WO2019018073A1

WO2019018073A1 - Collapsible water filtration bucket and device

Info

Publication number: WO2019018073A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/035925
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roger L. CABBAGE; Tom ROBICHAUD; Samual MOY
Original assignee: Primo Filters, Llc
Priority date: 2017-06-08
Filing date: 2018-07-05
Publication date: 2019-01-24

Abstract

A soft, pliable sided water filtration device in the form of a collapsible container; such as a bucket, having a rigid top rim and rigid closed bottom having an opening. The container can be referred to as a bucket constructed from a leak-proof fabric secured to the top rim and closed bottom. The bottom includes an adapter designed to receive a filter cartridge interposed between rigid top rim and the opening. The filter cartridge removably mounts to the adapter and is configured to allow water flow through the filter cartridge to exit the water filtration device from the opening. The filter cartridge uses a filter membrane designed to filter 0.1 micron-sized contaminants from said water.

Description

COLLAPSIBLE WATER FILTRATION BUCKET

AND DEVICE

RELATED APPLICATION

[000]] this application claims priority from US Provisional Application No. 62/516,750, filed on June 8, 2017 and entitled "Collapsable Water Filtration Bucket and Device" the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present application relates to a water filtration device, and more particularly to a collapsible water filtration bucket with integrated water filter assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In many parts of the world, safe drinking water is a rare commodity. Many water sources in the world are contaminated by pollutants, fecal contamination, parasites, viruses, and bacteria. Some estimates place 10% of the human population lacking dependable, safe drinking water.

[0004] In almost all places where safe drinking water supplies remain limited, most people utilize relatively crude methods to convert their unsafe drinking water to safe drinking water. These methods may include straining the water through charcoal filters or boiling or a combination of both to provide safe drinking water. Others may employ more advanced methods such as chemical treatment, UV light treatment, and filtration.

[0005] For many in undeveloped counties, the traditional method for water treatment to provide safe drinking water remains boiling. However, this requires considerable fuel resources to bring large quantities to a boil. Filtration offers many advantages, but remains difficult to implement on a viable, economic scale to provide for a family in remote locations. The present invention offers an economic solution that can provide gallons of safe drinking water a day to a family.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present application discloses a collapsible water bucket having an integrated water filter device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the inventions include a collapsible bucket made from a flexible, water-tight materials. The tubular sides of the bucket are formed from a flexible material such as po!yurethane fabric woven in a tight weave to provide a water tight bucket when uncollapsed, unfolded, or expanded to hold water. The bottom of the bucket may be made from a solid or more rigid material such as plastic of dun-gauge stainless steel, but in alternative embodiments may include flexible materials. The bottom includes an adapter module structurally integrated into the bottom either as a separate component mounted to the bottom or a rally integrated component formed as part of the bottom by, for example, injection molding or casting/machine. The tubular sides of the bucket are firmly attached to a top circular rim also made from plastic or a light metal. A rim made from plastic may include a metal reinforcing band integrated into the rim. Some of the functions of the rim are to hold the top opening of die tube in an open position to receive contents, and to hold the bucket opening in a particular shape, such as a circle that is commonly used in a common bucket, although the shape need not be circular.

[0008] The adapter at the bottom of the bucket is constructed to receive a filter cartridge. Typically, the filter cartridge comprises a rigid cylinder with a semi-open top through which fluid (e.g., water) may flow into and through. The filter cartridge includes an opening at the bottom, so that a fluid entering the top of the cartridge can exit the cartridge. Thus, the top opening and the bottom opening are in fluid communication with each other, with a filter medium disposed in the fluid path. The cartridge interior is occupied by a filtering material constructed and arranged to filter out contaminants in the water, such as viruses and bacteria, with the pore size of die material dictating the size of the contaminants that can be filtered out.

[0009] The adapter permits removal of the cartridge, so the bucket can be twisted so as to collapse into a stowage configuration and placed in a stowage container with the cartridge filing inside the collapsed bucket. Spare cartridges can likewise be carried inside the stowage container.

[00010] The disclosed innovations, in various embodiments, provide one or more of at least the following advantages. However, not alt of these advantages result from every one of the innovations disclosed, and this list of advantages does not limit the various claimed inventions.

• Lightweight.

• Simplicity of construction and design.

• Costs.

• Compactness and portability.

• Less heat build-up.

• Less energy wasted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[000] 1] The disclosed inventions will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show important exemplary embodiments of the invention and which are incorporated in the specification hereof by reference, wherein:

[00012] Figures 1 a and lb depict a side view of a water filtration device in accordance with an embodiment of the inventions.

[00013] Figures 2a and 2b depict a top view looking into the interior of the water filtration device in accordance with an embodiment of the inventions.

[00014] Figure 3a and 3b depict a top view looking into the interior of the water filtration device collapsed lor storage in accordance with an embodiment of the inventions.

[00015] Figure 4 depicts a view of the various components disassembled in accordance with an embodiment of the inventions.

[00016] Figures Sa and Sb depict the disassembled major components of the water filtration device in accordance with an embodiment of the inventions.

[00017] Figures 6a and 6b depict a view of a stowage container for storing and transporting the water filtration device in accordance with an embodiment of the inventions.

[00018] Figure 7 depicts an exploded view of the container of the water filtration device in accordance with an embodiment of the inventions.

[00019] Figure 8 depicts a side view of an adapter mounted on the bottom of the water filtration device in accordance with an embodiment of the inventions.

[00020] Figure 9 depicts a cut-away side-view of an adapter of the water filtration device in accordance with an embodiment of the inventions.

[00021] Figure 10 depicts a cut-away side view of a water filter cartridge of the filtration device in accordance with an embodiment of the inventions.

DETAILED DESCRIPRION OF SAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[00022] The numerous innovative teachings of the present application will be described with particular reference to exemplary embodiments (by way of example, and not of limitation). The present application describes several inventions, and none of the statements below should be taken as limiting the claims generally.

[00023] The attached appendix contains voluminous details relating to die described embodiments. Nothing disclosed herein in the description or claims is intended to be an abandonment of other inventions of the appendix. [00024] The exemplary water filtration device depicted in FIGURE 1 a and FIGURE lb is a portable water filtration device 100 designed and configured to filter contaminated, unsafe, non-drinkable water into safe, drinking water. The water filtration device 100 can include a rigid bottom 105, a tubular, flexible, one-piece container side 110, and a top rim 1 IS, taking the basic form of an open-top bucket. The bottom 105 and rim 115 can be made from a rigid plastic, light metal (stainless steel, aluminum, or galvanized metal). The container side 110 can be made from any highly flexible, water proof material such as polyurethane fabric, or similar materials (e.g., Tyvek® or Gore-Tex®). The container side 110 material is secured to the rim 115 and bottom 105 to create a durable, permanent water-tight seal.

[00025] FIGURES 2a and 2b depict a water filter cartridge assembly 200. The water filter cartridge assembly 200 can include a filter cartridge body 205 with a cartridge top 210 sealing in a filtration material 215. The water cartridge assembly 200 can also include the filter cartridge body 205 screwed into or otherwise selectively removably attached to an adapter 220 integrated into bottom 105. The filter cartridge body 205 can be removably screwed into adapter 220 or removably attached by some other mechanism allowing for selective attachment and removal. The adapter 220 itself can be structurally integrated into bottom 225 as a one- piece molded structure forming adapter 220/bottom 225, or the adapter 220 can be mounted as a permanent or semi-permanent, attached assembly forming bottom 225/adapter 220. As depicted, the flexible container side 110 is partially collapsed.

[00026] As depicted in FIGURES 3a and 3b, the water filtration device container 100 can include a bottom 105, a top rim 115, a metal carry handle 315, and tubular, flexible, one-piece container side 110. The flexible bucket side 110 as shown can be twisted to collapse down to a flattened, collapsed, or stowed-configuration for stowage and storage. The metal carry handle 315 can be folded flush with top rim 115 and is preferably rotatably mounted/attached to top rim 115. Alternatively, carry handle 315 can be molded into top rim 115.

[00027] FIGURE 4 as shown includes the separated components 400 of the water filtration device. This includes a collapsed container which can comprise a rigid top rim 115, attached collapsible/flexible container side 110, and attached bottom 105. Also shown is the adapter 220, which attaches to the interior of the collapsed container to the bottom 105. Alternatively, the adapter can be attached to the exterior of the container or can be a molded part of bottom 105. As depicted, the collapsed container has been twisted to flatten it out and draw the materia] forming container side 110 towards the center, so that the material does not protruded or stick out beyond the diameter of the bottom 105 or rim 115. [00028] The filter cartridge 205 includes a preferably cylindrical filter cartridge 205 having a top 210 with openings 230 to receive a water flow, and a bottom 430, the bottom 430 may include screw threads for attaching to adapter 220. The storage container 600 is also shown including a zipper or other closure 445.

[00029] An enhanced image of the water filtration device components 100 is depicted in FIGURE S. the water filtration device 100 includes water filter cartridge 205, which is shown attached to adapter 220. The collapsed container can be untwisted to unfold and expand vertically with the rim 115 extending up from bottom 105 with container sides extended 110 vertically and outward to receive the cartridge-adapter assembly (205 + 220) into the interior of collapsible container to attach inside to bottom 105.

[00030] FIGURES 6a and 6b depicts a storage container 600. Storage container 600 includes a circular container body 605. In some embodiments, the container body 605 can be constructed from heavy nylon, polyester, canvas, or other cloth, or fabric or even Kevlar®. A closure 610, such as a zipper 620 as depicted, can close the container body 605 when the water filtration device 100 is broken down and inserted within the container body 605. A carry strap 615 may also be incorporated in the container body 605. When stowed, the filter cartridge 205 can be removed and stowed horizontally inside the collapsed container.

[00031] FIGURE 7 shows an exploded view 700 of the container of the water filtration device 100. Bottom 105 is preferably circular shaped with an adapter 706 mounted axially in the center. Adapter 706 may be integrated in the bottom 105 such that bottom 105 and adapter 706 constitute one-piece, single structure. The adapter 706 and bottom 105 can be constructed from a hard, non-flexible material such as plastic or metal. Bottom rim 710 is designed to mate with bottom 105 and firmly attach to the tubular container side 110 forming a body of filter device 100. The container side 110 is constructed from a flexible material such as polyurethane fabric, and the container side 110 will fit between rim 710 and bottom 105 to form a water-tight, sealed seam or connection. Similarly, the top, or upper rim 115 mates snugly with inner ring 725 to secure the upper part of container side 110. Upper inner rim 725 can further comprise or include a reinforcing band of metal. In one embodiment, container of the water filtration device 100 capacity can range from approximately 1 gallon to 5 gallons. A personal water filtration device of the size depicted in the drawings is approximately 3 gallons. As configured, the container sides 110 can collapse by twisting the rigid top rim 725 and the rigid closed bottom rim 710 in opposite direction, rotating the leak-proof fabric making up the container side 110 of the filtration device 100 around and within the confines of the rigid upper rim 115 and lower rim 710 to lay flat for storage. A plug (not shown) can be used to block water flow. Tbe filter cartridge 205 can be cleaned by back-flushing and can last for years with proper back-flushing and cleaning.

[00032] FIGURE 8 shows a side view of adapter bottom 105 and adapter 220 in greater detail. In an exemplary embodiment, adapter bottom 10S can include adapter 220 designed to receive a filter cartridge 20S. As shown, the exemplary adapter 220 diameter is 57.5mm and an upper rim of the adapter 220 rises 15mm above the surface SI 0 of the adapter bottom 105. A rim 815 of adapter bottom 105 extends downward about 13mm. The material thickness of the adapter bottom 105 as show is 1.7mm. In other embodiments, the adapter 220 may be threaded, include a gasket, include a nut and/or include a channel with or without an o-ring. Other types of construction of adapter 220 may be utilized to allow for securing filter cartridge 225 in place. As shown, the adapter center is open, allowing for a fluid flow to exit the water filtration device 100.

[00033] Figure 9 depicts a cutaway side view of adapter 220. The adapter 220 as depicted possesses a lower flange 910 and upper flange 915. The upper flange 915 transitions into a vertical coupling 920 threaded to receive a like threaded filter cartridge 205, so a filter cartridge 205 can be secured by pushing or screwing it in place. The vertical coupling 920 can further include a nut 930 to ensure a tight fit to prevent leakage.

[00034] FIGURE 10 shows an embodiment of a threaded filter cartridge 205 in a cutaway side-view 1000. Threaded filter cartridge 205 includes filter membrane 215 consisting of a hollow fiber filter membrane. In one embodiment, the filter membrane 215 is formed from a braided reinforced polyvinylidene fluoride, or polyvinylidene difiuoride, non-reactive thermoplastic fluoropolyiner film, hi one embodiment, the membrane filtering specification for the water filtration device disclosed herein is .1 microns. This allows for a relatively fast filtration rate and filters out all harmful bacteria and many harmful viruses. Other membranes may be used with smaller or larger filtering capability depending on the size of the particulate to be filtered out of the water. Cartridge body 205 can include a threaded end 430 for mounting to adapter 220 and allowing filtered water to exit the filter cartridge 205 at the exit opening 1005 and opening 230 for allowing unfUtered water to enter into filter cartridge 205. In some embodiments, the cartridge body 205 can be manufactured from plastic, polymer, acrylic, ceramic, and carbon fibers, or a composite combination.

[00035] In operation, water or other liquid poured into bucket/container 110 enters opening 230 to flow through filter membrane 215 and exit from exit opening 1005. In a particular embodiment, contaminants greater than about .1 micron are filtered from the water or other liquid. In the case of fresh water (not brine), the filtered water exiting the water filtration device 100 should be safe to drink.

[00036] An exemplary off-the-shelf filter cartridge solution that provides adequate peiformance at low costs is die TA13036 from NOK Corporation in Japan. The adapter 220 in particular embodiments may be specifically designed to fit the filter cartridge 205. In other embodiments, other cartridges may require different adapters 220. In a particular embodiment, the water filtration device 100 may be modular in design to allow for the use of multiple different adapters 220 that can be easily swapped out to accommodate multiple matching filter cartridges 205.

[00037] As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the innovative concepts described in the present appl ication can be modified and varied over a tremendous range of applications, and accordingly the scope of patented subject matter is not limited by any of the specific exemplary teachings given. It is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations mat fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

[00038] The system can be scaled up to use more cartridges in a larger container/bucket. In one possible embodiment, a water filtration unit can be provided in a semi-fixed location of about 10 - 20 gallons, such as at a community used water source with a spigot/faucet incorporated in the adapter.

[00039] A solid container can be utilized rather than the soft, collapsible bucket described

[00040] Different filter specifications may be utilized to target specific needs, such as filtering out specific viruses in a known contaminated water source.

[00041] Other shapes may be utilized for the container rather man a cylindrical bucket depicted.

[00042] None of the description in the present application should be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential element which must be included in the claim scope: THE SCOPE OF PATENTED SUBJECT MATTER IS DEFINED ONLY BY THE ALLOWED CLAIMS. Moreover, none of these claims are intended to invoke paragraph six of 35 USC §112 unless the exact words "means for" are followed by a participle.

[00043] The claims as filed are intended to be as comprehensive as possible, and NO subject matter is intentionally relinquished, dedicated, or abandoned.

Claims

1. A soft, pliable-sided water filtration device, comprising:

a collapsible open-top container with a rigid top rim and rigid closed bottom having an opening;

said container constructed from a liquid-proof fabric secured by a first end to the top rim and a second end to the closed bottom;

said bottom including an adapter designed to receive a filter cartridge interposed between the rigid top rim and the opening;

the filter cartridge mounted to the adapter and configured to allow water flow into and through the filter cartridge to exit the water filtration device from the opening; and

wherein the filter cartridge comprises a filter membrane designed to filter 0.1 micron-sized contaminants from said water.

2. The water filtration device of Claim 1 , wherein the closed bottom integrates at least part of the adapter molded directly into the bottom and further includes a rim encircling the bottom.

3. The water filtration device of Claim 1, wherein the closed bottom is a separate structure from the adapter and the adapter mounts onto the bottom, and the bottom further includes a rim encircling the bottom.

4. The water filtration device of Claim 1 , wherein a material used to form the collapsible container is selected from the group consisting of a polyurethane fabric, Tyvek® or Gore- Tex®.

5. The water filtration device of Claim 1 , further comprising a cartridge body forming the filter cartridge manufactured at least in part from a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, polymer, acrylic, ceramic, or carbon fibers, or a composite combination.

6. The water filtration device of Claim S, wherein said membrane filter of said cartridge body is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of braided reinforced polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene difluoride or non-reactive thermoplastic fluropolymer film.

7. The water filtration device of Claim 5, wherein the cartridge body further comprises a membrane filter capable of filtering out contaminants greater than .1 microns.

8. The water filtration device of Claim 1 , wherein the adapter includes screw threads to mate with matching screw threads in the cartridge body, wherein the filter cartridge removably mounts on the adapter by screwing the matching screw threads together.

9. The water nitration device of claim S, further comprising a gasket, a nut and/or a channel with an o-ring.

10. The water fi ltration device of Claim 1 , wherein die collapsible container collapses by twisting the rigid top rim and the rigid closed bottom in opposite direction, rotating the leak- proof fabric around and within the confines of the rigid top rim and closed bottom so to lay flat.

11. The water filtration device of Claim 10, wherein said filter cartridge can be removed and stored horizontally inside said collapsed container.

12. The water filtration device of Claim 1, wherein the collapsible container comprises a carry handle mated to or molded into the rim.

13. The water filtration device of Claim 1, wherein the collapsible container comprises a bucket having a capacity of between three and five gallons.

14. The water filtration device of Claim I, wherein the collapsible container comprises a container having a capacity of between ten and twenty gallons.

15. The water filtration device of Claim 1 , wherein the top rim and closed bottom are made from a rigid plastic or light metal selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, aluminum, or galvanized metal.

16. A method of filtering water utilizing a soft, pliable-sided water filtration device, comprising:

pouring water into the open-top of a collapsible container with a rigid top rim and rigid closed bottom having an opening;

wherein the filter cartridge comprises a filter membrane designed to filter .1 micron-sized contaminants from said water therefore producing said filtered water.

17. The water filtration device of Claim 16, wherein the closed bottom integrates at least part of the adapter molded directly into the bottom and further includes a rim encircling the bottom.

18. The water filtration device of Claim 16, wherein the closed bottom is a separate structure from the adapter and the adapter mounts onto the bottom, and the bottom further includes a rim encircling the bottom.

19. The water filtration device of Claim 16, wherein a material used to form the collapsible container is selected from the group consisting of pol yurethane fabric, Tyvek®, or Gore-Tex®.

20. The water filtration device of Claim 16, further comprising a cartridge body forming the filter cartridge manufactured at least in part from the group consisting of plastic, polymer, acrylic, ceramic, and carbon fibers, or a composite combination.