Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
WATER FILTRATION APPARATUS WITH
TOP-LOADING FILTER CARTRIDGE HOUSING
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to water filtration systems installed at
a point-of-use
or a point-of-entry of plumbing networks in buildings, and more particularly
to a top-
loading filter cartridge housing for such systems.
Background of the Invention
100021 Figure 1 shows a side view of a conventional water filtration system.
The system
may be installed as a point-of-use system beneath a sink to filter water for a
single faucet,
or as a larger point-of-entry or "whole home" system in a basement or a
utility room to
filter water for a plumbing network. In either case, the system may have one
filter assembly,
or, as shown in Figure 1, multiple filter assemblies linked in series. Each
filter assembly
has a distributor that is connected to inflow and outflow lines, and a filter
housing that
holds a filter cartridge. The distributor directs unfiltered water from the
inflow line to the
filter housing where the filter cartridge traps contaminants, and directs
filtered water from
the filter housing to the outflow line. The filter housing has a canister form
with an open
top end and a closed bottom end. The bottom of the distributor and the top end
of the filter
housing have complementary threads so that the filter housing can be screwed
onto the
distributor, which acts as a cap for the open top end of the filter housing.
100031 When the filter cartridge requires replacement, the lines connected to
the distributor
are isolated with valves, and the filter housing is unscrewed from the
distributor. However,
since the filter housing is a low point relative to the lines, the filter
housing may be full of
water that needs to be poured down a drain. The user must take care to avoid
spilling the
water when transferring the filter housing to the drain. In the case of larger
filter housings,
water in the filter housing may make the filter housing heavy and difficult to
handle for
some users. Moreover, upon unscrewing the filter housing, any water left in
the lines
between the isolation valves will flow out through the distributor. As such,
the user must
have buckets, mops or absorbent materials on hand to deal with the draining
water.
1
CA 2997163 2018-03-02
[0004] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a water filtration system
that allows for
cleaner and more convenient replacement of the filter cartridge than
conventional systems.
Summary of the Invention
[0005] In one aspect, the present invention comprises an apparatus for
filtering water. The
apparatus comprise a tubular housing, a lid, and a distributor. The tubular
housing defines
a housing interior for holding a tubular filter cartridge radially dividing
the housing interior
into a feed zone and a filtrate zone. The housing interior extends vertically
from a housing
bottom end to a housing top end defining a housing top end. The housing top
end opening
is sized to allow the filter cartridge to be inserted into and removed from
the housing
interior. The lid is removably attached in sealing relationship to the housing
top end to
prevent water flow out of the housing interior via the housing top end
opening. The
distributor is attached in sealing relationship to the housing bottom end. The
distributor
defines an inflow passage for directing water flow into the feed zone of the
housing interior,
and an outflow passage for directing water flow out of the filtrate zone of
the housing
interior.
[0006] In an embodiment of the apparatus, the lid is removably attached to the
housing top
end by a threaded connection.
[0007] In an embodiment of the apparatus, the lid comprises contours for
removably
attaching the lid to the filter cartridge, so that the lid retains the filter
cartridge when the
filter cartridge is disposed outside of the housing interior.
[0008] In an embodiment of the apparatus, the inflow passage is for directing
water flow
from a distributor inlet to the feed zone of the housing interior.
[0009] In an embodiment of the apparatus, the housing bottom end is removably
attached
to the distributor.
[0010] In an embodiment of the apparatus, the apparatus further comprises a
tank defining
a tank interior for holding a granular filtration medium, and a tank opening.
The distributor
is removably attached in sealing relationship to the tank to control water
flow out of the
tank via the tank opening. The tank may be removably attached to the
distributor by a
2
CA 2997163 2018-03-02
threaded connection. The outflow passage is for directing water flow from the
filtrate zone
of the housing interior to the tank interior. The outflow passage may
comprises a stand pipe
extending downwardly from the distributor into the tank interior. The
distributor further
defines a second outflow passage for directing water flow out of the tank
interior. The
second outflow passage may direct water flow from the tank interior to a
distributor outlet.
