WO2000009240A2

WO2000009240A2 - Filter bottle

Info

Publication number: WO2000009240A2
Application number: PCT/US1999/018410
Authority: WO
Inventors: John M. Ferguson
Original assignee: Ferguson John M
Priority date: 1998-08-11
Filing date: 1999-08-11
Publication date: 2000-02-24
Also published as: AU5559699A; WO2000009240A9; WO2000009240A3

Abstract

A water filter bottle employs a flexible bottle (10) to hold a volume of unfiltered water prior to dispensing. The bottle (10) includes a pre-filter media (28) for removing larger components from the unfiltered water prior to placement within the bottle (10) and a primary filter media (50) contained inside the bottle for filtering various components from the water prior to dispensing, to make the water potable. The primary filter media (50) is replaceable and includes a dispensing spout (62) as part of the replaceable portion so that a fresh spout (62) is provided with each fresh filter media. A cap (14) seals the spout (62) against contact with unfiltered water when filling the bottle.

Description

FILTER BOTTLE Related Application Information This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application 60/096,190, filed August 11, 1998.

Background of the Invention This invention relates to water filtration and more particularly to an improved portable water filtration bottle. Outdoor enthusiasts and travelers both are concerned with purity of water for drinking. The outdoor enthusiast needs to be able to ensure that water taken from backcountry streams, lakes and snow melt is free from any harmful substances. Travelers need to ensure that water from unfamiliar sources is safe to drink and free of impurities that might lead to illness. While portable filtration systems have been developed that purify water by passing it through a filter media to ensure the removal of inorganics, organics, radiological and microbiological impurities, this media tends to be quite dense and offer a substantial resistance to flow. This requires a level of complexity in the filtration system that incorporates components such as pressurizers, pumps, balancing valves and the like. Along with this extra level of complexity comes the potential for failure of these components and the resultant possibility of contamination reaching the user.

Existing filters can be rapidly clogged when used with turbid water, whether the turbidity is from mud, glacial silt, or other sources. Accordingly, when using filters with turbid water, the filter life is greatly reduced, as the minute filter sites become quickly filled by the particulates in the water, requiring that the filter media be replaced. Summary of the Invention In accordance with the invention, an improved portable water filtration bottle is provided wherein the filter media is located within a flexible bottle, near the dispensing end of the bottle. At the opposing end, a removable cap enables unfiltered water to be put into the bottle. A pre-filter is positioned near the filling end, for reducing^' the amount of silt or mud or the like in the water, for increasing the life of the primary filter media.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved portable water filtration bottle. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved portable water filtration system that offers low resistance to filtration.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved portable water filtration system that incorporates a pre-filter to lengthen the life of the main filter media.

The subject matter of the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of this specification. However, both the organization and method of operation, together with further advantages and objects thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like elements.

Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the water filtration bottle according to the present invention, and its carrying satchel; FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the water filter bottle of FIG. 1, taken along line 2-2;

FIG. 3 is a partial side sectional view of the water filter bottle with the lid open, further illustrating a filter removal and insertion tool; and

FIG. 4 is a side view of a filter when removed from the bottle.

