Abstract:
A method and sampling system are provided for sampling and marketing fluid replacement services. Once an automobile arrives at the service facility, the automobile service technician quickly obtains fluid samples from the various systems of an automobile. While the consumer provides relevant information relating to the vehicle to a customer service technician, the automobile service technician places the fluid samples into receptacles allowing the consumer to visually inspect the condition of each fluid. The service technician then provides new fluids in proximity to the actual fluids of the engine to allow a side-by-side comparison of the visual condition of the fluids. The samples are then presented to the consumer while the consumer is in contact with the customer service technician to allow the consumer to make a determination as to whether the fluids must be replaced.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of and claims priority from non-provisional application Ser. No. 09/770,821 filed Jan. 26, 2001, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
         [0002]    Not applicable.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    This invention relates to the field of automobile repair services and, more particularly, to a method and a device for sampling automobile fluids and increasing consumer awareness as to the need for fluid replacement services.  
           [0004]    The automobile service industry is a significant component of our domestic economy. Virtually every consumer who owns and drives a vehicle requires the assistance of an automobile service technician to repair their vehicle or to service the vehicle to ensure its long term operation.  
           [0005]    One of the most significant components of ensuring long term performance of a vehicle is to maintain clean and properly functioning fluids within the various systems of the automobile. Automobiles require fluids for a variety of purposes such as to maintain low friction environments within certain systems, to cool engine components and to allow hydraulic action. For instance, motor oil is used to lubricate the combustion components of the vehicle. Also, a coolant is circulated through the components of the engine to maintain a low temperature. Other important fluids such as power steering fluid, transmission fluid and transmission differential fluid are used in other systems of the automobile.  
           [0006]    Each fluid must be regularly inspected to determine if the inherent qualities of the fluid have been compromised as a result of the heat and frictional environment in which the fluid operates. If the fluid shows signs of contamination or degradation, the fluid must be replaced. Failure to replace fluids at appropriate times can result in significant damage to the particular system of the vehicle, and result in the inability of the vehicle to function properly.  
           [0007]    In the past, when a consumer would take his or her vehicle to a repair shop or dealership for maintenance, the acute problems with the vehicle were addressed. However, the service technicians oftentimes did not make the consumer fully aware of preventive maintenance that was needed to ensure the long term condition of the vehicle. Specifically, the consumer was not educated as to the condition of the fluids that are vital to the long term operation of the vehicle. In large part, this deficiency was due to the difficulties associated with determining when the automobile fluids require replacement. Most automobile manufacturers provide mileage guidelines at which certain fluids should be replaced. However, these guidelines do not account for the actual condition of the fluid at issue. The actual condition may vary based on driving habits, weather conditions, the quality of the fluid and a number of other factors. Consequently, it is oftentimes necessary to determine if the individual fluids need replacement prior to the mileages suggested by the guidelines.  
           [0008]    The actual condition of many automobile fluids may be made by visual inspection. However, it is difficult to make this inspection since many of the component fluids of the automobile are not readily visible for inspection. Particularly, several fluids in the engine are circulated deep within the internal components of the engine. Certain engine components have dipsticks (or rods) that extend into the fluid reservoir within the engine and can be withdrawn to ascertain the fluid level. However, dipsticks are inherently inaccurate, and do not allow for an adequate visual inspection of the color and consistency of the fluid since only a small volume of fluid adheres to the dipstick. Other fluids are completely inaccessible without specialized sampling equipment.  
           [0009]    In the end, a great deal of preventive maintenance is left unperformed because the consumer is not made aware of the deficiencies when the automobile is otherwise being serviced. In many cases, the consumer suffers because of this lack of awareness. Also, the dealerships and repair shops that typically focus on one time repairs do not perform the preventive maintenance work that is both necessary and profitable in relation to repair services.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a method by which automobile service technicians can quickly and inexpensively ascertain the condition of the various automobile fluids.  
           [0011]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method by which automobile service technicians can readily sample and display automobile fluids to illustrate to a consumer the condition of the various fluids and the need for the replacement of one or more of the fluids.  
           [0012]    It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for providing information to a consumer concerning the condition of their automobile fluids to allow the consumer to determine whether the fluids in their vehicle should be changed.  
           [0013]    It is another object of the invention to provide a device capable of extracting sufficient volumes of automobile fluids to allow for visual inspection of the fluids.  
           [0014]    Yet another object of the invention is to provide a device wherein the fluids extracted from the automobile do not require transfer from a container to the display device.  
           [0015]    It is another object of the invention to provide a unitary device capable of extracting a wide array of automobile fluids and storing waste fluids.  
