Abstract:
An oil removing apparatus and system designed to drain fluids such as hot motor oil from a motor vehicle comprises a tank supported by rolling casters and having handles used to position the tank underneath a motor vehicle. An upper portion of the apparatus comprises an inflatable wall structure which provides vertically adjustable positioning around an oil pan or similar structure. The inflatable structure further includes a heat-resistant glove for accessing and removing a drain plug or similar feature. During typical use, a user removes the drain plug with the glove and drains the oil while the glove and inflatable structure protects the user from the hot motor oil.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in U.S. Patent Provisional No. 61/592,888 filed on Jan. 31, 2012 the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a fluid receiving chamber and more specifically, to a mobile cart having an inflatable structure with at least one (1) glove port to enable a user to drain a vehicle of a fluid and subsequent collection and filtration of the fluid. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The routine maintenance of vehicles, and other machines employing internal combustion engines, generally requires the removal and replacement of lubricating fluids housed within the engine. In order to remove such fluids, it is necessary to have a device to adequately collect and temporarily stow the drained fluid in a convenient manner. Additionally, environmental consciousness dictates the proper storage, recycling, and disposal of such fluids. Problems often encountered by individuals performing such maintenance include unwieldy collection apparatuses used for larger vehicles, coming into physical contact with the drained fluids, being exposed to the risk of scolding due to the elevated temperatures of the drained fluids, inadequate collection and storage of the fluids for environmental purposes, and insufficient containment of the draining fluids so as to prevent splashing and spillage. It would be of great benefit to mechanics and the like to have a drainage and collection system that solves the above-mentioned problems, while satisfying the needs of convenience and safety. 
     Several drainage and collection devices exist that attempt to combat the various problems encountered, but none do so with the utility and configuration that is demanded by mechanics, technicians, and other maintenance professionals. It is desired to have a fluid drainage and collection unit that is capable of allowing a user to drain and collect fluids from underneath a vehicle that exhibits suitable maneuverability, even for unit used for large vehicles that house larger quantities of fluids. It is further desired for that unit to satisfactorily contain collected fluids while in motion in a manner that minimizes splatter and spillage. The unit should be equipped with a system to adequately protect the user from coming into physical contact with any draining fluid, and to protect the user from being scolded in situations where the fluid is hot. Another desirable feature is for the unit to be provided with a disposing feature to expel collected fluid into other containers suitable for recycling or further disposal of such fluid. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,274,645 shows a portable oil drain collection tank for use in an automobile service station. The device is provided with a thirty-gallon tank mounted on a portable cart, and includes a drain valve and a screen covered funnel extending telescopically. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,485,853 shows a portable oil draining and collection device. The device is equipped with a funneling pan leading to a bladder that is connected to a collection pan. The user lifts and holds the device with one (1) hand to position it under the drain plug of an oil pan. The user then inserts the other hand through the collection pan via the bladder to engage and remove the drain plug, allowing oil to drain from the oil pan and be directed by the bladder to the collection pan. The hand used to loosen the drain plug is encased within the bladder to prevent oil from contacting the hand. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,638,841 shows a fluid collection tank for automobiles that is equipped with a value system to utilize an air compressor to expel the fluid from the tank in order to empty the tank. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,776 shows an oil drainage and collection bag equipped with a funnel pan, a mounting ring for receiving a drain plug, and a glove bag pouch to receive a user&#39;s hand. The glove bag pouch permits the user to insert a hand and remove a drain plug while keeping the hand encased within the bag structure to prevent oil from contacting the hand. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,145 shows an oil drainage and collection bucket with an opening located at a bottom portion thereof. A detachable and replaceable glove is secured to the opening. A user lifts and positions the bucket with one (1) hand, and inserts another hand into the glove to remove a drain plug. The glove allows the user to drain oil without having the oil come into physical contact the user&#39;s hand. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,500 shows a cart for in situ collection, filtration, and recycling of fluids that is equipped with a baffle system to reduce splashing and turbulence of the collected fluids. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,140 shows an oil drain collection apparatus equipped with a magnetic retention means to secure the collection funnel to a surface of an oil pan of a vehicle. 
