Patent Description:
It is desirable to use purified water (referred to herein as "pure water") in various cleaning applications. One common cleaning application for pure water is the cleaning of windows, cars, buildings, solar panels, and other surfaces. For example, the use of pure water in the form of deionized (DI) water, also known as demineralized (DM) water, has been found to be effective when cleaning smooth or reflective surfaces such as automobiles. The pure water can reduce the formation water marks and spots, which can be formed by impurities in untreated water that remain on the surface when the water dries.

Many pure water systems use one or more types of purification media either alone or in combination with other devices/processes such as, but not limited to, particle filtration, distilling (i.e., distilled water), reverse osmosis, desalination, carbon filtration, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, ultraviolet oxidation, electrodialysis, nanofilteration, others, and any combinations thereof. <CIT> discloses a filter housing having radial sealing means. Upper bosses and lower bosses can be used to attach the head to the sump for easy opening and closing the filter housing when replacing the filter cartridge.

Some pure water systems improve the ease of replacing depleted or spent purification media by providing media purification devices that contain or house the purification media. Still further pure water systems condition the water by adding to or removing one or more components from the input water.

Accordingly, while existing water conditioning systems are suitable for their intended purposes the need for improvement remains, particularly in providing a fluid purification system having the features described herein.

According to one aspect of the disclosure a fluid purification device is provided. The device includes a tank having a hollow interior and a lock feature. A cover is sealingly coupled to the tank. A release assembly is pivotally coupled to the cover and engaged with the lock feature, the release assembly having a relief valve fluidly coupled to the hollow interior and a lock member, the release assembly being rotatable between a first position and a second position, wherein the relief valve is in a closed position and the lock member is engaged with the lock feature in the first position, and wherein the relief valve is open and the lock member rotates away from and is disengaged from the lock feature in the second position.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the relief valve opens and the lock member disengages simultaneously when the release assembly rotates from the first position to the second position. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the lock feature is a rib on an exterior surface of the tank and the cover includes a slot on an inner surface. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the release assembly further includes a lever coupled between the lock member and the relief valve, the lever having a portion operably coupled to the relief valve.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the lock member includes an arm having a first projection extending therefrom, the first projection having a slot sized to receive the lock feature. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the lock feature is a second projection extending from the side of the tank. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the first projection includes at least one angled surface.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the relief valve includes a biasing member arranged to bias the release assembly into the first position. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the relief valve includes a cap coupled to a valve body, the biasing member being disposed between the cap and the cover, the valve body extending through the cover and having a head that selectively seals with the cover.

According to another aspect of the disclosure a fluid purification system is provided. The system includes a tank having a first port and a hollow interior. A purification device is disposed at least partially within the hollow interior. A cover is sealingly coupled to the tank, the cover assembly having a second port fluidly coupled to the purification device. A release assembly is coupled to the cover, the release assembly having a relief valve fluidly coupled to the hollow interior and a lock member, the release assembly being rotatable between a first position and a second position, wherein the relief valve is in a closed position and the lock member is coupled to the tank in the first position, and wherein the relief valve is open and the lock member rotates away from and is disengaged from the tank in the second position.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the relief valve opens and the lock member disengages simultaneously when the release assembly rotates from the first position to the second position. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the tank includes a lock feature on an exterior surface of the tank. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the release assembly further includes a lever coupled between the lock member and the relief valve, the lever having a portion operably coupled to the relief valve. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the lock member includes an arm having a first projection extending therefrom, the first projection having a slot sized to receive the lock feature.

Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the lock feature is a second projection extending from the side of the tank. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the first projection includes at least one angled surface. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the relief valve includes a biasing member arranged to bias the release assembly into the first position. Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments the relief valve includes a cap coupled to a valve body, the biasing member being disposed between the cap and the cover, the valve body extending through the cover and having a head that selectively seals with the cover.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a fluid purification system such as that used to condition or generate pure water. Embodiments provide technical effect in a release and lock assembly that simultaneously release pressure from an interior of the system and unlock a cover assembly.

Referring now to <FIG>, an embodiment is shown of a fluid purification system <NUM>. It should be appreciated that while the illustrated embodiment may refer to the fluid purification system <NUM> as generating pure water for use in cleaning applications, this is for exemplary purposes and the claims should not be so limited in other embodiments, the fluid purification system <NUM> may be used in other applications, such as for conditioning water for using in washing vehicles. The system <NUM> includes a base <NUM> that holds and supports a tank <NUM>. The tank <NUM> includes an inlet port <NUM> and a hollow interior <NUM> (<FIG>). The tank <NUM> includes an open end <NUM> (<FIG>).

