Patent ID: 7387210

Claim:
A combined filter cartridge and manifold for a water purification system, comprising: a manifold adapted for connection to a water supply, said manifold including a water supply valve, inlet and outlet fittings, and a manifold cap coupled to said water supply valve and movable between first and second positions respectively closing and opening said water supply valve; a filter cartridge having an upper end including inlet and outlet ports adapted for respective coupling with said manifold inlet and outlet fittings; said manifold and said filter cartridge further including interengageable means for retaining said cartridge inlet and outlet ports in secure coupled relation respectively with said manifold inlet and outlet fittings prior to opening of said water supply valve upon movement of said manifold cap from said first position to said second position, and for closing said water supply valve prior to permitting uncoupling of said cartridge inlet and outlet ports respectively from said manifold inlet and outlet fittings upon movement of said manifold cap from said second position to said first position; said filter cartridge including check valves mounted at said filter cartridge inlet and outlet ports, and said manifold including check valves mounted at said manifold inlet and outlet fittings; and an actuator pin carried at said filter cartridge inlet port for engaging and opening said check valve at said manifold inlet fitting, and an actuator nipple carried at said manifold outlet fitting for engaging and opening said check valve at said filter cartridge outlet port, when said filter cartridge is assembled with said manifold and said manifold cap is in said second position.