Water filter cartridge and head having a keyed engagement

Abstract

Water filter cartridges and heads having a keyed engagement are provided. Specifically, a water filter assembly is provided that includes a filter head and a filter cartridge, the filter head including a filter manifold in fluid communication with an existing water line, a head housing connected to the manifold and including a platform, an elongate keyed member depending from a portion of the filter head, the filter cartridge including a filter housing configured and arranged to hold a supply of filter media, a filter closure attached to an upper end of the filter housing and having at least an inlet port and an outlet port, the closure configured for engaging the platform of the head housing and further having a groove configured and arranged to matingly and slidingly fit the keyed member such that the filter cartridge is aligned with the filter head upon engagement of the filter head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application is a non-provisional application filed on June 5, 2020, in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 035,085, and claims priority under Title 35, Section 119 of the United States Code, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0002] The present invention relates to a drinking water filter assembly comprising a filter head and complementary replaceable disposable filter cartridges, and more specifically, to such an assembly and individual components having an improved keying relationship.

[0003] Traditional filter assemblies consist of a filter cartridge containing filter media (such as activated carbon, membranes, resins, minerals, or other known media) and a corresponding filter head designed to releasably and hermetically fit the filter cartridge and connect it to the outlet end of an existing fluid flow path. The filter cartridge typically includes inlet and outlet flow paths with openings at or near the top of the cartridge, also known as filter cartridge closures. These flow paths communicate with the internal filter media, allowing incoming water to flow through the media within the cartridge, where it is treated by removing unwanted substances, particles, and properties, before flowing to the outlet opening, also known as the filter outlet.

[0004] Another characteristic of traditional water filter systems is the need for a mechanism to prevent leaks when removing used cartridges and installing replacements, as the cartridges require periodic replacement. These systems are typically installed in cabinets under the kitchen sink in homes. Therefore, spills in the cabinet should be avoided. Many traditional filter cartridges have internal shut-off valves that can be manually or automatically activated when the cartridge is disconnected. However, a recurring problem with this system is the deterioration of the seal, which can lead to bothersome leaks as the system ages and over time.

[0005] Another aspect of this type of traditional water filter system is the proper alignment of the filter cartridge within the head, ensuring the correct flow paths at the filter inlet and outlet, aligning the paths within the cartridge with similar channels in the filter head. Since such systems are typically located in cabinets under the sink or other hard-to-reach locations, positioning the filter cartridge in the confined space under the sink becomes challenging. Therefore, the upper part of the filter cartridge and the fixed filter head are usually fitted with guide structures to facilitate proper engagement between the cartridge and the filter head.

[0006] One known method for achieving proper alignment between the filter cartridge and the head is to use a matching keying and locking system, including corresponding matching structures on the head and cartridge, which facilitates proper alignment and engagement between these components. Conventional water filter systems are known to have keying and locking features that are easily disrupted or damaged by the user.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an improved filter assembly with a filter cartridge having a multi-fluid flow port closure, which addresses the aforementioned design criteria. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The above-mentioned requirements are met or exceeded by the water filter cartridge and head with keyed engagement of the present invention. The device is characterized by a replaceable filter cartridge having an inlet port and an outlet port in the filter closure, each port being equipped with an associated check valve to prevent leakage during cartridge replacement. Each check valve is in a default closed position. When a protrusion hanging from the filter head engages with each valve, the valve opens, overcoming the inherent closing spring bias. Simultaneously, these protrusions serve as positioning structures for the assembly, facilitating proper engagement between the filter head and the replaceable filter cartridge.

[0009] Another feature of the components of the present invention is that the filter head (more specifically, the bypass disc associated with the filter head) is provided with a water flow bypass conduit, which is constructed and arranged to form a bypass flow path in the filter head when the filter cartridge is replaced. When the bypass flow is connected, head leakage can be prevented during filter cartridge replacement.

