Automotive oil change apparatus

• US 4,977,978 A
• Filed: 07/31/1989
• Issued: 12/18/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 07/31/1989
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Mazen P. Batrice
• Original Assignee: Mazen P. Batrice
• Inventors: Batrice, Mazen P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lazarus, Ira S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cariaso, Alan B.
• Application Number:
  US07/386,610
• Time in Patent Office: 505 Days
• Field of Search: 184/1.5, 184/6.13, 123/196 A, 123/198 B, 123/198 DA, 123/195 C, 123/196 R, 251/291, 251/321
• US Class Current: 184/1.5
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 11/0408 Sump drainage devices, e.g. valves, plugs

Abstract

An oil change apparatus for use in changing the motor oil in a motor vehicle includes a key-operated drain valve removably mounted within a lockable protective housing and a flexible line connecting the drain valve with the engine oil pan of the motor vehicle. An oil filter relocation flange and bracket accessibly mounted within the engine compartment and coupled via oil lines to the original engine block receptacle for the oil filter serves to relocate the engine oil filter to a position that provides easy access. A power assisted oil change apparatus includes an electrical pump and electromechanical valve conveniently mounted within the engine compartment of the motor vehicle for pumping used motor oil from the engine oil pan into a disposable container at oil change times.

Claims

1. Oil change apparatus for use in changing the motor oil in a motor vehicle, the apparatus comprising:

housing means fixedly mounted on the underside of one of left and right edges of the motor vehicle, directly rearward of a corresponding one of left and right front wheels of the motor vehicle, and in substantially direct alignment with an oil drain plug on an engine oil pan of the motor vehicle;

an oil discharge valve removably mounted within said housing means, said oil discharge valve comprising a generally cylindrical valve housing, a valve member adapted for sliding motion within said valve housing between an open position and a closed position, and spring means within said valve housing urging said valve member into said closed position; and

a flexible steel line coupling said oil discharge valve to the engine oil pan of said motor vehicle;

said housing means including a locking hinged member covering said oil discharge valve to thereby prevent access thereto when said locking hinged member is in a locked position and permitting access to said oil discharge valve when said locking hinged member is in an unlocked position.

2. Oil change apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said valve member includes a threaded aperture, said oil change apparatus further comprising a threaded key adapted for removable insertion into said valve housing and for threaded attachment to said valve member for permitting the user to move said valve member against the urging of said spring means into said open position.