Abstract:
A filtering system intended to be attached to the water tap in a shower. The system preferably uses two distinct filtering media in order to filter water—charcoal and kinetic degradation fluxion (“KDF”) media. The present invention preferably includes a bypass valve which allows the user to properly gauge and adjust the temperature of the water prior to passing the water through the filter. The present invention preferably includes two check valves as well. One such check valve is located at the filter entrance, and the other cheek valve is located at the filter exit. White the shower is activated, the pressure from the water forces each valve open. However, when the shower is not activated, each valve automatically closes (the valves are normally closed valves). The check valve system allows the KDF media to remain in a saturated state, which increases the efficacy and lifespan of the filtering media.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates to the field of water filters. More specifically, the invention comprises a water filter intended for use in a shower that maintains the filtering media of the filter in a saturated state. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    The water used in many developed countries is typically treated with a disinfecting agent. This eliminates bacteria and other harmful pathogens contained in the water. By disinfecting the water, the likelihood of illness due to these pathogens in the water is greatly reduced—to such a degree that the water is safe to drink without further processing by the consumer. This water is then distributed to buildings, houses, restaurants, and any other structure that requires clean water. 
         [0005]    Although disinfecting the water is necessary to avoid illness, it may cause undesirable side effects. Typically, chlorine or chloramine is used to disinfect the water (destroying harmful pathogens in the water), in addition to disinfecting the water, chlorine also oxidizes certain compounds that form taste or odor. However, the chlorine reacts with organic matter in the water as well which creates disinfection by-products, or “DBPs” One of the most prevalent DBPs is trilialomethanes (“TMHs”). TMHs are cancer 2B carcinogens (possibly carcinogenic to humans), and TMHs are linked to reproduction issues in humans who have had a significant amount of exposure. Individuals exposed to TMHs in small amounts can experience a weakened immune system, disruption of the central nervous system, damage to the cardiovascular system, disruption of the renal system, and respiratory problems. 
         [0006]    Oftentimes individuals install water filters in the workplace or home. These filters can be installed outside of the home such that the water coming into the home is filtered before entering the home. However, in many cases user&#39;s only install filters for drinking water. Although this is helpful in reducing the user&#39;s consumption of DBPs, it does not eliminate the main source of exposure to DBPs. In fact, taking a shower is typically the main source of exposure to DBPs for an individual. This is due to the duration of a shower, the vaporization due to increased temperature while typically taking a shower, and the surface area affected (lungs and skin) while taking a shower. Consequently, installing a shower filter decreases the chlorine content of the water and decreases the user&#39;s exposure to DBPs. 
         [0007]    Thus, some inventors have explored fabricating a water filter intended for use in the shower. One such example is found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,933,080 to Rundzaitis et al. (1990). The invention disclosed by Rundzaitis et al. provides a filter with a valve that allows the user to bypass the filter. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,192,427 to Eger et al discloses a filter which also acts as a cosmetic holder or container. 
         [0008]    All the devices provide a water filtering system for a shower. However, they fail to maintain the filter media in a wetted state even while the user is not using the shower. A shower represents an unusual installation for a filter in that water is not typically maintained in the line leading to the shower head when the shower head is not in use. Most shower heads are installed in conjunction with a hath spigot. A two-way valve in the vicinity of the spigot directs water either to the spigot or up through a vertical line leading to the shower head. 
         [0009]    Once the valves leading to the spigot/shower head are turned off, the two-way valve in the spigot typically opens and allows the water in the vertical line to drain out through the spigot. Thus, when not in use, the line leading to the shower head does not contain water. If a water filter is installed in this line, it will be drained as the line itself is drained. Unfortunately, the filter media used in water filters degrades significantly if it is not maintained in a wet state. The present invention solves this and other problems, as will be described more particularly in the following text. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention comprises a filtering system intended to be attached to the water tap in a shower. The system preferably uses two distinct filtering media in order to filter water—charcoal and kinetic degradation fluxion (“KDF”) media. In addition to a filtering system, the present invention preferably includes a bypass valve which allows the user to properly gauge and adjust the temperature of the water prior to passing the water through the filter. 
