HK1194324A - Water filtration system and water filtration system housing with closing assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention refers to a water filtration system and water filtration system housing with closing assembly. A water filtration system utilizes a housing configured to utilize various types of filter media and having a press-sealed closing system. The closing system includes a head portion defining a head opening, a lock member, and a lid member. The lock member releasably engages the head portion such that an abutment section of the lock member projects into the head opening. The lid member is received by the head portion to cover the head opening, and has an outward-facing press section configured to abut an inward facing portion of the abutment section of the lock member when the lid member is covering the head opening. Pressure generated within the housing during water filtration presses the lid member in an outward direction and causes the lid member press section to press against the abutment section of the lock member to substantially prevent disengagement of the lock member from the head portion.

Description

Water filtration system housing with closure assembly and water filtration system

Background

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to water filtration system housings and water filtration systems utilizing water filtration housings. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to water filtration housings including pressure-sealed closure assemblies, and water filtration systems using water filtration housings.

Description of the Related Art

Drainage is known and generally involves treating "raw" water through a filter medium to remove solid particles and/or dissolved constituents. The term "raw" refers to water to be filtered through a particular filter media. It will be appreciated that the "raw" water may have been previously filtered or treated with another device or filtration system.

In some applications, the water filtering medium may be provided in the form of a cartridge (cartridge) which is retained in the housing. The raw water must pass through a filter cartridge (filter cartridge) which captures solid particles and/or ions, resulting in "treated" water. The filter cartridge can be made in a number of configurations including, but not limited to, tubular membranes formed from pleated membrane material, containers holding various forms of filtration media, and tubular, spiral wound, semi-permeable reverse osmosis membranes.

Regardless of the particular water filtration method used, a housing containing an operable filtration member is required to withstand the substantial internal pressures generated during water filtration. Internal pressure may be generated due to the large volume of water held within the housing, or as a result of a particular filtration method. To withstand the pressure created by the drainage, the housing may be made of expensive and heavy steel, composite glass fiber reinforced plastic, or high strength plastic.

Because of the use of high strength materials for the housing, which may provide one solution for handling large amounts of internal pressure, certain water filtration applications may exhibit design requirements that are not adequately addressed by material selection alone. In particular, certain water filtration applications, such as point-of-entry, domestic or local water filtration, may require periodic access to the interior of the housing for maintenance, such as to replace the filter cartridge. For these applications, a housing is needed that is capable of handling the substantial internal pressures associated with water filtration and that provides both access to the interior of the housing (e.g., to the filter cartridge).

Moreover, certain water filtration applications may benefit from the use of more than one filtration process with more than one filtration media. The different filtration methods may be provided in series such that the raw water passes through each filtration method in sequence. However, assembling a multi-filtration process water filtration system may require advanced planning and professional configuration of the system. Advanced planning and professional configuration can increase costs and introduce inefficiencies into the assembly of water filtration systems for multiple filtration processes. Furthermore, even for systems with a single filtration method, it may be necessary to provide a specific housing in relation to the filtration method to be applied. It may be inconvenient for a filtration system installer to acquire, store, and transport (e.g., to a job site) the various different housings, but may be necessary to allow the installer to assemble a suitable filtration system.

Summary of The Invention

According to one aspect, a pressure-tight closure system is provided for a water filtration housing. The water filtration housing has a head portion having an inner surface defining a head opening, and the head portion is configured to be connected to a first end of a hollow body of the water filtration housing such that the head opening is in communication with an interior of the hollow body. The system includes a cover member and a locking member. The cap member has a pressing portion and is configured to be removably received by the head portion to cover the head opening with the pressing portion facing an outward direction relative to an interior of the body. The locking member is configured to releasably engage the head portion such that an abutment portion (abutment portion) of the locking member protrudes from the head portion into the head opening. The locking member has an inner portion forming an abutment portion and an outer portion configured to be received in a recess defined in an inner surface of the head portion to engage the head portion. Pressure generated within the housing during water filtration presses the cover member in an outward direction and causes the pressing portion to press against the abutment portion, thereby pressure sealing the housing at the head opening.

According to another aspect, a housing for a water filtration system is provided. The housing includes a main body, a first cover member, and a first locking member. The body includes a first head portion disposed at a first end thereof. The first head portion has an inner surface defining a first head opening in communication with the interior of the body. The first cap member is removably received by the first head portion to cover the first head opening and has a first press portion facing an outward direction relative to an interior of the body. The first locking member releasably engages the first head portion such that the first abutment portion of the first locking member protrudes from the first head portion into the first head opening. The first locking member has an inner portion forming a first abutment portion and an outer portion received in a recess defined in an inner surface of the first head portion to engage the first head portion. Pressure generated within the housing during water filtration presses the first cover member in an outward direction and causes the first pressing portion to press the first abutment portion, thereby pressure sealing the housing at the first head opening.

The housing may be used in a variety of applications and may contain a variety of different types of filter cartridges. Thus, an installer can maintain an inventory of housings, filter elements, and heads, and can easily assemble a suitable filter system with the desired components.

According to a further aspect, a water filtration system is provided. The water filtration system includes a first housing, a second housing, a first filter media, and a second filter media. The first housing includes a main body, a cover member, and a locking member. The body includes a head portion disposed at a first end thereof. The head portion has an inner surface defining a head opening in communication with the interior of the body. The cap member is removably received by the head portion to cover the head opening and has a pressing portion facing an outward direction with respect to an interior of the body. The locking member releasably engages the head portion such that the abutment portion of the locking member protrudes into the head opening. The locking member has an inner portion forming an abutment portion and an outer portion received in a recess defined in an inner surface of the head portion to engage the head portion. Pressure generated within the first housing during water filtration presses the cover member in an outward direction and causes the pressing portion to press against the abutment portion, thereby pressure sealing the first housing at the head opening. The second housing is identical to the first housing and is in communication with the first housing. A first filter media is received in the first housing and a second filter media is received in the second housing. The second filter media is different from the first filter media.

According to a further aspect, a method for assembling a water filtration system for a multiple filtration process is provided. The method includes providing a first filter medium in a first housing, engaging a first liquid communication device (first liquid communication device) with the first housing, providing a second filter medium in a second housing, engaging a second liquid communication device with a second housing cover member, and connecting an input of the first liquid communication device to a water supply conduit, an output of the first liquid communication device to an input of the second liquid communication device, and an output of the second liquid communication device to a system output conduit. The first housing includes a main body, a cover member, and a locking member. The first housing body includes a head portion disposed at an end thereof, the head portion having an inner surface defining a head opening communicating with an interior of the body. The first housing cover member is removably received by the head portion to cover the head opening and has a pressing portion facing in an outward direction relative to an interior of the body. The first housing locking member releasably engages the head portion such that the abutment portion of the locking member projects from the head portion into the head opening. The first housing locking member has an inner portion forming an abutment portion and an outer portion received in a recess defined in an inner surface of the head portion to engage the head portion. Pressure generated within the first housing during water filtration presses the cover member in an outward direction and causes the pressing portion to press against the abutment portion, thereby pressure sealing the first housing at the head opening. The second housing includes a main body, a cover member, and a locking member. The second housing body includes a head portion disposed at an end thereof, the head portion having an inner surface defining a head opening communicating with an interior of the body. The second housing cover member is removably received by the head portion to cover the head opening and has a pressing portion facing in an outward direction relative to the interior of the main body. The second housing locking member releasably engages the head portion such that the abutment portion of the locking member projects from the head portion into the head opening. The second housing locking member has an inner portion forming an abutment portion and an outer portion received in a recess defined in an inner surface of the head portion to engage the head portion. Pressure generated within the second housing during water filtration presses the cover member in an outward direction and causes the pressing portion to press against the abutment portion, thereby pressure sealing the second housing at the head opening.

