Abstract: A drinking vessel with a lid containing circumferential drinking openings. In one embodiment, the drinking vessel includes a bowl and a lid, wherein the bowl is connected to the lid and wherein the drinking vessel includes a plurality of rotational orientations, and wherein the lid includes a plurality of drinking openings such that a user may drink from the drinking vessel substantially irrespective of its rotational orientation.

Abstract: A pivoting strainer attachable to a cooking apparatus. The pivoting strainer provides a unique, safe way to drain grease while cooking and is operated by the use of a single hand. The pivoting strainer moveable between a closed position and a raised, draining position.

Abstract: An air filter guard includes a downwind rim that supports an air filter in a filter box of an HVAC air handler. The downwind rim prevents the air filter from deforming, bending, or buckling to create gaps that allow air to bypass the air filter. In particular, the air filter guard prevents an air filter from deforming, bending, or buckling even when the air filter is overdue for replacement and clogged with dust. The air filter guard acts as a sleeve in which an air filter is inserted. The air filter guard and air filter are then placed in the filter box of an air handler. The air filter guard has inner dimensions that are large enough to receive the air filter while the outer dimensions of the air filter guard are small enough to fit within the filter box.

Abstract: A drinking vessel that includes a plurality of spaced protrusions permanently attached to and extending inwardly from a position spaced from the top rim of the drinking vessel and that are adapted to allow liquids to pass thereby and out of the interior volume of the drinking vessel and at the same time block ice cubes from passing thereby and out of the interior volume, such that a user can drink the liquid without having ice cubes enter their mouth as well.

Abstract: A lid system for use with a container having an opening bounded by a rim, with at least one outwardly extending projection extending from the rim, includes a lid and a lid cover member. The lid is sized to seat on the rim of the container and includes an upper surface, at least one section with perforations extending therethrough, and a centrally disposed lid handle. The lid cover member is sized to seat adjacent the upper surface of the lid around the lid handle. The lid cover member is rotatable about the lid handle to substantially close or expose the at least one section with perforations. The lid cover member includes at least one bracket for mating with the at least one outwardly extending projection on the rim of the container to retain the lid on the container during a draining process of the container.

Abstract: An ice restraining drinking receptacle provides a housing that retains a fluid and ice. An ice trap in the housing restrains the ice from moving near the drinking rim of the upturned receptacle while drinking therefrom. The receptacle comprises a housing defined by an upper region having a rim, and a lower region. The housing further includes a sidewall, a base end disposed within the lower region, and a rim end disposed within the upper region. An ice trap restrains movement of ice past the upper region rim. In an embodiment, the ice trap includes a plurality of protrusions disposed in a spaced-apart relationship that allows fluid to flow between protrusions to the rim for drinking. Further, the protrusions are disposed in a circumferential relationship across the upper region and inner surface of the housing. The pointy apex of the protrusions helps restrict passage of ice to the rim.

Abstract: An extraction apparatus and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. The apparatus includes a cylindrical container with lid and pour spout, a container insert, and a plunger including a piston, a rod, a handle, and a filter or filtration chamber. The container insert is designed to catch infusible material which may be easily removed from the container when the container is empty or when the extract fluid remains in the container. The plunger may temporarily couple with the insert to allow the insert to be pulled up through the container with the grounds of other infusible material captured between the insert and the plunger allowing for quick and easy cleanup. The extraction apparatus is adapted for a use in a variety of sizes and may be adapted for manufactured at low cost. A variety of embodiments and alternatives are also included in the disclosure.

Abstract: A pacifier structure is mounted on a nursing bottle containing a rotatable cap, a body, and a filtration member. The rotatable cap includes a peripheral groove, the body includes a suction portion and a surround plane, the surround plane has an air valve, the surround plane connects with the peripheral groove to produce an air chamber, and a trench is defined between the body and the peripheral groove. The filtration member includes a ring portion, at least one connection tab, and a mesh portion. The ring portion has an arcuate recess, a diameter defined by the at least two connection tabs is more than an inner diameter of the body, the mesh portion has a large section adjacent to the ring portion and a small section away from the ring portion. The large section has a greater diameter than the small section, and the mesh portion has multiple orifices.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices to improve pouring large or unwieldy containers are disclosed. A band couples about or proximal to a rim of a container. In some embodiments, bands are sized and dimensioned to rigidly fit containers with specific shapes and dimensions, though universal or nearly universal bands that flexibly conform to the shape of any container are further contemplated. The band secures a spout portion to a pouring edge of the container. The spout portion includes a shelf extending from the pouring edge and bounded by two side walls having splash guards. The side walls and splash guards serve to funnel food stuffs or liquids towards a receptacle when the container is tipped toward the pouring edge. The spout region further includes an overflow shelf to prevent food stuffs or liquids from spilling out of the container by accident or during rapid pouring. A handle can be further attached to the band to aid a user in lifting and pouring the container.

Abstract: A cooking pan having a pivoting strainer which provides a unique, safe way to drain grease contained within a pan while cooking. The cooking pan generally comprises a substantially flat and circular base having a cooking surface, a peripheral wall upstanding from the circular base, a pan handle extending outwardly from the peripheral wall and a pivoting strainer moveable between a closed position and a raised, draining position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kitchen utensil or device, specifically a strainer, which is constructed and adapted to attach by removable means to the side of a pan, pot, or bowl, to provide a convenient means to allow for the separation of solid food product from liquid. The strainer comprising a generally planar top surface, having a plurality of small gauge holes, slits, or openings in its surface. The holes being effective to allow a liquid to pass through the surface of the utensil while retaining the solid food product. The device is attachable by means of a clip to the rim of an existing pan, pot, or bowl.

Abstract: Provided herein is a shallow-liquid strainer apparatus with an intake assembly that can be adjusted to keep the inlet opening completely submerged beneath the surface of the liquid to avoid letting the surrounding atmosphere into the device where it can cause inefficient flow. The intake assembly can comprise a sliding door on tracks designed to cover all or a portion of the inlet. The apparatus can be connected to a pump. The wall of the device on which the inlet is located and the inlet itself can be angled toward the back wall to facilitate submerging of the inlet. The device can comprise a strainer attached to the inlet for removing undesirable elements from the liquid. A ramp can be provided near the inlet to allow the liquid to flow upward toward the outlet. Methods of making the device are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a capsule (1) defining a closed chamber for enclosing a mass of soluble and/or extractable food material, for use in a beverage preparation machine, comprising: (i) capsule side walls (2), (ii) a top membrane (3) pierceable by injection means (4) of the machine which are adapted to inject an extraction liquid under pressure inside said chamber, and (iii) a bottom wall (5) (iv) means (6, 7) adapted to open said chamber by relative engagement with the bottom wall (5) under the effect of the liquid pressure increase in the chamber during injection of said liquid characterized in that at least the portion of the top membrane surface which is to be pierced by the fluid injection means (4), comprises an elastic material having a tensile strength higher than 1 Mpa, preferably higher than 5 MPa, more preferably higher than 10 MPa and an elongation at break superior to 100%, preferably superior to 500%, such that said top membrane (3) recloses in a leaktight manner, after said fluid inje

Abstract: A pouring device is shown that affords convenience, practicality, and safety when pouring liquids or food from containers without a spout. The pouring device contains a spout cap component, a lip portion on the spout cap component, and an attachment component for removably securing the spout cap component to a container for pouring. The attachment component is typically a clip which would be manufactured as an integral piece with the spout cap component. The devices can be manufactured in different sizes and stacked together for storage.

Abstract: A food container, comprising: a curved bottom; an opening in the bottom; a track connected to the bottom and adjacent the opening; a door slideable within the track, configured to encompass and occlude the opening in the bottom. When the door is opened, contents contained in the food container are pulled through the opening under the influence of gravity, and out of the food container without the need to rotate the container.

Abstract: A water filtering device includes a filter bag and an outer bag. The filter bag is internally provided with a first and a second filter unit. The first filter unit is connected at upper ends to a top opening of the filter bag to form a lower folded section and define a first water filtering space in the filter bag. The second filter unit is fixedly connected to a water outlet on a bottom of the filter bag and defines a second water filtering space in the filter bag. A filter material is provided in the second water filtering space. The outer bag covers the filter bag, such that a water storing space is formed between the outer bag and the filter bag. The water filtering device is conveniently portable and saves any assembling procedure, and can effectively filter water and store the filtered water.

Abstract: A liquid filtration method and device, for example a drinking straw with a mouthpiece, and a bundle of hollow fibres. The open ends of the fibres are embedded in a base and provided in a compartment between the base and a liquid outlet. Water or other liquid flows into the inner volume of the hollow fibres and from there through their filtering membrane walls and into the compartment before the liquid flows out through the liquid outlet, for example the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A bottled water filtration system for use with a water bottle, the system having a bottle cap, a nozzle formed in a first side of the bottle cap, a porous filter housing formed on a second side of the bottle cap, and a filter material located inside the porous filter housing, wherein the cap, nozzle and filter housing are formed as an integrated unit, which can be attached and removed from a water bottle as a unit. The system is preferably used with a disposable plastic water bottle. Additionally, the system may include a rotatable counter for keeping track of the number of effective uses remaining in the filter system. Also, a one-way air valve may be included to prevent “backwash.

Abstract: A colander-bowl assembly, having a bowl, the bowl having a rim and a first handle member extending outwardly from the rim, and, a colander pivotally secured to the bowl, the colander having a rim and also having a second handle member extending outwardly from the colander rim wherein said colander rotates exterior to said bowl.

Abstract: Apparatus for cooking foods such as pasta and or rice including a container which receives a liquid to be heated, and a cooking strainer-basket that is partially submerged within the liquid and container for cooking of food. The container and basket having an oblong shape wherein the median length dimension is greater than the median width dimension. This shape provides for positioning of the basket within the container for cooking of the food, and then repositioning the basket above the liquid for straining of the food.

Abstract: A stacking portable water filter includes an upper and a lower canister, with the lower canister having a filter aperture which receives a filter cartridge therein. Untreated water received in the upper canister flows through the filter cartridge by gravity to be collected in the lower canister. Both canisters include an upper rim, with both upper rims having a substantially similar size and shape. A cover is also provided to fit on one or the other of the rims. In an operative positions with the containers stacked, the cover may mount to the upper rim of the upper canister. In a portable position with the upper canister removed from the lower canister, the cover may be mounted to the upper rim of the lower canister.

Abstract: A multi-chambered container, which reduces backflow and which can include a filter to remove contaminants from a beverage, a first chamber having a first opening disposed adjacent to a top of the container through which fluid enters the first chamber and a second opening disposed adjacent to a bottom of the container through which fluid flows out of the first chamber, a second chamber having a third opening disposed adjacent to the top through which fluid enters the second chamber and a fourth opening disposed adjacent to the top through which fluid is dispensed from the second chamber, and a fluid conduit connecting the second opening of the first chamber to the third opening of the second chamber.

Abstract: A strainer device (1) is described, which may be mounted on a pour-out of a container by way of fastening means (12) on a lower side (14) which may face the container (3). The strainer device (1) comprises a plurality of sieve elements (10) which are pivotably arranged on a sieve element holder (15) in a plane parallel to the lower side (14) of the strainer device (1), at least partly separated from one another by way of slots (11). As a whole a flexible, bendable comb-like strainer device (1) is formed, which is may be fastened with a fixation device (2) on the pour-out of the container in a simply releasable manner. The strainer device (1) is preferably designed of a heat-resistant plastic, wherein stainless steel may also be applied completely or partly for the design of the sieve elements (10) and/or the sieve element holder (15).

Abstract: A separable cap (10) for a vacuum mug is taught which consists of a removable lid (20) having a graspable shaped outwardly extending lip (22) and a stopper body (34), having a bottom portion (36) which includes a central orifice (38). The removable lid is attached to the stopper body and a resilient diaphragm plug (56) is compressed between the lid and the stopper body. A stopper mug seal (68) is attached to the stopper body providing a liquid tight seal between the cap and the vacuum mug. A beverage filter (72) is removeably attached to the stopper body bottom portion permitting a beverage a media to be placed into the vacuum mug and hot water poured over the media, after steeping, a brewed beverage is formed. When the lid is removed the compressed diaphragm plug is released and returns to its original dished shape permitting the beverage to be sipped from the stopper body and the media residue strained with the filter.

Abstract: Filtration device for a closed container having a lower element and an upper element provided with an evacuation opening, the upper element adapted to be fixed in a sealed manner on the lower element; an internal filtration device including a reservoir provided with an opening in its upper portion allowing for its content to flow when the container is tilted toward the left or right; a filter, a filter support adapted to receive in a sealed manner the upper portion of the filter and the reservoir, a structural element cooperating with the filter support to define an intermediary volume adapted to receive the liquid after it has flowed through the opening, the structural element including a channel for the liquid to flow upward; the internal filtration device being arranged inside the container so as to enable collection of filtered liquid after passage through the filter.

Abstract: Colander-container vessels are presented including: a bowl, the bowl including, a lip; a sidewall surface, where the sidewall surface includes a number of perforations disposed proximate with a front portion of the lip, and a bottom surface; and a retention surface disposed along the front portion of the lip, where the retention surface extends away and inward from the lip. In some embodiments, colander-container vessels further include a handle disposed along a back portion of the lip. In some embodiments, the retention surface includes a second number of perforations.

Abstract: A pan for making spaetzle that has a shape, a rim, a depth, a collection of holes, a thickness and two handles that allows one to make spaetzle in a manner that is safer and easier than with currently known devices. The shape is a shallow circular shape with an overall curvature of a slice of a sphere. The rim has an open diameter of at least twenty centimeters and no more than twenty eight centimeters. The depth of the pan is from two to eight centimeters. A plurality of holes is located within a central pan portion that has a diameter of no more than 15.3 centimeters, the holes having a diameter of between six and thirteen millimeters. The thickness of the central pan region is not more than three millimeters and handles affixed to the rim each extend outward to a distance less than about five centimeters.

Abstract: A water filter system including a filter housing having a filter element for filtering impurities from water and a ventilation stack movably connected to the filter housing for adjusting a position of the stack relative to a level of the water to release air from the water trapped by the filter element during filtration.

Abstract: A colander/bowl set includes a bowl having at least one indicator; and a colander comprising a plurality of holes, the colander being insertable into the bowl and removably attachable to the bowl. The at least one indicator is a calibrated guide positioned at a height of a maximum amount of water which the colander/bowl set holds, accounting for displacement of water by the colander and by a particular kind of food.

Abstract: A bottle comprises a cap, a reservoir having an open top closeable by the cap, and a filter holder that houses a filter, the filter holder being coupled to the cap such that a liquid in the reservoir is filtered by the filter as the liquid is being consumed, and the filter is fluidly decoupled from the reservoir when the cap is disengaged from the reservoir. Preferred filters can be constructed out of high reactivity carbon mixture, activated carbon, iodinated resin, combinations thereof, or any other suitable compositions for filtering water or other liquids, and can be molded into any suitable size and shape. Preferred filter holder can have a top portion and a bottom portion that couple together via a snap fitting, mating threads, or any suitable means, which allow access to the filter, and which have numerous vents that allow liquid to freely flow through the filter.

Abstract: A piston pressurized water filter activated by the user or external source. The water filter assembly includes a hollow cylindrical water reservoir, a hollow cylindrical piston threaded into the top of the water reservoir, and a water filter threaded into the bottom of the water reservoir. The interior of the water reservoir is sealed by the piston and water filter. When the water reservoir is filled with unfiltered water, the piston can be threaded down into the water reservoir to create sufficient pressure on the unfiltered water and force the water into the water filter. The water filter can include any combination of carbon, ceramic or other filtering material in a block or disk form. Water is forced into the water filter, through the carbon or ceramic filter mass, and into a container that may or may not be coupled to the water filter.

Abstract: The invention substantially relates to the distillery industry. Said invention makes it possible to increase the vodka purification efficiency by arranging a filter in the entire volume of a cartridge and by flowing a liquid product through the equal volume of filtering materials.

Abstract: A personal, portable drinking container has a bottle with a side wall, a closed bottom, a neck, a reservoir, and a top opening in the neck providing access to the reservoir. A cap is removably fitted on the neck to close the top opening. A ledge can be on an interior surface of the bottle below the top edge. A filter assembly is supported in the bottle and can be suspended on the ledge. The bottle can have an annular formation in the side wall below the neck to prevent the neck from deforming when the bottle is squeezed. The side wall can have a pair of squeezable sides and a pair of opposed stiff sides below the annular formation, whereby the stiff sides help the bottle to rebound quickly after each squeeze.

Abstract: A culinary vessel lid in the form of a cover that is adapted for covering the vessel and that includes a transparent covering part, a metal covering part provided with through openings intended for draining foods and a silicone retaining ring.

Abstract: A cooking oil container has a filter cup retained at the upper end thereof. The filter cup retains a planar circular filter at the lower end and a seal between the filter holder and the bottom of the filter cup prevents oil from overflowing around the circumference of the filter holder to avoid the filter. The filter cup is spaced from the inner walls of the container to allow air to escape from the bottom of the container. The top of the container has a grip ring and the inverted top is useable as a drip tray for the filter cup while oil is being poured out of the container.

Abstract: A process for making a hot beverage, such as coffee or tea, includes placing ground coffee or tea into a filter, inserting the filter into a filter basket to support the filter with respect to a reservoir that is to receive a brewed beverage; introducing water into the filter; and repeatedly deforming the filter to alter its shape as water passes through the filter and ground coffee or tea en route to the reservoir. A device for making a hot beverage includes a drive and a filter basket. The filter basket defines a filter basket chamber for receiving an associated filter. The filter basket includes a movable component operably connected to the drive and movable for deforming the associated filter. The movable component is operable between a first operating position where the filter chamber has a first dimension and a second operating position where the filter chamber has a second dimension that is smaller than the first dimension.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a manual drip coffee cone from sheet material is comprised of three general steps: In the first step, a conical body 1 is formed from sheet material in the shape of a truncated cone to hold a coffee filter. The base of the conical body 1 forms a drip ring 2, which directs dripping coffee into a receiving vessel and prevents the cone from slipping off the vessel. In the second step, a drip plate 3, having at least one drip hole 4, is fixed to the inside of the conical body 1, near the drip ring 2, to form a drip plate 3 at a short height above the drip ring 2 to provide maximum headspace for effective drip filtration.

Abstract: A flexible water bottle is provided that includes an approach for filtering unfiltered water within the bottle. The bottle includes a filter assembly located within the cap of the bottle such that the filter assembly need not descend into the bottle cavity when the cap is screwed on, thereby not displacing water while screwing on the cap. The filter assembly has an axial flow orientation. An illustrated filter assembly includes paper filters covering the upper and lower ends and can include an activated charcoal filter in between the paper filters. Water is filtered when pressure generated by squeezing the bottle forces water from the bottle cavity through the filter along an axial flow path and out through a spout.

Abstract: A system for pouring liquids from a vessel is provided with a mounting flange that engages an inner surface of a vessel sidewall and a spout that extends from the mounting flange. A biasing member depends from the spout to engage an outer surface of the vessel sidewall and securely engage the mounting flange with the inner surface of the vessel sidewall. Guide walls may extend up from the mounting flange on either side of the spout. A separator plate may be removably secured with the mounting flange to strain solids from the liquid being poured from the vessel. The spout, alone or in combination with the separator plate my form a utensil support.

Abstract: A system for pouring liquids from a vessel is provided with a mounting flange that engages an inner surface of a vessel sidewall and a spout that extends from the mounting flange. A biasing member depends from the spout to engage an outer surface of the vessel sidewall and securely engage the mounting flange with the inner surface of the vessel sidewall. Guide walls may extend up from the mounting flange on either side of the spout. A separator plate may be removably secured with the mounting flange to strain solids from the liquid being poured from the vessel. The spout, alone or in combination with the separator plate, may form a utensil support.

Abstract: The fuel sampler/strainer assembly includes a housing formed of fuel resistant material including a transparent elongated main body, a fuel receiving portion at an upper end thereof, and a fuel exiting portion also at the upper end thereof. The elongated main body has a closed lower end. The fuel receiving portion is generally tubular and has spaced-apart indentations in its upper end edge for alignment and cooperation with associated actuating arms of a pet cock drain valve. A rod is removably attachable at a first end to the fuel receiving portion and extends along a central axis of the fuel receiving portion and beyond the upper end edge of the fuel receiving portion so as to engage and manipulate a ball and spring drain valve at a second end of the rod. The fuel exiting portion includes a filter screen functioning as a barrier to water and desired particulate debris.

Abstract: Cooking pot (1) for preparing food comprising a pot (2) with a circular horizontal cross section and at least one drainage device (3) and at least one handle (4) on the outside of the cooking pot. The cooking pot also comprises a cover (5) with a perpendicular, annular flange (6), the diameter of which is slightly less than the inner diameter of the pot (2). The flange (6) has at least one radially arranged through hole (7), and the cover has at least one handle (8), wherein the through hole (7) is arranged so that when the cover (5) is arranged on the pot (2), the peripheral position of the hole (7) coincides with that of the drainage device (3) when the peripheral positions of the handles (4, 8) on the pot (2) and of the cover (5) coincide with each other and the peripheral position of the hole (7) does not coincide with that of the drainage device (3), when the peripheral positions of the handles (4, 8) on the pot (2) and the cover (5) do not coincide with each other.

Abstract: A culinary vessel lid in the form of a cover that is adapted for covering the vessel and that includes a transparent covering part, a metal covering part provided with through openings intended for draining foods and a silicone retaining ring.

Abstract: A reusable beverage filter such as used in brewing coffee, the filter having an upper portion and a lower portion, a sieve portion between the upper and lower portions, the upper portion having a flexible portion with a plurality of undulations formed therein such that the filter may fit different size brewing baskets.

Abstract: A new use for a circular, solids retention screen for removable use with a variety of sizes of circular drinking vessels to allow for the separation of liquid from solids contained within the vessel. Typical embodiments for the vessel size can be a drinking glass to allow the user to drink without disruption from the contained ice, whether crushed or cubes. For this embodiment, the invention relies upon a retention screen comprising a continuous, circular, flexible, elastomeric ring. The ring is constructed of an annular base portion with a continuous tapered portion extending radially outwardly from the base portion. Finally, a central, generally flat, liquid passing screen portion is secured from the base portion.

Abstract: A strainer for use with combining beverages and cold food includes a bottom section sized for insertion into a beverage container, and a side section projecting substantially vertically from the bottom section and sized for insertion into a portion of the beverage container. At least one of the bottom and side sections is liquid permeable, and the bottom section and side section are separately or collectively capable of retaining ice pieces when the strainer is in the container. A method for retaining ice in a container capable of holding a liquid includes placing a strainer capable of retaining ice in a container capable of holding a liquid, adding ice to the container such that at least some of the ice is retained by the strainer, placing a liquid in the container, and removing the strainer from the container.

Abstract: An expandable strainer includes a base having registration means therein for supporting and receiving a plurality of liquid permeable side panels arranged circumferentially in overlapping and interleaving inner and outer rings retained in uniform manner to allow expansion and retraction thereof upon appropriate movement. An expandable bowl is also provided and essentially includes similar features to those of the strainer with solid side panels. The strainer is insertable within the bowl and is rotatable therewithin via a spinner mechanism engaging the rim of the bowl. Rotation of a drive disc provided with a rack meshing with pinions provided on the lid which incorporates the mechanism. The disc describes a concentric path during use and the rack actuates the pinion in so doing, the wheels rotationally impelling the strainer to centrifuge excess water from salad items placed in the strainer. The water so expressed being held within the bowl.

Abstract: A lid for a cup is provided with a filter fitted into a sipping hole which filters solid objects, such as tea leaves, mixed into the beverages so that pure beverage can be drunk. In the preferred embodiment, the filter component is a coil spring 14 having hooking parts 20, 21 on the both ends thereof. In another embodiment, the filter component is a grid in an elastic body 56 which is snap-fitted into the sipping hole by the side edges thereof fitting into grooves formed at its ends. The filtered liquid can be drunk by filtering the substances (such as tea-leaves and herbs) inside of the cup 11 through this filter component.

Abstract: A cooking utensil includes an all-in-one device that incorporates a partially perforated pan, circular in shape, with a permanent and continuous circumferential holder with one or more supports that provide stability and safety during the extrusion process of the soft batter. At the same time, this cooking utensil fits easily on top of commonly used cooking vessels regardless of lip configuration or vessel diameter. This cooking utensil also includes versions for removable type holders in kit form that can be used interchangeably with several pans with different hole sizes while providing multiple support and stability over commonly used cooking vessels.

Abstract: An automatic, water dispensing, filter shutoff device having a disposable and replaceable filter. The shutoff device is in removable engagement and fluid communication with a water container such as a water bottle, and is adapted to disable dispensing after a predetermined amount of dispensing has occurred, which may but need not substantially correspond to the filtration capacity of the filter. In a preferred embodiment, the shutoff device includes a monitoring and disabling with plunger components moveable between dispensing and disabling locations, and a rotating indexing mechanism. At the disabling location, a plunger component is placed in an interfering position with the engagement between the shutoff device and the water container. The shutoff device can distinguish between water bottles having different volumetric capacities, and terminate dispensing accordingly. Preferable, a replaceable filter cartridge is provided which, when removed, causes the indexing mechanism to be reset.