U.S. patent application number 12/692504 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-28 for methods for reducing fluid loss in fluid-bearing systems.
Invention is credited to Keith C. Drollinger, Ryan Drollinger.
Application Number | 20110180542 12/692504 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44307535 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110180542 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Drollinger; Ryan ; et
al. |
July 28, 2011 |
METHODS FOR REDUCING FLUID LOSS IN FLUID-BEARING SYSTEMS
Abstract
A plug made of a compressible and resilient material can be used
in a method of reducing loss of fluid from a fluid-bearing system.
The method can include locating an orifice in the fluid-bearing
system, where said orifice is exposed by a disconnection of members
of the fluid-bearing system; compressing the plug sufficiently so
that at least the tip of the plug fits into the orifice, inserting
the tip into the orifice; and then releasing the plug so that the
plug expands to seal the orifice.
Inventors: |
Drollinger; Ryan; (Helper,
UT) ; Drollinger; Keith C.; (Helper, UT) |
Family ID: |
44307535 |
Appl. No.: |
12/692504 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/345.1 ;
206/216; 206/231; 215/358; 220/345.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16J 15/068 20130101;
F16J 13/14 20130101; F16L 55/1141 20130101; F16C 32/0662
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/345.1 ;
220/345.6; 215/358; 206/216; 206/231 |
International
Class: |
B65D 39/14 20060101
B65D039/14; B65D 39/16 20060101 B65D039/16; B65D 71/00 20060101
B65D071/00 |
Claims
1. A plug made of a compressible and resilient material, having a
tip and a base greater in diameter than the tip, and configured so
that the plug can be compressed and inserted tip first into an
orifice exposed by disconnection of members of a fluid-bearing
system, and the plug expands to seal the orifice when the plug is
released.
2. The plug of claim 1, wherein the compressible and resilient
material is selected from the group consisting of polyurethane,
polyester, polyether, polyvinylchloride, or silicone, natural
rubber, sponge rubber, ethylene acrylic, epichlorohydrin, ethylene
propylene rubber, isoprene rubber, nitrile rubber, hydrogenated
nitrile rubber, and combinations and mixtures thereof.
3. The plug of claim 1, wherein the base has a diameter of from
about 0.5 inches to about 6.0 inches.
4. The plug of claim 3, wherein the base has a diameter of from
about 2.0 inches to about 6.0 inches.
5. The plug of claim 1, further comprising a liquid-resistant
material.
6. The plug of claim 5, wherein the liquid-resistant material is
present as a coating on the plug.
7. The plug of claim 1, further comprising a handle attached to the
plug and extending from the base and configured to facilitate
removal of the plug from the orifice.
8. The plug of claim 7, wherein the handle comprises at least one
of a post, a cord, a ring, a loop, a hook, and a knob.
9. A method of reducing loss of fluid from a fluid-bearing system
during repair of said system using a plug made of a compressible
and resilient material and including a tip and a base, comprising:
locating an orifice in the fluid-bearing system, where said orifice
is exposed by a disconnection of members of the fluid-bearing
system, and is smaller in diameter than the base; compressing the
plug sufficiently so that at least the tip of the plug fits into
the orifice; inserting the tip into the orifice; and releasing the
plug so that the plug expands to seal the orifice.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein one of the members is selected
from the group consisting of conduit, reservoir, cap, pump,
manifold, and exchanger.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein one of the members is a
conduit, and the orifice is an open end of the conduit.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein one of the members is a
reservoir.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein the base has a diameter of from
about 0.5 inch to about 6 inches.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the compressible and resilient
material is selected from the group consisting of polyurethane,
polyester, polyether, polyvinylchloride, or silicone, natural
rubber, sponge rubber, ethylene acrylic, epichlorohydrin, ethylene
propylene rubber, isoprene rubber, nitrile rubber, hydrogenated
nitrile rubber, and combinations and mixtures thereof.
15. The method of claim 9, wherein the plug further includes a
liquid-resistant material.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the liquid-resistant material
is present, as a coating on the plug.
17. The method of claim 9, further comprising removing the plug
from the orifice using a handle extending from the base.
18. A kit for reducing fluid loss from fluid-bearing systems,
comprising a plurality of plugs made of a compressible and
resilient material, each plug comprising a tip and a base greater
in diameter than the tip, and configured so that the plug can be
compressed and inserted tip first into an orifice exposed by
disconnection of members of a fluid-bearing system, and the plug
expands to seal the orifice when the plug is released, and wherein
at least two plugs differ in diameter.
