Fluid flow test kit

Abstract

Embodiments of a kit for use in servicing vehicle transmissions are disclosed. In one embodiment, the kit is used for conducting a transmission fluid flow test and/or installing an external transmission fluid filter. The kit comprises an improved transmission fluid container having an integral handle within the outline of the outer periphery of the body of the container.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention disclosed in this application relates generally to systems and methods for servicing automobile transmissions, and more particularly it relates to a kit and related methods for performing a transmission fluid flow test and/or installing an external transmission fluid filter.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Lubrication and cooling of the working parts of the transmission of a vehicle is usually accomplished through the use of an oil, which is commonly known as transmission fluid. Transmission fluid life can be dramatically extended if the transmission fluid is kept cool and clean. Typically, vehicles are provided with a cooling device to cool the transmission fluid as it is cycled between the transmission and the cooling device during operation of the vehicle. To keep the transmission fluid clean, usually the transmission casing houses an internal fluid filter.

[0005] However, it is known that use of an external transmission fluid filter generally enhances the cleanliness of the transmission fluid by extracting from it particulates that are too small to be captured by the internal transmission fluid filter. In some cases, continual cleaning of the transmission fluid by an external filter may actually produce cleaner transmission fluid than new transmission fluid put into the transmission. The external filter may be installed somewhere in the flow circuit of the transmission fluid, such as in the line from the cooler to the transmission. Installation of the external filter usually requires opening the flow circuit, which is formed by rubber or steel tubes. The external filter is then placed in the flow circuit through the use of hose segments, hose connector adapters, and hose clamps. Installation of the external filter closes the flow circuit.

[0006] It is typically recommended that each time the transmission is serviced, or the external filter is replaced, a transmission fluid flow test be performed. A transmission fluid flow test (“flow test”) may consist, for example, of collecting transmission fluid in a container for a predetermined period of time. For any given vehicle make, the manufacturer provides specifications as to how much fluid volume should be collected in a given period of time. For example, for some vehicles adequate transmission fluid flow is indicated if about 32-ounces of transmission fluid is collected in about 15 seconds.

[0007] A variety of kits are known for installing an external transmission fluid filter. Typically these kits include an external filter, a hose segment, and related hose connector adapters and hose clamps. However, typically these kits do not provide a transmission fluid container (“container”) for aiding in performing the flow test. A container facilitates the collection of transmission fluid, and it may provide a visual indication of the adequacy of the fluid flow. Although some kits may provide a container, these containers do not provide protection from the potentially harmful hot transmission fluid, which may be at a temperature as high as 120° F., to the operator conducting the flow test. Moreover, the known kits do not incorporate features to prevent the easy removal and/or transfer of parts of the kit. This results in the problem that an operator often encounters incomplete or damaged kits at the time of performing a flow test or installing the external filter.

[0008] Thus, there exists a need in the relevant technology for a kit for installing an external transmission fluid filter that provides protection to the operator from hot transmission fluid, and also provides enhanced tamper resistance in order to minimize the occurrence of incomplete or damaged kits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The inventive kit and related methods disclosed herein has several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of the invention as expressed by the claims which follow, its more prominent features will now be discussed briefly.

[0010] In one embodiment, the invention consists of a container for collecting fluid. The container may comprise a substantially hollow body defining an interior space for collecting a fluid therein. The hollow body may comprise a first end, an intermediate portion, and a second end. The container may further comprise an opening at the first end of the hollow body for receiving the fluid therethrough, and the opening is configured to be sufficiently large to receive an external transmission fluid filter. The container may be further configured with a wall at the second end of the hollow body to seal the second end. The container may also comprise a handle integrally attached to the hollow body. The handle may be positioned within the periphery of the external outline of the hollow body, and may additionally be positioned in the intermediate portion.

