CA1138376A - Cap for gasoline tank - Google Patents
Cap for gasoline tankInfo
- Publication number
- CA1138376A CA1138376A CA000332294A CA332294A CA1138376A CA 1138376 A CA1138376 A CA 1138376A CA 000332294 A CA000332294 A CA 000332294A CA 332294 A CA332294 A CA 332294A CA 1138376 A CA1138376 A CA 1138376A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- annular flange
- trap door
- annular
- main body
- cap
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K15/04—Tank inlets
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K15/04—Tank inlets
- B60K15/0406—Filler caps for fuel tanks
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A cap for a gasoline tank comprising a one piece thermoplastic molded main body portion, having a main bore, and tank engaging means on a lower end thereof, an annular flange extending from an upper end thereof, said annular flange having upper and lower surfaces, hinge recess means formed in said upper surface of said annular flange, vapour vent passage-way means formed in said annular flange, a trap door of generally oval shape in plan, and having hinge means integrally molded therewith in one piece of thermoplastic material extend-ing along an axis to one side of said trap door, and shaped and adapted to fit within said hinge recess means in said annular flange of said main body, spring means engaging between said main body and said trap door, whereby to urge same into a closed position, said trap door being movable against said spring means into an open position, an annular resilient sealing gasket lying against said upper surface of said annular flange, and having an inner periphery extending into engagement with the edge of said trap door and having a central opening registering with the central bore of the main body, a retaining collar member shaped and dimensioned to fit around said annular flange, and said retaining collar further incorporating an inner annular cover portion, extending inwardly over the upper surface of said annular flange, and over said resilient sealing gasket, sandwiching the same between said cover portion and said annular flange, a central opening in said annular cover portion registering with the opening of said sealing gasket and said central bore of said main body, whereby to expose the upper surface of said trap door when in its closed position, and said trap door being swingable downwardly into said central bore of said main boyd, and, being adapted to lie to one side thereof, thereby permitting a filler nozzle of a hose to be inserted therein.
A cap for a gasoline tank comprising a one piece thermoplastic molded main body portion, having a main bore, and tank engaging means on a lower end thereof, an annular flange extending from an upper end thereof, said annular flange having upper and lower surfaces, hinge recess means formed in said upper surface of said annular flange, vapour vent passage-way means formed in said annular flange, a trap door of generally oval shape in plan, and having hinge means integrally molded therewith in one piece of thermoplastic material extend-ing along an axis to one side of said trap door, and shaped and adapted to fit within said hinge recess means in said annular flange of said main body, spring means engaging between said main body and said trap door, whereby to urge same into a closed position, said trap door being movable against said spring means into an open position, an annular resilient sealing gasket lying against said upper surface of said annular flange, and having an inner periphery extending into engagement with the edge of said trap door and having a central opening registering with the central bore of the main body, a retaining collar member shaped and dimensioned to fit around said annular flange, and said retaining collar further incorporating an inner annular cover portion, extending inwardly over the upper surface of said annular flange, and over said resilient sealing gasket, sandwiching the same between said cover portion and said annular flange, a central opening in said annular cover portion registering with the opening of said sealing gasket and said central bore of said main body, whereby to expose the upper surface of said trap door when in its closed position, and said trap door being swingable downwardly into said central bore of said main boyd, and, being adapted to lie to one side thereof, thereby permitting a filler nozzle of a hose to be inserted therein.
Description
~ 3~ 3 The invention relates to a cap for motor vehicle gasoline -tanks, and in particular to such a cap which incorp-ora-tes a spring loaded self-closing trap door.
B~CKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
_ Improper replacement o conventional gasoline caps after filling of a motor vehicle gasoline tank frequently leads to unhealthy emissions of vapourized hydrocarbons, and in some cases the gasoline cap becomes mislaid, and must be replaced.
In addition, the conventional cap is often dirty, or stiff to open, or difficult to operate causing soiled or cut hands.
In the past various proposals have been made for providing a gasoline cap which incorporates a spring loaded flap, through which the nozzle of the filling hose may simply be inserted, without having to remove the gasoline cap itself.
The door is self-closing so that when the nozzle is removed, the door automatically closes.
In this way, the possibility of losing the gasoline cap is eliminated, and the possibility of improperly replacing it is eliminated so that the emission of vapourized hydro-carbons is also eliminated.
One such proposal is shown in U.S. Letters Patent 4,091,959.
The basic principles of such a device are of course well known and examples of them are shown in the prior art.
The principle problem is of course manufacturing such a device at a price which is acceptable to the consumer, and at the same time manufacturing with a sufficiently high degree of reliability and close tolerances so that -the func-tion of the gasoline cap is not impaired~
In addition, they must be adaptable to different types of ~ehicles using different systems for fastening - 1~ ~ ':
.3~3~
the gasoline cap, ie. threaded systems, or bayonet type systems or the like.
