Water treatment system using disposable media

Abstract

A water treatment assembly is provided comprising a filter head (12) configured for connection to a water supply line, the filter head comprising a rotatable shut-off valve (62); a sump assembly (30) releasably connected to the filter head, the sump assembly including a sump cover (32) releasably attached to a sump body (34) and defining an interior chamber (38), and the sump cover having a cover port (74, 76) in fluid communication with a complementary head port (68, 70) in the filter head; and a filter insert (40) releasably enclosed within the interior chamber, the filter insert having a filter media portion (42) and an end cap (46) secured to the media portion, the end cap having at least one port (86) configured for fluid communication with one of the cap ports and one of the head ports.

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202510999826.1 (22) Application Date 2025.07.21 (30) Priority Data 18 / 783,833 2024.07.25 US (71) Applicant: Pennock Water Purification Equipment Co., Ltd. Address: Florida, USA (72) Inventor: Hakrat Saniwalk Allen Norris Xie Mingyang (74) Patent Agency: Shanghai Xucheng Intellectual Property Agency Co., Ltd. 31220 Patent Attorney: Zheng Liding Huimin (51) Int.Cl. C02F 9 / 00 (2023.01) C02F 1 / 00 ​​(2023.01) C02F 1 / 44 (2023.01) (54) Invention Title: Water Treatment System Using Disposable Media Insert (57) Abstract: A water treatment assembly is provided, comprising a filter head (12) configured for connection to a water supply line, the filter head including a rotatable shut-off valve (62); a reservoir assembly (30) releasably connected to the filter head, the reservoir assembly including a reservoir cover (32) releasably attached to a reservoir body (34) and defining an internal chamber (38), the reservoir cover having cover ports (74, 76) in fluid communication with complementary head ports (68, 70) in the filter head; and a filter insert (40) releasably closed within the internal chamber, the filter insert having a filter media portion (42) and an end cap (46) fixed to the media portion, the end cap having at least one port (86) configured for fluid communication with one of the cover ports and one of the head ports. Claims 3 pages, Description 6 pages, Drawings 14 pages, CN 121405272 A 2026.01.27 CN 1 21 40 52 72 A 1. A water treatment assembly comprising: a filter head (12) configured for connection to a water supply line, the filter head including a rotatable shut-off valve (62); a reservoir assembly (30) releasably connected to the filter head, the reservoir assembly including a reservoir cover (32) releasably attached to a reservoir body (34) and defining an internal chamber (38), and the reservoir cover having cover ports (74, 76) in fluid communication with complementary head ports (68, 70) in the filter head; A filter insert (40) releasably enclosed within the internal cavity, the filter insert having a filter media portion (42) and an end cap (46) fixed to the media portion, the end cap having at least one port (86) configured for fluid communication with one of the cap ports and one of the head ports.2. The water treatment assembly of claim 1, wherein the filter head (12) has a housing (14) with a lower edge (27) and at least one alignment tab (28) hanging from the lower edge, and the reservoir cover (32) has a complementary structure (54) on its outer surface, the tab and the structure each having complementary bevels (48, 58) for guiding the reservoir assembly into engagement with the filter head. 3. The water treatment assembly of claim 2, wherein the alignment tab (28) has the bevel (48) at one end and a vertical surface (50) at the opposite end, and the reservoir cover (32) has a vertical stop (60) configured and arranged to engage the vertical surface when fully and aligned between the reservoir cover and the head. 4. The water treatment assembly of claim 1, wherein the shut-off valve (62) is rotatable within the filter head (12) and has a first head port (68), a second head port (70), and a pendant key structure (72) all linearly aligned, and the reservoir cover (32) has a first cover port (74), a second cover port (76), and a locking recess (80) all complementary to the head port and the key structure, respectively. 5. The water treatment assembly of claim 4, wherein the port (86) of the filter insert (40) is configured and arranged to align with the second cover port (76) of the reservoir cover (32) and also with the second head port (70), wherein all the ports are in fluid communication with each other. 6. The water treatment assembly of claim 1, wherein the reservoir cover (32) has an upper surface (97) with at least one laterally projecting support tab (98), and at least one of the tabs is provided with a tactile head engagement feature. 7. The water treatment assembly of claim 6, wherein the filter head (12) has a housing (14) having at least one internal platform (100) for receiving an associated support tab (98) of the at least one support tab (98), and the filter head further having a complementary tactile structure for engaging the tactile head engagement feature on the reservoir cover. 