Patent Publication Number: US-11033841-B1

Title: Expandable water filter reservoir

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/445,187, entitled “Water Container with Floatable Filter System” to Shotey et al., which was filed Jun. 18, 2019, now pending, which application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/182,531, entitled “Water Container with Floatable Filter System and Method” to Shotey et al., which was filed Nov. 6, 2018, now pending, which application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/598,234, entitled “Water Container with Floatable Filter System and Method” to Shotey et al., which was filed May 17, 2017, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,118,113 on Nov. 6, 2018, which application is a continuation-in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/348,888, entitled “Water Container with Floatable Filter” to Shotey et al., which was filed Nov. 10, 2016, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,796,600 on Oct. 24, 2017, which application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/302,205, entitled “Water Filter Systems and Methods of Use” to Shotey et al., which was filed on Jun. 11, 2014, now abandoned, which application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/920,021, entitled “Water Filter Systems and Methods of Use” to Shotey et al., which was filed on Dec. 23, 2013, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/302,205 also claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/976,276, entitled “Water Filter Systems and Methods of Use” to Shotey et al., which was filed on Apr. 7, 2014, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/598,234 also claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent application 62/375,863, entitled “Water Filter Systems and Methods of Use” to Shotey et al., which was filed Aug. 16, 2016, and also claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent application 62/474,532, entitled “Water Filter Systems and Methods of Use” to Shotey et al., which was filed Mar. 21, 2017, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/445,187, to which this present application is a continuation-in-part, is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/216,979, entitled “Expandable Water Filter Reservoir” to Shotey et al., which was filed Dec. 11, 2018, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,322,944 on Jun. 18, 2019, which application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/006,753, entitled “Expandable Water Filter Reservoir” to Shotey et al., which was filed Jun. 12, 2018, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,150,679 on Dec. 11, 2018, which application is continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/792,662, entitled “Expandable Water Filter Reservoir” to Shotey et al., which was filed Oct. 24, 2017, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,994,460 on Jun. 12, 2018, which application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/202,365, entitled “Expandable Water Filter Reservoir” to Shotey et al., which was filed Jul. 5, 2016, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,796,599 on Oct. 24, 2017, which application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/899,992, entitled “Expandable Water Filter Reservoir” to Shotey et al., which was filed on May 22, 2013, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,382,131 on Jul. 5, 2016, which application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/651,963, entitled “Expandable Water Filter Reservoir” to Shotey et al., which was filed on May 25, 2012, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     Aspects of this document relate generally to water filtration pitchers. 
     2. Background Art 
     Pitchers with an attachable water filter are frequently used by consumers who wish to purify tap water before drinking or use. Typical filters couple to a reservoir which sits within the water pitcher. These reservoirs, however, are usually relatively small compared to the amount of space available within pitcher for carrying purified water. If, however, reservoir is enlarged to increase the water capacity of the reservoir, the size of the filtered water space decreases. Without it, however, it requires multiple fills of the reservoir to fill the volume of the filtered water space. 
     Frustration over the long wait time for fully filling a water pitcher, the small filtered water reservoir compared to the pitcher size, and the requirement to fill the unfiltered water reservoir multiple times to get a fully filled filtered water reservoir has existed since the first self filtering water pitchers with unfiltered water reservoirs were launched by Brita in the 1960s. Companies have attempted to solve these problems in different ways, but each commercially viable attempt still suffers from one or more of the problems of requiring multiple fills, reduced filtering of contaminants, and slower fill or dispensing of water because the filtering is being done while filling or dispensing. Moving filters suffer from stiction. 
     SUMMARY 
     Aspects of the disclosure relate to an expandable water-filtering pitcher comprising a pitcher having a top portion, a base portion and an inner wall surface defining an internal volume of the pitcher, a spout at the top portion at a pitcher opening, a reservoir mounted within the pitcher, the reservoir comprising a filter adapter comprising a reservoir opening therethrough, a filter fastener at the reservoir opening, the filter fastener adapted to removably receive a water filter, and a reservoir sleeve movably coupled to the filter adapter, at least one of the filter adapter and the reservoir sleeve moveable in relation to the other between a retracted position defining a first reservoir volume within the filter adapter and reservoir sleeve, and an expanded position defining a second reservoir volume within the filter adapter and reservoir sleeve at least 40% larger than the first reservoir volume. 
     Particular embodiments of the disclosure may comprise one or more of the following features. A plurality of first incremented liquid volume measurement markings visible on a wall of the pitcher base portion, and a handle coupled to an exterior of the pitcher. A second plurality of incremented liquid volume measurement markings visible on a wall of the reservoir sleeve, the second incremented liquid volume measurement markings visible on the wall of the reservoir sleeve incremented in volume measurements equal to the plurality of incremented liquid volume measurement markings visible on the pitcher base portion. The reservoir may be detachable from the pitcher. The handle may comprise a notch on an inner surface of the handle at a top portion of the handle adjacent to where the handle meets the wall of the pitcher. A top of the reservoir sleeve may be positioned above the pitcher opening when the reservoir sleeve is in the expanded position. The top of the reservoir sleeve may be at or near a plane formed at a top edge of the pitcher when in the retracted position. The reservoir sleeve may comprise a flexible bag. The reservoir sleeve may comprise a pleated collapsible wall. A plurality of bias members positioned between the reservoir sleeve and the filter adapter, wherein the bias members are more compressed when the reservoir sleeve is in the expanded position and the bias members are less compressed when the reservoir sleeve is in the retracted position. A filter replacement display coupled to the pitcher, the replacement display responsive to a counting device operatively associated with the spout of the pitcher and counting movement of the spout on the pitcher. The counting device may be configured to count the number of pours of liquid from the pitcher and the filter replacement display is configured to indicate when an approximated threshold for expiration of the filter is reached based on an approximated volume of water poured through the spout. 
