Modular fuel tank assembly, vehicle mounting arrangement and method for installation

US6347678B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Navistar International Transportation · US

Inventors

• Thomas J. Osborn · Fort Wayne, US
• Roger W. Byers · Fort Wayne, US
• Harold H. Hayes · Grove City, US
• James P. Manning · Fort Wayne, US
• Michael C. DePoy · Fort Wayne, US
• John M. Ammer · New Haven, US
• Jeffery D. Jenks · Fort Wayne, US
• Nathan L. Schuler · Fort Wayne, US
• Estle V. Townsend, Jr. · Decatur, US
• Robert G. Beineke · Fort Wayne, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 14, 1999
• Grant date: Feb 19, 2002
• Expiry date: Oct 14, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60K2015/03164
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A mounting arrangement for a modular component such as a fuel tank for a vehicle such as a truck and a method of installing same on the vehicle. The method is accomplished via a combination of a set or sets of two brackets and an initial alignment means for each set of brackets. The initial alignment means is comprised of two mating components, with one mating component being a portion of one bracket and the other mating component being a portion of the second bracket. One bracket of each set is installed directly to a portion of the vehicle under manufacture, such as to the frame rail. A modular assembly is assembled separately with the second bracket of each set installed on the modular assembly. The sets of brackets are joined via the initial alignment means attaching the modular assembly to the vehicle. Final attachment may then be made between the set or sets of two brackets and hence the modular assembly and the vehicle, while the modular assembly is held into proper position via the initial alignment means. This attachment method may be used on a battery box assembly both with and without an attached air tank.