8. The water treatment assembly of claim 1, wherein the reservoir cover (32) and the reservoir body (34) each have a plurality of grip enhancement structures (106). 9. The water treatment assembly of claim 1, wherein the reservoir cover (32) has an inner surface with an inwardly projecting alignment rib (104), and the end cap (46) has a complementary track (118) on a vertical skirt (116) for receiving the alignment rib. 10. The water treatment assembly of claim 1, wherein the filter head (12) is provided with at least one mounting hole (18, 22) on both the upper surface (16) and the rear surface (20).11. A reservoir assembly (30) for a water system, the water system including a filter head (12) connected to a water source, the filter head including a housing (14) enclosing a rotatable shut-off valve (62) having a first head port (68), a second head port (70), and a pendant key structure (72) all linearly aligned, the filter head having a housing (14) with a lower edge (see claim 1 / 3 page 2 CN 121405272 A (27)) and at least one aligned tab (28) pendant from the lower edge, the reservoir assembly comprising: The reservoir cover (32) has an upper surface with a first cover port (74), a second cover port (76), and a locking recess (80), all of which are complementary and fluidly communicated with the head port and engageably aligned with the key structure. The reservoir cover further includes a pair of opposing laterally projecting support tabs (98), and at least one of the tabs is provided with a tactile head engagement feature (106). The reservoir cover (32) has a complementary structure on its outer surface, wherein the alignment tabs and the structure each have a complementary bevel (58) for guiding the reservoir assembly into engagement with the filter head. A reservoir body (34) configured to releasably engage with the reservoir cover (32) and together with the reservoir cover define an internal chamber (38); and the internal chamber (38) configured to receive a filter insert (40) releasably closed within the internal chamber, the filter insert having a filter media portion (42) and an end cap (46) fixed to the media portion, the end cap having at least one port (86) configured to be in fluid communication with one of the cover ports and one of the head ports. 12. The reservoir assembly of claim 11, wherein the reservoir cover (32) has an inner surface with inwardly projecting alignment ribs (114) configured and arranged to receive complementary tracks (118) on a vertical skirt (116) of the end cap. 13. The reservoir assembly of claim 11, wherein the reservoir cover (32) and the reservoir body (34) each have a plurality of gripping reinforcement structures (106). 14. The reservoir assembly of claim 13, wherein the reservoir cover (32) is threadedly engaged with the reservoir body (34), and the gripping reinforcement structure (106) is a laterally projecting parallel rib. 15. A filter insert (40) for use in a water treatment assembly comprising a filter head (12) configured for connection to a water supply line, the filter head including a rotatable shut-off valve (62) and a reservoir assembly (30) releasably connected to the filter head, the reservoir assembly including a releasably attached portion to a reservoir body (34).The filter insert includes: a reservoir cover (32) defining an internal chamber (38), and the reservoir cover having a cover port (74, 76) in fluid communication with complementary head ports (68, 70) in the filter head; the filter insert comprising: a filter media portion (42) having an upper media surface and a lower media surface (88); an end cap (46) fixed to the upper media surface, the end cap having an end cap port (86) having a non-circular shape when viewed from above, the end cap port being configured to engage complementary non-circular recesses (108) in the reservoir cover and in fluid communication with one of the cover ports and one of the head ports; the end cap (46) having a generally flat upper surface (97) and a drooping peripheral skirt (116) extending above the filter media, the end cap port projecting vertically from the generally flat upper surface (97), the peripheral skirt having at least one alignment structure (118); A bottom cover (90) is fixed to the lower medium surface (88) and configured for positioning within the reservoir body; and the filter insert (40) is configured for releasably closing within the internal cavity. 16. The filter insert of claim 15, wherein the reservoir cover (32) engages the filter insert (40) on the inner surface using one of complementary tracks (118) of inwardly projecting alignment ribs (114) and spaced-apart parallel ribs, and the alignment structure of the end cap is the other of the two features. 17. The filter insert of claim 15, wherein the end cap port (86) is bilaterally symmetrical about a horizontal centerline and has a pair of vertically spaced O-rings (112). Claims 2 / 3 Page 3 CN 121405272 A 18. The filter insert of claim 17, wherein the O-rings (112) are positioned on the upper half of the end cap port (86). 19. The filter insert according to claim 18, further comprising an end cap tab (120) projecting vertically from the generally flat upper surface (97). Claims 3 / 3 Page 4 CN 121405272 A Water Treatment System Using Disposable Media Inserts Technical Field Background Art