[0010] This feature is achieved by the user rotating the filter cartridge 90° from the operating or open position to the replacement or bypass position. The bypass disc is rotatably associated with the filter head and includes a bypass flow conduit section. Furthermore, the bypass disc includes a structure, preferably a protrusion, that engages the inlet and outlet ports of the filter cartridge, so that the bypass disc rotates with the filter cartridge relative to the filter head. The engagement of the protrusion with the filter cartridge port forms a fluid connection between the filter cartridge and the filter head. When the filter cartridge and bypass disc are rotated before the filter cartridge is removed, the bypass flow conduit on the bypass disc connects the inlet and outlet flow paths of the filter head manifold. In other words, the bypass disc rotates between the operating, open, or flow position and the bypass position. In the operating, open, or flow position, water is directed to and flows out of the filter cartridge; the bypass position occurs after the filter cartridge is rotated for removal, at which point the water flow completely around the filter cartridge. Once the filter cartridge and bypass disc are in the removal or bypass position, the filter cartridge can be removed by a feature on the filter head that ejects the filter cartridge through angular interference between the filter and the filter head. The user can then pull the filter cartridge axially to disengage it from the system without being affected by the forces of the seals holding the cartridge in place. The replacement filter cartridge is then attached to the filter head by reversing the above process.

[0011] Therefore, the filter head of this invention does not require a related shut-off valve. A related advantage of this filter head structure is that the filter head is thus readily available for periodic cleaning of the flow path by maintenance personnel. Because all locations on the system can be bypassed, cleaning fluid can be easily added to the first filter position using an empty, refillable sterilizing filter cartridge. To perform this process, the sterilizing filter cartridge is filled with cleaning fluid and inserted into the first filter position. Water containing the cleaning fluid then flows through the entire system without using a separate bypass component that would otherwise require provision and installation by maintenance personnel.

[0012] More specifically, a water filter assembly is provided, comprising: a filter head including a filter manifold in fluid communication with an existing water line, a head housing connected to the manifold and including a landing, and an elongated keying member suspended from a portion of the filter head; and a filter cartridge including a filter housing and a filter closure, the filter housing being configured and arranged to maintain a supply of filter media, the filter closure being attached to an upper end of the filter housing and having at least an inlet port and an outlet port, the closure being configured to engage the landing of the head housing and also having a groove configured and arranged to fit matingly and slidably with the keying member such that, when the filter head is engaged, the filter cartridge is aligned with the filter head.

[0013] In another embodiment, a filter cartridge is provided for use with a filter assembly including a filter head having a filter manifold in fluid communication with an existing water line, a head housing connected to the manifold and including a platform, and a keying member suspended from the head, wherein a fluid inlet connected to the water line is directly connected to a fluid outlet in the manifold. The filter cartridge includes a filter housing configured and arranged to maintain a supply of filter media, a filter closure attached to an upper end of the filter housing and having at least an inlet port and an outlet port, the closure being configured to engage the platform of the head housing and also having a groove for slidably and matingly fitting the keying member to facilitate engagement between the filter head and the filter cartridge.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, a filter head is provided for use in a filter assembly, the filter assembly including a head and a replaceable filter cartridge having a filter housing and a filter closure. The filter housing is configured and arranged to maintain a supply of filter media. The filter closure is attached to an upper end of the filter housing and has at least an inlet port and an outlet port, as well as a recess. The filter head includes a filter manifold in fluid communication with an existing water line, a head housing connected to the manifold and including a platform and a pair of overhanging protrusions. A keying member hangs from the head housing and is configured and arranged to engage with a recess on the filter cartridge to facilitate alignment between the filter head and the filter cartridge.

[0015] In one embodiment, the bypass disc is provided with a suspended protrusion configured and arranged to engage each of the inlet and outlet ports such that when the protrusion engages in the port and the filter cartridge rotates relative to the filter head, the bypass disc rotates with the filter cartridge. In one embodiment, a check valve is located in each of the inlet and outlet ports of the filter cartridge closure, each check valve being disposed in the filter cartridge closure such that engagement of the protrusion in the port during filter connection causes the check valve to move from a biased closed position to an open position.

[0016] In one embodiment, a sealing element is disposed between the bypass disc and the manifold to define a rotational engagement of the seal. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the filter cartridge closure has at least one radially projecting lug configured and engaged to engage the platform on the head of the filter manifold.

[0017] In one embodiment, when the bypass disc is in the open position, water flow is directed from the filter head to the filter cartridge inlet port, and water flow from the filter cartridge outlet port is directed to the outlet port of the filter head manifold. In one embodiment, the filter head, more preferably the bypass disc, is provided with a longitudinally extending keying member configured and arranged to matingly engage a groove on the filter cartridge closure.

