The disclosure relates to a water purifier. In particular the disclosure relates to a water purifier with an integrated end of life indicator.
BACKGROUND
Clean potable water is a basic human requirement. However, a large portion of the world’s population, especially those living in developing counties do not have access to clean potable water.
Growing population, lack of sanitary condition, poverty, poor planning, industrial pollution, over exploitation of natural water and national disasters are the main reasons of contamination of water. This contaminated water is the source of many diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, fever, abdominal pain, and constipation, caused due to bacterial contamination transmitted through water. In India for example, as per the data collected by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in 2003 there were 10.5 million cases of diarrhea with 4709 deaths resulting majorly due to consumption of contaminated water. According to the World Health Organization, the provision of safe water alone can reduce diarrheal and enteric disease by up to 50%, even in the absence of improved sanitation and other hygiene measures.
Many water purification devices like in-line (electricity operated) devices, terminal end devices including counter top and faucet mounted filtration and self-contained batch system including gravity fed systems have been introduced into the market. However, many communities of the developing countries do not have access to piped water or reliable electricity connection to make use of inline or electrically driven purification units. They also do not have access to central water purification units installed near the water bodies from where they source their water. Moreover, the people in these communities cannot afford the point-of-use water purifies currently available in the market. The maintenance requirements and the high cost of consumables of these purifiers pose further hurdles for the adoption of these devices.
Thus there is a need for a water purification device that is simple, point-of-use gravity driven purification device that is inexpensive, easy to use and effective in removing bacterial contamination from drinking water and can be easily attached to commonly available storage vessels.
SUMMARY
A gravity based water purifier is disclosed. The water purifier includes an outer casing having an inlet for receiving water to be purified. A cartridge holds a purification medium placed within the outer casing. The cartridge also defines a top and bottom surface. The cartridge includes a cartridge inlet for receiving water to be purified that is positioned proximate to the bottom surface and a cartridge outlet for purified water that is positioned proximate the top surface. The cartridge further includes an outlet passage for connecting the cartridge outlet to an outlet of the water purifier. An end of life chamber is also placed within the outer casing. The end of life chamber includes an inlet in fluid communication with the outer casing and an outlet in fluid communication with the cartridge inlet. The end of life chamber further contains at least one water soluble tablet and a plunger with a plug configured to close the inlet or the outlet of the end of life chamber when the water soluble tablet is dissolved after a predetermined amount of water passes through the water purifier. Water entering the water purifier through the inlet in the outer casing travels through the end of life chamber to the cartridge and passes through the cartridge in a reverse flow before exiting from the water purifier.
A water filter is also disclosed. The water filter comprises a storage vessel including a top chamber and a bottom chamber; the top chamber including an inlet to receive water to be purified; the bottom chamber configured to receive and store purified water and including an outlet to supply purified water, a water purifier connected to an outside surface of the top chamber such that the water purifier is enclosed by the bottom chamber, the water purifier comprising; an outer casing including an inlet for receiving water to be purified; a cartridge holding a purification medium placed within the outer casing, the cartridge defining a top and bottom surface and including a cartridge inlet for receiving water to be purified positioned proximate the bottom surface and a cartridge outlet for purified water positioned proximate the top surface, the cartridge further including a passage connecting the cartridge outlet to an outlet of the water purifier, and an end of life chamber placed within the outer casing, the end of life chamber including an inlet in fluid communication with the outer casing and an outlet in fluid communication with the cartridge inlet, the end of life chamber further containing at least one water soluble tablet and a plunger with a plug configured to close the inlet or the outlet of the end of life chamber when the water soluble tablet is dissolved after a predetermined amount of water passes through the water purifier, such that water for purification stored in the top chamber enters the water purifier through the inlet in the outer casing, travels through the end of life chamber to the cartridge and passes through the cartridge in a reverse flow before exiting from the water purifier in to the bottom chamber.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a water purifier in accordance with an embodiment.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of an outer casing of the water purifier in accordance with an embodiment.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a cartridge of the water purifier in accordance with an embodiment in accordance with an embodiment.