[0001] The present invention generally relates to drinking water treatment systems, whether in domestic or commercial environments, and more specifically to such systems employing disposable filter cartridges.

[0002] Such systems are typically connected to a water supply line and filter incoming tap water to enhance taste, mineral content and / or odor characteristics, and / or remove other target contaminants. The present invention relates to such a filtration system having a filter head connected to a water supply line, employing replaceable filter cartridges, and automatically shutting off the supply line when the filter cartridge is replaced.

[0003] This type of conventional water treatment system uses disposable filter cartridges, which consist of a rigid plastic or metal housing containing filter media such as granular carbon, carbon blocks, fibers, reverse osmosis (RO) membranes, etc., as well known in the art. Depending on the model and usage, the service life of such cartridges is approximately 6 months to 1 year. At the end of the cartridge's service life, the user needs to remove the existing cartridge and replace it with a new one. In most cases, the used cartridges are disposed of.

[0004] There is a growing awareness of the amount of plastic solid waste generated by modern consumers, and many companies are attempting to reduce this waste. In the water treatment industry, this perspective has been applied to disposable filter cartridges in an effort to reduce the volume of waste material. In particular, the focus in the industry is on reducing plastic cartridge waste.

[0005] Another design consideration for this type of water treatment system is configuring the product to make it easier for the user to replace the filter cartridges. The correct position of the filter cartridge within the filter head is an important objective. While both commercial and residential applications of such systems are envisioned, one application is for systems installed under sinks and / or in cabinets, where access and / or proper observation are difficult during cartridge replacement. Therefore, enhancing the position and engagement of the filter cartridge in the treatment head or filter head is very important. Furthermore, the system should preferably be designed to prevent leakage when replacing the filter cartridge.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 7,837,876 discloses an example of a conventional water filtration system using disposable filter cartridges, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. While the filter cartridge in the '876 patent is disposable, it implements the concept of cartridge-head alignment and engagement.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a water filter or treatment system that achieves the goal of reducing waste generated by the system and providing an improved position and engagement arrangement that is easier for the user to complete. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The water treatment system of the present invention meets or exceeds the requirements listed above, characterized by a reusable water treatment housing configured for use with disposable filter media inserts. The system of the present invention includes a filter head fixed to a substrate (such as a wall or cabinet) and a reusable media reservoir, also referred to as a reservoir assembly, which includes a reservoir cover and a reservoir body. In a preferred embodiment, the water treatment system envisions multiple filtration elements, including a sediment filter, a carbon filter, a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane, a post-carbon or remineralization filter, and / or a post-RO or remineralization filter. For each of the filtration stages listed above in the system of the present invention, each filtration function is represented by a corresponding reusable reservoir assembly and a disposable filter or treatment element.

[0009] The filter head includes an alignment structure to facilitate active engagement with the reservoir assembly. Such features are described on page 1 / 6 of the specification, CN 121405272 A.The reservoir assembly / filter head connection preferably includes a tactile indication of engagement of the reservoir assembly in the head. Preferably, this is achieved by using a post or rib on one of the filter head and the reservoir cover, which engages a complementary groove on the other of the filter head and the reservoir cover to provide the user with a tactile indication of active engagement of the reservoir assembly in the filter head. Another feature is a hanging, inclined tab on the filter head that engages a complementary arrangement of bevels on the reservoir to ensure proper alignment of the reservoir assembly when screwed into the filter head by the user. Optionally, additional alignment indicators are provided for the filter head and reservoir assembly to provide the user with a visual indication of proper assembly of the reservoir assembly and the filter head. Such indicators preferably include colored or etched bands on the filter head and the reservoir assembly that align once the reservoir assembly is fully engaged.

[0010] Another aspect of the water treatment system of the present invention is that the filter or treatment medium is disposable and the reservoir assembly is reusable. Therefore, the reservoir cover and the reservoir body are provided with reinforcements to facilitate disassembly and reassembly, as well as proper connection of the treatment medium insert. The filter media insert is preferably configured as an end cap with an outlet nozzle having a non-circular configuration that engages with a complementary non-circular seat or recess in the underside of the reservoir cover. The non-circular outlet nozzle is in fluid communication with an outlet port of the reservoir cover, which in turn is in fluid communication with an inlet port of the filter head to distribute treated water to the filter head and further to other processing modules in the water treatment system of the present invention.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the non-circular nozzle has a bilaterally symmetrical shape defined by opposing arcs of equal radii. A sealing element, such as an O-ring, is placed on the exterior of the outlet nozzle, preferably on the upper part of the nozzle, to prevent the treated water from mixing with untreated water.

[0012] At least one of the reservoir cover and the reservoir body has gripping elements on its outer surface, including but not limited to ribs, grids, or other surface treatments, to enhance the user's active grip when the reservoir cover is unscrewed from the reservoir body for replacement of the treatment media insert. In addition, each water treatment module, sediment, carbon, RO, remineralization, etc., is preferably provided with visual markings to help users replace the appropriate medium in a designated tank assembly. Furthermore, the corresponding tank assembly is preferably provided with mechanical alignment features to prevent incorrect media insertion into the tank assembly.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the tank cover is provided with an inlet port for receiving untreated water, an outlet port for distributing treated water, and a key feature. Preferably, the inlet port, outlet port, and key feature are linearly aligned to enhance the connection between the tank assembly and the filter head. The filter head preferably has complementary port connections and key features that align with those features on the tank cover once the tank assembly is correctly aligned with the head.

[0014] More specifically, a water treatment assembly is provided, comprising a filter head configured for connection to a water supply line, the filter head including a rotatable shut-off valve, a reservoir assembly releasably connected to the filter head, the reservoir assembly including a reservoir cover releasably attached to a reservoir body and defining an internal chamber, the reservoir cover having a cover port in fluid communication with a complementary head port in the filter head; and a filter insert releasably closed within the internal chamber, the filter insert having a filter media portion and an end cap fixed to the media portion, the end cap having at least one port configured for fluid communication with one of the cover ports and one of the head ports.

