locking mechanism. A flowpath may extend into an outer surface of the filter, through the filter, into the central member through an inlet hole, through the central member, and out of the filter assembly through an outlet hole in the first end cap. The flowpath may extend through the central member between an ultraviolet lamp and a reflector.
- In another embodiment, the filter assembly includes a filter defining a void, a central member extending through the central void, a first end cap and a second end cap. The first end cap and/or second end cap include a shroud positioned adjacent the outer surface of the filter. An ultraviolet lamp may be positioned at least partially within the central member.
- In another embodiment, a method is provided for assembling a filter assembly, including fitting a first gasket, a filter, and a second gasket on a central member extending from a first end cap. The method further includes inserting a reflector within the central member and securing a second end cap to the end of the central member using a non-adhesive locking mechanism.
- In another embodiment, the method for assembling a filter assembly includes molding the central member in a reflective material.
- Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and may be practiced or carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components.
-
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a sectional view along the line 3-3 inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is an exploded front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is an exploded front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is an exploded front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. - A filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIGS. 1-3 and generally designated 10. Thefilter assembly 10 generally includes afirst end cap 20, afilter 50 and asecond end cap 70. First andsecond gaskets filter 50 and the first andsecond end caps gaskets - The
filter 50 may be any suitable filter for treating water, including an activated carbon filter. Thefilter 50 generally has afirst surface 52, asecond surface 54 and an outerradial surface 56. Thefilter 50 defines acentral void 58. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , thefirst end cap 20 includes aflat surface 22 and acircumferential lip 24 for engaging and enveloping thefirst gasket 40, thefirst surface 52 of thefilter 50 and a portion of the outerradial surface 56. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, thecircumferential lip 24 may include structural ribs to increase the strength of thecircumferential lip 24. A threaded or ribbedportion 26 extends from thefirst end cap 20 and may interface with a water treatment system to secure thefilter assembly 10 relative to the water treatment system. As shown inFIG. 3 , alamp extension 28 may extend from thefirst end cap 20 and may interface with or secure thefilter assembly 10 relative to anultraviolet lamp 100. - A
central member 30 extends from thefirst end cap 20 through voids defined in thegaskets void 58 defined in thefilter 50. Thecentral member 30 may be integrally formed with thefirst end cap 20, or may be separately formed and attached to thefirst end cap 20. As shown inFIG. 2 , thecentral member 30 has alocking mechanism 32 and defines at least oneinlet hole 34 proximate thesecond surface 54 of thefilter 50 when assembled (seeFIG. 3 ). As shown in the illustrated embodiment, theinlet hole 34 may be a notch defined in the end of thecentral member 30. Thelocking mechanism 32 may be any suitable non-adhesive locking mechanism, including ribs, grooves, threads and snap-fit mechanisms. In the illustrated embodiment, thelocking mechanism 32 is a series of equally spaced apart tabs extending from an end ofcentral member 30 and separated by equally spaced apart notches. Each tab has an outer end portion that includes ridges that interfit with the internal ribs on thesecond end cap 70, as further described below. In this manner thelocking mechanism 32 is integrated with theinlet holes 34. The notches may also enable flexing of the tabs for ease of insertion of thecentral member 30 into thesecond end cap 70. In an alternative embodiment, thelocking mechanism 32 may also include the tab/notch configuration of the illustrated embodiment with threads defined in the tabs andsecond end cap 70 to secure thecentral member 30 and thesecond end cap 70 together by rotational movement relative to one another. Theinlet hole 34 receives water into thecentral member 30, as further described below. The inner surface of thecentral member 30 may optionally include a coiled or spiral pathway configuration to encourage the water being treated to take more time as the flow spirals about the ultraviolet lamp as the water passes through thecentral member 30. The spiral path can be created using UV transparent tubing, using a spiral designed baffle, or by using any other suitable method. In another embodiment, the inner surface of thecentral member 30 can be smooth or otherwise configured to encourage direct flow through thecentral member 30. Thefirst end cap 20 may also define at least oneoutlet hole 36 to enable fluid to flow from within thecentral member 30. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of outlet holes 36 are equally spaced apart about the circumference of thecentral member 30 at the junction between thecentral member 30 and thelamp extension 28. Theoutlet hole 36 allows water to exit from thefilter assembly 10, as further described below. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , thesecond end cap 70 includes aflat surface 72 and acircumferential lip 74 for engaging and enveloping thesecond gasket 60, thesecond surface 54 of thefilter 50. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, thecircumferential lip 74 may include structural ribs to increase the strength of thecircumferential lip 74. Thesecond end cap 70 defines a void 76 for receiving thecentral member 30. Thesecond end cap 70 includes alocking mechanism 78 adjacent the void 76 corresponding to and interfacing with lockingmechanism 32 ofcentral member 30. The lockingmechanisms filter 50. Thelocking mechanism 78 may be any suitable non-adhesive locking mechanism, including ribs, grooves, threads and snap-fit mechanisms. As shown inFIG. 3 , the lockingmechanisms mechanisms filters 50 of slightly different lengths due to the tolerances of the process. The lockingmechanisms mechanisms - In the illustrated embodiment, each tab in locking
mechanism 32 has an outer end portion that includes ridges that interfit with the internal ribs on lockingmechanism 78. In this manner thesecond end cap 70 cooperates with thecentral member 30 to define the inlet holes 34, which are integrated with the lockingmechanisms central member 30 into the void 76 insecond end cap 70. In an alternative embodiment, thelocking mechanism 32 may include the tab/notch configuration of the illustrated embodiment with threads defined in the tabs and threads defined adjacent the void 76 in thesecond end cap 70 to secure thecentral member 30 and thesecond end cap 70 together. - An
ultraviolet lamp 100 may be positioned within thelamp extension 28 and within the voids in thegaskets filter 50. Areflector 90 may be positioned between thecentral member 30 and theultraviolet lamp 100 to reflect the ultraviolet light and maximize the ultraviolet treatment of the water as the water flows through thecentral member 30. Thereflector 90 may be fixed, or may freely float without any attachment other than the coiled annular force of the reflector, pushing against the interior walls between the first and second end caps 20, 70 withincentral member 30. In another embodiment, at least thecentral member 30 may be molded in a reflective material, which eliminates the manufacturing step of separately inserting thereflector 90. Other elements of thefilter assembly 10 may be molded in reflective material, including the second endcap locking mechanism 78. Theultraviolet lamp 100 may have a protective material, a quartz tube for example, to shield theultraviolet lamp 100 from the water. In this configuration, the quartz tube and thereflector 90 may form an annular channel through which water may flow while being treated with ultraviolet light. - Although shown as cylinders, the end caps 20, 70,
gaskets gaskets - It is also contemplated that the
central member 30 may extend from eitherend cap mechanisms filter 50. It is further contemplated that eachend cap filter 50. - A filter assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIG. 4 and generally designated 110. This embodiment is generally similar to the embodiments described above, and elements functioning in the same manner as described above will not be redescribed here. In this embodiment, alocking mechanism central member 130, allowing the end caps 120, 170 to be separately secured to thecentral member 130. Alocking mechanism 179 may be included inend cap 120 and may engagelocking mechanism 142. As illustrated, thelocking mechanism 179 may be positioned radially inward of and adjacent to thegasket 140. The lockingmechanisms gaskets - A filter assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIG. 5 and generally designated 210. This embodiment is generally similar to the embodiments described above, and elements functioning in the same manner as described above will not be redescribed here. In this embodiment, anouter shroud 296 may extend adjacent anouter surface 256 of thefilter 250. Theshroud 296 may enclose thefilter 250 within the assembly and may eliminate a need for an outer wrap or other securing mechanism for the particles offilter 250. Theshroud 296 may have a plurality ofapertures 298 to allow water to pass through when entering thefilter assembly 210. Theapertures 298 may be sized to provide an adequate flow rate into thefilter assembly 210, while preventing the undesired escape of particles from thefilter 250. Optionally, theapertures 298 may be replaced by a mesh screen or wrap separately attached to, or integrally formed with theshroud 296. For example, the mesh screen or wrap may be molded into theshroud 296. In the illustrated embodiment, theshroud 296 is integrally formed withend cap 270, and includes alocking mechanism 242 at its lower edge adapted to secure with alocking mechanism 279 defined infirst end cap 220. As illustrated, thelocking mechanism 279 may be positioned at a radially outward edge offirst end cap 220. Optionally, theshroud 296 may be made integral withfirst end cap 220 and lock intosecond end cap 270, orshroud 296 may be a separate piece and lock into bothend caps mechanisms end caps assembly 210 and the lockingmechanisms shroud 296 may be pressed against thefirst end cap 220 and/or thegasket 240 to seal these pieces together via the force from the locking mechanisms on the end caps 220, 270. As illustrated, thesecond end cap 270 may includeprojections 212 and a wall 214 that extend from a lower surface of thesecond end cap 270. Theprojections 212 may define at least oneinner notch 216 on a radially inward side of theprojections 212 and at least one outer notch 218 on a radially outward side of theprojections 212. The outer notches 218 may be positioned between theprojections 212 and the wall 214. Anedge 231 of thecentral member 230 may be positioned within theinner notches 216 and may engageprojections 212. This configuration may space theedge 231 of thecentral member 230 from thesecond end cap 270 to allow water to flow through the space betweenadjacent projections 212 and into thecentral member 230. - A filter assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIG. 6 and generally designated 310. This embodiment is generally similar to the embodiments described above, and elements functioning in the same manner as described above will not be redescribed here. In this embodiment, theend cap 370 may be integrally formed with thecentral member 330. Thecentral member 330 may include alocking mechanism 342 that secures with a locking mechanism defined infirst end cap 320. The locking mechanisms may be any suitable mechanism, including those described above. - The
filter assembly 10 is assembled by fitting thefirst gasket 40, thefilter 50, and thesecond gasket 60 onto thecentral member 30. If areflector 90 is used, thereflector 90 may be inserted within thecentral member 30. Thesecond end cap 70 is then inserted ontocentral member 30, engaginglocking mechanism 78 withlocking mechanism 32 to retain the end caps 20, 70 about the ends of thefilter 50 andgaskets filter assembly 10 may be assembled quickly without the aid of adhesives or separate fasteners, which reduces labor and material costs. - The
filter assembly 110 may be assembled similar to the method forfilter assembly 10, except that thegaskets central member 130. - The
filter assembly 210 may be assembled similar to the method forfilter assembly 10, except that theshroud 296 may be integrally formed with thesecond end cap 270. Thesecond end cap 270 andshroud 296 may be positioned over thefilter 250 andgaskets central member 230. Anedge 231 of thecentral member 230 may be positioned within the one or moreinner notches 216. The assembly may be secured with the lockingmechanisms shroud 296 and thefirst end cap 220. - The flow path of water through the
filter assembly 10 according to the illustrated embodiment is shown inFIG. 3 . In this embodiment, water enters thefilter assembly 10 through an outerradial surface 56 offilter 50. The water travels inward through thefilter 50 toward thecentral member 30 and into thecentral member 30 through the inlet holes 34. While the water moves through the filter, various contaminants are removed from the water. The water then flows through thecentral member 30 between thereflector 90 and theultraviolet lamp 100. As noted above, a quartz tube may surround theultraviolet lamp 100 such that an annular channel is formed between thereflector 90 and the quartz tube for the water to flow through. While the water is flowing through thecentral member 30, the water is irradiated by ultraviolet light emitted by thelamp 100 and various organisms in the water are deactivated. Once the water reaches thefirst end cap 20, the water exits thefilter assembly 10 through outlet holes 36. The water may be propelled through the assembly by any suitable force, including pump force and gravitational force. - Water may flow through the
filter assemblies filter assembly 10. Water may flow throughfilter assembly 210 in a similar manner to that described forfilter assembly 10, except that water may first flow through theapertures 298 defined inouter shroud 296 before reaching thefilter 250. - The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.
Claims (20)
1. A filter assembly for a water treatment system, the filter assembly comprising:
a filter defining a central void, the filter having a first end surface, a second end surface, and an outer surface extending between the first end surface and the second end surface;
a first end cap positioned adjacent the first end surface of the filter, the first end cap defining one or more outlet holes for water to exit the filter assembly;
a central member extending through the central void in the filter, the central member at least partially defining at least one inlet hole for receiving water that has passed through the filter into the central member;
a second end cap positioned adjacent the second end surface of the filter;
a first locking mechanism integral with one of the central member, the first end cap, or the second end cap;
a second locking mechanism integral with one of the first end cap or the second end cap, the second locking mechanism engaging the first locking mechanism to secure the filter between the first end cap and the second end cap; and
wherein the filter assembly is configured to be assembled without adhesives or fasteners other than the first and second locking mechanisms prior to installing the filter assembly in the water treatment system.
2. The filter assembly of claim 1 wherein the first locking mechanism is integral with the central member for engaging with the second locking mechanism in one of the first or second end caps.
3. The filter assembly of claim 2 wherein said at least one inlet hole is integral with said first locking mechanism.
4. The filter assembly of claim 2 including a void defined in the second end cap for receiving the first locking mechanism defined in the central member, the void including the second locking mechanism.
5. The filter assembly of claim 2 wherein the central member is integral with the first end cap and the second locking mechanism is defined in the second end cap.
6. The filter assembly of claim 1 wherein the at least one inlet hole extends at least partially beyond the second end surface of the filter.
7. The filter assembly of claim 1 including an ultraviolet lamp positioned within the central member for treating water flowing through the central member.
8. The filter assembly of claim 1 wherein one of the first end cap or the second end cap includes a shroud positioned adjacent the outer surface of the filter.
9. The filter assembly of claim 8 wherein the first locking mechanism is integral with the shroud of one of the first or second end caps and the second locking mechanism is integral with the other of the first or second end caps.
10. The filter assembly of claim 8 wherein apertures are defined in the shroud for allowing water to pass through the shroud.
11. The filter assembly of claim 1 wherein a first locking mechanism is defined on each side of the central member, and second locking mechanism is defined on each of the first end cap and the second end cap.
12. A filter assembly for a water treatment system, the filter assembly comprising:
a filter defining a central void, the filter having a first end surface, a second end surface, and an outer surface extending between the first end surface and the second end surface;
a first end cap positioned adjacent the first end surface of the filter, the first end cap defining one or more outlet holes for water to exit the filter assembly;
a second end cap positioned adjacent the second end surface of the filter;
a member extending between the first end cap and the second end cap, the member having at least one member locking mechanism, the member defining at least one water passage hole to allow for passage of water through the member; and
at least one end cap locking mechanism integral with at least one of the first end cap or the second end cap;
wherein the at least one end cap locking mechanism engages the at least one member locking mechanism through a snap-fit connection to connect the first end cap or the second end cap to the member.
13. The filter assembly of claim 12 wherein the member extends through the central void in the filter and at least partially defines the at least one water passage hole for receiving water that has passed through the filter into the member.
14. The filter assembly of claim 13 wherein the at least one water passage hole extends at least partially beyond the second end surface of the filter.
15. The filter assembly of claim 13 wherein the at least one member locking mechanism comprises a plurality of spaced apart tabs extending from an end of the member that are separated by spaced apart notches, the spaced apart notches forming the at least one water passage hole.
16. The filter assembly of claim 12 wherein the first end cap envelops the first end surface of the filter and the second end cap envelops the second end surface of the filter.
17. The filter assembly of claim 12 including an ultraviolet lamp positioned within the central void for treating water flowing through the filter.
18. The filter assembly of claim 12 including at least one of a first gasket positioned between the filter and the first end cap and a second gasket positioned between the filter and the second end cap.
