HK1156897A - Push filter with floating key lock - Google Patents

Description

Push filter with floating key lock

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a filter apparatus, in particular, a filter housing apparatus that facilitates easy removal and replacement of the filter housing from a mechanical stand, and more particularly, to a push-type filter design that actuates a floating key lock, wherein the key can simultaneously serve as a lock and as an identifier for a particular filter attribute. The mechanical supports may be arranged in a line and in fluid communication with inflow and outflow conduits (e.g., within a refrigerator). More particularly, the invention relates to a filter housing and mount whereby the filter housing can be attached to and removed from the mount by a push-actuated release. Controlled attachment or detachment of the filter reservoir (which contains the filter media) is actuated by axial pushing of the reservoir toward the mechanical support. The dedicated key lock design allows a user to identify and match certain filter configurations received by the mechanical bracket and reject other filter configurations. The internal closure, which is activated by a push-actuated release, prevents spillage during filter housing removal and replacement.

Background

The present invention relates to a water filtration system having a locking and unlocking mechanism for replacing the filter when the filter media has passed its useful life. The use of liquid filtration devices is well known in the art, as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,135,645, 5,914,037, and 6,632,355. Although these patents show filters for water filtration, the filters are difficult to replace due to their design and placement. For example, U.S. Pat. No.5,135,645 discloses a filter cartridge as a plug-in cartridge having a series of switches to prevent the flow of water when the filter cartridge is removed for replacement. The filter must be manually inserted and removed and has a switch activated to activate the valve mechanism to prevent the flow of water when the filter is removed. The lid of the filter is placed in the side wall of the refrigerator and is used to activate switches which activate the valves. The filter access channel is coplanar with the refrigerator wall and forces inconvenient access to the filter cartridge.

In U.S. patent application No.11/511,599 entitled "filter housing apparatus with a rotating filter change mechanism" filed in the name of Huda at 28.8.2006, a filter assembly is taught having a rotator actuating mechanism including a first internal rotator and a second internal rotator as an effective way to insert, lock and remove a filter housing from its base. A simple push mechanism actuates a self-driven release and switch device that holds and releases the filter housing sump and provides an inflow closure to prevent leakage and spillage. The rotary shut-off and locking mechanism is activated and released by an axial force on the filter housing at the beginning of the filter change-out process.

The invention is particularly useful as a water filtration system for a refrigerator having a water dispensing means and optionally an ice dispensing means. Water, or water and ice, used in refrigerators may contain contaminants from municipal water sources or from underground wells or aquifers. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a water filtration system to remove rust; sand grains; sludge; (ii) a soil; precipitating; heavy metals; microbial contaminants such as giardia cysts, chlorine, pesticides, mercury, benzene, toluene, MTBE, cadmium bacteria, viruses; and other known contaminants. Water filtration media particularly useful for microbial contamination include those found in U.S. patent nos. 6,872,311, 6,835,311, 6,797,167, 6,630,016, 6,331,037, and 5,147,722, and are incorporated herein by reference. One of the uses of the present filtration device is as a water filtration device for a refrigerator. A refrigerator is an appliance having an outer compartment, a refrigeration chamber disposed within the outer compartment and having a rear wall, a pair of opposing side walls, at least one door disposed opposite the rear wall, a top and a bottom, and a freezing chamber disposed in the outer compartment and adjacent to the refrigeration chamber. It is common for refrigerators to have a water dispenser disposed in the door and in fluid communication with a source of water and a filter for filtering the water. Also, it is common for refrigerators to have an ice dispenser located in the door and in fluid communication with a water source and a filter for filtering the water. The filter assembly of the present invention has been found to be useful as a filter for a refrigerator having a water dispenser and/or an ice dispenser.

Disclosure of Invention

A first aspect of the invention relates to a filter housing assembly comprising a filter housing for enclosing a filter media, the filter housing having a body and a top portion for forming a fluid tight seal with the body, the top portion of the filter housing comprising: an inflow port; an outflow port; and a filter key disposed on said top portion and having a top surface, longitudinal sides and lateral sides, said filter key including spaced apart projections or fingers on said longitudinal sides of said filter key, said projections or fingers extending laterally from said top surface. The fingers include wing-like extensions having a tapered or inclined face and may include a diamond-shaped cross-section.

The filter key may include a projection extending in an axial direction above the top surface of the filter key, the projection having an inclined surface with a predetermined width inclined upward from the top surface of the filter key, and having a transverse section or wing extending beyond the projection width. The filter housing assembly may include a filter manifold attached to a top portion of the filter housing, the filter manifold including an attachment structure for fixably receiving the filter key. One of the inflow or outflow ports may be provided on the filter manifold. The spaced apart projections or fingers on the filter key may form a predetermined pattern that identifies different filter attributes unique to the filter enclosed within the filter housing. The filter key may also be color coded, transparent, translucent, coated, textured, material modified, or have conductive features to identify different filter attributes specific to the filter encased within the filter housing. The filter key may include a locking nub or tab for attachment to the top portion. The top portion may include: a filter key positioning projection or support member extending axially upwardly from the top portion at a distance away from an axial center point; and a filter key lateral support member disposed on the other side of the axial center point opposite the filter key positioning projection and extending axially upward from the top portion, the filter key lateral support member having a spacing approximately equal to the filter key width, the filter key positioning projection and the filter key lateral support member forming a structural brace having an exposed surface for attaching the filter key to the top portion.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a filter housing assembly comprising: a filter housing for enclosing a filter media, the filter housing having a body and a top portion for forming a fluid-tight seal with the body, the top portion of the filter housing comprising: an inflow port; an outflow port; a filter manifold attached to a top portion of the filter housing, the filter manifold including an attachment structure for receiving the filter key; a filter key disposed on said top portion and having a top surface, longitudinal sides, and lateral sides, said filter key comprising spaced apart projections, drive keys, or fingers on said longitudinal sides of said filter key, said spaced apart projections, drive keys, or fingers extending laterally from said top surface and having winged extensions with a beveled or inclined face, wherein said winged extensions have a diamond-shaped cross-section.

In a third aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a filter housing assembly comprising: a filter housing for enclosing a filter media; a filter head having at least one port in fluid communication with the filter media, the filter head forming a fluid-tight seal with the filter housing; a filter manifold, the filter manifold comprising: a base portion axially centered about the filter head; a port in fluid communication with the filter media; and a first attachment structure disposed on the base portion for receiving a filter key; and the filter key having a top surface, a bottom, longitudinal sides, and lateral sides, the filter key comprising: spaced apart projections or fingers on the longitudinal sides of the filter key, the projections or fingers extending transversely from the top surface and having wing-like extensions; and a second attachment structure disposed on the filter key bottom for attaching the filter key to the first attachment structure on the filter manifold. The fingers of the filter key may include a beveled or inclined face on the wing-like extensions. The wing-like extensions may have a diamond-shaped cross-section.

The filter head may comprise: a filter key positioning projection or support member extending axially upwardly from a top surface of the filter head at a distance away from an axial center point of the filter head; and a filter key lateral support member disposed on the other side of the axial center point opposite the filter key positioning projection and extending axially upward from the top surface of the filter head, the filter key lateral support member having a spacing approximately equal to the filter key width, the filter key positioning projection and the filter key lateral support member forming a structural bracket having an exposed surface for attaching the filter key to the filter head. The filter key positioning projection may include an aperture for receiving a locking nub or tab from a filter key. The filter key second attachment structure may include a complementary groove or channel on the filter key bottom to attach with an axially extending projection of the filter manifold. The filter manifold may also include radially extending arms about the base portion that provide structural support for the shroud. The filter key may include a projection extending in an axial direction above the top surface of the filter key, the projection having an inclined surface with a predetermined width inclined upward from the top surface of the filter key, and having a transverse section or wing extending beyond the projection width.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention is directed to a filter base for releasable connection to a complementary mating filter housing assembly, the filter base comprising: a base platform having a fluid inflow port and an outflow port; and a floating lock in sliding communication with the base platform, having a bottom surface, a top surface, and longitudinal and lateral sides, the floating lock comprising: spaced apart projections, drive keys or fingers extending laterally inwardly on said longitudinal sides, including at least one shaped projection, finger or drive key for slidably contacting said complementary mating filter housing assembly, said at least one shaped projection, finger or drive key including an inclined face exposed toward the bottom surface and an edge or wedge opposite said inclined face for releasably securing said complementary mating filter housing assembly.

