RADIATOR FUNNEL ASSEMBLY WITH UNIQUE IDENTIFIERS

Abstract

A radiator funnel assembly facilitates filling refrigerant liquids in different radiators. The assembly provides various sizes and types of adapters and caps, with each adapter and cap having a unique identifier to facilitate assemblage and indicate a matching radiator fill opening. The assembly includes a funnel configured to receive a radiator fluid and carries the radiator fluid through a spout. Multiple conduits detachably attach in series to the spout. Multiple adapters receive the conduits and engage a specific radiator fill opening. Each adapter has a unique identifier that enables identification of the connecting conduit, and also identifies the specific type of radiator fill opening that is operable with the adapter. Multiple caps fasten the adapters to the radiator opening. Each cap has a unique identifier to identify and match to the appropriate adapter. This is useful for matching the adapter and cap to different types of radiators.

Claims

1. A radiator funnel assembly with unique identifiers, the assembly comprising: a funnel defined by a fluid receiving body having a side wall and a tapered bottom wall, the funnel further defined by a spout integral to the bottom wall of the fluid receiving body and extending therefrom, the spout having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a channel extending through the spout which is tapered downward from the bottom wall of the fluid receiving body or an inlet end of the spout to an outlet end of the spout; a first conduit defined by a first top end and a first bottom end, the first top end configured to detachably attach to the outlet end of the spout; a second conduit defined by a second top end and a second bottom end, the second top end configured to detachably attach to the first bottom end of the first conduit; a third conduit defined by a third top end and a third bottom end, the third top end configured to detachably attach to the second bottom end; a plurality of adapters configured to detachably attach to the third conduit and a radiator fill opening, each adapter defined by at least one unique identifier for identifying a particular radiator fill opening at which the adapter is configured to detachably attach, whereby the plurality of adapters are configured to be operable with different types of radiator fill openings, each adapter having: a tube defined by a tube top end and a tube bottom end, the tube top end configured to detachably attach to the third bottom end of the third conduit, the tube bottom end being configured to enable insertion into the radiator fill opening, the tube further defined by a tube wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, the tube having a bore therethrough, the bore being defined by the inner surface of the tube wall of the tube; at least one annular sealing flange integral to the outer surface of the tube wall configured to hold and restrain a flexible seal, the flexible seal configured to fit about the tube bottom end and tightly abut against the at least one annular sealing flange; and a plurality of caps defined by a top cap face and a hole for receiving the tube, the plurality of caps comprising a pair of fastening flanges extending toward one another from opposite edges of the plurality of caps below the top cap face for securing the plurality of caps onto a circular lip portion defining the radiator fill opening, each cap defined by the at least one unique identifier for identifying a particular tube to receive through the hole, the at least one unique identifier of each cap further configured to identify a particular radiator fill opening at which the adapter is configured to detachably attach.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one unique identifier includes at least one of the following: a color, an alphanumeric indicia, a symbol, a pattern, and a texture.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein a first adapter has a unique identifier of a red color and a letter A.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein a second adapter has a unique identifier of a green color and a letter B.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein a third adapter has a unique identifier of a blue color and a letter C.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein a fourth adapter has a unique identifier of a yellow color and a letter D.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the fourth adapter comprises two different types of tubes and two different types of annular sealing flanges.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the funnel, the first conduit, the second conduit, and the third conduit are defined by an orange color.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the plurality of adapters are configured to be operable with different types of radiator fill openings.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the assembly is fabricated from at least one of the following: a polymer, a metal, aluminum, a metal alloy, and rubber.

11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first conduit and the third conduit are configured to bend.

12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the second conduit is straight.

13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the ends of the conduits and the spout attach through a friction fit relationship.

14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the flexible seal comprises an O-ring.

