WO2001019733A1 - A water filter cartridge - Google Patents

A water filter cartridge Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2001019733A1
WO2001019733A1 PCT/GB2000/003470 GB0003470W WO0119733A1 WO 2001019733 A1 WO2001019733 A1 WO 2001019733A1 GB 0003470 W GB0003470 W GB 0003470W WO 0119733 A1 WO0119733 A1 WO 0119733A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
closure
parts
filter cartridge
water filter
cup
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2000/003470
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Thomas Robinson
Original Assignee
Windmill Holdings Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Windmill Holdings Limited filed Critical Windmill Holdings Limited
Publication of WO2001019733A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001019733A1/en
Priority to GBGB0313348.5A priority Critical patent/GB0313348D0/en

Links

Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
    • C02F1/001—Processes for the treatment of water whereby the filtration technique is of importance
    • C02F1/003—Processes for the treatment of water whereby the filtration technique is of importance using household-type filters for producing potable water, e.g. pitchers, bottles, faucet mounted devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01D—SEPARATION
    • B01D2201/00—Details relating to filtering apparatus
    • B01D2201/30—Filter housing constructions
    • B01D2201/301—Details of removable closures, lids, caps, filter heads
    • B01D2201/305—Snap, latch or clip connecting means
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2201/00—Apparatus for treatment of water, waste water or sewage
    • C02F2201/002—Construction details of the apparatus
    • C02F2201/006—Cartridges
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
    • C02F2307/00—Location of water treatment or water treatment device
    • C02F2307/04—Location of water treatment or water treatment device as part of a pitcher or jug

