U.S. patent application number 11/692167 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-25 for moduler fluid containment unit.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE HOFFMAN GROUP, LLC. Invention is credited to Lawrence Andrew Hoffman.
Application Number | 20070246463 11/692167 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38618511 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070246463 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hoffman; Lawrence Andrew |
October 25, 2007 |
MODULER FLUID CONTAINMENT UNIT
Abstract
A fluid containment unit for automotive applications that is
capable of being easily enlarged, changed, modified and
configured.
Inventors: |
Hoffman; Lawrence Andrew;
(Portland, OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PAUL J. FORDENBACHER;SILICON FOREST PATENT GROUP
11876 NW TYLER CT.
PORTLAND
OR
97229
US
|
Assignee: |
THE HOFFMAN GROUP, LLC
201 SE Oak
Portland
OR
97214
|
Family ID: |
38618511 |
Appl. No.: |
11/692167 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60743827 |
Mar 27, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/4.27 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 21/086
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/004.27 |
International
Class: |
B65D 6/16 20060101
B65D006/16 |
Claims
1. A fluid containment unit comprising: one or more modular
members, a bottom coupler, and a cap, the one or more modular
members removably coupled to each other, the cap, or the bottom
coupler, or combination thereof.
2. The unit of claim 1 wherein the one or more modular members
comprises a cylinder including a first end, a second end, and a
bore therethrough, the first end adapted for removable coupling
engagement with the second end of another modular member or with
the cap, the first end including a mouth, the second end defining a
coupling portion adapted to be slidingly received in the bottom
coupler or the first end of a modular member, the coupling portion
comprising a seat for receiving and retaining a seal in the form of
an o-ring, the o-ring sealing the second end to a respective
element inserted therein, such that the modular fluid containment
unit contains the fluid, the o-ring in combination with the
coupling portion in cooperative removable engagement with the
respective element inserted therein, the mouth of the modular
member adapted to slidingly receive the coupling portion, the mouth
of the bottom coupler adapted to slidingly receive the coupling
portion, the cap comprising a head and a coupling portion the
coupling portion having a seat for receiving and retaining a seal,
the coupling portion and the mouth adapted for cooperative
engagement therebetween. the bottom coupler including a first end
and a second end, the first end including a mouth suitable for
receiving the coupling portion of a modular member, the coupling
portion and the mouth adapted for cooperative engagement
therebetween, the second end of the bottom coupler comprising two
hose coupler ports each defining a bore as a fluid conduit to the
mouth, the hose coupler ports adapted for receiving a second end of
a house coupler, the hose coupler comprising a first end and a
second end, and a bore therebetween, the second end comprising a
seat for receiving and retaining a seal, the second end and the
hose coupler ports adapted for cooperative engagement
therebetween.
3. The unit of claim 1 wherein the one or more modular members
comprises a cylinder including a first end, a second end, and a
bore therethrough, the first and second end are threaded for
threadable engagement with a threaded second end of another modular
member, the threaded first end is also adapted for threadable
engagement with the cap, the threaded second end is adapted for
threaded engagement with the bottom coupler, the bottom coupler
comprising a threaded first end and a hose coupling, the threaded
first end adapted for threadable engagement with a threaded second
end of a modular member.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a non-provisional application of and
claiming benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/743,827,
filed Mar. 27, 2007, incorporated herein in its entirety by
reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention is related to automotive fluid
containment units, and more particularly, to modular automotive
fluid containment units.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Fluid tanks are used in automobiles to contain fluids in a
number of applications and configurations. These applications
include, but are not limited to, coolant containment tanks, brake
hydraulic reservoirs, pneumatic gas storage tanks, and power
steering fluid reservoirs.
[0004] For example, the cooling system is one of the most important
systems in the vehicle because it keeps the engine at a right
temperature, allowing it to work efficiently. Since the engine
takes charge of burning the air and fuel mixture, it produces large
amount of heat that makes the parts so hot and vulnerable to
damage. The cooling system dissipates the heat from the engine and
its parts through the coolant. This coolant absorbs the heat as it
circulates around the engine and goes to the radiator where it
transfers the heat to the cool air.
[0005] A coolant is a mixture of water and anti-freeze, which is a
chemical solution, usually ethylene glycol and anticorrosion
chemicals. When heated the coolant expands. Thus, most cooling
systems have an expansion tank that provides storage space for the
heated coolant. The expansion tank is usually plastic and is
connected to the radiator through the overflow tube. It is also
called a radiator overflow tank, coolant-recovery tank, coolant
reservoir, or simply overflow tank or canister. These names imply
its function, which is to hold the overflowing coolant that
absorbed the heat from the engine.
