U.S. patent application number 09/816885 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-18 for fuel tank valve apparatus.
Invention is credited to Brown, Gregory P., Engle, Brian Allen.
Application Number | 20010029994 09/816885 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26887262 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010029994 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown, Gregory P. ; et
al. |
October 18, 2001 |
Fuel tank valve apparatus
Abstract
A fuel tank valve apparatus for use with a fuel tank. The fuel
tank apparatus has an inlet neck defining a valve chamber, a valve
housing positioned in the valve chamber, a valve positioned to move
within the valve housing to regulate flow of liquid fuel into the
fuel tank, and a retainer. The inlet neck is attachable to the fuel
tank. The valve housing is retained in the inlet neck for
communicating with the fuel tank. Connecting the inlet neck to the
fuel tank maintains the integrity of the tank and inlet neck
material.
Inventors: |
Brown, Gregory P.;
(Connersville, IN) ; Engle, Brian Allen;
(Connersville, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard A. Rezek
BARNES & THORNBURG
11 South Meridian Street
Indianapolis
IN
46204
US
|
Family ID: |
26887262 |
Appl. No.: |
09/816885 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09816885 |
Mar 23, 2001 |
|
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|
09728256 |
Dec 1, 2000 |
|
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60191658 |
Mar 23, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
141/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60K 15/04 20130101;
Y10T 137/7303 20150401; B60K 2015/03453 20130101; Y10T 137/86324
20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/1 |
International
Class: |
B65B 003/04; B65B
001/04 |
Claims
1. A fuel tank valve apparatus comprising: a fuel tank including a
wall and an inlet neck extending from said wall, said inlet neck
having an inner end appended to said wall and an outer end arranged
to define a rim, said inlet neck defining a valve chamber having an
inlet opening defined by said rim and an outlet opening
communicating with the interior volume of said fuel tank; a valve
housing positioned at least partially in said valve chamber; a
valve positioned in said valve housing to regulate flow of liquid
fuel into said fuel tank through a filler neck coupled to said
inlet neck; and a retainer coupled to said valve housing and
arranged to engage said inlet neck to retain said valve housing in
a fixed position in said valve chamber so that said valve housing
is retained proximate to said fuel tank.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said retainer includes an
outwardly extending projection coupled to said housing and engaged
with said inlet neck.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said inlet neck is overmolded
over said retainer.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said retainer includes at
least one annular, radially outwardly extending lip coupled to said
housing and attached to said inlet neck.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said retainer includes
multiple axially spaced apart, annular, radially outwardly
extending lips coupled to said housing and attached to said inlet
neck.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said retainer includes a
sealing lip formed to contact a jumper hose placed over said inlet
neck.
7. A fuel tank valve apparatus for installation on a fuel tank,
said fuel tank valve apparatus comprising: an inlet neck defining a
valve chamber having an inlet opening defined by an open end of
said inlet neck, said inlet neck being attachable to said fuel
tank; a valve housing formed for at least partially being disposed
in said valve chamber; a valve retained in communication with said
valve housing; and a retainer for coupling said valve housing with
said inlet neck to retain said valve housing in a fixed position in
said valve chamber to position said valve relative to said fuel
tank.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said retainer includes an
outwardly extending projection coupled to said housing and engaged
with said inlet neck.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said inlet neck is overmolded
over said outwardly extending projection.
10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said retainer includes at
least one annular, radially outwardly extending lip coupled to said
housing and attached to said inlet neck.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said retainer includes
multiple axially spaced apart, annular, radially outwardly
extending lips coupled to said housing and attached to said inlet
neck.
12. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said retainer includes a
sealing lip formed to contact a jumper hose placed over said inlet
neck.
13. A non-permeable fuel tank attachment for installation on a fuel
tank, said non-permeable fuel tank attachment comprising: an inlet
neck defining a chamber having an inlet opening defined by an open
end of said inlet neck, said inlet neck being attachable to said
fuel tank, said inlet neck being formed of a material compatible
for attachment to said fuel tank and providing a non-permeable
connection and barrier to prevent the escape of from said fuel
tank.
14. A non-permeable fuel tank attachment of claim 13, said
non-permeable fuel tank attachment further comprising: a valve
housing formed for at least partially being disposed in said valve
chamber.