         [0011]    The present invention also maintains the filter media in a wetted state when the shower is not in use. A preferred embodiment employs two check valves for this purpose. One such check valve is located at the water inlet of the filter and the other cheek valve is located at the water exit of the filter. While water is flowing to the filter, the pressure from the water forces each valve open. However, when the shower is not flowing to the filter, each valve automatically closes (the valves are normally closed valves). The check valve system allows the KDF media to remain in a saturated state, which increases the efficacy and lifespan of the filtering media. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is perspective view, showing a prior art shower. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view, showing a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view, showing the present invention installed on a prior art shower. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view, showing the primary components of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view, showing the water treatment module of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view, showing the embodiment of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a sectional view, showing the inlet valve of the water filter. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view, showing the inlet valve in an open configuration. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view, showing the inlet valve in a closed configuration. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view, showing the main body housing of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is an elevation view, showing the housing cap of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a sectional view, showing the internal components of the outlet check valve of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a sectional view, showing the location of an air pocket during use of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a sectional view, showing the position of the water level when water is not flowing to the filter. 
       
    
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS 
       [0026]      10  shower 
         [0027]      12  water tap 
         [0028]      14  shower head 
         [0029]      16  water filter 
         [0030]      18  bypass valve 
         [0031]      19  filter outlet 
         [0032]      20  filter inlet 
         [0033]      22  tap connection 
         [0034]      24  bypass valve outlet 
         [0035]      25  valve knob 
         [0036]      26  main body housing 
         [0037]      28  water treatment module 
         [0038]      30  housing cap 
         [0039]      32  inlet check valve 
         [0040]      34  redirection conduit 
         [0041]      36  air expansion chamber 
         [0042]      37  linking conduit 
         [0043]      38  media exclusion screen 
         [0044]      40  filtering media chamber 
         [0045]      41  kinetic degradation fluxion media 
         [0046]      42  water treatment outlet 
         [0047]      44  outlet cheek valve 
         [0048]      46  filtering housing mount 
         [0049]      48  compression spring 
         [0050]      50  bail 
         [0051]      52  valve cap 
         [0052]      54  central hole 
         [0053]      56  centering ribs 
         [0054]      58  valve opening 
         [0055]      60  attachment surface 
         [0056]      62  opening 
         [0057]      64  notch 
         [0058]      66  air pocket 
         [0059]      68  water level 
         [0060]      70  charcoal 
         [0061]      72  filling cap 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0062]    The present invention provides a filtering device intended to be used in a shower, although it certainly could be installed in other applications as well. Briefly,  FIG. 1  shows a prior art shower  10 , which includes water tap  12  and showerhead  14 . A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 2 . Water filter  16  preferably includes filter inlet  20  and filter outlet  19 . In order to install the device, showerhead  14  is removed from water tap  12  (this is typically a threaded connection) and attached to filter outlet  19 . Bypass valve  18  is then attached to filter inlet  20 . Bypass valve  18  includes tap connection  22 , which is fastened to water tap  12 . Those familiar with the art will note that there are many combinations of connections available to fasten each conduit/fitting to the accompanying fitting. For example, the connection can be an outer thread coupled to a tapped hole, an outer thread coupled to a sealed nut, or any other known coupling method in the art. 
         [0063]    Preferably, bypass valve  18  also includes bypass valve outlet  24  and valve knob  25 . Bypass valve  18  allows the user to bypass water filter  16  in order to accurately evaluate the water temperature coming from water tap  12  before the filter is engaged. In one position valve knob  25  channels water to bypass valve outlet  24 , in the other position, valve knob  25  directs water to filter inlet  20 . Due to the extended time necessary to properly filter the water issuing from tap  12 , there could be a difference in temperature form the water issuing straight from tap  12  and the water issuing from water filter  16 . Bypass valve  18  allows the user to more easily regulate the temperature due to the direct flow created with the valve. In addition, the temperature of the water may be difficult to determine through filter  16  due to the constantly wetted state of the filter. When the user turns on the shower, the initial water flowing from the shower head  14  will be cold water that had been resting in water filter  16  from the previous shower. Bypass valve  18  assists in limiting surprise and/or burning from the user due to water temperature. 
