Patent Description:
Domestic purification of drinking water at the point-of-use is becoming increasingly important to many consumers. Water is usually purified to one extent or another by most municipalities prior to being supplied to consumers. Such municipal purification systems are, however, often inadequate and in any event incapable of removing many contaminants which adversely affect the taste of drinking water and which are introduced into drinking water between the municipal purification site and the domestic residences being serviced by the municipality.

Some of the existing problems in the art regarding filtration systems involve: a) filter replacement compliance; b) filter retention during operation (for example, not spinning off due to water pressure); c) modularity (simplifying the addition or removal of filtration components); and d) modification of the system's components to establish series or parallel flow to accommodate different filtration schemes.

There remains a demand in industry and in commercial and domestic settings for filter systems that can be used in diverse applications, and which can be assembled in modular form to achieve specific and specialized filtration needs. It is desirable for such filter systems to be adaptable for various filtering needs and filtering capacity. Furthermore, a filter system installed on a supply line will generally require routine maintenance for cartridge replacement and/or manifold repair. A modular system capable of detachment and reassembly would allow a user to perform replacement and/or repair without the need to remove the entire filter assembly.

Many applications require that more than one filter be employed to selectively remove different impurities. A filtration system may require the application of reverse osmosis membrane filters as well as other specialty filters that require pre-removal of contaminants, such as chlorine and/or sediment, in order to operate efficiently and properly. In such situations, some contaminants may first be removed from the feed water by passing the fluid through an upstream pre-filter before the fluid is fed into a filter array positioned downstream. The sequential treatment of fluids through multiple filters is known to have an effect on the quality of the filtered fluid as it passes through a filtering system. Both the number of filters and the type of filter media contained in the filters can affect the amount and type of contaminants removed from a treated fluid. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a filtering system in which the number of individual filter cartridges, the type of filter media, and the particular configuration of the filtering system can be readily assembled and implemented in-line. It is noted, however, that the filter removal and replacement process often requires significantly more attention and work when the filtration system uses different types of filters for filtering different substances from the fluid or the fluids. Thus, a modular filtration system that can readily accommodate assembly/disassembly of various filter cartridges is desirable.

<CIT> discloses a modular filter system using replaceable filter cartridges which include a locking arrangement that prevents rotation of the flow control valve spindle in the filter head.

<CIT> describes a manifold bracket assembly which has a bracket body and multiple filter heads. The filter heads are mounted on the bracket body, and each filter head has an outer casing, a filter connector, two keyed tabs and two tab fasteners. The filter connector and the keyed tabs are securely mounted in the outer casing by the tab fasteners.

<CIT> discloses a filter cartridge for use with a filter head assembly and for filtering a stream of pressurized fluid. The filter cartridge comprises a housing enclosing filtering media, a retainer to releasably engage a receiver in a filter head assembly, and one or more rotationally engagable locks securing the filter cartridge to the filter head assembly upon the rotational engagement of the filter cartridge with the filter head assembly.

<CIT> describes a water treatment system having an encapsulate manifold with a reverse osmosis cartridge and one or more filter cartridges, and an annular collar to adapt and connect the manifold to the cartridges. The filter cartridge includes a detent for being received within a slot in the manifold head for secure locking engagement.

<CIT> discloses a filter cartridge with an annular collar with a groove adapted to receive a fixing pin.

Bearing in mind the problems and deficiencies of the prior art, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a water purification system having a filter assembly which can be easily configured to accommodate different filtration schemes, including being configured for series or parallel flow.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a filter cartridge assembly attachment to a complementary manifold that ensures a locking feature to prevent unwarranted extraction of the filter cartridge assembly during use. Such a locking feature is advantageous on individual filter cartridge assemblies as well as a plurality of filter cartridge assemblies in a modular filter design.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a water purification system that includes an easily attachable / removable filter cartridge with a reliable and secure locking mechanism received by the manifold.

The above and other objects are overcome by the features of the claims.

The present invention is directed to a filter cartridge assembly according to claim <NUM>, to a modular filtration system according to claim <NUM>, to a modular filtration platform according to claim <NUM>, to a method for inserting a filter cartridge assembly according to claim <NUM> and to a method for extracting a filter cartridge assembly according to claim <NUM>.

A modular filtration system can comprise: at least one modular filter assembly having a manifold head and a filter cartridge assembly; the filter cartridge assembly including: a filter housing sealingly containing a filter media, the filter housing including an annular collar for mating to the manifold head, the annular collar having at least one aperture or recessed indent facing radially outwards, and adapted to receive a protrusion or lead-in tab for securing the filter cartridge from further rotation.

The modular filtration system further includes: a bracket for holding and/or supporting the manifold head and the filter cartridge assembly, the bracket having a forward end for receiving a push bar carriage, a back end mounting surface, and at least one support brace; and a push bar carriage slideably received by the at least one support brace, the push bar carriage having an aperture for receiving the annular collar of the filter cartridge assembly, the push bar carriage in resilient mechanical communication with the bracket such that an outward extraction force is applied to the push bar carriage when the push bar carriage is pushed inwards in the direction of the bracket back end mounting surface, the push bar carriage including the protrusion or lead-in tab such that the protrusion or lead-in tab is movably inserted within the at least one aperture or recessed indent of the annular collar thereby securing the filter cartridge assembly from further rotation when the outward extraction force acts on the push bar carriage.