           [0016]    In accordance with these and other objects evident from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for sampling and marketing fluid replacement services. Once an automobile arrives at the service facility, the automobile service technician quickly obtains fluid samples from the various systems of an automobile. While the consumer provides relevant information relating to the vehicle to a customer service technician, the automobile service technician places the fluid samples into receptacles allowing the consumer to visually inspect the condition of each fluid. The service technician then provides new fluids in proximity to the actual fluids of the engine to allow a side-by-side comparison of the visual condition of the fluids. The samples are then presented to the consumer while the consumer is in contact with the customer service technician to allow the consumer to make a determination as to whether the fluids must be replaced.  
           [0017]    In another aspect of the invention, a sampling system is provided for sampling automobile fluids in accordance with the method. The sampling system includes a receptacle having a lid for retaining each of the tools needed to take samples from the automobiles. At least one pump having an elongated tube for placement within a dipstick access hole is used to draw fluid from a fluid reservoir. As the pump is extended, fluid is pulled into a sampling tube releasably secured to the pump. A number of syringes are used to sample those automotive fluids that are not accessible by a dipstick access hole. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]    The preferred embodiment of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the bucket and lid of the sampling device of the present invention, taken from above, with the tools removed to illustrate the construction of the lid;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lid and tools of the present invention, taken from above, with the small syringe shown in an exploded manner;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a pump of the sampling device illustrating the handle in an extended position; and  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the pump of FIG. 3 with portions in section to better illustrate the construction of the pump. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0023]    As shown in FIG. 1, a bucket  10  and a lid  12  constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention are shown. With reference to FIG. 2, the tools of the sampling device are shown in conjunction with the lid  12 , and include a pair of pumps  14  and  16 , a large syringe  18  and a small syringe. 20 .  
         [0024]    The bucket  10  as shown in FIG. 1 is preferably a conventional 5-gallon bucket made of a rigid plastic material. A number of annular ribs  22  are formed about the bucket and a handle  23  is rotatable about either side of the bucket. The lid  12  is frictionally and removably secured onto the bucket. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the lid is of the tool box type and includes an outer periphery  24  having a skirt  26  overlying the rim of the bucket opening. Within the outer periphery  24 , the lid has an inset floor  28  divided into compartments by a pair of parallel ribs  30  and  31  extending from one side of the outer periphery  24  to the other. A third rib  32  extends from another side of the periphery, perpendicularly across the first rib  30  and terminates at the second rib  31 . On the side of the lid opposite the intersection of rib  32  and the outer periphery, a ledge  34  is defined that is angled upwardly with respect to the upper surface of the outer periphery  24 . An opening  36  is defined in ledge  34  to facilitate removal of the lid from the bucket. Namely, a user may place his or her thumb into the opening  36  and pull the lid from the bucket.  
         [0025]    As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of small apertures  37  are located within floor  28  on opposite sides of the rib  32 , and at positions between the rib  30  and the outer periphery  24 . Also, a pair of small openings  38  and  40  are located in the floor  28  between the parallel ribs  30  and  31 . The openings are preferably circular and have a diameter of approximately three centimeters. A larger circular opening  42  is disposed proximate opening  38 , and preferably has a diameter of about four centimeters. Also, pairs of square notches  44  and  45  are located within the first and second ribs on either side of the rib  32 . The notches  44  within rib  30  are spaced at the same distance from one another as the notches  45  in rib  31 , and the pairs are aligned with one another.  
         [0026]    As shown in FIG. 2, the large syringe  31  is adapted for receipt within opening  42 . The syringe  18  is of conventional construction, and has a bulb  46  and a stem  48  extending therefrom. The stem has a length of about twenty to twenty-two centimeters and extends a sufficient distance to draw fluid from the cooling system of the vehicle. The bulb is preferably green to correspond with the coolant that the syringe is preferably used to extract, as described in more detail below. Opening  42  is sized to allow stem  48  to fit through the opening and to form a seat for the bulb  46  of the syringe  18 . Preferably, the syringe has a 45 millilter capacity.  
         [0027]    Similarly, opening  40  serves as a seat for the small syringe  20 . The syringe is also of conventional construction, and has a bulb  50  and a stem  52 . The bulb is preferably yellow in color to indicate that power steering fluid is to be removed by the syringe. The syringe has a capacity of about 14 millilters and the stem has a length of about 13 to 14 centimeters. Other openings and syringes may be incorporated within the sampling system without departing from the scope of the invention. The number is dictated by the number of different fluids that are to be sampled and displayed. Also, the bulbs of the syringes could be labeled or otherwise distinguished to indicate the type of fluid for which they are designed to sample.  
         [0028]    The pumps  14  and  16  are secured to the lid within the notches  44  and  45  in the opposing ribs. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, pump  14  is shown in greater detail. Pump  14  has a base  54 , an air chamber  56  and a handle  58 . As shown in FIG. 4, the base  54  has a central channel  60  extending from one end of the base to the other. At the lower end of channel  60 , the base has a threaded portion  61  with an o-ring gasket  62  at the base of the threaded portion. In the preferred embodiment, the base  54  is made of an transparent acrylic material so that the fluids may be viewed during the sampling process. A test tube  64  having a threaded top  65  may be secured within the threaded portion  61  of the pump base. The leading edge of threaded top  65  contacts the o-ring gasket  62  to form a fluid tight seal.  
