U.S. patent application number 11/195989 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-18 for vessel.
Invention is credited to David B. Lecaros, Brian M. Mitsch, Robert W. Phifer, Matthew J. Skola.
Application Number | 20060102626 11/195989 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35852079 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060102626 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mitsch; Brian M. ; et
al. |
May 18, 2006 |
Vessel
Abstract
A fuel storage vessel is disclosed. The fuel storage vessel
includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a back
surface and two or more side surfaces; one or more functional
attachments connected to the shell of the fuel storage vessel; a
recessed area; and a handle wherein the handle is recessed into the
recessed area such that the handle does not extend past the front
surface of fuel storage vessel. The functional attachments are
connected to the shell of the fuel storage vessel in the recessed
area such that the functional attachments do not extend above the
top surface of the fuel storage vessel.
Inventors: |
Mitsch; Brian M.; (Berlin
Center, OH) ; Lecaros; David B.; (Hudson, OH)
; Phifer; Robert W.; (Ravenna, OH) ; Skola;
Matthew J.; (Toledo, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CALFEE HALTER & GRISWOLD, LLP
800 SUPERIOR AVENUE
SUITE 1400
CLEVELAND
OH
44114
US
|
Family ID: |
35852079 |
Appl. No.: |
11/195989 |
Filed: |
August 3, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60598513 |
Aug 3, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/4.12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 25/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/004.12 |
International
Class: |
B65D 6/00 20060101
B65D006/00; B65D 8/00 20060101 B65D008/00 |
Claims
1. A fuel storage vessel comprising: a top surface, a bottom
surface, a front surface, a back surface and two or more side
surfaces; one or more functional attachments connected to the shell
of the fuel storage vessel; a recessed area; and a handle that
extends towards the front surface of the fuel storage vessel in the
recessed area but does not extend past the front surface of fuel
storage vessel.
2. The fuel storage vessel of claim 1, wherein the functional
attachments are connected to the shell of the fuel storage vessel
in a second recessed area such that the functional attachments do
not extend above the top surface of the fuel storage vessel.
3. The fuel storage vessel of claim 2, wherein the top surface of
the fuel storage vessel extends out to the front surface of the
fuel storage vessel.
4. The fuel storage vessel of claim 3, wherein the function
attachments are connected to the shell of the fuel storage vessel
on a planar surface which extends out from sidewalls of the second
recessed area.
5. The fuel storage vessel of claim 4, wherein one of the
functional attachments is a fuel withdrawal assembly.
6. The fuel storage vessel of claim 5, wherein the planar surface
which extends out from sidewalls of the second recessed area
contains an indentation in front of the fuel withdrawal
assembly.
7. The fuel storage vessel of claim 2, wherein the top surface of
the fuel storage vessel does not extend out to the front surface of
the fuel storage vessel.
8. The fuel storage vessel of claim 7, wherein the functional
attachments are connected to the shell of the fuel storage vessel
on a planar surface which extends out from sidewalls of the second
recessed area.
9. The fuel storage vessel of claim 8, wherein one of the
functional attachments is a fuel withdrawal assembly.
10. The fuel storage vessel of claim 9, wherein the planar surface
which extends out from sidewalls of the second recessed area
contains an indentation in front of the fuel withdrawal
assembly.
11. The fuel storage vessel of claim 1, wherein the handle is
T-shaped such that the top of the handle is longer than the base of
the handle.
12. The fuel storage vessel of claim 11, wherein the base of the
handle is supported by ribs.
13. The fuel storage vessel of claim 1, wherein a u-shaped
indentation extends across the length of the bottom surface of the
fuel storage vessel.
14. The fuel storage vessel of claim 13, further comprising a fuel
reservoir.
15. The fuel storage vessel of claim 1, wherein the first recessed
area creates a pocket for the handle inside the profile of the fuel
storage vessel.
16. The fuel storage vessel of claim 1, wherein the vessel can be
operable if rested on its back or bottom surface.
17. The fuel storage vessel of claim 1, further comprising a means
for increasing stability when the fuel storage vessel is placed on
its back surface.
18. The fuel storage vessel of claim 2, further comprising a means
for increasing the strength of the top surface of the storage
vessel.