The floating lock includes a position stop centered relative to the lateral sides and disposed above the at least one drive key to provide a physical stop during insertion of a complementary mating filter key. The position key includes a track structure longitudinally spanning the floating lock. The filter base includes a housing for receiving the floating lock, the housing allowing the floating lock to slidably move therein. A rear plate may be attached to the base platform for at least partially housing the floating lock. The at least one resilient member may be in contact with the floating lock to provide a retraction force when the floating lock is acted upon by the filter housing assembly during insertion or extraction of the filter housing assembly.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention is directed to a filter base for releasably receiving a complementary mating filter housing assembly, the filter base comprising: a base platform having a top surface; a port for fluid inflow; a port for fluid egress; an upper inflow leg in fluid communication with the inflow port, the upper inflow leg extending upwardly from a top surface of the base platform, the upper inflow leg including a first shutoff plug and a resilient member for applying an axial or vertical force to the first shutoff plug during extraction of the filter housing assembly to block fluid flow from the inflow port; an upper outflow strut in fluid communication with the outflow port, the upper outflow strut extending upwardly from the top surface of the base platform, the upper outflow strut including a second shutoff plug and a resilient member for applying an axial or vertical force to the second shutoff plug to block fluid flow from the outflow port during extraction of the filter housing assembly; a lower inflow strut in fluid communication with the upper inflow strut and the inflow port, the lower inflow strut extending axially downward from the base platform for receiving the inflow port from the filter housing assembly; a lower outflow strut in fluid communication with the upper outflow strut and the outflow port, the lower outflow strut extending axially downward from the base platform for receiving an outflow port from the filter housing assembly; a housing for at least partially receiving a floating lock, the housing allowing the floating lock to slidably move therein; the floating lock having longitudinal and lateral sides, the floating lock comprising: spaced apart fingers, drive keys or protrusions disposed on at least one of the longitudinal sides, for releasably mating with fingers of a complementary mating filter key, at least one of said fingers, drive key or protrusion being provided on an inner face of a longitudinal side of said floating lock, and has a ramped surface for slidably contacting a finger on the complementary mating filter housing assembly, such that when the fingers of the complementary mating filter housing assembly are inserted within the floating lock, the ramped surfaces slidably contact the fingers of the filter housing assembly, moving the floating lock in a longitudinal direction, the at least one of the fingers, drive key or projection including a wedge portion on one end for releasably securing a finger of the filter housing assembly; a position key centered about the floating lock, above and adjacent the at least one drive key, for providing a physical stop for a finger of the filter housing assembly during insertion or extraction of the filter housing assembly; a rear plate attached to the base platform for receiving the floating lock; and at least one resilient member attached to the floating lock to provide a retraction force when the filter housing assembly slidably acts on the floating lock during insertion or extraction.

In a sixth aspect, the present invention is directed to a filter base for releasably receiving a complementary mating filter housing assembly, the filter base comprising: a non-floating port, the non-floating port comprising: a fluid inflow port; a fluid outflow port; an inflow strut in fluid communication with the inflow port; an outflow strut in fluid communication with the outflow port; and a recess formed for receiving a floating lock, the recess at least partially enclosing the floating lock and having a width and a length that allow the floating lock to move longitudinally therein; the floating lock having a bottom surface, a top surface, and longitudinal and lateral sides and being located within a formed recess of the non-floating port, the floating lock comprising: at least one drive key located on said longitudinal side extending laterally inwardly at said bottom surface for slidably receiving a ramped protrusion or winged extension from a complementary mating filter housing assembly, said at least one drive key including a ramped portion exposed toward said bottom surface and an edge or wedge on the bottom of each said drive key for releasably contacting a portion of the protrusion or winged extension of said complementary mating filter housing assembly; a position key centered about a lateral side of the floating lock and disposed above the at least one drive key to provide a physical stop during insertion of the complementary mating filter housing assembly; at least one resilient member in contact with the floating latch for applying a longitudinal retraction force in a direction tending to push or pull the floating latch back to an original position; a rear plate for slidably securing the floating lock within the non-floating port; a shutoff plug located within each of said legs for terminating fluid flow from said inlet and outlet ports when said complementary mating filter housing assembly is removed from said filter base; a resilient member within each of the struts for applying an axial extraction force to the complementary mating filter housing assembly and moving the shutoff plug to a position to stop fluid flow while the complementary mating filter housing assembly is extracted.

In a seventh aspect, the present invention is directed to a filter base in combination with a filter housing assembly, the combination comprising: a filter base having an inflow port and an outflow port on a base platform; a slidably floating lock in slidable contact with the filter base, the floating lock having a plurality of drive keys or lateral extensions separated by gaps; the elastic component is in contact with the floating lock and provides a retraction force for the floating lock; and a filter housing assembly comprising: a filter key having a plurality of lateral extensions separated by gaps such that when the filter housing assembly is inserted into the filter base, the fingers of the filter key slidably contact the lateral extensions of the floating lock to move the floating lock relative to the base platform, allowing the fingers on the filter key to traverse between the lateral extensions on the floating lock, and when the floating lock is retracted by the resilient member, the fingers on the filter key align with the lateral extensions on the floating lock to prevent extraction of the filter housing assembly.

The floating lock includes: a bottom surface, a top surface, and longitudinal and lateral sides, and wherein the lateral extensions include drive keys on the longitudinal sides that extend laterally inward at the bottom surface for slidably receiving the filter keys, each of the drive keys including an inclined portion exposed toward the bottom surface and an edge or wedge on each of the drive key bottoms for releasably contacting a portion of the filter key; and a position key centered about the floating lock and disposed above the drive key to provide a physical stop during insertion of the filter housing assembly.

The combination may also include: a rear plate for securing the floating lock within the filter base; a shutoff plug in each of the legs for terminating fluid flow from the inlet and outlet ports when the filter housing assembly is withdrawn from the filter base; a resilient member located within each of the struts for applying an axial extraction force to the filter housing assembly and moving the shutoff plug to a position to stop fluid flow while the filter housing assembly is extracted.

In an eighth aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a filter base in combination with a filter housing assembly, the combination comprising: a base platform having a fluid inflow port and an outflow port; an inflow strut in fluid communication with the inflow port; an outflow strut in fluid communication with the outflow port; a floating lock in sliding communication with the base platform, having a bottom surface, a top surface and longitudinal and lateral sides, the floating lock comprising: spaced apart projections or fingers extending laterally inwardly on the longitudinal sides; at least one actuation key for slidably contacting a projection of a filter key of the filter housing assembly, the at least one actuation key comprising an inclined face exposed toward the filter housing assembly and an edge or lip adjacent to the inclined face for releasably securing the projection of the filter key upon insertion of the filter housing assembly; at least one resilient member in contact with the floating latch for applying a longitudinal retraction force in a direction tending to push or pull the floating latch back to an original position; a filter housing for enclosing a filter media, the filter housing having a body and a top portion for forming a fluid-tight seal with the body, the top portion of the filter housing comprising: a filter housing inlet port; a filter housing outlet port; and a filter key disposed on the top portion and having a top surface, longitudinal sides, and lateral sides, the filter key comprising: spaced apart projections or fingers on the longitudinal sides of the filter key extending transversely from the top surface; and a projection extending in an axial direction above the top surface of the filter key, the projection having an inclined face with a predetermined width inclined upwardly from the top surface of the filter key and having a laterally extending section or wing extending beyond the projection width; whereby, when the filter housing assembly is attached to the filter base, the angled face of the projection of the filter key slidably contacts the angled face of the at least one drive key of the floating lock to move the floating lock relative to the base platform to allow the fingers on the filter key to traverse between the fingers on the floating lock, and when the floating lock is retracted by the at least one resilient member, the fingers on the filter key align with the fingers on the floating lock to prevent extraction of the filter housing assembly.

In a ninth aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method for attaching a filter housing assembly to a filter base, the method comprising: inserting the inlet and outlet ports of the filter housing assembly into the inlet and outlet legs of the filter base; inserting said filter key of said filter housing assembly into said slidable floating lock by longitudinally moving the slidable floating lock using a filter key having lateral fingers with wing-like extensions, the slidable floating lock having lateral fingers or a drive key, whereby said lateral fingers of said filter key traverse said lateral fingers or drive key of said floating lock; and releasing the filter housing assembly so that a resilient member in the filter base applies an extraction force to the filter housing, slightly moving the filter housing assembly in an axial extraction direction; and providing a retraction force to the floating lock during the releasing to align the fingers of the floating lock or drive key with the fingers of the filter key to inhibit extraction of the filter housing assembly.

In a tenth aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method for extracting a filter housing assembly from a filter base, the method comprising: applying an axial insertion force to the filter housing assembly already connected to the filter base towards the filter base, thereby further inserting a filter key on the filter housing assembly into a slidably floating lock of the filter base; releasing the slidable floating lock so that the floating lock moves relative to the filter key under a resilient retraction force; aligning fingers on the filter key between fingers on the floating lock or an actuation key; and applying an axial extraction force to the filter housing assembly to remove the filter housing assembly from the filter base.

