Carrying Case for Portable Water Filtration System

Abstract

A split case adapted to hold water filtration units in a water filtration subassembly. The interior of the case holds three water filtration units arranged in series. The filtration units are in fluid communication with each other through fluid connectors. The assembly includes a water input member and a water output member, each generally positioned at opposing ends of the split case, each partially exposed to the space outside the case through apertures in the walls of the split case, and each providing fluid communication between the outside world and the water filtration subassembly.

Claims

1. A carrying case for a portable water filtration system for use in filtering water, comprising: a split case to hold water filtration units within an interior of said split case, said split case adapted to divide into two halves to permit access to water filtration units held within said interior of said split case, said split case including access apertures permitting water to pass into the interior of said split case and to pass out of the interior of said split case, said split case including: a first half piece including: a first half rectangular side panel with an outboard surface, an inboard surface, and a periphery; a front wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a back wall, each extending orthogonally from the periphery of said first half rectangular side panel; a second half piece including: a second half rectangular side panel with an outboard surface, an inboard surface, and a periphery; a front wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a back wall, each extending orthogonally from the periphery of said first half rectangular side panel; said first half piece and said second half piece configured to be joined such that the front wall of said first half piece joins the front wall of said second half piece, the top wall of said first half piece joins the top wall of said second half piece, the bottom wall of said first half piece joins the bottom wall of said second half piece, and the back wall of said first half piece joins the back wall of said second half piece, said front walls cooperatively defining a first access aperture permitting water to pass into the interior of said split case, said back walls cooperatively defining a first access aperture permitting water to pass into the interior of said split case, said top walls cooperatively defining a plurality of access holes configured to permit access to pressure relief valves on water filtration units within said split case; said split case further including a locking mechanism configured to inhibit opening of said split case after said first half piece and said second half piece are joined, said locking mechanism adapted to be cut when said split case is to be opened to allow access to the interior of said split case.

2. The carrying case for a portable water filtration system of claim 1 wherein said split case is fabricated from a hard, durable plastic.

3. The carrying case for a portable water filtration system of claim 1 wherein said locking mechanism comprises a cylinder lock with a barbed rod configured to interact with two receptors, one receptor being positioned on said first half piece and one receptor being positioned on said second half piece.

4. The carrying case for a portable water filtration system of claim 1 further comprising rolling wheels attached to an exterior surface of said split case to facilitate movement of said split case.

5. The carrying case for a portable water filtration system of claim 1 further comprising a strap attached to an exterior surface of said split case to facilitate carrying of said split case.

6. The carrying case for a portable water filtration system of claim 1 further comprising a handle attached to an exterior surface of said split case to facilitate movement of said split case.

7. A portable water filtration assembly for use in filtering water, comprising: a split case to hold water filtration units within an interior of said split case, said split case adapted to divide into two halves to permit access to water filtration units held within said interior of said split case, said split case including access apertures permitting water to pass into the interior of said split case and to pass out of the interior of said split case, said split case including: a first half piece including: a first half rectangular side panel with an outboard surface, an inboard surface, and a periphery; a front wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a back wall, each extending orthogonally from the periphery of said first half rectangular side panel; a second half piece including: a second half rectangular side panel with an outboard surface, an inboard surface, and a periphery; a front wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and a back wall, each extending orthogonally from the periphery of said first half rectangular side panel; said first half piece and said second half piece configured to be joined such that the front wall of said first half piece joins the front wall of said second half piece, the top wall of said first half piece joins the top wall of said second half piece, the bottom wall of said first half piece joins the bottom wall of said second half piece, and the back wall of said first half piece joins the back wall of said second half piece, said front walls cooperatively defining a first access aperture permitting water to pass into the interior of said split case, said back walls cooperatively defining a first access aperture permitting water to pass into the interior of said split case, said top walls cooperatively defining a plurality of access holes configured to permit access to pressure relief valves on water filtration units within said split case; said split case further including a locking mechanism configured to inhibit opening of said split case after said first half piece and said second half piece are joined, said locking mechanism adapted to be cut when said split case is to be opened to allow access to the interior of said split case; a water filtration subassembly including: a plurality of water filtration units operating in series to filter water, said water filtration units adapted to be replaced independently of the split case, each water filtration unit adapted to be replaced independently of each other water filtration unit in said water filtration subassembly; and connectors adapted to permit the passage of water from one water filtration unit to another water filtration unit.

