Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a water purification system for use in a water dispensing apparatus. The water purification system comprises an adapter adapted to mount to a top opening of the dispensing unit of the water dispensing apparatus, the adapter including a dispensing unit locking mechanism that is adapted to secure the adapter to the dispensing unit, and a filter connected to the adapter, the filter being adapted to filter impurities from the water that passes through the adapter from the container.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application claims priority to copending U.S. provisional application entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WATER PURIFICATION,” having serial No. 60/183,382, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present application relates to a method and apparatus for water purification. More particularly, the application relates to a water dispensing apparatus having means for filtering water supplied by a container such as a plastic water bottle so that purified water can be stored for later dispensing.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Conventional “water cooler” equipment is well known in the art. Typically, a customer purchases this equipment from a water supplier who regularly supplies the customer with filled containers (e.g., plastic bottles) of fresh water. The containers normally are placed atop a dispensing unit such that water from the container flows into the dispensing unit to fill it. The water stored in the dispensing unit then can be dispensed for drinking or other use by the user through a valve positioned adjacent the bottom portion of the dispensing unit.  
           [0004]    There are several disadvantages associated with such conventional systems. One such disadvantage is that the customer is completely dependent upon the water supplier to provide water to refill the dispensing unit. Therefore, if the water is depleted before the scheduled delivery date, the customer can be left without purified drinking water. Although extra water containers can be stored on the customer&#39;s premises, these containers typically are large and therefore occupy large amounts of space. It therefore can be appreciated that it would be desirable to have water dispensing apparatus that permits the user have an adequate supply of purified water without being dependent upon water suppliers.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    The present disclosure relates to a water purification system for use in a water dispensing apparatus. The water purification system comprises an adapter adapted to mount to a top opening of the dispensing unit of the water dispensing apparatus, the adapter including a dispensing unit locking mechanism that is adapted to secure the adapter to the dispensing unit, and a filter connected to the adapter, the filter being adapted to filter impurities from the water that passes through the adapter from the container.  
           [0006]    In one embodiment, the adapter comprises a flange that is adapted to contact a top opening of a dispensing unit of the dispensing apparatus, a curved throat that extends downwardly from the flange, and a cup-shaped portion connected to the curved throat, the cup-shaped portion including a probe that extends upwardly toward the flange, the probe defining an interior space that is adapted to facilitate the passage of water through the probe, the cup-shaped portion further including a filter locking mechanism that is adapted to securely lock a filter member to the adapter.  
           [0007]    In one embodiment, the filter comprises a body portion defining an interior space adapted to receive filtration elements, a top portion provided with a plurality of perforations, a base portion provided with a plurality of perforations, and a locking mechanism adapted to lock the filter to an adapter of the water dispensing apparatus.  
           [0008]    When used, the water purification system permits a user to convert regular tap water into purified water without reliance upon a water supplier. The features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a water dispensing apparatus.  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2 is a partially exploded, cut-away perspective view of the water dispensing apparatus of FIG. 1.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an adapter of the water dispensing apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 4 is a side view of the adapter shown in FIG. 3.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 5 is a top view of the adapter shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the adapter shown in FIGS.  3 - 5 .  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter shown in FIGS.  3 - 6 .  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a probe of the adapter shown in FIGS.  3 - 7 .  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 9 is a side view of the probe shown in FIG. 8.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the probe shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 11 is a top view of the probe shown in FIGS.  8 - 10 .  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 12 is a further cross-sectional view of the probe shown in FIGS.  8 - 11 .  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 13 is a further cross-sectional view of the probe shown in FIGS.  8 - 11 .  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 14 is a detail view of a locking tab provided on the adapter of FIGS.  3 - 7 .  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative adapter for use with water dispensing apparatus shown in FIGS. 1.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 16 is a detail view of a locking tab provided on the adapter shown in FIG. 15.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a filter of the water dispensing apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the filter shown in FIG. 17.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 19 is a further cross-sectional view of the filter shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the filter shown in FIGS.  17 - 19 .  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 21 is a detail view of perforations provided in the filter of FIGS.  17 - 20 .  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 22 is a detail view of a single perforation provided in the filter of FIGS.  17 - 20 .  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a screened cap of the filter member of FIGS.  17 - 20 .  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 24 is a top view of the cap shown in FIG. 23.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the cap shown in FIGS. 24 and 25.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a cap of the water dispensing apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 27 is a bottom view of the cap shown in FIG. 26.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the cap shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0038]    Referring now in more detail to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example embodiment of a water dispensing apparatus  10  constructed in accordance with the present invention. As indicated in these figures, the water dispensing apparatus  10  generally comprises a water container  12 , such as a conventional plastic water bottle, and a dispensing unit  14 , such as a conventional ceramic container. In a preferred embodiment, the container  12  can hold approximately three gallons of water as can the dispensing unit  14 . Provided on the dispensing unit  14  adjacent its bottom portion is a dispensing valve  16  from which water contained within the dispensing unit  14  can be dispensed for consumption. Although a single dispersing valve is shown, it is to be understood that the dispensing unit  14  may contain means to cool and/or to heat the water contained therein to a desired temperature prior to dispensing. In such an embodiment, the dispensing unit  14  typically has two or more dispensing valves (not shown) with each dispensing valve adapted to dispense water at a different temperature. Additionally, although particular volumes and materials are identified herein, it is to be appreciated that the water container  12  and dispensing unit  14  may be of various shapes and sizes, and constructed of various materials.  
