U.S. patent application number 10/970212 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-27 for fuel cap and filler tube combination and method therefor.
Invention is credited to Russell D. Keller.
Application Number | 20060086736 10/970212 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36205276 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060086736 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Keller; Russell D. |
April 27, 2006 |
Fuel cap and filler tube combination and method therefor
Abstract
A fuel cap and filler tube combination has a cap having a top
and a circumferential skirt extending down from the top. The cap
has a plurality of recesses in an interior section of the cap along
the circumferential skirt. A filler tube having a first and second
opening is provided. A channeling is in fluid communication with
the first and second opening to allow a fluid to enter the first
opening and exit the filler tube via the second opening. The filler
tube has a plurality of protrusions equal in number to the
plurality of recesses. The protrusions mate with the recesses to
secure the cap to the filler tube. A ring member is coupled to an
outer circumference of the filler tube at an upper end near the
first opening. The ring member is made of a strong and resilient
material. A pressure plate assembly is coupled to an under side of
the cap. The pressure plate assembly exerts a downward pressure to
cover the first opening when the cap is secured to the filler tube.
The downward pressure keeps the protrusions mated with the recesses
to secure the cap to the filler tube.
Inventors: |
Keller; Russell D.; (Boulder
City, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WEISS & MOY PC
4204 NORTH BROWN AVENUE
SCOTTSDALE
AZ
85251
US
|
Family ID: |
36205276 |
Appl. No.: |
10/970212 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/295 ;
220/304; 220/86.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60K 2015/0451 20130101;
B60K 15/0406 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/295 ;
220/304; 220/086.2 |
International
Class: |
B65D 47/02 20060101
B65D047/02; B65D 41/06 20060101 B65D041/06; B65D 53/00 20060101
B65D053/00 |
Claims
1. A fuel cap and filler tube combination comprising: a cap having
a top and a circumferential skirt extending down from the top, the
cap having a plurality of recesses in an interior section of the
cap along the circumferential skirt; a filler tube having a first
and second opening, a channeling in fluid communication with the
first and second opening to allow a fluid to enter the first
opening and exit the filler tube via the second opening; a ring
member coupled to an outer circumference of the filler tube at an
upper end near the first opening, the ring member having a
plurality of protrusions equal in number to the plurality of
recesses, the protrusions mating with the recesses to secure the
cap to the ring member; a pressure plate assembly coupled to an
under side of the cap, the pressure plate assembly exerting a
downward pressure to cover the first opening when the cap is
secured to the filler tube, the downward pressure keeping the
protrusions mated with the recesses to secure the cap to the ring
member coupled to the filler tube, wherein the pressure plate
assembly comprises: a circular plate member, the circular plate
sized so that a diameter is slightly smaller than a diameter of an
interior section of the cap between edges of the circumferential
skirt; and a spring having a first end coupled to a central
interior area of the cap and a second end coupled to a central area
of the circular plate member.
2. (canceled)
3. A fuel cap and filler tube combination in accordance with claim
1 wherein the circular plate member is covered by an elastomer
material which is compressible and resilient.
4. A fuel cap and filler tube combination in accordance with claim
1 wherein the ring member is made of stainless steel.
5. A fuel cap and filler tube combination in accordance with claim
1 further comprising an incline member coupled to each recess to
partially form said recess and to guide the protrusion into the
recesses.
6. A fuel cap and filler tube combination in accordance with claim
1 further comprising an apron member coupled to an upper exterior
section of the filler tube to secure the fuel cap and filler tube
combination to a fuel tank.
7. A fuel cap and filler tube combination comprising: a cap having
a top and a circumferential skirt extending down from the top, the
cap having a plurality of recesses in an interior section of the
cap along the circumferential skirt; a filler tube having a first
and second opening, a channeling in fluid communication with the
first and second opening to allow a fluid to enter the first
opening and exit the filler tube via the second opening; a ring
member coupled to an outer circumference of the filler tube at an
upper end near the first opening, the ring member having a
plurality of protrusions equal in number to the plurality of
recesses, the protrusions mating with the recesses to secure the
cap to the ring member; a pressure plate assembly coupled to an
under side of the cap, the pressure plate assembly exerting a
downward pressure to cover the first opening when the cap is
secured to the filler tube, the downward pressure keeping the
protrusions mated with the recesses to secure the cap to the filler
tube, wherein the pressure plate assembly comprises: a circular
plate member, the circular plate sized so that a diameter is
slightly smaller than a diameter of an interior section of the cap
between edges of the circumferential skirt wherein the circular
plate member is covered by an elastomer material which is
compressible and resilient; and a spring having a first end coupled
to a central interior area of the cap and a second end coupled to a
central area of the circular plate member.