15. A non-permeable fuel tank attachment of claim 14, said
non-permeable fuel tank attachment further comprising: a valve
retained in communication with said valve housing; and a retainer
for coupling said valve housing with said inlet neck to retain said
valve housing in a fixed position in said valve chamber to position
said valve relative to said fuel tank.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said retainer includes an
outwardly extending projection coupled to said housing and engaged
with said inlet neck.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said inlet neck is
overmolded over said outwardly extending projection.
18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said retainer includes at
least one annular, radially outwardly extending lip coupled to said
housing and attached to said inlet neck.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said retainer includes
multiple axially spaced apart, annular, radially outwardly
extending lips coupled to said housing and attached to said inlet
neck.
20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said retainer includes a
sealing lip formed to contact a jumper hose placed over said inlet
neck.
21. A method of installing a fuel tank apparatus on a fuel tank,
said fuel tank including a hydrocarbon impermeable barrier layer,
said fuel tank apparatus including an inlet neck, a valve housing
positioned at least partially in a valve chamber defined by said
inlet neck, a valve positioned in said valve housing, and a
retainer coupled to said valve housing for engaging said inlet neck
to retain said valve housing in said chamber without interrupting
said hydrocarbon impermeable barrier layer of said tank, said
method including the steps of: forming said valve housing;
positioning said valve in said valve housing; providing said
retainer on said valve housing for engagement with said inlet neck;
forming said inlet neck over said retainer of said valve housing;
and engaging said inlet neck with said fuel tank without
interrupting said hydrocarbon impermeable barrier layer of said
tank, to position said valve in communication with said fuel
tank.
22. The method as set forth in claim 21, further comprising the
step of providing outwardly extending projections on an exterior
surface of said valve housing, providing means for limiting the
inward range of travel of the cartridge in the valve chamber, and
inserting said valve housing into said valve chamber.
23. The method as set forth in claim 22, further comprising the
step of forming said inlet neck of a material compatible for
welding to said fuel tank.
24. A method of installing a fuel tank apparatus on a fuel tank,
said fuel tank being formed of a plastics material, said fuel tank
apparatus including an inlet neck defining a valve chamber, a valve
housing positioned at least partially in said valve chamber, a
valve at least partially retained in said valve housing, and a
retainer coupled to said valve housing for engaging said inlet neck
to retain said valve housing in said valve chamber, said method
including the steps of: providing said valve housing; positioning
said valve in said valve housing; providing said retainer on said
valve housing for engagement with said inlet neck; forming said
inlet neck over said retainer of said valve housing; and attaching
said inlet neck to said fuel tank to position said valve in
communication with said fuel tank.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to
U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/191,658, filed Mar. 23,
2000, and under 35 U.S.C. 120 to co-pending U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/728,256, filed Dec. 1, 2000 which are expressly
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a fuel system, and
particularly to a fuel tank within the fuel system. More
particularly, this invention relates to an inlet check valve and a
method of installing such a valve within an inlet neck of the fuel
tank.
[0003] In an automobile fuel system, a fuel tank is typically
filled via a filler neck into which a fuel-dispensing nozzle is
inserted. The fuel tank may be molded to include an inlet neck
which is connected to the filler neck by way of a jumper hose. The
molded tank is formed of a suitable plastic material. It is
desirable to include an inlet check valve within the inlet neck of
the fuel tank to prevent liquid fuel from escaping back up through
the inlet neck and jumper hose to the filler neck. See, for
example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,568,828. In the interest of containing
fuel vapor and hydrocarbons, such molded tanks may be constructed
with a permeation or penetration barrier to prevent hydrocarbons
from the fuel from escaping to the atmosphere through the tank
material.
[0004] Typically, a valve is placed in the inlet neck at the time
of assembly of the fuel storage system including the fuel tank. At
the time the fuel tank is installed in the automobile, the jumper
hose is installed to connect the fuel tank to the filler neck. In
this way, the valve placed within the inlet neck is prevented from
backing out of the inlet neck by the connection of the jumper hose
to the inlet neck of the fuel tank.
[0005] According to the present invention, a fuel tank valve
apparatus includes a fuel tank having an inlet neck defining a
valve chamber, a valve housing positioned in the valve chamber, a
valve positioned to move within the valve housing to regulate flow
of liquid fuel into the fuel tank, and a retainer. The retainer
serves to couple the valve housing to the inlet neck for retaining
the valve housing in the inlet neck and maintaining the integrity
of the tank and inlet neck material.