[0011] In another embodiment, the invention consists of a kit for performing a transmission fluid flow test and/or installing an external transmission fluid filter. The kit may comprise an external transmission fluid filter for installation in the flow circuit of a vehicle's transmission fluid cooling system, a hose segment for coupling the filter to a line of the flow circuit; and a plurality of hose connector adapters for coupling the hose segment to the filter and the line of the flow circuit. The kit may further comprise a plurality of hose clamps for securing the hose segment to the hose connector adapters. In some embodiments, the kit further comprises a container having an opening sufficiently large for receiving the filter, the hose segment, the plurality of hose connectors, and the plurality of hose clamps. The container may further comprise a body enclosing a volume sufficiently large for storing the filter, the hose segment, the plurality of hose connectors, and the plurality of hose clamps. Additionally, the volume of the container may be sufficiently large for receiving an adequate amount of transmission fluid for performing a transmission fluid flow test on a vehicle. The container may further comprise a handle located within the outline of the periphery of the body, and additionally the handle may be also located between a top end and a bottom end of the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will be better understood by referring to the following detailed description, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the components of a transmission fluid flow test and/or external transmission fluid filter kit (“kit”) in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the kit of FIG. 1, with a cut-out in the container for visualization of the components stored within.

[0015] FIG. 3 shows a side elevational view of the container of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the container of FIG. 3.

[0017] FIG. 5 is an cross-sectional view along the plane A-A of the container of FIG. 3.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the plane B-B of the container of FIG. 4.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the container of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a container according to the invention.

[0021] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view along the plane C-C of the container of FIG. 8.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the container of FIG. 3.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view along the plane C-C of the container 12 FIG. 10.

[0024] FIG. 12 is an alternative cross-sectional view along the plane C-C of the container 12 of FIG. 10

[0025] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the container of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 14 is a plan view of the container of FIG. 13.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view along the plane D-D of the container of FIG. 14

[0028] FIG. 16 shows a side elevational view from the left side of the container of FIG. 13.

[0029] FIG. 17 shows a side elevational view of yet another embodiment of the container of FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 18 shows a plan view of the container of FIG. 17.

[0031] FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional view along the plane E-E of the container of FIG. 18.

[0032] FIG. 20 shows a side elevational view from the left side of the container of FIG. 17.

[0033] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a transmission fluid cooling and cleaning system of a vehicle, and one embodiment of the use of the kit of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0034] The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied in a multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims. In this description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout.

[0035] FIG. 1 diagrammatically shows the components of a transmission fluid flow test kit 10 (“kit”) in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The kit 10 may comprise a container 12 having a handle 14 and a lid 18. The container 10 may store a transmission fluid filter 20 (“filter”), at least one hose 22, several hose clamps 24 or 24′, various hose connectors 26 and 26′, one or more instructions sheets 28, and multiple decals 30.

[0036] The handle 14 is located inside the periphery of the external outline of the container 12. Additionally, the container 12 and the lid 18 are configured to provide some measure of tamper resistance to ensure that the contents of the kit are not easily separated from the container 12. These and other features of the container 12 and lid 18 will be described in greater detail below.

[0037] The handle 14 is configured to provide an orifice 13 that is adapted to fit a hand so that the container 12 is easily gripable by an operator. As will be further described below, the orifice 13 can be of various sizes and shapes so that a hand can comfortably grip the handle 14.

[0038] The filter 20 is typically a filter designed to remove damaging particulates from transmission fluid. The filter 20 may be an in-line, i.e., external, magnetic transmission fluid filter such as that sold under the brand name MAGNEFINE®.

[0039] The hose 22 is preferably made of a material designed to withstand the corrosive effects of transmission fluid and other oils and conditions present in the automotive environment. For example, the hose 22 may be made of Buna-N rubber, which has a high resistance to degradation from exposures to oils and high temperatures. The hose 22 may be provided in a length and diameter suitable for the application of installing an external transmission fluid filter in a vehicle. For example, one suitable length for the hose 22 is about 12-inches, and a suitable diameter is about ⅜-inch.

[0040] The hose clamps 24 and 24′ may be any available devices for fastening an end of a segment of hose to a hose nipple or connector, such as hose connectors 26 and 26′. FIG. 1 shows a worm-drive hose clamp 24 that is well known in the relevant technology. The worm drive hose clamp 24 adjusts over a wide diameter range and provides a uniform clamping force for a secure seal. FIG. 1 also shows a constant-tension coolant hose clamp 24′, which is readily available commercially. The hose clamp 24′ has a wide sealing area and provides optimum clamping force on all types of coolant hose. The hose clamp 24′ is a thermoplastic clamp that adjusts to changing thermal conditions, thereby providing a continuing clamping force even when a clamped hose contracts in cold temperatures. A skilled technician will realize that the clamps 24 and 24′ are merely examples of a variety of devices that could be provided in the kit 10 for fastening the hose 22 to the hose connector adapters 26 or 26′.

[0041] The connectors 26 and 26′ are hose connector adapters of the type well known in the relevant technology. The connectors 26 and 26′ shown in FIG. 1 may be, for example, stainless steel hose nipples designed for tight-fitting connections and leakproof sealing. Alternatively, the connectors 26 and 26′ may be hose adapters made of a thermoplastic material having resistance to the corrosive effects of transmission fluid and other oils. FIG. 1 shows both a male hose connector adapter 26 and a female hose connector adapter 26′. It will be apparent to the skilled technician that any given application may require both or either of the adapters 26 or 26′. In one embodiment, the connectors 26 and 26′ may be tubing connector adapters for a {fraction (5/16)}-inch, or a ⅜-inch, transmission fluid line to a ⅜-inch diameter hose 22.

[0042] The instructions sheet 28 may be a piece of paper having printed instructions and information regarding the proper use of the kit 10. The instructions and information may be in the form of written text or iconic illustrations, or both. The written text may be in multiple languages for wide geographical distribution, or if desired only in just the language of a local market. The instructions sheet 28 may have step-by-step directions as to how to perform a transmission fluid test and how to install the in-line transmission fluid filter 20. Additionally, the instruction sheet 28 may have information regarding precautions to be taken in either conducting the transmission fluid test, replacing the filter 20, or generally servicing a vehicle's transmission.

[0043] The decals 30 may be one or more stickers to be affixed to the vehicle for future reference as to the performance of the transmission fluid test and installation of the filter 20. Preferably the decals 30 are configured to allow an operator to write information upon the decals 30. Also, preferably the decals 30 are made of a material that will stick either to the metal parts of the vehicle (e.g., the transmission pan) or to the windows of the vehicle, or both.

[0044] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the kit 10 having a container 12 storing within the several components that may be part of the kit 10. For illustrative purposes, the container 12 is shown with a diagrammatic cutout 5 for allowing visualization of the parts within. As shown in FIG. 2, the container 12 is sufficiently large to store the filter 20, hose 22, clamps 24 and/or 24′, connectors 26 and/or 26′, instructions sheet 28, and decals 30. The container 12 is provided with a lid 18 that may be secured to the container 12 via the fingers 34 and 32 attached respectively to the lid 18 and the container 12. Preferably, the kit 10 is assembled and sealed during manufacturing, i.e., before being utilized by an operator who is to perform the transmission fluid flow test and/or installation of the filter 20. However, in some embodiments at least some of the components of the kit 10 may be provided along side the container 12, i.e., not all of the components of the kit 10 need be stored in the container 12.

[0045] For illustrative purposes only, FIG. 2 shows the instructions sheet 28 conveniently rolled up into a scroll. However, in some embodiments the instructions sheet 28 may be simply folded and placed along one inner wall of the container 12, or placed atop of the other components. Similarly, FIG. 2 shows the decals 30 conveniently rolled up into a scroll. Of course, the decals 30 may be simply folded and accommodated in the container 12 in which ever manner is thought best with regards to manufacturability, assembly, packaging, or usability of the kit 10.

[0046] FIGS. 3 to 6 generally show that the container 12 may be a substantially hollow body defining an interior space 23 for collecting a fluid therein, such as a transmission fluid. The hollow body of container 12 may have top end 31, an intermediate portion 11, and a bottom end 33. The top end 31 is configured with an opening 16 for receiving the transmission fluid therethrough, and the bottom end 33 is configured with a bottom wall 19 that seals the bottom end 33 and, thereby, enables collection of the fluid. In this embodiment, the perimeter of the top opening 16 is larger than the perimeter of the bottom wall 19; however, in some embodiments the perimeter of the top opening 16 may be smaller than the perimeter of the bottom wall 19. In other embodiments, the perimeter of the opening 16 may be the same as the perimeter of the bottom wall 19. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that while the parameter “perimeter” has been utilized throughout the description thus far, it is also appropriate to utilize the parameter “diameter” in specifying the relationship between the opening 16 and the bottom wall 19. Hence, it should be recognized that in some containers having a circular or semi-circular configuration, for example, the diameter of the opening 16 may be substantially equal to or greater than the diameter of the bottom wall 19.

