Abstract:
A water filter device mountable on a faucet facilitates water flow in substantially one linear direction through a filtering cartridge which comprises activated carbon or charcoal material. The water filtration device includes a valve assembly for selectively operating the filtering device for generating filtered or unfiltered water. The filtering device preferably includes a disc shaped filtering housing having a disc shaped filtering block of activated carbon material therein for filtering water. The present invention simplifies the flow path of water from the inlet through the filtering cartridge and provides for a more compact and lower profile filtering device which saves space in the sink associated with the water filtration device. It also provides for little or no pressure differential for flow through the filter.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to water filters and more particularly to faucet mount water filtration devices that can be mounted directly on a faucet for filtering impurities from water flow. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Tap water often includes impurities such as minerals, chlorine, particulates and other contaminants that effect the taste, odor, appearance and health quality of the water. To remove such impurities, water filtration devices are becoming increasingly utilized for filtering tap water. One approach utilized to filter impurities from water is to mount a water filtration device directly on the faucet. These faucet mount water filtration devices are often used in domestic applications such as in a kitchen sink or a bathroom sink for example. Faucet mount filtering devices have several advantages over other related types of water filtration devices that are not faucet mountable, such as under-the-sink water filtration devices which are stored in a cabinet. Such advantages of faucet mount filtration devices include low cost, ease of installation and the fact that hoses for communicating water to remote locations from the faucet are not necessary. 
     The common approach of prior faucet mount filtering devices includes the use of a tubular filtering cartridge disposed in a larger tubular filter housing. Unfiltered water surrounds the tubular filter cartridge and enters the filter cartridge from the cylindrical peripheral and flows radially inward to the center of the filter cartridge. Filtered water in center of the tubular filter cartridge is then discharged out an outlet for filtered water. The filter cartridge usually contains activated carbon material such as activated charcoal and is typically replaceable, being replaced after the filtering capacity is used up. To maximize the life span of the removable filter cartridge, faucet mount filtering devices also commonly have a valve assembly that allows the user to selectively obtain either filtered or unfiltered water from the filtration device. Filtered water is often selectively used for drinking and cooking applications while unfiltered water is often selectively used for such applications as cleaning. 
     Although there are several advantages of faucet mount water filtration devices, one disadvantage of prior attempts at faucet mount water filtration devices is that they are bulky and therefore interfere with other operations in the sink, particularly where space in the sink is limited. Moreover, the bulkiness is not aesthetically pleasing and diminishes other aesthetic features that are often specially designed into the sink or the faucet. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore the general object of the present invention to overcome these and other problems and deficiencies existing in the art of faucet mount water filtration devices. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a more compact or lower profile faucet mount water filtration device. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a faucet mount water filtration device that maximizes the amount of filtering material for a given size of filter housing. 
     It is a related object of the present invention to provide a faucet mount water filtration device in which the flow through the filtering cartridge is more direct and simple. In this connection, it is another objection of the invention to minimize any pressure differential of flow into and through the filter. 
     It is yet another object to provide a novel sealing means for precluding flow through the filter device passage when the cartridge is removed. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a faucet mount water filtration device that provides for flow of water in substantially one linear direction through a filter cartridge therein. The water filtration device includes a valve assembly having an inlet connectable to the faucet and a first outlet for discharging unfiltered water. The valve assembly can be operated in a first position connecting the inlet to the first outlet for generating unfiltered water and a second position directing water flow through the filtering cartridge for generating filtered water. The filtering cartridge is disposed in a housing between a collection chamber for unfiltered water and a collection chamber for filtered water. The filtering device facilitates water flow through the filter cartridge in substantially one linear direction from the unfiltered collection chamber to the filtered chamber. A second outlet is fluidically connected to the second collection chamber for discharging filtered water. 
