GB2507324A - A portable oil change pump for vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for pumping fluids is adapted for use with a vehicle. The apparatus has a housing and a self-priming oil suction pump located within the housing, and means to control the operation of the pump. The oil pump has an inlet and an outlet, a first tube connectable to the inlet of the oil pump and a second tube connectable to the outlet of the pump. The first tube is also connectable to the vehicle oil sump via a dipstick tube. The apparatus may also include a second air pump for use with the vehicle for inflating a vehicle tyre, and the second pump outlet may be connectable to a third tube which connects with the tyre valve. The apparatus may further include a LED light source powered from a power supply means, such as one or more rechargeable batteries or a 100-240V AC mains supply.

Description

A portable oil change pump for vehicles

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to portable apparatus for maintenance of vehicles such as cars, more particularly portable pumping devices for oil or air.

Background

Oil change in vehicles is an awkward and time consuming process for vehicle owners, involving access to the underside of the vehicle engine, removal of a sump drain plug, and capture of waste oil, often in a limited space underneath the vehicle.

Prior art attempts to solve this problem are often based on relocating the oil drain access port to a more accessible position using a fixture permanently attached to the sump plug. Devices are also known to pump waste oil from vehicle sumps via the dipstick access tube, accessible from the top of the engine. Prior art devices are not adapted for ready use by the average owner, however, and are more adapted for use in garages by professional mechanics. For home users in particular, storage space is at a premium and small, lightweight and easily storable equipment has practical an commercial advantage. To this end there is advantage in combining more than one function relevant to car maintenance in a common apparatus, so saving on space and cost of the equipment, for example in common power supply, housing and control means for the more than one function. Prior art devices do not have a capability to pump more than one type of fluid without cleaning the pump, or either a liquid or air, and a device that has that capability would have considerable practical and commercial utility.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: EP1193157 provides a new and unique portable, self-contained, fluid system. The portable, self-contained, fluid changing system may be used as a fluid changing device for changing a fluid such as oil or another suitable fluid in a container of a boat, recreational vehicle (RV), automobile or other suitable military, agricultural or industrial device. Alternatively, portable, self-contained, fluid system may also be used for providing fluid such as water or other suitable fluid for cleaning or showering. Moreover the portable, self-contained fluid system may also have a reversible electric pump that may be adapted or switched for pumping in either direction once the pump is affixed on the reservoir so the system may be sold and marketed for use in a fluid changing type of device or in a water providing or cleaning type of device consistent with that described above.

This device is not adapted for accessing oil via a dipstick access port and does not comprise appropriate tubing and connections to do so. It also comprises a common pump mechanism for all fluids, so being inappropriate for pumping incompatible fluids such as oil and then water without cleaning the pump, or a liquid and then air, given the pumping means required will be different for each.

W02006102627 comprises a portable device for transferring fluids. The device includes an external housing with an inlet and a discharge and a pump disposed within the external housing. The pump includes a pump housing, a motor, and a pumping means. The motor and the pumping means are disposed within the pump housing and the pump comprises an inlet port and an outlet port cooperatively engaged with the inlet and the discharge, respectively. The device also includes a control switch connected to the pump and a power cord with a first end operatively connected to the switch and a second end comprising a power adapter. The power adapter can be a DC power source adapter or a line voltage adapter. In some aspects, the DC power source adapter is configured to connect to a power port adapter in an automotive vehicle.

This device is small and portable, but is not adapted to access an oil sump via a dipstick tube and again comprises pumping means only for a single fluid.

US6321874 discloses a device having an extraction pipe that can be inserted into the bottom of the oil pan through the opening of the oil level dipstick tube of the engine until the end of the extraction pipe contacts the bottom of the oil pan. The lubricating oil in the oil pan is extracted by the suction pump of the device and is deposited into the reservoir via the pipe. The device can remove the oil safety without splashing high temperature lubricating oil on the operator. Moreover, it can prevent the problems that occur when oil leaks out, when a person forgets to screw in the oil 2.

plug, or when a person damages the seal of the oil drain plug by tightening the drain plug too tight.

This device comprises a large vacuum pumping means and a separate vacuum container in line between the extraction pipe and the pumping means. It is not small or portable and is adapted for use in garages by professional mechanics.

US5881840 discloses an improved system of removing oil from an internal * combustion engine serviced oil pan or sunip though an associated dipstick tube. This system uses the vacuum source from a second host internal combustion engine through means of a vacuum conduit connected to a reservoir which draws the oil from the engine serviced sump through the dipstick tube by means of a hydraulic conduit to the reservoir.

This device again uses a second internal combustion engine to provide vacuum extraction of the oil. Clearly this is not readily usable by an average vehicle owner.

LJS5148785 discloses a system for removing lubricating oil from an internal combustion engine oil pan or sump through an associated dipstick. The lubricating oil removing system includes an electric pump which is connected by two wires and associated alligator clamps to a D.C. battery of the associated automobile and to an electric switch of an electric motor of a direct current pump. The pump includes two tubes, a first of which is introduced into the engine oil pan or sump through the dipstick tube and a second of which conducts oil to a reservoir, such as a collection tank, container or jug. The second tube includes a flexible hand siphon vacuum pump downstream of the electric pump whereby the flexible hand siphon vacuum pump can be repetitively pumped to suction lubricating oil from the engine sump/oil pan into the suction end of the electrically driven pump to prime the latter prior to closing the switch to drive the electric pump and draw the lubricating oil from the engine oil pan/sump through the first tube and deliver the same through the second tube to an appropriate oil collection pan or container.

This is a relatively crude system comprising a non-self priming oil pump and a hand priming apparatus, and no means to pump a second fluid.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for pumping fluids adapted for use with a vehicle comprising: a housing a self-priming oil suction pump located within the housing, said oil pump having an inlet and an outlet; a first tube dimensioned and adapted to be connectable to the inlet of the oil pump and in which the first tube is dimensioned and adapted to be connectable to a vehicle oil sump via a dipstick tube; a second tube connectable to the outlet of the oil pump and a control means to control operation of the oil pump In a preferred embodiment the apparatus further comprises: a second pump adapted to pump air to pressurise a vehicle tyre; and a third tube dimensioned and adapted to be connectable to the outlet of the second pump and adapted to be connectable to a vehicle tyre valve; a tyre pressure reading valve in fluid communicatipn with the outlet of the air pump; and a control means to control operation of the air pump.

The apparatus of the invention is adapted according to embodiments to be usable with a range of vehicle types and is not limited to any one type. Vehicle as used herein may refer to a car, a pick-up truck, a van, a commercial vehicle such as a heavy truck, a boat, and the apparatus is preferably adaptable to be used with engines of different sizes and different means of access to the oil sump as described herein.

The oil pumping means is distinguished from prior art oil pumping means in that it comprises a self-priming oil suction pump as compared with either a vacuum pump or a non-self priming pump combined with priming means.

Preferably the apparatus comprises power supply means comprising a plug adapted to insert into a power outlet provided on the vehicle. In preferred embodiment the apparatus further comprises a mains power supply means adapted to be powered from a 100-24OVAC mains supply.

In a further preferred embodiment the apparatus comprises a light adapted to be powered from the power supply means, preferably comprising LEO light sources.

Preferably the apparatus further comprises one or more batteries to power the light.

Preferably the batteries are rechargeable batteries and the apparatus is adapted to recharge the batteries from the power supply means. In some embodiments the light is detachable from the housing, preferably comprising a light housing that aftaches, for example clips or slots into, the housing, comprising one or more batteries. In some embodiments the housing comprises more than one location at which the light housing may attach, for example on a front, side or top of the housing, in order to cast light in a preferred direction while mounted on the housing.

Preferably the apparatus further comprises a housing within which the components are located, the housing being preferably adapted to balance on top of a vehicle engine, and comprising two or more griped support components on the base of the housing adapted to give stability to the apparatus on an uneven surface by means of friction.

In preferred embodiments one or more of the first, second or third tubes are detachable from the apparatus and connectable to the apparatus by means of connection means mounted on the housing of the apparatus. Preferably such connection means comprise plug and socket means. In some embodiments the connection means comprise tapered fittings onto which the first and second tubes are a push fit.

lnfurther preferred embodiments one or more of the first, second or third tubes are adapted to remain connected to the apparatus. In such embodiments it may be advantageous to provide a tough, non-removable connection to prevent possible leaks. tn preferred embodiments the third tube is connected to the apparatus without a user-removable connection.

In a preferred embodiment the apparatus comprises connectiOn means by which the first and second tubes may be removably connected to the oil pump and detached

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when not in use and comprises connection means by which a third (air) tube is permanently connected to the air pump outlet.

In preferred embodiments the oil pump control means and the air pump control means are common, for example comprising first and second switch or push-button means to control operation of the oil pump and the air pump.

In preferred embodiments the first tube is of smaller external diameter than the second tube in order to fit readily within the dipstick tube, and the second tube has a larger internal diameter to give unimpeded output flow from the oil pump to an oil container to receive the used oil.

In preferred embodiments the first tube is formed from a semi-flexible material adapted to enable it to be inserted into the dipstick tube until it reaches the base of the engine sunip. The material and dimensions of the tube are preferably chosen for it to be sufficiently rigid to be pushed into the dipstick tube without folding or distortion, but sufficiently flexible to follow bends in the dipstick tube to reach the surnp, and then the access the lower portions of the sump. In a -preferred embodiment the tube comprise a single material. In a further preferred embodiment the first tube comprises two materials, a first material being more rigid than the second, the second thaterial being provided in one or more regions along the length of the tube in order to provide a degree of flexibility in those regions. In a further embodiment the tube may comprise first and second regions of the same material but in different configuration, for example thickness. The second region may comprise a corrugated material. In a preferred embodiment the first tube comprises a semi-flexible plastic material.

In preferred embodiments the first tube comprises a handle located at a distance from the end of the tube adapted for easy grip on the tube while it is being inserted into the dipstick tube. In a preferred embodiment the handle may be movable along the length of the first tube and may be usable to mark the depth that the tube should be inserted into the dipstick tube to reach the lower part of the sump. The handle and/ar tube may comprise friction or locking means to retain the handle in position.

In a preferred embodiment the apparatus comprises two or more first tubes of differing length and!or flexible properties and connection means adapted to connect the first tube to the oil pump inlet, In this way the apparatus is made usable with engines of different sizes and dipstick tube configurations, for example to pump oil from the sump on either a car, a truck or a boat.

In a preferred embodiment the air pressure gauge is a digital pressure gauge. In some embodiments the air pump control means comprises automatic cut off means adapted to stop the pump or to give a warning indication when the pressure reached a pre-set pressure value, and further comprises means to set the pre-set pressure value.

In preferred embodiments the housing comprises one or more tube storage features adapted for storage of one or more of the first, second or third tubes. In some embodiments a tube storage feature comprises projecting and recessed portions on the housing profile adapted such that a tube may be wrapped around a region of the housing and retained by the projecting and recessed portions. In some embodiments such portions are provided near the base of the housing. In some embodiments the housing comprises a foot portion with a recessed profile between the foot and the main portion of the housing adapted to provide a place to wrap and store one or more tubes. In some embodiments such portions are provided at one or both sides of the housing, for example for a first and second (oil inlet and outlet) tubes on a first side and the third (air tube) on the opposite side. In some embodiments the air tube may be housed in a groove-like recess of approximately the same length as the air tube, preferably having a recess shaped for the tyre valve connector, and preferably comprising clip means to hold the tube and/or connector in place within the recess.

Preferably the apparatus comprises a valve fitting at the end of the third, air tube, such as a presta or other valve for connection to a tyre valve.

Preferably the apparatus comprises a power cord connected to the power supply means having a plug adapted to fit to a vehicle cigarette lighter socket. In preferred embodiments the apparatus comprises storage means for a power cord, for example within a recess within the housing or in the form of a region adapted for the power cord to be wrapped in the manner described above for the tubes.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a rear view of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention Figure 2 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in figure 1 Figure 3 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in figure 1 Figure 4 shows a rear three quarter view of the embodiment shown in figure 1 Figure 5 shows a bottom view of the embodiment shown in figure 1 Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the embodiment shown in figure 1 Figure 7 shows a front view of the apparatus Figure 8 shows a front three quarter view of the embodiment shown in figure 1

Detailed Description of Figures

Figures 1 to 8 show an embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention comprising: an oil suction pump adapted to remove oil from a vehicle sump, an air pump, a first tube adapted to fit into a dipstick tube, a second tube adapted to lead from the oil pump to a container, and a third tube adapted to provide pressurised air from the air pump to a tyre valve. Figure 1 shows a rear view of the apparatus in which the oil pump is shown at the right and the air pump to the left. The third tube is shown connected to the air pump and leading up to the top left to be stored in a storage position provided as part of the housing. The first and/or second tubes may be stored wrapped around the housing at the base as shown. Figure 2 shows a side view of the apparatus showing the third tube in its storage position near the top of the housing and the first and second tubes stored wrapped at the base.

Figure 3 shows a top view of the apparatus having a handle at the centre, the third tube and tyre connector wrapped around the top front of the housing, and the pressure indicator and control buttons for the pump control means at the centre top of the housing near the rear. Figure 4 shows a rear three quarter view of the apparatus showing the air pump to the left, the oil pump to the right and components as mentioned before. The air pump and the oil pump have cooling grilles at left and right. The air pump preferably has an air inlet via an air inlet filter, for example also housed behind the grille at the rear left. Figure 5 shows a bottom view of the apparatus, showing the raised and recessed portions of the base of the housing adapted to allow the first and second tubes to be wrapped around the housing, and gripped support feet on each side of the base.

Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the apparatus comprising from top to bottom: A carrying handle having a recess for the pressure gauge and control buttons Third tube and tyre valve connection Control buttons forming part of the control means Vertical cylindrical housing for the buttons and gauge Upper curved cylindrical housing portion, to accommodate the form of the oil pump and the air pump Side housing portions Circuit board housing electronics forming part of the control means Light mounted at the front of the housing

Air pump at background and oil pumpat foreground

Lower curved cylindrical housing portion First and second tubes with connector means Recessed housing portion acting as a foot and to accommodate the first and second tubes when stored.

Figure 7 shows a front view of the apparatus, showing the carrying handle at the top and a light at the front. Figure 8 shows a front three quarter view with components and features as described for previous figures.

Claims (8)

1. Claims 1. An apparatus for pumping fluids adapted for use with a vehicle comprising: a housing a self-priming oil suction pump. located within the housing, said oil pump having an inlet and an outlet; a first tube dimensioned and adapted to be connectable to the inlet of the oil pump and in which the first tube is dimensioned and adapted to be connectable to a vehicle oil sump via a dipstick tube; a second tube connectable to the outlet of the oil pump; and a control means to control operation of the oil pump.
2. 2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a second pump adapted to pump air to pressurise a vehicle tyre; a third tube dimensioned and adapted to be connectable to the outlet of the second pump and adapted to be connectable to a vehicle tyre valve; a tyre pressure reading valve in fluid communication with the outlet of the air pump; and a control means to control operation of the air pump.
3. 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a light adapted to be powered from the power supply means.
4. 4. An apparatus as claimed in any claim above further comprising connection means by which the first and second tubes are removably connected to the oil pump so as to be detached when not in use; and connection means by which the third air tube is permanently connected to the air pump outlet.
5. 5. An apparatus as claimed in any claim above in which the first tube is of smaller external diameter than the second tube in order to fit readily within the dipstick tube.
6. 6. An apparatus as claim in claim 5 in which the second tube has a larger internal diameter than the first tube. 35.
7. 7. An apparatus as claimed in any claim above in which the first tube is formed from a semi-flexible material adapted to enable it to be inserted into a dipstick tube until it reaches the base of an engine sump without folding or distortion.
8. 8. An apparatus as claimed in any claim above in which the first tube comprises two or more regions, the first region being more flexible than the second region.