15. A radiator funnel assembly with unique identifiers, the assembly comprising: a funnel defined by a fluid receiving body having a side wall and a tapered bottom wall, the funnel further defined by a spout integral to the bottom wall of the fluid receiving body and extending therefrom, the spout having an inlet end, an outlet end, and a channel extending through the spout which is tapered downward from the bottom wall of the fluid receiving body or an inlet end of the spout to an outlet end of the spout; a first conduit defined by a first top end and a first bottom end, the first top end configured to detachably attach to the outlet end of the spout; a second conduit defined by a second top end and a second bottom end, the second top end configured to detachably attach to the first bottom end of the first conduit; a third conduit defined by a third top end and a third bottom end, the third top end configured to detachably attach to the second bottom end; a plurality of adapters configured to detachably attach to the third conduit, each adapter defined by at least one unique identifier, each adapter having: a tube defined by a tube top end and a tube bottom end, the tube top end configured to detachably attach to the third bottom end of the third conduit, the tube further defined by a tube wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, the tube having a bore therethrough, the bore being defined by the inner surface of the tube wall of the tube; at least one annular sealing flange integral to the outer surface of the tube wall configured to hold and restrain a flexible seal, the flexible seal configured to fit about the tube bottom end and tightly abut against the at least one annular sealing flange; and a plurality of caps defined by a top cap face and a hole for receiving the tube, the plurality of caps comprising a pair of fastening flanges extending toward one another from opposite edges of the plurality of caps below the top cap face, each cap defined by the at least one unique identifier for identifying a particular tube to receive through the hole.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the plurality of adapters are configured to detachably attach to the third conduit and a radiator.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the at least one unique identifier for each adapter is configured to enable identifying a particular radiator fill opening at which the adapter is configured to detachably attach, whereby the plurality of adapters are configured to be operable with different types of radiators.

18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the tube bottom end is configured to enable insertion into the radiator fill opening.

19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the pair of fastening flanges extend toward one another from opposite edges of the plurality of caps below the top cap face for securing the plurality of caps onto a circular lip portion defining the radiator fill opening.

20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the at least one unique identifier of each cap is configured to identify a particular radiator fill opening at which the adapter is configured to detachably attach.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary radiator funnel assembly with unique identifiers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary funnel joined with a series of conduits, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary first conduit, a second conduit, and a third conduit joined together, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary first conduit, a second conduit, and a third conduit separated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of exemplary adapters and caps separated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of exemplary adapters and caps joined in an operational position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] FIG. 7 illustrates a close up view of exemplary first adapter and a first cap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0051] FIG. 8 illustrates a close up view of exemplary two different adapters and a cap that is operational with both adapters, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0053] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word exemplary or illustrative means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation described herein as exemplary or illustrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms upper, lower, left, rear, right, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0054] A radiator funnel assembly 100 with unique identifiers is referenced in FIGS. 1-8. The radiator funnel assembly 100 with unique identifiers, hereafter assembly 100 serves to facilitate the filling of coolants and antifreeze fluids in different types of radiators for various models and years of vehicles. The assembly 100 provides various sizes and types of adapters 600a-e and caps 700a-d, with each adapter 600a, 600b, 600c, 600d, 600e and cap 700a, 700b, 700c, 700d having at least one unique identifier 800a-e to facilitate assemblage and indicate a matching radiator fill opening. Selection of the assemblage order and appropriate radiator fill opening is facilitated through visual inspection of the unique identifier 800a-e for each adapter 600a-e and cap 700a-d.

[0055] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a radiator is a heat exchangers used for cooling internal combustion engines, mainly in automobiles but also in piston-engine aircraft, railway locomotives, motorcycles, and stationary generating plants. Often, the radiator comprises a tank that receives radiator fluid through a radiator fill opening defined by a circular lip portion. The radiator fill opening generally has different sizes and dimensions that require different types of adapters 600a-e and caps 700a-d to attach a funnel 200 thereto.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the assembly 100 provides various sizes and types of adapters 600a-e and caps 700a-d, with each adapter 600a and cap 700a having a unique identifier 800a, 800b. The assemblage order and appropriate radiator fill opening is facilitated through visual inspection of the unique identifier 800a, 800b for each adapter 600a and cap 700a.