The push bar carriage may include at least one inwardly, radially extending arcuate segment having a radius of curvature approximately equal to a radius of curvature for the annular collar.

The push bar carriage may further include a retainer for securing a resilient member, the resilient member producing the outward extraction force. The resilient member includes a spring.

The bracket includes a surface proximate the retainer for providing an opposing or withstanding force to the resilient member.

A protrusion or lead-in tab extends radially inwards of the push bar carriage aperture, and extends opposite the retainer.

The annular collar includes a recessed portion in a partial circumferential arcuate segment to facilitate insertion of the filter cartridge assembly into the manifold head, through the aperture of the push bar carriage, without requiring the user to simultaneously move the push bar carriage during insertion of the filter cartridge assembly.

The modular filtration system may include at least one sensor for monitoring fluid traversing through the system, the at least one sensor capable of measuring filtration fluid parameters such as flow rate, pressure, temperature, conductivity, and/or impurity concentrations. The at last one sensor may include an integrated sensor package which is integrated with the modular filtration platform system for managed water visible/audible indications and Wi-Fi interface.

A filter cartridge assembly can comprise: a filter housing sealingly containing a filter media; and an annular collar for mating to a manifold head, the annular collar having at least one indent or aperture facing radially outwards, and adapted to receive a movable protrusion for securing the filter cartridge assembly from further rotation when secured in the manifold head.

The annular collar includes a recessed portion in a partial circumferential arcuate segment to facilitate insertion of the filter cartridge assembly.

A modular filtration system can comprise: at least one modular filter assembly having a manifold head and a filter cartridge assembly; the filter cartridge assembly including: a filter housing sealingly containing a filter media, and having ingress and egress ports for fluid transfer, the filter housing including an annular collar for mating to the manifold head; a resilient protrusion or insertion segment extending radially outwards from the filter housing collar; the manifold head including an attachment base having a threaded annular collar, the manifold head having ingress and egress access ports in fluid communication with the filter housing ingress and egress ports, the manifold threaded annular collar having a receiving aperture which is in mechanical communication with the resilient protrusion or insertion segment of the filter housing collar when the filter cartridge assembly is secured to the manifold head, such that the filter cartridge assembly is locked in position by the resilient protrusion or insertion segment held in place by the receiving aperture; and a support bracket for mounting the at least one modular filter assembly.

The modular filtration platform system includes a locking clip attachable to the filter housing collar, the locking clip forming the resilient protrusion or insertion segment which extends radially from the filter housing collar for mating with the manifold threaded annular collar receiving aperture.

The locking clip has a predetermined radius and is attached circumferentially about the filter housing collar.

The resilient protrusion or insertion segment comprises an opposing resilient arcuate lock/release lever for extracting the resilient protrusion or insertion segment by a user. The resilient arcuate lock/release lever in its relaxed position extends radially beyond the radius of the locking clip, such that when the locking clip is secured to the filter housing collar, the resilient protrusion or insertion segment is aligned with the manifold threaded annular collar receiving aperture, and resiliency of the arcuate lock/release lever causes the resilient protrusion or insertion segment to extend through the manifold threaded annular collar receiving aperture.

A modular filtration platform can comprise: at least two modular filter assemblies, each having a manifold head and a filter cartridge assembly; the filter cartridge assembly including: a filter housing sealingly containing a filter media, the filter housing including an annular collar for mating to the manifold head, the annular collar having at least one aperture or recessed indent facing radially outwards, and adapted to receive a protrusion or lead-in tab for securing the filter cartridge from further rotation, wherein each of the manifold heads includes a top portion fluid access port releasably joined to an adjacent manifold head top portion fluid access port by a manifold union or conduit, which allows each manifold head to link in fluid communication to one another.

Each of the manifold heads include ingress and egress ports adapted for receiving either the manifold union or conduit to continue water flow outside the manifold head, or a conduit plug to cease water flow from a given port, or an input/output conduit for receiving fluid ingress or dispensing fluid egress.

The manifold union or conduit, the conduit plug, and the input/output conduit may be arranged on the manifold heads to allow fluid filtration in a series configuration or a parallel configuration.

The modular filtration platform further includes a locking key removably insertable within insertion holes located on the manifold head, such then when the manifold union or conduit is slideably inserted within an access port of the manifold head, the locking key placed within the insertion holes to secure the manifold union or conduit in place.

The manifold union or conduit includes spaced ribs to secure O-rings for a watertight seal of the manifold union or conduit to the manifold head.

The modular filtration platform may include a wall mount for securing the bracket to a permanent structure, the wall mount including at least one lip for slideably receiving a bracket flange capable of mounting a pre-filter assembly or a post-filter assembly to the modular filtration platform.

The pre- and post- filter assemblies are slideably positioned anywhere on the wall mount.

The top portion fluid access port slideably receives manifold union or conduits which fluidly connect one manifold head to another, and includes insertion holes for receiving a locking key, the locking key used to secure the manifold union or conduits to connect one manifold head to another in fluid communication.

The top portion fluid access port slideably receives a manifold union or conduit to continue water flow outside the manifold head, or a conduit plug to cease water flow from a given port, or an input/output conduit for receiving fluid ingress or dispensing fluid egress.

A filter cartridge assembly can include: a filter housing sealingly containing a filter cartridge, and having ingress and egress ports for fluid transfer, the filter housing including a threaded collar for mating to a manifold head; and a resilient protrusion or insertion segment extending radially from or through the filter housing collar for releasably securing the filter cartridge housing to the manifold head.

A locking clip is attachable to the filter housing collar, the locking clip forming the resilient protrusion or insertion segment which extends radially outwards from the filter housing collar for mating with a receiving aperture on the manifold.

The resilient protrusion or insertion segment comprises a resilient arcuate lock/release lever insertable within the manifold threaded annular collar receiving aperture, and the resilient arcuate lock/release lever in its relaxed position extends radially beyond the radius of the locking clip, such that when the locking clip is secured to the filter housing collar, the resilient protrusion or insertion segment is aligned with the manifold receiving aperture, and resiliency of the arcuate lock/release lever causes the resilient protrusion or insertion segment to extend through the manifold receiving aperture.

A method for inserting a filter cartridge assembly to a manifold, can comprise: aligning the filter cartridge assembly with a push bar carriage located on a supporting bracket, such that a recessed portion on an annular collar of the filter cartridge assembly aligns with a back curved portion of an aperture of the push bar carriage; inserting the filter cartridge assembly inserted vertically upwards into the push bar carriage aperture; rotating the filter cartridge assembly into a complementary receiving threaded portion of a manifold; aligning an aperture or recessed indent on the annular collar of the filter cartridge assembly upon rotation; and inserting a tab from the push bar carriage within the aperture or recessed indent on the annular collar of the filter cartridge assembly, the tab responsive to a resilient radially inwards force of the push bar carriage, to secure the filter cartridge assembly from further rotation.

A method for extracting a filter cartridge assembly from a manifold, can comprise: pushing a push bar carriage, which is slideably supported on a mounting bracket, inwards towards the filter cartridge assembly to displace a tab from within an aperture or recessed indent on an annular collar of the filter cartridge assembly; rotating the filter cartridge assembly in a rotational direction to remove the filter cartridge assembly from the manifold; releasing the push bar carriage; and removing the filter cartridge assembly.

The features of the invention believed to be novel and the elements characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The figures are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. The invention itself, however, both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the detailed description which follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:.

In describing the preferred embodiment of the present invention, reference will be made herein to <FIG> of the drawings in which like numerals refer to like features of the invention.

The present invention addresses the aforementioned problems associated in the art with different embodiments of a novel modular filtration platform. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a drinking water purification system includes a base support or bracket, an ingress (input) port for a source of untreated water, an egress (outlet) port for providing purified water, and a modular filter assembly having an ingress port connected to the source of untreated water and an egress port connected to an outlet flow conduit or to a dispenser. The modular filter assembly may include individual manifold heads and attaching filter cartridge assemblies. Some or all of the manifold heads and/or filter cartridge assemblies may be interchangeable. Each manifold head is designed with fluid flow access ports to accommodate different fluid flow configurations, such as series and parallel fluid flow through the filter cartridge assemblies associated with each manifold, as will be discussed in further detail below. The manifold head includes a threaded attachment base for receiving a filter housing. A locking mechanism on the filter housing of the filter cartridge assembly is employed to mate with a complementary receiving locking mechanism on the manifold head in order to prevent inadvertent removal of the filter cartridge assembly.

The system is designed to filter water through filter cartridge assemblies connected to a set of manifolds. The system is modular with single manifolds capable of being daisy chained together as needed (i.e., a plurality of manifold/filter cartridge assemblies may be implemented). Modular manifolds allow customization and sizing to facilitate storage and equipment demand. A plurality of configurations is available, each with individual variants, enhancements, and extensions according to water quality, usage, and infrastructure. Most configurations would include a sediment pre-filter and an anti-scale post filter, although such additions are user optional.

The filtration platform may be flexible in design to be configurable and customizable to unique applications. For example, it may include a sensor package and state-of-the-art filter media, such as media from KX Technologies LLC, including carbon block, fibrillated activated carbon technology (FACT® Media), microbiological reduction chemistry, chloramine carbon, anti-scale treatments, and hybrids thereof.

The filter media is to a large extent, unrestricted, providing for media flexibility with options for municipal water, and specialty media for problem water and global water conditions.

An integrated sensor package may be integrated with the system for true managed water visible/audible indications and Wi-Fi interface to facilitate virtually instantaneous response times for filtration needs. An A/C power with battery backup may be used, although other power sources (DC options) are not restricted. The system may include some form of display, such as an LED display with status indicators, and a graphic user interface. In at least one embodiment, the system may be designed to be Wi-Fi enabled.

Strategies for such sensors include data collection measuring water flow and filtration time (life expectancy), which may implement flow meter, counters, pressure transducers, TDS monitoring, and the like.

The sensor measurements (such as flow measurements) may provide for optimized filter replacement, and ultimately managed costs. Flow and/or Pressure signals are designed to signal when a filter change is necessary, which prevents downtime, and eliminates bypassing. At least one sensor may be employed with the filtration platform capable of measuring any number of filtration fluid parameters, such as flow rate, pressure, temperature, conductivity, and/or impurity concentrations, to name a few.

The sensor system may provide communication feedback to the user, owner/operator, and/or service network, such as texts, emails. This communication provides for timely filter replenishment and maintenance.

Each individual modular filter assembly includes a manifold head that is releasably joined to adjacent manifold heads by a manifold union or conduit(s), which allows each manifold head to link in fluid communication to one another. The manifold heads have ingress and egress ports adapted for receiving either a manifold union or conduit(s) to continue water flow outside the manifold head, or a plug to cease water flow from a given port, or provide treated water to a dispenser. As noted above, the conduits and plugs can be arranged to establish either parallel water flow or series water flow through filter cartridges in the filter housings attached to each - manifold. In this manner, a plurality of filter cartridges are connected together in series or parallel for selectively removing specific kinds of impurities sequentially or simultaneously from, for example, a tap water supply, or for disinfecting incoming water, and/or for adding nutrients or other additives to the tap water supply.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a monitor system is utilized with sensors to measure the performance of the system. The monitor allows the user to receive and view the system performance. Communication, such as Wi-Fi capability, allows the data to be seen anywhere via smart phone, computer, etc..

The manifolds of an embodiment of the invention are modular, and connected together with conduits or unions which are in-turn held in place with retaining or locking clips, which allows the conduits or unions to be removably attached. The manifolds may be mounted on a bracket, preferably a solid bracket, such as a metal bracket, which is used to mount the entire filtration system at a needed location. The bracket preferably includes mounting holes for screws, nails, or the like, to mount the bracket to a wall or other support structure, such as to a wall mount bracket.

<FIG> depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, specifically, a modular based filtration system. This system includes a base filtration platform <NUM> including two module filter assemblies 12a,b. Each module filter assembly includes a filter cartridge assembly 16a,b attached to a respective manifold head 14a,b. As will be evident in a more expansive modular design, triple and quad configurations, utilizing <NUM> or <NUM> filter cartridge assemblies, or configurations with more filter cartridge assemblies, are easily achievable from multiple assembled manifold/filter combinations.

Referring to <FIG>, manifold heads 14a,b are shown attached to a supporting bracket <NUM>. The filter cartridge assemblies include filter media enclosed within a watertight casing or housing. The filter media may be any filter media known in the art and generally used for water purification purposes, such as a carbon block filter media, filter paper, granulated activated carbon (GAC) media, or other combinations thereof, as examples. Additionally, the filter cartridge assembly may include a reverse osmosis membrane. In the embodiment identified by <FIG>, filter cartridge assembly 16a represents a filter housing having filter media such as a carbon block, filter paper, GAC, or a combination thereof, and filter cartridge assembly 16b represents a reverse osmosis filter.

<FIG> depicts one embodiment of a supporting bracket to mount and hold a plurality of manifold heads. Bracket <NUM> is preferably an L-shaped structure having a horizontal portion 20a and vertical portion 20b. Mounting holes <NUM> are located in horizontal portion 20a, which are designed to receive the manifold heads 14a,b on the bracket upper side. As will be detailed below, manifold heads 14a,b include a threaded connector on its lower portion or bottom to receive an upper, complementary threaded portion of the filter housing of a filter cartridge assembly 16a,b. As depicted in <FIG>, the top portion of the housing for each filter cartridge assembly 16a,b is insertably attached into the threaded connector on the lower portion of manifold heads 14a,b respectively, on the lower side of horizontal portion 20a of bracket <NUM>.

Filter housings are attached to the manifold heads <NUM> the bottom portion of which extends through mounting apertures <NUM> in the bracket <NUM>. Bracket <NUM> may contain alignment pegs or screw-hole apertures <NUM> to guide complementary locking attachments or screws or pegs <NUM> that secure manifold heads <NUM> to bracket <NUM>. Bracket <NUM> is attachable to a wall or other mounting structure. Shown in this embodiment, bracket mounting screw holes <NUM> allow for bracket <NUM> to be physically secured to a mounting structure with commercial screws, bolts, or nails. Bracket <NUM> may be any shape which can support the respective manifold heads and filter cartridge housing assemblies, and is not limited simply to an L-shape configuration. By way of example only, bracket <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment is designed to accommodate a plurality of modular filter assembly mounting apertures <NUM> (two of which are needed in the embodiment depicted in <FIG>) to hold multiple filter assemblies,.

<FIG> depicts a perspective view of filter cartridge assembly <NUM> (16a or b). The filter cartridge assembly includes a housing <NUM> having an annular collar <NUM> with preferably a double lead thread <NUM>. An inner annular collar <NUM> is also shown which includes an O-ring <NUM> to provide a watertight seal. A connection fitting <NUM> is shown extending through the inner annular collar <NUM>. Connection fitting <NUM> provides a fluid flow port for filter cartridge assembly 16a. In this embodiment, thread <NUM> is designed to accommodate a quick change of the filter housing from the manifold head preferably in about a ¼-turn, and includes a twist-click locking interface as will be discussed in further detail below.

<FIG> depicts an exploded view of a filter cartridge assembly <NUM> (16a or 16b) of one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment filter housing <NUM> is depicted as being constructed of two cylindrical shells 30a,b. Shell 30a receives filter cartridge <NUM>, which in the illustrated embodiment is depicted as a carbon block filter media. Filter cartridge <NUM> is presented with a top end cap <NUM> and a bottom end cap <NUM>. Filter cartridge <NUM> includes a center axial cylindrical fluid flow path or spacing, so that water flowing radially inwards from the outside wall of filter cartridge <NUM> exits the axial cylindrical spacing to a post or egress port <NUM> located on top end cap <NUM>. Upon assembly, post or egress port <NUM> is inserted through aperture <NUM> at the top of filter housing shell 30b. Shells 30a,b when connected form a water-tight seal around filter cartridge <NUM>. O-rings may be located about aperture <NUM> and/or egress port <NUM> to ensure water does not leak from the housing.

Bottom end cap <NUM> is sealed to filter cartridge <NUM> in order to obstruct fluid flow through the center axial cylindrical fluid flow path or spacing of filter cartridge <NUM>, forcing fluid to flow radially inwards through the external wall of the filter cartridge cylinder in order for filtered water to exit the center axial cylindrical flow path.

The filter cartridge assemblies are designed with a threaded collar and accommodate a locking clip to attach securably to their respective manifold. Locking clip or ring <NUM> may be designed as a separate ring that is attachable to annular collar <NUM>, or may be integrated with annular collar <NUM>. This locking scheme is used to ensure filter retention during operation. In at least one embodiment, locking clip or ring <NUM> is installed around the outside of the filter annular collar <NUM>. It is resilient to compression / extension and therefore "spring loaded" allowing a latch to be engaged automatically upon insertion of the annular collar into the complementary receiving manifold. That is, when the filter cartridge assembly is completely engaged with the manifold, a portion of locking ring <NUM> inserts into a corresponding slot in the manifold with an audible click. This locks the filter cartridge assembly into the manifold.

The resiliency of the locking ring allows a user to remove the filter cartridge assembly from the manifold by extending outwards the portion of the locking ring inserted within a slot in the manifold away from the slot, which allows for subsequent rotation of the filter cartridge assembly.

One embodiment of annular collar <NUM> is depicted in perspective view in <FIG>. Receiving apertures or recessed indents <NUM>, <NUM> are formed to receive an insertion segment <NUM> of locking ring <NUM>, and an optional retainer segment <NUM>, respectively. Receiving apertures <NUM>, <NUM> are diametrically opposed about annular collar <NUM>. The placement of insertion segment <NUM> and retainer segment <NUM> of locking ring <NUM> into receiving apertures <NUM>, <NUM> axially secures locking ring <NUM> to annular collar <NUM> and prohibits any extended rotation of the locking ring or filter cartridge assembly.

Receiving aperture <NUM> receives retainer segment <NUM> of locking ring <NUM>. This connection retains the locking ring from axial movement and prevents inadvertent rotation of the locking clip <NUM> when annular collar <NUM> is rotated within manifold head <NUM> (14a or 14b). Receiving aperture <NUM> receives insertion segment <NUM> of locking ring <NUM>. This aperture also prevents inadvertent rotation of the locking clip <NUM> when rotated on annular collar <NUM>. There is allowance for insertion segment <NUM> to move further inwards on receiving aperture <NUM> towards the axial center of annular collar <NUM> when filter cartridge assembly <NUM> (16a or 16b) is rotatably secured to manifold head <NUM> (14a or 14b).

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of annular collar <NUM> depicting receiving aperture <NUM> located between threads <NUM>.

In at least one embodiment, the design of annular collar <NUM> may have only receiving aperture <NUM> (not aperture <NUM>) if it is accommodating a locking ring without a retainer segment <NUM>. <FIG> depicts an annular collar having an outwardly extending circumferential lip (or conversely an inwardly extending groove) <NUM> which is formed on the outside surface of annular collar 32b, and which would mate with a complementary groove/lip on a locking ring to secure axially the locking ring. Additionally, annular collar <NUM> may include both receiving apertures <NUM>, <NUM> and lip/groove <NUM> for securing the locking ring.

<FIG> depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of locking clip <NUM>. An insertion segment <NUM> is formed with and responsive to a resilient arcuate lock/release lever <NUM>. Resilient arcuate lock/release lever <NUM> is preferably of the approximate radius of curvature of locking clip <NUM>, although the design does not dictate that it must be of approximate curvature, and other lever shapes (other than arcuate) may be employed provided sufficient resiliency is exhibited for insertion and removal. In this manner, a user is able to activate the lever by pressing (pulling) radially inwards (outwards) towards (away from) the axial center of locking clip <NUM>.