[0018] In another embodiment, a filter cartridge is provided for use with a filter assembly including a filter head having a filter manifold in fluid communication with an existing water line, a head housing connected to the manifold and including a platform, and a bypass disc rotatably engaged in the head housing between an open position and a bypass position for connection to the filter head manifold, wherein a fluid inlet connected to the water line is directly connected to a fluid outlet in the manifold. The filter cartridge includes: a filter housing configured and arranged to maintain a supply of filter media; and a filter closure attached to an upper end of the filter housing and having at least an inlet port and an outlet port, the closure being configured to engage the platform of the head housing and also to engage the bypass disc, such that when the filter head is engaged, the filter cartridge allows the bypass disc to rotate between the open position and the bypass position.

[0019] In one embodiment, each of the inlet and outlet ports is equipped with a check valve biased to a closed position. Any optional port may also be equipped with such a check valve. Furthermore, in one embodiment, each of the inlet and outlet ports is provided with at least one sealing structure, and the opening defined by the sealing structure is sized to slidably and sealingly engage one of the selected protrusions of the bypass disc. Additionally, preferably, the closure is provided with at least one radially projecting lug for engaging the platform of the filter head housing. In one embodiment, the at least one radially projecting lug defines a polygonal threaded trajectory. Furthermore, the filter cartridge closure is provided with a groove configured and arranged to accommodate a longitudinally projecting keyed member extending from the filter head (more preferably from the bypass disc).

[0020] In yet another embodiment, a filter head is provided for use in a filter assembly, the filter assembly including a head and a replaceable filter cartridge having a filter housing and a filter closure. The filter housing is configured and arranged to maintain a supply of filter media, and the filter closure is attached to the upper end of the filter housing and has an inlet port and an outlet port. The filter head includes a filter manifold in fluid communication with an existing water line, a head housing connected to the manifold and including a platform, and a bypass disc having a pair of overhanging protrusions and a bypass conduit. The bypass disc is rotatably engaged in the head housing between an open position and a bypass position to connect with the filter head manifold. The protrusions on the bypass disc are configured to engage the inlet and outlet ports of the filter cartridge and also to open a corresponding check valve in each port so that water can flow between the filter head and the filter cartridge when the filter cartridge is engaged with the filter head. The bypass disc is connected to the filter cartridge closure such that rotation of the filter cartridge also causes the bypass disc to rotate between an open or operating position and a bypass position. Another feature of the filter head is a longitudinally extending keying member configured and arranged to matingly engage a groove on the filter cartridge closure. In a preferred embodiment, the keying member extends from the underside of the bypass disc.

[0021] In one embodiment, the bypass disc includes a disc body, protrusions projecting from the underside of the disc body, and a bypass conduit disposed on the upper surface of the disc body. In another embodiment, the protrusions are spaced apart from each other and are parallel. Furthermore, it preferably includes a sealing member disposed between the bypass disc and the manifold for sealing the bypass disc during rotation between an open position and a bypass position. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a partial perspective view of the rear of the filter cartridge and filter head housing.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a partial vertical sectional view of the filter cartridge engaged in the filter head when the filter check valve is in the closed position, which occurs during the installation and disassembly of the filter cartridge.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a partial vertical sectional view of the filter cartridge engaged in the filter head when the filter check valve is in the open or operating position, with water flowing between the filter head and the filter cartridge.

[0025] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the filter head;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a partially exploded perspective view of a section of the filter cartridge to be joined to the bypass disc;

[0027] Figure 6This is a partial perspective view showing a partial cross-section of the filter cartridge attached to the bypass disc;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a partial exploded perspective view of the filter head;

[0029] Figure 8A This is a top view of the filter head in the bypass position;

[0030] Figure 8B This is a bottom view of the filter head in the operating or open position;

[0031] Figure 8C This is a top view of the bypass panel in its bypass position; and

[0032] Figure 8D This is a top view of the bypass panel in the operating or open position. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Now for reference Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 The filter assembly, typically designated 10, includes a filter head 12 and a filter cartridge 14. The filter head 12, preferably made of molded plastic, has a generally cylindrical, inverted cup-shaped housing portion 16, which is configured and arranged to connect to the manifold 18. Figure 4 and Figure 7 In this component 10, the manifold is considered part of the filter head. The manifold 18 is preferably configured to adapt to at least one, preferably multiple, filter cartridges 14, and has a water inlet connector 20 and a water outlet connector 22. Figure 4 This is for connecting to existing water pipes in residential or commercial buildings, as known in the art. Thus, the manifold 18 has at least one connection point 24 with two connection ports, designated as an inlet connection port 26 and an outlet connection port 28, respectively. The head housing 16 has an upper end 30, which is configured to be connected by threads or using fasteners 32 (…). Figure 2-4 It is attached to connection point 24, as is well known in the art.

