Cap assembly

Abstract

A cap assembly configured to be coupled to a reservoir of a vehicle, the cap assembly comprising a cap and a cover. The cover comprises an attachment member configured to secure the cover to the cap and a marking on the cover.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 761,379, filed February 21, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0002] The cap assembly is connected to the reservoir, thus sealing the opening of the reservoir. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a cap assembly configured to be coupled to a storage device in a vehicle, the cap assembly including a cap and a cover. The cover includes an attachment member configured to secure the cover to the cap. The cover includes markings.

[0004] In another aspect, this disclosure provides a cap assembly configured to be coupled to a reservoir in a vehicle, the cap assembly including a cap configured to be coupled to the reservoir along an insertion axis and a cover selectively coupled to the cap. The cap includes a cap base having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the second side facing the reservoir. The cap includes a cap collar extending from the second side of the cap base in a direction parallel to the insertion axis. The cap includes a protrusion extending radially inward toward the insertion axis. The protrusion is configured to engage the reservoir. The cover includes a cover base having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the second side facing the first side of the cap base. The cover includes an attachment member having a locking finger extending from the second side of the cover base. The locking finger extends in a direction parallel to the insertion axis and includes a locking tongue configured to engage the cap collar. The cover includes a mark located on the cover base.

[0005] In another aspect, this disclosure provides a cover for a cap assembly having a cap, the cover including a cover base having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the second side facing the cap. The cover defines an insertion axis extending centrally through the cover base. The cover includes an attachment member having a snap finger extending from the second side of the cover base. The snap finger extends in a direction parallel to the insertion axis and includes a snap tongue configured to engage the cap. The cover includes a mark located on the cover base. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a top view of a known hat component.

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The bottom perspective view of the hat component.

[0008] Figure 3 This is a top view of another known hat component.

[0009] Figure 4 This is a bottom perspective view of the cap assembly constructed according to this disclosure.

[0010] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A bottom perspective view of the cap component's cover.

[0011] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Top view of the cover.

[0012] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A bottom view of the cover.

[0013] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 Top view of the hat component.

[0014] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 A bottom view of the hat component.

[0015] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the cap assembly taken along line 10-10.

[0016] Figure 11A It has a prying device Figure 5 A perspective view of the cover.

[0017] Figure 11B yes Figure 11A A cross-sectional view of the cover along line 11B-11B.

[0018] Figure 12 This is a bottom perspective view of another cap component constructed according to this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 Top view of the hat component.

[0020] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 A bottom view of the hat component.

[0021] Before explaining any construction of this disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the application of this disclosure is not limited to the details of the construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following figures. This disclosure can have other constructions and can be practiced or implemented in various ways. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Figure 1 and Figure 2A cap assembly 100A with a known configuration is illustrated. The cap assembly 100A is capable of being coupled to a reservoir 104 of the vehicle along an insertion axis A1 extending centrally through the cap assembly 100A. In the illustrated configuration, the reservoir 104 is a brake fluid reservoir, and the cap assembly 100A is a brake fluid reservoir cap assembly. In other configurations, the reservoir 104 is another type of reservoir, such as a coolant reservoir or a power steering fluid reservoir. In other words, the cap assembly 100A is compatible with different types of reservoirs.

[0023] The cap assembly 100A includes a cap 108 and a seal 112 received by the cap 108. In some configurations, the cap assembly 100A does not include the seal 112. In the illustrated configuration, the cap 108 and the seal 112 are separate components. In other configurations, the cap 108 and the seal 112 are formed as a single component (e.g., an integral construction). The cap 108 includes a cap base 116 defining a first side S1 and a second side S2 opposite to the first side. It is worth noting that... Figure 2 Schematic explanation Figure 1 The cap 108 and the seal 112. (Example) Figure 2 As illustrated, the second side S2 of the cap base 116 faces the reservoir 104. The first side S1 of the cap base 116 includes a mark 120A. Specifically, mark 120A includes the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) logo located at the center. Mark 120A also includes additional markings surrounding the ISO logo. In the illustrated configuration, mark 120A is formed during the manufacturing process of the cap 108 (e.g., injection molding). Therefore, the marking 120A is raised relative to the first side S1 of the cap base 116 and is painted a different color. In other configurations, the mark is recessed. The cap base 116 defines an outer perimeter P1.

