Joint device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a connector device. The connector device 2 comprises (i) a main body housing 11 having a fixing ring thread 12, a clamping arm 70 and a connecting thread 18, (ii) a block interlayer 50 encased within the clamping arm, and (iii) a fixing ring 15 with an internal thread, in which the connecting thread 18 is attached to the filter unit 26 to make the filter device 4, or to another connector device 2 to make the coupling device 6, when a joint device, a filter device or a coupling device is connected to a tubular outlet 92 assembly of a given end product, a retaining ring is screwed onto a retaining ring thread to seal and secure the device to the tubular outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool, and more particularly to a fitting device, a filter device, and a coupling device for connecting to a tubular outlet. Background Technology

[0002] Existing connectors, couplings, and filters used to connect tubular outlets of end products typically rely on threaded connections or internal hose clamping structures. Their compatibility depends on the specific thread type, diameter, pitch, or internal geometry of the tubular outlet. Therefore, such devices are usually only suitable for specific export standards or product types, making it difficult to achieve universal compatibility between different end products.

[0003] For filtration devices in water bottles, jugs, and containers, existing technologies mostly employ integrated bottle systems, where the filter assembly is housed inside the bottle and mates with a specific threaded structure at the bottle neck or cap. Such devices typically only work with matching bottle neck structures; for example, portable water bottles with replaceable internal filters rely on the specific threaded structure of the bottle neck for their filter assembly (see, for example, US 9,636,613 B2; US 8,845,895 B1). Furthermore, some beverage container filtration devices are directly coupled to the container neck, similarly relying on the container's specific geometry and threaded connection, making them incompatible with water bottles of different sizes or from different manufacturers (see, for example, US 2023 / 0348146 A1).

[0004] For filtration devices in faucets and aerators, existing technologies typically install them onto the faucet outlet or aerator structure via precise thread matching. This reliance on manufacturer-specific or proprietary thread standards makes them incompatible with thinner or non-standard aerator outlets (e.g., see US 6,258,266 B1). Alternatively, solutions using flexible hoses and clamps exist, but these typically suffer from shortcomings in appearance, ergonomics, and sealing reliability, making them unsuitable for long-term use.

[0005] In the field of hoses and coupling connection devices, connection schemes that utilize retaining rings and clamping arm structures to clamp inserted hoses are known (e.g., see WO 2010 / 127815 A1; US ​​2020 / 0124216 A1). In such devices, sealing and fixation are primarily achieved by compressing the hose material itself. However, these devices, centered on the hose, require the flexible hose to be inserted inside the connector and are not suitable for external clamping and sealing of rigid tubular outlets, such as bottle necks, faucets, aerators, or container openings. In particular, these devices do not disclose the use of permanently embedded sealing gaskets within the clamping arms, thus failing to achieve universal external connections for rigid tubular outlets of different diameters and shapes.

[0006] Therefore, existing background technologies generally suffer from the following problems: reliance on specific thread standards, difficulty in achieving universal compatibility between different end products, inability to reliably connect thin or non-standard tubular outlets, lack of modular structure, and reliance on hose deformation rather than external sealing of rigid tubular outlets.

[0007] In view of the above problems, it is necessary to provide a universal and modular connector device that can reliably seal and secure tubular outlets of different diameters, shapes and thread types without relying on precise thread matching or internal hose insertion, and allows the components to be interchanged in a variety of applications including faucets, aerators, shower devices, water bottles, kettles, containers, hoses and pipes. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention provides a fitting device for connection to a tubular outlet assembly of a given end product, without being limited by the surface profile of the tubular outlet. In this regard, the invention provides a fitting device that can be attached to a filter unit to form a filtration device, or attached to another fitting device to form a coupling device. In this respect, the main housing of the fitting device can include any diameter and include gussets of any diameter and thickness to enable compatible connection to the tubular outlet. In a further aspect, the fitting device and its components, including but not limited to the filter unit or extension unit, are modular to allow interchangeability of the fitting device, filter unit, or extension unit, thereby creating a new fitting device, filtration device, or coupling device to suit a given end product.