         [0039]    As is indicated most clearly in the partially exploded, cut-away view of FIG. 2, the apparatus  10  further comprises an adapter  18  and a filter  20  that is attached thereto. The adapter  18  fits within a top opening  19  of the dispensing unit  14  so as to be interposed between the water container  12  and the dispensing unit  14 . As is further depicted in FIG. 2, the adapter  18  is sized and configured such that it is supported by the edges of the top opening  19  and such that it extends downwardly into the dispensing unit. The adapter  18  comprises a probe  22  that extends upwardly from within the adapter. As is discussed in greater detail hereinafter, the probe  22  is designed to pierce a plastic cap  24 , which is positioned over the neck and mouth of the water container  12  prior to its placement atop the dispensing unit  14 .  
         [0040]    FIGS.  3 - 7  illustrate the adapter  18  in more detail. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the adapter  18  typically is formed unitarily from a single material such as a polymeric material. By way of example, the adapter  18  can be constructed of a polycarbonate material. The adapter  18  typically is substantially funnel-shaped such that the adapter  18  is provided with a flange  26 , a curved throat  28 , and a cup-shaped portion  30  having substantially vertical walls. As indicated in FIG. 4, the flange  26  includes a peripheral lip  32  that extends downwardly therefrom. This peripheral lip  32  is designed to provide overlap with respect the edges of the top opening  19  of the dispensing unit  14 . Formed at the bottom of the cup-shaped portion  30  is a base  34 . With reference to FIG. 6, the base  34  can include reinforcement members  36 , which serve to strengthen the base. In addition, an opening  38  is provided in the base  34  to provide for the passage of water and air in to and out from the dispensing unit  14 .  
         [0041]    Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, the flange  32  can be provided with a dispensing unit locking mechanism  39  that includes a plurality of locking tabs  40 . As indicated in these figures, the locking tabs  40  can extend downwardly from the underside of the flange  32 . The locking tabs  40  may be of a variety of shapes and sizes and, in one embodiment, may have a relatively thin flexing portion  42  and a relatively bulbous nodule portion  44 . The locking tabs  40  are designed to firmly grasp a lip formed on the dispensing unit  14 . In particular, the locking tabs  40  are designed to snap into place with the nodule portions  44  positioned below this lip when the adapter  18  is pushed into place within the dispensing unit  14  by the user. As will be appreciated by persons having ordinary skill in the art, the number, shape, and configuration of the locking tabs  40  may be determined by the particular arrangement of the dispensing unit  14 . The locking tabs  40  are typically formed unitarily with the remainder of the adapter  18 , although it will be understood that they may be formed separately from the adapter and later securely attached thereto.  
         [0042]    As is further indicated in FIGS.  3 - 4  and  6 - 7 , the adapter  18  also includes a filter locking mechanism  45  that, for example, comprises a plurality of locking tabs  46 . As is described below, these locking tabs  46  are used to secure the filter  20  to the adapter  18 . By way of example, these locking tabs  46  are provided with a horizontal portion  48  as well as a vertical nodule  50  (see FIG. 14) such that the tabs form part of a bayonet-type connection. As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and  7 , the throat  28  may also include a plurality of nodules  52  that are used to properly support the container  12  in position on the adapter  18 . In addition, the throat  28  can include a breather hole  53  through which air can pass into the dispensing unit  14  to avoid the creation of a vacuum therein when water is dispensed from the unit.  