[0024] The cap 108 includes a cap loop 124 extending from the cap base 116. In the illustrated configuration, the cap loop 124 extends from the cap base 116 in a direction parallel to the insertion axis A1. The cap loop 124 includes a first end 128 and a second end 132 opposite to the first end 128. The first end 128 of the cap loop 124 extends from the outer periphery P1 from a second side S2 of the cap base 116. In the illustrated configuration, the second end 132 defines an end face 134 parallel to the cap base 116.

[0025] The cap 108 includes one or more protrusions 136 disposed on a cap ring 124. The protrusions 136 engage a reservoir 104 such that the cap assembly 100A (e.g., cap 108) is coupled to the reservoir 104. In some configurations, the protrusions 136 engage with the reservoir 104 via a threaded connection. In the illustrated configuration, the protrusions 136 are disposed at a second end 132 of the cap ring 124 and extend radially inward from the cap ring 124 toward the insertion axis A1. Figure 2As shown, the protrusion 136 engages with the groove 140 of the reservoir 104.

[0026] Figure 2 The seal 112 is provided on the second side S2 of the cap base 116. When the cap 108 is connected to the reservoir 104, the seal 112 is configured to establish a seal between the cap 108 and the reservoir 104. In the illustrated configuration, the seal 112 is coaxial with the insertion axis A1. Moreover, the seal 112 is coaxial with the cap base 116.

[0027] Figure 3 The cap assembly 100B with a known construction is illustrated. Except for marking 120B, cap assembly 100B is identical to cap assembly 100A. Therefore, the description of cap assembly 100A applies to cap assembly 100B and will not be repeated for brevity. Similar to marking 120A, marking 120B is formed during the manufacturing process of cap 108 (e.g., injection molding). In the illustrated construction, marking 120B includes the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) marking and the ISO marking located in the center. In contrast, marking 120A does not include the FMVSS marking. The markings (e.g., markings 120A, 120B) vary by jurisdiction because each jurisdiction may have different standards for markings. Since the markings (e.g., markings 120A, 120B) are formed during the formation of cap 108, markings 120A, 120B cannot be changed after cap 108 is manufactured. Therefore, cap assembly 100A and cap assembly 100B need to be manufactured separately to accommodate markings 120A and 120B accordingly.

[0028] Figure 4 A cap assembly 200 according to the present disclosure is illustrated. The cap assembly 200 includes a cap 108, a seal 112, and a cover 204 selectively coupled to the cap 108. In other words, the cover 204 is compatible with known cap assemblies (e.g., cap assemblies 100A and 100B). In other configurations, the cover 204 is compatible with newer cap assemblies. In some configurations, the cap assembly 200 does not include the seal 112. That is, the cap assembly 200 does not have the seal 112. The cover 204 is coupled to the cap 108 such that the connection between the cap 108 and the reservoir 104 is unaffected. In the illustrated configuration, the cover 204 is coaxial with the cap 108.

[0029] Figure 5-7 Explaining the cover 204, the cover 204 includes a cover base 208 defining a third side S3 (e.g., a first side of the cover base 208) and a fourth side S4 (e.g., a second side of the cover base 208) opposite the third side S3. When assembled, the second side S4 faces the cap base 116. In other words, the second side S4 of the cover base 208 faces the first side S1 of the cap base 116 (…). Figure 4 The cover base 208 includes a hole 212 extending centrally through the cover base 208. In the illustrated configuration, the hole 212 is coaxial with the cover base 208 and the insertion axis A1. The cover base 208 defines an outer periphery P2. In the illustrated configuration, the outer periphery P2 of the cover base 208 is larger than the outer periphery P1 of the cap base 116. Figure 9 This causes the cover 204 to surround the cap 108. The cover 204 includes a mark 216. Specifically, the mark 216 is provided on the first side S3 of the cover base 208. In the illustrated configuration, the mark 216 includes an FMVSS identifier. In the illustrated configuration, the mark 216 is provided between the hole 212 and the outer periphery P2. In the illustrated configuration, the mark 216 is formed during the manufacturing process of the cover 204 (e.g., injection molding). Therefore, the identifier of the mark 216 is raised relative to the first side S3 of the cover base 208 and is painted a different color. In other configurations, the mark is recessed.

