WO1992016786A1

WO1992016786A1 - Oil drip collecting device for motor vehicles

Info

Publication number: WO1992016786A1
Application number: PCT/AU1992/000101
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Thurstan Smith
Original assignee: Paul Thurstan Smith
Priority date: 1991-03-18
Filing date: 1992-03-10
Publication date: 1992-10-01
Also published as: AU613846B1

Abstract

This device is used in motor vehicles to collect oil and fluids which drip from the engine and other working parts. It comprises a drip tray (1) fitted under the vehicle, a suction tube (2), a vacuum mechanism (4, 25) for sucking the fluids collected in the drip tray (1) through the suction tube (2) and a storage container (3) for holding the fluids that are sucked up from the drip tray (1). Suitable means like a warning light (9) could indicate to the driver when the container (3) is full.

Description

OIL DRIP COLLECTING DEVICE FOR MDTOR VEHICLES. Description.

1. Technical Field.

This invention relates to improvements in devices for catching and collecting oils and fluids which drip from the engine and working parts of motor vehicles.

2. Background Art.

A common problem with motor vehicles (cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles) is that oil and lubricants which leak from the engine, gearbox and other parts, drip from the vehicle onto roads, driveways, garages and parking areas. The release of oils and lubricants onto these areas causes the following problems: a) road surfaces become stained; b) oils are washed from the roads into drains and cause pollution of rivers, oceans and soil; c) roadways become slippery and cause accidents.

There have been attempts to reduce the problem. In one method a drip tray or an absorbent device is placed on the floor of the garage in the area where the drips usually fall. However, this only minimises the staining of the garage floor and does not solve the problem. In a second method motor vehicles are normally fitted with splash pans which prevent water from splashing onto the area around the engine during wet weather, but this does not prevent oil from dripping from the engine onto the roadway. In a third method a drip tray is located beneath the engine and a material for absorbing the oil is placed in the tray. However, in wet weather the water enters the drip tray and washes the oils and accumulated fluids onto the roadway. Also, with large oil leaks, the absorbent material quickly becomes saturated. 3. Disclosure of Invention.

These problems are overcome by the present invention, which provides an oil drip collecting device for motor vehicles comprising a drip tray adapted to catch oils and fluids that fall from the engine and other parts, a suction tube adapted to remove fluids that fall in the drip tray, a vacuum mechanism adapted for sucking fluids through the suction tube, and a storage container adapted for holding the fluids that are sucked up from the drip tray. In another aspect, the invention consists of a method of collecting oil and fluids that drip from motor vehicles, the method comprising the steps of providing a drip tray to catch the oil and fluids from the engine and other lubricated parts, a suction tube with one end located in the drip tray, a vacuum mechanism which is used to suck fluids from the drip tray, and a storage container which holds the fluids that have been col lected.

4. Brief Description of Drawings. To assist with understanding the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which show one example of the invention. In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows one example of an oil drip collecting device for motor vehicles according to this invention; Figure 2 shows the appl ication of such an oi l drip collecting device for motor vehicles;

Figure 3 shows one example of a drip tray which would form part of the invention; and

Figure 4 shows one example of a storage container which would form part of the invention. Referring to Figure 1, it can be seen that the oil drip collecting device for motor vehicles according to this invention comprises a drip tray (1), a suction tube (2), a fluid storage container (3), and a vacuum mechanism comprising a tube (4) connected to a vacuum pump (25). A fi lter (6) is located in the drip tray over the opening of the suction tube. The storage container connects to a switch (7) which is a simple mechanical device for detecting when the storage container is full. An electrical lead (8) connects the switch to an indicator light (9). The storage container is held in position by a bracket (11) and supported by a stand (12). The suction tube has an internal diameter of 5 millimetres and the storage container has a capacity of 1 litre, however, these dimensions are purely exemplary and the invention is in no way restricted to them.