[0015] In an embodiment, the filter head has a housing with a lower edge and at least one aligned tab hanging from the lower edge, and the reservoir cover has a complementary structure on its outer surface, the tab and the structure each having a complementary bevel for guiding the reservoir assembly into engagement with the filter head. It is also envisioned that the aligning tab has a bevel at one end and a vertical surface at the opposite end, and the reservoir cover has a vertical stop configured and arranged to engage the vertical surface when fully and aligned between the reservoir cover and the head.

[0016] In an embodiment, the shut-off valve is rotatable within the filter head and has a first head port, a second head port, and a dangling key structure that are all linearly aligned, and the reservoir cover has a first cover port, a second cover port, and a locking recess that are all complementary to the head port and the key structure, respectively. The port of the filter insert is configured and arranged to align with the second cover port of the reservoir cover and also with the second head port, wherein all these ports are in fluid communication with each other.

[0017] In an embodiment, the reservoir cover has an upper surface with a support tab that protrudes laterally, and at least one tab is provided with a tactile head engagement feature. Preferably, the filter head has a housing having at least one internal platform for receiving an associated support tab of at least one support tab, and the filter head additionally has a complementary tactile structure for engaging a tactile head engagement feature on a reservoir cover. In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir cover and the reservoir body each have a plurality of grip enhancement structures.

[0018] In an embodiment, the reservoir cover has an inner surface, wherein the reservoir cover engages the filter insert on the inner surface using one of a complementary track of inwardly projecting alignment ribs and spaced parallel ribs, and the alignment structure of the end cap is the other of the two features. It is also preferred that the head has at least one mounting hole on both the upper and rear surfaces.

[0019] In another embodiment, a reservoir assembly for a water system is provided, the water system including a filter head connected to a water source, the filter head including a housing that closes a rotatable shut-off valve having a fully linearly aligned first...The filter head comprises a head port, a second head port, and a hanging key structure. The filter head has a housing with a lower edge and at least one alignment tab hanging from the lower edge. A reservoir assembly includes a reservoir cover having an upper surface with a first cover port, a second cover port, and a locking recess, all respectively complementary and fluidly communicating with the head port and engageably aligned with the key structure. The reservoir cover further includes a pair of opposing, laterally projecting support tabs, and at least one of these tabs is provided with a tactile head engagement feature. The reservoir cover has complementary structures on its outer surface, with the alignment tabs and structures each having complementary bevels for guiding engagement of the reservoir assembly with the filter head. A reservoir body is configured to releasably engage with the reservoir cover and, together with the reservoir cover, define an internal chamber. The internal chamber is configured to receive a filter insert releasably closed within the internal chamber, the filter insert having a filter media portion and an end cap fixed to the media portion, the end cap having at least one port configured for fluid communication with one of the cover ports and one of the head ports.

[0020] In one embodiment, the reservoir cover has an inner surface with inwardly projecting alignment ribs configured and arranged to accommodate complementary tracks on a vertical skirt of an end cap. Preferably, the reservoir cover is threadedly engageable with a reservoir body, and the gripping reinforcement is a laterally projecting parallel rib.

[0021] In another embodiment, a filter insert for use in a water treatment assembly is provided, the water treatment assembly including a filter head configured for connection to a water supply line, the filter head including a rotatable shut-off valve; a reservoir assembly releasably connected to the filter head, the reservoir assembly including a reservoir cover releasably attached to a reservoir body and defining an internal chamber, and the reservoir cover having a cover port in fluid communication with a complementary head port in the filter head. The filter insert includes a filter media portion having an upper media surface and a lower media surface; an end cap fixed to the upper media surface, the end cap having an end cap port with a non-circular shape when viewed from above, the end cap port being configured to engage a complementary non-circular recess in a reservoir cover and to be in fluid communication with one of the cover ports and one of the head ports; the end cap having a generally flat upper surface and a drooping peripheral skirt extending above the filter media, the end cap port projecting vertically from the upper surface, the peripheral skirt having at least one alignment structure; a bottom cover fixed to the lower media surface and configured to be positioned within a reservoir body; and the filter insert being configured to be releasably closed within an internal cavity.

[0022] In an embodiment, the end cap port is bilaterally symmetrical about a horizontal centerline and has a pair of vertically spaced seals, preferably O-rings. Preferably, the O-rings are positioned on the upper half of the end cap port. In an embodiment, an end cap tab projects vertically from the generally flat upper surface. Description 3 / 6 pages 7 CN 121405272 A Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] FIG1 is a top perspective view of the water treatment assembly of the present invention;

[0024] FIG2 is a partial front perspective view of the water treatment assembly of the present invention in a partially assembled position;

[0025] FIG3 is a partial front perspective view of the water treatment assembly of the present invention in another partially assembled position;

[0026] FIG4 is a partial front perspective view of the water treatment assembly of the present invention in yet another partially assembled position;

[0027] FIG5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the water treatment assembly of the present invention showing the water flow path using the first filter medium;