[0030] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As illustrated, the cover 204 includes one or more attachment members 218 configured to engage the cover 204 to the cap 108, such that the cover 204 and the cap 108 can rotate together and remain fixed together during the installation and removal of the cap assembly 200. In the illustrated configuration, each of the attachment members 218 includes a locking finger 220 configured to secure the cover 204 to the cap 108. The locking finger 220 extends from the cover 204. Specifically, the locking finger 220 extends from the base 208 of the cover in a direction parallel to the insertion axis A1. Each locking finger 220 includes a first end 224 and a second end 228 opposite to the first end 224. The first end 224 extends from a second side S4 of the base 208 of the cover. Specifically, the locking finger 220 extends from the outer periphery P2 of the base 208 of the cover. The illustrated locking finger 220 includes a hole 232 provided between the first end 224 and the second end 228. A hole 232 extends through the locking finger 220 and provides a degree of flexibility and elasticity to the locking finger 220. As further described below, the hole 232 may also be configured to receive a tool to remove the cover 204 from the cap 108. In other configurations, the hole 232 may be omitted. In the illustrated configuration, the cover 204 comprises a total of four locking fingers 220. In other configurations, the cover 204 comprises more than four locking fingers 220 or fewer than four locking fingers 220. In the illustrated configuration, each locking finger 220 is diametrically opposed to another locking finger 220 relative to axis A1. In some configurations, an attachment member 218 is alternatively provided on the cap 108 to engage the cover 204. In some configurations, the attachment member 218 is a fastener or other ratchet device that attaches the cover 204 to the cap 108.

[0031] like Figure 5 As explained below, each card finger 220 includes a card tongue 234. (The following text is related to...) Figure 8-10 Further described, the latch 234 is configured to engage the cap 108. The latch 234 is disposed on the latch finger 220 and extends radially inward from the latch finger 220 toward the insertion axis A1. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch 234 is disposed on the second end 228 of the latch finger 220. Figure 5 As shown, the latch 220 and the tongue 234 together form an L-shape or hook shape. The tongue 234 defines an engagement surface 236 thereon. Figure 10 ) and a relative surface 238, which is circular, sloping, or chamfered.

[0032] The cover 204 includes a cover collar 240 extending from the cover base 208 in a direction parallel to the insertion axis A1. The cover collar 240 includes a first end 244 and a second end 248 opposite to the first end 244. The first end 244 of the cover collar 240 extends from a second side S4 of the cover base 208. Figure 5 As shown, the snap finger 220 is spaced apart from or separated from the cover collar 240, allowing the snap finger 220 to deflect independently relative to the cover collar 240. In the illustrated configuration, the snap finger 220 and the cover collar 240 together surround the cap collar 124 of the cap 108.

[0033] Figure 8-10 The cover 204, which is connected to the cap 108 via the attachment member 218, is explained. Specifically, Figure 8 and Figure 10The connection between the cover 204 and the cap 108 is explained. To attach the cover 204 to the cap 108, the cover 204 is aligned with the insertion axis A1, and the second side S4 of the cover base 208 faces the first side S1 of the cap base 116. The cover 204 is pushed along the insertion axis A1 to engage with the cap 108. Specifically, for each latch 220, the opposing surface 238 of the latch 234 engages the outer periphery P1 of the cap base 116, and the rounded, beveled, or chamfered portion of the opposing surface 238 causes the latch 220 to bend radially outward relative to the insertion axis A1. That is, the latch 220 is a flexible protrusion with elasticity to bend upon contact with the cap 108 and bend back to engage with the cap 108. As the cover 204 is pushed along the insertion axis A1, the chamfered or rounded portion of the opposing surface 238 continues to engage the cap collar 124. When the latch 234 is pushed past the end face 134 of the cap ring 124, the latch finger 220 bends radially inward relative to the insertion axis A1 to its original or undeflected position, in which the latch finger 220 is generally parallel to the insertion axis A1. In the illustrated configuration, the second side S4 of the cover base 208 is flush with the first side S1 of the cap base 116 to return the latch finger 220 to its original position. Figure 10 As shown, the engaging surface 236 of the latch 234 engages the end face 134 of the cap ring 124. The engaging surface 236 is substantially parallel to the end face 134 of the cap ring 124 to prevent removal and disassembly. In alternative embodiments, the engaging surface 236 may engage with a groove, pawl, or flange in the cap ring 124 instead of the end face 134. When the cover 204 is attached to the cap 108 (e.g., the engaging surface 236 engages the end face 134), the cap assembly 200 is considered to be in a locked state. In the locked state, the cover 204 and the cap 108 are engaged together to rotate about the insertion axis A1. Figure 9 As shown, the shape of the cover collar 240 facing the cap collar 124 corresponds to the shape defined by the cap collar 124. In other words, the inner periphery of the cover 204 corresponds to the shape of the periphery of the cap 108. Therefore, if the cover 204 rotates about axis A1, the cap 108 rotates about axis A1. This is because the cover collar 240 engages the cap collar 124 using a matching or corresponding geometry (e.g., a corresponding fan-shaped notch) that enables the co-rotation of the cover 204 and the cap 108.