     According to the preferred embodiment, the filter cartridge is a generally disc shaped block comprising activated carbon material. The disc shaped block has an outer peripheral annular edge that is in close proximity to the filter housing and first and second opposing side faces in direct fluid communication with the filtered and unfiltered collection chambers, respectively. With the block or disc shaped filter as used herein, there is little if any pressure differential in passage through the filter as there is no reduction in the inlet passage through the filter. The water filtration device preferably includes a water barrier such as annular lips in the filter housing that engage the side faces of the filter cartridge to operate as approximate seals. The water barriers or lips prevent most flow of water between the outer annular peripheral edge of the filtering block and the housing so that the vast majority of water flows in one direction directly through the filtering block from the first face to the second face. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a water filtration device includes a valve assembly that is movable between two positions for selectively generating filtered and unfiltered water. The valve assembly includes a first outlet for discharging unfiltered water. The water filtration device includes a filter housing comprising first and second plates and a side wall disposed transversely between the plates. The first plate is connected to the valve assembly and has an opening that is selectively connected to the inlet through a bypass for receiving unfiltered water. The second plate provides a second outlet for discharging filtered water. The disc shaped filtering block is disposed in the filtering housing between the first and second plates. 
     It is an advantage that the disclosed embodiment of the present invention provides for a faucet mount water filtration device that has more compact lower profile than prior art filtering devices. Another advantage of the disclosed embodiment is that more direct and simpler flow of water through a filtering block is accomplished in substantially one linear direction, thereby eliminating the need for radially inward flow from the cylindrical periphery of a filtering tube as is common in other prior attempts. The flow paths also ensure uniform water flow through the filtering cartridge so that the filtering capacity of the filtering cartridge is uniformly and efficiently utilized. The disc shaped filtering block of the disclosed embodiment leaves little void space in the filtering housing and thereby advantageously increases the amount of filtering media for the given size of the filter housing. The filtering block may be thicker than tubular filter cartridges which results in more effective filtering of water and reduces the frequency at which the filtering element needs replacing. 
     These and other aims, objectives, and features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIGS. 1 and 2 are a perspective view of a faucet mount water filtration device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the faucet mount water filtration device of FIGS. 1 and 2. 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 taken about line  4 — 4 , with the valve assembly in a position for generating unfiltered water flow. 
     FIG. 5 is the same view as FIG. 4 but with the valve assembly in an alternate position for generating filtered water flow. 
     FIG. 6 is a side view of a part of the filter housing. 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6 taken about line  7 — 7 . 
     FIG. 8 is a side view of a part of the filter housing. 
     FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8 taken about line  9 — 9 . 
    
    
     While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     For purpose of illustration and turning to FIGS. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated as a faucet mount water filtration device  10 . The filtration device  10  includes a valve assembly  12  secured to a filter assembly  14 . A collar  16  having a threaded internal opening  18  is rotatably mounted on the valve assembly  12  and can screwed onto the discharge end of various types of conventional faucets (not shown) to thereby mount the filtration device  10  directly on a faucet (not shown) for support thereby. The valve assembly  12  provides an inlet  20  through the collar  16  for receiving unfiltered water and an unfiltered water outlet  22  for discharging unfiltered water. The filter assembly  14  provides a filtered water outlet  24  for discharging filtered water. As is generally shown in FIG. 4, the inlet  20  and the outlets  22 ,  24  are preferably aligned for receiving or discharging water along a vertical axis  26 . 
     Referring to FIG. 4 of the preferred embodiment, the valve assembly  12  includes an outer housing assemblage  30  that comprises a generally cylindrical or sleeve-shaped diverter housing  32  fixed between upper and lower outer shells  34 ,  36 . An annular retainer  38  secures the mounting collar  16  to the diverter housing  32  while accommodating the inlet  20  and allowing for rotation of the collar  16 . The diverter housing  32  includes first and second apertures  40 ,  42  for communicating water between the inside of the diverter housing  32 , the inlet  20  and the unfiltered water outlet  22 . 