         [0029]    On the opposing side of the chamber  60  within the pump base, a second threaded region  66  is defined within the base. A plug  67  having a threaded portion  68  is secured within the base against an o-ring  70  disposed at the base of the threaded region  66 . The plug  67  has an inner channel  72  placing the channel  60  of the base into communication with the outside environment.  
         [0030]    A sampling tube  74  having a diameter slightly less than that of the inner channel  72  is placed within the channel. An elastomeric sealing surface may be disposed within channel  72  to hold the tube  74  relative to the plug at one end. Preferably, the diameter of the tube is less than that of the automobile dipstick, and is typically between ⅜ and ⅝ of an inch. The opposing end of the tube is adapted for sampling fluids from an automobile. Preferably, the tube extends a distance of about five feet and terminates in a tapered end to prevent the end from being blocked by the reservoir wall within which the tube is placed. The tube extends beyond the length of the dipstick access tubes of nearly all vehicles. Also, the tube is preferably made from high temperature tubing with a melting point of more than 400 degrees Fahrenheit so that it does not melt when motor oil is transferred through the pump.  
         [0031]    The air chamber  56  is secured to the base of the pump by a screw  76  held within a small bore  78  in the base. At a distance from bore  78 , an air passageway  80  places the interior of chamber  56  in communication with the interior of the chamber  56 . The handle  58  is secured to a rod  82  slidable with respect to the chamber  56 . At the end of the rod opposing the handle, a plunger having a one-way valve (not shown) is disposed within the chamber. The end of the chamber opposite the pump base has at least one aperture (not shown) that allows air to escape the pump chamber as the handle is moved to the extended position.  
         [0032]    Pump  16  is of similar construction as pump  14 . However, if the pump is not used to withdraw motor oil or another particular hot fluid from the automobile, the tube does not need to have a similarly high melting point as the tube of pump  14 . The pump  14  should be prominently marked so that the two pumps are used to sample the appropriate type of fluid. As shown in FIG. 2, when the pumps are placed on the lid  12 , the tubes may be stored within the interior by placing the tubes through the pair of small apertures  37  in the base of the lid.  
         [0033]    In operation, after the consumer&#39;s vehicle arrives at the service facility, the consumer exits the vehicle and is approached by a customer service technician (CST), or consumer awareness technician, who begins acquiring information from the consumer concerning his or her vehicle and the reasons for the service visit. The acquisition step preferably includes providing the customer with a survey to detail the condition of the vehicle. Specifically, the survey solicits information regarding previous maintenance of the vehicle, any observations of malfunctioning by the vehicle, and mileage readings. Additionally, the acquisition step may include accessing a computer database at the service station that stores the maintenance records of the vehicle at the service station or an associated station. Also, the CST may acquire information regarding the date and mileage of the last fluid change by reading a sticker or other record placed on the car. For instance, it is typical for oil change shops to place a sticker on the windshield of the car indicating the last fuel change. Moreover, for other fluids, a sticker or other record may be placed under the hood of the automobile to indicate the last time any of the fluid systems were serviced.  
         [0034]    As the vehicle information is being acquired, an automobile service technician (AST), or the customer, opens the hood of the vehicle. Once the AST has access to the components under the hood of the vehicle, the sampling system described above is used to draw fluids from the vehicle. It is preferably to remove those fluids most important to the consumer at the beginning of the process. Specifically, the AST removes the pump  14  from the lid  12 , and places the tube  74  directly through the dipstick access hole and into connection with the motor oil reservoir. As the handle  58  is extended from the air chamber  56 , motor oil is drawn through the tube, through central channel  60 , and into the test tube  64 . If a sufficient sample of motor oil is not drawn into the tube  64  after the first stroke, the handle  58  is retracted and extended again. Once a representative sample is located within the tube, the tube is unscrewed and placed into a display device for visual inspection by the consumer. Preferably, the display device used in conjunction with the method is the device disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 09/770,822 (“the &#39; 822  application”), which was filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Jan. 26, 2001, entitled “Display Device and Method for Marketing Automobile Fluid Replacement Services.” U.S. Ser. No. 09/770,822 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, just as it was in the parent application of this continuation.  
         [0035]    Once the motor oil is sampled, the AST places the first pump  14  back onto the lid and removes the second pump  16 . The tube of the second pump is placed within the transmission fluid reservoir, and transmission fluid is withdrawn in the same manner as the motor oil. Typically, the transmission fluid is accessible by a dipstick access hole. However, in some vehicles, such as some vehicle produced by General Motors, there is not dipstick and the fill hole must be used to sample the transmission fluids.  
