Abstract:
An automatic, water dispensing, filter shutoff device having a disposable and replaceable filter. The shutoff device is in removable engagement and fluid communication with a water container such as a water bottle, and is adapted to disable dispensing after a predetermined amount of dispensing has occurred, which may but need not substantially correspond to the filtration capacity of the filter. In a preferred embodiment, the shutoff device includes a monitoring and disabling with plunger components moveable between dispensing and disabling locations, and a rotating indexing mechanism. At the disabling location, a plunger component is placed in an interfering position with the engagement between the shutoff device and the water container. The shutoff device can distinguish between water bottles having different volumetric capacities, and terminate dispensing accordingly. Preferable, a replaceable filter cartridge is provided which, when removed, causes the indexing mechanism to be reset.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention generally relates to the dispensing of filtered, bottled water. More specifically, the invention relates to a water dispenser that provides variable filtration capacity together with replaceable cartridge filters. The dispenser assembly of the invention monitors the number of bottles used and then disables further use of the filter when the filter has reached the end of its useful life.  
         [0002]     Self-contained filters for removing unwanted minerals and chemicals such as chlorine have become increasingly popular with bottled water users. These filters may be threadably attached or otherwise connected to the opening of a bottled water container, or may be contained within the water dispenser unit. Various devices are also known for monitoring water flow and then interrupting water flow after a predetermined use.  
         [0003]     Prior art devices are briefly discussed in the backround section of assignee&#39;s own U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,354,344 and 6,561,234, each of which are incorporated by reference hereto in their entirety. As discussed there it is desirable to provide an economical self-contained dispenser shutoff and filter cartridge which may be easily replaced when a monitor indicates that the filter has reached the end of its useful life. In general, prior art patents and known water dispensing disabling devices (herein termed “shutoff devices”) with a filter have tended to concentrate on ways of interrupting water flow through the bottle opening once the filter has reached the end of its useful life, by physically blocking water flow. However, this may result in an interruption in dispensing when the water container still has a substantial volume of water in it. Some prior devices have required a separate filter monitor device. Shutoff devices have also tended to have a number of moving parts, increasing the risk of part malfunction.  
         [0004]     U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,354,344 and 6,561,234 provide solutions to these problems. The inventions disclosed here are believed to provide several improvements to the technology disclosed in these prior patents, which will be apparent from the disclosure below. For example, the counting and disabling mechanism is improved as to both function and structure. In addition to providing enhanced functions, including the ability to sense variable volumetric capacity, instead of one piece having opposing teeth, which has been found difficult to mold, a two-piece design which is easier to tool is provided, and which also provides enhanced quality control. A replaceable cartridge designed to work in sequence with the disabling mechanism is also provided, along with other improvements discussed below.  
         [0005]     Accordingly, there is a need for a water filter shutoff device which monitors water usage and automatically disables dispensing when the filter has reached the end of its useful life, without the need to rely on visual or audible warning signals. Given space and economic constraints, an improved shutoff device would preferably be integral with the filter, and would not unduly impede flow through the filter. The shutoff device would also preferably allow presetting at the time of manufacture to change the allowable water flow or application uses, so that the device could be used with differently rated filters and differently sized water containers. The device should be economical to manufacture, providing reduced tooling costs and enhanced quality control, while also being relatively simple in design with few moving parts. The shutoff device would also preferably disable dispensing, without interrupting water flow from the currently used water container, when a monitor indicates the useful life of the filter is over. An improved filter shutoff device would also preferably meet NSF criteria, including qualifying as a filter “performance indication device” (PID) under NSF standards, and include component materials that have existing NSF approval for extraction.  
         [0006]     Filter shutoff devices must also be provided with venting in some manner to allow continuous water flow, without “lock up”. One problem with such devices is that, upon initial use, as water from the inverted water bottle flows into the device, water pressure/water hammer conditions may cause unfiltered water to leak or spurt out of the venting channels and into the dispensing unit. A sufficient volume of water may escape filtration in this manner, such that the device may not receive NSF approval for, e.g., lead testing. It is also desirable to provide a filter shutoff device which overcomes this problem.  
         [0007]     Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a shutoff device integral with a filter and useable with a water dispenser, in which the water dispenser is automatically disabled at the end of the useful life of the filter.  
         [0008]     Another object of the invention is providing a device with the ability to differentiate between dissimilar reservoir volumes and supply a constant effluent capacity.  
         [0009]     Still another object of the invention is to provide a filter shutoff device which does not impede or interrupt water flow between the water dispensing device and a water source such as an inverted water bottle.  
         [0010]     A further object is to provide such a device that qualifies as a filter PID under NSF standards. Yet another object is to provide a filter shutoff device which may be manufactured in an economical manner, such that the device monitors the number of water containers used, disables further dispensing after a predetermined number of uses, and then may be discarded and replaced with a new device.  
         [0011]     A further object is to provide a filter shutoff device which automatically disables the connection between the device and a water container, rather than simply providing a visual indication of end of filter life, and rather than maintaining the ability to make this connection and physically impeding or interrupting water flow.  
         [0012]     Yet another object is to provide a replaceable filter cartridge for the dispensing assembly.  
         [0013]     Another object is to provide a device which may be manufactured for reduced tooling costs while enhancing quality control issues.  
         [0014]     A still further object is to provide such a device with an appropriate size and configuration, together with appropriately located and sized vent holes, to ensure that any substantial amount of unfiltered water does not leak out of the device and be dispensed.  
         [0000]     Definition of Claim Terms  
         [0015]     The following terms are used in the claims of the patent as filed and are intended to have their broadest meaning consistent with the requirements of law. Where alternative meanings are possible, the broadest meaning is intended. All words used in the claims are intended to be used in the normal, customary usage of grammar and the English language.  
         [0016]     “Automatic indexing-reset mechanism” means a mechanism which causes the indexer to be reset automatically upon changing a water container, e.g., a water bottle.  
         [0017]     “Automatic filter shutoff device” means a device in fluid communication with a water container which filters water and then interferes with the ability to dispense water from the container after a predetermined amount of water usage (i.e., the “shutoff” feature), which may but need not generally correspond to the useable life of the filter, has been reached. “Automatic” in this context means that shutoff occurs without the need for user acknowledgment of the need for filter replacement and intervention, such as without the need for the user to respond to a visual or audible signal from a filter monitor.  
         [0018]     “Monitoring and disabling apparatus” means an apparatus which monitors filter life by monitoring water dispensed, and which includes a shutoff feature.  
         [0019]     “Semi-automatic cartridge-eject mechanism” means a mechanism which provides an indication to a user, via either visible and/or tactile feedback, that the filtration capacity of a filter has been depleted and that the filter cartridge should be discarded and replaced with a new filter cartridge.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0020]     The objects mentioned above, as well as other objects, are solved by the present invention, which overcomes disadvantages of prior water dispensers, while providing new advantages not believed associated with such devices.  
         [0021]     In one preferred embodiment, an automatic, water dispensing, filter shutoff device is provided. The shutoff device includes a replaceable and disposable filter. The shutoff device is in removable engagement and fluid communication with a water container, such as a water bottle. The shutoff device is also adapted to disable dispensing after a predetermined amount of dispensing has occurred, which may but need not substantially correspond to the filtration capacity of the filter. The shutoff device may include a monitoring and disabling apparatus having a shutoff mechanism moveable between dispensing and disabling locations. In the disabling location, the shutoff apparatus is placed in an interfering position with the engagement between the shutoff device and the water container. In the preferred embodiment, the shutoff mechanism is able to automatically move into the interfering position once the predetermined amount of dispensing has occurred, and without interrupting dispensing from an engaged water container. Accordingly, the used filter may first be removed and replaced with a new filter prior to reestablishing engagement and fluid communication between the shutoff device and a new water container.  
         [0022]     In a particularly preferred embodiment, the filter shutoff device is capable of distinguishing between water containers having different volumetric capacities, and of moving the shutoff mechanism to the disabling location once the filtration capacity has been met, despite engagement of the device to differently-sized water containers. The shutoff device may also provide tactile and/or visual feedback to a user that filter replacement should occur.  
         [0023]     In one embodiment, the shutoff mechanism includes a plunger whose vertical height may be varied to obstruct engagement between the shutoff device and a water container. The plunger may also include plunger teeth located about an outer periphery of the plunger, as well as downwardly extending plunger teeth. In another embodiment, the monitoring and disabling apparatus may include an indexing ring carrying indexing teeth. The indexing ring may rotate as successive water bottles are used, with each incremental rotation corresponding to a single water bottle usage. The number of indexing teeth may be chosen to correspond with the predetermined amount of dispensing, given volumetric capacity of the water container. When a used water bottle is removed from engagement with the shutoff device, an automatic indexing-reset mechanism may be used to allow the indexing ring to be reset to an initial rotation position. The indexing ring may also include, or communicate with, a retractable tooth for use in distinguishing differently-sized water containers.  
         [0024]     In a preferred embodiment, the filter includes filter media such as a carbon-loaded, non-woven media as the primary filtering mechanism. Preferably, the filter is a replaceable filter cartridge that is automatically ejected once the predetermined amount of dispensing has occurred.  