         [0064]      FIG. 3  shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention installed in a prior art shower  10 . As discussed in the previous description, bypass valve  18  is attached to water tap  12 . Water flowing from water tap  12  enters bypass valve  18 , then flows either out of bypass valve outlet  24  or into water filter  16 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, water filter  16  is attached such that the centerline of the filter is angled between about 40 and 50 degrees from the horizontal plane. The relevance of this will be discussed further in the subsequent text. 
         [0065]    An exploded view of water filter  16  is shown in  FIG. 4 . Preferably, water filter  16  comprises three primary components—main body housing  26 , water treatment module  28 , and housing cap  30 . Preferably, water treatment module  28  is located within main body housing  26 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Housing cap  30  preferably removably fastened to main body housing  26  in order to allow the user to remove internal components located within main body housing  26 . The method of fastening can be any known in the art. However, cap  30  is preferably internally threaded while main body  26  includes threads on the outer surface of main body housing  26 , Although the particular method of attachment is not important, it is preferable that housing cap  30  and main body housing  26  are distinct parts, whereby cap  30  is removable/replaceable. This allows the user to detach the two parts in order to gain access to water treatment module  28 , and thereby allows the user to replace the filter media within water treatment module  28 . However some embodiments of the present invention may have cap  30  and main body housing  26  as a single part. The lifespan of the filtering media is increased due to the constantly saturated state of the filter, thereby reducing the need to change the filter as often as if the media were in a wet and dry state. 
         [0066]    Water treatment module  28  is shown separated from the filtering system  16  in  FIG. 5 . Preferably, water treatment module  28  includes expansion chamber  36 , linking conduit  37 , filtering media chamber  40 . and water treatment outlet  42 . Preferably, air expansion chamber  36  is a short, hollow cylindrical body wherein each open end includes a media exclusion screen  38 . In addition, expansion chamber  36  preferably includes an opening in the side wall of the cylindrical body in order to connect to linking conduit  37 , as illustrated. This connection can be a press fit, or any other known connection in the art. Air expansion chamber  36  preferably provides the necessary means to allow the filtering system to maintain an air pocket near the top edge of the filter  16 . This is discussed, further in the subsequent text. Once the water enters water treatment module  28  through media exclusion screen  38  it flows into filtering media chamber  40 . Preferably, filtering media chamber  40  is filled with, a filtering media such as kinetic degradation fluxion, or “KDF” media  41  (not visible in  FIG. 5 , but shown in  FIG. 6 ). By maintaining the KDF media  41  in a wetted state, the lifetime of the KDF is greatly increased. 
         [0067]    If the filtering media is allowed to be soaked and dried as the shower is used, the media quickly oxidizes. Oxidation of the media decreases the effectiveness and greatly reduces the lifetime of the media. However, maintaining a saturated state allows the media to maintain a high filtering effectiveness for a longer amount of time. Thus, it is preferred that filtering media chamber  40  remains in a saturated state. The method used to keep the KDF media  41  in a saturated state is discussed further in the following text. 
         [0068]      FIG. 6  shows a sectional view of shower filter  16  in order to illustrate the internal components and water flow through the filtration system. Water enters filter  16  at filter inlet  20 , The reader will note that inlet check valve  32  is located at the water filter inlet  20 . This location is also where bypass valve  18  is connected (not shown in this view). Although inlet valve  32  is shown in an open state, it is a normally closed valve that opens due to the pressure of the incoming water. This is discussed further in the subsequent text. Preferably, redirection conduit  34  channels the incoming water downwards towards housing cap  30 . As water enters main body housing  26 , it travels upward to the volume within the housing—as demonstrated by the arrows in the figure. The reader will note that the internal volume of water treatment module  28  is separate from the internal volume of main body housing  26 . Thus, water is preferably only permitted to enter water treatment module  28  through air expansion chamber  36  thereby allowing water to flow downward (as indicated by the arrow) through linking conduit  37  into filtering media chamber  40 . In other words, apart from the inlet (air expansion chamber  36 ) of water treatment module  28 , the volume of water within module  28  is separate from the volume of water in main body housing  26 . 
