초록 ▼

Improved filter vessel assemblies for filtering fluids in fluid systems (e.g., industrial and/or commercial systems) are provided. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for advantageous filter vessel assemblies that include a releasable locking assembly for a removable filter member (e.

Improved filter vessel assemblies for filtering fluids in fluid systems (e.g., industrial and/or commercial systems) are provided. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for advantageous filter vessel assemblies that include a releasable locking assembly for a removable filter member (e.g., a filter bag). The present disclosure provides for improved systems/designs for easily securing and/or unsecuring removable filter members to or from a locking assembly of a filter vessel assembly. Improved, convenient, low-cost and/or effective systems and methods for easily securing and/or unsecuring removable filter members to or from a filter vessel assembly by utilizing advantageous locking assemblies associated with a supporting assembly or basket assembly of the filter vessel assembly are provided.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A filter vessel assembly comprising: an elongated housing having an interior surface;a supporting assembly disposed within the housing;a removable filter member configured to be at least partially disposed within the supporting assembly;a locking assembly including a first securing member, a seco

1. A filter vessel assembly comprising: an elongated housing having an interior surface;a supporting assembly disposed within the housing;a removable filter member configured to be at least partially disposed within the supporting assembly;a locking assembly including a first securing member, a second securing member and a locking member disposed within the housing;wherein the locking member is movably secured to the first securing member, thereby allowing the locking member to be moved to a desired position;wherein at least a portion of the first securing member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the interior surface of the housing;wherein the first securing member defines a central opening therethrough, the first securing member including a lower surface;wherein at least a portion of the supporting assembly is configured to travel within the central opening of the first securing member to a position where an upper end of the supporting assembly mounts to at least a portion of the lower surface of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the filter member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the second securing member is configured to be positioned above at least a portion of the filter member resting upon the first securing member; andwherein the movably secured locking member is configured to be moved to engage at least a portion of the locking member with at least a portion of at least one of the first and second securing member to releasably secure the filter member to the locking assembly. 2. The filter vessel assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing includes an open end and at least one fluid inlet; wherein the interior surface of the housing includes an intermediate interior surface that extends inwardly toward a center of the housing;wherein at least the portion of the first securing member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the intermediate interior surface of the housing; andwherein the intermediate interior surface of the housing is positioned below the at least one fluid inlet relative to the open end of the housing. 3. The filter vessel assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing includes an open end; and further comprising a cover member removably mounted to the open end of the housing; andwherein the cover member fluidically seals the open end of the housing when the cover member is removably mounted to the open end of the housing. 4. The filter vessel assembly of claim 3, wherein the open end of the housing includes external threads, the external threads having a non-threaded section that is configured to allow fluid to escape from the housing via the non-threaded section when the cover member is mounted to the open end of the housing, and at least one of: (i) the housing is over-pressurized, (ii) attempt is made to remove the cover member from the open end of the housing without de-pressurizing the housing, and (iii) the cover member is not fully secured to the housing and attempt is made to pressurize the housing. 5. A filter vessel assembly comprising an elongated housing having an interior surface;a supporting assembly disposed within the housing;a removable filter member configured to be at least partially disposed within the supporting assembly;a locking assembly including a first securing member, a second securing member and a locking member disposed within the housing;wherein the locking member is movably secured to the first securing member, thereby allowing the locking member to be moved to a desired position;wherein at least a portion of the first securing member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the interior surface of the housing;wherein at least a portion of the supporting assembly is configured to mount to at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the filter member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the second securing member is configured to be positioned above at least a portion of the filter member resting upon the first securing member;wherein the movably secured locking member is configured to be moved to engage at least a portion of the locking member with at least a portion of at least one of the first and second securing member to releasably secure the filter member to the locking assembly;wherein the housing includes an open end; andfurther comprising a cover member removably mounted to the open end of the housing;wherein the cover member fluidically seals the open end of the housing when the cover member is removably mounted to the open end of the housing;wherein the open end of the housing includes a groove that extends around a perimeter of the open end of the housing, the groove defined by a lower wall, an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall including at least one slot configured to allow fluid to drain from the outer wall to a center of the housing;wherein the lower wall extends from the outer wall to the inner wall at a downward angle between about 1° to about 10° toward the center of the housing. 6. The filter vessel assembly of claim 5, wherein the groove is configured to house a gasketing material; wherein the cover member is configured to create a sealing surface with the gasketing material housed in the groove of the open end of the housing when the cover member is mounted to the open end of the housing; andwherein internal pressure forces the gasketing material toward the outer wall when the cover member is mounted to the open end of the housing. 7. The filter vessel assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing includes first and second fluid inlets, first and second fluid outlets, at least one fluid inlet boss, and first and second fluid outlet bosses; wherein the first fluid inlet includes a removable cap that fluidically seals the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet includes a removable cap that fluidically seals the first fluid outlet; andwherein the second fluid inlet includes a hollow connector member and the second fluid outlet includes a hollow connector member. 8. The filter vessel assembly of claim 7, wherein the first and second fluid inlets and the at least one fluid inlet boss are positioned at an upper end of the housing; wherein the first and second fluid outlets and the first and second fluid outlet bosses are positioned at a lower end of the housing;wherein the at least one fluid inlet boss is positioned about 90° from the first and second fluid inlets on the housing; andwherein the first and second fluid outlet bosses are positioned about 90° from the first and second fluid outlets on the housing. 