In an eleventh aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a refrigerator in combination with a filter assembly, the refrigerator comprising: an outer compartment; a refrigerated chamber disposed within the exterior compartment and having a rear wall, a pair of opposing side walls, a top, a bottom, and at least one door disposed opposite the rear wall; a freezing chamber disposed in the outer compartment and adjacent to the refrigeration chamber;

a water dispenser disposed in the door and in fluid communication with the filter assembly, the reservoir and filter media from the refrigerator being changed by an automated assembly; the filter assembly includes: a filter housing for enclosing a filter media, the filter housing having a body and a top portion for forming a fluid-tight seal with the body, the top portion of the filter housing comprising: an inflow port; an outflow port; and a filter key arranged to be attached to the filter housing and having a top surface, longitudinal sides and lateral sides, the filter key comprising spaced apart projections or fingers on the longitudinal sides of the filter key extending laterally from the top surface.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a filter housing apparatus that is mounted to a base and has an automatic locking mechanism for easy replacement and removal.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a filter housing apparatus and base attached by a push actuated, slidably movable floating lock.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a surface mounted filter housing apparatus having a pressure activated non-rotating locking means for replacement and removal.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a filter housing apparatus that allows for keyed identification of the filter.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a filter housing apparatus for use with a water and/or ice dispensing apparatus whereby filtered water is provided to the water and/or ice dispensing apparatus.

Drawings

The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel and that are characteristic elements of the invention, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The figures are for illustration 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 description of one or more preferred embodiments which follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a top exploded view of one embodiment of the filter assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a side plan view of the embodiment of the filter housing assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the filter key of the present invention.

Fig. 2B is a lateral side view of the filter key of fig. 2A.

Fig. 2C depicts a bottom plan view of the filter key of fig. 2A showing a groove and locking nub or tab for attachment.

Fig. 2D depicts a perspective view from the opposite side of the filter key of fig. 2C.

Fig. 2E depicts a bottom view of the filter key of fig. 2A.

Fig. 2F is a longitudinal side view of the filter key of fig. 2A.

FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a floating or sliding lock of the present invention.

Fig. 3B is a perspective view from the opposite side of the floating lock of fig. 3A.

Fig. 3C is a lateral side view of the floating lock of fig. 3A.

FIG. 3D depicts a top view of the floating lock of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3E depicts a longitudinal side cross-sectional view of the floating lock of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a filter manifold.

FIG. 4B is a top plan view of a second embodiment of a filter manifold having an extended support member.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a filter manifold.

Figure 5A is a side view of one embodiment of the filter head of the present invention.

Figure 5B is a bottom perspective view of the filter head of figure 5A.

Figure 5C is a top perspective view of the filter head of figure 5A.

Fig. 5D is another embodiment of a filter head having a snap-fit lock for a filter key.

Figure 5E is a bottom perspective view of the filter head of figure 5D.

Fig. 5F is a top perspective view of the filter head depicting the aperture for receiving the filter key.

Fig. 6A and 6B are exploded views of a second embodiment of the filter assembly of the present invention showing a filter key having an extending projection.

FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a filter key of the present invention having an extended protrusion.

Fig. 7B is a bottom perspective view of the filter key of fig. 7A.

Fig. 7C depicts a top plan view of the filter key of fig. 7A.

Fig. 7D depicts a side plan view of the filter key of fig. 7A.

Fig. 7E depicts an end or lateral side view of the embodiment of the filter key of fig. 7A, showing a protrusion rising above a plane created by the fingers and two wings extending laterally outward from the protrusion.

FIG. 7F is a perspective view of another embodiment of the filter key of the present invention showing locking nubs disposed on the bottom portion on the lateral sides.

FIG. 8A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of the floating lock of the present invention.

Fig. 8B is a top view of the floating lock of fig. 8A.

Fig. 8C is a cross-sectional view of the floating lock of fig. 8A depicting a drive key disposed at one end of the floating lock on the longitudinal or side panel.

Fig. 8D depicts an exploded view of the drive key of fig. 8C, showing edge corners and faces.

Fig. 8E depicts a body diagram of a floating lock with an extension member.

Fig. 8F is a side view of the floating lock of fig. 8E with an extension member.

Fig. 8G is a transverse or cross-sectional view of the floating lock of fig. 8E with an extension member.

Fig. 9A is a perspective view of a non-floating port of the present invention.

Fig. 9B is a top plan view of the non-floating port of fig. 9A.

Fig. 10A is a top plan view of one embodiment of the back plate of the present invention.

Fig. 10B is a bottom perspective view of the rear plate of fig. 10A.

Fig. 10C is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the back plate of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the filter assembly of the present invention showing a filter key with protrusions attached to a filter manifold with extension brackets.

Detailed Description

In describing the preferred embodiment of the present invention, reference will be made herein to FIGS. 1 through 11 of the drawings in which like numerals refer to like features of the invention. The features of the present invention are not necessarily shown to scale.

The present invention relates to a filter housing assembly for liquid filtration including the capture of chemical, particulate and/or microbial contaminants. The use of a mechanical locking assembly of the filter housing without the need for excessive force and tight tolerances necessary for prior art filter housings facilitates easy and frequent filter replacement and optimal filter performance. The filter housing assembly of the present invention provides simplified filter replacement to minimize process downtime and without reliance on tools. A simple push mechanism actuates a self-driven release and switch device that holds and releases the filter housing sump or filter cartridge and provides an inflow closure device that prevents leakage and spillage. In response to an axial insertion force from the filter cartridge, the floating lock or slide lock moves vertically or radially relative to the axial movement of the sump and allows the special filter key to be inserted within the floating lock. Once inserted, the floating lock retracts toward its original position under a spring force (e.g., two cooperating springs or other supplemental resilient mechanism) that maintains the floating lock under retraction tension as it moves from its original position. The filter key and float lock combination allows identification of a specific filter model and may be configured to reject all filters except the specific filter type.

Removal of the filter cartridge is performed in the same manner. The axial insertion force moves the floating lock radially, which allows the filter key to be removed from the floating lock. The extraction force provided by spring tension or the like helps push the filter cartridge out of its seat. The fluid shut-off and lock-out mechanism is activated by an axial force on the filter cartridge at the beginning of the filter change-out process.

The present invention is described below with reference to its application in connection with water treatment systems and the operation of water treatment systems. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be applied to any device having a need to filter a liquid.

FIG. 1A is a top exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the filter assembly of the present invention. The filter assembly may be fixedly secured in a location within an operating environment requiring fluid filtration, such as attached to an interior sidewall of a refrigerator, although other operating environments are certainly contemplated and the filter assembly may be used in any number of environments where the filter assembly has access to and may be placed in fluid communication with inflow and outflow fluid access ports. For illustration only, the discussion will be directed to the application of filtration of water piped into a refrigerator.

The filter housing assembly 200 includes a filter cartridge or sump of a filter assembly that is removable, detachable from the filter base 100. The filter housing assembly 200 includes a filter housing 1, a filter head 2, the filter housing 1 enclosing a filter media 8, the filter head 2 attached at one end to the filter housing 1 and at the other end to a filter manifold 3 and a non-floating port 11. A filter key 5 is attached to the filter manifold 3. The filter base 100 includes a non-floating port 11, a floating lock 12, and a rear plate 13. The filter head 2 is fixed to the filter housing 1 with a water tight fit. The attachment scheme may be accomplished by a water tight screw fit, adhesive, welding or other water tight fastening mechanism commonly used in the art for sealing abutting elements (typically abutting plastic elements). As discussed in further detail below, a filter key 5 is connected to filter manifold 3. Filter key 5 may be formed as one piece with filter manifold 3 or may be securely attached by other methods, such as by bonding, welding, press fitting, friction fitting, or the like. The filter key 5 may also be removably attached for replacement by an end user. A filter manifold 3 is attached to the filter head 2. The filter manifold 2 may also be removably attached for replacement by an end user. The filter medium 8 is arranged in the filter housing 1. Each end of filter media 8 is secured by a cap that facilitates orientation of fluid being treated by the filter. At one end, filter media 8 is secured by closed end cap 7 and at the other end by open end cap 6. The filter medium 8 may be any filter medium known in the art, and is preferably a carbon block filter. It is typically shaped in a similar fashion to the filter housing 1, which filter housing 1 is cylindrical in the preferred embodiment. Open-ended cap 6 is designed to interface with filter head 2 and be in fluid communication with filter head 2. Filter housing assembly 200 is a completed assembly including filter housing 1, which filter housing 1 encloses filter media 8 by a closed end cap 7 at one end and an open end cap 6 at the other end. Typically, an o-ring seal (e.g., o-ring seal 9) is used to prevent water leakage where the different elements are intended to mate. The filter manifold 3 and filter key 5 are connected with the filter head 2 and secured to the filter housing 1 to form an assembled filter housing apparatus 200. These elements may be integral, permanently fixed, or removably attached to each other and to the filter head 2. FIG. 1B is a side plan view of a preferred embodiment of the filter assembly of the present invention.

Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the filter key 5. Fig. 2B is a lateral side view of the filter key 5. As previously mentioned, the bottom of filter key 5 is attached to filter manifold 3 by any number of fastening schemes, or may be integrally formed with filter manifold 3. Fig. 2C depicts a groove 51, the groove 51 preferably being shaped to receive a complementary protrusion on the filter manifold 3, and preferably being shaped to receive a dovetail protrusion; however, other connected, complementary shapes are not excluded. The connection of filter key 5 to filter manifold 3 may be adhesive, sonic welded, press fit, friction fit, or the like. As depicted in the illustrative embodiment, the groove 51 is shaped to accept a press-fit or snap-fit snap feature for provision on the filter manifold 3. In this way, filter key 5 may be removably attached to filter manifold 3. Similarly, the filter manifold 3 may be designed to be removably attached to the filter head 2. Thus, the design has greater flexibility to introduce and accommodate different key configurations, which can be used to indicate a specific filter type and intentionally reject other filter types.

Fig. 4A depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of filter manifold 300. Port 310 is shown offset from the center of filter manifold 300. Fig. 4A depicts the filter manifold without the extension support member. Preferably, port 310 is an outlet port; however, the invention is not limited to specific inflow and outflow locations and the ports may be interchanged. When port 310 is used as an outflow or outlet port, filter manifold 300 takes fluid from filter media 8 through the central port of open-ended cap 6 and directs the fluid flow radially outward from the axial center to port 310. In this embodiment, the inflow port is provided on the filter head 2. By providing the inflow and outflow ports off-axis, the filter housing assembly 200 has a more robust design, has enhanced structural integrity for mounting to a filter base, and serves to remain fixedly in place during attachment. Referring to fig. 4A-4C, in a preferred attachment scheme for filter key 5, projection 32 or 320 is formed on or near the centerline of filter manifold 3 or 300. The protrusion 32 or 320 is preferably a rectangular segment extending above the circular center portion 33 or 330. The protrusion 32 allows for precise alignment of the filter key 5, which provides a secure connection. The dovetail-shaped, press-fit, or friction-fit interconnection between protrusion 32 and groove 51 of filter key 5 allows the user to remove and replace filter key 5. This allows for the representation of a dedicated filter key and correspondingly a dedicated filter cartridge. Protrusions 32 or 320 may be integrally formed with filter manifold 3 or 300, respectively, or may be separately constructed and attached by bonding, welding, press fitting, friction fitting, or other suitable means known in the art. Preferably, the protrusion 32 or 320 has a dovetail-shaped surface for mating with the complementary groove 51 of the filter key 5.

In the embodiment depicted by fig. 4B and 4C, the protrusion 32 may be on the extension bracket 34. Fig. 4B depicts a top horizontal view of filter manifold 3, showing extension brackets 34 extending radially longitudinally or radially outward from central portion 33. The extension bracket 34 supports an optional shield 4, the optional shield 4 covering and protecting the filter head 2.

Filter manifold 3 or 300 is disposed within filter head 2 and attached thereto. Fig. 5A depicts a side view of one embodiment of the filter head 2. The filter head 2 is shown with an off-center port 21. In this manner, both port 21 of filter head 2 and port 31 of filter manifold 3 are off-center and parallel to each other about a plane that intersects approximately the center point of filter head 2. As shown in fig. 1, 4 and 5, the recessed portion 22 formed near the center point of the filter head 2 receives the center portion 33 of the filter manifold 3. If extension bracket 34 is used with filter manifold 3, extension bracket 34 is approximately disposed perpendicular to the plane formed by ports 21 and 31 when filter manifold 3 is inserted within filter head 2. The extension bracket 34 provides a snap-fit design for the shroud 4 at each end. Figure 5B is a bottom perspective view of the filter head. Fig. 5C is a top perspective view of the filter head 2 depicting the notched portion 22.

The filter head 210 depicts another embodiment as shown in fig. 5D-5F. In this embodiment, as depicted in the top perspective view of fig. 5F, on the top surface of the filter head 210 are: a curved receiving protrusion or support member 230 disposed on one side of the center point; and two parallel, lateral support members 240a, b, the lateral support members 240a, b being disposed on the other side of the center point of the filter head 210 opposite the curved protrusion 230. These structural support members serve to align the filter key 5 with the filter head 210 and help secure the filter key 5. Such a filter head may be used in conjunction with filter manifold 300 without an extension bracket, as depicted in fig. 4A. Structural support member 230 provides a physical stop for filter key 5, which filter key 5 typically slides over protrusion 32 provided by filter manifold 300. The lateral support members 240a, b serve to align the filter key 5 and prevent it from being accidentally dislodged. Fig. 5E is a bottom perspective view of the filter head 210. Fig. 5D is a side view of the filter head 210.

The filter manifold 300 includes an off-center port 310, and a central portion 330, the central portion 330 securely fitting within the recess 220 of the filter head 210. The protrusion 320 receives the groove from the filter key 5. In this embodiment, the structural support members 230 and the lateral support members 240a, b secure the filter key 5 when the filter key 5 is slidably inserted within the protrusion 320. The bent portion of the structural support member 230 forces the filter key 5 to be inserted in only one direction. An additional protrusion 232 (which is provided on top of the filter head 210 and is centered between the lateral support members 240a, b) may be employed to act as a lock or snap-fit for the filter key 5. Additionally, in another embodiment, the structural support member 230 may be formed with an aperture 235, the aperture 235 being disposed directly away from a center point of the filter head 210 at a base thereof, where the support member 230 meets a top portion of the filter head 210. This aperture 235 is designed to receive a protruding material or locking nub or tab 53, which protruding material or locking nub or tab 53 is provided on or formed with a corresponding end portion of the filter key 5 on the lower end of the lateral side. The locking nubs or tabs 53 on the filter key 5 are inserted into the apertures 235 on the curved portion of the structural support member 230 and prevent axial removal of the filter key 5 from the filter head 210. Fig. 2A-2F show a locking nub 53 provided on the bottom portion of the lateral side of the filter key 5. Fig. 5D is a side view of the filter head 210 depicting the aperture 235 for receiving the filter key 5.

The filter key 5 includes at least one laterally extending finger 52, and preferably a plurality of extending fingers, as depicted in fig. 2A-2F. Fig. 2C is a bottom perspective view of the filter key 5. In the first illustrative embodiment, filter key 5 is shown as having ten laterally extending fingers 52. The fingers 52 are preferably constructed of the same material as the base 55 of the filter key 5 and are integrally formed with the base 55 of the filter key. However, the fingers may also be removably attached, and the filter key design is not limited to an integrally formed construction. The laterally extending fingers 52 may be formed in a variety of different configurations. In the illustrative embodiment, there is a uniform gap 54 between each finger 52. In other constructions, the fingers may be absent on one or both sides of the filter key 5, and the gap 54 may be wider in some places than in others. The use of the digits 1,0 indicating the finger (1) or the gap (0) means that there are many different configurations possible for the filter key. The configuration shown in fig. 2E is denoted 101010101 on each side. As a separate example, for the representation 100010101, this means that the lateral finger (1) is followed by a wide gap (000), then the finger (1) is followed by a gap (0) and the finger (1) is followed by another gap (0), and one last finger (1). The present invention is not limited to any particular finger/gap sequence. In addition, the finger/gap configuration on one side of the filter key 5 need not be symmetrical with respect to the finger/gap configuration on the opposite side. By having different finger/gap configurations, a mechanical key identifier can be used with the specific filter housing assembly being employed. The filter key 5 may also be color coded to facilitate identification of different filter cartridge or housing assemblies. For identification, it may also be textured, coated, transparent, translucent, material modified, or have conductive features, or any combination thereof. More importantly, in addition to the identification of the filter housing assembly, a particular filter key finger/gap configuration will only allow the use of a dedicated filter housing assembly in a given system.

The fingers 52 of the filter key 5 are strength-bearing members for mating or interlocking with corresponding drive keys 123a, b, which are provided on both longitudinal sides of the floating lock 12 depicted in fig. 3. There must be at least one drive key on the floating lock 12 that corresponds to and is aligned with at least one finger on the filter key 5 so that when the filter key 5 is inserted to mate with the floating lock 12, the drive key slidingly contacts the finger and the floating lock 12 is moved longitudinally an increment to allow the finger 52 on the filter key 5 to traverse between the gaps 122 on the floating lock 12. Once the fingers 52 have passed between the corresponding gaps on the floating lock 12 (the floating lock 12 being slidably maintained under tension), the floating lock 12 is partially returned toward its original position by the tension retraction force, such that at least one finger on the filter key 5 aligns or interlocks with at least one drive key on the floating lock 12, and the alignment resists any direct outward, axial extraction force.

Each finger 52 of filter key 5 includes a tapered surface 58, as depicted in fig. 2A and 2F. These ramped features are formed to slidingly contact complementary tapered edges or ramped feature portions 121a, b of drive keys 123A, b of floating lock 12 shown in fig. 3A and 3E. During insertion of filter key 5, sliding contact of the ramped features of the fingers of the filter key laterally moves floating lock 12 away from its initial position and allows the fingers of filter key 5 to be inserted within gap 122 between drive keys 123a, b.