19. The kit of claim 18, wherein at least one of the plurality of
plugs further comprises a handle attached to the plug and extending
from the base and configured to facilitate removal of the plug from
the orifice.
20. The kit of claim 19, wherein the handle comprises at least one
of a post, a cord, a ring, a loop, a hook, and a knob.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] In fluid-bearing systems of many types, containment of the
fluid can be a concern. Containment concerns can arise in fluid
bearing systems in particular when parts of the system are lost or
need to be replaced. In some cases, due to their location, the loss
or replacement of fluid-bearing parts can involve either evacuating
the system or dealing with significant spillage. In some cases, the
fluid is harmful to health or otherwise poses a negative impact on
safety or the environment. In other cases, loss of fluid negatively
impacts performance of the system. In addition, the fluid may be
costly to replace, making avoiding waste of the fluid an economic
concern.
SUMMARY
[0002] The present invention sets forth devices and methods for
reducing fluid loss that can result from disconnections in
fluid-bearing systems. According to an embodiment a plug can be
made of a compressible and resilient material, so that the plug can
be compressed and inserted tip first into an orifice exposed by
disconnection of members of a fluid-bearing system, and the plug
expands to seal the orifice when the plug is released. In another
embodiment, a kit can include a plurality of such plugs, where the
plurality includes at least two differently-sized plugs.
[0003] According to still another embodiment, a method for reducing
fluid loss in a fluid-bearing system during repair includes using a
plug made of a compressible and resilient material to seal an
orifice in the fluid-bearing system, said orifice being exposed by
a disconnection of members of the fluid-bearing system. The orifice
can be smaller in diameter than the base of the plug. The method
includes compressing the plug sufficiently so that at least the tip
of the plug fits into the orifice, inserting the tip into the
orifice, and then releasing the plug so that the plug expands to
seal the orifice.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a plug exhibiting a
conical profile in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0005] FIG. 1B is a top perspective view of a plug exhibiting an
conical profile in accordance with another embodiment;
[0006] FIG. 1C is a top perspective view of a plug exhibiting a
bell-shaped profile in accordance with an embodiment;
[0007] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an inverted plug as shown
in FIG. 1B that includes a handle in accordance with an
embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an inverted plug as shown
in FIG. 1B that includes a cord handle in accordance with another
embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the process of sealing a
hose with plug in accordance with an embodiment; and
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of plugs in accordance with an
embodiment installed in an automotive radiator.
[0011] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments
illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe
the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of
the scope of the invention is thereby intended.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0012] In describing embodiments of the present invention, the
following terminology will be used.
[0013] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural
referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for
example, reference to "orifice" can include reference to one or
more of such orifices.
[0014] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements,
compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a
common list for convenience. However, these lists should be
construed as though each member of the list is individually
identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, absent
indications to the contrary, no individual member of such a list
should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of
the same list based solely on their presentation in a common
group.
[0015] Dimensions, amounts, and other numerical data may be
expressed or presented herein in a range format. It is to be
understood that such a range format is used merely for convenience
and brevity and thus should be interpreted flexibly to include not
only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the
range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or
sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value
and sub-range is explicitly recited. As an illustration, a
numerical range of "50-250 centimeters should be interpreted to
include not only the explicitly recited values of about 50
centimeters and 250 centimeters, but also include individual values
and sub-ranges within the indicated range. Thus, included in this
numerical range are individual values such as 60, 70, and 80
centimeters, and sub-ranges such as from 50-100 centimeters, from
100-200, and from 100-250 centimeters, etc. This same principle
applies to ranges reciting only one numerical value and should
apply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics
being described.
[0016] As used herein, the term "about" means that dimensions,
sizes, formulations, parameters, shapes and other quantities and
characteristics are not exact and need not be exact, but rather may
be approximated and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting
tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and
the like and other factors known to those of skill. Further, unless
otherwise stated, the term "about" shall expressly include
"exactly," consistent with the discussion above regarding ranges
and numerical data.
[0017] As used herein the term "substantially" refers to the
complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action,
characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. The
exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may
in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally
speaking the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same
overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained.
The use of "substantially" is equally applicable when used in a
negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack
of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or
result.
[0018] The term "fluid" as used herein refers particularly to
substances in a liquid state, but can also refer to gases that are
contained within a system and which can behave like liquid in some
aspects.
[0019] As used herein, "fluid-bearing system" refers to any
mechanical system that includes a part that holds or conveys fluid.
This can apply to systems that are purposed for holding or
conveying fluid, as well as systems directed to other purposes but
the normal operation of which includes the presence or conveyance
of fluid within one or more of the system's parts. Fluid-bearing
systems to which the present invention is directed include, without
limitation, hydraulic systems, cooling systems, heating systems,
lubricating systems, plumbing systems, and fuel systems.
"Fluid-bearing parts" or "fluid-bearing members" in such systems
can include, without limitation, those that transport fluids, i.e.
conduits, such as hoses, lines, tubes, pipes, and the like.
Fluid-bearing members can also include members that hold and store
fluids, i.e. reservoirs. Other fluid-bearing members as discussed
herein can include members that impel, direct, or distribute
fluids, such as pumps, manifolds, exchangers, and the like.
[0020] The term "resilient" refers generally to a material property
by which the material is capable of recovering its size and shape
after deformation, particularly deformation caused by compressive
stress. The term can particularly be used to refer to materials
having a high compression set resistance.
[0021] The present invention is directed to devices and methods for
containing fluids in fluid-bearing systems. More particularly,
devices and methods are disclosed for sealing openings by which
fluid could enter or leave such systems. Such access points are
generally referred to herein as orifices. These can include
unintended breaches in a fluid-bearing system, such as ruptures or
tears arising from damage or wear. However, orifices can also
include openings that are included in the design of a system or its
members but which are open due to disassembly of the system or
absence of the usual means of sealing the openings (e.g., absence
of a cap or lid intended for selective sealing of an opening). Some
examples of such orifices include openings (such as fill holes)
designed for introducing fluids to the system and where the stopper
or cap that normally seals the hole is unavailable. One such
example is when the gas cap of an engine fuel tank has been lost.
When left unremedied, this can result in fuel loss as well as
escape of flammable vapors from the tank.
[0022] Another example of the creation of an orifice in a
fluid-bearing system is the disconnection of one or more
fluid-bearing members in the system. One illustrative example can
arise from disconnecting a fluid-bearing hose such as a fuel line,
coolant hose, or hydraulic line for purposes of repair or
replacement. In such a case the fuel, coolant, or hydraulic fluid
may spill out of the disconnected end and/or the structure to which
the end was connected. This is of particular concern where
operation of the system drives fluid through the hose, or where the
hose is located in an area of the system where centrifugal forces
or gravity would tend to accelerate fluid loss. In either case,
significant or even total fluid loss could occur before the
disconnection can be remedied.
[0023] In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention,
a plug device can be used to seal an orifice in a fluid-bearing
system, particularly during repair or maintenance of the system. In
one embodiment, the plug can be made of a compressible and
resilient material, thereby allowing the plug to deform enough to
conform to the dimensions of the orifice. The plug can therefore be
used by compressing the plug enough for insertion into the orifice
to be sealed, and then releasing compression so that the plug
substantially fills the orifice. Accordingly, the material used in
the plug may be selected to provide a compressibility and
resilience that is effective for such use. In one aspect, the
material can be selected such that a plug made of the material can
be compressed by hand or between a thumb and a finger. In another
aspect, the material can be sufficiently resilient such that the
plug assumes its previous shape after compression is released.
Compressible and resilient materials are known to those skilled in
the art, and include elastomeric materials such as polyurethane,
polyester, polyether, polyvinylchloride, or silicone, natural
rubber, sponge rubber, ethylene acrylic, epichlorohydrin, ethylene
propylene rubber, isoprene rubber, nitrile rubber, hydrogenated
nitrile rubber. In a particular aspect the plug is a substantially
solid construct.
[0024] The plug can also have a shape and a size so as to
facilitate insertion of the plug into an orifice. In a particular
embodiment, the base of the plug can have a larger diameter than
its tip. In a particular aspect, the plug can exhibit a degree of
taper from its base to its tip so as to provide effective sealing
for a range of orifice sizes. FIGS. 1A and 1B each show exemplary
embodiments of the plug that exhibit profiles in accordance with
this aspect. The tapered profile can occupy the entire length of
the plug. FIG. 1A shows such an embodiment in which a plug 10 has a
substantially conical profile from its tip 12 to its base 14.
