Quick-connection of a fuel fill pipe to a fuel tank
US6019348A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 4, 1998 |
| Grant date | Feb 1, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 4, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60K2015/0474
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A quick-connect coupling assembly, and method of making same, for connecting a fuel fill pipe to a fuel tank made of a polyethylene based material. A mounting bracket subassembly has a base molded of such tank-type material that is plastic welded to the tank fill opening margin. A second more stable plastic material also is used in the bracket not only to anchor the connection between the fuel tank and the fill pipe and to provide the necessary resistance to pull force against disconnection, but also to contain the polyethylene bracket material in such a way as to minimize geometric (dimensional) changes due to fuel absorption and creep in the critical region of the connection that contains the O-ring seals or like sealing elements. Use of overmold fabrication and assembly procedures is preferably employed in the connector in such a way that the sealing package seals directly to the fuel tank material (such as HDPE) and still leaves a more robust material (such as acetate) for the interface between the mechanically locking mechanisms that form the actual connection. Preferably, an integral, tubular extension of one of two selected components of the quick connect construction provid…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.