         [0043]    Referring now to FIGS.  5 - 13 , the interior of the adapter  18  and the probe  22 , will be discussed. As indicated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the adapter  18  can include a plurality of reinforcement members  54  positioned at the junction of the base  34  and the cup-shaped portion  30  that reinforce the base. Adjacent the reinforcement members  54  is the probe  22 . As indicated most clearly in FIG. 7, the probe  22  typically extends upwardly from the base  34  of the adapter  18  in a vertical orientation. The probe  22  typically includes an elongated body portion  56  and, in one embodiment, has a substantially circular cross-section. Although a circular cross-section is shown and described, it will be appreciated that other geometric shapes such as a square, rectangle, or triangle may also be suitable. Formed at the end of the body portion  56  is a tip  58  that is designed to pierce the container cap  24 . As depicted in FIG. 6, the probe  22  typically includes an interior space that is in fluid communication with a lower opening  38  provided in the base  34  of the adapter  18 . In addition, as indicated in FIGS. 5, 7, and  11 , the probe  22  is provided with a plurality of upper openings  60 . In a preferred embodiment, the openings  60  are arranged as an elongated slot  62  that extends along substantially the entire length of the probe  22 , and two relatively short slots  64  that extend along the longitudinal direction of the probe  22 . In that preferred embodiment, the relatively short slots  64  are formed on the opposite side from the elongated slot  62  (FIG. 11). As shown most clearly in FIGS. 8 and 12- 13 , the probe  22  includes a dividing wall  66  that separates the interior space of the probe along substantially is entire length into two separate chambers  68 ,  70  that are in fluid communication with the elongated slot  62  and the relatively short slots  64 , respectively. As is explained below, the first chamber  68  permits the passage of air from the dispensing unit  14  into the container  12  and the second chamber  70  permits the passage of water from the container into the dispensing unit.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate an alternative embodiment of an adapter  18 ′. Like the adapter  18 , the adapter  18 ′ is substantially funnel-shaped and includes a flange  26 ′, curved throat  28 ′, and a cup-shaped portion  30 ′. In addition, the adapter  18 ′ includes a dispensing unit locking mechanism  39 ′ and a filter locking mechanism  45 ′. As indicated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the dispensing unit locking mechanism  39 ′ preferably includes locking tabs  40 ′. The locking tabs  40 ′ extend downwardly from the underside of the flange  26 ′ and include a relatively thin flexing portion  42 ′ and a relatively thick end portion  44 ′. As shown in FIG. 16, the end portion  44 ′ can be substantially block-shaped and can extend out from the flexing portion  42 ′ such that the flexing portion and end portion form a substantially L-shaped cross-section. As indicated in FIG. 15, two such locking tabs  40 ′ can be provided in the locking mechanism  39 ′ of the adapter  18 ′.  
         [0045]    With reference to FIGS.  17 - 25 , the filter  20  will be described. As shown in FIG. 17, the filter  20  comprises a body portion  72 , a base  74 , an inner cap  76 , and a locking mechanism  78 . Preferably, as the adapter  18 , the body portion  72  is unitarily formed from a single material such as a polymeric material (e.g, polypropylene), however it will be understood that other materials may be used. As indicated in FIG. 17, the body portion  72  can be substantially cylindrical and hollow to provide a container for filtration elements (not shown). Adjacent the base  74  of the filter  20  are a plurality of perforations  80  through which filtered water can pass from the filter into the dispensing unit  14 . Preferably, these perforations  80  are formed as elongated slots that are aligned vertically within the filter walls, however other configurations and shapes are possible and would be known to one skilled in the art. The inner cap  76  is similarly provided with a plurality of perforations  82  through which unfiltered water (from the container  12 ) can enter the filter  20  to be purified. Preferably, these perforations  82  form serpentine passages (FIG. 23) such that water (and any granular material carried thereby) cannot pass directly through the cap  56  but instead must travel a serpentine path through the cap  76 . This feature ensures that filtration materials contained within the filter  20  will not flow upwardly into the water container  12 .  
         [0046]    Turning to FIGS. 18 and 19, the filter member  20  is preferably arranged such that a trough  84  is formed in the base  74 . In addition, another trough  86  can be formed adjacent the top of the filter  20 . Each of the troughs  84 ,  86  is provided so that adhesive material (not shown), such as melted polypropylene, can be injected therein. This adhesive material holds a fibrous filter insert (not shown) in place within the filter  20  between the base  74  and the cap  76 . By way of example, the filter insert can comprise a generally cylindrically-oriented, pleated, one (1) micron filter that is effective in filtering out microorganisms from the water that passes therethrough. When such a filter insert is used, the adhesive material seals the filter insert at its top and bottom such that water passing through the filter must pass through the filter insert prior to exiting the filter  20  through the perforations  80 . In addition to the filter insert, the filter  20  can contain a mixture of carbon and an ionized resin which removes bad taste, odors, as well as metals (e.g., lead, copper, zinc) from the water.  
         [0047]    As shown in FIGS.  17 - 19 , the locking mechanism  78  is arranged to mate with the locking mechanism  45  or  45 ′ of the adapter  18  or  18 ′ such that the filter  20  connects securely (i.e., snuggly) to the adapter to ensure that water will not pass between the adapter and the filter to circumvent the filtering elements contained within the filter before entering the dispensing unit  14 . In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism  78  is arranged as a bayonet-type connector that is sized and configured for mating with the locking tabs  46  or  46 ′ of the adapter  18  or  18 ′. When configured in this manner, the locking mechanism  78  can comprise a peripheral flange  88  that includes with a plurality of slots  90  which are adapted to receive the locking tabs  46  or  46 ′ of the adapter  18  or  18 ′ such that the filter member  20  can be quickly and easily attached and detached therefrom. In particular, the slots  90  include a notch  92  that is adapted to receive the nodule  50  of the locking tabs  46  or  46 ′ (see, e.g. FIG. 16). It is noted that other embodiments for the locking mechanism  78  are feasible.  
         [0048]    Preferred embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention having been described in the foregoing, operation of the water dispensing apparatus  10  will be described. First, the user fills the water container  12  with water such as tap water. Once the container  12  is filled to the desired level (e.g., until full), a new cap  24  is placed on the neck and mouth of the container  12  as indicated in FIG. 2. This cap  24  can be conventional in design and configured to prevent water from flowing out of the container as the container is inverted and placed on the dispensing unit  14 . Typically, the cap  24  is made of a plastic material and is scored or perforated such that the probe  22  will puncture and/or pierce the cap to open the flow of water from the container  12  to the filter  22 .  
         [0049]    A preferred embodiment of the cap  24  is shown in FIGS.  26 - 28 . As identified in FIG. 26, the cap  24  is substantially cylindrical and has a base  100 . As shown in FIGS. 26 and 28, the base  100  includes an indentation  102  that is adapted to receive the probe  22  of the adapter  18  or  18 ′. Normally, for sanitation reasons, the indentation  102  is covered with a rupturable membrane  104  (FIG. 26) that, for instance, is provided with score lines  106  that facilitate its rupture. The indentation  102  is formed by a frusto-conical member  108  that is best viewed in FIG. 28. This member  108  is sized and configured to receive the probe  22  and, as identified in FIG. 27, is also provided with score lines  110  that facilitate rupture of the member when the probe is forced therethrough. Preferably, the frusto-conical member  108  is configured to fit securely around the probe  22  to prevent water from leaking out from the cap  24  at the point where the probe punctures the cap. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the cap  24  may also include a sealing ring  112  that surrounds the frusto-conical member  108  inside of the cap  24  which is composed of a flexible material such as rubber or foam. Preferably, the sealing ring  112  is configured to engage the container  12  when the cap  24  is placed on the container to help prevent water from leaking out of the container. In addition, the cap  24  can include a removal tab  114  and an associated score line  116  that facilitate removal of the cap from the container  12  after all water has been distributed from the container.  
         [0050]    Once the cap  24  is placed on the container  12 , the container is inverted and placed down within the adapter  18  or  18 ′ in the manner indicated in FIG. 2 such that the probe  22  breaks through the membrane  104  and frusto-conical member  108  of the cap. Normally, the weight of the filled container  12  provides enough force for the probe  22  to easily break through the cap  24 . Once the container  12  is correctly seated within the adapter  18  or  18 ′, the probe  22  extends within the container and the container is securely held in place. Water then flows from the container  12  through the probe  22  and, in particular, the second chamber  70  of the probe  22 , such that the water is passed through the filter member cap  76  and into the filter  20 . This water then flows through the filtration materials provided within the filter  20  and eventually flows out from the filter into the dispensing unit  14 .  
         [0051]    As water flows in this manner, air from within the dispensing unit  14  passes through the probe  22  and into the container  12  so that the creation of a vacuum within the container is avoided. In particular, this air passes through the first chamber  68  of the probe  22 . Water continues to flow through the adapter  18  or  18 ′, the filter  20 , and into the dispensing unit  14  until the unit is filled and/or the container  12  emptied. Operating in this manner, the apparatus  10  purifies the water supplied by the container  12  and stores it in the dispensing unit  14  for use.  
         [0052]    After all of the water has been transferred from the container  12  to the dispensing unit  14 , the user may simply remove the empty container  12 , remove the used cap  24  (e.g., by pulling on the tab  164 ), refill the container, and apply a fresh cap  24  thereto. As an individual filter  20  typically is only effective at removing impurities, odors, metals, etc. for a limited period of time, the system  10  preferably includes means for alerting the user to replace the filters. In a preferred embodiment, a predetermined number of caps  24  can be provided to the user along with each new filter  20  such that, when each of the caps has been used with full containers  12  of water, the user will know that it is time to replace the filter  20  when it is time to acquire more caps. Therefore, each filter  20  preferably is sold along with a predetermined number of caps  24  to provide a clear indication when a new filter  20  is required.  
         [0053]    While particular embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail in the foregoing description and drawings for purposes of example, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications thereof can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.