[0009] In some embodiments, the connecting thread 18 of the connector 2 may be attached to the filter unit 26 to form a filter device 4. In this regard, the filter device may be connected to a tubular outlet 92, including but not limited to a faucet aerator 94, a faucet outlet 96, or a faucet pipe 98 to purify tap water, a shower pipe 100 or shower head 102 to purify bath water, or any hose 110, including a washing machine drain hose, to purify wastewater. In some embodiments, the filter device may be connected to a tubular outlet, including but not limited to a bottle neck 104, a sports kettle neck 106, or a container opening 108, to purify drinking water. In some embodiments, the connector of the filter device may include a cap connecting thread (20) for attaching a cap (80) to open and close the filter device.

[0010] In some embodiments, the connecting thread 18 of the connector 2 can be attached to the connecting thread of another connector to form a coupling device 6. In this respect, the connectors can be directly attached to each other to form a coupling device. In some aspects, the connectors can be attached to each other via extension units 28 to form a coupling device. In some aspects, the coupling device can be connected to a tubular outlet, including but not limited to a faucet aerator 94 or a faucet spout 96, and a tubular outlet including but not limited to a hose 110, including a garden hose, or any type of pipe 112. In some aspects, the coupling device can be connected to a tubular outlet including but not limited to hoses and / or pipes, wherein one or more coupling devices can be connected to one or more hoses and / or pipes. In some aspects, the coupling device can be connected to a tubular outlet including but not limited to hoses and / or pipes, wherein one or more connectors of the coupling device may include a cap connecting thread 20 for attaching a cap 80 to open and close the coupling device. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is an example view of the present invention and a schematic diagram of its connection to the tubular outlet.

[0012] Figure 2 The diagram shows an example view of the present invention, a schematic diagram of how the filter is attached to a filter unit to form a filter device, and a schematic diagram of how the filter device is connected to a tubular outlet.

[0013] Figure 3 The diagram shows an example view of the invention with a lid, a schematic diagram of its attachment to a filter unit to form a filter device, and a schematic diagram of the filter device being connected to a tubular outlet.

[0014] Figure 4 This is an example view of the invention, and a schematic diagram showing its attachment to another connector device via an extension unit to form a coupling device for connection to a tubular outlet.

[0015] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is an example view of the filtration device of the present invention, and a schematic diagram of its connection to a faucet aerator.

[0016] Figure 7 This is an example view of the filter device of the present invention with an extension unit, and a schematic diagram of its connection to the faucet outlet.

[0017] Figure 8 This is an example view of the filtration device of the present invention, and a schematic diagram of its shower pipe connected to the shower head.

[0018] Figure 9 and Figure 10This is an example view of the filtration device of the present invention, and a schematic diagram of its connection to the bottle opening (including a disposable plastic water bottle).

[0019] Figure 11 This is an example view of the filtration device of the present invention, and a schematic diagram of its connection to the opening of the sports water bottle (including a refillable water bottle or a refillable sports water bottle).

[0020] Figure 12 This is an example view of the filtration device of the present invention, and a schematic diagram of its connection to the container opening (including a one-gallon water container).

[0021] Figure 13 This is an example view of the filtration device of the present invention, and a schematic diagram of its connection to a hose (including the drain hose of a washing machine).

[0022] Figure 14 This is an example view of the coupling device of the present invention, and a schematic diagram of its connection to a tubular outlet (including a faucet aerator) and a hose (including a garden hose).

[0023] Figure 15 This is an example view of the connector device (including a filter device) of the present invention, illustrating how, when the retaining ring is screwed onto the retaining ring thread of the main body housing, the inclined plane abuts against the block interlayer, compressing the open clamping arm into a closed clamping arm to form a waterproof seal and fix the device to the tubular outlet.

[0024] Figure 16A This is a schematic diagram of the connecting threads of the filter device of the present invention, which includes an external thread for screwing onto the internal thread of the filter unit, wherein the filter unit protrudes into the tubular outlet (including the bottle mouth).

[0025] Figure 16B This is a schematic diagram of the connecting threads of the filter device of the present invention, which includes an internal thread for screwing onto the external thread of the filter unit, wherein the filter unit protrudes into the tubular outlet (including the bottle mouth).

[0026] Figure 17A This is a schematic diagram of the filtration device of the present invention, which includes a filtration unit protruding to the outside of a tubular outlet (including the mouth of a bottle), wherein the filtration unit is removable and the filter material is permanently fixed inside the filtration unit.

[0027] Figure 17B This is a schematic diagram of the filtration device of the present invention, which includes a filtration unit protruding to the outside of a tubular outlet (including the mouth of a bottle), wherein the filtration unit is a permanent part of the main body shell, and the filter material is permanently fixed inside the filtration unit.

[0028] In the diagram, 2 is the connector, 4 is the filter, 6 is the coupling device, 11 is the main body shell, 12 is the fixing ring thread, 15 is the fixing ring, 18 is the connecting thread, 20 is the cover connecting thread, 26 is the filter unit, 28 is the extension unit, 30 is the filter cover, 40 is the filter material, 50 is the block interlayer, 52 is the protruding lip, 54 is the groove, 60 is the internal thread, 62 is the external thread, 70 is the clamping arm, 72 is the clamping tooth, 74 is the open clamping arm, 76 is the closed clamping arm, 80 is the cover, 92 is the tubular outlet, 94 is the faucet aerator, 96 is the faucet outlet, 98 is the faucet pipe, 100 is the shower pipe, 102 is the shower head, 104 is the bottle mouth, 106 is the sports water bottle mouth, 108 is the container opening, 110 is the hose, and 112 is the pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0029] This invention includes and encompasses any one or more embodiments and / or combinations of aspects described herein, unless such combinations are clearly not permitted or explicitly avoided.

[0030] like Figure 1 As exemplified, the present invention provides a connector device 2 for connection to a tubular outlet 92 assembly of a given end product, regardless of the surface profile of the tubular outlet. In a preferred embodiment, the surface profile of the tubular outlet may include, but is not limited to, any type of helical, torsion, push-in, press-in, or clamping profile, any type of threaded profile, or any similar, derived, variant, or combined profile. In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 and 3 As exemplified, the connecting thread 18 of the connector 2 can be attached to the filter unit 26 to form a filter device 4. In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and 14 As exemplified, the connecting thread 18 of the connector device 2 can be attached to the extension unit 28, wherein the extension unit can be attached to the connecting thread of another connector device to form a coupling device 6.

[0031] Therefore, the connector 2 includes (i) a main housing 11 with a retaining ring thread 12, a clamping arm 70, and a connecting thread 18, (ii) a block interlayer 50 enclosed within the clamping arm, and (iii) a retaining ring 15 with internal threads, wherein the connecting thread 18 is attached to a filter unit 26 to form a filter device 4, or to another connector 2 to form a coupling device 6, wherein when the connector 2, filter device 4, or coupling device 6 is connected to the tubular outlet 92 assembly of a given end product, the retaining ring is screwed onto the retaining ring thread, and the clamping arm is compressed by the inclined plane to abut against the block interlayer to seal and secure the device to the tubular outlet.

[0032] In some embodiments, the connector 2 can be made in any diameter and includes a block interlayer 50 that can be made in any diameter and / or thickness to make it compatible with and connect to the tubular outlet 92 assembly of a given end product. In another embodiment, the connector 2 includes a main housing 11 and connecting threads 18, as well as its component parts, including, but not limited to, a retaining ring 15, a block interlayer 50, a filter unit 26, an extension unit 28, or a cap 80. These are modular, allowing the component parts to be interchangeable to create alternative connector 2, filter 4, or coupling device 6 for the tubular outlet 92 assembly of different end products.

[0033] In some embodiments, the filter device 4 may be connected to the tubular outlet 92 assembly of the end product to purify fluids, including but not limited to water passing through the filter device. In some embodiments, the tubular outlet 92 assembly of the end product may include, but is not limited to, […]. Figure 5 , 6 And the faucet aerator 94, faucet outlet 96, or any faucet pipe 98 assembly shown in Figure 7, such as Figure 8 Shower pipe 100 or any shower head 102 assembly shown, such as Figure 9 and 10 The bottle opening 104 shown is as follows: Figure 11 The sports water bottle opening 106 shown is as follows: Figure 12 The container opening 108 shown is as follows: Figure 13 Any hose 110 shown, including the drain hose of a washing machine, or any pipe 112, including but not limited to any water pipe.

[0034] In some embodiments, the filtration unit 26 of the filtration device 4 can purify any fluid, including but not limited to water passing through the filtration device. In this respect, as Figure 2 and 3 As exemplified, the filter unit may contain filter material 40 for purifying fluids, including but not limited to drinking water, bath water, rainwater, or wastewater, to remove contaminants, including but not limited to pathogens, particulate matter, odors, or tastes. In this respect, the filter unit may contain any type of filter material that is readily understood by a skilled technician. In this respect, the filter material may be of any sufficiently large diameter to be contained within the filter unit as the fluid passes through the filter. In some respects, the filter material may be of a sufficiently large diameter to allow a water flow rate of at least >1 liter per minute.

[0035] In some implementations, such as Figure 16A As exemplified, the connecting thread 18 of the connector device 2 may include an external thread 62 for screwing onto the internal thread 60 of the filter unit 26 to form the filter device 4. In some embodiments, such as Figure 16BAs exemplified, the connecting thread of the connector device may include an internal thread 60 for screwing onto the external thread 62 of the filter unit to form a filter device. In some embodiments, the connecting thread of the connector device may include an external thread 62 for screwing onto the internal thread 60 connecting thread of another connector device to form a coupling device 6.

[0036] In some embodiments, the connecting thread 18 of the connector 2 can be attached to the extension unit 28. In this respect, the connector including the extension unit can be attached to the filter unit 26 to form a filter device 4. In this respect, as... Figure 7 As exemplified, the extension unit of the filter device can extend the filter device across components of the end product, including, but not limited to, a faucet aerator 94, a faucet outlet 96, a faucet pipe 98, a shower pipe 100, or a shower head 102. In some aspects, the extension unit may include an external thread 62 for screwing onto the internal thread 60 of the connector assembly's connection thread 18. In some aspects, such as... Figure 4 and 14 As exemplified, a connector device with an extension unit can be attached to another connector device to form a coupling device 6. In some aspects, the extension unit may include an internal thread 60 for screwing onto the external thread 62 of the connector device. In some embodiments, the extension unit may include an external thread 62 for screwing onto the internal thread 60 of the filter unit. In some embodiments, the extension unit may include an internal thread 60 for screwing onto the external thread 62 of the filter unit.

[0037] In some embodiments, the connector 2 may include a connecting thread 18 or any other type of additional mechanism, as understood by those skilled in the art, for attaching the connector to the filter unit 26 to form a filter device 4, attaching the connector to another connector to form a coupling device 6, or attaching the connector to the extension unit 28. In this respect, the extension unit may include any type of additional mechanism, as understood by those skilled in the art, for attaching the filter unit to form a filter device, or for attaching another additional connector to form a coupling device. In this respect, the connector, filter unit, or extension unit may include any type of helical, torsional, push-in, press-in, or clamping mechanism, or any similar, derived, variant, or combined mechanism, to form a filter device or coupling device.

[0038] In some implementations, such as Figure 13 As illustrated, the filter unit 26 may be removable, wherein the filter unit and / or filter material 40 can be replaced. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and 3As illustrated, the filter unit can be removable and replaceable, with the filter material permanently fixed within the filter unit. In some embodiments, such as Figure 17B As exemplified, the filter unit can be a permanent part of the main housing. In some embodiments, when the filter unit is a permanent part of the main housing, the filter material can be permanently fixed within the filter unit or replaceable. In some embodiments, the filter unit (26) of the filter device (4) protrudes into or outside the tubular outlet (92) assembly, including a bottle neck (104), a sports water bottle neck (106), or a container opening (108). Figure 9 , 10 As exemplified by 11, 12, 16A, and 16B, the filter unit can extend into the end product, including but not limited to a bottle. In some embodiments, such as Figure 17A and 17B As shown in the example, the filter unit may extend beyond the end product, including but not limited to the bottle.

[0039] In some embodiments, the filter unit 26 of the filter device 4 may include any type of mechanism, which is clearly understood by those skilled in the art, for securing, opening, and closing the filter material 40 into the filter unit. In some embodiments, such as Figure 13 As exemplified, the filter unit may include a filter cover 30 for opening and closing the fluid unit to add, remove, and / or replace filter media. In some respects, the filter unit and / or filter cover may include any type of helical, twisting, pushing, pressing, or clamping mechanism, or any similar, derived, variant, or combined mechanism for securing, opening, and closing the filter unit.

