Fluid recepticle and fill port adapter assembly

Abstract

A fluid receptacle and adapter assembly for use in fluid addition at different ones of alternatively configured fill ports of internal combustion engines is disclosed. In one embodiment, any one of a plurality of adapters may be releasably secured at one end of a receptacle having a selected volume utilizing a retainer ring. Each adapter has an adapter end that is differently configured from others for secured releasable engagement with differently designed engine fill ports, a central fluid passage therethrough remaining unobstructed after engagement of a selected one of the adapters with the receptacle. Seals are mounted for sealing between the receptacle and the selected adapter and at the engine fill port.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to special use containers and funnels, and, more particularly, relates to accessories adapted for assisting the process of oil addition though a fill port at an internal combustion engine valve cover or the like.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Numerous devices have been heretofore suggested and or utilized suggesting adaptations made to common funnels for securement to fill ports in automotive engines to assist with fluid addition (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,703,867, 5,634,502, 4,559,984, 5,033,521, 6,397,907, 6,935,389, 6,568,440, and 2,811,181). In one such device, adapted for permanent attachment, different sized spacer gaskets are provided to accommodate different fill port opening sizes (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,059).[0003]Such heretofore known devices in many cases are overly complex and / or are configured for more or less permanent retention at the fill port (i.e., replacing the fill port cap). Most are merely funnelin...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]Fluid receptacle and fill port adapter assemblies for use in fluid addition at different ones of alternatively configured fill ports of internal combustion engines are provided by this invention. The assemblies are configured to contain a useful quantity of fluid to be added to an internal combustion engine through a fill port while temporarily held in place at the engine fill port. The assemblies of this invention are adapted for use with plural fill port sizes and types and are simple to manufacture, use and reuse. The assemblies of this invention are applied at the fill port for use and removed after each use, the standard engine fill port cap being retained. A useful quantity of fluid is held in the assembly for addition through an unobstructed central passage. Installation and removal of the assemblies at the fill port require no procedures different from those required for application and removal of the standard fill port cap in use on the engine.

[0010]It is still another object of this invention to provide fluid receptacle and fill port adapter assemblies for use in fluid addition at an internal combustion engine that are simple to manufacture, use and reuse.

Problems solved by technology

Such heretofore known devices in many cases are overly complex and / or are configured for more or less permanent retention at the fill port (i.e., replacing the fill port cap).

Some arrangements require models specifically adapted to fit each particular fill port size and / or configuration, while those adapted for connection to more than a single fill port size are cumbersome to install (often requiring that pieces of the device be installed in multiple installation steps at the fill port) and / or do not provide an unobstructed fluid flow passage through the device.

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