Filter device for filtering liquid from a source

Abstract

A filter device for filtering liquid passing there through, the filter device comprising a housing (101) for securing to a source (3) of the liquid and having a liquid accommodating duct (10) there through for accommodating the liquid. The duct (10) extends from an upstream end for communicating with the liquid source (3), to a downstream end terminating in an outlet (14) through which the liquid is discharged from the filter device, wherein the filter device incorporates a filter element (110, 111, 113) for substantially removing bacteria from the liquid passing there through.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATION(S)[0001]This application is a continuation of the commonly assigned Irish Patent Application Serial No. S2006 / 0450 (filed Jun. 14, 2006, in the Irish Patent Office), and the commonly assigned International Patent Application No. PCT / EP2007 / 005214 (filed Jun. 13, 2007, in the European Patent Office), both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a filter device for filtering liquid from a source, and in particular, though not limited to a filter device for filtering liquid from a container, for example, a bottle of plastics material or glass, and typically from a bottle of plastics material of the type in which still or sparkling water is sold.BACKGROUND[0003]Bottles of plastics material in which still water is sold are of capacity of the order of 0.25 litres to 2 litres, and in certain cases, may be up to 5 litres, and it is intended that the filter device acco...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0028]Alternatively, the downstream filter element comprises a perforated filter, which in one example, is a gauze filter, and in one example, the mesh size of the gauze filter of the downstream filter element is of size to prevent particles of size greater than 200 microns passing therethrough. Advantageously, the mesh size of the gauze filter of the downstream filter element is of size to prevent particles of size greater than 150 microns passing therethrough. Ideally, the mesh size of the gauze filter of the downstream filter element is of size to prevent particles of size greater than 100 microns passing therethrough.

[0029]In another embodiment of the invention an intermediate filter element is located between the upstream membrane filter element and the downstream filter element, and in one embodiment of the invention the intermediate filter element is a perforated membrane filter, and preferably, is of a gauze material. In one example, the mesh size of the gauze of the intermediate filter element is such as to prevent particles of size greater than 200 microns passing therethrough. Advantageously, the mesh size of the gauze of the intermediate filter element is such as to prevent particles of size greater than 150 microns passing therethrough. In another example, the mesh size of the gauze of the intermediate filter element is such as to prevent particles of size greater than 100 microns passing therethrough.

Problems solved by technology

Due to the relatively poor quality of tap water which is typically supplied by a public utility or group water supply scheme, in general, such water is unpalatable for drinking, and in certain extreme cases may contain contaminants, which can lead to serious illness.

Thus, water for drinking purposes commonly tends to be purchased in bottles or other suitable containers, and the purchase of such water can be quite expensive.

For example, in the case of athletes who require a regular intake of water when working out, expenditure on bottled water can be relatively costly.

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