Hand operated fluid delivery device

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide a quick and easy way to dispense fluids, even in situations where space is tight or the fluid must be pumped against the force of gravity. No separate funnels, measuring devices, or pumps are needed. Thus, embodiments of the invention may be useful in any situation that requires the delivery of fluids from one container to another, and are recognized for being particularly useful in dispensing oil to automatic transmissions, or for dispensing oil to the rear ends of manual transmissions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/569,090, filed on 7 May 2004, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field of the Invention

This disclosure generally relates to fluid delivery devices, and in particular, to hand operated fluid delivery devices.

2. Description of the Related Art

The process of adding engine oil to an engine crankcase is familiar to most anyone who works with machinery. Typically, nothing more is required than opening the hood, removing the oil cap, and pouring oil of the desired weight directly into the crankcase from a rigid plastic oil container. A funnel is sometimes used to prevent inadvertent spills from occurring. Markings on the side of the rigid plastic container may indicate the amount of oil that has been dispensed.

However, when it comes to the task of putting automatic transmission oil into a vehicle, the task may become more difficult. Typically, the fill port for the automatic transmission is closely surrounded by other engine components, making it difficult to maneuver the oil container into a convenient pouring position. The space may even be too cramped to allow easy access of a funnel. Thus, there exists the potential for a very messy situation.

For other tasks, there may be an added difficulty of forcing a liquid, such as oil, to flow against the force of gravity (e.g., “uphill”), from one oil container to another. For example, one may wish to add oil to the rear differential casing of a manual transmission vehicle. In these situations, a separate pump is usually required to force the oil up and into the differential casing, further adding to the difficulty of the task. Additionally, most home mechanics do not own a fluid pump, forcing them to take their vehicles to a garage for this task to be performed.

Similar problems exist for other mechanical situations besides those involving vehicles. For example, the same situations may be encountered in the maintenance of non-mobile factory machinery, e.g., adding oil to gearboxes, etc.

It would be desirable to have a fluid delivery device that can easily and cleanly transfer fluid from the delivery device into another fluid container without the need for additional equipment such as funnels or separate pumps. Embodiments of the invention address these and other disadvantages of the conventional art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a fluid delivery device according to some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a fluid delivery device according to some other embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a fluid delivery device according to still other embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a fluid delivery device according to yet more embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a fluid delivery device according to some additional embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the detailed description that follows, several exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings that were briefly described above. The description of these exemplary embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to adequately convey the inventive concepts to those of skill in the art.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a fluid delivery device 100 according to some embodiments of the invention. The device 100 includes a tube 105, an enclosure 110, a roller 115, and a flange 120. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the tube 105 and enclosure 110 have a one-piece construction.

The enclosure 110 is structured to hold a fluid. The fluid may be of any type, some examples may include oil, water, or antifreeze. Preferably, the enclosure 110 is made of a flexible material, such as plastic, that is strong enough to safely hold the fluid without leaking, but is also fully collapsible. As used herein, the term “fully collapsible” means that the inner volume of the enclosure 110 may be reduced to substantially zero and increased back to its full volume without damaging or permanently deforming the structure of the enclosure. Preferably, the enclosure 110 includes measure marks 110a, the purpose of which will be explained in further detail below. Preferably, the enclosure 110 has a tapered shape, for reasons that will be explained in further detail below.

The tube 105 is flexible and includes a flow controller 105a and a neck 105b. The tube 105 is attached to the enclosure 110 at the neck 105b. The flow controller 105a is structured to stop, start, or adjust the flow of fluid through the tube 105. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the flow controller 105a is capable of being positioned at any portion of the tube 105. There are several conventional devices that may adequately perform as a flow controller 105a, for example, a clamp.

As shown in FIG. 1, the roller 115 is attached to a lower portion of the enclosure 110. The roller 115 is cylindrical in shape and may be made of the same material as the enclosure 110, i.e., plastic, or some other desired material. The roller 115 has small protrusions which extend beyond the sides of the enclosure 110.

As shown in FIG. 1, the flange 120 is attached to a lower portion of the enclosure 110. The flange 120 has a small hole and may be made of the same material as the enclosure 110, i.e., plastic, or some other desired material. Preferably, the flange 120 is strong enough to safely support the weight of the device 100 plus the weight of any fluid within the device 100 when the device is hung or suspended by the small hole in the flange. Other embodiments of the invention may not have a flange.

When in operation, a fluid, such as oil, fills the enclosure 110. To dispense the fluid, the end of the flexible tube 105 is inserted into the fill port of the container that is to receive the fluid.

If the fluid delivery device 100 is held at a vertical position that is higher than the container that is to receive the fluid, opening the flow controller 105 will allow gravity to naturally drain the fluid from the enclosure 110.