19. A fuel storage vessel comprising: a top surface, a bottom
surface, a front surface, a back surface and two or more side
surfaces; a recessed area; a handle that extends towards the front
surface of the fuel storage vessel in the recessed area but does
not extend past the front surface of fuel storage vessel; one or
more functional attachments connected to the shell of the fuel
storage vessel wherein the functional attachments are connected to
the shell of the fuel storage vessel in a second recessed area such
that the functional attachments do not extend above the top surface
of the fuel storage vessel; and an indented channel in the top
surface of the fuel storage vessel which extends from the back
surface of the fuel storage vessel into the recessed area.
20. The fuel storage vessel of claim 19, wherein the top surface of
the fuel storage vessel extends out to the front surface of the
fuel storage vessel.
21. fuel storage vessel of claim 20, wherein the function
attachments are connected to the shell of the fuel storage vessel
on a planar surface which extends out from sidewalls of the second
recessed area.
22. The fuel storage vessel of claim 21, wherein one of the
functional attachments is a fuel withdrawal assembly.
23. The fuel storage vessel of claim 22, wherein the planar surface
which extends out from sidewalls of the second recessed area
contains an indentation in front of the fuel withdrawal
assembly.
24. The fuel storage vessel of claim 19, wherein the top surface of
the fuel storage vessel does not extend out to the front surface of
the fuel storage vessel.
25. The fuel storage vessel of claim 24, wherein the function
attachments are connected to the shell of the fuel storage vessel
on a planar surface which extends out from sidewalls of the second
recessed area.
26. The fuel storage vessel of claim 25, wherein one of the
functional attachments is a fuel withdrawal assembly.
27. The fuel storage vessel of claim 26, the planar surface which
extends out from sidewalls of the second recessed area contains an
indentation in front of the fuel withdrawal assembly.
28. The fuel storage vessel of claim 19, wherein the handle is
T-shaped such that the top of the handle is longer than the base of
the handle.
29. The fuel storage vessel of claim 28, wherein the base of the
handle is supported by ribs.
30. The fuel storage vessel of claim 19, wherein a u-shaped
indentation extends across the length of the bottom surface of the
fuel storage vessel.
31. The fuel storage vessel of claim 30, further comprising a fuel
reservoir.
32. The fuel storage vessel of claim 19, wherein the first recessed
area creates a pocket for the handle inside the profile of the fuel
storage vessel.
33. The fuel storage vessel of claim 19, wherein the vessel can be
operable if rested on its back or bottom surface.
34. The fuel storage vessel of claim 19, further comprising a means
for increasing stability when the fuel storage vessel is placed on
its back surface.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/598,513 filed on Aug. 3, 2004, the
entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to fuel storage vessels or
other vessels designed to be gas or liquid-tight. This invention
relates particularly to portable fuel storage vessels, and more
particularly to fuel storage vessels or tanks used in marine fuel
systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A typical marine fuel storage tank is designed to be
portable, versatile and adaptable. The tank should be capable of
easy use in a multitude of watercraft and with a multitude of
engines. It should be able to maintain its functionality in a broad
range of temperature, weather and storage conditions. The tank
should also be able to survive the hazards of transport, either as
cargo or in operation on a watercraft. As different watercraft have
different physical configurations, a marine fuel tank must be
compact in design to fit into small spaces. Moreover, the ability
to use the fuel tank in different orientations increases the range
of spaces in which the fuel tank can be used and stored.
[0004] Marine fuel tanks carry flammable and environmentally
hazardous materials. For reasons of safety, ecology and economy, it
is important that these tanks be durable and not subject to
breakage. Known fuel tanks generally consist of a tank shell with
one or more various functional attachments connected to the shell
to allow fuel to be added and removed from the tank. These
functional attachments usually include a fuel gauge, a fuel cap,
and a fuel withdrawal assembly. However, as these functional
attachments are connected to the exterior of the tank shell, they
are subject to damage due to impact on a flat surface or from the
side.
[0005] Accordingly, there exists a need for a portable marine fuel
tank with one or more of the following features: a handle that is
recessed into the tank and has a place to wrap the fuel hose for
storage, a recessed area allowing all of the functional attachments
to the tank to be attached below the outside surface of the tank, a
fuel withdrawal attachment area that can accommodate various
manufacturers' connector fittings without disassembly or reassembly
of the tank components, and a suitcase style that can be positioned
flat or on end without fear of tipping.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A fuel storage vessel is disclosed. The fuel storage vessel
includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a back
surface and two or more side surfaces; one or more functional
attachments connected to the shell of the fuel storage vessel; a
recessed area; and a handle wherein the handle is recessed or
nested into the recessed area such that the handle does not extend
past the front surface of fuel storage vessel. The functional
attachments are connected to the shell of the fuel storage vessel
in the recessed area such that the functional attachments do not
extend above the top surface of the fuel storage vessel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fuel storage vessel.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a top view of fuel storage vessel of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is the front view of the fuel storage vessel of FIG.