[0057] In some embodiments, the assembly 100 may be assembled and disassembled through a color coded or labeling scheme in which the components assemble and match to a specific radiator fill opening based on matching unique identifiers 800a-e. The unique identifier 800a-e may include, without limitation, a color, an alphanumeric indicia, a symbol, a pattern, and a texture. Suitable materials for the assembly 100 may include, without limitation, a polymer, a metal, aluminum, a metal alloy, and rubber.

[0058] Looking at FIG. 1, the assembly 100 comprises a funnel 200 that is shaped and dimensioned to receive a radiator fluid and carries the radiator fluid through a spout 208, a series of conduits 300, 400, 500, and an adapter 600a before entering a radiator fill opening. The funnel 200 is defined by a fluid receiving body 202 having a side wall 204 and a tapered bottom wall 206. In one embodiment, the funnel 200 is conical in shape.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 2, the funnel 200 may also be defined by a spout 208 that is integral to the bottom wall 206 of the fluid receiving body 202 and extending therefrom. The spout 208 may include a generally narrow diameter. The spout 208 has an inlet end 210 integral with the funnel 200, an outlet end 212 for discharging radiator fluid, and a channel extending through the spout 208 which is tapered downward from the bottom wall 206 of the fluid receiving body 202, or an inlet end 210 of the spout 208 to an outlet end 212 of the spout 208.

[0060] As referenced in FIG. 3, multiple conduits 300, 400, 500 detachably attach in series to detachably attach to the spout 208. A first conduit 300 is defined by a first top end 302 and a first bottom end 304. The first top end 302 is configured to detachably attach to the spout 208. Specifically, the first top end 302 is configured to detachably attach to the outlet end 212 of the spout 208 through a concentric, friction-fit relationship. The first conduit 300 is defined by at least one unique identifier 800a that matches the funnel 200. For example, the funnel 200 and the first conduit 300 may have an orange color.

[0061] A second conduit 400 is defined by a second top end 402 and a second bottom end 404. The second top end 402 is configured to detachably attach to the first bottom end 304 of the first conduit 300. The second conduit 400 is defined by a unique identifier 800a-e that matches the first conduit 300 and the funnel 200. For example, the second conduit 400 and the first conduit 300 may have an orange color.

[0062] A third conduit 500 is defined by a third top end 502 and a third bottom end 504. The third top end 502 is configured to detachably attach to the second bottom end 404. In one embodiment, this attachment is a friction fit relationship. In this manner, the three conduits attach in series from the spout 208 of the funnel 200 to the adapter. However in other embodiments, more or less than three conduits may be used for this function.

[0063] The third conduit 500 is defined by at least one unique identifier 800a-e that matches the first conduit 300, the second conduit 400, and the funnel 200. For example, the third conduit 500, the first conduit 300, the second conduit 400, and the funnel 200 may have an orange color. Though other colors or alphanumeric indicia may be used. In some embodiments, the first and third conduit 500s have a bend. The second conduit 400 may be straight.

[0064] FIG. 4 illustrates the three conduits separated. The conduits are easily connected and separated through a friction fit relationship. Though in other embodiments, other fastening methods may be used.

[0065] Turning now to FIG. 5, the assembly 100 further comprises a plurality of adapters 600a-e. The adapter 600a receive the third bottom end 504 of the third conduit 500 from one end and engage the radiator fill opening from an opposite end. Specifically, the adapters 600a is configured to enable insertion into the radiator fill opening to substantially prevent a fluid from leaking out of a radiator between the adapter and the radiator fill opening during the filling of the radiator with the fluid.

[0066] Turning to FIG. 6, the adapters 600a-d may include a tube 602a-d defined by a tube top end 604a-d and a tube bottom end 606a-d. The tube top end 604a-d is configured to detachably attach to the third bottom end 504 of the third conduit 500. The tube bottom end 606a-d is configured to enable insertion into the radiator fill opening. The tube 602a-d may also be defined by a tube wall 608 having an inner surface 612 and an outer surface 610. In some embodiments, the tube 602a-d has a bore 614 therethrough. The bore 614 is defined by the inner surface 612 of the tube wall 608 of the tube 602a-d.