     An aspect of the disclosure relates to an expandable water filtration device comprising a filter adapter positioned within a pitcher and separating the pitcher into an upper region and a lower region, a reservoir opening between the lower region and the upper region formed through the filter adapter, a filter fastener at the reservoir opening, the filter fastener adapted to removably receive a water filter within the reservoir opening, a sleeve movably coupled to the upper region, the sleeve moveable in relation to the upper region between a retracted position and an expanded position, an upper volume defined by the available space in the upper region of the pitcher and the sleeve, the upper volume when the sleeve is in the expanded version being at least 40% larger than the upper volume when the sleeve is in the retracted position, and a base volume defined by the available space in the base region of the pitcher when the sleeve is in the retracted position. 
     Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. The lower region may further comprise a plurality of first incremented liquid volume measurement markings visible on a wall of the lower region. A second plurality of incremented liquid volume measurement markings visible on a wall of the sleeve, the second incremented liquid volume measurement markings visible on the wall of the sleeve incremented in volume measurements equal to the plurality of first incremented liquid volume measurement markings visible on a wall of the lower region. A top of the sleeve may be positioned above the pitcher opening when the sleeve is in the expanded position. The sleeve may comprise a flexible bag. The sleeve may comprise a pleated collapsible wall. A plurality of bias members positioned between the sleeve and the upper region, wherein the bias members are more compressed when the sleeve is in the expanded position and the bias members are less compressed when the sleeve is in the retracted position. 
     An aspect of the disclosure relates to an expandable water-filtering pitcher comprising a pitcher comprising a closed base end, one or more sidewalls extending from the closed base end towards an open top end, and a spout extending from the open top end toward the base end, an expandable reservoir removably coupled to the pitcher, the expandable reservoir comprising a reservoir opening, one or more filter fasteners adjacent the reservoir opening and configured to removably couple a water filter to the expandable reservoir, and a flexible material that expands the reservoir into the pitcher when water is held within the expandable reservoir and retracts as water passes from the expandable reservoir to the pitcher through the reservoir opening. 
     An aspect of the disclosure relates to a water-filtering pitcher comprising a pitcher having a top, a base and an inner wall surface extending between the top and the base and defining an internal volume of the pitcher, a spout at the top at a pitcher opening, a filter adapter movably positioned within the internal volume of the pitcher, the filter adapter configured to couple to a water filter, the filter adapter movable between a first position closer to the base and a second position closer to the top, at least one bias member positioned between the filter adapter and the pitcher base, the at least one bias member configured to bias the filter adapter upward away from the base and toward the top of the pitcher, wherein, when a water filter is received through the top of the pitcher to the filter adapter and water is filtered from above the filter adapter through the water filter and into the base of the pitcher, the at least one bias member biases the filter adapter and water filter from the first position toward the second position. 
     Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. A filter replacement display may be coupled to the pitcher, the replacement display responsive to a counting device operatively associated with the spout of the pitcher and counting movement of the spout on the pitcher. The counting device may be configured to count the number of pours of liquid from the pitcher and the filter replacement display is configured to indicate when an approximated threshold for expiration of the filter is reached based on an approximated volume of water poured through the spout. An o-ring seal may be positioned between the filter adapter and the inner wall surface of the pitcher, wherein the o-ring seal is configured to restrict water passing between the filter adapter and the inner wall surface. A seal may be positioned between the filter adapter and the inner wall surface of the pitcher, wherein the seal is configured to restrict water passing between the filter adapter and the inner wall surface. The at least one bias member may be a spring. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure a water-filtering pitcher comprises a pitcher having a top, a base and an inner wall surface extending between the top and the base and defining an internal volume of the pitcher, a filter adapter positioned within the internal volume of the pitcher between the top and the base, the filter adapter comprising an opening therein configured to couple to a filter housing, wherein the filter adapter is further configured to move between a first position closer to the base and a second position closer to the top, and at least one bias member positioned between the filter adapter and the pitcher base, the at least one bias member configured to bias the filter adapter upward, away from the base and toward the top of the pitcher, wherein, when a water filter is coupled to the filter adapter and a weight of water is added above the filter adapter, the filter adapter moves towards the first position under the weight of water, and as water is filtered from the top of the pitcher through the water filter and into the base of the pitcher, the at least one bias member biases the filter adapter and water filter from the first position toward the second position. 
     Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. A filter replacement display may be coupled to the pitcher, the replacement display responsive to a counting device operatively associated with movement of the pitcher. The counting device may be configured to count the number of pours of liquid from the pitcher and the filter replacement display is configured to indicate when an approximated threshold for expiration of the filter is reached based on an approximated volume of water poured from the pitcher. A seal may be positioned between the filter adapter and the inner wall surface of the pitcher, the seal configured to restrict water passing between the filter adapter and the inner wall surface. A reservoir sleeve, wherein the at least one bias member is positioned between the reservoir sleeve and the filter adapter. The at least one bias member may be a spring. The spring may be a leaf spring. The leaf spring may be co-molded with the filter. The at least one bias member may be directly attached to the filter. The at least one bias member may be directly attached to the filter adapter. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, a water-filtering pitcher comprises a pitcher having a top, a base and an inner wall surface extending between the top and the base and defining an internal volume of the pitcher, a filter adapter positioned within the internal volume of the pitcher between the top and the base, wherein the filter adapter is configured to move between a first position closer to the base and a second position closer to the top, and at least one bias member positioned between the filter adapter and the pitcher base, the at least one bias member configured to bias the filter adapter upward, away from the base and toward the top of the pitcher, wherein as water is filtered from the top of the pitcher and into the base of the pitcher, the at least one bias member biases the filter adapter from the first position towards the second position. 
     Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the following features. A seal may be positioned between the filter adapter and the inner wall surface of the pitcher, the seal configured to restrict water passing between the filter adapter and the inner wall surface. A reservoir sleeve, wherein the at least one bias member is positioned between the reservoir sleeve and the filter adapter. Each of the at least one bias member may be a spring. 
     Aspects and applications of the disclosure presented here are described below in the drawings and detailed description. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. The inventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors&#39; intent and desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims. 
     The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth above. 
     The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from the DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of first embodiment of an expandable water-filtering pitcher; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional perspective view of a first embodiment of an expandable water-filtering pitcher; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional side view of a first embodiment of an expandable water-filtering pitcher; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of an expandable water-filtering pitcher; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an expandable water-filtering pitcher; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional side view of a third embodiment of an expandable water-filtering pitcher; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of an expandable water-filtering pitcher; 
         FIG. 8  is cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an expandable water-filtering pitcher with the filter adapter in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an expandable water-filtering pitcher with the filter adapter in an expanded position; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an expandable water-filtering pitcher; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of an expandable water-filtering pitcher; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of an expandable water-filtering pitcher with an expandable reservoir in a retracted position; and 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of an expandable water-filtering pitcher with an expandable reservoir in an expanded position. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to the specific components or assembly procedures disclosed herein. Many additional components and assembly procedures known in the art consistent with the intended operation and assembly procedures for an electrical box will become apparent for use with implementations of an electrical box from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular components are disclosed, such components and other implementing components may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, measurement, concentration, material, quantity, and/or the like as is known in the art for such implementing components, consistent with the intended operation of an electrical box. 
     Filtering water with a water filter mounted within a pitcher provides a convenient filtering method for users. However, users of a conventional pitcher mounted water filter are limited by the amount of space within the pitcher for unfiltered and filtered water. Embodiments of an expandable water filter contemplated and disclosed herein are advantageous to conventional pitcher mounted water filters. Whereas conventional pitcher mounted water filters are limited to the capacity of the pitcher itself, embodiments of an expandable water filtering pitcher disclosed herein provide additional water capacity beyond the pitcher—thus requiring fewer refills relative to the volume of the pitcher. 
     As shown in an exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , one or more embodiments of an expandable water-filtering pitcher comprise a pitcher  2  and a reservoir  30 . The pitcher typically comprises a top portion  4  comprising an opening extending therethrough and a base portion  6  comprising a closed base wall opposite the opening of the top portion  4 . Although reference is made to a top portion  4  and a base portion  6 , these portions are not limited to a top or base portion, as other positioning is contemplated, such as but not limited to upper and lower regions, or merely first and second portions posited anywhere on the pitcher  2 . The pitcher  2  further comprises an inner wall surface  8  defining an internal volume of the pitcher  2 . The internal volume is typically divided into a lower internal volume  10  in the base portion of the pitcher  2  and an upper internal volume  11  in the top portion  4  of the pitcher  2 . Unless otherwise specified herein, the pitcher  2  may comprise any shape or configuration known in the art. 
     One or more embodiments of a pitcher  2  further comprise a handle  18  on an exterior  24  of the pitcher  2 . The handle  18  may comprise any handle known in the art or otherwise suitable for holding the pitcher  2 . In particular embodiments, the handle  18  comprises a notch  20  on an inner surface  22 . The notch  20  provides additional grip and/or support for a user to pouring or handling of the pitcher  2 . The pitcher  2  typically also comprises a spout  12  that allows liquid to be poured from the pitcher  2  without removal of the reservoir  30 . In one or more embodiments, the spout  12  comprises a channel that allows fluid communication between the internal volume  10  of the pitcher  2  below the reservoir  30  and a pitcher opening  16  at the top plane  14  of the pitcher  2 . The channel may extend from the bottom of the pitcher  2 , or alternatively may begin anyway between the top portion  4  and the base portion  6  that allows for the fluid communication described herein. 