Alternatively, the taper can occupy some portion of the plug's
length including the tip, as illustrated by the plugs shown in
FIGS. 1B and 1C. In another aspect, the taper can exhibit
inflections. FIG. 1C shows such an embodiment in which the plug 10
exhibits a substantially bell-shaped profile.
[0025] The size of the plug can be selected to effectively seal
orifices having a diameter within a particular range. The diameter
range selected can be based upon the type of system in which the
plug is to be used, or upon dimensions of the particular
fluid-bearing components of the system. An exemplary diameter range
can be from 0.5 inches to about 4.5 inches. In tapered embodiments
such as those exemplified in FIGS. 1A through 1C, a particular base
diameter may be selected based on the orifice in which it will be
used. In accordance with the mode of operation described herein,
the diameter of the plug at some point along its length can be
larger than the diameter of the orifice to be sealed. In one
embodiment, the base 14 has a diameter that is larger than the
orifice. In one aspect, the base can be from 0.5 inch to about 6
inches in diameter. In a more particular aspect, the base can be
from 2.5 to 3.5 inches in diameter. In an alternative aspect, the
base can be from 0.5 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
[0026] The plug device of the present invention may include
additional features designed to facilitate its function. For
example, the plug device can include liquid resistance so as to
prevent absorption of system fluid into the plug. In a particular
embodiment, such a feature can be provided by a liquid-resistant
material added to the plug. In a more particular embodiment, the
liquid-resistant material can be present in the form of a coating
applied to at least the tip of the plug. In another embodiment, the
liquid-resistant material can impregnate and be integrated into the
body of the plug, e.g. intermingled with the compressible material
from which the plug is constructed. In one aspect, the liquid
resistant material can also confer resistance to chemicals in the
fluid. Any liquid-resistant materials that are known to be suitable
for forming coatings or solid materials can be used for this
purpose in the present invention, including latex rubber,
polyethylenes, polyvinylchlorides, nitriles, polychloroprenes, and
the like. In a specific embodiment, the liquid-resistant material
is a latex rubber.
[0027] The plug of the present invention is capable of being
inserted far enough into an orifice so that it fills the orifice to
form an effective seal. It may be desirable to adjust the placement
of the plug at some time during use or to remove the plug from the
orifice after use. However, in some modes of use, the eventual
placement of the plug may be such that it is no longer easily
accessible. This can occur due to deep insertion of the plug when
it is installed, or to the plug being pushed or pulled further into
the orifice during use (e.g. due to negative pressure at the
orifice).
[0028] According to an embodiment of the invention, the plug device
can include one or more features configured to facilitate
placement, adjustment, or removal of the plug. Such a feature can
include a handle that is securely attached to the plug and extends
from the base of the plug. In one aspect, the handle is configured
to be grasped or otherwise engaged so that it can be used to pull
the plug from the orifice if desired. In a more particular aspect,
the handle can be engaged by one or more fingers, so that the plug
can be removed or adjusted without additional tools. The handle can
comprise a flexible structure such as a cord or strand, or a more
rigid structure such as a post. Rigidity can be provided by making
the handle from a rigid material such as a hard plastic. In one
aspect, a rigid handle can be used to insert the plug as well as
remove it. In more specific embodiment, the handle can include a
feature fixably attached thereto that facilitates engagement with
the device. Exemplary features include a ring, a loop, a hook, or a
knob. One exemplary embodiment of a plug which includes a handle 16
is shown in FIG. 2A, where the handle comprises a post 18 with a
ring 20 on its distal end. FIG. 2B shows another embodiment in
which the handle 16 comprises a cord 22 with a knob 24 on its
distal end to facilitate grasping and removing the plug. It should
be understood that these combinations of features are exemplary,
and any combination of handle features can be used that will serve
the function described above. For example, a handle can be included
with a plug having a different profile than illustrated in FIGS. 2A
and 2B. Similarly, a different distal features can be utilized on
each type of handle.
[0029] The present invention provides methods for reducing the loss
of fluid from fluid-bearing systems by the use of plug devices such
as those described here. In particular such methods can comprise
plugging an orifice in a fluid-bearing system using a plug made of
a compressible, resilient material. In one embodiment, the method
can comprise compressing the plug sufficiently so that at least the
tip end of the plug fits into the orifice, inserting the tip end
into the orifice, and then releasing the plug so that the plug
expands to seal the orifice. In a particular embodiment, the plug
can include a handle by which the plug is removed. In a more
particular aspect of this embodiment, the handle can be used to
place the plug into the orifice.
[0030] The method can be used to plug orifices, including those
occurring in fluid-bearing systems as discussed above. More
particularly, fluid loss in fluid-bearing systems can be reduced
using this method. Exemplary systems include, without limitation,
fluid-bearing systems such as may be found in vehicles (such as
vehicular engines, braking systems and control systems), buildings
(such as plumbing systems and ventilation systems), or machines.
Such systems can bear fluids such as coolant, fuel, lubricant,
hydraulic fluids, portable fluids, wastes, and others that are
known to be borne in systems such as described herein.
[0031] As discussed above, an orifice in such systems may be
exposed by damage that disconnects members of the system, or may be
created by deliberate disconnection of members. The methods of the
present invention can be employed as part of repair or maintenance
of fluid-bearing systems. For example, a fluid-bearing member (e.g.
a hose) can be disconnected at one end from a second fluid-bearing
member with which it communicates, and a plug can be inserted into
that end to seal it and prevent fluid loss. An example of this use
is illustrated in FIG. 3, where a plug 10 is compressed and its tip
12 is inserted into the open end 26 of a hose 28, thereby sealing
the open end in accordance with the present invention. It should be
noted that in such an operation, often two or more orifices may be
considered to be opened, e.g. the end of the hose being the first
and the second orifice in the member that served as the connection
point for the hose. In alternate aspects of the method, a plug can
be inserted into either one or both of the orifices to prevent
escape of fluids.
[0032] It should also be noted that in accordance with these
embodiments, the plug can be left in place indefinitely, or can be
removed as desired. One example is the use of a plug to seal an
orifice exposed by disconnecting members of a system. The plug may
be left in place as a temporary measure to reduce fluid loss until
the system can be reassembled. Alternatively, the plug can be an
effective permanent means for sealing an orifice when reassembly of
the system is not anticipated.
[0033] Another exemplary use in accordance with this principle is
illustrated in FIG. 4, in which plugs 10 as described herein are
used to seal the coolant ports 30 of an automotive radiator 32. As
illustrated in the figure, the plug size or type utilized can be
selected based upon the size or location of the orifice, and a
plurality of sizes may therefore be used in the same system.
[0034] In another embodiment, a plug can be used to seal an orifice
that is included in a fluid-bearing system to provide access
thereto, such as a hole for adding or removing fluid from the
system. In another aspect of these embodiments, the disconnected
member can be one that is not fluid-bearing but would otherwise
close an opening in a fluid-bearing member, such as a cap or
plug.
[0035] In a particular embodiment, the present invention provides
method of replacing fluid-bearing parts while reducing the escape
of fluid from these or other parts in a system. In alternate
embodiments, plugs of the present invention can be used to seal an
orifice of an object so as to prevent entry of unwanted matter into
said object. This can be useful during storage or transport of an
object under conditions where moisture, dust, dirt, or plant or
animal life may invade the object.
[0036] Plug devices in accordance with the present invention can
serve as a means to quickly remedy containment breaches in
fluid-bearing systems. Moreover, their portability and ease of use
can make such plugs useful as in emergency breach situations or in
remote locations where other means of repair may not be readily
available. In an embodiment of the present invention a kit can
comprise a plurality of plug devices as described herein. In one
particular embodiment, the kit can include plugs of at least two
different sizes. In one aspect, the plurality of sizes in a kit can
be selected based on the orifice sizes that characterize a
particular system. For example a kit suited for use with a
passenger vehicle can include plugs of an assortment of sizes that
encompass the sizes of the various lines, hoses, and fill holes
specified for that make of vehicle. Similarly, a kit for a
commercial tractor or a personal recreational vehicle would include
a different assortment of sizes in accordance with the
specifications of the vehicle. Such a kit can be packaged so it can
be readily carried on the vehicle and therefore available for use
at any time.
[0037] While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the
principles of the present invention in one or more particular
applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of
implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive
faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of
the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention
be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.
* * * * *