Combined faucet protection and water purification device

Abstract

A combined faucet protection and water purification device includes: an integral elastomer faucet cover body configured to fit over a bathtub faucet and cover its entire length; a downwardly extending lower portion of the body; a downwardly extending filter housing configured to be detachably connected to the body; and a replaceable filter cartridge located within the filter housing, wherein the filter housing is detachably connected to the body and can be removed without tools. This device is designed for secure installation on standard bathtub faucets, providing impact cushioning and scalding protection while simultaneously filtering the dispensed bathwater in real time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a water filtration and safety system for residential plumbing installations. Specifically, it relates to a combined filter protection device that can be installed on the water outlet of a bathtub faucet. This utility model combines an elastomer water mask with child safety protection with a detachable water filter device, providing both impact protection and water treatment functions during bathing. Background Technology

[0002] Bathtub faucet safety guards are typically used to cover protruding metal spouts. Their soft and flexible material provides effective cushioning, preventing injuries to infants and toddlers from bumps during bath time. Furthermore, the quality of water in the home bathing environment is receiving increasing attention, as bathwater may contain contaminants such as chlorine and heavy metals. These substances can irritate sensitive skin and may pose health risks if ingested.

[0003] While some point-of-use water filtration devices exist on the market, these devices are typically designed for shower or sink faucets and are structurally incompatible with standard bathtub outlets. Standard bathtub outlets are generally threadless wall-mounted designs, lacking the embedded or axial connecting parts required by existing filtration devices. Therefore, shower filtration products cannot be adapted for bathtub settings.

[0004] For example, Chinese utility model patent CN217325640U discloses a plastic faucet with protective functions, including a mounting plate, bearing, filter layer, and internal flow channel. Although it can provide water filtration through its complex internal mechanism, this design requires modification of the entire faucet structure, is complex, and is incompatible with standard household bathtubs.

[0005] For example, Chinese invention patent application CN107477244A discloses a safety single-hole basin faucet with a filter function. The transparent cylindrical component houses a filter device, which is threadedly connected to the water outlet pipe. The cylindrical component is also connected to a bowl-shaped rubber cup for cushioning. While this mechanism allows for the visualization of the filter and the replacement of the filter device, this design is limited to basin faucets and requires pre-installed threads on the faucet, making it unsuitable for standard bathtub faucets.

[0006] To date, no existing technology has been able to effectively combine the following features: a press-fit sleeve design compatible with household threadless bathtub faucets, integrated water filtration and child safety features, and a removable filter housing that allows for tool-free filter replacement.

[0007] This invention fills a technological gap by employing an integral elastic sleeve structure, which allows for secure installation on standard threadless bathtub faucets via elastic compression, requiring no threads or structural modifications. The detachable lower housing contains a replaceable filter cartridge, allowing users to easily remove the housing and insert a new cartridge without additional tools. Suitable for everyday household use, this invention combines real-time water filtration, shock absorption, and ease of maintenance, making it particularly suitable for bathing scenarios involving children. It overcomes the limitations of existing technologies in balancing usability, safety, and compatibility. Utility Model Content

[0008] This invention combines a soft, shock-absorbing, elastic bathtub spout protective cover with a built-in water filtration device. The device is designed for secure installation on a standard bathtub faucet, cushioning impacts and preventing scalding while simultaneously filtering the released bathwater in real time.

[0009] The device has a downward-extending filter chamber below the main outlet protective cover. When water flows through the outlet, it is filtered by the filter medium in the replaceable filter element under the action of gravity.

[0010] This utility model provides a combined faucet protection and water purification device, including:

[0011] The main body of the integral elastomer faucet cover is configured to be fitted onto the bathtub faucet and cover the entire length of the faucet; the lower part of the main body extends downward.

[0012] A downwardly extending filter housing is configured to be detachably attached to the body; and

[0013] Replaceable filter element located inside the filter housing,

[0014] The filter housing is detachably connected to the main body and can be disassembled without the use of tools.