The foregoing and other features of the invention are hereinafter more fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed.

Brief Description of Drawings

Fig. 1 is a front view of an exemplary water filtration system according to the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an upper housing end and an upper cover member of an exemplary water filtration system.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an upper housing end and an upper cover member of an exemplary water filtration system.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lower housing end and a lower cover member of an exemplary water filtration system.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a lower housing end and a lower cover member of an exemplary water filtration system.

Fig. 6A is a front view of an exemplary filter cartridge for use with an exemplary water filtration system.

Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the filter cartridge shown in fig. 6A received in an exemplary water filtration system housing.

Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary filter cage for use with an exemplary water filtration system.

Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the filter housing received in the exemplary water filtration system shown in fig. 7A.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a water filtration system according to an exemplary multiple filtration method of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The description and drawings herein are merely illustrative, and various modifications and changes may be made in the structures disclosed without departing from what is defined in the appended claims. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to directions and positions refer to the orientation of structures and components set forth in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the appended claims. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the several views.

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary water filtration system 100 (hereinafter, "system 100"), the system 100 being configured to use a filter cartridge or bowl-based filtration process for an entry point, home water filtration application being employed. The system 100 includes a housing 102 having a body 103, the body 103 having a first or upper head portion 104 and a second or lower head portion 108, the first or upper head portion 104 being closed and pressure sealed by a first or upper closure assembly 106, the second or lower head portion 108 being opposite the first head portion 104, the second or lower head portion 108 being closed and pressure sealed by a second or lower closure assembly 110. Each closure assembly 106,110 cooperates with an associated head portion 104,108 to form a pressure-tight closure system, as described in further detail below. The system 100 also includes a T-pipe 112 and a bracket 114 on which the housing 102 rests, the T-pipe 112 communicating with the interior of the housing 102 through an external water conduit (not shown).

It will be appreciated that although not illustrated in fig. 1, the housing 102 is provided to accommodate various operable water filtration components, such as a water filter cartridge ("cartridge"). It should also be understood that the housing 102 and closure assemblies 106,110 described herein are suitable for use with any manner of water filtration process. Moreover, various water filtration processes, including that or those associated with the exemplary illustrative system 100, are considered to be known in the art, and as such, the processes and the specific internal components used therewith will not be described in detail herein. For ease of understanding, the system 100 and housing 102 will be described with reference to an exemplary candle-based filtration process.

The housing body 103 is a hollow, cylindrical member formed from a polymer material, and in the winding process, the housing body 103 is wrapped and reinforced with glass fiber filaments. The body 103 is sized to fit the operable water filtering components (including the filter cartridge) and a sufficient amount of water to allow for water filtration and to provide the required or desired amount of filtered water. More specifically, the body 103 has a height and diameter greater than the candle contained therein. The walls defining the body 103 may be thin relative to the interior space defined thereby.

As a hollow, cylindrical member, the body 103 defines a first or upper circular body opening at an upper end and a second or lower circular body opening at a lower end. The upper and lower ends of the body 103 are capped by an upper head portion 104 and a lower head portion 108, respectively. The upper and lower head portions 104,108 are each generally annular members configured to be attached to respective upper and lower ends of the body 103. As a generally annular member, the inner surface of the upper head portion 104 defines a first or upper head opening 116, the first or upper head opening 116 being in communication with and concentrically disposed with the upper body opening. Similarly, the inner surface of the generally annular lower head portion 108 defines a second or lower head opening 118, the second or lower head opening 118 being in communication with and disposed concentrically with the lower body opening. For purposes of this description, the upper head opening 116 and the upper body opening will be collectively referred to as "upper head opening 116", and the lower head opening 118 and the lower body opening will be collectively referred to as "lower head opening 118". Both the upper head opening 116 and the lower head opening 118 may have a circular shape when viewed from above and below in fig. 1.

The upper head portion 104 and the lower head portion 108 are advantageously connected to the body 103 via spin welding. However, other bonding methods may be used. Also, the housing 102 may be formed as or include features described in U.S. patent application No. 12/703,464 filed on 10/2/2010.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the upper head portion 104 includes a spherical proximal portion 124 and a distal portion 126, the spherical proximal portion 124 having a lower end configured to be connected to the upper end of the body 103, the distal portion 126 being spaced apart from the spherical proximal portion 124 along the taper such that the distal portion 126 defines an outer diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the proximal portion 124. The taper provides a mechanical gripping surface for the filament around the upper head portion 104 and the body 103. The lower head portion 108 is connected to the body 103 in the same manner and features the same tapered profile.

The upper head portion 104 is formed by an outer barrel portion 104A and an inner sleeve portion 104B. The outer barrel portion 104A may be formed of a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene or other olefinic thermoplastic polymer or copolymer that will readily bond with the body 103. The inner cannula portion 104B can be formed of a fiber reinforced polymer, which need not be thermoplastic. For example, the inner casing portion 104B can be formed from a glass fiber filled olefinic polymer or copolymer (e.g., polypropylene).

The upper head portion 104 may be formed by overmolding (over molding) the outer barrel portion 104A over the inner sleeve portion 104B such that the outer barrel portion 104A at least partially covers the outside of the inner sleeve portion 104B. As used herein, the term "over-molded" means that the outer barrel portion 104A has been joined to the inner barrel portion 104B by a molding process in which molten polymer used to form one of the outer barrel portion 104A or the inner barrel portion 104B is injected into a mold containing the other of the outer barrel portion 104A or the inner barrel portion 104B (or a precursor thereof). Also, it is also possible to over-mold a thermoplastic precursor with a fiber-reinforced polymer (or vice versa) to form a blank, and then remove material from the blank to form the upper head portion 104. The lower head portion 108 may be formed by the same over-molding process.

As noted above, the upper head portion 104 may be connected to the body 103 by spin welding. In this regard, the outer cylindrical portion 104A is formed of a material that will be easily joined with the main body 103 during spin welding. Once spin welded together, the upper head portion 104 and the body 103 have fiberglass filaments wrapped therearound for strength. As will be apparent with reference to the following description, the inner sleeve portion 104B may benefit from being formed of a relatively rigid material to support the upper closure assembly 106.

Referring to the upper head opening 116, it is noted that the inner surface of the upper head portion 104 defines the upper head opening 116. As shown in fig. 3, the outward portion of the inner surface of the upper head portion 104 is formed by the inner sleeve portion 104B, while the inward portion of the inner surface of the upper head portion 104 is formed by the outer barrel portion 104A. Moreover, the inner barrel portion 104B (i.e., the outward portion of the upper head portion 104) defines a substantially uniform diameter and circumference, while the outer barrel portion 104A (i.e., the inward portion of the upper head portion 104) defines an inwardly tapering diameter and circumference. The diameter of upper head opening 116 may be the same as the diameter of lower head opening 118. However, it will be appreciated that the diameter of upper head opening 116 may be larger or smaller than the diameter of lower head opening 118, if desired. It is also noted that the lower head portion 108 may be formed in the same manner as the upper head portion 104.