[0028] FIG6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the water treatment assembly of the present invention showing the second filter medium;

[0029] FIG7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the water treatment assembly of the present invention showing the first end cap structure;

[0030] FIG8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the water treatment assembly of the present invention showing the second end cap structure;

[0031] FIG9 is a partial top perspective view of the storage tank cover of the present invention;

[0032] FIG10 is a rear perspective view of the filter head of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 11 is a bottom view of the filter head of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 12 is a top view of the reservoir cover of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 13 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view showing the insert and reservoir installed in the filter head, taken along line 13-13 of Figure 1 and in the generally indicated direction;

[0036] Figure 13A is a partial vertical cross-sectional view taken along line 13A-13A of Figure 1 and in the generally indicated direction;

[0037] Figure 14 is a bottom perspective view of the reservoir cover of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 15 is a partial top perspective view of the top end cap of the insert of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 15A is a top view of the top end cap of the insert of the present invention; and

[0040] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the reservoir assembly and the insert. Detailed Description

[0041] Referring now to Figures 1-4 and 10, the water treatment system of the present invention is generally designated as 10 and includes a filter head 12 having a housing 14 configured for attachment to a substrate (not shown), such as a wall or cabinet panel. A top housing surface 16 has a plurality of mounting holes 18. A rear housing wall 20 (Figure 10) includes a plurality of rear mounting holes 22. The filter head housing 14 also includes a water supply line connection inlet 24 for receiving tap water and a treated water outlet 26 configured for connection to an existing water system and ultimately to a faucet.

[0042] The lower edge or edge 27 of the filter head housing 14 has at least one overhanging alignment tab 28, which will be discussed in more detail below. A reservoir assembly 30 is releasably attached to or connected to the filter head 12 and includes a reservoir cover 32 and a reservoir body 34. Preferably, the tank cover 32 is releasably attached to the tank body 34 using a helical thread 36, and the tank cover and the tank body together define an internal cavity 38.

[0043] The filter insert 40 is configured to be releasably retained within the internal chamber 38 and has a filter media portion 42, which in this application refers to any of a variety of water treatment media, including but not limited to granular carbon, carbon blocks, fibers, reverse osmosis (RO) membranes, etc., configured to perform at least one of the following treatment functions: sediment removal, post-carbon or remineralization treatment, and / or post-RO. An end cap 46 is attached to the upper end 44 of the media portion 42. The water treatment system 10 of the present invention is characterized in that the filter insert 40 is disposable upon its expiration, while the tank cover 32 and the tank body 34 are reusable, thus reducing solid waste generated by using the system of the present invention.

[0044] Referring now to Figures 2-4 and 9, at least one aligned tab 28, hanging from the lower housing edge 27, has a bevel 48 at one end and a vertical edge 50 at the opposite edge. Similarly, the reservoir cover 32 has an outer surface 52 with at least one vertical protrusion 54 complementary to the alignment tab 28. Each vertical protrusion 54 is part of a peripheral track 56 on the outer surface 52. As seen in Figures 2-4, when the reservoir assembly 30 is engaged with the filter head 12 and rotated relative to the filter head (preferably clockwise), the complementary tab 28 and the vertical protrusion 54 engage with each other to properly position the reservoir assembly 30 relative to the filter head 12. As seen in Figure 3, during the positioning process, the bevel 48 of the alignment tab 28 slidably engages the bevel 58 on the vertical protrusion 54. As seen in Figure 4, once the reservoir assembly 30 is fully engaged in the filter head 12, the vertical edge 50 of the alignment tab 28 abuts the vertical stop surface 60 on the track 56.

[0045] Referring now to Figures 5, 6, 9, and 13, the filter head 12 includes a rotatable shut-off valve 62 having an upper boss 64 that engages with a recess 66 in the filter head housing 14. The shut-off valve 62 includes a first head port 68, a second head port 70, and a dangling key structure 72, all linearly aligned with each other. In a preferred embodiment, the first head port 68 receives untreated tap water from the housing inlet 24 and allows water to flow to a first cap port 74 on the reservoir cover 32. After the water is treated by the filter insert 40, the treated water flows from the insert through the second cap port 76, which is in fluid communication with the second head port 70, and allows the treated water to flow through a channel 78 communicating with the housing outlet 26 when the reservoir assembly 30 is fully engaged in the filter head 12. In this position, the dangling key structure 72 of the shut-off valve 62 engages with a locking recess 80 on the reservoir cover to reinforce proper alignment.

[0046] It should be understood that, due to the fit and fluid communication between the tank cover 32 and the shut-off valve 62, when the tank cover is in contact with the outside of the tank...When the filter head 12 is unscrewed, the passage 78 will no longer communicate with the housing outlet 26, and the water flow will stop. When the shut-off valve 62 is rotated relative to the filter head housing 14, a seal 81, such as an O-ring, prevents leakage from this point. A similar seal 82 protects the housing inlet 24 from leakage relative to the shut-off valve 62. In addition, the reservoir cover 32 is preferably provided with at least one, and preferably multiple, seals 84 on the first cover port 74 and the second cover port 76 to prevent unwanted leakage.

