Oil Drain Pan and Holder for Preloaded Oil Filters

Abstract

A combination oil filter preload storage pan and drain pan includes a pan with a series of differentially sized openings in the top cover thereof and support ribs arrayed within the pan on the base for support of preloaded filters or filters which are to be drained.

1 . A combination oil filter pre-load storage and drain pan comprising, in combination:
 a formed bowl including:   a generally flat base, a peripheral side wall of generally uniform height extending from the base to form a fluid tight container, with an open top, said flat base including a generally flat, interior surface with a plurality of spaced support ribs on the interior surface, said support ribs having a generally uniform height from each other; and   a top cover over the open top, said top cover including a plurality of generally circular spaced openings forming an array of openings in the top cover, each of the openings one positioned over at least two spaced ribs, at least two of said spaced openings having a unique diameter, said top cover generally parallel to the base.   
   
   
       2 . The pan of  claim 1  wherein the top cover and containers are a unitary construct. 
   
   
       3 . The pan of  claim 1  formed from a polymeric material. 
   
   
       4 . The pan of  claim 1  including at least two spaced handles affixed to the outer periphery of the side wall. 
   
   
       5 . The pan of  claim 1  wherein the ribs comprise generally parallel, equally spaced integrally formed elements on the base surface. 
   
   
       6 . The pan of  claim 1  wherein the ribs comprise generally parallel, equally spaced integrally formed elements on the base surface. 
   
   
       7 . The pan of  claim 6  wherein the ribs have a generally triangular cross section configuration with the apex thereof above the flat inside surface of the base. 
   
   
       8 . The pan of  claim 6  further including handles on the pan generally aligned with the ribs.