8. A fuel cap and filler tube combination in accordance with claim
7 wherein the ring member is made of stainless steel.
9. A fuel cap and filler tube combination in accordance with claim
7 further comprising an incline member coupled to each recess to
partially form said recess and to secure protrusion into the
recesses.
10. A fuel cap and filler tube combination in accordance with claim
7 further comprising an apron member coupled to an upper exterior
section of the filler tube to secure the fuel cap and filler tube
combination to a fuel tank.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,040
entitled "CAP FOR FUEL INLET," issued on Apr. 11, 1995 in the name
of the same inventor as the present patent application. The above
is hereby incorporated into the present patent application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to fuel caps and, more
specifically, to an improved fuel cap and filler tube which
provides a better seal between the fuel cap and the filler tube so
that the seal will not become compromised.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] It is common for large vehicles such as trucks adapted for
heavy duty performance to be powered by diesel engines. In general,
the fuel for running the engine is contained in one or more tanks
appropriately mounted on the vehicle. Fuel is admitted to a fuel
tank through what is referred to herein as a filler tube. In order
to fill the fuel tank, one must remove the fuel cap from the filler
tube to expose an open inlet end of the filler tube where the fuel
enters the fuel tank. The filler tube is closed by the cap at times
other than when fuel is being admitted to the tank.
[0006] A number of regulations apply to the cap in order to
minimizing fuel leakage and fire hazards as a result of collision
or other vehicle mishap. One regulation is known as the so-called
drop test. The drop test, as it names implies, is a test where a
load is dropped a given distance onto a cap closing off a filler
tube. The fuel cap after the drop test must continue to maintain an
effective seal with the filler tube.
[0007] Another requirement is that the fuel cap must be able to
vent a high pressure condition within a tank caused by high
temperature conditions (for instance, a fire), to inhibit explosion
of the truck.
[0008] Presently, U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,040, discloses a fuel cap and
filler tube which overcomes the above problems. However, during
refueling of the fuel tanks, many people are extremely rough in
their handling of placing the fuel nozzle in the inlet of the
filler tube. Thus, damage may occur to the lip area of the neck
portion of the filler tube. The damage may compromise the seal
between the fuel cap and the filler tube.
[0009] Therefore, a need existed to provide an improved fuel cap
and filler tube. The improved fuel cap and filler tube must
overcome the problems associated with prior art fuel caps and
filler tubes. The improved fuel cap and filler tube must provide a
better seal between the fuel cap and the filler tube so that the
seal will not become compromised.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved an
improved fuel cap and filler tube.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
improved fuel cap and filler tube that overcomes the problems
associated with prior art fuel caps and filler tubes.
[0012] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide an improved fuel cap and filler tube that provides a better
seal between the fuel cap and the filler tube so that the seal will
not become compromised.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0013] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
a fuel cap and filler tube combination is disclosed. The fuel cap
and filler tube combination has a cap having a top and a
circumferential skirt extending down from the top. The cap has a
plurality of recesses in an interior section of the cap along the
circumferential skirt. A filler tube having a first and second
opening is provided. A channeling is in fluid communication with
the first and second opening to allow a fluid to enter the first
opening and exit the filler tube via the second opening. The filler
tube has a plurality of protrusions equal in number to the
plurality of recesses. The protrusions mate with the recesses to
secure the cap to the filler tube. A ring member is coupled to an
outer circumference of the filler tube at an upper end near the
first opening. The ring member is made of a strong and resilient
material. A pressure plate assembly is coupled to an under side of
the cap. The pressure plate assembly exerts a downward pressure to
cover the first opening when the cap is secured to the filler tube.
The downward pressure keeps the protrusions mated with the recesses
to secure the cap to the filler tube.
[0014] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular,
description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention
are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, as well
as a preferred mode of use, and advantages thereof, will best be
understood by reference to the following detailed description of
illustrated embodiments when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
[0016] FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of the fuel cap
filler tube assembly of the present invention with the fuel cap
secured to the filler tube.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the fuel cap filler tube
assembly of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a top view looking down from lines 3-3 of FIG. 2
of the filler tube assembly used in the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the details of a pin
system employed in securing the fuel cap to the filler tube.
[0020] FIG. 5 is an elevated perspective view of the fuel cap
filler tube assembly of the present invention with the fuel cap
removed from the filler tube.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, wherein like numerals and symbols
represent like elements, a fuel cap and filler tube combination 10
is shown. The fuel cap and filler tube combination 10 is comprised
of a fuel cap assembly 12 and a filler tube assembly 14. The fuel
cap and filler tube combination 10 provides a better seal between
the fuel cap assembly 12 and the filler tube assembly 14 so that
the seal will not become compromised.