8. The portable water filtration assembly of claim 7, wherein said water filtration subassembly comprises three water filtration units.

9. The portable water filtration assembly of claim 7 further comprising rolling wheels attached to an exterior surface of said split case to facilitate movement of said split case.

10. The portable water filtration assembly of claim 7 further comprising a strap attached to an exterior surface of said split case to facilitate carrying of said split case.

11. The portable water filtration assembly of claim 7 further comprising a handle attached to an exterior surface of said split case to facilitate movement of said split case.

Description

FIGURES

[0028] The above-mentioned and additional features of the invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the invention read together with the drawings in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view according to one example embodiment of the present general inventive concept, showing a carrying case adapted to hold water filtration units;

[0030] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1, showing the interior of the carrying case;

[0031] FIG. 2A is a close-up view of an example embodiment of a barbed locking mechanism used with the carrying case shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0032] FIG. 3 is a section view of the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example embodiment water filtration unit;

[0034] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the water filtration unit shown in FIG. 4;

[0035] FIG. 6A is a view of a first example embodiment water output member adapted to be used with an assembly according to the present general inventive concept;

[0036] FIG. 6B is a view of a second example embodiment water output member adapted to be used with an assembly according to the present general inventive concept;

[0037] FIG. 6C is a view of a third example embodiment water output member adapted to be used with an assembly according to the present general inventive concept;

[0038] FIG. 7 is a view of an assembly according to one example embodiment of the present general inventive concept in use with an outdoor residential water supply/irrigation system;

[0039] FIG. 8 is a view of an assembly according to one example embodiment of the present general inventive concept in use with a residential plumbing system; and

[0040] FIG. 9 is a view of an assembly according to one example embodiment of the present general inventive concept in use with a gravity fed water supply.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Turning to the Figures, FIG. 1 shows an assembly 10 according to one example embodiment of the present general inventive concept, showing a split case 110 adapted to hold water filtration units. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the same assembly 10 shown in FIG. 1, showing the interior of the split case 110 and three water filtration units 120a, 120b, 120c arranged in series. The split case 110 is configured to divide into two pieces, 112a and 112b, as shown in FIG. 2, permitting access to the interior of the case 110 and the water filtration units 120a, 120b, 120c held within. As shown in FIG. 1, the example embodiment split case 110 includes at least one strap or handle 114 (hereafter collectively strap) attached to an exterior surface of the split case 110 and adapted to allow a user to carry the split case 110. The example embodiment split case 110 also includes at least one rolling wheel 116 positioned on or near an exterior surface of the split case 110, with the rolling wheel 116 or wheels adapted to roll along a floor or ground surface, thereby allowing a user to transport the split case 110 by pulling the split case 110 in such a manner that the rolling wheel 116 or wheels remain on the floor or ground surface, easing transport of the split case 110. Further, the illustrated example embodiment includes a handle 118 adapted to be grasped by a user during transport of the split case 110. The filtration units 120a, 120b, 120c are positioned within an interior volume defined by the walls of the split case 110, and the filtration units 120a, 120b, 120c are in fluid communication with each other through fluid connectors 125a, 125b. (The filtration elements housed within the interior volume defined by the walls of the split case 110i.e., the filtration units 120a, 120b, 120c and the fluid connectors 125a, 125bcollectively may be designated as the water filtration subassembly 12.) Further, the assembly 10 includes a water input member 127 (shown in FIG. 2) and a water output member 129, each generally positioned at opposing ends of the split case 110, each partially exposed to the space outside the split case 110 through access apertures 117, 119 in the walls of the split case 110, and each providing fluid communication between the outside world and the water filtration subassembly 12.

