Abstract:
An apparatus is disclosed for catching and accumulating oil drips associated with use of an oil level gauge tool so as to avoid contaminating the environment with oil while using the tool. The apparatus includes: a handle receiving portion capable of receiving and securing the handle of the tool; a plumb bob receiving portion capable of receiving the plumb bob of the tool, also capable of catching and accumulating oil drips from the tool; and a tape reel receiving portion capable of receiving the tape reel tool, also capable of catching oil drips from the oil level gauge tool. The apparatus can have a hanger arm, attached to the tape reel receiving portion, the hanger arm being capable of attaching to a structure so as to support the apparatus. The apparatus can also have a base capable of resting on a surface so as to support and stabilize the apparatus.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention generally relates to oil level gauge tools, and to protecting the environment when using oil level gauge tools. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Gauge tools are often used to manually gauge oil levels in an oil tank. An example gauge tool  10  is shown in  FIG. 1 . The gauge tool  10  has a handle  12 , a tape reel  14 , a tape reel support  15  attached to the handle  12 , a tape reel handle  16  for winding tape onto the tape reel  14 , and a plumb bob  18  attached to the tape of tape reel  14 . To gauge the oil level in an oil tank, an operator can grip the handle  12 , place the plumb bob  18  in an opening of the oil tank, and turn the reel handle  16  to unwind the tape reel  14  and lower the plumb bob  18  into the tank until the plumb bob  18  has been dipped into the oil. The user then winds up the tape to the tape reel  14  by turning the tape reel handle  16  to raise the plumb bob  18  out of the oil tank. 
         [0003]    Since the plumb bob  18  has been dipped in the oil, the oil runs off from the plumb bob  18  when the plumb bob  18  is removed from the oil tank. When the gauge tool  10  is carried away by a worker after use, the oil drips off of the plumb bob  18 , the tape reel  14 , and potentially off of other parts of the gauge tool  10 . The oil can drip around a work area from which the gauge tool  10  was used. For example, the oil can drip on to a surface of the oil tank, or onto floors/ramps around or leading up to the work area. Also, the oil can drip onto railings, angle irons, stairs, and ladders around or leading up to the work area. This causes a safety hazard, as workers can slip on the dripped oil. Moreover, spilled oil is hazardous to the environment, and can be costly to clean up. Also, cleaning oil drips can be very difficult, time consuming, and potentially hazardous to the health of the individuals responsible for cleaning the oil drips. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    A general aspect of the invention is an apparatus for catching and accumulating oil drips associated with use of an oil level gauge tool, the oil level gauge tool having a handle, a tape, a tape reel having a winding handle for winding the tape onto the tape reel, a tape frame for supporting the tape reel, and a plumb bob attached at an end of the tape. The apparatus includes: a handle receiving portion capable of receiving and securing the handle of the oil level gauge tool; a plumb bob receiving portion capable of receiving the plumb bob, also capable of catching and accumulating oil drips from the oil level gauge tool; and a tape reel receiving portion capable of receiving the tape reel, also capable of catching oil drips from the oil level gauge tool. 
         [0005]    In some embodiments, the apparatus also includes a hanger arm, attached to the tape reel receiving portion, the hanger arm being capable of attaching to a structure so as to support the apparatus. In further embodiments, the hanger arm includes a slot, and is attached to the tape reel receiving portion via the slot. In other further embodiments, the hanger arm is configured so as to attach to an angle iron. 
         [0006]    In some embodiments, the apparatus also includes a base, attached to the plumb bob receiving portion, the base being capable of resting on a surface so as to stabilize the apparatus. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, the plumb bob receiving portion and the tape reel receiving portion are in fluid communication, such that oil collected in the tape reel receiving portion can flow to and be collected in the plumb bob receiving portion. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the handle receiving portion is in fluid communication with the plumb bob receiving portion, such that oil collected in the plumb bob receiving portion can controllably flow out from the apparatus when there is not a handle in the handle receiving portion, and the apparatus is tilted. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the base is sized and shaped so as to be broader than the bottom of the plumb bob receiving portion, and to extend under the tape reel receiving portion. 
         [0010]    Another general aspect of the invention is an apparatus for catching and accumulating oil drips associated with use of an oil level gauge tool, the oil level gauge tool having a handle, a tape, a tape reel having a winding handle for winding the tape onto the tape reel, a tape frame for supporting the tape reel, and a plumb bob attached at an end of the tape. This apparatus includes; a handle receiving portion capable of receiving and securing the handle of the oil level gauge tool; a plumb bob receiving portion capable of receiving the plumb bob, also capable of catching and accumulating oil drips from the oil level gauge tool; a tape reel receiving portion capable of receiving the tape reel, also capable of catching oil drips from the oil level gauge tool; a hanger arm, extending from the tape reel receiving portion, the hanger arm being capable of attaching to a structure so as to support the apparatus; and a base, integral with the bottom of the plumb bob receiving portion, the base being capable of resting on a surface so as to support the apparatus. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the plumb bob receiving portion and the tape reel receiving portion are in fluid communication, such that oil collected in the tape reel receiving portion can flow to and be collected in the plumb bob receiving portion. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the handle receiving portion is in fluid communication with the plumb bob receiving portion, such that oil collected in the plumb bob receiving portion can controllably flow out from the apparatus when there is not a handle in the handle receiving portion, and the apparatus is tilted. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, the hanger arm is configured so as to attach to an angle iron. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, the base is sized and shaped so as to be broader than the bottom of the plumb bob receiving portion, and to extend under the tape reel receiving portion. 
         [0015]    Another general aspect of the invention is an apparatus for catching and accumulating oil drips associated with use of an oil level gauge tool, the oil level gauge tool having a handle, a tape, a tape reel having a winding handle for winding the tape onto the tape reel, a tape frame for supporting the tape reel, and a plumb bob attached at an end of the tape. This apparatus includes: a handle receiving portion capable of receiving and securing the handle of the oil level gauge tool; a plumb bob receiving portion capable of receiving the plumb bob, also capable of catching and accumulating oil drips from the oil level gauge tool; and a tape reel receiving portion capable of receiving the tape reel, also capable of catching oil drips from the oil level gauge tool, wherein the plumb bob receiving portion and the tape reel receiving portion are in fluid communication, such that oil collected in the tape reel receiving portion can flow to and be collected in the plumb bob receiving portion, and wherein the handle receiving portion is in fluid communication with the plumb bob receiving portion, such that oil collected in the plumb bob receiving portion can controllably flow out from the apparatus when there is not a handle in the handle receiving portion, and the apparatus is tilted. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, the apparatus also includes: a hanger arm, attached to the tape reel receiving portion, the hanger arm being capable of attaching to a structure so as to support the apparatus. In further embodiments, the hanger arm includes a slot, and is attached to the tape reel receiving portion via the slot. In other further embodiments, the hanger arm is configured so as to attach to an angle iron. 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, the apparatus also includes a base, attached to the plumb bob receiving portion, the base being capable of resting on a surface so as to support the apparatus. In further embodiments, the base is sized and shaped so as to be broader than the bottom of the plumb bob receiving portion, and to extend under the tape reel receiving portion. In further embodiments, the base is removable. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is side view of a prior art gauge too that typically drips oil after use, causing environmental damage; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of an example oil catch bucket in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of the example oil catch bucket of  FIG. 2A  holding the gauge tool of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2C  is a side view of the example oil catch bucket of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2D  is a front view of the example oil catch bucket of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2E  is a top view of the example oil catch bucket of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a pail of the oil catch bucket of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3B  is a front view of a pail of the oil catch bucket of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3C  is a side view of a pail of the oil catch bucket of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3D  is a top view of a pail of the oil catch bucket of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of a hanger arm of the oil catch bucket of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 4B  is a side view of a hanger arm of the oil catch bucket of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  is a close up of the hanger arm of  FIG. 4B  connected to the pail of  FIG. 3A  of the oil catch bucket; 
           [0032]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of a base portion of the oil catch bucket; and 
           [0033]      FIG. 6B  is a side view of the base portion of  FIG. 6A  of the oil catch bucket. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0034]      FIG. 2A  is an example oil catch bucket  100  in accordance with the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 2A , the oil catch bucket  100  includes a pail  102 , a hanger arm  104 , and a base  105 . Pail  102 , hanger arm  104 , and base  105  can each be detached from one another, so as to reduce space consumed when storing and/or shipping the oil catch bucket  100 . 
         [0035]    Pail  102  includes a clip  106 , a reservoir  108 , a main body  110 , and an extended body  112 . Hanger arm  104  includes gripping sections  118 , and a roof  120 . Base  105  includes surfaces  114 , a receiving section  115 , and a bottom  116 . 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 2B , oil catch bucket  100  is used to capture oil that drips from a gauge tool (e.g., gauge tool  10 ) after use. For example, after gauge tool  10  has been used, a worker can securely attach gauge tool  10  to oil catch bucket  100  by clipping handle  12  to clip  106 , such that tape from the tape reel  14  is wound up and mostly within extended body  112 , and plumb bob  18  is within main body  110 . The worker can then carry away gauge tool  10 , along with oil catch bucket  100  via handle  12 . Any oil that drips from gauge tool  10  is entirely captured within pail  102 , and therefore does not drip in the work area in which gauge tool  10  is used, or on structures in, around, or leading up to the work area (e.g., stairs, ramps, angle irons, railings, ladders, etc.). This protects the environment from repeated drippings of oil, which can add up substantially over time, creating an environmental hazard. Additional details regarding the usage of oil catch bucket  100  are described in greater detail below. 
