WO2022240691A1

WO2022240691A1 - Devices and methods for liquid filtration

Info

Publication number: WO2022240691A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/028147
Authority: WO
Inventors: Theresa Smith; Elizabeth CLANDOS
Original assignee: Ola Filter Corporation
Priority date: 2021-05-10
Filing date: 2022-05-06
Publication date: 2022-11-17

Abstract

Described herein are water filtration units for providing potable water, including: a housing for filtering water received from the water source. The housing includes an upper portion comprising an upper end defining a first opening for detachably coupling to the water source, and a bottom end opposite the upper end; and a removable lower portion comprising a first end and a second end. The upper portion defines an inside chamber configured to receive a filter or filter cartridge. The first end of the lower portion is configured to be removably coupled to the bottom end of the upper portion. The second end of the lower portion defines a second opening configured to either detachably couple to the water source or provide an outflow of filtered water. The housing further includes one or more sealing members or features, for examples one or more ribs, protrusions, tabs, or rings.

Description

DEVICES AND METHODS FOR LIQUID FILTRATION

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/186,351, filed May 10, 2021, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

None.

SEQUENCE LISTING None.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to point-of-use water filtration at the household level used for filtering major water contaminants from tap water from a municipal water supply and other water sources. BACKGROUND

Water derived from natural sources like streams, lakes, and rivers often contain pathogenic microorganisms such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium which cause illness if consumed by humans. In some areas of the world, waterborne illnesses are the 3rd leading preventable cause of death and the number one killer of children under five. While municipal water supplies treat water to remove these contaminants, there are many countries in the world that, due to inadequate infrastructure, frequent natural disruptions such as seasonal flooding, and periodic municipal water shutoffs when water supply is low, pathogenic bacteria and other microorganisms are introduced into the drinking supply at frequent intervals. For these reasons, reliable point-of-use water filtration technology is in demand. Advances in the field of point-of- use water filtration device technology have been made, however, limitations in these devices have prevented their adoption throughout much of the developing world.

1 SUMMARY

To overcome the aforementioned inconveniences, a water filter for use on faucets and threaded taps disclosed here is a water filter which can be movably attached to both a faucet or a threaded tap either directly or by way of an adapter and also can be readily removed. In some embodiments, a water filter includes a filter housing; a filter medium fixed inside the said filter housing; an annular opening extending from the upper side of the filter housing that is connected to the faucet during the primary mode of operation; an annular opening extending from the opposite side of the filter housing of substantially similar diameter that connects to the faucet during the backwashing mode of operation; the capability of alternating between the primary mode and backwashing modes of operation without the introduction of any additional accessories.

On aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a water filtration unit for providing potable water. The water filtration unit includes a housing for filtering water received from a water source. The housing includes: an upper portion comprising an upper end defining a first opening for detachably coupling to the water source, and a bottom end opposite the upper end; and a removable lower portion comprising a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to be removably coupled to the bottom end of the upper portion and the second end defines a second opening configured to either detachably couple to the water source or provide an outflow of filtered water. In some embodiments, the lower portion further comprises at least one rib extending laterally from a sidewall of the lower portion to a collar at least partially surrounding the second end of the lower portion and extending vertically from the collar to a sidewall of the lower portion. In some embodiments, the at least one rib is configured to prevent rotation of the lower portion when the water filtration unit is coupled to or decoupled from the water source. In some embodiments, the second opening of the lower portion is of an equivalent shape and diameter as the first opening of the upper portion, thereby allowing both openings to detachably couple with the water source.

2 In some embodiments, the upper portion defines an inside chamber configured to receive a filter or filter cartridge.

In some embodiments, the at least one rib extends laterally from the sidewall of the lower portion to an edge of the collar. In some embodiments, the water filtration unit further includes a filter cartridge comprising a first end comprising a plurality of perforations and a second end configured to removably attach to the lower portion. The filter cartridge is configured to receive a filter therein. In some embodiments, the water filtration unit further includes the filter.

In some embodiments, the first end comprising the plurality of perforations is configured to contact an underside of the first opening of the upper portion when the filter cartridge is positioned in the housing, such that water passing through the first opening also passes through the plurality of perforations.

In some embodiments, the second end of the filter cartridge comprises an annular seal for sealing against a portion of an inner sidewall of the lower portion of the housing. In some embodiments, the at least one rib of the lower portion is further configured to extend through a slit in an exterior wall of the bottom end of the upper portion when the upper portion is coupled to the lower portion.

In some embodiments, the water filtration unit further comprises a tab protruding from a base of the upper portion, the tab defining at least one aperture; and a protrusion formed on the lower portion and configured to be received in the at least one aperture of the tab when the tab of the upper portion is aligned over the protrusion such that the upper portion is coupled to the lower portion. In some embodiments, the protrusion is arranged above a recessed cavity of the lower portion. In some embodiments, the protrusion includes a chamfered surface configured at about a 30 degree to about a 60 degree angle relative to a vertical to a base of the lower portion. In some embodiments, the upper portion comprises a first relief notch and a second relief notch on opposing sides of the tab.

3 In some embodiments, the water filtration unit further comprises a second tab on the upper portion and a second protrusion on the lower portion. In some embodiments, the second tab is substantially circumferentially offset from the tab by about 120 degrees to about 240 degrees and the second protrusion is substantially circumferentially offset from the protrusion by about 120 degrees to about 240 degrees, such that the tab and protrusion are configured to be aligned and the second tab and the second protrusion are configured to be aligned.

In some embodiments, the water filtration unit further comprises an adapter defining an opening therethrough, the adapter having a first end and a second end. In some embodiments, the first end comprises a coupling mechanism for detachably coupling to a water source and the second end is configured to couple to the upper portion of the housing.

In some embodiments, the water filtration unit further comprises a sealing member comprising a ring. The sealing member is positioned within a substantially circumferential groove of the lower portion such that the sealing member extends beyond an outside surface of the lower portion. In some embodiments, the sealing member comprises a gasket. Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a water filtration unit for providing potable water. The water filtration unit includes a housing for filtering water received from a water source. The housing includes an upper portion comprising an upper end defining a first opening for detachably coupling to the water source, and a bottom end opposite the upper end, such that the upper portion defines an inside chamber configured to receive a filter or filter cartridge; and a removable lower portion comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to be removably coupled to the bottom end of the upper portion and the second end defining a second opening configured to either detachably couple to the water source or provide an outflow of filtered water.

In some embodiments, the lower portion includes a sealing member comprising a ring, the sealing member being positioned within a substantially circumferential groove of the lower portion such that the sealing member extends beyond an outside surface of the lower portion.

In some embodiments, the second opening of the lower portion is of an equivalent shape and diameter as the first opening of the upper portion, thereby allowing both openings to detachably

4 couple with the water source. In some embodiments, the sealing member is composed of a pliable material. In some embodiments, the sealing member comprises a gasket.

In some embodiments, the sealing member is configured to interface with an inner surface of the upper portion to cause a watertight seal when the upper portion is coupled to the lower portion.

In some embodiments, the water filtration unit further includes a filter cartridge comprising a first end comprising a plurality of perforations and a second end configured to removably attach to the lower portion. In some embodiments, the filter cartridge is configured to receive a filter therein. In some embodiments, the water filtration unit further comprises the filter.

In some embodiments, the first end of the filter cartridge comprising the plurality of perforations is configured to contact an underside of the first opening of the upper portion when the filter cartridge is positioned in the housing, such that water passing through the first opening also passes through the plurality of perforations.

In some embodiments, the second end of the filter cartridge comprises an annular seal for sealing against a portion of an inner sidewall of the lower portion of the housing.

In some embodiments, the filter cartridge further comprises a second sealing member comprising a compressible disk, the second sealing member being affixed to the second end of the filter cartridge and in contact with an underside of the upper end of the upper portion when the filter cartridge is positioned in the upper housing.

In some embodiments, the lower portion further comprises at least one rib extending laterally from a sidewall of the lower portion to a collar at least partially surrounding the second end of the lower portion and extending vertically from the collar to a sidewall of the lower portion. In some embodiments, the at least one rib is configured to prevent rotation of the lower portion when the water filtration unit is coupled to or decoupled from the water source.

5 In some embodiments, the at least one rib is further configured to extend through a slit in an exterior wall of the bottom end of the upper portion when the upper portion is coupled to the lower portion.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method for filtering and backwashing a liquid filtration unit. The method includes, in a filtering operational mode: coupling a first end of an upper portion to a liquid source; coupling a filter receiving end of a lower portion to a bottom end of the upper portion for providing access to the filter and providing an outflow of filtered liquid; allowing liquid to flow from the liquid source through the upper portion, through the filter, and out of a second end of the lower portion; and filtering contaminants from the liquid as the liquid flows through the filter; and providing a filtered liquid. In a backwashing mode, the method includes: detaching the first end of the upper portion from the liquid source; coupling the second end of the lower portion to the liquid source; and allowing liquid to flow from the liquid source through the lower portion, through the filter, and out of the first end of the upper portion, wherein the flow of liquid through the filter is in an opposite direction as the filtering operational mode, thereby forcibly pushing the filtered contaminants out of the filter.

In some embodiments, the method further includes coupling the upper portion to the lower portion, such that at least one rib of the lower portion extends into at least one slit defined by a sidewall of the upper portion to prevent rotation of the lower portion when the housing is switched between filtering operational mode and backwashing mode. In some embodiments, the method further includes coupling the upper portion to the lower portion, such that at least one protrusion of the lower portion extends into an aperture defined by a tab of the upper portion to prevent rotation of the lower portion when the housing is switched between filtering operational mode and backwashing mode.

In some embodiments, the method further includes, after the backwashing mode: removing the second end of the lower portion from the liquid source; coupling the first end of the upper portion to the liquid source; and allowing liquid to flow from the liquid source through the upper portion for filtering, wherein the flow of liquid through the filter is in an opposite direction as the backwashing mode.

6 Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a water filtration unit for providing potable water. In some embodiments, the water filtration unit includes: an adapter defining an opening therethrough, the adapter having a first end and a second end, such that the first end includes a coupling mechanism for detachably coupling to a water source and the second end provides an output for the water source. In some embodiments, the water filtration unit includes: a housing for filtering water received from the water source. The housing may include: an upper portion including an opening on an upper end for detachably coupling with the second end of the adapter and receiving the water; a filter end portion on a bottom end having an inside chamber for allowing insertion of a filter for filtering the water flowing through the adapter from the water source; and an inner sidewall positioned within the upper portion and between the opening and the inside chamber. In some embodiments, the inner sidewall includes a single or a plurality of perforations for directing the water to flow from the opening into the inside chamber and through the filter.

In some embodiments, the housing includes a lower portion for providing access to the filter and for providing an outflow of filtered water. The lower portion includes a filter receiving end for insertion of the filter end portion of the housing; and an opening on an opposite end including an outflow hole, such that the opening of the lower portion is of an equivalent shape and diameter as the opening of the upper portion, thereby allowing both openings to detachably couple with the second end of the adapter. In some embodiments, the housing includes two operational modes: a filtering operational mode for filtering water flowing from the water source, such that the housing is positioned with the opening of the upper portion coupled to the adapter; and a backwashing operational mode for cleaning the filter with water flowing from the water source, such that the housing is positioned with the opening of the lower portion coupled to the adapter. In some embodiments, the coupling mechanism of the adapter for detachably coupling to the water source includes one of: a threaded interior, a smooth interior, a snap-fit joint, or equivalents thereof.

7 In some embodiments, the second end of the adapter includes one or more tabs extruded on an exterior surface of the second end, such that the openings of the housing each include one or more mating grooves for rotatably coupling and locking to the tabs.

In some embodiments, the second end of the adapter includes one or more grooves an exterior surface of the second end and one or more gasket rings for securing into the grooves, such that the openings of the housing each include a substantially smooth interior surface for friction coupling and locking onto the gasket rings.

In some embodiments, the second end of the adapter includes a button on an exterior surface of the second end, such that the button is depressed while coupling and decoupling. In some embodiments, the openings of the housing each include an opening for coupling and locking on to the button, such that the button extends through the opening accessible to the exterior of the housing when in a locked position.

In some embodiments, the fdter is removeable.

In some embodiments, the upper portion and the filter end portion are monolithic. Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a water filtration unit for providing potable water. In some embodiments, the water filtration unit includes a housing for filtering water received from the water source. The housing includes: an upper portion including an opening on an upper end for detachably coupling to a water source and receiving the water, a filter end portion on a bottom end having an inside chamber for allowing insertion of a filter for filtering the water flowing through the adapter from the water source; and an inner sidewall positioned within the upper portion and between the opening and the inside chamber. The inner sidewall includes a single or a plurality of perforations for directing the water to flow from the opening into the inside chamber and through the filter. The housing includes a lower portion for providing access to the filter and for providing an outflow of filtered water. The lower portion includes: a filter receiving end for insertion of the filter end portion of the housing; and an opening on an opposite end including an outflow hole, such that the opening of the lower portion is of an equivalent shape and diameter as the opening of the upper portion, thereby allowing both openings to detachably couple with the water source.

8 Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method for filtering and backwashing a liquid filtration unit. The method includes: in a filtering operational mode: coupling an adapter including a first end to a liquid source; coupling an upper opening of an upper portion to a second end of the adapter, such that the upper portion includes a filter; coupling a filter receiving end of a lower portion to a bottom end of the upper portion for providing access to the filter and providing an outflow of filtered liquid; allowing liquid to flow from the liquid source through the adapter and into the upper portion; filtering contaminants from the liquid as the liquid flows through the filter; and providing a filtered liquid. In a backwashing mode, the method includes: detaching the upper opening of the upper portion from the adapter; coupling a lower opening of the lower portion to the second end of the adapter; and allowing liquid to flow from the liquid source through the adapter and into the upper portion through the lower opening, such that the flow of liquid through the filter is in an opposite direction as the filtering operational mode, thereby forcefully pushing the filtered contaminants out of the filter.

In some embodiments, the method further includes rotatably coupling each of the upper opening and the lower opening to the adapter depending on one of the operational modes without decoupling the filter receiving end from the bottom end of the filter unit.

In some embodiments, the second end of the adapter includes one or more tabs extruded on an exterior surface of the second end, such that the upper opening and the lower opening each include one or more grooves for rotatably coupling and locking to the tabs. In some embodiments, the second end of the adapter includes one or more grooves an exterior surface of the second end and one or more gasket rings for securing into the grooves, such that the upper and lower openings of the housing unit each include a smooth interior surface for friction coupling and locking on to the gasket rings.

In some embodiments, the method further includes, after the backwashing mode: removing the lower opening of the lower portion from the second end of the adapter; coupling the upper opening of the upper portion to the second end of the adapter; and allowing liquid to flow from the liquid source through the adapter and into the upper portion for filtering, wherein the flow of liquid through the filter is in an opposite direction as the backwashing operational mode.

9 In some embodiments, removing the lower opening and coupling the upper opening is completed without decoupling the fdter receiving end from the bottom end of the upper portion.

In some embodiments, the opening of the lower portion is of an equivalent shape and diameter as the opening of the upper portion, thereby allowing both openings to detachably couple with the second end of the adapter.

In some embodiments, the filter is removeable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing is a summary, and thus, necessarily limited in detail. The above-mentioned aspects, as well as other aspects, features, and advantages of the present technology are described below in connection with various embodiments, with reference made to the accompanying drawings. Referring to the figures, there are shown several, but not the only, embodiments of the invented water filter. Aspects of the embodiments of the water filter are described in reference to the drawings in which: FIG. 1 A shows an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a water filter in a filtering mode of operation.

FIG. IB shows an exploded sectional view of one embodiment of the water filter of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a top side of one embodiment of a water filter.

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of a bottom side of one embodiment of the water filter of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A shows a sectional view of one embodiment of a water filter in a primary mode.

FIG. 3B shows a sectional view of one embodiment of the water filter of FIG. 3 A in a backwashing mode.

FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a water filter.

FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a water filter.

10 FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of one embodiment of an adapter for threaded taps. FIG. 6B shows a sectional view of another embodiment of an adapter for threaded taps. FIG. 6C shows a perspective view of one embodiments of an adapter for smooth faucets. FIG. 6D shows a sectional view of another embodiment of an adapter for smooth faucets.

FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of one embodiment of an adapter for both smooth or threaded taps.

FIG. 7B shows an exploded view of the adapter of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a water filter without an adapter.

FIG. 8B shows an exploded view of the filter of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C shows a sectional view of the filter of FIG. 8B.

FIG. 8D shows exploded perspective views of the housing of FIG. 8 A.

FIG. 8E shows exploded perspective views of the housing of FIG. 8 A.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of one embodiment that includes a carbon prefilter that is installed between the water source and the water filter. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the disclosure. The schematics are drawn to illustrate features and concepts and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing is a summary, and thus, necessarily limited in detail. The above-mentioned aspects, as well as other aspects, features, and advantages of the present technology will now be described in connection with various embodiments. The inclusion of the following embodiments is not intended to limit the disclosure to these embodiments, but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the contemplated invention(s). Other embodiments may be utilized, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. Aspects of the disclosure, as described and illustrated herein, can be

11 arranged, combined, modified, and designed in a variety of different formulations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and form part of this disclosure.

Disclosed herein are liquid filtration devices and methods. The devices and methods described herein are preferably described for water filtration but can conceivably be used for the filtration of any liquid.

The devices and methods described herein may overcome several challenges of existing or previously disclosed devices. For example, such previous devices are (1) bulky; (2) not removeable from the faucet (i.e., remains connected to the faucet rather than disengaging when not needed, e g., for laundry usage or other non-drinking applications commonly employed in developing countries where a single household sink is typical); (3) do not include a backwashing functionality, rendering it unusable once the contaminants clog the filter resulting in a relatively short useful lifespan, (4) do not block contaminants that are smaller than about one micrometer; (5) not adaptable to threaded taps commonly in use in many countries; (6) not adaptable to various sizes of smooth taps ranging from about 0.5 inches to about 1.25 inches; (7) require refrigeration, which is not available in many households in the developing world, for the antibacterial agent; (8) limited in their lifespan due to design constraints (e.g., are used up and should be replaced after as little as three months); (9) configured to use with water vessels as opposed to water streams from faucets or tap mounted filters, requiring the user to filter in batches; (10) not user friendly, e.g., if a user loses the accessory used for backwashing, and abandons the filter prematurely; (11) are complicated in design or usage beyond the understanding of the undereducated consumer e.g., in developing countries; (12) are expensive to manufacture thus priced out of reach for a low income consumer e.g., in developing countries; and/or (13) such devices cannot be opened for replacement of the filter unit. The devices and methods described herein solve one or more of these shortcomings or inadequacies of the previously described devices. The details of various embodiments of the devices and methods will now be described in turn below.

FIG. 1 A and FIG. IB show one embodiment of a water filter comprising a housing 100, a removeable filter medium 101 positionable in and enclosed within the housing 100, and an adapter 102 configured to mount the housing 100 to a household faucet or threaded tap 103. In some embodiments, the adapter 102 comprises a threaded interior, a smooth interior, a snap-fit

12 joint or other coupling mechanism for mating to a variety of water flow sources, such as a tap, faucet, hose, water pump, smooth unthreaded faucet, etc. The housing 100 comprises, for example, two or more pieces in order to allow the insertion of the filter medium 101. In other embodiments, housing 100 is formed as a monolithic component (i.e., one piece), such that the filter is encased in housing 100 during manufacturing. Housing 100 is formed of or comprises a thermoplastic material, for example acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or similar material, but can also be made of or comprise other materials such as stainless steel, glass, or similar materials known to one of skill in the art. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 A, the housing 100 comprises two pieces: an upper portion 111 and a lower portion 121. As shown in FIG. IB, the upper portion 111 has a first end portion or filter end portion 130 and a second end portion or an adapter end portion 132. The filter end portion 130 of upper portion 111 defines a first cavity or inner chamber 119, and the adapter end portion 132 of upper portion 111 defines a second cavity or annular opening 112. Filter end portion 130 of inner chamber 119 further defines an aperture 128 such that a filter medium 101 is insertable into the upper portion 111 through aperture 128 and into the inner chamber 119. As shown in FIG. IB, the inner chamber 119 is adjacent to the annular opening 112, having a sidewall 113a therebetween. Sidewall 113a defines one or more perforations 113b, visible in FIG. 2A, to allow a liquid to pass therethrough, such that water entering housing 100 through annular opening 112, passes through one or more perforations 113b and into the inner chamber 119, and therefore through filter medium 101. Annular opening 112 is configured to slide over adapter 102, such that liquid entering adapter 102 passes through one or more perforations 113b to allow the liquid to pass through to the inner chamber 119 and into the filter medium 101. In some embodiments, an inner wall 112a of annular opening 112 comprises one or more grooves 114. Grooves 114 act as guides for a corresponding number of extrusions 116a protruding from an external surface 117a of adapter 102. With a twisting motion, the user can attach the housing 100 to the adapter 102 by aligning the extrusions 116 with the grooves 114. In some embodiments, a step 115 in one or more of the grooves 114 can act as a locking feature by requiring a greater twisting force to overcome.

Further as shown in FIG. IB, the lower portion 121 of housing 100 comprises a first end portion or an outflow end portion 134 and a second end portion or a filter end portion 136. Filter end portion 136 of lower portion 121 defines upper portion cavity 142 that is configured to receive at

13 least a portion of the filter end portion 130 of the upper portion 111 to secure the upper portion 111 to the lower portion 121. Outflow end portion 134 defines annular opening 123 comprising an outflow hole 122 therein. In a filtration mode, filtered liquid exits the filter medium 101 through outflow hole 122. The outflow hole 122 is extruded to allow for connection of a rubber tube (not shown), as may be desired by a user to direct water into a container that is sufficiently large or heavy to render holding it under the tap impractical. In the backwashing mode, annular opening 123 employs the same or similar attachment method, between the filter and the adapter, as annular opening 112. As such, annular opening 112 and annular opening 123 have substantially the same diameter. No additional parts are needed in order to alternate between the filtering mode and the backwashing mode. The water filter is displayed in the filtering mode of operation in FIG. 3A, and the backwashing mode in FIG. 3B, in which the housing 100 is installed in the reverse position relative to adapter 102 and faucet 103 (e.g., note the position of upper portion 111 and lower portion 121 in FIG. 3A vs. FIG 3B)

Due to the directional function of the filtration process, it is important that the user clearly identifies and understands the correct installation position for each of the filtration and the backwashing modes of use and does not confuse the two modes. The employment of visual cues in the design of the filter housing can achieve this purpose In some embodiments, as shown in FIG.s. 8A-8B, icons are molded directly into the filter housing upper portion 801. In one embodiment, a first icon 802, for example depicting a faucet, instructs the faucet attaching side, a second icon 803, for example an arrow, instructs the direction of flow during the filtration mode, and a third icon 804, for example a droplet, instructs the outflow side. Wording contained in the product packaging instructs the user to align the faucet icon to the faucet water source for the filtration mode. Although particular shapes and numbers of icons are shown in FIGs. 8A-8B, one of skill in the art will appreciate that any number or shape of icons may be employed.

As shown in FIG. 3 A and FIG. 3B, a filter end portion 130 of upper portion 111 and a filter end portion 136 of lower portion 121 are reversibly or irreversibly connected by means of one or more of several possible methods including: adhesive, heat stake, or clips, to create a hollow inner chamber 119. The connection between the upper portion 111 and the lower portion 121 can be substantially nonvisible, such as contained within a thickness of the outer wall 138 to maintain a outer diameter 140 that is substantially constant. Alternatively, the upper and lower

14 portions are a monolithic component or of monolithic construction such that they are one component.

The embodiments in FIG. 3A and FIG. 4 shows a reduction of aproximately 50% of the exterior wall thickness 301, 401 of the upper portion 111 and lower portion 121 at the area of overlap and allows the two portions to connect with only a small seam 302 or no seam 402 visible on the side wall. For example, the length of the overlap may be of a length minimally sufficient to allow for attachment by adhesive, heat stake, or other means, or it may be as long as substantially the full upper or lower housing portion height, in other words, a double wall. This overlap may be smooth as shown in FIG. 3 A, fitted together such as with threads 501 as shown in FIG. 5, and may or may not contain a sealing member such as a rubber ring 502.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8B, the connection between the upper portion 801 and lower portion 805 may be conspicuous as to illustrate to a user that it is openable. In some embodiments, the upper and lower portions 111, 121 are snap fitted together, threaded, hingedly connected, or similar mechanism known to one of skill in the art. Any of the methods described earlier for connection of the housing to the adapter may also be employed in the connection of the upper portion of the housing to the lower portion of the housing to enable the replacement of the filter.

A snap fitted connection is shown in FIG. 8B, wherein a tab 826 extending from the base 832 of the exterior wall 811 is created in the upper portion 801 by relief notches 807 in the exterior wall 811. The tab 826 defining aperture 818 slides over and locks onto a protrusion 808 on the lower portion 805 when the two portions are pressed together, or coupled 800. In the example in FIG. 8B, the snap fitted connection may be repeated at about 120 degrees to about 240 degrees, for a total of two connections, however more or fewer connections can be made.

As shown in FIG. 8B, lower portion 805 may include a first sidewall 891 and a second sidewall 893, either or both comprising a sealing member 814. The first sidewall 891 and second sidewall

893 may have a substantially same inner diameter and/or outer diameter, in some instances; in other embodiments, the second sidewall 893 has a smaller outer diameter than the outer diameter of the first sidewall 891. For example, the inner diameter of the first sidewall 891 may be substantially similar to an outer diameter of the filter cartridge 850. Further, an inner diameter of

15 the second sidewall 893 may be substantially similar to the outer diameter of the water source, where the fdter connects to the water source.

One or more vertical ribs 809 extend from a sidewall 891 or sidewall 893 in the lower portion 805 to a collar 842 (e g., extending to an edge or at least a portion of the collar 842) at least partially surrounding the second end of the lower portion 805. The rib 809 also extends vertically from the collar 842 to an underside 843 of a first sidewall 891 of the lower portion, such that the rib is attached to the second sidewall 893 and the collar 842. Alternatively, the rib 809 extends vertically from the collar 842 to a perimeter of the first sidewall 891 or the second sidewall 893 of the lower portion, such that the rib 809 is attached to the first sidewall or the second sidewall 893. Still alternatively, the rib 809 extends vertically from the collar 842 to at least a portion of the first sidewall 891 or the second sidewall 893 of the lower portion, such that the rib 809 is attached to the first sidewall or the second sidewall 893.

Further, rib 809 extends through a corresponding slit 810 in the exterior wall 811 of the upper portion 801 when the portions are coupled 800. The vertical rib 809 acts as anti-rotation feature to prevent damage to the snap fitted connection by rotational force when the filter is coupled to or decoupled from the water source.

The overall lengths of the upper portion 504 and the lower portion 505 of the housing 100 can be of substantially the same length, as demonstrated in FIG 5, wherein the overlap is in aproximately the middle of the housing 100, or can be of differing lengths as shown in FIG 3 A, FIG. 4, and FIG. 8B. The exterior wall width 140 of the housing may be a substantially consistent width as shown in FIG. 4 or a variable width as shown in FIG. 5, so long as the filter medium 510 is fully contained and fixidly positioned within.

Returning to FIG. 1A and FIG. IB, filter medium 101 comprises a bundle of hollow membrane fibers 125. In some embodiments, the filter medium 101 is positionable in inner chamber 119 defined by upper portion 111. The hollow membrane fibers 125, which can be made of polymers such as polysulphone (PS), cellulose acetate (CA), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or other polymers known to one of skill in the art, are looped such that their upper and lower ends are bundled together and seated inside the inner chamber 119 of upper portion 111. The hollow membrane fibers 125 are retained in position in a resin bed 126 by an adhesive material such as polyurethanes, unsaturated polyesters, epoxy resins, or silicone resins. During manufacturing, the

16 hollow membrane fibers 125 initially have their ends extending past the end of aperture 128 of the upper portion 111 but are then cut flush with the outside surface 128a of aperture 128, creating open bores 125a of the hollow membrane fibers 125 through which filtered liquid can flow.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 8B, the filter medium 101 is potted in a separate casing or cartridge and installed into the filter rather than potting directly to the upper portion 111 of the filter. In embodiments in which the upper and lower portions 111, 121 are reversibly connected, the filter medium 101 may be replaceable such that a user may extend the life of the other components by only replacing the filter medium 101. A replaceable filter medium 101 creates the additional benefits of a reduction of plastic waste in the environment through the extended useful life of the housing 100, and the improved recyclability of the housing 100 resulting from the ability to easily separate the filter housing from from the filter medium. Referring to FIG 8C, a filter cartridge 850 defines chamber 889 and includes a first end 851 and a second end 852 configured to removably attach to the lower portion 805. The first end of the filter cartridge 850 defines a plurality of perforations 822 configured for water to flow therethrough. The filter cartridge 850 is configured to receive a filter therein. The first end 851 defining the plurality of perforations 822 is configured to contact an underside 820 of the first opening 821 of the upper portion 801 when the filter cartridge 850 is positioned in the housing, such that water passing through the first opening 821 also passes through the plurality of perforations 822.

A replaceable filter medium is common in the field of water filtration in embodiments wherein the filter medium comprises a highly consumable process such as carbon adsorption. In some embodiments of the present invention, a replaceable design is shown with a less consumable or non-consumable media, for example hollow fiber membrane, significantly extending the operable life span of the water filter and reducing the overall cost for the consumer.

However, having a replaceable filter medium within a reusable housing creates several technical problems. Among these problems are the need to effectively design a housing connection that 1) is sufficiently watertight to prevent leakage of unfiltered water that may contaminate the filtered water; 2) is sufficiently robust to withstand multiple open-close cycles; in some usage scenarios, the housing may be opened by the user many dozens of times; 3) can withstand faucet pressures

17 of as much as about 40 psi to about 60 psi without opening inadvertently; 4) is openable without the necessity of a specialized tool wherein the loss of the specialized tool by the user could lead to the abandonment of the filter; 5) employs a replacement process that requires no specialized skills such that any user can properly replace the filter media using the instructions provided with the replacement filter; 6) does not open inadvertently, such as when untwisting the filter from the faucet; and 7) does not increase the cost of the filter compared to a non-openable design. The embodiment shown in FIGs. 8A-8E addresses these problems as described in detail below. A technical solution to the technical problem of ensuring that the housing connection is sufficiently watertight and thus capable of preventing leakage of unfiltered into filtered water may include a sealing member positioned within a groove of a housing portion to create a watertight seal when under pressure. For example, as shown in FIGs. 8B and 8C, the housing lower portion 805 includes a sealing member 814. The sealing member 814 may be a ring, a gasket, a flange seal, or any other sealing member that seals along a perimeter of a device, made from rubber, polyurethane, silicone, nitrile, vinyl, neoprene, or other materials known to one of skill in the art. The sealing member 814 is positioned within a substantially circumferential groove 815 of the housing lower portion 805 such that the sealing member 814 extends beyond the outside surface or sidewall 817 of the lower housing portion 805. Pressure from the contact between the sealing member 814 and the inner surface 816 of the upper housing portion when the two portions are coupled creates a watertight seal. The groove 815 is positioned above the notches 807 and aperture 818 ensuring water cannot reach the notches 807 or aperture 818, preventing water leakage. Filter media cartridge 850 may contain a sealing member 829. Sealing member 829 comprising a ring, gasket, flange seal, etc. of rubber, polyurethane, or other pliable materials, is positioned within a substantially circumferential groove 830 of the cartridge side wall 824 such that the sealing member 829 extends beyond the side wall 824 of the cartridge 850. Pressure from the contact between the sealing member 829 and the inner surface 831 of the lower housing portion when the two portions are coupled creates a watertight seal.

In some embodiments, the filter media cartridge 850 includes a second sealing member 819 comprising a compressible disk of foam, rubber, or other suitable material. Alternatively, the second sealing member 819 may comprise a ring or gasket or perimeter sealing member, as described elsewhere herein. The second sealing member 819 is affixed to the top wall 823 of the filter media cartridge 850. The sealing member 819 contacts the underside 820 of the upper

18 housing portion 801 when the filter is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the second sealing member 819 may be employed when it is desired that all water entering the filter through the opening 821 of the upper housing 801 is directed through perforations 822 in the top wall 823, for example if the cartridge side walls 824 are not porous. A technical solution to the technical problem of ensuring that the housing connection is sufficiently robust to withstand multiple open-close cycles may include one or more features that reduce stress on the connection. Referring to FIGs. 8B and 8D, one or more protrusions 808 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.) are formed on lower housing portion 805. The protrusions 808 contain a chamfered surface 825 angled approximately 30 degrees to about 60 degrees to a vertical (y). When the filter housing portions are pressed together to close the filter, the tab 826 slides over the chamfered surface 825 of the protrusion 808 until the protrusion 808 is fully contained within the aperture 818. The chamfered surface 825 of protusion 808 acts as a ramp, lessening the force applied to the tab 826 and enabling the tab 826 to withstand multiple closing cycles without permanent fatigue and/or deformation. Another embodiment of a feature that reduces stress on the connection may include a necking down or reduction of thickess (not depicted in a figure) of the area between the relief notches 807 such that bending of tab 826 is made easier.

Referring to FIGs. 8D and 8E, several aspects of the embodiment contribute to a sufficiently high retention force as to ensure the housing connection remains secure under water pressure from a faucet. The substantially cylindrical shape of the upper housing 801, particularly in the area of one or more tabs 826, provides radial strength towards the center of the upper housing 801 and supports the retraction of the one or more tabs 826 after clearing the protrusions 808.

The protrusions 808 on the lower housing portion 805 contain a substantially horizontal surface 833 with respect to a vertical (y) extending outward from the wall 840 to the collar 842 (e.g., an edge of collar 842, to at least a portion of collar 842, etc.). The bottom surface 833 or horizontally (relative to vertical (y) of FIG. 8D) extending surface 833 of protrusion 808 contacts the respective tab 826 in the closed position preventing separation. A recess 827 in the collar 842 of a width greater or equal to the width of the tab 826 is aligned below each of the protrusions 808. When the upper housing 801 and lower housing 805 are coupled, the tab 827 is positioned within the recess 827 and fully surrounds the protrustion 808 within the aperture 818.

19 In some implementations of the embodiments described herein, the upper portion may be separated from the lower portion manually, for example for filter or filter cartrdige replacement. For example, simple implements found in any home such as a spoon, a butter knife, a screwdriver, or any similar hard, thin tool may be used to separate the lower and upper portions. For example, as shown in FIGs. 8A-8E, a recessed cavity 828 in the lower housing portion 805 is positioned directly below the protrusion 808, such that the insertion of an implement into the recessed cavity 828, coupled with an inward prying motion, separates the upper and lower housing portions with very little force. When closing the embodiment of FIGs. 8A-8E after the replacement of the filter, one or more ribs 809 in the lower portion 805 may serve as an alignment guide, between upper and lower portions, for the user. The rib 809 fits within a corresponding slit 810 in the exterior wall 811 of the upper housing portion 801, ensuring the protrusion 808 on the lower housing portion 805 aligns with the center of the aperture 818 on the tab 826 of the upper housing portion 801 during the closing process. No tool is necessary to close the filter. Identification of the recessed cavity 828, the rib 809, and slit 810 ensure user awareness of the simple operation process. The employment of a tool in the opening process adds a small component of effort for the user, signaling to the user that the opening of the housing is not a frequent operation. A housing connection openable with no tools was contemplated and some embodiments may be opened with no tools.

Referring again to the rib 809 in the lower portion 805 described earlier, in addition to the aforementioned functions, the interlocking relationship of the rib 809 with the slit 810 prevents the upper housing portion 801 from rotating in relation to the lower housing portion 805, thus ensuring the housing connection does not uncouple inadvertently as the user unscrews the filter from the faucet.

The features shown in this embodiment, include but are not limited to, a relief notch 807, a rib 809, a slit 810, a tab 828 defining an aperture 818, a protrusion 808, a recess 827, and a recessed cavity 828 that contribute to the openable design and thus allowing a replaceable filter media cartridge are all designed in the die direction of the injection molded tooling for the housing portions. No additional tool action was utilized to produce these features, allowing the injection mold to be produced economically.

20 In some embodiments, a liquid filtration device further comprises an adapter 102. An adapter 102 is couplable to a faucet or threaded tap 103. The housing 100 attaches to the adapter 102 for both the filtration and backwashing modes of operation throughout the life of the filter without needing to remove the adapter 102 from the faucet or tap 103. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 8A, no adapter is used; in such embodiments, the connection methods described below between the adapter and the faucet and/or threaded tap are built directly into the annular openings 812, 813 of the filter housing upper portion 801 and lower portion 805, respectively, such that the filter is directly connectable to the faucet or threaded tap for both the filtration and backwashing modes and can alternate between modes by flipping the filter, without introducing any additional accessories.

The adapter is intended to remain on the tap or faucet throughout the life of the filter. It has a low-profile shape that produces a negligible effect on the functional space surrounding the tap or faucet or on the rate of liquid flow out of the tap or faucet. An advantage of employing an adapter in this manner is to allow for use on multiple styles or shapes of faucets, or to allow the alternation between the filtering mode of operation and the backwashing mode of operation conveniently by the user with no additional accessories such as a separate dedicated cleaning accessory. A third advantage, for some embodiments as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG IB, is to extend the life of the liquid filter when used on threaded taps. The threaded portion of the adapter 102 is attached one time to the threaded tap 103 at the time of purchase. Thermoplastics are significantly softer materials than the brass traditionally used in threaded taps. Repeated removal of a thermoplastic filter that is directly attached to a brass threaded tap will quickly wear the threads and may cause a phenomenon called cross-threading which is avoided by the use of an adapter which is not repeatedly removed and reattached to the tap. In some embodiments a threaded metal insert (not pictured) is molded into the adapter 102, to reduce the occurrence of cross-threading., In designs with no adapter, a threaded metal insert can be molded directly into the annular opening 112, 123 of the housing 100.

A lower portion of the adapter 102 defines an annular opening 117 that connects to the adapter end portion 132 of the upper portion 111 of the housing 100 by means of a simple mechanical locking feature that readily engages to and disengages from the housing 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. IB, protrusions, or tabs, 116 on an exterior surface of opening 117 of

21 the adapter 102 twist into recessed grooves 114 on an inner wall 112a of annular opening 112 of upper portion 111, as described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6A, the connection between the adapter 102 and the housing 100 comprises one or more gaskets 601 (e.g., a rubber ring). Any number of gaskets is contemplated herein, as shown in FIG. 6C. The one or more gaskets 601 may be fitted into a corresponding groove 602 carved into an exterior surface of the annular opening 603 of the adapter 600, as shown in FIG. 6A. Friction between the ring 601 and an inner wall 612a of the annular opening 612 defined by the housing 605 provides the locking force. In some embodiments, a locking feature as shown in FIG. 6B, in which a protrusion, or pressable button, 610 positioned on a tab 611 of the opening 612 is created by cutting two relief notches 613 in the opening 612 on either side of the protrusion 610, allowing the tab to bend on a hinge. To connect, the housing 615 is slid over the opening 612 of the adapter until the protrusion 610 pops into an opening 616 defined by the housing 615. To disconnect, a user presses the protrusion 610 inward until it clears the housing 615 so that the housing 615 can be slid off the adapter. In some embodiments, adapter 660 comprises a threaded lower portion 661, as shown in FIG. 6D, that is configured to couple to a threaded upper portion of the housing 662.

Some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6C and FIG. 6D, allow for installation of an adapter on a smooth faucet. As shown in FIG. 6C, the adapter 650 is made of two pieces of differing materials, a first or lower portion 651 formed of or comprising a thermoplastic and a softer, more pliable second or upper portion 652 of a material such as silicone. A sidewall 653 of the softer material of the first portion 652 is in contact with the faucet, can flexibly distort to conform to the shape of a variety of sizes of household faucets, and/or seals to the faucet by friction caused by the distortion. The embodiment of the adapter in FIG. 6D shows a single component 660 comprising a thermoplastic or similar material that has the advantage of a lower cost of manufacturing.

Some embodiments of the adapter can adapt to both a smooth faucet and a threaded tap in a single unit. In one example in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, an adapter 700 is shown comprising a body 701, a sheet 702 of pliable material such as silicone or rubber, and a retaining ring 703. The body 701 has a lower opening 704 that connects to the housing using any of the methods and devices described elsewhere herein, a substantially planar surface 705 contacts sheet 702, and

22 slots 706 to house legs 710 protruding from the underside of the retaining ring 703. Protrusion 711 on the top side of the retaining ring 703 can be used to provide gripping surfaces to twist the retaining ring 703 onto the body 701 of the adapter 700 until tabs 712 around the perimeter of the retaining ring 703 are positioned under an overhanging extension 713 on a top surface of the body 701. A pliable sheet 702 is trapped in between the body 701 and the retaining ring 703.

The pliable sheet defines an opening 720 through which a faucet or threaded tap is inserted, and a number of smaller openings 721 corresponding to the positions of the legs 710 on the underside of the retaining ring 703. The pliable sheet 702 is pushed over the legs 710 on the retaining ring 703, then the retaining ring 703 and sheet 702 are placed on top of the flat surface 705 of the body 701 and twisted in the slots 706 until locked. In some embodiments, more than one or a plurality of pliable sheets 702, each having a different diameter opening 720, may be packaged with the adapter, for example in a kit, so that the user can select the correct or appropriate size for their faucet or tap, guaranteeing a tight fit with minimal cost. The pliable sheet 702 can easily be swapped out by the user by removing the retaining ring 703, exchanging the sheet 702 for a sheet containing the appropriate size of opening 720, and reattaching the retaining ring 703, all with ordinary skill and no tools. In some embodiments, threads (not shown) may be added inside the body 701 to engage more strongly with threaded taps if the pliable sheet 702 alone is not desired.

The design of the connecting portion of the adapter to the faucet and the connecting portion of the adapter to the filter need not be limited to the combinations shown in the attached figures or described above. Any combination is feasible providing that the adapter is fitted to a faucet or tap, and the adapter can be removably attached to a filter in both primary and backwashing modes.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment to enhance the filtering capabilities through the addition of an activated carbon prefiltering unit 900. The prefilter unit, containing activated carbon, is designed with analogous annular openings 904, 905 to the primary filter housing 903 and the water source 902, to allow for insertion in-between the water source 902 and the filter 903. Activated carbon is a well-known adsorbent that removes a variety of contaminants that affect the taste, smell, and clarity of drinking water. Additionally, the use of a prefilter may extend the life of the hollow fiber cartridge. Some advantages of a prefilter that is a separate body are 1) when the activated

23 carbon is saturated, the prefilter portion can be replaced alone while the main liquid filter remains in use, 2) the prefilter does not interfere with the backwashing process, and 3) in water circumstances when a carbon filter is sufficient, the consumer can choose to use both a carbon filter and the hollow fiber filter or either one alone.

In operation, the user attaches the filter to the to the end of a faucet or tap, directly or with the use of an adapter, depending on the embodiment of the filter and the shape of the faucet or tap; and then turns on the liquid to flow through the filter. Contaminants are filtered out of the liquid and retained inside the filter housing while filtered liquid exits the filter. Periodically the exit flow rate will lessen as the contaminants build up inside the filter. When this occurs, the user backwashes the filter by forcing liquid backwards through the filter to dislodge the contaminants and flush them out of the filter. This backwashing process can be performed without the introduction of additional accessories by disconnecting the filter, flipping it over, and attaching the opposite end of the filter in the same manner described above. Once the filter is backwashed, the user disconnects the filter and reattaches it upright. A liter or more of liquid is drawn through the filter and discarded in order to clear the fibers and then the filter is operational again.