1.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a side view of the fuel storage vessel of FIG.
1.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the vessel shell of the
fuel storage vessel of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a top view of a second embodiment of a fuel
storage vessel.
[0013] FIG. 7 is the front view of the fuel storage vessel of FIG.
6.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a fuel
storage vessel.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a side view of the fuel storage vessel of FIG.
8.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the vessel shell of the
fuel storage vessel of FIG. 8.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a top view of a fourth embodiment of a fuel
storage vessel.
[0018] FIG. 12 is the front view of the fuel storage vessel of FIG.
11.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] While the described embodiments herein are presented in the
context of portable marine fuel storage tanks, those skilled in the
art will readily appreciate that the present invention may be used
to store fuel in a number of different applications. The examples
presented in this disclosure are intended to illustrate the broad
application of the invention for fuel storage. The specific design
and operation of the portable marine fuel tanks selected provide no
limitation on the present invention.
[0020] An embodiment of a fuel storage vessel 10 is shown in FIGS.
1 through 5. The fuel storage vessel 10 is designed to store and
hold gasoline, fuel or other liquids. Fuel storage vessels 10
generally take the form of a rectangular or square shape.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, the fuel storage vessel 10 has a top
surface 12, a bottom surface 14, a front surface 16, a back surface
18, two side surfaces 20. The fuel storage vessel 10 has one of
more functional attachments that allow fuel to be added and removed
from the fuel storage vessel 10 and allow the user to determine the
level of fuel remaining in the fuel storage vessel 10. Preferably,
the fuel storage vessel has three functional attachments: a fuel
gauge 22, a fuel cap 24, and a fuel withdrawal assembly 26.
Suitable functional attachments components are more fully disclosed
in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/758,026, the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference. These functional
attachments are connected to the fuel storage vessel 10 in a
recessed area 28 below the top surface 12 of the fuel storage
vessel 10. The fuel storage vessel 10 has a handle 30 which is
recessed into a second recessed area 29 that forms a pocket around
the handle 30. This second recessed area 29 creates a pocket for
the handle 30 inside the profile of the fuel storage vessel 10. The
fuel storage vessel 10 can be placed on its bottom surface 14 or
its back surface 18 when it is in operation in a fuel delivery
system. This versatility allows the fuel storage vessel 10 to fit
into different sized storage areas that one may find on a boat
deck. Indeed, when the vessel is on its back surface, it takes less
space on a boat deck which is advantageous in the marine boating
industry. The suitcase style-shape of the fuel storage vessel 10 is
also optimal for transport and handling because it can be
positioned on its bottom surface or its back surface without fear
of tipping. When the fuel storage vessel 10 is carried by the
handle 30, the length of the vessel is greater than the width of
the vessel similar to the configuration of a suitcase or briefcase
which makes the vessel easier to lift and carry.
[0022] In the recessed area 28 of the fuel storage vessel 10, there
is a planar surface 32 which extends out from side walls 34 of the
recessed area 28. The fuel gauge 22, fuel cap 24, and fuel
withdrawal assembly 26 are connected to the fuel storage vessel
shell 48 on this planar surface 32. The side walls 34 of the
recessed area 28 and the top surface 12 of the fuel storage vessel
10 protect the fuel gauge 22, the fuel cap 24, and the fuel
withdrawal assembly 26 from damage due to impact on a flat surface
or from the side. This increases the durability of the fuel storage
vessel 10. Preferably, the planar surface 32 of the recessed area
28 has an indentation 36 in front of the fuel withdrawal assembly
26. This indentation 36 is designed to accommodate different
manufacturer's connector fittings for fuel lines or hoses to be
connected to the fuel withdrawal assembly 26 without disassembling
or reassembling the fuel withdrawal assembly 26. The handle 30
extends out from the planar surface 32 into a second recessed area
29 of the fuel vessel 10. The handle 30 is T-shaped wherein the top
38 of the handle 30 is longer than the base 40 of the handle 30.