     Although not visible in  FIG. 1 , one or more embodiments of an expandable water-filtering pitcher comprise a reservoir  30  mounted with the pitcher  2  (see, for example,  FIG. 2 ). The reservoir  30  is typically mounted within the top portion  4  of the pitcher  2  to allow for sufficient volume of filtered water. In various adaptations, however, the reservoir  30  may be mounted anywhere within the pitcher  2 . One or more embodiments of a reservoir  30  comprise a filter adapter  32  and a reservoir sleeve  40 . Particular embodiments of the filter adapter  32  comprise a reservoir opening  34  or passage extending therethrough such that when no water filter  38  is present, the top portion  4  and base portion  6  of the pitcher  2  are in fluid communication with each other through the reservoir opening  34 . In other words, the internal volume  10  of the pitcher above the filter adapter  32  is separated from the internal volume  10  of the pitcher  2  below the filter adapter  32  by the reservoir  30  itself, with the exception of the reservoir opening  34  that extends through the filter adapter  32 . As shall be explained subsequently in additional detail, liquid within the filter adapter  32  is transferred to the base portion  6  of the pitcher through the reservoir opening  34 , but typically only through a water filter  38  placed within the reservoir opening  34 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the filter adapter  32  comprises at least a base wall  15  through which the reservoir extends. In embodiments wherein the filter adapter  32  comprises only a base wall  15 , the base wall  15  of the filter adapter  32  is mounted within the pitcher  2  such that the only fluid communication from the top portion  4  of the pitcher  2  to the bottom portion  6  of the pitcher is through the reservoir opening  34 . In alternative embodiments, the filter adapter  32  further comprises one or more sidewalls  17  coupled to the base wall of the filter adapter  32 . The sidewalls  17  further assist in allowing fluid communication only through the reservoir opening  34 . In particular embodiments, the sidewalls  17  of the reservoir are shaped complementary to the top portion  4  of the pitcher  2  such that the filter adapter  32  nests within at least a portion of the top portion  4  of the pitcher. 
     As illustrated in the filter adapter  32 ,  132  embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2-4, 6, 8 and 9 , the base wall  15  of various reservoir embodiments comprise a sloped base wall  15 . The slope of the base wall  15  is typically sloped towards the reservoir opening  34  to allow liquid within the reservoir to most effectively flow towards and through the water filter  38  as the force of gravity pulls the water downward. In various filter adapter  32 ,  132  embodiments comprising both a base wall  15  and one or more sidewalls  17 , the base wall  15  and sidewalls  17  may be integrally formed or molded together. 
     In one or more embodiments, the filter adapter  32  further comprises one or more filter fasteners  36 ,  136  proximate the reservoir opening  34 . Various exemplary embodiments of filter fasteners  36 ,  136  are shown in  FIGS. 2-4, 6, 8 and 9 . The filter fastener  36 ,  136  is adapted to removably receive a water filter  38 . As such, the filter fastener  36 ,  136  may comprise any of a variety of fasteners known in the art, such as but not limited to threaded fasteners, clamp fasteners, and the like. In particular embodiments, the filter fastener  36 ,  136  comprises a lip or any other feature that narrows the reservoir opening  34 . For example, in an embodiment wherein the filter fastener  36 ,  136  comprises a lip, the lip may be sized to allow only a portion of the water filter  38  to pass through the reservoir opening  34  while preventing the entirety of the water filter  38  to pass through the reservoir opening  34 . The water filter  38  may comprise a lip that abuts the lip of the filter fastener  36 ,  136  to prevent passage of the water filter  38  through the reservoir opening  34 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the filter adapter  32  is coupled to a pitcher  2 . Typically, the coupling of a filter adapter  32  to a pitcher  2  is of a removable nature, thus allowing a user to freely remove the filter adapter  32  from the pitcher  2  for cleaning or other purposes. In particular embodiments, as shown by the exemplary embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 , the pitcher  2  narrows from the top portion  4  to the base portion  6 . With such a configuration, the size of filter adapter  32  relative to the narrowing pitcher  2  prevents the filter adapter  32  from sliding past a desired point within the pitcher  2 . In such an embodiment, the filter adapter  32  may comprise a uniform latitudinal dimension, rather than the narrowing dimension of the pitcher  2 . This configuration allows water to be transferred or poured from the base portion  6  of the pitcher  2  out of the spout  12  of the pitcher  2 . In still other embodiments, the filter adapter  32  may comprise a narrowing dimension, with a channel aligned with the spout  12  for transferring or pouring water out of the pitcher  2 . Other configurations of the filter adapter  32  and pitcher  2  are designed such that the filter adapter  32  fits within the pitcher  2  in only one alignment or position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , in any of the particular embodiments of a pitcher  2  disclosed herein, whether illustrated in a drawing representing the particular embodiment or not, the pitcher  2  may comprise incremental measurement markings  54  visible from outside the pitcher  2  or through the top opening of the pitcher  2 . Such incremental measurement markings  54  may depict how much water remains in the pitcher  2 , how much water is necessary to fill the pitcher to capacity, or both. In particular embodiments, the incremental measurement markings  54  are on an exterior surface  24  of the pitcher  2 . In other embodiments, the incremental measurement markings  54  are on an inner wall surface  8  of the pitcher  2 . Some embodiments include both so that a user can fill the pitcher reservoir to a pre-selected number of markings  56  with knowledge that that many markings  54  worth of space is available in the pitcher  2 . The markings  56  on the inside of the reservoir  40  may be spaced to correspond to a volume of water equal to the spacings of the markings  54  on the base portion  6  of the pitcher  2 . 
     In an embodiment, the pitcher  2  comprises a lip  19 , channel, or other protrusion extending from the inner wall surface  8  of the pitcher  2  configured to mount the filter adapter  32  within the pitcher  2 . In still other embodiments, the filter adapter  32  comprises one or more fasteners configured and positioned to allow the filter adapter  32  extending from an inside surface or adapted to hang from the top  14  of the pitcher  2 . 
     According to various embodiments, a reservoir  30  further comprises a reservoir sleeve  40  that is slidably mounted to the filter adapter  32 . Embodiments of the reservoir sleeve  40  may be configured to slide adjacent to the walls of the pitcher  2 , between one or more sidewalls  17  of the filter adapter  32  and walls of the pitcher  2 , or within one or more sidewalls of the filter adapter  32 . For example, in an embodiment wherein the filter adapter  32  comprises only a base wall  15  and no sidewall  17 , the reservoir sleeve  40  is configured to slide at least partially adjacent to the walls of the pitcher  2 . In embodiments wherein the filter adapter  32  comprises sidewalls  17  in addition to the base wall  15 , the reservoir sleeve  40  may be configured to either fit around the sidewalls  17  of the filter adapter  32  (and thus slidable between the sidewalls of the filter adapter  32  and the sides of the pitcher  2 ) or fit within the sidewalls  17  of the filter adapter  32 . In still other embodiments, the filter adapter  32  may comprise an interior sidewall and an exterior sidewall, and a ring-like channel  21  positioned between the interior and exterior sidewalls. The ring-like channel  21  is sized to allow for slidable movement of the reservoir sleeve  40  between the interior and exterior sidewalls and may extend from the base wall  15  to the ends of the sidewalls  17  opposite the base wall  15 . Alternatively, the ring-like channel make extend only partially between the base wall  15  and the ends of the sidewall  17  opposite the base wall  15  or even extend below the base wall  15 , as shown n  FIG. 3 . In the exemplary embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2-3 , the reservoir sleeve  40  fits within sidewalls  17  of the filter adapter  32 . In any of the embodiments described herein, an upper volume  11  defined by the available space in the top portion  4  of the pitcher  2  and the sleeve  40  is at least 40% larger when in the expanded position than the upper volume  11  when the sleeve  40  is in the retracted position. 
     In other embodiments, the reservoir sleeve  40  may be configured to fit around the sidewalls  17  of the filter adapter  32 . In such embodiments, the reservoir sleeve  40  may comprise walls shaped or otherwise configured similar to the sidewalls  17  of the filter adapter  32 , only relatively larger. This allows the reservoir sleeve  40  to stay in place about the filter adapter  32  as it slides from an expanded position to a retracted position. In a particular implementation wherein the sidewalls  17  of the filter adapter  32  are substantially vertical and not narrowing (as the pitcher narrows), the reservoir sleeve  40  further comprises stabilizing elements. The stabilizing elements are configured stabilize the reservoir sleeve  40  and/or the filter adapter  32  by adding a support in the space left void between the exterior of the filter adapter  32  and the walls of the pitcher  2 . In one or more embodiments, the stabilizing elements are substantially triangular or wedge shaped. In other implementations, the stabilizing elements may comprise any shape. In some implementations, the reservoir sleeve  40  further comprises a channel configured to align with the spout  12  of the pitcher  2 , the channel so configured to allow water to be poured from the pitcher  2  through the spout  12  even as the reservoir sleeve  40  is in a retracted position. 
     In various embodiments, a seal may be placed between the filter adapter  32  and the reservoir sleeve  40  to prevent water from leaking out of the filter adapter  32  into the base portion  6  of the pitcher  2 . The seal may comprise any seal suitable for sealing the area between the reservoir sleeve  40  and the filter adapter  32 , such as but not limited to a replaceable O-ring seal  13 , a wiper seal, or an over-molded rubber seal. Also shown in  FIG. 2  is a plurality of incremental volume measurements  56  on the reservoir sleeve  40 . The incremental volume measurements  56  on the reservoir sleeve  40 , like those on the pitcher  2 , allow a user to measure the volume of water within the filter adapter  32 . Adjacent the incremental volume measurements  56  are contemplated as various numeric volume measurements. By including incremental volume measurements  54 ,  56 , a user may first determine the volume of water necessary in the pitcher  2  for the base portion  6  of the pitcher  2  to be full. The user may then fill the reservoir  30  to a volume similar or equal to the volume needed to fill the pitcher  2  to a desired level, such as full, but not overfill it. A user, however, is not limited to filling the reservoir  30  with only the volume of water required to fill the pitcher  2 . For example, a user may include more water in the reservoir  30  than is necessary to fill the bottom portion  6 . When the bottom portion  6  is full, the excess water may remain in the reservoir  30  until additional volume is available in the bottom portion  6  and will naturally filter there on its own. 
     The interaction between the filter adapter  32  and the reservoir sleeve  40  allows for an expandable water reservoir  30  to be created. This increases the efficiency of the pitcher unit by providing a reservoir  30  that holds as much or substantially as much filtered water as the bottom portion  6  may hold. As water is filtered through the filter  38 , the reservoir sleeve  40  may gradually be lowered as well, or may alternatively be lowered from an expanded position to a collapsed position when the water line is below the top  14  of the pitcher  2 . In particular embodiments, the reservoir  30  or components thereof are removable when filled with water to allow a user to easily empty an overfilled reservoir without disturbing the filtered water in the pitcher  2 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , views of a pitcher  202  with a reservoir sleeve  40  of the reservoir  30  are shown in a retracted or collapsed position. When in a retracted position, the reservoir sleeve  40  is at or near the plane formed at the top  14  of the pitcher  202 . In other embodiments, the reservoir sleeve  40  may drop below the plane of the top  14  of the pitcher  202  when in a retracted position. 
     When in a retracted position, the reservoir sleeve  40  may rest in a ring-like channel  21  adjacent the base wall  15  of the filter adapter  32  or on some other support extending from a wall of the filter adapter  32  or pitcher  2 ,  202 . The reservoir sleeve  40  may further comprise a lip at the top that rests on the top  14  of the pitcher  2 ,  202  or a ledge formed on an interior wall of the pitcher  2 ,  202 . The embodiment illlustrated in  FIGS. 10 and 11  also comprises a filter replacement display  68  that indicates how long the water filter  38  has been in use or when the filter needs to be replaced. The filter replacement display  68  is typically housed in the lid  70 , but may alternatively be mounted to a wall of the pitcher  202  or on the water filter  38  itself In one or more embodiments, the lid  70  comprises a flapper hingedly coupled to the lid  70  that covers the spout  12  of the pitcher  2 ,  202 . The flapper may comprise a counting device that counts the number of times water has been poured out of the pitcher  2 ,  202 . At a certain predetermined times or intervals, the counting device may signal that the water filter  38  should be changed. In some aspects, the counting device may further measure how long the flapper is open and/or the amount of water flow out of the spout, thus providing a more accurate measure of the amoung of water being dispensed from the pitcher  2 ,  202 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 10, and 11 , a pitcher  2 ,  202  with an expandable reservoir  30  may further work in conjunction with a lid  70 . The lid  70  typically fits over the top  14  of the pitcher  2 ,  202  and reservoir  30  when the reservoir sleeve  40  is in a retracted position. In some implementations, however, the lid  70  is adapted to fit over the reservoir sleeve  40  even when the reservoir sleeve  40  is in an expanded position. In still other implementations, a separate lid may be configured to cover just the sleeve  40 , while the typical lid  70  covers the pitcher  2 ,  202 , sleeve  40 , and filter adapter  32 . 
     In one or more embodiments, the reservoir sleeve comprises a collapsible reservoir sleeve. For example, the reservoir sleeve may comprise an accordion-like pleated collapsible sleeve  60 , a non-limiting example of which is illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The pleated collapsible sleeve  60  is configured to repeatedly stretch to an expanded position and collapse to a retracted position. In  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the pleated collapsible sleeve  60  is shown in at least a partially expanded position. The pleated collapsible sleeve  60  may be coupled proximate the top  14  of the pitcher  2  or filter adapter  32 , or may alternatively be slidably mounted to the filter adapter filter adapter  32  as the previously described reservoir sleeve  40  is slidably mounted. When water is placed within the pleated collapsible sleeve  60 , the existence of the water and outward pressure of the water against the pleated collapsible sleeve  60  maintains the sleeve in an open position by straightening the pleats due to the weight of the water. As the water flows through the water filter into the base portion  6 , the weight of the water reduces, allowing the collapsible sleeve  60  to regain its original shape and collapse. 
     In other embodiments, reservoir sleeve comprises a flexible bag  58 , an example of which is shown in  FIG. 6 . Like the pleated collapsible sleeve  60 , the flexible bag  58  is configured to repeatedly open to an expanded position and collapse to a retracted position. In  FIG. 6 , the flexible bag  58  is shown in a partially expanded position. The flexible bag  58  may be coupled proximate the top  14  of the pitcher  2  or filter adapter  32 , or may alternatively be slidably mounted to the filter adapter  32  as the previously described reservoir sleeve  40  is slidably mounted. 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate another exemplary embodiment of an expandable reservoir  90 . Like embodiments previously described, the reservoir  90  is coupled to a pitcher  302  comprising a base portion  306  and a top portion  304 . The reservoir  90 , however, expands down into the base portion  306  of the pitcher rather than upward from the pitcher top. The expandable reservoir  90  expands to an expanded position (shown in  FIG. 13 ) when water is placed into the expandable reservoir  90  due to the weight of the water. As water filters through the water filter  38  and the weight or pressure on the expandable reservoir  90  decreases, the expandable reservoir  90 , due to the elasticity of the material forming the expandable reservoir  90 , is configured to retract to the retracted position (shown in  FIG. 12 ). 