Figure 4 is a side view of the cartridge of the water purifier in accordance with an embodiment.
Figure 5 is a top view of the cartridge of the water purifier in accordance with an embodiment.
Figure 6 is a top view of a cover of the cartridge in accordance with an embodiment.
Figure 7 is a side view of an end of life chamber of the water purifier in accordance with an embodiment.
Figure 8 is a schematic view of the end of life chamber of the water purifier in accordance with an embodiment.
Figure 9 is a front exploded view of a connector for the water purifier in accordance with an embodiment.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of a retainer of the connector in accordance with an embodiment.
Figure 11 is a front view of an adaptor of the connector in accordance with an embodiment.
Figure 12 is a front view of the connector in assembly in accordance with an embodiment.
Figure 13 is a perspective view of a first mesh for the water purifier in accordance with an embodiment.
Figure 14 is a perspective view of a second mesh for the water purifier in accordance with an embodiment.
Figure 15 is a perspective view of a water filter with the water purifier connected to it in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 illustrates a gravity based water purifier 10, hereinafter referred to as ‘purifier’ in accordance with an embodiment. The purifier 10 includes an outer casing 12 enveloping a cartridge 14 and an end of life chamber 16. The outer casing 12 includes an inlet 18 configured to receive water to be purified from a source. The outer casing 12 in accordance with an aspect, comprises of a main body 40 and a lid 42. The lid 42 is configured for attachment with the main body 40 such that in the assembled condition forms a closed container. The lid 42 may be attached to the main body 40 by any means including but not limited to threads, push fit, snap fit or ultrasonic welding.
In the embodiment illustrated an attachment means 46 is formed on the lid 42 of the outer casing. The attachment means 46 may be any means including but not limited to threads, push fit or snap fit that connect with corresponding threads or slots on a water storage vessel (not shown) or on a connector element (not shown) provided on the water storage vessel. The attachment means may be in the form of a projection (not shown) comprising of internal threads (not shown). The attachment means also has an inlet passage configured for conveying water from the water storage vessel to the purifier 10.
Referring to figure the outer casing may include an inlet 18 and a recess 20 configured to receive the cartridge 14 and further includes a cavity 44 configured to receive the end of life chamber 16. The main body 40 of the outer casing is a hollow receptacle with a bottom surface having a purifier outlet 38.
Referring to figures 3, 4 and 5, the cartridge 14 holds a purification medium (not shown) and defines a top surface 28 and a bottom surface 30. The cartridge further includes a cartridge inlet 32 positioned proximate to the bottom surface 30 and a cartridge outlet 34 also positioned proximate to the bottom surface 30. In accordance with an aspect the cartridge inlet 32 includes a substantial portion of the bottom surface of the cartridge. Water to be purified enters the cartridge 14 from the cartridge inlet 32 and exits from the cartridge outlet 34 for purification in a reverse flow. The cartridge 10 is also provided with an outlet passage 36 for conveying water exiting the purification medium to the cartridge outlet 38.
The cartridge 14 includes a casing 48 and the top surface 28. The casing 48 is a hollow receptacle. The top surface 28 and the casing 48 together form the cartridge 14 in assembly. In the embodiment illustrated, the cartridge 14 is configured to hold the purification medium (not shown). The purification medium is positioned between the bottom surface 30 of the cartridge 14 and an intermediate surface 52.
The bottom surface 30 of the cartridge may be integrally formed with the casing 48 or may be formed separately as a lid or plate that fits on the main body. It is preferred that at least one of the top surface 28 or the bottom surface 30 be integrally formed with the casing 48, while the other surface be attached to the casing 48 as a cover. In the embodiment illustrated, the bottom surface 30 is integrally formed with the casing 48 while the top surface 28 is attached to the casing 48 as a lid.
The intermediate surface 52 may be integrally formed with the casing 48 or may be formed separately as a plate that fits within the casing 48. The casing 48 may be provided with grooves or slots to receive the intermediate surface 52. It is preferred that the intermediate surface 52 is separately formed. A separately formed intermediate surface 52 allows for easy filling of the purification medium.
In the embodiment illustrated, the outlet passage 36 is a hollow stem centrally placed within the cartridge 14. One or more such hollow stems may be formed for conveying the water exiting the purification medium to the cartridge outlet 34. The hollow stems may pass through the cartridge 14. Alternatively, the hollow stem may pass from outside the cartridge 14; such as for example may pass through the outer casing 12. The hollow stem illustrated in the embodiment passes through the cartridge 14.
