CA2124223C - Antifreeze/coolant replacement kit - Google Patents
Antifreeze/coolant replacement kitInfo
- Publication number
- CA2124223C CA2124223C CA 2124223 CA2124223A CA2124223C CA 2124223 C CA2124223 C CA 2124223C CA 2124223 CA2124223 CA 2124223 CA 2124223 A CA2124223 A CA 2124223A CA 2124223 C CA2124223 C CA 2124223C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- hose
- severed
- coolant
- radiator
- funnel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 239000002826 coolant Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 39
- 230000002528 anti-freeze Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 38
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 15
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 229920002457 flexible plastic Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 abstract description 9
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 241000522254 Cassia Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000014489 Cinnamomum aromaticum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003044 adaptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron(III) oxide Inorganic materials O=[Fe]O[Fe]=O JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000002372 labelling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)
- Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention features a kit and method for replacing used antifreeze/coolant in the cooling system of an automobile. The kit is composed of inexpensive parts, consisting of: (1) a plastic, flexible capture tank; (2) a flexible plastic drain sleeve for directing fluid from a cooling system hose to the capture tank: (3) a funnel for introducing fluids into the cooling system via said radiator; (4) a hose adaptor for placement of a funnel into the hose line; (5) differently-sized hose menders for re-establishing a severed radiator hose line; and (6) metal clamps for tightening the severed hose portions about one of the appropriately sized hose menders.
Description
3 ;~
"~
~NTIFREEZ~/COOLANT REPT~CEMENT ~T~
The present invention pertains to a kit for flushing the engine and radiator of used antifreeze/coolant and replacing it with fresh antifreeze/coolant, and, more particularly, to an antifreeze/coolant replacement kit that is designed for the "do-it-yourself" automobile owner.
A large number of on-the-road vehicle breakdowns are due to the lack of proper antifreeze/coolant maintenance.
Car manufacturers and maintenance personnel recommend periodic or annual flushing and replacement of the antifreeze/coolant in the cooling system of an automobile.
Despite this known fact, many individual car owners pay little attention to the heating and cooling systems of their vehicles, often neglecting maintenance until trouble develops.
It is a common misconception that antifreeze/coolant does not deteriorate and, therefore, will not need replacement. This erroneous belief overlooks the fact that, over time, most antifreeze/coolants lose their anti-corrosive properties. Thus, a cooling system reguires periodic flushing to remove rust and to prevent the build-up of corrosion in the cooling system and engine.
A
~ J~
One reason for lax attention to this maintenance is due to the high cost of adding antifreeze coolant at a garage or automotive repair or maintenance facility; due to a h~gh retail mark-up, the charge for replacement is often ensive.
Another problem associated with antifreeze/coolant replacement has been spawned by recent federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements prohibiting the careless disposal of used automotive fluids. There has been a long-felt need for a simple, inexpensive kit that could be used by the average car owner for the replacement of antifreeze/coolant in the cooling system of an automobile. In addition, such a kit would need to have some kind of container for capturing the used fluid that is drained from the cooling system. The present invention provides such a simple, inexpensive antifreeze/coolant replacement kit for the "do-it-yourself" car owner.
The kit of this invention provides inexpensive components in kit form, such as plastic couplings, funnels and capture tanks. The kit is easy to use and, therefore, takes much of the effort out of the replacement chore.
Another advantage of this kit is that it allows car owners to easily perform at home the recommended periodic maintenance of an automotive cooling system.
The kit also provides a means for capturing the used fluid to ease in disposal at officially designated waste disposal facilities.
Lastly, the kit of this invention can be used with almost any water-cooled engine, requiring no modification of the automobile cooling system or radiator.
DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART
In United States Patent No. 5,097,894, issued to Cassia on March 24, 1992, and entitled "Vehicular Flushing and Draining Apparatus and Method", a system is illustrated for the replacement of used antifreeze/coolant. The system is not universally applicable: it reguires different embodiments and modifications in order that it be operable with various types of cooling systems. In addition, the invention requires that the radiator be modified in order to be adaptive to the flushing apparatus.
In contrast, the present invention is adaptable to almost all automobile cooling systems and it features only one embodiment. ~urthermore, the current invention requires no modification of the radiator or any other parts of the cooling system.
In United States Patent No. 2,029,232, issued to Green on January 28, 1936, and entitled "Reversible Flusher for Cleaning Automobile Water Cooling Systems", a valving apparatus for reversing the flow through a cooling system is shown. Illustrated is a two-way valve hook-up for the removal of old fluid and the introduction of new fluid into a cooling system. Such a system requires elaborate extraneous hosing and, unfortunately, cannot be considered a low-cost flushing and replacement method.
Over fifty years have passed since the aforementioned patents, and the problem of providing a simple, inexpensive D-1564~
~ iw~
method of periodic antifreeze/coolant flushing and replacement still exists.
SUMMARY OF THE lNv~ lON
In accordance with the pre~ent invention, there are provided a kit and method for replacing used antifreeze/coolant in the cooling system of an automob1le.
The kit is composed of nine inexpensive parts, comprising:
a) a plastic, flexible capture tank;
b) a flexible plastic drain sleeve for directing fluid from a cooling system hose to the capture tank;
c) a funnel for introducing fluids into the cooling system via said radiator;
d) a hose adaptor for placement of a funnel into the hose line;
e) optionally a hose connector, preferbly three differently-sized hose menders for re-establishing a severed radiator hose line; and f) two metal clamps for tightening the severed hose portions about one of the appropriately sized hose menders.
The method of the invention is simple, easy to accomplish and comprises the following steps:
a) making a cut in an upper radiator hose disposed between the engine and the radiator;
b) attaching the hose adaptor into one end of the severed radiator hose and, thereafter, inserting thereinto the funnel;
c) attaching a drain sleeve to the other end of the cut radiator hose and then placing the sleeve into the capture tank;
d) adding flushing water to the funnel, so that water is introduced into the radiator during the flushing procedure;
e) thereafter, adding fresh antifreeze/coolant to the radiator via said funnel;
f) mending the severed radiator hose by inserting the appropriately sized mending sleeve into both ends of the cut hose; and g) then attaching both severed ends by clamping the severed ends of the hose about the mending sleeve with the two metal clamps.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a low-cost kit for the flushing and replacement of used antifreeze/coolant for an automobile cooling system.
It is a further object of this invention to provide the individual car owner with an apparatus and method for easily replacing the antifreeze/coolant of an automobile cooling system.
It is another object of the current invention to provide a minimal number of low-cost parts for a kit system for replacing the used antifreeze/coolant in a cooling system of an automobile.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent detailed description, in which:
7~3 FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the parts of the kit of this invention, as disposed upon a table prior to exercising the inventive method of replacing the antifreeze/coolant in the cooling system of an automobile;
FIGURES 2 through 7, described in greater detail hereinbelow, depict various sequential method steps in the performance of the method of the invention, in accordance with the kit illustrated in FIGURE 1:
FIGURE 2 depicts a schematic view of the step of severing the upper hose of an automobile radiator;
FIGURE 3 shows a schematic view of the attachment of the draining sleeve and funnel to the respective severed ends of the radiator hose, as illustrated in FIGURE 2;
FIGURE 4 depicts a schematic view of the insertion of the drainage sleeve into the capture tank, as illustrated in FIGURE l;
FIGURE 5 is an in situ view of the funnel and the drainage sleeve attached to opposite ends of a severed radiator hose, and the addition of water into the attached funnel as the used antifreeze/coolant is drained from the cooling system of the automobile;
FIGURE 6 is a schematic view of the subsequent step of adding fresh antifreeze/coolant to the cooling system of the automobile; and .
FIGURE 7 is a schematic view depicting the reattachment of the severed ends of the radiator hose depicted in FIGURE 2.
For purpo~es of clarity and brevity, like components will bear the same designation throughout the FIGURES.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Generally speaking, the invention is for a kit and method of flushing and replacing antifreeze/coolant in the cooling system of an automobile. The kit and inventive method are designed to be extremely inexpensive and simple, so that the average automobile owner (and "do-it-yourselfer") can ustilize and benefit from this invention.
Now referring to FIGURE 1, the various parts of the kit of this invention (as shown by arrow 10) are displayed as they would likely be disposed or laid out upon a worktable prior to being used. The parts 10 of the kit are packaged in a box with appropriate labelling and instructions. The parts 10 consist of: (1) a plastic, flexible capture tank 11 for containing the used antifreeze/coolant; (2) a flexible plastic drain sleeve 12 (illustrated in its rolled-up form, as packaged) for directing fluid to the capture tank 11 from one end of a radiator hose that has been severed; (3) a funnel 14 for introducing fluids into the cooling system after its attachment to the other end of the severed radiator hose; (4) a hose adaptor 15 for placement of the funnel 14 into one end of the severed hose line; (5) three differently-sized hose menders 16a, 16b and 16c, respectively, for re-establishing the opened hose line; and (6) two metal clamps 17 and 18, respectively, for tightening both ends of the opened hose about a hose mender 16a, 16b or .
." ,.
16c, respectively, as befits the proper size of the severed radiator hose.
Now referring to FIGURE 2, a schematic view of the first step of utilizing the invention is shown, in accordance with the components illustrated in FIGURE 1. The person performing this maintenance is instructed to determine the automobile's cooling system capacity and to obtain thereby the necessary guantity of replacement antifreeze/coolant. After loosening and retightening the radiator cap of a cool engine to relieve any built-up pressure, the upper radiator hose 20 is severed by a sharp ~nife 21 or other cutting instrument.
Referring to FIGURE 3, the two respective halves 20a and 20b of the severed radiator hose are shown. Hose end 20b leads to the radiator (not shown), and hose end 20a leads from the engine. Respective metal clamps 17 and 18 are loosely fitted about hose halves 20a and 20b, as illustrated. The hose adaptor 15 is inserted into the hose end 20b and secured by the metal clamp 17. The hose adaptor has an aperture (not shown) for the insertion of the funnel 14. The adaptor 15 is inserted into the hose end 2Ob with the aperture facing upwardly, so that the funnel 14 can be inserted into the aperture in an upright position for receiving liquids.
The drain sleeve 12 is secured to hose end 2Oa by means of clamp 18. The plastic, capture tank 11 (FIGURE 4) is placed on the ground in front of the automobile, as illustrated in FIGURE 5, and the drain sleeve 12 is inserted into the opening 19 (FIGURE 4).
~f 3i~ 23 The automobile cooling system can now be flushed. As is shown in FIGURE 5, a common garden hose 24 is positioned above the funnel 14, which is thereby filled with water.
The heater and the engine of the automobile are turned on, and the antifreeze/coolant i~ allowed to flow out of hose end 20a into the capture tank 11. The funnel 14 is kept filled with water until the correct amount of used antifreeze/coolant is drained from the engine.
Referring to FIGURE 6, a container 23 of antifreeze/coolant is next positioned over the funnel 14 and its contents poured into the radiator through hose 2Ob.
When the correct amount of antifreeze/coolant is introduced, the engine is turned off. The flow through the drain sleeve 12 will automatically terminate at this point.
The funnel 14 and funnel adaptor 15 are then removed from hose 20b by loosening metal clamp 17. Likewise, the drain sleeve 12 is removed from hose 20a by loosening metal clamp 18.
Now referring to FIGURE 7, the severed, upper radiator hose 20 (now represented by halves 20a and 20b) is now ready to be mended, i.e., halves 20a and 20b shall be joined. An appropriately sized hose mender 16a, 16b or 16c, is respectively inserted halfway into hose end 20a, and clamp 18 is tightened. Next, the extending half 26 of the hose mender is inserted into hose end 2Ob, and clamp 17 is tightened to form a complete liquid seal. Additional water may now be added to the radiator through the radiator cap, if necessary.
- -' 2 3 ,.,.,~, All of the components 10 of the lnvention are made of low-cost plastic, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, with the exception of the metal clamps 17 and 18. As such, the kit is quite inexpensive to produce and sell.
Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.
Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.
"~
~NTIFREEZ~/COOLANT REPT~CEMENT ~T~
The present invention pertains to a kit for flushing the engine and radiator of used antifreeze/coolant and replacing it with fresh antifreeze/coolant, and, more particularly, to an antifreeze/coolant replacement kit that is designed for the "do-it-yourself" automobile owner.