[0040] In some embodiments, the retaining ring thread 12 and the main housing 11 may include any type of mechanism, as clearly understood by those skilled in the art, for securing the retaining ring 15 to the main housing to compress the clamping arm 70 against the block interlayer 50, thereby sealing and securing the connector device 2, filter device 4, or coupling device 6 to the tubular outlet 92 assembly of the end product. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and 2As exemplified, the retaining ring 15 with internal threads may include an external thread 62 for screwing onto the retaining ring thread 12 of the body housing 11, which includes an internal thread 60. In some embodiments, the retaining ring with internal threads may include an internal thread 60 for screwing onto the retaining ring thread of the body housing, which includes an external thread 62. In this respect, the retaining ring thread 12, the body housing 11, and the retaining ring 15 may include any type of helical, torsion, push-in, press-in, or clamping mechanism, or any similar, variant, or combination of mechanisms, for securing the retaining ring 15 to the body housing 11 to compress the clamping arm 70 against the block interlayer 50, thereby sealing and securing the connector device 2, filter device 4, or coupling device 6 to the tubular outlet 92 assembly of the end product. In some embodiments, the body housing 11 of the connector device 2, filter device 4, or coupling device 6 may include one or more clamping arms 70 for compressing against the block interlayer 50 to seal and secure the device to the tubular outlet 92. In this respect, as Figure 15 As exemplified, the clamping arm may include one or more clamping teeth 72 for compressing against the block interlayer 50 to seal and secure the device to the tubular outlet 92.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 1 , 2 As illustrated in examples 3 and 4, the present invention provides a block interlayer 50, which is enclosed within the clamping arm 70 of the main body housing 11 of the connector device 2, filter device 4, or coupling device 6. In this respect, as Figure 15 As exemplified, when the device is connected to the tubular outlet 92 assembly of the end product, the retaining ring 15, when screwed onto the retaining ring thread 12 of the main body housing 11, compresses the open clamping arm 74 into a closed clamping arm 76 through the inclined plane, abutting against the block interlayer 50, forming a waterproof seal and securing the device to the tubular outlet 92 assembly of the end product.

[0042] In some implementations, such as Figure 14 As exemplified, the block interlayer 50 can be manufactured in any diameter and / or thickness to be compatible with and connect to the tubular outlet 92 assembly, including, but not limited to, the faucet aerator 94 and the hose 110, including garden hoses. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , 2 As illustrated in example 3, the block interlayer can be secured within the clamping arm 70 and / or the main housing 11, wherein the block interlayer can be press-fitted and is either a removable block interlayer or a permanently fixed block interlayer within the clamping arm and / or the main housing. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As exemplified, the block interlayer may include one or more protruding lips 52 for insertion into a clamping arm and / or body housing including one or more recesses 54. In some aspects, the block interlayer may include one or more recesses 54 for insertion into a clamping arm and / or body housing including one or more protruding lips 52. In this respect, the block interlayer, clamping arm, and / or body housing may be manufactured in any shape that is clearly understood by those skilled in the art for enclosing the block interlayer within the clamping arm and / or body housing, wherein the block interlayer may be inserted into or secured within the clamping arm and / or body housing using any mechanism clearly understood by those skilled in the art.

[0043] In some implementations, such as Figure 3 As exemplified, the connector device 2, filter device 4, or coupling device 6 may include a cap connection thread 20 for attaching a cap 80 to open and close the device. In this respect, the device and cap may include any mechanism clearly understood by those skilled in the art for opening and closing the device. In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As exemplified, the device may include an external thread 62 for screwing onto the internal thread 60 of the cap. In some embodiments, the device includes, but is not limited to, a filtering device that may include an internal thread 60 for screwing onto the external thread 62 of the cap. In this regard, the device and cap may include any type of helical, torsion, push-in, press-in, or clamping mechanism, or any similar, derived, variant, or combined mechanism, for opening and closing the device. In this regard, any cap or cap mechanism may be secured to the main body housing of the device by a flexible bracket or any similar system that is readily understood by those skilled in the art.

[0044] In another embodiment, the connector 2 includes a main housing 11 and connecting threads 18, as well as its component parts, including, but not limited to, a retaining ring 15, a block interlayer 50, a filter unit 26, an extension unit 28, a cap connecting thread 20, or a cap 80. These are modular, allowing the component parts to be interchangeable to create new or alternative connector 2, filter 4, or coupling device 6. In this respect, for example, the connector can be interchanged with any type of filter unit, so that the same connector can be fitted with a specific filter unit for use with a faucet aerator, shower pipe, or washing machine drain hose. In this respect, as... Figure 14 As exemplified, the aforementioned connector can be attached to another connector to create a coupling device for connecting a garden hose to a faucet aerator or faucet pipe. In this respect, the interlayers are interchangeable, wherein interlayers of compatible diameters and / or thicknesses can be inserted into the device to connect to the tubular outlet 92 assembly of a given end product.

[0045] In some embodiments, components of the connector device 2, filter device 4, or coupling device 6, including but not limited to the main housing 11, retaining ring 15, filter unit 26, extension unit 28, and cover 80, can be made of any material, including but not limited to any type of plastic, synthetic resin material, composite structural material, metallic material, any similar material, or any combination of these materials, as is clearly understood by those skilled in the art. Exemplary synthetic or composite materials may include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyoxymethylene, any similar material, or any combination of these materials, as is understood by those skilled in the art. Exemplary metallic materials may include, but are not limited to, stainless steel, brass, bronze, aluminum, copper, zinc alloy, carbon steel, or alloy steel. In some embodiments, components of the device of the present invention, including but not limited to the interlayer 50, can be made of any material, including but not limited to any rubber material, elastomer material, any similar material, or any combination of these materials, as is clearly understood by those skilled in the art. Exemplary rubber or elastomer materials may include, but are not limited to, chloroprene rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, or sponge rubber.

[0046] Modifications may be made to the embodiments or aspects described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and the spirit and scope of the invention are not limited by any theoretical interpretation. This includes a mechanism in which the retaining ring 15 of the connector device 2, filter device 4, or coupling device 6 is connected to the main housing 11 to compress the clamping arm 70 against the block interlayer 50, thereby sealing and securing the device to the tubular outlet 92. In this respect, the retaining ring 15 may include an external thread 62 thread profile for screwing onto the retaining ring thread 12 of the main housing 11, which includes an internal thread 60 thread profile to compress the clamping arm 70 against the block interlayer 50. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, in some embodiments, any alternative type of helical, torsion, push-in, press-in, or clamping mechanism, or any similar, variant, or combination mechanism obvious to those skilled in the art, may be used to secure the retaining ring 15 to the main housing 11, compress the clamping arm 70 against the block interlayer 50, thereby sealing and securing the connector device 2, filter device 4, or coupling device 6 to the tubular outlet 92.

[0047] Furthermore, while the invention has been described through exemplary embodiments and aspects, many other equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the connector 2, filter 4, or coupling device 6 may include additional components. Exemplary additional components may include, but are not limited to, a battery for powering an alarm system, including water pressure, purity, and / or level alarm systems, for replacing filter unit 26 and / or filter material 40, a propeller turbine system for isolating particulate matter, including microplastics, to prevent clogging of filter unit 26, an umbrella valve system or internal pump system to increase fluid flow rate, a UV lamp system for disinfecting water, a temperature sensor, a heating or cooling system, or a flavoring system. Other examples include O-rings for forming a waterproof seal when the filter unit 26 is secured to the filter device 4.

[0048] For clarity, certain aspects of the invention are described in individual embodiments, or may be provided in combination in a single embodiment. For brevity, various aspects of the invention are described within the context of a single embodiment, or may be provided individually or in any suitable sub-combination. All combinations of embodiments involved in this invention are expressly included in this invention and disclosed herein, as if each combination were disclosed individually and expressly. All sub-combinations of these embodiments are also expressly included in this invention and disclosed herein, as if each such sub-combination were disclosed individually and expressly herein.

