Filter housing apparatus with rotating filter replacement mechanism

A filter assembly for fluid filtration having a push-activated lock and release mechanism. The filter housing has a sump for enclosing the filter media, a filter head, and at least one standoff protruding outwards for use in securing the filter head to a filter manifold. The filter manifold supports the filter housing with a filter locator. A filter guide having a rotator actuating mechanism secures and holds the filter head in place when the filter head is axially inserted. The rotator actuating mechanism has tabs and slots that rotate upon a transverse axial force from the standoff and from tabs on an internal shutoff. The internal shutoff has an inlet extension and an outlet extension with apertures for fluid ingress and egress. The internal shutoff tabs slidably contact and align the rotator actuating mechanism to secure and remove the filter head.

This invention relates to filtering apparatus, specifically a filter housing apparatus to facilitate easy removal and replacement of a filter housing from a mechanical support. The mechanical support is situated inline, and in fluid communication, with influent and effluent piping, such as within a refrigerator. More specifically, the invention relates to a filter housing and mount, whereby the filter housing may be attached to, and removed from, the mount by a push-actuated release. A controlled detachment of the filter sump, containing the filter media, is activated by the axial push of the sump towards the mechanical support. An internal shutoff, activated by the push-actuated release, blocks spillage during filter housing removal and replacement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a water filtration system having an automated mechanism for changing the filtration media when the filter has served its useful life. The use of liquid filtration devices is well known in the art as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,135,645, 5,914,037 and 6,632,355. Although these patents show filters for water filtration, the filters are difficult to replace owing to their design and placement. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,645 discloses a filter cartridge as a plug-in cartridge with a series of switches to prevent the flow of water when the filter cartridge is removed for replacement. The filter must be manually inserted and removed and have a switch activated to activate valve mechanisms so as to prevent the flow of water when the filter is removed. The cover of the filter is placed in the sidewall of a refrigerator and is employed to activate the switches that activate the valves. The filter access is coplanar with the refrigerator wall and forces an awkward access to the filter cartridge.

An in-line filter product sold by Whirlpool® employs a manual twist and turn filter replacement with a housing that can be mounted on a wall and manually tilted for access to the filter cartridge. Unfortunately, the filter is not automatically positioned for replacement by simple user touch, nor is the filter simply engaged via insertion of the filter sump with automatic locking of the filter sump. The multi-stage installment and twisting and turning mechanics of installation employed in the filter product are cumbersome and inconvenient to use. Furthermore, the Whirlpool® filter product is an inline water line filter and is not integrally part of any system which benefits from the use of filtered water.

The instant invention is particularly useful as the water filtering system for a refrigerator having water dispensing means and, optionally, an ice dispensing means. The water used in the refrigerator or water and ice may contain contaminants from municipal water sources or from underground well or aquifers. Accordingly, it is advantageous to provide a water filtration system to remove rust, sand, silt, dirt, sediment, heavy metals, microbiological contaminants, such as Giardia cysts, chlorine, pesticides, mercury, benzene, toluene, MTBE, Cadmium bacteria, viruses, and other know contaminants. Particularly useful water filter media for microbiological contaminants include those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,872,311, 6,835,311, 6,797,167, 6,630,016, 6,331,037, and 5,147,722, and are incorporated herein by reference thereto. One of the uses of the instant filter apparatus is as a water filtration apparatus for a refrigerator. Refrigerators are appliances with an outer cabinet, a refrigeration compartment disposed within the outer cabinet and having a rear wall, a pair of opposing side walls, at least one door disposed opposite the rear wall, a top and a bottom and a freezer compartment disposed in the outer cabinet and adjacent to the refrigeration compartment. It is common for refrigerators to have a water dispenser disposed in the door and in fluid communication with a source of water and a filter for filtering the water. Further, it is common for refrigerators to have an ice dispenser in the door and be in fluid communication with a source of water and a filter for filtering the water. It has been found that the filter assembly of the instant invention is useful as a filter for a refrigerator having a water dispenser and/or an ice dispenser.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to, in a first aspect, a filter assembly comprising: a filter housing which includes: a sump for enclosing a filter media; a filter head having an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the filter media, and at least one standoff located on the filter head housing, the at least one standoff protruding outwards from the filter head housing for use in securing the filter head to a filter manifold; the filter manifold comprising: a filter locator having a tray for mounting the filter head and supporting the sump; a filter guide having a rotator actuating mechanism to secure and hold the filter head in place when the filter head is axially inserted within the filter guide, the rotator actuating mechanism having tabs and slots that rotate upon a transverse axial force from the at least one standoff and from tabs on an internal shutoff; the internal shutoff having an inlet extension and an outlet extension with apertures for fluid ingress and egress, the in fluid communication with the filter head inlet and outlet during filtering operation, the internal shutoff tabs slidably contacting and aligning the rotator actuating mechanism to secure and remove the filter head; and a rear cover having inlet and outlet ports in fluid communication on an internal side with the filter head inlet and outlet ports, and in fluid communication on an external side with a fluid source. The rear cover may be configured for axial fluid flow through the inlet and outlet ports, or for radial fluid flow with the incorporation of a port manifold.

