Fluid flow test kit

Abstract

Embodiments of a kit for use in servicing vehicle transmissions are disclosed. In one embodiment, the kit is used for conducting a transmission fluid flow test and/or installing an external transmission fluid filter. The kit comprises an improved transmission fluid container having an integral handle within the outline of the outer periphery of the body of the container.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A container for collecting fluid, the container comprising: 
 a substantially hollow body defining an interior space for collecting a fluid therein, wherein the hollow body comprises a first end, an intermediate portion, and a second end;    an opening at the first end of the hollow body for receiving the fluid therethrough, and wherein the opening is sufficiently large to receive an external transmission fluid filter;    a wall at the second end of the hollow body that seals the second end; and    a handle integrally attached to the hollow body, wherein the handle is positioned within the periphery of the external outline of the hollow body, and wherein the handle is positioned in the intermediate portion.    
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid is transmission fluid.  
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the hollow body is substantially frustoconical.  
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the hollow body is substantially cylindrical.  
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the hollow body is substantially a hollow parallelepiped having one open side, wherein the open side is the opening.  
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 5 , wherein the external surface of the hollow body is provided with indicia for indicating the amount of fluid collected.  
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 6 , wherein the indicia comprises indications associated with the level of fluid flow.  
     
     
         8 . The container of  claim 7 , wherein the indicia comprises at least one of the following: “restricted”, “adequate”, or “good”.  
     
     
         9 . The container of  claim 5 , wherein the indicia comprises at least one measuring unit chosen from the following group: ounce, quart, liter.  
     
     
         10 . The container of  claim 3 , wherein the perimeter of the opening is substantially equal to or larger than the perimeter of the wall at the second end.  
     
     
         11 . The container of  claim 3 , wherein the diameter of the opening is larger than about 2 inches.  
     
     
         12 . The container of  claim 1 , further comprising a lid for covering the opening.  
     
     
         13 . The container of  claim 12 , further comprising a tamper resistance detachable seal for covering the opening, wherein the seal is interposed between the opening and the lid.  
     
     
         14 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the handle is substantially solid.  
     
     
         15 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the handle is substantially hollow.  
     
     
         16 . A kit comprising: 
 an external transmission fluid filter for installation in the flow circuit of a vehicle's transmission fluid cooling system;    a hose segment for coupling the filter to a line of the flow circuit;    a plurality of hose connector adapters for coupling the hose segment to the filter and the line of the flow circuit;    a plurality of hose clamps for securing the hose segment to the hose connector adapters; and    a container comprising: 
 an opening sufficiently large for receiving the filter, the hose segment, the plurality of hose connectors, and the plurality of hose clamps;  
 a body enclosing a volume sufficiently large for storing the filter, the hose segment, the plurality of hose connectors, and the plurality of hose clamps, wherein the volume is also sufficiently large for receiving an adequate amount of transmission fluid for performing a transmission fluid flow test on a vehicle; and  
 a handle located within the outline of the periphery of the body, wherein the handle is also located between a top end and a bottom end of the body.  
   
     
     
         17 . The kit of  claim 16 , further comprising at least one of the following: an instructions sheet, a decal.  
     
     
         18 . The kit of  claim 16 , wherein the container further comprises a lid for covering the opening.  
     
     
         19 . The kit of  claim 19 , wherein the container further comprises a tamper resistance seal covering the opening, wherein the seal is interposed between the opening and the lid.  
     
     
         20 . The kit of  claim 16 , wherein the container is made of a plastic material capable of withstanding a temperature of at least about 140° F.