[0022] The filler tube assembly 14 is coupled to a fuel tank (not
shown). The filler tube assembly 14 allows for fuel to be deposited
into the fuel tank. The filler tube assembly 14 includes a filler
tube 16 which extends into the interior of the tank and an apron 18
extending about the filler tube. The tube apron 18 is coupled to
the fuel tank wall. In general, the tube apron 18 is welded to the
fuel tank wall.
[0023] The filler tube 16 has at its upper end an opening 20. In
the embodiment depicted in the Figures, the opening 20 is circular
in shape. The opening 20 is in fluid communication with a second
opening 22 via a channeling 24 which runs the length of the filler
tube 16. The second opening 22 connects to the interior of the fuel
tank through filler tube 16. Thus fuel is introduced into the fuel
tank by dispensing the fuel through the filler tube 16 and into the
fuel tank.
[0024] A ring member 26 is coupled to the filler tube 16 at its
upper end near the opening 20. The ring member 26 is coupled to the
outer circumference of the filler tube 16. The ring member 26 is
generally welded to the filler tube 16. The ring member 26 is made
of a strong and resilient material such as stainless steel.
However, other material may be used without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention. The ring member 26 is
used to protect the seal between the fuel cap 12 and the filler
tube assembly 14. When refueling the fuel tank, many individuals
are extremely rough when inserting the fuel pump nozzle into the
filler tube 16. The rough handling can damage a lip area 25 around
the opening 22 of the filler tube 16. If the lip area 25 of the
filler tube 16 is damaged, the seal between the fuel cap 12 and the
filler tube assembly 14 may be compromised. By coupling the ring
member 26 to the outer circumference of the filler tube 16, the
ring member 26 will protect the lip area 25 of the filler tube 16
by making the area surrounding the opening 22 more durable. Thus,
the ring member 26 is used to ensure the seal between the fuel cap
12 and the filler tube assembly 14.
[0025] Located along the outer perimeter of the ring member 26 is a
plurality of protrusions 30. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3,
four protrusions 30 are shown. However, any number of protrusions
may be located along the outer perimeter of the ring member 26
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. The protrusions 30 are generally equally spaced along
the outer perimeter of the ring member 26 and extend out and away
from the filler tube 16. The protrusions 30 are used for locking
the fuel cap 12 and the filler tube assembly 14.
[0026] Closing off the opening 22 of the filler tube assembly 14,
at periods other then when the tank is being filled with a fuel, is
a fuel cap assembly 12. The fuel cap assembly 12 includes a cap 32
with a top 34 of generally circular outline. Joined to and
extending downwardly from this top is a substantially cylindrical
skirt 36.
[0027] Joined to the underside of the top 34 and extending
downwardly in an axial direction is a pressure plate assembly 38.
The pressure plate assembly 38 is mounted on the underside of the
cap 32. The pressure plate assembly 38 includes a plate 40. The
plate 40 is circular in shape and is positioned in the underside of
the top 34. The plate 40 is sized so that the diameter of the plate
34 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the interior of the cap
32 between the edges of the cylindrical skirt 36. The plate 34 is
movably coupled to the interior of the cap 32 by a spring 42; One
end of the spring 42 is coupled to the interior of the cap 32. The
other end of the spring 42 is coupled to a central area of the
plate 34. The spring 42 will force the plate 34 in a downward
manner thereby closing the opening 22 and providing a seal. In
order to enhance the seal, the plate 34 may be covered by an
elastomer material which is compressible and resilient, whereby it
may provide a proper shield with a closure member pressed there
against.
[0028] Formed on the interior of the cylindrical skirt 36 is a
plurality of recesses 44. The number of recesses 44 is equal to the
number of protrusions 30. The recesses 44 run in a vertical
direction. A ramp 46 is formed next to each recess 44 and leads up
to and helps form the recess 44. When the fuel cap assembly 12 is
placed over the filler tube assembly 14, one aligns each protrusion
30 with a corresponding recess 44. When properly aligned, the
protrusions 30 will slid into the corresponding recesses 44. The
spring 42 will exert a downward pressure on the plate 40 thereby
securing the protrusions 30 into the corresponding recesses 44. The
spring 42 will force the plate 34 in a downward manner thereby
closing the opening 22 and providing a seal.
[0029] The cap assembly 32 disclosed is what is referred to as a
quick-closing cap 32. This is because the cap 32 to secure it in
place on the upper end of the filler tube assembly 14 need be given
only a small fraction of a turn with catch structure then engaging
establishing an anchored position for the cap.
[0030] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and
other changes in form and details may be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *