Modular drinking water filtration system with bottom load cartridges with grip-enhanced end rings and color coding
First Claim
1. A method for assembling a water filter element in a housing to provide a replaceable filter cartridge, the housing having an open operative end defined by an annular reduced diameter portion and the filter element having an end enclosure with an axially extending neck sealingly engaging the interior of the reduced diameter portion, extending axially therepast to a stop position in which the end closure is in engagement with the housing, and having an inlet and an outlet for water, the method comprising the steps of:
- (1) providing the opposite end of the housing with an annular opening for receipt of the filter element;
(2) inserting the filter element axially through the annular opening until the element reaches the stop position;
(3) attaching a retaining ring to the neck of the filter element at a position axially beyond and in engagement with the end of the reduced diameter portion of the housing when the filter element is in the stop position to retain the element from reverse axial movement; and
,(4) attaching a housing end cap to the housing annular opening to seal the opening and hold the filter element in the stop position.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An assembly method and related subassembly for a water filter element in the housing of a replaceable filter cartridge provides for filter element insertion into the open bottom end of the housing and subsequent attachment of a retaining ring to the upper end of the element such that the element is secured against vertical drop-out until the bottom end of the cartridge can be enclosed with an end cap. The method and subassembly are particularly well adapted to cartridges in which the lower end cap is attached by spin welding. The enclosing end cap may also be provided with end rings to enhance the user'"'"'s grip in cartridge installation and removal. The end rings may also be color coded for each of cartridge identification and matching to the filter head.
44 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method for assembling a water filter element in a housing to provide a replaceable filter cartridge, the housing having an open operative end defined by an annular reduced diameter portion and the filter element having an end enclosure with an axially extending neck sealingly engaging the interior of the reduced diameter portion, extending axially therepast to a stop position in which the end closure is in engagement with the housing, and having an inlet and an outlet for water, the method comprising the steps of:
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(1) providing the opposite end of the housing with an annular opening for receipt of the filter element; (2) inserting the filter element axially through the annular opening until the element reaches the stop position; (3) attaching a retaining ring to the neck of the filter element at a position axially beyond and in engagement with the end of the reduced diameter portion of the housing when the filter element is in the stop position to retain the element from reverse axial movement; and
,(4) attaching a housing end cap to the housing annular opening to seal the opening and hold the filter element in the stop position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A subassembly for use in the assembly of a replaceable filter cartridge comprising:
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a cylindrical housing having an open operative end defined by an annular reduced diameter portion and an annular opening in the opposite end of a diameter larger than the diameter of the open operative end; a filter element positioned in the housing and having an end closure with an axially extending neck in sealing contact with the interior of the reduced diameter portion, and a major diameter smaller than the annular opening and larger than the open operative end, said filter element positioned in the housing against an axial stop to define an operative position; and
,a retaining ring attached to the filter element neck at a position axially beyond and in engagement with the end of the reduced diameter portion of the housing to retain the element from axial movement. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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Specification