[0034] Now for reference Figure 2-4 When the head housing 16 is attached to the manifold connection point 24, the head housing captures the bypass disc 34, which rotates relative to the head housing. A circular flange or ring 36 on the head housing 16 captures the bypass disc 34. The bypass disc 34 includes a main disc body 38 having a lower side 40, from which a pair of spaced-apart parallel hollow protrusions 42 project. Below the upper side 44, within the disc body 38, a bypass conduit 46 is configured for connecting the internal inlet and outlet water lines (not shown) of the manifold 18. The filter head 12 also includes at least one, and preferably a pair, sealing elements 48. Figure 4 Preferably, an O-ring or similar sealing element is clamped between the bypass disc 34 and the connection point 24 to seal the bypass disc and prevent leakage when the disc rotates. In other words, element 48 defines a rotary engagement of the seal.

[0035] As will be described in more detail below, the protrusion 42 is hollow and defines a fluid connection path between the filter cartridge 14 and the filter head 12 (more specifically, the connection ports 26, 28 of the manifold 18). Another feature of the head housing 16 is at least one, and preferably multiple, platforms 50 on the inner wall surface 52. In a preferred embodiment, although alternatives are considered, the platforms 50 define a generally helical path within the head housing 16.

[0036] Now for reference Figure 1-3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The filter cartridge 14 includes a pressure vessel 54, which may be made of metal or plastic, having a closed lower end 56 and an upper end 58. A closure member 60 seals the upper end 58 and, in a preferred embodiment, is integrally formed with the pressure vessel 54. Defined by the closure member 60 is a narrow-diameter neck 62, sized to fit within the head housing 16. The closure member 60 includes an inlet port 64 and an outlet port 66. Each of the ports 64 and 66 is recessed into the closure member 60 and is provided with a check valve 68 biased to a closed position by a spring 70. Furthermore, each of the ports 64 and 66 is provided with an internal sealing member 72, such as an O-ring, a lip seal, etc. It is contemplated that, depending on the function of the filter cartridge 14, the closure member 60 may optionally be provided with additional ports. Any such additional ports are preferably configured similarly to ports 64 and 66.

[0037] Each check valve 68 is disposed in the filter cartridge closure 60 such that when the filter cartridge 14 is connected to the filter head 12, the engagement of the protrusion 42 from the bypass disc 34 in the inlet port 64 and the outlet port 66 causes the check valve to move from the biased closed position to the open position. Each of the inlet port 64 and the outlet port 66 is provided with at least one sealing element 72. Figure 2 and Figure 3 For example, an O-ring, and the size of the opening defined by each such sealing element is set to slidably and sealingly engage one of the protrusions 42 of the bypass disc 34.

[0038] Another feature of the filter system 10 of the present invention is that the engagement between the protrusion 42 and the inlet port 64 and the outlet port 66 facilitates the proper engagement and alignment of the filter cartridge 14 and the filter head 12. Thus, in addition to serving as a fluid communication conduit between the filter cartridge 14 and the filter head 12, the protrusion 42 also performs a keying function.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the bypass disc 34 includes a fixed, longitudinally extending keying member 74 configured and arranged to engage with a groove 76 in the closure 60 of the filter cartridge 14. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The keyed member 74 and the groove 76 are properly engaged. The engagement between the keyed member 74 and the groove 76 further confirms the correct alignment and engagement between the filter cartridge 14 and the filter head 12. Although other configurations are considered, the keyed member 74 has a rectangular cross-section. Figure 7 ), or alternatively, having a "D" shaped cross-section ( Figure 8B Furthermore, the key member 74 preferably has a length approximately equal to the length of the protrusion 42. Additionally, the end 75 of the key member 74 is tapered or rounded to facilitate sliding engagement with the groove 76. Furthermore, when viewed from the lower side 40 of the bypass disc 34, the key member 74 and the two protrusions 42 form a triangle. More preferably, the key member 74 is closer to the other protrusion than one of the protrusions. Figure 7 and Figure 8B ).