         [0069]    In order to undergo the second stage of filtering, water enters filtering media chamber  40 . As illustrated, filtering media chamber  40  is preferably filled with KDF media  41 , or a similar filtering media. Water flows through the KDF media  41 , which filters the water. The amount of time the water is exposed to filtering media  41  is increased due to the construction of the filter. As water exits filtering media chamber  40 , it travels through exit check valve  44  and out outlet  19 . The reader will note that (1) check valve  44  is simply indicated without specific detail (this is discussed and illustrated in the subsequent text and figures) and (2) exit check valve  44  is only open when water is flowing into filter inlet  20 . 
         [0070]    In addition to KDF media  41 , charcoal  70  (only a small section is illustrated in  FIG. 6 ) is used in the filtering process within water filter  14  Only a small section of charcoal is shown in  FIG. 6  for reasons of visual clarity, but preferably charcoal fills much of the interior volume of main body housing  26 . Those familiar with the art will know that charcoal  70  absorbs chlorine and other organic compounds in the water. Preferably, each opening located on air expansion chamber  36  includes a media exclusion screen  38 . This prevents charcoal  70  from entering water treatment module  28  as water flows into air expansion chamber  36 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, charcoal  70  is deposited into filter  16  using removable filling cap  72 . This allows the user to deposit charcoal  70  after filter  16  has been installed. 
         [0071]      FIG. 7  shows an exploded view of inlet check valve  32 . The reader will note the location of inlet check valve  32  as indicated in  FIG. 6 . In this particular version, inlet check valve  32  includes filter housing mount  46 , compression spring  48 , ball  50 , and valve cap  52 . Preferably, filter housing mount  46  fastens to main body housing  26  (as indicated in  FIG. 6 ). Also, filter housing mount  46  preferably includes central hole  54 , as illustrated. Preferably, central hole  54  is designed to fit compression spring  48 . Centering ribs  56  act to center spring  48  within central hole  54  and prevent spring  48  from reaching the bottom surface of central hole  54 . thereby allowing water to pass by ball  50  and spring  48  when spring  48  is fully compressed. In one embodiment of the present invention, ribs  56  are designed in such a way that ball  50  and spring  48  are not capable of radial movement within hole  54 . In addition, valve cap  52  preferably includes valve opening  58 , which acts in accordance with bail  50  and compression spring  48  to allow and prevent water flow. In one particular embodiment, valve opening  58  includes beveled edges, which allow ball  50  to mate with valve opening  58  in a more effective manner. 
         [0072]      FIG. 8  shows a sectional view of inlet check valve  32  in an open state, As indicated by the arrow, water flows from the top of the figure to the bottom. Although not shown in the current view, bypass valve  18  and water tap  12  (water source) are located above valve cap  52  and main body housing  26  is attached to attachment surface  60 . Thus, as water flows into valve cap  52  from the water source, it flows through valve opening  58  and out of opening  62  located at the bottom end of central hole  54  into the filter  16 . 
         [0073]    In order to see the internal components and water flow of the inlet check, valve  32  more clearly,  FIG. 9  shows a sectional view of inlet check valve  32 .  FIG. 9  shows inlet valve  32  in a closed state. In the present view, water flows from the top of the view, as indicated by the arrow (as it does in  FIG. 8 ). However, since the valve is closed in this configuration, water is not flowing from the water tap. 
         [0074]    Now looking at  FIGS. 8-9 , the reader will note that prior to the user turning on the shower and wafer flowing from water tap  12 , inlet valve will be in a closed state ( FIG. 9 ), Since there is no water coming from tap  12 , there is no force acting on hall  50  (which would be coming from the water). Thus, the only force acting on ball  50  is that of compression spring  48 . This force on bail  50  acts to force ball  50  into valve opening  58  in order to create a seal. When the user activates the shower, water flows into inlet valve  32 . The force created by the incoming water is greater than the force created by compression spring  48 , thereby compressing spring  48  (as illustrated in  FIG. 8 ) and forcing ball  50  from blocking valve opening  58 . This allows water to flow through valve opening  58 , around ball  50  and into filter  16 . Then, when the user turns off the shower, the force created by the inflowing water is removed, which, allows spring  48  to force ball  50  back into valve opening  58 . Upon sealing valve opening  58 , the water within filter  16  is prevented from escaping through valve opening  58 , thereby allowing filter  16  to remain full of water. 