     The expandable reservoir  90  is typically comprised of a one or materials that allow the expandable reservoir  90  to expand when water is added to the expandable reservoir and retract when water is eliminated from the expandable reservoir  90 . For example, the expandable reservoir may be formed of: rubbers (synthetic and/or natural) and/or other like materials; polymers and/or other like materials; plastics, and/or other like materials; composites and/or other like materials; metals and/or other like materials; alloys and/or other like materials; and/or any combination of the foregoing. In a particular embodiment, the expandable reservoir  90  comprises a membrane comprising one or more of the following: elastic, silicone rubber, or thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the expandable reservoir  90  comprises one or more pleats  82  molded into the expandable reservoir  90 . The pleats  82  are positioned and configured to assist in holding the form and/or shape of the expandable reservoir when in the retracted or empty position. 
     The water filter  38  used in combination with the expandable reservoir  90  may comprise a typical water filter  38  or a water filter  38  designed especially for the expandable reservoir  90 . For example, the water filter  38  may be designed, in combination with the filter adapter  80 , to rest at an angular or horizontal position, rather than the typical vertical position (shown in  FIGS. 2-4 ). As such, configuration of the water filter  38  may be altered to allow for efficient filtering when the water filter  38  is not positioned vertically. The water filter  38 , like with previous embodiments, engages with the filter adapter  80  at the bottom of the reservoir  90 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand how to configure an engagement mechanism to engage the water filter  38  at an angle rather than vertically, given the disclosure herein of an angled or horizontal filter engaged with the filter adapter  80 . The filter adapter  80  may comprise the same expandable materials as the reservoir  90  or, alternatively may comprise a harder plastic or rigid material that supports the water filter  38  at the desired angle. The filter adapter  80  may comprise a water filter receiver  308  in which the water filter  38  sits and couples to the filter adapter  80 . In particular embodiments, the water filter receiver  308  comprises a snap-receiver to hold the water filter  38  through mechanical engagement. In other embodiments, like the previous embodiments, a portion of the external surface of the water filter  38  is threaded or comprises bayonets to engage with a mating structure on the filter adapter  80 . 
     Also contemplated herein is an expandable water pitcher that comprises one or more bias members  66 , a non-limiting example of which is illustrated in  FIGS. 7-9 .  FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment, which comprises a pitcher  102  comprising a base portion  106  and a top portion  104 , and a reservoir  130 . A water filter  38  may also be included before or after assembly. The pitcher  102  shown in  FIGS. 7-9  may comprise any pitcher previously described herein or otherwise known in the art. The reservoir  130  comprises a filter adapter  132 , a sleeve  140 , and one or more bias members  66 . An o-ring  13  may also be included. One or more embodiments of the filter adapter  132  comprise one or more guide channels  133  positioned to align with and guide the one or more bias members  66 . The pitcher  102  may comprise a lip  139  that extends inward into the pitcher  102  and supports the sleeve  140  when the sleeve  140  is within the pitcher  102 . 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  show cross-sectional views of the pitcher  102  and filter adapter  136  with the reservoir sleeve  140  in an expanded position ( FIG. 9 ) and a collapsed position ( FIG. 8 ). Whereas in some of the other embodiments described herein the filter adapter  32  remains stationary while the sleeve  40  is slidable, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 7-9 , the sleeve  140  remains stationary while the filter adapter  132  moves to expand the reservoir  130 .  FIG. 8  shows the filter adapter  132  in a collapsed position with minimal or no water in the reservoir  130 . In the collapsed position, the bias members  66 , positioned within the guide channels  133 , bias the filter adapter  132  upward or toward the top  14  of the pitcher  102 . Each bias member  66  is positioned between a sleeve lip  131  and a filter adapter lip  129 . In  FIGS. 7-9 , the bias members comprise springs. In other embodiments, however, the bias members may comprise any bias element known in the art and configured to bias the filter adapter  132  upward. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates the filter adapter  132  in an expanded position typical of an at least partially full reservoir  130 . As water is added to the reservoir  130 , the weight of the water overcomes biasing of the bias members  66 , thus lowering the filter adapter  132  and exposing the sleeve  140  so that the available volume of the reservoir  130  to hold water is enlarged. As water is filtered through the filter  38 , the weight on the filter adapter  132  is reduced and the bias members bias the filter adapter  132  towards the top  14  of the pitcher  102 . 
     In other embodiments, no sleeve  140  is required in the reservoir  130 . Rather, a lip is formed on an interior surface of the pitcher  102  that replaces the sleeve lip  131 . In such an embodiment, each bias member is positioned between the filter adapter lip  129  and the pitcher lip which like the sleeve lip  131  extends inward of the pitcher wall, and the reservoir functions similar to that previously described. 
     Unless otherwise specified, the water filter  38  may comprise any replaceable water filter  38  known in the art that allows water to pass through the reservoirs described herein through the water filter  38  and into the pitcher  2 ,  102 ,  202 ,  302 . As the water filter  38  is typically configured for easy removal and replacement such as with a bayonet or large thread connector on the external surface of the filter and a corresponding, mating, connector on an internal surface of the opening of the adapter filter  136 . The pitcher  2 ,  102 ,  202 ,  302  and filter adapters disclosed herein may be sold independently of the water filter  38 , and it is anticipated that water filter  38  replacements will be sold separately. 
     In many embodiments of a water pitcher illustrated and described in relation to  FIGS. 7-18  herein and in previous related applications, the filter illustrated is a moving filter. In some embodiments, the moving platform to which the filter is attached may suffer from stiction when the platform first begins to move, or may need some additional force to help the platform and filter move. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 7-9 , for example, this additional force is provided by one or more bias members  66 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 12-13 , for example, the additional force is provided by the pleats  92  in the expandable reservoir  90 .  FIGS. 14-15  illustrate another embodiment similar to that of  FIGS. 7-9  that further includes two examples of potential bias members  400   a ,  400   b  coupled to the filter  38  and formed as springs, either, as illustrated at the center of in  FIGS. 14-15 , by coupling a bias member  400   a  directly to the filter  38 , or otherwise by coupling a bias member  400   b  to the filter  38  through the filter adapter  132 . In some embodiments, both bias members  400   a ,  400   b  may be used. Alternatively, although coil springs  400   a ,  400   b  are specifically illustrated in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , a smaller leaf spring, that may be co-molded with the filter housing, or some other bias member that provides axial force, may alternatively be used. Stiction, or break-away friction, is caused by the initial friction between the moving parts, such as between the seal  13  and coordinating sidewall against which the seal  13  seals as it moves. Occasionally, or in some embodiments, the initial friction is not overcome by the force provided either by the lift of a float after the float remains in the same position for a time, such as prior to the pitcher being filled with water. In particular embodiments, a bias member  400   a ,  400   b  may be added to the system to create lift for the filter platform and overcome the stiction.  FIG. 14  shows the bias members  400   a ,  400   b  in their expanded form.  FIG. 15  shows the bias members  400   a ,  400   b  in their partially collapsed form. Different bias member configurations and strengths may be used depending upon the stiction and/or additional force needed for a particular implementation. 
       FIGS. 16-17  illustrate another embodiment of a moving platform involving a floating platform  402  that moves as water filters through it and the floating platform  402  rises to the top of the water column.  FIG. 16  illustrates the filter platform  402  at the bottom of the water pitcher  404  before water has begun filtering as it sits in the unfiltered water section  406 . Once water begins passing through the filter  38  by being filtered and then passing through the opening  408  in the filter platform  402 , it passes to the filtered water section  410 .  FIG. 4  illustrates water in both the unfiltered water section  406  and the filtered water section  410 , with water extending up toward the spout  412 . A bias member  401   a ,  401   b  may be added to the system to help create lift for the filter platform  402  to overcome initial stiction, or to even provide an upward force to the floating platform  402  beyond just overcoming the initial stiction.  FIG. 16  illustrates the bias members  401   a ,  401   b  in their collapsed form, and  FIG. 7  illustrates the bias members  401   a ,  401   b  in their expanded form. 
     It will be understood that implementations are not limited to the specific components disclosed herein, as virtually any components consistent with the intended operation of a method and/or system implementation for an expandable water filtering pitcher may be utilized. Accordingly, for example, although particular pitchers, filters, sleeves, and filter adapters may be disclosed, such components may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class, grade, measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity, and/or the like consistent with the intended operation of a method and/or system implementation for an expandable water filtering pitcher may be used. For example, any of the reservoirs and sleeves described herein may comprise a variety of materials, such as but not limited to hard or soft plastics, rubbers (synthetic and/or natural) and/or other like materials; polymers and/or other like materials; plastics, and/or other like materials; composites and/or other like materials; metals and/or other like materials; alloys and/or other like materials; and/or any combination of the foregoing. 
     The concepts disclosed herein are not limited to the specific implementations shown herein. For example, many additional components and assembly procedures known in the art consistent with the intended expandable water filtering pitcher and/or assembly procedures for an expandable water filtering pitcher will become apparent for use with implementations of an expandable water filtering pitcher from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular pitchers, filters, filter adapters, and sleeves are disclosed, such pitchers, filters, filter adapters, and sleeves and implementing components may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, measurement, concentration, material, quantity, and/or the like as is known in the art for such water filtering pitchers and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation of a water filtering pitcher. 
     Furthermore, embodiments of the expandable water filtering pitcher may be manufactured separately and then assembled together, or any or all of the components may be manufactured simultaneously and integrally joined with one another. Manufacture of these components separately or simultaneously may involve extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting, forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding, stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting, punching, plating, and/or the like. If any of the components are manufactured separately, they may then be coupled or removably coupled with one another in any manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, a fastener, any combination thereof, and/or the like for example, depending on, among other considerations, the particular material(s) forming the components. 
     In places where the description above refers to particular implementations of an expandable water filtering pitcher, it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that these implementations may be applied to other an expandable water filtering pitcher. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure set forth in this document. The presently disclosed implementations are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the disclosure being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning of and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.