[0047] Referring again to Figures 5 and 6, water flowing from the housing inlet 24 into the first cover port 74 flows into the filter insert 40 on the outer periphery of the filter insert 40 and migrates radially inward through the media portion 42. The central core 84 in the media portion 42 allows the treated water to migrate upward to pass through the end cap port or outlet 86. The treated water flows from the outlet 86 into the second head port 70 through the second cover portion 76 and eventually flows to the housing outlet 26. The main difference between filter inserts 40 and 40a in Figures 5 and 6 is that insert 40 in Figure 5 is surrounded by a pleated membrane 43 to enhance filtration and extend the operational life of insert 40 depending on the application.

[0048] Opposite to end cap 46, lower media surface 88 is fixed to bottom cap 90, which has a positioning structure 92, here a recess, for receiving a vertically protruding positioning lug 94 at the bottom of reservoir body 34. It should be understood that the size and / or configuration of the positioning lug 94 may vary depending on the type of filter media to ensure that the appropriate filter media 42 is positioned within the internal chamber 38 according to the desired function of filter insert 40.

[0049] Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, different filter inserts 40 with different filter media 42 according to function are shown. In Figure 7, filter media 42 is designated as 42a and is envisioned for reverse osmosis (RO). Media 42a is a wound RO membrane and is configured to be wound to form a central RO treated water channel 95. Water flows into channel 38 and then into membrane 42a. Concentrated water that does not pass through membrane 42a flows downwards to quick-connect drain fitting 95a in storage tank body 34, receiving and draining the concentrated water that has not passed through RO membrane 42a.

[0050] Similarly, in FIG8, it is envisioned that medium 42b is used in remineralization. Remineralization medium 42b, as known in the art, is positioned at the bottom of internal chamber 38 and receives water flowing downwards through the chamber by gravity. Water is then forced into medium 42b from below under internal pressure and migrates upwards through the medium and into insert 40b, where it flows through end cap port outlet 86 and into second cap port 76. A screen 96 on top of medium 42b prevents medium particles from moving into the treated water flow.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, FIG11 shows a portion of the lower side of filter head 12, i.e., shut-off valve 62, and FIG12...Page 5 / 6, CN 121405272 A shows a complementary structure of the reservoir cover 32.

[0052] Referring now to Figures 9, 11, 12, and 13, another feature of the water treatment system 10 of the present invention is that the reservoir cover 32 is configured to provide a tactile feel to the user when the reservoir cover is fully engaged in the filter head 12. This is achieved by providing a reservoir cover 32 having an upper surface 97 with at least one laterally projecting support tab 98. Preferably, there is a pair of such tabs 98, which are arranged 180° apart from each other, in other words, projecting from the reservoir cover 32 in opposite directions. The support tabs 98 are constructed and arranged to engage at least one arcuate inner platform 100 on the filter head housing 14. When the reservoir assembly 30 is inserted into the head 12, the reservoir cover 32 is fully pushed into the filter head housing 14 such that the support tabs 98 are above or over the platform 100. Then, as the reservoir assembly 30 rotates relative to the head 12, the support tabs 98 slidably engage the platform 100, such that the reservoir assembly is supported on the platform. Preferably, at least two platforms 100 are present to match the number of support tabs 98.

[0053] Furthermore, tactile engagement is provided by the support tabs 98 and the platform 100 having complementary structures. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the support tabs 98 has a notch or groove 102, and the platform 100 has a vertically projecting rib or post 104 that snaps into the groove once the reservoir assembly 30 is properly engaged in the filter head 12. Alternatively, the platform 100 is provided with a groove 102 and the support tabs 98 have ribs 104.

[0054] Referring again to Figures 1-4 and 16, another feature of the water treatment assembly of the present invention is that the tank cover 32 and the tank body 34 each have a plurality of grip enhancement structures 106, which enhance the user's grip on the parts when disassembled or preferably unscrewed relative to each other. In a preferred embodiment, the grip structures 106 are laterally projecting, spaced parallel ribs; however, other configurations are contemplated, including pebble textures, checkers, etc., as known in the art.

[0055] Referring now to Figures 14-16, another feature of the water treatment system 10 of the present invention is that the filter insert 40 is provided with an alignment structure that enhances the positioning of the insert within the internal chamber 38. One such alignment structure is that, when viewed from above, the end cap port 86 has a non-circular shape. In other words, the end cap port 86 is bilaterally symmetrical about the centerline CL transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tank assembly 30. Therefore, the profile of the end cap port 86 is a pair of opposing symmetrical arcs forming an ellipse.