The top 38 of the handle 30 can be an elongated tubular or rod-like
member with rounded distal ends 42. In this embodiment of the fuel
storage vessel 10, the handle 30 is protected from damage from
impact by the side walls 35 of the recessed area 29. A fuel hose or
line can be wrapped around the base 40 of the handle 30 for
storage. In this embodiment of the invention, when the fuel hose or
line is wrapped around the base 40 of the handle 30, the top 38 of
the handle 30 and the side walls 35 and base of the recessed area
29 protect the fuel hose or line from damage.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment of the fuel storage
vessel 10, the handle 30 does not extend past front surface 16 of
the fuel storage vessel 10. Additionally, in this embodiment of the
fuel storage vessel 10, the top surface 12 extends out to the front
surface 16.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 3, in this embodiment of the invention,
the recessed area 29 does not extend all the way out to the side
surfaces 20.
[0025] As illustrated in FIG. 4, in this embodiment of the fuel
storage vessel 10 a inverted u-shaped indentation 42 extends across
the length of the bottom surface 14 of the fuel storage vessel 10.
This indentation creates a reserve fuel reservoir 44 in the bottom
of the fuel storage vessel 10 behind the indentation such that when
the fuel gauge registers empty, a user can tilt the vessel in order
to use the reserve fuel supply captured in the reserve fuel
reservoir 44. This provides a safety function to the user of the
fuel storage vessel 10.
[0026] As further shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment of the fuel
storage vessel 10 there is a means for increasing the stability of
the fuel storage vessel 10 when it is placed on its back surface
18. One such means is to have a smaller radius 46 on one or more of
the corners of the edges of the back surface 18. The smaller radius
creates a more angular corner which prevents the fuel storage
vessel from tipping or rolling when it is placed on its back
surface. Another means for increasing stability is a molded "Foot"
in the bottom corner of the fuel storage vessel 10 (not shown), as
wells as a metal corner piece or wire support.
[0027] As best shown in FIG. 5, the fuel gauge 22, fuel cap 24, and
fuel withdrawal assembly 26 are preferably mechanically fastened
directly to bosses 46 which are formed as an integral part of the
vessel shell 48. However, these functional attachments can also be
attached to bosses which are embedded into the tank shell or by any
other suitable connection means. The handle 30 is preferably an
integral part of the vessel shell 48. The vessel shell 48 is
preferably comprised of high-density polyethylene and created
through a blow molding manufacturing process.
[0028] Another embodiment of a fuel storage vessel 50 is shown in
FIG. 6. In this embodiment of the fuel storage vessel 50 there is a
means for increasing the strength of the top surface 54 of the fuel
storage vessel 50. One means is to have an indented channel 52 on
the top surface 54 of the fuel storage vessel 50 which extends into
the recessed area 60. Similar to the other embodiment of the
invention, the handle 56 does not extend past front surface 58 of
the fuel storage vessel 50. The indented channel 52, extends across
the top surface from the back surface of the fuel storage vessel
into the recessed area. This improves the strength of the top
surface of the fuel vessel because additional material is deposited
in the indented channel during the blow molding process which
further adds to the durability of the fuel vessel and improves
compliance with certification testing required for marine fuel
vessels. The top surface 54 extends out to the front surface 58. As
shown in FIG. 7, support ribs 64 extend up to the base 62 of the
handle 56. The ribs improve the strength of the vessel because
additional material is added in the form of these ribs during the
blow molding process.
[0029] Another embodiment of a fuel storage vessel 66 is shown in
FIG. 8. Referring to FIG. 8, the fuel storage vessel 66 has a top
surface 68, a bottom surface 70, a front surface 72, a back surface
74, two side surfaces 76. The fuel storage vessel 66 has a number
of functional attachments that allow fuel to be added and removed
from the fuel storage vessel 66 and allow the user to determine the
level of fuel remaining in the fuel storage vessel 66. Preferably,
the fuel storage vessel has three functional attachments: a fuel
gauge 78, a fuel cap 80, and a fuel withdrawal assembly 82. These
functional attachments are connected to the fuel storage vessel
shell 86 in a recessed area 84 below the top surface 68 of the fuel
storage vessel 66. The fuel storage vessel 66 has a handle 88 which
protrudes from the recessed area 84 into a second recessed area 85
at the same level of recessed area 84 as compared to the top
surface 68. This second recessed area 85 creates a pocket for the
handle 88 inside the profile of the fuel storage vessel 66. The
fuel storage vessel 66 can be placed on its bottom surface 70 or
its back surface 74 when it is in operation in a fuel delivery
system. In this embodiment of the fuel storage vessel, in contrast
with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the top surface 68 does not
extend out to the front surface 72 on either side of the handle
88.
