Vehicle oil change system comprising separator pan and drainage assembly

Abstract

Disclosed is a vehicle oil change system comprising a separator pan positioned beneath a vehicle's drain plug to collect oil. The separator pan includes an opening for oil release and is associated with a first diameter. A drainage assembly is provided to receive the separator pan, including a vertical plate with rectangular and tapered sections. The drainage assembly has a first pair of holders on the rectangular section, positioned further apart than the diameter of the separator pan and a second pair of holders on the tapered section. The first pair and the second pair of holders receive the separator pan vertically, ensuring complete release of the oil from the opening. The disclosed oil change system enables efficient oil drainage and collection, facilitating an easy and controlled oil change process.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to vehicle maintenance systems. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle oil change system for collecting and draining oil during an oil change process, thereby simplifying the oil change process and reducing spillage and wastage.BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, routine maintenance of vehicles is essential for ensuring their longevity and optimal performance. Among various maintenance tasks, changing engine oil is critical for preserving engine health and reducing wear and tear. Engine oil helps in lubricating moving parts, minimizing friction and maintaining a proper operating temperature for the engine. Over time, the oil degrades and accumulates contaminants, necessitating its replacement to prevent engine damage and ensure efficient functioning.

[0003] Conventionally, vehicle oil changes are performed by draining used oil into a collection pan placed beneath the vehicle's drain plug. For example, traditional oil drain pans are designed to collect oil as it flows out of the drain plug, preventing spillage and facilitating oil disposal. Some advanced designs incorporate spouts or handles to aid in transferring the used oil to disposal containers.

[0004] However, many conventional oil drain pans are limited in their ability to handle oil cleanly and efficiently. Such pans often require manual handling to tilt and empty the collected oil, increasing the risk of spillage and contamination. Additionally, their designs are not well-suited for completely draining oil without residual liquid being left behind. Furthermore, these systems typically do not account for scenarios where additional components are needed to securely hold or stabilize the oil container during disposal or storage. As a result, vehicle maintenance professionals and individuals performing oil changes themselves may face significant inconvenience and inefficiency.

[0005] In light of the above discussion, there exists a need for an improved system for managing vehicle oil changes. Such a system should facilitate efficient collection, secure handling, and complete drainage of oil, addressing the limitations of conventional solutions and enabling users to perform oil changes with greater ease and effectiveness.SUMMARY

[0006] The present disclosure provides a vehicle oil change system. The vehicle oil change system comprises a separator pan designed to be positioned underneath a vehicle's drain plug to collect oil. The separator pan has an opening for oil release and is associated with a first diameter. The system also includes a drainage assembly to receive the separator pan. The drainage assembly consists of a vertical plate with both a rectangular and tapered section. The drainage assembly further includes a first pair of holders on the rectangular section, positioned further apart than the separator pan's diameter and a second pair of holders on the tapered section. The separator pan is vertically received by these holders to ensure complete oil release from the opening. The vehicle oil change system enables efficient and complete release of oil from the separator pan through the vertical positioning and secure holding of the pan by the drainage assembly, ensuring no oil is left behind during the oil change process. The vertical orientation and structured holder arrangement of the drainage assembly facilitate stable and controlled oil drainage, preventing spillage and ensuring that the separator pan is securely positioned for optimal oil collection.

[0007] In an embodiment, the separator pan includes a curved spout at the opening and a cap to close the spout. Such a feature enhances oil flow management and prevents spillage during use.

[0008] In another embodiment, a cord is placed between the first pair of holders along the separator pan to secure it against the vertical plate, providing additional stability and control during the oil change process.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the drainage assembly includes a basin attached to the tapered section of the vertical plate. The basin is designed to collect the oil released from the separator pan, helping to manage waste oil efficiently.

[0010] In still another embodiment, the basin has an outlet fitted with a valve to control the flow of liquid through the outlet, providing users with better control over the oil disposal process.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: to the drawings, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a separator pan to be received underneath a drain plug of a vehicle to collect oil from the drain plug, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 2 shows a drainage assembly to receive the separator pan of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 3 shows a vehicle oil change system comprising the separator pan of FIG. 1 and the drainage assembly of FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0015] FIG. 4 shows a drainage assembly (such as the drainage assembly of FIG. 2), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] The example embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The description herein is intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the example embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the example embodiments herein. Accordingly, this disclosure should not be construed as limiting the scope of the example embodiments herein.

[0017] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

[0018] The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0019] Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

[0020] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having” and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to” and indicate that the components listed are included, but not generally to the exclusion of other components. Such terms encompass the terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”.

[0021] The phrase “consisting essentially of” means that the composition or method may include additional ingredients and / or steps, but only if the additional ingredients and / or steps do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the composition or method.

