Abstract: A container assembly is disclosed. The container assembly includes a container that contains a volume. Selected portions of the container assembly may be removable. A spigot assembly may be removed and associated with a filter assembly. A monitoring system can be integrated into the filter assembly. The monitoring system includes a light sensor to sense existence of ambient light when the filter assembly is selectively removed from the container.

Abstract: A container system having an access portal is disclosed. The container system may contain a selected material for access and withdraw through the portal. The portal may be engaged in any appropriate manner, such as with the application of a vacuum or pouring out.

Abstract: The invention relates to container bodies configured to be used in filter-as-you-pour systems, where filtering is achieved as the user pours water from the container. Such container bodies may have an undivided internal storage volume, so as to not include a reservoir compartment for unfiltered water. They may be part of systems configured to filter water both as water is introduced into a container body of the system and as water is poured from the container body of the system. The filter assembly may be attached to the container body at a location proximate the outlet of the system. Filter media of the filter assembly may comprise an activated carbon textile material that presents a curved surface to water passing through the filter assembly. The container body may be configured as a pitcher, carafe, water bottle, jug, or other shaped container.

Abstract: A container assembly is disclosed. The container assembly includes a container that contains a volume. Selected portions of the container assembly may be removable. A spigot assembly may be removed and associated with a filter assembly. An ambient light sensor may be included to determine when the filter assembly has been removed.

Abstract: A container assembly is disclosed. The container assembly includes a container that contains a volume. Selected portions of the container assembly may provide indication to a user of features or status of the container assembly.

Abstract: An on-demand filter structure including a first hydrophilic protective layer comprising a first surface exposable to a stream of water. A contact area on the first surface receives the stream. The first hydrophilic protective layer receives the stream and distributes water out a second surface, primarily using gravity. An activated carbon felt (ACF) layer is adjacent to the second surface, wherein the ACF layer is configured for water filtration, primarily using gravity. A second hydrophilic protective layer includes a third surface adjacent the ACF layer and a fourth surface. The third surface receives filtered water from the ACF layer, and the fourth surface expels the filtered water primarily using gravity, wherein the first and second hydrophilic protective layers sandwich the ACF layer. A cross section of the first hydrophilic protective layer, the ACF layer, and the second hydrophilic protective layer has a curvature.

Abstract: In one example, a fluid container includes a reservoir that includes a reservoir wall. A cover is configured to engage the reservoir, and the cover includes a spout configured and arranged for fluid communication with the reservoir, and the spout is disposed at one end of the cover. The fluid container also includes a filter cage configured to releasably engage the cover in a location near the spout. When the filter cage is engaged with the cover, and the cover is disposed on the reservoir, a small gap is defined between the front of the spout and the front of the filter cage.

Abstract: In one example, a core cover includes an inner wall that defines a fluid passageway configured to communicate with an interior of a filter core when the core cover is engaged with the filter core. As well, the core cover includes an outer wall spaced apart from the inner wall, and a complementary structure located on the outer wall and configured to engage a corresponding complementary structure of a filter core. Finally, the core cover includes one or more indicia that indicate a flow rate, or range of flow rates, associated with the core cover.

Abstract: A filter housing can be configured to receive a filter media to form a filter assembly. Water filter media housings can be adapted for filter-as-you-pour filtration in the context of container (e.g., pitcher) systems where filtering is achieved as the user pours water from the container. The filter housing can have a frame and an optional casing securable about the frame. A filter assembly can include a filter media within, connected to, or associated with a filter housing. The filter media can be securable in an at least partially curved configuration and/or within, connected to, or associated with the filter housing.

Abstract: On example of a fluid dispensing system includes an unfiltered water container body defining an internal storage volume configured to hold a volume of water, a fluid outlet arranged for fluid communication with the internal storage volume, and a filter element positioned in the internal storage volume. With this configuration, a water dispensing process can be performed in which a single continuous stream of unfiltered water from the unfiltered water container body can pass through the filter element and be dispensed from the unfiltered water container body as a stream of filtered water. A water soluble tablet with an additive is positioned in the internal storage volume downstream of the filter medium such that the filtered water can pass out of the filter element and into contact with the water soluble tablet before being dispensed from the fluid outlet.

Abstract: In one example, a filter core includes a body with a generally cylindrical shape and a substantially hollow interior. The body includes a first annular wall disposed proximate a first end of the body, and a second annular wall disposed proximate a second end of the body such that the second annular wall is axially spaced apart from the first annular wall, and the second annular wall and the first annular wall extend toward each other. As well, the filter core includes a framework connected to the first annular wall and the second annular wall. The framework and the first and second annular walls cooperate with each other to define a group of openings, each of which communicates with the substantially hollow interior of the body, and the openings collectively define an open space of the filter core.

Abstract: An on-demand filter structure including a first hydrophilic protective layer comprising a first surface exposable to a stream of water. A contact area on the first surface receives the stream. The first hydrophilic protective layer receives the stream and distributes water out a second surface, primarily using gravity. An activated carbon felt (ACF) layer is adjacent to the second surface, wherein the ACF layer is configured for water filtration, primarily using gravity. A second hydrophilic protective layer includes a third surface adjacent the ACF layer and a fourth surface. The third surface receives filtered water from the ACF layer, and the fourth surface expels the filtered water primarily using gravity, wherein the first and second hydrophilic protective layers sandwich the ACF layer. A cross section of the first hydrophilic protective layer, the ACF layer, and the second hydrophilic protective layer has a curvature.

Abstract: A filter housing can be configured to receive a filter media to form a filter assembly. Water filter media assemblies can be adapted for filter-as-you-pour filtration in the context of container (e.g., pitcher) systems where filtering is achieved as the user pours water from the container. The filter housing can have a frame and an optional casing securable about the frame. The filter assembly can include a filter media within, connected to, or associated with a filter housing. The filter media can be securable in an at least partially curved configuration and/or within, connected to, or associated with the filter housing.