A fluid level measuring device, also referred to as a dipstick, for measuring the fluid level in a fluid reservoir or tank, such as an oil pan or transmission reservoir in an internal combustion engine. The fluid level measuring device includes a stationary tube assembly in which a dipstick assembly
A fluid level measuring device, also referred to as a dipstick, for measuring the fluid level in a fluid reservoir or tank, such as an oil pan or transmission reservoir in an internal combustion engine. The fluid level measuring device includes a stationary tube assembly in which a dipstick assembly is disposed. The dipstick assembly includes a fluid level indicator measuring blade attached to an elongated shaft which is directly molded into a plastic handle assembly. The plastic handle assembly includes a bayonet type locking mechanism for locking the handle to the stationary tube assembly. A compressible seal forms a pressurized seal between the stationary tube assembly and the handle.
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The invention claimed is: 1. An apparatus for measuring fluid levels in an associated fluid reservoir comprising: an elongated shaft having first and second spaced ends; a stationary tube extending from the associated fluid reservoir having an open end for receiving the shaft therein; a fluid leve
The invention claimed is: 1. An apparatus for measuring fluid levels in an associated fluid reservoir comprising: an elongated shaft having first and second spaced ends; a stationary tube extending from the associated fluid reservoir having an open end for receiving the shaft therein; a fluid level indicator blade attached to the first end of the shaft and dimensioned for receipt through the stationary tube and into the reservoir for providing an indication of a fluid level; a handle joined to the shaft; a locking assembly received on the handle and the stationary tube for locking the handle in a locked position to the stationary tube upon insertion of the shaft into the tube wherein said locking assembly comprises at least one slot defined in said handle wherein said at least one slot comprises an axial portion aligned with the direction of insertion of the shaft into the tube and a generally transverse portion having a locking seat defined at the end of the transverse portion, and at least one lug on said stationary tube; and a member connected to the base of the handle that contacts and seals the open end of the stationary end of the tube when compressed between the handle and tube. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the member comprises an elastomeric material that seals between the handle and the stationary tube. 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the elastomeric seal further comprises a seal face that is dimensioned for receipt in the stationary tube and sealingly engaging an interior wall thereof. 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the member is dimensioned for an interference fit with the handle. 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the member is adhesively secured to the handle. 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the member is integrally molded to the handle. 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the locking assembly includes a pair of slots in the handle that receive lugs extending from the stationary tube. 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the slots require the handle to rotate through approximately 90 degrees to reach the locked position. 9. An apparatus for measuring fluid levels in an associated fluid reservoir, said fluid level measuring apparatus comprising: an elongated shaft having first and second spaced ends; a stationary tube extending from the associated fluid reservoir having an open end for receiving the shaft therein; a fluid level indicator blade attached to the first end of the shaft and dimensioned for receipt through the stationary tube and into the reservoir for providing an indication of a fluid level; a handle joined to the shaft wherein said handle defines at least one slot comprising an axial and a transverse portion and wherein the axial portion is open and receives at least one lug located on the stationary tube and the transverse portion terminates in a locking seat such that a locked position is achieved when said lug engages the locking seat and a compressible member located in a cavity defined in the base of the handle, wherein the compressible member is compressed by at least an axial end of the open end of the stationary tube. 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the compressible member further comprises a bead profile that seals against an inner wall of the stationary tube. 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the bead profile includes first and second circumferentially continuous, spaced beads that seal against the inner wall of the stationary tube. 12. An apparatus for measuring fluid levels in an associated fluid reservoir comprising: an elongated shalt having first and second spaced ends; a stationary tube having an open end for receiving the shaft therein and another end associated with a fitting for engaging said fluid reservoir wherein said first end of the shaft comprises a fluid level indicator or, a fluid level indicator blade is attached to the first end of the shaft and dimensioned for receipt through the stationary tube and into the reservoir for providing an indication of a fluid level; a handle joined to the shaft; a locking assembly comprising slots received on the handle and lugs located on the stationary tube for locking the handle in a locked position to the stationary tube upon insertion of the shaft into the tube wherein the slots comprise an axial portion having an open end and a transverse portion that terminates in a locking seat which maintains the handle and tube in the locked position; and a compressible sealing member located in the base of the handle and interposed between the handle and the open end of the stationary end of the tube and the compressible sealing member further comprising a seal face that is compressed by at least a terminal end of the stationary tube. 13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the sealing member is dimensioned for an interference fit within the handle. 14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the sealing member is adhesively secured to the handle. 15. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the sealing member is integrally molded with the handle. 