In accordance with an aspect a nozzle (not shown) to meter the flow of the water is placed at the cartridge outlet (38). The nozzle controls the rate of flow of water through the purifier 10 such that the flow of water is maintained nearly constant throughout the life of the purifier 10. The nozzle also helps in regulating the time of contact of water with the purification medium. The contact time is adjusted to provide maximum purification while providing a reasonable flow rate.
Referring to figure 5, the intermediate surface 52 is provided with perforations 54 that allow the exit of water from the purification medium. The intermediate surface 52 holds the water purification medium in place within the cartridge 14.
Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of the top surface 28 of the cartridge 14. The top surface 28 may be attached to the main body by any means including but not limited to threads, push fit, snap fit or by ultrasonic welding. The top surface 28 may be used to keep the intermediate surface 52 pressed against the purification medium of the cartridge 14 so as to provide a compacted purification bed in the cartridge 14, and at least one spring may be placed between the top surface 28 and the intermediate surface 52 for this. The purification medium may also be kept under compaction by any means including but not limited to the use of swelling chemicals or direct pressing.
The water from the cartridge inlet 32 enters the purification medium for purification in a reverse flow and travels to the intermediate surface 52. The perforations 54 in the intermediate surface 52 allow water to exit the purification medium. Water further travels through the outlet passage 36 of the cartridge 14 to the outlet of the purifier 38.
The purification medium may be any medium that can effectively remove contaminants from water. In accordance with an aspect the purification medium includes rice husk ash and more particularly rice husk ash coated with a bactericide.
In accordance with an alternate embodiment, the purification medium comprising of a mixture of rice husk ash and quartz sand, where either the rice husk ash or quartz sand or both are preferably bonded with a bactericidal agent may be placed in the cartridge 14. The bactericidal agent may comprise of nanoparticles including but not limited to those of silver, copper or their compounds. The purification medium may be in any proportion. In accordance with an embodiment, at least 60% of rice husk ash bonded with nanoparticles is used.
In accordance with an embodiment, the quartz sand bonded with nanoparticles as described above may be placed in the cartridge 14, such that it surrounds the rice husk ash bonded with nanoparticles so as to keep the rice husk ash in place and to prevent leakage of the rice husk ash into the water. Alternatively, the quartz sand bonded with nanoparticles may be positioned in the filter cartridge immediately before the cartridge outlet. Alternatively, the layer of quartz sand bonded with nanoparticles may be placed either at the top or the bottom of the cartridge, or in both locations, such that it secures the rice husk ash bonded with nanoparticles. Alternatively the quartz sand bonded with nanoparticles may be placed as an intermediate layer in addition to being placed at the top, bottom or both locations in the cartridge.
As illustrated in figure 7, the end of life chamber 16 is configured to measure and indicate the total amount of water that has passed through the purifier 10. The end of life chamber 16 comprises of a casing 58 and a base cover 60 including the inlet 22 and the 24. A water soluble tablet 66 is placed in the casing 58 such that it rests on the base cover 60 of the end of life chamber 16. A plunger 70 rests on top of the water soluble tablet.
As illustrated in figure 8 the casing is leak proof everywhere except at an opening 68 present at its bottom. The base cover 60 is engaged with the casing 58 at its opening. In the embodiment illustrated, the base cover 60 has a single inlet 22 present on the side face of the base cover 60. An inlet passage 76 is provided in the base cover 60 that provides a fluid connection between the inlet 22 and the opening 68. The base cover 60 also includes at least one outlet 24 configured for conveying the water exiting the end of life chamber 16.
The water soluble tablet 66 is provided in the casing 58 such that the water soluble tablet 66 rests on the base cover 60. Any number of water soluble tablets 66 may be provided in the casing. In the embodiment illustrated two water soluble tablets 66 are provided.
The plunger 70 is placed in the casing 58 such that it rests on top of the water soluble tablets 66. The plunger 70 is in the form of a disk or plate that is sized to just fit within the casing 58 and to prevent water from passing across the plunger 70. In the embodiment illustrated the plunger 70 is a cylindrical shaped component. The plunger 70 on its lower end is provided with a plug 72 that fits in the opening 68 of the hollow inlet passage 76 in the base cover 60. This closes the inlet 22 and outlet 24 of the end of life chamber 16.
In accordance with an aspect, the plunger 70 may provide a continuous visual indicator of the amount of water that has passed through the water purifier 10. The casing 58 and the outer casing 12 of the purifier 10 may be completely transparent for visual inspection of the plunger 70 or may have a transparent column along the length of the casing 58. The plunger 70 may be a brightly colored component. Alternatively, a separate indicator in the form of a bright coloring or tape may be provided on the periphery of the plunger 70. The plunger 70 or the indicator may be visually inspected to determine the level of the water soluble tablets 66 remaining in the casing 58 of the end of life chamber 16). Alternatively, the casing 58 and the outer casing 12 of the purifier 10 may be provided with a transparent window for visual inspection of the plunger 70 or the indicator when the plunger 70 is at or close to the end-of-life position. In accordance with an embodiment, the casing 58 may also be provided with marking that indicates the amount of water that has passed through the water purifier 10.
In accordance with an aspect, a spring 74 may be provided between the plunger 70 and a closed end of the casing 58 as best seen in figure 10. The spring 74 provides an additional downward force to the plunger 70 ensuring that it descends through the casing as the water soluble tablets 66 are dissolved by water.
In accordance with an aspect, the water soluble tablet 66 is made of a chemical having low solubility in water. The water soluble tablet 66 includes but is not limited to tablet composed of CaSO4.2H2O, CaO or MgO.
In accordance with an embodiment, the water soluble tablet 66 is made of CaSO4.2H2O by adding and mixing water to CaSO4.2H2O and compressing the mixture in a pressure die. In accordance with an embodiment the amount of CaSO4.2H2O per tablet may vary from 1gm to 100gm. Specifically the amount of CaSO4.2H2O per tablet may be 10gm. The proportion of water to CaSO4.2H2O may vary from 0 to 50% and is preferably 20%. The compression pressure may vary from 0 to 50 tons and is preferably 8 tons. In the current embodiment, two such tablets are designed to dissolve completely in approximately 3000 liters of continuous or discontinuous flow of tap water.
Again with reference to figure 7 and 8, the flow of water through the end of life chamber16 is illustrated. Water enters into the base cover 60 through the inlet 22 and rises up through the hollow inlet passage 76. Once water reaches at the opening 68 of the hollow inlet passage 76, air in the casing 58 gets trapped within the casing 58. As the water rises up further in the casing 58, the trapped air in the casing 58 starts getting compressed till the pressure of the compressed air becomes equal to the water pressure at the inlet 22. This rise in pressure of the compressed air prevents water from rising further up in the casing 58. Water rises up the hollow inlet passage 76 and impinges onto a bottom surface of the lowermost tablet. The water is diverted by the water soluble tablets 66 towards the water outlet 24. The water soluble tablet 66 dissolves continuously with the flow of water at its bottom surface. The dissolution of tablets relates to the total amount of water passed through the water purifier. The plunger 70 or any indicator attached to it incrementally moves down as the water soluble tablets 66 dissolve indicating the cumulative amount of water passed. After the passage of a predefined amount of water through the water filter the water soluble tablets 66 are configured to dissolve completely. Once the water soluble tablets 66 are completely dissolved by water, the spring forces the plunger to enter the opening 68 in the hollow inlet passage 76 in the base cover 60. This stops the flow of water through the water purifier 10.
Water enters the outer casing 12 from the inlet 18. The inlet 22 of the end of life chamber 16 is in fluid communication with the outer casing 12. Water from the outer casing 12 travels through the end of life chamber 16 and to the outlet 24 of the end of life chamber. The outlet 24 of the end of life chamber is in fluid communication with the cartridge inlet 32. Water travels from the cartridge inlet 32 travels through the purification medium for purification in a reverse flow and travels to the outlet passage 36. The outlet passage delivers purified water to the purifier outlet 38.
In accordance with another embodiment the purifier 10 further comprises of a first filter mesh 110 that may be retentively coupled with the purifier outlet 38 as best seen in figure 1 and 13, such that the water exiting the purifier 10 passes through the first filter mesh 110. The purifier 10 may further comprise of a second filter mesh 112 retentively coupled with the inlet 18 of the outer casing 12, of the purifier 10, such that the water entering the purifier 10 must pass through the second filter mesh 112 as seen in figures 14 and 15.
The purifier 10 is configured to be attached to any storage vessel including but not limited to earthen pots, plastic pots and plastic buckets with a connector 80. Referring to figure 9 and 12 the connector includes a retainer 82 for placement within a storage vessel and an adaptor 84 for placement outside the storage vessel. The retainer 82 and adaptor 84 include hollow channels that are axially aligned that mate with each other when the connector 80 is assembled.
Figure 10 illustrate the retainer 82 in accordance with an embodiment. The retainer 82 includes a laterally extending flange 86 that is larger than the opening in the vessel and retains the connector 80 to the storage vessel. The retainer 82 has a hollow channel 88 formed on the flange 86 that is configured to align with an opening of the storage vessel. The hollow channel 88 may be a cylindrical opening extending through the thickness of the flange 86. In the embodiment illustrated the hollow channel 88 includes an extension 90 that is configured to enter the opening of the storage vessel. The hollow channel 88 allows water or any liquid stored in the vessel a passage out of the vessel, while the flange 86 covers the sides of the opening in the storage vessel. The flange exerts a compressive force on a washer 96 as seen in figure 8 and 12 which in-turn form a leak-proof joint surrounding the opening in the storage vessel to ensure a leak proof passage from the vessel.
Figures 11 illustrate the adaptor 84 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The adaptor 84 includes a laterally extending flange 94 that is larger than the opening of the storage vessel and is configured to rest against the outside surface of the storage vessel. The flange exerts a compressive force on a second washer 98 which in-turn form a leak-proof joint surrounding the opening in the storage vessel to ensure a leak proof passage from the vessel as best seen in figure 12.
The adaptor also includes a hollow channel 100 that is configured to axially align with the channel of the retainer. The hollow channel 100 may be a cylindrical opening extending through the thickness of the flange 94. The hollow channel 100 of the adaptor 84 is configured to retentively couple with the hollow channel 88 of the retainer 82 such that the channel 88 of the retainer 82 and the channel 100 of the adaptor form a channel 108 of variable length for the flow of the liquid from the storage vessel to the purifier 10 as best seen in figure 16. The channel 108 allows water or any liquid stored in the vessel a passage out of the vessel, while the flanges (86, 94) along with the washers (96, 98) cover the sides of the opening in the storage vessel to ensure a leak proof passage from the vessel.
The adaptor 84 includes a purifier coupler 104 at a lower end for attaching the purifier 10 to the storage vessel. In the embodiment illustrated the purifier coupler 104 includes screw threads 106 that are configured to mate with corresponding threads provided on the purifier 10. The purifier coupler 104 of the adaptor 84 may be any means including but not limited to threads, snap fit or push fit.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the connector 80 is further configured to be enclosed by the second filter mesh 112 as illustrated in figure 14.
With reference to figure 15, a water filter 116 is illustrated. The water filter 116 comprises a storage vessel and the purifier 10. The storage vessel comprises a top chamber 118 and a bottom chamber 120. The top chamber 118 includes an inlet 122 configured to receive water to be purified. The top chamber 118 is further configured to store water to be purified. The bottom chamber 120 is configured to receive and store purified water from the purifier 10. The bottom chamber 120 further includes an outlet to supply purified water for consumption. In accordance with an embodiment the outlet may be a tap 124 as seen in figure 15.
The purifier 10 is preferably positioned such that it is attached to an outside surface 126 of the top chamber 118 and is enclosed by the bottom chamber 120. In accordance with an embodiment, the purifier 10 is attached to the outside surface 126 of the top chamber with the help of the connector 80.
The water filter 116 may further comprise a pre filter mesh 114 positioned at the inlet 122 of the top chamber 118 of the storage vessel, such that water to be purified passes through the pre filter mesh 122 before entering the top chamber 118. The water filter 116 is configured such that the water to be purified enters the purifier 10 from the top chamber 118, gets purified and flows out to the bottom chamber 120.
The first mesh, second mesh and pre filter mesh singularly or in combination aid in the overall purification process, such that water available at the water filter outlet meets global standards on water purification. The meshes may be replaced or cleaned after a predetermined quantity of water has been purified.
Specific Embodiments
A gravity based water purifier comprising: an outer casing including an inlet for receiving water to be purified; a cartridge holding a purification medium placed within the outer casing, the cartridge defining a top and bottom surface and including a cartridge inlet for receiving water to be purified positioned proximate the bottom surface and a cartridge outlet for purified water positioned proximate the top surface, the cartridge further including an outlet passage connecting the cartridge outlet to an outlet of the water purifier, and an end of life chamber placed within the outer casing, the end of life chamber including an inlet in fluid communication with the outer casing and an outlet in fluid communication with the cartridge inlet, the end of life chamber further containing at least one water soluble tablet and a plunger with a plug configured to close the inlet or the outlet of the end of life chamber when the water soluble tablet is dissolved after a predetermined amount of water passes through the water purifier, such that water entering the water purifier through the inlet in the outer casing travels through the end of life chamber to the cartridge and passes through the cartridge in a reverse flow before exiting from the water purifier.
Such gravity based water purifier(s) further comprising a first filter mesh retentively coupled to the outlet of the water purifier.