     The cited patents exhibit some desired features of the present invention but none do so in one embodiment and none do so with the utility and configuration of the present invention. The present invention is wieldy and maneuverable, but has the capacity to be used for larger vehicles. None of the cited patents exhibit this feature. The present invention protects the user from physical contact and from heat due to the elevated temperatures of the fluids contained within vehicles. None of the cited patents claim to protect from scolding. The present invention is self-containing and is designed to attenuate splashing and turbulence of draining and collected fluids. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a fluid removing apparatus and system for trucks. The device comprises a mobile cart with expandable sidewalls, wheels attached to an undercarriage portion with a telescoping guide system to adjust the width of the wheel carriage, a bottom tray exhibiting a downward slope, a fluid receiving chamber, a removable open-mesh screen panel, a plurality of handles, an air pumping system, and at least one (1) glove port. 
     The fluid receiving chamber further comprises a system of baffle plates with through-holes to serve as a splash reducing mechanism for fluids entering the fluid receiving chamber. The baffle plates also serve to reduce turbulence of collected fluid while the cart is maneuvered. The expandable sidewalls further comprise an inflatable structure attached to a perimeter rim portion of the cart. The air pumping system is used to inflate and deflate the inflatable structure. The inflatable structure comprises of a plurality of contoured air bladders that expand the fluid receiving chamber upwards when inflated, and retracts the fluid receiving chamber downwards when deflated. The inflatable structure is fastened to a rim portion in a fluid-tight manner so as to contain fluids within the fluid receiving chamber during drainage. At least one (1) glove port, comprising of heat-resistant and leak-proof material, is formed into the bladder structure, and is designed to conform to, and receive, a user&#39;s hand and arm. The glove port affords a user the ability to engage and remove/attach a drain plug while providing protection to a user&#39;s hand and arm. Protection is provided by obviating physical contact with the draining fluid and insulating the hand and arm from hot fluids. 
     A beneficial feature of the device is that it is equipped with an integral shelving system located near the bottom tray, with at least one (1) access opening, to store various supplies. 
     Another beneficial feature is the device is that it is provided with a plumbing system and pumping means for collection, drainage, and expulsion of collected fluids into and out of the system. 
     A user adjusts the wheel base of the apparatus to a desire width. A user employs the handles and wheels to move and position the apparatus so that it aligns underneath drainable portions of a motor vehicle. The sidewall structure is then expanded to a desired height by inflating the air bladders with the air pump until an upper edge portion substantially encompasses the drainable portion of the motor vehicle. The abutment formed benefits the user by creating an encompassing splash-proof structure around the drainable portion of the motor vehicle. A user inserts and extends at least one (1) arm and hand through the glove port to engage and remove a drain plug, or other draining device, permitting fluid to drain into the fluid receiving chamber. The user&#39;s arm and hand are again inserted through the glove port to replace the drain plug, or similar device. The bladder and glove port coupled with the encompassing splash-proof structure provides a non-contact means of draining fluids from the vehicle. Fluid that is drained is directed through the screen filters before engaging the bottom tray. The downward slope of the tray further directs the fluid into a final collection cavity. The sidewall structure is then deflated using a vent valve. The apparatus is moved out from underneath the vehicle and positioned next to an external fluid disposal vessel. The baffle structure benefits the user by obviating splashing and turbulence while the apparatus is transported. The fluid contained within the apparatus is then pumped from the fluid receiving chamber into the external fluid disposal vessel. 
