Clean potable water is a basic human requirement. However, a large portion of the world's population, especially those living in developing counties do not have access to clean potable water.

Growing population, lack of sanitary condition, poverty, poor planning, industrial pollution, over exploitation of natural water and national disasters are the main reasons of contamination of water. This contaminated water is the source of many diseases such as diarrhea, dysentery, fever, abdominal pain, and constipation, caused due to bacterial contamination transmitted through water. In India for example, as per the data collected by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in 2003 there were 10.5 million cases of diarrhea with 4709 deaths resulting majorly due to consumption of contaminated water. According to the World Health Organization, the provision of safe water alone can reduce diarrheal and enteric disease by up to 50%, even in the absence of improved sanitation and other hygiene measures.

Many water purification devices like in-line (electricity operated) devices, terminal end devices including counter top and faucet mounted filtration and self- contained batch system including gravity fed systems have been introduced into the market. However, many communities of the developing countries do not have access to piped water therefore they are unable to make use of inline purification units. Moreover, the people in these communities cannot afford the point-of-use water purifiers currently available in the market. The maintenance requirements and the high cost of consumables of these purifiers pose further hurdles for the adoption of these devices. In addition most of the point of use water purifiers cannot be used on existing water storage vessels as such purifiers require specific attachment means to be present on the storage vessel or are compatible with specific water storage vessels only. Various water purifiers may be developed that are effective and cost efficient, however the requirement of specific storage vessels adds to the total cost of the purifier.

Therefore there is a need for a connection device that can connect purifiers to most commonly available storage vessels. In developing countries such as India, such storage vessels include earthen pots and plastic buckets.

SUMMARY

The invention relates to a connector for attaching a purifier to a storage vessel, the storage vessel having an opening for the flow of a liquid from the vessel under gravity, the connector comprising a retainer for placement within the storage vessel comprising a hollow channel configured to align with the opening of the storage vessel; and an adaptor for placement outside the storage vessel comprising a hollow channel axially aligned with the channel of the retainer and a purifier coupler for attaching the purifier to an outside surface of the storage vessel; the channel of the adaptor configured to retentively couple with the channel of the retainer such that the channel of the retainer and the channel of the adaptor form a channel of variable length for the flow of liquid from the storage vessel to the purifier. The channel of the retainer extends into the opening of the storage vessel and the channel of the adaptor may extend into the opening of the storage vessel. The channel of both the retainer and the adaptor may extend into the opening of the storage vessel. A channel is a hollow cylinder open at both ends.

The connector including the adaptor and retainer are preferably made of food grade plastic.

The invention also relates to a system for attaching a purifier to a storage vessel, the storage vessel having an opening for the flow of liquid from the vessel under gravity, the system comprising a connector and a cutting tool, the connector comprising a retainer for placement within the storage vessel comprising a hollow channel configured to align with the opening of the storage vessel; an adaptor for placement outside the storage vessel comprising a hollow channel axially aligned with the channel of the retainer and a purifier coupler for attaching the purifier to the outside of the storage vessel; and the channel of the adaptor configured to retentively couple with the channel of the retainer such that the channel of the retainer and the channel of the adaptor form a channel of variable length for the flow of liquid from the storage vessel to the purifier; and the cutting tool including a cutting edge capable of forming the opening in the storage vessel of a size corresponding to the size of the variable channel.

The system includes a tool holder for coupling with the tool. The tool may be configured for selective coupling to either the channel of the retainer or the channel of the adaptor. The tool may be provided with threads for coupling with threads of the retainer or the adaptor. The invention also relates to a pair of washers, the first washer placed between the storage vessel and the retainer and the second washer placed between storage vessel and the adaptor, the pair of washers having openings configured for alignment with the channels of the retainer and the adaptor.

The first washer may have a piano convex profile. The second washer may have a piano concave profile.

The washer may also be provided with at least one rib. The washers may also be provided with three ribs of varying heights.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawing illustrates the preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the following detailed description serves to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG 1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the connector with its parts in an un- assembled form.

FIG 2 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of the connector as illustrated by figure 1.

FIG 3 illustrates a front view of a retainer in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG 4 illustrates an isometric view of a retainer in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG 5 illustrates a front view of an adaptor in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG 6 illustrates an isometric view of an adaptor in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG 7 illustrates a front view of a washer in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG 8 illustrates a top view of a washer showing ribs on its top surface in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG 9 illustrates an isometric view of a washer showing ribs on its top surface in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG 10 illustrates a front view of a connector in assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG 11 illustrates an isometric view of a connector in assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG 12 illustrates a front view of a tool in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG 13 illustrates an isometric view of a tool in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG 14 illustrates an isometric view of a stand-alone tool in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG 15 illustrates a front view of a tool attached to a retainer via an attachment means in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG 16 illustrates an embodiment of the connector configured for spherical surfaces. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To promote an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will be made to the embodiment and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system and such further applications of the principles of the inventions as disclosed therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in art to which the invention relates.

A connector for attaching a purifier to a storage vessel is described. The connector is capable of attaching a purifier to most water storage vessels including earthen pots, plastic pots and plastic buckets. The connector is also capable of connecting a purifier to different water storage vessels having different thickness. The connector provides a leak proof joint between a water storage vessel and a purifier. To accommodate the storage vessels of different thickness the connector provides a leak proof channel between the storage vessel and the purifier, such that the channel has varying length adaptable to the thickness of the storage vessel.

The connector is capable of connecting a purifier to any surface of a storage vessel, though it is preferred that the purifier is connected to a surface towards the lower half or the bottom of the storage vessel. The storage vessel preferably has an opening for the passage of water from the storage vessel. It is preferable that the opening of the storage vessel is of a specific size such that the channel of the connector firmly fits in the opening while providing a leak proof joint. With reference to the accompanying drawings and initially to figures 1 and 2 a connector (10) in accordance with an embodiment is illustrated. The connector (10) includes a retainer (20) for placement within the storage vessel and an adaptor (30) for placement outside the storage vessel. The retainer and adaptor include hollow channels that are axially aligned that mate with each other when the connector is assembled.

Figure 3 and 4 illustrate a retainer (20) in accordance with an embodiment. The retainer includes a laterally extending flange (22) that is larger than the opening in the vessel and retains the connector to the storage vessel. The retainer has a hollow channel (21) formed on the flange (22) that is configured to align with the opening of the storage vessel. The channel (21) may be a cylindrical opening extending through the thickness of the flange. In the embodiment illustrated the channel (21) includes an extension (24) that is configured to enter the opening of the storage vessel. The channel (21) allows water or any liquid stored in the vessel a passage out of the vessel, while the flange covers the sides of the opening in the storage vessel. The flange exerts a compressive force on the washer (40) which in-turn form a leak-proof joint surrounding the opening in the storage vessel to ensure a leak proof passage from the vessel.

The retainer is also preferably provided with a grip (23), four in the embodiment illustrated, to facilitate handling of the retainer and to turn the retainer for engagement with other parts of the connector.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate an adaptor in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The adaptor (30) includes a laterally extending flange (32) that is larger than the opening of the storage vessel and is configured to rest against the outside surface of the storage vessel. The flange exerts a compressive force on the washer (50) which in-turn form a leak-proof joint surrounding the opening in the storage vessel to ensure a leak proof passage from the vessel.

The adaptor also includes a hollow channel (31) that is configured to axially align with the channel (21) of the retainer (20). The channel (31) may be a cylindrical opening extending through the thickness of the flange (32). In the embodiment illustrated the channel (31) includes an extension (34) that is configured to enter the opening of the storage vessel.

The channel (31) of the adaptor is configured to retentively couple with the channel (21) of the retainer such that the channel of the retainer and the channel of the adaptor form a channel (60) of variable length for the flow of the liquid from the storage vessel to the purifier. The channel (60) allows water or any liquid stored in the vessel a passage out of the vessel, while the flanges (22, 32) along with the washers (40, 50) cover the sides of the opening in the storage vessel to ensure a leak proof passage from the vessel.

The adaptor includes a purifier coupler (36) at the lower end for attaching a purifier to the storage vessel. In the embodiment illustrated the purifier coupler (36) includes screw threads (37) that are configured to mate with corresponding mates provided on the purifier. The purifier coupler (36) of the adaptor may be any means including but not limited to threads, snap fit or push fit. The adaptor is preferably provided with a grip (33), four in the embodiment illustrated to facilitate handling of the adaptor and to turn the adaptor for engagement with other parts of the connector.

In the embodiment illustrated the channels of both the retainer and the adaptor extend into the opening of the storage vessel. However, in accordance with other embodiments either channel may extend in to the opening of the storage vessel, or one channel may extend more than the other. As the channels of the retainer and the channel of the adapter are retentively coupled to each other, in the case of a channel extension, then that extension is configured to retentively couple with the other channel or the extension of the other channel to provide a channel (60) of the connector.

The channels (21 and 31) are coupled by any means that allows a variable height of the channel (60) or a variable distance between the flanges (22 and 32) of the retainer and the adaptor.

The channels may be retentively coupled by any of the following, but not limited by threads, stepped snap or a stepped push fit. The channel (60) formed by coupling the channel (21) of the retainer and the channel (31) of the adaptor is capable of variable length to accommodate for different thickness of storage vessels without comprising on the leak proof passage from the storage vessel to the purifier.

By way of specific example, and as illustrated in the embodiments of figures 4 and 6, the channel (21) of the retainer is provided with external threads (25). In the embodiment illustrated these threads are provided on the channel extension (24). The adaptor is provided with corresponding internal threads (35). In the embodiment illustrated these threads are provided on the channel extension (34). The external threads (25) of the retainer mate with title internal threads (35) of the adaptor to retentively couple the retainer to the adaptor. The channel (21) including the channel extension (24) of the retainer joins with the channel (31) including the channel extension (34) to form the channel (60) of the connector as illustrated in figures 10 and 11. The length of the channel (60) can be varied by screwing the retainer and adaptor towards or away from each other. The grips (23 and 33) are used to screw the retainer and the adaptor together.

As illustrated in figure 10, the retainer and the adaptor are screwed towards each other till the passage is adapted for the thickness of the storage vessel (90) and a leak proof joint is formed. For a storage vessel with a different thickness, the length of the channel (60) can be increased or decreased by moving the retainer and adaptor towards or against each other.

In accordance with another embodiment, the external threads may be provided on the adaptor and the corresponding internal threads may be provided on the retainer. In the case of only one of the retainer or the adaptor having a channel extension, the external threads are provided on the channel extension with the corresponding internal threads formed on the channel of the other element.

It is preferred that the external threads be formed on the channel of the retainer and corresponding threads be formed on the channel of the adaptor such that minimum opportunity for leakage is provided for the passage of water.

With reference to figures 1 and 2 again, it is preferred in accordance with an embodiment that a washer is placed between the retainer and the inner wall of the storage vessel and a washer is placed between the adaptor and the outer wall of the storage vessel. More specifically a washer (40) is placed between the flange (22) of the retainer (20) and the inner wall of the storage vessel and a washer (50) is placed between the flange (32) of the adaptor and the outside wall of the storage vessel.

As illustrated in figures 10 and 11, the washers (40 and 50) press against the inner and outer surfaces of the storage vessel and surround the opening in the storage vessel. The washers are pressed against the surface of the storage vessel by the retainer and the adaptor respectively. As illustrated in figures 8 and 9 for the upper washer (40), an opening (41) is provided that is aligned with the channel of the retainer and the opening of the storage vessel. A similar opening (51) is provided for the lower washer (50).

In accordance with an aspect at least one of the washers is provided with an extension that is configured to enter the opening of the storage vessel. By way of specific example, the upper washer is provided with a projection (42) on the lower surface adapted to enter the opening of the storage vessel to prevent the leakage of liquid from the storage vessel, as illustrated in figure 7.

In accordance with an embodiment and as illustrated by figures 8" and 9, the washers are provided with at least one rib on the surface facing the storage vessel. The ribs provide a series of blocks to the passage of water and assist in making the connector leak proof. The ribs also accommodate for variations in the surface of the storage vessel. When pressed into place the ribs provide a series of leak proof joints. In particular in the case of the connector configured for spherical surfaces, the ribs on the washers accommodate for the varying height of the storage vessel that is faced by the retainer and the adaptor, and in this case the ribs are provided on the non planer surface. The washers are preferably provided with three ribs (43, 44, and 45) with each rib of a different height. In the embodiment illustrated, the outer rib has the maximum height and with decreasing heights of the inner ribs.

As most earthen ware pots and water storage vessels are substantially spherical or at least have a curved bottom, the connector in accordance with an embodiment is configured to provide a leak proof passage from a storage vessel having a curved surface. In accordance with an embodiment as illustrated in figure 16, the lower surface of the retainer (26) has a convex profile that accommodates the spherical surface of the storage vessel. The radius of curvature of the curve on the retainer lower surface is preferably at least 70 mm and the preferred radius is 150 mm.

Similarly, the upper surface of the adaptor (38) has a concave profile that matches the profile of the retainer. The radius of curvature of the curve on the adaptor upper surface is preferably at least 70 mm and the preferred radius is 150 mm.

The washers are also suitably modified for the curved surfaces of the retainer and the adaptor. The upper washer (40) in accordance with the embodiment has a piano convex profile and the lower washer (50) has a piano concave profile.

A system for connecting a purifier to a storage vessel is described. The system includes a complete kit for attaching a purifier to most storage vessels and comprises of a connector including the retainer, adaptor and a pair of washers, and a cutting tool. The kit is sufficient for forming an opening in a conventional storage vessel and attaching a purifier to the vessel. In particular, a tool for forming an opening in a storage vessel to which a connector capable of attaching a purifier may be fixed is described.

As the connector is capable of attaching a purifier to any commonly used storage vessel, such as earthen ware pots and plastic buckets, a system for attaching a purifier to a storage vessel is provided. The system includes the connector and its various embodiments described and a cutting tool. The cutting tool is configured to make an opening in the storage vessel of the required size that corresponds to the size of the channels in the retainer and the adaptor.

With reference to figure 12, a cutting tool configured to make an opening in a storage vessel is illustrated. The cutting tool (70) comprises of a cutting head (71), configured to form an opening in the storage vessel and an attachment means (72) for attaching the cutting tool to a tool holder. Alternatively, the tool may be integrally formed with a tool holder and the cutting tool will not require an attachment means.

The cutting head (71) comprises of cutting teeth (73) that are configured to form an opening in the vessel that corresponds to the size of the channel of the retainer of the adaptor. In the specific embodiment illustrated, the cutting tool is provided with two outside teeth (74 and 75) and a locating tooth (76). The teeth (74 and 75) define the diameter of the opening to be formed in the storage vessel while the tooth (76) assists in centring the tool.

As illustrated in figure 14, the cutting tool is attached to a tool holder (80) that is adapted to receive a cutting tool. In the embodiment illustrated, the tool holder is provided with a socket (81) configured to receive the attachment means (72) of the cutting tool. The tool holder (80) is provided with at least one grip (82), four in the embodiment illustrated, that assist in using the tool holder to cut an opening in the storage vessel.

The attachment means (72) may also be configured to attach the cutting tool to the retainer (20) or the adaptor (30). By way of specific example as illustrated in figure 15, the attachment means (72) is provided with internal threads that mate with the external threads (25) formed on the channel extension (24) of the retainer. The grip (23) of the retainer is useful in using the retainer as a tool holder to cut an opening in the storage vessel.

For making an opening in the storage vessel, the tool (70) is attached to either a tool holder or the retainer or adaptor. The tool so attached is then placed at the point on a storage vessel where the opening is required, such that the cutting edge (73) of the cutting tool is in touch with the wall of the vessel. The tool is then rotated in a circular motion until the entire tool passes through the wall of the vessel and an opening is formed of the desired size.

In accordance with an embodiment the retainer and the adaptor are made of food grade plastic. In accordance with an aspect the tool is made of stainless steel.

The connector as described by this document provides a simple means of attaching a purifier to any pre-existing storage vessel of any material especially ceramic or earthenware vessels such as those made by traditional potters. The connector allows the purifier to be attached any vessel irrespective of the thickness or the curvature of the vessel. The passage for liquid between the storage vessel and the purifier that is formed by the connector is leak proof.