         [0037]    As previously described, pail  102  includes clip  106 . Clip  106  is used to secure a handle  12  of gauge tool  10  in place. Clip  106  can be made from a malleable plastic that provides an inward biasing force when the handle  12  forces clip  106  outward (e.g., when a worker clips handle  12  into clip  106 ). When there is no handle  12  held by clip  106 , clip  106  can also serve as a spout to pour oil out of reservoir  108  into another container, such as a container at a designated oil disposal and/or recycling facility. 
         [0038]    Pail  102  further includes main body  110  and extended body  112 . Main body  110  extends downwardly and has dimensions such that the entirety of plumb bob  18  can be placed within reservoir  108  when gauge tool  10  is clipped to clip  106 . Main body  110  may be tapered, and can be attachably inserted into base  105  through a receiving section  115  of base  105 . For example, a bottom portion  111  of main body  110  can have a shape and dimensions corresponding to the shape and dimensions of receiving section  115 . Extended body  112  extends horizontally, and has dimensions such that the tape reel  14  can be placed in reservoir  108  when gauge tool  10  is clipped to clip  106 .  FIGS. 3A-3D  show additional views of just pail  102  from various viewpoints. 
         [0039]    Hanger arm  104  includes multiple gripping sections  118  that grip an angle iron  122 . For example, each gripping sections  118  includes a hook that grips angle iron  122  (as later described with respect to  FIGS. 4A and 4B ). Angle iron  122  can be, for example, part of a railing or handle around an oil tank. Hanger arm  104  can grip angle iron  122  at a location relatively close to an opening of an oil tank, so that a worker can quickly and easily clip a gauge tool  10  to oil catch bucket  100  to catch oil that drips from the gauge tool  10 . Hanger arm  104  also includes roof  120 . 
         [0040]    Base  105  can be used to set oil catch bucket  100  on a surface near an opening of the oil tank so that a worker can use oil catch bucket  100  to catch oil that drips from the gauge tool  10 . The worker can hold base  105  down at surfaces  114  so that oil catch bucket  100  does not move, and so that handle  12  can be clipped to clip  106 . As described below, oil catch bucket  100  can either be hung from angle iron  122  via hanger arm  104 , or set on a surface via base  105 . Additional views of base  105  are shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . 
         [0041]    Referring again to  FIG. 2B , when handle  12  of oil gauge  10  securely clips into clip  106  of pail  102 . When attached to oil catch bucket  100 , a distal end of tape frame  15  of oil gauge  10  can abut against roof  120 , to better hold oil gauge  10  in place. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 2C-2E  provide views of oil catch bucket  100  from various viewpoints. For example,  FIG. 2C  is a side view of oil catch bucket  100 ,  FIG. 2D  is a front view of oil catch bucket  100 , and  FIG. 2E  is a top view of oil catch bucket  100 . 
         [0043]      FIGS. 3A-3D  show the pail  102  from various viewpoints. For example,  FIG. 3A  provides a perspective view,  FIG. 3B  shows a front view,  FIG. 3C  shows a side view, and  FIG. 3D  is a top view of pail  102 . 
         [0044]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are views of hanger arm  104  at various angles. For example,  FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of hanger arm  104 , and  FIG. 4B  is a side view of hanger arm  104 . As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , hanger arm  104  includes a stabilizer  124 , and a slot  119 . The slot  119  includes locking tabs  126 . Hanger arm  104  can be attached to pail  102  (e.g., at extended body  112 ) via stabilizer  124 , slot  119 , and locking tabs  126 . 
         [0045]    For example, referring to  FIG. 5 , an end of extended body  112  can include protrusions  127  that are cooperatively sized with locking tabs  126  of the hanger arm  104 . The end of extended body  112  is partially placed within slot  119 , and hanger arm  104  is rotated approximately in the in the direction of M 1  to create space for protrusions  127  to fit in to locking tabs  126 . When rotated, stabilizer  124  presses against  112 , and allows the space to be created (e.g., by effectively increasing the size of slot  119 ). As hanger arm  104  is rotated, hanger arm  104  is then slide down so that extended body  112  is completely within slot  119 . Hanger arm  104  is then released, and returns to its original position. When hanger arm  104  is returned to its original position, locking tabs  126  captures protrusions  127 , thereby locking hanger arm  104  to extended body  112 . 
         [0046]    Returning to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , each gripping section  118  includes a hook  117  used to hang hanger arm  104  to angle iron  122 . Hook  117  can capture angle iron  122  by placing a bottom surface  123  of gripping sections  118  on top of angle iron  122 , sliding hanger arm  104  away from angle iron  122 , and then sliding hanger arm  104  towards angle iron  122 , thereby engaging hook  117  with angle iron  122 . 
         [0047]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are views of base  105  at various angles. For example,  FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of base  105 , and  FIG. 6B  is a side view of base  105 . As shown, in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , base  105  includes side surfaces  114 , receiving section  115 , and a bottom surface  116 . Receiving section  115  can be substantially square-shaped, and can receive bottom portion  111  of pail  102 , to attach pail  102  to base  105 . The dimensions of receiving section  115  are slightly smaller than the dimensions of bottom portion  111 . Base  105  can be made from a malleable material, so that receiving section  115  can expand when bottom portion  111  is inserted into base  105 , and grip bottom portion  111  once inserted. 
         [0048]    With reference to  FIG. 2B , to use oil catch bucket  100 , oil catch bucket  100  is hung from angle iron  122  via hanger arm  104 , or set on a surface via base  105 . Oil catch bucket  100  can be hung or set down in an area relatively close to an opening of an oil tank, where a gauge tool (e.g., gauge tool  10 ) is used to gauge the oil level in the tank (e.g., so that oil catch bucket  100  can be used to capture oil dripped from gauge tool  10  after use). For example, oil catch bucket  100  can be hung from an angle iron  122  (e.g., via hanger arm  104 , as described above with respect to  FIGS. 4A and 4B ). Oil catch bucket  100  can be hung from angle iron  122 , for example, next to the opening of the oil tank. Alternatively, oil catch bucket  100  can be set on a surface next to the opening of the oil tank. 
         [0049]    After a worker has rewound tape  14  and removed gauge tool  10  from the opening of the oil tank, the worker can securely clip handle  12  to clip  106  such that a spooled portion of tape  14  rests within extended body  112 , and plumb bob  18  rests within main body  110  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 2B ). If oil catch bucket  100  is set on a surface, the worker can hold base  105  down at surfaces  114  so that oil catch bucket  100  does not move, and so that handle  12  can be clipped to clip  106 . If oil catch bucket  100  is hung on angle iron  122 , the worker may not need to hold down base  105  (and in fact, base  105  may not even need to be attached to pail  102  when oil catch bucket  100  is hung to angle iron  122 ). 
         [0050]    Once gauge tool  10  is securely attached to oil catch bucket  100 , the worker can then carry away (e.g., from a work area) gauge tool  10  along with oil catch bucket  100  (e.g., since gauge tool  10  is clipped in to oil catch bucket  100  via clip  106 ). For example, the worker can carry gauge tool  10  and oil catch bucket  100  using handle  12 . 
         [0051]    As can be seen, pail  102  is shaped such that any oil that may drip from gauge tool  10  is completely captured within pail  102 . For example, the extended body  112  of pail  102  extends horizontally so that the entirety of spool of gauge tool  10  can be placed within pail  102 , and main body  110  extends vertically so that the entirety of plumb bob  18  can be placed within pail  102 . Further, clip  106  maintains gauge tool  10  in a position that keeps plumb bob  18  hanging vertically so that as much oil as possible can drip from plumb bob  18  into pail  102 . As a result, any oil that drips from gauge tool  10  is completely captured by oil catch bucket  100 . Also, gauge tool  10  can be carried away while clipped into oil catch bucket  100 . For example, a worker can carry gauge tool  10  from the handle  12  while handle  12  is clipped into clip  106 . As such, any oil that drips from gauge tool  10  is completely captured by oil catch bucket  100  as gauge tool  10  is carried away. Thus, the oil does not drip in a work area, and does not drip on structures such as oil tanks, angle irons, railings, floors, ramps, stairs, ladders, etc. around or leading up to the work area. As a result, worker safety conditions are improved, and the environmental impacts of spilled oil are reduced. 
         [0052]    It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific sizes, shapes, or applications shown or described. 
         [0053]    It is to be understood that the disclosure in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features, regardless of whether a combination is explicitly described. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally. 
         [0054]    Other modifications and implementations will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the above description is not intended to limit the invention, except as indicated in the following claims.