초록 ▼

The present invention involves a pressurized water treatment system and method having a unitary liner and flange and a plurality of interchangeable heads. The system utilizes non-threaded connections where periodic detachment is desirable to eliminate the cross-threading problems posed by plastic th

The present invention involves a pressurized water treatment system and method having a unitary liner and flange and a plurality of interchangeable heads. The system utilizes non-threaded connections where periodic detachment is desirable to eliminate the cross-threading problems posed by plastic threads. The coupling devices include an improved clamp assembly to removably secure the water treatment heads to the liner flange or other system components and an improved spring clip to removably attach inlet and outlet lines to water treatment heads and fittings. By including L-shaped tabs, the spring clip reduces the chance of inadvertent dislodgement. The use of common connectors allows any of the interchangeable heads to be used with the liner and other fittings. Adapters can also be used to allow non-system components to be integrated into the system. A fill port adaptor can also be disposed between the liner and water treatment head to provide access to the tank interior without the removal of the head.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [4.] A non-threaded connection comprising:a port defining an opening and having a first slot and a second slot, said slots extending from an exterior surface of said port to an interior surface of said port, said slots spaced from said opening;an insert insertable through said

[ What is claimed is:] [4.] A non-threaded connection comprising:a port defining an opening and having a first slot and a second slot, said slots extending from an exterior surface of said port to an interior surface of said port, said slots spaced from said opening;an insert insertable through said opening and having at least one groove alignable with said slots;a spring clip having a flexible outer portion and a first tab and a second tab, said tabs extending radially inwardly from said outer portion, each of said tabs having a circumferential extension disposed at a radially inward position on said tabs, said spring clip flexibly moveable between a flexed condition and an unflexed condition, said first and second tabs and said circumferential extensions being insertable and retractable through said first and second slots respectively when said spring clip is in said flexed condition, said tabs being positionable in said at least one groove when inserted through said slots and said spring clip returns to said unflexed condition whereby removal of said insert from said opening is inhibited, each of said circumferential extensions positioned at least partially beyond a circumferential limit of a respective one of said slots when said tabs are inserted through said slots and said spring clip is in said unflexed condition whereby retraction of said tabs from said slots is inhibited.