Definitions

  • This invention relates to water filter cartridges which include a hollow moulded plastics container having an inlet and an outlet formed therein to allow water to exit and enter the interior, the container being adapted to contain water treatment medium in its interior.
  • Such water filter cartridges are for use in a drinking water filter bottle or in a water filter jug.
  • the water treatment medium often comprises a particulate filter material and granules of an adsorbent material that is activated carbon.
  • WO98/05401 explains that it is not practicable to mould the container with inlet and outlet slots which are narrow enough to prevent the water treatment medium particles escaping from within the cartridge. Therefore WO98/05401 proposes the use of a mesh which may be incorporated into the container during moulding of the container. However that is difficult to achieve in practice.
  • US-A-3 , 747 , 767 states that when the plastic material is used, it is often difficult from a manufacturing point of view, to provide a screen-like closure with openings of the desired size.
  • US-A-3 , 747 , 767 proposes forming such a screen-like arrangement by a plurality of concentrically arranged ribs with one group of the ribs superposed in a plane above the ribs of the another group so that the upper surface of the ribs of that other group and the lower surface of the ribs of the first mentioned group are in substantially the same plane. Further the ribs are offset or staggered relative to one another in the radial direction so that at the adjoining edges of the ribs in the common plane between them a narrow spacing is provided forming arcurately spaced slots.
  • the present invention arises from a realisation that, in striving to provide apertures which are small enough to prevent the water treatment medium particles from escaping from within the cartridge, one can end up with apertures which are so small that the water does not pass through them. Further, it is easier to provide apertures of the desired size reliably under mass production conditions which involve automated assembly if the location of the adjoining edges of apertures in two parts is controlled three dimensionally by providing a controlled clearance between the two parts in addition to controlling their relative lateral direction as taught in US-A- 3,747,767.
  • An object of this invention is to provide a water filter cartridge which can be readily produced in large quantities using plastics moulding techniques and automated assembly and which has an inlet and an outlet which allows water through but which inhibits the escape of unsightly water treatment medium particles from within the container.
  • a water filter cartridge comprising a container having an inlet and an outlet and being for containing a particulate water treatment medium in a flow path through the container between the inlet and the outlet, in which at least one of the inlet and the outlet includes at least one narrow gap formed between edges of non-aligned apertures in two parts which are fitted together, the arrangement being such that water that flows through at least one of the inlet and the outlet must flow through such a narrow gap between two parts, wherein spacer means are provided which maintain a certain clearance between the two parts that are fitted together so that the narrow gap is formed across the clearance between the edges of the non-aligned apertures in the two parts .
  • the spacer means comprise projections from one of the two parts which abut structure of the other part .
  • the two parts may be fitted together by a snap- fit arrangement which holds the two parts in position one relative to the other with the clearance maintained by the spacer means. This lends itself to automated assembly as the desired gaps will be formed regardless of the relative angular orientation of the two parts when they are assembled together.
  • the snap- fit arrangement may include hook elements formed on one of the two parts which engage a peripheral portion of the other part to retain that other part in position with the clearance therebetween.
  • the container includes a cup-shaped receptacle having a side wall and a base and a closure which is fitted to a brim of the cup-shaped receptacle at the end of the side wall remote from the base.
  • one of the parts is a grid member which is mounted face to face with an apertured portion of a respective one of the cup-shaped receptacle and the closure with the clearance therebetween, the latter being the other of the two parts, the grid member being oriented relative to the respective one of the cup-shaped receptacle and the closure so that structure of the grid member is aligned with an aperture in the respective one of the cup-shaped receptacle and the closure, each narrow gap being formed between an edge of an aperture in the respective one of the cup-shaped receptacle and the closure and a juxtapposed edge of the grid structure.
  • the base of the cup-shaped receptacle has apertures formed in it and is face to face with such a grid member
  • the grid member and the base may be
  • the closure may be releasably fitted to the cup- shaped receptacle around its brim so as to close the mouth of the cup-shaped receptacle that is bounded by the brim, the closure having a peripheral skirt portion which surrounds the brim and a narrow gap being formed between the closure and the brim and being in water flow communication with an aperture formed in the closure.
  • the remainder of the closure within the peripheral skirt portion may be domed with apertures formed therein and a similarly domed grid member may be fitted with its convex side face to face with the concave side of the closure whereby to form such narrow gaps therebetween.
  • Figure 1 is a side elevation of the water filter cartridge
  • Figure 2 is a plan view of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a section on the line III-III in Figure 2;
  • FIG 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of part of the cartridge as seen in Figure 3;
  • FIG 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view of another part of the cartridge as seen in Figure 3.
  • FIG 6 is an exploded view in perspective of the parts of the cartridge shown in Figures 1 to 5.
  • the drawings show that the cartridge (10) includes a cup-shaped receptacle (11) and a closure (12).
  • the receptacle (11) has a side wall (13) and a flat base (14).
  • the brim (15) of the cup-shaped receptacle (11) surrounds a mouth (16) (see Figures 3 and 4).
  • the closure (12) is fitted around the brim (15) as is described in more detail below.
  • the receptacle (11) and the closure (12) are moulded plastics components.
  • the closure (12) has a domed portion (17) which is joined to a peripheral skirt portion (18) by a radially outwardly extending annular flange portion (19).
  • a circumferential array of snap-fit hook elements (24) extend substantially axially from the concave face of the domed portion (17) substantially at the radially outer edge of the middle circumferential array of slots (22).
  • Another circumferential array of snap-fit hook elements (25) depend from the radially- inner surface of the annular flange portion (19) substantially at the outer edge of the circumferential array of slots (23).
  • Each of the snap-fit hook elements (24,25) has a resilient strip (26) (see Figure 4) which is integral with the remainder of the closure (12) at one end and which has an enlarged head (27) at its other end.
  • the enlarged head (27) forms a radially inwardly extending surface (28) at its inner end which co-operates with the resilient strip (26) to form a shoulder.
  • the remainder of the enlarged head (27) forms a sloping ramp surface (29) on its radially inner side so the enlarged head (27) tapers from the shoulder to the end remote from the remainder of the domed portion (17).
  • each juxtaposed pair of the inner circumferential array of snap-fit hook elements (24) is one of a circumferential array of radially inwardly projecting ribs (31), the ribs (31) being formed integrally with the domed portion (17) so that they project radially inwardly from the concave surface of the domed portion (17).
  • Each rib (31) has a depending finger portion (32) which is spaced from the concave surface of the domed portion (17) and which projects beyond the rim (33) of that domed portion which is formed by the underside of the annular flange portion (19).
  • a circumferential array of spaced, precisely formed circular projections (34) projects axially from the rim (33) by 0.20mm each.
  • a shallow semi-spherical recess (35) is formed in the center of the concave surface of the domed portion (17) to accommodate any projection that may be formed at the injection point during the forming of the closure (12) by injection moulding.
  • a number of locating ridges are formed in the concave surface of the domed portion (17).
  • the locating ridges (36) project radially inwardly from the concave surface of the domed portion (17) by 0.20mm.
  • a semi-spherical hollow grid structure (37) is formed as a separate part by moulding.
  • It comprises a dished circular central disk portion (38) and three substantially concentric ring portions (39,40,41), the ring portion (40) having a smaller diameter than the ring portion (41) and a greater diameter than the ring portion (39) which in turn has a greater diameter than the outside diameter of the central circular disk portion (38).
  • the three ring portions (39,40,41) and the central disk portion (38) are interconnected by a circumferential array of radially extending arcuate portions (42) .
  • the grid structure (37) is one part which is fitted together with another part, namely the closure (12) to form an inlet of the cartridge (10).
  • the grid structure (37) is assembled with the closure (17) by a snap-fit arrangement.
  • the radially outer ring portion (41) is forced passed the enlarged heads (27) of the snap-fit hook elements (24) by traversing the ramp surfaces (29) and thereby deflecting the enlarged heads (27) radially outwardly until the ring portion (41) passes the enlarged heads (27) whereupon, due to the inherent resilience of the resilient strips (26), the enlarged heads (27) spring back to retain the grid structure (37) in position spaced from the concave surface of the domed portion (17) of the closure (12).
  • the clearance between the convex surface of the grid structure (37) and the concave surface of the domed portion (17) is of the order of 0.20mm due to the projecting locating ridges (36) which are abutted by aligned parts of the grid structure (37).
  • Figure 4 shows that the radially outer ring portion (41) is aligned with the slots (22) of the middle of the three circumferential arrays of slots (21,22,23) and that the inner ring portion (39) is aligned with the inner circumferential array of slots (21).
  • the grid structure (37) is located radially with respect to the closure (12) by the ribs (31) which engage the radially outer edge of the outer ring portion (41) so that the outer ring portion (41) and the inner ring portion (39) are located substantially centrally with respect to the aligned slots (22 and 21).
  • the brim (15) is spaced from the rim (33) of the closure (17) by the circumferential array of circular projections (34).
  • This forms a circumferential array of narrow gaps of the order of 0.20mm which each communicate with the radially outer circumferential array of slots (23).
  • a semi-spherical dished recess (43) is formed substantially centrally in the convex surface of the central disk portion (38) to accommodate any projection that may be formed at the injection point during the forming of the grid structure by injection moulding.
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 show that the base (14) is formed with three substantially concentric circumferential arrays of arcuate slots (44,45,46) with six radial reinforcing ribs (47) projecting radially outwardly from a central disk portion to a circular projection of the side wall (13).
  • Figure 5 shows two upstanding snap-fit hook elements (48) which are formed integrally with the base (14) to which they are connected by the ends of their resilient strips (49) remote from their enlarged heads (51).
  • Four axially extending radially inwardly projecting locating ribs (52) are formed integrally with the sidewall (13).
  • a substantially flat circular grid structure (53) is located substantially co-axially with the base (14) by the locating ribs (52) which engage its radially outer peripheral surface, and is held in position relative to the base (14) by the hook elements (48).
  • the grid structure (53) is one part which is fitted together with another part, namely the base (14), to form an outlet of the cartridge (10).
  • Projections (54) from the underside of radial rib portions (55) of the circular grid structure (53) engage the inner surface of the base (14) so as to locate the grid structure (53) spaced from the base (14) by a precise dimension which is of the order of 0.20mm.
  • the grid structure (53) comprises a central disk portion (56) and three concentric ring portions (57,58,59) all interconnected by a number (say 12) of the radial rib portions (55) which are equiangularly spaced from one another.
  • Figure 5 shows that each of the ring portions (57-59) is aligned and substantially centrally located with respect to a respective one of the circumferential array of arcuate slots (44,45,46) formed in the base (14).

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Water Treatment By Sorption (AREA)

Abstract

A water filter cartridge (10) for a particular water treatment medium has an inlet and an outlet permitting the passage of water through the cartridge (10). The cartridge (10) includes two parts (12 and 37, 14 and 53) which between them define a narrow through-passage and are arranged such that water flowing through at least one of the inlet and the outlet must pass through the through-passage. Part of the through passage is formed by a clearance between the two parts established by spacer projections (36). By suitable juxtaposition of the two parts, a through-passage small enough to inhibit escape of the particulate medium can readily be produced using plastics moulding techniques.

Description

A WATER FILTER CARTRIDGE
This invention relates to water filter cartridges which include a hollow moulded plastics container having an inlet and an outlet formed therein to allow water to exit and enter the interior, the container being adapted to contain water treatment medium in its interior. Such water filter cartridges are for use in a drinking water filter bottle or in a water filter jug.
The water treatment medium often comprises a particulate filter material and granules of an adsorbent material that is activated carbon. WO98/05401 explains that it is not practicable to mould the container with inlet and outlet slots which are narrow enough to prevent the water treatment medium particles escaping from within the cartridge. Therefore WO98/05401 proposes the use of a mesh which may be incorporated into the container during moulding of the container. However that is difficult to achieve in practice. US-A-3 , 747 , 767 states that when the plastic material is used, it is often difficult from a manufacturing point of view, to provide a screen-like closure with openings of the desired size. Therefore US-A-3 , 747 , 767 proposes forming such a screen-like arrangement by a plurality of concentrically arranged ribs with one group of the ribs superposed in a plane above the ribs of the another group so that the upper surface of the ribs of that other group and the lower surface of the ribs of the first mentioned group are in substantially the same plane. Further the ribs are offset or staggered relative to one another in the radial direction so that at the adjoining edges of the ribs in the common plane between them a narrow spacing is provided forming arcurately spaced slots.
The present invention arises from a realisation that, in striving to provide apertures which are small enough to prevent the water treatment medium particles from escaping from within the cartridge, one can end up with apertures which are so small that the water does not pass through them. Further, it is easier to provide apertures of the desired size reliably under mass production conditions which involve automated assembly if the location of the adjoining edges of apertures in two parts is controlled three dimensionally by providing a controlled clearance between the two parts in addition to controlling their relative lateral direction as taught in US-A- 3,747,767.
An object of this invention is to provide a water filter cartridge which can be readily produced in large quantities using plastics moulding techniques and automated assembly and which has an inlet and an outlet which allows water through but which inhibits the escape of unsightly water treatment medium particles from within the container.
According to this invention there is provided a water filter cartridge comprising a container having an inlet and an outlet and being for containing a particulate water treatment medium in a flow path through the container between the inlet and the outlet, in which at least one of the inlet and the outlet includes at least one narrow gap formed between edges of non-aligned apertures in two parts which are fitted together, the arrangement being such that water that flows through at least one of the inlet and the outlet must flow through such a narrow gap between two parts, wherein spacer means are provided which maintain a certain clearance between the two parts that are fitted together so that the narrow gap is formed across the clearance between the edges of the non-aligned apertures in the two parts .
Preferably the spacer means comprise projections from one of the two parts which abut structure of the other part . The two parts may be fitted together by a snap- fit arrangement which holds the two parts in position one relative to the other with the clearance maintained by the spacer means. This lends itself to automated assembly as the desired gaps will be formed regardless of the relative angular orientation of the two parts when they are assembled together. The snap- fit arrangement may include hook elements formed on one of the two parts which engage a peripheral portion of the other part to retain that other part in position with the clearance therebetween.
Conveniently the container includes a cup-shaped receptacle having a side wall and a base and a closure which is fitted to a brim of the cup-shaped receptacle at the end of the side wall remote from the base. Preferably one of the parts is a grid member which is mounted face to face with an apertured portion of a respective one of the cup-shaped receptacle and the closure with the clearance therebetween, the latter being the other of the two parts, the grid member being oriented relative to the respective one of the cup-shaped receptacle and the closure so that structure of the grid member is aligned with an aperture in the respective one of the cup-shaped receptacle and the closure, each narrow gap being formed between an edge of an aperture in the respective one of the cup-shaped receptacle and the closure and a juxtapposed edge of the grid structure. Where the base of the cup-shaped receptacle has apertures formed in it and is face to face with such a grid member, the grid member and the base may be flat.
The closure may be releasably fitted to the cup- shaped receptacle around its brim so as to close the mouth of the cup-shaped receptacle that is bounded by the brim, the closure having a peripheral skirt portion which surrounds the brim and a narrow gap being formed between the closure and the brim and being in water flow communication with an aperture formed in the closure. The remainder of the closure within the peripheral skirt portion may be domed with apertures formed therein and a similarly domed grid member may be fitted with its convex side face to face with the concave side of the closure whereby to form such narrow gaps therebetween.
One form of water filter cartridge in which this invention is embodied is described now by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings , of which :-
Figure 1 is a side elevation of the water filter cartridge;
Figure 2 is a plan view of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a section on the line III-III in Figure 2;
Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of part of the cartridge as seen in Figure 3;
Figure 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view of another part of the cartridge as seen in Figure 3; and
Figure 6 is an exploded view in perspective of the parts of the cartridge shown in Figures 1 to 5. The drawings show that the cartridge (10) includes a cup-shaped receptacle (11) and a closure (12). The receptacle (11) has a side wall (13) and a flat base (14). The brim (15) of the cup-shaped receptacle (11) surrounds a mouth (16) (see Figures 3 and 4). The closure (12) is fitted around the brim (15) as is described in more detail below. The receptacle (11) and the closure (12) are moulded plastics components. The closure (12) has a domed portion (17) which is joined to a peripheral skirt portion (18) by a radially outwardly extending annular flange portion (19).
Three substantially concentric circumferential arrays of angularly spaced slots (21,22,23) are formed in the domed portion (17) during the moulding process. The radially outer array of slots (23) is at the junction of the domed portion (17) and the annular flange portion (19).
A circumferential array of snap-fit hook elements (24) extend substantially axially from the concave face of the domed portion (17) substantially at the radially outer edge of the middle circumferential array of slots (22). Another circumferential array of snap-fit hook elements (25) depend from the radially- inner surface of the annular flange portion (19) substantially at the outer edge of the circumferential array of slots (23).
Each of the snap-fit hook elements (24,25) has a resilient strip (26) (see Figure 4) which is integral with the remainder of the closure (12) at one end and which has an enlarged head (27) at its other end. The enlarged head (27) forms a radially inwardly extending surface (28) at its inner end which co-operates with the resilient strip (26) to form a shoulder. The remainder of the enlarged head (27) forms a sloping ramp surface (29) on its radially inner side so the enlarged head (27) tapers from the shoulder to the end remote from the remainder of the domed portion (17). Midway between each juxtaposed pair of the inner circumferential array of snap-fit hook elements (24) is one of a circumferential array of radially inwardly projecting ribs (31), the ribs (31) being formed integrally with the domed portion (17) so that they project radially inwardly from the concave surface of the domed portion (17). Each rib (31) has a depending finger portion (32) which is spaced from the concave surface of the domed portion (17) and which projects beyond the rim (33) of that domed portion which is formed by the underside of the annular flange portion (19).
A circumferential array of spaced, precisely formed circular projections (34) projects axially from the rim (33) by 0.20mm each.
A shallow semi-spherical recess (35) is formed in the center of the concave surface of the domed portion (17) to accommodate any projection that may be formed at the injection point during the forming of the closure (12) by injection moulding. A number of locating ridges (see 36 in Figure 4 for example) are formed in the concave surface of the domed portion (17). The locating ridges (36) project radially inwardly from the concave surface of the domed portion (17) by 0.20mm. A semi-spherical hollow grid structure (37) is formed as a separate part by moulding. It comprises a dished circular central disk portion (38) and three substantially concentric ring portions (39,40,41), the ring portion (40) having a smaller diameter than the ring portion (41) and a greater diameter than the ring portion (39) which in turn has a greater diameter than the outside diameter of the central circular disk portion (38). The three ring portions (39,40,41) and the central disk portion (38) are interconnected by a circumferential array of radially extending arcuate portions (42) .