19. The filter assembly of claim 12 wherein the member is integral with the first end cap or the second end cap.
20. The filter assembly of claim 12 wherein a member locking mechanism is defined on each side of the member, and an end cap locking mechanism is defined on each of the first end cap and the second end cap.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/212,857 US20160326012A1 (en) | 2011-08-10 | 2016-07-18 | Filter assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161521837P | 2011-08-10 | 2011-08-10 | |
US13/570,292 US9422171B2 (en) | 2011-08-10 | 2012-08-09 | Filter assembly |
US15/212,857 US20160326012A1 (en) | 2011-08-10 | 2016-07-18 | Filter assembly |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/570,292 Continuation US9422171B2 (en) | 2011-08-10 | 2012-08-09 | Filter assembly |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160326012A1 true US20160326012A1 (en) | 2016-11-10 |
Family
ID=46690738
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/570,292 Expired - Fee Related US9422171B2 (en) | 2011-08-10 | 2012-08-09 | Filter assembly |
US15/212,857 Abandoned US20160326012A1 (en) | 2011-08-10 | 2016-07-18 | Filter assembly |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/570,292 Expired - Fee Related US9422171B2 (en) | 2011-08-10 | 2012-08-09 | Filter assembly |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US9422171B2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP6208661B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20140048236A (en) |
CN (1) | CN103732301B (en) |
MY (1) | MY168218A (en) |
TW (1) | TWI593453B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013023047A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
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JP6487462B2 (en) * | 2014-12-09 | 2019-03-20 | 株式会社ロキテクノ | Detachable filter container and filtration device using the same |
US10183870B2 (en) * | 2015-05-22 | 2019-01-22 | Access Business Group International Llc | Point-of-use water treatment system |
CN106286275A (en) * | 2015-05-22 | 2017-01-04 | 佛山市顺德区美的饮水机制造有限公司 | Water purifier water pump and water purifier |
US10781774B2 (en) * | 2016-06-10 | 2020-09-22 | Injen Technology, Inc. | Twist-interlocking engine housing and air filter and method |
USD800247S1 (en) * | 2016-12-05 | 2017-10-17 | Zachary Bradford Barrett | Chlorinator extension for potable water chlorine neutralizing unit |
USD896341S1 (en) * | 2018-12-21 | 2020-09-15 | Qingdao Ecopure Filter Co., Ltd | Filter unit |
USD919042S1 (en) * | 2019-06-25 | 2021-05-11 | Tianjin Premium E-Commerce Co., Ltd. | Filter for water faucet |
CN114269690B (en) | 2019-07-31 | 2024-08-02 | 捷通国际有限公司 | Water treatment system |
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-
2012
- 2012-08-09 TW TW101128713A patent/TWI593453B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2012-08-09 JP JP2014525139A patent/JP6208661B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2012-08-09 CN CN201280039146.6A patent/CN103732301B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2012-08-09 US US13/570,292 patent/US9422171B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2012-08-09 KR KR1020147003027A patent/KR20140048236A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2012-08-09 MY MYPI2014000211A patent/MY168218A/en unknown
- 2012-08-09 WO PCT/US2012/050128 patent/WO2013023047A2/en active Application Filing
-
2016
- 2016-07-18 US US15/212,857 patent/US20160326012A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
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WO2013023047A2 (en) | 2013-02-14 |
US9422171B2 (en) | 2016-08-23 |
KR20140048236A (en) | 2014-04-23 |
TW201325694A (en) | 2013-07-01 |
WO2013023047A3 (en) | 2013-05-02 |
JP2014521510A (en) | 2014-08-28 |
MY168218A (en) | 2018-10-15 |
US20130037474A1 (en) | 2013-02-14 |
CN103732301B (en) | 2016-08-17 |
TWI593453B (en) | 2017-08-01 |
JP6208661B2 (en) | 2017-10-04 |
CN103732301A (en) | 2014-04-16 |
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Legal Events
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |