MXPA01010642A - Fluid filtration system including a mechanism for increasing the flow through the filter - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fluid filtration system including a container defining a reservoir and an opening into the reservoir. Filtration media may be located within the reservoir and is adapted to divide the reservoir into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is adapted to receive unfiltered fluid. The second chamber is adapted to retain fluid filtered by its passage through the filtration media. The fluid entering the first chamber is prohibited from entering the second chamber without first passing through the filtration media. A mechanism is provided, the mechanism being adapted to lower the pressure within the second chamber relative to the pressure in the first chamber so that fluid entering the first chamber is urged to pass through the filtration media and into the second chamber.

Description

FLUID FILTRATION SYSTEM INCLUDING A MECHANISM TO INCREASE THE FLOW THROUGH THE FILTER This application claims the priority of the provisional United States of America patent application No. 60 / 130,223 filed on April 20, 1999.

Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to fluid filtration systems.

Background of the Invention As consumers become more aware of their health, there is an increased interest in increasing the quality of water used for human consumption. In response to this interest, there is a continued effort to develop systems, which improve water quality by filtering water to remove contaminants, toxins and pathogens, such as chlorine, iron, biological and organic compounds , microorganisms, lead, and the like, which can affect the color, taste, smell and potability of water.

, A variety of filtration systems are currently available which help to reduce the contaminants in the water before its use or ingestion. Such systems typically include a replaceable filter placed within some type of box, such as a bottle, a canteen, a jug, an over-the-counter device, a device mounted on the water tap or the like.

In some filtering systems such as, for For example, conventional jar type filtration systems, the fluid is pulled through the gravity filter only. In such systems, the fluid can be filtered at a rate that is slower than desirable. In certain systems, it may be desirable to use coal activated block as the filtering medium, since better absorption of certain contaminants can be obtained. However, block activated carbon may not be used in certain gravity flow systems since gravity alone is insufficient to cause water to flow through the body.

Activated block carbon.

To increase the usefulness of fluid filtration systems, the fluid can be pushed to flow through the filter at an increased rate by the alter the air pressure near the filter. For example, by lowering the air pressure below the filter and / or f by increasing the air pressure above the fluid, which is present above the filter, the fluid is pushed to flow through the filter at a faster rate so that a user will have access to the filtered water in a shorter period of time .

It is also desirable, in selected systems, to use a filter that is cheap and easy to replace.

Therefore, there is a need for a cheap, reliable and simple water filtration system that delivers a desired amount of filtered water in a shorter period of time to a user.

Synthesis of the Invention In response to the above problems and the difficulties encountered by those skilled in the art, the present invention is directed to a filtration system of The fluid includes a container such as, for example, a jar, a bottle, a can or the like. The container includes an opening and an interior that is defined, at least in part by an interior wall surface of the container. The vessel can be formed of a variety of materials such as, for example, metals, ceramics and plastics including transparent or translucent materials.

A filter assembly can be mounted in the container, and in selected embodiments, at least a portion of the filter assembly is placed inside the container. In some embodiments, the filter assembly can divide the interior of the container into a first chamber positioned above the filter medium that receives the unfiltered fluid and a second chamber placed below the filter media that retains the filtered fluid.

The filter assembly may include a filter holder having a surface that sealingly engages at least a portion of the interior wall surface of the container. The filter carrier can be adapted to support the filtering means such as, for example, activated carbon block, granular activated carbon, nonwoven materials and combinations of such and other means. In the selected embodiments, the filter media can be removed from the filter assembly to allow fresh filtration media to be used. In other embodiments, the filter assembly including the filter media can be removed from the filtration system and replaced with a new filter assembly containing fresh filtration media. The filter assembly engages the container in a manner such that fluid passing through the container opening flows through the filter means supported by the filter assembly. In the selected embodiments, the filtration means can be configured to fit within the container without the use of a filter holder and / or a filter assembly.

A sealing member such as, for example, a fin or the like, can be placed between at least a part of the filter assembly and the inner wall surface of the container. In the selected embodiments, the sealing member can be pivotably attached to the interior wall surface of the container. In other embodiments, the sealing member can be pivotably attached to the filter assembly. In the selected embodiments, the sealing member is positioned along the circumference of the filter assembly of the interior wall surface of the container so that the sealing member is aligned with the container nozzle.

The sealing member can be movable between a first position allowing the fluid to flow out of the container, and a second position in which the sealing member sealingly engages both the inner wall surface of the container and the filter assembly. Therefore, when the sealing member is placed in its second position, the reservoir or the second chamber which is placed below the filter assembly is sufficiently air-proof to allow the air pressure above the fluid placed on the means of filter being higher than the air pressure below the filter media. In some embodiments, the sealing member remains in its second position until fluid flows out of the reservoir toward the container opening forcing the seal member to its first position. Other embodiments of the present invention may include a depressible mechanism, operable by a user, to move the sealing member between the first and second positions.

A mechanism is provided which allows the air pressure within the second chamber below the filtration means to be lowered with respect to the air pressure within the first chamber above the fluid placed on the filtration means. Although a variety of mechanisms may be used, the selected embodiments may include a pump assembly adapted to be operated by a user. In certain embodiments, the pump assembly may be placed within a handle of the container. The handle and pump assembly can be integrally formed. In such embodiments, the container and handle can be formed independently and subsequently attached to each other. This allows the handle and the container to be formed of different materials.

In certain embodiments, the actuation of the pump assembly pushes the sealing member against the inner wall surface of the container to form an air-tight seal. This allows enough air to be removed from the second chamber or deposit, creating an air pressure differential through the filtration media and increasing the fluid flow rate through the filtration media and up to the second chamber or reservoir .

In particular embodiments, the pump assembly includes a one way check valve and a compressible elastic bulb in fluid communication with the container. The bulb compressed, forcing the air inside the bulb to come out of the handle. As the compressed bulb expands, the air from the reservoir is pulled through the check valve and into the bulb and handle. The air can come out of the bulb and the handle in a variety of ways. In a particular embodiment, the container may further include an air-proof cap, and air from the reservoir may be pumped into the first chamber above the fluid that is placed directly above the filter medium through a second valve of one-way verification, thereby also increasing the pressure difference above and below the filter media.

The particular embodiments of the present invention may additionally include an indicator that provides an indication to a user that the filtration media must be removed and replaced with new filtering means.

Other objects, advantages and applications of the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention and the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent structures.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the fluid filtration system of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a top view of an embodiment of the fluid filtration system of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 2 taken along lines 3-3.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the filter assembly of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the fluid filtration system of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention The present invention is shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3 is directed to a fluid filtration system 10 which includes a container 12 which can be configured in a varied form as a jar, bottle, can or the like. In the selected embodiments, the container 12 may include an opening 14, a nozzle 16, a handle 18, and an interior 20. The interior 20 of the container 12 is defined, in part, by an interior wall surface 22. The container 12 it can be varied in shape and can be formed from a variety of materials such as, for example, metals, plastics and ceramics. In particular, plastics such as, for example, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate and polyacrylate can be used. These materials can also be transparent or translucent materials.

A filter assembly 24, as shown in Figures 1-4, is mounted in or otherwise attached to the container 12. In certain embodiments, the filter assembly 24 may at least be partially positioned within the interior 20 of the container. 12. A first chamber 25 can be formed above the filter assembly. A reservoir or a second chamber 26 can be formed within the interior 20 of the container 12, below the filter assembly 24. The filter assembly 24 sealingly engages the container 12 to prohibit the flow of fluid between the periphery of the filter assembly 24 and the interior wall surface 22. This prevents fluid from flowing from the first chamber 25 to the second chamber or reservoir 26 first without passing through the filter means. A variety of mechanisms can be used to prevent fluid flow between the periphery of the filter assembly 24 and the interior wall surface 22, and such arrangements are well known to those skilled in the art. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the filter assembly 24 can be formed integrally or permanently secured to the container 12. In other embodiments, the filter assembly 24 can be removably mounted in the container 12. In such embodiments and As shown in Figure 4, a seal 28 can be placed around the periphery of the filter assembly 24, the seal 28 being positioned within a channel 27, formed in the filter carrier 30. If desired, the assembly of filter 24 can make contact and / or rest on a shoulder 29, shown in figure 3, which extends inwardly from inner wall surface 22. In other embodiments, filter assembly 24 can be butted directly and firmly against the inner wall surface 22. In some embodiments, the seal 28 may be placed between the shoulder 29 and the filter assembly 24.

The fluid flowing into the opening 14 of the container 12 is directed by gravity to flow into the filter assembly 24, which filters the fluid before it flows to the reservoir 26. The filter assembly 24 can be variably configured to filter this fluid. For example and as shown in Figure 3, the filter assembly 24 can include a filter carrier 30. The filter carrier 30 holds the filtration means 32 and sealingly engages the filtering means 32 to inhibit the fluid from passing into the filter. through the filter assembly 24 without passing through the filtration means 32. The configuration and construction of the filter carrier 30 may vary with the type of filtration media used.

A wide variety of filtering materials can be used for filtration media 32, including, for example, granular activated carbon, block activated carbon, non-woven materials, and any combination of such or similar materials. For example, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the block activated carbon can be used as the filtration means 32. In such incorporation, the filter carrier 30 can be integrally molded into the activated carbon filtration media of block 32. In some embodiments, at least one seal may be placed between the filter holder 30 and the filtration means 32 to ensure that the fluid does not pass out of the filter holder 30 without flowing through the filter means 30. filtration 32.

In the selected embodiments, the filtration means 32 can be removed from the filter carrier 30, so that when the filtration means 32 has reached the end of its useful life, the new filtering means 32 can be placed inside the carrier of the filter carrier 32. filter 30. Such incorporations may also include an indicator adapted to indicate that the filtration means 32 must be removed and replaced with new filtering means. A variety of "end of life" filter indicators are currently available, which can be used with the present invention.

As best shown in Figure 3, a sealing member 34 is provided in the present invention. The sealing member 34 can be attached to the filter assembly 24 in a variety of ways so that the sealing member 34 is easily movable between a first position, shown in Figure 4, and a second position, shown in Figure 3. For example, the sealing member 34 can be slidably or rotatably attached to the filter assembly 24, or pivotally attached to the filter assembly 24 as shown in Figure 4.

When the sealing member is in its first position as shown in Figure 4, the fluid contained within the reservoir 26 can flow past the sealing member 34 and outwardly of the container 12. When the sealing member 34 is in its second position, the peripheral surface 36 of the sealing member 34 is abutted with at least a portion of the inner wall surface 22 of the container 12. In this manner, an air-tight seal can be formed between the sealing member 34 and the inner wall surface 22. The periphery of the sealing member 36 and the filter assembly 24 sealingly engage the inner wall surface 22 of the container 12. In some embodiments, a lip, a shoulder, a shelf or other type of projecting member may be provided, which extends outwardly from the wall surface 22 to assist in the formation of an air-tight seal. As used herein, the term "air-proof" is defined as being sufficiently resistant to air flow so that the air pressure inside the reservoir 26 can be altered so that the air pressure as measured inside the reservoir 26 is below the ambient air pressure or is below the air pressure as measured above by the filtration medium.

Although not shown in the accompanying figures, the sealing member 34 can alternatively be fastened to the container 12. In such embodiment, the peripheral surface 36 of the sealing member 34 will form a seal against the filter assembly 24 when the sealing member Seal 34 is in its second position.

The present invention may include a mechanism that lowers the air pressure below the filtration means in the second chamber or reservoir 26 with respect to the air pressure above the fluid placed on the filtration means. Although a variety of mechanisms may be used, the mechanism may include a pump assembly 40 which can be easily operated by a user to remove at least a portion of the air from the reservoir 26 when the sealing member 34 is in its second position. sealing position. By removing an amount of air from the air-proof tank 26, a slight difference can be created between the air pressure above and below the filter means 32. This pressure difference tends to increase the flow rate through the filtration means 32 and up to the reservoir 26.

A wide variety of configurations of pump assemblies can be used in the present invention. In certain embodiments and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pump assembly 40 includes a compressible, elastic and hollow bulb 44 that is integrally formed with the handle 18. As shown in the particular embodiment, the interior 18 of the handle 18 is hollow. In certain embodiments, the pump assembly can be formed independently of the handle 18 and the container 12. In such embodiments, the pump assembly 40 can be subsequently attached or connected to any of a number of places on the container 12.

As shown in Figure 3, a first one-way valve 46, not shown in cross-section, is placed between the handle or handle 18 and the second chamber or reservoir 26. A variety of commercially available one-way valves can be used in the present invention. The valve 46 only allows air to flow from the reservoir 26 to the interior of the handle 18. In some embodiments and as shown in Figure 3, a second one-way valve 48, also not shown in cross section, is provided which s51o allows air to flow out of the interior of the handle 18. The second one-way valve 48 may be positioned so that air from inside the handle 18 is ventilated to the first chamber 25 above the fluid that is placed over the means of filtration 32 or is ventilated externally of the container 12.

In some embodiments and as shown in Figure 5, a lid 38 can be provided which engages the opening 14 of the container 12. After the fluid has been poured into the opening 14, the lid 38 can be placed on and secured to the container 12. In such embodiments, the pump assembly 40 can move air from the second chamber 26 to the first chamber 25 above the fluid placed above the filter assembly 24. The movement of air in such a manner will further increase the pressure difference up and down the filter media and therefore the flow rate of the fluid through the filtration means 32 will increase.

Figure 1 shows a user compressing the handle 18 and the elastic compressible bulb 44 to increase the flow of fluid through the filter assembly 24. As shown in Figure 1, a depressible mechanism 50 can also be provided. The mechanism 50 is connected to the sealing member 34 so that, when pressed by a user, the mechanism 50 causes the sealing member 34 to move to its first open position. When the mechanism 50 is released, the sealing member 34 returns to its second closed position. In other embodiments, the sealing member 34 may be pressed to remain in its second closed position unless the mechanism 50 is depressed.

Although the invention has been described in detail with respect to the specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, upon achieving an understanding of the foregoing, that alterations and variations of the embodiments described herein can be readily conceived. Such alterations and variations are believed to fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention, and the appended claims.

Claims (30)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. A fluid filtration system comprising: a container that defines an interior and an opening inside the interior; filtration means located inside the interior and adapted to divide the interior into a first chamber adapted to receive the unfiltered fluid and a second chamber adapted to retain the filtered fluid through its passage through the filtration means, wherein the fluid entering the first chamber is essentially prohibited from entering the second chamber without passing through the filtering means; Y a mechanism adapted to lower the pressure inside the second chamber in relation to the pressure in the first chamber, whereby the fluid entering the first chamber is pushed to pass through the filtering means and up to the second chamber.

2. The fluid filtration system as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the filtering means hooks the container so that the filtering means can be removed from the container.

3. The fluid filtration system as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the container is formed of a transparent material.

4. The fluid filtration system as claimed in clause 3, characterized in that the transparent material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate and polyacrylate.

5. The fluid filtration system as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the mechanism includes a pump assembly.

6. The fluid filtration system as claimed in clause 5, characterized in that the pump assembly further comprises a first one-way valve and a compressible bulb, the first valve is placed between the second chamber and the compressible bulb, the The first valve is adapted so that, when the compressible bulb is compressed and expanded, the air is pulled from the second chamber through the first valve when the bulb expands.

7. The filtration system as claimed in clause 6, characterized in that the valve assembly further comprises a second valve of a guide adapted to allow air to flow out of the fluid filtration system when the compressible bulb is compressed.

8. A fluid pressure system comprising: a container including a reservoir which is attached, at least in part, to an interior wall surface; filtration means positioned at least partially inside the container, the filtering means are adapted so that fluid entering the container flows through the filtering means before entering the reservoir; a sealing member positioned between at least a portion of the filter means and the inner wall surface of the container, the sealing member can move between a first position which allows the fluid to flow out of the container and a second position wherein the sealing member sealingly engages the container and the filter assembly; Y a pump assembly adapted to be operated by a user to remove air from the reservoir, whereby the actuation of the pump assembly pulls the sealing member to the second position allowing the air to be removed from the reservoir, thereby increasing the fluid flow rate through the filter medium and to the reservoir.

9. The fluid filtration system as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that the filtering means makes contact with the container so that the filtering means can be removed from the container.

10. The fluid filtration system as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that the container is formed of a transparent material.

11. The fluid filtration system as claimed in clause 10, characterized in that the transparent material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, polycarbonate and polyacrylate.

12. The filtration system as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that the pump assembly further comprises a first one-way valve and a compressible bulb, the first valve is placed between the reservoir and the compressible bulb, the first valve is adapted so that when the compressible bulb is compressed and expanded, the air is pulled from the reservoir through the first valve when the bulb expands.

13. The filtration system as claimed in clause 12, characterized in that the pump assembly further comprises a second valve of a guide adapted to allow air to flow out of the fluid filtration system as the compressible bulb is compressed.

14. The filtration system as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that the sealing member is pivotably connected to the filter means.

15. The filtration system as claimed in clause 14, characterized in that the sealing member comprises a fin.

16. A fluid filtration system comprising: a container including a reservoir which is held, at least in part by an interior wall surface; A filter assembly mounted to a container, the filter assembly includes a surface which sealingly engages at least a portion of the interior wall surface of the container, and filter means, the filter assembly is adapted so that the fluid entering the container flows to the filter assembly and through the filtering means before entering the tank; a sealing member positioned between at least a part of the filter assembly and the inner wall surface of the container, the sealing member can move between a first position which allows the fluid to flow out of the container and a second position into the container. that the sealing member makes sealing contact with the container and the filter assembly; Y a pump assembly adapted to be operated by a user to remove air from the reservoir so that the actuation of the pump assembly pulls the sealing member to the second position allowing air to be removed from the reservoir, thereby increasing the rate of Fluid flow through the filter assembly and into the reservoir.

17. The fluid filtration system as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that the filter assembly is removably mounted in the container.

18. The fluid filtration system as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that the filtering means engages the filter assembly so that the filtering means can be removed from the filter assembly.

19. The fluid filtration system as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that the container is formed of a transparent material.

20. The fluid filtration system as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that the pump assembly further comprises a first one-way valve and a compressible bulb, the first valve is placed between the reservoir and the compressible bulb, the first one The valve is adapted so that when the compressible bulb is compressed and expanded, the air is pulled from the reservoir through the first valve as the bulb expands.

21. The filtration system as claimed in clause 20, characterized in that the pump assembly further comprises a second one-way valve adapted to allow air to flow out of the fluid filtration system as the compressible bulb is compressed.

22. The filtration system as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that the sealing member is pivotably mounted to the filter assembly.

23. The filtration system as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that the sealing member comprises a fin.

24. A fluid filtration system comprising a container that includes an opening, and a reservoir which is joined, at least in part by an inner wall surface of the container; A filter assembly mounted on the container, the filter assembly includes a filter carrier having a surface which sealingly engages in at least a portion of the interior wall surface of the container, and filter media supported by the filter carrier, the filter assembly is adapted so that fluid entering the container opening flows to the filter assembly and through the filter media before entering the tank; a sealing member positioned between at least a part of the filter assembly and the inner wall surface of the container, the sealing member can move between a first position which allows the fluid to flow out of the container and a second position into the container. that the sealing member makes sealing contact with the container and the filter assembly; Y a pump assembly adapted to be operated by the user to remove air from the reservoir when the sealing member is in its second position, allowing air to be removed from the reservoir and increasing the rate of fluid flow through the filter assembly and until the deposit.

25. The fluid filtration system as claimed in clause 24, characterized in that the filter assembly is removably mounted in the container.

26. The fluid filtration system as claimed in clause 24, characterized in that the filtering means hooks the filter holder so that the filtering means can be removed from the filter holder.

27. The filtration system as claimed in clause 24 further characterized in that it includes a cover.

28. The filtration system as claimed in clause 24, characterized in that the sealing member is pivotably mounted to the filter assembly.

29. The filtration system as claimed in clause 24 characterized in that the pump assembly further comprises a first one-way valve and a compressible bulb, the first valve is placed between the reservoir and the compressible bulb, the first valve is adapted so that, when the compressible bulb is compressed and expanded, the air is pulled from the reservoir through the first valve when the bulb expands.

30. The filtration system as claimed in clause 29 characterized in that the pump assembly further comprises a second one-way valve adapted to allow air to flow out of the fluid filtration system as the compressible bulb is compressed. SUMMARY The present invention relates to a fluid filtration system that includes a container defining a reservoir and an opening in the reservoir. The filtering means can be located within the reservoir and adapted to divide the reservoir into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is adapted to receive the unfiltered fluid. The second chamber is adapted to retain the filtered fluid by passing it through the filtration medium. The fluid entering the first chamber is prohibited from entering the second chamber without first passing through the filtration medium. A mechanism is provided, said mechanism is adapted to lower the pressure within the second chamber in relation to the pressure in the first chamber so that the fluid entering the first chamber is pressed to pass through the filtration means and until the second camera.