Water filter unit

• US 8,591,736 B2
• Filed: 09/15/2011
• Issued: 11/26/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 09/15/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Original Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Inventors: Kruckenberg, Christopher A., Morrison, John W., Spindler, Jeffrey A.
• Primary Examiner(s): DRODGE, JOSEPH W
• Application Number:
  US13/233,238
• Publication Number:
  US 20130068681A1
• Time in Patent Office: 803 Days
• Field of Search: 210232-234, 210/435, 210443-445, 210/451, 210/455, 210/440, 210/450, 554/90
• US Class Current: 210/232
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2201/296 Other than having a circular shape
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2201/302 having inlet or outlet ports
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2201/4007 Use of cam or ramp systems
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2201/4015 Bayonet connecting means
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 2201/4046 Means for avoiding false mounting of different parts
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 35/30 Filter housing constructions
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2201/004 Seals, connections
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2201/006 Cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2307/12 as part of household appliances such as dishwashers, laundry washing machines or vacuum cleaners
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 9/20 Portable or detachable small-scale multistage treatment devices, e.g. point of use or laboratory water purification systems

Abstract

A filter unit includes a body portion having a proximal end and a distal end. First and second engagement surfaces traverse at least part of the body portion. The first and second engagement surfaces include a first segment that extends substantially parallel with the longitudinal extent of the body portion. A second segment extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal extent of the body portion. A third segment extends at a different angle than the second segment. A laterally extending key member is disposed on the body portion between the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface. An engagement protrusion extends from the proximal end. The engagement protrusion has a first portion that includes a first radius of curvature and a second portion opposing the first portion that includes a second radius of curvature that is larger than the first radius of curvature.

Claims

1. A filter unit comprising:

a body portion having a proximal end and a distal end; and

an engagement protrusion extending from the proximal end of the body portion, the engagement protrusion having a cross-section with only one axis of symmetry such that a cross-section of the engagement protrusion has a generally egg-shaped configuration, and a laterally extending key member disposed on the body portion.

2. The filter unit of claim 1, further comprising:

a first engagement surface traversing at least part of the body portion.

3. The filter unit of claim 2, further comprising:

a second engagement surface traversing at least part of the body portion opposite the first engagement surface.

4. The filter unit of claim 3, wherein the first and second engagement surfaces are recessed.

5. The filter unit of claim 1, further comprising:

a concave engagement wall disposed on the engagement protrusion and an end aperture extending through the concave engagement wall.

6. The filter unit of claim 1, wherein the engagement protrusion includes a sidewall with a side aperture.

7. The filter unit of claim 6, further comprising:

at least one seal disposed about an external periphery of the sidewall.