The hollow interior <NUM> includes an inner surface having a diameter sized to receive a replaceable media module <NUM>. The media module includes a purification media <NUM> that is under compression when the module is inserted into the hollow interior <NUM>. It should be appreciated that while embodiments herein describe the hollow interior <NUM> as being circular, this is for exemplary purposes and the claims should not be so limited. In one or more embodiments described herein, the interior <NUM> may be any suitable shape, such as but not limited to square, rectangular, oval, or a polygon for example.

It should be appreciated that while embodiments herein may describe the port <NUM> as being an "inlet" and the port <NUM> as being the "outlet," this is for example purposes and the claims should not be so limited. In other embodiments, the flow of fluid may be reversed, with the port <NUM> being the "inlet" and the port <NUM> being the "outlet.

In an embodiment, the module <NUM> includes an initial volume of purification media. As the system <NUM> is operated, such as to generate pure water for example, the water will pass through the media to become purified. As used herein, the terms "pure", "purified", and "purification" includes the removal of one or more components and/or the addition of one or more components from water or any other fluid. The components removed or added can include soluble and/or insoluble materials such as, but not limited to minerals, salts, suspended particles, bacteria, and others, where the soluble components are often referred to as total dissolved solids or TDS.

During operation, the purification of the fluid will cause the purification media to gradually deplete. As the purification media depletes, it also reduces in volume. As used herein, the term "depleted volume" means an operating condition where the output water (e.g. at the outlet port <NUM>) has a TDS level that is substantially the same as the input water. It has been found that the depleted volume is about <NUM>-<NUM>% less than the initial volume. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the initial volume of purification media is selected to allow a <NUM>% reduction in volume and still be under compression when at the depleted volume.

In an embodiment, the purification media is contained by a member made from a thin porous, flexible, and/or elastic material. In an embodiment, at least one of the material is both porous and elastic. In other embodiments, at least one of the material is both porous and flexible. In some such embodiments, member may be formed from a material that has <NUM>%-<NUM>% elastane and <NUM>%-<NUM>% Nylon, preferably a material formed from between <NUM>%-<NUM> elastane and between <NUM>%-<NUM>% Nylon, or with <NUM>% elastane and <NUM>% Nylon being desired, and any subranges therebetween. In one embodiment, the flexible bag may be <NUM>% nylon or polyamide (PA).

In the illustrated embodiment, the replaceable media module <NUM> is tubular in shape after inserted into the tank <NUM>. It should be appreciated that due to the elastic properties of the first member <NUM>, the module <NUM> may have a bulbous shape when placed on a surface outside of the tank <NUM>. In other embodiments where the module <NUM> has a member that is flexible, but has relative low elasticity, the module <NUM> may have relatively straight sides (e.g. non-bulbous) when placed on a surface outside of the tank <NUM>. In some embodiments where module <NUM> is configured for use with the tank <NUM>, which has an internal diameter of <NUM>, the module <NUM> may have an outer diameter of between <NUM> and <NUM>, or between about <NUM> to <NUM>, and any subranges therebetween. In this manner, the module <NUM> has outer diameter that is within ±<NUM>%, or within -<NUM>% to <NUM>%, with about -<NUM>% of the inner diameter of the hollow interior <NUM> being desired, and any subranges therebetween.

The tank includes a plurality of radial pins or ribs <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>), with the first plurality of ribs <NUM> being closer to the open end <NUM>. The second plurality of ribs <NUM> includes a projection <NUM> that extends radially outward from each rib <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the projection <NUM> is centrally located on each rib <NUM>. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the ribs <NUM>, <NUM> are sized and positioned to engage slots within a cover assembly <NUM>. Further, it should be appreciated that while the illustrated embodiment shows the ribs <NUM>, <NUM> as being positioned on the outer diameter of the tank <NUM>, in other embodiments the ribs <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned on the inside diameter of the tank <NUM>. Further in other embodiments, the tank <NUM> includes slots and the cover assembly <NUM> includes corresponding ribs.