[0006] In preferred embodiments, the retainer comprises a collar
having a flange weldable to an annular rim of the inlet neck. The
collar is connected to the valve housing to create an insert
cartridge. An insert cartridge is formed by inserting a shaft of
the valve housing into the collar before the collar has completely
cured subsequent to being molded. In this way, the collar cools and
cures around the shaft of the valve housing forming a secure
connection there between to create the insert cartridge. The insert
cartridge is then placed within a valve chamber of the inlet neck
and secured therein by welding the weldable flange of the collar to
the annular rim of the inlet neck.
[0007] Additional features and advantages of the invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of
the following detailed description and preferred embodiments
exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as
presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The detailed description particularly refers to the
accompanying figures in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view, with portions cut away, of
a vehicle fuel tank showing an inlet neck integrally molded to the
exterior wall of the fuel tank;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a magnified perspective view of the inlet neck of
FIG. 1, the inlet neck having an inner end, an outer end, and an
annular rim;
[0011] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a valve housing
and a retaining collar prior to being mounted in a fuel tank inlet
neck as shown in FIG. 4;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a sectional view, with portions cut away, of the
valve housing and retaining collar of FIG. 3 inserted within the
inlet neck of FIG. 2 to illustrate a first embodiment of a fuel
tank valve apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a valve housing
and sealing ring prior to being mounted in a fuel tank inlet neck
as shown in FIG. 6, the valve housing having a series of retaining
barbs coupled to it;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a sectional view, with portions cut away, of the
valve housing and sealing ring of FIG. 5 retained within the inlet
neck of the fuel tank by way of the barbs of FIG. 5 to illustrate a
second embodiment of a fuel tank valve apparatus in accordance with
the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a valve housing,
an O-ring, a toothed washer, and a sealing cap prior to being
mounted in a fuel tank inlet neck as shown in FIG. 8;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a sectional view, with portions cut away, of the
valve housing and O-ring of FIG. 7 retained within the inlet neck
of the fuel tank by the toothed washer of FIG. 7 to illustrate a
third embodiment of a fuel tank valve apparatus in accordance with
the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a valve housing
molded to include a sealing lip and a retaining barb prior to being
mounted in a fuel tank inlet as shown in FIG. 10 and an O-ring;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a sectional view with portions cut away of the
valve housing molded to include a sealing lip of FIG. 9 inserted
within a filler neck which is molded to include a hose-retaining
barb to illustrate a fourth embodiment of a fuel tank valve
apparatus in accordance with the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 11 is a sectional view with portions cut away of a
valve housing molded to include a sealing lip and retention ribs
retained within an inlet neck which is welded to the surface of a
neckless fuel tank to illustrate a fifth embodiment of a fuel tank
valve apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, a fuel tank 10 includes an outer wall 16
which defines an interior fuel storage region 14. Fuel tank 10 may
be molded to include an inlet neck 12. In this case, inlet neck 12
is typically molded as an integral part of fuel tank 10. However,
fuel tank 10 may be formed without an integral inlet neck 12, as
shown in FIG. 11. Referring back to FIG. 1, the entire fuel tank
10, including inlet neck 12, may be constructed, using known
techniques, of a multi-layer plastic material which prevents
permeation of liquid and vapor fuel there through. As such, a
permeation or penetration barrier 13 layer of material may be
provided. Barrier 13 prevents hydrocarbons from the fuel from
escaping through the walls of the tank. Barrier 13 may be
positioned along an inside surface, an outside surface or
sandwiched between inner and outer layers of the tank 10. As shown
in FIG. 2, inlet neck 12 has an inner end 18 which abuts outer wall
16 and an outer end 20. Inlet neck 12 further includes an outer
annular rim 22 defining an inlet opening 26 and an inner annular
rim 27 defining an outlet opening 28. An inner wall 34 of the inlet
neck 12 defines a valve chamber 24 therein.
[0021] Various embodiments of a fuel tank valve apparatus in
accordance with the present invention are shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 8,
10 and 11. In the various embodiments like elements use the same
reference numbers or variations of the same reference number using
an alphabetic suffix. In each case, a retainer 29 serves to couple
a valve housing 30 within inlet neck 12 with a value 32 retained
within the valve housing 30. Further, each embodiment couples valve
housing 30 to tank 10 without breaching or cutting through barrier
13 and thus maintaining a continuous uninterrupted barrier against
hydrocarbon emissions. By maintaining the integrity of barrier 13
the possibility of hydrocarbon escape is further reduced.
[0022] In the first embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4,
the retainer 29a is in the form of at least on and preferably a
plurality retaining collar 36 which surrounds a shaft 40 of the
valve housing 30 and includes a weldable flange 38 suitable for
welding to an annular rim 22 of the inlet neck 12.
[0023] In a second embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the
retainer 29a is in the form of retaining barbs 52 which are coupled
directly to the valve housing 30a and prevent the valve housing 30a
from backing out of the inlet neck 12a once the valve housing 30a
is installed within the inlet neck 12a.
[0024] In a third embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the
retainer 29b is in the form of a toothed washer 70 which abuts
against a circumferential rib 84 coupled to the valve housing 30b.
The toothed washer 70 includes teeth 74 which engage or dig into
the interior wall 34 of the inlet neck 12b to prevent the valve
housing 30b from disengaging or backing out of the inlet neck 12b
once the valve housing 30b is installed within the inlet neck
12b.
[0025] In a fourth embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10,
the retainer 29c is in the form of a retaining barb 106 molded as
part of the valve housing 30c which fits within cooperatively
formed recess 114 in the inlet neck 12c to prevent the valve
housing 30c from disengaging or backing out of the inlet neck 12c
once the inlet neck 12c cools and conforms around the valve housing
30c.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, fuel tank valve apparatus 15
includes a retaining collar 36 having a weld flange 38. As shown in
FIG. 3, a valve housing 30 includes a shaft 40 having one or more
ribs 44 thereon. The shaft 40 is inserted within a shaft-receiving
chamber 42 of collar 36. Ribbed shaft 40 is sized to tightly fit
within shaft receiving chamber 42 of collar 36. Collar 36 will
typically be constructed of HDPE plastic or some other material
suitable for welding to fuel tank 10. HDPE plastic, or other
suitable materials for welding to fuel tank 10, are typically
shaped through a molding process. After molding collar 36 out of
HDPE plastic, and before it has time to completely cure, ribbed
shaft 40 of valve housing 30 is forced into shaft-receiving chamber
42 of collar 36. In this way, collar 36 cools, cures, and forms
around ribbed shaft 40 so that ribs 44 of ribbed shaft 40 engage an
internal surface 43 of collar 36 to hold the collar 36 in
engagement with valve housing 30. It is within the scope of this
disclosure that other methods such as overmolding of collar 36 on
ribbed shaft 40 may be used to couple collar 36 to valve housing
30.
[0027] After valve housing 30 and collar 36 have been coupled as
described above, a resulting valve assembly insert cartridge 46 is
positioned into or dropped down into valve chamber 24 of inlet neck
12. With cartridge 46 inserted into valve chamber 24, a bottom
surface 48 of weld flange 38 abuts annular rim 22 of inlet neck 12.
Once inserted, cartridge 46 is secured to inlet neck 12 by a weld
50 between bottom surface 48 and annular rim 22 of inlet neck 12.
In this way, inlet check valve 32, included within valve housing 30
is secured within inlet neck 12 of fuel tank 10 via retainer collar
36. A typical inlet check valve is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,056,029 issued May 2, 2000 and assigned to the assignee of the
present invention, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein
by reference. Weld 50 serves as a positive connection between valve
housing 30 and inlet neck 12 and seals all of the layers, including
barrier 13 layer, of the tank material. Weld 50 is then further
sealed when a jumper hose (not shown) is later engaged or clamped
over an external surface 49 of inlet neck 12 during insertion of
fuel tank 10 into an automobile (not shown).
[0028] Another fuel tank valve apparatus 17 in accordance with the
present invention is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. As shown in FIG. 5,
the retainer 29a in the form of one or more outwardly extending
projections illustrated as a series of retaining barbs 52 are
coupled to a valve housing 30a to form an insert cartridge 46a. The
barbs 52 may be in the form of discrete barbs or annular rings
which provide the necessary engagement with the inside surface of
the neck 12a. An outside dimension 53 of the projections 52 being
greater than an interior dimension 55 of the inlet neck 12a to
create an interference fit. In this embodiment, valve housing 30a,
itself, includes a flange 60. Insert cartridge 56 is inserted into
valve chamber 24 of inlet neck 12a and is retained therein by
retaining barbs 52. Retaining barbs 52 dig into inner wall 34 of
inlet neck 12a, thereby preventing insert cartridge 46a from being
backed out of inlet neck 12a. With insert cartridge 46a inserted
into inlet neck 12a, flange 60 limits the inward range of travel of
the cartridge 46a into the valve chamber 24 and prevents liquid
fuel within interior fuel storage region 14 of fuel tank 10 from
escaping between valve housing 30a and inner wall 34, past
retaining barbs 52, and out of inlet neck 12a. However, additional
sealing may be achieved by the inclusion of a sealing ring 58
between flange 60 and annular rim 22.