[0040] Now refer to Figures 8A-8D Similarly, when the protrusion 42 engages in ports 64 and 66 and the filter cartridge 14 rotates relative to the filter head 12, the bypass disc 34, together with the filter cartridge, is in the open position relative to the head housing 16. Figure 8B and Figure 8D ) and bypass location ( Figure 8A and Figure 8C The bypass disc 34 rotates between the filter head 12 and the filter cartridge inlet port 64. When the bypass disc 34 is in the open position, water flow is directed from the filter head 12 to the filter cartridge inlet port 64, and water flow from the filter cartridge outlet port 66 is directed to the outlet port of the filter head manifold 18.

[0041] As is well known in filter cartridge technology, the filter medium 78 (such as activated carbon, carbon blocks, filaments, etc.) is located in the main filter cartridge chamber 80. Water flows into chamber 80 through inlet port 64 and passes through medium 78, after which it is treated by the medium to remove unwanted particles, tastes, chlorine, etc., before being delivered to outlet port 66, which is also known in the art. When bypass disc 34 is in the open or operating position, water flowing into manifold 18 is directed to filter cartridge 14 to pass through filter medium 78.

[0042] After a period of time, the filter medium 78 of the filter cartridge loses its filtering capacity, and the filter cartridge 14 needs to be replaced. As mentioned above, conventional water filter systems use manual or automatic check valves to cut off the water flow from the manifold 18 to the filter cartridge 14. However, in the filter system 10 of the present invention, the bypass disc 34 is provided with a bypass conduit 46, and a separate head shut-off valve is not required. When the filter cartridge 14 is rotated 90° relative to the head housing 16, the bypass conduit 46 is configured to be in fluid communication with the internal flow path of the manifold 18, preferably connecting the internal water inlet and water outlet conduit of the manifold.

[0043] Once the bypass disc 34 is in the bypass position, the filter cartridge 14 can be removed because the radially extending lug 82 on the closure 60 is currently disengaged from the platform 50 on the inner wall surface 52 of the head housing 16, allowing the filter cartridge to be pulled out from the filter head 12 for replacement. When the filter cartridge 14 is removed from the filter head 12, the check valve 68 is biased to the closed position once the protrusion 42 disengages from it, preventing leakage of the filter cartridge 14 during replacement.

[0044] Now for reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The use of radially extending lugs 82 to engage the platform 50 on the head housing 16 to retain the filter cartridge 14 within the head housing is well known in the field of filter cartridges. In the system 10 of the present invention, in one embodiment, the lugs 82 are configured and arranged such that at least one such lug defines a polygonal thread track 84. Figure 5 and Figure 6 ).

[0045] While specific embodiments of the water filter cartridge and head with keyed joints of the present invention have been described herein, those skilled in the art will understand that changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the broader aspects of the invention and as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water filter assembly, comprising: A filter head, comprising a filter manifold in fluid communication with an existing water line, a head housing connected to the manifold and including a platform, and an elongated keyed member suspended from a portion of the filter head; as well as A filter cartridge includes a filter housing configured and arranged to maintain a supply of filter media, a filter closure member attached to the upper end of the filter housing and having at least an inlet port and an outlet port recessed in the closure member, the closure member being configured to engage the platform of the head housing, and further having a groove configured and arranged to fit matingly and slidably with the elongated keyway member, such that the filter cartridge is aligned with the filter head when the filter head is engaged. The head housing captures a bypass disk that rotates relative to the head housing. The bypass disk has a pair of spaced-apart, parallel, overhanging hollow protrusions configured and arranged to engage with each of the inlet and outlet ports, and the bypass disk includes the elongated keying member. The pair of spaced-apart parallel overhanging hollow protrusions define a fluid connection path between the filter cartridge and the filter head, such that when the bypass disc is in the open position, water flow is directed from the filter head to the inlet port of the filter cartridge, and water flow from the outlet port of the filter cartridge is directed to the outlet port of the manifold of the filter head. The bypass disc includes a bypass conduit, such that when the bypass disc is in the bypass position, the bypass conduit is configured to be in fluid communication with the internal flow path of the manifold.

2. The filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the pair of spaced-apart parallel overhangs has the same length as the keying member.

3. The filter assembly of claim 2, further comprising a check valve located in each of the inlet port and the outlet port of the closing member of the filter cartridge, each check valve being disposed in the closing member of the filter cartridge such that, when the filter is connected, the engagement of the pair of spaced-apart parallel overhangs in the inlet port and the outlet port causes the check valve to move from a biased closed position to an open position.

4. The filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The keyed member has a rectangular cross-section.

5. The filter assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The keying member has a "D" shaped cross-section.

6. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein, The keying member has a tapered or rounded end.

7. The filter assembly of claim 1, wherein, The closure member of the filter cartridge has at least one radially projecting lug, which is configured and engaged to engage the platform on the filter manifold head.

8. A filter cartridge for use with a filter assembly, the filter assembly including a filter head having a filter manifold in fluid communication with an existing water line, a head housing connected to the manifold and including a platform, the head housing capturing a bypass disc rotating relative to the head housing, the bypass disc having an elongated keyed member, a pair of spaced-apart parallel overhanging hollow protrusions, and a bypass conduit, wherein a fluid inlet connected to the water line is directly connected to a fluid outlet in the manifold, the filter cartridge comprising: The filter housing is constructed and arranged to maintain the supply of filter media; A filter closure member, integrally formed with the upper end of the filter housing and having at least an inlet port and an outlet port, is configured to engage the platform of the head housing. The filter cartridge includes a groove in the closure member for slidably and matingly fitting the elongated keyed member, thereby facilitating engagement between the filter head and the filter cartridge. Each of the inlet port and the outlet port includes at least one internal sealing member, such that the opening defined by each such internal sealing member is sized to slidably and sealingly engage a selected one of the protrusions of the bypass disc. The inlet port and the outlet port are recessed into the closing member and are configured to engage the pair of spaced-apart, parallel, overhanging hollow protrusions of the bypass disc. The pair of spaced-apart parallel cantilevered hollow protrusions form a triangle with the keyed member, defining a fluid connection path between the filter cartridge and the filter head. The engagement between the inlet port and the outlet port and the pair of spaced-apart parallel cantilevered hollow protrusions allows water flow from the filter head to the inlet port of the filter cartridge when the bypass disc is in the open position, and water flow from the outlet port of the filter cartridge to the outlet port of the manifold of the filter head. The inlet port and the outlet port are parallel and spaced apart from each other, forming a triangle with the groove. When the bypass disc is in the bypass position, the bypass conduit is configured to be in fluid communication with the internal flow path of the manifold.

9. The filter cartridge according to claim 8, wherein, Each of the inlet port and the outlet port is equipped with a check valve biased to the closed position.

10. The filter cartridge according to claim 8, wherein, The at least one radially projecting lug defines the polygonal thread trajectory.

11. A filter head for use in a filter assembly, the filter assembly including the head and a replaceable filter cartridge having a filter housing configured and arranged to maintain a supply of filter media, a filter closure member attached to an upper end of the filter housing, the filter closure member having at least an inlet port and an outlet port, and a recess, the filter head including: The filter manifold is in fluid communication with the existing water piping. A head housing, which is connected to the manifold and includes a platform and a pair of spaced-apart parallel overhanging protrusions; A keying member, which hangs from the head housing, is configured and arranged to engage a groove on the filter cartridge to facilitate alignment between the filter head and the filter cartridge. The head housing captures a bypass disk that rotates relative to the head housing. The bypass disk has a pair of spaced-apart parallel overhanging hollow protrusions and an elongated keyed member, wherein the protrusions are spaced apart and parallel to each other and form a triangle with the elongated keyed member. The pair of spaced-apart parallel overhanging hollow protrusions define a fluid connection path between the filter cartridge and the filter head, such that when the bypass disc is in the open position, water flow is directed from the filter head to the inlet port of the filter cartridge, and water flow from the outlet port of the filter cartridge is directed to the outlet port of the manifold of the filter head. The bypass disc includes a bypass conduit, such that when the bypass disc is in the bypass position, the bypass conduit is configured to be in fluid communication with the internal flow path of the manifold.

12. The filter head according to claim 11, wherein, The keying member is closer to the other than one of the protrusions.

13. The filter head according to claim 11, wherein, The keying member has one of a rectangular cross-section and a "D" shaped cross-section.

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