U.S. patent application number 11/046500 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-04 for loss safety device for a tank cap.
Invention is credited to Gerdes, Ralf.
Application Number | 20050167432 11/046500 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32240796 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050167432 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gerdes, Ralf |
August 4, 2005 |
Loss safety device for a tank cap
Abstract
The present invention relates to a loss safety device for a tank
cap of a vehicle, especially for a fuel tank, with a first end
section attached over a first connecting element at the tank cap,
with a second end section attached on a vehicle over a second
connecting element, and a band section provided between the first
and second end sections. The second connecting element is formed by
a pin and at least an anchoring extension. The first connecting
element is connected with the tank cap rotatably around an axis of
rotation R of the tank cap, being formed of an annular eyelet and
of an anchor, connected with said band section and annular eyelet,
and said annular eyelet features a recess in its inner section, as
well as an insertion groove, connecting said recess with the outer
side of said annular eyelet, and said anchor may be inserted into
said insertion groove.
Inventors: |
Gerdes, Ralf; (Koln,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FULWIDER PATTON LEE & UTECHT, LLP
HOWARD HUGHES CENTER
6060 CENTER DRIVE
TENTH FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90045
US
|
Family ID: |
32240796 |
Appl. No.: |
11/046500 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/375 ;
220/DIG.33 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60K 15/0406
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/375 ;
220/DIG.033 |
International
Class: |
B65D 055/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 30, 2004 |
DE |
20 2004 001 485.8 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A loss safety device for a tank cap of a vehicle comprising: a
first end section attached over a first connecting element on the
tank cap; a second end section attached to the vehicle over a
second connecting element on the tank cap; and a band section,
provided between the first and the second end section, the second
connecting element being formed by a pin and by an anchoring
extension; wherein said pin features on its outside at least one
admission groove, and the anchoring extension surpasses said pin in
a direction perpendicular towards the pin central axis, being
flexibly connected with the pin and may be forced into admission
groove.
2. A loss safety device according to claim 1, wherein said
admission groove extends in the radial direction of the pin.
3. A loss safety device according to claim 1, wherein the pin and
anchoring extension are made in one piece.
4. A loss safety device according to claim 1, wherein the second
connecting element and band section are built in one piece.
5. A loss safety device according to claim 1, wherein said pin and
anchoring extension are of the same material.
6. A loss safety device according to claim 5, wherein said pin and
anchoring extension are made of at least one of polyoxymethylene
(POM) and another plastic material.
7. A loss safety device according to claim 1, wherein said second
connecting element and band section are produced of the same
material.
8. A loss safety device according to claim 7, wherein said material
is at least one of polyoxymethylene (POM) and another plastic
material.
9. A loss safety device, according to one of claims 6 or 8,
characterized in that the plastic material features a Shore
hardness between 40 and 80.
10. A loss safety device according to claim 1, wherein several
anchoring extensions are provided, and for each anchoring
extension, an admission groove in the pin is provided.
11. A loss safety device according to claim 1, wherein several
anchoring extensions are provided, and said anchoring extensions
and admission grooves are uniformly disposed over the circumference
of said pin.
12. A loss safety device according to claim 1, characterized in
that several anchoring extensions are provided, and said anchoring
extensions and admission grooves are disposed concentrically to the
pin central axis.
13. A loss safety device according to claim 1, characterized in
that said second connecting element has a direction of
introduction, and after introducing the second connecting element,
and due to a power acting upon the second connecting element,
contrary to its direction of introduction, an expansion takes place
of the anchoring extension, by increasing the active
cross-sectional area of the second connecting element, and
consequently by composing a closing shape, it reacts to a movement
of the second connecting element contrary to the direction of
insertion.
14. A loss safety device according to claim 1, characterized in
that said pin features an enlargement in its upper section, which
restricts the mobility of the second connecting element in the
direction of introduction (E).
15. A loss safety device for a tank cap, screwed into a connection
of a vehicle fuel tank, with a first end section, attached to said
tank cap over a first connecting element, a second end section,
which over a second connecting element is attached to said vehicle,
and a band section, foreseen between the first and second end
section, the first connecting element being connected with said
tank cap rotatably around the axis of rotation R of said tank cap),
being composed of an annular eyelet and an anchor, united with said
band section and annular eyelet, and said annular eyelet features
in its internal area a recess, as well as an insertion groove,
connecting the recess to the outer section of annular eyelet, and
anchor may be introduced into said admission groove, characterized
in that the anchor is configured in such a fashion that it may be
introduced into said annular eyelet relatively to the band section
longitudinal axis, precisely in an angular position or in an
arbitrary angular position.
16. A loss safety device according to claim 15, characterized in
that said anchor and band section are made in one piece, being
composed of the identical material, especially of polyoxymethylene
(POM) and of another plastic.
