WO2015134962A1 - Snap-shut automotive oil cap apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An oil cap apparatus, comprising: a lid; a pour-in base, configured with a funnel shaped upper portion and a tubular lower portion; and, a biased connecting arrangement between the lid and the base, where the bias is towards the direction of closing the lid onto the base, reversibly sealing the base when the lid is closed.

Description

APPLICATION FOR PATENT

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Inventor(s): Ronald J. McLaughlin, Sherrin D. King

Title: SNAP-SHUT AUTOMOTIVE OIL CAP APPARATUS

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RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority under Article 8 of the Patent Cooperation Treaty and under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/966,949 filed March 7, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by 15 reference in their entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to automotive accessories and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to an oil cap substitute. 20

The U.S. Department of Transportation defines a passenger vehicle as a car or truck used for passengers excluding buses and 18-wheelers. The U.S. has an estimated 254.4 million passenger vehicles and China, the next economic powerhouse, has 240 million. Therefore, it can be fairly estimated that around the world there must more than a billion passenger vehicles. Every one of those vehicles must have an oil cap, a manually 25 removable and securable cap which closes off a motor oil reservoir when the oil reservoir is not being refilled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is provided in an embodiment of the invention, an oil cap apparatus, 30 comprising: a lid; a pour-in base, configured with a funnel shaped upper portion and tubular lower portion; and, a biased connecting arrangement connecting the lid and the base, where the bias is towards the direction of closing the lid onto the base, reversibly sealing the base when the lid is closed.

In an embodiment of the invention, the biased connecting arrangement is spring loaded, using at least one spring.

In an embodiment of the invention, the biased connecting arrangement is a living 5 hinge.

In an embodiment of the invention, the biased connecting arrangement is pneumatic.

In an embodiment of the invention, the biased connecting arrangement is hydraulic. 10

In an embodiment of the invention, the biased connecting arrangement is a biased rotating toothed wheel and pin.

In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a locking mechanism configured to lock the lid in an open configuration during pouring.

In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a channel o- 15 ring located on the lower portion of the base for at least one of sealing or securing the base.

In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises threading located on the lower portion of the base for at least one of sealing or securing the base.

In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a channel o- 20 ring and threading located on the lower portion of the base for at least one of sealing or securing the base.

In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises at least one tab located on the outer circumference of the lid.

In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a sealing o- 25 ring where the lid and the base join, where the sealing o-ring is located either on the lid or the base.

In an embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the lid or the funnel shaped upper portion of the base is approximately 2.94 inches. In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is approximately 1.61 inches high.

In an embodiment of the invention, the tubular lower portion of the base is approximately 1.4 inches in diameter.

Optionally, the oil cap apparatus is offered in a plurality of sizes to accommodate a 5 plurality of channel configurations.

There is provided in an embodiment of the invention, a method of using an oil cap apparatus, comprising: opening a lid of the oil cap apparatus; pouring oil into a funnel- shaped base of the apparatus, to which the lid is attached in a biased configuration; releasing the lid where the biased configuration causes the lid to close on the base 10 reversibly sealing it.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises locking the lid open using a locking mechanism during the pouring.

In an embodiment of the invention, releasing the lid is achieved by disengaging the locking mechanism. 15

In an embodiment of the invention, opening the lid is performed using a tab located on the lid.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those 20 described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example, and not necessarily to scale, and are for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a frontal, perspective view of a snap-shut oil cap apparatus, in 5 accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a frontal, perspective view of a snap-shut oil cap apparatus with the lid open, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 10

FIG. 4 is a top view of a snap-shut oil cap apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a snap-shut oil cap apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a snap-shut oil cap apparatus, in accordance with an 15 exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a back view of a snap-shut oil cap apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a snap-shut oil cap apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and, 20

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method of using a snap-shut oil cap apparatus, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to automotive 25 accessories and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to an oil cap substitute.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

Professional and non-professional mechanics often forget to replace the oil cap when servicing a vehicle, leaving the engine vulnerable to damage. Driving a vehicle without an oil cap can cause the oil to splatter throughout the engine bay. Oil then soaks 5 into the rubber or plastic components of the engine, the fittings, and the spark plug wiring, which could potentially ruin these components and/or cause the engine to catch fire.