[0067] In addition to the tube 602a-e, the adapters 600a-e may include at least one annular sealing flange 616a-e. The sealing flange 616a helps insure a secure fit for the third conduit 500, so as to minimize leakage. The annular sealing flange 616a is integral to the outer surface 610 of the tube wall 608 and configured to hold and restrain a flexible seal 618a-e. The flexible seal 618a configured to fit about the tube bottom end 606a and tightly abut against the at least one annular sealing flange 616a. In one embodiment, the flexible seal 618a is a rubber O-ring.

[0068] FIG. 7 illustrates a close up view of exemplary adapter 600a and a cap 700a that is operational with adapter 600a and a specific radiator fill opening. The adapter 600a has at least one unique identifier 800a that enables identification of the appropriate conduit 500 for attachment, and also identifies the type of radiator fill opening at which the adapter 600a is configured to detachably attach. In this manner, the adapters 600a-e is configured to be operable with different types of radiators. Continuing with FIG. 7, the first adapter 600a has a unique identifier 800a of a letter C. The first cap 700a has a matching unique identifier 800b of a letter C to show the operational correlation between adapter 600a and cap 700a.

[0069] FIG. 8 illustrates a close up view of exemplary two different adapters 600d, 600e and a cap 700d that is operational with both adapters 600d, 600e. The first adapter 600d has a unique identifier 800c of a letter D. The second adapter 600e has a unique identifier 800e of a letter E. The cap 700d has a unique identifier 800d of a letter D. Further, both adapters 600d, 600e and the cap 700d are colored yellow to show the operational congruity therebetween.

[0070] Looking back at FIG. 5, the assembly 100 further comprises a plurality of caps 700a-d that are configured to fasten the adapters 600a-e to the radiator fill opening. The caps 700a-d are defined by a top cap face 702a-d and a hole 704a-d for receiving the tube 602a-e. The hole 704a-d may have different diameters and lengths for different caps 700a-d. The caps 700a-d may include a pair of fastening flanges 706a, 706b extending toward one another from opposite edges of the cap below the top cap face 702a-d. The fastening flanges 706a, 706b are configured to help secure the cap onto a circular lip portion defining the radiator fill opening.

[0071] Similar to adapters 600a-e, each cap 700a-d has a unique identifier 800a-e. The identifier 800a-e, as used with the caps, identifies a particular tube 602a-e to receive through the hole 704a-d. The unique identifier 800a-e of each cap 700a-d is further configured to identify a particular radiator fill opening at which the adapter 600a-e is configured to detachably attach. This unique identification means enables identification and matching of the cap 700a with the matching adapter 600a and appropriate radiator fill opening. In this manner, the adapter 600a and cap 700a for a specific radiator is utilized. This may be useful for matching the adapters 600a-e and caps 700a-d to different types of radiators from different models and years of vehicles.

[0072] In one exemplary embodiment illustrated back in FIG. 5, a first adapter 600a has a unique identifier 800a of a blue color and a letter A. The blue, letter A identifier 800a may indicate an operational match with a cap 700 a and a Toyota radiator. A second adapter 600b has a unique identifier 800b of a red color and a letter B. The red, letter B identifier 800b may indicate an operational match with a cap 700b and a Hyundai radiator. A third adapter 600c has a unique identifier 800c of a green color and a letter C. The green, letter C identifier 800c may indicate an operational match with a cap 700c and a Chevrolet radiator.

[0073] Continuing with the exemplary embodiment, a fourth adapter 600d has a unique identifier 800d of a yellow color and a letter D. The yellow, letter D identifier 800d may indicate an operational match with a cap 700d and a Mercedes radiator. In one alternative embodiment, a fifth adapter 700e may be used with the same cap 700 of the fourth adapter 600d, but with a different variations in the radiator fill opening for a specific model of Mercedes. The fifth adapter 700 may have yet another unique identifier 800e. However, the adapters 600a-e and caps 700a-d may be used with any combination of identifier or type of radiator may be used in other embodiments.

[0074] These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

[0075] Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.