     A generally cylindrical valve spool  44  is mounted for rotation inside the diverter housing  32  for selecting diverting water flow through a bypass, generally indicated at  46 , towards the filter assembly  14 . The valve spool  44  includes two enlarged diameter portions  48  closely fitted in the diverter housing  32  and a smaller diameter portion  50  therebetween. The smaller diameter portion  50  provides for an annular chamber  60  formed between the outer periphery of the spool  44  and the inner periphery of the diverter housing  32 . Each of the enlarged portions  48  have an annular groove  62  with a resilient O-ring gasket  64  seated therein for preventing leakage. Referring to FIG. 5 in which the spool  44  is rotated 90°, the spool  44  also includes a raised projection  67  on the smaller diameter portion  50  that is also closely fit within the diverter housing  32 . The smaller diameter portion  57  includes a central opening  65  that can be diametrically aligned with inlet aperture  40  as shown in FIG. 5 for communicating water from the inlet  20  to a bypass chamber  66  inside the spool  44 . The projection  67  may include an annular groove  68  with seal material  70  therein for preventing water from leaking out to the annular chamber  60  when the central opening  65  is diametrically aligned with inlet aperture  40 . Disposed with in the bypass chamber  66  may be a valve insert  72  for directing flow along the bypass  46 . As shown in FIG. 5 in which the valve insert  72  is also rotated 90°, the valve insert  72  includes axially extending passages  74  for communicating water flow through the bypass  46 . 
     In comparing FIGS. 4 and 5, it is seen the valve spool  44  can be rotated between two positions for generating unfiltered water and filtered water. To control the valve spool position, a control lever  76  is fixed to the end portion  86  of the valve spool  44  so that the lever  76  and spool  44  pivot in unison relative to the diverter housing  32 . In viewing FIGS. 1,  4  and  5 , it can be seen that the control lever  76  has a rectangular body portion  80  which includes a rectangular opening  82  closely receiving a rectangular projection  84  on the end portion  86  of the spool  44  to facilitate torque transfer therebetween. The diverter housing  32  and spool  44  may also include cooperating resilient guide shoulders  87 ,  88  or other locking mechanism for directing and holding the spool  44  in each of the two positions until force is again applied to the lever  76 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the filter assembly  14  comprises a hollow filter housing  90  having a filtering cartridge  92  disposed therein. The filter housing  90  comprises first and second slightly concave plate members  94 ,  96  that are snapped, threadably screwed or otherwise secured to one another in order to allow for insertion of replacement filtering cartridges. 
     One of the plate members  96  has integrally connected therewith an elongate, generally cylindrical side wall portion  98 . The filter housing  90  also includes a neck portion  100  which is secured to the valve assembly  12  by any suitable mechanism such as a threaded connection for example. The preferred embodiment uses resilient cooperating shoulders  102 ,  104  (the shoulders shown in dashed lines in FIGS. 4 and 5 and the shoulders  102  on the neck portion  100  being shown separately in FIG. 9) on the diverter housing  32  and the neck portion  100 , respectively, that are interfit with one another by inserting the neck  100  into a sleeve end  106  of the diverter housing  32  and then rotating the filter housing  90  with respect to the valve assembly  12  about 90° to lock the shoulders  102 ,  104 . 
     The internal bypass  46  provides for fluid communication between the filter housing  90  and the valve assembly  12 . In the preferred embodiment, the bypass  46  is generally aligned with the horizontal axis  28  and runs from the central opening  65 , through the bypass chamber  66 , the axial passages  74 , an orifice  112  in an inward flange section  114  of the diverter housing  32 , the hollow interior of the sleeve end  106  and into the hollow interior of the neck portion  100 . The neck portion  100 , includes a plurality of openings  108  between support ribs  110 , to fluidically connect the bypass  46  with the hollow interior of the filter housing  90 . 
     In operation, the valve assembly  12  is selectively operated to generated unfiltered or filtered water. In the position shown in FIG. 4, the valve assembly directs unfiltered water from the inlet  20  through the inlet aperture  40 , the annular chamber  60 , the outlet aperture  42  and discharges unfiltered water out the unfiltered outlet  22 , the water flow being illustrated by water flow lines. In the position shown in FIG. 5, the valve assembly directs unfiltered water from the inlet  20 , through the inlet aperture  40 , the central opening  65 , the bypass  46 , the filtering cartridge  92 , and results in filtered water discharging out the filtered water outlet  24 , as generally shown by water flow lines. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the filtering assembly  14  facilitates water flow through the filtering cartridge in substantially one linear direction as illustrated by water flow lines  118  in FIG.  5 . In the preferred embodiment one directional flow is accomplished by providing a filtering cartridge  92  that is a generally disc shaped block with opposed side faces  126 ,  124  joined by an outer peripheral annular edge  129 . The filter cartridge  92  includes activated carbon material or other suitable filtering media for filtering impurities from water. The filtering cartridge  92  may also include screen material in addition to carbon material to separate larger particles. The disc shaped filtering block or cartridge  92  divides the hollow interior of the filter housing  90  into an unfiltered water collection chamber  120  and a filtered water collection chamber  122 . The unfiltered water collection chamber  120  is generally disposed between the first side face  124  of the filtering cartridge  92  and the housing plate  94 . The filtered water collection chamber  122  is generally disposed between the opposed side face  126  of the filtering cartridge  92  and the other housing plate  96  and is fluidically connected to the outlet  24 . The filtered water outlet  24  which is preferably integrally formed with the housing plate  96 . As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the opposed side faces  124 ,  126  are preferably radially planar, parallel and solid such that there is little void space in the filter housing  90 . This increases the amount of filtering material for the given size of housing  90  which extends the life span of the filtering cartridge, provides for more effective water filtering and reduces the frequency at which the filtering cartridge needs replacing. Also, the pressure differential between inlet and outlet is minimized or eliminated. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the vast majority of water flow through the filter cartridge  92  is facilitated in substantially one direction, preferably along a horizontal axis  28  that is perpendicular to the vertical axis  26 . To prevent most water from seeping along the inside periphery  128  of the side wall  98 , both housing plates  94 ,  96  preferably include water barriers such as annular lips  130 ,  132 . The annular lips  130 ,  132  contact or engage the filtering cartridge  92  to prevent or minimize the amount of water that passes between the inner periphery  128  of the side wall  98  and the annular peripheral edge  129  of the filter cartridge  92  unfiltered. Although the vast majority of the flow is in one direction as indicated by flow lines  118 , some water flow may seep in a slightly less straight pattern along the inner periphery of the side wall  98  and filter housing  90  as indicated by outer water flow lines  134  in FIG.  5 . The annular lips  130 ,  132  also ensure that substantially all water flows through the filtering cartridge  92  along outer flow lines  134 . Alternatively, sealing material or a glue can be used to further enhance the barrier. 
     Referring to FIG. 6, the plate member  96  which includes the side wall  98 , has an axially extending support cross  140  for supporting and axially positioning the planar side face  126  of the filtering cartridge  92  (FIG.  4 ). As shown in FIG. 7, the support cross  140  is aligned about parallel with the annular lip  132  so as not to interfere with the sealing capabilities of the lip  132 . Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the side wall  98  also provides axially extending support and positioning ridges  142  which may closely receive corresponding notches (not shown) in the peripheral edge  129  of the filtering cartridge  92 . Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the other plate member  94  includes an inner stem portion  144  connected by ribs to the neck portion  100 . The stem portion  144  has a radially extending flange  145  which helps direct water radially outward into the unfiltered collection chamber  120  during operation. The internal face  146  of the flange  145  helps position the filtering cartridge  96  axially and is aligned about parallel with the annular lip  132  so as not to interfere with the sealing capabilities of the annular lip  132 . 
     Another feature that may be present is the provision of spring biased valve means that closes off the passage of water to the filtration assembly area or the filtration outlet  24  when the filtering cartridge is removed. To this end, a spring  150 , as best shown in FIG. 5, normally urges the valve spool  44  outwardly. When the filtering cartridge  96  is in place, it positions the plunger inwardly so flow can occur. However, when the cartridge is removed, flow is prevented from occurring in the filtered water collection chamber. 
     Thus, there has been provided a Faucet Mount Water Filtration Device which fully satisfies the objects, aims, and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in connection with a specific embodiment thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.