Abstract:
An oil filler cap with an integrated oil directing funnel. The cap is configurable to fit many automobile makes and models, and is configured to accept the threaded top end of standard quart containers. The integrated funnel is extendible to a fully open position wherein it facilitates replacement of engine oil in a manner preventing spillage onto the engine block and vicinity. Once the outlet of a standard quart container of engine oil is placed into the collapsible funnel to engage the cap structure, the funnel may then collapse to its resting position while passing engine oil from the standard quart container to the engine block. Drainage holes in the cap recapture oil that seeps through or clings to the integrated funnel.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to the field of automotive components. More specifically the invention relates to an oil filler cap with integrated funnel. 
   BACKGROUND 
   Engine oil is a very necessary element for the proper operation and lubrication of an automobile engine. Thus, each automobile has a means or an access opening through which an operator may replenish the engine oil when it falls below a certain level. The means (or orifice) is referred to herein as the oil filler access or opening. 
   Most commonly, the oil filler opening is provided directly to an interior portion of the engine, though the opening may also be provided to an oil reservoir or other container/flow path which leads to the engine. When the oil filler opening leads directly to the interior of the engine, the oil filler access or opening is usually located at a top portion of the engine, such as at or near the top of the engine block or an associated component of the engine, such as a valve cover, and a removable cap is used to provide a pressure seal during normal engine operation. The removable cap also prevents oil from splashing all over the engine compartment when the engine is running. 
   In most cases, the configuration of the removable cap is dependent on the automobile engine manufacturer and design. Thus, there could exist almost as many different oil filler caps as there are different makes of automobile engines. 
     FIG. 1  is an illustration of an automobile engine with an oil filler access or opening. As illustrated, access hole  101  is the oil filler access or opening for engine oil replenishment. As indicated above, the access or opening may be provided directly in a portion of the engine or an associated reservoir or the like, and in the case of an automobile, is generally located in the engine compartment.  FIG. 2  is an illustration of a prior art oil filler cap configuration for the engine compartment. Oil filler cap  200  is generally configured to cover the oil filler access  101  of  FIG. 1 . Thus, in normal operation, oil filler cap  200  couples snugly with oil filler access  101  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
     FIG. 3  is an illustration of the prior art oil filler cap installed in place in the engine compartment for normal operation. As illustrated, the oil filler cap and access is generally at the top of the engine and conveniently placed such that any person capable of operating a vehicle can replenish the engine oil with ease. The cap is normally removable by hand to facilitate oil replenishment. 
   As indicated, because lubricating oil is such a basic necessity for operation of an automobile engine, it is necessary for operators to be capable of easily checking and replenishing the engine oil. Engine oil may be depleted in various ways, including evaporation and burning along with fuel during engine operation. When engine oil levels are too low, insufficient lubrication of moving parts occurs, which may lead to severe engine damage. Thus, most automobile manufacturers ensure that the oil filler access or opening is conveniently located for ease of determination of engine oil level and replenishment as necessary. The configurations are such that most drivers are capable of checking the engine oil of their automobile and topping off the oil when it falls below a recommended level. 
   Thus, most manufacturers recommend that drivers check their oil level regularly, such as each time they refuel their vehicle, i.e., at the gas (petrol) station. The procedure usually requires checking the engine oil level with a dipstick and if the level is below the manufacturer&#39;s recommended level, removing the oil filler cap and topping off the oil back to the manufacturer&#39;s recommended level. And finally, replacing the oil filler cap. Unfortunately, due to absentmindedness or some distraction (e.g. cell phones), some operators forget to replace the oil filler cap after replenishing the engine oil. Therefore, as they drive away from the gas station, the oil filler cap falls off and is lost. 
   The operator or owner of the vehicle is then forced to purchase a replacement oil filler cap. These filler caps may be very expensive especially depending on the make and manufacture of the vehicle. For instance, the owner of a Mercedes Benz automobile may pay several times more for an oil filler cap than the owner of a Hyundai automobile. 
   Another significant problem associated with replenishing engine oil is spillage. Engine oil is commonly changed every 3,000 miles, or two months, requiring the addition of fresh oil, typically five quarts, one at a time. Compared with simply checking the oil level and topping off, replacing the oil with five one-quart containers provides five times the opportunity for spillage if no funnel is used. 
