BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present application relates to water dispensers and more particularly containers for dispensing filtered water.
A variety of water dispensers have been designed, but each prior design has its drawbacks. There is therefore a need for a container for dispensing water that overcomes some or all the drawbacks associated with prior water dispensers.
SUMMARY
In one aspect, water dispenser is provided that includes an upper chamber for receiving an unfiltered liquid, the upper chamber having an aperture at a bottom thereof for the liquid to be filtered to pass through the aperture; a multiple-layer filtering assembly operably coupled to the upper chamber and in communication with the aperture for the unfiltered liquid to pass through an aperture in the filter assembly; a lower chamber operably coupled to the multiple-layer filtering assembly for receiving filtered liquid therefrom through the aperture in the filter assembly; and a float assembly system operably coupled between the upper and lower chambers, the float assembly system including a float body configured to open and close the aperture in the filter assembly depending on a level of the filtered liquid in the lower chamber.
In one embodiment, the float assembly system comprises a float value that automatically opens when the water level in the lower chamber reaches a predetermined level.
In one embodiment, the float assembly system resumes water flow through the multiple-layer filtering assembly upon withdrawal of liquid from the lower chamber.
In one embodiment, the float assembly system lifts upon rising water levels in the lower chamber causing a float seal to contact the float valve and preventing overflow of the lower chamber.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 4a is a side view of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein in packed form.
FIG. 4b is a cross sectional view of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein in packed form.
FIG. 4c is a cross sectional view of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein in packed form.
FIG. 5a is a partial disassembly of the top tank of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 5b is a partial disassembly of the top tank of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 6a is an exploded view of the top tank of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 6b is an exploded view of the top tank of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 7a is a cross sectional view of the top tank of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 7b is a cross sectional view of the top tank of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 8a is a cross sectional view of the top tank of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 8b is a cross sectional view of the top tank of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 9a is a partial disassembly of the bottom tank and stand of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 9b is a partial disassembly of the bottom tank and stand of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 10a is a cross sectional view of the bottom tank of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 10b is a cross sectional view of the bottom tank and stand of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the bottom tank and stand of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the bottom tank and stand of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 13a includes various views of a float for use in a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 13b includes various views of a float for use in a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 13c includes various views of a float for use in a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a filter assembly for use with a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 15a is a partial disassembly of a water dispenser according to a second embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 15b is a partial disassembly of a water dispenser according to a second embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of the top tank of a water dispenser according to a second embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of the top tank of a water dispenser according to a second embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 18a is a cross sectional view of the top tank of a water dispenser according to a second embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 18b is a cross sectional view of the top tank of a water dispenser according to a second embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
FIG. 19 is exploded view of the top tank of a water dispenser according to a 2. second embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present application provides a novel water dispenser for dispensing filtered water. The water dispenser according to a preferred embodiment includes the elements listed herein and as shown in FIGS. 1-18.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a water dispenser 100 according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The dispenser 100 generally includes a bottom tank 103 and a top tank 118. The top tank 103 has an aperture therein that interfaces with a filter assembly. Water to be filtered is deposited in the top tank 118, gravity causes the water to pass through the aperture and then through the filter assembly, which removes contaminants from the water. The filtered water is stored in the bottom tank 103, which has a spout therein for dispensing the water. The tanks are preferably removably attached to each other, such that the filter assembly is sandwiched between the two tanks. The filter assembly may be removably attached to the bottom of the top tank 118, as shown. Various attachment methods may be used to attach the filter assembly to the bottom tank, including with filter clamps 113 as shown in FIGS. 1-14 and/or with a soft seal assembly as shown in FIGS. 15-19.
One other feature of this dispenser may include a design in which the top tank is larger than the bottom tank. The use of the float valve (/hydrophobic vent system) allows for a larger top reservoir so as to ensure the bottom tank stays full as much as possible, due to it starting to refill most every time water is withdrawn from the bottom tank since there is still more water in the top (10 liters top vs 6 liters bottom in one embodiment). Other designs tend to make their top tanks smaller than the bottom as they don't have a means of preventing overflow when the bottom tank gets filled and hence, they overflow and flood if the top tank is larger. Also, the bottom tank may telescopically fit fully within the top tank in packed mode (FIG. 4) so as to greatly reduce the shipping and storage requirements.
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a water dispenser 100 according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the dispenser includes a float valve system (e.g., a float body, float valve and float seal, as shown in FIGS. 11-13) that regulates the water level in the bottom tank 103. The Float Valve 105 automatically opens when the water level in the bottom tank 103 is lowered due to water being withdrawn via the Spigot 102. This allows water from the top tank 118 to resume flow through the filters 113/114/115 into the bottom tank 103. When sufficient water has flowed to refill the bottom tank 103, the rising water level lifts the Float 106 which causes the Float Seal 104 to come into contact with the Float Valve 105 thereby shutting off flow of water from the top tank 118, preventing overfilling of the bottom tank 103. A commensurate means of allowing air to flow into and out of the sealed bottom tank 103 is required when it is being filled or drained in order to equalize pressure without allowing airborne pathogens to enter the bottom tank 103. This is accomplished by the use of a hydrophobic vent.
