US20190048767A1

US20190048767A1 - Fluid plug assembly system

Info

Publication number: US20190048767A1
Application number: US16/103,024
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Joseph Wardell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-08-14
Filing date: 2018-08-14
Publication date: 2019-02-14

Abstract

The present invention discloses a fluid plug assembly system comprising an insert configured to engage with an aperture of a container and a plug configured to engage with the insert. The insert includes a threaded interior and exterior, and a flange portion. A washer is disposed between the plug and the insert.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/545,054, filed Aug. 14, 2017. The disclosure of the foregoing application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to plugs which hold fluid in containers and more specifically to the field oil plugs.

BACKGROUND

Commonly, threaded plugs are used to sealingly engage with a complementary threaded portion on a container. This can be seen in many embodiments where sealing of a container having fluid therein is needed such as water bottles and similar drinking containers, and, as described herein, an oil pan plug.
In the current art, a simple threaded bolt is used to sealingly engage with a threaded circular drain aperture positioned on an underside of an oil pan on a vehicle. It is common for the threaded bolt and the threaded drain aperture to become stripped during routine maintenance of the vehicle. With some manufacturers, this results in not only the replacement of the plug itself but the entire oil pan causing unnecessary waste of money and resources.
It can be seen that an improvement in the devices and methods surrounding fluid retention within a container is needed. The embodiments described herein discusses one such improvement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The various embodiments presented herein provide for a fluid plug assembly which can be used to seal a container, such as an oil pan on a vehicle.
In one aspect, a fluid plug assembly includes an insert configured to engage with an aperture of a container, a plug, and a washer. The insert is comprised of at least a threaded interior, threaded exterior, and a flange portion. The plug is comprised of a threaded shank configured to engage the threaded interior of the insert. The washer is disposed between the insert and the plug. A method for sealing the container includes the steps of a user first, procuring the fluid plug assembly followed by engaging the insert with the aperture of the container. The user then positions the washer within a circumferential channel on the plug and engages the plug with the insert to form the seal.
In one aspect, the container is an oil pan or similar sump-like article.
In another aspect, the flange portion of the insert includes a plurality of receivers to facilitate a user to engage the insert with the aperture of the container utilizing an auxiliary tool.
In one aspect, the threaded shank is configured as left-handed threading and the threaded exterior is configured as right-handed threading. The plug can include a fastener head having an indicator to indicate handedness of the threaded exterior of the plug.
In yet another aspect, the insert can be engaged with a pump to drain fluids from the container actively.
Moreover, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of the fluid plug assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the fluid plug assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of the fluid plug, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section view of the fluid plug assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevation view of an oil pan, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method of sealing a container utilizing the fluid plug assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are to the described system and methods of use. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only and not unnecessary limitations or inferences are to be understood therefrom.
Any reference to “invention” within this document is a reference to an embodiment of a family of inventions, with no single embodiment including features that are necessarily included in all embodiments, unless otherwise stated. Furthermore, although there may be references to “advantage's” provided by some embodiments, other embodiments may not include those same advantages or may include different advantages. Any advantages described herein are not to be construed as limiting to any of the claims.
Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components related to the system. Accordingly, the system components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
As used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements.
In general, the embodiments described herein relates to a plug assembly for the retention of fluid within a container. For clarity, the embodiment described herein relates to an oil pan drain plug sealingly engaged with an oil pan on a vehicle, wherein the oil pan is the container. One skilled in the art may appreciate that the embodiments herein may be applied to any fluid storage container, including paint reservoirs, drain systems, and other threadingly engaged plugs that may become damaged over time. The assembly 100 has an insert 101 and a plug 102 configured to be positioned in an interior cavity of the insert 101.
In reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the assembly 100 is illustrated. The insert 101 may generally be shaped as a cylindrical housing having a threaded exterior 103 and a threaded interior 105. The threaded exterior 103 is configured to threadingly and sealingly engage with threaded circular drain aperture (not shown) of an oil pan, or similar aperture positioned on a fluid container. To accomplish the sealed engagement, the exterior 103 can be right-hand threads. One skilled in the art may appreciate that the threading may be reversed depending on the threading of the oil pan drain aperture. The threaded interior 105 has directionally opposed threads as the exterior 103, which in the illustrated embodiment are left-hand threads. The interior threading 105 is configured to threadingly and sealingly engage with a plug 102. In an embodiment, the insert 101 has a radially extending first flange 107 positioned on an end of the insert 101.
In an embodiment, the insert is constructed as a cylindrical member having a fastener head 117 at first end of the cylindrical member. The second end of the cylindrical member is dimensioned to be at least partially inserted into an aperture 501 of a container 500 (see FIG. 5).
In an embodiment, a washer 111 is positioned between the insert 101 and the plug 102. The washer is dimensioned such that the inner surface 205, which defines an inner circumference, permits the shank 113 of the plug to be disposed therethrough. The outer surface 207 which defines an outer circumference of the washer 111 is preferentially less than an outer circumference of a plug flange portion 115.
In an embodiment, the plug is defined as a shank 113, having threading complementary to the threaded interior 105 of the insert 101. In a preferred embodiment, the shank 113 has left-handed threading to engage with the insert 101. A radially extending plug flange portion 115 positioned at the end of the plug 102 prevents the plug 102 from rotating through the aperture and into the oil pan where it may disrupt its function and contaminate its contents. As is known in the arts, the fastener head 117 to allow the user to tighten and loosen the plug using tools common in the arts. The tool engagement portion can be configured to engage with a slot drive, cross, Phillips, Frearson, French recess, JIS B1012, Mortorq, Pozidriv, Supadriv, Torq-set, Phillips/slotted, square, Robertson, Hex, 12-point, Hex-socket, security hex, Double-square, Triple-square, 12-spline flange, Double-hex, Torx, Security Torx, Torx plus, Polydrive, or likewise fastening tool known in the arts. An embodiment of the top surface of the plug is illustrated in FIG. 3, wherein a hex configuration is utilized. The top of the plug may be labeled with an indicator 301 to inform the user of the thread configuration (such as the handedness) of the plug 102.
In specific reference to FIG. 2, the top surface 202 of the insert flange portion has one or more receivers 204 allowing for an auxiliary tool to facilitate the rotation of the insert 101 into the oil pan, as guided by the threading. In an embodiment, the receivers 204 can be a series of apertures in the surface whereon a complimentary tool may engage. This allows the user to first, threadingly engage the insert with the threaded aperture of a vehicles oil pan using engagement means 204 and a corresponding auxiliary tool (not shown). It can be seen by one skilled in the art that various engagement means may be utilized. Once the insert 101 is fully engaged with the oil pan, the user may then threadingly engage the plug 102 having the washer 111 disposed within a circumferential channel 401 (see FIG. 4) with the insert until a sealed engagement is achieved.
Now referring to FIG. 4, the assembly is illustrated in a fully engaged and in-use configuration. The threaded oil pan drain aperture (not shown) is sealingly engaged with the external threads of the insert 101 such that the lower surface 403 of the insert flange portion 107 contacts the external surface of the container, and thus stopping further ingress of the insert into the interior of the container. The plug 102 is positioned within the inner cavity of the insert 101 until the plug flange portion 115 ceased by the washer 111 disposed between the plug flange 115 and the insert flange 107.
The washer 111 can have a height that, when positioned in the circumferential channel 401, the bottom surface 405 of the plug 102 and the top surface 407 of the insert 101 are not in contact with one another.
In an embodiment, the washer 111 is disposed within a circumferential channel 401 on a bottom surface of the plug flange to aid in the sealing engagement of the assembly and prevent fluids excreting between the insert and plug.
FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary container 500 and aperture 501 wherein the fluid plug assembly engages. FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method for sealing a container, such as an oil pan, utilizing the fluid plug assembly 100. In step 600, a user procures the fluid plug assembly, including the insert, plug, and washer as described hereinabove. In step 610, the user threadingly engages the insert 101 into the threaded aperture of a container using an auxiliary tool complementary to the receivers 204. In step 620 the washer 111 is positioned within the circumferential channel 401 such that the shank 113 is disposed within the interior circumference of the washer 111. The plug 102 is then threadingly engaged, in step 630 via the shank 113 and complementary threaded interior 105 of the insert 101 until a sealed engagement is formed to prohibit the egress of fluid from the container.
Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.
An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A fluid plug assembly system comprising:

a. an insert configured to engage with an aperture of a container, the insert comprising:

i. a threaded interior;

ii. a threaded exterior; and

iii. a flange portion,

b. a plug having a threaded shank configured to engage the threaded interior of the insert; and

c. a washer disposed between the plug and the insert.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the container is an oil pan.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a circumferential channel, wherein the circumferential channel is dimensioned to at least partially receive the washer.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the flange portion of the insert includes a plurality of receivers to facilitate a user to engage the insert with the aperture of the container utilizing an auxiliary tool.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the threaded shank is configured as left-handed threading.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the threaded exterior is configured as right-handed threading.

7. A fluid plug assembly system comprising:

i. a threaded interior;

ii. a threaded exterior; and

iii. a flange portion,

c. a washer disposed between the plug and the insert,

wherein a user performs the steps of:

d. procuring the fluid plug assembly;

e. engaging the insert with the aperture of the container;

f. positioning the washer within a circumferential channel; and

g. engaging the plug with the insert to form a seal.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the container is an oil pan.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the flange portion of the insert includes a plurality of receivers to facilitate a user to engage the insert with the aperture of the container utilizing an auxiliary tool.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the threaded shank is configured as left-handed threading.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the threaded exterior is configured as right-handed threading.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the plug includes a fastener head.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the fastener head includes an indicator to indicate the handedness of the plug.

14. The system of claim 7, wherein the insert can be engaged with a pump to drain fluids from the container actively.

15. A fluid plug assembly system comprising:

a. an insert configured to engage with an aperture of an oil pan, the insert comprising:

i. a threaded interior;

ii. a threaded exterior; and

iii. a flange portion,

b. a plug comprising:

i. a threaded shank configured to engage the threaded interior of the insert; and

ii. a fastener head positioned at an end of the threaded shank,

c. a washer disposed between the plug and the insert,

wherein a user performs the steps of:

d. procuring the fluid plug assembly;

e. engaging the insert with the aperture of the container;

f. positioning the washer within a circumferential channel; and

g. engaging the plug with the insert to seal the oil pan.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the flange portion of the insert includes a plurality of receivers to facilitate a user to engage the insert with the aperture of the container utilizing an auxiliary tool.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the threaded shank is configured as left-handed threading.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the threaded exterior is configured as right-handed threading.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the fastener head includes an indicator to indicate handedness of the plug.

20. The system of claim 15, wherein the insert can be engaged with a pump to actively drain fluids from the container.