[0030] In the recessed area 84 of the fuel storage vessel 66, there
is a planar surface 90 which extends out from the side walls 92 of
the recessed area 84. The fuel gauge 78, fuel cap 80, and fuel
withdrawal assembly 82 are connected to the fuel storage vessel 66
on this planar surface 90. The side walls 92 of the recessed area
84 and the top surface 68 of the fuel storage vessel 66 protect the
a fuel gauge 78, a fuel cap 80, and a fuel withdrawal assembly 82
from damage due to impact on a flat surface or from the side. This
increases the durability of the fuel storage vessel 66. Preferably,
the planar surface 90 of the recessed area 84 has an indentation 94
in front of the fuel withdrawal assembly 82. This indentation 94 is
designed to accommodate different manufacturer's connector fittings
for fuel lines or hoses to be connected to the fuel withdrawal
assembly 82 without disassembling or reassembling the fuel
withdrawal assembly 82. The handle 88 extends out from the planar
surface 90 into a second recessed area 85 of the fuel vessel 66.
The handle 88 is T-shaped wherein the top 96 of the handle 88 is
longer than the base 98 of the handle 88. The top 96 of the handle
88 can be an elongated tubular or rod-like member with rounded
distal ends 100. In this embodiment of the fuel storage vessel 66,
a fuel hose or line can be wrapped around the base 98 of the handle
88 for storage.
[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 9, in this embodiment of the fuel
storage vessel 66 a inverted U-shaped indentation 102 extends
across the length of the bottom surface 70 of the fuel storage
vessel 66, similar to the previous embodiment of the invention.
Like the embodiment previously discussed, this indentation creates
a reserve fuel reservoir 104 in the bottom of the fuel storage
vessel 66 behind the indentation such that when the fuel gauge
registers empty, a user can tilt the vessel in order to use the
reserve fuel supply captured in the reserve fuel reservoir 104.
[0032] As further shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment of the fuel
storage vessel 66 there is also a means for increasing the
stability of the fuel storage vessel 66 when it is placed on its
back surface 74. As previously discussed, one means is to have a
smaller radius 106 on one or more of the corners of the edges of
the back surface. The smaller radius creates a more angular corner
which prevents the fuel storage vessel from tipping or rolling when
it is placed on its back surface.
[0033] As best shown in FIG. 10, the fuel gauge 78, fuel cap 80,
and fuel withdrawal assembly 82 are preferably mechanically
fastened directly to bosses 108 which are formed as an integral
part of the vessel shell 86. However, these functional attachments
can also be attached to bosses which are embedded into the tank
shell or by any other suitable connection means. The handle 88 is
preferably an integral part of the vessel shell 86. The vessel
shell 86 is preferably comprised of high-density polyethylene and
created through a blow molding manufacturing process.
[0034] Another embodiment of a fuel storage vessel 110 is shown in
FIG. 11. In this embodiment of the fuel storage vessel 110 there is
a means for increasing the strength of the top surface 114 of the
fuel storage vessel 110. One means is to have an indented channel
112 on the top surface 114 of the fuel storage vessel 110 which
extends into the recessed area 116. The handle 118 does not extend
past front surface 120 of the fuel storage vessel 110. The top
surface 114 does not extend out to the front surface 120 on either
side of the handle. The indented channel 112, extends across the
top surface from the back surface of the fuel storage vessel into
the recessed area. This improves the strength of the top surface of
the fuel vessel because additional material is deposited in the
indented channel during the blow molding process which further adds
to the durability of the fuel vessel and improves compliance with
certification testing required for marine fuel vessels. As shown in
FIG. 12, support ribs 122 extend up to the base 124 of the handle
118. The ribs improve the strength of the vessel because additional
material is added in the form of these ribs during the blow molding
process.
[0035] The invention has been described with reference to the
preferred embodiments. Clearly, modifications and alterations will
occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this
specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and
alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended
claims or the equivalents thereof. The scope of the invention and
claims are not limited in any way by the description of the
preferred embodiments, which are provided only to illustrate
various examples of the invention.
* * * * *