[0049] All technical terms used herein may have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the term “end product” as used herein refers to any object that can be connected to the connector 2, filter 4, or coupling 6 of the present invention, including but not limited to any tubular outlet 92 assembly, any hose or pipe assembly including kitchen, laundry, bathroom, or rainwater tank faucets, any shower pipe or shower head, any bottle neck, sports kettle neck, or container opening, or any drain hose, including the drain hose of a washing machine. In this regard, the term “opening” refers to any opening of the said end product, including water jugs, cans, jars, barrels, flasks, pots, buckets, jars, tanks, bottles, barrels, silos, bathtubs, or jars, any disposable, squeezeable, refillable, or insulated variant, or any similar, variant, or combined opening.

[0050] As used herein, the term "filter material" 40 refers to any material understood by those skilled in the art that may be filled within the filter unit 26 of the filter device 4 for purifying or removing contaminants, including but not limited to pathogens, particulate matter, odors, or tastes. Filter materials include activated carbon, cellulose acetate, cellulose esters, nitrocellulose, PVC, cellulose, ceramic materials, freeze-dried astaxanthin, freeze-dried corn starch, freeze-dried hydrogel sponge, freeze-dried gelatin sponge, freeze-dried macroalgae, freeze-dried microalgae, freeze-dried sodium alginate sponge, glass materials, gravity filters, ion exchange resins, mesoporous silicates, metallic materials, nitrocellulose, photocatalytic ceramics made of alumina, silicon carbide, zirconium oxide, titanium dioxide, or glass materials, polyacrylonitrile, polyaluminum chloride and anionic polyacrylamide coagulation, sodium alginate and / or activated silica, polyamide, nylon, polyethersulfone, polyethylene, polyimide, polypropylene, polysulfone, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene fluoride, silicon-based ceramic film composite hollow fiber membranes, zeolite, or any similar, variant, or combination of materials.

[0051] In some embodiments, the filter material 40 may comprise any disinfectant, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and / or antiviral material. The filter material may have a sufficiently large diameter to be contained within the filter unit 26 of the filtration device 4, but allow fluid to pass through. This includes filter materials that allow free flow of fluid and a flow rate of at least >1 liter per minute. The filter material may be of any shape to fill the filter unit, including, but not limited to, any filter cartridge, sponge, disc, or module shape. The filter module may comprise, but is not limited to, hollow fiber membranes, hollow fiber microtubular membranes, hollow fiber spiral wound modules, hollow fiber plate modules, hollow fiber frame modules, hollow fiber U-tube modules, membrane filter cartridge modules, or any similar, derived, variant, or combined materials.

Claims

1. A connector device (2), characterized in that, include: (i) The main body shell (11) has a retaining ring thread (12), a clamping arm (70) and a connecting thread (18); (ii) The block interlayer (50) enclosed within the clamping arm; and (iii) A retaining ring with internal threads (15); When the connector device (2) is connected to the tubular outlet (92) assembly of the end product, the retaining ring (15) is screwed onto the retaining ring thread to compress the clamping arm, thereby sealing and securing the connector device to the tubular outlet (92) assembly of the end product.

2. The connector device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting thread (18) is attached to the filter unit (26) to form a filter device (4).

3. The connector device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting thread (18) is attached to another connector (2) to form a coupling device (6).

4. The connector device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting thread (18) is attached to the extension unit (28), which is attached to the filter unit (26) to form a filter device (4), or to another connector device (2) to form a coupling device (6).

5. The connector device (2) according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The connector (2), filter (4) or coupling (6) includes a cap connection thread (20) for attaching a cap (80) to open and close the connector (2), filter (4) or coupling (6).

6. The connector device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tubular outlet (92) assembly of the terminal product includes a faucet aerator (94), a faucet outlet (96), a faucet pipe (98), a shower pipe (100), a shower head (102), a bottle mouth (104), a kettle mouth (106), a container opening (108), a hose (110) or a pipe (112).

7. The connector device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The block interlayer (50) is press-fitted, removable and / or permanently fixed within the clamping arm (70) of the connector device (2) and / or the main housing (11).

8. The connector device (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The filter unit (26) of the filter device (4) includes filter material (40) and filter cover (30).

9. The connector device (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The filter unit (26) of the filter device (4) is detachable or integral within the filter device (4), and the filter unit (26) includes detachable or integral filter material (40) within the filter unit (26).

10. The connector device (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The filter unit (26) of the filter device (4) protrudes into or outside the tubular outlet (92) assembly, including the bottle mouth (104), the sports water bottle mouth (106), or the container opening (108).

Images