3. FIG. 2 further illustrates the components of the water dispenser according to one embodiment. As depicted, stand 1 provides a stable base for dispenser 100. The spigot 102 may include nuts and washers while providing for a means for dispensing of purified water. Bottom tank 103 may be sealed for storage of purified water. A float seal 104 may act as a seal for a valve to control water level in the bottom tank 103. A float valve 105 may include a valve for controlling water level in the bottom tank 103. The general float mechanism 106 further controls water level in the bottom tank 103. According to one embodiment, siphon tube 107 may improve water flow through filters by increasing functional head. The bottom tank cover 108 seals the bottom tank 103 and incorporates float assembly 104, 105, 106, along with siphon tube 107 passing through a hole in the seal 108 (as shown in FIGS. 4b-4c. A hydrophobic vent 109 allows for passage of clean air into/out of bottom tank 103. Cam handles 110 provide clamping pressure and locking of filter clamp. A washer 111 may prevent leakage of clean water between top and bottom tanks. A filter clamp 112 may hold filters in place and provide clamping pressure. Nanotech filter 113 may remove all listed contaminants from raw water. A carbon prefilter 114 may extend the life of nanotech filter 113 by providing additional NOM removal capacity. A sediment prefilter 115 may extend the life of a nanotech filter by providing additional sediment removal capacity. In one embodiment, a fastener is a fixture for cam handles to act against and to provide clamping pressure. The filter frame 117 is a mounting point for pre filters. The top tank 118 provides storage of raw water for purification. The magnet 119 for the counter may activate the counter to keep track of top tank filling cycles. In one embodiment, the top tank cover 120 provides cover for top tank and mounting for counter and storage for siphon and spigot caps. According to one embodiment, the splash guard 121 protects counters from splashed water damage. The spigot cap 122 may prevent entry of contaminants to the bottom tank when not in use. The Siphon cap 123 may prevent entry of contaminants to the bottom tank when not in use. Counter 124 may keep track of top tank filling cycles for monitoring filter life.
In one embodiment, a hydrophobic vent that employs a membrane that will let air pass through, but does not allow microbes or water to pass, may be used without a float system. The membrane, being hydrophobic, doesn't let water pass through, which thereby stops water flow from top to bottom when the bottom tank is full, without leaking. That is, the vent is “closed” by the water contacting and occluding the bottom surface of the hydrophobic membrane and then “opened” again when water is drawn out of the lower tank and air can again flow through.
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The dispenser illustrated in FIG. 3 includes, inter alia, the top tank cover 120, the filter clamp 112 and the tank cover 108.
FIG. 4a-c are cross-sectional views of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein in packed form for shipping. The dispenser illustrated in FIG. 4b-c includes, inter alia, the top tank cover, the filter clamp and the tank cover, as well as the other components shown in the Figs. herein, packing in a compact form.
FIG. 5a is a partial disassembly of the top tank of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The dispenser illustrated in FIG. 3 includes, inter alia, the top tank cover 120, splash guard which protects counter from splashed water damage, the spigot cap, siphon cap 123, and counter 124. FIG. 5b is a partial disassembly of the top tank of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The dispenser illustrated in FIG. 5b includes, inter alia, the filter clamp 112 and the tank cover 108.
FIG. 6a is an exploded view of the top tank of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The dispenser illustrated in FIG. 6a includes, inter alia, the top tank cover 120, the filter clamp 112 and the filter frame 117. FIG. 6b is an exploded view of the top tank of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The dispenser illustrated in FIG. 6b includes, inter alia, the top tank cover 120, the filter clamp 112 and the filter frame 117.
FIG. 7a is a cross sectional view of the top tank of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The dispenser illustrated in FIG. 7a includes, inter alia, the top tank cover 120 and the filter clamp 112. FIG. 7b is a cross sectional view of the top tank of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The dispenser illustrated in FIG. 7b, inter alia, includes the top tank cover 120 and the filter clamp 112.
FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the top tank of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The dispenser illustrated in FIG. 8a includes, inter alia, the top tank cover 120 and the filter clamp 112. FIG. 8b is a cross sectional view of the top tank of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The dispenser illustrated in FIG. 8b includes, inter alia, the top tank cover 120 and the filter clamp 112.
FIG. 9a is a partial disassembly of the bottom tank and stand of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The dispenser illustrated in FIG. 9a includes, inter alia, the spigot 102 and the base 101. FIG. 9b is a partial disassembly of the bottom tank and stand of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The dispenser illustrated in FIG. 9b includes, inter alia, the spigot 102 and the base 101.
FIG. 10a is a partial disassembly of the bottom tank and stand of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The dispenser illustrated in FIG. 10a includes, inter alia, the base 101 and the float assembly mechanism 106. FIG. 10b is a partial disassembly of the bottom tank and stand of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The dispenser illustrated in FIG. 10b includes, inter alia, the tank cover 108 and the float assembly mechanism 106.
FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the bottom tank of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The dispenser illustrated in FIG. 11a includes, inter alia, the spigot 102, the tank cover 108 and the float assembly mechanism 106. FIG. 11b is a cross sectional view of the bottom tank of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The dispenser illustrated in FIG. 11b includes, inter alia, the spigot 102 and the float assembly mechanism 106.
FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the bottom tank and stand of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The dispenser illustrated in FIG. 12a includes, inter alia, the base 101 and the float assembly mechanism 106. FIG. 12b is an exploded view of the bottom tank and stand of a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The dispenser illustrated in FIG. 12b includes, inter alia, the base 101, the float assembly mechanism 106 and the tank cover.
FIG. 13a includes a float system assembly for use in a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The float system assembly 106 in FIG. 13a is depicted as a cross sectional view. FIG. 13b includes, inter alia, a float system assembly for use in a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The float 106 in FIG. 13b is depicted as a top side overhead view. The float system assembly 106 in FIG. 13b further includes, inter alia, a float seal 104 may act as a seal for valve to control water level in the bottom tank 103 and a float valve 105 may include a valve for controlling water level in the bottom tank 103. FIG. 13c includes, inter alia, various views of a float system assembly for use in a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The float 106 in FIG. 13c is depicted as a top side split float system assembly view. The pegs at the top of the float assembly 106 align the assembly 106 with the seal 108 and allow the float to move vertically while resisting lateral or rotational movement. In this regard, the tank cover 108 may include the corresponding structure to receive the float and/or pegs.
FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a filter assembly for use with a water dispenser according to one embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The filter assembly of FIG. 14 for use with water dispenser 100 includes, inter alia, a tank cover 108, a nanotech filter 113, a carbon pre filter 114, a sediment prefilter 115 and a filter frame 117. FIG. 14 further includes filter clamp, cam handles, and fasteners.
FIG. 15a is a partial disassembly of a water dispenser according to a second embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The partial disassembly of the water dispenser 100 of FIG. 15a includes, inter alia, a top tank 118. FIG. 15b is a partial disassembly of a water dispenser according to a second embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The partial disassembly of the water dispenser 100 of FIG. 15b includes, inter alia, a top tank 118 and a filter clamp 112117 for filter installation. The filter clamp may be a square plate that mounts externally and holds the filters in place. The filter frame, in contrast, is a spider web like internal element that the filters mount on (not to be confused with the also spider web like inner surface of the Filter clamp).
FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a filter assembly for use with a water dispenser according to a second embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The filter assembly of FIG. 16a includes, inter alia, a top tank 118 and a filter clamp 112. FIG. 16b is an exploded view of a filter assembly for use with a water dispenser according to a second embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The filter assembly of FIG. 16 includes, inter alia, a top tank 118 and a filter clamp 117.
FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of the top tank of a water dispenser according to a second embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The top tank 118 of the water dispenser in FIG. 17 includes, inter alia, a filter clamp 112 among other elements. FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of the top tank of a water dispenser according to a second embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The top tank 118 of the water dispenser in FIG. 17 includes, inter alia, a filter clamp 117 among other elements.
FIG. 18a is a cross sectional view of the top tank of a water dispenser according to a second embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The top tank 118 of the water dispenser in FIG. 1a includes, inter alia, a filter clamp 112 among other elements. FIG. 18b is a cross sectional view of the top tank of a water dispenser according to a second embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. The top tank 118 of the water dispenser in FIG. 18b includes, inter alia, a filter frame 117 among other elements.
FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the top tank of a water dispenser according to a second embodiment of the dispensers disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the exploded view of the top tank 118 of the water dispenser 100 of FIG. 19 includes a top tank 131 for storage of raw water for purification, a soft seal (Primary/Upper) 132 (Primary Soft Seal for conformal seal to Nanotech Filter (tank side)), a soft seal (Primary/Lower) 133 (Primary Soft Seal for conformal seal to Nanotech Filter (filter clamp side)), a soft seal (Secondary) 134 (Secondary Soft Seal for conformal seal to Top Tank), a filter clamp 135 which holds filters in place and provides clamping pressure for seals, a washer 136 which prevents leakage of clean water between top and bottom Tanks and clamp handles 137 which provide clamping pressure and locking of filter clamp 135.
While the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, from a reading of the disclosure, that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the true scope of the invention (e.g., changes to the shape of the top and/or bottom tanks from round to oval, rectangular, etc.; from rigid to collapsible forms).
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Patent Application
20230234830
