Water filter faucet and cartridge therefor

A water treatment assembly generally in the form of a filter faucet generally of the type mounted on a sink or similar countertop surface. The water treatment assembly generally comprises a mounted valve assembly, an inline water filter, and a water spout. The inline water filter is configured intermediate the mounted valve assembly and the spout. The inline water filter has a watertight shell comprising a water inflow port and a water outflow port that allow the filter to be used as a readily replaceable and disposable modular filter cartridge. The filter inflow port allows for releasable fluid engagement with the valve assembly. The filter outflow port comprises a fitting for receiving the spout. Water flow through the filter and spout is controlled by the valve assembly. The combined assembly permits the new use of standard components improved in a cost effective manner to form a reliable filter faucet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to water treatment and filtration devices for installation on a sink surface or countertop in conjunction with residential plumbing systems for improving the quality of potable water for human consumption. More particularly to a countertop filter faucet comprising a water treatment element incorporated therein.

Water consumers are increasingly aware that public water supplies are contaminated with many undesirable chemicals and microorganisms capable of impairing the health of those who consume the water. For example, water supplies in rural agricultural areas often contain nitrate, herbicide, and pesticide runoff from crop treatment. Most municipalities add chlorine to guard against pathogens in the public water supply. There is much discussion among experts over what concentrations of chlorine, nitrates, and pesticides are considered safe. It is generally acknowledged that the water supply would be better without these chemicals. Similarly, water may contain pathogenic microorganisms such as Rotavirus, Giardia, and Cryptosporidium; which may be removed by filtration and chemical treatment. This increased awareness has motivated development of water treatment devices for residential use as an individually controlled and last stage of treatment before consumption.

Water treatment devices of the prior art designed for use on or above the sink surface or countertop are mostly complex and expensive devices with requirements for installation and periodic filter element replacement being intimidating for those users not mechanically inclined. Embodiments intended to reduce complexity have created sinktop nuisances involving faucet mounted filters, faucet mounted diverter valves with tubing, complex and costly bases with large footprints on the sink or countertop, and inefficient filter elements with short lifespans requiring relatively frequent replacement.

Water filter devices comprising a porous filter element or cartridge designed for insertion within a watertight housing are taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,126,041; 5,656,160; 5685981; 6024867; and 6,464,871. These filter devices require a complex watertight housing for the filter element wherein water flows in and around the filter. The housings on most of these remain pressurized and full of water when not in use. The pressurized housings increase design requirements and manufacturing costs while also increasing the potential for leaks. When not in use, water stagnates within the filter housing developing bacterial slime that accumulates over time. This bacterial slime decreases the lifespan of the filter while simultaneously mixing with the treated water that is consumed. The standing water overflows and spills when the filter element is replaced and the housing interior requires cleaning to remove the accumulated bacteria. The bacterial slime accumulation requiring cleaning and water spillage associated with filter element replacement makes the task unpleasant and often unintentionally serves to discourage filter replacement, further leading to postponing the task, resulting in increased bacterial growth and consumption. Thereby minimizing the otherwise significant benefits of owning and using a water filter.

The countertop water treatment device taught in U.S. Pat. No. 7,354,513 solves many of these problems by introducing use of an inline filter combined with a base while simultaneously introducing new disadvantages. This water treatment device suggests a custom base that is complicated in design and requires a custom filter. The base provides female socket engagement with a male inlet filter fitting. This female base connection with a male inlet filter fitting teaches a base structure with an unnecessarily large outer diameter. This large outer diameter of the base consumes a significant amount of material and countertop space. Thereby creating manufacturing inefficiencies in the form of expensive tooling and machining time, and increasing the potential for water leakage through the engaged threads. Similarly, the custom filter outflow port suggests an inefficient, complicated, and custom spout connection. No parts are standard in these complex embodiments, which require all custom made components that are expensive to manufacture resulting in increased cost and decreased availability.

U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2011/0226679 A1 teaches a faucet mounted water filter adapted for countertop use in a filter faucet design. This embodiment creates a large footprint on the sink surface that has the spout connected to the base in a manner not realizing the advantages in the use of an inline filter. This embodiment introduces a complicated structural design that requires expensive tooling and creates manufacturing inefficiencies.

The MyWell filter faucet introduces a compact and custom design. This custom design requires costly tooling and manufacturing considerations while providing a small filter having a relatively short lifespan. The filter spout connected at the base neither suggests nor realizes the advantages in the use of an inline filter.