It is particularly important that the gasoline cap shall not merely close off the tank so that: liquid gasoline cannot be spilled. The cap must provide two further functions.
In the first place it must permit the entry of atmospheric air as the gasoline in the tank is consumed. If this were not so, then eventually a slight negative pressure would be built up within the tank, and the gasoline would cease to flow to the engine.
In addition to this, during hot weather, the gasoline in the tank will expand, and in addition will become partly vapourized, creating a positive pressure within the tank. It is essential therefore that the gasoline cap shall incorporate some means for venting excessive pressures, so as to avoid ~ ~
the possibility of rupturing the tank in hot weather. ;
Conventional gasoline caps incorporate both of these functions ;;
in a satisfactory manner.
The various attempts in the past to provide a gasoline cap with a filling door have not met all of these criteria satisfactorily. For example, in some cases they have been excessively complicated and costly to manufacture. In other cases, they have been of such a design that they were essentially permanent installations and could not be removed without the assistance of a mechanic with special tools.
Other such devices while being adequate in design did not have sufficient durability, leading to early failure in use.
In the particular d~sign sho~n in U.S. Let~ers Patent 4,091~959, the manufacture of the device involved the use .
- ~3~i7~
of a molded thermoplastic member, various rubber members, and at least one sheet metal portion.
The tooling cost involved, as a result were quite considerable, and -the manufacture had to be carried on in various different sub-contractors plants,a:nd the parts would then have to be assembled, possibly at yet another location, all of which lead to inefficiencies in production and the tendency to produce a high proportion of rejects.
In addition, the use of a combined construction of thermoplastic and sheet metal lead to possible problems due to differential rates of expansion and contraction, leading to a possible impairment of its function over its working life.
BRIEF SUMMAR~ OF THE INVENTION
With a view to overcoming these various shortcomings, the invention provides a cap for a gasoline tank, having a one piece thermoplastic molded main body portion, and tank engaging means on a lower end thereof, and an annular flange extending from an upper end thereof, hinge recess means in said annular flange, vapour vent passageway means formed in said annular flange, a trap door of generally oval shape in plan, and having hinge means integrally molded therewith in one piece of thermoplastic material extending along an axis to one side of said trap door, and shaped and adapted to fit within said hinge recess means in said annular flange, spring means engaging between said main body and said trap door, whereby ~o urge same into a closed position, and said trap door being movable agains-t said spring means into an open position, an annular resilient sealing gaslcet lying against said upper surface of said annular flange, and having - ~3~3~;
an inner periphery extending into engagement with the edge of said trap door and having a central opening registering with the central bore of ~he main body, a retaining collar member around said annular flange, extending over said resilient sealing gasket, sandwiching the same between itself and said annular flange, and having a central opening registering with the opening of said sealing gasket, to expose the upper surface of said trap door when in its closed position, and said trap door being swingable downwardly into said central bore of said main body and being adapted to lie to one side thereof, thereby permitting a filler nozzle of a hose to be inserted therein.
The invention further provides a concave depression ;~
in the trap door.
The invention further provides a plastic weld between the annular flange and the retaining collar.
The invention further provides sealiny ribs on the flange and collar.
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantayes and specific ob~ects attained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and de~cribed preferred embodir.lents of the invention.
~3~
IN TH~ D~A~INGS:
~ _ .~.
Figure 1 is a sectional view of the gasoline cap, showing the components assembled;
igure 2 is an exploded perspective illustration showing the various components of the gasoline cap disassembled;
Figure 3 is a section along the line 3-3 of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a section along the line 4-4;
Figure 5 is a section along the line 5~5, and~
Figure 6 is a section along the line 6-6.
DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT
As shown in the illustrations, the gasoline cap according to the invention will be seen to comprise a main body indicated generally by the arrow 10. The main body 10 is of one piece molded thermoplastic construction, and will be seen to define walls 12, having a central through bore 14. At theix lower ends, the walls 12 are formed on their outer surfaces with any suitable form of gasoline tank engaging means in this case the threaded formations 16.
A typical filling neck N is shvwn having an internal liner sleeve L with a roll-like thread formation therein, and baffle B (for preventing use of improper fuel).
However, the invention is applicable to other types of filling n~cks and fittings. Other formations may thus be formed on the walls 12 or different designs, ie. bayonet formations, or the like depending on the vehicle design.
At the upper end of wall 12 there is an outwardly extending annular flange 18 . Main body 10 and flange 18 are molded in one piece~
The flange 18 is formed on its undersurface with .
.:
3~3~d~
a strengthening shoulder 20, adapted -to receive an annular spacer ring 22 which is shaped to fit around the shoulder 20, and accomodates differences in the length of the filler neck N of a gasoline tank. An O-ring 23 fits around main body 10 and engages the neck of the gasoline tank, to provide a good gas tight seal when fastened down.