The grid structure (37) is one part which is fitted together with another part, namely the closure (12) to form an inlet of the cartridge (10). The grid structure (37) is assembled with the closure (17) by a snap-fit arrangement. To carry out this snap-fit assembly the radially outer ring portion (41) is forced passed the enlarged heads (27) of the snap-fit hook elements (24) by traversing the ramp surfaces (29) and thereby deflecting the enlarged heads (27) radially outwardly until the ring portion (41) passes the enlarged heads (27) whereupon, due to the inherent resilience of the resilient strips (26), the enlarged heads (27) spring back to retain the grid structure (37) in position spaced from the concave surface of the domed portion (17) of the closure (12). The clearance between the convex surface of the grid structure (37) and the concave surface of the domed portion (17) is of the order of 0.20mm due to the projecting locating ridges (36) which are abutted by aligned parts of the grid structure (37).
Figure 4 shows that the radially outer ring portion (41) is aligned with the slots (22) of the middle of the three circumferential arrays of slots (21,22,23) and that the inner ring portion (39) is aligned with the inner circumferential array of slots (21). The grid structure (37) is located radially with respect to the closure (12) by the ribs (31) which engage the radially outer edge of the outer ring portion (41) so that the outer ring portion (41) and the inner ring portion (39) are located substantially centrally with respect to the aligned slots (22 and 21). Hence a narrow gap of precise dimensions is formed between the edges of the slots (21 and 22) in the concave surface of the domed portion (17) on the one hand and the juxtaposed edges of the aligned ring portions (39 and 41) of the grid structure (37) on the other hand. These narrow gaps of precise dimensions are considerably smaller than can be formed by moulding techniques over a large quantity of components . The brim (15) of the cup-shaped receptacle (11) is snap-fitted into the radially outer array of snap- fit hook elements (25) in much the same way as has been described above for snap-fitting the grid structure (37) into the circumferential array of snap- fit hook elements (24) of the closure (12). In that condition, as is shown in Figure 4, the brim (15) is spaced from the rim (33) of the closure (17) by the circumferential array of circular projections (34). This forms a circumferential array of narrow gaps of the order of 0.20mm which each communicate with the radially outer circumferential array of slots (23). A semi-spherical dished recess (43) is formed substantially centrally in the convex surface of the central disk portion (38) to accommodate any projection that may be formed at the injection point during the forming of the grid structure by injection moulding. It will be understood that any such pips formed in the recess (43) and the aligned recess (35) in the concave surface of the closure (17) will not project sufficiently to interfere with the precise spacing of the grid structure (37) and the domed portion (17) of the closure (12). Figures 5 and 6 show that the base (14) is formed with three substantially concentric circumferential arrays of arcuate slots (44,45,46) with six radial reinforcing ribs (47) projecting radially outwardly from a central disk portion to a circular projection of the side wall (13). Figure 5 shows two upstanding snap-fit hook elements (48) which are formed integrally with the base (14) to which they are connected by the ends of their resilient strips (49) remote from their enlarged heads (51). Four axially extending radially inwardly projecting locating ribs (52) are formed integrally with the sidewall (13).
A substantially flat circular grid structure (53) is located substantially co-axially with the base (14) by the locating ribs (52) which engage its radially outer peripheral surface, and is held in position relative to the base (14) by the hook elements (48). Hence the grid structure (53) is one part which is fitted together with another part, namely the base (14), to form an outlet of the cartridge (10). Projections (54) from the underside of radial rib portions (55) of the circular grid structure (53) engage the inner surface of the base (14) so as to locate the grid structure (53) spaced from the base (14) by a precise dimension which is of the order of 0.20mm. The grid structure (53) comprises a central disk portion (56) and three concentric ring portions (57,58,59) all interconnected by a number (say 12) of the radial rib portions (55) which are equiangularly spaced from one another. Figure 5 shows that each of the ring portions (57-59) is aligned and substantially centrally located with respect to a respective one of the circumferential array of arcuate slots (44,45,46) formed in the base (14). Hence narrow gaps of precise dimensions are formed between each edge of each of the slots (44-46) in the base (14) and the juxtaposed edge of the aligned ring portion (57-59) in substantially the same manner as has been described above with respect to the grid structure (36) and the domed portion (17) of the closure (12).

Claims

1 A water filter cartridge ( 10) comprising a container having an inlet and
an outlet and being for containing a particulate water treatment medium in a
flow path through the container between the inlet and the outlet, wherein at
least one of the inlet and the outlet includes at least one narrow gap formed
between edges of non-aligned apertures in two parts ( 12 and 37, 14- and 53)
which are fitted together, the arrangement being such that water that flows
through at least one of the inlet and the outlet must flo through such a
narrow gap between the two parts, characterised by spacer means (34, 36, 5+)
which maintain a certain clearance between the two parts ( 12 and 37, 14 and
53) that are fitted together so that the narrow gap is formed across the
clearance between the edges of the non-aligned apertures (21-23, 44-46) in the
two parts ( 12 and 37, 14 and 53).
2 A water filter cartridge ( 10) according to claim 1 , wherein the spacer
means comprise projections from one ( 12, 53) of the two parts which abut
structure of the other part (37, 14).
3. A water filter cartridge ( 10) according to claim l or claim 2, wherein
the two parts ( 12 and 37, 14 and 53) are fitted together by a snap-fit arrangement which holds the two parts (12 and 37, 14 and 53) in position one
relative to the other with the clearance maintained therebetween by the spacer
means (34, 36, 54)
4 A water filter cartridge (lO) according to claim 3, wherein the snap-fit
arrangement includes hook elements (24,48) formed on one (12, 14) of the
two parts which engage a peripheral portion of the other part (37,53) to retain
that other part (37,53) in position with the clearance therebetween
5 A water filter cartridge (lO) according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
wherein the container includes a cup-shaped receptacle (li) having a side wall
(13) and a base (14) and a closure (12) which is fitted to a brim (15) of the
cup-shaped receptacle (li) at the end of the side wall (13) remote from the
base (14)
6 A water filter cartridge (lO) according to claim 5, wherein one of the
parts is a grid member (37, 53) which is mounted face to face with an
apertuied portion (17) of a respective one of the cup-shaped receptacle (l l)
and the closure (12) so that structure of the grid member (37,53) is aligned
ith an aperture (21-33, 44-46) in the respective one of the cup-shaped
receptacle (ll) and the closure (1 ), each narrow gap being formed bet een an edge of an aperture (21-23, 44-46) in the respective one of the cup-shaped
receptacle (ll) and the closure (12) and a juxtaposed edge of the grid
structure (37,53)
7 A water filter cartridge (10) according to claim 6, wherein the base of
(14) of the cup-shaped receptacle (ll) has apertures (44-46) formed in it and is
face to face with such a grid member (53), the grid member (53) and the base
14) being flat
8 A water filter cartridge (10) according to claim 5 or either of claims 6
and 7 when appended to claim 5, wherein the closure (12) is releaseably fitted
to the cup-shaped receptacle (l l) around its brim (1 ) so as to close the mouth
of the cup-shaped receptacle (l l) that is bounded by the brim (15), the closure
(12) having a peripheral skirt portion (18) hich surrounds the brim (15) and
a narrow gap being formed between the closure (12) and the brim (15) and
being in water flow communication with an aperture (23) formed in the
closure (12)
9 A water filter cartridge (10) according to claim 8, wherein the
remainder (17) of the closure (12) ithin the peripheral skirt portion (18) is
domed with apertures (21-23) formed therein and a similarly domed grid member (37) is fitted with its convex side face to face with the concave side of
the closure ( 12) w hereby to form such narrow gaps therebetween
PCT/GB2000/003470 1999-09-14 2000-09-08 A water filter cartridge WO2001019733A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB0313348.5A GB0313348D0 (en) 1999-09-14 2003-06-10 A water filter cartridge

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9921713.5 1999-09-14
GBGB9921713.5A GB9921713D0 (en) 1999-09-14 1999-09-14 A water filter cartridge

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001019733A1 true WO2001019733A1 (en) 2001-03-22

Family

ID=10860892

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2000/003470 WO2001019733A1 (en) 1999-09-14 2000-09-08 A water filter cartridge

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (2) GB9921713D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2001019733A1 (en)

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WO2009072912A1 (en) * 2007-12-05 2009-06-11 Formaster S.A. Gravitational water filter
WO2012130329A1 (en) * 2011-04-01 2012-10-04 Aktiebolaget Electrolux A filter unit and a water filtering device comprising a filter unit
US8883280B2 (en) 2011-08-31 2014-11-11 Berry Plastics Corporation Polymeric material for an insulated container
US9067705B2 (en) 2011-06-17 2015-06-30 Berry Plastics Corporation Process for forming an insulated container having artwork
US9102461B2 (en) 2011-06-17 2015-08-11 Berry Plastics Corporation Insulated sleeve for a cup
US9150344B2 (en) 2012-12-14 2015-10-06 Berry Plastics Corporation Blank for container
US9562140B2 (en) 2013-08-16 2017-02-07 Berry Plastics Corporation Polymeric material for an insulated container
US9688456B2 (en) 2012-12-14 2017-06-27 Berry Plastics Corporation Brim of an insulated container
US9713906B2 (en) 2012-08-07 2017-07-25 Berry Plastics Corporation Cup-forming process and machine
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GB2197647A (en) * 1986-08-12 1988-05-25 Precision Engineering Co Water treatment device

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US4283283A (en) * 1980-03-20 1981-08-11 Bon Aqua Water filter
GB2197647A (en) * 1986-08-12 1988-05-25 Precision Engineering Co Water treatment device

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009072912A1 (en) * 2007-12-05 2009-06-11 Formaster S.A. Gravitational water filter
WO2012130329A1 (en) * 2011-04-01 2012-10-04 Aktiebolaget Electrolux A filter unit and a water filtering device comprising a filter unit
CN103502152A (en) * 2011-04-01 2014-01-08 伊莱克斯公司 Filter unit and water filtering device comprising filter unit
US9993098B2 (en) 2011-06-17 2018-06-12 Berry Plastics Corporation Insulated container with molded brim
US9694962B2 (en) 2011-06-17 2017-07-04 Berry Plastics Corporation Process for forming an insulated container having artwork
US9758292B2 (en) 2011-06-17 2017-09-12 Berry Plastics Corporation Insulated container
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US9975687B2 (en) 2011-06-17 2018-05-22 Berry Plastics Corporation Process for forming an insulated container having artwork
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US9067705B2 (en) 2011-06-17 2015-06-30 Berry Plastics Corporation Process for forming an insulated container having artwork
US9758293B2 (en) 2011-06-17 2017-09-12 Berry Plastics Corporation Insulative container
US8883280B2 (en) 2011-08-31 2014-11-11 Berry Plastics Corporation Polymeric material for an insulated container
US9624348B2 (en) 2011-08-31 2017-04-18 Berry Plastic Corporation Polymeric material for an insulated container
US10428195B2 (en) 2011-08-31 2019-10-01 Berry Plastics Corporation Polymeric material for an insulated container
US9783649B2 (en) 2011-08-31 2017-10-10 Berry Plastics Corporation Polymeric material for an insulated container
US9102802B2 (en) 2011-08-31 2015-08-11 Berry Plastics Corporation Polymeric material for an insulated container
US9713906B2 (en) 2012-08-07 2017-07-25 Berry Plastics Corporation Cup-forming process and machine
US10011696B2 (en) 2012-10-26 2018-07-03 Berry Plastics Corporation Polymeric material for an insulated container
US9731888B2 (en) 2012-12-14 2017-08-15 Berry Plastics Corporation Blank for container
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US9150344B2 (en) 2012-12-14 2015-10-06 Berry Plastics Corporation Blank for container
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US11091311B2 (en) 2017-08-08 2021-08-17 Berry Global, Inc. Insulated container and method of making the same
US11214429B2 (en) 2017-08-08 2022-01-04 Berry Global, Inc. Insulated multi-layer sheet and method of making the same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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GB9921713D0 (en) 1999-11-17

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