17. A loss safety device according to one of claims 15, wherein
said anchor and annular eyelet are produced of the same material,
especially of polyoxymethylene (POM) or of another plastic
material.
18. A loss safety device, according to one of claims 16 or 17,
characterized in that the plastic material features a shore
hardness between 40 and 80.
19. A loss safety device according to one of claims 1, combined
with a loss safety device according to claim 15.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to and claims priority under the
Paris Convention from German Utility Model Application No. 20 2004
001 485.8, filed 30 January, 2004.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to loss safety devices and, in
particular, to a loss safety device for a tank cap.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a loss safety device for a
vehicle cap, in particular a cap for a fuel tank. Tank caps have
been used for a considerable length of time. Fuel tank caps for a
variety of vehicles feature a band or cord-like device, where a
first end section of the device is connected with the tank cap and
a second end section is connected with the vehicle. When the cap is
removed from the filler neck of the fuel tank, the cap cannot be
removed from the vehicle.
[0004] The loss safety device typically must meet many
requirements, both during the many years of vehicle operation, as
well as during the manufacturing phase. For example, the cost must
be reasonable and the quality of the device must be high.
[0005] Document DE 200 18 750 U1 features a tank cap with a first
connecting element, rotably assembled around the axis of rotation
of the tank cap, being formed of an annular eyelet and an anchor,
connected with a band section and an annular eyelet. The anchor is
introduced into an inner recess of the annular eyelet, exiting from
the inner section of the annular eyelet through an insertion
groove. Nevertheless, there is a problem, in that during insertion
of the anchor into the annular eyelet recess, errors may be
committed by a technician, as the anchor may be introduced in
different positions into the annular eyelet. As a consequence,
faulty alignment of the second connecting element may result. Since
tank caps are normally irreversibly assembled by means of insertion
and spring catches, such a failure may not be uncorrectable and the
tank cap must be discarded.
[0006] As to the material of the connector, especially the material
of the second connecting element discussed above, one problem can
arise in that transporting the element from the supplier to the
vehicle manufacturer may effect the material. This is especially
applicable in the case of plastics which, during long airplane
transportation routes, may be exposed to conditions of extreme
cold, which could negatively influence material properties.
[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a loss safety device for a tank cap of a vehicle, which
overcomes the handicaps mentioned above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Generally and briefly, and in one embodiment of the
invention, a loss safety device for a tank cap of a vehicle,
especially for a fuel tank, has a first end section attached over a
first connecting element at the tank cap. A second end section is
attached on a vehicle over a second connecting element. A band
section is provided between the first and second end sections. The
second connecting element is formed by a pin and at least an
anchoring extension. The first connecting element is connected with
the tank cap rotatably around an axis of rotation R of the tank
cap, being formed of an annular eyelet and of an anchor, connected
with said band section and annular eyelet, and said annular eyelet
features a recess in its inner section, as well as an insertion
groove, connecting said recess with the outer side of the annular
eyelet, and said anchor may be inserted into the insertion
groove.
[0009] While the foregoing sets forth general features of a
particular embodiment, further embodiments and features will be
apparent from the Detailed Description, the drawings and the
claims. Consequently, the invention is not limited to what this
Summary briefly describes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a tank cap with a loss safety device
attached thereto, according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 2a is a version of a loss safety device according to
the present invention, wherein the anchor of the first connecting
element may be introduced into the annular eyelet only in one
angular position, while the second connecting element features two
anchoring extensions, and the pin longitudinal axis coincides with
the longitudinal axis of the band section;
[0012] FIG. 2b is the cross section taken along line C-C through
the second connecting element according to the invention, in FIG.
2a;
[0013] FIG. 3a is an embodiment of a loss safety device, where the
anchor of the first connecting element may be introduced randomly
into the annular eyelet, whilst the second connecting element
features four anchoring extensions, with the pin longitudinal axis
projected in rectangular direction on the longitudinal axis of the
band segment;
[0014] FIG. 3b is the cross section taken along line B-B through
the second connecting element in FIG. 3a; and
[0015] FIG. 3c is the cross section taken along line A-A through
the second connecting element in FIG. 3a, according to the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] This task is being solved according to the invention in that
said anchor of the first connecting element is designed in such a
fashion that relatively to the longitudinal axis of said band
section, it can be introduced precisely in an angular or random
position into said annular eyelet. This insures that during anchor
insertion into said annular eyelet, faulty assembly and consequent
faulty alignment of the second connecting element may be
prevented.