   Lubricating oil is commonly provided in quart-sized containers having an opening through which the oil may be dispensed. This requires the user to invert the container in order to pour or dispense the oil from the container into the oil filler access opening. In this process, it is very common for oil from the container to spill on the engine block or other components of the engine, such as the exhaust manifold, depending on the design of the engine. 
   The spilled oil may simply become a magnet for dusts thus resulting in the engine compartment becoming unsightly. The spilled oil may damage sensitive components, such as electronic components. The spilled oil may also create a hazard. For example, oil that spills on the exhaust manifold may burn when the engine compartment heats up thus creating unwanted smoke and odor in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Therefore, to prevent oil spill, some owners and mechanics use an external funnel to direct oil into the oil filler access opening. The funnel is generally a separate device that is not part of the automobile, and thus is stored externally, e.g., in the garage. 
   Therefore, a need exists for a more convenient and effective means for replenishing engine oil, including addressing problems such as those described above. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is directed to an oil filler access or opening closure member and a means for directing or routing oil into such an opening. In one embodiment, there is provided an oil filler access opening cap apparatus with an integrated, oil-directing funnel. 
   Thus, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide an inexpensive oil filler replacement cap with an integrated collapsible funnel. The oil filler replacement cap is configurable to fit many automobile makes and models. The integrated collapsible funnel is extendible to a fully open position wherein it is usable as a funnel to facilitate replenishment of engine oil and to prevent spillage onto the engine block and vicinity. In the fully open position, the collapsible funnel is configured to direct oil from a container into the oil filler access or opening. In one embodiment, the inside bottom of the funnel cap is configured to hold an “outlet” of a standard quart container of engine oil. The car owner does not have to hold the quart container and wait for it to drain. He or she can set the quart container into the collapsible funnel such that the container outlet engages the oil filler cap, and then he or she can step away. Once the standard quart container of engine oil is placed on the collapsible funnel in the fully open position, the collapsible funnel may then collapse to its resting position while passing engine oil from the standard quart container to the oil filler access or opening without spillage. 
   The oil filler replacement cap includes a top cover. In an embodiment, the top cover is common to all automobile models. Some embodiments may be configured such that the top cover may be the only part removed during oil replenishment, though other embodiments may be configured such that other portions of the oil cap may also be removed during oil replenishment. Thus, if the top cover is lost, it can easily be replaced for fractions less than the original oil filler replacement cap from the original equipment manufacturer. 
   Other embodiments of the present invention may be used for other fluid compartments such as transmission, power steering, etc. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an illustration of an automobile engine with an oil filler access opening. 
       FIG. 2  is an illustration of a prior art oil filler cap configuration for the oil filler access opening. 
       FIG. 3  is an illustration of the prior art oil filler cap installed in place in the oil filler access opening for normal operation. 
       FIG. 4  is an illustration of an oil filler replacement cap in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is an illustration of the oil filler cap of the present invention installed in place in an oil filler access opening for normal operation. 
       FIG. 6A  is an illustration of the oil filler cap assembly of the present invention in a resting/collapsed position. 
       FIG. 6B  is an illustration of the oil filler cap assembly of the present invention in an open/extended position. 
       FIG. 7A  is an illustration of the side view of the outer ring member  660  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7B  is an illustration of the top view of the outer ring member  660  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8C  are illustrations of the side cross-sectional views of a circular ring member in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8B  is an illustration of the top view of circular ring member of  FIG. 8A . 
       FIG. 8D  is a cross-sectional view of interlocking lip and groove structures on funnel rings, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
       FIG. 9A  is a side cutout view of an embodiment of the fixed funnel assembly  620  of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9B  is a top view of the fixed funnel assembly of  FIG. 9A . 
       FIG. 9C  is an exploded view of side wall  930  of the fixed funnel assembly of  FIG. 9A  showing details of a Finger-Grip configuration. 
       FIG. 10A  is an illustration of the side view of inner ring member  680  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10B  is an illustration of the top view of inner ring member  680  of  FIG. 10A . 
       FIG. 11A  is a side cutout illustration of a molded bulb adapter configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11B  is a top view of the molded bulb adapter of  FIG. 11A . 
       FIG. 12A  is a side cutout view of an embodiment of top cover  640  of the present invention. 
       FIG. 12B  is a top view of the top cover assembly of  FIG. 12A . 
       FIG. 12C  is an exploded view of the side surface of the top section of the top cover of  FIG. 12A  showing details of a Finger-Grip configuration. 
       FIGS. 13A-13C  are diagrams showing the main flow path and residual flow paths through a fluid filler cap assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The invention discloses an oil filler access opening closure member. The invention also discloses means for directing or routing oil to an oil filler access or opening. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough description of embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. 
   In one embodiment, the present invention comprises an oil filler access or opening closure member. In one embodiment, the closure member is a replacement cap configurable to fit several automobile makes and models. An embodiment of the oil filler replacement cap is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Oil filler replacement cap  400  fits snugly into orifice  101  in a similar manner as oil filler cap  200 . This is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . As illustrated, the oil filler replacement cap of the present invention takes the place of the standard oil filler cap provided originally with the automobile. In a preferred embodiment, the oil filler cap or closure member includes an integral means for directing or routing oil to the oil filler access or opening. Due to this added functionality, which is not present in the standard automobile oil filler cap, it may be advantageous to simply replace the standard oil filler cap with the present invention without waiting to lose the original device. 
   As indicated, one embodiment of the invention is a means for routing or directing engine oil to an oil filler access or opening. In one embodiment of the invention, this means is provided in combination with an oil filler access or opening closure member or cap, such as described above. One embodiment of the invention is thus an oil access or opening filler cap with integrated funnel. An embodiment of the filler cap with integrated funnel of the present invention will now be described in detail with respect to an automobile engine. 
   It is noted that the embodiments of the invention have utility with other than automobile engines and for directing other than engine oil. For example, the filler cap and integrated funnel may be utilized to close the oil filler access or opening of engines other than those used to power automobiles, such as those used to power trucks, trains, planes and the like. The filler cap and integrated funnel may also be used in other environments where a fluid access opening is provided. These environments include, but are not limited to, equipment such as engines and pumps including access openings for fluids such as transmission oil, hydraulic oil, brake fluid and coolant, among others. 
   I. Embodiment of General Cap Assembly 
   The oil filler cap assembly of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 6A  in its resting/collapsed position. As illustrated, the oil filler cap assembly comprises a configurable adapter  610 ; a fixed funnel  620 ; an integrated collapsible funnel  630 ; a plurality of sealing members such as gaskets  672 ,  674 , and  676 ; and a top cover  640 . In general, adapter  610  is configured to fit snugly into an oil filler access opening or other opening, such as the orifice  101  of the engine block illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The fixed and collapsible funnels,  620  and  630 , are configured to route fluid, such as engine oil, to the adapter  610 . The plurality of gaskets, e.g.  672 ,  674 , and  676 , preferably seal various components of the cap and provide a positive pressure lock for the oil filler cap. 
   In one embodiment, the replacement oil filler cap assembly  400  of the present invention only needs to be installed or connected to an access opening, such as the oil filler access or opening of a vehicle, once. Thereafter, top cover  640  may be the only part removed during oil replenishment, though other embodiments may be configured such that other portions of the oil cap may also be removed during oil replenishment. This provides a significant cost savings advantage over prior art engine oil filler access or opening caps because in most, if not all, embodiments, top cover  640  is the same for all automobiles and thus would be significantly cheaper to replace, if lost, than the original equipment manufacturer oil filler cap. This is because top cover  640  may be manufactured for literally pennies, for instance, and is universal in construction and not specific to a particular manufacturer&#39;s engine design. 
   In one embodiment, the collapsible funnel portion of the cap assembly  400  comprises a plurality of nesting rings which may be moved between a collapsed condition and an extended condition.  FIG. 6B  is an illustration of the oil filler cap in the open and extended position. As illustrated, collapsible funnel  630  is extended to its full operating position in this configuration. The full extension is accomplished by uncoupling top cover  640  from fixed funnel member  620  and pulling upwards on outer ring member  660  until collapsible funnel  630  locks in full open position, as illustrated. 