Detailed Description Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of the water filtration bottle according to the present invention, an elongate generally cylindrical filter bottle 10 has a first end 12 carrying a conical cap member 14 thereon, adapted to be opened and closed to seal the interior portion of the cone. The cap member has a removal tab 16, and is connected to the body of the bottle 10 via keeper 18, to prevent loss of the conical cap when opened. The second distal end 20 of the bottle has an opening with a threaded rim 22 for engagement by a cap 24 having internal threads 26 for mating with the threads of threaded rim 22. When cap 24 is tightened, it provides an air-tight and liquid tight seal at the second end of the bottle. A pre- filter 28 is held within the interior opening at end 20, in a manner described in greater detail hereinbelow. The pre-filter suitably comprises a flexible mesh, such as a polypropylene mesh, having a pore size of between 10 to 30 microns or so, with the preferred size being 25 microns. A removal strap member 30 enables easy removal of the pre-filter for cleaning, as discussed hereinbelow. Suitably, the removal strap member is constructed from the same mesh material as the pre-filter, but folded and sewn or otherwise secured to provide a thicker more sturdy pull. A carrying pouch 32, preferably comprising a mesh- type material is provided to receive the filter bottle therein, for ease of carrying and storage, when hiking, for example. The pouch has a carrying strap 34 attached thereto, and a draw string 36 looped around the top, open end of the pouch, with a cinch device 38 provided thereon, slideable along the length of the exposed portions of the draw string and removably fixable at a desired position therealong, to keep the pouch end closed when desired. A smaller side pouch 40 is defined along a portion of a side of the pouch, suitably providing a storage pocket for carrying an extra replacement filter media, or other items, for example, disinfectant tablets or iodine tablets. The side pouch is also suitably closed by cinching of the draw string.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a side sectional view of the water filter bottle taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, the placement of the pre-filter 28 may be observed. A circumferential groove 44 is defined around the interior of the bottle, positioned above the opening at end 20. The groove extends outwardly, with respect to the bottle interior portion. The pre-filter is suitably configured in a sock like fashion, with a closed end extending into the interior of the bottle somewhat, and an open end oriented towards the bottle opening. An o-ring 46 fits within the circumferential groove 44, and the pre-filter is secured to the o-ring, holding the pre-filter in place. At several positions around the groove 44, suitably two such positions in the preferred embodiment, an air vent portion 42 (also visible in FIG. 1) is defined in the groove, comprising a portion of the groove that extends out even further than the diameter of the o-ring. The bottom interior of cap 24 has a gasket 48 therein, to enable a water and air tight seal with the bottle when the cap is placed thereon. The central portion of the body of the bottle is broken away in FIG. 2, but the overall length of the bottle will define the holding capacity thereof, a shorter version being sized to contain 1/2 liter of liquid within the bottle, and a longer 1 liter version also be suitably provided. At the end of the bottle opposite from the pre- filter, a primary filter 50 is provided. The primary filter is preferably an activated charcoal based filter media 52 that is substantially cylindrical in shape, with a hollow interior. A check valve 54 is provided to allow air to escape from the interior of the media to the interior of the bottle, but to substantially prevent fluid from entering the interior of the media through the valve. The end of the media distal from check valve 54 is securely mounted to a filter mount 56, suitably by use of an adhesive. An upper end of the filter mount has a threaded portion 58, that extends upwardly, a hex head portion 60 being positioned further above the threaded portion. A spout 62 is mounted above the hex head portion, and is movable between a closed and open position. The interior of mount 56, threaded portion 58, hex head portion 60 and spout 62 define a channel for passage of fluid from the hollow interior of the filter media to outside of the bottle, through the spout. Four raised portions 64 are provided evenly spaced around the filter mount .

The bottle narrows somewhat at the upper end thereof, defining an opening 66 through which the upper end of the filter media (essentially the spout, hex head and part of the threaded portion) fits. A gasket 72 (suitably a ring gasket) fits over the spout and threaded portion 58, between an upper shoulder portion of mount 56 and the interior surface of the bottle opening 66. A cap 68 fits over the top of the bottle, and has a central opening 70 which is threaded with mating threads for the threaded portion 58 of the filter media. The cap is a domed disk shape, having stepped regions thereon, with first and second circumferential o-rings 74, 76 set at spaced apart positions near the periphery of the cap. Corresponding seat members 78 and 80 are defined in the interior of conical cap 14, whereby when cap 14 is closed, the volume defined between the interior of the cap 14 and the cap 68 is sealed against the exterior by the outer o-ring 76 and again by the inner o-ring 74.

Cap keeper 18 is held to the upper end of the bottle by a ring portion 82 that fits within a corresponding depression in the upper end of the bottle. In use, the filter media is mounted within the bottle by the engagement between the threaded portions 58 and 70, and is sealed liquid tight by the gasket 72. The filter media is tightened by use of the hex head portion 60. Cap 14 is closed (as in FIG. 2) and cap 24 is removed at the other end of the bottle. Water is then poured into the bottle, or, the bottle is immersed in a stream or scooped through a body of water. The o- rings and conical cap keep the spout portion of the water bottle sealed against contact with the potentially hazardous or contaminated water, so that later when the user drinks from the spout, no germs or other contamination from the water will be transmitted to the user via contact of the spout with the unfiltered water source. The vent portions 42 allow air to escape from the interior of the bottle as water rushes in, the water being pre-filtered by pre-filter 28, to remove larger sized impurities or turbidity, such as mud and silt. This pre-filtering enhances the life of the primary filter media 50, by minimizing the amount of silt or the like that would tend to clog the primary filter and shorten the operational life thereof.

Now, having filled the bottle to the extent desired, the user replaces the cap 24, and tightens it to seal the bottle shut. Now, if it is desired to dispense water, the user flips open the cap 14, by way of tab 16 (the cap is shown in an open position in FIG. 3) . Since the cap keeper 18 is attached to both the cap and the bottle, the cap will not be lost or fall onto the ground. The user now pulls the spout upwardly, and squeezes the bottle (which is a flexible plastic) . The pressure forces the unfiltered water through the body of the filter media, and into the interior space in the filter body. Water that passes into the interior of the filter body is filtered, and safe to consume. Since the interior space is in fluid communication with the spout, the water will exit via the spout, for consumption or other use. Once the bottle is released, air will return through the spout, into the filter body, and mostly through the check valve 54, to replenish the lost volume inside the bottle.

Should cleaning of the pre-filter be desirable, it is easily removed by grasping the strap member 30 and pulling. Since the o-ring is flexible, it will deform slightly and pull out of the groove in which it is seated, enabling removal of the pre-filter. The pre- filter is replaced merely by re-seating the o-ring in the groove. Referring to FIG. 3, a partial side sectional view of the water filter bottle with the lid open, the removal and replacement of the filter media may be accomplished with or without the aid of a filter removal and insertion tool 84. The tool 84 is a substantially hollow cylinder, having mating portions 86 at ends thereof to engage with raised portions 64 on the filter body. To remove the filter, the tool is placed over the filter body, and while the bottle is held, the user rotates the tool. The cap will then unthread from the filter body, enabling the removal of the filter from the interior of the bottle. The cap will also be free from engagement with the bottle at this point. Now, a new filter may be inserted into the removal tool, either at a second end of the tool, or at the same end of the tool after removing the old filter. The filter body is inserted into the interior of the bottle (with gasket 72 properly positioned) , and the cap is placed over the top of the bottle. Threads 58 and 70 are then engaged, to tighten the filter within the bottle. Alternatively, the filter may be replaced without the tool by instead employing a wrench or pliers on the hex head portion 60 to loosen and tighten the filter within the bottle. FIG. 4 is a side view of a filter when removed from the bottle. The spout in the illustrated embodiment is adapted to slide upwardly and downwardly as indicated by arrow 88. The removal and replacement tool may be suitably provided with the purchase of replacement filter media, suitably being constructed of a plastic. The tool can be double ended in one embodiment, wherein the new filter is pre- mounted within one end of the tool. Then, after the old filter is removed with the "empty" end of the tool, the tool is rotated to present the new filter end, and the new filter is installed within the bottle. Alternatively, as mentioned hereinabove, in place of using the tool, the hex head portion may be used to tighten or loosen the filter, suitably with a wrench, pliers or multi-tool device often carried by hikers. Referring further to FIG. 3, a notch 92 is defined on an upper portion of the bottle, and a corresponding tab portion 90 extends downwardly from the interior surface of cap 68. The notch and tab cooperate to ensure proper alignment of the cap 68 on the top of the bottle. When re-assembling the cap and filter after filter removal and replacement, the user rotates cap portion 68 until the tap 90 "snaps" into the notch 92. Then, the filter is tightened. Since the spout is a part of the filter media, each time the filter is replaced, the user is provided a new spout. Therefore, the if the spout gets worn, it will be renewed when the filter is replaced.