9. The filter vessel assembly of claim 1, wherein the supporting assembly includes an open end having a collar member; wherein the collar member is substantially annular and extends outwardly from and around a perimeter of the open end of the supporting assembly; andwherein at least a portion of the collar member is configured to mount to at least a portion of the first securing member. 10. The filter vessel assembly of claim 1, wherein the filter member is a removable filter bag that includes an open end and a sealing member; wherein the sealing member of the filter member is positioned proximal the open end of the filter member; andwherein at least a portion of the sealing member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the first securing member. 11. The filter vessel assembly of claim 1, wherein the interior surface of the housing includes at least one inner protrusion that is configured to guidingly engage the supporting assembly toward a center of the housing when the supporting assembly is disposed within the housing. 12. The filter vessel assembly of claim 1, wherein the interior surface of the housing includes at least three inner protrusions positioned in a lower end of the housing, the at least three inner protrusions: (i) spaced substantially equidistantly apart from each adjacent inner protrusion, (ii) tapering inwardly from a top portion to a bottom portion of each protrusion toward a center of the housing, and (iii) configured to guidingly engage the supporting assembly toward the center of the housing when the supporting assembly is disposed within the housing. 13. The filter vessel assembly of claim 10, wherein the sealing member is a substantially annular member, the substantially annular member selected from the group consisting of a sewn-in member, a welded member, a fusion bonded member, a molded member, an adhered member, a folded member and a rolled member. 14. The filter vessel assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing defines a central vertical axis; and wherein the interior surface of the housing includes an intermediate interior surface that extends inwardly toward a center of the housing at an angle from about 15° to about 90° relative to the central vertical axis of the housing. 15. A filter vessel assembly comprising: an elongated housing having an interior surface;a supporting assembly disposed within the housing;a removable filter member configured to be at least partially disposed within the supporting assembly;a locking assembly including a first securing member, a second securing member and a locking member disposed within the housing;wherein the locking member is movably secured to the first securing member, thereby allowing the locking member to be moved to a desired position;wherein at least a portion of the first securing member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the interior surface of the housing;wherein at least a portion of the supporting assembly is configured to mount to at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the filter member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the second securing member is configured to be positioned above at least a portion of the filter member resting upon the first securing member;wherein the movably secured locking member is configured to be moved to engage at least a portion of the locking member with at least a portion of at least one of the first and second securing member to releasably secure the filter member to the locking assembly;wherein the second securing member includes an upper surface, the upper surface having a plurality of pairs of recessed portions disposed thereon;wherein each pair includes a first recessed portion and a second recessed portion, the first and second recessed portions positioned about 180° from one another about the upper surface of the second securing member; andwherein each pair includes a different recessed portion depth as compared to the depth of the other pairs of recessed portions. 16. A filter vessel assembly comprising: an elongated housing having an interior surface;a supporting assembly disposed within the housing;a removable filter member configured to be at least partially disposed within the supporting assembly;a locking assembly including a first securing member, a second securing member and a locking member disposed within the housing;wherein the locking member is movably secured to the first securing member, thereby allowing the locking member to be moved to a desired position;wherein at least a portion of the first securing member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the interior surface of the housing;wherein at least a portion of the supporting assembly is configured to mount to at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the filter member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the second securing member is configured to be positioned above at least a portion of the filter member resting upon the first securing member;wherein the movably secured locking member is configured to be moved to engage at least a portion of the locking member with at least a portion of at least one of the first and second securing member to releasably secure the filter member to the locking assembly;wherein the first securing member includes an upper surface having a first notch and a second notch;wherein the second securing member includes an upper surface having a first protuberance and a second protuberance extending therefrom; andwherein at least a portion of the first protuberance is configured to be positioned within the first notch and at least a portion of the second protuberance is configured to be positioned within the second notch. 17. The filter vessel assembly of claim 16, wherein first and second post members extend from the upper surface of the first securing member; and wherein each notch is positioned about 90° from each post member about the upper surface of the first securing member. 18. The filter vessel assembly of claim 1, wherein the first securing member includes an upper surface, an intermediate surface, the lower surface, and an outer surface; wherein the second securing member includes an upper surface and a lower surface; andwherein the locking member extends from a first end to a second end. 19. The filter vessel assembly of claim 18, wherein the locking member is movably secured to the upper surface of the first securing member, thereby allowing the locking member to be moved to a desired position; wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the first securing member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the interior surface of the housing;wherein at least a portion of the filter member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the intermediate surface of the first securing member; andwherein at least a portion of the lower surface of the second securing member is configured to be positioned above at least a portion of the filter member resting upon the intermediate surface of the first securing member. 20. The filter vessel assembly of claim 18, wherein the movably secured locking member is configured to be moved to engage at least a portion of at least one of the first and second end of the locking member with at least a portion of the upper surface of at least one of the first and second securing member to releasably secure the filter member to at least one of the first and second securing member. 21. The filter vessel assembly of claim 19, wherein the movably secured locking member is configured to be moved to engage at least a portion of at least one of the first and second end of the locking member with at least a portion of the upper surface of at least one of the first and second securing member to releasably secure the filter member to at least one of the first and second securing member. 22. The filter vessel assembly of claim 18, wherein a first camming member extends from the first end of the locking member and a second camming member extends from the second end of the locking member; and wherein the movably secured locking member is configured to be moved to engage at least a portion of at least one of the first and second camming member with at least a portion of the upper surface of at least one of the first and second securing member to releasably secure the filter member to at least one of the first and second securing member. 23. The filter vessel assembly of claim 18, wherein first and second post members extend from the upper surface of the first securing member; and wherein the first end of the locking member is movably secured to the first post member and the second end of the locking member is movably secured to the second post member. 24. The filter vessel assembly of claim 23, wherein the first post member includes a first receiving portion and the second post member includes a second receiving portion; wherein the locking member includes first and second mating members; andwherein the first mating member is configured to be movably secured to the first receiving portion and the second mating member is configured to be movably secured to the second receiving portion. 25. The filter vessel assembly of claim 24, wherein the first and second receiving portions are selected from the group consisting of apertures and recesses, and wherein the first and second mating members are selected from the group consisting of knobs and protrusions. 26. The filter vessel assembly of claim 24, wherein the first and second receiving portions are selected from the group consisting of knobs and protrusions, and wherein the first and second mating members are selected from the group consisting of apertures and recesses. 27. The filter vessel assembly of claim 18, wherein the first securing member is a substantially ring-like basket member; and wherein the lower surface of the first securing member tapers inwardly toward a center of the first securing member. 28. The filter vessel assembly of claim 18, wherein the intermediate surface of the first securing member extends inwardly to define a substantially planar shelf surface. 29. The filter vessel assembly of claim 18, wherein the outer surface of the first securing member extends inwardly toward a center of the first securing member; and wherein the outer surface of the first securing member includes a groove configured to house a gasketing material that forms a seal between the first securing member and the interior surface of the housing. 30. The filter vessel assembly of claim 23, wherein the upper surfaces of the first and second securing members include a recessed portion disposed substantially adjacent to each post member. 31. A filter vessel assembly comprising: an elongated housing having an interior surface;a supporting assembly disposed within the housing;a removable filter member configured to be at least partially disposed within the supporting assembly;a locking assembly including a first securing member, a second securing member and a locking member disposed within the housing;wherein the locking member is movably secured to the first securing member, thereby allowing the locking member to be moved to a desired position;wherein at least a portion of the first securing member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the interior surface of the housing;wherein at least a portion of the supporting assembly is configured to mount to at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the filter member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the second securing member is configured to be positioned above at least a portion of the filter member resting upon the first securing member;wherein the movably secured locking member is configured to be moved to engage at least a portion of the locking member with at least a portion of at least one of the first and second securing member to releasably secure the filter member to the locking assembly;wherein the first securing member includes an upper surface, an intermediate surface, a lower surface, and an outer surface;wherein the second securing member includes an upper surface and a lower surface; andwherein the lacking member extends from a first end to a second end;wherein first and second post members extend from the upper surface of the first securing member;wherein the first end of the locking member is movably secured to the first post member and the second end of the locking member is movably secured to the second post member;wherein the upper surfaces of the first and second securing members include a recessed portion disposed substantially adjacent to each post member;wherein a first camming member extends from the first end of the locking member and a second camming member extends from the second end of the locking member; andwherein the movably secured locking member is configured to be moved to engage at least a portion of at least one of the first and second camming member with at least at portion of the recessed portion of at least one of the first and second securing member to releasably secure the filter member to at least one of the first and second securing member. 32. The filter vessel assembly of claim 18, wherein the housing includes an open end and at least one fluid inlet; wherein the interior surface of the housing includes an intermediate interior surface that extends inwardly toward a center of the housing to define a substantially planar shelf surface;wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the first securing member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the intermediate interior surface of the housing; andwherein the intermediate interior surface of the housing is positioned below the at least one fluid inlet relative to the open end of the housing. 33. The filter vessel assembly of claim 18, wherein the second securing member is a hollow, substantially ring-like member; and wherein the lower surface of the second securing member includes a downwardly extending lip portion depending therefrom. 34. The filter vessel assembly of claim 24, wherein the locking member is a substantially C-shaped locking handle; and wherein the first mating member is positioned proximal the first end of the locking member and the second mating member is positioned proximal the second end of the locking member. 35. A filter vessel assembly comprising: an elongated housing having an interior surface;a supporting assembly disposed within the housing;a removable filter member configured to be at least partially disposed within the supporting assembly;a locking assembly including a first securing member, a second securing member and a locking member disposed within the housing;wherein the locking member is movably secured to the first securing member, thereby allowing the locking member to be moved to a desired position;wherein at least a portion of the first securing member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the interior surface of the housing;wherein at least a portion of the supporting assembly is configured to mount to at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the filter member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the second securing member is configured to be positioned above at least a portion of the filter member resting upon the first securing member;wherein the movably secured locking member is configured to be moved to engage at least a portion of the locking member with at least a portion of at least one of the first and second securing member to releasably secure the filter member to the locking assembly;wherein the first securing member includes an upper surface, an intermediate surface, a lower surface, and an outer surface;wherein the second securing member includes an upper surface and a lower surface; and wherein the locking member extends from a first end to a second end;wherein the filter member is a removable filter bag that includes an open end and a sealing member;wherein the sealing member of the filter member is substantially annular and is positioned proximal the open end of the filter member;wherein at least a portion of the sealing member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the intermediate surface of the first securing member; andwherein the intermediate surface of the first securing member extends inwardly to define a substantially planar shelf surface. 36. The filter vessel assembly of claim 18, wherein the first securing member further includes an interior surface; and wherein the second securing member further includes an outer surface having a groove configured to house a gasketing material, the gasketing material forming a seal with the interior surface of the first securing member when the filter member is releasably secured to the locking assembly. 37. The filter vessel assembly of claim 29, wherein the interior surface of the housing includes an intermediate interior surface that extends inwardly toward a center of the housing; and wherein the gasketing material housed in the groove of the outer surface of the first securing member forms a face seal between the first securing member and the intermediate interior surface of the housing. 38. The filter vessel assembly of claim 1, wherein the supporting assembly includes a first rib member that extends from the upper end of the supporting assembly to a position along the length of the supporting assembly; wherein the first securing member includes the lower surface, the lower surface having a first slot; andwherein at least a portion of the first rib member is configured to travel within the first slot to a position where the upper end of the supporting assembly rests upon at least a portion of the lower surface of the first securing member. 39. The filter vessel assembly of claim 38, wherein after the upper end of the supporting assembly rests upon at least a portion of the lower surface of the first securing member, the first securing member is configured to be rotated to a position where the first slot is not aligned with the first rib member, thereby preventing the first rib member from traveling within the first slot. 40. The filter vessel assembly of claim 39, wherein at least one of the upper end of the first rib member and the first slot includes a camming surface; and wherein after the first securing member is rotated to a position where the first slot is not aligned with the first rib member, the camming surface releasably secures the first securing member to the supporting assembly. 41. The filter vessel assembly of claim 1, wherein the supporting assembly includes a first supporting member and a second supporting member, the first and second supporting members are configured to be releasably secured together to form the supporting assembly. 42. A filter vessel assembly comprising: an elongated housing having an interior surface;a supporting assembly disposed within the housing;a removable filter member configured to be at least partially disposed within the spotting assembly;a locking assembly including a first securing member, a second securing member and a locking member disposed within the housing;wherein the locking member is movably secured to the first securing member, thereby allowing the locking member to be moved to desired position;wherein at least a portion of the first securing member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the interior surface of the housing;wherein at least a portion of the supporting assembly is configured to mount to at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the filter member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the second securing member is configured to be positioned above at least a portion of the filter member resting upon the first securing member;wherein the movably secured locking member is configured to be moved to engage at least a portion of the locking member with at least a portion of at least one of the first and second securing member to releasably secure the filter member to the locking assembly;wherein the supporting assembly includes a first supporting member and a second supporting member, the first and second supporting members are con figured to be releasably secured together to form the supporting assembly;wherein the first supporting member includes a first receiving rod, a first receiving opening and a first fastening member;wherein the second supporting member includes a second receiving rod, a second receiving opening and a second fastening member; andwherein at least a portion of the first fastening member is positioned around the second receiving rod and within at least a portion of the second receiving opening, and at least a portion of the second fastening member is positioned around the first receiving rod and within at least a portion of the first receiving opening to releasably secure the first and second supporting members together to form the supporting assembly. 43. A filter vessel assembly comprising: an elongated housing having an interior surface;a supporting assembly disposed within the housing;a removable filter member configured to be at least partially disposed within the supporting assembly;a locking assembly including a first securing member, a second securing member and a locking member disposed within the horsing;wherein the locking member is movably secured to the first securing member, thereby allowing the locking member to be moved to a desired position;wherein at least a portion of the first securing member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the interior surface of the housing;wherein at least a portion of the supporting assembly is configured to mount to at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the filter member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the second securing member is configured to be positioned above at least a portion of the filter member resting upon the first securing member;wherein the movably secured locking member is configured to be moved to engage at least a portion of the locking member with at least a portion of at least one of the first and second securing member to releasably secure the filter member to the locking assembly;wherein the supporting assembly includes a first supporting member and a second supporting member, the first and second supporting members are configured to be releasably secured together to form the supporting assembly;wherein the first supporting member includes a first receiving rod, first and second receiving openings and first and second fastening members;wherein the second supporting member includes a second receiving rod, third and fourth receiving openings and third and fourth fastening members;wherein when the first and second supporting members are releasably secured together to form the supporting assembly: (i) at least a portion of the first fastening member is positioned around the second receiving rod and within at least a portion of the third receiving opening, (ii) at least a portion of the second fastening member is positioned around the second receiving rod and within at least a portion of the fourth receiving opening, (iii) at least a portion of the third fastening member is positioned around the first receiving rod and within at least a portion of the first receiving opening, and (iv) at least a portion of the fourth fastening member is positioned around the first receiving rod and within at least a portion of the second receiving opening; andwherein the first and second fastening members are selected from the group consisting of U-shaped and C-shaped fastening members. 44. The filter vessel assembly of claim 16, wherein the supporting assembly is integrally mounted with respect to the first securing member. 45. A filter vessel assembly comprising: an elongated housing having an interior surface;a supporting assembly disposed within the housing;a removable filter member configured to be at least partially disposed within the supporting assembly;a locking assembly including a first securing member, a second securing member and a locking member disposed within the housing;wherein the locking member is movably secured to the first securing member, thereby allowing the locking member to be moved to a desired position;wherein at least a portion of the first securing member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the interior surface of the housing;wherein at least a portion of the supporting assembly is configured to mount to at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the filter member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the second securing member is configured to be positioned above at least a portion of the filter member resting upon the first securing member;wherein the movably secured locking member is configured to be moved to engage at least a portion of the locking member with at least a portion of at least one of the first and second securing member to releasably secure the filter member to the locking assembly;wherein the supporting assembly includes a first supporting member and a second supporting member, the first and second supporting members are configured to be releasably secured together to form the supporting assembly;wherein the first supporting member includes a first extending portion and a first recessed portion;wherein the second supporting member includes a second extending portion and a second recessed portion;wherein when the first and second supporting members are releasably secured together to form the supporting assembly, at least a portion of the first extending portion is housed within the second recessed portion, and at least a portion of the second extending portion is housed within the first recessed portion; andwherein the first and second extending portions and the first and second recessed portions are substantially triangular in shape. 46. A filter vessel assembly comprising: an elongated housing having an interior surface;a supporting assembly disposed within the housing;a removable filter member configured to be at least partially disposed within the supporting assembly;a locking assembly including a first securing member, a second securing member and a locking member disposed within the housing;wherein the locking member is movably secured to the first securing member, thereby allowing the locking member to be moved to a desired position;wherein at least a portion of the first securing member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the interior surface of the housing;wherein at least a portion of the supporting assembly is configured to mount to at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the filter member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the second securing member is configured to be positioned above at least a portion of the filter member resting upon the first securing member;wherein the movably secured locking member is configured to be moved to engage at least a portion of the locking member with at least a portion of at least one of the first and second securing member to releasably secure the filter member to the locking assembly;wherein the supporting assembly includes a first supporting member and a second supporting member, the first and second supporting members are configured to be releasably secured together to form the supporting assembly;wherein the first supporting member includes a first leg member and the second supporting member includes a second leg member; andwherein when the first and second supporting members are releasably secured together to form the supporting assembly, the first and second leg members are configured to position the supporting assembly on a surface via the first and second leg members. 47. A filter vessel assembly comprising: an elongated housing having an interior surface;a supporting assembly disposed within the housing;a removable filter member configured to be at least partially disposed within the supporting assembly;a locking assembly including a first securing member, a second securing member and a locking member disposed within the housing;wherein the locking member is movably secured to the first securing member, thereby allowing the locking member to be moved to a desired position;wherein at least a portion of the first securing member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the interior surface of the housing;wherein at least a portion of the supporting assembly is configured to mount to at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the filter member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the second securing member is configured to be positioned above at least a portion of the filter member resting upon the first securing member;wherein the movably secured locking member is configured to be moved to engage at least a portion of the locking member with at least a portion of at least one of the first and second securing member to releasably secure the filter member to the locking assembly;wherein the supporting assembly includes a first supporting member and a second supporting member, the first and second supporting members are configured to be releasably secured together to form the supporting assembly;wherein the first supporting member includes a first rib member that extends from an upper end of the first supporting member to a position along the length of the first supporting member;wherein the second supporting member includes a second rib member that extends from an upper end of the second supporting member to a position along the length of the second supporting member;wherein the first securing member includes the lower surface having a first slot and a second slot; andwherein at least a portion of the first rib member is configured to travel within the first slot and at least a portion of the second rib member is configured to travel within the second slot to a position where the upper end of the supporting assembly rests upon at least a portion of the lower surface of the first securing member. 48. The filter vessel assembly of claim 47, wherein after the upper end of the supporting assembly rests upon at least a portion of the lower surface of the first securing member, the first securing member is configured to be rotated to a position where the first and second slot are not aligned with the first and second rib members, thereby preventing the first and second rib members from traveling within the first and second slots. 49. A filter vessel assembly comprising: an elongated housing having an interior surface;a supporting assembly disposed within the housing;a removable filter member configured to be at least partially disposed within the supporting assembly;a locking assembly including a first securing member, a second securing member and a locking member disposed within the housing;wherein the locking member is movably secured to the first securing member, thereby allowing the locking member to be moved to a desired position;wherein at least a portion of the first securing member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the interior surface of the housing;wherein at least a portion of the supporting assembly is configured to mount to at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the filter member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the second securing member is configured to be positioned above at least a portion of the filter member resting upon the first securing member;wherein the movably secured locking member is configured to be moved to engage at least a portion of the locking member with at least a portion of at least one of the first and second securing member to releasably secure the filter member to the locking assembly;wherein the supporting assembly includes a first supporting member and a second supporting member, the first and second supporting members are configured to be releasably secured together to form the supporting assembly;wherein the first supporting member includes a first plurality of rib members extending from an upper end of the first supporting member to a position along the length of the first supporting member;wherein the second supporting member includes a second plurality of rib members extending from an upper end of the second supporting member to a position along the length of the second supporting member;wherein when the first and second supporting members are releasably secured together to form the supporting assembly, each rib member of the first and second plurality is spaced substantially equidistantly apart from each adjacent rib member around the assembled supporting assembly;wherein the first securing member includes a lower surface having a plurality of slots; andwherein each rib member is configured to travel within one of the slots to a position where the upper end of the supporting assembly rests upon at least a portion of the lower surface of the first securing member. 50. The filter vessel assembly of claim 47, wherein the first rib member is positioned along an outer edge of the first supporting member, the first rib member extending a distance past the outer edge of the first supporting member; and wherein when the first and second supporting members are releasably secured together to form the supporting assembly, the first rib member substantially prevents lateral motion of the first and second supporting members. 51. A filter vessel assembly comprising: an elongated housing having an interior surface;a supporting assembly disposed within the housing;a removable filter member configured to be at least partially disposed within the supporting assembly;a locking assembly including a first securing member, a second securing member and a locking member disposed within the housing;wherein the locking member is movably secured to the first securing member, thereby allowing the locking member to be moved to a desired position;wherein at least a portion of the first securing member is sized to rest upon at least portion of the interior surface of the housing;wherein at least a portion of the supporting assembly is configured to mount to at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the filter member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the second securing member is configured to be positioned above at least a portion of the filter member resting upon the first securing member;wherein the movably secured locking member is configured to be moved to engage at least a portion of the locking member with at least a portion of at least one of the first and second securing member to releasably secure the filter member to the locking assembly;wherein the supporting assembly includes a first supporting member and a second supporting member, the first and second supporting members are configured to be releasably secured together to form the supporting assembly;wherein the first supporting member includes at least a first receiving member at a lower end of the first supporting member, the first receiving member configured to receive at least a first portion of an elongated member;wherein the second supporting member includes at least a second receiving member at a lower end of the second supporting member, the second receiving member configured to receive at least a second portion of the elongated member; andwherein at least the first portion of the elongated member is positioned within the first receiving member and at least the second portion of the elongated member is positioned within the second receiving member to hingedly secure the first and second supporting members together. 52. The filter vessel assembly of claim 51, wherein the first supporting member includes a first plurality of receiving members configured to receive at least a portion of an elongated rod member, each receiving member of the first plurality having an aperture therethrough; wherein the second supporting member includes a second plurality of receiving members configured to receive at least a portion of the elongated rod member, each receiving member of the second plurality having an aperture therethrough; andwherein the first and second supporting members are hingedly secured together when: (i) each receiving member of the first plurality is positioned adjacent to a receiving member of the second plurality, and (ii) at least a portion of the elongated rod member is positioned within the apertures of the first and second plurality of receiving members. 53. A filter vessel assembly comprising: an elongated housing having an interior surface;a supporting assembly disposed within the housing;a removable filter member configured to be at least partially disposed within the supporting assembly;a locking assembly including a first securing member, a second securing member and a locking member disposed within the housing;wherein the locking member is movably secured to the first securing member there allowing the locking member to be moved to a desired position;wherein at least a portion of the first securing member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the interior surface of the housing;wherein at least a portion of the supporting assembly is configured to mount to at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the filter member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the second securing member is configured to be positioned above at least a portion of the filter member resting upon the first securing member;wherein the movably secured locking member is configured to be moved to engage at least a portion of the locking member with at least a portion of at least one of the first and second securing member to releasably secure the filter member to the locking assembly;wherein the supporting assembly includes a first supporting member and a second supporting member, the first and second supporting members are configured to be releasably secured together to form the supporting assembly;wherein the first supporting member includes a first rib member that extends from an upper end of the first supporting member to a position along the length of the first securing member;wherein the second supporting member includes a second rib member that extends from an upper end of the second supporting member to a position along the length of the second securing member;wherein the first rib member is positioned along an outer edge of the first supporting member, the first rib member extending a distance past the outer edge of the first supporting member;wherein the second rib member is positioned along an outer edge of the second supporting member, the second rib member extending a distance past the outer edge of the second supporting member; andwherein at least a first securement member is positioned around the first rib member and around at least a portion of the second supporting member, and at least a second securement member is positioned around the second rib member and around at least a portion of the first supporting member to releasably secure the first and second supporting members together to form the supporting assembly. 54. The filter vessel assembly of claim 53, wherein a first plurality of securement members are positioned around the first rib member and around at least a portion of the second supporting member, and a second plurality of securement members are positioned around the second rib member and around at least a portion of the first supporting member to releasably secure the first and second supporting members together to form the supporting assembly; and wherein each securement member of the first and second plurality is a substantially continuous ring member having a slot. 55. A filter vessel assembly comprising: an elongated housing having an interior surface;a supporting assembly disposed within the housing;a removable filter member configured to be at least partially disposed within the supporting assembly;a locking assembly including a first securing member, a second securing member and a locking member disposed within the housing;wherein the locking member is movably secured to the first securing member, thereby allowing the locking member to be moved to a desired position;wherein at least a portion of the first securing member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the interior surface of the housing;wherein at least a portion of the supporting assembly is configured to mount to at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the filter member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the second securing member is configured to be positioned above at least a portion of the filter member resting upon the first securing member;wherein the movably secured locking member is configured to be moved to engage at least a portion of the locking member with at least a portion of at least one of the first and second securing member to releasably secure the filter member to the locking assembly;wherein the first supporting member includes at least a first receiving member positioned along a first outer edge of the first supporting member, and at least a second receiving member positioned along a second outer edge of the first supporting member;wherein the second supporting member includes at least a third receiving member positioned along a first outer edge of the second supporting member, and at least a fourth receiving member positioned along a second outer edge of the second supporting member;wherein at least a portion of a first elongated member is positioned within the first and third receiving members, and at least a portion of a second elongated member is positioned within the second and fourth receiving members to releasably secure the first and second supporting members together to form the supporting assembly. 56. A filter vessel assembly comprising: an elongated housing having an interior surface;a supporting assembly disposed within the housing;a removable tilter member configured to be at least partially disposed within the supporting assembly;a locking assembly including a first securing member, a second securing member and a locking member disposed within the housing;wherein the lock ing member is movably secured to the first securing member, thereby allowing the locking member to be moved to a desired position;wherein at least a portion of the first securing member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the interior surface of the housing;wherein at least a portion of the supporting assembly is configured to mount to at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the filter member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the second securing member is configured to be positioned above at least a portion of the filter member resting upon the first securing member;wherein the movably secured locking member is configured to be moved to engage at least a portion of the locking member with at least a portion of at least one of the first and second securing member to releasably secure the filter member to the locking assembly;wherein the supporting assembly includes an upper end, a lower end, and a plurality of extending portions; andwherein a slit extends between each extending portion, each slit extending from the upper end to a position along the length of the supporting assembly. 57. The filter vessel assembly of claim 56, wherein the supporting assembly includes four extending portions, each extending portion extending from the upper end to the lower end; and wherein each slit extends from the upper end to the lower end. 58. The filter vessel assembly of claim 56, wherein when the supporting assembly is mounted to at least a portion of the first securing member, the upper end of each extending portion is compressively engaged with the first securing member. 59. The filter vessel assembly of claim 56, wherein the supporting assembly includes two extending portions; and wherein the lower end of the supporting assembly includes at least one hinge member that is hingedly attached to each extending portion. 60. The filter vessel assembly of claim 1, wherein the supporting assembly includes a first supporting member, a second supporting member and a third supporting member, the first, second and third supporting members configured to be releasably secured together to form the supporting assembly. 61. A filter vessel assembly comprising: an elongated housing having an interior surface;a supporting assembly disposed within the housing;a removable filter member configured to be at least partially disposed within the supporting assembly;a locking assembly including a first securing member, a second securing member and a locking member disposed within the housing;wherein the locking member is movably secured to the first securing member, thereby allowing the locking member to be moved to a desired position;wherein at least a portion of the first securing member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the interior surface of the housing;wherein at least a portion of the supporting assembly is configured to mount to at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the filter member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the second securing member is configured to be positioned above at least a portion of the filter member resting upon the first securing member;wherein the movably secured locking member is configured to be moved to engage at least a portion of the locking member with at least a portion of at least one of the first and second securing member to releasably secure the filter member to the locking assembly;wherein the supporting assembly includes a first supporting member, a second supporting member and a third supporting member, the first, second and third supporting members configured to be releasably secured together to form the supporting assembly;wherein the first and second supporting members each taper outwardly from an intermediate section to define an upper tapered section and a lower tapered section, each upper tapered section having an upper end and each lower tapered section having a lower end;wherein the third supporting member is a substantially half-spherical member, the third supporting member including an interior surface having a groove; andwherein at least a portion of each lower end of each lower tapered section is positioned within the groove to releasably secure the first, second and third supporting members together to form the supporting assembly. 62. The filter vessel assembly of claim 61, wherein the first and second supporting members each include at least one outer projection and at least one inner projection positioned along and extending a distance past an outer edge of each supporting member; and wherein when the first, second and third supporting members are releasably secured together to form the supporting assembly, each outer and inner projection substantially prevents lateral motion of the first and second supporting members. 63. The filter vessel assembly of claim 62, wherein when the supporting assembly is mounted to at least a portion of the first securing member, the upper end of each upper tapered section is compressively engaged with the first securing member; and wherein the first securing member is configured to rest upon at least one outer projection when the upper end of each upper tapered section is compressively disengaged from the first securing member. 64. The filter vessel assembly of claim 6, wherein the cover member includes an inner surface having a protruding section that is configured to create a sealing surface with the gasketing material housed in the groove of the open end of the housing when the cover member is mounted to the open end of the housing. 65. The filter vessel assembly of claim 3, wherein the cover member includes a downwardly extending member that is configured to displace the fluid in the housing as the cover member is removably secured to the open end of the housing. 66. A filter locking assembly comprising: a supporting assembly having an upper open end;a removable filter member configured to be at least partially disposed within the supporting assembly;a first securing member, a second securing member and a locking member;wherein the first securing member defines a central opening therethrough, the first securing member including a lower surface;wherein at least a portion of the supporting assembly is configured to travel within the central opening of the first securing member to a position where the upper open end of the supporting assembly mounts to at least a portion of the lower surface of the first securing, member;wherein the locking member is movably secured to the first securing member, thereby allowing the locking member to be moved to a desired position;wherein at least a portion of the filter member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the second securing member is configured to be positioned above at least a portion of the filter member resting upon the first securing member; andwherein the movably secured locking member is configured to be moved to engage at least a portion of the locking member with at least a portion of at least one of the first and second securing member to releasably secure the filter member to at least one of the first and second securing member. 67. A filter vessel assembly comprising: an elongated housing having an interior surface, an open end, at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet;a cover member removably mounted to the open end of the housing;a removable supporting assembly configured to be disposed within the housing, the supporting assembly including: (i) an open end having an upper collar member, and (ii) a plurality of apertures configured to allow fluid to pass therethrough;a removable filter member configured to be at least partially disposed within the supporting assembly;a locking assembly including a first securing member, a second securing member and a locking member disposed within the housing, the first securing member having: (i) an upper surface, (ii) an intermediate surface, (iii) a lower surface and (iv) an outer surface, the second securing member having: (i) an upper surface, and (ii) a lower surface, and the locking member extending from a first end to a second end, a first camming member extending from the first end and a second camming member extending from the second end;wherein the first securing member defines a central opening therethrough;wherein the locking member is movably secured to the upper surface of the first securing member, thereby allowing the locking member to be moved to a desired position;wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the first securing member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the interior surface of the housing;wherein at least a portion of the supporting assembly is configured to travel within the central opening of the first securing member to a position where the upper collar member of the supporting assembly mounts to at least a portion of the lower surface of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the filter member is sized to rest upon at least a portion of the intermediate surface of the first securing member;wherein at least a portion of the lower surface of the second securing member is configured to be positioned above at least a portion of the filter member resting upon the intermediate surface of the first securing member; andwherein the movably secured locking member is configured to be moved to engage the first and second camming members with the upper surfaces of the first and second securing members to releasably secure the filter member to the first and second securing members. 68. A filter vessel assembly comprising: an elongated housing having an interior surface and an open end;a removable filter member configured to be at least partially disposed within the housing;a cover member removably mounted to the open end of the housing; andwherein the cover member fluidically seals the open end of the housing when the cover member is removably mounted to the open end of the housing;wherein the open end of the housing includes a groove that extends around a perimeter of the open end of the housing, the groove defined by a lower wall, an outer wall and an inner wall;wherein the lower wall extends from the outer wall to the inner wall at a downward angle between about 10° to about 10° toward a center of the housing;wherein the groove is configured to house a gasketing material;wherein the cover member is configured to create a sealing surface with the gasketing material housed in the groove of the open end of the housing when the cover member is mounted to the open end of the housing; andwherein internal pressure forces the gasketing material toward the outer wall when the cover member is mounted to the open end of the housing. 69. The filter vessel assembly of claim 68, wherein the cover member includes an inner surface having a protruding section that is configured to create a sealing surface with the gasketing material housed in the groove of the open end of the housing when the cover member is mounted to the open end of the housing. 70. The filter vessel assembly of claim 68, wherein the housing includes first and second fluid inlets, first and second fluid outlets, at least one fluid inlet boss, and first and second fluid outlet bosses; wherein the first fluid inlet includes a removable cap that fluidically seals the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet includes a removable cap that fluidically seals the first fluid outlet; andwherein the second fluid inlet includes a hollow connector member and the second fluid outlet includes a hollow connector member. 71. The filter vessel assembly of claim 68, wherein the interior surface of the housing includes at least three inner protrusions positioned in a lower end of the housing, the at least three inner protrusions: (i) spaced substantially equidistantly apart from each adjacent inner protrusion, (ii) tapering inwardly from a top portion to a bottom portion of each protrusion toward the center of the housing, and (iii) configured to removably secure the removable filter member in the housing when the removable filter member is disposed within the housing. 72. The filter vessel assembly of claim 68, wherein the open end of the housing includes external threads, the external threads having a non-threaded section that is configured to allow fluid to escape from the housing via the non-threaded section when the cover member is mounted to the open end of the housing, and at least one of: (i) the housing is over-pressurized, (ii) attempt is made to remove the cover member from the open end of the housing without de-pressurizing the housing, and (iii) the cover member is not fully secured to the housing and attempt is made to pressurize the housing. 73. The filter vessel assembly of claim 70, wherein the first and second fluid inlets and the at least one fluid inlet boss are positioned at an upper end of the housing; wherein the first and second fluid outlets and the first and second fluid outlet bosses are positioned at a lower end of the housing;wherein the at least one fluid inlet boss is positioned about 90° from the first and second fluid inlets on the housing; andwherein the first and second fluid outlet bosses are positioned about 90° from the first and second fluid outlets on the housing. 74. The filter vessel assembly of claim 68, wherein the removable filter member is a filter cartridge. 75. The filter vessel assembly of claim 68, wherein the cover member includes a downwardly extending member that is configured to displace the fluid in the housing as the cover member is removably secured to the open end of the housing. 76. The filter vessel assembly of claim 68, wherein the inner wall includes at least one slot configured to allow fluid to drain from the outer wall to the center of the housing.