The filter media comprises an open end cap and a closed end cap, the open end cap having an inlet port for unfiltered water to enter the filter media and an outlet port for filtered water to exit the filter media. The open end cap includes standoffs to separate itself from the filter head's inside surface, such that influent fluid flow is not impeded when the open end cap is inserted within the filter head, and the fluid is able to flow peripherally about and through the filter media. A peripheral seal is circumferentially seated about the open end cap for sealing with the filter head.

The filter head comprises an inlet and an outlet mounting structure for the sump to provide for the passage of fluid from the filter head to the sump and then from the sump to the filter head. The filter head is in fluid communication with fluid entering the filter head from an external fluid source and has outlet means to permit fluid to exit the filter head after being filtered in the sump by a filter media contained therein. The filter head is mounted on a filter locater, whereby upon axial force applied to the sump to insert the filter head into the filter guide, the rotator actuating mechanism works as a cam when pushed by standoffs attached to the filter head to lock or release the filter head. This action facilitates the removal of the sump and the subsequent removal and replacement of the filter media. The filter head is guided along its directional path by the grooves located in the filter guide, which is held fixed by a filter locator. Upon insertion, the filter head works on compression springs, collapsing them while simultaneously rotating the rotator actuating mechanism. The filter head further includes track pins shaped to slidably secure to a tray.

The internal shutoff includes a plurality of fluid-tight seals about the inlet extension and the outlet extension such that fluid flow from the fluid source is blocked by the plurality of fluid-tight seals on the extensions when the internal shutoff is at least partially removed from the rear cover inlet and outlet ports, and wherein the internal shutoff inlet and outlet extensions are in fluid communication with the filter media when the filter head inlet and outlet are inserted within the internal shutoff inlet and outlet extensions. The filter guide further includes a first spring having a first spring constant and attached to the internal shutoff on a side closest to the fluid source, and a second spring having a second spring constant and attached to the internal shutoff on a side opposite the first spring, wherein the second spring constant is greater than the first spring constant, such that the first spring compresses and collapses before the second spring when axial force is applied simultaneously to both of the springs.

The rotator actuating mechanism preferably comprises a first internal rotator and a second internal rotator; however, it is also possible to form the rotator actuating mechanism from a one-piece construction, with the first internal rotator representing the lower portion and the second internal rotator representing the upper portion. In the two-piece design, the first internal rotator is interlocked with, and attached to, the second internal rotator. The first internal rotator includes tabs for directing and securing the standoffs when the filter head is inserted in the filter guide. The second internal rotator includes shaped slots that rotate the rotator actuating mechanism when transverse axial force is applied by the standoffs to the slots. Upon insertion of the filter housing, the filter head input and output prongs communicate first with the influent and effluent ports of the internal shutoff. Sealing gaskets on the filter head prongs create a liquid-tight seal with the internal shutoff ports. Continuing in the same axial force direction, the internal shutoff compresses the first spring as the filter head is pushed against the second spring, the second spring collapsing only when the first spring is fully collapsed and the internal shutoff is in contact with the rear cover. In this position, the internal shutoff permits fluid communication with the filter media. The filter head is inserted and secured within the filter guide. When the internal shutoff is moved in an opposite direction, fluid communication with the water source is prevented so that the filter housing can be removed without leakage or spillage. Motion of the filter housing during locking requires movement towards the filter guide, and then slight movement away from the filter guide. During this movement, the second spring continues to deliver axial force against the internal shutoff, holding it against the rear cover.