The apparatus may further comprise a filter for preventing the granular
filtration material
from being carried by the water into the second outflow passage. The housing,
the
distributor and the tank may be disposed in a vertically aligned relationship
with the tank
disposed beneath the distributor.
[0011] In another aspect, the present invention comprises a method for
filtering water. The
method comprises the steps of:
(a) providing a tubular housing defining a housing interior holding a
tubular
filter cartridge radially dividing the housing interior into a feed zone and a
filtrate zone, the housing extending vertically from a housing bottom end
to a housing top end defining a housing top end opening;
(b) providing a distributor attached in sealing relationship to the housing
bottom end, wherein the distributor defines an inflow passage for directing
water flow into the feed zone of the housing interior, and an outflow
passage for directing water flow out of the filtrate zone of the housing
interior;
(c) removably attaching a lid in sealing relationship to the housing top
end to
prevent water flow out of the housing interior via the housing top end
opening; and
(d) flowing water into the feed zone of the housing interior via the inflow
passage, through the filter cartridge into the filtrate zone of the housing
interior, and out of the filtrate zone of the housing interior via the outflow
passage.
[0012] In an embodiment of the method, the method further comprises the steps
of:
3
CA 2997163 2018-03-02
(a) detaching the lid from the housing top end to expose the housing top
end
opening;
(b) removing the filter cartridge from the housing interior through the
housing
top end opening, while the housing bottom end is attached to the
distributor;
(c) inserting a replacement filter cartridge into the housing interior
through
the housing top end opening, while the housing bottom end is attached to
the distributor; and
(d) removably re-attaching the lid in sealing relationship to the housing
top
end to prevent water flow out of the housing interior via the housing top
end opening.
[0013] In an embodiment of the method, the method further comprises the steps
of:
(a) providing a tank defining a tank interior holding a granular
filtration
medium, and a tank opening, wherein the distributor is removably attached
in sealing relationship to the tank to control water flow out of the tank via
the tank opening, wherein the outflow passage is for directing water flow
from the filtrate zone of the housing interior to the tank interior, and
wherein the distributor further defines a second outflow passage for
directing water flow out of the tank interior; and
(b) flowing water out of the filtrate zone of the housing interior into the
tank
interior via the outflow passage, through the granular filtration medium,
and out of the tank interior via the second outflow passage.
100141 Embodiments of the apparatus of present invention may be advantageous
over
conventional water filtration systems in the following respects. First,
embodiments of the
apparatus may allow for cleaner and more convenient replacement of the filter
cartridge.
When replacing the filter cartridge, any water contained in the housing will
tend to remain
in the housing interior, and does not need to be poured into a drain. Second,
embodiments
of the apparatus may allow a single distributor to sequentially direct water
flow through
4
CA 2997163 2018-03-02
two filtration media ¨ that is, through the filter cartridge contained in the
housing interior,
and the granular filtration medium stored in the tank interior. Third,
embodiments of the
apparatus may have a vertical arrangement of the housing and the tank, which
may allow
for a more compact horizontal footprint of the apparatus in comparison with
conventional
water filtration systems that link multiple filter assemblies in series, and
horizontally
adjacent to each other.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0015] In the drawings shown in the specification, like elements may be
assigned like
reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, with the
emphasis instead
placed upon the principles of the present invention. Additionally, each of the
embodiments
depicted are but one of a number of possible arrangements utilizing the
fundamental
concepts of the present invention.
[0016] Figure 1 shows a side view of a water filtration system in the prior
art.
[0017] Figure 2 shows a side perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus
of the
present invention, when connected to inflow and outflow lines with isolation
valves.
[0018] Figure 3 shows an exploded side perspective view of the apparatus of
Figure 2.
[0019] Figure 4 shows a side perspective view of the assembled distributor,
filter housing,
and basket filter of the apparatus of Figure 2.
[0020] Figure 5 shows an exploded side view of a lid assembly of the apparatus
of Figure
2.
[0021] Figure 6 shows an exploded side view of a distributor assembly of the
apparatus of
Figure 2.