         [0025]     The shutoff device may include a valve mechanism, such as two or more valves, allowing air to enter the shutoff device during water dispensing, and preventing water from exiting the filter during engagement of a water container to the shutoff device. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0026]     The novel features which are characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, together with further objects and attendant advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate currently preferred embodiments of the present invention. As further explained below, it will be understood that other embodiments, not shown in the drawings, also fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a water bottle being filled, together with one preferred embodiment of a filter shutoff device according to the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing a threaded connection between a preferred embodiment of a filter shutoff device of the present invention and a water bottle;  
         [0029]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing a filter shutoff device, now engaged to the water bottle, just prior to seating onto the upper housing of a water dispenser according to the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 4  is a perspective, exploded view showing various components of a preferred filter shutoff device according to the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 5  is a partial cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the filter shutoff device of the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the indexing features of the filter shutoff device shown in  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0033]      FIGS. 7-9  are side views of the upper/outer and lower/inner teeth of the filter shutoff device of  FIG. 5 , during the period of engagement of a water bottle to the device;  
         [0034]      FIG. 10  is a side view similar to  FIGS. 7-9  during the period when a water bottle is disengaged from the device;  
         [0035]      FIG. 11  is a side view showing indexing components of the device, including the upper/outer teeth, plunger and lower/inner teeth;  
         [0036]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the components shown in  FIG. 11  during engagement of a water bottle;  
         [0037]      FIG. 13  is a side view similar to  FIG. 12  during disengagement of a water bottle;  
         [0038]      FIG. 14  is a side view similar to  FIG. 12  showing the position of indexing components following the completion of one indexing cycle;  
         [0039]      FIG. 15  is a partial side cross-sectional view of certain shutoff design components, including the indexing ring, retractable tooth and retainer ring, useful in sensing water container size;  
         [0040]      FIG. 16  is a view similar to  FIG. 15  showing the retractable tooth in engaged position;  
         [0041]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the components shown in  FIGS. 15-16 ;  
         [0042]      FIG. 18  is partial top perspective and side cross-sectional view of the shutoff filter according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0043]      FIGS. 19 and 20  are sectional and sectional isometric views of a preferred filter shutoff device according to the present invention;  
         [0044]      FIG. 21  is a sectional view of a preferred filter shutoff device according to the present invention incorporating a filter shutoff mechanism and a preferred replaceable cartridge;  
         [0045]      FIG. 22  is a top and side perspective view of a preferred interface mechanism;  
         [0046]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a lid useful for covering the shutoff mechanism of the present invention;  
         [0047]      FIG. 24  is a top and side perspective view of a preferred plunger according to the present invention;  
         [0048]      FIG. 25  is a top and side perspective view of a preferred indexing ring according to the present invention;  
         [0049]      FIGS. 26-28  show perspective views of a spring, retractable tooth and filter media, respectively, useable with the present invention;  
         [0050]      FIG. 29  is a top and side perspective view of a spring retainer useful with the present invention;  
         [0051]      FIG. 30  is a top and side perspective view of a media cap useful with the present invention;  
         [0052]      FIGS. 31-35  are enlarged, partial sectional views of the indexing ring and spring retainer, including a retractable tooth, useful in sensing water container size, as shown in  FIG. 4 , showing the retractable tooth moving toward and then engaging the space retainer, in a preferred embodiment;  
         [0053]      FIG. 36  is a side and bottom view of the spring retainer showing the retractable tooth of the indexing ring in a retracted position;  
         [0054]      FIG. 37  is a perspective view showing a lid embodiment with a guiding groove for circumscribing a guiding pin on the replaceable cartridge;  
         [0055]      FIGS. 38 and 39  show perspective views of a preferred embodiment of a replaceable cartridge;  
         [0056]      FIG. 40  is a sectional view of the replaceable cartridge shown in  FIGS. 38-39 ;  
         [0057]      FIG. 41  is a perspective view of an indexing piece for the replaceable cartridge;  
         [0058]      FIGS. 42 and 43  are bottom and sectional views of the indexing piece shown in  FIG. 41 ;  
         [0059]      FIGS. 44-53  are successive sectional views of the interaction between the lockout arms and the indexing piece of a preferred embodiment of the replaceable cartridge, when engaged to a 2-gallon water bottle ( FIGS. 44, 46 ,  48 ,  50  and  52 ) and when engaged to a 3-gallon water bottle ( FIGS. 45, 47 ,  49 ,  41  and  53 );  
         [0060]      FIG. 54  is a partial sectional, partial perspective view of the indexing piece shown in  FIG. 41 ;  
         [0061]      FIG. 55  is a partial perspective view of a preferred valve within the filter shutoff lid according to the present invention;  
         [0062]      FIG. 56  is a sectional view of the valve and lid portion shown in  FIG. 55 ;  
         [0063]      FIG. 57  is a partial perspective view of a second, alternative preferred valve within the filter shutoff lid according to the present invention;  
         [0064]      FIG. 58  is a sectional view of the valve and lid portion shown in  FIG. 57 ;  
         [0065]      FIG. 59  is a sectional view of the filter shutoff/replaceable cartridge mechanism, showing two preferred valves;  
         [0066]      FIG. 60  is an enlarged view of the left-side valve shown in  FIG. 59 ;  
         [0067]      FIG. 61  is an enlarged view of the right-side valve shown in  FIG. 59 ;  
         [0068]      FIG. 62  is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the indexing mechanism shown in  FIGS. 22 and 24 ;  
         [0069]      FIG. 63  is a bottom view of the components shown in  FIG. 62 ;  
         [0070]      FIG. 64  is a view similar to  FIG. 36  showing the spring retainer locked in position;  
         [0071]      FIG. 65  is a top view of the filter cartridge showing the reduced throat thickness and vent holes; and  
         [0072]      FIGS. 66-71  are top views of a paper mock-up illustrating the tooth interaction during successive filter use leading to a lock-out condition. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0073]     Set forth below is a description of what are currently believed to be the preferred embodiments and/or best examples of the invention claimed. Future and present alternatives and modifications to these preferred embodiments are contemplated. Any alternatives or modifications which make insubstantial changes in function, in purpose, in structure or in result are intended to be covered by the claims of this patent.  
         [0074]     In the following description, all clockwise directions assume a view from above.  
         [0075]     Referring first to  FIGS. 1-3 , a water container such as water bottle  20  is shown, together with a preferred embodiment of the filter shutoff device of the present invention, generally referred to as  30 . While it is preferred that water bottle  20  have threads  35  that allow threaded connection with mating threads  25  on the neck of water bottle  20 , a threaded connection is not required.  