Generally, an automotive oil cap is provided which allows a person servicing a vehicle to add oil to an oil reservoir of the car without having to remove the oil cap, obviating the dangers of forgetting to re-attach the oil cap after service. 10

Referring now to the drawings, FIG.1 is a frontal, perspective view of a snap-shut oil cap apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment of the invention, the oil cap apparatus 100 comprises a lid 102 and a pour- in base 104. The lid 102 is attached to the base 104 at the back of both by a biased connecting arrangement 106 or connection, in an embodiment of the invention. The lid 15 102 is configured to seal the opening 302 (shown and described in more detail with respect to FIG. 3) of the base 104 when the lid 102 is closed such that oil located in an oil reservoir to which the apparatus 100 is operationally connected does not splash or leak out of the oil cap apparatus 100.

In an embodiment of the invention, the lid 102 reversibly snaps onto the base 104, 20 for example using a compression fit and/or using a lip on the lid 102 which snaps over a counterpart lip on the base 104. Optionally, the lid 102 attaches onto the base using any other reversible configuration known in the art. In some embodiments of the invention, the lid 102 and/or the base 104 are provided with a sealing o-ring where the two join when the lid 102 is closed onto the base 104. 25

In an embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the lid 102 and/or the base 104 is approximately 2.94 inches. In some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus is approximately 1.61 inches high. In some embodiments of the invention, the tubular portion of the base 104 is approximately 1.4 inches in diameter. In some embodiments of the invention, the biased connecting arrangement 106 is approximately 1.52 inches wide. It should be understood that the dimensions described herein can be larger or smaller depending on the make and/or manufacturer of the vehicle and/or depending on the configuration of the channel leading to the reservoir. It should also be understood that the apparatus 100 can be offered in multiple sizes so that the consumer in the store can choose 5 the most appropriate configuration for the consumer's needs.

In some embodiments of the invention, the biased connecting arrangement 106 is spring loaded, using at least one spring, such that the natural state of the lid 102 is to be closed, and by opening the apparatus 100 (by lifting the lid 102 away from the base 104), the spring of the hinge 106 is loaded. In some embodiments of the invention, a locking 10 mechanism is provided to the apparatus 100 to cause the hinge to lock when closed and/or open. It is conceived that, in an embodiment of the invention, the spring loading is sufficient to cause the lid 102 to snap shut (i.e. closed, sealing the opening 302) onto the base 104 when the lid 102 is released from the open position, the open position shown and described in more detail with respect to FIG. 3. In some embodiments of the invention, 15 the biased connecting arrangement 106 comprises a living hinge. Optionally, the living hinge is an elastically deformable polymer. In some embodiments of the invention, the biased connecting arrangement 106 is pneumatically operated, for example as shown and described with respect to U.S. App. Ser. No. 61/966,949. In some embodiments of the invention, the biased connecting arrangement 106 is hydraulically operated. 20

In some embodiments of the invention, the lid 102 is manually cranked open using a rotator (such as shown and described with respect to U.S. App. Ser. No. 61/966,949), for example where a pin clicks repetitively into a biased, toothed wheel to automatically "lock" it in varying degrees of open configurations and which can be released by disengaging the pin from the wheel. 25

In an embodiment of the invention, the base 104 is configured to act as a counterpart to a channel leading to the motor oil reservoir (not shown) of an automobile. For example, the base is optionally threaded to screw into the reservoir channel. Optionally, the threading matches the threading of the conventional oil cap that is being replaced by the apparatus 100. Additionally, alternatively and/or optionally, the base is provided with a channel o-ring 502, shown and described in more detail with respect to FIG. 5, to provide a compression fit to the channel leading to the reservoir to help secure the apparatus 100 into the channel opening of the reservoir. In an embodiment of the invention, the channel o-ring is rubber or is a compressible but durable polymer. In an 5 embodiment of the invention, the channel o-ring 502 also has the synergistic effect of sealing the connection between the apparatus 100 and the channel of the oil reservoir, preventing leakage of oil around the apparatus 100.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method 900 of using a snap-shut oil cap apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In use, oil can be added to 10 the reservoir merely by opening (902) the lid 102, pouring (904) oil into the base 104 and thusly into the reservoir, and then releasing (906) the lid 102, wherein the spring loaded nature of the lid 102 causes it to snap shut on the base 104, sealing the connection between the two, when the lid 102 is released (906). Optionally, when the lid 102 is opened (902), it is locked (908) into the open configuration to hold it open mechanically 15 while the user is pouring (904) oil into the reservoir. Additionally and/or optionally, the lid 102 is released (906) by disengaging the locking mechanism.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment of the invention, the upper portion of the base 104 is generally shaped like a funnel, facilitating the pouring of oil into 20 the apparatus 100 and consequently into the reservoir, and the lower portion is substantially tubular shaped to fit within a channel of the reservoir, which is also typically tubular shaped.