         [0036]    Next, the second pump  16  is replaced on the lid, and the large syringe  18  is removed. The AST places the end of the large syringe  18  into the coolant reservoir on the side of the car, or, if the car is not hot, into the radiator itself. The bulb  46  of the syringe is depressed to create a vacuum that draws fluid into the bulb as the bulb is released. Then, the bulb is depressed and fluid is discharged into a test tube similar to test tube  64 . The process is repeated until a sufficient sample is located within the tube. Along with a visual sample, a pH sample of the coolant may be taken by clipping a small piece of litmus paper on the end of a small rod with an alligator clip and lowering it with the coolant. This is oftentimes necessary since the visual inspection may not indicate a problem with the acidity of the coolant.  
         [0037]    Next, the larger syringe  18  is replaced on the bucket, and the smaller syringe  20  is removed. Using a similar process, the smaller syringe is used to sample another fluid, preferably power steering fluid. Also, additional syringes may used to sample other fluids of the automobile. The current process allows the AST to take the fluid samples in less than one minute, a cycle time significantly lower than previously attainable. As described below, this instant information allows the CST to make the consumer aware of the condition of the fluids, and market replacement fluids and services based on the samples.  
         [0038]    When the AST has completed these tasks, the actual samples from the vehicle are displayed in side-by-side relation with new, unused fluid samples of the same type. The new samples may be used repeatedly and need not be filled with each successive vehicle. At that time, the CST can explain to the consumer exactly what information is shown by the display device. If the preferred display device is used, the CST can explain what each side of the device means and can explain to the consumer, judging by the visual characteristics of the consumer&#39;s vehicle fluids, whether a service is recommended or not. For example, the CST can turn the display device to the side indicating the motor oil fluid system. The CST can visually compare the different visual characteristics of new motor oil versus the consumer&#39;s actual motor oil. If the visual characteristics of the fluids are distinct and indicative of contamination of the motor oil of the consumer&#39;s vehicle, the customer service technician can recommend the specific service to the consumer, whether a simple fluid change or whether additional services such as a system flush is needed.  
         [0039]    If the contamination is not definitive, the CST weighs three factors—the mileage of the vehicle, the interval since the last service on that fluid, and the visual information—to provide a recommendation to the customer. Thus, the information taken at the acquisition stage is used in conjunction with the visual data in a fast, reliable and easily understood manner by using the method and device of the invention.  
         [0040]    Once the samples have been shown to the consumer and any service has been ordered, the samples from the consumer&#39;s vehicle may be emptied into the bucket through any of the apertures within the lid or by raising the lid and pouring the samples into the bucket. Thus, the sampling device fully integrates the sampling and disposal of each of the fluids in the automobile system. The AST can carry the sampling system from one vehicle to the next without the need for any equipment. The design of the tools allows for removal of fluids shortly after the vehicle engine stops running so that the consumer may have instantaneous automobile information. The depth of the bucket is sufficient to maintain a distance between the tools extending into the bucket and the waste materials held therein.  
         [0041]    Using the device and method of the present invention, the consumer is given objective evidence as to whether additional services on his or her vehicle is needed before the consumer exits the service facility. The determination of whether additional services should be performed can be made by the consumer quickly at the time of the initial consultation with the customer service technician. The samples are displayed in the same tubes into which the samples were drawn and not transfer is required.  
         [0042]    As can be readily seen, the device and method of the present invention allow for the consumer to make an educated decision as to whether certain vehicle services are needed. The present invention also allows the AST and CST to work together to provide needed services to a consumer who might not otherwise request such services. The visual presentation of system and method is straightforward and simple. Consumers with little or no mechanical experience or knowledge can easily determine for themselves whether services are required. While not all vehicle fluids indicate a need for change simply by visual comparison, the visual condition of most fluids is instructive as to the condition of the fluid and, more importantly, of the system with which the fluid is to be used. In some instances, the visual comparison of the fluids may indicate not only a fluid change, but may indicate that significant repairs should be done to the respective system of the engine. This is both helpful to the technician and to the consumer.  
         [0043]    By using the device and method of the present invention, the likelihood of proper vehicle maintenance is increased. Similarly, while not a fundamental purpose of the present invention, sales of fluid change and flush services by a service facility will increase as a result of the educational purpose fulfilled by the present invention to the consumer about the need to maintain and change vehicle fluids. The result is a situation wherein the service facility benefits from increased sales of the its services and the consumer benefits by being provided with information necessary to determine whether vehicle fluids are in need of replacement or vehicle components are in need of service.  
         [0044]    Although the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached drawing figures, it is notes that substitutions may be made and equivalents employed herein without departing form the scope of the invention as recited in the claims.