[0022] Figure 7 shows an exploded side view of a basket filter assembly of the
apparatus
of Figure 2.
[0023] Figure 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure
2, with dashed
lines showing water flow through the apparatus.
5
CA 2997163 2018-03-02
[0024] Figures 9A and 9B show a first and second side cross-sectional views
through
mutually perpendicular mid-section planes of an alternative embodiment of a
lid, housing,
filter cartridge and distributor assembly of the present invention.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment
[0025] Definitions. Any term or expression not expressly defined herein shall
have its
commonly accepted definition understood by a person skilled in the art.
[0026] Overview. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of an apparatus (10) of the
present
invention for filtering water. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the embodiment of
the apparatus
(10) includes a housing (20), a lid (60), a tank (80), a distributor (100),
and a filter (150).
These and other parts of the apparatus (10), and its use and operation are
described in
greater detail below.
[0027] Housing. The housing (20) is tubular, and defines a housing interior
(22) that
extends vertically from a housing bottom end (24) to a housing top end (26).
The housing
top end (26) defines a housing top end opening (28) that is sized to allow a
tubular filter
cartridge (40) to be inserted into and removed from the housing interior (22).
[0028] Tubular filter cartridges (40) are known to persons of ordinary skill
in the art of
water filtration systems. The present invention is not limited by any
particular type of filter
cartridge (40). Filter cartridges (40) are available in a variety of sizes,
and may contain a
variety of different types of filtration media. As a non-limiting example, the
filter cartridge
(40) may be a "pre-filter" made of polypropylene, for removing particulate
contaminants
such as sediment and rust particles from water. As another non-limiting
example, the filter
cartridge (40) may contain granular activated carbon for removing chlorine,
heavy metals,
and volatile organic compounds from water.
[0029] As shown in Figure 8, when the filter cartridge (40) is disposed in the
housing
interior (22), the filter cartridge (40) divides the housing interior (22)
into a feed zone (30)
and a filtrate zone (32). The feed zone (30) refers to that portion of the
housing interior
(22) through which water flows before passing through the filter cartridge
(40).
Conversely, the filtrate zone (32) refers to that portion of the housing
interior (22) through
6
CA 2997163 2018-03-02
which water flows after passing through the filter cartridge (40). In the
embodiment shown
in Figure 8, the feed zone (30) and filtrate zone (32) are located on the
radially outward
and radially inward sides, respectively, of the filter cartridge (40), so that
water flows
radially inwards through the filter cartridge (40) towards the center of the
filter housing. In
other embodiments, the position of the feed zone (30) and filtrate zone (32)
may be reversed
so that water flows radially outwards through the filter cartridge (40) away
from the center
of the filter housing.
[0030] In the embodiments shown in the Figures, the housing (20) is molded
from
propylene copolymer or copolyester resin, and may be transparent so that the
filter
cartridge (40) is visible when inside the housing interior (22). In other
embodiments, the
housing (20) may be made of different materials.
[0031] In the embodiments shown in the Figures, the housing (20) has a
circular horizontal
cross-sectional shape so that the housing (20) as a whole has a substantially
cylindrical
shape. In other embodiments, the housing (20) may have different cross-
sectional shapes,
while retaining a tubular form.
[0032] In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the inner wall of the housing (20)
defines
protrusions (34) that extend radially inward to contact the outer surface of
the filter
cartridge (40). These protrusions (34) center the filter cartridge (40) within
the housing
interior (22) and separate the outer surface of the filter cartridge (40) from
the inner wall
of the housing (20), thus defining the feed zone (30) in between.
100331 Lid. The lid (60) is removably attached, in sealing relationship, to
the housing top
end (26) to prevent water flow out of the housing interior (22) via the
housing top end
opening (28).
[0034] In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the lid (60) is molded from
propylene
copolymer. In other embodiments, the lid (60) may be made of different
materials.
