Dipstick oil change system

• US 6,981,574 B1
• Filed: 12/13/2002
• Issued: 01/03/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/13/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: K.J. Manufacturing Co.
• Original Assignee: K.J. Manufacturing Co.
• Inventors: Bedi, Ram D.
• Primary Examiner(s): FENSTERMACHER, DAVID MORGAN
• Application Number:
  US10/318,864
• Time in Patent Office: 1,117 Days
• Field of Search: 184/1.5, 184/6.5, 184/105.1, 123/196.R, 123/196.S
• US Class Current: 184/1.5
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 11/045 Removing lubricant by suction

Abstract

A dipstick oil change system is provided wherein oil to be removed from the engine is drawn through the conduit that encloses or sheathes the dipstick, The conduit includes a first opening positionable in the oil pan of the engine, a second opening that can be selectively sealed, and a third opening for receiving the dipstick. Oil removal means such as vacuum means can be engaged with the second opening and define a vacuum to draw oil out of the oil pan. The connection between the second opening and the vacuum means can include quick connect fittings.

Claims

1. An apparatus for removing oil with respect to an engine having an oil pan, the apparatus comprising:

a conduit positioned with respect to the engine, the conduit having a first opening positioned internal with respect to the oil pan of the engine, a second opening positionable external with respect to the oil pan of the engine, and a third opening distinct from the first and second openings;

sealing means engagable with respect to the second opening to selectively seal the second opening;

means for fixedly associating the conduit with respect to the engine; and

a dip stick removably inserted in sealed engagement with the third opening, the dip stick having an elongate end removably contained within the conduit.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

means for sealing the dip stick with respect to the third opening.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising;

vacuum means for engaging the second opening in fluid communication and defining a vacuum with respect to the second opening to move oil with respect to the engine through the conduit.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the associating means are configured to position the conduit during engine operation.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein sealing means further comprises:

a quick connect fitting.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first opening of the conduit is disposed approximate the lowest or deepest portion of the oil pan for drawing out the oil in the oil pan.

7. An apparatus for removing oil with respect to an engine having an outer surface and an oil pan, the apparatus comprising:

a conduit positioned with respect to the engine, the conduit having a first opening positioned internal with respect to the oil pan of the engine and a second opening positioned external with respect to the oil pan of the engine;

sealing means engagable with respect to the second opening to selectively seal the second opening, the sealing means including a quick connect fitting;

at least one attachment device connected to the conduit and the outer surface of the engine, the attachment fixedly connecting the conduit with the engine during engine operation.

8. A method of removing oil with respect to an engine having an oil pan comprising the steps of:

positioning a conduit with respect to an engine, the conduit having a first opening positioned internal with respect to the oil pan of the engine, a second opening positioned external with respect to the oil pan of the engine, and a third opening distinct from the first and second openings the conduit further including a dip stick removably inserted in sealed engagement with the third opening the din stick having an elongate end removably contained within the conduit;

selectively sealing the second opening with sealing means engagable with respect to the second opening;

fixing the conduit with respect to the engine such that the conduit remains in place during engine options; and

removing at least a portion of oil in the oil pan through the conduit.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of:

immovably associating the conduit with respect to the engine.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein the oil removal step comprises the steps of:

engaging vacuum means in fluid communication with respect to sealing means; and

defining a vacuum with respect to the second opening with vacuum means to move oil with respect to the engine through the conduit.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein the selectively sag step further comprising the step of:

engaging a quick connect fitting with the second opening.

12. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of:

defining a third opening with respect to the conduit.

13. The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of:

sealing the dip stick with respect to the third opening with second sealing means.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the selectively sealing step further comprising the step of:

engaging a quick connect fitting with the second opening.

15. A method of removing oil with respect to an engine having an oil pan and an oil inlet comprising the steps of:

positioning a conduit with respect to an engine, the conduit having a first opening internal with respect to the oil pan of the engine and a second opening positioned external with respect to the oil pan of the engine and a third opening operable to removably receive a dip stick;

selectively sealing the second opening with a quick connect fitting engagable with respect to the second opening;

engaging vacuum means with respect to quick connect fitting in fluid communication with respect to the quick connect fitting; and

defining a vacuum with respect to the second opening with vacuum means to move oil with respect to the engine through the conduit.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of:

sealing the dip stick with respect to the third opening with second sealing means.