[0056] Referring now to FIG15A, in a preferred embodiment, the symmetrical opposing arcs defining the shape of the end cap port each have a radius R greater than that of the circle (shown by the dashed line) positioned within the port, extending to an imaginary center point. In other words, a non-circular port is formed.The arcs will each form a circle with a larger diameter than the circle formed by radius R. Furthermore, the end cap port seat 108 on the lower side 110 of the reservoir cover 32 fits to receive the end cap port 86 and thus has a complementary non-circular shape, and is also in fluid communication with the second cap port 76. The sealing relationship between the end cap 46 and the reservoir cover 32 is enhanced by using at least one, and preferably two, end cap port seals 112 (FIG. 13). In a preferred embodiment, the end cap port seal 112 (preferably an O-ring) is positioned on the upper half of the end cap port 86.

[0057] Another alignment feature of the filter insert 40 is that the lower side or interior 110 of the reservoir cover has at least one inwardly projecting alignment rib 114. On the end cap 46, the overhanging peripheral skirt 116 extending above the filter media portion 42 has complementary tracks 118 constructed and arranged to engage the alignment rib 114. Preferably, when the filter insert 40 is positioned in the internal chamber 38, the alignment rib 114 slidably engages in the space defined by the track 118. It is also envisioned that the track 118 is provided inside the cover 110 and the alignment rib is provided on the skirt 116. As seen in FIG15, the end cap tab 120 projects vertically from the generally flat upper surface 97 to facilitate visual positioning of the insert within the reservoir body 34 by the user. Furthermore, the supplementary rib 122 on the skirt 116 facilitates centering of the filter insert 40 within the reservoir body 34.

[0058] While specific embodiments of the water treatment system of the present invention using disposable media inserts are 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. Instruction manual, page 6 / 6, 10 CN 121405272 A, Figure 1; Instruction manual, Figure 1 / 14, page 11 CN 121405272 A, Figure 2; Instruction manual, Figure 2 / 14, page 12 CN 121405272 A, Figure 3; Instruction manual, Figure 3 / 14, page 13 CN 121405272 A, Figure 5; Instruction manual, Figure 4 / 14, page 14 CN 121405272 A, Figure 6; Instruction manual, Figure 5 / 14, page 15 CN 121405272 A, Figure 7; Instruction manual, Figure 6 / 14, page 16 CN 121405272 A, Figure 8; Instruction manual, Figure 7 / 14, page 17 CN 121405272 A, Figure 9; Instruction manual, Figure 8 / 14, page 18 CN 121405272 A, Figure 11; Instruction manual, Figure 12; Instruction manual, Figure 9 / 14, page 19 CN 121405272 A Figure 13. Instruction manual drawing, page 10 / 14, 20 CN 121405272 AFigure 13A Figure 14 DESCRIPTION DRAWINGS Page 11 / 14 21 CN 121405272 A Figure 15 DESCRIPTION DRAWINGS Page 12 / 14 22 CN 121405272 A Figure 15A DESCRIPTION DRAWINGS Page 13 / 14 23 CN 121405272 A Figure 16 DESCRIPTION DRAWINGS Page 14 / 14 24 CN 121405272 A A water treatment assembly is provided, including a filter head (12) configured for connection to a water supply line, the filter head including a rotatable shutoff valve (62), a sump assembly (30) releasably connected to the filter head, the sump assembly including a sump cap (32) releasably attached to a sump body (34) and defining an interior chamber (38), and the sump cap having cap ports (74, 76) in fluid communication with complementary head ports (68, 70) in the filter head, and a filter insert (40) releasably enclosed within the interior chamber, the filter insert having a filter media portion (42) and an endcap (46) secured to the media portion, the endcap having at least one port (86) configured for being in fluid communication with one of the cap ports and one of the head ports. Abstract

Claims

1. A water treatment component, comprising: A filter head (12) configured for connection to a water supply line, the filter head including a rotatable shut-off valve (62); A reservoir assembly (30) releasably connected to the filter head, the reservoir assembly including a reservoir cover (32) releasably attached to a reservoir body (34) and defining an internal chamber (38), and the reservoir cover having cover ports (74, 76) in fluid communication with complementary head ports (68, 70) in the filter head; A filter insert (40) releasably enclosed within the internal cavity, the filter insert having a filter media portion (42) and an end cap (46) fixed to the media portion, the end cap having at least one port (86) configured for fluid communication with one of the cap ports and one of the head ports.

2. The water treatment assembly according to claim 1, wherein the filter head (12) has a housing (14) with a lower edge (27) and at least one alignment tab (28) hanging from the lower edge, and the reservoir cover (32) has a complementary structure (54) on its outer surface, the tab and the structure each having complementary bevels (48, 58) for guiding the reservoir assembly to engage with the filter head.

3. The water treatment assembly according to claim 2, wherein the alignment tab (28) has the bevel (48) at one end and a vertical surface (50) at the opposite end, and the tank cover (32) has a vertical stop (60) configured and arranged to engage the vertical surface when fully and aligned between the tank cover and the head.

4. The water treatment assembly according to claim 1, wherein the shut-off valve (62) is rotatable within the filter head (12) and has a first head port (68), a second head port (70), and a pendant key structure (72) all linearly aligned, and the tank cover (32) has a first cover port (74), a second cover port (76), and a locking recess (80) all complementary to the head port and the key structure, respectively.

