Patent ID: 7546693

Claim:
A flexible locking dipstick module useful with a motor vehicle transmission including a transmission case comprising: an elongated dipstick having an inboard end and an outboard end, said inboard end being proximate the transmission case, an elongated dipstick housing having an inboard end and an outboard end relative to the transmission case; said housing being adapted to receive therein said dipstick for limited insertion of said dipstick into the transmission case a throughbore providing for fluid and mechanical communication between the exterior and interior of the transmission case, a first coupling element interposed between said inboard end of said dipstick housing and the transmission case and adapted to provide locking liquid-sealing, quick disconnect and reconnection of said inboard end of said housing with respect to said throughbore while further providing for fluid and mechanical communication between the interior of the transmission case and said elongated dipstick housing, a second coupling associated with said outboard end of said dipstick housing, said second coupling including a first element affixed to said outboard end of said dipstick housing and a second element affixed to said outboard end of said dipstick, said first and second elements being matingly engageable relative to one another, and providing for liquid-sealing locking quick disconnection and reconnection of said first and second elements wherein said dipstick housing is flexible along its length and comprises a braided tube.