As depicted in <FIG>, resilient arcuate lock/release lever <NUM> in its relaxed position, extends radially beyond the radius of locking clip <NUM>, such that when locking clip <NUM> is secured to annular collar <NUM>, insertion segment <NUM> is aligned with receiving aperture <NUM> and the resiliency of lever <NUM> causes insertion segment <NUM> to extend through receiving aperture <NUM>. In a similar fashion, when the filter cartridge assembly is attached to a manifold, insertion segment <NUM> extends through an aligned manifold aperture <NUM> to "lock" the filter cartridge assembly to the manifold, and prohibit unwanted rotation that could otherwise undermine the threaded attachment. The pulling of lever <NUM> radially outwards removes insertion segment <NUM> from the aligned manifold aperture <NUM>, allowing a user to rotate and remove the filter cartridge assembly.

In at least one embodiment, the design of locking clip <NUM> may further include a groove (or lip) <NUM> for mating with outwardly extending circumferential lip (or inwardly extending groove) <NUM>, which is formed on the outside surface of annular collar 32b, and which secures locking ring <NUM> axially. Additionally, locking ring <NUM> may include both retainer segment <NUM> and groove (or lip) <NUM> to secure attachment to the annular collar and prevent either axial or rotational movement when secured.

<FIG> depicts a second embodiment of the locking clip. In this embodiment, locking clip <NUM>' includes a modified, shaped insertion segment <NUM>' and release lever <NUM>'. Locking clip <NUM>' is depicted without retainer segment <NUM> (although retainer segment <NUM> may be employed if so desired, and if the manifold accommodates with an aligned manifold aperture). Insertion segment <NUM>' acts in a similar fashion as insertion segment <NUM>, when inserted within a receiving aperture of the annular collar.

<FIG> depicts an example of a locking filter cartridge assembly that is employed without the aforementioned locking clip. In this example, the annular collar <NUM> of the filter cartridge assembly includes a recessible component <NUM> having a protrusion <NUM> which is capable of insertion within a receiving aperture on the manifold. In this example, protrusion <NUM> is a resiliently formed section that is integral with annular collar <NUM>, having only one side attached (formed with) annular collar <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an exploded view of a dual manifold head construction with connecting fluid flow conduits <NUM>, manifold port plugs <NUM>, threaded ingress/egress conduits <NUM>, and a supporting bracket <NUM>. Manifold heads 14a,b are shown with fluid flow access ports A-D (access port D not visible, but extending opposite access port B), and access ports A'-D' respectively. Each access port is capable of having fluid flow into or out of the manifold head. The manifold heads are arranged such that they are inserted within mounting apertures <NUM> of bracket <NUM>. The threaded lower portion of each manifold head 14a,b being insertable through mounting apertures <NUM>, while alignment pegs or screw-hole apertures <NUM> are used to secure the complementary mating attachment structure <NUM> of each manifold 14a,b.

Each manifold head is adapted to receive, and attach in a fluid-sealing manner with, a filter cartridge assembly <NUM> (16a,b). In particular, each manifold head includes a complementary connection fitting for mating with filter cartridge assembly <NUM> (16a,b).

Each access port A-D and A'-D' includes insertion holes <NUM> proximate each end for receiving and retaining a locking key <NUM>. Locking key <NUM> is inserted within insertion holes <NUM> after either a fluid flow conduit <NUM>, a manifold port plug <NUM>, or a threaded ingress/egress conduit <NUM> has been inserted in access ports A-D or A'-D'. When fluid flow conduit <NUM>, manifold port plug <NUM>, or threaded ingress/egress conduit <NUM>, is situated within a manifold access port (such as A, B, C, or D, etc.), locking key <NUM> secures the respective connector so that it cannot dislodge from the manifold access port without first removing locking key <NUM>. Circumferential ribs <NUM>, located on at least one end of the conduit, port plug, or ingress/egress conduit connectors secure O-ring seals for forming a watertight connection.

Pressure sensors <NUM> or other fluid flow monitoring devices as discussed previously above may be attached to the topside of the manifold, and exposed to the internal fluid flow through the manifold.

<FIG> depicts conduit <NUM> with circumferential ribs <NUM> having gaps <NUM> therebetween that secure O-rings (not shown) for watertight insertion. Extended legs 69a-c of inserted locking key <NUM> retain conduit <NUM> from inadvertent removal from the manifold. As depicted in <FIG>, locking key <NUM> includes two outside legs 69a,b that upon insertion extend through openings formed proximate each end of a manifold tubular segment that receives a fluid flow conduit <NUM>, a manifold port plug <NUM>, or a threaded ingress/egress conduit <NUM>. A center leg extension 69c, which may encompass two smaller, closely spaced legs, may provide a further attachment mechanism at the top portion of the manifold tubular segment.