Such gravity based water purifier(s) further comprising a connector configured to connect the gravity based water purifier to an outside surface of a storage vessel, the connector comprising: a retainer comprising a channel configured to align with an opening of the storage vessel, the retainer placed within the storage vessel; and an adaptor comprising a channel axially aligned with the channel of the retainer and including a coupler for attaching the gravity based water purifier to an outside surface of the storage vessel, the adaptor placed outside the storage vessel; the channel of the adaptor configured to retentively couple with the channel of the retainer such that the channel of the retainer and the channel of the adaptor form a channel of variable length for the flow of liquid from the storage vessel to the water purifier.
Such gravity based water purifier(s) further comprising a second filter mesh retentively coupled to the inlet of the outer casing.
Such gravity based water purifier(s) wherein the second mesh encloses the connector.
Such a gravity based water purifier(s) wherein the purification medium comprises of any one of rice husk ash or quartz coated with bactericide.
Such a gravity based water purifier(s) wherein the bactericide comprises of nanoparticles of silver or copper.
Such gravity based water purifier(s) wherein the outlet passage has a nozzle connected to it.
Such gravity based water purifier(s) wherein the plunger is configured to provide a continuous visual indicator of the amount of water that has passed through the water filter.
Such gravity based water purifier(s) wherein the outer casing and the end of life chamber are made of transparent material such that it enables visual inspection of the plunger.
Such gravity based water purifier(s) wherein the end of life chamber further includes a spring configured to provide an additional downward force to the plunger such that the plunger descends as the water soluble tablet is dissolved by water.
Such gravity based water purifier(s) wherein the water soluble tablet is made of a chemical having low solubility in water.
Such gravity based water purifier(s) wherein the outer casing of the water purifier includes a cavity configured to receive the end of life chamber.
Further Specific Embodiments
A water filter comprising; a storage vessel including a top chamber and a bottom chamber; the top chamber including an inlet to receive water to be purified; the bottom chamber configured to receive and store purified water and including an outlet to supply purified water, a water purifier connected to an outside surface of the top chamber such that the water purifier is enclosed by the bottom chamber, the water purifier comprising; an outer casing including an inlet for receiving water to be purified; a cartridge holding a purification medium placed within the outer casing, the cartridge defining a top and bottom surface and including a cartridge inlet for receiving water to be purified positioned proximate the bottom surface and a cartridge outlet for purified water positioned proximate the top surface, the cartridge further including a passage connecting the cartridge outlet to an outlet of the water purifier, and an end of life chamber placed within the outer casing, the end of life chamber including an inlet in fluid communication with the outer casing and an outlet in fluid communication with the cartridge inlet, the end of life chamber further containing at least one water soluble tablet and a plunger with a plug configured to close the inlet or the outlet of the end of life chamber when the water soluble tablet is dissolved after a predetermined amount of water passes through the water purifier such that water for purification stored in the top chamber enters the water purifier through the inlet in the outer casing, travels through the end of life chamber to the cartridge and passes through the cartridge in a reverse flow before exiting from the water purifier in to the bottom chamber.
Such water filter(s) further comprising a connector for attaching the water purifier to an outside surface of the top chamber.
Such water filter(s) further comprising a pre filter mesh at the inlet of the top chamber of the storage vessel, such that water to be purified passes through the pre filter mesh before entering the top chamber.
Such water filter(s) further comprising a first filter mesh retentively coupled to the outlet of the water purifier, such that water from the water purifier passes through the first filter mesh before entering the bottom chamber of the storage vessel.
Such water filter(s) further comprising a second filter mesh retentively coupled to the inlet of the outer casing, such that water from the top chamber passes through the second filter mesh before entering the water purifier.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The water purifier is configured for attachment to commonly available water storage vessels and functions on a reverse flow of water through the purifier. The purifier does not require any external energy for operation as the flow of water through the purifier is under the force of gravity. The purification medium as described above is a simple medium that is inexpensive, easy to use and effective in removing bacterial contamination from potable water. A cartridge comprising of the purification media in one or more preferred arrangements as described above provides an effective means to obtain potable water for a sustained duration.

We claim:
1. A gravity based water purifier comprising:
an outer casing including an inlet for receiving water to be purified;
a cartridge holding a purification medium placed within the outer casing, the cartridge defining a top and bottom surface and including a cartridge inlet for receiving water to be purified positioned proximate the bottom surface and a cartridge outlet for purified water also positioned proximate the bottom surface, the cartridge further including an outlet passage for conveying water exiting the purification medium to the cartridge outlet connecting the cartridge outlet to an outlet of the water purifier, and
an end of life chamber placed within the outer casing, the end of life chamber including an inlet in fluid communication with the outer casing and an outlet in fluid communication with the cartridge inlet, the end of life chamber further containing at least one water soluble tablet and a plunger with a plug configured to close the inlet or the outlet of the end of life chamber when the water soluble tablet is dissolved after a predetermined amount of water passes through the water purifier,
such that water entering the water purifier through the inlet in the outer casing travels through the end of life chamber to the cartridge and passes through the cartridge in a reverse flow before exiting from the water purifier.

2. A gravity based water purifier as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a first filter mesh retentively coupled to the outlet of the water purifier.

3. A gravity based water purifier as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a connector configured to connect the gravity based water purifier to an outside surface of a storage vessel, the connector comprising:
a retainer comprising a channel configured to align with an opening of the storage vessel, the retainer placed within the storage vessel; and
an adaptor comprising a channel axially aligned with the channel of the retainer and including a coupler for attaching the gravity based water purifier to an outside surface of the storage vessel, the adaptor placed outside the storage vessel;
the channel of the adaptor configured to retentively couple with the channel of the retainer such that the channel of the retainer and the channel of the adaptor form a channel of variable length for the flow of liquid from the storage vessel to the water purifier.