   In this embodiment, the collapsible funnel  630  comprises an outer ring member  660  and a plurality of circular ring members  601  through  606 . The outer ring member is illustrated in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . 
   II. Embodiment of Collapsible Funnel Assembly 
     FIG. 7A  is an illustration of the side view of the outer ring member  660  and  FIG. 7B  is an illustration of the top view of the same outer ring member  660 . As illustrated, the outer ring member  660  comprises an upper section  750  and a lower section  740 . The outside surface of lower section  740  is configured to sit on top of fixed funnel  620  such that it provides a positive seal, with the aid of a gasket if necessary, with fixed funnel  620  when the oil filler cap assembly is in the closed/resting position. 
   Thus, in one or more embodiments, the outside surface of the lower section  740  starts linearly at the bottom face  720 , becomes curvilinear towards the top of the section (i.e.  740 ), and then joins the outer surface of top section  750 . Top section  750  may have a fixed outside diameter throughout its entire length  704 . The outside surface of top section  750  may be smooth to differentiate it and provide tactile feel that is different from that of the top cover  640  and fixed funnel  620 . 
   The diameter of inner surface  730  of outer ring  660  may increase from the fixed dimension  705  at the bottom portion  720  to a fixed dimension  701  at the top portion  710 . The change in dimension from bottom to top may be linear or curvilinear, as desired. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the dimension  701  is greater than the dimension  705 . 
   The total height of outer ring  660  is represented by dimension  703 . The height of section  740  may be limited by the available storage space within fixed funnel  620 , i.e., between the inner side wall of the cone of the fixed funnel and the top of the fixed funnel. 
   Sample dimensions for an embodiment of outer ring  660  of the present invention are provided in the table below. The outer ring member  660  may be movably coupled to a plurality of circular ring members which is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
     FIG. 8A  is an illustration of the side view of a circular ring member and  FIG. 8B  is an illustration of the top view of the same circular ring member. As illustrated, each circular ring member comprises a top portion  810 , a bottom portion  820 , inner surface  830 , and an outer surface  840 . The plurality of rings of collapsible funnel  630  are configured such that the diameter of the inner surface  830  of bottom portion  820  (i.e. dimension  801 ) of a ring member directly above (e.g. top ring member  606 ) another ring member (e.g. lower ring member  605 ) is slightly less than the diameter of the outer surface  840  of top portion  810  (i.e. dimension  805 ) of the lower ring member. 
   This is further illustrated in the table below. For instance, in the configuration of  FIG. 6 , circular ring member  602  is directly above circular ring member  601 . Thus, the inner top diameter of ring  602  (i.e. 1.820 inches) is less than the outer top diameter of ring  601  (i.e. 1.844 inches). 
   For each circular ring member, the distance between the top portion  810  and the bottom portion  820  of each ring member is the height  803  of the circular ring member. The height of each ring member is dependent on its relative location in the collapsible funnel, on the angle of the inner surface of the fixed funnel section  940  (see  FIG. 9 ) and the height of section  704  of outer ring member  660 . 
   The diameter of the top and bottom portions of each ring member also depends on its relative position in the collapsible funnel and the desired cone size of the collapsible funnel. For instance, the inner diameter of the top portion  804  may be greater than the inner diameter of the bottom portion  801  if the rings are to snap in place when extended. Also, the outer diameter of the top portion  805  may be greater than the outer diameter of the lower portion  802  to create a funnel effect. Thus the diameter of each circular ring increases from the bottom portion to the top portion. The change in diameter from the bottom portion  820  to the top portion  810  could be linear or curvilinear, for instance, depending on the desired look of the collapsible funnel. 
   The collapsible funnel may be created by assembling the circular ring members  601  through  606  with the outer ring member  660 . The assembly process may comprise the process of dropping the largest circular ring member, e.g.  606 , into the outer ring member  660  to create a partial assembly. Circular ring member  606  will not fall through since the outer diameter of its top portion  805  is greater than the inner diameter of the lower portion  705  of outer ring member  660 . 
   The assembly process continues with the next largest circular ring member, e.g.  605 , of the remaining circular ring members being dropped into the partial assembly. Followed by the next largest, and so on, until all the circular ring members are in place in the collapsible funnel. 
   Thus, configuring inner diameter  801  of the bottom portion of an upper ring member (e.g.  606 ) to be slightly less than outer diameter  805  of the top portion of a lower ring member (e.g.  605 ) assures that all the rings of the collapsible funnel lock in place at full extension thus creating a funnel. An example configuration of the dimensions in inches of the circular ring members is presented in the table below. 
   
