U.S. patent application number 11/910704 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-18 for fuel tank inlet device.
This patent application is currently assigned to TRUCKPROTECT LIMITED. Invention is credited to Richard Nigel Fowler.
Application Number | 20080308182 11/910704 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34586701 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080308182 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fowler; Richard Nigel |
December 18, 2008 |
Fuel Tank Inlet Device
Abstract
An inlet device (1) for a tank, the device comprising an
attachment portion (2) adapted to allow the device to be secured to
a tank or filler neck thereof and an inlet body portion (5) for the
receipt of liquid, the inlet body portion comprising an inlet (12)
for the ingress of liquid and an outlet for the egress of liquid
into a tank, the inlet body portion comprising a wall portion (7)
depending from a first end of the device at or in the vicinity of
the inlet to an end portion (9) associated with a second end of the
device, the end portion having an inner surface (9a) for the
receipt of liquid and an outer surface (9b), the outlet being
provided by a plurality of bores (10a-e) in a part (21) of the wall
portion associated with the end portion and the inner surface of
the end portion being shaped so as to direct liquid towards one or
more of said bores, the inner surface of the end portion being
provided with a surface of revolution for directing liquid towards
one or more of said bores, one or more of said bores extending from
a bore inlet (18) for the receipt of liquid to a bore outlet (19)
for the egress of liquid, wherein the bore outlet has a greater
cross-sectional area than the corresponding bore inlet
Inventors: |
Fowler; Richard Nigel;
(South Wales, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
|
Assignee: |
TRUCKPROTECT LIMITED
NEWPORT
GB
|
Family ID: |
34586701 |
Appl. No.: |
11/910704 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
February 14, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2006/000500 |
371 Date: |
May 15, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/370 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60K 15/0403
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/370 |
International
Class: |
B65B 1/04 20060101
B65B001/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 4, 2005 |
GB |
0506854.9 |
Apr 29, 2005 |
GB |
0508898.4 |
Claims
1. A fuel tank inlet device for inhibiting theft of liquid fuel
from a fuel tank, the device comprising an attachment portion
adapted to allow the device to be secured to a fuel tank or filler
neck thereof and a fuel inlet body portion for the receipt of fuel,
the fuel inlet body portion comprising an inlet for the ingress of
fuel and an outlet for the egress of fuel into a fuel tank, the
fuel inlet body portion comprising a wall portion depending from a
first end of the device at or in the vicinity of the inlet to an
end portion associated with a second end of the device, the end
portion having an inner surface for the receipt of fuel from a
nozzle and an outer surface, the outlet being provided by a
plurality of bores in a part of the wall portion associated with
the end portion and the inner surface of the end portion being
shaped so as to direct fuel towards one or more of said bores, the
inner surface of the end portion being provided with a surface of
revolution for directing fuel towards one or more of said bores,
one or more of said bores extending from a bore inlet for the
receipt of fuel from a nozzle to a bore outlet for the egress of
fuel, wherein the bore outlet has a greater cross-sectional area
than the corresponding bore inlet.
2. A fuel tank inlet device according to claim 1 wherein the
surface of revolution comprises a conical, frusto-conical,
paraboloidal or horn-shaped portion for directing fuel towards one
or more of said bores.
3. A fuel tank inlet device according to claim 1 wherein at least
one of said bores is adjacent to, or extends to, said end
portion.
4. A fuel tank inlet device according to claim 1, wherein each bore
inlet and bore outlet bounds a bore surface in the wall portion,
the bore surface, in use, having a lower bore surface portion and
an upper bore surface portion, wherein the lower bore surface
portion extends downwardly from the bore inlet to the bore
outlet.
5-6. (canceled)
7. A fuel tank inlet device according to claim 1, the device being
provided with a single blocking member to inhibit ingress of a
siphon tube into the fuel tank, wherein at least one of said bores
is associated with the blocking member so that ingress of a siphon
tube through at least one of said bores is inhibited by the
blocking member.
8. (canceled)
9. A fuel tank inlet device according to claim 1, the device being
provided with a single blocking member to inhibit ingress of a
siphon tube into the fuel tank, wherein at least one of said bores
is associated with the blocking member so that ingress of a siphon
tube through at least one of said bores is associated with one of
said blocking members so that ingress of a siphon tube through at
least one of said bores is inhibited by one of said blocking
members.
10. (canceled)
11. A fuel tank inlet device according to claim 1, the device being
provided with a single blocking member to inhibit ingress of a
siphon tube into the fuel tank, wherein at least one of said bores
is associated with the blocking member so that ingress of a siphon
tube through at least one of said bores is inhibited by the
blocking member.
12. (canceled)
13. A fuel tank inlet device according to claim 1, the device being
provided with a single blocking member to inhibit ingress of a
siphon tube into the fuel tank, wherein at least one of said bores
is associated with the blocking member so that ingress of a siphon
tube through at least one of said bores is inhibited by the
blocking member and wherein the blocking member is resiliently
deformable.