In the preferred embodiment, the pre-filter is a 25 micron mesh, being a polypropylene or a monofilament nylon. Other mesh spacings may be used, typically between 10 and 30 microns. Further, the pre-filter mesh can be a metal mesh, such as stainless steel, a membrane type filter, a glass fiber, or any other suitable pre-filter media. Also, while the primary filter is preferably an activated carbon based filter, other media, such as carbon block, glass fiber, ceramic, or any other filter media can be employed. Also, while the preferred method of dispensing is to have the user squeeze the bottle, they user may also suck the water from the bottle, if so desired. Accordingly, and improved filter bottle is provided, with a pre-filter to extend the life of the primary filtering medium and to remove sand, silt, algae and other turbidity from the water. A sealed cap protects the filtered water dispensing portions of the bottle from coming into contact with unfiltered water when filling the bottle. The pre-filter and primary filter media are easily replaced, so that repeated uses of the bottle may be made. Also, the filter media are easily removed to be cleaned and reinserted for additional use, if replacement is not yet warranted. The filter will remove Giardia, Cryptosporidium, E.Coli, household cleaning compounds, industrial and agricultural wastes, herbicides, pesticides and insecticides from the water, as well as a number of trace metals and turbidity. Over 99% of bacteria and protozoa are removed. If viruses are a concern, after filling the bottle with unfiltered water, a disinfectant such as iodine may be added to the water in the bottle. The primary filter media will remove the odor, color and taste of the disinfectant from the water, resulting in a pleasant tasting water even though iodine or the like had been added to treat for the possible presence of viruses. While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. The appended claims are therefore intended to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A filter bottle for holding and filtering drinking water, comprising: a container for holding a volume of unfiltered water; a pre-filter for filtering larger components out of the unfiltered water as the container is filled with the unfiltered water; a primary filter having an output side for exiting of filtered water; a dispensing spout for dispensing the filtered water; and a removable cap for sealing said dispensing spout against contact with unfiltered water when said container is being filled with unfiltered water.

2. A filter bottle for holding and filtering drinking water according to claim 1, wherein said pre- filter comprises a mesh having between 10 and 30 micron size openings therein.

3. A filter bottle for holding and filtering drinking water according to claim 1, wherein said pre- filter comprises a mesh having approximately 25 micron size openings therein.

4. A filter bottle for holding and filtering drinking water according to claim 1, wherein said pre- filter comprises a mesh filter attached to a flexible ring member, said container having a seat defined therein for receiving said ring member therein for holding said pre-filter in position to pre-filter water entering said container.

5. A filter bottle for holding and filtering drinking water according to claim 4, wherein said seat has at least one air vent for allowing displaced air from the interior of said container to escape when said container is being filled with water through said pre- filter.

6. A filter bottle for holding and filtering drinking water, comprising: a container for holding a volume of unfiltered water; a pre-filter for filtering larger components out of the unfiltered water as the container is filled with the unfiltered water.

7. A filter bottle for holding and filtering drinking water according to claim 6, wherein said pre- filter comprises a mesh having between 10 and 30 micron size openings therein.

8. A filter bottle for holding and filtering drinking water according to claim 6, wherein said pre- filter comprises a mesh having approximately 25 micron size openings therein.

9. A filter bottle for holding and filtering drinking water according to claim 6, wherein said pre- filter comprises a mesh filter attached to a flexible ring member, said container having a seat defined therein for receiving said ring member therein for holding said pre-filter in position to pre-filter water entering said container.

10. A filter bottle for holding and filtering drinking water according to claim 9, wherein said seat has at least one air vent for allowing displaced air from the interior of said container to escape when said container is being filled with water through said pre- filter.