A large number of on-the-road vehicle breakdowns are due to the lack of proper antifreeze/coolant maintenance.
Car manufacturers and maintenance personnel recommend periodic or annual flushing and replacement of the antifreeze/coolant in the cooling system of an automobile.
Despite this known fact, many individual car owners pay little attention to the heating and cooling systems of their vehicles, often neglecting maintenance until trouble develops.
It is a common misconception that antifreeze/coolant does not deteriorate and, therefore, will not need replacement. This erroneous belief overlooks the fact that, over time, most antifreeze/coolants lose their anti-corrosive properties. Thus, a cooling system reguires periodic flushing to remove rust and to prevent the build-up of corrosion in the cooling system and engine.
A
~ J~
One reason for lax attention to this maintenance is due to the high cost of adding antifreeze coolant at a garage or automotive repair or maintenance facility; due to a h~gh retail mark-up, the charge for replacement is often ensive.
Another problem associated with antifreeze/coolant replacement has been spawned by recent federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements prohibiting the careless disposal of used automotive fluids. There has been a long-felt need for a simple, inexpensive kit that could be used by the average car owner for the replacement of antifreeze/coolant in the cooling system of an automobile. In addition, such a kit would need to have some kind of container for capturing the used fluid that is drained from the cooling system. The present invention provides such a simple, inexpensive antifreeze/coolant replacement kit for the "do-it-yourself" car owner.
The kit of this invention provides inexpensive components in kit form, such as plastic couplings, funnels and capture tanks. The kit is easy to use and, therefore, takes much of the effort out of the replacement chore.
Another advantage of this kit is that it allows car owners to easily perform at home the recommended periodic maintenance of an automotive cooling system.
The kit also provides a means for capturing the used fluid to ease in disposal at officially designated waste disposal facilities.
Lastly, the kit of this invention can be used with almost any water-cooled engine, requiring no modification of the automobile cooling system or radiator.
DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART
In United States Patent No. 5,097,894, issued to Cassia on March 24, 1992, and entitled "Vehicular Flushing and Draining Apparatus and Method", a system is illustrated for the replacement of used antifreeze/coolant. The system is not universally applicable: it reguires different embodiments and modifications in order that it be operable with various types of cooling systems. In addition, the invention requires that the radiator be modified in order to be adaptive to the flushing apparatus.
In contrast, the present invention is adaptable to almost all automobile cooling systems and it features only one embodiment. ~urthermore, the current invention requires no modification of the radiator or any other parts of the cooling system.
In United States Patent No. 2,029,232, issued to Green on January 28, 1936, and entitled "Reversible Flusher for Cleaning Automobile Water Cooling Systems", a valving apparatus for reversing the flow through a cooling system is shown. Illustrated is a two-way valve hook-up for the removal of old fluid and the introduction of new fluid into a cooling system. Such a system requires elaborate extraneous hosing and, unfortunately, cannot be considered a low-cost flushing and replacement method.
Over fifty years have passed since the aforementioned patents, and the problem of providing a simple, inexpensive D-1564~
~ iw~
method of periodic antifreeze/coolant flushing and replacement still exists.
SUMMARY OF THE lNv~ lON
In accordance with the pre~ent invention, there are provided a kit and method for replacing used antifreeze/coolant in the cooling system of an automob1le.
The kit is composed of nine inexpensive parts, comprising:
a) a plastic, flexible capture tank;
b) a flexible plastic drain sleeve for directing fluid from a cooling system hose to the capture tank;
c) a funnel for introducing fluids into the cooling system via said radiator;
d) a hose adaptor for placement of a funnel into the hose line;
e) optionally a hose connector, preferbly three differently-sized hose menders for re-establishing a severed radiator hose line; and f) two metal clamps for tightening the severed hose portions about one of the appropriately sized hose menders.
The method of the invention is simple, easy to accomplish and comprises the following steps:
a) making a cut in an upper radiator hose disposed between the engine and the radiator;
b) attaching the hose adaptor into one end of the severed radiator hose and, thereafter, inserting thereinto the funnel;
c) attaching a drain sleeve to the other end of the cut radiator hose and then placing the sleeve into the capture tank;
d) adding flushing water to the funnel, so that water is introduced into the radiator during the flushing procedure;
e) thereafter, adding fresh antifreeze/coolant to the radiator via said funnel;
f) mending the severed radiator hose by inserting the appropriately sized mending sleeve into both ends of the cut hose; and g) then attaching both severed ends by clamping the severed ends of the hose about the mending sleeve with the two metal clamps.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a low-cost kit for the flushing and replacement of used antifreeze/coolant for an automobile cooling system.
It is a further object of this invention to provide the individual car owner with an apparatus and method for easily replacing the antifreeze/coolant of an automobile cooling system.
It is another object of the current invention to provide a minimal number of low-cost parts for a kit system for replacing the used antifreeze/coolant in a cooling system of an automobile.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the subsequent detailed description, in which:
7~3 FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the parts of the kit of this invention, as disposed upon a table prior to exercising the inventive method of replacing the antifreeze/coolant in the cooling system of an automobile;
FIGURES 2 through 7, described in greater detail hereinbelow, depict various sequential method steps in the performance of the method of the invention, in accordance with the kit illustrated in FIGURE 1:
FIGURE 2 depicts a schematic view of the step of severing the upper hose of an automobile radiator;
FIGURE 3 shows a schematic view of the attachment of the draining sleeve and funnel to the respective severed ends of the radiator hose, as illustrated in FIGURE 2;
FIGURE 4 depicts a schematic view of the insertion of the drainage sleeve into the capture tank, as illustrated in FIGURE l;
FIGURE 5 is an in situ view of the funnel and the drainage sleeve attached to opposite ends of a severed radiator hose, and the addition of water into the attached funnel as the used antifreeze/coolant is drained from the cooling system of the automobile;
FIGURE 6 is a schematic view of the subsequent step of adding fresh antifreeze/coolant to the cooling system of the automobile; and .
FIGURE 7 is a schematic view depicting the reattachment of the severed ends of the radiator hose depicted in FIGURE 2.
For purpo~es of clarity and brevity, like components will bear the same designation throughout the FIGURES.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Generally speaking, the invention is for a kit and method of flushing and replacing antifreeze/coolant in the cooling system of an automobile. The kit and inventive method are designed to be extremely inexpensive and simple, so that the average automobile owner (and "do-it-yourselfer") can ustilize and benefit from this invention.
Now referring to FIGURE 1, the various parts of the kit of this invention (as shown by arrow 10) are displayed as they would likely be disposed or laid out upon a worktable prior to being used. The parts 10 of the kit are packaged in a box with appropriate labelling and instructions. The parts 10 consist of: (1) a plastic, flexible capture tank 11 for containing the used antifreeze/coolant; (2) a flexible plastic drain sleeve 12 (illustrated in its rolled-up form, as packaged) for directing fluid to the capture tank 11 from one end of a radiator hose that has been severed; (3) a funnel 14 for introducing fluids into the cooling system after its attachment to the other end of the severed radiator hose; (4) a hose adaptor 15 for placement of the funnel 14 into one end of the severed hose line; (5) three differently-sized hose menders 16a, 16b and 16c, respectively, for re-establishing the opened hose line; and (6) two metal clamps 17 and 18, respectively, for tightening both ends of the opened hose about a hose mender 16a, 16b or .
." ,.
16c, respectively, as befits the proper size of the severed radiator hose.
Now referring to FIGURE 2, a schematic view of the first step of utilizing the invention is shown, in accordance with the components illustrated in FIGURE 1. The person performing this maintenance is instructed to determine the automobile's cooling system capacity and to obtain thereby the necessary guantity of replacement antifreeze/coolant. After loosening and retightening the radiator cap of a cool engine to relieve any built-up pressure, the upper radiator hose 20 is severed by a sharp ~nife 21 or other cutting instrument.
Referring to FIGURE 3, the two respective halves 20a and 20b of the severed radiator hose are shown. Hose end 20b leads to the radiator (not shown), and hose end 20a leads from the engine. Respective metal clamps 17 and 18 are loosely fitted about hose halves 20a and 20b, as illustrated. The hose adaptor 15 is inserted into the hose end 20b and secured by the metal clamp 17. The hose adaptor has an aperture (not shown) for the insertion of the funnel 14. The adaptor 15 is inserted into the hose end 2Ob with the aperture facing upwardly, so that the funnel 14 can be inserted into the aperture in an upright position for receiving liquids.
The drain sleeve 12 is secured to hose end 2Oa by means of clamp 18. The plastic, capture tank 11 (FIGURE 4) is placed on the ground in front of the automobile, as illustrated in FIGURE 5, and the drain sleeve 12 is inserted into the opening 19 (FIGURE 4).
~f 3i~ 23 The automobile cooling system can now be flushed. As is shown in FIGURE 5, a common garden hose 24 is positioned above the funnel 14, which is thereby filled with water.
The heater and the engine of the automobile are turned on, and the antifreeze/coolant i~ allowed to flow out of hose end 20a into the capture tank 11. The funnel 14 is kept filled with water until the correct amount of used antifreeze/coolant is drained from the engine.
Referring to FIGURE 6, a container 23 of antifreeze/coolant is next positioned over the funnel 14 and its contents poured into the radiator through hose 2Ob.
When the correct amount of antifreeze/coolant is introduced, the engine is turned off. The flow through the drain sleeve 12 will automatically terminate at this point.
The funnel 14 and funnel adaptor 15 are then removed from hose 20b by loosening metal clamp 17. Likewise, the drain sleeve 12 is removed from hose 20a by loosening metal clamp 18.
Now referring to FIGURE 7, the severed, upper radiator hose 20 (now represented by halves 20a and 20b) is now ready to be mended, i.e., halves 20a and 20b shall be joined. An appropriately sized hose mender 16a, 16b or 16c, is respectively inserted halfway into hose end 20a, and clamp 18 is tightened. Next, the extending half 26 of the hose mender is inserted into hose end 2Ob, and clamp 17 is tightened to form a complete liquid seal. Additional water may now be added to the radiator through the radiator cap, if necessary.
- -' 2 3 ,.,.,~, All of the components 10 of the lnvention are made of low-cost plastic, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, with the exception of the metal clamps 17 and 18. As such, the kit is quite inexpensive to produce and sell.
Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.
Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.
Claims (6)
1. A kit for replacing used antifreeze/coolant in a cooling system of a motor vehicle, comprising:
a) a plastic, flexible capture tank;
b) a flexible plastic drain for directing fluid from a cooling system hose to a capture tank;
c) a funnel for introducing fluids into the cooling system of said motor vehicle via said cooling system hose;
d) differently-sized hose menders for re-establishing a severed hose line;
e) clamps for tightening opposite ends of a severed hose line about one of the appropriately-sized said hose menders; and f) a hose adaptor for placement into said severed hose line, said hose adaptor having means defining an aperture for placement of the funnel into the adaptor for fluid communication with the severed hose line.
a) a plastic, flexible capture tank;
b) a flexible plastic drain for directing fluid from a cooling system hose to a capture tank;
c) a funnel for introducing fluids into the cooling system of said motor vehicle via said cooling system hose;
d) differently-sized hose menders for re-establishing a severed hose line;
e) clamps for tightening opposite ends of a severed hose line about one of the appropriately-sized said hose menders; and f) a hose adaptor for placement into said severed hose line, said hose adaptor having means defining an aperture for placement of the funnel into the adaptor for fluid communication with the severed hose line.
2. The kit for replacing used antifreeze/coolant in accordance with claim 1, wherein substantially all of components (a) through (d) consist of plastic.
3. A method of replacing used antifreeze/coolant in a cooling system of a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of:
a) severing an upper radiator hose disposed between an engine and a radiator of said motor vehicle into two separate hose portions, with one said portion attached to said radiator, and another said portion attached to said engine;
b) attaching a funnel to one end of the severed hose portion attached to said radiator, said funnel being attached by means of a hose adaptor which is placed into said one end of the severed hose portion, said hose adaptor having means defining an aperture for placement of the funnel into the adaptor for fluid communication with the severed hose portion;
c) attaching one end of a drain to an end of the other severed hose portion attached to said engine;
d) attaching the drain to a liquid capturing tank, and allowing used antifreeze/coolant to drain from said engine during a flushing procedure;
e) adding flushing water to the funnel, whereby water is introduced into the radiator during said flushing procedure;
f) thereafter, adding fresh antifreeze/coolant to the radiator via said funnel; and g) mending the severed radiator hose.
a) severing an upper radiator hose disposed between an engine and a radiator of said motor vehicle into two separate hose portions, with one said portion attached to said radiator, and another said portion attached to said engine;
b) attaching a funnel to one end of the severed hose portion attached to said radiator, said funnel being attached by means of a hose adaptor which is placed into said one end of the severed hose portion, said hose adaptor having means defining an aperture for placement of the funnel into the adaptor for fluid communication with the severed hose portion;
c) attaching one end of a drain to an end of the other severed hose portion attached to said engine;
d) attaching the drain to a liquid capturing tank, and allowing used antifreeze/coolant to drain from said engine during a flushing procedure;
e) adding flushing water to the funnel, whereby water is introduced into the radiator during said flushing procedure;
f) thereafter, adding fresh antifreeze/coolant to the radiator via said funnel; and g) mending the severed radiator hose.
4. The method of replacing used antifreeze/coolant in accordance with claim 3 wherein said severed radiator hose is mended by inserting an appropriately sized mending sleeve into each end of the severed hose portions, and securing said mending sleeves in place.
5. The method of replacing used antifreeze/coolant in accordance with claim 4, wherein said mending sleeve is secured in place by means of clamping the severed ends of the hose portions about the mending sleeve with two clamps.
6. The method of replacing used antifreeze/coolant in accordance with claim 3, wherein said drain comprises a flexible plastic sleeve that is clamped at one end to said hose portion which is attached to said engine, and further wherein another end of said plastic sleeve is inserted into said capture tank.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/067,271 | 1993-05-24 | ||
| US08/067,271 US5540327A (en) | 1991-08-28 | 1993-05-24 | Antifreeze/coolant replacement kit |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2124223A1 CA2124223A1 (en) | 1994-11-25 |
| CA2124223C true CA2124223C (en) | 1998-11-17 |
Family
ID=22074885
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2124223 Expired - Fee Related CA2124223C (en) | 1993-05-24 | 1994-05-24 | Antifreeze/coolant replacement kit |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2124223C (en) |
-
1994
- 1994-05-24 CA CA 2124223 patent/CA2124223C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2124223A1 (en) | 1994-11-25 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US5511590A (en) | Engine coolant removal and refill method and device | |
| US4991608A (en) | Apparatus and method for cleaning heat exchangers | |
| US5635058A (en) | Reject water drain line installation system and apparatus for under sink reverse osmosis filter system | |
| US5329982A (en) | Method and apparatus for internal combustion engine coolant extractor/injector with coupling | |
| US20070119789A1 (en) | Method of filtering a fluid and remote filtering station | |
| US5476154A (en) | Powered oil change apparatus | |
| US5021152A (en) | Engine coolant flush-filtering externally of engine with ion precipitation | |
| US5335943A (en) | Automobile engine hose system with plurality of adaptor members | |
| US5090458A (en) | Cleaning apparatus and method | |
| US4293031A (en) | Engine cooling system flushing apparatus and method | |
| US5857503A (en) | Apparatus and method for changing fluid in a motor vehicle | |
| US20010022203A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for servicing engine cooling systems | |
| US5540327A (en) | Antifreeze/coolant replacement kit | |
| CA2124223C (en) | Antifreeze/coolant replacement kit | |
| US4949765A (en) | Cleaning apparatus and method | |
| US5518047A (en) | Engine coolant removal device | |
| US4996874A (en) | Method and apparatus for treating coolant for internal combustion engine | |
| US5775385A (en) | Process and system for changing oil | |
| US5673733A (en) | Engine coolant removal and refill method and device | |
| US6467506B1 (en) | Cooling system fully visible tester | |
| US5076856A (en) | Method for cleaning heat exchangers | |
| JPH09502506A (en) | Device and method for enclosing a fluid | |
| US7144046B1 (en) | RV sewer security bracket | |
| US4869281A (en) | Service line access system | |
| US5967174A (en) | Spill containment system |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |