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: 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: In one example, a filter cartridge includes a housing having a fluid entry port and a fluid exit port, and the housing has a chamber in fluid communication with the fluid entry port and the fluid exit port. A first medium is disposed within the chamber and includes a material that serves to change the pH of a fluid passing through the first medium. A filtration medium is disposed in the chamber downstream of the first medium and arranged to receive effluent of the first medium. The filtration medium includes a material configured to remove a metal from a fluid passing through the filtration medium.

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: The invention relates to filter-as-you-pour water filtration container systems. Such a system may include a container body, an outlet through which water within the container body may be poured and simultaneously filtered, a lid that may be releasably attachable over the container body, and a filter assembly attachable to at least one of the lid or the container body. The filter assembly may be disposed so as to be in a flow stream of the water, as the water is poured out of the container body through an outlet of the system, so that the stream of water exiting through the outlet is simultaneously filtered as it is poured from the container body. The system may further include a flow control device (e.g., a valve, grating, screen, etc.) disposed proximate (e.g., in or over) the outlet to regulate an exit flow rate of water being poured through the outlet.

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 water pitcher is provide that includes a candle defining a receptacle with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and configured to removably receive a filter cartridge. As well, the candle includes a filter seat that cooperates with the filter cartridge to form a substantially fluid-tight seal when the filter cartridge is positioned in a sealing range defined by the candle. A filter management element is configured and arranged so that when the filter cartridge is aligned in the receptacle but resides outside the sealing range, and a force is exerted on the filter management element, the force is transferred to the filter cartridge by way of the filter management element so as to move the filter cartridge into the sealing range.

Abstract: The invention relates to lid bodies configured to be used in filter-as-you-pour systems, where filtering is achieved as the user pours water from the container. Such lid bodies may be releasably attachable to the filter assembly through complementary locking structures of the lid body and the filter assembly so that the lid body may be selectively and releasably attached to the filter assembly. The lid bodies may also comprise a locking structure that is configured to releasably engage with a complementary locking structure of a container body. The lid bodies may also be configured to be directly connected to filter assemblies.

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.