A water filter combined with a sink faucet is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,510,031 by Knauf and U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,130 by Nguyen. The faucet filter taught by Knauf possesses the design and manufacturing inefficiencies mentioned above in relation to a watertight housing for a filter element. Further, Knauf teaches a device having a large footprint on the sink surface requiring a significantly large custom hole that is difficult and costly to make while also increasing the potential for water leakage. Filter replacement requires removing a significantly large and clumsy spout top cover. Nguyen teaches an extremely complicated, costly, and custom faucet spout containing a filter therein. The Nguyen filter similarly being of custom design that increases cost while decreasing availability. Both Knauf and Nguyen teach filter faucets that direct hot water through the water filter even though hot water is known to damage water filter media and may even introduce dangerous bacteria from an improperly set hot water heater. Additionally, water pressure normally provided at the sink faucet is too high for some types of filter media and may create water channels when flowing through the media. Thereby allowing water to flow through without being filtered, completely eliminating the advantages of having the filter.

The filter faucets provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,532,982; 6,641,727; 6941968; and U.S. Application Publication US 2010/0089472 A1 improve upon the disadvantages taught by Knauf and Nguyen by separating the faucet and water supply structure from the sink faucet spout. Each of these shows a filter residing below the countertop that remains accessible from above the countertop for replacement purposes. Each requires structural disassembly or removal of the top portion or spout to replace the filter. Most of these carry over the problems described previously pertaining to a pressurized and watertight filter housing. The slim design being too small for a user's hand to clean the accumulated bacterial slime from within the housing. While the design is slim, it still requires a minimum of about a 1.5-2.0 inch diameter hole in the countertop that is non-standard, must be custom made, must be sealed, and increases the potential for water leakage. All of these require inefficient and custom construction that in most cases is complex and involves costly manufacturing processes for unique and non-standard components. Further, these introduce the potential of water leakage under the sink that may easily go unnoticed by the user feeling secure in having a filter device accessible from above the sink surface while the main body, water compartment, and water connections remain under the counter.

Inline filters exist possessing a watertight shell that remove the need for a separate watertight housing. The watertight shell of these inline water filters typically comprises an axially tubular construction with an inflow port at one end and an outflow port at the other end. Wherein the inflow port and outflow port are generally coaxial.

An example of an inline filter constructed for use within a watertight housing under the counter includes the OmniFilter model GAC1-SS.

Examples of inline filters constructed for use without a separate watertight housing include the Omnipure CL and K series filters. These Omnipure inline filters are designed for use under the counter or supplying water to a refrigerator ice maker, water spigot, drinking fountain, and similar. The Omnipure CL-series filters comprise internally threaded fittings at both the inflow and outflow ports. The Omnipure K-series filters comprise tubular quick-connect fittings at both the inflow and outflow ports. These K-series fluid fittings are intended for a water tubing connection at both ends while the CL internally threaded fittings are for an adapter at both ends for providing tubing connections. Watts Premier provides similar inline filters. Examples of similar inline water filters described in U.S. Patents include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,552,057; 5,882,515; and 6,280,619. A key characteristic shared between these inline filters with their own watertight shell being the identical inflow and outflow port fittings for tubing.

These inline filters are neither intended nor suggested for countertop use. They do not possess an inflow port intended or accessible for secure and releasable fluid attachment with a valve or faucet assembly on the sink surface or countertop. Further, they do not possess an outflow port intended or accessible for a fluid connection with a faucet spout.

As can be seen by the many standard, custom, and mechanically complex varieties available in a crowded field; no attempt has been made to adapt known, reliable, and commercially standard components for combined use together as an efficient and low-cost water treatment and filtration assembly for endpoint consumer use with the added benefit of simplifying filter replacement. The many complex prior art water treatment and filtration devices illustrate the well known fact that complex innovation is easy while operable and efficient simplification is difficult and unintuitive. Therefore, the need exists for reliable, long-lasting, and inexpensive water treatment devices that overcome and simplify the disadvantages of the prior art. Particularly countertop devices having inexpensive and disposable watertight filter cartridges that are readily available and easily replaceable, which do not detract from the aesthetics and utility of the sink and surrounding countertop areas.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary objective of the present invention to provide a reliable, long-lasting, and inexpensive water treatment assembly that corrects and overcomes the disadvantages and problems of the prior art.

It is a secondary objective of the present invention to provide a water treatment assembly generally for residential application comprising a standard inline water filter adapted for new use with a countertop filter faucet assembly.

The present invention provides a water treatment assembly generally in the form of a filter faucet of the type mounted on a sink, countertop, or similar generally horizontal surface. In general, the water treatment assembly comprises an operatively mounted valve assembly, an inline water filter, and a water spout. The inline water filter is configured intermediate the mounted valve assembly and the water spout for treating or filtering the water prior to being discharged through the spout. The inline water filter has a watertight shell comprising a water inflow port and a water outflow port that provide for the filter to be used as a readily replaceable and disposable modular filter cartridge. The filter inflow port allows for releasable fluid engagement of the filter with the valve assembly. The filter outflow port comprises a fitting for receiving the spout. Fluid flow through the filter and spout is controlled by the valve assembly. The combined water treatment assembly permits the new use of common and reliable components being adapted in a cost effective manner to form a reliable filter faucet.

In an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the water treatment assembly includes a faucet assembly, an inline water filter, and a faucet spout. The faucet assembly includes a combined means as a water inlet, a valve, and a fluid outlet fitting means as a water outlet. The combined means as a water inlet comprises a means for mounting on and optionally fastening to a sink or similar countertop mounting surface having an opening therethrough, and a means for fluidly coupling with a cold water supply conduit under the mounting surface. The valve being intermediate the faucet assembly water inlet and outlet. The inline water filter has a watertight shell with a water inflow port and a water outflow port. The fluid outlet fitting means of the faucet assembly being for fluid engagement with the filter. The filter inflow port having a fitting for releasably coupling with the fluid outlet fitting means of the faucet assembly. The inline water filter outflow port has a socket fitting for receiving the faucet spout.

The present invention provides a water filter faucet having several unique advantages, superior features, and inherent benefits.

A significant advantage of using an inline water filter for a countertop water treatment assembly being the filter comprises a watertight shell effectively constituting the body of a filter cartridge. The filter cartridge being a modular unit, readily replaceable and disposable, that eliminates the need for and the associated disadvantages of an outer watertight housing for enclosing the filter cartridge body.

Another significant advantage of using an inline water filter being a narrowed filter inflow port structure providing for a minimal point of engagement with a relatively small valve or faucet assembly. This reduces manufacturing costs by reducing machining time and materials, increasing manufacturing efficiency, and reducing the potential for water leakage. Further allowing for a significantly reduced footprint on the sink or countertop mounting surface.

A low-cost and minimal countertop faucet assembly may be constructed for fluid coupling with a correspondingly adapted inflow port of an inline water filter.

A low-cost and disposable spout assembly may be integrated with the outflow port of the inline water filter that allows for the filter cartridge and spout to be replaced together.

Configuring the inline filter downstream of the valve assembly allows for the used filter to be easily replaced simply by disconnecting the filter from the valve assembly outlet when the valve is shut and water flow is stopped. The filter may be easily replaced without tools and without need to go under the sink countertop.

The potential for water leaks are substantially decreased with no need to go under the sink after the filter faucet assembly has been properly installed.

A versatile filter is provided for a filter faucet that may possess any of numerous possible dimensions; wherein height, diameter, and general shape are non-specific.

Standard and low-cost filter cartridges having appropriate modifications may be used having greater filtering capability and lifespan than smaller faucet mounted filter cartridges.

A decorative cover may easily be placed over the filter shell for improved appearance.

An additional mounting configuration possibility may be provided by mounting the faucet assembly to a generally vertical surface such as a wall or sink backsplash. The wall mounted faucet assembly may support the filter cartridge in an angled vertical position or in a horizontal position. Filter media independent of gravity is necessary for mounting the filter in a horizontal position to prevent the formation of an unfiltered water channel that may be caused by gravitational settling of the filter media.

Additional objects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the following description, drawings, and claims.

PART NUMBERS OF THE DRAWINGS

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The inventive water treatment assembly is generally in the form of a water filter faucet. Exemplary embodiments of the inventive filter faucet are shown inFIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, according to the invention. In general, each embodiment includes a valve assembly100generally in the form of a faucet assembly, a combined means200, a disposable inline filter300, and a water spout400.

InFIGS. 1 and 2, the valve assembly100is shown mounted on a sink or similar countertop mounting surface900generally similar to a countertop faucet assembly. The valve assembly100is conjoined with a combined means200extended downward and operatively fitted through a hole910in the mounting surface900. The combined means200operatively fastens the valve assembly100to the mounting surface900and couples with a potable cold water supply conduit800, shown inFIG. 3. The combined means200is shown comprising a mounting support255, an externally threaded pipe205alternatively known as a faucet shank, and a fastening means250in the form of a threaded nut externally shaped for easy gripping. The mounting support255is operatively positioned on top the mounting surface900for supporting and optionally for fastening the valve assembly100to the top of the mounting surface900. The mounting support255may alternatively be a discrete element (FIGS. 1 and 4) or an incorporated portion of the valve assembly100(FIGS. 2 and 3). The externally threaded pipe205extends downward to cooperate with the internally threaded fastening nut250for securely fastening the valve assembly100to the mounting surface900. The end of the threaded pipe205has a water supply connection means210for a fluid connection with a potable cold water supply conduit800and providing a fluid passage to the valve assembly100. The water supply connection means210is shown possessing an internally threaded fitting and may equally use the external threads to form a water supply connection.

The valve assembly100is shown having a flow control means120operable in an open position for permitting water flow through the control valve125and in a closed position for blocking the water flow. The means120being shown as a manually operated handle for operating the valve and controlling the water flow. The flow control means120may be implemented in any number of ways known in the art for actuating a valve, including for example a pneumatically operated foot pedal or an electronic infrared sensing device and solenoid for operating the control valve125without manual manipulation (not shown). The valve assembly has a water outlet110comprising an externally threaded pipe stub118and a sealing surface119. The threaded pipe stub118and the sealing surface119of the water outlet110being a point of engagement with the disposable inline filter300.

The disposable inline water filter300is generally of the type provided by the Omnipure CL-series and K-series filters. This type of filter has a watertight shell310typically of plastic material comprising an axially tubular construction and enclosing water treatment media315.

The watertight shell310comprises a water inflow port320and a water outflow port330in general coaxial alignment. The inline water filter300is improved for new use in conjunction with the valve assembly100in that the water inflow port320comprises a fitting325and a contact surface323. The filter inflow port fitting325provides for the filter to removably couple with the water outlet110of the valve assembly100for a fluid tight connection. The filter inflow port fitting325is shown in the form of internal threads corresponding with the externally threaded pipe stub118of the valve assembly100. The filter inflow port contact surface323meets and compresses together with the sealing surface119of the valve assembly water outlet110. The filter inflow port contact surface323may be self-sealing. For example, the contact surface323may comprise a flat sealing surface or an optional integrally raised portion324about the inflow port opening325. The plastic material of the filter shell310, for example polypropylene, has enough resilience for compressive sealing with the valve outlet sealing surface119. Alternative forms of fluid sealing known in the art may be used, examples being self-sealing threads and an elastomer o-ring or gasket (not shown).

The water outflow port330of the disposable inline water filter300is shown comprising a fitting335configured for receiving the inlet end410of the water spout400. The filter outflow fitting335is shown having a smooth inner generally cylindrical wall pre-sized to fit the spout inlet end410, an inner abutment336for supporting the spout inlet end410, and a flared opening for easier insertion of the spout inlet end410. The abutment336is also useful for limiting the depth of insertion of the water spout400. The spout400has a tubular configuration shaped for discharging the treated water. The spout inlet end410includes a sealing means420for a corresponding watertight connection with the filter outflow port fitting335. The spout sealing means420is shown in the form of dual elastomer o-rings for maintaining a watertight seal while allowing swivable movement and positioning of the spout400. The corresponding watertight connection between the spout inlet410and the filter outflow port fitting335may have numerous alternative forms as described in later example embodiments.

FIG. 2shows a valve assembly100diverging from the vertical configuration ofFIG. 1.FIG. 2shows the valve assembly laterally offsetting the valve water outlet110and associated fitting118to show a variation in faucet design. The advantage of this faucet assembly100being the decreased vertical height of the complete water filter faucet assembly. The disadvantage being the increased size of the footprint on the mounting surface900.

FIGS. 3 and 4illustrate alternative water treatment assemblies generally in the form of a filter faucet. The water treatment assemblies comprise a faucet assembly100, a combined means200, a disposable inline water filter300, and a faucet spout400.