Referring also to fig. 2 and 3, the upper closure assembly 106, which closes and pressure seals the housing 102 at the upper head opening 116, includes a first or upper cap member 128 and a first or upper lock member 130. The upper cap member 128 may be an injection molded plastic body defining a generally circular shape (when viewed from above in fig. 1) and having an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the upper head portion 104 (i.e., the diameter of the upper head opening 116). More specifically, the outer exterior surface of the upper cover member 128 has a maximum diameter at an outward (upward in fig. 3) portion thereof, while an inward (downward in fig. 3) portion that tapers inward defines a smaller diameter. The maximum diameter of the outer side outer surface of the upper lid member 128 is larger than the diameter defined by the gradually decreasing portion of the outer cylindrical portion 104A. Thus, when the upper cap member 128 is placed in the upper head opening 116, the outward portion of the upper cap member 128 contacts the inward portion of the upper head portion 104 and is prevented from passing thereby. Likewise, the maximum depth at which the upper cover member 128 may be received within the upper head portion 104 and the body 103 is provided.

The upper lid member 128 is formed from an outer annular portion 134 that is integral with an inner dome portion 136. The outer annular portion 134 includes an upper or outward facing surface 138 that is substantially parallel to the plane of the upper head opening 116 and defines a lid recess formed by a substantially horizontally oriented pressing portion 140, and a vertically oriented safety flange (safety ridge) 141 disposed at an inner radial edge of the pressing portion 140, wherein the pressing portion 140 extends around an outer circumferential periphery of the outer annular portion upper surface 138. The pressing portion 140 is an outward/upward facing surface of the horizontally oriented cover member 128. The upper cover member 128 may also include an O-ring receiving notch 132, the notch 132 being formed as an annular notch along an inward (lower) portion of the outer side outer surface of the upper cover member 128. The provision of an O-ring may facilitate sealing of upper head opening 116 by upper cap member 128.

The inner dome portion 136 projects in an outward direction, away from the body 103, to an apex disposed centrally with respect to the upper head opening 116. The outer annular portion 134 and the inner dome portion 136 may be integrally formed such that the upper lid member 128 constitutes a single, consistent piece (as illustrated). Note that as used herein, the term outwardly refers to an upward or downward direction in fig. 1, and is referenced with respect to the center of the housing in the upward/downward direction (i.e., outwardly is upward with respect to the upper closure assembly 106 and downward with respect to the lower closure assembly 110).

The upper lid member 128 may be provided with a pair of handles 142 secured thereto via a fastening means. The handle 142 is configured to extend perpendicularly from the upper cover member 128 to provide a grasping or leverage point for a user attempting to place or remove the upper cover member 128. As illustrated, the fastening means may be a screw driven into the upper cover member 128. However, it will be appreciated that any other suitable fastening means may be substituted for the screws.

The compression release mechanism 144 is provided as a selectively actuatable compression release button on the top end of the upper cover member inner dome portion 136. In this regard, an opening may be defined by the top end of the first cover member inner dome portion 136 to communicate with the interior of the housing 102. A pressure relief mechanism 144 is disposed within this opening to project outwardly therefrom. In the base state (shown in fig. 2 and 3), the pressure release mechanism 144 closes and seals the opening defined by the top end of the upper lid member inner dome portion 136. The pressure release mechanism 144 may be actuated by pressing downwardly or inwardly thereon to open the opening and allow the pressure within the housing 102 to be released. This type of pressure release mechanism is considered to be known in the art and will therefore not be described in detail herein. It will be appreciated that the illustrated pressure relief mechanism 144 is merely exemplary and may be replaced with any other known mechanism for relieving pressure within the housing 102 suitable for this application, including those that may be disposed on any other portion of the housing 102, the upper closure assembly 106, or the lower closure assembly 110. It will also be appreciated that the pressure relief mechanism 144 may alternatively or additionally be provided on the housing 102 and/or on the lower cover member 150.

Upon release of pressure from within the housing 102, water may be forced out of the housing 102 through an opening defined through the top end of the upper cover member inner dome portion 136 or through a pressure release mechanism 144. The inner dome portion 136 has a plurality of reservoirs defined in an outwardly facing surface thereof, which may be concentrically arranged to surround the apex to receive and temporarily hold water exiting the housing 102 during pressure relief. Alternatively, a single slot type reservoir may be defined in any portion of the upper cap member 128, and/or multiple reservoirs may also be provided on the outer annular portion 134.

The upper lock member 130 is a body of a partial ring shape or ring shape provided with a handle 146. The upper lock member 130 has a substantially circular base shape when viewed from above in fig. 1. Because the upper lock member 130 has an incomplete ring shape, the upper lock member 130 may be deformed from a generally circular shape to facilitate releasable engagement and disengagement with the upper head portion 104, as will be described in further detail below. In this regard, a handle 146 is provided to facilitate deformation of the upper lock member 130.

Referring to fig. 3, a head recess 148 is defined in the inner surface of the upper head portion 104. The head recess 148 extends along the entire circumference of the inner surface of the upper head portion 104 at a vertical position generally midway of the upper head portion 104, and may be defined entirely in the inner sleeve portion 104B. The interior, vertically oriented surface of the head recess 148 defines a diameter and circumference that is greater than the inner diameter and circumference of the upper head portion 104 (i.e., the upper head opening 116). The height of the head recess 148 is substantially equal to or slightly greater than the height of the upper lock member 130 such that a portion of the upper lock member 130 can be received within the head recess 148 to engage the upper lock member 130 and the upper head portion 104. Note that the inner sleeve portion 104B is formed to be stronger and/or stiffer than the outer barrel portion 104A. Likewise, by defining a head recess 148 in the inner sleeve portion 104B, the upper lock member 130 may engage the upper head portion 104 at a stiffer and secure location.

Referring also to upper lock member 130, its outer circumference is substantially equal to or slightly less than the inner circumference of head recess 148 at the inner, vertically oriented surface. Also, the width of the upper lock member 130 (as defined herein as the length between the outer and inner circumferential surfaces) may be substantially equal to the sum of the width of the head indent 148 and the width of the pressing portion 140.

As noted, the upper lock member 130 is configured to releasably engage the upper head portion 104. In this regard, an inner circumferential portion (inner portion) of the upper lock member 130 forms the abutment portion, and an outer circumferential portion (outer portion) of the upper lock member 130 is configured to engage the upper head portion 104 by being received within the head recess 148. The abutment portion of the upper lock member 130 may be defined as the portion of the upper lock member 130 that protrudes from the head recess 148 into the upper head opening 116 when the upper lock member 130 engages the upper head portion 104. As will be discussed in further detail below, an inward facing portion of the abutment portion of the upper lock member 130 is configured to abut an outward facing press portion 140 of the upper lid member 128.

By placing the upper lid member 128 within the upper head portion 104, the upper closure assembly 106 closes and pressure seals the upper head opening 116 to completely cover the upper head opening 116. The upper cap member 128 may contact a tapered inner surface of the upper head portion 104 defined by the outer barrel portion 104A. In this case, when the housing 102 is not pressurized during water filtration, the upper lid member 128 contacts and is held by the tapered inner surface of the upper head portion 104 such that the pressing portion 140 of the upper lid member 128 is at a rest height (rest height). The upper lock member 130 is then deformed and received within the head indent 148 to protrude therefrom into the upper head opening 116 at a location adjacent the outwardly facing press portion 140 of the lid member 128 (i.e., the upper lock member 130 engages the upper head portion 104), but the upper lock member 130 may be spaced from the outwardly facing press portion 140 of the lid member 128 (in an outward direction).

Once the system 100 is operational (i.e., water filtration is initiated), during the water filtration process, the pressure generated within the housing 102 presses the upper lid member 128 outwardly (upwardly), causing the pressing portion 140 to move in an outward direction and press against the abutment portion of the upper lock member 130. This pressing causes the upper lock member 130 to press into the upper surface of the head indent 148. The upper lid member 128 is pressed into the upper lock member 130 with a force sufficient to make it extremely difficult or impossible for the upper lock member 130 to disengage from the upper head portion 104. More specifically, the pressing portion 140 of the upper lid member 128 is caused to press the abutment portion of the upper lock member 130 with a force sufficient to substantially prevent the upper lock member 130 from deforming and thereby preventing the upper lock member 130 from disengaging from the upper head portion 104 by pressure within the housing 102.

Thus, the upper lock member 130 is wedged between the upper lid member 128 and the head indent 148 with a force that is difficult, if not impossible, for a human user (e.g., a machine controller, if applicable) to deform the upper lock member 130. In this regard, it is noted that the upper cover member 128 may be received within the upper head portion 104 so as to be movable within a relatively small vertical range. When the housing 102 is not pressurized, the underlying positions of the upper lid member 128 and the locking member 130 (including the head indent 148) are such that the outward force exerted on the upper lid member 128 as a result of the internal pressure of the water filtration process typically used for application is sufficient to cause the upper lid member 128 to press into the upper locking member 130, while the force is sufficient to substantially prevent deformation of the upper locking member 130 (and thus also prevent disengagement from the upper head portion 104). Moreover, because the head recess 148 is formed in the relatively rigid inner sleeve portion 104B, the upper head portion 104 is better mounted to handle the pressure exerted thereon by the upper closure assembly 106 (i.e., the upper lock member 130 via the upper cap member 128).

Although pressure is difficult to deform the upper lock member 130, the pressure-sealed closure system also provides a safety mechanism to help ensure that the upper lock member 130 does not disengage from the upper head portion 104 when the housing 102 is pressurized during water filtration. In this regard, the handle 146 may be provided with a reduced strength portion configured to fail (e.g., break or otherwise deform) upon application of a predetermined force to the handle 146. The reduced strength portion may be formed such that the predetermined force is less than the force required to deform and/or disengage the upper lock member 130 from the upper head portion 104 when the housing 102 is pressure sealed. Thus, if a force sufficient to cause deformation of the upper lock member 130 is applied to the handle 146 while the housing 102 is pressure sealed, the handle 146 will fail (e.g., break) thereby preventing deformation and/or disengagement of the upper lock member 130.

Also, as noted above, the upper cover member 128 is provided with a safety flange 141, the safety flange 141 being arranged at the inner radial edge of the pressing portion 140. The safety flange 141 is formed such that when the housing 102 is pressure-sealed while the pressing portion 140 presses the abutment portion of the upper lock member 130, the safety flange 141 prevents deformation and disengagement of the upper lock member 130. Specifically, attempted deformation of the upper lock member 130 will cause the inner edge of the upper lock member 130 to abut against the safety flange 141, thereby preventing further deformation of the upper lock member 130. Therefore, even if the upper lock member 130 is forcibly moved to be deformed while the housing 102 is pressure-sealed, the upper lock member 130 cannot be deformed and cannot be disengaged from the upper head portion 104.

In order to disengage the upper lock member 130 from the upper head portion 104, the housing 102 must be depressurized (i.e., by actuating the pressure release mechanism 144). Once depressurized, the upper lid member 128 is lowered within the upper head portion 104 such that the pressing portion 140 is at a resting height. The safety flange 141 is formed such that the upper locking member 130 is not prevented by the safety flange 141 from being deformed or disengaged from the upper head portion 104 when the pressing portion 140 is at the rest height. That is, the safety flange 141 is formed to have a height such that when the pressing part 140 is at the rest height, the upper/outward end of the safety flange 141 is substantially disposed inward/downward from the abutment portion of the locking member 130, so that the upper locking member 130 may be deformed without abutting or being blocked by the safety flange 141.

Thus, when the system 100 is operational and the housing 102 is pressurized, the upper lock member 130 cannot be deformed and the upper lid member 128 and the upper lock member 130 cannot be removed. This condition is referred to herein as a "pressure-sealed" condition (i.e., upper lid member 128, upper lock member 130, and upper head portion 104 cooperate to pressure-seal the housing at upper head opening 116). To remove the upper lock member 130, the pressure release mechanism 144 must be actuated to release the pressure within the housing 102. Once the pressure is released, the pressure seal is released (i.e., the pressing by the upper lid member 128 on the upper lock member 130 is relieved), the upper lid member 128 is lowered so that the pressing portion 140 approaches the rest height, and the upper lock member 130 can be deformed and removed.

Referring to fig. 4 and 5, it is noted that the lower head portion 108 may be formed in a substantially similar manner as the upper head portion 104. In this regard, the lower head portion 108 may include a lower spherical proximal portion 120 and a lower distal portion 122, the lower spherical proximal portion 120 having an upper end configured to connect to the lower end of the body 103, the lower distal portion 122 being spaced apart from the lower spherical proximal portion 120 along the taper such that the lower distal portion 122 defines a smaller outer diameter than the lower proximal portion 120. As with the upper head portion 104, the taper of the lower head portion 108 provides a mechanical gripping surface for the filament wound on the lower head portion 108 and the body 103.

Also, the lower head portion 108 is formed by an outer barrel portion 108A and an inner sleeve portion 108B. The outer barrel portion 108A may be formed of a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene or other olefinic thermoplastic polymer or copolymer that will readily bond to the body 103. The inner cannula portion 108B can be formed of a fiber reinforced polymer, which need not be thermoplastic. For example, the inner cannula portion 108B can be formed from a glass fiber filled olefinic polymer or copolymer (e.g., polypropylene). The lower head portion 108, including the outer barrel portion 108A and the inner sleeve portion 108B, is formed of the same or similar material as the upper head portion 104 and in the same manner (i.e., over-molded). Further, the lower head portion 108 may be connected to the body 103 by spin welding. In this regard, the outer cylindrical portion 108A is formed of a material that will be easily joined with the main body 103 during spin welding. Once spin welded together, the lower head portion 108 and the body 103 have glass fiber filaments wrapped around them for strength. As will be apparent with reference to the following description, the inner sleeve portion 108B may benefit from being formed of a relatively rigid material to support the lower closure assembly 110.

Referring to the lower head opening 118, it is noted that the inner surface of the upper head portion 108 defines the lower head opening 118. As shown in fig. 5, the outward portion of the inner surface of the lower head portion 108 is formed by the inner sleeve portion 108B, while the inward portion of the inner surface of the lower head portion 108 is formed by the outer barrel portion 108A. Moreover, the inner sleeve portion 108B (i.e., the outward portion of the lower head portion 108) defines a substantially uniform diameter and circumference, while the outer barrel portion 108A (i.e., the inward portion of the lower head portion 108) defines an inwardly tapering diameter and circumference.