[0035] In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the housing top end (26) and
the bottom
surface of the lid (60) and define complementary cylindrical threaded sections
(36, 62) that
allow the lid (60) to be screwed onto the housing top end (26). A top 0-ring
gasket (64)
7
CA 2997163 2018-03-02
made of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber is provided to better
ensure a
water-tight seal between the lid (60) and the housing top end (26). In other
embodiments,
the lid (60) may be removably attached in sealing relationship to the housing
top end (26)
using other types of connections and sealing elements as necessary.
[0036] In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the bottom surface of the lid (60)
is contoured
to define prongs (66) that engage the top end of the filter cartridge (40).
These prongs (66)
may be used to removably attach the filter cartridge (40) to the lid (60)
before the lid (60)
is attached to the housing top end (26). That is, the lid (60) can be used to
hold the filter
cartridge (40) as it is being inserted through the housing top end opening
(28) into the
housing interior (22). Once the filter cartridge (40) has been inserted into
the housing
interior (22), these prongs (66) help to retain the filter cartridge (40) in
place within the
housing interior (22). Further, these prongs (66) may removably attach the lid
(60) to the
filter housing (40) when it is being removed from the housing interior (22),
although it will
be appreciated that in order to do so the prongs (66) may have to be
configured to
sufficiently grip the filter cartridge (40) when wet and weighted with water.
Accordingly,
when the lid (60) is detached from the housing, the lid (60) retains the
filter cartridge (40),
and facilitates removal of the filter cartridge (40) from the housing interior
(22).
[0037] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the lid (60) comprises a valve for
relieving
gas pressure from the housing interior (22) when the lid (60) is attached to
the housing. On
account of the sealing relationship between the lid (60) and the housing (20),
air entrained
in water flowing through the housing interior (22) may become trapped within
the upper
end of the housing interior (22). The trapped air may result in excessive
backpressure that
impedes water flow through the housing interior (22). The valve may be opened
to allow
the trapped air to escape from the housing interior (22). In the embodiment
shown in Figure
5, the valve includes a button (68) on the upper surface of the lid (60), a
screw (70) passing
through a washer (74) and an opening formed in the lid (60) and attached to
the bottom end
of the button (68), and a spring (72) disposed between the upper surface of
the lid (60) and
the bottom surface of the button (68) to bias the button (68) to a position
that occludes the
opening in the lid (60). When the user pushes the button (68) downwards
against the biasing
force of the spring (72), the button (68) exposes the opening in the lid (60)
to allow air to
8
CA 2997163 2018-03-02
escape from the housing interior (22). In other embodiments, the valve may be
formed from
a different arrangement of parts.
[0038] Tank. In embodiments where the tank (80) is provided, the tank (80)
defines a tank
interior (82) that holds a granular filtration medium for secondary filtering
of the water
after flowing through the filter cartridge (40) in the housing. The tank (80)
also defines a
tank opening (84) for loading the granular filtration medium into the tank
interior (82). It
will be understood that the tank (80) is optional, and as such, embodiments of
the apparatus
(10) may not include the tank (80).
[0039] Granular filtration media are known to persons of ordinary skill in the
art of water
filtration systems. The present invention is not limited by any particular
type of granular
filtration medium. As non-limiting example, the granular filtration medium may
comprise
granular activated carbon for removing chlorine, heavy metals, and volatile
organic
compounds from water. Such granular filtration media may be used in
conjunction with a
"pre-filter" filter cartridge (40) in the housing (20) that removes
particulate contaminants
such as sediment and rust particles from water. As another non-limiting
example, the
granular filtration material may be sand.
[0040] In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the tank (80) is made from
fiberglass. The
tank (80) is used in a "whole home" water filtration system, and has
substantially
cylindrical shape with a diameter of about 8 inches, and a height of about 44
inches for a
total volume of about 2200 cubic inches. In other embodiments, the tank (80)
may be made
of different materials, and have different dimensions.