[0006] Not all vehicles have a radiator overflow tank; however,
this part is helpful in the cooling system. Without it, the
expanded or heated coolant could flow out of the overflow tube and
eventually, out of the vehicle and out onto the street. The
expansion tank or radiator overflow tank provides additional volume
for the coolant to occupy after it absorbed the heat from the
engine. Also, the radiator overflow tank removes air bubbles from
the coolant, thus, allowing it to absorb heat more efficiently and
to prevent air bubble blockage. Furthermore, when a vehicle has an
overflow tank containing coolant, the radiator is always full. Only
the proper amount of the coolant goes to the radiator for cooling
and this goes back to the engine to absorb heat once again. When
the engine cools, vacuum is created in the cooling system since it
is a closed system. This causes the coolant in the radiator
overflow tank to be sucked back into the cooling system.
[0007] One problem with stock overflow tanks is that they are made
for a specific model and make of vehicle. Further, the overflow
tanks themselves are not capable of being enlarged and larger tanks
may not fit within the space constraints of the vehicle.
[0008] These issues are also shared by the other applications for
fluid containment units. Therefore it is highly desirable to have a
fluid containment unit that is capable of being easily enlarged,
changed, modified and configured.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Like reference numbers generally indicate corresponding
elements in the figures.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a side cross-section view of a fluid containment
unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a modular fluid containment
unit 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0012] FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective and side views of the cap
11, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective and side cross-sectional
views of the modular member 10, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0014] FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective and side cross-sectional
views of the bottom coupler, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a side view of the hose coupling, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective exploded view of the bottom coupler
and hose coupling 13, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0017] FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective and top views of a bracket,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] References will now be made to embodiments illustrated in
the drawings and specific language which will be used to describe
the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of
the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations
and further modifications in the illustrated devices, as such
further applications of the principles of the invention as
illustrated therein as being contemplated as would normally occur
to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
[0019] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate
to providing modular fluid storage units. The modular fluid storage
units comprise one or more modular members that provide for
configurable and customizable fluid volumes suitable for a
particular purpose. Further, the modular fluid storage units
provide means for coupling to fluid systems suitable for a
particular purpose.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a side cross-section view of a modular fluid
containment unit 2 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. The modular fluid containment unit 2 comprises one or
more modular members 10, a bottom coupler 12 and a cap 11. Each
modular member 10 is a cylinder or tube having a threaded first end
16 and a threaded second end 15. The threaded first end 16 is
adapted for threadable engagement with a threaded second end 15 of
another modular member 10. The threaded first end 16 is also
adapted for threadable engagement with the cap 11. The threaded
second end is adapted for threaded engagement with the bottom
coupler 12.
[0021] The bottom coupler 12 comprises a threaded first end 14 and
a hose coupling 13. The threaded first end 14 is adapted for
threadable engagement with a threaded second end 15 of a modular
member 10. The hose coupling 13 is adapted to couple with a hose
from the vehicle cooling system (not shown).
[0022] The modular member 10 includes a bore 18 that defines an
inner volume suitable for containing fluid. The modular member 10
has a predetermined length and the bore 18 has a predetermined
diameter suitable for a particular purpose. The volume within the
modular member for containing fluid is increased or decreased by
increasing or decreasing, respectively, either or both of the
length or diameter.
[0023] The fluid volume of the modular fluid containment unit 2 can
be increased by adding additional modular members 10. It is this
modular aspect of the present invention that allows the
customization of the volume of the modular fluid containment unit 2
by simply adding one or more additional modular members 10.
[0024] Referring again to FIG. 1, the modular fluid containment
unit 2 provides threaded coupling between the modular members 10,
the bottom coupler 12 and the cap 11. It is appreciated that any
suitable coupling means, or combinations, may be used suitable for
a particular purpose. By example only, but not limited therein, the
coupling can be a slip-fit with o-ring, threaded with o-ring seal,
compression fitting, among many others.
[0025] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a modular fluid containment
unit 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
The modular fluid containment unit 4 comprises one or more modular
members 110, a bottom coupler 112, and a cap 111. FIGS. 3A and 3B
are perspective and side cross-sectional views, respectively, of
the modular member 110, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. The modular member 110 is a cylinder or tube
having a first end 116 and a second end 115, and a bore 18
therethrough. The first end 116 is adapted for removable coupling
engagement with the second end 115 of another modular member 110 or
with a cap 111. The first end 116 includes a mouth 52 suitable for
receiving a cooperative element therein as will be discussed
below.
[0026] The second end 115 defines a coupling portion 51 that is
adapted to be slidingly received in the bottom coupler 112 or the
first end 116 of a modular member 110. The coupling portion 51
comprises a seat 44 for receiving and retaining a seal in the form
of an o-ring 41, shown in FIG. 2. The o-ring 41 seals the second
end 115 to a respective element inserted therein, such that the
modular fluid containment unit 4 contains the fluid. The o-ring 41
in combination with the coupling portion 51 provides a friction fit
such that the elements may be removably coupled. It is appreciated
that other methods of removable coupling may be used, such as, but
not limited to, threads and locking collars as is well known in the
art.
[0027] The second end 115 may be slidably received within the mouth
52 of a second modular member 110. The mouth 52 adapted to
slidingly receive the coupling portion 51, including the o-ring
41.