4. A gravity based water purifier as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a second filter mesh retentively coupled to the inlet of the outer casing.

5. A gravity based water purifier as claimed in claim 4 wherein the second mesh encloses the connector.

6. A gravity based water purifier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the purification medium comprises of any one of rice husk ash or quartz coated with bactericide.

7. A gravity based water purifier as claimed in claim 6 wherein the bactericide comprises of nanoparticles of silver or copper.

8. A gravity based water purifier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the outlet passage has a nozzle connected to it.

9. A gravity based water purifier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the plunger is configured to provide a continuous visual indicator of the amount of water that has passed through the water filter.

10. A gravity based water purifier as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the outer casing and the end of life chamber are made of transparent material such that it enables visual inspection of the plunger.

11. A gravity based water purifier as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the end of life chamber further includes a spring configured to provide an additional downward force to the plunger such that the plunger descends as the water soluble tablet is dissolved by water.

12. A gravity based water purifier as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the water soluble tablet is made of a chemical having low solubility in water.

13. A gravity based water purifier as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the outer casing of the water purifier includes a cavity configured to receive the end of life chamber.

14. A water filter comprising;
a storage vessel including a top chamber and a bottom chamber; the top chamber including an inlet to receive water to be purified; the bottom chamber configured to receive and store purified water and including an outlet to supply purified water, a water purifier connected to an outside surface of the top chamber such that the water purifier is enclosed by the bottom chamber, the water purifier comprising;
an outer casing including an inlet for receiving water to be purified;
a cartridge holding a purification medium placed within the outer casing, the cartridge defining a top and bottom surface and including a cartridge inlet for receiving water to be purified positioned proximate the bottom surface and a cartridge outlet for purified water positioned proximate the top surface, the cartridge further including a passage connecting the cartridge outlet to an outlet of the water purifier, and
an end of life chamber placed within the outer casing, the end of life chamber including an inlet in fluid communication with the outer casing and an outlet in fluid communication with the cartridge inlet, the end of life chamber further containing at least one water soluble tablet and a plunger with a plug configured to close the inlet or the outlet of the end of life chamber when the water soluble tablet is dissolved after a predetermined amount of water passes through the water purifier,
such that water for purification stored in the top chamber enters the water purifier through the inlet in the outer casing, travels through the end of life chamber to the cartridge and passes through the cartridge in a reverse flow before exiting from the water purifier in to the bottom chamber.

15. A water filter as claimed in claim 14 further comprising a connector for attaching the water purifier to an outside surface of the top chamber.

16. A water filter as claimed in claim 14 or 15 further comprising a pre filter mesh at the inlet of the top chamber of the storage vessel, such that water to be purified passes through the pre filter mesh before entering the top chamber.

17. A water filter as claimed in claims 14, 15 or 16, further comprising a first filter mesh retentively coupled to the outlet of the water purifier, such that water from the water purifier passes through the first filter mesh before entering the bottom chamber of the storage vessel.

18. A water filter as claimed in claims 14, 15, 16 or 17, further comprising a second filter mesh retentively coupled to the inlet of the outer casing, such that water from the top chamber passes through the second filter mesh before entering the water purifier.

19. A gravity based water purifier substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

20. A water filter substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

Dated this 3rd Day of December 2009