[0029] Yet another fuel tank valve apparatus 19 in accordance with
the present invention is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. As shown in FIG.
7, a valve housing 30b includes a shaft 82 having a plurality of
spacers 66 and a washer rib 84. To secure valve housing 30b within
inlet neck 12, the retainer 29b in the form of a toothed washer 70
used. Toothed washer 70 is positioned or slipped over shaft 82 and
abuts washer rib 84. Then, a sealing cap 72 is welded to an annular
edge 76 to form an insert cartridge 64 and capturing toothed washer
70 between washer rib 84 and sealing cap 72.
[0030] An entire insert cartridge 46b is then inserted within valve
chamber 24 of inlet neck 12 until a bottom surface 78 of a cap
flange 80 abuts annular rim 72 of inlet neck 12b. This prevents
valve housing 30b from slipping out of valve chamber 24 and down
the interior fuel storage region 14. Teeth 74 of toothed washer 70
are canted upward toward an inlet opening 26 of inlet neck 12b so
that they "slide" along inner wall 34 without "catching." However,
any one or more of teeth 74 of toothed washer 70 dig into inner
wall 34 of inlet neck 12b, and serve to retain valve housing 30b
within valve chamber 24 of inlet neck 12, out of inlet neck 12 if
it is attempted to back valve housing 30b. In this way, valve
housing 30b is held within valve chamber 24 through the cooperation
of both toothed washer 70 and cap flange 80. Sealing cap 72 further
serves to provide a physical barrier to prevent fuel from escaping
out of interior fuel storage region 14 and through inlet neck 12b.
However, additional sealing may be achieved by the inclusion of an
O-ring 68 positioned by sequential spacers 66 between valve housing
30b and inner wall 34 of inlet neck 12b.
[0031] Still another fuel tank apparatus 100 in accordance with the
present invention is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. As shown in FIG. 9, a
valve housing 30c includes a shaft 104 molded to integrally include
a retainer 29c in the form of a retaining barb 106 and a sealing
lip 108. As shown in FIG. 10, an inlet neck 12c is formed as an
integral part of fuel tank 10 and is molded to include a
hose-retaining barb 112. When tank 10 is blow molded to include
hose-retaining barb 112 as part of inlet neck 12c, a recess 114 is
necessarily formed opposite hose-retaining barb 112.
[0032] Valve housing 30c is secured within inlet neck 12c by
inserting valve housing 30c within inlet neck 12c before inlet neck
12c has completely cooled and cured after molding. In this way,
inlet neck 12c cools and shrinks around shaft 104 of valve housing
30c and retaining barb 106 is captured within recess 114 to secure
valve housing 30c within inlet neck 12c. The interface between
retaining barb 106 and recess 114 provides secure engagement while
maintaining the unbroken integrity of continuous barrier layer 13.
With valve housing 30c thus secured within inlet neck 12c, sealing
lip 108 completely covers and overlaps an end 116 of inlet neck
12c. Once valve housing 30c is secured within inlet neck 12c, a
jumper hose 118 is slipped over sealing lip 108 of valve housing
30c and inlet neck 12c, and clamped in place using a hose clamp
120. With this configuration, an outer circumferential edge 122 of
sealing lip 108 contacts jumper hose 118 to form a fuel and
hydrocarbon impermeable seal there between. At the same time,
hose-retaining barb 112 provides retention and a secondary seal
along with hose clamp 120 to prevent jumper hose 118 from slipping
off of inlet neck 12c and fuel and hydrocarbons from leaking from
the assembly. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not
intended to be limited to the specific size and proportional
relationship between sealing lip 108 and barb 112 as shown FIG. 10.
Rather, sealing lip 108 may have a diameter which is larger,
smaller or equal to the diameter of barb 112.
[0033] It will be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art
that inlet neck 12c may be molded to omit hose-retaining barb 112
and molded with generally straight walls so that both the
hose-retention and fuel-sealing functions are achieved by sealing
lip 108 of valve housing 30c. Valve housing 30c is typically
constructed of a material which is fuel and hydrocarbon
impenetrable or impermeable. The outer layer of a multi-layer fuel
tank, such as fuel tank 10, is typically constructed of HDPE and
while it is fuel impermeable, it is generally not hydrocarbon
impenetrable and does not alone stop hydrocarbon emissions from
penetrating or permeating the material. Therefore, sealing lip 108
of valve housing 30c overlaps end 116 of inlet neck 12c and direct
contacts jumper hose 118 to provide a fuel-impenetrable seal. It
will be readily understood to one of ordinary skill in the art that
such a fuel and hydrocarbon impenetrable sealing lip formed as an
integral part of a valve housing may be utilized in any one of the
earlier referenced embodiments suggested by FIGS. 1-8.
[0034] In each embodiment described above, an inlet check valve 32
is positively secured within the inlet neck 12 (generally) of the
fuel tank 10 prior to a jumper hose being connected to the inlet
neck at the time the fuel tank is installed within an automobile.
As discussed above, the embodiments also show that retainer 29
(generally) engages the inlet neck without breaking permeability
barrier 13. Further, in FIGS. 1-8, the inlet check valve is
included within the overall fuel delivery system with the only
possible point of fuel leakage or interruption of permeation
barrier 13 located at the inlet opening of the inlet neck--a
location which is, at any rate, enveloped by the jumper hose
clamped over the inlet neck to provide a connection between the
inlet neck and the filler neck at the time the fuel tank is
installed within the vehicle. In addition, as depicted in the
embodiments shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, a sealing lip or barb
which overlaps the inlet opening of the inlet neck may be utilized,
so that even the inlet opening (while nevertheless enveloped by the
jumper hose) does not create a possible point of fuel leakage.
[0035] An additional fuel tank apparatus 200 in accordance with the
present invention is shown in FIG. 11. In this embodiment, a valve
housing 204 is captured within an overmolded inlet neck 12d which
is subsequently welded to a fuel tank 214 at weld 208. Valve
housing 204 is secured within inlet neck 12d by retainer 29d in the
form of one or more outwardly extending projections shown as ribs
202 formed as an integral part of valve housing 204 and over which
are overmolded the inlet neck 12d. Inlet neck 12d is typically
constructed of a material weldable to fuel tank 214 so that a
secure coupling can be made at weld 208. Inlet neck 12d is further
formed to include a hose retaining barb 212 which serves to secure
a jumper hose (not shown) over inlet neck 12d in a manner similar
to that depicted in FIG. 10. Similarly, valve housing 204 is molded
to include a sealing lip 206 as an integral part thereof to provide
a contact point against the inside surface of a jumper hose (not
shown), similar to that depicted in FIG. 10. Again, it will be
readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that inlet
neck 12d may be formed to exclude hose retaining barb 212 so that,
with a jumper hose fitted over inlet neck 12d, sealing lip 206
would serve both a hose-retaining and a fuel-sealing function.
[0036] It should be noted that the present invention also
contemplates a non-permeable fuel tank attachment in the form of
inlet neck 12d. The fuel tank attachment need not necessarily
include valve housing 204 and valve which could be located at
another position in the path communicating with the inlet neck and
tank. Inlet neck 12d is typically constructed of a material
weldable to fuel tank 214 so that a secure coupling can be made at
weld 208 that is not permeable to hydrocarbon emissions. The inlet
neck facilitates coupling of a hose to the tank without breaching
or cutting through barrier 13 and thus maintaining a continuous
uninterrupted barrier against hydrocarbon emissions. By maintaining
the integrity of barrier 13 the possibility of hydrocarbon escape
is further reduced.
[0037] Inlet neck 12d is further formed to include a hose retaining
barb 212 which serves to secure a jumper hose (not shown) over
inlet neck 12d in a manner similar to that depicted in FIG. 10.
Again, it will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in
the art that inlet neck 12d may be formed to exclude hose retaining
barb 212 so that, with a jumper hose fitted over inlet neck 12d,
sealing lip 206 would serve both a hose-retaining and a
fuel-sealing function.
[0038] The present invention also includes the method of installing
valve housing 30 (generally) in said inlet neck 12 (generally).
With reference to the figures, the valve housing is provided with a
retainer to couple the valve housing with the inlet neck. The valve
housing is provided with the valve 32 retained therein. The
retainer 29 (generally) is formed on or attached to the valve
housing as shown in the illustrations and described hereinabove.
The valve housing is then inserted into the valve chamber of the
inlet neck with the retainer engaging the inlet neck, without
breaching barrier 13, so as to position the valve 32 retained
within the housing 30 (generally) in communication with the tank
and maintain the integrity of barrier 13.
[0039] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and
modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as
described and defined in the following claims.
* * * * *