[0028] Similarly, the second end 115 may be slidably received
within a mouth 54 of the bottom coupler 12 as discussed below. The
mouth 54 adapted to slidingly receive the coupling portion 51,
including the o-ring 41.
[0029] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective and side views of a cap 111,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The cap
111 comprises a head 58 and a coupling portion 57. The coupling
portion 57 comprises a seat 44 for receiving and retaining a seal
in the form of an o-ring 40, shown in FIG. 2. The coupling portion
57 and the mouth 52 are adapted for cooperative engagement
therebetween. The coupling portion 57 comprises a suitable diameter
such that it may be slidably received within the mouth 52. The
o-ring 40 seals the first end 116 to the coupling portion 57, such
that the modular fluid containment unit 4 contains the fluid. The
o-ring 40 in combination with the coupling portion 57 provides a
friction fit such that the elements may be removably coupled. It is
appreciated that other methods of removable coupling may be used,
such as, but not limited to, threads and locking collars as is well
known in the art.
[0030] FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective and side cross-sectional
views of the bottom coupler 12, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention. The bottom coupler 12 has a first end 60 and
a second end 62. The first end 60 includes a mouth 54 suitable for
receiving the coupling portion 51 of a modular member 110. The
coupling portion 51 and the mouth 54 are adapted for cooperative
engagement therebetween.
[0031] The coupling portion 51 comprises a suitable diameter such
that it may be slidably received within the mouth 54. The o-ring 44
seals the second end 115 to the mouth 54, such that the modular
fluid containment unit 4 contains the fluid. The o-ring 44 in
combination with the coupling portion 51 provides a friction fit
such that the elements may be removably coupled. It is appreciated
that other methods of removable coupling may be used, such as, but
not limited to, threads and locking collars as is well known in the
art.
[0032] The second end 62 of the bottom coupler 12 comprises two
hose coupler ports 70 each defining a bore 76 as a fluid conduit to
the mouth 54. The hose coupler ports 70 are adapted for receiving a
second end 72 of a house coupler 13.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a side view of the hose coupler 13, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a
perspective exploded view of the bottom coupler 12 and hose coupler
13, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The
hose coupler 13 comprises a first end 74 and a second end 72, and
defines a bore 78 therebetween.
[0034] The second end 72 comprises a seat 46 for receiving and
retaining a seal in the form of an o-ring 43. The second end 72 and
the hose coupler ports 70 are adapted for cooperative engagement
therebetween. The second end 72 comprises a suitable diameter such
that it may be slidably received within the hose coupler port 70.
The o-ring 43 seals the second end 72 to the hose coupler ports 70,
such that the modular fluid containment unit 4 contains the fluid.
The o-ring 43 in combination with the second end 72 provides a
friction fit such that the elements may be removably coupled. It is
appreciated that other methods of removable coupling may be used,
such as, but not limited to, threads and locking collars as is well
known in the art.
[0035] The first end 74 is adapted to couple with fluid elements,
such as, but not limited to a hose and pipe.
[0036] The modular fluid containment unit 4 provides containment
and allows for fluid communication with other fluid handling
elements.
[0037] Bore 18 of the one or more modular members 110 provides a
predetermined amount of the available fluid volume. There is fluid
communication between the modular members 110, the bottom coupler
12, and the hose couplers 13 such that fluid can flow between the
modular fluid containment unit 4 and the external fluid elements
coupled to the hose couplers 13. The cap 111 is provided such that
fluid can be provided to or removed from the modular fluid
containment unit 4.
[0038] FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective and top views of a bracket
20, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The
bracket 20 defines a substantially circular band 80 that is
segmented at a first end 81 and a second end 83. The circular band
80 defines a diameter suitable for receiving the modular fluid
containment unit therein, such as, but not limited to, the outer
diameter of a modular member. The first and second ends 81, 83
define first and second coaxial fastener bores 85a, 85b adapted to
receive and couple with a fastener (not shown), such as, but not
limited to, a screw. A fastener is slidingly received into the
first bore 85a and threadably engaged with the second bore 85b.
Tightening of the fastener and therefore closing a gap 89 between
the first and second ends 81, 83 reduces the diameter defined by
the band 80 and tightens the band 80 about the outer surface of the
modular member.
[0039] The bracket 20 further includes a mounting flange 88 and a
mounting bore 87 having an axis perpendicular to the mounting
flange 88. The mounting flange 88 is adapted to be placed against a
surface and a fastener to extend into the mounting bore and through
to flange and into the surface to affix the bracket 20 to the
surface.
[0040] While the invention has been described in connection with
specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is
capable of further modification, and this application is intended
to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention
following, in general, the principles of the invention and
including such departures from the present disclosure as come
within known or customary practice in the art to which the
invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features
hereinbefore set forth, and as fall within the scope of the
invention and the limits of the appended claims.
* * * * *