If the fluid delivery device 100 is held at a vertical position that is shorter than the container that is to receive the fluid, opening the flow controller 105 and rolling the roller 115 up the side of the enclosure 110 causes the walls of the flexible enclosure 110 to collapse, forcing the fluid out of the tube 105. As indicated above, the shape of the enclosure 110 is substantially tapered. That is, there is no part of the enclosure 110 that is greater in width than the roller 115. This ensures that all walls of the enclosure 110 are forced together by the roller 115, ensuring that the enclosure 110 is fully collapsed and the contents of the enclosure 110 emptied.

The measure marks 110a may be used to indicate how much fluid remains in the enclosure 110 when the volume of the enclosure is not being reduced by the roller 115. Alternatively, the measure marks 110a may be used to indicate the volume of fluid that has been forced beyond the neck 105b when the roller 115 is at a particular position.

Preferably, the flange 120 is also made of a flexible material, such as plastic, so that when the roller 115 is used to reduce the volume of the enclosure 110 the flange will also lay flat against the roller.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a fluid delivery device 200 according to some other embodiments of the invention.

The fluid delivery device 200 has many similar features as the fluid delivery device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. Like device 100, device 200 has an enclosure 210, measure marks 210a, a roller 215, and a flange 220. Measure marks 210a, roller 215, and flange 220 operate in a similar manner as what was described above for fluid delivery device 100.

However, fluid delivery device 200 has a tube 205 that is substantially different than device 100, in addition to a neck attachment 210b that is not present in device 100. Both of these differences will be explained in the paragraphs that follow.

Like tube 105 of device 100, tube 205 of device 200 is flexible and has a flow controller 205a. But, tube 205 has a neck attachment 205b that is different from the neck 105b illustrated in FIG. 1. The neck attachment 205b has threads that are configured to mate with matching threads (not shown) on the interior of the neck attachment 210b of the enclosure 210. That is, the tube 205 is attached to the enclosure 210 by screwing the neck attachment 205b into the neck attachment 210b.

The embodiments illustrated in FIG. 2 are advantageous in that tubes of different lengths and widths, but with the same size neck attachment and thread arrangement, could be interchanged with the same enclosure 210. Thus, the size of the tube may be increased or decreased to allow the fluid delivery device 200 to deliver fluids to fluid tanks, fluid reservoirs, oil pans, etc., that have different fill port sizes.

As shown in FIG. 2, the neck attachment 210b also has threads on the exterior side. These threads allow a cap (not shown) with matching threads to be attached to the end of the enclosure 210, thus allowing storage of fluid within the enclosure 210. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the threads on the exterior side of the neck attachment 210b need not be present.

Because the neck attachment 205b is screwed into the neck attachment 210b, it is preferable that the material used for the neck attachments 205b, 210b be rigid compared to the material used for the flexible tube 205 and flexible enclosure 210. In addition, it is preferable that the neck attachment 210b have an opening that is large enough to place the spout of a standard oil container within it. Thus, the enclosure 210 may easily be filled or refilled with oil.

In operation, the fluid delivery device 200 works in substantially the same manner as what was described above for the fluid delivery device 100.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a fluid delivery device 300 according to still other embodiments of the invention.

The fluid delivery device 300 has many similar features as the fluid delivery device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. Like device 100, device 300 has a tube 305, a flow controller 305a, a neck 305b, an enclosure 310, measure marks 310a, a roller 315, and a flange 320. The tube 305, flow controller 305a, neck 305b, enclosure 310, measure marks 310a, roller 315, and flange 320 operate in a similar manner as what was described above for fluid delivery device 100.

However, fluid delivery device 300 has an enclosure port 310b that is not present on device 100. The enclosure port 310b is a tubular opening into the enclosure 310, which allows one to fill or refill the enclosure with additional fluid. In general, the opening diameter of the enclosure port 310b is wide enough so that the neck of a conventional fluid container, such as an oil container, may be inserted within it.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the enclosure port 310b has threads on the exterior surface. This allows a cap with matching threads (not shown) to be screwed on to the enclosure port 310b in order to seal the port. Alternatively, the enclosure port 310b may have threads on the interior surface, which would allow a plug with matching threads to be screwed into the enclosure port 310b in order to provide a leak-free seal when the port is not in use. Preferably, the threads on the interior of the enclosure port 310b are configured to cooperatively mate with the outer threads that exist on the neck of a conventional fluid container, such as an oil container. Thus, a conventional fluid container may be attached directly to the enclosure port 310b and form a leak-free seal.

Because the enclosure port 310b is sealed by screwing a cap over it or a plug into it, it is preferable that the material used for the enclosure port 310b be rigid compared to the material used for the flexible tube 305 and flexible enclosure 310.

It is recognized that many conventional methods exist to create a leak-free seal. Thus, alternative embodiments of the invention may use any one of these existing methods.

For example, rather than using a rigid enclosure port 310b, an alternative enclosure port may be made of the same flexible material as the tube 305 and enclosure 310. The alternative enclosure port may consist of a another flexible tube that could be “rolled on” to the spout of a standard oil container, like putting a rolled-up sock onto a foot.

In still other embodiments, the enclosure port may include a flexible tube with a circular metal clamp at the end of the flexible tube. The clamp may be used to hold the flexible tube tightly over the spout of a standard oil container.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a fluid delivery device 400 according to yet more embodiments of the invention.

The fluid delivery device 400 has many similar features as the fluid delivery device 300 illustrated in FIG. 3. Like device 300, device 400 has a tube 405, a flow controller 405a, a neck 405b, an enclosure 410, measure marks 410a, an enclosure port 410b, and a flange 420. The tube 405, flow controller 405a, neck 405b, enclosure 410, measure marks 410a, enclosure port 410b, and flange 420 operate in a similar manner as what was described above for fluid delivery device 300.

It should be noted, however, that unlike fluid delivery device 300, fluid delivery device 400 does not have a roller, and the flange 420 is connected directly to a lower portion of the enclosure 410. Despite the lack of a roller, it is still possible to collapse the walls of the enclosure 410, for example, by manually rolling the tapered enclosure beginning with the flange 420 or simply by manually squeezing the enclosure as tightly as possible with two hands.

The enclosure port 410b is a tubular opening into the enclosure 410, which allows one to refill the enclosure with additional fluid. Although not shown in FIG. 4, the interior surface of the enclosure port 410b has threads, which allows a plug 410c with matching threads to be screwed into the enclosure port 410b in order to seal it. Preferably, the diameter of the enclosure port 410b and the threads on the interior surface of the enclosure port 410b are sized such that a conventional fluid container, such as a plastic oil container, may be screwed into the enclosure port 410b, creating a leak-free seal.

Because the enclosure port 410b is sealed by screwing plug 410c into it, it is preferable that the material used for the enclosure port 410b and plug 410c be rigid compared to the material used for the flexible tube 405 and flexible enclosure 410.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a fluid delivery device 500 according to some additional embodiments of the invention.

The fluid delivery device 500 has many similar features as the fluid delivery device 300 illustrated in FIG. 3. Like device 300, device 500 has a tube 505, a flow controller 505a, a neck 505b, an enclosure 510, measure marks 510a, and an enclosure port 510b. The tube 505, flow controller 505a, neck 505b, enclosure 510, measure marks 510a, and enclosure port 510b operate in a similar manner as what was described above for fluid delivery device 300.

It should be noted, however, that unlike fluid delivery device 300, fluid delivery device 500 does not have a flange, and instead of a roller, it has a sliding clamp 515. The purpose of sliding clamp 515 will be explained further in the paragraphs below.

The enclosure port 510b is a tubular opening into the enclosure 510, which allows one to refill the enclosure with additional fluid. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the interior surface of the enclosure port 510b has threads, which allows a plug 510c with matching threads to be screwed into the enclosure port 510b in order to seal it. Preferably, the diameter of the enclosure port 510b and the threads on the interior surface of the enclosure port 510b are sized such that a conventional fluid container, such as a plastic oil container, may be screwed into the enclosure port 510b, creating a leak-free interface.

As shown in FIG. 5, the exterior surface of the enclosure port 510b also has threads, which allows a cap 510d with matching threads to be screwed over the enclosure port 510b in order to seal it. Thus, either the plug 510c, the cap 510d, or both may be used to seal the enclosure 510.

Because the enclosure port 510b is sealed by screwing plug 510c into it or by screwing the cap 510d over it, it is preferable that the material used for the enclosure port 510b, the plug 510c, and cap 510d be rigid compared to the material used for the flexible tube 505 and flexible enclosure 510.

It is preferred that the sliding clamp 515 be used instead of the roller that was described for other embodiments of the invention because of the location of the enclosure port 510b. Because the enclosure port 510b, plug 510c, and cap 510d are made of rigid material compared to the flexible enclosure 510, using a roller would cause the enclosure port to be “rolled up” along with the material of the flexible enclosure 510. The presence of this rigid material may prevent the flexible enclosure 510 from fully collapsing.

Consequently, the sliding clamp 515 is preferred over the roller, although in some embodiments of the invention either a roller or a sliding clamp may be used interchangeably, depending on whatever solution works the best. As was mentioned above, some embodiments may not have a roller or sliding clamp of any kind, but may instead be pumped simply by the act of manually collapsing the flexible enclosure by hand.

The sliding clamp 515 may include two pieces of rigid material having an adjustable opening between the two pieces. When open, the sliding clamp 515 does not restrict the walls of the enclosure 510, allowing fluid to enter the enclosure 510 from the enclosure port 510b. When closed, the sliding clamp forces the walls of the enclosure 510 to contact each other. The sliding clamp can then be moved upwards, towards the neck 505b of the device 500, forcing fluid to exit from the tube 505.

It is recognized that some embodiments of the invention may be sold with fluid, such as transmission oil or gear oil, already contained in the enclosure. For this reason, the ends of the tubes may be sealed to prevent any leakage during shipping or handling. In this case, the sealed end of the tube may be cut, removed, or otherwise punctured in order to remove the seal and operate the fluid delivery device. Additionally, due to the collapsible nature of embodiments of the invention, it is preferred that the embodiments are shipped and stored in conjunction with a protective container and/or protective packaging. Thus, it is recognized that one or more embodiments of the invention may be packaged and shipped in a protective box or other type of conventional shipping unit, facilitating the ease at which embodiments may be shipped, stacked, or stored.

Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may be sold to an end user fully filled with liquid. Other embodiments, especially those with ports that, as described above, allow conventional fluid containers to be attached to them, may be sold to an end user without any fluid inside the enclosures. Thus, the end user may fill the embodiment with any liquid that is desired.

As described above, embodiments of the invention provide a quick and easy way to dispense fluids, even in situations where the fluid must be pumped against the force of gravity. Embodiments of the invention do not require additional funnels, measuring devices, or motor-driven pumps.

Having described and illustrated the principles of the invention in several exemplary embodiments, it should be apparent that the describe embodiments may be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. For example, even though the above embodiments were described with particularity in the context of adding oil to a vehicle, it is recognized that other embodiments may be useful in a variety of other contexts, such as medical, food preparation, or chemical scenarios. In short, embodiments of the invention may be useful in any situation requiring the transfer of liquids.

Furthermore, the specification may refer to “an”, “one”, “another”, or “some” embodiment(s) in various locations. It will be understood, however, that such use does not necessarily mean that each such reference is directed to the same embodiment(s), or that the features thereof only apply to a single embodiment.

I claim all modifications and variation coming within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A fluid delivery device comprising:

a collapsible enclosure that has a maximum volume when fully expanded and a minimum volume when fully collapsed;

a flexible tube attached to a first end of the collapsible enclosure; and

a volume adjustment device structured to vary the volume of the enclosure between the maximum volume and the minimum volume.

2. The device of claim 1, the volume adjustment device comprising a roller attached to a second end of the collapsible enclosure, the second end opposite the first end.

3. The device of claim 1, the volume adjustment device comprising an adjustable clamp that is configured to force the walls of the collapsible enclosure together.

4. The device of claim 2, the collapsible enclosure tapered from the second end to the first end.

5. The device of claim 4, the roller having a width that is greater than a width of the second end of the collapsible enclosure.

6. The device of claim 1, the collapsible enclosure having measure marks configured to indicate the amount of fluid remaining in or expelled from the collapsible enclosure.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a flow controller configured to adjust the flow of a fluid through the flexible tube.

8. The device of claim 1, the flexible tube comprising a rigid neck attachment configured to be screwed into a matching rigid neck attachment located on the first end of the collapsible enclosure.

9. The device of claim 1, further comprising a rigid port connected to the collapsible enclosure, the rigid port having interior threads and exterior threads, the rigid port configured to seal the collapsible enclosure when a matching plug is threaded inside the interior threads or when a matching cap is threaded over the exterior threads.

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising a flange attached to a second end of the collapsible enclosure.

11. An oil delivery device comprising:

a flexible enclosure structured to hold a maximum volume of oil;

a flexible tube attached to a first end of the flexible enclosure; and

a volume adjustment device structured to decrease the volume of the flexible enclosure from the maximum volume to a minimum volume by collapsing the walls of the flexible enclosure.

12. The device of claim 11, further comprising a flow controller configured to adjust the flow of oil through the flexible tube.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the flow controller comprises a clamp.

14. The device of claim 11, further comprising a circular rigid port attached to the flexible enclosure, the circular rigid port having a threaded inner surface.

15. The device of claim 14, the threaded inner surface of the circular rigid port structured to securely hold a plastic oil bottle.

16. The device of claim 14, the threaded inner surface of the circular rigid port structured to accept a threaded plug that seals the flexible enclosure.

17. The device of claim 14, the circular rigid port comprising a threaded outer surface, the threaded outer surface configured to accept a threaded cap that seals the flexible enclosure.

18. The device of claim 11, the volume adjustment device comprising a roller attached to a second end of the flexible enclosure, the second end opposite the first end.

19. The device of claim 18, the flexible enclosure tapered from the second end to the first end.