Retaining cap

Abstract

A cap for a disposable oil filter. The cap is comprised of a locking ridge that is molded into the inside circumference of said cap. When firmly pressed over the seamed perimeter rim on the face end of the disposable oil filter, a locking ridge securely engages into the seam line, formed by the manufactures seaming process, thus locking cap on oil filter and forming a liquid tight seal on each side of locking ridge.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The object of this invention is to provide an inexpensive and convenient device for sealing any residual oil that may be left in a used disposable oil filter until it can be reclaimed or disposed of properly.

Furthermore the object of this invention is to provide a protective cap for a new disposable oil filter so that dust and debris does not collect.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the modern internal combustion engines that use disposable oil filters, such as automobiles, motorcycles, lawn mowers, etc. These engines use an oil system to lubricate moving parts to reduce friction and ware. Most engines have a disposable oil filter for filtering out dirt and debris from the oil thus extending oil and engine life. When the oil is changed usually a new disposable oil filter is installed. The problem is that the old filter contains residual oil and other toxic waste that take a long time to drain from filter. It is usually the responsibility of the individual performing the oil change to prevent this toxic oil from being accidentally disbursed into the environment or any other unwanted place, without any convenient means for the average do-it-yourselfer. Because of time it takes for this residual oil to drain, many of these filters maybe discarded with toxic oil still in them, which could have been recycled or disposed of properly. Therefore it would be beneficial to have a simple way to contain this residual oil remaining in the used oil filter until it can be reclaimed or disposed of properly. This would also preserve resources and potentially protect the environment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A disposable retaining cap for an oil filter that contains a locking ridge. The flexible cap covers the entire face of the oil filter and is firmly snapped over the seamed perimeter rim with locking ridge engaged in the inherent seam line formed by the manufactures seaming process, which will form a liquid tight seal on each side of locking ridge and preventing any residual oil in the used oil filter from escaping until it can be reclaimed or disposed of properly. The cap would also act as a protective cover during shipping and handing of a new filter. A slightly oversized plug could be molded in for enhancing grip on large filters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

What is shown in FIG. 1 is a partial cross sectional view of an oil filter retaining cap firmly snapped on and in the sealed position over the face of a disposable oil filter.

What is shown in FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the retaining cap and perimeter rim

What is shown in FIG. 3 is a partial top view of retaining cap.

What is shown in FIG. 4 is a partial cross sectional view of the retaining cap with molded in plug inserted into threaded flow hole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

What is shown in FIG. 1 is a partial cross sectional view of the retaining cap 10 in the sealed position over the face 12 of a spin on any type of disposable oil filter 14. The retaining cap 10 is made of a flexible shape retaining plastic with a locking ridge 16 molded into the inner circumference of retaining cap 10 with locking ridge 16 firmly snapped over the perimeter rim 18 and the locking ridge 16 engaged in the inherent seam line 20 formed by the manufactures seaming process of a disposable oil filter 14. Sealed areas are located around perimeter rim 18 just above locking ridge 16, and below locking ridge 16 around the outside circumference of the spin on any type disposable oil filter 14

What is shown in FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the retaining cap 10 with its molded in locking ridge 16 engaged into seam line 20 and sealing areas 22.

What is shown in FIG. 3 is a partial top view of the retaining cap 10 and its one piece design, snapped over the perimeter rim 18 and covering the entire face 12 of a new spin on any type disposable oil filter 14 forming a protective barrier

What is shown in FIG. 4 is a partial cross sectional view of the retaining cap 10 and its slightly oversized and flexible plug 26 with ridges, inserted into the threaded flow hole 28 of a disposable oil filter 14 with flexible plug 26 pressed into the threaded flow hole 28 and grabbing the threads of the flow hole 28 thus facilitating locking ridge 16 and enhancing the grip and integrity of retaining cap 10.

While the instant invention has been shown and described in accordance with preferred and practical embodiments thereof, it is recognized that departures from the instant disclosures are contemplated with the spirit of the invention and, therefore, the scope of patent protection is not intended to be limited except as defined within the following claims as interpreted under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A disposable retaining cap for a disposable oil filter, said filter having a threaded flow hole and a spin on type design, an inlet/outlet face end and a seamed perimeter rim with an inherent seam line, with said retaining cap comprising of a locking ridge and a flexible one piece design. Said retaining cap covers entire said inlet/outlet face end, said cap firmly snaps over said perimeter rim, said retaining caps' locking ridge engages into said inherent seam line, said retaining cap seals on each side of said locking ridge.

2. A disposable retaining cap according to claim 1, molded of a flexible material, and oil resistant plastic.

3. A disposable retaining cap according to claim 1 that covers the entire inlet/outlet face end of a new disposable oil filter, thus forming a protective barrier.

4. A disposable retaining cap according to claim 1, with the addition of a slightly oversized plug with ridges that is molded as one piece into the center of said retaining cap, said oversized plug inserts into said threaded flow hole of said disposable oil filter, and grabbed the threads, of said threaded flow hole, thus facilitating locking ridge and increasing the grip and integrity of said retaining cap, for a large diameter said disposable oil filter.