14. A fuel inlet tank device according to claim 1, the device being
provided with a single blocking member to inhibit ingress of a
siphon tube into the fuel tank, wherein at least one of said bores
is associated with the blocking member so that ingress of a siphon
tube through at least one of said bores is inhibited by the
blocking member and wherein the blocking member abuts against the
outer surface of the wall portion, the blocking member being
received in a recess provided in the outer surface of the wall
portion.
15. (canceled)
16. A fuel tank inlet device according to claim 1, further
comprising a plurality of engagement members, each of which may be
retracted from a first position in which the engagement member
abuts a filler neck or fuel tank so as to inhibit removal of device
from fuel tank to a second, retracted position in which the device
may be removed from the fuel tank.
17. A fuel tank inlet device according to claim 1, further
comprising a plurality of engagement members, each of which may be
retracted from a first position in which the engagement member
abuts a filler neck or fuel tank so as to inhibit removal of device
from fuel tank to a second, retracted position in which the device
may be removed from the fuel tank, wherein, in the first position,
each engagement member abuts an inner surface of the fuel tank or
filler neck.
18. A fuel tank inlet device according to claim 1, further
comprising a plurality of engagement members, each of which may be
retracted from a first position in which the engagement member
abuts a filler neck or fuel tank so as to inhibit removal of device
from fuel tank to a second, retracted position in which the device
may be removed from the fuel tank, wherein the inlet device in the
region of the engagement members has an inside for the receipt of
fuel from a fuel nozzle, the engagement members in the first
position projecting outside the device, wherein the second position
the engagement members are retracted at least partially inside the
device.
19. (canceled)
20. A fuel tank inlet device according to claim 1, further
comprising a plurality of engagement members, each of which may be
retracted from a first position in which the engagement member
abuts a filler neck or fuel tank so as to inhibit removal of device
from fuel tank to a second, retracted position in which the device
may be removed from the fuel tank, wherein the inlet device in the
region of the engagement members has an inside for the receipt of
fuel from a fuel nozzle, the engagement members in the first
position projecting outside the device, wherein in the second
position the engagement members are retracted at least partially
inside the device and wherein the engagement members are accessible
from the inside of the device so as to be movable between the first
and second positions.
21. (canceled)
22. A fuel inlet tank device according to claim 1, further
comprising a plurality of engagement members, each of which may be
retracted from a first position in which the engagement member
abuts a filler neck or fuel tank so as to inhibit removal of device
from fuel tank to a second, retracted position in which the device
may be removed from the fuel tank, the device being further
provided with one or more blanking members for inhibiting access to
the engagement members when the engagement members are in the first
position so as to inhibit the user from moving the engagement
member from the first position to the second position, wherein the
one or more blanking members are frangible or readily plastically
deformable.
23. A fuel inlet tank device according to claim 1, further
comprising a plurality of engagement members, each of which may be
retracted from a first position in which the engagement member
abuts a filler neck or fuel tank so as to inhibit removal of device
from fuel tank to a second, retracted position in which the device
may be removed from the fuel tank, the device being further
provided with a single blanking member for inhibiting access to all
of the engagement members when the engagement members are in the
first position so as to inhibit the user from moving the engagement
member from the first position to the second position, wherein the
blanking member is frangible or readily plastically deformable.
24. A fuel tank inlet device according to claim 1, further
comprising a plurality of engagement members, each of which may be
retracted from a first position in which the engagement member
abuts a filler neck or fuel tank so as to inhibit removal of device
from fuel tank to a second, retracted position in which the device
may be removed from the fuel tank, the device being further
provided with one or more blanking members for inhibiting access to
the engagement members when the engagement members are in the first
position so as to inhibit the user from moving the engagement
member from the first position to the second position, wherein the
one or more blanking members are frangible or readily plastically
deformable and at least one blanketing member is, in use, provided
on the inside of the device.
25-28. (canceled)
29. A fuel inlet tank device according to claim 1, further
comprising a plurality of engagement members, each of which may be
retracted from a first position in which the engagement member
abuts a filler neck or fuel tank so as to inhibit removal of device
from fuel tank to a second, retracted position in which the device
may be removed from the fuel tank, the device being further
provided with one or more blanking members for inhibiting access to
the engagement members when the engagement members are in the first
position so as to inhibit the user from moving the engagement
member from the first position to the second position, wherein the
one or more blanking members are frangible or readily plastically
deformable and at least one blanking member frictionally engages
with a surface of the fuel inlet body portion or the attachment
portion to resist removal of the at least one blanking member.
30-32. (canceled)
33. A fuel inlet tank device for inhibiting theft of liquid fuel
from a fuel tank, the device comprising a fuel inlet body portion
for the receipt of fuel, the fuel inlet body portion comprising an
inlet for the ingress of fuel and an outlet for the egress of fuel
into a fuel tank, the inlet device being provided with a plurality
of engagement members, each of which may be retracted from a first
position in which each engagement member abuts a filler neck or
fuel tank as to inhibit removal of device from fuel tank to a
second, retracted position in which the device may be removed from
the fuel tank.