In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to a filter assembly having a filter head comprising: a first hollow cylindrical component of a first diameter, having an internal end and a external end, the first diameter large enough to mate with, and seal to, the sump; a second hollow cylindrical component of a second diameter, the second diameter smaller than the first diameter, the second cylindrical component located off axial center from the first cylindrical component and having a first end attached to the external end of the first cylindrical component, and an opposite second end wherein the filter head inlet and outlet extend from the second cylindrical component; the at least one standoff located on the second cylindrical component; at least one molded key located on the second cylindrical component to facilitate guiding the filter head into the filter guide; track pins located on the first cylindrical component and shaped to slidably secure the filter head to the tray.

The filter assembly apparatus of the instant invention may be used with a sump containing a filter media to provide a fluid treatment means for a fluid passing through a system. An example of a system involving fluid passage is a refrigeration system having water passageways for providing water for dispensing and also water for making ice cubes or other ice products. In such a system the refrigerator is attached to an incoming source of water that travels through installed lines to water dispensing and ice dispensing means. Owing to the known impurities in municipal water systems and household wells, it is beneficial to provide a water filtration system to remove contaminants in the water before it is dispensed as drinking water or used in the manufacture of ice, which is ultimately dispensed to a user for consumption.

The filter housing may have a filter head that is mounted using a water filter manifold for affixing the filter housing assembly to a surface. For example, the filter housing assembly may be mounted on a refrigerator wall or any surface associated with a refrigerator. The filter head is preferably contained in a water filter manifold, which can include a filter locator, a filter guide, an end cover, and a port manifold. The water filter manifold supports and holds the filter head such that they are placed in working configuration so the filter housing assembly cooperates in association with a device or apparatus that needs a fluid filtration system for a fluid it receives. The water filter manifold and associated filter head are also used in conjunction with a sump and filter media, whereby the combination of sump, water filter manifold, and filter head form the filtration device.

In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a filter housing comprising: a sump for enclosing a filter media; a filter head having an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the filter media, the inlet and outlet including grooved tracks above and below a slotted aperture, the filter head being fixably attached to the sump in a watertight seal encasing the filter media, the head including: a first hollow cylindrical component of a first diameter, having an internal end and an external end, the first diameter large enough to mate with, and seal to, the sump; a second hollow cylindrical component of a second diameter, the second diameter smaller than the first diameter, the second cylindrical component located off axial center from the first cylindrical component and having a first end attached to the external end of the first cylindrical component, and an opposite second end wherein the filter head inlet and outlet extend from the second cylindrical component; at least one standoff located on the second cylindrical component; and a plurality of molded keys located on the second cylindrical component to facilitate guiding the filter head into a compatibly configured filter guide. The opposite end of the second hollow cylindrical component includes a flat surface to support the contact and compression of one or more springs.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention is directed to a refrigerator in combination with a filter assembly comprising: an outer cabinet; a refrigeration compartment disposed within the outer cabinet and having a rear wall, a pair of opposing side walls, at least one door disposed opposite the rear wall, a top and a bottom; a freezer compartment disposed in the outer cabinet and adjacent to the refrigeration compartment; a water dispenser disposed in the door and in fluid communication with the filter assembly with automated assembly for changing a sump and filter media from the refrigerator; the filter assembly comprising: a filter housing including: a sump for enclosing a filter media; a filter head having an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the filter media, and at least one standoff located on the filter head housing, the at least one standoff protruding outwards from the filter head housing for use in securing the filter head to a filter manifold; the filter manifold comprising: a filter locator having a tray for mounting the filter head and supporting the sump; a filter guide having a rotator actuating mechanism to secure and hold the filter head in place when the filter head is axially inserted within the filter guide, the rotator actuating mechanism having tabs and slots that rotate upon a transverse axial force from the at least one standoff and from tabs on an internal shutoff; the internal shutoff having an inlet extension and an outlet extension with apertures for fluid ingress and egress, the in fluid communication with the filter head inlet and outlet during filtering operation, the internal shutoff tabs slidably contacting and aligning the rotator actuating mechanism to secure and remove the filter head; and a rear cover having inlet and outlet ports in fluid communication on an internal side with the filter head inlet and outlet ports, and in fluid communication on an external side with the water source.