As used in the description and claims, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include both singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “filter” may include, and is contemplated to include, a plurality of filters. At times, the claims and disclosure may include terms such as “a plurality,” “one or more,” or “at least one;” however, the absence of such terms is not intended to mean, and should not be interpreted to mean, that a plurality is not conceived

The term “about” or “approximately,” when used before a numerical designation or range (e g., to define a length or pressure), indicates approximations which may vary by ( + ) or ( - ) 5%, 1% or 0.1%. All numerical ranges provided herein are inclusive of the stated start and end numbers. The term “substantially” indicates mostly (i.e., greater than 50%) or essentially all of a device, substance, or composition.

As used herein, the term “comprising” or “comprises” is intended to mean that the devices, systems, and methods include the recited elements, and may additionally include any other elements. “Consisting essentially of’ shall mean that the devices, systems, and methods include the recited elements and exclude other elements of essential significance to the combination for

24 the stated purpose. Thus, a system or method consisting essentially of the elements as defined herein would not exclude other materials, features, or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel character! stic(s) of the claimed disclosure. “Consisting of’ shall mean that the devices, systems, and methods include the recited elements and exclude anything more than a trivial or inconsequential element or step. Embodiments defined by each of these transitional terms are within the scope of this disclosure.

The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

25

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A water filtration unit for providing potable water, the water filtration unit comprising: a housing for filtering water received from a water source, the housing comprising: an upper portion comprising an upper end defining a first opening for detachably coupling to the water source, and a bottom end opposite the upper end, wherein the upper portion defines an inside chamber configured to receive a filter or filter cartridge; and a removable lower portion comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to be removably coupled to the bottom end of the upper portion and the second end defining a second opening configured to either detachably couple to the water source or provide an outflow of filtered water, wherein the lower portion further comprises: at least one rib extending laterally from a sidewall of the lower portion to a collar at least partially surrounding the second end of the lower portion and extending vertically from the collar to a sidewall of the lower portion, the at least one rib being configured to prevent rotation of the lower portion when the water filtration unit is coupled to or decoupled from the water source, wherein the second opening of the lower portion is of an equivalent shape and diameter as the first opening of the upper portion, thereby allowing both openings to detachably couple with the water source.

2. The water filtration unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one rib extends laterally from the sidewall of the lower portion to an edge of the collar.

3. The water filtration unit of claim 1, further comprising a filter cartridge comprising a first end comprising a plurality of perforations and a second end configured to removably attach to the lower portion, wherein the filter cartridge is configured to receive a filter therein.

26

4. The water filtration unit of claim 3, wherein the first end comprising the plurality of perforations is configured to contact an underside of the first opening of the upper portion when the filter cartridge is positioned in the housing, such that water passing through the first opening also passes through the plurality of perforations.

5. The water filtration unit of claim 3, further comprising the filter.

6. The water filtration unit of claim 3, wherein the second end of the filter cartridge comprises an annular seal for sealing against a portion of an inner sidewall of the lower portion of the housing.

7. The water filtration unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one rib is further configured to extend through a slit in an exterior wall of the bottom end of the upper portion when the upper portion is coupled to the lower portion

8. The water filtration unit of claim 1, wherein the water filtration unit further comprises: a tab protruding from a base of the upper portion, the tab defining at least one aperture; and a protrusion formed on the lower portion and configured to be received in the at least one aperture of the tab when the tab of the upper portion is aligned over the protrusion such that the upper portion is coupled to the lower portion.

9. The water filtration unit of claim 8, wherein the protrusion is arranged above a recessed cavity of the lower portion.

27

10. The water filtration unit of claim 8, wherein the protrusion includes a chamfered surface configured at about a 30 degree to about a 60 degree angle relative to a vertical to a base of the lower portion.

11. The water filtration unit of claim 8, further comprising a first relief notch and a second relief notch on opposing sides of the tab in the upper portion.

12. The water filtration unit of claim 8, further comprising a second tab on the upper portion and a second protrusion on the lower portion.

13. The water filtration unit of claim 12, wherein the second tab is substantially circumferentially offset from the tab by about 120 degrees to about 240 degrees and the second protrusion is substantially circumferentially offset from the protrusion by about 120 degrees to about 240 degrees, such that the tab and protrusion are configured to be aligned and the second tab and the second protrusion are configured to be aligned.

14. The water filtration unit of claim 1, further comprising an adapter defining an opening therethrough, the adapter having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a coupling mechanism for detachably coupling to a water source and the second end is configured to couple to the upper portion of the housing.

15. The water filtration unit of claim 1, further comprising a sealing member comprising a ring, the sealing member being positioned within a substantially circumferential groove of the lower portion such that the sealing member extends beyond an outside surface of the lower portion.

16. The water filtration unit of claim 15, wherein the sealing member comprises a gasket.

28 A water filtration unit for providing potable water, the water filtration unit comprising: a housing for filtering water received from a water source, the housing comprising: an upper portion comprising an upper end defining a first opening for detachably coupling to the water source, and a bottom end opposite the upper end, wherein the upper portion defines an inside chamber configured to receive a filter or filter cartridge; and a removable lower portion comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to be removably coupled to the bottom end of the upper portion and the second end defining a second opening configured to either detachably couple to the water source or provide an outflow of filtered water, wherein the lower portion further comprises: a sealing member comprising a ring, the sealing member being positioned within a substantially circumferential groove of the lower portion such that the sealing member extends beyond an outside surface of the lower portion; wherein the second opening of the lower portion is of an equivalent shape and diameter as the first opening of the upper portion, thereby allowing both openings to detachably couple with the water source. The water filtration unit of claim 17, wherein the sealing member is composed of a pliable material. The water filtration unit of claim 18, wherein the sealing member comprises a gasket. The water filtration unit of claim 17, wherein the sealing member is configured to interface with an inner surface of the upper portion to cause a watertight seal when the upper portion is coupled to the lower portion.

29 The water filtration unit of claim 17, further comprising a filter cartridge comprising a first end comprising a plurality of perforations and a second end configured to removably attach to the lower portion, wherein the filter cartridge is configured to receive a filter therein. The water filtration unit of claim 21, wherein the first end comprising the plurality of perforations is configured to contact an underside of the first opening of the upper portion when the filter cartridge is positioned in the housing, such that water passing through the first opening also passes through the plurality of perforations. The water filtration unit of claim 21, further comprising the filter. The water filtration unit of claim 21, wherein the second end of the filter cartridge comprises an annular seal for sealing against a portion of an inner sidewall of the lower portion of the housing. The water filtration unit of claim 21, further comprising a second sealing member comprising a compressible disk, the second sealing member being affixed to the second end of the filter cartridge and in contact with an underside of the upper end of the upper portion when the filter cartridge is positioned in the upper housing. The water filtration unit of claim 17, further comprising an adapter defining an opening therethrough, the adapter having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a coupling mechanism for detachably coupling to a water source and the second end is configured to couple to the upper portion of the housing. The water filtration unit of claim 17, further comprising at least one rib extending laterally from a sidewall of the lower portion to a collar at least partially surrounding the second end of the lower portion and extending vertically from the collar to a sidewall of