[0022] As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” may include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

[0023] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

[0024] The word “optionally” is used herein to mean “is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments”. Any particular embodiment of the disclosure may include a plurality of “optional” features unless such features conflict.

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a separator pan 100 to be received underneath a drain plug of a vehicle to collect oil from the drain plug, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The separator pan 100 is designed with a first diameter XY, which is sized to securely fit beneath the drain plug to effectively capture and contain the oil as it is released. The separator pan 100 helps prevent spills and ensures that the oil is directed into a contained space, minimizing mess during the oil change process. The separator pan 100 further comprises an opening 102 to release the collected oil, enabling controlled disposal or transfer of the oil into an appropriate container.

[0026] The separator pan 100 is made from durable materials such as plastic or metal and is therefore resistant to degradation by oil and other automotive fluids. The construction of the separator pan 100 ensures long-lasting use and stability throughout the oil change procedure. The specific diameter XY of the separator pan 100 not only provides a secure fit underneath the drain plug but also ensures the oil is efficiently collected without overflowing. The opening 102 provides an easy and safe means of releasing the oil, contributing to a clean and efficient oil change by allowing for proper disposal or recycling of the used oil.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a drainage assembly 200 to receive the separator pan 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The drainage assembly 200 along with the separator pan 100 provides a comprehensive system for efficient oil collection and disposal. The drainage assembly 200 comprises a vertical plate 202, which includes two distinct sections: a rectangular section 202A and a tapered section 202B. The rectangular section 202A provides a stable base for mounting the separator pan 100, while the tapered section 202B facilitates the efficient release and channeling of the collected oil. The overall design of the vertical plate 202 allows for effective handling of the separator pan, ensuring that it remains securely in place while the oil is being drained.

[0028] The drainage assembly 200 further comprises a first pair of holders 204, which are disposed on each side of the rectangular section 202A. The first pair of holders 204 are positioned to securely receive the separator pan 100 in a vertical orientation, stabilizing it and preventing any lateral movement during use. Additionally, the distance AB between the first pair of holders 204 is greater than the diameter XY of the separator pan 100, allowing for a proper fit and ensuring the separator pan 100 is not compressed or damaged when placed into the assembly.

[0029] Furthermore, the drainage assembly 200 includes a second pair of holders 206, which are positioned on each side of the tapered section 202B. The second pair of holders 206 provide additional support for the separator pan 100, ensuring it remains vertically aligned while facilitating a smooth and controlled release of the oil from the pan. The positioning of the separator pan 100 securely between the first pair of holders 204 and the second pair of holders 206 enables the drainage assembly 200 to ensure that the oil collected in the separator pan 100 is fully released out of the opening 102, minimizing the risk of spillage and promoting a clean and efficient oil change process.

[0030] The design of the drainage assembly 200 stabilizes the separator pan 100 in a vertical position, ensuring that oil is released efficiently without spilling, allowing for a controlled and consistent release of the collected oil from the separator pan 100 into an appropriate disposal or collection system. Such an operation results in a cleaner, more organized oil change process, reducing the likelihood of mess or accidents.

[0031] FIG. 3 shows a vehicle oil change system 300 comprising the separator pan 100 of FIG. 1 and the drainage assembly 200 of FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The separator pan 100 and the drainage assembly 200 form a unified system for efficient oil collection and disposal during vehicle maintenance.

[0032] In the first example, a user performs an oil change on a vehicle by first positioning the separator pan 100 beneath the drain plug of the vehicle. Further, when the drain plug of the vehicle is opened, the oil begins to drain into the separator pan 100. The oil is contained within the separator pan, preventing spills on the vehicle or surrounding environment. Subsequently, once the oil has completely from the drain plug and is stored within the separator pan 100, the separator pan 100 is aligned with the drainage assembly 200, where the first pair of holders 204 and the second pair of holders 206 of the drainage assembly 200 securely support the separator pan 100 in a vertical position to enable oil from the separator pan 100 to be released through the opening 102 and collected from the drainage assembly 200. The separator pan 100 remains securely held in place by the first pair of holders 204 and the second pair of holders 206 during the oil release process, maintaining the vertical orientation of the separator pan 100, thereby ensuring that all of the oil is released from the separator pan 100 without leaving any residual oil in the pan or spilling outside of the containment area.

[0033] Thereafter, the oil is transferred to an appropriate disposal container, such as, by placing the disposal container underneath the drainage assembly 200. In such an example, the system 300 ensures a controlled and mess-free oil drainage process, minimizing the risk of spillage or contamination of surrounding areas and allowing for more efficient disposal of used oil. The system 300 also ensures a complete and thorough release of oil from the separator pan 100, maximizing the efficiency of the oil change process and preventing oil retention in the separator pan 100 that could lead to unnecessary waste or contamination.

