Apparatus and methods for faucet-mounted water filtration systems

A faucet-mounted filter system, comprising:

• a body having a first end and a second end;
• an opening within the first end of the body;
• a water inlet coaxially disposed within the opening;
• a channel disposed within the first end of the body and circumscribing the opening;
• a quick connect device including:
• a first locking device positioned within the channel and partially around the circumference of the opening, the first locking device movable between a first position and a second position;
• a second locking device positioned substantially opposite the first locking device within the channel and partially around the circumference of the opening, the second locking device movable between a first position and a second position;
• a spring biasing the first and second locking devices into the first positions wherein the first and second locking devices protrude into the opening when disposed in the first positions;
• first and second actuators each operable to cause the first and second locking devices to move against the force of the spring to the second positions, each of the first and second actuators comprising a first cam surface and a second cam surface for engaging corresponding cam surfaces on each of the first and second locking devices;
• an unfiltered water outlet in fluid communication with the water inlet;
• a filter housing connected to the body;
• a filter medium disposed within the filter housing and in fluid communication with the water inlet;
• a filtered water outlet in fluid communication with the filter medium;
• a support structure connected to the second end of the body and supporting the filter housing, the support structure including a support structure outlet aperture for the unfiltered water outlet;
• and
• an outer housing at least partially enclosing the body including the channel and the support structure, the first and second actuators extended through openings in the outer housing.