FIG. 3 is a frontal, perspective view of the snap-shut oil cap apparatus 100 with the lid 102 open, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an 25 embodiment of the invention, the opening 302 of the funnel-shaped base 104 can be seen more clearly.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the snap-shut oil cap apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In some embodiments of the invention, the lid 102 is provided with at least one tab 402 located on the outer circumference of the lid 102 to make the lid 102 more ergonomic. It is conceived that the tab 402 can be used to open the lid 102 when it is closed.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the snap-shut oil cap apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment of the invention, the base 104 5 is inserted into the channel leading to the motor oil reservoir. The channel o-ring 502 is shown near the bottom of the base 104 in a position to secure the apparatus 100 to the channel leading to the reservoir and/or to seal the connection between the apparatus 100 and the channel. It should be understood that the apparatus 100 may not be a factory installed item, and the nature of it is that it could be inserted and possibly removed from 10 the channel manually. As described elsewhere herein, the base 104 is screwed into the channel leading to the reservoir. Exemplary threading 504 is shown for this purpose. In an embodiment of the invention, the threading 504 is configured to mirror the threading of the original, factory oil cap. In some embodiments of the invention, the threading 504 is used alone. In some embodiments of the invention, the channel o-ring 502 is used alone. 15 Optionally, both the threading 504 and the channel o-ring 502 are used in conjunction to removably connect the apparatus 100 to the channel and/or seal the connection.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the snap-shut oil cap apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a back view of the snap-shut oil cap apparatus 100 showing the hinge 20 106 configuration in more detail, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the snap-shut oil cap apparatus 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

It should be understood that while the apparatus 100 is described herein for use 25 with a motor oil reservoir, it could be used with just about any fluidic reservoir, for example for steering fluid, windshield cleaning fluid, radiator fluid, brake fluid and the like. It should also be understood that not just passenger vehicles use such reservoirs, and that it is conceived that the apparatus 100 could be used in any context where fluidic reservoirs are employed and must be occasionally refilled.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "having" and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to".

The term "consisting of means "including and limited to". 5

The term "consisting essentially of means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references 10 unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible 15 limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as 20 individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases "ranging/ranges between" a first indicate number and a second indicate number and "ranging/ranges 25 from" a first indicate number "to" a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween. It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the 5 invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations 10 will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent 15 as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting. 20

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An oil cap apparatus, comprising:

a lid;

a pour-in base, configured with a funnel shaped upper portion and a tubular lower portion; and,

a biased connecting arrangement connecting the lid and the base, where the bias is towards the direction of closing the lid onto the base, reversibly sealing the base when the lid is closed.

2. An oil cap apparatus according to claim 1 , where the biased connecting arrangement is spring loaded, using at least one spring.

3. An oil cap apparatus according to claim 1, where the biased connecting arrangement is a living hinge.

4. An oil cap apparatus according to claim 1 , where the biased connecting arrangement is pneumatic.

5. An oil cap apparatus according to claim 1 , where the biased connecting arrangement is hydraulic.

6. An oil cap apparatus according to claim 1, where the biased connecting arrangement is a biased rotating toothed wheel and pin.

7. An oil cap apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to lock the lid in an open configuration during pouring.

8. An oil cap apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a channel o-ring located on the lower portion of the base for at least one of sealing or securing the base.

9. An oil cap apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising threading located on the lower portion of the base for at least one of sealing or securing the base.

10. An oil cap apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a channel o-ring and threading located on the lower portion of the base for at least one of sealing or securing the base.

1 1. An oil cap apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one tab located on the outer circumference of the lid.

12. An oil cap apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing o-ring where the lid and the base join, where the sealing o-ring is located either on the lid or the base.

13. An oil cap apparatus according to claim 1 , where the diameter of the lid or the funnel shaped upper portion of the base is approximately 2.94 inches.

14. An oil cap apparatus according to claim 1, where the apparatus is approximately 1.61 inches high.

15. An oil cap apparatus according to claim 1, where the tubular lower portion of the base is approximately 1.4 inches in diameter.

16. An oil cap apparatus according to claim 1 offered in a plurality of sizes to accommodate a plurality of channel configurations.

17. A method of using an oil cap apparatus, comprising:

opening a lid of the oil cap apparatus;

pouring oil into a funnel-shaped base of the apparatus, to which the lid is attached in a biased configuration;

releasing the lid where the biased configuration causes the lid to close on the base reversibly sealing it.

18. A method according to claim 17, further comprising locking the lid open using a locking mechanism during the pouring.

19. A method according to claim 18, where releasing the lid is achieved by disengaging the locking mechanism.

20. A method according to claim 17, where opening the lid is performed using a tab located on the lid.