Referring also to fig. 4 and 5, the lower closure assembly 110, which closes and pressure seals the housing 102 at the lower head opening 118, includes a second or lower cap member 150 and a second or lower locking member 152. The lower cap member 150 may be an injection molded plastic body defining a generally circular shape (when viewed from below in fig. 1) and having an outer diameter corresponding to (i.e., substantially equal to or slightly less than) the inner diameter of the lower head portion 108 (i.e., the diameter of the lower head opening 118). The lower cap member 150 is sized to be received in the lower head portion 108 to close the lower head opening 118 and has a maximum diameter greater than the diameter defined by the tapered portions of the outer barrel portion 108A.

Thus, when the lower cap member 150 is placed in the lower head opening 118, the outward portion of the lower cap member 150 contacts the inward portion of the lower head portion 108 and is prevented from passing thereby. Likewise, a maximum depth is provided at which the lower cap member 150 may be received within the lower head portion 108 and the body 103. As will be described in greater detail below, the lower locking member 152 sets the depth to which the lower cap member 150 is received within the lower head portion 108 and the body 103 when the housing 102 is pressurized.

The lower cover member 150 is formed of an outer annular portion 154 integral with an inner protruding portion 156. The outer annular portion 154 includes a lower or outwardly facing surface 158 that is substantially parallel to the plane of the lower head opening 118 and defines a lower cap recess formed by a substantially horizontally oriented lower press portion 160, and a vertically oriented safety flange 161 disposed at an inner radial edge of the lower press portion 160, wherein the lower press portion 160 extends around the outer circumferential periphery of the outer annular portion lower surface 158. The lower pressing portion 160 is an outward/downward facing surface of the lower cover member 150 that is horizontally oriented. In an outward or downward direction, the inner protruding portion 156 protrudes substantially orthogonally from the outer annular portion 154. The inner projection 156 defines a conduit opening 159, the conduit opening 159 being arranged to be substantially centrally located within the lower head opening 118. The conduit opening 159 is defined as a substantially circular opening that communicates with the interior of the housing 102 and is threaded for engagement with the T-pipe 112, as described in further detail below. The outer annular portion 154 and the inner protruding portion 156 may be integrally formed such that the lower lid member 150 constitutes a single, unitary piece (as illustrated).

The lower locking member 152 is a body of incomplete ring or ring shape provided with a handle 162. The lower locking member 152 has a substantially circular basic shape when viewed from below in fig. 1. Because the lower locking member 152 has an incomplete ring shape, the lower locking member 152 may be deformed from a generally circular shape to facilitate releasable engagement and disengagement with the lower head portion 108, as will be described in further detail below. In this regard, a handle 162 is provided to facilitate deformation of the lower locking member 152.

Referring to fig. 5, a lower head recess 164 is defined in the inner surface of the lower head portion 108, in a lower head inner sleeve portion 108B that is over-molded with the lower head outer barrel portion 108A. In a vertical position generally midway of the lower head portion 108, the lower head recess 164 extends along the entire circumference of the inner surface of the lower head portion 108. The interior, vertically oriented surface of the head recess 164 defines a diameter and circumference that is greater than the inner diameter and circumference of the lower head portion 108 (i.e., the lower head opening 118). The height of the lower head recess 164 is substantially equal to or slightly greater than the height of the lower locking member 152 such that a portion of the lower locking member 152 can be received within the lower head recess 164 to engage the lower locking member 152 and the lower head portion 108. Note that the inner sleeve portion 108B is formed to be stronger and/or stiffer than the outer barrel portion 108A. Likewise, by defining the lower head recess 164 in the inner sleeve portion 108B, the lower locking member 152 may engage the lower head portion 108 at its stiffer and secure position.

Referring also to lower locking member 152, its outer circumference is substantially equal to or slightly less than the inner circumference of lower head recess 164 at the inner, vertically oriented surface. Also, the width of the lower locking member 152 (as defined herein as the length between the outer and inner circumferential surfaces) may be substantially equal to the sum of the width of the head recess 164 and the width of the cover recess 160.

As noted, the lower locking member 152 is configured to releasably engage the lower head portion 108. In this regard, an inner circumferential portion (inner portion) of the lower locking member 152 forms the abutment portion, and an outer circumferential portion (outer portion) of the lower locking member 152 is configured to engage the lower head portion 108 by being received within the lower head recess 164. The abutment portion of the lower locking member 152 may be defined as a portion of the lower locking member 152 that protrudes from the lower head recess 164 into the lower head opening 118 when the lower locking member 152 engages the lower head portion 108. As will be discussed in further detail below, an inward facing portion of the abutment portion of the lower locking member 152 is configured to abut against an outward facing press portion 160 of the lower lid member 150.

By placing the lower lid member 150 within the lower head portion 108, the lower closure assembly 110 closes and pressure seals the lower head opening 118 such that the lower lid member 150 completely covers the lower head opening 118. The lower cap member 150 can contact the tapered inner surface of the lower head portion 108 defined by the outer barrel portion 108A. In this case, when the housing 102 is not pressurized during water filtration, the lower lid member 150 may be moved to contact the tapered inner surface of the lower head portion 108 such that the pressing portion 160 does not press against the abutment portion of the lower locking member 152 (i.e., the pressing portion 160 may be moved to a resting height). The lower locking member 152 is then deformed and received within the lower head recess 164 at a location adjacent the outwardly facing pressing portion 160 of the lower cap member 150 (i.e., the lower locking member 152 engages the lower head portion 108), but the lower locking member 152 may be spaced apart (in an outward direction) from the outwardly facing pressing portion 160 of the lower cap member 150. Since the lower head portion 108 may be the lower end of the housing 102, the lower cap member 150 may abut against the lower locking member 152 due to gravity. In this manner, the lower locking member 152 can set the position of the lower cover member 150 even when the housing 102 is not pressurized.

Once the system 100 is operational (i.e., water filtration is initiated), the pressure generated within the housing 102 during water filtration presses the lower lid member 150 outwardly (downwardly) such that the pressing portion 160 presses the abutment portion of the lower locking member 152. This pressing causes the lower locking member 152 to press into the lower surface of the lower head recess 164. The lower cap member 150 is pressed into the lower locking member 152 with a force sufficient to make it very difficult or impossible for the lower locking member 152 to disengage from the lower head portion 108. More specifically, the pressing portion 160 of the lower lid member 150 presses the abutment portion of the lower lock member 152 with a force sufficient to substantially prevent the lower lock member 152 from deforming and thereby preventing the lower lock member 152 from disengaging from the lower head portion 108 by pressure within the housing 102.

Thus, the lower lid member 150 is caused to wedge the lower locking member 152 between the lower lid member 150 and the lower head indent 164 by the action of the pressure generated within the housing 102 during water filtration, which force makes deformation of the lower locking member 152 very difficult, if not impossible, for a human user (or machine controller, if applicable). In this regard, it is noted that the lower cover member 150 may be received within the lower head portion 104 so as to be movable within a relatively small vertical range. When the housing 102 is not pressurized, the underlying position of the lower lid member 150 and the lower locking member 152 (including the lower head recess 164) is such that the outward force exerted on the lower lid member 150 as a result of the internal pressure of the water filtration process typically used for the application is sufficient to cause the lower lid member 150 to press into the lower locking member 152, wherein the force is sufficient to substantially prevent deformation of the lower locking member 152 (and thus also sufficient to prevent disengagement from the lower head portion 108). It is also noted that the lower locking member 152 is received in a lower head recess 164 defined in a relatively rigid portion of the lower head portion 108 such that the lower head portion 108 is better mounted to handle the pressure exerted thereon by the lower closure assembly 108 (i.e., the lower locking member 152 via the lower cap member 150).

Also, the pressure-sealed closure system may provide a safety mechanism similar to those used with the upper closure assembly 106 to help ensure that the lower locking member 152 does not disengage from the lower head portion 104 when the housing 102 is not pressurized during water filtration. In this regard, the lower handle 162 may be provided with a reduced strength portion that is configured to fail (e.g., break or otherwise deform) when a predetermined force is applied to the lower handle 162. The reduced strength portion may be formed such that when the housing 102 is pressure sealed, the predetermined force is less than the force required to deform the lower locking member 152 and/or disengage the lower locking member 152 from the lower head portion 108. Thus, if a force sufficient to deform the lower locking member 150 is applied to the lower handle 162 while the housing 102 is pressure sealed, the lower handle 162 will fail (e.g., break) thereby preventing deformation and/or disengagement of the lower locking member 152.

Further, as noted above, the lower cover member 152 is provided with a safety flange 161, the safety flange 161 being arranged at an inner radial edge of the pressing portion 160. The safety flange 161 is formed such that when the housing 102 is pressure-sealed while the pressing portion 160 presses the abutment portion of the lower locking member 152, the safety flange 161 prevents deformation and disengagement of the lower locking member 152. Specifically, attempted deformation of the lower locking member 152 will cause the inner edge of the lower locking member 152 to abut against the safety flange 161, thereby preventing further deformation of the lower locking member 152. Therefore, even if the lower lock member 152 is forcibly moved to be deformed while the housing 102 is pressure-sealed, the lower lock member 152 cannot be deformed and cannot be disengaged from the lower head portion 108.

In order to disengage the lower locking member 152 from the lower head portion 108, the housing 102 must be depressurized (i.e., by actuating the pressure release mechanism 144). Once depressurized, the lower cap member 150 may move within the lower head portion 108 to place the pressing portion 160 at a resting height. The safety flange 161 is formed such that when the pressing portion 160 is at a rest height, the lower locking member 152 is not prevented by the safety flange 161 from deforming or disengaging from the lower head portion 108. That is, the safety flange 161 is formed to have a height such that when the pressing portion 160 of the lower cover member 150 is moved to the rest height, the upper/outward end of the safety flange 161 is substantially placed inward/upward from the abutment portion of the locking member 152, so that the lower locking member 152 may be deformed without abutting or being stopped by the safety flange 161.

Thus, when the system 100 is operational and the housing 102 is pressurized, deformation of the lower locking member 152 is extremely difficult or impossible, and the lower cap member 150 and the lower locking member 152 cannot be removed (i.e., the lower cap member 150 and the lower locking member 152 cooperate to pressure seal the housing at the lower head opening 118). To remove the lower locking member 152, the pressure release mechanism 144 on the upper cover member 128 must be actuated to release the pressure within the housing 102. Once the pressure is released, the pressure seal is released (i.e., the pressing on the lower locking member 152 by the lower cover member 150 is relieved), and the lower locking member 152 can be deformed and removed.

Referring also to fig. 1 and 4, it is noted that the T-pipe 112, including the central conduit 166, the supply conduit 168 and the housing conduit 170 (system output conduit), is arranged to communicate the main water supply conduit (not shown) with the interior of the housing 102 and the housing supply conduit (not shown). In particular, the central conduit 166, which extends orthogonally to the supply and housing conduits 168,170, is threaded along an outer surface and is sized and shaped to threadingly engage the conduit opening 159. Also, the filter support plate 172 may be provided with a central hollow portion configured to communicate with the upper end of the T-tube central conduit 166. The support plate 172 also includes a base portion on which the filter element is placed. Assuming a reverse osmosis candle is used, the hollow portion of the center of the support plate 172 is concentrically provided with the internal flow passage of the candle to communicate the internal flow passage of the candle with the T-pipe center pipe 166.

Operatively, water from the main water supply line enters the system 100 through the supply line 168 and the central line 166 of the T-pipe 122. Once in the housing 102, the water undergoes filtration (e.g., reverse osmosis filtration) and passes through the cartridge interior passage, through the central conduit 166 and the housing conduit 170 to the housing supply conduit. In this regard, although not illustrated as such, the central conduit 166 may define a bifurcated flow path whereby incoming water from the supply conduit 168 is directed along a first central conduit path into a region surrounding a filter element within the housing 102, while filtered water from the housing 102 is directed along a second central conduit path into the housing conduit 170. Such T-tubes are generally known in the art and, therefore, are only generally described and illustrated herein.

The above description of the system 100 presents a method for pressure sealing and opening the housing 102. To reiterate, the upper and lower cap members 128,150 are placed within the upper and lower head portions 104,108 to completely cover the upper and lower head openings 116,118, respectively. The upper and lower lock members 130,152 are then deformed and received in the respective head notches 148,164 such that the portions of the lock members 130,152 that protrude into the head openings 116,118 abut the outwardly facing press portions 140,160 of the cover members 128, 150. Water filtration is then initiated through the system 100, creating pressure within the housing 102. The pressure generated within the housing 102 presses outwardly on the upper and lower cover members 128, 150. This causes the upper and lower cover members 128,150 to compress the respective locking members 130,152 with a force that substantially prevents deformation of the locking members 130,152 (and thus also prevents the locking members 130,152 from disengaging from the head portions 104, 108). In this state, the housing 102 is pressure-sealed.

It will be appreciated that the pressure generated within the housing 102 is generated as a result of the water filtration process. The locked, sealed condition is achieved by the action of such pressure on the cover members 128,150, locking members 130,152 and head indent 148,164, the cover members 128,150, locking members 130,152 and head indent 148,164 all being arranged to achieve the pressure sealed condition by the pressure created by the filtered water. In this regard, the force that substantially prevents deformation of the locking member 130,152 is a force that is generated as a result of forces typically associated with water filtration. The housing 102 and closure assemblies 106,110 are configured and arranged to utilize forces from internal pressures generated during the water filtration process of an application to achieve a locked sealed state.

To remove either or both of the upper and lower cover members 128,150, the pressure release mechanism 144 is actuated to release the pressure within the housing 102. Once released, the upper and lower locking members 130,152 may be deformed and removed. Then, the upper and lower lid members 128,150 are freely removed.

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives or variations thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

For example, the system 100 disclosed herein is configured for an entry point for a home water filtration application. However, it will be understood that the housing and closure assembly described herein are equally suitable for use with other water filtration applications. Also, within the scope of the body 103, the upper head portion 104 and the lower head portion 108 may be described as separate pieces, it being understood that these may all be contained within a single body defining an upper opening and a lower opening.

Also, while the closure assembly is described as utilizing an incomplete annular locking member received within a recess defined in the head portion, any other manner of locking member configured to abut against the cap member may be used. For example, a plurality of locking members may be received in a plurality of notches defined in the head portion. Alternatively, the locking member may be configured to protrude from and retract into the head portion.

Moreover, it will be understood that the shape and size of the filter system components described herein may be varied, as desired. For example, either or both of the cover members may provide any other shape, such as a cover member that does not include an inner dome portion. Also, the housing body need not be cylindrical, and in such applications, the shape of the cover member may be altered to match the shape of the housing body opening. The cover member is also described herein as being made of injection molded plastic. However, the cover member may be made of any of various materials suitable for this application.