[0047] The hollow body of the container 12 may be configured with an integral handle 14 positioned within the periphery of the external outline of the hollow body of the container 12; additionally, the handle may be positioned in the intermediate portion 11 of the container 12. The following discussion provides a more detailed description of the embodiment of the container 12 shown in FIGS. 3-6.

[0048] The container 12 may have an integral handle 14 that is formed within the periphery of the outer surface of the container 12, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6. FIG. 3 shows a side elevational view of the container 12. The handle 14 and the external surface 15 of the container 12 form the orifice 13 within the periphery of the container 12 that allows an operator to wrap his/her fingers around handle 14. In this manner, the operator may handle the container 12 in a way that minimizes injury from hot transmission fluid that may spill onto the outer surface of the container 12. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the container 12. FIG. 4 shows the opening 16 of the container 12, as well as the circumferential outline of the bottom wall 19 of the container 12. As seen in FIG. 4, the construction of the handle 14 and gripping orifice 13 result in a ridge-like wall 17 that protrudes into the inside volume/space 23 of the container 12.

[0049] FIG. 5 is an cross-sectional view, along the plane A-A shown in FIG. 3, of the container 12. As seen in FIG. 5, the container 12 may be formed with a wall 21 that encloses a space 23 for receiving items, such as the components of the kit 10 or the transmission fluid during a flow test. The wall 21 may be thin and made of plastic, by the well-known techniques of making containers by the process of blow molding plastic. In some embodiments, the container 12 may be made of a material capable of withstanding high temperatures. Such suitable materials include, but are not limited to, high temperature thermoplastics like nylon and propylene. A container 12 made of any such material preferably withstands a temperature of about 70° F., more preferably about 120° F., and most preferably greater than 140° F. FIG. 5 also shows the cross-sectional outline of the handle 14. The handle 14 may be solid, as shown, or may be also made of a thin wall construction similar to the construction of wall 21.

[0050] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along the plane B-B of the container 12 of FIG. 4. As seen in FIG. 6, the wall 21 of the container 12 encloses a space 23 for receiving items therein via the opening 16. The wall 21 also encloses the orifice 13, outlined by the handle 14 and the external surface 15 of the wall 21, for allowing the fingers of an operator to pass through orifice 13 and grasp the handle 14. In FIG. 6 the handle 14 is shown as a solid piece; however, the handle 14 may also be configured to be of similar construction as the wall 21. FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, also depict one embodiment of the container 12 in which its outer shape is generally frustoconical. The periphery of the container 12 is generally circular, tapering from the top end 31 to the bottom end 33 of the container 12. This shape of the container 12 allows for the convenient storing and stacking of multiple kits 10—an advantage which would not be provided if the container 12 were configured with a handle that protrudes significantly beyond the periphery of the container 12.

[0051] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of the container 12. In this embodiment, the container 12 may be provided with a lid 18 having threads 25 for screwing onto threads 27 formed on the upper end of the container 12. In another embodiment of the container 12, as shown in FIG. 2, the container 12 may be provided with fingers 32 that engage fingers 34 formed in the lid 18. The fingers 34 and 32 may run along a portion of the edge of the lid 18 and the top end 31 of the container 12, respectively. In this embodiment, the fingers 34 and 32 are configured for a twist-and-lock operation of the lid 18. In yet another embodiment (see FIG. 1), the top end 31 of the container 12 may be provided with a lip 35 for engaging a lid 18 in a snap-on operation. These features of the container 12 and lid 18 ensure that the parts of the kit 10 stored in the container 12 do not inadvertently fall out of the container 12, and provide a certain measure of deterrence against the separation of the parts of the kit 10 from the container 12. It is preferable that the kit 10 be complete when provided to an operator that is to perform a flow test and/or installation of the filter 20.

[0052] To further enhance the tamper resistance of kit 10, in one embodiment the container 12 is fitted with a seal 38 that is affixed to the top surface 29 (see FIG. 4) of the container 12. The seal 38 closes the opening 16 of the container 12. The seal 38 may be made of a variety of materials, including paper, plastic, aluminum foil, etc. The seal 38 is preferably attached to the surface 29 with an adhesive that will allow removal of the seal 38 by hand upon pulling on an edge of the seal 38. A skilled technician in the relevant art will appreciate that these tamper proof features of the kit 10 advance the objective of providing a complete kit 10 to an operator by making it less likely that components of the kit 10 stored in the container 12 will be separated from the container 12.

[0053] As seen in FIG. 7, the container 12 may incorporate a handle 14 that is not formed integral with the container 12. In this embodiment the handle 14 is located within the periphery of the outline of the container 12, but the handle 14 may be removably attachable to the container 12. The handle 14 may be, for example, a solid part that snaps into place in grooves 36 and 36′ (not shown) formed in the container 12.

[0054] In one embodiment, the container 12 may be made of a translucent material and provided with markings on its surface for indicating the amount of fluid in the container 12. These markings “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” are shown in FIGS. 1, 7, and 8. However, the markings may be text indicative of fluid volume (e.g., 8-, 16-, 24-, and 32-oz), or of fluid flow conditions (e.g., “restricted”, “adequate,” or “very good”), for example. It will be apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the relevant technology that other indicia and/or information may be provided on the surface of the container 12. For example, the surface of the container 12 may be imprinted with one or more warnings as to the proper and safe use of the kit 10, stocking part number, list of parts included in the kit 10, etc.

[0055] As already discussed above, the shape of the container 12 may be frustoconical with a taper from the top end 31 to the bottom end 33 (see FIG. 3). However, other shapes that incorporate a handle 14 within the periphery of the container 12 are also possible. For example, FIG. 8 shows a container 12′ having a generally hollow parallelepiped construction with an open face defining a top opening 16′. In this embodiment, the peripheral outline of a container 12′ is generally rectangular, with a taper from the top end 31′ to the bottom end 33′. As is best seen in FIG. 9, which shows a cross-sectional view of the container 12′ along the plane C-C of FIG. 8, the wall 21′ of the container 12′ encloses a space 23′ for receiving items therein, and the wall 21′ also forms a handle 14′ which forms an orifice 13′ in conjunction with the external surface 15′ of the wall 21′. This embodiment of the container 12′ enables an operator to avoid contact with hot transmission fluid that may spill onto the surface of the container 12′, and it also provides for a container 12′ that is easy to stack and store.

[0056] FIGS. 10 to 12 depict one embodiment of the container 12 similar to that depicted in FIGS. 3 to 6. However, in the embodiment of FIGS. 10 to 12, the container 12 is not configured with the orifice 13 for allowing the fingers of the operator to pass therethrough in order to grasp the handle 14. Rather, in this embodiment the handle 14 is gripped between the thumb and the forefingers of the operator. As shown in FIG. 11, which is a cross-sectional view along the plane C-C of the container 12 of FIG. 10, the handle 14 may be formed by a continuous contour of the wall 21. In this case, part of the space 23 would be enclosed by the material forming the handle 14. Alternatively, the handle 14 may be solid so as to provide enhanced protection from the hot fluid received in the container 12, as shown in FIG. 12 which is an alternative cross-sectional view along the plane C-C of the container 12 of FIG. 10.

[0057] FIGS. 13-16 depict yet another embodiment of the container 12. In this embodiment, the handle 14 is located near the bottom end of the container 12, and the orifice 13 is larger and more rectangular—when compared with the embodiment of the container 12 shown in FIG. 3. However, the handle 14 is still integral to the container 12 and located within the periphery of the container 12. FIG. 14 is a plan view of the container 12 shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the container 12 along the plane D-D of FIG. 14. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 a wall 35 is formed at the point where the handle 14 is formed onto the container 12. The space 23 is formed by the wall 21, which includes the wall 35. Additionally, as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 14, the handle 14 may be configured as a strip that connects to the bottom end of the container 12 and extends toward the edge of the periphery of the container 12, where the strip then turns upward to the point on the container 12 where the wall 35 begins. It will be readily apparent that the bottom part of the handle 14, which connects to the bottom end of the container 12, may be alternatively configured as a thin plate with an area substantially similar to the area defined by the bottom wall 19 forming part of the bottom end 33 of the container 12. This configuration provides for easy stacking and storing of the kits 10. FIG. 16 shows a side elevational view from the left side of the container 12 shown in FIG. 13.

[0058] FIGS. 17-20 illustrate another embodiment of the container 12. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13-16 and described above. However, in the embodiment of FIGS. 17-20, the container 12 is configured such that the wall 21 forms the handle 14 by thickening and widening at the location of the handle 14. In this embodiment the lower portion 37 of the handle 14 may extend with uniform width from the edge of the periphery of the container 12 to the point where the wall 21 defines the space 23. Alternatively, the lower portion 37 of the handle 14 may be configured as a semi-circular plate that in conjunction with the bottom wall 19 of the container 12 forms a complete circular base (not shown) for the container 12.

[0059] Both of the last two embodiments described (i.e., that of FIGS. 13-16 and FIGS. 17-20) provide a handle 14 that substantially isolates the hand of the operator from heat that may be transmitted from the transmission fluid through the wall 21 of the container 12. The techniques for making any of the embodiments of the container 12 described are well known by those skilled in the technology of blow molding of plastics.

[0060] FIG. 21 is a schematic depiction of a transmission fluid cooling system in which the kit 10 may be used to perform a transmission fluid flow test and/or installation of a transmission fluid filter 20. As shown in FIG. 21, the transmission fluid cooling system may comprise transmission fluid lines 44 and 48. The transmission fluid lines 44 and 48 are typically metallic tubes or pipes, or rubber hoses, for transporting transmission fluid from a transmission 42 to a cooling device 46 and back to the transmission 42. The kit 10 may be used to test the adequacy of the transmission fluid flow in the circuit 50 formed by the transmission 42, line 44, cooling device 46, and line 48. Also, the kit 10 may include all of the components necessary to install the filter 20 in the circuit 50.

[0061] By way of example, at the time that a filter 20 is to be installed in a vehicle having a cooling circuit 50 as substantially depicted in FIG. 21, an operator typically cuts and removes a segment of the line 48. The operator may then utilize a kit 10 as described above to conduct a cooling flow test and/or install a filter 20 in the circuit 50. Having obtained the kit 10, the operator removes the lid 18, and if necessary the seal 38, from the container 12. The operator may then remove from the container 12 the rest of the components of the kit 10, namely, the instructions sheet 28, the decals 30, the hose 22, the clamps 24 and 24′, and the hose connector adapters 26 and 26′. The operator may then refer to the instructions sheet 28 in order to know how to properly use the kit 10.

[0062] To use the hose 22, the operator typically cuts the hose 22 into two segments 22′ and 22″, which will be used as described below. The operator may then proceed to couple with a hose connector adapter 26 or 26′ one end of a hose segment 22′ to the line 48 coming from the cooling device 46, as shown in FIG. 21. The operator then couples with a hose connector adapter 26 or 26′ the other end of the hose segment 22′ to the inlet port of the filter 20. The operator then couples with the hose connector adapter 26 or 26′ the outlet port of the filter 20 to one end of the hose segment 22″. The operator may then utilize the container 12 to perform a flow test.

[0063] To perform the flow test, the operator allows transmission fluid to flow in the circuit 50, which now includes the filter 20 and is open at one end of the hose segment 22″. For predetermined period of time, the operator collects in the container 12 the transmission fluid that flows out of the open end of hose segment 22″. The appropriate predetermined period of time is typically dictated by the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation. For example, while performing a flow test in certain vehicles, the operator would collect about 24 ounces of transmission fluid in about 15 seconds if the fluid flow is good.

[0064] As previously stated, the container 12 disclosed herein is configured with an integral handle 14 located within the periphery of the container 12. This configuration of the container 12 ensures that the operator is protected from the hot transmission fluid collected, which could be at a temperature from about 70° to about 120° F., for example.

[0065] Although the description above refers to performing a flow test after the filter 20 has been coupled to the line 48 (via the hose segment 22′), it will be apparent to the person of ordinary skill the relevant technology that the flow test may be performed both before and/or after installation of the filter 20. Performance of the flow test only requires that transmission fluid be collected from the circuit 50 in the container 12 for a predetermined period of time.

[0066] Once the flow test is completed, the operator then couples the free end of hose segment 22″ to the line 48 connected to the transmission 42. In one embodiment, the operator enters information onto one or more of the decals 30 and affixes the decals 30 to the body of the transmission 42 for future reference. The information entered onto the decals 30 may be, for example, a date on which the flow test was performed and/or a new filter 20 was installed, fluid flow conditions, brand of filter 20 used, next scheduled service, etc. The container 12 may then be discarded or recycled for reuse in manufacturing other kits 10.

[0067] While the above detailed description has shown, described, and pointed out novel features of the invention as applied to various embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form and details of the device or process illustrated may be made by those skilled in the relevant technology without departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A container for collecting fluid, the container comprising:

a substantially hollow body defining an interior space for collecting a fluid therein, wherein the hollow body comprises a first end, an intermediate portion, and a second end;

an opening at the first end of the hollow body for receiving the fluid therethrough, and wherein the opening is sufficiently large to receive an external transmission fluid filter;

a wall at the second end of the hollow body that seals the second end; and

a handle integrally attached to the hollow body, wherein the handle is positioned within the periphery of the external outline of the hollow body, and wherein the handle is positioned in the intermediate portion.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the fluid is transmission fluid.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the hollow body is substantially frustoconical.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the hollow body is substantially cylindrical.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein the hollow body is substantially a hollow parallelepiped having one open side, wherein the open side is the opening.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the external surface of the hollow body is provided with indicia for indicating the amount of fluid collected.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein the indicia comprises indications associated with the level of fluid flow.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the indicia comprises at least one of the following: “restricted”, “adequate”, or “good”.

9. The container of claim 5, wherein the indicia comprises at least one measuring unit chosen from the following group: ounce, quart, liter.

10. The container of claim 3, wherein the perimeter of the opening is substantially equal to or larger than the perimeter of the wall at the second end.

11. The container of claim 3, wherein the diameter of the opening is larger than about 2 inches.

12. The container of claim 1, further comprising a lid for covering the opening.

13. The container of claim 12, further comprising a tamper resistance detachable seal for covering the opening, wherein the seal is interposed between the opening and the lid.

14. The container of claim 1, wherein the handle is substantially solid.

15. The container of claim 1, wherein the handle is substantially hollow.

16. A kit comprising:

an external transmission fluid filter for installation in the flow circuit of a vehicle's transmission fluid cooling system;

a hose segment for coupling the filter to a line of the flow circuit;

a plurality of hose connector adapters for coupling the hose segment to the filter and the line of the flow circuit;

a plurality of hose clamps for securing the hose segment to the hose connector adapters; and

a container comprising:

an opening sufficiently large for receiving the filter, the hose segment, the plurality of hose connectors, and the plurality of hose clamps;

a body enclosing a volume sufficiently large for storing the filter, the hose segment, the plurality of hose connectors, and the plurality of hose clamps, wherein the volume is also sufficiently large for receiving an adequate amount of transmission fluid for performing a transmission fluid flow test on a vehicle; and

a handle located within the outline of the periphery of the body, wherein the handle is also located between a top end and a bottom end of the body.

17. The kit of claim 16, further comprising at least one of the following: an instructions sheet, a decal.

18. The kit of claim 16, wherein the container further comprises a lid for covering the opening.

19. The kit of claim 19, wherein the container further comprises a tamper resistance seal covering the opening, wherein the seal is interposed between the opening and the lid.

20. The kit of claim 16, wherein the container is made of a plastic material capable of withstanding a temperature of at least about 140° F.