34. A fuel tank inlet device according to claim 33 further provided
with one or more blanking members for inhibiting access to the
engagement members when the engagement members are in the first
position so as to inhibit the user from moving the engagement
member from the first position to the second position.
35. A fuel tank inlet device according to claim 34 wherein a single
blanking member is associated with all of the engagement members.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to fuel tank inlet devices,
particularly, but not exclusively, those fuel inlet devices that
inhibit the theft of fuel from a fuel tank fitted with such a
device.
[0002] Fuel tank inlet devices are known that inhibit the theft of
fuel from fuel tanks. Many of these devices comprise an attachment
portion to allow the device to be secured to a fuel tank and a body
portion for the receipt of fuel that, in use, extends inside the
fuel tank (typically of a vehicle). The body portion is of
sufficient size to accommodate a nozzle of a fuel delivery system.
The body portion is typically provided with holes through which the
fuel may flow into the fuel tank. The holes are sufficiently small
so as to inhibit passage therethrough of a hose or the like for
siphoning the fuel from the fuel tank. Such devices are often prone
to backflow; fuel is not transmitted sufficiently quickly through
the holes into the device, causing a back-pressure which may cause
the fuelling nozzle to temporarily cease fuelling or may cause
discharge of fuel from the fuel tank either by welling or spitting;
this is obviously undesirable.
[0003] Devices have been modified in various ways in order to
reduce or minimise the backflow problem. Some devices provide extra
holes in the device; one device has no end wall, but rather a
wedge-shaped member that allows passage therepast of fuel, but
inhibits the passage therepast of a siphon tube. The device of Blau
provides an end wall with a wedge shape which urges fuel to the
sidewalls of the device. Such devices still present backflow
problems, at least at very high speeds of filling. Furthermore,
there are other possible problems with these known devices in
relation to fitting and security.
[0004] The object of the first aspect of the present invention is
to overcome or mitigate one or more of the above-mentioned
problems.
[0005] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention
there is provided a fuel tank inlet device for inhibiting theft of
liquid fuel from a fuel tank, the device comprising an attachment
portion adapted to allow the device to be secured to a fuel tank or
filler neck thereof and a fuel inlet body portion for the receipt
of fuel, the fuel inlet body portion comprising an inlet for the
ingress of fuel and an outlet for the egress of fuel into a fuel
tank,
[0006] the fuel inlet body portion comprising a wall portion
depending from a first end of the device at or in the vicinity of
the inlet to an end portion associated with a second end of the
device,
[0007] the end portion having an inner surface for the receipt of
fuel from a nozzle and an outer surface,
[0008] wherein the outlet is provided by a plurality of bores in a
part of the wall portion associated with the end portion and the
inner surface of the end portion is shaped so as to direct fuel
towards one or more of said bores.
[0009] The device of the present invention provides for filling of
fuel tanks at high flow rates whilst nonetheless securing against
fuel theft.
[0010] The term "said bores" used hereafter refers to the plurality
of bores in the part of the wall portion associated with the end
portion. Hence, the term "at least one of said bores" refers to at
least one of the plurality of bores in the part of the wall portion
associated with the end portion. The term "said bores" does not
refer to apertures or other flow channels that may be found, for
example, in the end portion.
[0011] The term "the part of the wall portion associated with the
end portion" is that part of the wall portion that is in the
vicinity of the end portion. Such a wall portion typically provides
those flow channels that are closest to the end portion. In use,
said bores are generally the lowest flow channels through which
fuel may flow.
[0012] The term "bore" is not limited to those fluid flow paths
that may be made by drilling or boring, and is not restricted to
flow paths having a generally cylindrical shape. It includes fluid
flow paths of a more general nature, such as those that may be made
using milling. As such, the shape of the bore is not limited in any
way, the bore permitting egress of fuel into the fuel tank from the
inlet device.
[0013] It is preferred that the inner surface of the end portion is
shaped so as to direct fuel towards the majority of said bores, and
preferably all of said bores.
[0014] It is preferred that the inner surface of the end portion is
inclined towards the wall portion. It is preferred that more than
one (and optionally each) of said bores faces a part of the inner
surface of the end portion and that each of said parts is inclined
towards the corresponding bore.
[0015] It is preferred that the inner surface of the end portion is
provided with a surface of revolution for directing fuel towards
one or more of said bores. A surface of revolution is a surface
that may be generated by rotating a two-dimensional curve (the term
"curve" including a straight line) about an axis. Such surfaces of
revolution may, for example, be conical, frusto-conical, horn
shaped (for example, Gabriel's horn) or paraboloid. The axis of
revolution of the surface of revolution may be coincident with the
longitudinal axis of the device.
[0016] The inner surface of the end portion is preferably provided
with a conical, frusto-conical, pyramidal or frusto-pyramidal
portion for directing fuel towards one or more of said bores. The
sides of the conical, frusto-conical, pyramidal or frusto-pyramidal
portion may be convex, concave or preferably straight. Such an
arrangement provides an effective mechanism for facilitating the
egress of fuel from the device into the fuel tank. "Pyramidal"
means a shape having a polygonal base and triangular sides
extending to an apex. Examples of such shapes are a tetrahedron and
the classic four-sided, square based pyramidal shape of the ancient
Egyptian pyramids. "Frusto-pyramidal" refers to a truncated
pyramidal shape in the same way as "frusto-conical" refers to
"conical". The conical, frusto-conical, pyramidal or
frusto-pyramidal surfaces do not have to be azimuthally
symmetrical; for example, a conical surface may not be a surface of
revolution.
[0017] At least one (and preferably a plurality) of said bores may
be adjacent to, or extend to, said end portion. The location of
said bores adjacent to, or extending to, the end portion
facilitates fast flow of fuel from the device to the fuel tank.
[0018] The outlet may be further provided by a plurality of
apertures in the end portion. Apertures in the end portion further
facilitate fuel flow from the device to the fuel tank. The outlet
may further be provided by a plurality of apertures in the wall
portion in addition to said bores provided in that part of the wall
portion proximate to the end portion. Said apertures are, in use,
above the part of the wall portion in proximity to the end portion.
Said apertures assist in removing fuel from the device.
[0019] One or more (and preferably each) of said bores may extend
from a bore inlet for the receipt of fuel from a nozzle to a bore
outlet for the egress of fuel. The bore outlet may have a greater
cross-sectional area than the corresponding bore inlet.
[0020] The cross-sectional area of said bore may increase
continuously from the bore inlet to the corresponding bore outlet.
Such flared bores decrease the resistance to flow of liquid
compared to a conventional bore where the cross-sectional area at
the bore inlet is the same as at the bore outlet.
[0021] It is preferred that one or more (and preferably each) of
said bores defines a bore surface in the wall portion. The bore
surface is bounded by the bore inlet and the bore outlet. It is
preferred that, in use, the bore surface has a lower bore surface
portion and an upper bore surface portion. The lower bore surface
portion may extend, in use, downwardly from the bore inlet to the
bore outlet. In this case, the lower portion of the bore outlet is
lower, in use, than the lower portion of the bore inlet. Such an
arrangement aids fast egress of fuel from the inlet device.
[0022] It is preferred that the inner surface of the end portion is
provided with a single (i.e. only one) surface of revolution for
directing fuel to said bores, or a single conical, frusto-conical,
pyramidal or frusto-pyramidal portion. This provides an effective
structure for facilitating the egress of fuel from the device to
the fuel tank.
[0023] The end portion is preferably provided with a border region
between the wall portion and the said surface of revolution or
conical, pyramidal, frusto-conical or frusto-pyramidal portion.
This facilitates a simple manufacturing process. The border region
is preferably provided around the perimeter of said surface of
revolution, the conical, pyramidal, frusto-conical or
frusto-pyramidal portion. The border region may have a width of
from 0.5 to 5 mm, and more preferably from 1 to 3 mm.
[0024] In the event that the end portion is provided with a conical
or frusto-conical portion, it is preferred that the angle at the
apex (or projected apex for a frusto-conical shape) as defined by
.theta.=2 tan.sup.-1 (d/2h) is from 90 to 140 degrees, and
preferably from 100 to 120 degrees, where "d" is the diameter of
the base of the cone and "h" is the height of the cone (or
projected height of the cone in the case of a frusto-conical
shape). In the event that the end portion is provided with a
pyramidal or frusto-pyramidal region, the angle between a face of
the pyramid and the adjacent wall portion may be from 45 to 70
degrees and preferably from 50 to 60 degrees.
[0025] It is preferred that the outer surface of the end portion is
shaped to correspond to the shape of the inner surface of the end
portion. For example, if the inner surface of the end portion is
substantially conical, it is preferred that the outer surface of
the end portion has a similar conical shape. In this manner, the
thickness of the end portion may be reduced; this is advantageous
is helping to reduce backflow.
[0026] It is preferred at least one of said bores is provided with
a blocking member for inhibiting ingress of a siphon tube into the
fuel tank.
[0027] It is preferred that more than one (and more preferably
each) of said bores is provided with a blocking member. It is
preferred that each of said bores that is provided with a blocking
member is associated with the same blocking member.
[0028] It is preferred that the device is provided with a single
(i.e. only one) blocking member.
[0029] At least one of the blocking members may be readily
removable. It is further preferred that at least one of the of the
blocking members may be readily reattachable to the device.
[0030] It is preferred that at least one of the blocking members is
resiliently deformable. This facilitates the removal from, and
reattachment to, the device.
[0031] It is preferred that at least one blocking member abuts
against the outer surface of the wall portion. Such an arrangement
is effective in facilitating the egress of fuel into the fuel tank.
The location of the blocking member against the outer surface of
the wall portion is effective in permitting egress of fuel into the
fuel tank. The outer surface of the wall portion may be provided
with a recess for receiving the blocking member.
[0032] Such an arrangement is effective in securely locating a
blocking member.
[0033] At least one blocking member may be arcuate. It is preferred
that at least one blocking member is annular. It is preferred that
said blocking member comprises a split ring.
[0034] It is preferred that the attachment portion and the body
portion are integrally formed. The attachment portion and body
portion may be machined from a block of metal, such as
aluminium.
[0035] Alternatively, the attachment portion may be formed
separately from the wall portion. The wall portion may be formed
from metal sheet.
[0036] The end portion may, at its thickest part, be from 2 mm to
20 mm thick, preferably from 2 mm to 10 mm thick and most
preferably 5 mm to 8 mm thick.
[0037] The inlet device may be provided with a plurality of
engagement members, each of which may be retracted from a first
position in which each engagement member abuts the filler neck or
fuel tank so as to inhibit removal of the device from a fuel tank
to a second, retracted position in which the device may be removed
from the fuel tank.
[0038] Such a device may be fitted to a fuel tank without
puncturing the fuel tank or filler neck and may be removed from the
fuel tank.
[0039] The attachment portion may comprise one or more lugs, such
as those that form a male part of a bayonet fitting. A bayonet
fitting is a convenient way of attaching the device to the fuel
tank because fuel tanks are often provided with a fuel-cap
receiving portion that comprises a female part of a bayonet
fitting.
[0040] It is preferred that the end of each engagement member abuts
against the filler neck or fuel tank when in the first
position.
[0041] It is preferred that, in the first position, the engagement
members extend laterally or radially from the body portion or the
attachment portion.
[0042] It is preferred that, in the first position, the engagement
members engage an inner surface of the fuel tank or filler
neck.
[0043] The inlet device in the region of the engagement members may
have an inside for the receipt of fuel from a fuel nozzle. It is
preferred that the engagement members in the first position project
outside the device. It is preferred that, in the second position,
the engagement members are retracted at least partially inside the
device. The engagement members may be accessible from the inside of
the device so as to be movable between the first and second
positions. The engagement members may be provided with a
configuration for the receipt of a tool (such as a hexagonal
aperture or cross-shaped aperture).
[0044] It is preferred that at least one of the engagement members
is elongate.
[0045] Each of the engagement members may be provided with a screw
thread to facilitate movement of the engagement member from the
first position to the second position.
[0046] It is preferred that one or more blanking members is
provided to inhibit access to the engagement members when the
engagement members are in the first position so as to inhibit the
user from moving the engagement member from the first position to
the second position. Whilst it may be desirable for the device to
be removable from a fuel tank, it is often desirable to make
removal difficult so that the device may not be removed without
effort. It is preferred that at least one blanking member is
provided on the inside of the device. It is preferred that at least
one blanking member inhibits access to the configuration for the
receipt of a tool (if such a configuration is provided on the
engagement members).
[0047] It is preferred that one blanking member is associated with
a plurality and preferably all of the engagement members. In this
latter case, one blanking member inhibits access to all engagement
members.
[0048] It is preferred that at least one of the blanking members is
arcuate, and preferably annular or semi-annular. This provided a
convenient geometry for many devices.
[0049] It is preferred that at least one of the blanking members
has an outer surface and an inner surface.
[0050] It is preferred that the inner surface of at least one
blanking member is, in use, substantially flush with an adjacent
surface. It is preferred that the outer surface of at least one
blanking member is stepped. At least one blanking member may be
provided with an upper portion and a lower portion, the maximum
outer dimension of the upper portion being greater than that of the
lower portion. This is particularly effective when the blanking
member is annular.
[0051] It is preferred that at least blanking member frictionally
engages with a surface of the fuel inlet body portion or the
attachment portion to resist removal of the at least one blanking
member. This resists removal of the blanking member from the fuel
inlet body portion or the attachment portion.
[0052] It is preferred that at least one blanking member is a
tamper-evident blanking member. At least one blanking member may be
frangible or readily plastically deformable. This is so that
attempting to remove the blanking member may cause it to break, for
example, by being plastically deformed into a folded configuration.
The deformed or broken blanking member cannot subsequently be
placed back in position in the device, and it is therefore evident
that the device has been tampered with.
[0053] The wall portion may provide a convenient tubular structure.
The wall portion may be generally cylindrical in shape. Examples of
such shapes include a right circular cylindrical shape or a
square-section cylindrical shape.
[0054] There are many conventional methods for securing an
anti-theft fuel inlet device to a fuel tank or filler neck so as to
resist removal of the device. One such method is by using fixtures
that penetrate the fuel tank or filler neck; this is obviously
undesirable because the holes made by such fittings may allow
potentially dangerous fuel to escape from the fuel tank, even when
the holes are "filled" with rivets or the like. Escape of fuel from
fuel tanks may allow fuel to seep onto roads causing a slip hazard.
Puncturing the tank also potentially renders the tank more
vulnerable to larger-scale leakage in the event of accidents when
rivets or other such fittings may snap or loosen, leaving a clear
channel for leakage. Another method is to use some form of
adhesive. Such adhesives may permanently attach the device to the
fuel tank and this may not be desired. Furthermore, if the device
is removed, residues of adhesive may be left on the device and/or
tank which require removal. Many adhesives also take a considerable
time to cure and a fuel tank should not be fuelled until curing is
complete. Adhesives may degrade in time to produce an imperfect
seal. Furthermore, even very strong adhesives do not typically
resist removal by a twisting action, as may be imparted using a
stilson tool or large spanner as a lever. Adhesives typically
require each surface to be adhered to be very clean. It is also
difficult to assess how much adhesive to use; too little or too
much adhesive may cause problems.
[0055] Several methods have been proposed to overcome the problems
of puncturing the fuel tank or using adhesive. One such device uses
a spring-loaded wedge that allows a device with a bayonet fitting
to be turned into place, but does not allow the device to be
readily removed. This device also has barbs that inhibit removal of
the device. Such barbs are designed to either prevent removal of
the device or would apparently be broken or at least damaged if the
device is removed.
[0056] The fuel tank inlet device of the second aspect of the
present invention seeks to overcome or mitigate against at least
one of the problems presented in the prior art.
[0057] In accordance with the second aspect of the present
invention there is provided a fuel tank inlet device for inhibiting
theft of liquid fuel from a fuel tank, the device comprising a fuel
inlet body portion for the receipt of fuel, the fuel inlet body
portion comprising an inlet for the ingress of fuel and an outlet
for the egress of fuel into a fuel tank,
[0058] the inlet device being provided with a plurality of
engagement members, each of which may be retracted from a first
position in which each engagement member abuts the filler neck or
fuel tank so as to inhibit removal of device from fuel tank to a
second, retracted position in which the device may be removed from
the fuel tank.
[0059] Such a device may be fitted to a fuel tank without
puncturing the fuel tank or filler neck and may be removed from the
fuel tank.
[0060] The device may comprise an attachment portion adapted to
allow the device to be secured to a fuel tank or filler neck
thereof.
[0061] The attachment portion may comprise one or more lugs, such
as those that form a male part of a bayonet fitting. A bayonet
fitting is a convenient way of attaching the device to the fuel
tank because fuel tanks are often provided with a fuel-cap
receiving portion that comprises a female part of a bayonet
fitting.
[0062] It is preferred that, in the first position, the engagement
members extend laterally or radially from the fuel inlet body
portion or the attachment portion.
[0063] It is preferred that, in the first position, each engagement
member (and preferably the end thereof) abuts an inner surface of
the fuel tank or filler neck.
[0064] The inlet device in the region of the engagement members may
have an inside for the receipt of fuel from a fuel nozzle. It is
preferred that the engagement members in the first position project
outside the device. It is preferred that, in the second position,
the engagement members are retracted at least partially inside the
device. The engagement members may be accessible from the inside of
the device so as to be movable between the first and second
positions. The engagement members may be provided with a
configuration for the receipt of a tool (such as a hexagonal or
cross-shaped aperture).
[0065] It is preferred that each of the engagement members is
elongate.
[0066] Each of the engagement members may be provided with a screw
thread to facilitate movement of the engagement member from the
first position to the second position.
[0067] It is preferred that one or more blanking members is
provided to inhibit access to the engagement members when the
engagement members are in the first position so as to inhibit the
user from moving the engagement member from the first position to
the second position. Whilst it may be desirable for the device to
be removable from a fuel tank, it is often desirable to make
removal difficult so that the device may not be removed without
effort, suitable tools and skill. It is preferred that at least one
blanking member is provided on the inside of the device. It is
further preferred that at least one blanking member inhibits access
to the configuration for the receipt of a tool (if such a
configuration is provided on the engagement members).
[0068] It is preferred that one blanking member is associated with
a plurality and preferably all of the engagement members. In this
latter case, one blanking member inhibits access to all engagement
members.
[0069] It is preferred that at least one of the blanking members is
arcuate, and preferably annular or semi-annular. This provided a
convenient geometry for many devices.
[0070] It is preferred that at least one of the blanking members
has an outer surface and an inner surface.
[0071] It is preferred that the inner surface of at least one
blanking member is, in use, substantially flush with an adjacent
surface. It is preferred that the outer surface of at least one
blanking member is stepped. At least one blanking member may be
provided with an upper portion, and a lower portion, the maximum
outer dimension of the upper portion being greater than that of the
lower portion. This is particularly effective when the blanking
member is annular.
[0072] It is preferred that at least one blanking member
frictionally engages with a surface of the fuel inlet body portion
or the attachment portion to resist removal of the at least one
blanking member. This resists removal of the blanking member from
the fuel inlet body portion.
[0073] It is preferred that at least one blanking member is a
tamper-evident blanking member. At least one blanking member may be
frangible or readily plastically deformable. This is so that
attempting to remove the blanking member may cause it to break, for
example, by being plastically deformed into a folded configuration.