     
       
             
             
             
             
           
             
             
             
             
           
         
             
                 
             
             
               Circular Ring 
               Inner Bottom 
               Outer Top 
               Ring Height 
             
             
               No. 
               Diameter 7/801 
               Diameter 7/802 
               7/803 
             
             
                 
             
           
           
             
                 
             
           
        
         
             
               601 
               1.644 
               1.844 
               0.959 
             
             
               602 
               1.820 
               2.013 
               0.880 
             
             
               603 
               1.989 
               2.172 
               0.794 
             
             
               604 
               2.148 
               2.323 
               0.712 
             
             
               605 
               2.299 
               2.466 
               0.635 
             
             
               606 
               2.442 
               2.601 
               0.562 
             
             
               660 
               2.580 
               3.100 
               0.476 
             
             
                 
             
           
        
       
     
   
   In the above table illustration, the difference between the outer top diameter of a lower ring member and the inner bottom diameter of a directly adjacent upper ring member is fixed at 0.024 inches. For example, the pair of rings  601  and  602  have a fixed difference of 0.024 (i.e., 1.844-1.820) inches; pair of rings  602  and  603  also have a fixed difference of 0.024 (i.e., 2.013-1.989) inches; and so on. Note that this fixed difference is for illustrative purposes only and does not in any way limit the scope of the invention or signify that such fixed value is used for all embodiments of the present invention. Thus, those of skill in the art would appreciate that the difference between the outer top diameter of a lower ring member and the inner bottom diameter of an upper ring member of adjacent ring pairs may vary for each ring pair of the plurality of rings in the collapsible funnel. 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 8C and 8D , in one or more embodiments, funnel rings  601 - 606  may each be configured with an outward projecting lip  811  on the upper rim of the funnel ring structure. The inside surface  830  of each of funnel rings  601 - 606  may be configured with an annular groove  812  in the vicinity of the bottom rim. The actual distance from the groove to the bottom rim may vary for different embodiments, based on such concerns as stability versus absolute extension. Lip  811  is configured to engage groove  812  of the nearest outer neighbor among funnel rings  601 - 606 . 
   The inner fixed ring  680  may also be configured with a lip  811  on its upper rim to engage a corresponding groove  812  in the innermost collapsible funnel ring (e.g.,  601 ). Similarly, outermost ring  660  may include an annular groove  812  to receive the lip  811  of funnel ring  606 . 
   The lip and groove combination provides a tactile mechanism for interlocking the individual funnel rings together in the extended position, as shown in  FIG. 8D . That is, when a person pulls the funnel cap outward, each joint between neighboring rings will snap into place at the desired maximum extension position. Overextension of the funnel is prevented by the interlocking mechanism (assuming the application of normal force), and a secure fit between funnel elements is announced by the tactile (and, in some embodiments, audible) “snap” feedback. With all funnel elements interlocked, the extended funnel provides a stable, supportive pouring aid. When the funnel is no longer needed, a person may push downward on the funnel to disengage the respective lip/groove connections and collapse the funnel into the body of the cap. 
   In one alternate embodiment, the lip is formed on the inside of the lower rim of each funnel ring, and is configured to engage an annular groove near the top of the outer surface of the nearest inner neighboring ring. In another alternate embodiment, the funnel rings may be configured with outward projecting upper lips and inward projecting lower lips configured to engage each other at full extension. In yet another embodiment, the annular groove may be replaced with an annular ridge on the surface of the ring. The decreasing inner diameter of the outer ring (or a second annular ridge) prevent overextension, whereas the compression fit of the lip over the annular ridge resists collapse of the funnel structure. An annular ridge (or multiple protrusions arranged in a ring) may, in some embodiments, be used as a substitute for the lip structure  811 . 
   Referring back to  FIG. 6 , the collapsible funnel  630  is coupled to fixed funnel  620  via an inner ring member  680 . The fixed funnel is further illustrated in  FIGS. 9A through 9C . 
   III. Embodiment of Fixed Funnel Assembly 
   As illustrated,  FIG. 9A  is a side cutout view of an embodiment of the fixed funnel assembly  620  of the present invention;  FIG. 9B  is a top view of the fixed funnel assembly; and  FIG. 9C  is an exploded view of side wall  930  showing details of a Finger-Grip configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
   The fixed funnel assembly  620  illustrated herein comprises mounting column  910  with inner surface  901  and outer surface  902 ; at least one drainage hole  920 ; side wall  940 ; grip surface  930 ; and gasket  674 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 9C , Grip surface  930  may be configured to provide adequate finger grip to facilitate installation of the oil filler cap assembly of the present invention in place of the original equipment manufacturer&#39;s oil filler cap on an automobile engine block. Preferably, such a feature comprises one or more elements or characteristics for increasing the force which may be applied to the cap, such as by increasing the coefficient of friction between the cap and a hand or tool. For instance, surface  930  may include vertical serrations as illustrated in  FIG. 9C , or other type of grip pattern. For example, the grip pattern may be angled, crisscrossed, etc. Although it is desirable that grip surface  930  is configured to provide adequate finger grip, other embodiments of the grip surface may be configured for installation using specific or specialized tools. 
   Mounting column  910  may be configured as a cylindrical member having an inside surface  901  and an outside surface  902 . An embodiment of inside surface  901  may be configured with threads for locking top cover  640  in place. Outside surface  902  may be configured to provide snap-fit lock with inner ring member  680 , when installed. 
   The one or more drainage holes  920  between side wall  940  and mounting column  910  provide means for oil leaking through the side walls of the collapsible funnel to drain through to the engine. Thus, the drainage holes  920  are configured with one or more tunnels feeding back into oil fill opening hole  950 . 
   Fixed funnel  620  may be coupled with collapsible funnel  630  via inner ring member  680 .  FIG. 10  is an illustration of inner ring member  680  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10A  is an illustration of the side view of inner ring member  680  and  FIG. 10B  is an illustration of the top view of inner ring member  680 . As illustrated, inner ring member  680  comprises a top portion  1010 , a bottom portion  1020 , inner surface  1030 , and an outer surface  1040 . The inner ring member  680  may be configured such that the diameter  1001  of the inner surface  1030  provides a snap fit with the outside surface  902  of mounting column  910  of the fixed funnel  620 . Thus, both surfaces (i.e.  1030  and  902 ) are configured for easy coupling with one another. For example, inner surface  1030  may be threaded if outside surface  902  of fixed funnel  620  is similarly threaded such that mounting bracket  910  is the male and inner ring member  680  is the female. 
   The outside diameter of side wall  1040  may be configured to provide fit with the lowest circular ring member (e.g.  601 ) of the collapsible funnel assembly  630 . For instance, the outside diameter of the inner ring member may be variable, e.g., increasing from a lower value to the bottom section  1020  to a larger value to the top section  1010 . Thus, the configuration of the outer surface of wall  1040  may be similar to that of the circular ring member described in  FIG. 8 . That is, inner ring member  680  may be configured such that the diameter of the outer surface  1040  of top portion  1010  (i.e. dimension  1002 ) is slightly larger than the inner diameter  801  of bottom portion  820  of circular ring member  601 , which sits directly above the inner ring member. 
   The fixed funnel and collapsible funnel may be assembled together by a simple process of dropping the inner ring member  680  into the lowest circular ring member (e.g.  601 ) of the collapsible funnel assembly. Inner ring member  680  will not fall through since the outer diameter of its top portion  1002  is greater than the inner diameter of the lower portion  801  of lower ring member  601 . 
   Subsequently, the inner ring member and collapsible funnel assembly may be coupled to fixed funnel  620  via mounting column  910 . 
   Inner ring member  680  may be mounted over the outer surface  902  of mounting column  910  and the two members (inner ring  680  and mounting column  910 ) may be fixably coupled together using a process such as sonic welding, glue, etc. Of course, the selected coupling method may depend on the type of material(s) used for the oil filler cap of the present invention. For instance, example materials may include suitable type of GF (Glass Filled) Nylon, carbon, fiber glass, combinations of metallic and non-metallic materials, etc. In any case, it may be desirable that the heat conduction characteristics of the material used be minimal for several reasons, e.g., to allow ease of removal of top cover  640  after the engine becomes hot, to minimize expansion of the oil filler cap under temperature, etc. 
   IV. Embodiment of Cap Adapter Assembler 
   On the bottom side  970  of the fixed funnel assembly is coupled a suitable adapter  610 . The available embodiments of adapter  610  may be as many as there are automobile filler cap configurations in production. The adapter essentially fits in the same oil filler access opening  101  and provides the same positive pressure lock as the original oil filler cap from the vehicle manufacturer. For instance, the adapter may be a cam type, a thread type, etc. A typical adapter configuration is the molded bulb configuration illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The molded bulb preferably has a nominal size which is greater than the size of the access opening. The bulb may be compressible, however, so that at least a portion of the bulb will fit into or through the opening and then provide a biasing force which effectively seals the opening with the bulb. The bulb may be constructed, for example, of a flexible material and include a central opening which permits compression of the body of the bulb inwardly. 
   As illustrated, the adapter may be configured to plug into the bottom section  970  of fixed funnel  620 . Top section  1110  of adapter may be fixably coupled with fixed funnel  620 . For instance, section  1110  may be configured to couple with the inner bottom surface  901  of mounting column  910 . A suitable means may be used to fixably couple adapter  610  with fixed funnel  620 . As discussed above, a suitable coupling means may include sonic welding, glue, or any other appropriate process for the type of material used in the adapter and funnel cap assembly. 
   Spill tunnel  1130  provides a conduit from drainage holes  920  to oil fill opening hole  950 . One or more spill tunnel  1130  may be included in an embodiment. Also, bottom section  1120  of adapter  610  provides a tight fit with the oil filler access hole  101  of the automobile engine block. A gasket  676  may be included in one or more embodiments to provide positive pressure lock between the engine block and the oil filler cap adapter assembly. 
   V. Embodiment of Top Cover 
   Another section of the oil filler cap assembly of the present invention is top cover  640  illustrated in  FIGS. 12A-12C . As illustrated,  FIG. 12A  is a side cutout view of an embodiment of top cover  640  of the present invention;  FIG. 12B  is a top view of the top cover assembly; and  FIG. 12C  is an exploded view of the side surface of the top section of the top cover showing details of a Finger-Grip configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
   In the illustrated embodiment, top cover  640  comprises top section  1210 ; gasket  672 , and bottom section  1220 . Bottom section  1220  may be threaded on its outside to fit into threads on the inner surface  901  of mounting column  910  thus providing an anchor for top cover  640 , when in the closed position. Gasket  672  provides positive pressure lock between top cover  640  and outer ring  660 . 
   Top cover  640  may comprise the same material as the rest of the oil filler cap assembly. In addition, top cover may also include a variety of decorative and non-functional ornamentation. For instance, some decorative materials may be added to the top section  1210  for aesthetic reasons. 
   The side wall of top section  1210  of top cover  640  may be configured to provide suitable finger grip around its periphery, as illustrated in  FIG. 12C . The grip surface may be configured to provide adequate finger grip to facilitate quick installation and removal of the top cover assembly  640  of the present invention. For instance, grip surface  1230  may include vertical serrations as illustrated in  FIG. 12C , or other type patterns. For example, the grip pattern may be angled, crisscrossed, etc. Also, although it is desirable that grip surface  1230  is configured to provide adequate finger grip for easy and quick access to the oil filler opening, other embodiments of the grip surface  1230  may be configured for use with specific or specialized tools. 
   VI. Fluid Flow Illustrations 
     FIGS. 13A-13C  illustrate how fluid (e.g., oil) flows through the filler cap assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention. The large arrow represents the main flow  1300  of fluid through the apparatus, whereas smaller arrows represent the residual flow  1301  of fluid. 