         [0076]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , filter shutoff device  30  is sized and shaped to permit its placement within opening  27  of water cooler housing  26 . (The particular water dispenser chosen for use is of little importance to the present invention.) For example, a lower portion of filter device  30  may rest on the top peripheral wall  27   a  of water cooler housing opening  27 .  
         [0077]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , one preferred embodiment of filter shutoff device  30  includes the following components, from top to bottom: interface  40 , lid  50 , plunger  60 , indexing ring  80 , retractable tooth  100 , spring  110 , spring retainer  120 , filter media  130  and media cap  140 . Spring retainer  120  may be ultrasonically welded to the inner periphery of the lower edge of lid  50 , maintaining spring  110  under compression so that these components are maintained in place, as further explained below.  
         [0078]     During assembly, indexing ring  80 , having sides  80   a  ( FIG. 25 ), may be placed up into the center opening of plunger  60 . Spring  110  may be compressed between the lower side of upstanding center  82  ( FIG. 25 ) on indexing ring  80  and the upper side of center ring  121  on spring retainer  120  using spring locators  123  ( FIG. 29 ). Filter media  130  may be contained between spring retainer  120  and media cap  140 , as better shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 . In a preferred embodiment, filter shutoff device  30  may be replaced, rather than cleaned and re-used, when the useful life of the filter is over; alternatively, device  30  may be cleaned and reused, though for sanitary reasons this may be less desirable.  
         [0079]     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , a preferred filter lid  50  may include threads  52  for connection to mating threads  25  on water bottle  20 . Ribs  53  may be provided on the outside surface of lid  50  to facilitate gripping of the housing by the user. Of course, a threaded connection between bottle  20  and the filter/shutoff mechanism is not required. For example, filter shutoff device  30  could be used with non-threaded connections between device  30  and water bottle  20  such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,222,531 and 5,289,855, incorporated herein by reference, such that a cap could be press-fit onto the filter device. As another example, instead of both the water container and the filter shutoff device having threads, one could have a partial thread and the other a simple projection that would engage the partial thread when the filter shutoff device is rotated; this could act as a helical ramp for the projection, pulling the two components tightly together.  
         [0080]     The structure of plunger  60  and indexing ring  80  of the preferred embodiment of the filter shutoff device  30  will now be more specifically described. In a preferred embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4 and 11 - 12 , plunger  60  may include an outer ring  61  with a predetermined number of lower, generally-rectangular shaped, inner, ridged teeth  62  spaced about its outer periphery. The outer periphery of indexing ring  80  may include a predetermined number of lower, upwardly depending, angled teeth  81 , as shown in  FIGS. 11-12 , and designed to mesh with plunger teeth  62 , as further described below. The precise number of teeth used with a particular shutoff device  30  is based upon the volumetric capacity of the water bottles to be used with device  30 , as further explained below.  
         [0081]     The function and operation of the preferred embodiment of the preferred filter shutoff device  30  shown in  FIGS. 1-4  and  18 - 20  will now be described. When a bottle is initially connected to shutoff device  30 , the act of connection compresses spring  110  and moves plunger  60  in a downward direction. This is because interface  40  is forced down by the bottle neck during bottle connection, forcing down lower periphery  41  and, thus, upstanding plunger periphery  65  and plunger  60 , as may be best understood by reference to  FIGS. 4, 19  and  20 . Referring now to  FIGS. 11-12 , plunger teeth  61 ,  62  are, accordingly, forced in a downward direction, as well, meshing outer plunger teeth  62  with lower indexing ring teeth  81 , and aligning lid teeth  51  over (outside of and aligned with) inner plunger teeth  61  as shown in  FIG. 62 . Still referring to  FIGS. 11-12 , because plunger  60  is spring-loaded in an upward direction, and due to the configuration of the teeth, indexing ring teeth  81  will slide along plunger teeth  62 , causing rotation of indexing ring  80  in a clockwise direction an amount about equal to the width of half of one tooth  51 , after passing the lowest part of lid teeth  51 . At this point, water bottle  20  is now in fixed engagement with filter shutoff device  30 .  
         [0082]     Referring now to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , when water bottle  20  is depleted and it is disconnected from lid  50  (e.g., by unscrewing and removing the water bottle), plunger  60  is now free to move up, as it is no longer retained in a lowered position by interface  40 . Accordingly, plunger teeth  62  move in an upward direction, while ring teeth  81  move in an upper rotational direction, as indicated by the arrows of  FIG. 13 . As unscrewing of the water bottle continues, and referring now to  FIG. 14 , plunger  60  moves upwardly, allowing indexing ring teeth  81  to rotate and move upward as shown by the arrow, such that indexing teeth  81  slide past lid teeth  51  and into engagement with plunger teeth  62 . One indexing cycle has now been completed. In this manner, successive bottles may be replaced and indexing cycles completed, with each bottle use corresponding to one indexing cycle.  
         [0083]     The number of indexing cycles, accordingly, matches the number of teeth in one complete revolution about the indexing ring. For example, if the chosen filter has a filtration capacity of 100 gallons, and 2-gallon bottles are used for dispensing, then an indexing ring with 50 teeth may be used. Indexing mechanism  40  may be used to show the consumer the state of the filter, by indicating the index position ( FIG. 22 ). Referring now to FIGS.  4 ,  19 - 20  and  26 , when the bottle is completely dispensed and one complete revolution has been made, plunger tabs  66  will be permitted to enter corresponding lid slots  58  shown in  FIGS. 4, 23  and  63 . When this occurs, the distal ends of plunger tabs  66  will be allowed to pop outwardly, moving locking tabs  66  ( FIG. 24 ) onto lid shelf  58  ( FIGS. 4, 23 ), and locking the plunger and thus also interface  40  in place. Interface  40  now covers lid threads  52 , preventing further threadable engagement to a new water bottle. Filter shutoff device  30  (whose filter may be designed for a flow-through of 100 gallons or 50 2-gallon bottles, for example) may now be discarded and a new filter shutoff device  30  may now be used.  
         [0084]     It has been found that the distal edges and angles of teeth  51  and  81  should be toleranced to within 6 micro-inches (thousandths of inches) using ABS plastic and EDM machining.  
         [0085]     Those of ordinary skill will appreciate that the two-piece components bearing opposed teeth of the present invention will be much easier to mold and quality control, and substantially save in tooling costs, as compared to the one-piece mold having opposing teeth disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,344.  
         [0086]     Referring now to  FIGS. 5-10 , an alternative embodiment of filter shutoff device  30  which does not include plunger  60  is provided. In this embodiment, lid  150  includes downwardly, fixed teeth  151 , while indexing ring  180  employs a predetermined number of upwardly depending, fixed, angled teeth  181 . Referring to  FIG. 6 , a counter-rotation cantilever/pin  210  rotates in an indexing direction as shown by the arrow, and includes rotating pins  210 A (a pin for teeth  181 ) and  210 B (a pin for teeth  151 ). As shown in  FIG. 6 , two cantilever/pins  210  are sitting on teeth  151 , while two pins  210  sit inside the grooves between adjacent teeth  151 . The teeth  151 /pin  210  interaction is depicted in  FIGS. 7-9 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , outer pin  210 B is a pin whose distal end sits within the groove between teeth  151 , while inner pin  210 A is a pin whose distal end sits on teeth  181 . Still referring to  FIG. 7 , as a water bottle is engaged to lid threads  152 , upper teeth  151  remain fixed, and inner pin  210 A moves downwardly in the direction of the arrow. Two of the four counter-rotation cantilever/pins  210  prevent backward movement, as they sit inside the grooves between adjacent teeth  151 , while the other two pins  210  simply rest on teeth  151 . As threaded engagement with the water bottle continues, successive pin movement, including downward movement of pin  210 A, is shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . Counter-rotation pins  210  prevent backward movement in the transition area shown by the dotted circle X in  FIG. 8 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , pin  210 A contacts the angle of lower teeth  181 , and then slides down into the next groove between teeth  181  in the direction of the arrow as shown. Transitioning between  FIGS. 8 and 9 , cantilever/pin  210  within dotted circle X will climb up and down tooth  151 ; indexing forward a half-notch rotation thus occurs, and the water bottle is now fully engaged to filter shutoff device  30 .  
         [0087]     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , and still with regard to the alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5-10 , when the water bottle is empty and disengaged, the indexing pins move in an upward direction as shown. Again, moving between  FIGS. 9 and 10 , two of the four cantilever/pins  210  will climb up teeth  151  when unscrewing the water bottle; then, pin  210 B contacts teeth  151  and starts rotating forward a half-notch in the direction of the arrow. At the same time, pins  210  climb down teeth  151 , completing one indexing cycle.  
         [0088]     Referring to  FIG. 25 , arrow  87  provides a visual indicator to the user of the iteration position for the indexing mechanism, by indicating the position shown in the top of interface  40 , in rotational degrees, as shown in  FIG. 62 .  
         [0089]     Referring now to  FIGS. 15-17 , as well as the alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4, 27  and  31 - 35 , an additional feature of the present invention is the ability to differentiate between dissimilar reservoir volumes while supplying a predetermined filtration capacity. Thus, using the present invention, bottles with varying volumetric capacities may be sensed, and the disabling/lockout function may be varied depending upon the results, as will now be described. Water bottles may be designed such that, in a preferred embodiment, the 2-gallon bottle has a longer neck than the 3-gallon bottle. In the preferred embodiment, an indexing mechanism with 75 positions is used. Assuming a filtration capacity of 150 gallons, the 2-gallon bottle traverses 75 indexing positions before the filtration capacity is reached, whereas the 3-gallon bottle traverses 50 indexing positions. Thus, referring first to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 15-17 , retractable tooth  100  engages opening  83  in indexing ring  80 . As bottle engagement occurs and indexing ring  80  and tooth  100  move downward to abut spring retainer  120  ( FIG. 15 ), tooth  100  is permitted to move peripherally outward via opening  83  ( FIG. 16 ), locking tooth  100  in place and ensuring that the indexing ring and other components are also locked in place such that the components which should be used for the determined volumetric capacity will in fact be used. (It may be noted that the indexing ring and other components are still moving freely.  FIGS. 15-16  depict actions occurring during connection of 2-gallon water bottle only, ensuring that the indexing piece traverses 75 indexing positions.) Using this retractable tooth, if a different bottle neck length is associated with a 2-gallon bottle as opposed to a 3-gallon bottle (for example), locking tooth  100  may be engaged for one reservoir size but not the other. Thus, with the current design, longer-necked 2-gallon bottles will engage tooth  100  and cause the indexing components to move, ensuring the lock-out function will not be engaged. In the preferred embodiment, the 3-gallon water bottle has a shorter bottle neck than the 2-gallon water bottle, such that the indexing piece only traverses 50 indexing positions, and the action shown in  FIGS. 15-16  does not come into play.  
         [0090]     Similarly, referring now to the alternative embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4, 27  and  31 - 36 , it will now be understood that retractable tooth  100  generally works in the same manner as in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 15-17 . As shown in  FIGS. 31-36 , as indexing occurs retractable tooth  100  moves downward, impacting angled flange  122  on spring retainer  120 , until tooth  100  is finally locked in place as shown in  FIG. 64 . Using these embodiments, when the teeth are aligned directly over their corresponding apertures, whether at the 50 th  or 75 th  index (assuming a 150 gallon filtration capacity), lockout will occur. Of course, using the principles of the present invention, it will be readily apparent that reservoirs of any size (e.g., 1 gallon and 5 gallon, etc.) may be used in connection with filter shutoff device  30 , as the number of teeth and relative geometries may be adjusted to account for varying reservoir and filtration capacities. Using these principles, it may also be easily envisioned that a single shutoff device may account for even more than 2 different reservoir sizes.  
         [0091]     Referring now to  FIGS. 21 and 37 - 49 , another aspect of the present invention employs a replaceable filter cartridge  260  designed to work with the above-described shutoff mechanism. As further described below, replaceable filter cartridge  260  may be designed to interact within shutoff device  30  so that when shutoff is enabled, a built-in index reset occurs as the used filter cartridge is removed and replaced. In one embodiment, replaceable cartridge filter  260  is designed to interact with shutoff device  30  automatically during initial installation, and then again when reaching the end of the cartridge&#39;s useful life. More specifically, as the indexing mechanism for filter shutoff  30  reaches the last index, and the filter is shut off preventing further usage, filter cartridge  260  provides a built-in index reset during filter cartridge replacement, by moving the indexing mechanism to its starting position during the used cartridge ejection process, as now described in detail immediately below.  
         [0092]     In a preferred embodiment, replaceable filter cartridge  260  is designed to fit inside the lower portion of lid  50 , and beneath the filter shutoff mechanism, as shown in  FIG. 21 . Referring to  FIGS. 38-40 , filter cartridge  260  includes seal ring  261 , four lockout arms  262 , guiding pin  263  and grip area  264 . Referring to  FIGS. 37 and 38 , guiding pin  263  moves circumscribed by groove  57  of lid  50 . Cartridge indexing piece  270  ( FIGS. 41-49 ) includes cartridge base  271  and upstanding cartridge cylinder  276 . Cartridge base  271  includes cartridge base teeth  272 . Referring to  FIGS. 42 and 43 , cartridge base  271  also includes annular locking arm retainer ring  277  and resetting notch  278 .  
         [0093]     During use, seal ring  261  is initially in the location with respect to lockout arms  262  as shown in  FIGS. 21 and 38 . During first bottle installation, ring  261  moves in a downward direction, as shown in  FIG. 39 , allowing lockout arms  262  to begin to blossom. As shown in  FIG. 37 , guiding pin  263  may move within guiding groove  57  of lid  50 , tracing Paths A, B and C. By following paths B and C, the cartridge may be rotated out and removed. (In the embodiment disclosed here, a 120° revolution may correspond to 25 teeth though, of course, other shutoff embodiments may be employed.) A new cartridge is inserted by following Path C and then Path B on lid  50 . The new cartridge is set in final position upon finishing Path A, which may be confirmed by a tactile and sound (“click”) feedback.  
         [0094]     The operation of the replaceable filter cartridge using either a 2-gallon or a 3-gallon water bottle will now be described. As will be understood, lockout arms  262  are designed to prevent a used filter cartridge from again being installed and reused. During engagement with a 3-gallon water bottle, in the preferred embodiment, two of the four lockout arms  262  will be used to prevent engagement of a used filter cartridge, while the remaining two lockout arms will be used to reset the indexing mechanism during the cartridge removal procedure.  
         [0095]     Referring first to  FIG. 38  and then to  FIG. 39 , seal ring  261  moves during first bottle installation as shown. Lockout arms  262  will remain within indexing piece  270 . Referring now to the mechanism as used with a 2-gallon water bottle, shown in  FIG. 44 , at indexing position  49  (assuming indexing position  50  is the final indexing position when the 3-gallon water bottle is engaged), retractable teeth  272  will be extended, allowing the indexing mechanism to pass indexing position  50  and move forward to indexing position  75  and lockout. Horizontal line “A” shown in  FIG. 44  is the lockout position achieved by the shutoff mechanism when using either 2-gallon or 3-gallon water bottles, while line “B” is the filter shutoff position when the water bottle has been removed. Lines “C” and “D” are the filter shutoff locations when the 3-gallon and 2-gallon water bottles are engaged, respectively. Continuing on, and referring now to  FIG. 46 , at indexing position  50 , for the 2-gallon bottle, retractable teeth  272  are extended out, and no missing teeth are present on indexing piece  270 . At the position shown in  FIG. 46 , the four lockout arms  262  will remain within indexing piece  270 . At indexing position  51  ( FIG. 48 ), the retractable teeth set will retract back and disengage, ready for the next cycle, while all four lockout arms  262  will again remain within indexing piece  270 . This will continue to be the position for indexing positions  52 - 74 , when the 2-gallon bottle is engaged. Then, upon reaching indexing position  75  (still using the 2-gallon water bottle), missing teeth  272  on indexing piece  270  will line up with steps  51  on lid  50 , leaving indexing piece  270  free to bounce upward (under influence of spring  110 ) to its lockout position. At this lockout position, each of the four lockout arms  262  will stretch out and sit beneath indexing piece  270 , preventing indexing piece  270  from moving any further in a downward direction, as shown in  FIG. 50 . Lockout in the “up” position has now been achieved. Pushing on interface ring  40  with more force again automatically triggers the ejection sequence for the used filter cartridge, as shown in  FIG. 52 . Tactile feedback (the force difference) may be provided; visual feedback (e.g., a red warning message) may also be provided on the outside surface of the cartridge, using over-mold or in-mold decorations, or using a pad printing or screen printing process. When the filter cartridge is ejected along path A, the visual feedback may be shown around grip area  264 . Referring back to  FIG. 37 , path A along lid  50  has now been completed.  