The deformed or broken blanking member cannot subsequently placed
back in position in the device, and it is therefore evident that
the device has been tampered with.
[0074] The fuel inlet body portion may comprise a wall portion
depending from a first end of the device at or in the vicinity of
the inlet to an end portion associated with a second end of the
device,
[0075] the end portion having an inner surface for the receipt of
fuel from a nozzle and an outer surface,
[0076] wherein the outlet is provided by a plurality of bores in
the region of the wall portion associated with the end portion and
the inner surface of the end portion is shaped so as to direct fuel
towards one or more of said bores.
[0077] This provides a convenient arrangement for facilitating the
rapid egress of fuel from the inlet device to the fuel tank.
[0078] The fuel inlet device of the second aspect of the present
invention may comprise those features described above in relation
to the fuel inlet device of the first aspect of the present
invention. For example, the inner surface of the end portion may be
provided with a surface of revolution or a conical, frusto-conical,
pyramidal or frusto-pyramidal portion for directing fuel to said
bores.
[0079] The inlet device of the present invention will now be
described with reference to the following figures of which:
[0080] FIG. 1 is a schematic side-on view of an embodiment of a
device in accordance with the present invention;
[0081] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-section through the device of
FIG. 1;
[0082] FIG. 3 is an view of a portion of the device of FIG. 1
showing grub-screws that are used to inhibit unwanted removal of
the device and the blanking member that is used to inhibit access
to the screws;
[0083] FIG. 4a shows a perspective view of one of said bores in the
part of the wall portion associated with the end portion; and
[0084] FIG. 4b shows a cross-sectional view through said bore of
FIG. 4a.
[0085] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a side-on view and a cross-sectional view
respectively of an embodiment of an inlet device in accordance with
the present invention, wherein the inner surface of the end portion
of the device is provided with a conical portion for directing the
fuel to the wall portion. The fuel tank inlet device is shown
generally by reference numeral 1 and inhibits theft of liquid fuel
from a fuel tank to which the device is attached. The device 1
comprises an attachment portion shown generally by reference
numeral 2 adapted to allow the device 1 to be secured to a fuel
tank or filler neck thereof, a fuel inlet body portion shown
generally by the reference numeral 5 for the receipt of fuel, the
fuel inlet body portion 5 comprising an inlet 12 for the ingress of
fuel and an outlet for the egress of fuel into a fuel tank. The
fuel inlet body portion 5 comprises a wall portion 7 depending from
a first end of the device associated with the inlet 12 to an end
portion 9 associated with a second end of the device 1. The end
portion 9 has an inner surface 9a associated with the receipt of
fuel from a nozzle and an outer surface 9b associated, in use, with
a fuel tank, and the inner surface 9a of the end portion 9 is
shaped so as to direct fuel towards bores (exemplified by reference
numerals 10a-e) in the part 21 of the wall portion 7 associated
with the end portion 9.
[0086] The device 1 is generally made from aluminium and may
essentially be made by machining from a single block of metal. This
enables the device to be made easily and cheaply. The fuel inlet
body portion 5 is of a generally tubular form, having an inner
surface 22 associated with the receipt of fuel from a nozzle and an
outer surface 23 that is, in use, associated with a fuel tank. The
inner 22 and outer 23 surfaces are separated by a cylindrical wall
portion 7 forming the sides of the fuel inlet body portion and an
end portion or end wall 9 at the end of the fuel inlet body portion
5 remote from the inlet 12. The cylindrical wall is generally about
7 mm thick. Holes 6 are provided to allow fumes to vent from the
device.
[0087] The end portion is typically around 7 mm thick. Such a
thickness resists physical damage to the end portion 9 that may be
caused by trying to force a bar or rigid object through the end
portion so that a siphon tube may be inserted through a damaged
device into the fuel tank. The outer surface 9b of the end portion
is shaped to correspond to the inner surface 9a of the end portion
i.e. the outer surface 9b is also provided with a conical portion.
This arrangement ensures that the thickness of the end portion is
large enough to resist attack but thin enough to permit fuel to
egress into the fuel tank at a desired rate. It has been found that
if the outer surface is not so shaped (for example if the outer
surface is flat) then the fluid flow path through the end portion
itself is longer, resulting is potentially unacceptable back
flow.
[0088] Apertures are provided in the end portion 9 and are
exemplified by reference numerals 14. The apertures 14 are provided
to permit egress of fuel from the device. The apertures 14 extend
from the inner surface 9a to the outer surface 9b of the end
portion 9, and are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis
of the device.
[0089] Apertures (exemplified by reference numeral 8) are provided
in the region of the wall portion 7 above the end portion 9. These
apertures are elongate, the long axis of each aperture being
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device 1.
Such geometry is effective at facilitating fast egress of fuel into
the fuel tank. The end portion 9 does not direct fuel to apertures
8.
[0090] Said bores exemplified by reference numerals 10a-e are in
the lower part 21 of the wall portion, proximate to the end portion
9. The inner surface 9a of end portion 9 is provided with a conical
portion which is readily visible in FIG. 2. The angle .theta. (as
shown in FIG. 2) is about 110 degrees. The conical shape directs
incoming fuel towards said bores 10a-e formed in part 21 of the
wall portion 7 proximate to the end portion 9. The geometry of each
of said bores 10a-e is shown in more detail in FIGS. 4a and 4b.
FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view taken through plane O-O of said
bore shown in perspective in FIG. 4a. Each bore is provided with a
bore inlet 18 associated with the inner surface 22 of the wall
portion and a bore outlet 19 associated with the outer surface 23
of the wall portion 7. In use, a fuel nozzle is inserted into the
fuel inlet device and fuel is discharged into the device and out
into the fuel tank through said bores 10a-e. The fuel enters the
bore inlet 18, passes through the bore and into the fuel tank via
the bore outlet 19. The cross-sectional area of the bore outlet 19
is greater than the bore inlet 18 and this helps prevent backflow
in the device. Furthermore, referring to FIG. 4, the bore surface
20 comprises an upper portion 20b and a lower portion 20a. The
lower portion 20a extends downwardly from the bore inlet 18 to the
bore outlet 19. This also helps inhibit backflow in the device. The
angle, .alpha., is about 45 degrees.
[0091] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a blocking member 11 in the form
of a split ring is provided for all of said bores 10a-e in the part
21 of the wall portion 7 associated with the end portion 9. The
blocking member 11 is located in a recess formed in the outer
surface 23 of the wall portion 7. The blocking member inhibits
passage of a siphon tube through said bores 10a-e. Furthermore, by
being placed on the outer surface of the device, the resistance to
flow is less than if it was placed on the inner surface of the
device. Such a removable and replaceable blocking member is readily
available and simple to fit. The blocking member is relatively
narrow having a width of about 1-2 mm or so; a thin blocking member
does not significantly inhibit egress of fuel from the device, but
inhibits ingress into the fuel tank of a siphon tube. A blocking
member that is integral with the wall portion could be used, but
manufacture of a narrow, integral blocking member would be
difficult and expensive. The blocking member 11 has been omitted
from FIGS. 4a and 4b for the purpose of clarity.
[0092] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the device 1 is provided with
a plurality of engagement members 4a-c, each of which may be
retracted from (i) a first position in which an end of each
engagement member engages the filler neck or fuel tank, so as to
inhibit removal of device from fuel tank to (ii) a second,
retracted position in which the device may be removed from the fuel
tank. In each of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 the engagement members 4a-c (in
this case, grub screws) are in the first position. In this
position, the ends of the grub screws engage with the inner surface
of the filler neck of a fuel tank. This engagement inhibits removal
of the device from the fuel tank. A blanking member 15 is provided
to inhibit access to the engagement members 4a-c. FIG. 2 shows the
blanking member 15 in position. FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view
with the blanking member 15 removed from the device in order to
show its shape. Note that only a part of the device is shown in
FIG. 3 for the purpose of clarity. The blanking member is annular
in shape (see FIG. 3) and has an upper portion 15a that has a
larger external diameter than a lower portion 15b. The blanking
member 15 is friction-fitted into place in the fuel inlet body
portion 5 so as to be difficult to remove therefrom. Contrary to
the suggestion of FIG. 2, the inner surface of the blanking member
15 is flush with the inner surface 22 of the fuel inlet body
portion. The three engagement members 4a-c are spaced equidistantly
around the circumference of the fuel inlet body portion 5.
[0093] In order to remove the device 1 from a fuel tank, the
blanking member 15 is removed using a sharp-edged or bladed
instrument, such as a chisel. The blade of the chisel is placed
against the edge of the blanking member and the chisel hit hard.
This causes the breakage or more typically the plastic deformation
of the blanking member. The blanking member cannot be put back into
the device. This provides a blanking member that is tamper-evident.
The blanking member is made of aluminium and is readily plastically
deformable.
[0094] The ends of the engagement members 4a-c (formerly covered by
the blanking member 15) are provided with a slot or hexagonal
recess for the receipt of a suitable removal tool. The engagement
members 4a-c may then be accessed from the inside 16 of the device
1 and may be moved into a retracted position in which the ends of
the engagement members 4a-c do not engage with the filler pipe and
thus the device 1 may be removed from the fuel tank.
[0095] In order to install the device 1, the engagement members
would be retracted, the device located in place by inserting the
lugs 3a,b in the appropriate groove in the filler neck or in a
fitment used to receive a filler cap (such a fitment having a
female part of a bayonet fitting). The device would then be rotated
to urge the lugs into a locking position. An appropriate tool (such
as an Allen key or a screwdriver) would then be used to move the
engagement members 4a-c into the first position in which the end of
each engagement member 4a-c engage with the filler neck of the fuel
tank. Once the engagement members 4a-c are in the first position
the blanking member 15 is urged into place (see FIG. 2).
* * * * *