[0017] The task is additionally solved due to the fact that the pin
features, on its outer section, at least one admission groove and
the anchoring extension surpasses said pin in a direction
perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, being flexibly united with
said pin and can be pressed into said admission groove. As a
result, notwithstanding the surpassing section of said anchoring
extension, with accurate insertion of said second connecting
element, eventually in a perforation existing on vehicle for this
purpose, the anchor diameter offers reduced clearance inside the
perforation, being insured a firm seat, offering a good quality
impression. Also vibrations acting upon the second connecting
elements are effectively absorbed. Additionally, this offers the
possibility to provide a one-piece version, insuring a strong
rupturing force.
[0018] To provide an adequate disposition of anchoring extension
and admission groove, the latter preferably extends in the axial
direction of said pin. Due to this condition, also positioning and
a constructive disposition of a tool, required for production,
eventually during an injection molding process will be considerably
easier.
[0019] In order to be able to insure a sufficiently resistant and
economical production process, it is foreseen that said pin and
anchoring extension are produced in one piece. Ideally, the band
section and the second connecting element are produced in one
piece, so that the loss safety device consists of one only section,
as least of the side of the second connecting element.
[0020] In another advantageous embodiment of the present invention,
it is foreseen that the pin and anchoring extension are produced of
similar material, especially of polyoxymethylene (POM) or of
another plastic material. With an equally one-piece version of the
second connecting element and of said band section, also these
items are manufactured of the identical material, especially
polyoxymethylene (POM) or of another plastic material.
[0021] Preferably, the plastic material features a Shore hardness
rate between 40 and 80. This hardness is sufficiently flexible and
even so its offers sufficient resistance. Additionally, the
initially mentioned disadvantages, which may result during longer
transportation routes at low temperatures, are thus being
effectively avoided.
[0022] To increase anchorage resistance, it is advantageous to
provide different anchoring extensions, and for each of these
anchoring extensions an admission groove is foreseen in the pin.
The number of anchoring extensions, in the case of a cylindrical
pin, will be in accordance with the pin diameter. Normally, the
number of anchoring extensions will be of two, three, four, five,
six, seven or eight units. In an adequate fashion, the second
connecting element will then be designed in such a fashion that
said anchoring extensions and admission grooves will be uniformly
disposed over the pin circumference, in order to render feasible a
uniform power distribution. For this purpose, said anchoring
extensions and admission grooves, in a specially advantageous form,
are concentrically disposed in the direction of the pin central
axis.
[0023] In order to render feasible a higher degree of protection
against extraction of the loss safety device from its anchored
position at the vehicle, the second connecting element is designed
in such a fashion, that after introducing the second connecting
element by means of a power, acting upon it against the insertion
direction of the second connecting element, under the influence of
progressive increase of the effective transversal surface, said
anchoring extension of the second connecting element will be
expanded and, therefore, by compounding a form-locking condition,
will be opposed to a movement of the second connecting element
contrary to the insertion direction.
[0024] In order to avoid that the second connecting element may be
moved randomly in the insertion direction, for example into an
empty space, located behind an admission perforation, the pin
features an enlargement in its upper section, which restricts the
mobility of the second connecting element in the insertion
direction.
[0025] As occurs also with the second connecting element, at the
first connecting element a one-piece configuration would be
adequate. Nevertheless, this is rendered difficult due to the
bipartite configuration of the first connecting element with an
annular eyelet and anchor. Preferably, however, at least the anchor
and band section are configured in one piece of identical material,
especially of polyoxymethylene (POM) or another plastic material.
For simplicity's sake, it can be foreseen that said anchor and
annular eyelet are built of the same material, especially of
polyoxymethylene (POM) or another plastic material. Also in this
case, the material advantageously features a Shore hardness between
40 and 80.
[0026] An especially advantageous configuration results, evidently,
with a loss safety device according to the present invention, which
combines the advantages of the first connecting element with those
of the second connecting element, in that the first and second
connecting elements are configured according to the guidelines of
the invention.
[0027] Considering now the drawings, FIG. 1 features a tank cap 1
with a loss safety device attached thereto, in a schematic overall
view. A first end section is attached with a first connecting
element 2 at the tank cap 1, being rotatably mounted around the
axis of rotation R of said tank cap 1, and therefore does not
accompany the introduction or extraction of the tank cap 1. A
second connecting element 3 is attached at its second end, being
attached in an admission perforation 13, so that it may, for
example, be located in the vehicle carriage. A band section 4 is
provided between the first and second end section.
[0028] FIG. 2a features, in detail, a possible configuration of
said loss safety device. The first connecting element 2 features an
anchor 10 and an annular eyelet 9, said anchor 10 being introduced
into a recess 11 of said annular eyelet 9, and abandons said
annular eyelet 9 through an insertion groove 12. For anchoring
action, said anchor 10 features two outwardly extending arms. These
are of different length and recess 11 in said annular eyelet 9 is
adjusted to these arms, so that said anchor may only be inserted
into recess 11 in one exclusive angular position, relative to
longitudinal axis I of band section 4. The inner wall of annular
eyelet 9 is not interrupted by recess 11, so that anchor 10 may be
firmly inserted into recess 11 of annular eyelet 9, without being
mobile in the direction of longitudinal axis L of said band section
4.
