WO2001023306A1

WO2001023306A1 - Containers for dispensing filtered liquids

Info

Publication number: WO2001023306A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/026494
Authority: WO
Inventors: Malcolm D. Poirier; Kevin P. Mcgrath; Bruce S. Williamson
Original assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-09-30
Filing date: 2000-09-26
Publication date: 2001-04-05
Also published as: PE20010466A1; AU7720500A

Abstract

The present invention provides containers for storing and dispensing filtered, and for storing unfiltered and dispensing filtered liquids such as water. The invention employs a flat filter media that requires less volume for the storage of filter media and allows more volume for the storage of the liquid within a container.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

CONTAINERS FOR DISPENSING FILTERED LIQUIDS PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application hereby claims priority based on Provisional Application Serial No. 60/156,728, filed September 30, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to containers for storing and dispensing filtered liquids such as water. More particularly, the present invention relates to containers employing a flat filter media that requires less volume for the storage of filter media and, therefore, allows more liquid to be stored than allowed by existing filtering containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Water intended for human consumption is expected to be either free of harmful constituents or contain concentrations of such constituents that are below harmful levels. To provide potable water for use in homes and businesses, municipalities utilize industrial scale processes in an effort to eliminate or reduce harmful constituents present in water drawn from large, naturally occurring water sources. Potable water is also frequently obtained on a smaller scale from wells and springs and usually without any treatment prior to consumption.

Unfortunately, the potability of a particular water supply is sometimes questionable. The consistency and efficiency of treatment by municipalities may vary due to numerous factors such as heavy rainfall, equipment failures, and usage levels. Depending upon the seriousness of a variation in treatment, a municipality may be forced to notify its consumers that further treatment of the water supplied, e.g. boiling, is required at the point of use before consumption is safe. Water obtained directly from a natural source may also become suspect depending upon environmental conditions near the source. For example, wells and springs can be contaminated due to rain water run-off washing a contaminant into the source. Accordingly, a need exists for water filtration devices suitable in size and scale for residential or office use.

Liquid filtration devices have been developed. Such devices range from those located at the point-of-use (e.g. the spigot of a kitchen sink, gravity-flow dispensers such as filters, and low-pressure sports bottles) to the generally bulkier point-of-entry units hidden from view within the plumbing of a home or office. Many of these devices use activated charcoal in at least one stage of the filtration process. Activated charcoal helps to remove strong odors and tastes from water. More specifically, activated charcoal can remove chlorine and even sediment from water.

Among those devices that have been developed for point-of-use application are systems having both a filter and a container that employ gravity flow through the filter immediately prior to consumption. To use these systems, the consumer typically pours unfiltered water into a first chamber above the filter media. Under the influence of gravity, water then feeds through the filter and into a second chamber within the container. The water is stored in this second chamber until consumption. The generally slow filtering properties of currently available filter media and the configurations required for their use dictate that these systems have a substantial portion of the overall container occupied by the first chamber and the filter media. As a result, the filtered water capacity of the system is reduced because the container cannot be enlarged beyond a size that is practical for point-of-use applications. Alternatively, the container may be structured to allow removal of the first chamber and filter media after filtration, thus requiring separate storage of the first chamber and filter media and of the second water storage chamber. The filter media employed in either of these configurations generally consists of granulated or textile materials that add weight and bulk to the overall device. The following examples serve to demonstrate these various devices as well as the difficulties with and limitations of their use.

U.S. Patent No. 4,623,457, issued to Hankammer, discloses a water purifier with a container enclosing two compartments. Unfiltered water is introduced into the top compartment. The bottom of the top compartment contains a filter through which water flows under the influence of gravity.

Because of the residence time required for the filtration process, the top compartment occupies nearly 50 percent of the total container volume. Water flowing through the filter is collected in the bottom compartment of the container for storage until use. U.S. Patent No. 5,665,224, issued to Levene, discloses a water purifier operating in a similar fashion. The filter media is contained within a permeable, flexible bag placed into the bottom of the top compartment. As with Hankammer '457, the top compartment occupies a substantial portion of the container volume, limiting the quantity of water that can be practically filtered and stored. U.S. Patent No. 4,969,996, issued to Hankammer discloses a water purification device with an intake funnel. The device is designed to be placed into a receiving container. Water is placed into the funnel where it resides until passing through the filter element under the influence of gravity. A compartment for the storage of unfiltered water is required and the granular filter media consumes a certain volume of any container in which it is placed. U.S. Patent No. 4,306,971 issued to Hankammer also demonstrates these same limitations for still another water purifying apparatus.

U.S. Patent No. 5,076,922, issued to DeAre discloses a water-filtration apparatus that also consumes a substantial volume of any container into which it is placed. Improvement is claimed over prior art in that the water is caused to flow with directional changes through the filter media so as to allegedly increase filtration efficiency. However, the device retains the bulkiness and the requirement of a temporary storage volume for unfiltered water associated with the above-described devices.

U.S. Patent No. 4,998,228 issued to Eqer discloses a drinking water filter with an indicator for notifying the user to replace the filter media. The filter is designed to be placed in the bottom of a compartment containing the unfiltered water. A granular material, such as activated carbon and a cation exchange resin, is used for the filter media. As with other references described herein, the filtration media and compartment consumes a substantial volume of the container and requires a compartment for the storage of unfiltered water during filtration. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses some of the problems identified above by providing an improved apparatus for the filtration of fluids, such as water, at the point-of-use. More specifically, the present invention is an apparatus for liquid filtration comprising a flat filter media located within a container. As a result of the configuration of the flat filter media, a substantial volume of the container, practical in size for the consumer, can be used to store filtered liquid, such as water, as opposed to the container being occupied largely by filter media and its accompanying compartment or receptacle and by unfiltered liquid as required by existing devices. In addition, use of a flat filter media allows the construction of a container for the delivery of filtered liquids such as water on an as-needed basis to the consumer such that only unfiltered liquid is stored within the container. This embodiment enables a dramatic increase in the volume of filtered liquid that may be obtained from a given container because less volume is occupied by filter media and unnecessary empty storage space for unfiltered liquid.

Water filter media utilized in currently available devices typically require relatively large volumes of filter media within a container for effective filtration. In addition, certain prior filters are so large that they actually remain in contact with water being stored in the container, thus resulting in the undesirable aspect of having filtered contaminants being in contact with the water. However, flat filter media can effectively filter specific constituents from water while accommodating flow rates that are acceptable for point-of-use consumption. In addition, the present flat filter arrangements allow the filter media to remain out of contact with water being stored in the container.

Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention, a flat filter may be positioned within the top of a container to maximize the storage space available for filtered liquid. The user pours unfiltered liquid through the flat filter located in the top of the container. However, the limitations of a large top compartment to hold unfiltered liquid for flow through an additional large compartment of filter media are eliminated, resulting in an increased liquid capacity as compared to existing devices.

In another embodiment of the invention, the user places unfiltered water into the compartment of a container such as a sports bottle. The consumer then allows gravity or externally applied pressure on the compartment to force water to be filtered through the flat filter and out of the container for immediate use. Because filtered water and bulky filter media are not required in this embodiment, the amount of water available to the user is maximized.

It should be understood that while a water filtering process and

apparatus are exemplified herein, the present process and apparatus may be

utilized for filtering other liquids depending on the contaminant removal

characteristics desired.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment of the

present invention showing a container for the storage of filtered liquid with a filter change indicator. FIG. 2 is a different view of the embodiment of FIG 1 that also depicts the filter media and a receptacle for the filter media.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a flat filter media that may be used in the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of the

present invention showing a container for the storage of filtered liquid and a flat filter media.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of still another embodiment

showing a container for the storage of filtered liquid and a flat filter media. FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment of the present invention with a container for the storage of filtered liquid.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view depicting a configuration for the filter media within the top of the embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8. is a cross-sectional view of the top of FIG 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference now will be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features and aspects of the present invention are disclosed in or are obvious from the following detailed description. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention.

In general, the present invention relates to a container for storing and dispensing filtered liquids such as water. More specifically, the present invention relates to containers using a flat filter media to provide for the storage and dispensing, or dispensing only, of filtered liquid from a container that requires less space for the storage of filter media and liquid as compared to existing devices.

An unlimited number of container embodiments may employ the presently-described flat filter media to obtain the disclosed desirable results. For example, the container may be a pitcher, flask, jug, keg, barrel, goblet, canteen, sports bottle, cup, flexible bag, kettle, carafe, or any other container structured to receive the flat filter media and dispense filtered liquid. The container may be constructed from glass, metals such as stainless steel or silver, plastics or foams such as polyethylene or styrofoam, or any other material suitable for contacting and storing liquid such as water.

Fig. 1 shows generally a container 1 for storing and dispensing filtered water. A basic container housing 10 with a handle 16 and cover 14 is depicted. A storage chamber 22, enclosed by lid 15 and cover 14, is located within the container housing 10 for the storage of filtered water. Spout 17 facilitates the removal of filtered water through filtered water outlet 18.

Container 1 may also have an indicator which allows the user to keep track of when the filter media's useful life has been expended. For example, Fig. 1 illustrates indicator 12 as a dial upon which twelve months are displayed. The user can dial in a date that serves as a reminder of when the filter media should be replaced. Other indicator devices that remind one of when the useful life of the filter has been reached may be utilized in conjunction with the presently-described invention. An indicator such as that shown by reference numeral 12 may be employed, or excluded as the consumer desires. In addition to the structure depicted in Figures 1 and 2, the indicator may be a counter that is activated each time the user refills the container; a flow meter that measures and reports the volume of water which has been placed into the container; an erasable, reusable label affixed to the container upon which a date can be written by the consumer; or any other device or method of recording the extent of use of the filter media employed in the container.

As shown in a different view in Figure 2, container 1 for storing and dispensing filtered water has a container housing 10 with filtered water outlet 18 (comprising spout 17) for the removal of filtered water from container housing 10 and an unfiltered water inlet 20 for the supplying of unfiltered water to the housing. Spout 17 may be any number of shapes and configurations. By way of example only, spout 17 may consist of a cylindrical conduit, tube, pipe, or mouthpiece, and may also have a valve for preventing spills or dripping from the container 1. In short, spout 17 may be structured for specific applications when necessary.

A filter receptacle 24 may be located at the top of container housing 10 and is constructed to receive a flat filter media 26. The filter receptacle 24 may be located above storage chamber 22 and within lid 15 such that unfiltered water introduced into unfiltered water inlet 20 flows through flat filter media 26 and into storage chamber 22. A bottom strainer 28 and a top strainer 30 may be utilized to ensure that the flat filter media 26 remains in place when unfiltered water is introduced into the container housing 10.

Other various configurations of the filter receptacle and housing may also be utilized. For example, it is possible that filter receptacle 24 is placed directly onto the top of container housing 10 (not shown) so that the need for a cover 14 and/or lid 15 is avoided. In addition, in this type of a structure, container housing 10 and filter receptacle 24 could be molded as a one-piece design.

Handle 16 may be shaped as depicted, may be formed into any shape practical for a particular application, or may even be excluded to allow the user to grasp the sides of container housing 10 to pour filtered water from the container. In addition, various enhancing features can be added to either or both of the handle 16 and container housing 16 such as finger grips, finger holes, a nonslip surface, an arcuate shape, a strap, and any other feature attractive to the consumer or useful for pouring from or filling container 1.

The cover 14 may be excluded, or may be constructed with a variety of features. By way of example only, cover 14 may have threads or tabs for attachment to the container and a strap for preventing the loss of the cover 14. While a circular cover 14 is represented in Fig. 1 and Fig 2, the cover 14 may be any number of shapes conducive for use with the particular container 10 selected for a given application.

While the filter receptacle 24 and flat filter media 26 are depicted in Figures 1 and 2 as being round, various other shapes of the filter media and receptacle may be employed. Such shapes are merely a matter of design choice depending on the particular environment in which the filter media/receptacle is to be used. In addition, the location of filter receptacle 24 on lid 15 is also variable depending on the shape, size, and usage of the container. Whatever the shape or location of the flat filter media 26, the use of such a flat media enables the presently-inventive container to provide for greater water storage volume over existing devices. Because of the physical dimensions available from a flat filter media, space normally occupied by bulky, and generally granular filter media and its receptacle, is saved for water. Furthermore, because granular filter media generally have slower filtration rates, gravity-flow containers previously required a separate chamber for holding unfiltered water waiting to pass through the filter. With the flat filter media, faster filtration rates are obtainable and allow for a substantial reduction in size of the chamber required for holding unfiltered water.

In addition, as will be discussed with respect to the embodiment shown in Figure 6, a flat filter media enables a container configuration in which only unfiltered water is stored. The user can obtain filtered water upon demand by causing water to flow through the flat filter media at a rate that allows for immediate consumption. Container space is optimized because separate storage of filtered water for immediate use is not required.

Referring again to Fig. 2, the flat filter media 26 can be constructed from any substance capable of removing unwanted constituents from the unfiltered water supply. Furthermore, the flat filter media 26 may consist of a laminate of filter media where different layers remove different constituents or support the filter media. The flat filter media 26 may, for example, include activated carbon, which can remove undesirable tastes and odors from a water stream. Flat, laminated filter media having a layer of activated carbon contained between two sheets of support material are available in relatively thin sheets and may be used in the presently-described containers.

The only limitation on the filter media is that it be "flat" as compared to other known filter media. As used herein, "flat" describes a length and thickness dimension for a filter media that may be readily constructed for use in the embodiment of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. In general, the total filter media volume will be less than about 6 cubic inches or will have a greatest length (i.e., the longest side) to thickness ratio of no less than about 45 to 1. More desirably, a total filter media volume of less than about 1.0 cubic inches or a length to thickness ratio of no less than about 90 to 1 may be employed. For purposes of this invention, it is to be understood that any given volume range for the filter media is intended to include any and all lesser included ranges. For example, the range of less than about 3 cubic inches would also include cubic inch ranges of 2 to 3; 1 to 3; 0.5 to 1.5; and the like. Similarly, for purposes of this invention, it is to be understood that any given minimum for the greatest length to thickness ratio is intended to include any and all greater ranges. For example, a thickness ratio of no less than about 45 to 1 would allow ratios of 45 to 1 , 50 to 1 , 100 to 1 , and the like.

One particular flat filter media that may be employed in the present invention is a media manufactured by K-X Industries under the name of PLEKX. This filter media includes three layers: A charge modified layer is laminated onto both the top and bottom of a layer containing activated carbon. The thickness of the entire laminate is on the order of 0.050 inches. As an example only, in one embodiment of the invention the surface area of one side of a circularly shaped PLEKX filter may be about 20 square inches, resulting in a diameter of about 5 inches. This example would have a filter media volume of about 1 cubic inch and a greatest length to thickness ratio of about 100 to 1.

Fig. 3 depicts a particular laminated flat filter media 32 with arrows showing the direction of water flow. Filter media active layer 34 may be formed from activated carbon or any substance that can be configured into a flat sheet and used to remove undesired constituents from a water supply. Top layer 36 and bottom layer 38 may be additional filter media or materials to hold filter media active layer 34. Variations may be made to the particular arrangement of the layers employed in such laminated media without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, additional layers may be utilized in the filter media so that two or more layers of the PLEKX material are employed; two or more layers of charge-modified filters (as exemplified below) are employed; and/or various pre- or post-filters are employed.

For example, top layer 36 and bottom layer 38 may be constructed of a mesh as depicted in Fig. 2, or may contain any number of apertures that allow for the passage of water. For example, round holes, a grate, or lattice may be employed. Various nonwoven and woven webs may also be employed. Alternatively, top layer 36 and bottom layer 38 may be eliminated in the event the filter media active layer 34 includes a material that does not need additional support. In yet another embodiment, top layer 36 and bottom layer 38 may be incorporated into a cartridge that contains and support the filter media active layer 34 and is releasably inserted into the filter receptacle 24. Various filter media other than, or in addition to, the disclosed PLEKX filter may also be utilized in the present invention, provided the requirement of "flatness" is maintained. For example, microporous materials such as a

nonwoven microfiber glass web, a nonwoven charge-modified meltblown web,

or a nonwoven charge-modified microfiber glass web may be employed. Generally, such microporous material will have pore sizes that are 20 microns

or less in size, and in some embodiments, pore sizes that are 10 microns or

less in size. In other embodiments, the microporous materials will have a

maximum pore size of 7.5 microns.

As used herein, the term "nonwoven web" means a web or fabric having a structure of individual fibers or threads which are interlaid, but not in an identifiable manner as in a knitted or woven fabric. Nonwoven webs generally may be prepared by methods which are well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Examples of such processes include, by way of illustration only, meltblowing, coforming, spunbonding, carding and bonding, air laying, and wet laying. Meltblowing, coforming, and spunbonding processes are exemplified by the following references, each of which is incorporated herein by reference:

(a) meltblowing references include, by way of example, U.S. Patent Nos. 3,016,599 to R. W. Perry, Jr., 3,704,198 to J. S. Prentice, 3,755,527 to

J. P. Keller et al., 3,849,241 to R. R. Butin et al., 3,978,185 to R. R. Butin et al., and 4,663,220 to T. J. Wisneski et al. See, also, V. A. Wente, "Superfine Thermoplastic Fibers", Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, Vol. 48, No. 8, pp. 1342-1346 (1956); V. A. Wente et al., "Manufacture of Superfine Organic Fibers", Navy Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C., NRL Report 4364

(111437), dated May 25, 1954, United States Department of Commerce, Office of Technical Services; and Robert R. Butin and Dwight T. Lohkamp, "Melt Blowing - A One-Step Web Process for New Nonwoven Products", Journal of the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry, Vol. 56, No.4, pp. 74-77 (1973);

(b) coforming references include U.S. Patent Nos. 4,100,324 to R. A. Anderson et al. and 4,118,531 to E. R. Hauser; and

(c) spunbonding references include, among others, U.S. Patent Nos. 3,341 ,394 to Kinney, 3,655,862 to Dorschner et al., 3,692,618 to Dorschner et al., 3,705,068 to Dobo et al., 3,802,817 to Matsuki et al., 3,853,651 to Porte, 4,064,605 to Akiyama et al., 4,091 ,140 to Harmon, 4,100,319 to Schwartz, 4,340,563 to Appel and Morman, 4,405,297 to Appel and Morman, 4,434,204 to Hartman et al., 4,627,811 to Greiser and Wagner, and 4,644,045 to Fowells.

A nonwoven charge-modified microfiber glass web may be prepared

from a fibrous web which incorporates glass fibers having a cationically

charged coating thereon. Generally, such microfibers would be glass fibers having a diameter of about 10 microns or less. The coating includes a functionalized cationic polymer which has been crosslinked by heat; in other words, the functionalized cationic polymer has been crosslinked by heat after being coated onto the glass fibers. Such fibrous filter is prepared by a method which involves providing a fibrous filter which includes glass fibers, passing a solution of a functionalized cationic polymer crosslinkable by heat through the fibrous filter under conditions sufficient to substantially coat the fibers with the functionalized cationic polymer, and treating the resulting coated fibrous filter with heat at a temperature and for a time sufficient to crosslink the functionalized cationic polymer present on the glass fibers. The functionalized cationic polymer may be an epichlorohydrin-functionalized polyamine or an epichlorohydrin-functionalized polyamido-amine.

In general, when used as a filter media, a charge-modified microfiber

glass web will contain at least about 50 percent by weight of glass fibers,

based on the weight of all fibers present in the filter media. In some embodiments, essentially 100 percent of the fibers will be glass fibers. When other fibers are present, however, they generally will be cellulosic fibers, fibers prepared from synthetic thermoplastic polymers, or mixtures thereof.

As used herein, the terms "cationically charged" in reference to a coating on a glass fiber and "cationic" in reference to the functionalized polymer mean the presence in the respective coating and polymer of a plurality of positively charged groups. Thus, the terms "cationically charged" and "positively charged" are synonymous. Such positively charged groups typically will include a plurality of quaternary ammonium groups, but they are not necessarily limited thereto. The term "functionalized" is used herein to mean the presence in the cationic polymer of a plurality of functional groups, other than the cationic groups, which are capable of crosslinking when subjected to heat. Thus, the functional groups are thermally crosslinkable groups. Examples of such functional groups include epoxy, ethylenimino, and episulfido. These functional groups readily react with other groups typically present in the cationic polymer. The other groups typically have at least one reactive hydrogen atom and are exemplified by amino, hydroxy, and thiol groups. It may be noted that the reaction of a functional group with another group often generates still other groups which are capable of reacting with functional groups. For example, the reaction of an epoxy group with an amino group results in the formation of a β-hydroxyamino group.

Thus, the term "functionalized cationic polymer" is meant to include any polymer which contains a plurality of positively charged groups and a plurality of other functional groups which are capable of being crosslinked by the application of heat. Particularly useful examples of such polymers are epichlorohydrin-functionalized polyamines and epichlorohydrin-functionalized polyamido-amines. Both types of polymers are exemplified by the Kymene^® resins which are available from Hercules Inc., Wilmington, Delaware. Other suitable materials include cationically modified starches, such as such as

RediBond, from National Starch.

As used herein, the term "thermally crosslinked" means the coating of the functionalized cationic polymer has been heated at a temperature and for a time sufficient to crosslink the above-noted functional groups. Heating temperatures typically may vary from about 50°C to about 150°C. Heating times in general are a function of temperature and the type of functional groups present in the cationic polymer. For example, heating times may vary from less than a minute to about 60 minutes or more.

A nonwoven charge-modified meltblown web may consist of

hydrophobic polymer fibers, amphiphilic macromolecules adsorbed onto at least a portion of the surfaces of the hydrophobic polymer fibers, and a crosslinkable, functionalized cationic polymer associated with at least a portion of the amphiphilic macromolecules, in which the functionalized cationic polymer has been crosslinked. Crosslinking may be achieved through the use of a chemical crosslinking agent or by the application of heat. Desirably, thermal crosslinking, i.e., the application of heat, will be employed. In general, the amphiphilic macromolecules may be of one or more of the following types: proteins, poly(vinyl alcohol), monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides, polyhydroxy compounds, polyamines, polylactones, and the like. Desirably, the amphiphilic macromolecules will be amphiphilic protein macromolecules, such as globular protein or random coil protein macromolecules. For example, the amphiphilic protein macromolecules may be milk protein macromolecules. The functionalized cationic polymer typically may be any polymer which contains a plurality of positively charged groups and a plurality of other functional groups which are capable of being crosslinked by, for example, chemical crosslinking agents or the application of heat. Particularly useful examples of such polymers are epichlorohydrin- functionalized polyamines and epichlorohydrin-functionalized polyamido- amines. Other suitable materials include cationically modified starches.

The nonwoven charge-modified meltblown web may be prepared by a

method which involves providing a fibrous meltblown filter media which includes hydrophobic polymer fibers, passing a solution containing amphiphilic macromolecules through the fibrous filter under shear stress conditions so that at least a portion of the amphiphilic macromolecules are adsorbed onto at least some of the hydrophobic polymer fibers to give an amphiphilic macromolecule-coated fibrous web, passing a solution of a crosslinkable, functionalized cationic polymer through the amphiphilic macromolecule-coated fibrous web under conditions sufficient to incorporate the functionalized cationic polymer onto at least a portion of the amphiphilic macromolecules to give a functionalized cationic polymer-coated fibrous web in which the functionalized cationic polymer is associated with at least a portion of the amphiphilic macromolecules, and treating the resulting coated fibrous filter with a chemical crosslinking agent or heat. Desirably, the coated fibrous filter will be treated with heat at a temperature and for a time sufficient to crosslink the functionalized cationic polymer.

To obtain filtered water from the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the user pours water into unfiltered water inlet 20. The unfiltered water flows under the influence of gravity into filter water receptacle 24, through top strainer 30, through flat filter media 26, and then through bottom strainer 28. The filtered water is collected in storage chamber 22 located within container housing 10. After filtration and storage, the user may pour water from container housing 10 by tilting container housing 10 using handle 16. Upon tilting container housing 10, water exits storage chamber 22 through filtered water outlet 18 and spout 17. Repeated fillings and dispensing of filtered water may occur while using the same filter media. When flat filter media 26 is spent and no longer acceptably removes the unwanted constituents from water, it may be replaced. The indicator 12 may be used to remind the user of when to replace the filter media.

Figure 4, representing another embodiment of the invention, depicts a container 2 having a container housing 110 with an indicator 112 within handle 116. In this particular indicator, a button 113 may be located on handle 116. The user depresses button 113 to pivotally lift cover 114 in order to fill container housing 110 with water. Such pivoting mechanisms are within the purview of those of ordinary skill in the art and various such opening and closing mechanisms may be employed.

Indicator 112 in this particular embodiment is connected to button 113. A rotating number mechanism may be employed that increases or decreases the number shown in the window by one each time button 113 is depressed. The user is thereby provided a visual indication of the number of times the flat filter media 126 has been used to fill container housing 110. In other embodiments, the indicator may be mechanically connected to the cover 114 so that numbers are advanced each time the cover 114 is lifted and the need for depressing a button 113 is obviated.

Cover 114 protects filtered water inlet 118 from contamination and, in this particular embodiment, includes a protruding portion that prevents unwanted constituents from entering filtered water outlet 120 and storage chamber 122. Filter receptacle 124 contains the flat filter media 126. The filter media may be constructed as described with regard to the embodiment of Fig. 1 and Fig 2. Similarly, the embodiment of Fig 4 may be used to dispense filtered water as described with the embodiment of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Another embodiment of the invention is shown in Fig. 5, which illustrates a container 3 having a container housing 210 with cover 214 on lid

215 for protecting unfiltered water inlet 220. Handle 216 is shown without an indicator in this embodiment but such may be added. Filtered water outlet 218 allows for the release of filtered water from storage chamber 222. Filter receptacle 224 houses flat filter media 226. The filter media may be constructed as described with regard to the embodiment Fig. 1 and Fig 2. Similarly, the embodiment of Fig 5 may be used to obtain filtered water as described with the embodiment of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of an embodiment of the present invention with a container 4 for the storage of unfiltered water and the dispensing of filtered water. By way of example, the embodiment of Fig. 6 may be used as a sports bottle for the delivery of filtered water to a hiker, camper, hunter, fisherman, athlete, or any person who desires a convenient option for carrying a container capable of providing filtered water. Fig. 6 shows a container housing 310 with a cap 314 and a storage chamber 322 within the housing for the storage of unfiltered water. Finger grips 311 may be included to allow the user to more easily grasp container housing 310. A strap 340 for maintaining cap 314 when removed from container housing 310 may also be employed. Container housing 310 may have a variety of shapes and is not limited to the particular embodiment shown in Fig. 6. By way of example only, container housing 310 may have a noncylindrical shape or a diameter to length ratio varying from that shown in Fig. 6. The materials of construction can range from flexible plastics to more rigid containers of metal or canteen- type housings.

In one embodiment, the container housing 310 may be constructed of a sanitary, flexible plastic that allows the user to apply pressure to the water within the container housing 310. This allows the user to squeeze the unfiltered water through the flat filter media and out of the filtered water outlet when the cap 314 is removed as described below.

Fig. 7 is an exploded view of the embodiment depicted in Fig. 6 (with cap 314 removed). As shown in Fig. 7, a container for the storing and dispensing of filtered water may employ the container housing 310 with a filtered water outlet 318 for the removal of filtered water from container housing 310. A filter receptacle 324 may be structured to receive a flat filter media and may be arranged with container housing 310 so that filter receptacle 324 is in fluid communication with storage chamber 322 and filtered water outlet 318 so that unfiltered water within storage chamber 322 may flow through filtered water outlet 318 when pressure or gravity acts on the water within housing 310. Fig. 7 also depicts a cartridge 342 which may house the flat filter media. Although various housings for the filter media may be employed, Fig. 7 depicts one such configuration where a cartridge 342 houses the filter media. The cartridge 342 may be used to add support for the flat filter media and to protect the filter media from contamination when handling. The flat filter media may be constructed as described with regard to the embodiment Fig. 1 and Fig 2.

An O-ring 344 may be provided for resealably attaching the filter receptacle 324 to container housing 310. Other various mechanisms, such as a flowed or flexible polymer could be affixed onto the perimeter of cartridge

328 to allow for sealing. A mouthpiece 350 for the consumption of filtered water is provided with a pull spout 352 for receiving mouthpiece 350 and locking filtered water outlet 318 into an open or closed position.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the top of the container depicted in Fig. 7 with arrows that depict the direction of water flow. As shown in Fig. 8, water flows into cartridge 342, through flat filter media 326, into pull spout 352, through mouthpiece 350, and then exits through filtered water outlet 318. The cap 314 is illustrated by dashed lines. Fig. 8 also depicts lock ring 346; O-ring 344; and indicator boss 348.

To obtain filtered water from the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, the user unscrews the top from container housing 310 and places unfiltered water into storage chamber 322. With lock ring 346, cartridge 342 (which houses filter media 326), and O-ring 344 inserted into filter receptacle 324, container housing 310 is then screwed onto filter receptacle 324. After removing the cap 314 and pulling upon pull spout 352 to force it into the open position, the user applies pressure to container housing 310 by squeezing the housing 310 or allows gravity to cause water to exit container housing 310 along the path shown and described in Fig. 8. The embodiment of Fig. 6, Fig. 7, and Fig. 8 may also include an indicator to notify the user that the filter media within cartridge 324 has reached the end of its useful life. The indicator may be configured in a variety of different ways. For example, the embodiment depicted in Fig. 7 includes an indicator boss 348 to provide a visual notification, viewed through indicator aperture 351 , of when the filter media is spent.

The indicator of Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 may be constructed and operated as follows. As shown in Fig. 7, a clutch 346, which may include a plurality of tabs 347 extending outwardly, is attached to filter receptacle 324. The clutch 346 may be formed as a flat ring from a variety of materials such as, for example, plastic, metal, or the like. The attachment may be accomplished in a variety of ways, including a press-fit, snap-fit, or the like such that clutch 346 does not move relative to filter receptacle 324. Upon inserting the cartridge 342 into the filter receptacle 324, the tabs 347 on clutch 346 engage the ridges 349 of the cartridge 342.

The cartridge 342 is configured to be initially placed within the interior of the filter receptacle 324 in a single, predetermined position. In this

predetermined position, the indicator boss 348 may not be visible to a user

through the indicator aperture 351 in the filter receptacle 324. For example,

in certain embodiments, where the indicator boss 348 is positioned on only a

portion of the upper surface of the cartridge 342, such as in the embodiment

shown in Fig. 7, the indicator boss 348 would not be visible to the user in the

initial placement of the cartridge 342.

When a user desires to have access to freshly filtered fluid, the user

fills the container housing 310 with unfiltered fluid. The user then threadably

engages the filter receptacle 324, containing the cartridge 342 and the clutch

346, to the container housing 310. As the filter receptacle 324 engages the

upper portion of container housing 310, the friction between the filter

receptacle 324, the cartridge 342, and container housing 310 causes the

cartridge 342 to rotate a predetermined distance within the filter receptacle

324. The distance that the cartridge 342 is advanced with each reattachment

of the filter receptacle 324 is roughly proportionate to the amount of the useful

life of the filter media which has been used by the amount of fluid contained within a full container. In this manner, the cartridge 342 is rotated within the

filter receptacle 324 so that the indicator boss 348 is gradually moved from its

initial position until it is visible through the indicator aperture 351.

When the indicator boss 348 is displayed through the indicator

aperture 351 in the filter receptacle 324, the user is alerted that the cartridge

342 should be removed and replaced with a new cartridge 342. At such time,

the user simply removes the filter receptacle 324 from the container housing

310 and pushes downwardly on the mouthpiece 350. The downward force on

the mouthpiece 350 causes the cartridge 342 to disengage from the filter

receptacle 324. The user simply places a new cartridge 342 into the interior

of the filter receptacle 324 and pushes it into its locking position. As the new

cartridge 342 can only be installed in a single predetermined position, the

indicator is reset and ready to approximate the useful life of the new filter.

This description is but one possible configuration of an indicator for the

embodiment depicted in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Other indicator configurations are

possible. For example, the indicator may consist of an indicator boss 348 that

extends around the ring and remains visible through indicator aperture 351 at

all times. In this configuration, one portion of the indicator boss may be

colored differently than the remainder of the indicator boss and becomes

visible only as the cartridge 342 nears time for replacement. In addition, the

indicator boss 348 may be variously shaped. For example, the indicator boss

348 may have a cross-section which is shaped as a teardrop, rectangle, oval,

circle, or the like. Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described

using specific terms, devices, and methods, such description is for illustrative

purposes only. The words used are words of description rather than of

limitation. It is to be understood that changes and variations may be made by

those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit or the scope

of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims. In addition,

it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be

interchanged both in whole or in part. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the

appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred

versions contained therein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A container for storing and dispensing filtered liquids, comprising:

a container housing, said housing having a filtered liquid outlet for the removal of filtered liquid from said housing and an unfiltered liquid inlet for the supplying of unfiltered liquid to said housing; a storage chamber within said housing for the storage of filtered liquid; a filter receptacle constructed to receive a flat filter media, said filter receptacle being arranged within said housing so that said receptacle is in fluid communication with said storage chamber and with said liquid inlet so that unfiltered liquid introduced into said container housing flows through said flat filter media and into said storage chamber.

2. The container of claim 1 , further comprising a flat filter media.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein the flat filter media has a total volume less than about 6 cubic inches.

4. The container of claim 2, wherein the flat filter media has a total volume less than about 1 cubic inch.

5. The container of claim 2, wherein the flat filter media has a longest length to thickness ratio of greater than about 45 to 1.

6. The container of claim 2, wherein the flat filter media has a longest length to thickness ratio of greater than about 90 to 1.

7. The container of claim 2, wherein the flat filter media comprises

activated charcoal.

8. The container of claim 2, wherein the flat filter media comprises a laminated filter media.

9. The container of claim 1 , further comprising a handle attached to the exterior of said container housing.

10. The container of claim 1 , further comprising an indicator whereby the user is notified when the filter has reached the end of its useful life.

11. A container for storing unfiltered liquid and dispensing filtered liquid comprising: a container housing, said housing having a filtered liquid outlet for the removal of filtered liquid from said housing; a storage chamber within said housing for the storage of unfiltered liquid; a filter receptacle constructed to receive a flat filter media, said filter receptacle being arranged with said housing so that said receptacle is in fluid communication with said storage chamber and with said liquid outlet so that unfiltered liquid within said storage chamber may flow through said filtered liquid outlet.

12. The container of claim 11 , further comprising a flat filter media.

13. The container of claim 12, wherein the flat filter media has a total volume less than about 6 cubic inches.

14. The container of claim 12, wherein the flat filter media has a total volume less than about 1 cubic inch.

15. The container of claim 12, wherein the flat filter media has a

longest length to thickness ratio of greater than about 45 to 1.

16. The container of claim 12, wherein the flat filter media has a longest length to thickness ratio of greater than about 90 to 1.

17. The container of claim 12, wherein the flat filter media comprises activated charcoal.

18. The container of claim 12, wherein the flat filter media comprises a laminated filter media.

19. The container of claim 11 , further comprising an indicator whereby the user is notified when the filter has reached the end of its useful life.