     Being able to conveniently drain and dispose of fluids contained within vehicle motors in a safe and environmentally sound manner is essential. This should include methods to obviate environmental contamination due to splashing and spilling. Providing a means to drain and dispose of fluids without physical contact with the fluids, and with reduced risk of being scalded by hot fluids is important while performing such tasks. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fluid drain cart  10  depicting use along a floor surface  100 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   a  is a side view of the fluid drain cart  10  depicting use within a grease pit  110 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   b  is a section view of a sidewall structure portion  21  of the fluid drain cart  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 2   a ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 3  is a section view of the fluid drain cart  10  taken along section line B-B (see  FIG. 2 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  fluid drain cart 
               15  drain valve 
               20  cart 
               21  sidewall structure 
               22  fluid receiving chamber 
               23   a  screen panel 
               23   b  ledge feature 
               24   a  bottom panel 
               24   b  side panel 
               24   c  rim 
               25  drain 
               26  shelf 
               29  baffle plate 
               30   a  first air bladder 
               30   b  second air bladder 
               30   c  third air bladder 
               31   a  air pump 
               31   b  air line 
               31   c  vent valve 
               32  inlet connector 
               33  glove port 
               34  arm opening 
               40  wheel assembly 
               41  wheel support 
               42  wheel 
               44  outer guide 
               46  inner guide 
               48  aperture 
               50  pin 
               70  handle 
               80  hydraulic pump 
               82  hydraulic hose 
               84  fastening means 
               86  bracket 
               100  ground surface 
               110  grease pit 
               115  fluid 
               200  vehicle 
               210  oil pan 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 3 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     In accordance with the invention, the present disclosure will be made to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , which depict a fluid drain cart (herein described as an “apparatus”)  10 , suited for collecting draining fluids  115  from a motor vehicle  200  where like reference numerals represent similar or like parts. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  2   a  and  3 , perspective, side, and section views of the apparatus  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a mobile cart  20  having an expandable sidewall structure  21 . The cart  20  includes a bottom panel  24   a , four (4) side panels  24   b  extending upwardly from the bottom panel  24   a , and an open top portion defining a fluid receiving chamber  22 . The cart  20  is preferably fabricated from a durable and rust resistant material, such as polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), stainless steel, or equivalent material. The open top is covered by an open-mesh screen panel  23   a . The screen panel  23   a  is removable and is supported by a ledge feature  23   b  which is integral to, and protrudes from an inner surface of the side panels  24   b  in an inward direction. The screen panel  23   a  may be removed for cleaning. The screen panel  23   a  is preferably fabricated from a durable material similar to the cart  20  and comprising a mesh material having openings suitably sized to strain foreign particles or other debris from vehicle fluids  115  which are drained into the fluid receiving chamber  22 . 
     The cart  20  also includes a freely rotatable wheel  42 , preferably a swiveling caster type, located near each corner region allowing movement and positioning of the apparatus  10  under a vehicle  200 . The wheels  42  are positioned and supported by a wheel support  41  portion of respective wheel assemblies  40  adjustably mounted to the underside of the bottom panel portion  24   a  of the cart  20  via telescoping outer guide  44  and inner guide  46  members. The apparatus  10  may be positioned along a floor surface  100  as seen in  FIG. 1 , as well as within side channel portions of a conventional grease pit  110  as seen in  FIG. 2 , via the guide members  44 ,  46  which allow a spacing between pairs of wheels  42  to be selectively adjustable allowing said wheels  42  to roll within grease pits having various widths. Each wheel  42  is integral to a respective inner guide portion  46 , thereby being positioned by extending or inserting the inner guide  46  within the outer guide  44 . Said outer guide  44  and inner guide  46  members are secured with respect to each other by insertion of a pin  50  through a plurality of apertures  48  being formed along side surfaces of the guides  44 ,  46 . The outer guide  44  is rigidly affixed to the bottom panel  24   a  being welded, integrally-molded, or other strong method of attachment. 
     The bottom panel  24   a  of the cart  20  is provided with a generally downward slope from front to rear so as to direct drained fluids  115  toward a drain  25  being disposed through the bottom panel  24   a  at the rear of the cart  20 . The slope of the bottom panel  24   a  provides for better drainage through the drain  25  of the fluids  115  collected within the fluid receiving chamber  22 . In a preferred embodiment, the drain  25  includes plumbing portions such as a valve  15  and an elbow, allowing conventional plumbing connection to a hydraulic pump portion  80  of the apparatus  10  using a joining section of hydraulic hose  82 . The drain  25  and hydraulic pump  80  provide containment or allow flow of the fluids  115  from the fluid receiving chamber  22  to an existing fluid collection receptacle. Said hydraulic pump  80  is envisioned to comprise a commercially-available unit, preferably a hand-crank-type common in the industry, and supported by a bracket  86 . The hydraulic pump  80  provides proper disposal of the contained fluids  115 . However, it is understood that said hydraulic pump  80  may comprise any suitable manual or electrically actuated pump with equal benefit, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . 
     The cart  20  comprises an integral shelf portion  26  which provides a means to store various supplies and accessories such as, but not limited to: the hydraulic pump  80 , the hydraulic hose  82 , any associated connectors and couplings, and other associated items within the shelf  26 , being affixed to an underside surface of the bottom panel  24   a . The shelf  26  has at least one (1) open end portion facing the rear end of the cart  20 . 
     The cart  20  also includes a plurality of handles  70  which provide a means to pick up and carry, or re-position the apparatus  10 . The handles  70  are preferably rigid “C”-shaped members being welded or otherwise rigidly affixed to the cart  20  being arranged singularly or in pairs along each of the side panels  24   b.    
     As best seen in  FIG. 3  the apparatus  10  also includes a plurality of equally-spaced baffle plates  29  to reduce splashing of the contained fluids  115  within the fluid receiving chamber  22  when the apparatus  10  is moved or otherwise repositioned. The baffle plates  29  extend horizontally between opposing side panels  24   b  in a perpendicular manner being welded or otherwise affixed to said side panels  24   b  and the bottom panel  24   a  within the fluid receiving chamber  22 . The baffle plates  29  each include a plurality of through holes. It can be appreciated that the number and arrangement of the baffle plates  29  can vary depending upon an overall size of the apparatus  10 . In the illustrated embodiment the baffle plates  29  extend from front to rear in a parallel manner, however, in other embodiments the baffle plates  29  can include an additional set of perpendicular plates forming a grid-like pattern. 
     The expandable sidewall structure  21  forms an inflatable structure mounted to the perimeter rim portion  24   c  of the cart  20  forming a vertically adjustable rectangular shape (also see  FIG. 2   b ). The sidewall structure  21  can be made of any suitable pliable and inflatable material, such as rubber, latex, polyvinyl chloride/vinyl, or equivalent material. The sidewall structure  21  comprises a plurality of contoured air bladders  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c  arranged in a vertical manner, with each bladder  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c  in fluid communication with an adjacent bladder  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c  such that the bladders  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c  inflate concurrently as seen in  FIG. 3 . The plurality of air bladders  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c  collapses when the sidewall structure  21  is deflated to form a low profile shape. When inflated, the sidewall structure  21  expands upward approaching a superjacent oil pan portion  210  of the vehicle  200 . In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus  10  includes three (3) levels of air bladders  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c ; however, it can be appreciated that the sidewall structure  21  can include any number of bladder layers depending upon the maximum expanded height which is needed. The selectable expanding nature of the sidewall structure  21  allows compliant closure of a gap formed between the oil pan  210  and the sidewall structure  21  while fluid  115  is being drained thus reducing the likelihood of spilling fluids  115 . 
     The air bladder portions  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c  of the sidewall structure  21  are inflated by a pneumatically connected on-board air pump  31   a . The air pump  31   a  preferably comprises a bellows-type hand or foot actuated unit similar to those used for inflating small inflatable items. However, it can be appreciated that the air pump  31   a  may comprise other types such as a soft PVC pump, a double actuating cylinder pump, an electric air pump, or the like with equal benefit, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the apparatus  10 . A flexible rubber or plastic air line  31   b  having an in-line vent valve portion  31   c  is connected between an air outlet port portion of the air pump  31   a  and an inlet connector portion  32  of the sidewall structure  21 , preferably located upon the third air bladder  30   c . In the illustrated embodiment the air pump  31   a  comprises an integral “L”-shaped support bracket  86  being welded, or otherwise permanently affixed to the cart  20 . 
     At least one (1) glove port  33  is integrated into a bladder portion  30  of the sidewall structure  21  for receiving a user&#39;s hand providing protective removal and attachment of a drain plug portion of the oil pan  210  or other equipment which needs to be removed during draining the fluids  115  from the vehicle  200 . In the illustrated embodiment two (2) gloves ports  33  are shown at a distal end for accommodating a left and a right hand of the user; however, it can be appreciated that a single glove port  33  may be used to perform particular draining tasks with equal benefit. In certain embodiments a single glove port  33  can be adapted to fit either the right hand or the left hand of the user by integrating dual-thumb portions. The glove port  33  is made from a heat resistant and leak-proof material for protecting the user&#39;s hands and arms from any hot fluids  115  that may violently escape from the vehicle  200  such as when a drain plug or an oil filter is removed. The glove port  33  includes hand covering and arm covering portions providing a snug fit around the user&#39;s hand and arm. A proximal end portion of the glove port  33  is permanently affixed in a sealed manner to the sidewall structure  21  to the first air bladder  30   a  via an ovular or circular-shaped arm opening  34 . The sealed perimeter portion of the arm opening  34  prevents air from escaping from the bladders  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c . The arm opening  34  allows the user&#39;s arm to pass entirely through the sidewall structure  21  to work within the interior of the apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2   b , a section view of a sidewall structure portion  21  of the apparatus  10  taken along section line A-A (see  FIG. 2   a ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The third air bladder portion  30   c  of the sidewall structure  21  is to be fastened to a rim portion  24   c  of the cart  20  in a fluid-tight manner so as to avoid any leakage of the fluids  115  during drainage, while also maintaining the air-tight nature of the sidewall structure  21 , thereby assuring prolonged inflation of the air bladders  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c . The rim  24   c  is envisioned to comprise a horizontally formed or molded appendage all around the side panels  24   b  which provides a surface onto which the third air bladder  30   c  may be securely fastened using a plurality of fastening means  84  such as rivets or the like, resulting in a liquid-tight seal. 
     The materials required to produce the apparatus  10  are all readily available and well known to manufacturers of goods of this type. The cart  20  can be made of sheet steel in a stamping and welding process. After manufacture, a suitable protective finish such as paint or plating would be applied to prevent corrosion. The rubberized sidewall structure  21  and integral glove ports  33  would be made of heavy duty rubber in an injection molding process. This process would require the design and use of custom molds. The remaining components of the apparatus  10 , namely the casters  24 , handles  70 , fasteners  84 , and the like, would best be procured from wholesalers and manufacturers that deal in goods of that nature and assembled at a final location. The relatively simple design of the apparatus  10  and the material of construction make is a cost-effective design due to the relatively low material and labor costs involved. Final production of the apparatus  10  will be performed by manufacturing workers of average skill. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 2   a.    
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  can be achieved by performing the following steps; using the handles  70  to move and position the apparatus  10 , upon the wheel assemblies  40 , underneath drainable portions of a motor vehicle  200  such as an oil pan  210 ; expanding the sidewall structure  21  to a desired height by inflating the air bladders  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c  by repeatedly pressing upon the air pump  31   a  with a hand or foot; inflating the sidewall structure  21  until an upper edge portion partially or completely encompasses a bottom of a vehicle oil pan  210  or other drainable vessel of the vehicle  200 ; inserting and extending at least one (1) arm and hand of the user through the arm opening portion  34  of the glove port  33 ; using the inserted hand to engage and remove a pan drain plug or other draining device; allowing a period of time for the fluids  115  to drain completely into the fluid receiving chamber  22 ; replacing the pan drain plug or similar device using one&#39;s hand within the glove port  33 ; deflating the sidewall structure  21  using the vent valve  31   c  upon the air line  31   b ; utilizing the wheel assemblies  40  to move the apparatus  10  to a location out from underneath the vehicle  200 ; pumping the fluid  115  from the fluid receiving chamber  22  into an existing fluid disposal vessel by plumbingly connecting the hydraulic pump  80  and hydraulic hose  82  to the drain portion  25  of the cart  20 ; opening a valve portion  15  of the drain  25 ; manually cranking the hydraulic pump  25  until all of the fluid  115  has been removed from the receiving chamber  22 ; repeating the above steps for additional fluid draining tasks as needed; and, benefiting from a splash-proof and non-contact means of draining fluids  115  from a vehicle  200  afforded a user of the present invention  10 . 
     The sidewall structure  21  prevents the risk of spillage or splashing of hot fluids  115  as they escape the oil pan  210  upon a user. The glove ports  33  protect the user&#39;s hands and arms from being covered in fluid  115  or burned due to hot fluids  115 . Portions of the vehicle  200  such as an oil filter or fuel filter may also be removed in like manner. 
     Once the used fluid  115  is drained from the vehicle oil pan  210 , the drain plug portion of the oil pan  210  can be connected and tightened via the glove ports  33 . The apparatus  10  can then be rolled away for disposal of the fluids  115  contained within the oil receiving chamber  22 . The fluid  115  can be drained through the use of the connected hydraulic hose  82  and hydraulic pump  80 . 
     Another embodiment of the apparatus  10  comprises a pair of glove ports  33  and respective arm openings  34 , thereby providing a means for a user to use both arms and hands to perform the above described fluid draining tasks. Additionally, it can be appreciated that the previous operational steps can be performed in various alternate orders, and as such should not be viewed as a limiting factor. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.