[0029] At its second end section, the loss safety device features a
second connecting element 3, which is being formed by a pin 5 and
by two anchoring extensions 6. Said anchoring extensions 6 surpass
pin 5 in a direction perpendicular to longitudinal axis Z of said
pin 5. By inserting pin into an admission perforation 13, said
anchoring extensions 6 are pressed in insertion direction E into an
admission groove 7. Once the anchoring extensions 6 have transfixed
said admission perforation 13, in view of their flexibility, they
resiliently return and prevent a renewed extraction of said second
connecting element 3 from admission perforation 13 only by pulling
band section 4 contrary to insertion direction E. On the contrary,
said anchoring extensions 6 will adjust in the rear section of the
material composing said admission perforation 13, being outwardly
expanded.
[0030] In order to avoid also an additional displacement of the
second connecting element 3 in the direction of introduction E and
also to insure adequate attachment of the second connecting element
3 inside the admission perforation 13, pin 5 features an
enlargement 8 in its upper section. The minimum distance between
said enlargement 8 and anchoring extension 6 is adequately chosen
in such a way, that the mobility of the second connecting element 3
is largely restricted, without endangering upward resilience of
said anchoring extensions 6, after trespassing admission
perforation 13.
[0031] FIG. 2b features cross section C-C, indicated in FIG. 2a. It
can be noticed that up to the points, at which pin 5 features the
admission grooves 7, the pin diameter is equivalent to that of a
cylinder. Consequently, the second connecting element 3 may ideally
be adjusted to the admission perforation diameter, largely avoiding
radial mobility of the second connecting element 3 within said
admission groove 13. Evidently, the configuration of said pin is
not restricted to a cylinder format. The invention may be
accomplished also with three, four or multiple corners. This may,
for example, be adequate when screwing of the second connecting
element 3 inside a perforation should not be possible.
[0032] FIG. 3a features another configuration of the loss safety
device according to the present invention. Contrary to the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2a, in the present case, anchor 10 of the
first connecting element 2 features a rotably symmetrical
configuration towards longitudinal axis L of band section 4. As a
result, innumerous angular positions result, into which said anchor
10 may be introduced in recess 11 of annular eyelet 9, and with
this procedure, assembly errors are safely avoided, since alignment
is no longer essential.
[0033] Additionally, the annular eyelet 9 inner wall is interrupted
by a recess 11, which offers advantages during production of
injection molded tools, implying in cost reduction. Therefore, band
section 4 features, at its point of transition to anchor 10, an
outwardly projecting stem, which prevents mobility of loss safety
device to provide safe assembly, among other features. Longitudinal
axis Z of pin 5 of the second connecting element 3 is aligned
perpendicularly towards longitudinal axis L of band section 4. This
version may be especially advantageous when a reduced construction
height of the second connecting element 3 and of the band section 4
should be required, since in the embodiment shown here, the second
connecting element 3 and band section surpass only in an
insignificant extension the material forming an admission groove 13
(see also FIG. 1).
[0034] In analog fashion to FIG. 2b, FIG. 3b shows a cross section
B-B through pin 5. Also here one may recognize that in spite of the
duplication of said anchoring extensions 6, contrary to version
according to FIG. 2b, the effective pin diameter may be preserved.
Nevertheless, a large number of anchoring extensions 6 frequently
offer advantages vis--vis the carrying capacity of said loss safety
device. According to diameter and demands upon the carrying
capacity, the production cost figures and simplicity of
constructive configuration, several different versions are
available to the specialist.
[0035] FIG. 3c features an upper view of an alternate embodiment of
an enlargement 8, based on enlargement 8, featured in FIG. 2c and
provided on the second connecting element 3. Here, the band section
extends perpendicularly to longitudinal axis L of pin 5, in order
to avoid unnecessarily high construction height.
[0036] Contrary to version according to FIGS. 2a and 2b, in FIGS.
3a, 3b and 3c it can be seen that said admission grooves 7 extend
from the upper portion through the pin enlargement, which is due to
configuration and approximation of the injection molded tool to the
later pin 5. Whilst in FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c, the relevant portion of
the tool is being applied from the upper section, in versions
according to FIGS. 2a and 2b it is being approximated from the
lateral sections. In all cases shown here, the admission grooves 7
project in the axial direction of pin 5. It should, nevertheless,
be noted that also other forms, eventually radially projected
grooves or simple recesses, may be envisioned and also claimed as
part of the invention.
* * * * *