On the upper surface of the flange 18, there are provided two complementary hinge recess formations 24, aligned on a common axis, and spaced apart from one another. Between the two hinged recess formations 24 there is provided a pair of complementary spring receiving recesses 26, and between the spring receiving recesses 26, there is provided a further ~.
hinge engaging shoulder 28.
Arranged around an annular path, concentric with the central axis of the bore 14, there are provided a plurality of upstanding abutment members 30. There are also provided a plurality of, in this case three annular sealing ribs 32.
Similar sealing rib formations extend around the shape of the hinge recesses 24 and spring recesses 26.
~0 A vapour vent passageway 36 is formed in the edge of annular flange 18, and communicates across the surface thereof, with the main bore 14. It will be noted that the passageway 36 is surrounded by further sealing rib formations . ( not shown~
A pair of locating members 40 are provided on the outer edges of the annular flange 18.
A general~y oval shaped flattened trap door 42 is provided having a rounded sealing surface 44 extending around the edge thereof/ and having a central generally concave depression 46.
. -: , ~ .
The door 42 also has on its undersurface, ie. opposite from its concave depression 46, a generally inturned lip 48.
Along one edge there is provided a generally cylindrically shaped hinge formation 50, extending outwardly on either side of the trap door 42 adapted to be received within the hinge recesses 24 and to roll against the hinge shoulder 28, of the annular flange 18 of the main body 10.
The main body lQ is also provided with a trap door receiving recess 52 extending downwardly along the inner surface thereof, whereby when the trap door 42 is swung downwardly into :~
the main bore 14, it may at least be partially received within such recess 52, so as to prevent obstruction of the main bore 14.
The lip 48 is designed to abut against the inner surface of the main bore 14 within the recess 52, so as to prevent over :`
rotation of the door 42, due to improper insertion of a filling nozzle shown generally as F.
An annular rubber or resilient sealing ring or gasket 54 is provided having an opening which registers with the main bore 14 of main body 10, the sealing gasket 54 being dimensioned to extend outwardly over the major surfaces of the annular flange 18, and to lie against the sealing ribs 32.
A stainless steel wire..spring 56 is formed so as to fit between the inner surfaces of the main body 10, within ~he spring r ceiving recesses 26 of flange 18, and to engage the underside of door ~2 so as to urge the same upwardly into i~s closed position.
A retaining collar member 58 is formed, and dimensioned so as to fit snugly around the exterior of annular flange 18.
Collar 58 is formed with an inwardly extending annular cover ~.3~o3~16 portion 60, adapted to overlie the gasket 54 and upper surfaces of flange 18.
The collar 58 is provided with registering recesses ~not shown) to register with the locating members 40 on the annular flange 18, to facilitate accurate assembly.
The inner surfaces of the cover 60 are provided with a plurality of sealing ribs 62 adapted to cooperate with the sealing ribs 32 and in fact register essentially between two of them, so as to provide a generally sinusoidal flexing of the gasket 54 as shown in Figure 5, to efEect a good air and vapour seal. ;~
The gaske~ 54 also extends inwardly around the opening in cover 60, so as to provide a flexible sealing lip all around the periphery of the upper sealing surface 44 of the door 42.
The cover 60 is fastened by ultra-sonic welding of rib 63 to flange 18.
In addition, as shown in more detail in Figure 6, the gasket also unctions to provide a gas and air tight seal in the gas passageway 36. By cooperation of a sealing rib 62 on the inner surface of the cover 60, the gasket 54 is pressed downwardly into the gas passageway 36. However, the sealing effect obtained in this way by the gasket, the sealing rib 62 and passageway 36, provides a pressure relief valve, which will essentially prevent over-pressure occurring in the gasoline tank when the same reaches a predete.rmined overpressure~
Usually, the regulatory. authorities stipulate an overpressure in the region of 4 psi (or 27-28 kilopascals).
When such predetermined overpressure is reached, the pressure on the interior of door 42 will cause the gasket 54 to flex or compress sufficiently to permit escape of vapour through the gas passageway, and will then close : - 8 -. .
it once more.
In normal operation , once the gas cap unit has been installed in position in the filling neck of a gasoline tank for a vehicle , all that is required is for the nozzle of the filling hose simply to be placed agains-t the door 42, and pressed inwardly. The slight convex depression 46 in the surface of the door 42, will facilitate the inward flexing of the door 42, under the pressure of the nozzle~ In addition, the nozzle will clearly have to slide over the surface of the door 42 , and the concave depression 46 in providing such a sliding action, as the nozzle is inserted.
The door 42 ~ill swing downwardly and inwardly against the spring 56, until it lies in recess 52 on one side of the bore 14 of the body 10 ( as shown in figure 1).
It will of course be appreciated that in many filling necks, the design is such that it incorporates an inner baffle door, indicated generally as b in figure 1. This is a standard feature on many vehicles, in order to prevent filling of the wrong type of gasoline.
The hose nozzle will normally pass through such door b as shown. , Filling of gasoline can then be completed in the normal way. The filling nozzle F oan then be withdrawn,and the door 42 will snap shut , pressing against the gasket 54 and providing a good vapour tight seal around the opening in cap cover 60.
Clearly, as stated above , while the invention is shown in relation to a body 10 having a threaded formation on the exterior, other forms of formation such as bayonet fastenings, lugs and the like may be employed, depending ~3~
.
upon the design, and make of vehicle, without departing from the scope of the invention.
Having described what is believed to be the best mode by which the invention may be performed, it will be ; seen that the invention may be particularly defined as follows:
A cap ~or a gasoline tank, comprising a one piece thermoplastic molded main body portion, having a main bore, and tank engaging means on a lower end thereof, an annular ;
flange extending from an upper end thereof, said annular flange having upper and lower surfaces, hinge recess means -~:~
formed in said upper surface of said annular flange, vapour ~.
vent passageway means formed in said annular flange, a trap :;
door of generally oval shape in plan/ and having hinge means integrally molded therewith in one piece of thermoplastic ; material extending along an axi.s to one side of said trap door, and shaped and adapted to fit within said hinge recess means in said annular flange of said main body, spring means engaging hetween said main body and said trap door whereby to urge same into a closed position and said trap door being m~vable against said sprin~ means into an open position, an annular resilient sealing gasket lying against said upper surface of said annular flange, and having an inner periphexy extending into engagement with the edge of said trap door and having a central opening registering with the central `
bore of the main body, a retaining collar memher shaped and dimensioned to fit around said annular flange, and sa.id retain ing collar further incorporating an inner annular cover portion extending inwardly over the upper surface o-f said annulax flange, : and over said resilient sealing gasket, sandwiching the same . 30 - ~1 3l.3~
between said cover portion and said annular flange r a central opening in said annular cover portion registering with the opening of said sealing gasket, and said cen-tral bore of said main body, whereby to expose the upper surface of said trap door when in its closed position, and said trap door being swingable downwardly into said central bore of said main body and being adapted to lie to one side thereof, thereby permitting a filler nozzle of a hose to he inser-ted therein, and, a generally concave depression formed in the upper surface of said trap door to receive the nozzle of a filler hose, and facilitate deflection of such trap door by inward pressure of said nozzle.
The Eoregoing is a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which is given here by way of example only. The invention is not to be taken as limited to any of the specific features as described, but comprehends all such variations thereof as come within the scope of the ;
appended claims.
~ .
.
B~CKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
_ Improper replacement o conventional gasoline caps after filling of a motor vehicle gasoline tank frequently leads to unhealthy emissions of vapourized hydrocarbons, and in some cases the gasoline cap becomes mislaid, and must be replaced.
In addition, the conventional cap is often dirty, or stiff to open, or difficult to operate causing soiled or cut hands.
In the past various proposals have been made for providing a gasoline cap which incorporates a spring loaded flap, through which the nozzle of the filling hose may simply be inserted, without having to remove the gasoline cap itself.
The door is self-closing so that when the nozzle is removed, the door automatically closes.
In this way, the possibility of losing the gasoline cap is eliminated, and the possibility of improperly replacing it is eliminated so that the emission of vapourized hydro-carbons is also eliminated.
One such proposal is shown in U.S. Letters Patent 4,091,959.
The basic principles of such a device are of course well known and examples of them are shown in the prior art.
The principle problem is of course manufacturing such a device at a price which is acceptable to the consumer, and at the same time manufacturing with a sufficiently high degree of reliability and close tolerances so that -the func-tion of the gasoline cap is not impaired~
In addition, they must be adaptable to different types of ~ehicles using different systems for fastening - 1~ ~ ':
.3~3~
the gasoline cap, ie. threaded systems, or bayonet type systems or the like.
It is particularly important that the gasoline cap shall not merely close off the tank so that: liquid gasoline cannot be spilled. The cap must provide two further functions.
In the first place it must permit the entry of atmospheric air as the gasoline in the tank is consumed. If this were not so, then eventually a slight negative pressure would be built up within the tank, and the gasoline would cease to flow to the engine.
In addition to this, during hot weather, the gasoline in the tank will expand, and in addition will become partly vapourized, creating a positive pressure within the tank. It is essential therefore that the gasoline cap shall incorporate some means for venting excessive pressures, so as to avoid ~ ~
the possibility of rupturing the tank in hot weather. ;
Conventional gasoline caps incorporate both of these functions ;;
in a satisfactory manner.
The various attempts in the past to provide a gasoline cap with a filling door have not met all of these criteria satisfactorily. For example, in some cases they have been excessively complicated and costly to manufacture. In other cases, they have been of such a design that they were essentially permanent installations and could not be removed without the assistance of a mechanic with special tools.
Other such devices while being adequate in design did not have sufficient durability, leading to early failure in use.