30 the lower portion, the at least one rib being configured to prevent rotation of the lower portion when the water filtration unit is coupled to or decoupled from the water source. The water filtration unit of claim 27, wherein the at least one rib is further configured to extend through a slit in an exterior wall of the bottom end of the upper portion when the upper portion is coupled to the lower portion. A method for filtering and backwashing a liquid filtration unit, the method comprising: in a filtering operational mode: coupling a first end of an upper portion to a liquid source; coupling a filter receiving end of a lower portion to a bottom end of the upper portion for providing access to the filter and providing an outflow of filtered liquid; allowing liquid to flow from the liquid source through the upper portion, through the filter, and out of a second end of the lower portion; filtering contaminants from the liquid as the liquid flows through the filter; and providing a filtered liquid; and in a backwashing mode: detaching the first end of the upper portion from the liquid source; coupling the second end of the lower portion to the liquid source; and allowing liquid to flow from the liquid source through the lower portion, through the filter, and out of the first end of the upper portion, wherein the flow of liquid through the filter is in an opposite direction as the filtering operational mode, thereby forcibly pushing the filtered contaminants out of the filter. The method of claim 29, further comprising coupling the upper portion to the lower portion, such that at least one rib of the lower portion extends into at least one slit defined by a sidewall of the upper portion to prevent rotation of the lower portion when the housing is switched between filtering operational mode and backwashing mode.

31 The method of claim 29, further comprising coupling the upper portion to the lower portion, such that at least one protrusion of the lower portion extends into an aperture defined by a tab of the upper portion to prevent rotation of the lower portion when the housing is switched between filtering operational mode and backwashing mode. The method of claim 29, further comprising, after the backwashing mode: removing the second end of the lower portion from the liquid source; coupling the first end of the upper portion to the liquid source; and allowing liquid to flow from the liquid source through the upper portion for filtering, wherein the flow of liquid through the filter is in an opposite direction as the backwashing mode. The method of claim 29, wherein the second end of the lower portion is of an equivalent shape and diameter as the first end of the upper portion, thereby allowing both ends to detachably couple to the liquid source. A water filtration unit for providing potable water, the water filtration unit comprising: an adapter defining an opening therethrough, the adapter having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a coupling mechanism for detachably coupling to a water source and the second end provides an output for the water source; and a housing for filtering water received from the water source, the housing comprising: an upper portion comprising an opening on an upper end for detachably coupling with the second end of the adapter and receiving the water, a filter end portion on a bottom end having an inside chamber for allowing insertion of a filter for filtering the water flowing through the adapter from the water source; and an inner sidewall positioned within the upper portion and between the opening and the inside chamber, the inner sidewall comprising a plurality of

32 perforations for directing the water to flow from the opening into the inside chamber and through the filter; and a lower portion for providing access to the filter and for providing an outflow of filtered water, the lower portion comprising: a filter receiving end for insertion of the filter end portion of the housing; and an opening on an opposite end comprising an outflow hole, wherein the opening of the lower portion is of an equivalent shape and diameter as the opening of the upper portion, thereby allowing both openings to detachably couple to the second end of the adapter.

35. The water filtration unit of claim 34, wherein the housing comprises two operational modes: a filtering operational mode for filtering water flowing from the water source, wherein the housing is positioned with the opening of the upper portion coupled to the adapter; and a backwashing operational mode for cleaning the filter with water flowing from the water source, wherein the housing is positioned with the opening of the lower portion coupled to the adapter.

36. The water filtration unit of claim 34, wherein the coupling mechanism of the adapter for detachably coupling to the water source comprises one of a threaded interior, a smooth interior, a snap-fit joint, or equivalents thereof. 37. The water filtration unit of claim 34, wherein the second end of the adapter comprises one or more tabs extruded on an exterior surface of the second end; and wherein the openings of the housing each comprise one or more mating grooves for rotatably coupling and locking to the tabs.

33 The water filtration unit of claim 34, wherein the second end of the adapter comprises one or more grooves an exterior surface of the second end and one or more gasket rings for securing into the grooves; and wherein the openings of the housing each comprise a substantially smooth interior surface for friction coupling and locking onto the gasket rings. The water filtration unit of claim 34, wherein the second end of the adapter comprises a button on an exterior surface of the second end, wherein the button is depressed while coupling and decoupling; and wherein the openings of the housing each comprise an opening for coupling and locking on to the button, wherein the button extends through the opening accessible to the exterior of the housing when in a locked position. The water filtration unit of claim 34, wherein the filter is removeable. The water filtration unit of claim 34, wherein the upper portion and the filter end portion are monolithic. A method for filtering and backwashing a liquid filtration unit, the method comprising: in a filtering operational mode: coupling an adapter comprising a first end to a liquid source; coupling an upper opening of an upper portion to a second end of the adapter, wherein the upper portion comprises a filter; coupling a filter receiving end of a lower portion to a bottom end of the upper portion for providing access to the filter and providing an outflow of filtered liquid; allowing liquid to flow from the liquid source through the adapter and into the upper portion; filtering contaminants from the liquid as the liquid flows through the filter; and providing a filtered liquid; and in a backwashing mode:

34 detaching the upper opening of the upper portion from the adapter; coupling a lower opening of the lower portion to the second end of the adapter; and allowing liquid to flow from the liquid source through the adapter and into the upper portion through the lower opening, wherein the flow of liquid through the filter is in an opposite direction as the filtering operational mode, thereby forcibly pushing the filtered contaminants out of the filter. The method of claim 42, further comprising rotatably coupling each of the upper opening and the lower opening to the adapter depending on one of the operational modes without decoupling the filter receiving end from the bottom end of the filter unit. The method of claim 42, wherein the second end of the adapter comprises one or more tabs extruded on an exterior surface of the second end, and wherein the upper opening and the lower opening each comprises one or more grooves for rotatably coupling and locking to the tabs. The method of claim 42, wherein the second end of the adapter comprises one or more grooves an exterior surface of the second end and one or more gasket rings for securing into the grooves; and wherein the upper and lower openings of the housing unit each comprise a smooth interior surface for friction coupling and locking on to the gasket rings. The method of claim 42, further comprising, after the backwashing mode: removing the lower opening of the lower portion from the second end of the adapter; coupling the upper opening of the upper portion to the second end of the adapter; and allowing liquid to flow from the liquid source through the adapter and into the upper portion for filtering, wherein the flow of liquid through the filter is in an opposite direction as the backwashing operational mode.

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47. The method of claim 46, wherein removing the lower opening and coupling the upper opening is completed without decoupling the filter receiving end from the bottom end of the upper portion.

48. The method of claim 42, wherein the opening of the lower portion is of an equivalent shape and diameter as the opening of the upper portion, thereby allowing both openings to detachably couple to the second end of the adapter.

49. The method of Claim 42, wherein the filter is removeable.

50. A water filtration unit for providing potable water, the water filtration unit comprising: a housing for filtering water received from the water source, the housing comprising: an upper portion comprising an opening on an upper end for detachably coupling to a water source and receiving the water, a filter end portion on a bottom end having an inside chamber for allowing insertion of a filter for filtering the water flowing through the adapter from the water source; and an inner sidewall positioned within the upper portion and between the opening and the inside chamber, the inner sidewall comprising a plurality of perforations for directing the water to flow from the opening into the inside chamber and through the filter; and a removeable lower portion for providing access to the removeable filter and for providing an outflow of filtered water, the lower portion comprising: a filter receiving end for insertion of the filter end portion of the housing; and an opening on an opposite end comprising an outflow hole, wherein the opening of the lower portion is of an equivalent shape and diameter as the opening of the upper portion, thereby allowing both openings to detachably couple to the water source.

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