Apparatus and methods for faucet-mounted water filtration systems

A faucet-mounted filter platform, comprising:

• a body forming a fluid chamber having a water inlet and a seal around the periphery of the fluid chamber;
• a quick connect device for mounting the filter platform to a water faucet such that the water inlet is placed in fluid communication with the water faucet, the quick connect device positioned adjacent the water inlet along the body;
• a filtered water flow path disposed within the body and in fluid communication with the water inlet;
• an unfiltered water flow path disposed within the body and in fluid communication with the water inlet;
• a diverter valve disposed within the fluid chamber and operable to open and close the filtered and unfiltered water flow paths;
• an actuator engaging the diverter valve to open and close the filtered and unfiltered water flow paths;
• and
• a flow meter comprising a flow meter housing connected to the body, the flow meter is positioned outside of the body and in fluid communication with the filtered water flow path;
• wherein the quick connect device comprises a faucet attachment opening and the faucet attachment opening is oriented vertically when in a connected state;
• wherein the diverter valve comprises:
• a first diverter valve comprising
• a first resilient, outer shell formed integral with the seal and extending from the seal into the fluid chamber, and
• a first substantially rigid, inner core disposed within the first resilient, outer shell;
• and
• a second diverter valve comprising
• a second resilient, outer shell formed integral with the seal and extending from the seal into the fluid chamber, and
• a second substantially rigid, inner core disposed within the second resilient, outer shell.

A faucet-mounted filter platform, comprising:

• an upper body;
• a quick connect device disposed substantially within the upper body for mounting the filter platform to a water faucet, the quick connect device having a water inlet operable to fluidly connect to the water faucet wherein the quick connect device comprises a faucet attachment opening and the faucet attachment opening is oriented vertically when in a connected state;
• a lower body connected to the upper body to form a diverter valve chamber,
• a seal positioned along a circumference of and at the connection between the upper body and lower body;
• a diverter valve disposed in the diverter valve chamber operable to open and close a filtered water flow path and an unfiltered water flow path, the filtered and unfiltered water flow paths disposed in fluid communication with the diverter valve chamber;
• and
• an actuator engaging the diverter valve to open and close the filtered and unfiltered water flow paths without interrupting the seal;
• wherein the diverter valve comprises:
• a first diverter valve operable to open and close the filtered water flow path, the first diverter valve comprising
• a first outer shell formed integral with the seal and extending from the seal into the diverter valve chamber, and
• a first inner core disposed within the first outer shell;
• and
• a second diverter v alve operable to open and close the unfiltered water flow path, the second diverter valve comprising
• a second outer shell formed integral with the seal and extending from the seal into the diverter valve chamber, and
• a second inner core disposed within the second outer shell.

A faucet-mounted filter system, comprising:

• a body forming a fluid chamber having a water inlet;
• a quick connect device for mounting the filter system to a water faucet such that the water inlet is placed in fluid communication with the water faucet, the quick connect device positioned adjacent the water inlet along the body;
• a filtered water flow path disposed within the body and in fluid communication with the water inlet;
• an unfiltered water flow path disposed within the body and in fluid communication with the water inlet;
• a diverter valve disposed within the fluid chamber and operable to open and close the filtered and unfiltered water flow paths;
• a seal for sealing the fluid chamber;
• an actuator engaging the diverter valve to open and close the filtered and unfiltered water flow paths without interrupting the seal;
• a flow meter comprising a flow meter housing connected to the body, the flow meter is positioned outside of the body and in fluid communication with the filtered water flow path;
• a filter housing connected to the flow meter housing and comprising a reservoir;
• and
• a filter cartridge disposed within the reservoir, wherein the filter cartridge is in fluid communication with the flow meter;
• wherein the quick connect device comprises an opening within the body for receiving a male portion of an adaptor;
• a first locking device movable between a first position and a second position within the body, the first locking device extending partially around the circumference of the opening;
• a second locking device disposed substantially opposite the first locking device and movable between a first position and a second position within the body, the second locking device extending partially around the circumference of the opening;
• and
• 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 in the first positions;
• and
• a quick connect actuator operable to cause the first and second locking devices to move against the force of the spring to the second positions;
• wherein the water inlet is coaxially disposed within the opening.