It is also reiterated that the housing 102 and closure assemblies 106,110 described herein are suitable for use in any manner of filtration process, particularly those that generate internal pressure. In this regard, various modifications may be made to certain elements to facilitate alternative water filtration methods. For example, the interior of the housing body 103 may be modified and/or provided with alternative structures to support different filter elements (such as a flat screen) and/or to provide specific aqueous solution movement within the housing 102. Further, any of the elements described herein having an inward facing portion may be fitted with a UV emitting device. To further facilitate any manner of water filtration process, the T-pipe 112 may be replaced with any other liquid communication device or suitable mechanism for introducing an aqueous solution into the housing 102, including those devices or mechanisms where the inlet and outlet water are separate and disposed on different parts of the system. Further, the liquid communication means may be provided to the upper lid member 128 instead of (or in addition to) the lower lid member 150.

Moreover, the housing 102 may be configured as a universal tool kit to accommodate any manner of filtration system. In this regard, the upper and lower cover members 104,108 may be selectively configured to include different valves or manifolds for different filtration applications. Further, either or both of the upper and lower cap members 104,108 may be provided with general purpose openings, which may be threaded, configured to engage various valves, manifolds, and/or other members (e.g., any of several types of communication devices and/or pressure relief mechanisms 144). To facilitate use of the housing 102 as a universal tool case, the body 103 may be sized to receive a variety of different water filtration components (e.g., components for different types of water filtration), and the upper and lower head openings 116,118 may be sized for those components to be inserted into the body 103.

For example, fig. 6A illustrates an exemplary filter cartridge 174 formed in a cylindrical shape. The filter cartridge 174 may comprise a tubular, spiral wound, semi-permeable reverse osmosis membrane with a handle 176 at an upper end and a nozzle 178 at a lower end. The filter cartridge 174 is formed to fit within the housing 102. The candle 174 may take the form of any type of filter media suitable for application via the configuration shown.

The candle 174 is shown in fig. 6B as being received in the housing 102. Here, the orifice 178 is configured to receive two O-rings and to engage the inner ledge 156 and/or the conduit opening 159 via the O-rings. In this configuration, raw water is introduced to a portion of the housing 102 between the outer surface of the candle 174 and the body 103 via the supply conduit 168. The raw water passes through the candle 174 to the center of the candle 174. The filtered water at the center of the filter cartridge 174 is then directed out of the housing 102 via the supply conduit 166 and the housing conduit 170.

Fig. 7A illustrates an alternative filtration embodiment in which a filter cap 180 is used. The filter casing 180 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is sized to fit within the housing 102. The filter house 180 includes a lid 181 having a handle 182 at its upper end, a spout 184 at its lower end, and a middle plate 186 that divides the interior of the filter house 180 into two compartments. The lid 181 and the filter housing 180 may be configured to threadably engage one another such that the lid 181 closes an upper end of the filter housing 180. The intermediate plate 186 may be formed as described in, for example, U.S. patent application No. 11/834,151 filed on 8-6-2007 and U.S. patent application No. 12/825,982 filed on 6-29-2010.

As shown in fig. 7B, the filter cage 180 is received in the housing 102 in a manner similar to the filter cartridge 174 (i.e., the nozzles 184 receive the O-ring and engage the inner ledge 156 and/or the tube opening 159 via the O-ring). Raw water introduced directly into the housing 102 may be introduced directly into the filter casing 180, or may be directed to enter the filter casing 180 via the cover 181. In this regard, the cap 181 may be formed to allow raw water to enter the filter housing 180. Any type of filter media may be disposed in the filter sock 180. The use of the filter sock 180 standardizes the size and shape of the filter media used with the housing 102 and allows for easy handling of the filter media when desired (e.g., arsenic filtration).

Furthermore, certain filtration applications may benefit from the provision of several housings, with each housing configured to perform one type or level of filtration (i.e., multiple filtration process water filtration systems). In such an application, each of several housings 102 may be arranged to communicate with each other in sequence such that filtered output from one housing is directed to the next. Such operation is readily accomplished by connecting the housing conduit 170 from one housing 102 to the supply conduit 168 of the other housing. A water filtration system of this multi-filtration method is shown in fig. 8, in which a first housing 102A, a second housing 102B, a third housing 102C and a fourth housing 102D are identical to each other and are provided with different types of filter cartridges 174A, 174B, or filter caps 180C, 180D, respectively, and are connected to sequentially filter unfiltered water.

The workstation assembly is also simplified since the housing is configured to be versatile. Several housings and closing assemblies can be brought to the workstation, along with the necessary components, for the various types of water filtration to be performed. Each of the housing and the filtration system can then be assembled at a workstation while each housing is connected to each other to assemble a continuous filtration system. As noted above, each of the housings (with corresponding closure assemblies) is configured to receive and retain a variety of different types of filter components, and the cover members are configured to operate with different valves, manifolds, and the like. Thus, each filtration system need not be preassembled, and with the universal housing described herein, the components can be brought to and assembled on site. Further, since each component is commonly used for various filtration methods, storage of various housings, filter elements/filter covers, lid members, and the like is facilitated.

It is also noted that the housing 102 may be formed to have a middle plate, such as middle plate 186, that divides the interior of the housing 102 into two (or more) compartments. In such embodiments, an intermediate plate may be attached to the body 103 and the filter element 174 may be manufactured to fit within each of the compartments of the housing 102. Thus, more than one type of candle 174 may be employed.

Additional benefits and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, in its broader aspects, the invention is not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (20)

1. A pressure-sealed closure system for a water filtration housing, the pressure-sealed closure system comprising:

a head portion having an inner surface defining a head opening, the head portion configured to be connected to a first end of a hollow body of the water filtration housing such that the head opening is in communication with an interior of the hollow body;

a cap member having a pressing portion, the cap member configured to be removably received by the head portion to cover the head opening with the pressing portion facing in an outward direction relative to the interior of the body; and

a locking member configured to releasably engage the head portion such that an abutment portion of the locking member protrudes from the head portion into the head opening, the locking member having an inner portion forming the abutment portion and an outer portion configured to be received in a recess defined in an inner surface of the head portion to engage the head portion,

wherein pressure generated within the housing during water filtration presses the cover member in the outward direction and causes the pressing portion to press against the abutment portion, thereby pressure sealing the housing at the head opening.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the press portion is provided at an outer circumference of the cap member, and the cap member includes a safety flange protruding from the cap member at an inner edge of the press portion, the safety flange being arranged to prevent the locking member from deforming out of engagement with the head portion when the housing is pressure sealed.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein

The head portion is configured to receive and retain the cover member when the housing is not pressurized such that the pressing portion is at a rest height,

the pressure generated within the housing during water filtration presses and moves the cover member in the outward direction such that the pressing portion presses the abutting portion, and

the locking member and the safety flange are formed such that when the pressing portion is at the rest height the locking member can be disengaged from the head portion by deformation, and when the housing is pressurized during water filtration and the pressing portion presses against the abutment portion, the safety flange resists deformation of the locking member and prevents the locking member from being disengaged from the head portion.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the locking member is deformable for disengagement from the head portion, comprises a manually operable handle for facilitating deformation, and the handle comprises a reduced strength portion configured to disable the handle upon application of a predetermined force, and

the force required to deform the locking member when the housing is pressure sealed is greater than the predetermined force.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the head portion is formed from a thermoplastic outer barrel portion and a reinforced polymeric inner barrel portion, the notch is defined in the reinforced polymeric inner barrel portion, and the outer barrel portion is configured to be spin welded to the first end of the body.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein a pressure release mechanism is disposed on the first cover member and configured to release pressure within the housing when actuated, wherein a pressure seal is released when pressure within the housing is released by actuation of the pressure release mechanism.

7. A pressure-sealed housing for a water filtration system, the pressure-sealed housing comprising:

a body including a first head portion disposed at a first end thereof, the first head portion having an inner surface defining a first head opening in communication with an interior of the body;

a first cap member removably received by the first head portion to cover the first head opening, the first cap member having a first press portion facing in an outward direction relative to the interior of the body; and

a first locking member releasably engaging the first head portion such that a first abutment portion of the first locking member protrudes from the first head portion into the first head opening, the first locking member having an inner portion forming the first abutment portion and an outer portion received in a recess defined in an inner surface of the first head portion to engage the first head portion,

wherein pressure generated within the housing during water filtration presses the first cover member in the outward direction and causes the first pressing portion to press the first abutment portion, thereby pressure sealing the housing at the first head opening.

8. The housing of claim 7, wherein the first press portion is provided at an outer circumference of the first cover member, and the first cover member includes a safety flange protruding from the first cover member at an inner edge of the first press portion, the safety flange being arranged to prevent the first locking member from deforming out of engagement with the first head portion when the housing is pressure sealed.

9. The housing of claim 8, wherein

The first head portion is configured to receive and retain the first cap member when the housing is not pressurized such that the first pressing portion is at a resting height,

the pressure generated within the housing during water filtration presses and moves the first cover member in the outward direction such that the first pressing portion presses the first abutting portion, and

the first locking member and the safety flange are formed such that when the first pressing portion is at the rest height, the first locking member is able to be disengaged from the first head portion by deformation, and when the housing is pressurized during water filtration and the first pressing portion forces the first abutment portion, the safety flange resists deformation of the first locking member and prevents the first locking member from being disengaged from the first head portion.

10. The housing of claim 7, wherein the first locking member is deformable for disengagement from the first head portion and includes a manually operable handle for facilitating deformation, and the handle includes a reduced strength portion configured to disable the handle upon application of a predetermined force, and

the force required to deform the first locking member when the housing is pressure sealed is greater than the predetermined force.

11. The housing of claim 7, wherein the first head portion is formed from a thermoplastic outer barrel portion and a reinforced polymeric inner barrel portion, the notch is defined in the reinforced polymeric inner barrel portion, and the outer barrel portion is spin welded to a central portion of the body.

12. The housing of claim 7, wherein the body further includes a second head portion disposed at a second end of the body, the second end opposite the first end, the second head portion having an inner surface defining a second head opening in communication with the interior of the body, and

the housing further includes:

a second cover member removably received by the second head portion to cover the second head opening, the second cover member having a second pressing portion facing in an outward direction relative to the interior of the body and facing opposite to a direction in which the first pressing portion faces; and

a second locking member releasably engaging the second head portion such that a second abutment portion of the second locking member protrudes from the second head portion into the second head opening, the second locking member having an inner portion forming the second abutment portion and an outer portion received in a recess defined in an inner surface of the second head portion to engage the second head portion,

wherein pressure generated within the housing during water filtration presses the first and second cover members in respective outward directions and causes the first pressing portion to press against the first abutment portion and the second pressing portion to press against the second abutment portion, thereby pressure sealing the housing.

13. The housing of claim 12, wherein at least one of the first cover member and the second cover member is configured to engage multiple types of liquid communication devices.

14. The housing of claim 12, further comprising:

a pressure release mechanism disposed on the first cover member and configured to release pressure within the housing when actuated, wherein a pressure seal is released when pressure within the housing is released by actuation of the pressure release mechanism; and

a liquid communication device disposed on the second cover member and configured to transfer liquid into and from the housing.

15. A water filtration system comprising:

a first housing comprising: a body including a head portion disposed on an end thereof, the head portion having an inner surface defining a head opening in communication with an interior of the body; a cap member removably received by the head portion to cover the head opening, the cap member having a pressing portion facing in an outward direction with respect to the interior of the body; and a locking member releasably engaging the head portion such that an abutment portion of the locking member protrudes from the head portion into the head opening, the locking member having an inner portion forming the abutment portion and an outer portion received in a recess defined in an inner surface of the head portion to engage the head portion, wherein pressure generated within the first housing during water filtration presses the cover member in the outward direction and causes the pressing portion to press against the abutment portion, thereby pressure sealing the first housing at the head opening;

a second housing identical to the first housing and communicating with the first housing;

a first filter media received in the first housing; and

a second filter media received in the second housing, the second filter media being different from the first filter media.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising:

a first media cartridge received in the first housing; and

a second media cartridge identical to the first media cartridge and received in the second housing,

wherein the first filter media is retained within the first media cartridge and the second filter media is retained within the second media cartridge.

17. The system of claim 15, further comprising:

a first liquid communication device engaging the first housing and configured to pass liquid into and out of the first housing;

a second liquid communication device engaging the second housing and configured to pass liquid into and out of the second housing,

wherein the output of the first liquid communication means is connected to the input of the second liquid communication means.

18. The system of claim 17, further comprising:

a first pressure release mechanism disposed on the first housing and configured to release pressure within the first housing when actuated, wherein a pressure seal is released when pressure within the first housing is released by actuation of the first pressure release mechanism; and

a second pressure release mechanism disposed on the second housing and configured to release pressure within the second housing when actuated, wherein a pressure seal is released when pressure within the second housing is released by actuation of the second pressure release mechanism.

19. A method for assembling a water filtration system for a multiple filtration process, comprising:

providing a first filter media in a first housing, the first housing comprising: a body including a head portion disposed on an end thereof, the head portion having an inner surface defining a head opening in communication with an interior of the body; a cap member removably received by the head portion to cover the head opening, the cap member having a pressing portion facing in an outward direction with respect to the interior of the body; and a locking member releasably engaging the head portion such that an abutment portion of the locking member protrudes from the head portion into the head opening, the locking member having an inner portion forming the abutment portion and an outer portion received in a recess defined in an inner surface of the head portion to engage the head portion, wherein pressure generated within the first housing during water filtration presses the cover member in the outward direction and causes the pressing portion to press against the abutment portion, thereby pressure sealing the first housing at the head opening;

a cover member engaging the first fluid communication means and the first housing;

providing a second filter media in a second housing, the second housing comprising: a body including a head portion disposed on an end thereof, the head portion having an inner surface defining a head opening in communication with an interior of the body; a cap member removably received by the head portion to cover the head opening, the cap member having a pressing portion facing in an outward direction with respect to the interior of the body; and a locking member releasably engaging the head portion such that an abutment portion of the locking member protrudes from the head portion into the head opening, the locking member having an inner portion forming the abutment portion and an outer portion received in a recess defined in an inner surface of the head portion to engage the head portion, wherein pressure generated within the second housing during water filtration presses the cover member in the outward direction and causes the pressing portion to press against the abutment portion, thereby pressure sealing the second housing at the head opening;

a cover member engaging a second fluid communication means and the second housing; and is

Connecting the input of the first fluid communication means to a water supply conduit, the output of the first fluid communication means to the input of the second fluid communication means, and the output of the second fluid communication means to a system output conduit.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first housing is the same as the second housing and the first filter media is different than the second filter media.