[0034] like Figure 8 and Figure 10As shown, when facing the first side S3 of the cover base 208, the hole 212 of the cover base 208 allows a portion of the mark 120A or mark 120B of the cap base 116 to be visible. In the illustrated configuration, the portion of the mark 120A or mark 120B of the cap 108 seen through the hole 212 is a universal mark (e.g., an ISO mark) applicable in all jurisdictions.

[0035] Figure 11A and Figure 11B The cap assembly 200 in a locked state is illustrated (e.g., cover 204 is attached to cap 108). In some configurations, cover 204 can be removed from cap 108 without damaging cap 108. In the illustrated configuration, cover 204 can only be removed from cap 108 by destruction (e.g., breakage of snap-on finger 220). Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown, the hole 232 is sized to accommodate a prying device 252 (e.g., a flathead screwdriver) to engage the mating surface 236. In the illustrated configuration, the latch 220 includes a stepped portion 256. The stepped portion 256 is disposed between the portion of the latch 220 parallel to the insertion axis A1 and the mating surface 236. In other words, the stepped portion 256 is adjacent to the mating surface 236. Figure 11B As shown, when the cover 204 is removed from the cap 108, the step portion 256 provides an engaging position for the prying device 252. In the illustrated configuration, when the cover 204 is removed from the cap 108, the locking finger 220 is destroyed. Specifically, the prying device 252 pivots about position L1 and pushes the second end 228 of the locking finger 220 radially outward relative to the insertion axis A1. Since position L1 is positioned on the locking finger 220 toward the first end 224, the flexibility of the locking finger 220 relative to the base 208 of the cover is reduced, and the force F1 of the prying device 252 destroys the locking finger 220.

[0036] One advantage of the cover 204 is that it allows for the modification of marking 216 without manufacturing another cap 108, since the cover 204 is a separate component from the cap 108 (e.g., manufactured separately). As mentioned above, separate cap assemblies (e.g., cap assemblies 100A and 100B) are required to display different markings (e.g., markings 120A and 120B). Therefore, multiple different cap assemblies are needed for different markings. The cover 204 provides an alternative to manufacturing multiple different cap assemblies. Specifically, the cover 204 can be manufactured with different markings for marking 216 and can be attached to existing cap assemblies (e.g., cap assemblies 100A and 100B). For example, the cap 108 can be manufactured globally for use in brake reservoir caps, and variations of the cover 204 with different markings for marking 216 can be manufactured to selectively attach to the cap 108, thereby meeting the standards of different jurisdictions. In other words, the cover 204 reduces the need to manufacture multiple different cap assemblies. For example, cap assembly 100A may not meet U.S. standards due to the lack of the FMVSS designation in mark 120A. Cover 204 can be manufactured with the FMVSS designation in mark 216, and cover 204 can be attached to cap assembly 100A to make it meet U.S. standards. Cover 204 can be manufactured to meet the standards of other jurisdictions (e.g., with different designations in mark 216).

[0037] Figure 12-14 A cap assembly 300 according to another configuration of this disclosure is illustrated. The cap assembly 300 includes a cap 304 and a cover 308. The cap 304 is similar to the cap 108, and therefore only the differences from the cap 108 will be discussed. The cap 304 includes a protrusion 312 extending radially inward toward the insertion axis A1. In the illustrated configuration, the protrusion 312 is threaded and configured to mate with a mating thread on the reservoir 104. The cap 304 includes a cap ring 316 having a skirt 320 defining an outer diameter.

[0038] Cover 308 is similar to cover 204, so only the differences from cover 204 will be discussed. Cover 308 includes a cover base 324 that does not have a hole extending through the cover base 324. Therefore, when the cap assembly 300 is locked (e.g., the cap 304 and cover 308 are engaged), the cap 304 is not visible. Each attachment member of cover 308 includes a snap finger 328 having a first portion 332 extending from the cover base 324 and a second portion 336 disposed radially outward from the first portion 332 relative to the insertion axis A1. The second portion 336 is radially offset from the first portion 332 to accommodate the diameter of the skirt 320, such that the second portion 336 extends around the skirt 320. A snap tongue is provided on the second portion 336 of each snap finger 328, and the snap tongue interacts with the underside of the skirt 320 in the same manner as described above for cover 204.

[0039] Although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred constructions, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of this disclosure as described.

[0040] The various features of this disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A cap assembly configured to be coupled to a storage device in a vehicle, the cap assembly comprising: cap; as well as Cover, the cover comprising: An attachment member configured to secure the cover to the cap; as well as Markings on the cover.

2. The cap assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a seal received by the cap, the seal being configured to establish a seal between the cap and the reservoir.

3. The cap assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The cover includes a cover base, wherein the attachment member includes a snap finger extending from the cover base.

4. The cap assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The snap finger includes a first end extending from the base of the cover and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the snap finger includes a snap tongue configured to engage the cap.

5. The cap assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The latch is located at the second end.

6. The cap assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The card includes a hole disposed between the first end and the second end.

7. A cap assembly configured to be coupled to a storage device in a vehicle, the cap assembly comprising: A cap, configured to be coupled to the reservoir along an insertion axis, the cap comprising: The cap base has a first side and a second side, the second side being opposite to the first side and facing the reservoir. A cap loop, the cap loop extending from a second side of the cap base in a direction parallel to the insertion axis, and A protrusion extending radially inward toward the insertion axis, the protrusion being configured to engage the reservoir; and A cover, selectively attachable to the cap, the cover comprising: A cover base having a first side and a second side, the second side being opposite to the first side and facing the first side of the cap base. An attachment member having a locking finger extending from a second side of the base of the cover, the locking finger extending in a direction parallel to the insertion axis, the locking finger including a locking tongue configured to engage the cap ring, and A mark located on the base of the cover.

8. The cap assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The cap loop includes a first end connected to the base of the cap and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the latch is configured to engage the second end of the cap loop.

9. The cap assembly of claim 7, further comprising a seal disposed on the second side of the cap base, the seal being configured to establish a seal between the cap and the reservoir.

10. The cap assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The base of the cover defines an outer periphery, wherein the snap finger extends from the outer periphery of the base of the cover.

11. The cap assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The locking finger includes a stepped portion adjacent to the locking tongue.

12. The cap assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The snap finger includes a first end connected to the base of the cover and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the snap finger includes a hole disposed between the first end and the second end.

13. The cap assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The base of the cover includes a hole that extends centrally through the base of the cover.

14. The cap assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The cap base defines an outer periphery, wherein the cap loop extends from the outer periphery of the cap base.

15. The cap assembly of claim 14, wherein, The cover surrounds the outer periphery of the cap.

16. The cap assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The cover is coaxial with the cap.

17. The cap assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The card finger is one of a plurality of card fingers.

18. A cover for a cap assembly having a hood, the cover comprising: A cover base having a first side and a second side, the second side being opposite to the first side and facing the cap, the cover defining an insertion axis extending centrally through the cover base; An attachment member having a locking finger extending from a second side of the base of the cover member, the locking finger extending in a direction parallel to the insertion axis, the locking finger including a locking tongue configured to engage the cap; and A mark located on the base of the cover.

19. The cover according to claim 18, wherein, The base of the cover defines an outer periphery, wherein the snap finger extends from the outer periphery of the base of the cover.

20. The cover according to claim 18, wherein, The base of the cover includes a hole that extends centrally through the base of the cover.

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