This invention relates generally to dip sticks employed to measure the fluid in a reservoir that is not easily visible. More particularly, the invention relates to measuring fluids associated with motors and transmissions. Most particularly, the invention relates to motors and transmissions associate with heavy equipment, such as over the road trucks.
It is important to have an accurate reading of the fluids, such as lubricating oil, transmission shifting fluid, and coolant, associated with various pieces of equipment. It is also important to be sure that any access opening to the fluid reservoir is sealed to avoid the passage of external contaminants into the reservoir. In addition, it is important to have a closure that is easily operated and durable.
Prior art attempts at addressing all three requirement, such as those shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,662,470; 6,453,740; and 6,314,808 have not met all three requirement successfully.
The present solution provides a fluid measuring wand closure assembly with a wand receiving tube that has an external surface with a helical configuration. The wand is in a holder that fits within the receiving tube and abuts the receiving tube. An independent closing ring has interior surface with a helical configuration that complements the helical configuration the wand receiving tube. The mating of the helical surface forms the assembly without required any movement of the dip stick in the housing.
With reference to
As shown in
With reference to
As a result of constructing the closure assembly 20 with the wand holder and ring as independent structures, the parts are independently rotatable with respect to each other. Thus, the ring 40 can be applied and removed without requiring rotation of the dip stick or wand holder 22 against the gasket 19. Likewise, the wand or dip stick 12 can be inserted and withdrawn in a generally linear motion which also avoids rotational wear on the sealing gaskets 19. In addition, enclosing the fastener elements 14 and 46 within the ring 40 limits their exposure to degradation and/or damage due to fluid and/or debris that might attack the exposed outer portions.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
1307734 | Gullborg | Jun 1919 | A |
2314430 | Smith | Feb 1941 | A |
3349944 | Moeller | Oct 1967 | A |
3371418 | Moeller | Mar 1968 | A |
3474884 | Braun | Oct 1969 | A |
3662470 | Sasgen | May 1972 | A |
3738176 | Kerfoot | Jun 1973 | A |
3885317 | Karts | May 1975 | A |
4067113 | Haines | Jan 1978 | A |
4245367 | Stoute | Jan 1981 | A |
4531293 | Grinde | Jul 1985 | A |
4761886 | Wilson et al. | Aug 1988 | A |
4941268 | Tausk | Jul 1990 | A |
5485681 | Hitchock | Jan 1996 | A |
5613303 | Kayano et al. | Mar 1997 | A |
5829153 | Hitchock | Nov 1998 | A |
6029509 | Singarella | Feb 2000 | A |
6314808 | Williams et al. | Nov 2001 | B1 |
6453740 | Williams et al. | Sep 2002 | B1 |
6988403 | Dougherty et al. | Jan 2006 | B2 |
7055384 | Williams et al. | Jun 2006 | B2 |
7131213 | Dougherty et al. | Nov 2006 | B2 |
7134220 | Porter et al. | Nov 2006 | B2 |
7584547 | Keith et al. | Sep 2009 | B2 |
D696619 | Ryan et al. | Dec 2013 | S |
9696196 | Nachefski | Jul 2017 | B2 |
20090049706 | Hart | Feb 2009 | A1 |
20110247230 | Goldstein | Oct 2011 | A1 |
20160069726 | Pettigrew | Mar 2016 | A1 |
20160187178 | Itoo | Jun 2016 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20190293469 A1 | Sep 2019 | US |