[0015] Furthermore, the integral elastomer faucet protective cover body includes a tubular sleeve-type upper part, which is designed to match and fit the outer contour of the faucet; the tubular sleeve-type upper part is internally configured with annular ribs or radially extending compression arms.

[0016] Furthermore, the tubular sleeve-shaped upper part extends downward to form an integrally formed elongated connecting part, which is configured to receive the housing of the filter.

[0017] Furthermore, the outer periphery of the outer shell is provided with a continuous annular flange; the outer shell is elastically deformable, so that when the outer shell is axially inserted into the lower part of the main body, the flange can be slightly compressed and then spring back to expand, engaging with the groove provided on the inner wall of the lower part of the main body.

[0018] Furthermore, the detachable method can be a snap-fit ​​interface, a threaded connection, an interference fit, a bayonet-type rotation lock, or magnetic coupling.

[0019] Furthermore, the top surface of the body is provided with an opening to accommodate a water nozzle equipped with a diverter valve.

[0020] Furthermore, the replaceable filter element is positioned by an inner flange located circumferentially at the bottom of the housing.

[0021] Furthermore, the replaceable filter element includes one or more of the following: activated carbon, KDF media, ceramic balls, or other chemical, physical, or catalytic filter layers.

[0022] Furthermore, during use, after the water flows out of the faucet, it passes through the replaceable filter element by gravity and flows out from the filtered outlet located at the far end of the housing.

[0023] Furthermore, the body is made of silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or natural rubber; the shell is made of silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or a similar elastic compound having a Shore A hardness rating between 45 and 90; the body and the shell have the same hardness rating.

[0024] This invention combines a protective cover installed on the bathtub faucet with a water filtration unit, using gravity to filter the bathwater. This not only cushions impacts and prevents scalding, but also filters the released bathwater in real time. It is especially beneficial for children, protecting them from injuries and minimizing harm should a child accidentally drink the bathwater. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To gain a more complete understanding of this utility model, reference will now be made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the combined faucet protection and water purification device provided by this utility model installed on a standard bathtub faucet.

[0027] Figure 2 An exploded view of the combined faucet protection and water purification device provided by this utility model shows the main flexible faucet cover, detachable filter housing, and replaceable filter element.

[0028] Figure 3 The combined faucet protection and water purification device provided by this utility model is shown in a cross-sectional side view in its combined state, illustrating the internal water flow path from the faucet outlet through the filter element to the outlet of the device.

[0029] Figure 4A detailed view of the snap-fit ​​interface between the filter housing and the main body of the faucet protector and water purification device provided by this utility model shows the annular flange and the corresponding retaining groove. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the technical effects of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments and methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0031] This utility model provides a combined faucet protection and water purification device, such as Figure 1 As shown, the device includes a one-piece faucet cover body 100 made of a flexible, non-toxic elastic material, such as silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or natural rubber. The body 100 includes a tubular sleeve-type upper portion 110, sized to match and conform to the outer contour of the faucet spout 105. The tubular sleeve-type upper portion 110 internally features an annular rib 112 or radially extending compression arms 114 to ensure a secure press-fit attachment. The top surface of the tubular sleeve-type upper portion 110 has an opening 116 for accommodating a diverter valve (if configured).

[0032] The tubular upper sleeve 110 extends downward to form an integrally formed slender connecting portion 118. The connecting portion 118 is configured to receive the housing 120 of the modular filter, which is connected to the connecting portion 118 by an upward axial insertion. The housing 120 is made of an elastic material with the same hardness grade (Shore A) as the main body 100. The outer periphery of the housing 120 is provided with a continuous annular flange 124. The flange 124 is designed to be elastically deformable and engage with a corresponding groove 126 on the lower inner wall of the connecting portion 118 of the main body 100. When the housing 120 is axially inserted into the connecting portion 118, the flange 124 is first slightly compressed and then springs back to expand and snap into the groove 126, forming a mechanical snap-fit ​​connection that can resist the displacement of the housing 120 due to gravity and also form a waterproof seal at the connection.

[0033] The snap-fit ​​interface design allows users to deform the surrounding elastomer wall by pressing the outer surface of the main body 100, thereby temporarily disengaging the flange 124 from the slot, enabling tool-free disassembly of the filter housing 120. This snap-fit ​​interface is optimized for repeated disassembly and reassembly without causing a degradation in material properties.

[0034] Furthermore, the modular connection between the outer shell 120 and the main body 100 can include any suitable detachable connection method, including but not limited to: snap-fit ​​interface, threaded connection, interference fit, bayonet-type rotary lock, magnetic coupling, or other detachable connection mechanisms that can maintain structural integrity and waterproof performance under normal use. The flange and slot method described above is the preferred method.

[0035] The filter housing 120 has an internal chamber 122 for accommodating a replaceable water filter element 130. The filter element 130 is fixed in place by an inner flange located circumferentially at the bottom of the housing 120. In use, water flows into the internal chamber 122 from the water inlet, passes through the filter element 130 under gravity, and flows out through the filtered water outlet 140 located at the far end of the housing 120.

[0036] The replaceable filter cartridge 130 may contain one or more layers of filter media, including but not limited to: activated carbon, KDF (Dynamically Degradable Fluid) filter media, ceramic balls, or other physical, chemical, or catalytic filter materials. This filtration system is designed to reduce the levels of residual chlorine, heavy metals, and other common contaminants in water. Although this device is not designed for drinking water filtration, accidental ingestion (especially in situations involving children) is taken into consideration.

[0037] The outer shell 120 may be made of silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or a similar elastic compound with a Shore A hardness rating between 45 and 90. These materials are optimized for flexibility, durability, and heat resistance. Additives may also be added to the outer shell 120 to enhance its heat resistance, antibacterial properties, or durability.

[0038] The foregoing description is intended to disclose exemplary embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection. The present invention includes any and all configurations in which the filter housing is detachably connected to a protective cover mounted on a faucet via any suitable mechanical or non-mechanical connection, such connections maintaining structural integrity and sealing. The claims of the present invention are illustrative and non-limiting, and the present invention covers all equivalents and variations that are obvious to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A combined faucet protection and water purification device, comprising: The main body of the integral elastomer faucet cover is configured to be fitted onto the bathtub faucet and cover the entire length of the faucet; the lower part of the main body extends downward. The downwardly extending filter housing is configured to be detachably attached to the body; as well as Replaceable filter element located inside the filter housing, The filter housing is detachably connected to the main body and can be disassembled without the use of tools.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The integral elastomer faucet cover body includes a tubular sleeve-type upper part, which is designed to match and fit the outer contour of the faucet; the tubular sleeve-type upper part is internally configured with annular ribs or radially extending compression arms.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The tubular sleeve-shaped upper part extends downward to form an integrally formed slender connecting part, which is configured to receive the housing of the filter.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell is provided with a continuous annular flange; the outer shell is elastically deformable, so that when the outer shell is axially inserted into the lower part of the main body, the flange can be slightly compressed and then spring back to expand, engaging with the groove provided on the inner wall of the lower part of the main body.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detachable method is a snap-fit ​​interface, threaded connection, interference fit, bayonet-type rotation lock, or magnetic coupling.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top surface of the main body has an opening to accommodate a water nozzle equipped with a diverter valve.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The replaceable filter element is positioned by an inner flange located circumferentially at the bottom of the housing.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The replaceable filter element includes a catalytic filter layer.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The replaceable filter element includes one or more of the following: activated carbon, KDF media, and ceramic balls.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, When in use, water flows out of the faucet and passes through the replaceable filter element by gravity, and then flows out from the filtered outlet located at the far end of the housing.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The body is made of silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or natural rubber; the shell is made of silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), or a similar elastic compound having a Shore A hardness rating between 45 and 90; the body and the shell have the same hardness rating.

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