In bothFIGS. 3 and 4, the faucet assembly100comprises the combined means generally indicated by200, a water flow control valve125, and a fluid outlet fitting means117,118respectively, for a water outlet110and for engagement with the inline water filter300. The combined means200conjoins a means for fastening to a mounting surface900with a means210for fluidly coupling to a cold water supply conduit800. The means for fastening to a mounting surface900is shown as the operative combination of a mounting support255, an externally threaded pipe205extending down through an opening910in the mounting surface900, and a fastening means250. The weight of the complete water treatment assembly and the tightening force from the fastening nut250are supported by the mounting support255upon the mounting surface900. The water control valve125comprises a body150supported on the mounting support255. The water control valve is positioned fluidly intermediate the means210for fluidly coupling with a cold water supply conduit800and the water outlet110of the faucet assembly100. A valve handle120is provided for manual actuation of the valve125.

FIG. 3depicts in full assembly, the water filter faucet with the water flow control valve125and valve body150having a lowermost portion contiguous to the top portion of the mounting surface900. This lowermost portion of the valve body150is the mounting support255for supporting the faucet assembly100on the countertop900. An intermediate sealing means (not shown) may be optionally placed between the mounting support255and the countertop900. The fastening means250is in the form of an internally threaded nut for fastening in cooperation with the externally threaded pipe205and mounting support255.

FIG. 3further depicts in section, a threaded compression connection between the filter inflow port320and the faucet assembly water outlet110. The faucet assembly water outlet110is shown having a female socket fitting117with internal threads and a sealing means114in the form of an elastomer gasket or washer for cooperative sealing engagement with the filter outflow port320. The connection between the water outlet110and the filter inflow port320may be in other cooperative forms providing watertight engagement; for example a bayonet fitting similar to that taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,760,951. A decorative cap500may be placed over the filter300.

The filter inflow port320has an internally grooved surface321for gripping during the spin-weld manufacturing process. The filter water outflow port330is shown having a push-to-connect tube fitting395, in which the water spout400is inserted. This push-to-connect tube fitting is shown and described inFIG. 9.

InFIG. 4the combined means200is shown in more detail, comprising the externally threaded pipe205, the fastening means250, and the water supply connection means210. The water supply connection means210is shown as a compression tube fitting215having a ferrule216and a compression nut217. The water supply connection means may be in other forms for the common purpose of attaching to a water supply conduit800, as shown inFIG. 3.

The water flow control valve125is shown as an improved straight pattern stop valve having a water inlet130with FIP threads and an adapted water outlet110with MIP threads. The improved valve outlet110preferably has ⅜ inch MIP threads for engaging the ⅜ inch FIP threaded inflow port325typically provided with the Omnipure CL-series filter. The valve is supported on the countertop900by the support means255.

The support means255is shown in the form of a simple flat washer or rigid escutcheon able to bear the weight of the complete water treatment assembly and the compressive force from being fastened to the mounting surface900. The importance of the washer or escutcheon is made apparent when the mounting hole910is larger in diameter than the valve water inlet structure130, without which the valve may otherwise slip through the mounting hole910. The relative dimension of the mounting support255requiring an outer diameter larger than the mounting hole910and an inner diameter smaller than the valve water inlet130.

The externally threaded pipe205of the combined means200is shown with an end fitting220for a corresponding fluid connection with the valve water inlet130. In assembly, a fluid passage is formed from the water supply connection means210, through the inner fluid passageway180of the threaded pipe205, through the water flow control valve125, through the inline water filter300, for discharge from the spout400.

In accordance with the invention, the embodiment depicted inFIG. 5illustrates an improved inline water filter suited for new use as a modular filter cartridge for a filter faucet or the like. The improved inline water filter generally indicated at300essentially comprises an impermeable and watertight axially-aligned tubular shell310having an inflow end360and an outflow end370. The filter shell is shown being formed of two molded plastic parts enclosing water treatment media315and being spin-welded together forming a shoulder362during the manufacturing process. The inflow end360of the filter shell310comprises a water inflow port320and the outflow portion370comprises a water outflow port330. The water inflow port320and water outflow port330are generally coaxially and oppositely arranged.

The inflow end360of the inline filter300is generally designed for fluidly engaging the outlet110of a faucet assembly100shown in fragmentary view inFIG. 7. To enable this cooperative watertight connection, the filter inflow port320includes a fitting325having internal threads329and optional external threads327as shown and described inFIG. 3, and an optional contact surface323with an optional sealing means324shown in the form of an integrally raised portion about the inflow port opening325. As described forFIG. 1, the filter inflow contact surface323may be self-sealing or may comprise other sealing means known in the art; for example a resilient o-ring residing in an annular groove.

FIG. 7in fragmentary view, depicts the preferred form of the outlet110of the faucet assembly100. The outlet is shown comprising a pipe stub118having external threads, a sealing surface119, and a spacer140. The sealing surface119may be any of numerous types of appropriate sealing means available in the art; for example a resilient gasket or even a smooth machined face for compressing the resilient plastic material of the filter contact surface323. During operational engagement, the internal threads329of the filter inflow fitting325are screwed onto the valve assembly outlet fitting118. The filter inflow port contact surface323meets and seals with the valve assembly sealing surface119. The spacer140shown in section, may optionally provide lateral support for the broader end cap surface363of the filter inflow end360.

Returning toFIG. 5, the filter outflow portion370is shown comprising an outflow port330for receiving the inlet end410of a water spout400shown inFIG. 6. The filter outflow port330is shown comprising a socket fitting335having an abutment336, a generally cylindrical sealing surface having the form of a smooth internal wall339, a contact surface333, and an outflow port external surface337optionally comprising slots or threads as shown and described inFIG. 10. The cylindrical socket fitting335may preferably be configured with a slightly flared entry for easier insertion of the spout inlet end410.

The water spout400ofFIG. 6shown in fragmentary view, comprises a generally tubular inlet end410having a smooth cylindrical outer contact surface415, and a sealing means420shown in the form of dual o-rings. The spout inlet end410is to be slidably inserted into the socket fitting335of the filter outflow port330inFIG. 5. The spout sealing means420resiliently compresses and forms a watertight seal in conjunction with the socket sealing surface339. The socket fitting335inner abutment336limits the depth in which the spout inlet end410may be inserted while also supporting the spout400during use. The surface friction of the spout sealing means420compressed between the socket fitting sealing surface339and the spout inlet end410keeps the spout400in place, preventing water flow from pushing the spout inlet end410out of the socket fitting335. In another combination, the spout inlet end410may include rolled protruding annular rings (not shown) on the outer surface415for press fitting into the socket fitting335. In both examples, the water spout400is swivably and releasably engaged with the filter outflow port330.

The disposable inline water filter outflow portion370may have further numerous alternative embodiments.FIG. 8embodies an outflow portion370that may be incorporated in the inline water filter300according to the invention. The outflow portion370shown partially in section, is configured as having an outflow port330. The outflow port330forms a socket fitting335including an axially aligned substantially cylindrical bore338comprising an outer portion having a smaller diameter and an inner portion having a larger diameter (not indicated). An inner bushing350is fit within the bore inner portion in a manner creating an annular channel341between the bushing350and the bore338outer portion. An annular sealing ring340is disposed within the annular channel341for sealingly and frictionally engaging the faucet spout tubular inlet end410ahaving a generally smooth outer sealing surface415as shown best inFIG. 10. The inner bushing350has an axially centered hole (not indicated) to permit water flow and provides an inner abutment336for supporting and limiting insertion of the spout inlet end410a. Alternatively, the annular channel341for a sealing means340may be directly machined in the bore338, and the bore may be ended with a shoulder336for limiting the depth to which the spout inlet end410amay be inserted into the socket, without need for a separate inner bushing350. For aesthetic purposes, the outflow portion337may include a decorative cap500that covers the externally gripped surface337of the outflow port330annular protrusion331. The gripped external surface337may serve to facilitate the spin-weld assembly process of the inline water filter300.

FIG. 9depicts an alternative outflow portion370fragmentary in section, that may be incorporated in the inline water filter according to the invention. The outflow portion370is generally similar to the structure ofFIG. 8except thatFIG. 9further comprises a tube locking mechanism395for locking the spout tubular inlet end410ain the socket. This type of tube locking mechanism395is commonly known as a push-in, push-to-connect, and quick-connect tube fitting. The socket fitting is shown incorporating a collet380having resilient arms381arranged to cooperate with a cam surface392of the surrounding bushing390. The cam surface392tapers in the axial direction such that as the spout inlet end410ais pulled outward, the frictional engagement between the spout inlet end410aand the collet380pulls the collet outward from the fitting. As the collet380is pulled outward, the resilient arm381of the collet slides along the inner cam surface392of the bushing390with inward radial movement, increasing the frictional force of the collet arms381against the spout inlet tube410a. The tightened grip of the collet380firmly holds the tubular spout inlet end410ain place. The spout inlet end410amay be withdrawn by pushing the collet flange shoulder382inward into the socket, thereby allowing the arms381to move radially outward, resulting in decreased frictional force against the spout inlet cylindrical surface415, allowing the spout tube to be withdrawn. The locking ability of the collet380may be optionally enhanced by embedding a gripping element385or teeth into the collet arms381. For a spout inlet end410awith a metallic or chromed surface, it is preferable for the collet arms381to be provided without any sharp metal projections385or teeth, which may cut into and damage the external sealing surface415of the spout inlet end410a. The sharp gripping teeth385work well if the spout400is made of plastic tubing material as a disposable spout. The outflow port330may have other similar socket fitting structures for example as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,005,883, 4,606,783, and several others. U.S. Pat. No. 4,606,783 provides a threaded adapter having a socket fitting comprising a collet locking mechanism that may be fit into the filter outflow port330. The quick-connect fitting has an internal socket diameter just sufficient to accommodate the inlet end410aof a spout of predetermined external diameter, preferably ⅜ inch, slidably inserted therein.

FIG. 10embodies a further example of an alternative filter outflow portion370, according to the invention. In this fragmentary embodiment shown partially in section, the outflow port330is configured having a cylindrical stepped bore opening338with an outer portion having an increased diameter at the top, and an inner portion having a decreased diameter at the bottom. The first step disposed at the bottom defines an abutment336limiting the insertion depth of the tubular spout inlet end410ainserted therein. The second step intermediate the socket defines a bottom support for a sealing ring340. The outflow port330further includes a locking bushing397or packing sleeve having an outwardly extending flange shoulder resting on the outflow port annular portion330a. The bushing397encloses and supports the sealing ring340from the top. The annular portion330ahas external fastening threads and includes a threadably engaged compression nut398securing the bushing397and sealing ring340in the cylindrical bore338. This alternative socket fitting is suitable for engagement with a faucet spout400shown in portion, having a tubular smooth outer surface415. The compression nut398may have an outer digitally engaging surface suitable for hand tightening for regulating the compression connection between the outflow portion370and the spout inlet end410a.

FIG. 11illustrates a further alternative outflow portion370, according to the invention. The outflow portion370shown partially in section, includes an outflow port330with an axially-aligned opening partially threaded, a sealing support shoulder342for a sealing ring340, and a lower shoulder336to form a stop for the tubular inlet end410aof an inserted spout400. The structure includes a hollowed packing nut343having an integrated packing bushing397with external threads and an axially-centered opening. The integrated externally threaded bushing397is for threadably engaging with the partially threaded opening of the outflow port330. The threaded engagement allows to regulate the tightness with which the sealing ring340frictionally holds the inlet end410aof the spout400in place. The packing nut343may be molded from a plastic material and may further have an outer surface344configured to allow hand gripping for tightening the nut and compressing the sealing ring to firmly hold the spout inlet end410a. The spout inlet end410ais held in place with the lower shoulder336and compressed ring340.

FIG. 12depicts a further alternative outflow portion370partially in section, wherein an adapter600is fit to the outflow port330for engagement with the spout tubular inlet end410. The embodiment may be incorporated in the improved inline water filter for use as a cartridge according to the invention. The outflow portion having a female threaded pipe fitting332includes a threaded cap adapter600for converting the threaded fitting into an opening suitable for receiving the inlet end410of a spout400of the type as shown inFIG. 6. The adapter600being preferably molded from plastic, is configured for threaded and sealing engagement with the existing threaded fitting332, and for sealingly and releasably engaging the spout inlet end410. The adapter600includes a socket fitting being identical to the socket fitting335shown and described in the section related toFIG. 5. To establish a watertight connection, a plumbing thread sealant may be used or a sealing member610may be provided. The filter outflow annular portion330amay include vertically arranged multiple grooves or projections337aon its cylindrical external surface337. The multiple projections and/or grooves337afacilitate gripping during the spin-weld assembly process of the inline water filter shell.

FIG. 13illustrates how a disposable inline water filter may be connected to a faucet assembly100having an alternative water outlet110comprising a compression socket fitting. Generally, the bottom portion of an inline water filter includes a shoulder362, which is a portion of the shell end cap361as a result of the spin-weld manufacturing process. The shoulder362may be used for fastening the inline water filter to the faucet assembly100. The water outlet110is shown being adapted for receiving the inline water filter300. The water outlet110shown partially in section, includes a socket fitting comprising a compression nut960provided with an inner force flange965for securing the above arranged inline filter300in the socket. The compression nut960is depicted in two positions; as attached to the water outlet110with solid lines, and attached to the inline filter300with broken lines. The socket portion of the water outlet110may include a sealing gasket955to facilitate watertight connection between the water outlet110and the inline water filter300. The compression nut960is provided with an outer digitally engaging surface962to facilitate hand threaded attachment. The contact surface of the filter inflow port320is shown having an optional annular groove326for receiving an elastomer sealing o-ring.

FIG. 14illustrates an alternative style of inline water filter of the type provided by OmniFilter model GAC1-SS. This style of inline water filter300is provided with an inflow end360and an outflow end370shown partially in section. The inflow end360has a shoulder362shown coupled with a faucet assembly water outlet110. A compression nut960shown in section, connects the filter inflow end360to the water outlet110being sealed by an intermediate sealing gasket955. The filter outflow end370is shown with an inventive push-in adapter600inserted into the outflow port330and resting upon the top flat surface375. The inventive adapter600shown in section, comprises a sealing means334shown in the form of an elastomer o-ring for sealing between the filter outflow port330and the adapter600. The inventive adapter600has a socket fitting335for sealingly receiving the inlet end410of the spout400, being supported by the abutment336and sealed by the spout sealing means420shown in the form of dual elastomer o-rings.

FIG. 15illustrates in exploded view, an alternative embodiment showing a varied combination of the components used to construct a countertop filter faucet. This countertop filter faucet comprises a combined means200, an inline water filter300, a valve assembly100, and a faucet spout400.

The combined means200shown in section, conjoins a means for fastening to a mounting surface900with a means210for fluidly coupling to a water supply conduit. The means for fastening to a mounting surface comprises combines several components together. An externally threaded pipe235extends through a mounting hole910in the mounting surface900. A force flange230having a lower surface231and an upper surface232is joined with the threaded pipe and resting upon the mounting surface900. A washer260is positioned intermediate the force flange lower surface231. A fastening means250in the form of an internally threaded nut having an external gripping surface is fastened to the threaded pipe235on the underside of the mounting surface900. The means210for fluidly coupling to a water supply conduit comprises an internally threaded fitting212on the lower end of the threaded pipe235. An escutcheon240may be provided as a cover for the combined means200. A water outlet portion225atop the force flange230is in the form of an externally threaded pipe stub. The water outlet portion225is for fluid engagement with the filter inflow port320.

The inline water filter300shown partially in elevation view and partially in section, is the same type of inline filter previously described having a watertight shell310enclosing filter media315, an inflow port320, and an outflow port330. The filter inflow port320has an internally threaded fitting325for corresponding connection with the combined means200water outlet portion225. A contact surface323having a self-sealing means324in the form of an integrally raised annular portion is for compressive and resilient sealing against the force flange upper surface232. The outer surface327of the inflow port320may be provided with grooves for gripping during the spin-weld manufacturing process of the filter shell310.

The valve assembly100and the spout400shown in elevation view, are conjoined to generally create a faucet assembly. The valve assembly has a water inlet130shown in the form of an externally threaded pipe stub for fluid engagement with the inline filter300outflow port330.

The inline filter300outflow port330is correspondingly configured for a fluid connection with the valve assembly100water inlet130. The outflow port330has a contact surface333shown with an integrally raised annular portion334for self-sealing similar to the contact surface323described for the inflow port320. The self-sealing contact surface323,333of both the filter inflow port320and outflow port330is similar to that previously described forFIGS. 1 and 2.

Through the several example embodiments provided, it is apparent that a number of further variations and modifications may be easily made to adapt a disposable inline water filter for use as a cartridge in a countertop water treatment device, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the presented embodiments and descriptions are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting in purpose.