Corrugated polymeric filler neck tubing
US5960977A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 14, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 5, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 14, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S138/07
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A polymeric, multiple-layer tube suitable for use as a filler neck is disclosed. The tube is comprised of a generally cylindrical wall having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface is approximately parallel to the outer surface and defines a generally cylindrical interior having a diameter D. The cylindrical interior, which provides a flow path for fuel, extends throughout the length of the tube. The tube is divided into one or more contiguous first and second longitudinal segments. In the first longitudinal segment, D is approximately constant along the length of the segment; in the second longitudinal segment, D varies with axial position. This variation defines a convolution, which allows the filler tube to be bent without crimping. The cylindrical wall of the multiple-layer tube further comprises an outer layer composed of a thermoplastic elastomer, and an inner layer composed of an extrudable melt-processible thermoplastic having an elongation of at least 150%. Though in contact, the two layers are not bonded together. When compounded with suitable additives, the filler neck tube exhibits good abrasion resistance, is nearly impermeable to hydrocarbons present…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.