[0041] Distributor. The distributor (100) is attached in sealing relationship
to the housing
bottom end (24). The distributor (100) defines an inflow passage (102) for
directing water
flow into the feed zone (30) of the housing interior (22), and a first outflow
passage (104)
for directing water flow out of the filtrate zone (32) of the housing interior
(22). In
embodiments of the apparatus (10) that includes a tank (80), the distributor
(100) is also
removably attached in sealing relationship to the tank (80). In such
embodiments, the
outflow passage permits water flow into the tank interior (82), and the
distributor (100)
9
CA 2997163 2018-03-02
further defines a second outflow passage (106) for directing water flow out of
the tank
interior (82).
[0042] In the embodiments shown in the Figures, the distributor (100) is
molded from
propylene copolymer. In other embodiments, the distributor (100) may be made
of different
materials.
[0043] In the embodiments shown in Figure 3, the housing bottom end (24) and
the top
surface of the distributor (100) define complementary cylindrical threaded
sections (38,
108) that allow the housing bottom end (24) to be screwed onto the distributor
(100). A
middle 0-ring gasket (110) made of EPDM rubber fits is provided to better
ensure a water-
tight seal between the distributor (100) and the housing bottom end (24). In
other
embodiments, the distributor (100) may be attached in sealing relationship to
the housing
bottom end (24) using other types of connections and sealing elements as
necessary. In
other embodiments, the attachment of the distributor (100) in sealing
relationship to the
housing bottom end (24) may be achieved by the distributor (100) and the
housing (20)
being integrally constructed as a single part rather than as two separable
parts.
[0044] In the embodiments shown in the Figures, the tank (80) and the bottom
surface of
the distributor (100) define complementary cylindrical threaded sections (86,
112) that
allow the tank (80) to be screwed onto the distributor (100), with the bottom
end of the
distributor (100) received within the tank opening (84). A bottom 0-ring
gasket (114) made
of EPDM rubber is provided to better ensure a water-tight seal between the
distributor
(100) and the tank (80). In other embodiments, the distributor (100) may be
removably
attached in sealing relationship to the tank (80) using other types of
connections and sealing
elements as necessary.
[0045] In the embodiments shown in Figure 3, the distributor (100) defines an
inlet (116),
and an outlet (118) for connection to an inflow line (170) and an outflow line
(172),
respectively. In this embodiment, the inlet (116) and the outlet (118) are
each provided
with an adaptor fitting (120, 122) having cylindrical threaded connections
that screw into
the distributor (100), and a locking clip (124, 126) for securing an inflow
line (170) and an
outflow line (172), respectively, made of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX).
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-22
[0046] In the embodiment of the distributor (100) shown in the Figure 8, the
inflow passage
(102) is defined by an outer annular-shaped opening in the distributor body
(132), which
opening surrounds the first outflow passage (104) and the second outflow
passage (106).
In this embodiment, when the distributor (100) is attached to the tank (80),
the inflow
passage (102) body allows water flow from the distributor inlet (116) to the
feed zone (30)
of the housing interior (22).
[0047] In the embodiment of the distributor (100) shown in Figure 6 and 8, the
first outflow
passage (104) is defined by a distributor tube (128) and a central opening
(130) defined by
the distributor body (132). The distributor tube (128) has a lower end that
inserts into the
central opening (130) until a stop formed on the tube engages a shoulder on
the upper
surface of the distributor body (132). An 0-ring gasket (134) made of EPDM is
provided
to better ensure a water-tight seal between the distributor tube (128) and the
distributor
body (132). The upper end of the distributor tube (128) serves as a spindle
that fits within
the lower end of the tubular filter cartridge (40) when inserted in the
housing interior (22).
A stand pipe (88) engages the bottom surface of the distributor body (132)
such that the
distributor tube (128), and the stand pipe (88) form a continuous water flow
path, extending
into the tank interior (82) below the level of the granular filtration medium.
In this
embodiment, when the distributor (100) is attached to the tank (80), the first
outflow
passage (104) permits water flow from the filtrate zone (32) of the housing
interior (22) to
the tank interior (82) below the upper surface of the granular filtration
medium.
[0048] In the embodiment of the distributor (100) shown in Figure 8, the
second outflow
passage (106) is defined by an inner annular-shaped opening in the distributor
body (132),
which opening surrounds the distributor tube (128) and the central opening
(130) defined
by the distributor body (132). In this embodiment, when the distributor (100)
is attached to
the tank (80), the second outflow passage (106) permits water flow from the
tank interior
(82) to the distributor outlet (118).
[0049] In other embodiments, the distributor (100) may define the inflow
passage (102),
the first outflow passage (104), and (if present), the second outflow passage
(106) in a
different manner. For example, Figures 9A and 9B show an alternative
embodiment of the
11
CA 2997163 2018-03-02
distributor (100) that differs from that shown in Figure 8 in that the
distributor (100) defines
an upper central opening (136) and a lower central opening (138). The first
outflow passage
(104) is defined by the upper central opening (136), which has a lower end
that surrounds
the lower central opening (138). As seen in the cross-sectional view of Figure
9A, the lower
end of the upper central opening (136) bifurcates around the lower central
opening (138).
The second outflow passage (106) is defined by the lower central opening
(138), which
permits water flow from the tank interior (82) to the distributor outlet
(118).
100501 In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the distributor (100)
may be used
in conjunction with an apparatus (10) that does not include the tank (80).
Accordingly, the
distributor (100) may define the first outflow passage (104) such that it
permits water flow
directly from the filtrate zone (32) ofthe housing interior (22) to the
distributor outlet (1 18).
In such an embodiment, the second outflow passage (106) is not necessary.
100511 Filter. In embodiments where the filter (150) is provided, the filter
(150) prevents
the granular filtration medium in the tank interior (82) from being carried by
the water flow
into the second outflow passage (106). It will be understood that the filter
(150) is optional,
and as such, embodiments of the apparatus (10) may not include the filter
(150).
100521 In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the filter (150) is in the form of
a basket
filter that includes an outer filter cage (152), an inner filter cage (154), a
mesh (156), and
a mesh lock (158). The upper end of the basket filter (150) removably attaches
to the
bottom surface of the distributor (100). The basket filter (150) has a tubular
form allowing
the upper end of the stand pipe (88) to pass through the basket filter (150)
and attach to the
distributor (100). The outer filter cage (152) and the inner filter cage (154)
retain the mesh
(156) between them. The mesh lock (158) secures the circumferential ends of
the mesh
(156) together. The mesh (156) is made of 316 grade stainless steel (Society
of Automotive
Engineers (SAE) standard), and has opening sizes of about 0.180 millimeters or
0.0070
inches (U.S. standard mesh size number 80). In other embodiments, filters
having different
configurations may be used to prevent flow of granular filtration material
from the tank
interior (82) into the second outflow passage (106). In other embodiments, the
circumferential ends ofthe mesh may be secured together by different means.
For example,
12
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-12-22
the outer filter cage (152) and the inner filter cage (154) may crimp the mesh
(156) in place.
In embodiments, the mesh lock (158) is not necessary if the circumferential
ends of the
mesh (156) do not need to be secured together.
100531 Use and operation. In an exemplary use of the embodiment of the
apparatus (10)
shown in the Figures, the apparatus (10) may be installed as shown in Figure
2, as a point-
of-use system beneath a sink to filter water for a single faucet, or as a
larger point-of-entry
or "whole home" system in a basement or a utility room to filter water for a
plumbing
network. The distributor inlet (116) and the distributor outlet (118) are
connected to the
inflow line (170) and an outflow line (172), respectively, between valves
(174, 176) (e.g.,
hand-operated ball valves) so that the apparatus (10) can be selectively
isolated from water
flow in the inflow line (170) and the outflow line (172). Once the distributor
(100) has been
so installed, the tank (80) containing the granular filtration medium is
screwed onto the
bottom side of the distributor (100). The housing containing the filter
cartridge (40) is
screwed on the top side of the distributor (100). The lid (60) is screwed onto
the top end of
the filter housing.
10054] When the valves (174, 176) are opened, a positive differential in water
pressure
from the distributor inlet (116) to the distributor outlet (118) drives water
flow through the
apparatus (10). In this embodiment, as shown by the dashed lines in Figure 8,
water flows
through the inflow passage (102) of the distributor (100) from the distributor
inlet (116) to
the feed zone (30) of the interior housing. The water then flows radially
inwards through
the filter cartridge (40) into the filtrate zone (32) of the housing interior
(22). Subsequently,
the water flows downwardly through the first outflow passage (104), which in
this case is
through the distributor tube (128) and central opening (130) of the
distributor body (132)
into the stand pipe (88) where it exits into the granular filtration medium
stored in the tank
interior (82). The water in the tank interior (82) flows in a generally upward
direction
through the granular filtration medium, then through the basket filter (150),
and ultimately
through the second outflow passage (106), the distributor outlet (118) and
into the outflow
line (172).
13
CA 2997163 2018-03-02
10055] When the filter cartridge (40) requires replacement, the valves (174,
176) are
closed to isolate the apparatus (10) from water flow in the inflow line (170)
and the outflow
line (172). While the housing (20) remains attached to the distributor (100),
the user
unscrews the lid (60) from the housing (20) to expose the housing top end
opening (28).
As the lid (60) is lifted away from the housing (20), the lid (60) may retain
the removably
attached filter cartridge (40) and remove it through the housing top end
opening (28).
Alternatively, if the lid (60) does not retain the filter cartridge (40), the
user can lift the
filter cartridge (40) through the housing top end opening (28). The user
inserts a
replacement filter cartridge (40) through the housing top end opening (28),
and removably
reattaches the lid (60) in sealing relationship to the housing top end (26).
The user re-opens
the valves (174, 176) to continue filtration of water.
[0056] Interpretation. References in the specification to "one embodiment",
"an
embodiment", etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a
particular aspect,
feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily
includes that
aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases may, but
do not
necessarily, refer to the same embodiment referred to in other portions of the
specification.
Further, when a particular aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic is
described in
connection with an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of one skilled in
the art to affect
or connect such module, aspect, feature, structure, or characteristic with
other
embodiments, whether or not explicitly described. In other words, any module,
element or
feature may be combined with any other element or feature in different
embodiments,
unless there is an obvious or inherent incompatibility, or it is specifically
excluded.
[0057] It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any
optional element.
As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for the use
of exclusive
terminology, such as "solely," "only," and the like, in connection with the
recitation of
claim elements or use of a "negative" limitation. The terms "preferably,"
"preferred,"
"prefer," "optionally," "may," and similar terms are used to indicate that an
item, condition
or step being referred to is an optional (not required) feature of the
invention.
14
CA 2997163 2018-03-02
[0058] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural reference
unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "and/or" means any one of the
items, any
combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is
associated. The phrase
"one or more" is readily understood by one of skill in the art, particularly
when read in
context of its usage.
[0059] The term "about" can refer to a variation of 5%, 10%, 20%, or
25% of the
value specified. For example, "about 50" percent can in some embodiments carry
a
variation from 45 to 55 percent. For integer ranges, the term "about" can
include one or
two integers greater than and/or less than a recited integer at each end of
the range. Unless
indicated otherwise herein, the term "about" is intended to include values and
ranges
proximate to the recited range that are equivalent in terms of the
functionality of the
composition, or the embodiment.
[0060] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all
purposes, particularly
in terms of providing a written description, all ranges recited herein also
encompass any
and all possible sub-ranges and combinations of sub-ranges thereof, as well as
the
individual values making up the range, particularly integer values. A recited
range includes
each specific value, integer, decimal, or identity within the range. Any
listed range can be
easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being
broken
down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, or tenths. As a non-
limiting example,
each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third,
middle third
and upper third, etc.
(0061] As will also be understood by one skilled in the art, all language such
as "up to",
"at least", "greater than", "less than", "more than", "or more", and the like,
include the
number recited and such terms refer to ranges that can be subsequently broken
down into
sub-ranges as discussed above. In the same manner, all ratios recited herein
also include
all sub-ratios falling within the broader ratio.
CA 2997163 2018-03-02