In the particular d~sign sho~n in U.S. Let~ers Patent 4,091~959, the manufacture of the device involved the use .
- ~3~i7~
of a molded thermoplastic member, various rubber members, and at least one sheet metal portion.
The tooling cost involved, as a result were quite considerable, and -the manufacture had to be carried on in various different sub-contractors plants,a:nd the parts would then have to be assembled, possibly at yet another location, all of which lead to inefficiencies in production and the tendency to produce a high proportion of rejects.
In addition, the use of a combined construction of thermoplastic and sheet metal lead to possible problems due to differential rates of expansion and contraction, leading to a possible impairment of its function over its working life.
BRIEF SUMMAR~ OF THE INVENTION
With a view to overcoming these various shortcomings, the invention provides a cap for a gasoline tank, having a one piece thermoplastic molded main body portion, and tank engaging means on a lower end thereof, and an annular flange extending from an upper end thereof, hinge recess means in said annular flange, vapour vent passageway means formed in said annular flange, a trap door of generally oval shape in plan, and having hinge means integrally molded therewith in one piece of thermoplastic material extending along an axis to one side of said trap door, and shaped and adapted to fit within said hinge recess means in said annular flange, spring means engaging between said main body and said trap door, whereby ~o urge same into a closed position, and said trap door being movable agains-t said spring means into an open position, an annular resilient sealing gaslcet lying against said upper surface of said annular flange, and having - ~3~3~;
an inner periphery extending into engagement with the edge of said trap door and having a central opening registering with the central bore of ~he main body, a retaining collar member around said annular flange, extending over said resilient sealing gasket, sandwiching the same between itself and said annular flange, and having a central opening registering with the opening of said sealing gasket, to expose the upper surface of said trap door when in its closed position, and said trap door being swingable downwardly into said central bore of said main body and being adapted to lie to one side thereof, thereby permitting a filler nozzle of a hose to be inserted therein.
The invention further provides a concave depression ;~
in the trap door.
The invention further provides a plastic weld between the annular flange and the retaining collar.
The invention further provides sealiny ribs on the flange and collar.
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantayes and specific ob~ects attained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and de~cribed preferred embodir.lents of the invention.
~3~
IN TH~ D~A~INGS:
~ _ .~.
Figure 1 is a sectional view of the gasoline cap, showing the components assembled;
igure 2 is an exploded perspective illustration showing the various components of the gasoline cap disassembled;
Figure 3 is a section along the line 3-3 of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a section along the line 4-4;
Figure 5 is a section along the line 5~5, and~
Figure 6 is a section along the line 6-6.
DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT
As shown in the illustrations, the gasoline cap according to the invention will be seen to comprise a main body indicated generally by the arrow 10. The main body 10 is of one piece molded thermoplastic construction, and will be seen to define walls 12, having a central through bore 14. At theix lower ends, the walls 12 are formed on their outer surfaces with any suitable form of gasoline tank engaging means in this case the threaded formations 16.
A typical filling neck N is shvwn having an internal liner sleeve L with a roll-like thread formation therein, and baffle B (for preventing use of improper fuel).
However, the invention is applicable to other types of filling n~cks and fittings. Other formations may thus be formed on the walls 12 or different designs, ie. bayonet formations, or the like depending on the vehicle design.
At the upper end of wall 12 there is an outwardly extending annular flange 18 . Main body 10 and flange 18 are molded in one piece~
The flange 18 is formed on its undersurface with .
.:
3~3~d~
a strengthening shoulder 20, adapted -to receive an annular spacer ring 22 which is shaped to fit around the shoulder 20, and accomodates differences in the length of the filler neck N of a gasoline tank. An O-ring 23 fits around main body 10 and engages the neck of the gasoline tank, to provide a good gas tight seal when fastened down.
On the upper surface of the flange 18, there are provided two complementary hinge recess formations 24, aligned on a common axis, and spaced apart from one another. Between the two hinged recess formations 24 there is provided a pair of complementary spring receiving recesses 26, and between the spring receiving recesses 26, there is provided a further ~.
hinge engaging shoulder 28.
Arranged around an annular path, concentric with the central axis of the bore 14, there are provided a plurality of upstanding abutment members 30. There are also provided a plurality of, in this case three annular sealing ribs 32.
Similar sealing rib formations extend around the shape of the hinge recesses 24 and spring recesses 26.
~0 A vapour vent passageway 36 is formed in the edge of annular flange 18, and communicates across the surface thereof, with the main bore 14. It will be noted that the passageway 36 is surrounded by further sealing rib formations . ( not shown~
A pair of locating members 40 are provided on the outer edges of the annular flange 18.
A general~y oval shaped flattened trap door 42 is provided having a rounded sealing surface 44 extending around the edge thereof/ and having a central generally concave depression 46.
. -: , ~ .
The door 42 also has on its undersurface, ie. opposite from its concave depression 46, a generally inturned lip 48.
Along one edge there is provided a generally cylindrically shaped hinge formation 50, extending outwardly on either side of the trap door 42 adapted to be received within the hinge recesses 24 and to roll against the hinge shoulder 28, of the annular flange 18 of the main body 10.
The main body lQ is also provided with a trap door receiving recess 52 extending downwardly along the inner surface thereof, whereby when the trap door 42 is swung downwardly into :~
the main bore 14, it may at least be partially received within such recess 52, so as to prevent obstruction of the main bore 14.
The lip 48 is designed to abut against the inner surface of the main bore 14 within the recess 52, so as to prevent over :`
rotation of the door 42, due to improper insertion of a filling nozzle shown generally as F.
An annular rubber or resilient sealing ring or gasket 54 is provided having an opening which registers with the main bore 14 of main body 10, the sealing gasket 54 being dimensioned to extend outwardly over the major surfaces of the annular flange 18, and to lie against the sealing ribs 32.
A stainless steel wire..spring 56 is formed so as to fit between the inner surfaces of the main body 10, within ~he spring r ceiving recesses 26 of flange 18, and to engage the underside of door ~2 so as to urge the same upwardly into i~s closed position.
A retaining collar member 58 is formed, and dimensioned so as to fit snugly around the exterior of annular flange 18.
Collar 58 is formed with an inwardly extending annular cover ~.3~o3~16 portion 60, adapted to overlie the gasket 54 and upper surfaces of flange 18.
The collar 58 is provided with registering recesses ~not shown) to register with the locating members 40 on the annular flange 18, to facilitate accurate assembly.
The inner surfaces of the cover 60 are provided with a plurality of sealing ribs 62 adapted to cooperate with the sealing ribs 32 and in fact register essentially between two of them, so as to provide a generally sinusoidal flexing of the gasket 54 as shown in Figure 5, to efEect a good air and vapour seal. ;~
The gaske~ 54 also extends inwardly around the opening in cover 60, so as to provide a flexible sealing lip all around the periphery of the upper sealing surface 44 of the door 42.
The cover 60 is fastened by ultra-sonic welding of rib 63 to flange 18.
In addition, as shown in more detail in Figure 6, the gasket also unctions to provide a gas and air tight seal in the gas passageway 36. By cooperation of a sealing rib 62 on the inner surface of the cover 60, the gasket 54 is pressed downwardly into the gas passageway 36. However, the sealing effect obtained in this way by the gasket, the sealing rib 62 and passageway 36, provides a pressure relief valve, which will essentially prevent over-pressure occurring in the gasoline tank when the same reaches a predete.rmined overpressure~
Usually, the regulatory. authorities stipulate an overpressure in the region of 4 psi (or 27-28 kilopascals).
When such predetermined overpressure is reached, the pressure on the interior of door 42 will cause the gasket 54 to flex or compress sufficiently to permit escape of vapour through the gas passageway, and will then close : - 8 -. .
it once more.
In normal operation , once the gas cap unit has been installed in position in the filling neck of a gasoline tank for a vehicle , all that is required is for the nozzle of the filling hose simply to be placed agains-t the door 42, and pressed inwardly. The slight convex depression 46 in the surface of the door 42, will facilitate the inward flexing of the door 42, under the pressure of the nozzle~ In addition, the nozzle will clearly have to slide over the surface of the door 42 , and the concave depression 46 in providing such a sliding action, as the nozzle is inserted.
The door 42 ~ill swing downwardly and inwardly against the spring 56, until it lies in recess 52 on one side of the bore 14 of the body 10 ( as shown in figure 1).
It will of course be appreciated that in many filling necks, the design is such that it incorporates an inner baffle door, indicated generally as b in figure 1. This is a standard feature on many vehicles, in order to prevent filling of the wrong type of gasoline.
The hose nozzle will normally pass through such door b as shown. , Filling of gasoline can then be completed in the normal way. The filling nozzle F oan then be withdrawn,and the door 42 will snap shut , pressing against the gasket 54 and providing a good vapour tight seal around the opening in cap cover 60.
Clearly, as stated above , while the invention is shown in relation to a body 10 having a threaded formation on the exterior, other forms of formation such as bayonet fastenings, lugs and the like may be employed, depending ~3~
.
upon the design, and make of vehicle, without departing from the scope of the invention.
