Patent ID: 7823695
Filing Date: 2010-11-02
Classification: B65D,F01M,F16B,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A transmission oil pan seal system, comprising: a molded plastic transmission oil pan component defining a circular opening; internal threads disposed around the opening; a plastic screw cap closure having an external periphery and sized to fit inside the opening to close off the opening; external threads provided around the periphery of the screw; a rib projecting from the housing in the axial direction outside of the opening and surrounding the opening, with a diameter larger than the diameter of the opening; a first catch projecting radially inward from the rib; and a second catch disposed adjacent the periphery of the screw and projecting radially outward from the screw; wherein the external threads and internal threads are configured to engage when rotated in a tightening direction and the first and second catches are configured to overlap each other in the radial direction, and configured so that rotation of the screw in the tightening direction causes the first and second catches to provide a first resistance force against rotation in the tightening direction, and causes the first and second catches to pass each other when the tightening rotation application force is greater than the first resistance force, wherein after passing each other in the tightening direction, the first and second catches are configured to interlock so that release or loosening of the screw in the loosening direction is resisted, and thereafter so that loosening rotation of the screw in the loosening direction causes the first and second catches to provide a second resistance force against rotation in the loosening direction, and causes the first and second catches to pass each other when the loosening rotation application force is greater than the second resistance force, and wherein after passing each other in the loosening direction, the first and second catches permit further rotation for removal of the screw.