Referring now to <FIG>, the cover assembly <NUM> is shown. The cover assembly <NUM> is sized to cover and seal against the tank <NUM> when the ribs <NUM>, <NUM> engage the slots <NUM> (<FIG>) with an o-ring <NUM> (<FIG>). The cover assembly <NUM> includes a body <NUM> with a handle <NUM> coupled thereto. The body <NUM> includes a hollow interior portion <NUM> that is in fluidly communication with the hollow interior <NUM> of the tank <NUM>. In an embodiment, a diffuser element <NUM> may be coupled to the body <NUM>. A port <NUM> is in fluid communication with the hollow interior <NUM>. The port <NUM> may be an outlet port that transfers conditioned water from the system <NUM> to the end use application.

According to the invention, the cover assembly <NUM> includes the slots <NUM> formed on the inside diameter of the hollow interior portion <NUM>. When the cover assembly <NUM> is placed on the tank <NUM> and rotated with respect to each other about the longitudinal axis of the system <NUM>, the ribs <NUM> are received in the slots <NUM> so as to form a fluid seal between the tank <NUM> and the cover assembly <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the cover assembly <NUM> further includes a pressure relief valve <NUM> and a release assembly <NUM>. The release assembly <NUM> includes a lever <NUM> and a locking member <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever <NUM> and locking member <NUM> are two separate components that are fixedly coupled to each other. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the lever <NUM> and locking member <NUM> may be fabricated as a single component. The release assembly <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the body <NUM> about an axis <NUM>.

The lever <NUM> includes a portion <NUM> that extends over the top of the body <NUM>. As will be discussed in more detail herein, an end <NUM> of the portion <NUM> engages and actuates the relief valve <NUM>. The lever <NUM> further includes a second portion <NUM> that extends along the side of the body <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock member <NUM> couples to the second portion <NUM>. In an embodiment, the lock member <NUM> includes a first arm <NUM> and a second arm <NUM> (<FIG>). The arms <NUM>, <NUM> each include a trunnion <NUM>. The trunnions <NUM> engage recesses in the body <NUM> to define the axis <NUM>. Extending along and extending past the side of the body <NUM> is a locking arm <NUM>. According to the present invention, the locking arm <NUM> includes a projection <NUM> on a distal end andthe projection <NUM> extends generally perpendicular to the locking arm <NUM> and includes a slot <NUM> that is sized to receive the projection <NUM> (<FIG>). In the illustrated embodiment, the locking arm <NUM> is sized to extend past the bottom edge <NUM> (<FIG>) of the body <NUM>.

When the cover assembly <NUM> is placed on the tank <NUM> and rotated to engage the rib <NUM> into the slot <NUM>, the angled surface <NUM> will contact the projection <NUM> causing the release assembly <NUM> to rotate about the axis <NUM> according to the invention such that the projection <NUM> slides over the end of the projection <NUM> until the slot <NUM> aligns with the projection <NUM>. When the slot <NUM> aligns with the projection <NUM>, the release assembly <NUM> will rotate back under the influence of biasing member <NUM> (<FIG>) causing the projection <NUM> to enter and engage the slot <NUM>. It should be appreciated that the engagement of the projection <NUM> and the slot <NUM> prevents further rotation of the cover assembly <NUM>. Since the ribs <NUM>, <NUM> are engaged with the slot <NUM>, the cover assembly <NUM> is coupled in sealing relationship with the tank <NUM> due to the mechanical coupling of the ribs <NUM>, <NUM> with the slot <NUM> and the engagement of the o-ring <NUM> with the side wall <NUM> (<FIG>) of tank <NUM> forms a pressure seal.

The relief valve <NUM> includes a cap <NUM> that is disposed between the biasing member <NUM> and the end <NUM>. Coupled to the cap <NUM> is a valve body <NUM> having a stem <NUM> and a head <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the stem <NUM> includes a thread that couples to an opening in the cap <NUM>. In other embodiments, the stem <NUM> is coupled to the cap <NUM> via other fastening means, such as but not limited to a press fit or an adhesive for example. The stem <NUM> extends through an opening <NUM> in the body <NUM> to secure the relief valve to the cover assembly. In an embodiment, a seal member <NUM> is disposed between the head <NUM> and a surface <NUM> (<FIG>) of the body <NUM>. In one embodiment, the seal member <NUM> is coupled to the surface <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the seal member <NUM> is coupled to the head <NUM>. The seal member <NUM> provides a seal between the head <NUM> and the body <NUM> when the relief valve <NUM> is in the closed position (<FIG>, <FIG>).

In operation, the operator couples the cover assembly <NUM> to the tank <NUM> as described above. A fluid source is coupled to one of the ports <NUM>, <NUM> and an outlet conduit is coupled to the other of the ports <NUM>, <NUM>. The system <NUM> then operates by receiving fluid (e.g. water) from the input port, conditions the fluid by passing it through the purification media in module <NUM> and then providing the conditioned fluid to the outlet port. It should be appreciated that the operation of the system <NUM> pressurizes the interior volume of the system <NUM>. This internal pressure increases the engagement force of the rib <NUM> on the slot <NUM>. As a result, when the operator has finished using the system <NUM>, the cover assembly <NUM> will be difficult or impossible to remove due to the internal pressure.

To resolve this, when the operator desires to remove the cover assembly <NUM>, the operator press the portion <NUM> of the lever <NUM>. The depression of the portion <NUM> causes two actions to occur simultaneously as is shown in <FIG>. First, the depression of the portion <NUM> overcomes the biasing force of the biasing member <NUM> via the cap <NUM>, resulting in the valve body <NUM> translating in a direction towards the base <NUM>. This displaces the head <NUM> from the surface <NUM> generating a gap <NUM> allowing pressure within the interior volume of the system <NUM> to vent via the hole <NUM>. Second, the depression of the portion <NUM> rotates the release assembly <NUM> (in the counter-clockwise direction when viewed from the position of <FIG>). This rotation moves the locking arm <NUM> and the projection <NUM> away from the side wall of the tank <NUM> to disengage the projection <NUM> from the slot <NUM>. With the slot <NUM> disengaged from the projection <NUM>, the cover assembly <NUM> may be rotated until the rib <NUM> disengages from the slot <NUM> allowing the cover assembly <NUM> to be lifted off of the tank <NUM>.

Embodiments provided herein provide for a fluid conditioning system having a pressure relief arrangement. Embodiments provided herein further provide for a fluid conditioning system having a lock that couples a cover assembly to a tank. Still further embodiments provided herein further provide for a release assembly that simultaneously releases pressure from an internal volume and unlocks the cover assembly from the tank.

It should further be appreciated that while embodiments herein may refer to features with respect to an embodiment, this is for example purposes and it is contemplated that the features may be combined with other disclosed embodiments.

For example, "substantially" or "about" can include a range around a given value.

It should also be noted that the terms "first", "second", "third", "upper", "lower", and the like may be used herein to modify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.

Claim 1:
A fluid purification device (<NUM>) comprising:
a tank (<NUM>) having a hollow interior (<NUM>) and a lock feature (<NUM>), which is a second protrusion extending from the side of the tank (<NUM>);
a cover (<NUM>) sealingly coupled to the tank (<NUM>), the cover including a body (<NUM>), which includes a hollow interior portion (<NUM>) that is in fluidly communication with the hollow interior (<NUM>) of the tank (<NUM>); and
a release assembly (<NUM>) pivotally coupled to the cover (<NUM>) and engaged with the lock feature, the release assembly (<NUM>) having a relief valve (<NUM>) fluidly coupled to the hollow interior and a lock member (<NUM>), the release assembly (<NUM>) being rotatable between a first position and a second position,
wherein the relief valve (<NUM>) is in a closed position and the lock member (<NUM>) is engaged with the lock feature (<NUM>) in the first position, and wherein the relief valve (<NUM>) is open and the lock member (<NUM>) rotates away from and is disengaged from the lock feature (<NUM>) in the second position, characterized in that the tank (<NUM>) comprises ribs (<NUM>) and the cover (<NUM>) comprises slots (<NUM>), formed on the inside diameter of the hollow interior portion (<NUM>), wherein the release assembly (<NUM>) comprises a locking arm (<NUM>) extending along and extending past the side of the body (<NUM>), which includes a a first projection (<NUM>) at the distal end that extends perpendicular to the locking arm (<NUM>) end and includes a slot (<NUM>) sized to receive the second projection (<NUM>), wherein the cover (<NUM>) is configured such that an angled surface (<NUM>) of the first projection (<NUM>) of the locking arm (<NUM>) will contact the second projection (<NUM>) causing the release assembly (<NUM>) to rotate about an axis (<NUM>) such that the first projection (<NUM>) of the locking arm (<NUM>) slides over the end of the second projection (<NUM>) of the tank until the slot (<NUM>) aligns with the projection (<NUM>), which is intended to be received in the slot (<NUM>), when the cover (<NUM>) is placed on the tank (<NUM>) and rotated to engage the rib (<NUM>) into the slot (<NUM>).