[0034] In an embodiment, the separator pan 100 comprises a curved spout 302 disposed on the opening 102 and a cap 304 to close the curved spout 304. The curved spout 302 directs the flow of oil from the pan into a designated disposal container or other collection system, ensuring that the oil is released in a controlled and precise manner. The shape of the spout facilitates smooth, uninterrupted flow, reducing the likelihood of spills or splashing during the oil release process. In addition, the separator pan 100 is equipped with a cap 304 designed to close the curved spout 302 when not in use. The cap 304 serves to prevent any unintended leakage of oil when the separator pan is stored or transported, ensuring that the system 300 remains clean and secure between uses. The curved spout 302 improves the handling of oil during the drainage process, while the cap 304 provides an added layer of containment, preventing oil leakage and enhancing the overall convenience and cleanliness of the separator pan 100 during storage and transport.

[0035] FIG. 4 shows a drainage assembly 400 (such as the drainage assembly 200 of FIG. 2), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The drainage assembly 400 comprises a vertical plate 402 (such as the vertical plate 202 of FIG. 2) having a rectangular section 402A and a tapered section 402B, a first pair of holders 404 and a second pair of holders 406. Additionally, the drainage assembly 400 comprises a cord 408 received between the first pair of holders 404. The cord 408 enables to secure to secure a separator pan (such as the separator pan 100 of FIG. 1) against the vertical plate 402. The cord 408 acts as a securing mechanism that holds the separator pan against the vertical plate 402. Such an added feature helps ensure that the separator pan remains stable and properly aligned during oil drainage, preventing any accidental dislodging or misalignment that could result in oil spills. The cord 408 increases the stability of the system and prevents unwanted movements that could disrupt the oil drainage process. Such a design improves both the safety and efficiency of the vehicle oil change system.

[0036] Additionally, the drainage assembly 400 comprises a basin 410 connected to the tapered section 402B of the vertical plate 402. The basin 410 receives the oil released from the separator pan. The basin 410 is designed to receive the oil released from the separator pan, effectively collecting the oil as it drains. The connection of the basin 410 to the tapered section 402B ensures that the oil flows seamlessly from the separator pan into the basin 410 without spilling.

[0037] The basin 410 provides an efficient and organized method for collecting the oil released from the separator pan, reducing the risk of spillage during the oil change process. The placement of the basin 410 underneath the separator pan ensures that the oil is captured as it exits, maintaining a clean and orderly operation.

[0038] In an embodiment, the basin 410 comprises an outlet. The outlet comprises a valve to enable or disable flow of liquid through the outlet. The valve allows for precise control over the release of the oil or any other liquid collected in the basin 410, giving the user the ability to stop or start the flow as needed. Further, when the valve is open, the oil can flow out of the outlet for disposal or further processing and when closed, the valve prevents any accidental spillage or leakage, maintaining the containment of the liquid within the basin 410 until it is ready to be disposed of or filtered.

[0039] The outlet with the valve provides controlled and safe handling of the liquid collected in the basin 410, ensuring that the system can be operated efficiently and minimizes the risk of spills or messes, which contributes to a cleaner and more convenient oil change process.

[0040] It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

[0041] Although the disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A vehicle oil change system, the system comprising:a separator pan to be received underneath a drain plug of the vehicle to collect oil from the drain plug, wherein the separator pan is associated with a first diameter and wherein the separator pan comprises an opening to release the oil;a drainage assembly to receive the separator pan, the drainage assembly comprising:a vertical plate having a rectangular section and a tapered section;a first pair of holders disposed on each side of the rectangular section, wherein a distance between the first pair of holders is more than the diameter of the separator pan; anda second pair of holders disposed on each side of the tapered section,wherein the separator pan is received vertically by the first pair of holders and the second pair of holders in a vertical orientation to cause the oil from the separator pan to be completely released out of the opening.

2. The vehicle oil change system of claim 1, wherein the separator pan comprises a curved spout disposed on the opening and a cap to close the curved spout.

3. The vehicle oil change system of claim 1, wherein a cord is received between the first pair of holders along the separator pan to secure the separator pan against the vertical plate.

4. The vehicle oil change system of claim 1, wherein the drainage assembly comprises a basin connected to the tapered section of the vertical plate and wherein the basin receives the oil released from the separator pan.

5. The vehicle oil change system of claim 3, wherein the basin comprises an outlet and wherein the outlet comprises a valve to enable or disable flow of liquid through the outlet.

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