     FIG. 13A  provides a side-view of one embodiment of the invention. In  FIGS. 13A and 13B , the fixed funnel assembly  620  is shown detached from the adapter assembly  610  to highlight the flow of fluid through the residual fluid retention apparatus including drainage holes  920  of fixed assembly  620  and spill tunnels  1130  of adapter assembly  610  in one embodiment of the invention. 
   In  FIG. 13B , adapter assembly  610  and fixed funnel assembly  620  are angled to better show the bottom outlets of drain holes  920  in fixed funnel assembly  620  and the spill tunnels  1130  of adapter assembly  610 , as well as the main flow  1300  through opening  950 .  FIG. 13C  provides a perspective top view of the apparatus, showing the upper inlets of drainage holes  920  in fixed funnel assembly  620 , as well as the origination of residual fluid flows  1301  from the outside surfaces of the collapsible funnel assembly  630 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 13A , top cover  640  is removed during filling. Collapsible funnel assembly  630  is extended for pouring of fluids, though the collapsible funnel may be permitted to collapse into fixed funnel assembly  620  once the dispensing container outlet has engaged the inner portion  901  of the fixed funnel assembly  620  and adapter assembly  610 . 
   The main flow  1300  of fluid enters the filler cap through the center of collapsible funnel assembly  630 , where it is channeled into and through the access core  950  defined by inner surface  901  of fixed funnel assembly  620 . Adapter assembly  610  (shown detached in  FIGS. 13A and 13B  for purposes of illustration, but fitted into fixed funnel assembly  620  during normal use) receives the main flow  1300  from fixed funnel assembly  620 , and channels the main flow into the engine block through the engine access opening (not shown) to which the adapter assembly is removably coupled. 
   Any fluid retained in the collapsible funnel assembly  630  after the funnel elements are collapsed, as well as any fluid spilled onto the outside of the collapsible funnel assembly  630 , is captured through the top of funnel assembly  620  as residual flows  1301 . The side wall  940  and surface  902  channel the residual flow  1301  through one or more top inlets of drainage holes  920 . The residual flow passes from the lower outlets of drainage holes  920  into an annular gap between fixed funnel assembly  620  and adapter assembly  610 , from which the residual flow  1301  is channeled back into the main flow  1300  through one or more spill tunnels  1130 . 
   VII. Other Embodiments 
   Other embodiments of the invention are contemplated. As indicated, in one embodiment, the collapsible funnel comprises one or more rings which move relative to one another between a collapsed and extended condition. The funnel may have other configurations, however. For example, the funnel might comprise a flexible wall member, such as a flexible sheath, which may be compressed to a flat or collapsed state, or stretched or extended to define a flow path for fluid. The funnel may also comprise a single rigid element which may be moved inwardly and outwardly between a collapsed position and an extended position. The funnel may also be defined by a plurality of elements which are movable relative to one another in other than the axial direction. For example, in one embodiment, a plurality of elements may be rotatably nested such that, when twisted one direction, they expand to define an elongate flow path, but when twisted in another, they contract. Such embodiments of the invention may be associated with the fluid access opening in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, those elements are associated with an adaptor and may be closed with a cap, as described above. 
   The cap may also be constructed in other ways than described. In the preferred embodiment, the collapsible funnel is mounted to a fixed funnel, the fixed funnel acting as a mounting base, container for the collapsible funnel when in its closed position, and serving to collect any oil or other fluid which leaks from the fixed funnel. In other embodiments, the fixed funnel may be eliminated. For example, where an impermeable sheath is used as the collapsible funnel, that sheath might be mounted directed to the adapter. In such event, the adapter might include an upwardly extending wall to which the sheath is mounted and over which the cover may be selectively placed. 
   Thus, an oil filler access or opening closure member, a fluid directing member and a cap with an integrated funnel, has been described. Particular embodiments described herein are illustrative only and should not limit the present invention thereby. The invention is defined by the claims and their full scope of equivalents.