<FIG> depicts a top view of the manifolds of <FIG> indicating fluid flow for a series configuration. In this configuration fluid enters the modular manifold assembly at ingress conduit <NUM> through access port A, as indicated by arrow E. Fluid then flows into the first filter cartridge assembly attached to manifold 14a, and upon exit from the filter cartridge is blocked by manifold port plug 17a and 17d from exiting manifold 14a in any direction other than through access port B. In this manner, fluid is directed through access port B, and exits through conduit <NUM>, as indicated by arrow F. Fluid enters manifold 14b at access port D' and is directed to the filter cartridge assembly associated with manifold 14b. Manifold port plugs 17b, and 17c assist in directing fluid to travel out threaded egress conduit 19b, as indicated by arrow G, insomuch as the plugs do not allow fluid to exit a conduit through a stopped access port. In accordance with this configuration, fluid is directed first through the filter cartridge assembly attached to manifold 14a, and then sequentially through the filter cartridge assembly attached to manifold 14b. Thus, a series configuration for filtration is achieved. In a similar fashion, the manifolds may be configured with a set of conduits and plugs to provide for parallel flow through the filter cartridge assemblies, such that fluid enters each filter cartridge simultaneously, that is, each filter receives unfiltered fluid (not previously filtered by another filter in the parallel flow path) and simultaneously provides filtered fluid to the exit or egress port of the modular manifold arrangement.

<FIG> depicts an exploded view of one embodiment of a manifold head <NUM> of the present invention. The manifold head <NUM> comprises at least two parts, a base section <NUM> and a cylindrical conduit attachment section <NUM>. Base section <NUM> is preferably of molded construction, although other constructions are not limited by the present design. Base section <NUM> includes locking attachments or screws or pegs <NUM> that enable manifold <NUM> to be secured to bracket <NUM>. As indicated in <FIG>, locking attachments <NUM> are depicted molded to base section <NUM>; however, other attachment schemes known in the art may be employed, and the present invention is not limited to any particular attachment scheme. Conduit attachment section <NUM> includes two fluidly separate ingress/egress subassemblies 145a,b to direct fluid that flows into the manifold toward a filter cartridge assembly, receives fluid from the filter cartridge assembly, and redirects the filtered fluid out of the manifold. As depicted, these conduit attachment sections are cylindrical in shape, having apertures located proximate the end portions for receiving a locking key.

<FIG> depicts different perspective views of base section <NUM> of manifold <NUM>. A top perspective view 141a, a bottom perspective view 141b, and a reversed, bottom perspective view 141c. In the latter two views, manifold aperture <NUM> is visible. This aperture receives insertion segment <NUM> of locking ring <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an illustrative embodiment of two modular filter assemblies 12a,b with a pre-filter assembly <NUM> and a post-filter assembly <NUM> attached thereto. Bracket <NUM> is shown attached to a wall mount <NUM>. Wall mount <NUM> includes a top lip <NUM> and a bottom lip <NUM> for slideably receiving a bracket flange <NUM> which mounts pre-filter assembly <NUM> to bracket <NUM>, putting pre-filter <NUM> in line for attaching a threaded conduit <NUM> to the modular filter assembly 12b. Bracket flange <NUM> mounts post-filter assembly <NUM> to bracket <NUM>, putting post-filter <NUM> in line for attaching a threaded conduit to the modular filter assembly 12a. Each pre- and post- filter assembly includes a manifold head having ingress and egress ports to receive a threaded conduit <NUM>, plug <NUM>, or threaded fluid flow port <NUM>, as the configuration requires. Bracket flange <NUM>, <NUM> are slideably engaged to the lips <NUM>, <NUM> of bracket <NUM>, for a secure mounting.

This configuration allows pre- and post- filter assemblies to be added after installation of the dual modular filter assemblies. Pre- and post- filter assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned anywhere on the wall mount <NUM>. A thumb screw <NUM> may be employed to hold their position.

As noted previously, the sensor system employed with the modular filtration platform may provide electronic feedback to the user/operator. Wi-Fi capability which allows computers, smartphones, or other devices to connect to the Internet or communicate with one another wirelessly within a particular area may be used to relay critical filtration information. <FIG> depicts a communication module <NUM> that is capable of communicating with the sensors employed with the modular filtration platform, and is also capable of communicating with other electronic devices. In this embodiment, at least some of the sensors employed with the modular filtration platform have wireless communication ability.

<FIG> depicts an alternative embodiment of a filter design <NUM> supported by a bracket <NUM> that includes a releasable push bar latching design. Manifold <NUM> is secured to bracket <NUM> and includes a mating scheme for attaching filter cartridge assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded view of the alternative filter design <NUM> of <FIG>. Bracket <NUM> includes a support brace for holding a push bar carriage <NUM>. The support brace is preferably a downward extending ledge <NUM> with a horizontally extending rail <NUM>, forming an L-shaped structure, which together with an opposing facing ledge, receives slideably push bar carriage <NUM>. Ledge <NUM> is preferably integral with bracket <NUM>. Ledges <NUM> create sliding surfaces via the extending rails for push bar carriage <NUM> to traverse back and forth. Other support brace shapes may be employed to receive slideably the push bar carriage.

<FIG> is a perspective view of push bar carriage <NUM> slideably inserted within opposing ledges <NUM>. Push bar carriage <NUM> allows the filter cartridge assembly <NUM> to mate with manifold head <NUM>, and provides a locking mechanism to secure the filter cartridge assembly from further rotation when an outward extraction force acts on push bar carriage <NUM>. A tab <NUM> is depicted extending downward from the horizontal shelf of bracket <NUM> in order to provide a bracket surface capable of withstanding the force of a resilient member <NUM> contained by push bar carriage <NUM>. Conversely, the resilient member <NUM> may reside with the support bracket, and push bar carriage <NUM> may provide a surface for a withstanding force.

<FIG> is a perspective back view of push bar carriage <NUM>. A retainer <NUM> is depicted extending from the back end of push bar carriage <NUM>. Retainer <NUM> is designed to hold resilient member <NUM>, such as a spring or other resilient component, which is capable of providing an extension force that pushes push bar carriage <NUM> outwards or away from tab <NUM> of bracket <NUM>. The resilient component may also be integral with the push bar carriage and not require a retainer. As discussed above, tab <NUM> provides a bracket surface for opposing the spring force of resilient member <NUM>. Retainer <NUM> may be cylindrically shaped as shown, or may be any configured shape that can hold a resilient component; for example, in <FIG>, retainer <NUM> is depicted as being U-shaped. Opposite retainer <NUM>, extending radially inwards towards the aperture of push bar carriage <NUM> that receives filter cartridge assembly <NUM>, is a projection or lead-in tab <NUM> which moves with the extension of resilient member <NUM> towards the attached filter cartridge assembly. Lead-in tab <NUM> secures the filter cartridge assembly by its insertion within a recess <NUM> of annular collar <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view of push bar carriage <NUM>. As shown, push bar carriage <NUM> may include arcuate segments <NUM> forming predominantly a circular aperture to receive annular collar <NUM>. Push bar carriage <NUM> may alternative have a complete circular aperture having a diameter slightly greater than that of the annular collar <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a front view of push bar carriage <NUM> having a wider, user-friendly front surface <NUM> for a user to push.

<FIG> depicts annular collar <NUM> for use with push bar carriage <NUM>. Annular collar <NUM> includes at least one aperture or recessed indent <NUM>, and preferably diametrically opposing apertures and/or recess indents for accepting lead-in tab <NUM> upon final rotation of the filter cartridge assembly into the manifold. Resilient component <NUM> pushes push bar carriage <NUM> towards the filter cartridge annular collar <NUM>, which in turn extends lead-in tab <NUM> into aperture or recess indent <NUM>. In order to release the filter cartridge assembly and provide an extracting rotation, a user pushes the push bar carriage <NUM> towards the backend of support bracket <NUM> (away from the user), which pushes lead-in tab <NUM> out of aperture or recess indent <NUM>, allowing the filter cartridge assembly to be rotated.

Annular collar <NUM> further includes an alignment indent <NUM> which is designed to align with the arcuate segment <NUM> located at the backend of push bar carriage <NUM>; that is, located at the end furthest from the user. Alignment indent <NUM> allows a user to insert vertically upwards the filter cartridge assembly past arcuate segment <NUM> located at the backend of push bar carriage <NUM> without the need to push simultaneously inwards the push bar carriage. Alignment indent <NUM> removes a portion of the circumferential outer surface of the annular collar <NUM> to provide for a straight, vertically upwards insertion of the filter cartridge assembly towards the manifold head.

The methods of attachment and extraction of a filter cartridge assembly are predicated on the locking mechanism utilized. In one embodiment, a locking ring is retained about the outer circumference of the annular collar. The locking ring includes an insertion segment, which is user operable by a resilient arcuate lock/release lever. The insertion segment is designed to enter a recess on the annular collar of the filter cartridge assembly and a recess on the manifold threaded portion upon final rotation of the filter cartridge assembly. To release, the resilient arcuate lock/release lever is pulled back by the user, and the filter cartridge assembly is rotated.

In another embodiment, a push bar carriage is utilized as the locking mechanism. To attach the filter cartridge assembly, the filter cartridge housing is aligned with the push bar carriage such that a recessed portion on the annular collar of the filter cartridge assembly lines up with the back curved portion of the push bar carriage aperture, which may be a radially extending arcuate segment. The filter cartridge assembly is inserted vertically upwards into the push bar carriage aperture and rotated within the complementary manifold receiving threaded portion. Upon final rotation, a recess in the annular collar of the filter cartridge assembly receives a tab responsive to the resilient radially inwards force of the push bar carriage. The tab secures the filter cartridge assembly from further rotation.

Claim 1:
A filter cartridge assembly (16a, b, <NUM>) comprising:
a filter housing (<NUM>) sealingly containing a filter media; and
an annular collar (<NUM>, <NUM>) for mating to a manifold head (14a, b, <NUM>), characterized by said annular collar (<NUM>, <NUM>) having an inner surface, an outer surface, internal threads (<NUM>) on said inner surface, and at least one aperture (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) extending through said annular collar (<NUM>, <NUM>) or a recessed indent positioned on said outer surface and facing radially outwards, said at least one aperture (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) or said recessed indent located between said internal threads (<NUM>) and adapted to receive a movable protrusion (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) for securing said filter cartridge assembly (16a, b, <NUM>) from further rotation when secured in said manifold head (14a, b, <NUM>).