Having described what is believed to be the best mode by which the invention may be performed, it will be ; seen that the invention may be particularly defined as follows:
A cap ~or a gasoline tank, comprising a one piece thermoplastic molded main body portion, having a main bore, and tank engaging means on a lower end thereof, an annular ;
flange extending from an upper end thereof, said annular flange having upper and lower surfaces, hinge recess means -~:~
formed in said upper surface of said annular flange, vapour ~.
vent passageway means formed in said annular flange, a trap :;
door of generally oval shape in plan/ and having hinge means integrally molded therewith in one piece of thermoplastic ; material extending along an axi.s to one side of said trap door, and shaped and adapted to fit within said hinge recess means in said annular flange of said main body, spring means engaging hetween said main body and said trap door whereby to urge same into a closed position and said trap door being m~vable against said sprin~ means into an open position, an annular resilient sealing gasket lying against said upper surface of said annular flange, and having an inner periphexy extending into engagement with the edge of said trap door and having a central opening registering with the central `
bore of the main body, a retaining collar memher shaped and dimensioned to fit around said annular flange, and sa.id retain ing collar further incorporating an inner annular cover portion extending inwardly over the upper surface o-f said annulax flange, : and over said resilient sealing gasket, sandwiching the same . 30 - ~1 3l.3~
between said cover portion and said annular flange r a central opening in said annular cover portion registering with the opening of said sealing gasket, and said cen-tral bore of said main body, whereby to expose the upper surface of said trap door when in its closed position, and said trap door being swingable downwardly into said central bore of said main body and being adapted to lie to one side thereof, thereby permitting a filler nozzle of a hose to he inser-ted therein, and, a generally concave depression formed in the upper surface of said trap door to receive the nozzle of a filler hose, and facilitate deflection of such trap door by inward pressure of said nozzle.
The Eoregoing is a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which is given here by way of example only. The invention is not to be taken as limited to any of the specific features as described, but comprehends all such variations thereof as come within the scope of the ;
appended claims.
~ .
.
Claims (5)
1. A cap for a gasoline tank, comprising;
a one-piece thermoplastic molded main body portion, having a main bore, and tank engaging means on a lower end thereof;
an annular flange extending from an upper end thereof, said annular flange having upper and lower surfaces;
hinge recess means formed in said upper surface of said annular flange;
vapour vent passageway means formed in said annular flange;
a trap door of generally oval shape in plan, and having hinge means integrally molded therewith in one piece of thermoplastic material extending along an axis to one side of said trap door, and shaped and adapted to fit within said hinge recess means in said annular flange of said main body;
spring means engaging between said main body and said trap door, whereby to urge same into a closed position, said trap door being movable against said spring means into an open position;
an annular resilient sealing gasket lying against said upper surface of said annular flange, and having an inner periphery extending into engagement with the edge of said trap door and having a central opening registering with the central bore of the main body;
a retaining collar member shaped and dimensioned to fit around said annular flange, and said retaining collar further incorporating an inner annular cover portion, extending inwardly over the upper surface of said annular flange, and over said resilient sealing gasket, sandwiching the same between said cover portion and said annular flange;
a central opening in said annular cover portion registering with the opening of said sealing gasket and said central bore of said main body, whereby to expose the upper surface of said trap door when in its closed position, and said trap door being swingable downwardly into said central bore of said main body, whereby it may lie to one side thereof, thereby permitting a filler nozzle of a hose to be inserted therein, and, a generally concave depression formed in the upper surface of said trap door to receive the nozzle of a filler hose, and facilitate deflection of such trap door by inward pressure of said nozzle.
a one-piece thermoplastic molded main body portion, having a main bore, and tank engaging means on a lower end thereof;
an annular flange extending from an upper end thereof, said annular flange having upper and lower surfaces;
hinge recess means formed in said upper surface of said annular flange;
vapour vent passageway means formed in said annular flange;
a trap door of generally oval shape in plan, and having hinge means integrally molded therewith in one piece of thermoplastic material extending along an axis to one side of said trap door, and shaped and adapted to fit within said hinge recess means in said annular flange of said main body;
spring means engaging between said main body and said trap door, whereby to urge same into a closed position, said trap door being movable against said spring means into an open position;
an annular resilient sealing gasket lying against said upper surface of said annular flange, and having an inner periphery extending into engagement with the edge of said trap door and having a central opening registering with the central bore of the main body;
a retaining collar member shaped and dimensioned to fit around said annular flange, and said retaining collar further incorporating an inner annular cover portion, extending inwardly over the upper surface of said annular flange, and over said resilient sealing gasket, sandwiching the same between said cover portion and said annular flange;
a central opening in said annular cover portion registering with the opening of said sealing gasket and said central bore of said main body, whereby to expose the upper surface of said trap door when in its closed position, and said trap door being swingable downwardly into said central bore of said main body, whereby it may lie to one side thereof, thereby permitting a filler nozzle of a hose to be inserted therein, and, a generally concave depression formed in the upper surface of said trap door to receive the nozzle of a filler hose, and facilitate deflection of such trap door by inward pressure of said nozzle.
2. A cap for a gasoline tank as claimed in Claim 1 including a plurality of separate abutment means extending upwardly from said upper surface of said annular flange at spaced apart intervals thereon, and at least one locating member extending outwardly from said annular flange, and locating means on said retaining collar member interengaging with said locating member.
3. A cap for a gasoline tank as claimed in Claim 2 wherein said retaining collar member is formed of molded thermoplastic material, and including plastic weld means on said annular flange, extending upwardly into contact with said retaining collar member, and being welded thereto, thereby fastening the two together.
4. A cap for gasoline tank as claimed in Claim 3 including annular sealing rings on said annular flange, and annular sealing rings on said inner annular cover portion of said collar member, said sealing rings interfitting with one another, and engaging said gasket therebetween.
5. A cap for a gasoline tank as claimed in Claim 4 including further sealing rib means on said inner annular cover portion of said collar member registering with said vapour vent passageway in said annular flange, and forcing said gasket downwardly into said vapour vent passageway means, whereby to seal same, and being releaseable in response to a predetermined overpressure in said gasoline tank, whereby to permit vapours to be vented to atmosphere through said passageway means.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000332294A CA1138376A (en) | 1979-07-20 | 1979-07-20 | Cap for gasoline tank |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000332294A CA1138376A (en) | 1979-07-20 | 1979-07-20 | Cap for gasoline tank |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1138376A true CA1138376A (en) | 1982-12-28 |
Family
ID=4114754
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000332294A Expired CA1138376A (en) | 1979-07-20 | 1979-07-20 | Cap for gasoline tank |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1138376A (en) |
Cited By (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0566026A1 (en) * | 1992-04-14 | 1993-10-20 | FIAT AUTO S.p.A. | A safety device for the filler pipes of motor-vehicle fuel tanks |
| EP0597314A1 (en) * | 1992-11-09 | 1994-05-18 | Temtec Fahrzeugtechnik Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH | Self-closing closure for fuel tank |
| WO1998004427A1 (en) * | 1996-07-31 | 1998-02-05 | Mecrom Ott U. Holey Ohg | Self-closing fuel tank cap specially suitable for automatic fueling |
| EP0887219A1 (en) * | 1997-06-27 | 1998-12-30 | Mecrom Ott U. Holey OHG | Self closing fuel tank cap especially suitable for automatic fueling |
| EP1339607A1 (en) * | 2000-11-07 | 2003-09-03 | Pilot Industries, Inc. | Vent valve assembly |
| WO2008129394A1 (en) * | 2007-04-19 | 2008-10-30 | Eaton Corporation | Valve with integral hinge |
| EP2014959A1 (en) | 2007-07-12 | 2009-01-14 | Forster Küchen- und Kühltechnik AG | Closure in particular for a refrigerator |
| CN103459184A (en) * | 2011-02-07 | 2013-12-18 | 株式会社利富高 | Fuel-filler aperture opening/closing device |
| IT202100028652A1 (en) * | 2021-11-11 | 2023-05-11 | Mitodesign Srl | AUTOMATIC CAP FOR A FUEL TANK |
-
1979
- 1979-07-20 CA CA000332294A patent/CA1138376A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0566026A1 (en) * | 1992-04-14 | 1993-10-20 | FIAT AUTO S.p.A. | A safety device for the filler pipes of motor-vehicle fuel tanks |
| EP0597314A1 (en) * | 1992-11-09 | 1994-05-18 | Temtec Fahrzeugtechnik Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH | Self-closing closure for fuel tank |
| WO1998004427A1 (en) * | 1996-07-31 | 1998-02-05 | Mecrom Ott U. Holey Ohg | Self-closing fuel tank cap specially suitable for automatic fueling |
| US6035906A (en) * | 1996-07-31 | 2000-03-14 | Mecrom Ott U. Holey Ohg | Self-closing gas for automatic filling machines |
| EP0887219A1 (en) * | 1997-06-27 | 1998-12-30 | Mecrom Ott U. Holey OHG | Self closing fuel tank cap especially suitable for automatic fueling |
| EP1339607A4 (en) * | 2000-11-07 | 2004-10-20 | Pilot Ind Inc | Vent valve assembly |
| EP1339607A1 (en) * | 2000-11-07 | 2003-09-03 | Pilot Industries, Inc. | Vent valve assembly |
| WO2008129394A1 (en) * | 2007-04-19 | 2008-10-30 | Eaton Corporation | Valve with integral hinge |
| EP2014959A1 (en) | 2007-07-12 | 2009-01-14 | Forster Küchen- und Kühltechnik AG | Closure in particular for a refrigerator |
| CN103459184A (en) * | 2011-02-07 | 2013-12-18 | 株式会社利富高 | Fuel-filler aperture opening/closing device |
| EP2674317A4 (en) * | 2011-02-07 | 2015-05-27 | Nifco Inc | Fuel-filler aperture opening/closing device |
| US9102228B2 (en) | 2011-02-07 | 2015-08-11 | Nifco Inc. | Fuel-filling aperture opening/closing device |
| IT202100028652A1 (en) * | 2021-11-11 | 2023-05-11 | Mitodesign Srl | AUTOMATIC CAP FOR A FUEL TANK |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |