WO2017005839A1

WO2017005839A1 - Assembly for storing and pouring a liquid and liquid treatment system

Info

Publication number: WO2017005839A1
Application number: PCT/EP2016/066089
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mario BLANK; Uwe Hofmann; Tim Storti; Christian Rummel
Original assignee: Brita Gmbh
Priority date: 2015-07-08
Filing date: 2016-07-07
Publication date: 2017-01-12
Also published as: TW201708064A; CN206424631U; CN106334340A

Abstract

An assembly for storing and pouring a liquid includes a container (1) having a base (4), the container (1) having a mouth opposite the base (4) and including a spout (7) formed at the mouth, and a closure part (2). The closure part (2) includes a section (11) forming an upper section when the container base (4) is placed on a supporting surface and the container (1) supports the closure part (2). The closure part (2) includes a section depending from the upper section (11). The closure part (2) is pivotable from a first position to a second position by pressing a section (17) of the upper section (11) towards the container (1). The depending section of the closure part (2) includes a part (20) sealing against an interior side of a wall (6) of the container (1) in the first position at a level between the base (4) and at least a mouth of the spout (7) such as to allow liquid to be poured from the container (1) via the spout (7) only in the second of the first and second positions. The upper section (11) extends to cover the mouth of the spout (7) in the first position.

Description

ASSEMBLY FOR STORING AND POURING A LIQUID AND LIQUID TREATMENT SYSTEM

Description

The invention relates to an assembly, including:

a container for storing and pouring a liquid having a base, the container having a mouth opposite the base and including a spout formed at the mouth; and

a closure part,

wherein the closure part includes a section forming an upper section when the container base is placed on a supporting surface and the container supports the closure part,

wherein the closure part includes a section depending from the upper section,

wherein the closure part is pivotable from a first position to a second position by pressing a section of the upper section towards the container, and

wherein the depending section of the closure part includes a part sealing against an interior side of a wall of the container in the first position at a level between the base and at least a mouth of the spout such as to allow liquid to be poured from the container via the spout only in the second of the first and second positions.

The invention also relates to a liquid treatment system. A pitcher marketed under the name Tupperware Impressions has been disclosed at http://www.tupperware.com/Tupperware- Impressions-2-Qt-

Pitcher/dp/B00XD58GPU?class=quickView&field_availability=- l&field_browse= 92218950 l l&Jd =Tupperware+Impressions+2- Qt+Pitcher&ie=UTF8&refinementHistory=subjectbin%2Cprice°/o2Ccol or_map&searchNodeID=9221895011&searchPage= l&searchRank=- product_site_launch_date&searchSize= 12, accessed on 26 June 2015. It has a relatively rigid lid and a relatively flexible body. A sealing rim at a lower end of the lid closes the pitcher at a level just below the spout when in the closed position.

A problem of the known pitcher is that contaminants may fall into the spout and mix with the liquid poured from the container via the spout. This makes the known assembly ill-suited to storing and pouring filtered or otherwise purified liquids.

It is an object of the invention to provide an assembly and liquid treatment system that are simple but effective in shielding liquid from contaminants and preventing spillages.

This object is achieved according to a first aspect by the assembly according the invention, which is characterised in that the upper section extends to cover the mouth of the spout in the first position.

The sealing part on the depending section of the closure part is relatively effective in preventing spillages, because it will be pressed against the interior surface of the container. The tighter the depending section fits the container, the more effective the sealing part will be. A tight fit also helps keep the closure part in position, should the container accidentally be tipped over. By contrast, only closing the container at a rim surrounding the mouth of the container would generally be inadequate, especially if the closure part is relatively light. By covering the mouth of the spout, contaminants such as insects cannot enter the spout in the first position, the default position. Because the closure element pivots and includes the extension covering the mouth of the spout, a hinge for a cover of the mouth of the spout can be dispensed with. This makes the assembly simple and inexpensive to manufacture. It also means that all parts can be made of the same (e.g. plastic) material. A metal hinge pin is not required. The same act of pressing (down) the section of the upper section towards the container both lifts the extension covering the mouth of the spout from a rim bordering the mouth of the spout and moves the sealing part out of contact with the interior side of the container wall over at least a section of its circumference on the side of the container on which the spout is located. The section of the upper section to be pressed is located on an opposite side of the container to the spout, and thus close to a user's hand when holding the container to pour liquid from it. At least the section of the upper section to be pressed is located at a level further removed from the base than a rim of the container surrounding the mouth, so that this section can be pressed towards the container easily, e.g. with the thumb of the hand holding the container to pour liquid from it. The sealing part need not seal against the interior side of the container wall along the entire circumference of the depending part, but generally does so at least on the side of the container on which the spout is provided.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the sealing part seals against the interior side of the wall of the container along at least a majori- ty of a circumference of the depending section in at least the first position.

The container can thus be tipped over in many directions without liquid being spilt. Moreover, the closure part is held relatively tightly. In an embodiment, wherein the container includes a rim surrounding the mouth opposite the base, at least a further section of the upper section includes at least one edge section placeable on at least a section of the rim to support the closure part in at least the first position.

The rim thus supports the closure part by the edge section in at least the first position. There is no need to provide a separate ledge or other support mechanism for supporting the closure part on the container. Moreover, the pivoting motion can be combined with a displacement of the closure part along the rim of the container relatively easily. The edge section will generally form an overhanging section protruding with respect to the depending section. The overhanging edge section has a surface facing the rim for supporting the closure part. The depending section can thus be inserted through the mouth of the container.

In a variant of this embodiment, the section of the upper section for pressing towards the container is inclined with respect to the further section.

This variant allows the use of a container with a rim that lies essentially in one plane. The rim need not include a downwardly inclined section beneath the section to be pressed towards the vessel. The section for pressing towards the container may include at least one further section of the edge section, which further section or sections may contact the rim to support the closure part in the second position. The further section or sections thus also define the limit of the pivoting movement. In a variant of the embodiment in which the container includes a rim surrounding the mouth opposite the base and at least a further section of the upper section includes at least one edge section placeable on at least a section of the rim to support the closure part in at least the first position, a transition between the further section and the section of the upper section for pressing towards the container extends across the mouth of the container when the closure part is supported by the container.

Because the transition extends across the mouth of the container, the pivot axis also does. Assuming that the user presses down the section of the upper section towards the container at the rim of the container, e.g. with the thumb of a hand holding the container, there is a relatively long effort arm to the lever formed by the section pressed towards the container. This makes it easier to pour liquid from the container even if the closure part is encumbered by a relatively large weight.

In particular variant of this variant, the transition includes sections of the edge section of the upper section, e.g. curved sections of the edge section of the upper section. The closure part thus remains supported by the edge section whilst pivoting. If the sections are curved, then the pivot axis can move more easily along the rim. It is also easier to displace the closure part along the rim in addition to causing it to pivot when moving it between the first and second positions. In an embodiment of the assembly, wherein the container includes a rim surrounding the mouth opposite the base, the upper section includes an edge section extending over the rim along at least the majority, e.g. the entirety, of the circumference of the upper section, when the closure part is supported by the container.

The edge section need touch the rim along only part or parts of its length in any one position of the separating part. Regardless of its orientation, the closure part will not drop into the container. Also, the edge section helps prevent contaminants from entering the container between the closure part and the container side wall.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the sealing part is located at a level between the base and the spout in at least the first position.

Because the sealing part is located at a level between the base and the spout in at least the first position, it can close a path of liquid to the spout. There is no need to adapt the shape of the sealing part such that it blocks the spout at a level between the mouth of the spout and the level at which the spout joins a side wall of the container.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the container includes a rim surrounding the mouth of the container, and the rim borders a mouth of the spout.

This places the spout relatively close to the main part of the container compared to containers with spouts jutting out from the side like in a tea pot. In general, the spout can also be located closer to the rim, so that the sealing part of the closure part can be provided at a level relatively close to the rim.

In a variant of this embodiment, the spout is in the form of a lip of the container, and an edge section of the lip is included in the rim. This places the spout even closer to the remainder of the container. The lip is merely a section of an upper edge section of the container side wall with a folded or curved shape to allow pouring. The mouth of the spout is contiguous to the mouth of the container. This also allows the extension covering the mouth of the spout to be relatively small.

In an embodiment, the closure part includes a structure, e.g. at least one of a strut and a web, extending into the spout in at least the first position. The container will generally have only one spout. The structure extending into the spout ensures that the closure part is correctly assembled with the container, so that the section of the upper section to be pressed towards the container is at the opposite side of the container to the side on which the spout is located. In a variant of this embodiment, the structure extends from a side wall of the depending section to the extension covering the mouth of the spout.

In this embodiment, the structure strengthens the extension, which can thus be relatively thin for the area covered by it. The extension may in particular be a section of an overhanging edge section of the closure part.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the depending section is provided with a ridge extending around at least part of its circumference, of which at least a section forms the sealing part. The ridge contacts an interior surface of the wall of the container to form a seal along at least part of its length, in particular below the spout. The closure part can otherwise be spaced apart from the interior surface of the container side wall, providing space for movement of the closure part between the first and second position and allowing liquid poured from the container to flow between the container side wall and the closure part in the second position.

Generally, the ridge will extend around the complete circumference of the depending section, even if it does not contact the interior surface of the wall of the container to form a seal along its entire length.

In a variant of this embodiment, the ridge is spaced apart from an interior surface of the container wall in at least the second position at a location opposite the spout.

This provides for ventilation of the container during pouring, so that a smooth flow of liquid is obtained. Because the location is opposite the spout, i.e. opposite the side from which liquid is poured, the ventilation aperture is not easily filled with liquid.

In an embodiment of the assembly in which the depending section is provided with a ridge extending around at least part of its circumference, of which at least a section forms the sealing part, the container is provided with at least one protruding part on the interior surface of the container wall, each associated with a respective section of the ridge on the depending section and arranged to snap into a position between the protruding part and the base when the closure part pivots from the second into the first position. The section of the ridge assumes a position between the base and the associated protruding part in only the first of the first and second positions. The at least one protruding part protrudes far enough to engage the ridge on the closure part as the latter pivots between the first and second positions. It may in particular remain in engagement in the first position. The at least one protruding part thus holds the closure part in the first position to close the container on at least the side from which liquid is poured, e.g. the same side as the spout. The protruding part may be located below the spout and/or adjacent the spout, e.g. at a level of a lower end of the spout or between the spout and the base. If there are several protruding parts, then they may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane through a centre of the container and perpendicular to the pivot axis. The at least one protruding part provides noticeable feedback to a user to signal that the first position has been reached.

In an embodiment of the assembly in which the depending section is provided with a ridge extending around at least part of its circumference, of which at least a section forms the sealing part, the container is provided with at least one protruding part on the interior surface of the container wall, each associated with a respective section of the ridge on the depending section and arranged to snap into a position between the protruding part and the base when the closure part pivots from the first into the second position.

The section of the ridge assumes a position between the base and the associated protruding part in only the second of the first and second positions. The at least one protruding part protrudes far enough to engage the ridge on the closure part as the latter pivots between the first and second positions. It may in particular remain in engagement in the second position. The at least one protruding part thus holds the closure part in the second position. The at least one protruding part will generally be located on a same side of the closure part as the section of the upper section of the closure part to be pressed towards the container. If there are several protruding parts, then they may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane through a centre of the container and perpendicular to the pivot axis. The at least one protruding part provides noticeable feedback to a user to signal that the second position has been reached.

In an embodiment of the assembly, at least one of the container and at least the sealing part of the closure part is made of an elas- tically deformable material.

Thus, at least one of the sealing part and the container conforms more closely to the other. The seal is improved. Also, the changes in relative position as the closure part moves between the first and the second position can be accommodated.

In a variant of this embodiment, the closure part is stiffer than the container.

Generally, the closure part will have other functions to fulfil that require it to retain its shape and dimensions relatively precisely. This requirement can be met more easily if the container deforms to accommodate changes in position of the closure part, rather than the other way round. If the container deforms, the closure part can be made in one piece from a relatively stiff material. The depending part of the closure part will in any case be relatively rigid due to its (closed) shape, which resists compression. Thus, this embodi- ment can also be implemented if the container and the closure part are made of the same material . Making them of the same material reduces wear, and is thus generally useful, regardless of which of the two components is more rigid.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the closure part is made in one piece, e.g. as a moulded part.

This allows the closure part to be produced at a lower cost. In particular if the closure part is made of a stiffer material than the container, the fact that it is made in one piece does not detract from its functionality.

In an embodiment, a side wall of the depending section is provided with a lug at a location on a same side as an end of the section to be pressed towards the container.

The lug serves to retain the closure part in the second position. The user does not need to hold it pressed down with quite so much force whilst pouring the liquid from the container. At least one of the closure part and the container deforms to provide an elastic force countering the force exerted on the closure part via the lug. The closure part is thus held in position between opposite sides of a side wall of the container.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the closure part and the container are provided with a respective member of each of at least one pair of a protrusion and an edge along which the protrusion is movable as the closure part pivots between the first and second position. The edge may retain the protrusion at a level between the edge and the base. The protrusion need not contact the edge as it moves along the edge under all circumstances. Rather, the edge serves to limit movement of the protrusion and thereby of the closure part in the direction away from the base. The force pressing down a section of the upper section towards the container to cause the closure part to pivot into the second position or the force pressing the section away from the container to cause the closure part to pivot into the first position cannot therefore cause the closure part to pop up out of the container. The closure part is held to the container.

Where the upper section of the closure part includes an edge section located over the rim in at least the first position, this edge section can be held against the rim. Also, the extension of the upper section covering the mouth of the spout is held against a rim of the spout in the first position. It is noted that there will generally be two pairs of a protrusion and an edge along which the protrusion is movable, one pair on each of two opposite sides of the container. The pairs will be aligned in a direction generally parallel to the pivot axis. In a variant of this embodiment, wherein the container includes a rim surrounding the mouth opposite the base, the edge of each pair is provided at a level between the rim and the base.

The edge can thus be at an angle to the rim, to take account of the pivoting movement of the closure part. The pivoting movement causes the member of each pair with which the closure part is provided to execute a generally non-linear movement that is not parallel to the rim, so that it would be difficult to use an edge of an overhanging part of the container rim to retain a protrusion on the closure part. In a variant of the embodiment in which the closure part and the container are provided with a respective member of each of at least one pair of a protrusion and an edge along which the protrusion is movable as the closure part pivots between the first and second po- sition, the container includes a rim surrounding the mouth opposite the base and the edge of each pair is oriented at an angle to at least a section of the rim of the container at a corresponding location around the circumference of the container.

As explained above, this takes account of the pivoting movement of the separating part.

In a variant of the embodiment in which the closure part and the container are provided with a respective member of each of at least one pair of a protrusion and an edge along which the protrusion is movable as the closure part pivots between the first and second po- sition, each pair is provided between the depending part of the closure part and the wall of the container.

Generally, the container will be flexible to accommodate the change in position of the depending part of the closure part as it pivots between the first and second position. By providing the pairs between the depending part and the side wall of the container, the elastic force that presses the sealing part against the interior surface of the wall of the container also holds the protrusion under or above the edge. Furthermore, the arrangement of the pairs between the depending part and the side wall of the container makes the sepa- rating part easier to remove. Generally, there will be two pairs of a protrusion and an edge, one pair on each of opposite sides of the container. By squeezing the container in a direction perpendicular to an imaginary line connecting the pairs, the protrusions can free the edge or be freed. The closure part can then be lifted from the container.

In a variant of the embodiment in which the closure part and the container are provided with a respective member of each of at least one pair of a protrusion and an edge along which the protrusion is movable as the closure part pivots between the first and second position, the edge of each pair is an edge of a respective groove for receiving the protrusion.

Compared to variants in which a ridge on a surface of one of the closure part and the interior side of a side wall of the container provides the edge, the surface on which the protrusion is provided and the surface in which the groove is provided can be relatively close together.

In an embodiment of the assembly, the closure part is configured as a separating part for forming a reservoir of liquid to be treated and holding a liquid treatment device for treating liquid passing through an outlet of the reservoir.

In combination with the extension covering the mouth, this embodiment is suitable for supplying treated liquid with a relatively low level of contamination. The separating part provides a path for liquid to flow from the reservoir through the liquid treatment device and into the container, when the separating part is supported by the container in at least the first position.

A variant of this embodiment further includes a lid for closing a mouth of the reservoir of the separating part. The lid may serve to keep contaminants out of the reservoir and/or to prevent liquid in the reservoir from flowing out of the reservoir if the container is upset or merely tilted to pour liquid from it.

In a variant, the lid is placed directly on the separating part. This allows it to pivot with the separating part.

In a variant of the embodiment including a lid for closing a mouth of the reservoir of the separating part, the lid is separable from the separating part.

This allows hinges to be dispensed with.

In a variant of the embodiment including a lid for closing a mouth of the reservoir of the separating part, the lid includes a lip extending over and past an edge section of the separating part.

The lid can thus have a relatively low profile. It need not be provided with a recessed grip, which would detract from the volume of the reservoir. It also need not have a protruding grip, which would increase the height of the assembly without increasing its capacity to hold liquid.

In a variant of the embodiment including a lid for closing a mouth of the reservoir of the separating part, the lid includes a depending section having an exterior surface for engaging an interior surface of the reservoir at the mouth of the reservoir.

This is a relatively simple yet effective way of holding the lid to the separating part so that it does not fall off, e.g. during pivoting of the separating part or the pouring of liquid from the container. In a variant of this embodiment, the assembly includes at least one of:

at least one slot through at least a section of the depending section; and

at least one groove on one of the depending section and a section of the interior surface of the reservoir at the mouth of the reservoir facing the other of the depending section and the section of the interior surface of the reservoir at the mouth of the reservoir.

This provides for ventilation of the reservoir to allow liquid to be treated to be replaced by air. It is noted that a combination of a slot and an adjacent groove may be used. The slot may further allow for a certain degree of compression of the depending section of the lid.

In an embodiment of the assembly that includes a lid for closing a mouth of the reservoir of the separating part, the lid including a depending section having an exterior surface for engaging an interior surface of the reservoir at the mouth of the reservoir, the lid includes a cover section from which the depending section depends, and the cover section includes a laterally overhanging edge section for placement on an edge section of the separating part adjacent the mouth of the reservoir.

The overhanging section defines how far the depending section can or should be pressed into the mouth of the reservoir.

In a variant of this embodiment, the laterally overhanging section protrudes further with respect to the depending section along a section of a circumference of the lid where it extends only to an outer edge of the edge section of the separating part than along a re- mainder of the circumference of the lid where it extends only to an outer edge of the edge section of the separating part, e.g. a section on an opposite side to a side on which the section of the upper section is located.

This allows the lid to be "peeled off" to remove it, but with a reduced risk of the lid's ending up in the reservoir in the process. The fulcrum point for the peeling action is located well away from the edge of the mouth of the reservoir, namely where the overhanging section protrudes further. The assembly is not widened everywhere, however. Where the lid conforms to the shape of the upper section of the separating part, the furthest-protruding section of the laterally overhanging section will be located opposite the highest section of the lid which is where a user will be able to grab hold of the lid to peel it off the separating part.

In a variant of the assembly in which the assembly includes a lid for closing a mouth of the reservoir of the separating part, the lid including a depending section having an exterior surface for engaging an interior surface of the reservoir at the mouth of the reservoir, the lid including a cover section from which the depending section depends, and the cover section including a laterally overhanging edge section for placement on an edge section of the separating part adjacent the mouth of the reservoir, the laterally overhanging section is received in a recessed part of the edge section of the separating part, e.g. a recessed part of the edge section having an asymmetrically shaped outer perimeter.

The recessed part of the edge section has the effect that the cover section of the lid sinks at least some way into the separating part, giving a smoother finish and reducing the risk of its unintentionally being dislodged. Even if the perimeter of the mouth of the reservoir has a symmetric shape, the lid can only be placed on the separating part in one orientation if the recessed part of the edge section has an asymmetrically shaped outer perimeter and the over- hanging part has a correspondingly-shaped outer perimeter.

In a variant of the embodiment in which the closure part is configured as a separating part for forming a reservoir of liquid to be treated and holding a liquid treatment device for treating liquid passing through an outlet of the reservoir, the separating part in- eludes a seat for receiving a replaceable liquid treatment device.

This allows the use of liquid treatment media or devices of which the treatment capacity is exhausted over time or with use.

In a variant of this embodiment, the separating part includes a cartridge seat for receiving a replaceable liquid treatment device in the form of a replaceable liquid treatment cartridge, the cartridge seat has a mouth through which at least a section of the liquid treatment cartridge is insertable, and the cartridge seat includes a sealing surface for engaging a circumferential sealing rim of the liquid treatment cartridge. The mouth will generally correspond to an outlet of the reservoir, so that the liquid is forced to leave the reservoir through the replaceable liquid treatment cartridge.

In a particular variant, the cartridge seat mouth corresponds to a mouth of a cartridge seat chamber for receiving the section of the liquid treatment cartridge, the cartridge seat chamber is defined by at least a side wall and an end wall opposite the mouth of the car- tridge seat chamber, and the cartridge seat chamber is provided with at least one liquid-permeable outlet.

The outlet can be used to regulate the flow through the liquid treatment cartridge. This is of use where the time spent by the liq- uid in the liquid treatment cartridge is determinative of the degree of treatment of the liquid. An example is where the cartridge includes a liquid treatment medium for the treatment of liquid in a diffusive process such as sorption (including ion exchange), and the contact time with the liquid treatment medium determines the de- gree of treatment.

The outlet may be defined by a hollow part of the cartridge seat protruding into the cartridge seat chamber with respect to a surrounding section of the end wall.

A channel is formed in the hollow part and leads to an outlet of the cartridge seat chamber corresponding to a discharge outlet of the separating part. A level of liquid up to an aperture providing access to the channel from the cartridge seat chamber is maintained in the cartridge seat chamber. This makes possible embodiments in which at least an, in use, lower section of the cartridge remains sub- merged in liquid even after the reservoir has been emptied. This may be of use where it is desirable to prevent a liquid treatment medium in the cartridge from drying out. It may also be of use where an oligodynamic substance is provided in the submerged section. In a particular variant, a side wall of the hollow protruding part defines a channel and is provided with at least one ridge protruding into the channel about a central opening. The ridge or ridges define a cross-sectional area limiting a rate of flow of liquid from the reservoir to the outlet of the cartridge seat chamber. It or they may also play a role in fixing the cartridge by engaging a protrusion on the cartridge insertable in the hollow pro- truding part.

In a particular variant hereof, at least two ridge ends are spaced apart in tangential direction with respect to an axis corresponding to a direction of flow, such as to allow liquid to pass between them, in use. Thus, even if the central opening about which the ridge or ridges are arranged is blocked by a part of the liquid treatment cartridge by which it is held in place, there is still a passage for liquid, the cross-sectional area of which is determined by the spacing between the ridge ends. According to another aspect, the liquid treatment system according to the invention includes an assembly according to the invention and a liquid treatment device.

In an embodiment, the liquid treatment device is a replaceable liquid treatment device for placement in a seat included in the sepa- rating part.

The replaceable liquid treatment device is held in sealed relation in the seat, ensuring that liquid to be treated is forced to flow through the liquid treatment device. The liquid treatment device may have a limited treatment capacity and/or lifetime, and can be replaced on exhaustion of its capacity or upon reaching the end of its lifetime. In a variant of this embodiment, the replaceable liquid treatment device is a replaceable liquid treatment cartridge including a housing, the housing including:

at least one liquid-permeable window forming a liquid inlet; at least one liquid-permeable window forming a liquid outlet; at least one treatment chamber, e.g. including a liquid treatment medium, situated between and in liquid communication with the liquid-permeable windows forming the liquid inlet(s) and the liquid outlet(s). This is one relatively versatile embodiment, in which e.g. cartridges with treatment chambers having different respective contents may be provided. Moreover, the chamber is suitable for holding a bed of granular liquid treatment medium, presenting a relatively large effective area for contacting liquid. In a variant of this embodiment, the housing includes a circumferential sealing rim for co-operating with a sealing surface of the cartridge seat to separate the liquid-permeable window(s) forming the liquid inlet(s) from the liquid-permeable window(s) forming the liquid outlet(s). The act of placing the cartridge in the cartridge seat causes the sealing rim to engage the sealing surface of the cartridge seat, thereby preventing any flow of liquid past the liquid treatment cartridge.

In an embodiment of the liquid treatment system, the liquid treat- ment device includes a liquid treatment medium for the treatment of liquid in a diffusive process, e.g. by sorption. For present purposes, the treatment of liquid by sorption includes the treatment of liquid by ion exchange.

In an embodiment of the liquid treatment system, the liquid treatment device includes a porous, liquid-pervious body made of bond- ed matter, e.g. granular matter.

The body may be included in a replaceable liquid treatment cartridge having a housing of the type described above. It may be the main or even only part of a self-supporting replaceable liquid treatment device. In that case, a housing made of impervious material can be dispensed with. An example is a replaceable liquid treatment device including a porous body made of thermally bonded activated carbon, optionally covered by one or more webs of liquid- permeable material.

Thus, in a variant the liquid treatment device includes a liquid treatment medium for the treatment of liquid in a diffusive process, e.g. by sorption, the replaceable liquid treatment device includes a porous, liquid-pervious body made of bonded matter, e.g. granular matter, and the bonded matter includes at least some of the liquid treatment medium for the treatment of liquid in the diffusive pro- cess.

The invention will be explained in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :

Fig. 1 is a front plan view of an assembly for forming a liquid treatment system including a container, in which a sepa- rating part covered by a lid is suspended, with the container made transparent to show the separating part;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the container; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the container showing a spout of the container as seen from the inside of the container;

Fig. 4 is a further cross-sectional view of the container show- ing a section of a wall opposite the spout as seen from the inside of the container;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the separating part;

Fig. 6 is a detailed view of a lug on the separating part;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the separating part;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an underside of the separating part;

Fig. 9 is a bottom view of the separating part;

Fig. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the separating part showing a cartridge seat for receiving a replaceable liquid treatment cartridge;

Fig. 11 is a plan cross-sectional view of the separating part; Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a suitable replaceable liquid treatment cartridge;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the lid; and

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of an underside of the lid.

A liquid treatment system includes a container 1 (Figs. 1-4) for receiving and pouring treated liquid, a separating part 2 and a lid 3 (Figs. 13, 14). Here, it will be assumed that the liquid treatment system is a system for treating aqueous liquids such as mains drink- ing water. The illustrated liquid treatment system is a gravity- driven liquid treatment system.

The container 1 (Figs. 1-4) has a base 4 for placing it onto a supporting surface. It has a mouth surrounded by a rim 5 at an opposite end to the base 4. The rim 5 lies essentially in one plane, so that, seen in plan view from the side, it is essentially straight. A side wall 6 extends from the base 4 to the rim 5. The container 1 is formed with a spout 7. A mouth of the spout 7 is contiguous to the mouth of the container 1 and bordered by a section of the rim 5. The spout 7 takes the form of a lip integral to the side wall 6. An upper edge of this lip is included in the rim 5.

The container 1 has an elongated cross-section transverse to a central upright axis extending from the base to the mouth. The spout 7 is located at one longitudinal end. The container 1 is generally symmetrical with respect to a plane through the upright axis and a longitudinal axis.

The container 1 may be made of plastic, e.g. polypropylene or sty- rene acrylonitrile (SAN). It is relatively elastic, in that it can be squeezed by a user, at least in the absence of the separating part 2 By contrast, the separating part, which may also be made of polypropylene or styrene acrylonitrile, is relatively stiff. This is useful because it includes parts that need to be manufactured within relatively tight tolerance ranges and that should retain their shape. Generally speaking, to prevent wear where the container 1 and the separating part 2 engage each other, they should be made of the same materials.

In the illustrated embodiment, the container 1 has no separate handle. This ensures that the user's hand is relatively close to the body of the container 1, when held in the hand. To provide more pur- chase on the container 1, the container side wall 6 is provided with sections 8a, b forming indentations on either side. There is therefore no need for a separate handle. Guide grooves 9a, b (Figs. 2,4) are provided on the interior side of the side wall 6 at a level between the base 4 and the rim 5. The guide grooves 9a, b extend mainly in longitudinal direction but at least their upper edges are oriented at a slight angle to at least a section of the rim 5 at a corresponding location around the circumference of the container 1. These edges are for retaining protrusions 10a, b (Figs. 5-8) provided on an exterior surface of the separating part 2, which protrusions 10a, b are receivable in the guide grooves 9a, b. The relatively flexible nature of the container side wall 6 allows the protrusions 10a, b to be inserted and removed when the separating part 2 is placed in and removed from the mouth of the container 1, respectively.

The separating part 2 includes an upper section and a depending section. It is supportable by the container 1 by the upper section. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper section comprises an overhanging edge section 11 that extends over the rim 5. In the illustrated embodiment, this edge section 11 extends along the circumference of the separating part 2. The edge section 11 can be placed on the rim 5 to support the separating part 2. The depend- ing section includes a side wall 12 with respect to which the edge section 11 protrudes and to which it is joined.

It is possible to define an axis 13 (Fig. 7) of the separating part 2. Like the container 1, the separating part 2 has a generally elongated cross-section perpendicular to the axis 13. The edge section 11 has a section 14 for covering a mouth of the spout 7, opposing sections 15a, b for placement on the rim 5 in a first position of the separating part 2, opposing transition sections 16a, b and a section 17 inclined with respect to the edge sections 15a, b for placement on the rim 5 in the first position. The inclined section 17 has a surface facing the rim 5, in use, that lies essentially in one plane. The inclined section 17 is inclined such that the axial distance between the rim 5 and the surface of the inclined section 17 facing the rim 5 increases away from the sections 15a, b that rest on the rim 5 in the first position. The inclined section 17 can thus be pressed down towards the container 1 onto the rim 5, pivoting the separating part 2 into a second position in which it is also supported by the container 1. The edge section 11 is displaced along the rim 5 in the process, so that the points of contact corresponding to the pivot axis move along the rim 5 in the process. These points of contact also move along the transition sections 16a, b, which are curved. In both the first and the second position, a section of the upper section of the separating part 2 extending between the transition sections 16a, b extends across the mouth of the container 1. Thus, the pivot axis also extends across the mouth, as opposed to being located at the rim 5. The edges of the guide grooves 9 a,b allow the protrusions 10a, b to move whilst preventing that the separating part 2 unintentionally pops upwards out of the container 1 during pivoting.

Because the separating part 2 is relatively rigid compared to the container 1, the container 1, in particular the container side wall 6, may deform elastically to accommodate the separating part 2 in the second position.

A lug 18 (Fig. 6) on the side wall 12 presses the separating part 2 towards the spout 7 as the separating part 2 is pivoted into the second position. This lug 18 also holds the separating part 2 clamped in the second position against an opposing elastic force exerted by the container side wall 6. A web 19 (Figs. 7,8) extends from the side wall 12 to the section 14 of the edge section 11 covering the mouth of the spout 7 in the first position. This web 19 ensures that the separating part 2 can only be placed with the lug 18 on the opposite side of the container 1 to the side on which the spout 7 is located. It also strengthens the section 14 of the edge section 11 that covers the mouth of the spout 7 in the first position.

The inclined section 17 of the edge section 11 extends over and beyond the rim 5, so that it can also be pressed away from the container 1 in order to release the separating part 2 from the second position. Again, the edges of the guide grooves 9a, b allow the protrusions 10a, b to move whilst preventing that the separating part 2 unintentionally pops up out of the container 1.

A sealing part 20 in the form of a circumferential ridge on the side wall 12 is arranged to seal against an interior side of the container side wall 6 along at least a majority of its circumference in the first position. This includes at least a section of the sealing part 20 at a level between the base 4 and an end of the spout 7 closest to the base 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing part 20 is inte- gral to the separating part 2. In an alternative embodiment, it may be co-moulded with the remainder of the separating part 2 and made of a more flexible material . In the illustrated embodiment, the ridge is essentially planar in shape. In an alternative embodiment, it may have a more rounded cross-section, being shaped like a bead for example.

An outer edge of the ridge forming the sealing part 20 conforms in shape to the interior side of the container side wall 6 except for a section 21 (Fig. 9) located on the same side as the inclined sec- tion 17 of the upper section. This section 21 is separated from the interior surface of the container side wall 6 in at least the second position in order to allow air to pass. This ventilation results in liquid flowing relatively smoothly when poured from the container 1. Depending on the flexibility of the container side wall 6 and the sealing part 20, the section 21 may be effective to seal against the interior surface of the container side wall 6 in the first position, so that a seal is provide along the entire length of the sealing part 20 at a level between the base 4 and the end of the spout 7 closest to the base 4.

In the second position, at least a section of the sealing part 20 on an opposite side to the inclined section 17 of the edge section 11 is situated at a level between the rim 5 and the end of the spout 7 closest to the base 4, allowing liquid to be poured from the container. In view of the fact that the container side wall 6 is inclined outwards towards the rim 5, the sealing part 20 would be spaced apart from the interior surface of the container side wall 6 even in the absence of the spout 7.

In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing part 20 also co-operates with first and second ridges 22a, b, 23 (Figs. 3,4) provided on an interior surface of the container side wall 6. First ridges 22a, b

(Fig. 3) are provided adjacent the spout 7 at a level corresponding to an end of the spout 7 closest to the base 4. The first

ridges 22a, b are arranged symmetrically with respect to the spout 7 such that they are also arranged symmetrically with respect to an upright plane of symmetry of the container 1. The sealing part 20 snaps behind the first ridges 22a, b, when the separating part 2 pivots into the first position. This provides a signal to the user that the container 1 has been closed correctly. The signal need not be audible, but will be felt by the user.

The second ridge 23 (Fig. 4) is located on an opposite side of the interior of the container 1 to the spout 7. The sealing part 20 snaps behind the second ridge 23 when the separating part 2 is moved into the second position. This is a noticeable signal that liquid can be poured from the container 1.

The separating part 2 defines a cartridge seat (Figs. 10, 11) and includes an end section forming a cartridge seat chamber for receiv- ing a liquid treatment device in the form of a replaceable liquid treatment cartridge 24 (Fig. 12). The cartridge seat includes a mouth formed at the bottom of a section of the separating part 2 for forming a reservoir of liquid to be treated. A housing of the cartridge 24 includes a vessel-shaped part 25 joined to a cap-shaped part 26, which together define a chamber for holding a liquid treatment medium. A circumferential cartridge sealing rim 27 has an outer contour conforming to the perimeter of the mouth of the cartridge seat and is arranged to co-operate with a sealing surface 28 when the cartridge 24 is correctly placed in the cartridge seat.

When in sealing engagement with a co-operating sealing surface, the cartridge sealing rim 27 separates liquid-permeable windows 29a-d forming liquid inlets from liquid-permeable windows 30a, b forming liquid outlets. Thus, liquid is forced to leave the reservoir through the cartridge 24. It enters through the liquid- permeable windows 29a-d, which in this example are formed in the cap-shaped part 26. The liquid exits through the liquid-permeable windows 30a, b, in this case formed in an end wall 31 forming a base of the cartridge 24. On its way through the cartridge 24, the liquid contacts the liquid treatment medium arranged in the cham- ber formed by the cap-shaped part 26 and the vessel-shaped part 25.

The liquid treatment medium may include liquid treatment media for the treatment of liquid in a diffusive process, e.g. media removing or adding components to the liquid. In particular, the media may include a liquid treatment medium for the treatment of liquid by sorption, which for present purposes includes ion exchange, adsorption and absorption. The media may include activated carbon.

They may include an ion exchange resin, e.g. a cation exchange resin. The cation exchange resin may include cation exchange resin in the hydrogen form. In a particular embodiment, a majority of the ion exchange resin is in the hydrogen form. A minority may, at least initially, be loaded with alkali metal counter ions such as potassium or sodium. For more effective use of the available volume, the cation exchange resin may be weakly acidic cation exchange resin. The liquid treatment medium will generally be at least partly in granular form. The cartridge 24 may include thermally bonded liquid treatment medium, e.g. thermally bonded granular liquid treatment medium. Suitable binders include polyethylene, in partic- ular ultra-high density polyethylene.

The cartridge end wall 31 includes a recess 32 (seen from the outside), in which a hollow cartridge protrusion 33 is arranged. The cartridge protrusion 33 protrudes from a wall section at an end of the recess 32 opposite a mouth of the recess 32. It is completely contained within the recess 32. The cartridge protrusion 33 has a mainly cylindrical shape, but is provided with a bead 34 forming fixing means on an exterior surface. It is also interrupted at its free end to allow it to be compressed slightly. The cartridge seat chamber (Figs. 10, 11) is formed by a cartridge seat chamber side wall 35 and a cartridge seat chamber end wall 36. Both are integral parts of the separating part 2. A liquid outlet extends through the cartridge seat chamber end wall 36. In the illustrated embodiment, it is defined by a hollow part 37 protruding into the cartridge seat chamber with respect to a surrounding section of the cartridge seat chamber end wall 36. The hollow protruding part 37 is integral to the cartridge seat chamber end wall 36 in this embodiment.

The hollow protruding part 37 is open at a free end in order to receive the cartridge protrusion 33 when the cartridge 24 is placed in the cartridge seat. The hollow protruding part 37 defines a channel and is provided with a ridge 38 protruding into the channel about a central opening that it surrounds. The ends of the ridge are spaced apart in tangential direction with respect to the separating part axis 13, which is aligned with the direction of flow in this example. The separation allows liquid to pass between the ends of the ridge 38 even when the protrusion 33 of the cartridge 24 occupies the central opening surrounded by the ridge 38.

The bead 34 snaps behind the ridge 38 to hold the cartridge 24 in place axially and counter the force acting on the sealing rim 27 of the cartridge 24 when the latter is in place.

Above the cartridge seat, in use, is the reservoir of liquid to be treated, which is closable by the lid 3. The lid 3 co-operates only with the separating part 2, closing only the reservoir, so that the lid can pivot with the separating part 2. The lid 3 will close the reservoir formed by the separating part 2 relatively tightly. This will generally prevent liquid from sloshing over the edge section 11 when the separating part 2 is pivoted or liquid is poured from the container 1 whilst there is still untreated liquid in the reservoir.

However, as a further precaution against overfilling of the reservoir, the separating part 2 is made of translucent material and fill indica- tors (one indicating a level corresponding to one glass, the other a level corresponding to two glasses) are embossed or otherwise provided on the side wall 12 of the separating part 2 where it forms the reservoir (cf. Figs. 1, 5 and 7).

The lid 3 (Figs. 13, 14) is a single part, obtainable e.g. by injection- moulding. It may be made of polypropylene, for example. It may be more flexible than the separating part 2, e.g. made of a material with a lower modulus of elasticity. The lid 3 includes a cover section 39 and a depending section 40. The depending section 40 has an outer contour conforming to an inner contour of the side wall 12 of the separating part 2 at the mouth of the reservoir. The depending section 40 is interrupted at at least one, in the example only one, location along its circumference. The interruption 41 extends towards an edge of the depending section 40 distal to the cover section 39. The interruption 41 allows the depending section 40, which is otherwise in the form of a depending wall that is closed on itself, to be compressed. An elastic returning force then presses the depending section 40 against the interior surface of the side wall 12 of the separating part 2. Frictional engagement holds the lid 3 to the separating part. The cover section 39 forms an overhang with respect to the depending section 40. A lip 42 extends even further, namely past an outer edge of the edge section 11 of the separating part 2. The lid 3 can thus be removed relatively easily. In the illustrated embodiment, the lip 42 is at a location offset with respect to the plane of sym- metry of the container 1, when the lid 3 is in place. In alternative embodiments, the lid 3 may be symmetrical or the lip 42 may be offset to the other side.

It is noted that the cover section 39 conforms to the edge

section 11 of the separating part 2. Thus, it includes a first, generally planar, cover section 43, a curved transition section 44 and a section 45 inclined with respect to the first section 43.

Furthermore, an overhanging section of the cover section 39 is received in a recessed part 46 (Figs. 5, 10) of an edge section of the separating part 2. This recessed part 46 has an outer perimeter that is asymmetrically shaped, on account of the fact that it must also accommodate the lip 42 where it extends over the edge section of the separating part 2.

A ventilation groove 47 (Figs. 5, 10, 11), extending also along an interior surface of the separating part 2 where this interior surface engages the depending section 40 is provided at a bottom of the recessed part 46. The interruption 41 forms a continuation of this ventilation groove 47, so that liquid treated by the cartridge 24 is replaced by air.

On the side of the separating part 2 closest to the spout 7, the recessed part extends further outwards than along a remainder of the circumference of the separating part 2, except possibly where the recessed part extends all the way to the edge to accommodate the lip. The laterally overhanging section of the cover section 39 protrudes further with respect to the depending section 40 than along a remainder of the circumference of the lid 3, excluding where it extends beyond an outer edge of the edge section of the separating part 2, i.e. the lip 42. Thus, when the lid 3 is peeled off the separating part 2 by grabbing hold of the lip 42, the fulcrum point is relatively far away from the edge of the mouth of the reservoir in the separating part 2. The lid 3 is thus unlikely to drop into the reservoir. It is easy to remove.

The separating part 2 is pivotable relatively easily, because the pivot axis is relatively close to a central upright axis of the container 1. A user need only press on the inclined section 17 of the edge section 11 with the thumb of the hand holding the container 1. The other hand is free to hold a glass, for example. Once in the second, pivoted position, the separating part 2 is held there by the lug 18. The section 14 of the edge section 11 that covers the mouth of the spout 7 in the first position is lifted from the rim 5. The section of the sealing part 20 that prevents liquid from entering the spout 7 in the first position is disengaged from the container side wall 6 in the second position. This allows the treated liquid to be poured from the container 1. To return the separating part 2 to the first position, it suffices to press the inclined section 17 of the edge section away from the rim 5 with the thumb of the hand holding the container 1. The guide grooves 9a, b and protrusions 10a, b retained in them ensure that the sections 14, 15a, b of the edge section 11 that support the separating part 2 and close the mouth of the spout 7 are returned to contact the rim 5 in the first position.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, which may be varied within the scope of the accompanying claims. For example, although the illustrated liquid treatment system is purely gravity-driven, alternative embodiments may include a device for lowering the pressure in the container 1 or a device for increasing the pressure in the reservoir formed by the separating part 2. The replaceable liquid treatment cartridge 24 having a housing containing granular liquid treatment medium has been described by way of example. A different embodiment may include a fitting for sealingly receiving a replaceable liquid treatment device in the form of a disc of thermally bonded liquid treatment medium, optionally covered at least partially by liquid-pervious sheet material such as a fleece or mesh.

List of reference numerals

1 container

2 separating part

3 lid

4 base

5 rim

6 container side wall

7 spout

8a, b side wall sections forming indentatior

9a, b guide grooves

10a, b protrusions

11 edge section

12 separating part side wall

13 separating part axis

14 edge section covering spout

15a, b edge sections proximal to spout

16a, b transition sections

17 inclined edge section

18 lug

19 web

20 sealing part

21 sealing part section

22a, b first ridges

23 second ridge

24 liquid treatment cartridge

25 vessel-shaped cartridge housing part

26 cap-shaped cartridge housing part

27 cartridge sealing rim - sealing surface

a-d - liquid-permeable windows forming liquid inlets

a, b - liquid-permeable windows forming liquid outlets

- cartridge housing end wall

- recess

- cartridge protrusion

- bead

- cartridge seat chamber side wall

- cartridge seat chamber end wall

- hollow protruding part

- ridge on protruding part

- cover section of lid

- depending section of lid

- interruption

- lip on lid

- 1^st section of cover section

- curved transition section

- inclined section of cover section

- recessed part

- ventilation groove

Claims

Assembly, including :

a container (1) for storing and pouring a liquid having a base (4),

the container (1) having a mouth opposite the base (4) and including a spout (7) formed at the mouth; and a closure part (2),

wherein the closure part (2) includes a section (11) forming an upper section when the container base (4) is placed on a supporting surface and the container (1) supports the closure part (2),

wherein the closure part (2) includes a section depending from the upper section (11),

wherein the closure part (2) is pivotable from a first position to a second position by pressing a section (17) of the upper section (11) towards the container (1), and

wherein the depending section of the closure part (2) includes a part (20) sealing against an interior side of a wall (6) of the container (1) in the first position at a level between the base (4) and at least a mouth of the spout (7) such as to allow liquid to be poured from the container (1) via the spout (7) only in the second of the first and second positions, characterised in that

the upper section (11) extends to cover the mouth of the spout (7) in the first position.

Assembly according to claim 1,

wherein the sealing part (20) seals against the interior side of the wall (6) of the container (1) along at least a majority of a circumference of the depending section in at least the first position.

Assembly according to claim 1 or 2,

wherein the container (1) includes a rim (5) surrounding the mouth opposite the base (4), and

wherein at least a further section (14, 15a, b) of the upper section (11) includes at least one edge section placea- ble on at least a section of the rim (5) to support the closure part (2) in at least the first position.

Assembly according to claim 3,

wherein the section (17) of the upper section (11) for pressing towards the container (1) is inclined with respect to the further section (14, 15a, b).

Assembly according to claim 3 or 4,

wherein a transition between the further section (14, 15a, b) and the section (17) of the upper section (11) for pressing towards the container (1) extends across the mouth of the container (1) when the closure part (2) is supported by the container (1).

Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein the sealing part (20) is located at a level between the base (4) and the spout (7) in at least the first position.

7. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein the container (1) includes a rim (5) surrounding the mouth of the container (1), and wherein the rim (5) borders a mouth of the spout (7).

Assembly according to claim 7,

wherein the spout (7) is in the form of a lip of the container (1), and wherein an edge section of the lip is included in the rim (5).

Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein the closure part (2) includes a structure (19), e.g. at least one of a strut and a web, extending into the spout (7) in at least the first position.

Assembly according to claim 9,

wherein the structure (19) extends from a side wall (12) of the depending section to the extension (14) covering the mouth of the spout (7).

Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein the depending section is provided with a ridge extending around at least part of its circumference, of which at least a section forms the sealing part (20).

Assembly according to claim 11,

wherein the container (1) is provided with at least one protruding part (22a, b) on the interior surface of the container wall (6),

each associated with a respective section of the ridge (20) on the depending section and arranged to snap into a position between the protruding part (22a, b) and the base (4) when the closure part (2) pivots from the second into the first position. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure part (2) is configured as a separating part for forming a reservoir of liquid to be treated and holding a liquid treatment device (24) for treating liquid passing through an outlet of the reservoir.

Assembly according to claim 13,

further including a lid (3) for closing a mouth of the reservoir of the separating part (2).

Liquid treatment system including an assembly according to claim 13 or 14 and a liquid treatment device (24).