16. A fluid level measuring apparatus comprising: a shaft comprising first and second ends and wherein a fluid level indicator blade is associated with a first end of the shaft, a tube comprising a first end having a coupler with an open end for receiving at least one end of the shaft and wherein said coupler has at least one lug, and a second end having a fitting, a handle associated with the second end of the shaft and comprising at least one curvilinear slot defined in the handle wherein one end of said slot is open and dimensioned to engage said lug and another end of said slot terminates in a locking seat, and; a gasket affixed to the base of the handle that engages the coupler when said lug engages said locking seat and wherein said gasket is compressed between the handle and the coupler when said at least one lug engages said at least one locking seat. 17. An apparatus comprising: a tube comprising a first end joined to a coupler that has an open end and wherein said coupler has at least one lug, and said tube has a second end comprising a fitting that engages a fluid reservoir, a handle comprising at least one curvilinear slot defined in the handle wherein one end of said at least one slot is open and dimensioned to engage said at least one lug and a second end of said slot terminates in a locking seat, a shaft connected to the handle wherein said shaft is associated with a fluid level indicator blade and; a compressible gasket member affixed to the base of the handle wherein said member is compressed between the handle and said coupler. 18. An apparatus comprising: a tube comprising a first open end and at least one lug, and a second end comprising a fitting that engages a fluid reservoir, a handle comprising at least one curvilinear slot defined in the handle wherein one end of said at least one slot is open and dimensioned to engage said at least one lug and wherein said at least one slot comprises an axial portion aligned generally with the direction of insertion of the shaft into the tube and a generally transverse portion that terminates in a locking seat, a shaft connected to the handle wherein said shaft is associated with a fluid level indicator blade and; a compressible gasket member located in the base of the handle and compressed between the first open end of the tube and the handle. 19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said compressible gasket member provides a seal capable of maintaining at least one atmosphere. 20. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said shaft comprises at least one wire. 21. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said handle is dimensioned to enclose at least a portion of said coupler. 22. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the apparatus is associated with a fluid reservoir in an engine, transmission, or other machinery. 23. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said at least one lug extends outwardly from the coupler. 24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the compressible gasket member is located in a cavity defined in the base of the handle. 25. A fluid measuring apparatus comprising: a shaft comprising first and second ends and wherein a fluid level indicator blade is associated with a first end of the shaft or said first end of the shaft comprises a fluid level indicator, a tube comprising a first end having a coupler with an open end for receiving at least one end of the shaft and wherein said coupler has at least one lug, a handle associated with the second end of the shaft and comprising at least one slot that comprises an axial portion generally aligned with the direction of insertion of the shaft into the tube and a generally transverse portion, wherein one end of said at least one slot is open and dimensioned to engage said at least one lug and another end of said slot terminates in a locking seat, and; a compressible member associated with the handle that engages at least the open end face of the coupler when said lug engages said locking seat and said seal is compressed between the handle and the open end face of the coupler. 26. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein said at least one lug comprises an outwardly extending lug. 27. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein said shaft is associated with the handle by at least one joining, bonding, molding and gluing. 28. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein said handle defines a gripping portion that is connected to the base of the handle by a neck having a reduced dimension. 29. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein a second end of said tube is associated with a fitting for engaging a fluid reservoir. 30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein said fitting comprises a threaded fitting. 31. A fluid measuring apparatus for an engine or a transmission reservoir comprising: a shaft comprising first and second ends wherein said first end of the shaft comprises a fluid level indicator, a tube comprising a first end comprising a coupler with an open end and wherein said coupler has at least one lug, and a second end of the tube comprising a fitting for engaging the reservoir, a handle connected to the second end of the shaft and comprising at least one slot that comprises an axial portion and a transverse portion, wherein one end of said at least one slot is open and receives said at least one lug and the other end of the slot terminates in a locking seat, and; a seal connected to the handle that engages an open end face of the coupler and wherein said seal comprises a compressible member that is compressed between the handle and the open end face of the coupler. 32. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said at least one lug comprises an outwardly extending lug. 33. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said shaft is connected to the handle by at least one of joining, bonding, molding and gluing. 34. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said fitting comprises a threaded fitting. 35. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said handle defines a gripping portion that is connected to the base of the handle by a neck having a reduced dimension. 36. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the shaft comprises wire strand. 37. A fluid measuring apparatus for an engine or a transmission reservoir comprising: a shaft comprising first and second ends wherein said first end of the shaft comprises a fluid level indicator, a tube comprising a first end comprising a coupler with an open end and wherein said coupler has at least one lug, and a second end of the tube associated with the reservoir, a handle connected to the second end of the shaft and comprising at least one slot that comprises an axial portion and a transverse portion terminating in a locking seat, and; an annular seal in the base of the handle and that engages an open end face of the coupler wherein said seal is compressed between the handle and the open end face of the coupler. 38. A fluid measuring apparatus for an engine or a transmission reservoir comprising: a shaft comprising first and second ends wherein said first end of the shaft comprises a fluid level indicator, a tube comprising a first end comprising a coupler with an open end and wherein said coupler has at least one lug, a handle connected to the second end of the shaft and comprising at least one slot that comprises an axial portion and a transverse portion, wherein one end of said at least one slot is open and dimensioned to engage said at least one lug and the other end of said at least one slot comprises a locking seat that engages said lug, and; a compressible member in the base of the handle that is compressed between the handle and open end of the coupler when said at least one lug engages the locking seat. 39. A fluid measuring apparatus for an engine or a transmission reservoir comprising: a shaft comprising first and second ends wherein the first end of the shaft comprises a fluid level indicator, a tube comprising a first end comprising a coupler with an open end and wherein said coupler has at least one lug, and a second end that is associated with the reservoir, a handle connected to the second end of the shaft and comprising at least one slot that comprises an axial portion and a transverse portion, wherein one end of said at least one slot is open and engages said at least one lug and a terminal end of said at least one slot comprises a locking seat that engages said lug when in a locked position, and; a seal positioned in the base of the handle such that the seal is compressed against an axial end of the coupler when in the locked position. 40. The apparatus of any one of claims 37-39 wherein at least a portion of the shaft comprises wire strand. 41. The apparatus of any one of claims 37-39 wherein the handle includes a gripping portion comprising a pair of knobs extending outwardly from an area of reduced diameter. 42. A fluid measuring apparatus for an engine or a transmission reservoir comprising: a shaft comprising first and second ends wherein the first end of the shaft comprises a fluid level indicator, a tube comprising a first end comprising a coupler with an open end having an axial end and wherein said coupler has at least one lug, and a second end that is associated with the reservoir. a handle connected to the second end of the shaft and comprising at least one slot that comprises an axial portion and a transverse portion, wherein a first end of said at least one slot is open and engages said at least one lug and the slot terminates at a second end that defines a locking seat such that said lug enters the first end of the slot and travels along the slot until becoming engaged in a locked position in the locking seat, and; a seal positioned in the base of the handle such that the seal is compressed against the axial end of the coupler when said lug is in the locked position. 43. An engine or a transmission reservoir fluid level measuring apparatus comprising: a shaft comprising first and second ends wherein the first end of the shaft comprises a fluid level indicator, a tube comprising first and second ends wherein the first end of the tube is connected to a coupler and the second end is associated with the reservoir wherein the coupler has at least one lug and defines an opening therethrough, a handle connected to the second end of the shaft and comprising at least one slot that comprises an axial portion and a transverse portion, wherein the axial portion of the slot is open in order to receive said at least one lug and the transverse portion of the slot terminates in a locking seat and wherein said at least one lug enters the axial portion of the slot and travels along the slot until becoming engaged in a locked position in the locking seat, and; a seal located in a cavity defined in the base of the handle such that the seal is compressible between the handle and an end face of the coupler when the at least one lug and at least one slot are in the locked position. 44. The apparatus of claim 43 wherein an engine fitting is connected to the second end of the tube and at least a portion of said fitting has an exterior diameter that is greater than the interior diameter of the tube. 45. The apparatus of claim 43 wherein the base of the handle has an outer diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the coupler. 46. The apparatus of claim 43 wherein a portion of the coupler has an outer diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the tube. 47. The apparatus of claim 43 wherein said at least one lugs are outwardly extending and said at least one slot extends entirely through a side wall of the handle. 48. The apparatus of claim 43 wherein the handle defines a gripping portion that is connected to the base of the handle. 49. The apparatus of claim 48 wherein the gripping portion is connected to the base of the handle by a neck having a reduced dimension. 50. A transmission reservoir fluid measuring apparatus comprising: a shaft comprising first and second ends wherein a portion of said first end of the shaft comprises a fluid level indicator, a tube comprising a first end comprising a coupler with an open end and wherein said coupler has at least one lug, and a second end of the tube associated with the transmission reservoir, a handle associated with the second end of the shaft and comprising at least one slot that comprises a generally axial portion and a generally transverse portion, wherein the transverse portion of the at least one slot terminates in a locking seat such that a locked position is achieved when said at least one lug engages the locking seat and; an annular member in the base of the handle that is compressed between the handle and open end face of the coupler when said at least one lug is in the locked position. 51. The transmission reservoir fluid measuring apparatus of claim 50 wherein the second end of the tube is connected to a fitting that provides a passageway to the transmission reservoir. 52. The transmission reservoir fluid measuring apparatus of claim 50 wherein the lugs extend outwardly from the coupler. 53. The transmission reservoir fluid measuring apparatus of claim 50 wherein said compressible member prevents a seal from being formed between the handle and the coupler. 54. The transmission reservoir fluid measuring apparatus of claim 53 wherein the compressible member defines at least one groove. 55. A fluid measuring apparatus comprising: a shaft comprising first and second ends wherein a portion of said first end of the shaft comprises a fluid level indicator, a tube comprising a first end comprising a coupler with an open end and wherein said coupler has at least one lug, and a second end of the tube associated with fluid to be measured, a handle associated with the second end of the shaft and comprising at least one slot that comprises an axial portion aligned approximately with the shaft and a generally transverse portion, wherein the transverse portion of the at least one slot terminates in a locking seat such that a locked position is achieved when said at least one lug positively engages the locking seal and wherein the handle includes a gripping portion comprising a pair of knobs extending outwardly from an area of reduced diameter, and; a gasket in the base of the handle that is compressed between the handle and open end face of the coupler when said at least one lug is in the locked position. 56. The apparatus of claim 55 wherein the gasket provides a pressure lock seal. 57. The apparatus of claim 55 wherein the gasket prevents a seal from being formed. 58. The apparatus of claim 55 wherein said at least one lug is outwardly extending and said at least one slot extends entirely through the sidewall of the coupler. 59. The apparatus of claim 55 wherein a portion of said gasket also contacts an inner wall of the coupler.
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