Fluid treatment device and counter mechanism

Abstract

This invention relates to a color coded counter mechanism for a fluid treatment filter device which indicates to the consumer when to replace the filter. It also includes a selective means in the counter mechanism for permitting the filter device to be used in countries having different standards of filtration without requiring a new counter mechanism for each country.

We claim:  
     
         1 . In a fluid treatment device of the type comprising a container, said container having a filter, and said container having first and second chambers, the improvement wherein: 
 a) said filter is positioned in said first chamber;    b) a connecting element for connecting said first chamber to said second chamber for permitting fluid to travel from said first chamber though said filter and into said second chamber is provided;    c) a removable and replaceable cap is provided for said first chamber;    d) said removable and replaceable cap has a counter mechanism;    e) an indexing element is provided on said removable and replaceable cap for indexing said counter mechanism when said removable and replaceable cap is replaced after said removable and replaceable cap has been removed; and    f) said counter mechanism has a sequentially changing visual color coding system for indicating the present status of the filter.    
     
     
         2 . In fluid treatment device of the type comprising a container, said container having a filter, said container having first and second chambers the improvement wherein: 
 a) said filter is positioned in said first chamber;    b) a connecting element connects said first chamber to said second chamber for permitting fluid to travel from said first chamber though said filter and into said second chamber;    c) a removable and replaceable cap is provided for said first chamber;    d) said removable and replaceable cap has a counter mechanism;    e) an indexing element is provided on said removable and replaceable cap for indexing said counter mechanism when said removable and replaceable cap is replaced after said removable and replaceable cap is removed; and    f) said counter mechanism has at least two selective counter cycles as determined by the amount of filtration required by law pertaining to the required water purity.    
     
     
         3 . A fluid treatment device as in  claim 1 , and wherein; 
 a) said visual color coding system includes at least two color changes.    
     
     
         4 . A fluid treatment device as in  claim 1 , and wherein; 
 a) said visual color coding system includes green, yellow, and red color codes.    
     
     
         5 . A fluid treatment device as in  claim 4 , and wherein; 
 a) said green, yellow, and red color codes are in sequence starting with green an ending with red.    
     
     
         6 . A fluid treatment device as in  claim 2 , and including; 
 a) said at least two selective counter cycles include at least two ratchet wheels, and    b) a selective pawl follower for selecting one of said at least two ratchet wheels.    
     
     
         7 . A device for use in a fluid treatment device of the type having a removable filter, the device comprising: 
 a) a removable and replaceable cap;    b) said removable and replaceable cap having a counter mechanism;    c) an indexing element on said removable and replaceable cap for indexing said counter mechanism when said removable and replaceable cap is replaced after said removable and replaceable cap is removed; and    d) said counter mechanism having a sequentially changing visual color coding system for indicating the present status of the filter.    
     
     
         8 . A device for use in a fluid treatment device of the type having a removable filter, the device comprising; 
 a) a removable and replaceable cap;    b) said removable and replaceable cap having a counter mechanism;    c) an indexing element on said removable and replaceable cap for indexing said counter mechanism when said removable and replaceable cap is replaced after said removable and replaceable cap is removed; and    d) said counter mechanism having at least two selective counter cycles as determined by the amount of filtration required by law pertaining to the required water purity.    
     
     
         9 . A device for use in a removable device having a removable filter as in  claim 7;  and wherein: 
 a) said sequentially changing visual color coding system includes green, yellow and red color codes.  
 
     
     
         10 . A device for use in a fluid treatment device having a removable filter as in  claim 8  and wherein; 
 a) said counter mechanism includes at least two selective counter cycles including at least two ratchet wheels, and  
 b) a selective pawl follower for selecting one of said at least two ratchet wheels.