Figure 2 shows the oil drip collecting device for motor vehicles in operation. It can be seen that the drip tray (1) extends from the rear cross member (13) to the radiator (20) and passes below the front cross member (14). The drip tray collects fluids which may drip from the engine (15), clutch housing (16), transmission (17), tail shaft (18), and steering arms (19). Water leaks from the radiator (20) would be directed away from the drip tray by a flange (21) beneath the radiator. Fluids may also drip from the dash panel (22) and its associated structures (brake and clutch master cylinders, not shown). The fluids would drain to a well (23) in the drip tray. One end of the suction tube (2) would be located in the well and suck up fluids that drain through the filter (6) to that spot. The drip tray would be fastened to the subframe of the motor vehicle. The drip tray would not be in contact with the exhaust pipe (24) or the steering arms (19). The storage container (3) is fastened to the dash panel. The vacuum pump (25) is connected to a tube (4). This tube connects to a switch (7) and the switch is connected to the storage container. The electrical lead (8) from the switch is connected to a warning indicator light (9) located in the dash board of the motor vehicle.

Figure 3 shows the drip drip tray (1). There are lips (26) on the edges which prevent oil and fluids escaping from the drip tray. There are four flanges (27) which have bolt holes for fastening the drip tray to the motor vehicle. A hinge attachment of the drip tray to the motor vehicle comprises a rod (28) which is attached to the drip tray and fastened to the motor vehicle by two plates (29). The filter (6) is located over a wel l or recession in the drip tray. One end of the suction tube is placed in the well and beneath the fi lter.

Figure 4 shows the storage container (3) comprising a non-porous wall and two pipes penetrating the wal l. The air inlet pipe (30), which is connected to the suction tube (2), allows for the entry of fluids from the drip tray. The suction tube is fastened to the air inlet pipe by a releasable ring clamp (31). The air outlet pipe (32) is fastened by a releasable ring clamp (36) to the tube (4) running from vacuum pump (25). Each of the two pipes has a simple valve mechanism in the section of the pipe that is contained within the storage container. The valve of the air inlet pipe comprises a perforated pipe (33) which contains a cylinder (34), which is made of a material that has a density greater than water or oil. The cylinder (34) is adapted so as to block off the air inlet pipe whenever the storage container is turned up-side-down. The valve of the air outlet pipe comprises a perforated pipe (35) and a cyl inder (37) which is made of a material that has a density less than water or oil. The cylinder (37) is adapted so as to block off the air outlet pipe whenever the storage container is full. When the storage container is full, the valve in the air outlet pipe shuts and airflow from the storage container ceases, causing the metal lever (38) in the switch (7) to close and the electrical circuit is completed. Electricity passes through the lead (8) to a indicator light on the dash board. 5. Best Mode for Carrying Out The Invention.

The invention can be carried out in its best mode when the following features are used.

A preferred feature of the invention is that the drip t ray wou Id be fastened to the motor vehicle by releasable fasteners such as screws, or bolts, or hinges, or other suitable devices. The fasteners would be made of metal or other suitable materials.

In another preferred form of the invention, the releasable fasteners which are used to fasten the drip tray to the motor vehicle, would be positioned for easy access so that said releasable fasteners can be quickly removed to allow for the removal of the drip tray.

In a preferred form of the invention, the oil drip tray wou Id be fastened to the motor vehicle so that if the releasable fasteners become loose while the car is moving, said drip tray would not accidentally fall from the motor vehicle. This safety feature of the device can be added, for example, by hinging the front of the oil drip tray to the motor vehicle. Another preferred feature of the invention is that the drip tray would be made of metal or moulded plastic or any other form of non-porous sheet.

In another preferred form of the invention, the drip tray would be large enough to catch drips of oi l or fluids from the engine, transmission, brake master cylinder, clutch cylinders and other parts.

In another preferred form of the invention, the drip tray would be shaped so as to catch drips of oi l or other fluids that leave the engine or transmission or any combination of lubricated parts of the motor vehicle.

In another preferred form of the invention, the spot in the drip tray where the suction tube is located would be recessed so that the fluids would collect there.

In another preferred form of the invention, the drip tray would be shaped so as to drain the oi l or fluids to the suction tube.

In another preferred form of the invention, the drip tray ould have a l ip or flange at each of its edges so that oi ls or other fluids would not leak from said drip tray. In a preferred form of the invention, a flange can be fastened at the front of the drip tray so as to minimise the entry to the drip tray of rainwater or water from the radiator.

In another preferred form of the invention, the suction tube is held in position by clips or any other suitable releasable fasteners.

In another preferred form of the invention, the suction tube could be made of rubber or plastic or metal or any other suitable material which would not collapse when a partial vacuum is applied.

In another preferred form of the invention, the suction tube wouId have one end in the drip tray for sucking up fluids and the other end connected to the storage container.

In a preferred form of the invention, the suction tube wou Id have a filter over that end of the suction tube that is in the drip tray. The purpose of the filter is to prevent the suction tube from becoming blocked by large objects such as leaves or dirt. The surface area of the filter preferrably would be larger than the area of the openning of the suction tube.

In a preferred form of the invention, the vacuum mechanism would comprise any suitable device producing a partial vacuum and a means for connecting the device to the storage container. For example, the vacuum mechanism could comprise a vacuum pump and a means of connecting the vacuum pump to the storage container. The vacuum pump could be powered by any suitable energy source. For example, electricity from the battery or a moving belt connected to a rotating pulley could be used. A tube would connect the vacuum pump to the storage container. In a preferred form of the invention, the storage container would have a mechanism for detecting when the fluid had filled to a pre-determined capacity. The detection of this level would be indicated to the driver of the motor vehicle by a suitable means such as the operation of a warning light.

In a preferred form of the invention, the storage container would have a valve which prevented back-flow of fluids from the storage container to the drip tray. In a preferred form of the invention, the storage container would have a valve which would prevent the flow of fluids from the storage container to the vacuum mechani sm. In a preferred form of the invention, the storage container would be disposable and adapted for one use only. This would prevent the operator of the vehicle from emptying the fluids from the storage container into drains or the sewerage system. In a preferred form of the invention, releasable fasteners would be used to connect the storage container, the suction tube and vacuum mechanism. 6. Other Modes for Carrying Out the Invention.

It is realised that the oil drip collecting device for motor vehicles according to this invention is not restricted to the form described or drawn. Various modifications may be made to the above without departing from the scope of the present invention as broadly defined. For example, any suitable means may be used to hold the drip tray, suction tube, storage container and vacuum device in place. The drip tray may be located above the front cross-member rather than below the front cross-member (as shown in Figure 2). The drip tray may drain fluid to the front, rear, side/s or centre of the drip tray. The suction tube could be located in the front, rear, side/s or centre of the drip tray. The dimensions and shape of the oil drip tray will depend on the configuration of the lubricated parts (motor or transmission or differential) and the other structures (cross-members, subframe supports, steering arm, engine oil pan, clutch housing, and lower control arms). The edges of the drip tray may be of a suitable shape so as to prevent the escape of fluid from the edges of the drip tray. Any suitable valves could be used to prevent back-flow of fluids in the suction tube. Any suitable means could be used to prevent flow of fluid from the storage container to the vacuum mechanism. Any suitable warning device could be used to indicate to the driver that the storage container was full. Any suitable material, which would not collapse from the partial vacuum, could be used for the suction tube or the tube from the vacuum pump. In another form of the invention, more than one drip tray could be used. For example, the differential could have a separate oil drip tray.

In another form of the invention, a drain plug can be fitted to the drip tray. In another form of the invention, more than one suction tube could be used.

In another form of the invention, the suction tube could be fitted with a valve to prevent back-flow of fluids from the storage container to the drip tray.

In another form of the invention, the air intake manifold of the engine could be used to provide the partial vacuum. In this example, a tube could be used to connect the air i nt ake man i fo 1 d to the storage container. The partial vacuum would be sufficient to suck the fluids from the drip tray through the suction tube into the storage container.

In one form of the invention, the vacuum mechanism would further comprise a valve which would close off when the storage container was full and thus prevent fluid from passing out of the full storage container to the vacuum mechanism.

In another form of the invention, the suction tube would have one end in the drip tray for sucking up the fluids and the other end connected to the vacuum mechanism. In this form of the invention, the fluids that are sucked up from the drip tray are passed via the vacuum mechanism to the storage container. 7. Industrial Apl icabi 1 ity.

By the use of the oil drip collecting device for motor vehicles of this type the oils or fluids which drip from the motor or transmission will be caught by the drip tray, sucked up and stored in the storage container. The oil that leaks will be prevented from dripping onto the road and the environment will be less polluted. The storage container may be easily removed and replaced without the need to replace the drip tray. /2

In the event that the motor vehicle requires repairs, the drip tray can be readily removed so that access can be obtained to the engine and other parts. The invention could be used on cars, buses, trucks, motor cycles, fork lifts, or any other type of motor vehicle.

Claims

A3CLAIMS.The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. An oil drip col lecting device for motor vehicles comprising a drip tray adapted to catch oi ls and fluids that fal l from the engine and other parts, a suction tube adapted to remove fluids that fal l in the drip tray, a vacuum mechanism adapted for sucking fluids through the suction tube, and a storage container adapted for holding the fluids that are sucked up from the drip tray.

2. A device as defined in claim 1, in which the drip tray would be fastened to the motor vehicle by releasable fasteners such as screws, or bolts, or hinges, or any combination of suitable fasteners.

3. A device as defined in claims 1 or 2, in which the drip tray is made of one or more non-porous sheets of material, said material could be steel or plastic or any suitable material.

4. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 3, in which the drip tray would be large enough to catch oils or fluids that drip from the engine, or transmission, or clutch housing, or brake master cylinder, or clutch master cylinder, or differential, or any combination of lubricated parts.

5. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 4, in which the spot in the drip tray where the suction tube is located would be recessed so that fluids would collect there. I .

6. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 5, in which the spot in the drip tray where the suction tube is located is covered by a fi lter which is made of meta 1, or plastic, or any suitable mesh material.

7. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 6, in which the drip tray would have a lip or flange at each of its edges so that oils and fluids do not leak from the drip tray.

8. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 7, in which a flange is located at the front of the drip tray so as to minimise the entry to the drip tray of rainwater or water from the radiator.

9. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 8, in which a drain plug is fitted to the drip tray.

10. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 9, in which the drip tray would be shaped so as to drain the oil or fluids to the suction tube so that fluids can be removed.

11. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 10, in which more than one drip tray could be used to collect fluids that drip from a motor vehicle.

12. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 11, in which the suction tube is held in position by clips, or brackets, or any suitable types of releasable fasteners.

13. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 12, in which more than one suction tube is used. IS

14. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 13, in which the suction tube is made of a hol l ow tube, made of plastic or metal or any suitable material which maintains its shape when under a partial vacuum.

15. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 14, in which the suction tube further comprises a valve which prevents the back-flow of fluids from the storage container to the drip tray.

16. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 15, in which the suction tube further co pr i ses a filter to prevent the blocking of the suction tube.

17. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 16, in which one end of the suction tube is located in the drip tray and the other end is connected to the storage container.

18. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 16, in which one end of the suction tube is located in the drip tray and the other end is connected to the vacuum device.

19. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 18, in which the vacuum mechanism comprises a tube connected to the air intake manifold of the engine.

20. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 18, in which the vacuum mechanism comprises a tube connected to a vacuum pump powered by electricity from a battery or a rotating belt.

21. A device as defined in claim 19 or 20, in which the tube of the vacuum mechanism is made of a material Ik such as plastic or metal or any suitable material that maintains its shape when under a partial vacuum.

22. A device as defined in claims 21, in which the vacuum mechanism further comprises a valve which would close off when the storage container was full, thus the valve would prevent the flow of fluids from the storage container to the vacuum mechanism.

23. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 22, in which the vacuum mechanism is connected to the storage container.

24. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 23, in which the vacuum mechanism is connected to the storage container and the suction tube, such that fluids that are sucked up through the suction tube are passed on by the vacuum mechanism to the storage container.

25. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 24, in whi ch the wal Is of the storage container are made of plastic or metal or any other suitable non- porous material for holding the fluids collected from the drip tray.

26. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 25, in which the storage container is disposable and adapted for one use only.

27. A device as defined in claim 26, in which the storage container has a valve which closes when the storage container is turned up-side-down so that fluid cannot be emptied from the storage container.

28. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 n to 27, in which the storage container has a valve which prevents the flow of fluids from the storage container to the vacuum mechanism.

29. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 28, in wh ich the storage container has a valve which prevents the back-flow of fluids from the storage container to the drip tray.

30. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 29, in which the storage container has a warning mechanism which detects when the storage container is full, and indicates this by any suitable means such as the turning on of a light on the dash board or sounding of an alarm.

31. A device as defined in any one of the claims 1 to 30, in which the storage container is fastened to the motor vehicle and supported by a bracket or stand or by any suitable releasable fastener.

32. A method of collecting oils and fluids that drip from motor vehicles, the method comprising the steps of providing a drip tray fastened beneath the engine and other lubricated parts, a suction tube with one end located in the drip tray, a means of providing a partial vacuum to suck the fluids from the drip tray, and providing a storage container for the fluids that are col 1ected.

33. An oil drip collecting device for motor vehicles substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. /δ

34. A method for collecting oils and fluids that drip from motor vehicles substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.