A perspective view of the floating lock 12 is depicted in fig. 3A and 3B. Floating lock 12 has inclined face fingers, projections, or drive keys 123a, b and gaps 122 that correspond to fingers 52 and gaps 54 disposed on filter key 5. The drive key/clearance configuration of the floating lock 12 need not be exactly complementary to the finger/clearance configuration of the filter key 5. It is only necessary that the floating lock 12 be able to fully receive the inserted filter key 5 when the filter housing assembly 200 is axially inserted in the filter base 100. Each drive key 123a, b of the floating lock 12 is shaped with a receiving wedge 129a, b, respectively, these receiving wedges 129a, b being opposite the tapered edges 121a, b to capture the finger 52 of the filter key 5. The fingers 52 may have a diamond shaped cross-section to facilitate capture by the drive key receiving wedges 129a, b. The drive keys 123a, b are located on at least one longitudinal side of the floating lock 12, as depicted in fig. 3D and 3E. Below and centered between drive keys 123a, b is a row of position stops 125. The position stop 125 prevents any further extension of the finger 52 during insertion. In the case of at least one position stop 125 which inhibits the over-insertion of the filter key 5, there is no need for a position stop 125 for each drive key 123a, b. The position stop 125 also includes a ramped or inclined face 126, the face 126 for slidable contact with the ramped face 58 of the finger 52 on the filter key 5. Position stops 125 are shown as a row of serrated edges, but need not correspond one-to-one with drive keys 123a, b.

Upon insertion, when finger 52 of filter key 5 contacts drive key 123a, b, floating lock 12 moves away from its initial position against the retraction force and moves in accordance with contact with beveled edges 58 and 121. Once the wings 56a, b of the finger 52 clear the lips 127a, b of the drive key 123a, b, the floating lock 12 is not inhibited from reacting to the retraction force and the floating lock moves slightly rearwardly, toward its original position, where the diamond-shaped wings 56a, b are then captured by the receiving wedges 129a, b. This position locks the filter key 5 to the floating lock 12, preventing any direct axial extraction force.

A gap or clearance 124 exists between the bottom most portion of drive keys 123a, b and the top most portion of position stop 125. When the wings 56a, b of the finger 52 are pushed within this gap or clearance during extraction, there is no structure to prevent the floating lock 12 from responding to the tensional retraction force acting thereon. Thus, the floating lock 12 is free to respond to retraction forces and will tend to move toward its initial position. This will align the fingers 52 of the filter key 5 within the gap 122 of the floating lock 12 and allow easy extraction of the filter housing 200.

To extract filter housing assembly 200, the user again pushes axially inward on the filter housing assembly, which releases wings 56a, b on filter key 5 from drive keys 123a, b. This frees the floating lock 12 to return towards its original position and the finger 52 on the filter key 5 to be located at the gap 122 of the floating lock 12. The filter housing assembly 200 is now free to be withdrawn from the filter base 100. The resilient member 1110 within the closure stanchions 1101a, b of the non-floating port 11 facilitates the pushing or extraction of the filter housing assembly 200 away from the filter base 100.

Fig. 9A is a perspective view of a non-floating port 11, the non-floating port 11 working in cooperation with a rear plate 13 or a rear plate 1300 to hold a floating or sliding lock 12 in place while allowing it to freely move longitudinally away from and back to its central position during insertion and extraction of the filter housing assembly 200. Non-floating port 11 will also retain floating lock 1200 and floating lock 1212 of fig. 8, as discussed further herein. For simplicity, reference is primarily made to the interaction of non-floating port 11 with floating lock 12, although the applicability of non-floating port 11 also includes use with floating locks 1200 and 1212. The non-floating port 11 includes a protruding housing 1102, the protruding housing 1102 being larger than the floating lock 12 and made so as to enclose the floating lock 12 therein. The housing 1102 prevents over travel of the floating lock 12 and protects it from extraneous, unintended movement when installed. Fig. 9B is a top plan view of non-floating port 11. Posts 1101a, b are disposed on opposite sides of housing 1102. Ports 1103 represent inflow and outflow ports for fluid. The shutoff struts 1101a, b include shutoff plugs 14, the shutoff plugs 14 functioning as valve seals to stop fluid flow when the filter cartridge is being removed. The shut-off legs 1101a, b are preferably cylindrical in shape, containing spring-activated o-ring sealing plugs that are used to seal the inflow and outflow lines during filter cartridge removal. In the preferred embodiment, the rear plate 13 is snap fit into the non-floating port 11. To accommodate this, snap-fit attachments 1105, shown on non-floating port 11, receive corresponding attachments 135 on back plate 13.

Referring to fig. 1, a floating lock 12 is supported by a non-floating port 11 and a rear plate 13. Fig. 10A is a top plan view of one embodiment of the back plate 13 of the present invention. Fig. 10B depicts a bottom perspective view of the rear plate 13. The rear plate 13 secures the floating lock 12 within the support structure of the non-floating port 11. The back plate 13 is preferably attached to the non-floating port 11 by a snap fit, although other attachment schemes known in the art, such as adhesives, welding, and a wide variety of mechanical fasteners, may be readily employed. The rear plate 13 is formed with an extension 132 on each end and a shaped gap 133 therebetween. Gap 133 is shaped to bypass closure struts 1101a, b of non-floating port 11. In this embodiment, the rear plate 13 includes a central aperture 131, the central aperture 131 allowing longitudinal movement of the floating lock 12. The floating lock 12 may include an extension opposite the face configured with fingers and gaps to allow a resilient element (such as a coil or torsion spring) to act thereon. Fig. 3C and 3E are side views of the floating lock showing the extension member 128. Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the floating lock 12, the floating lock 12 having an extension member 128. Fig. 8E depicts a floating lock 1212, the floating lock 1212 having an extension member 1280. In these embodiments, the resilient means retained by the rear panel acts on the extension member.

Fig. 10C is a top plan view of another embodiment of the back plate 1300 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the top side of the back plate 1300 includes a domed, grooved cover 1302 over a central aperture. The cover 1302 is formed as a spring or other resilient member that is encased adjacent to the extension member 128, which extension member 128 extends from the floating lock 12. Dome 1302 includes a groove 1304, the groove 1304 being fabricated to receive extension member 128 from floating lock 12. Groove 1304 facilitates linear movement of floating lock 12 retained within dome 1302. In this embodiment, two complementary resilient members (e.g., springs) are located on each side of the extension member 128 of the floating lock 12. One resilient member preferably applies a force to the floating lock extension member in one direction, while the other resilient member applies a force to the floating lock extension member in the opposite direction. In this manner, regardless of the manner in which the floating lock 12 is moved or displaced, the retraction force itself is generated to return the floating lock 12 to its original, centered position.

At all times during insertion, the filter housing assembly is under extraction forces that tend to push the housing out of the filter base. These extraction forces are generated by resilient members in each closure stanchion 1101a, B (shown in fig. 9B) of non-floating port 11 that force closure plug 14 into position to block the inflow and outflow ports. Preferably, the extraction force on shutoff plug 14 is provided by a spring 1110 in each port, although other resilient members may be used to provide similar results. Inserting the filter housing assembly into the filter base overcomes these extraction forces and pushes shutoff plugs 14 further along each shutoff strut 1101a, b of non-floating port 11. This allows fluid to flow in while maintaining the filter housing assembly at a constant extraction force.

A protective port shield 4 may be placed over the filter head 2 to protect the floating lock 12 and filter key 5 mechanism from damage and debris. The shield 4 is preferably supported by an extension bracket on the filter manifold.

Fig. 6A and 6B are exploded views of another embodiment of the filter assembly of the present invention, showing the combination of filter manifold 300, filter key 500, and filter head 210. Filter key 500 is depicted without locking nubs or tabs; however, it may include a locking nub to facilitate attachment to the filter head. Fig. 7F depicts a filter key 590, the filter key 590 having a locking nub or tab 501. Locking nub 501 is disposed at the base of filter key 590. In this embodiment, filter key 500 or 590 and filter manifold 300 are modified to: floating lock 1200 or 1212 of fig. 8 is slidably moved by the interaction of wings 560a, b of extension projection 550 on filter key 500 or 590 with drive keys 1210a, b of floating lock 1200.

Filter key 500 or 590 is inserted into floating lock 1200 by axial insertion of the filter housing assembly into the filter base. The hammerhead wings 560a, b on the fingers 520 of the filter key 500 and the drive keys 1210a, b on the floating lock 1200 or 1212 slidably contact each other, causing lateral movement of the floating lock 1200 or 1212 perpendicular to the axial insertion movement. In this manner, the floating lock 1200 or 1212 is moved longitudinally in a direction radial to the filter housing assembly axis. Finger 520 of filter key 500 is positioned within gap 1220 of floating lock 1200 or 1212. Upon insertion of filter key 500 or 590, floating lock 1200 or 1212 is partially returned to its original position by retraction tension (preferably by a complementary spring force) so that the fingers on floating lock 1200 or 1212 are directly aligned with fingers 520 on filter key 500 or 590, thus preventing direct extraction force from removing the filter housing assembly from the filter base.

Fig. 7F depicts a top perspective view of filter key 590. At one end of filter key 590 is an upwardly extending angled projection 550. Projection 550 rises above a horizontal plane 570 created by the top portion of fingers 520 and slopes toward fingers 520 with its highest point at one end of filter key 500. The projection 550 slopes downwardly from its highest point toward the finger 520. Preferably, projection 550 is an upwardly facing triangular or wedge-shaped design having wings 560a, b for interacting with drive keys 1210a, b, respectively, on floating lock 1200. Fig. 7E depicts an end view of filter key 500, showing hammerhead-shaped projection 550 rising above plane 570 created by fingers 520 and wings 560a, b extending laterally from projection 550, projection 550 resembling a shape that can be considered a hammerhead shape. The purpose of wings 560a, b is to contact corresponding tilt drive keys 1210a, b on floating lock 1200.

A perspective view of a complementary floating lock 1200 is depicted in fig. 8A. The only difference between the floating lock 1200 of fig. 8A and the floating lock 1212 of fig. 8E is the addition of an extension member 1280 on the floating lock 1212. Floating lock 1200 has fingers 1230a, b and gaps 1220, which fingers 1230a, b and gaps 1220 may correspond to fingers 520 and gaps 540 disposed on filter key 500 or 590. The finger/clearance features of floating lock 1200 need not be exactly complementary to the finger/clearance features of filter key 500 or 590. It is only necessary that floating lock 1200 be able to fully receive an inserted filter key 500 when the filter housing assembly is axially inserted in the filter base. Furthermore, once floating lock 1200 is subjected to a retraction force acting to partially return it toward its original position, at least one finger on filter key 500 or 590 must be vertically aligned with at least one finger on floating lock 1200 or 1212, preventing any extraction without further movement of floating lock 1200 or 1212.

Using floating lock 1200 and filter key 500 as illustrative examples, floating lock 1200 moves in a lateral motion perpendicular to the axial insertion motion when wings 560a, b on filter key 500 and drive keys 1210a, b on floating lock 1200 are in slidable contact. In this manner, floating lock 1200 moves longitudinally in a radial direction relative to the filter housing assembly axis. Finger 520 of filter key 500 is positioned within gap 1220 on floating lock 1200. Once the filter key 500 is inserted, the floating lock 1200 is partially returned toward its original position by the retraction tension (preferably by a complementary spring force) so that the fingers on the floating lock 1200 are directly aligned with the fingers 520 on the filter key 500, thus preventing the direct extraction force from removing the filter housing assembly from the filter base.

Fingers 1230a, b are preferably constructed of the same material as floating lock 1200 and are integrally formed therewith. However, the fingers 1230 may also be removably attached, and the floating lock design is not limited to an integrally formed construction. In addition, the present invention is not limited to any particular finger/gap sequence. The finger/gap configuration on one side of floating lock 1200 need not be symmetrical with respect to the finger/gap configuration on the opposite side. The floating lock 1200 is responsive to tension (e.g., complementary springs acting on it from two separate directions to provide resistance longitudinally). When filter key 500 acts on floating lock 1200, the floating lock effectively moves longitudinally and is forced partially back toward its original position after fingers 520 of filter key 500 have traversed gap 1220. When partially retracted, fingers 520 align behind or under fingers 1230 of floating lock 1200. FIG. 8B is a top view of floating lock 1200 showing laterally extending fingers 1230a, B and adjacent gaps 1220 between the fingers.

Fig. 8C is a cross-sectional view of floating lock 1200 depicting drive key 1210a disposed at an end of floating lock 1200 on longitudinal or side panel 1240. Drive key 1210a opposes a similar drive key 1210b (not shown), which drive key 1210b is disposed on the opposing longitudinal panel of floating lock 1200. Both drive keys are designed with inclined faces for slidably interacting with wings 560a, b of projection 550 on filter key 500. Each drive key is preferably constructed integrally with floating lock 1200; however, the drive key may be separately constructed and attached to the longitudinal panels of floating lock 1200 by attachment means known in the art. Below drive key 1210a is a position key or physical stop 1250, as shown in fig. 8C, which position key or physical stop 1250 is preferably formed with a supporting transverse wall 1260 of floating lock 1200. As shown in fig. 8B, position key 1250 is located between drive keys 1210a, B. Position key 1250 may be integrally formed with transverse wall 1260, or may be separately attached thereto by any acceptable means in the art, such as by bonding, welding, gluing, press fitting, and the like. Position key 1250 acts as a physical stop to ensure that over travel of floating lock 1200 is prevented. Position key 1250 is located below drive keys 1210a, b a distance designed to accommodate insertion of boss 550 of filter key 500. As filter key 500 is inserted into floating lock 1200, projection 550 moves across a gap 1270 in floating lock 1200 formed by the space between drive keys 1210a, b. Wings 560a, b of projection 550 extend outwardly relative to the width of projection 550, traversing between transverse wall 1260 and drive keys 1210a, b. In this manner, wings 560a, b hold floating lock 1200 from retracting to its original position while boss 550 is being inserted. The floating lock 1200 is always under the retracting force of resilient members, such as cooperating springs or the like, which tend to hold the floating lock 1200 in its original position, which is preferably a centered position. During insertion of filter key 500, wings 560a, b interact with drive keys 1210a, b to longitudinally move floating lock 1200 off-center when under a resilient retraction force. When projection 550 reaches and contacts position key 1250, wings 560a, b are no longer retained by drive keys 1210a, b when fully inserted, because the length of drive keys 1210a, b is shorter than the length of projection 550. At this point in the insertion process, the tension retraction force forces the floating lock 1200 to move toward its original position.

Once wings 560a, b reach position key 1250, and the user releases the insertion force initially applied to the filter housing assembly, the extraction force from shutoff plug spring 1110 dominates. These forces push the filter housing assembly axially outward, away from the floating lock 1200. Since wings 560a, b are no longer constrained between drive keys 1210a, b and transverse wall 1260, floating lock 1200 will tend to move longitudinally partially toward its original position as filter key 500 moves slightly axially outward. At this point, wings 560a, b interact with edge corners 1280a, b to push off center, moving filter key 500 and combining or contacting faces 1300a, b to keep the filter housing from retracting. Fig. 8D depicts an exploded view of drive key 1210a, which drive key 1210a has edge corner 1290a and face 1300 a.

Fingers 520 of filter key 500 are now aligned with fingers 1230 of floating lock 1200 and remain in contact in a vertical plane in the axial direction, thereby inhibiting extraction of the filter housing assembly from the filter base.

It is envisaged that the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be provided in a refrigerator, most likely within the door. The output of the filter assembly can be selectively coupled to a water dispenser or an ice dispenser. A water source to the refrigerator is in fluid communication with the filter base 100 and is inhibited from flowing when the filter housing assembly 200 is removed from the filter base 100. Shutoff plugs 14 in posts 1101a, b seal fluid flow until filter housing assembly 200 is inserted in filter base 100. Upon insertion, fluid will flow to the filter housing assembly and filtered water will return from the filter housing assembly.

All of the components of the filter housing assembly 200 and filter base 100 may be made using molded plastic components according to processes known in the art. The filter medium may be made of known filter materials such as carbon, activated carbon, deodorized carbon, microporous ceramics, and the like. Filter media that may be used in the filter housing of the present invention include various filter media that are capable of removing one or more harmful contaminants from water entering the filter housing apparatus. Representative of filter media that may be employed in the filter housing include those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,872,311, 6,835,311, 6,797,167, 6,630,016, 6,331,037 and 5,147,722. In addition, filter components disclosed in the following published applications may be used as the filter media: US 2005/0051487 and US 2005/00111827.

The filter assembly is preferably mounted on a surface proximate a water source. The mounting means is also preferably located proximate to the location of use of the filtered water produced by the filter housing apparatus.

While the present invention has been particularly described, in conjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims (57)

1. A filter housing assembly comprising:

a filter housing for enclosing a filter media, the filter housing having a body and a top portion for forming a fluid-tight seal with the body, the top portion of the filter housing comprising:

an inflow port;

an outflow port; and

a filter key disposed on the top portion and having a top surface, longitudinal sides, and lateral sides, the filter key including spaced apart projections or fingers on the longitudinal sides of the filter key that extend laterally from the top surface.

2. The filter housing assembly of claim 1 wherein said fingers comprise wing-like extensions having a beveled or inclined face.

3. The filter housing assembly of claim 2 wherein said fingers comprise a diamond shaped cross-section.

4. The filter housing assembly of claim 1 including a projection extending in an axial direction above said top surface of said filter key, said projection having an inclined face with a predetermined width that slopes upwardly from said top surface of said filter key and having a transverse segment or wing extending beyond said projection width.

5. The filter housing assembly of claim 1 including forming said filter key integrally with a top portion of said filter housing.

6. The filter housing assembly of claim 1 including removably attaching said filter key to said top portion.

7. The filter housing assembly of claim 1 including said filter key attached to said filter housing top portion by snap fit, friction fit, welding or bonding.

8. The filter housing assembly of claim 1 including a filter manifold attached to a top portion of said filter housing, said filter manifold including an attachment structure for fixably receiving said filter key.

9. The filter housing assembly of claim 8 wherein one of said influent or effluent ports is disposed on said filter manifold.

10. The filter housing assembly of claim 1 wherein said inlet port and said outlet port are offset from an axial center of said filter housing.

11. The filter housing assembly of claim 1 wherein said spaced apart projections or fingers are integrally formed with said filter key.

12. The filter housing assembly of claim 1 including forming said spaced apart projections or fingers in a predetermined pattern for identifying different filter attributes unique to a filter encased within said filter housing.

13. The filter housing assembly of claim 1 including having the filter key color coded, transparent, translucent, coated, textured, material modified, or having conductive features to identify different filter attributes specific to a filter encased within the filter housing.

14. The filter housing assembly of claim 1 wherein said filter key includes a locking nub or tab for attachment to said top portion.

15. The filter housing assembly of claim 1 wherein said top portion comprises: a filter key positioning projection or support member extending axially upwardly from the top portion at a distance away from an axial center point; and a filter key lateral support member disposed on the other side of the axial center point opposite the filter key positioning projection and extending axially upward from the top portion, the filter key lateral support member having a spacing approximately equal to the filter key width, the filter key positioning projection and the filter key lateral support member forming a structural brace having an exposed surface for attaching the filter key to the top portion.

16. A filter housing assembly comprising:

a filter housing for enclosing a filter media, the filter housing having a body and a top portion for forming a fluid-tight seal with the body, the top portion of the filter housing comprising:

an inflow port;

an outflow port;

a filter manifold attached to a top portion of the filter housing, the filter manifold including an attachment structure for receiving the filter key;

a filter key disposed on said top portion and having a top surface, longitudinal sides, and lateral sides, said filter key comprising spaced apart projections, drive keys, or fingers on said longitudinal sides of said filter key, said spaced apart projections, drive keys, or fingers extending laterally from said top surface and having winged extensions with a beveled or inclined face, wherein said winged extensions have a diamond-shaped cross-section.

17. A filter housing assembly comprising:

a filter housing for enclosing a filter media;

a filter head having at least one port in fluid communication with the filter media, the filter head forming a fluid-tight seal with the filter housing;

a filter manifold, the filter manifold comprising:

a base portion axially centered about the filter head;

a port in fluid communication with the filter media; and

a first attachment structure disposed on the base portion for receiving a filter key; and

the filter key having a top surface, a bottom, longitudinal sides, and lateral sides, the filter key comprising:

spaced apart projections or fingers on the longitudinal side of the filter key,

said projection or finger extending laterally from said top surface and having a winged extension; and

a second attachment structure disposed on the filter key bottom for attaching the filter key to the first attachment structure on the filter manifold.

18. The filter housing assembly of claim 17 wherein said filter manifold is integrally formed with said filter head.

19. The filter housing assembly of claim 17 wherein said filter head includes a formed top surface for fixably attaching said filter manifold in a fluid tight seal.

20. The filter housing assembly of claim 17 wherein said filter manifold is fixably or removably attached to said filter head in a fluid-tight seal.

21. The filter housing assembly of claim 17 wherein said filter key is fixably or removably attached to said filter manifold.

22. The filter housing assembly of claim 17 wherein said filter key fingers include a beveled or sloped face on said wing extensions.

23. The filter housing assembly of claim 22 wherein said winged extensions have a diamond-shaped cross-section.

24. The filter housing assembly of claim 17 wherein said filter head comprises: a filter key positioning projection or support member extending axially upwardly from a top surface of the filter head at a distance away from an axial center point of the filter head; and a filter key lateral support member disposed on the other side of the axial center point opposite the filter key positioning projection and extending axially upward from the top surface of the filter head, the filter key lateral support member having a spacing approximately equal to the filter key width, the filter key positioning projection and the filter key lateral support member forming a structural bracket having an exposed surface for attaching the filter key to the filter head.

25. The filter housing assembly of claim 24 wherein said filter key positioning projection includes an aperture for receiving a locking nub or tab from said filter key.

26. The filter housing assembly of claim 17 wherein said filter manifold first attachment structure includes an axially extending projection extending upwardly relative to a base portion of said filter manifold.

27. The filter housing assembly of claim 26 wherein said filter key second attachment structure includes a complementary groove or channel on a bottom of said filter key for attachment with said axially extending projection of said filter manifold.

28. The filter housing assembly of claim 17 wherein said filter manifold includes an inlet or outlet port disposed off-center from an axial center of said filter housing.

29. The filter housing assembly of claim 17 wherein said filter manifold first attachment structure includes a groove or channel to receive and attach a structural member from the bottom of said filter key.

30. The filter housing assembly of claim 29 wherein said filter key second attachment structure includes a complementary axially extending projection on a bottom of said filter key to mate with said groove or slot of said filter manifold.

31. The filter housing assembly of claim 17 wherein said first attachment structure includes an axially extending projection having a dovetail shape.

32. The filter housing assembly of claim 17 wherein said filter manifold includes radially extending arms about said base portion that provide structural support for a shroud.

33. The filter housing assembly of claim 17 including a projection extending in an axial direction above said top surface of said filter key, said projection having an inclined face with a predetermined width that slopes upwardly from said top surface of said filter key and having a transverse segment or wing extending beyond said projection width.

34. A filter base for releasable connection to a complementary mating filter housing assembly, the filter base comprising:

a base platform having fluid inflow and outflow ports; and

a floating lock in sliding communication with the base platform, having a bottom surface, a top surface, and longitudinal and lateral sides, the floating lock comprising:

spaced apart projections, drive keys or fingers extending laterally inwardly on said longitudinal sides, including at least one shaped projection, finger or drive key for slidably contacting said complementary mating filter housing assembly, said at least one shaped projection, finger or drive key including an inclined face exposed toward the bottom surface and an edge or wedge opposite said inclined face for releasably securing said complementary mating filter housing assembly.

35. The filter base of claim 34 wherein said floating lock includes a position stop centered relative to said lateral sides and disposed above said at least one drive key to provide a physical stop during insertion of said complementary mating filter key.

36. The filter base of claim 35 wherein said position key includes a rail structure longitudinally spanning said floating lock.

37. The filter base of claim 34 including a housing for receiving said floating lock, said housing allowing said floating lock to slidably move therein.

38. The filter base of claim 34 including an inflow strut in fluid communication with an inflow port of said filter base and in fluid communication with an inflow port from said complementary mating filter housing assembly when connected to said complementary mating filter housing assembly, and an outflow strut in fluid communication with an outflow port of said filter base and in fluid communication with an outflow port from said complementary mating filter housing assembly when connected to said complementary mating filter housing assembly.

39. The filter base of claim 38 wherein said inflow strut includes a shutoff plug to prevent fluid flow from said inflow port during extraction of said filter housing assembly, said shutoff plug in contact with a resilient member for applying an axial or vertical force to said shutoff plug.

40. The filter base of claim 38 wherein said outflow stanchion includes a shutoff plug to prevent fluid flow from said outflow port during extraction of said filter housing assembly, said shutoff plug being in contact with a resilient member for applying an axial or vertical force to said shutoff plug.

41. The filter base of claim 34 including a rear plate attached to said base platform for at least partially receiving said floating lock.

42. The filter base of claim 34 including at least one resilient member in contact with said floating lock to provide a retraction force when said filter housing assembly acts on said floating lock during insertion or extraction of said filter housing assembly.

43. A filter base for releasably receiving a complementary mating filter housing assembly, the filter base comprising:

a base platform having a top surface;

a port for fluid inflow;

a port for fluid egress;

an upper inflow leg in fluid communication with the inflow port, the upper inflow leg extending upwardly from a top surface of the base platform, the upper inflow leg including a first shutoff plug and a resilient member for applying an axial or vertical force to the first shutoff plug during extraction of the filter housing assembly to block fluid flow from the inflow port;

an upper outflow strut in fluid communication with the outflow port, the upper outflow strut extending upwardly from the top surface of the base platform, the upper outflow strut including a second shutoff plug and a resilient member for applying an axial or vertical force to the second shutoff plug to block fluid flow from the outflow port during extraction of the filter housing assembly;

a lower inflow strut in fluid communication with the upper inflow strut and the inflow port, the lower inflow strut extending axially downward from the base platform for receiving the inflow port from the filter housing assembly;

a lower outflow strut in fluid communication with the upper outflow strut and the outflow port, the lower outflow strut extending axially downward from the base platform for receiving an outflow port from the filter housing assembly;

a housing for at least partially receiving a floating lock, the housing allowing the floating lock to slidably move therein;

the floating lock having longitudinal and lateral sides, the floating lock comprising:

spaced apart fingers, drive keys or protrusions disposed on at least one of the longitudinal sides, for releasably mating with fingers of a complementary mating filter key, at least one of said fingers, drive key or protrusion being provided on an inner face of a longitudinal side of said floating lock, and has a ramped surface for slidably contacting a finger on the complementary mating filter housing assembly, such that when the fingers of the complementary mating filter housing assembly are inserted within the floating lock, the ramped surfaces slidably contact the fingers of the filter housing assembly, moving the floating lock in a longitudinal direction, the at least one of the fingers, drive key or projection including a wedge portion on one end for releasably securing a finger of the filter housing assembly;

a position key centered about the floating lock, above and adjacent the at least one drive key, for providing a physical stop for a finger of the filter housing assembly during insertion or extraction of the filter housing assembly;

a rear plate attached to the base platform for receiving the floating lock; and

at least one resilient member attached to the floating lock to provide a retraction force when the filter housing assembly slidably acts on the floating lock during insertion or extraction.

44. The filter base of claim 43 wherein said at least one drive key comprises two drive keys disposed on opposite longitudinal sides of said floating lock and having a space therebetween for receiving said complementary mating filter housing assembly, said drive keys being spaced such that fingers of said complementary mating filter housing assembly can be inserted therebetween.

45. The filter base of claim 43 wherein said drive key is disposed on said longitudinal side such that fingers of said complementary mating filter housing assembly can traverse beyond said drive key during insertion or extraction.

46. A filter base for releasably receiving a complementary mating filter housing assembly, the filter base comprising:

a non-floating port, the non-floating port comprising:

a fluid inflow port;

a fluid outflow port;

an inflow strut in fluid communication with the inflow port;

an outflow strut in fluid communication with the outflow port; and

a recess formed for receiving a floating lock, the recess at least partially enclosing the floating lock and having a width and a length that allow the floating lock to move longitudinally therein;

the floating lock having a bottom surface, a top surface, and longitudinal and lateral sides and being located within a formed recess of the non-floating port, the floating lock comprising:

at least one drive key located on said longitudinal side extending laterally inwardly at said bottom surface for slidably receiving a ramped protrusion or winged extension from a complementary mating filter housing assembly, said at least one drive key including a ramped portion exposed toward said bottom surface and an edge or wedge on the bottom of each said drive key for releasably contacting a portion of the protrusion or winged extension of said complementary mating filter housing assembly;

a position key centered about a lateral side of the floating lock and disposed above the at least one drive key to provide a physical stop during insertion of the complementary mating filter housing assembly;

at least one resilient member in contact with the floating latch for applying a longitudinal retraction force in a direction tending to push or pull the floating latch back to an original position;

a rear plate for slidably securing the floating lock within the non-floating port;

a shutoff plug located within each of said legs for terminating fluid flow from said influent and effluent ports when said complementary mating filter housing assembly is removed from said filter base;

a resilient member within each of the struts for applying an axial extraction force to the complementary mating filter housing assembly and moving the shutoff plug to a position to stop fluid flow while the complementary mating filter housing assembly is extracted.

47. A filter housing assembly in combination with a filter base, the combination comprising:

a filter base having an inflow port and an outflow port on a base platform;

a slidably floating lock in slidable contact with the filter base, the floating lock having a plurality of drive keys or lateral extensions separated by gaps;

the elastic component is in contact with the floating lock and provides a retraction force for the floating lock; and

a filter housing assembly comprising:

a filter key having a plurality of lateral extensions separated by gaps such that when the filter housing assembly is inserted into the filter base, the fingers of the filter key slidably contact the lateral extensions of the floating lock to move the floating lock relative to the base platform, allowing the fingers on the filter key to traverse between the lateral extensions on the floating lock, and when the floating lock is retracted by the resilient member, the fingers on the filter key align with the lateral extensions on the floating lock to prevent extraction of the filter housing assembly.

48. The combination of claim 47, wherein the floating lock comprises:

a bottom surface, a top surface, and longitudinal and lateral sides, and wherein the lateral extensions include drive keys on the longitudinal sides that extend laterally inward at the bottom surface for slidably receiving the filter keys, each of the drive keys including an inclined portion exposed toward the bottom surface and an edge or wedge on each of the drive key bottoms for releasably contacting a portion of the filter key; and

a position key centered about the floating lock and disposed above the drive key to provide a physical stop during insertion of the filter housing assembly.

49. The combination of claim 47, wherein the filter base comprises:

an inflow strut in fluid communication with the inflow port;

an outflow strut in fluid communication with the outflow port; and

a recess formed for receiving the floating lock, the recess at least partially enclosing the floating lock and having a width and a length that allow the floating lock to move longitudinally therein.

50. The combination of claim 49, comprising:

a rear plate for securing the floating lock within the filter base;

a shutoff plug in each of said legs for terminating fluid flow from said inlet and outlet ports when said filter housing assembly is withdrawn from said filter base;

a resilient member located within each of the struts for applying an axial extraction force to the filter housing assembly and moving the shutoff plug to a position to stop fluid flow while the filter housing assembly is extracted.

51. A filter housing assembly in combination with a filter base, the combination comprising:

a base platform having a fluid inflow port and an outflow port;

an inflow strut in fluid communication with the inflow port;

an outflow strut in fluid communication with the outflow port;

a floating lock in sliding communication with the base platform, having a bottom surface, a top surface and longitudinal and lateral sides, the floating lock comprising:

spaced apart projections or fingers extending laterally inwardly on the longitudinal sides;

at least one actuation key for slidably contacting a projection of a filter key of the filter housing assembly, the at least one actuation key comprising an inclined face exposed toward the filter housing assembly and an edge or lip adjacent to the inclined face for releasably securing the projection of the filter key upon insertion of the filter housing assembly;

at least one resilient member in contact with the floating latch for applying a longitudinal retraction force in a direction tending to push or pull the floating latch back to an original position;

a filter housing for enclosing a filter media, the filter housing having a body and a top portion for forming a fluid-tight seal with the body, the top portion of the filter housing comprising:

a filter housing inlet port;

a filter housing outlet port; and

a filter key disposed on the top portion and having a top surface, longitudinal sides, and lateral sides, the filter key comprising:

spaced apart projections or fingers on the longitudinal sides of the filter key extending transversely from the top surface; and

a projection extending in an axial direction above the top surface of the filter key, the projection having an inclined face with a predetermined width that is inclined upwardly from the top surface of the filter key and having a laterally extending section or wing that extends beyond the projection width;

whereby, when the filter housing assembly is attached to the filter base, the angled face of the projection of the filter key slidably contacts the angled face of the at least one drive key of the floating lock to move the floating lock relative to the base platform to allow the fingers on the filter key to traverse between the fingers on the floating lock, and when the floating lock is retracted by the at least one resilient member, the fingers on the filter key align with the fingers on the floating lock to prevent extraction of the filter housing assembly.

52. A method for attaching a filter housing assembly to a filter base, comprising:

inserting the inlet and outlet ports of the filter housing assembly into the inlet and outlet legs of the filter base;

inserting said filter key of said filter housing assembly into said slidable floating lock by longitudinally moving the slidable floating lock using a filter key having lateral fingers with wing-like extensions, the slidable floating lock having lateral fingers or a drive key, whereby said lateral fingers of said filter key traverse said lateral fingers or drive key of said floating lock; and

releasing the filter housing assembly so that a resilient member in the filter base applies an extraction force to the filter housing, moving the filter housing assembly slightly in an axial extraction direction; and

providing a retraction force to the floating lock during the releasing to align the fingers of the floating lock or drive key with the fingers of the filter key to inhibit extraction of the filter housing assembly.

53. A method for extracting a filter housing assembly from a filter base, comprising:

applying an axial insertion force to the filter housing assembly already connected to the filter base towards the filter base, thereby further inserting a filter key on the filter housing assembly into a slidably floating lock of the filter base;

releasing the slidable floating lock so that the floating lock moves relative to the filter key under a resilient retraction force;

aligning fingers on the filter key between fingers on the floating lock or an actuation key; and

applying an axial extraction force to the filter housing assembly to remove the filter housing assembly from the filter base.

54. A refrigerator in combination with a filter assembly, comprising:

an outer compartment;

a refrigerated chamber disposed within the exterior compartment and having a rear wall, a pair of opposing side walls, a top, a bottom, and at least one door disposed opposite the rear wall;

a freezing chamber disposed in the outer compartment and adjacent to the refrigeration chamber;

a water dispenser disposed in the door and in fluid communication with the filter assembly, the reservoir and filter media from the refrigerator being changed by an automated assembly;

the filter assembly includes:

a filter housing for enclosing a filter media, the filter housing having a body and a top portion for forming a fluid-tight seal with the body, the top portion of the filter housing comprising:

an inflow port;

an outflow port; and

a filter key configured to attach to the filter housing and having a top surface, longitudinal sides, and lateral sides, the filter key including spaced apart projections or fingers on the longitudinal sides of the filter key that extend laterally from the top surface.

55. The combination of claim 54, comprising integrally forming the filter key with a top portion of the filter housing.

56. The filter housing assembly of claim 54 including removably attaching said filter key to said top portion.

57. The filter housing assembly of claim 54 including a filter manifold attached to a top portion of said filter housing, said filter manifold including an attachment structure for fixably receiving said filter key.