[0042] The split case 110 shown in FIG. 1 and in the exploded view in FIG. 2 is one example embodiment of a carrying case for a portable water filtration system according to the present general inventive concept. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the split case 110 is configured to divide into two substantially symmetrical pieces, the first half piece 112a and the second half piece 112b. The first half piece 112a includes a first half rectangular side panel 202a, which has an outboard surface and an inboard surface, as well as a periphery. The first half piece 112a also includes four walls extending from the periphery of the first half rectangular side panel 202a, said four walls including a front wall 204a, a back wall 205a, a top wall 206a, and a bottom wall 207a. These four walls extend substantially orthogonally from the plane defined by the first half rectangular side panel 202a. Similarly, the second half piece 112b includes a second half rectangular side panel 202b, which has an outboard surface and an inboard surface, as well as a periphery. The second half piece 112b also includes four walls extending from the periphery of the second half rectangular side panel 202b, said four walls including a front wall 204b, a back wall 205b, a top wall 206b, and a bottom wall 207b. These four walls extend substantially orthogonally from the plane defined by the second half rectangular side panel 202b. The first half piece 112a and the second half piece 112b are configured to mate such that front wall 204a joins with front wall 204b, back wall 205a joins with back wall 205b, top wall 206a joins with top wall 206b, and bottom wall 207a joins with bottom wall 207b, thereby forming the assembled split case 110 and defining the interior volume within which the filtration units 120a, 120b, 120c are positioned when the system is assembled. The front walls 204a and 204b cooperatively define the access aperture 117, and the back walls 204a and 204b cooperatively define the access aperture 117. Generally, the access apertures are approximately one (1) inch in diameter and are located between 9 and 12 inches, and often between 10 and 11 inches, above the bottom walls 207a and 207b of the split case 110. In the illustrated example embodiment, the outboard surface of the second half rectangular side panel 202b includes a molded frame portion 211 (generally about 8 inches by 10 inches) designed to hold a schematic drawing, how-to instructions, and/or branding information. In some embodiments, molded frame portions 211 are located on both the outboard surface of the first half rectangular side panel 202a and the outboard surface of the second half rectangular side panel 202b.

[0043] To protect the assembled system against tampering or damage, the split case 110 generally includes locking mechanisms, generally at least two locking mechanisms and in some embodiments as many as four or more locking mechanisms. An example embodiment of a locking mechanism according to the present general inventive concept is shown in FIG. 2 and is illustrated in the close-up view in FIG. 2A. As shown in the Figures, the example embodiment locking mechanism includes cylinder lock with a barbed rod 230 with two barbed ends at either end of a longitudinal axis, said barbed rod 230 being configured to mate with two receptors 231a and 231b, with one receptor 231a being positioned on an inboard surface of the first half piece 112a and the second, corresponding receptor 231b being positioned on an inboard surface of the second half piece 112b. When the first half piece 112a and the second half piece 112b are brought together, the barbed rod 230 is positioned and each of the two barbed ends inserted into a receptorwith one barbed end being inserted into one receptor 231a and the other barbed end being inserted into the other receptor 231b. Once the barbed rod 230 is inserted into the receptors 231a, 231b, lips 232a, 232b within the receptors 231a, 231b interact with the barbed ends of the barbed rod 230 to prevent the barbed rod from being extracted from either receptor 231a, 231b, thereby inhibiting separation of the first half piece 112a from the second half piece 112b. In this way, the locking mechanisms keep the split case intact once it has been assembled and the first half piece 112a joined with the second half piece 112b.

[0044] When the time comes to service the water filtration systemi.e., to replace filtration units, or to repair or refurbish or refresh or replace other components positioned within the assembled split case 110the barbed rod 230 generally is cut with a hot wire, generally inserted through a crack or separation between top wall 206a and top wall 206b. Once the barbed rod 230 has been cut from all of the locking mechanisms employed in the embodiment, it is then possible to pull apart the first half piece 112a from the second half piece 112b, thereby opening the split case 110 and accessing the interior volume. New locking mechanisms are installed each time the split case 110 is assembled or reassembled. Generally, a portable water filtration system according to the present general inventive concept is serviced approximately every six months, although alternative time frames are possible. Generally, the barbed rod 230 is fabricated from a plastic material, although wooden barbed rods are also contemplated and within the scope of the present general inventive concept, and other materials could also be used and are contemplated and within the scope of the present general inventive concept. Other configurations will be apparent to those of skill in the art and are also within the scope of the present general inventive concept.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a section view of the example embodiment assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, illustrating the direction of water flow within the assembly 10. As seen in FIG. 3, water to be filtered enters the assembly 10 through the water input member 127 (positioned within the first access aperture 117) and proceeds to pass, in succession, through the first filtration unit 120a, the first fluid connector 125a, the second filtration unit 120b, the second fluid connector 125b, and the third filtration unit 120c. The water, having passed through three filtration units, then exits the assembly through the water output member 129 (positioned within the second access aperture 119, located, in this embodiment, on a wall opposite the first access aperture 117). Each filtration unit 120a, 120b, 120c includes an emergency pressure relief button or valve 126a, 126b, 126c. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the top walls 206a and 206b of the split case 110 define three access holes 216a, 216b, 216c, which permit an operator to access and manipulate the relief buttons or valves 126a, 126b, 126c without opening the split case 110.