It is an object of this invention to provide a filter housing apparatus mounted on a surface and having an automatic locking mechanism for simple replacement and removal.

It is an object of this invention to provide a filter housing apparatus mounted on a surface having an automatic water shutoff activated during removal and replacement.

It is an object of this invention to provide a filter housing apparatus mounted on a surface having locking means with pressure activation for replacement and removal.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a filter housing apparatus for use with water dispensing and\or ice dispensing apparatus whereby filtered water is provided to the water dispensing and\or ice dispensing apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The present invention is directed to a filter housing assembly for filtration of liquids, including the interception of chemical, particulate, and/or microbiological contaminants. The use of the mechanical locking assembly of the filter housing without the need for excess force and tight tolerances essential in prior art filter housings makes for easy and frequent filter changes and optimal filter performance. The filter housing of the present invention provides simplified filter changes to minimize process downtime and without recourse to tools. A simple push mechanism actuates the self-driving release and change over means that hold and release the filter housing sump, and provide influent shutoff means to prevent leaking and spillage. Rotational shutoff and locking mechanisms are activated and released by axial force on the filter housing at the commencement of the filter changing procedure.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, the filter assembly of the present invention includes a filter housing assembly200and a water filter manifold300. Water filter manifold300is fixably secured in a position within an operating environment requiring fluid filtration, such as attached to an internal sidewall of a refrigerator, although certainly other operating environments may be envisioned, and the filter assembly may be used in any number of environments where the filter assembly has access to, and can be placed in fluid communication with, influent and effluent fluid access ports.

Water manifold300includes a filter locator12, which is attachable to, and secured within, the operating environment, typically by mounting screws, although other attachment schemes are not precluded. Water manifold300is used to hold and support the filter housing assembly200. As depicted inFIG. 4, the filter locator12is preferably made of shaped, injected molded plastic, with a mountable base1201, and shown with slots1203therein for screw attachment, although other attachment schemes may be used. The filter locator12includes a beveled-shaped tray1205for receiving and supporting the filter housing assembly200. Once the filter housing assembly200is inserted in and held by water filter manifold300, tray1205supports the weight of the sump and filter media. A filter guide8removably attaches to the filter locator12. Filter guide8is a cylindrical shell of a diameter large enough to internally receive a portion of the filter housing assembly200. It includes molded formations801formed to receive and hold first and second internal rotator components10,11that comprise the rotational, mechanical locking mechanism for the housing, discussed further herein. Referring toFIG. 5, filter guide8is preferably attached to filter locator12by a snap-lock mechanism. Extensions803are located at the base of filter guide8. Each extension803has two slots805formed therein. As shown inFIG. 4, filter locator12includes reciprocal extensions1207with tabs1209for insertion into slots805. Tabs1209are snap fitted into slots805. It is also possible to combine filter guide8with filter locator12in one piece, such as a single injection-molded composite, and the present invention does not preclude a single piece construction as well as the preferred two-piece configuration. Filter guide8receives filter head26, which is attached to filter housing1, such that the influent and effluent prongs2601,2602from filter head26can enter filter guide8while the remainder of the housing1rests on, and is supported by, the filter tray1205.

Attached to filter guide8is a molded rear cover22, which has influent2201and effluent2202ports, as shown inFIG. 6. Rear cover22may be attached to filter guide8by screws, weld, epoxy bond, or other accepted attachment schemes known in the art. It is not necessary for the interface between rear cover22and filter guide8to be a watertight seal. Two compression springs13are located inside filter guide8, and in contact with the inside surface of rear cover22. In one embodiment, rear cover22includes two circular slots2203,2204to locate each compression spring13. Circular slots2203,2204are preferably molded as part of rear cover22, and are formed to have a diameter sufficient to preferably hold compression springs13by friction fit, although other attachment schemes are not precluded. Circular slots2203,2204may also be located at the closed ends of the influent and effluent ports2201,2202, especially when the water source is being introduced radially to the filter head through a port manifold. Compression springs13are selected to have a predetermined spring constant k1, such that, as will be discussed in greater detail herein, compression springs13will compress by the pushing force of compression springs14. Rear cover22includes the influent and effluent port open ends2205,2206on its inside or internal surface. Open ends2205,2206have a diameter large enough to receive and tightly secure the influent and effluent extension tubes901,902of the internal shutoff9.

FIGS. 7A and 7Bdepict two side plan views of the internal shutoff9of the present invention. Influent extension tube901and effluent extension tube902are depicted extending from plate903. Influent and effluent tubes901,902are hollow, cylindrically shaped extensions of plate903, and are preferably molded as one construction with plate903; however, these tubes may also be made separately and attached to plate903by friction fit, weld, bonded by epoxy, or the like. Water ingress and egress slots904,905, located at the base of tubes901,902, allow fluid flow from the water source when tubes901,902are fully inserted into rear cover influent and effluent port open ends2205,2206. Tubes901,902have at least three groves910a,b,cabout the outer periphery to hold o-rings20. Two groves910a,bare located at each end of slots904,905, and a third groove910cis located at the end of each extension tube901,902. There is no slot between grooves910band910c. When extension tubes901,902are partially removed from open ends2205,2206, the solid portions of extension tubes901,902between groves910band910care exposed to the water pathway and prevent water flow. Slots904,905are no longer in fluid communication with influent and effluent ports2201,2202, thereby effectively shutting off water flow to and from filter housing1. O-rings20placed in each groove impedes the fluid flow with a circumferential watertight seal that precludes leakage.

Extension tubes901,902protrude through plate903in shorter circular extensions912that receive influent and effluent prongs2601,2602from filter head26. Circular extensions912have a diameter that is slightly larger than said influent and effluent prongs2601,2602, and create a watertight seal with o-rings from prongs2601,2602when said prongs are inserted. Two smaller, circular extensions915are located on plate903to receive compression springs14. Circular extensions915are preferably molded as part of plate903, and are formed to have a diameter sufficient to preferably hold compression springs14by friction fit, although other attachment schemes are not precluded. Compression springs14are selected to have a predetermined spring constant k2, greater than spring constant k1of compression springs13, such that, compression springs13will be compressed by the pushing force of compression springs14.

When filter housing200is inserted within filter guide8, prongs2601,2602enter circular extensions912. A flat mounted portion2603of head26(shown more clearly inFIG. 8) abuts compression springs14. Further insertion of filter head26pushes compression springs14against internal shutoff9, moving internal shutoff9towards rear cover22and thus collapsing compression springs13, which are the less resilient of the two sets of springs. By collapsing compression springs13before compression springs14are collapsed under the axial force from the filter housing assembly200, internal shutoff influent and effluent extension tubes901,902are inserted into rear cover influent and effluent port open ends2205,2206. Internal shutoff9has tabs913on plate903that interact with rotator actuating mechanism10,11. When spring13is at its maximum extension and internal shutoff9is positioned away from rear cover22, tabs913interface with second internal rotator11at gap1112. Second internal rotator11has tabs1110and gaps1112that form a pocket to receive tabs913. Tabs1110include a ramped-angled edge1114that interfaces with tab913causing rotation of the rotator actuating mechanism when tab913is slidably pressed against ramp1114. When internal shutoff9is positioned against rear cover22, tabs913are separated from rotator actuating mechanism10,11, allowing free rotation such that the axial movement of standoffs2607may cause rotation of the rotator actuating mechanism to occur. Conversely, when internal shutoff9is positioned away from rear cover22, tabs913lock between gaps1112and prohibit rotation of rotator actuating mechanism10,11, while sliding in place to correctly orient the rotator actuating mechanism to receive filter head26.

Once compression springs13are fully collapsed, internal shutoff9is abutted against influent and effluent port open ends2205,2206. Extension tubes901,902are now fully inserted within influent and effluent ports2201,2202. Slots904,905are positioned to allow water ingress and egress to and from the filter housing1. Although prongs2601,2602are only partially inserted within internal shutoff9, watertight o-ring seals2605at the end of prongs2601,2602are fully inserted to ensure no water leakage. Further compression of filter housing assembly200compresses springs14, holding internal shutoff9in position against rear cover22, and allowing prongs2601,2602to be fully inserted within extension tubes901,902and simultaneously within influent and effluent ports2201,2202. Fluid can now flow to and from filter housing1.

Filter housing assembly200is removed and replaced by pushing the housing towards water filter manifold300. Track pins2610formed on filter head26are shaped to slidably hold tray1205of filter locator12. Filter housing assembly200is slid along tray1205, guided by track pins2610, such that standoffs2607and keys2612are received by slots801within filter guide8.

Standoffs2607interact with an internal rotator actuating mechanism, which includes a first internal rotator10, depicted inFIG. 9, and a second internal rotator11, depicted inFIG. 10. Internal rotator actuating mechanism10,11is effectively a track-cam assembly that translates the linear, axial directional motion of filter housing1into rotational directional motion to engage the plurality of standoffs2607on filter head26to secure the filter head26to filter guide8.

First internal rotator10works in tandem with second internal rotator11to receive standoffs2607of filter head26. Upon insertion, standoffs2607are guided by slots807in filter guide8and traverse through gaps1001in first internal rotator10. Gaps1001define the spaces between tabs1002on first internal rotator10, which are preferably skewed u-shaped structures. Standoffs2607are pushed through gaps1001just adjacent to tabs1002, and into a first skewed u-shaped section1102of receiving slot1101of second internal rotator11, shown inFIG. 10. The pushing action is first against compression springs13, which upon collapse, causes extensions912of internal shutoff9to insert within influent and effluent ports2201,2202. Once compression springs13are collapsed, further pushing in the same axial direction then acts against the stronger, more resilient compression springs14.

Receiving slot1101is a skewed dual u-shaped spacing, aligned such that the straight edge1004of tab1002points into a first skewed u-shaped cut1102of receiving slot1101. This alignment directs standoffs2607into receiving slots1101upon collapse of compression springs14. Each standoff2607is received by the open curvature of the skewed shaped receiving slot1101. The skewed shaped slot rides along, and is rotated by, the linear axial force of each standoff2607, causing the entire rotator actuating mechanism10,11to turn. Forward motion is stopped when each standoff2607reaches the first apex1103of first skewed u-shaped cut1102. At this point, compression springs14are partially compressed, and provide a linear, spring force in the opposite axial direction, out of filter guide8. The forces of compression springs13,14push back filter housing assembly200away from rear cover22, in a direction out of filter guide8. However, since the rotator actuating mechanism10,11has rotated, each tab1002of first internal rotator10is now situated directly underneath a standoff2607. Compression springs13,14push and secure each standoff in tabs1002, securing filter housing assembly200in place.FIG. 11depicts the position of standoff2607in first internal rotator10, when filter housing assembly200is locked in position in filter guide8.

To remove filter housing assembly200from its locked position in filter guide8, a user pushes the housing towards the filter guide, in the same manner that one would push the housing to insert it. This axial pushing motion towards filter guide8, compresses springs14and lifts standoffs2607out of tabs1002. Standoffs2607are guided by center extrusion1105of second internal rotator11into a second skewed u-shaped cut1104of receiving slot1101. As standoffs2607progress towards apex1106of second u-shaped cut1104, the rotator actuating mechanism10,11rotates in the same direction that it turned during insertion, such that a second edge1005of tab1002is positioned off-center of standoff2607. At this juncture, filter housing assembly200cannot progress any further into filter guide8.FIG. 12depicts the positional relationship of standoffs2607and rotator actuating mechanism10,11when standoffs2607are at the apex of the second u-shaped cut1104of second internal rotator11. Compression springs13,14provide the removal force to push filter housing assembly200out of filter guide8. The axial movement outwards of standoffs2607further rotate the rotator actuating mechanism10,11, again in the same direction as it has been continuously rotating, to position it for tabs913to interface with and slidably rotate ramp1114of second internal rotator11.

After insertion, filter head26is in fluid communication with the influent water flow, which traverses to influent prong2601, through filter media4, to effluent prong2602. Water flow is directed through filter media4by an open end cap2, depicted inFIG. 13, and sealed to the top of filter media4. A closed end cap3, depicted inFIGS. 14A and 14B, is sealed to the bottom of filter media4. Open end cap2and closed end cap3are fixably attached to filter media4. The capped filter media is encased in filter housing or sump1which is accurably attached to filter head26in a watertight seal. This attachment may be accomplished in a variety of ways, for example, by screw threading means, clamping means, gluing means, welding means, or the like. Open end cap2inserts within filter head26and creates a watertight seal with o-ring6between the two structures.

Filter housing1is depicted in greater detail inFIG. 2. The housing is a hollow cylindrical construction having a closed end201and an open end203. Open end203has a diameter large enough to receive cylindrical filter media4. Gripping grooves205are located circumferentially about the outside of the filter housing1towards closed end201.

It is envisioned that the preferred embodiment of the present invention would be disposed in a refrigerator, most likely within the door. The water source to the refrigerator would be in fluid communication with the filter assembly, allowing for easy changing of the sump and filter media from the refrigerator. The output of the filter assembly may be selectively coupled to a water dispenser or an ice dispenser.

As previously discussed, all parts of the filter housing and sump containing said filter media can be made using molded plastic parts according to processes known in the art. The filter media may be made from known filter materials such as carbon, activated carbons, malodorous carbon, porous ceramics and the like. The filter media, which may be employed in the filter housing of the instant invention, includes a wide variety of filter media capable of removing one or more harmful contaminants from water entering the filter housing apparatus. Representative of the filter media employable in the filter housing include those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,872,311, 6,835,311, 6,797,167, 6,630,016, 6,331,037, and 5,147,722. In addition, the filter composition disclosed in the following Published Applications may be employed as the filter media: US 2005/0051487 and US 2005/00111827.

The filter assembly is preferably mounted on a surface in proximity to a source of water. The mounting means, depicted as water filter manifold300, are also preferably in close proximity to the use of the filtered water produced by the filter housing apparatus.

A port manifold21may be attached to rear cover22as an alternative water source inlet. The preferred embodiment is to use a port manifold21to connect the water source so that water enters and exits the rear cover influent and effluent ports2201,2202, radially. The alternative embodiment, where a port manifold is not utilized, has the water entering and exiting axially from the rear cover influent and effluent ports2201,2202. In the preferred scheme, using port manifold21, rear cover influent and effluent ports2201,2202have closed axial ends and radial slots for water ingress and egress.FIG. 15depicts a side plan view of the port manifold21. Influent port2101and effluent port2102replace the water source connections to influent2201and effluent2202ports of rear cover22.FIG. 16depicts an axial plug7for rear cover influent and effluent ports2201,2202when port manifold21is used. In an alternative embodiment, the closed axial ends of the rear cover ports may be constructed of one injection molded piece with the port prongs. Port manifold21may be attached to rear cover22by a number of attachment schemes commonly known in the art, such as snap fittings, friction, epoxy bond, sonic weld, and the like, and the attachment is not limited to any particular scheme. Moreover, port manifold21may be formed from the same construction design as rear cover22in one injection-molded piece. Influent and effluent ports2201,2202may be sealed using a plug, or alternatively, may be molded as closed ports, with water access only through port manifold21.