         [0096]     In contrast, when a 3-gallon bottle is used, and referring now to  FIG. 45 , seal ring  261  again moves during first bottle installation as shown, while lockout arms  262  again remain within indexing piece  270 . However, now retractable teeth set  272  will not be extended out and engaged at indexing position  49 , since the performance indication device (PID) stroke is shorter, as controlled by the shorter, 3-gallon bottle neck. At indexing position  50  for the 3-gallon bottle ( FIG. 47 ), retractable teeth  272  were not extended out, and missing teeth  272  on indexing piece  270  are free to line up with steps  51  on lid  50 , so that indexing piece  270  is permitted to bounce upwardly to a lockout position. Still referring to  FIG. 47 , at this position, one pair of lockout arms  262  will still be sitting inside indexing piece  270  for resetting purposes, as shown, nestled against annular tabs  278 . Still at indexing position  50 , and referring now to  FIG. 53 , the remaining pair of lockout arms  262  will stretch out and sit beneath indexing piece  270  to prevent indexing piece  270  from moving any further in a downward direction. Lockout in the “up” position has now been achieved. Finally, referring to  FIG. 51 , pushing on interface ring  40  with more force again automatically triggers the ejection sequence for the used filter cartridge. Again, tactile feedback (the force difference) and/or visual feedback may be provided, as discussed above. Referring back again to  FIG. 37 , path A along lid  50  has now been completed.  
         [0097]     To review, for filter lockout to occur interface  40  pushes against indexing ring  80 , exerting a force on retractable tooth  100 . Referring now to  FIGS. 66-71 , a paper mock-up showing the tooth interaction of the filter shutoff mechanism is shown to better illustrate the interplay of lid teeth  51 , plunger teeth  62  and indexing teeth  81  (shown in  FIG. 4 , for example). A starting position is shown in  FIG. 66 . At indexing position  49 , the tooth interference shown by the arrows in  FIG. 67  prevents locking of the filter mechanism. Referring to  FIG. 68 , at indexing position  49 . 5 , the tooth interference shown by the arrows continues to prevent locking; as shown, for the 3-gallon water bottle of the present embodiment, retractable teeth  100  are not yet actuated. At indexing position  50  shown in  FIG. 69 , the tooth alignment shown by the arrows, in which plunger teeth  62  are aligned with the apertures between lid teeth  51 , allowing the upward action of spring  110  to cause lockout to occur. Finally, referring now to  FIGS. 70-71 , retractable teeth  100  are actuated for the 2-gallon embodiment, following 75 cycles (i.e., at the 75 th  indexing position), and locking occurs.  
         [0098]     Used cartridge removal will now be described. With the 2-gallon water bottle engaged, the used cartridge  260  may be rotated out by following path B and then path C as shown in  FIG. 37 . A new cartridge  260  may be inserted by rotating it, first along path C and then path B. Preferably, the cartridge is locked in position firmly to complete path A, using a tactile and click sound feedback, for example. With the 3-gallon water bottle engaged, while removing the cartridge by rotating it along path B, one pair of lockout arms  262  will contact resetting notches  278  on indexing piece  270 , best shown in  FIG. 54 . This will enable indexing piece  270  to be rotated  25  indexing steps forward to indexing position  75 . The cartridge may now be removed by following Path C, disengaging between lockout arms  262  and indexing piece  270 . Again, a new cartridge may be rotated in, clicking firmly into locked position at Path A.  
         [0099]     Preferred filter characteristics for use with the present invention are now described. The pressure drop and flow characteristics of a filter are influenced by basic properties of the filtering media and configuration which are presented to the contaminated fluid. A PureSmart® water filter available from Elkay Manufacturing Company, Watertech Division, of Oakbrook, Ill. utilizes a carbon-loaded, non-woven media as the primary filtering mechanism. The carbon-loaded filter media may be too restrictive to be utilized in a simple flat configuration. As a result, for use with the present invention the filter media may be combined with a support/separation media. The combined media may be pleated to increase the available surface area within the canister. Once pleated, the pleated media pack may be die-cut to the proper diameter for insertion into the canister. A retainer ring may be inserted into the canister and a sealant may be injected onto the distribution plane of the retainer. The cartridge may then be spun in place using centrifugal force at a rate effective to direct the sealant to the peripheral edge of the filter media element without wetting the filtering surface of the filter media. Sufficient sealant material is dispensed into the dispersion member of the spinning respirator cartridge assembly, forming a seal along the peripheral edge of the filter media. This seal is allowed to cure, thereby affixing the filter media to the body element of the respirator cartridge. The resulting structure exhibits a filtering surface substantially free of undesired sealant material, with the sealant perimeter-filling the void space between the internal wall of the canister and the die-cut edge of the filter media. Further details concerning the preferred filter media and process for making it are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,063,926, which is incorporated by reference in this disclosure in its entirety.  
         [0100]     In an alternative filter arrangement, the retainer ring may be molded as an integral component of the canister or cover. A spacer may be inserted between the media pack and canister to aid in the distribution of sealant. Additional media layers may be introduced to enhance the filtering efficiency or capacity, or to increase the variety of contaminates removed.  
         [0101]     Referring now to  FIGS. 55-61 , use of a preferred venting mechanism will now be described. As backround, when water bottle  20  is inverted into a dispensing position, a seal may be created between the filter shutoff mechanism lid  50  and bottle seat ledge  27   a . To allow continuous dispensing without lock-up, air passes from outside the filter through vent holes  290  in filter lid  50  ( FIGS. 55-56 , or alternative embodiment  FIGS. 57-58 ), and into water bottle  20 . When the filter is initially installed on the bottle and the bottle is rotated into the functioning position, during the time that water flows down and wets and fills the filter media, the water flow path that presents the least amount of resistance, and thus the path the water actually travels, is through the vent holes. This is believed due to a water hammer effect such that the existing air already in the filter will tend to escape through these vent holes, carrying water with it. This initial condition may result in some (less than about 1 cc.) untreated water escaping through the vent holes and into the treated water. This initial condition may result in a failure to comply with NSF regulations regarding lead treatment, for example.  
         [0102]     To solve this problem, a reduced throat diameter is provided as best shown in  FIGS. 62 and 63 . Still referring to  FIG. 63 , in the preferred embodiment, six vent holes  290  are provided on the lower surface of the indexing mechanism. One preferred size of the vent holes is about 0.031 inches; however the vent holes may be sized larger, in which case fewer than six may be used. Vent holes  290  permit air to escape from and enter the filter to maintain an appropriate pressure balance, to avoid lock-up. Using this restricted throat diameter, when water bottle  20  is inverted, water slowly passes into filter shutoff device  30 , such that the water level in the device slowly rises. As shown in the drawings, a convoluted flow passage through the shutoff mechanism, in conjunction with providing vent holes in the location indicated (on the same side as the side on which the water bottle handle is located, as shown in  FIG. 2 ), results in little opportunity for water to escape and geyser out of the vent holes during filter cartridge or water bottle replacement.  
         [0103]     In a previous embodiment disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,344, 0.7266 minutes was required for 3500 ml. of water to flow through a filter shutoff device having a throat diameter of about {fraction (3/4)} inches (a fill rate of 4,817 ml./min), whereas only 0.1728 minutes was required for the same volume of water to flow through an identical filter with a throat diameter of about 1.5 inches (a fill rate of 20,255 ml./min). It was noted that water hammer continued to cause water passage through the vent holes until the fill rate was reduced below about 7,500 ml./min. Unlike prior art designs, even during the filling stage and before the water reaches its final level within the filter due to the pressure head created by the bottle neck, the water level never reaches above the level of vent holes  120 . With such an improved design, water does not flow out through the vent holes, allowing NSF compliance, and reducing spillage and mess.  
         [0104]     Referring now to  FIGS. 56 and 58 , instead of using vent holes  290  to prevent lock-up, as shown in alternative embodiments in  FIGS. 55 and 57  (though the preferred embodiment is shown in  FIG. 62 ), two alternative embodiments using umbrella valves  296  or  298  may be used. These umbrella valves may be obtained from DaPro Rubber, Inc. of Tulsa, Okla., whose valves are molded to be stress-free throughout the convolute section with a uniform convolute thickness to +/−0.0015 inches.  
         [0105]     As yet another alternative to that shown in  FIGS. 55-58  and  62 , a “duckbill” valve  300  shown in  FIGS. 59 and 60  may be used, also available from DaPro Rubber. Yet another alternative is the “reed” valve  335  shown in  FIGS. 59 and 61  and specially designed for this application. Air pressure opens valves  300 ,  335 , while water pressure closes the valves. These valves allow air to enter the filter during normal operation, but prevent influent water from exiting the filter during engagement of a water bottle to the dispenser.  
         [0106]     It will now be understood that changes in structure to components of filter dispensing assembly  30  which do not materially change the function of the assembly and which fit within the principles of the invention are intended to be covered by the following claims. For example, it will be understood that differently sized water bottles other than 2-gallon and 3-gallon water bottles may be used, with appropriately-sized necks as desired. Further, inherently understood 1 differences in structure and design may be made to the disclosed preferred embodiments shown in the drawings, while keeping within the principles of the present invention as expounded in the claims.  
         [0107]     The above description is not intended to limit the meaning of the words used in the following claims that define the invention. Rather, it is contemplated that future modifications in structure, function or result will exist that are not substantial changes and that all such insubstantial changes are intended to be covered by the following claims. In other words, the invention is not limited to the embodiment disclosed but is of a scope defined by the following claim language which may be broadened by an extension of the right to exclude others from making, using or selling the invention as is appropriate under the doctrine of equivalents.