5. The water treatment assembly of claim 4, wherein the port (86) of the filter insert (40) is configured and arranged to align with the second cover port (76) of the reservoir cover (32) and also with the second head port (70), wherein all the ports are in fluid communication with each other.

6. The water treatment assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tank cover (32) has an upper surface (97) with at least one laterally projecting support tab (98), and at least one of the tabs is provided with a tactile head engagement feature.

7. The water treatment assembly according to claim 6, wherein the filter head (12) has a housing (14) having at least one internal platform (100) for receiving an associated support tab (98) of the at least one support tab (98), and the filter head further having a complementary tactile structure for engaging the tactile head engagement feature on the reservoir cover.

8. The water treatment assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tank cover (32) and the tank body (34) each have a plurality of gripping enhancement structures (106).

9. The water treatment assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tank cover (32) has an inner surface with an inwardly projecting alignment rib (104), and the end cap (46) has a complementary track (118) on a vertical skirt (116) for receiving the alignment rib.

10. The water treatment assembly according to claim 1, wherein the filter head (12) is provided with at least one mounting hole (18, 22) on both the upper surface (16) and the rear surface (20).

11. A reservoir assembly (30) for a water system, the water system including a filter head (12) connected to a water source, the filter head including a housing (14) enclosing a rotatable shut-off valve (62) having a first head port (68), a second head port (70), and a pendant key structure (72) all linearly aligned, the filter head having a housing (14) with a lower edge (27) and at least one aligned tab (28) pendanting from the lower edge, the reservoir assembly comprising: The reservoir cover (32) has an upper surface with a first cover port (74), a second cover port (76), and a locking recess (80), all of which are complementary and fluidly communicated with the head port and engageably aligned with the key structure. The reservoir cover further includes a pair of opposing laterally projecting support tabs (98), and at least one of the tabs is provided with a tactile head engagement feature (106). The reservoir cover (32) has a complementary structure on its outer surface, wherein the alignment tabs and the structure each have a complementary bevel (58) for guiding the reservoir assembly into engagement with the filter head. A reservoir body (34) configured to releasably engage with the reservoir cover (32) and together with the reservoir cover define an internal chamber (38); and The internal chamber (38) is configured to receive a filter insert (40) releasably closed within the internal chamber, the filter insert having a filter media portion (42) and an end cap (46) fixed to the media portion, the end cap having at least one port (86) configured to be in fluid communication with one of the cap ports and one of the head ports.

12. The reservoir assembly of claim 11, wherein the reservoir cover (32) has an inner surface with an inwardly projecting alignment rib (114) configured and arranged to receive a complementary track (118) on a vertical skirt (116) of the end cap.

13. The tank assembly according to claim 11, wherein the tank cover (32) and the tank body (34) each have a plurality of gripping enhancement structures (106).

14. The tank assembly according to claim 13, wherein the tank cover (32) is threadedly engaged with the tank body (34), and the gripping reinforcement structure (106) is a laterally projecting parallel rib.

15. A filter insert (40) for use in a water treatment assembly, the water treatment assembly including a filter head (12) configured for connection to a water supply line, the filter head including a rotatable shut-off valve (62) and a reservoir assembly (30) releasably connected to the filter head, the reservoir assembly including a reservoir cover (32) releasably attached to a reservoir body (34) and defining an internal chamber (38), and the reservoir cover having cover ports (74, 76) in fluid communication with complementary head ports (68, 70) in the filter head, the filter insert comprising: The filter media section (42) has an upper media surface and a lower media surface (88); End cap (46), which is fixed to the upper medium surface, the end cap having an end cap port (86) having a non-circular shape when viewed from above, the end cap port being configured to engage a complementary non-circular recess (108) in the reservoir cap and to be in fluid communication with one of the cap ports and one of the head ports; The end cap (46) has a generally flat upper surface (97) and a hanging peripheral skirt (116) extending over the filter medium, the end cap port protruding vertically from the generally flat upper surface (97), and the peripheral skirt having at least one alignment structure (118). A bottom cover (90), which is fixed to the lower medium surface (88) and configured for positioning within the tank body; and The filter insert (40) is configured to be releasably closed within the internal cavity.

16. The filter insert according to claim 15, wherein the reservoir cap (32) engages the filter insert (40) on the inner surface by means of one of the complementary tracks (118) of an inwardly projecting alignment rib (114) and spaced parallel ribs, and the alignment structure of the end cap is the other of the two features.

17. The filter insert according to claim 15, wherein the end cap port (86) is symmetrical about a horizontal centerline and has a pair of vertically spaced O-rings (112).

18. The filter insert according to claim 17, wherein the O-ring (112) is positioned on the upper half of the end cap port (86).

19. The filter insert according to claim 18, further comprising an end cap tab (120) projecting vertically from the generally flat upper surface (97).

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