[0046] In some embodiments, the split case 110 is hinged along the bottom walls 207a and 207b, allowing the split case 110 to be opened like some briefcases. In some embodiments, the split case 110 is hinged along the front walls 204a and 204b, and in some embodiments, the split case 110 is hinged along the back walls 205a and 205b. Other configurations will be apparent to those of skill in the art and are also within the scope of the present general inventive concept.

[0047] Generally, the split case 110 is molded or otherwise fabricated from a hard, durable plastic material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyoxymethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or a similar material. In some embodiments, the split case 110 is fabricated from a plastic material with a hardness on the Rockwell R scale above 50, often above 70, often above 80. Other hard plastics and other materials that would be suitable for fabrication of the split case 110 will be apparent to those of skill in the art and are also within the scope of the present general inventive concept.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example embodiment water filtration unit 120. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the water filtration unit 120 shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the example embodiment water filtration unit 120 includes an outer housing 121 with an open top, a cap member 122 adapted to fit with or onto the top of the outer housing 121, and a filtration element 123 adapted to fit within the outer housing 121 when the cap member 122 is fit with or onto the top of the outer housing 121. The example embodiment water filtration unit 120 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, configured to be disassembled by a user, permits replacement of a spent filtration element 123 without requiring replacement or discard of the outer housing 121 or cap member 122. A number of filtration elements 123 are known in the art and contemplated by the present general inventive concept, including (but not limited to) filtration elements that include ceramic materials, polymers, bonded silver nanoparticles, and/or activated charcoal.

[0049] FIG. 6A is a view of a first example embodiment water output member adapted to be used with an assembly according to the present general inventive concept. The example embodiment shown in FIG. 6A comprises a water output member 129a that connects with existing plumbing fixtures and/or tubing.

[0050] FIG. 6B is a view of a second example embodiment water output member adapted to be used with an assembly according to the present general inventive concept. The example embodiment shown in FIG. 6B comprises a water output member 129b that functions as a spigot.

[0051] FIG. 6C is a view of a third example embodiment water output member adapted to be used with an assembly according to the present general inventive concept. The example embodiment shown in FIG. 6C comprises a water output member 129c configured to connect with a hose or other line.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a view of an assembly 10 according to one example embodiment of the present general inventive concept in use with an outdoor residential water supply/irrigation system 400. As shown in FIG. 7, the split case 110 is in fluid communication with the outdoor residential water supply/irrigation system 400 through a water line 405 connected to the water input member 127. Water passes through the water line 405 and thence through the water input member 127 into the water filtration subassembly inside the split case 110.

[0053] FIG. 8 is a view of an assembly 10 according to one example embodiment of the present general inventive concept in use with a residential plumbing system 500. As shown in FIG. 8, the split case 110 is in fluid communication with the residential plumbing system 500 through a water line 505 connected to the water input member 127. Water passes through the water line 505 and thence through the water input member 127 into the water filtration subassembly inside the split case 110.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a view of an assembly 10 according to one example embodiment of the present general inventive concept in use with a gravity fed water supply system 600. As shown in FIG. 9, a gravity fed water supply system 600 includes a water line 605 and a funnel 610, with the water line 605 configured to connect to the water input member 127 providing access to the interior of the split case 110. The water line 605 includes a substantially vertical section and two ends, with the funnel 610 is connected to the water line 605 at one end and the water input member 127 connected to the water line 605 at the other end. Water passes through the water line 605 and thence through the water input member 127 into the water filtration subassembly 12 inside the split case 110. In some embodiments, the substantially vertical section of the water line 605 is approximately 48 inches in height. In some embodiments of the present general inventive concept, the water line 605 and funnel 610 are accessory items adapted to be moved with the assembly 10, in some instances held in a separate carrying vessel or bag that can be transported along with the split case 110 until the gravity fed water supply system 600 is assembled.

[0055] Other configurations will be apparent to those of skill in the art and are also within the scope of the present general inventive concept.

[0056] Thus, in some example embodiments of the present general inventive concept, a portable water filtration assembly for use in filtering water comprises a split case to hold water filtration units within an interior of said split case, said split case adapted to divide into two pieces to permit access to water filtration units held within said interior of said split case, said split case including access apertures permitting water to pass into the interior of said split case; a water filtration subassembly including a plurality of water filtration units operating in series to filter water, said water filtration units adapted to be replaced independently of the split case, each water filtration unit adapted to be replaced independently of each other water filtration unit in said water filtration subassembly and connectors adapted to permit the passage of water from one water filtration unit to another water filtration unit; a water input member positioned proximate a first access aperture in said split case, said water input member to pass water to a water filtration unit in said water filtration subassembly; and a water output member positioned proximate a second access aperture in said split case, said water output member to pass water from the interior of said split case to a position outside said split case after the water has passed through the plurality of water filtration units included in the water filtration subassembly.

[0057] In some embodiments, said water filtration subassembly comprises three water filtration units.

[0058] In some embodiments, said portable water filtration assembly is adapted to be used with an exterior water supply. In some embodiments, said portable water filtration assembly is adapted to be used with a residential water system. In some embodiments, said portable water filtration assembly is adapted to be used with a gravity-fed water supply.

[0059] In some embodiments, said portable water filtration assembly is adapted to be used in disaster recovery efforts.

[0060] Some embodiments further comprise rolling wheels attached to an exterior surface of said split case to facilitate movement of said split case.

[0061] Some embodiments further comprise a strap attached to an exterior surface of said split case to facilitate carrying of said split case.

[0062] Some embodiments further comprise a handle attached to an exterior surface of said split case to facilitate movement of said split case.

[0063] In some example embodiments of the present general inventive concept, a portable water filtration assembly for use in filtering water comprises a water filtration subassembly including a first water filtration unit, a second water filtration unit, and a third water filtration unit, said water filtration units operating in series to filter water, said water filtration units adapted to be replaced independently of the split case, each water filtration unit adapted to be replaced independently of each other water filtration unit in said water filtration subassembly, and connectors adapted to permit the passage of water from the first water filtration unit to the second water filtration unit and from the second water filtration unit to the third water filtration unit; a split case adapted to hold said water filtration subassembly, said split case including access apertures permitting water to pass into water filtration subassembly.

[0064] Some embodiments further comprise a water input member positioned proximate a first access aperture in said split case, said water input member to pass water to said first water filtration unit in said water filtration subassembly, and a water output member positioned proximate a second access aperture in said split case, said water output member to pass water from said third water filtration unit to a position outside said split case after the water has passed through the first water filtration unit, the second water filtration unit, and the third water filtration unit.

[0065] In some embodiments, each water filtration unit comprises a filtration element, an outer housing to hold the filtration element, and a cap member adapted to mate with the outer housing, said cap member providing fluid access to the filtration element when said filtration element is held within the outer housing, said cap member adapted to connect in fluid communication with either two of said connectors or with one connector and one of either said water input member or said water output member, wherein said outer housing is detachable and reattachable to said cap member, whereby each filtration element is replaceable independently of the outer housing holding said filtration element.

[0066] Various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept provide a portable water filtration assembly adapted to hold multiple independently replaceable water filtration units. Such a portable water filtration assembly is frequently adapted for use in disaster recovery efforts. Moreover, a portable water filtration assembly according to various example embodiments of the present general inventive concept is adapted to reduce and remove dead pathogens and trace amounts of treatment chemicals in water that has been treated with pathogen-killing chemicals, such as those used in many municipal water treatment systems.

[0067] While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.