         [0075]    Of course, the check valve system using ball  50  and spring  48  is one possible embodiment. This simple mechanical system is well, known in the art. Thus, the reader should not take it as limiting the scope of the invention, but rather has demonstrating one possible method for carrying out the present invention. Instead of a ball and spring valve, check valve  32  could be a ball valve with an electronic sensor. 
         [0076]      FIG. 10  shows main body housing  26  with the inlet check valve  32  assembly attached. In the current view, the reader can see that redirection conduit  34  includes media exclusion screen  38  at the exit. This prevents charcoal that is present within main body housing  26  from entering redirection conduit, and therefore inlet valve  32 . Charcoal entering inlet valve  32  may cause clogging of the valve and/or reduce the amount of charcoal in the system—media exclusion screen  38  prevents this from occurring. 
         [0077]      FIG. 11  shows housing cap  30  separated from the main body housing  26 . Preferably, housing cap  30  includes filter outlet  19  and notches  64 . Notches  64  are preferably located around the circumference of housing cap  30 . Notches  64  allow for a better grip when removing (or replacing) housing cap  30  from water filter  16 . A cut line is provided in the current FIG. which shows the sectional view of  FIG. 12 . The sectional view of housing cap  30  in  FIG. 12  allows the user to see the internal components of outlet check valve  44 . Preferably, outlet check valve  44  operates in the same manner as inlet check valve  32 . When water is flowing into the filter  16 , the force of the water forces hall  50  downward (in the current view) and allows water to exit the filler. While in the current view ball  50  is forced downward, in general the water forces bail  50  from blocking outlet opening  74 , thereby allowing water to flow through, outlet opening  74  and out of the water filter  16 . When water is no longer flowing into filter  16 , the force of the spring overcomes the force of the water, thereby allowing ball  50  to block outlet opening  74  and sealing the valve. Preferably, the strength of compression spring  48  is such that the force generated by spring  48  is greater than the weight of the water contained in the filter. Thus, allowing the water to remain in the filter  16  after the shower has been turned off. If the spring force is not greater than the weight of the water, then the water will leak from the filter, and the filter media will not remain in a saturated state. With these parameters, inlet check valve  32  and outlet check valve  44  keep water filter  16  full of water—even when the shower is off. 
         [0078]    Although filter outlet  19  and therefore outlet check valve  44  are shown at the bottom of filter  16 , it is possible to position each component on a different location on filter  16 . The positioning of outlet check valve  44  requires only that KDF  41  remain saturated. As long as this is accomplished, outlet valve  44  can be position at any location on filter  16 . 
         [0079]      FIG. 13  shows a sectional, view of water filter  16  in the orientation customarily used when it is installed. Those familiar with the art will realize that a pressure surge, commonly referred to as “hydraulic hammer” or “water hammer” may become an issue within water filter  16 . Thus, water filter  16  is designed in such a way that an air pocket  66  is created near its upper portion. Preferably, water level  68  is at such a level that in the event of a pressure surge, air pocket  66  acts as a cushion, or shock absorber. This cushion created by air pocket  66  prevents water hammer from splitting or cracking main body housing  26 . The water level  68  varies depending on the flow rate of the water and whether water is flowing. The reader will note that the position of water level  68  varies, including below air expansion chamber  36 . However, water will remain within filtering media chamber  40  even if water level  68  drops below expansion chamber  36 , thereby maintaining the filtering media in a saturated state. As discussed previously, water filter  16  is preferably mounted at an angle between 40 and 50 degrees relative to the horizon, as illustrated. By mounting water filter  16  at about a 45 degree angle, air pocket  66  can remain in the position illustrated, which maintains the correct water level  68  within the filter  16 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 14  shows a sectional view of filtering device  16  when water is not flowing into it. The reader will note that water level  68  has moved downward when compared with  FIG. 13 , Because water is no longer flowing into filtering device  16 , air pocket  66  expands. Those familiar with the art will realize that the decrease in water pressure is the cause for the expansion of air pocket  66 , which allows the pressure to equalize within the closed system. The reader will note, however, that KDF media  41  remains in a wetted state despite the lower water level  68 . 
         [0081]    The preceding description contains significant detail regarding the novel aspects of the present invention. It should not be construed, however, as limiting the scope of the invention but rather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be fixed by the following claims, rather than by the examples given.