BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
A better understanding of the present invention will be had upon reference to the following detailed description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary exploded view illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention prior to insertion of the fuel nozzle into the funnel assembly;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 1, but illustrating the fuel nozzle inserted into the funnel assembly;
FIG. 3 is an outside plan view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary partial sectional view illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating the operation of the present invention with enhanced hooks and the parts removed for clarity.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
With reference first to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the fuel filling system 10 of the present invention is shown and includes a funnel assembly 12. The funnel assembly 12 has an open outer end adapted to receive a fuel nozzle 16. The other end 18 of the funnel assembly 12 is fluidly connected to a fuel tank 20 (illustrated only diagrammatically) for an automotive vehicle.
The funnel assembly 12 further includes a fluid port 22 in series between the ends 14 and 18 of the funnel assembly 12. This port 22 has a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the fuel nozzle 16 for the proper fuel of the automotive vehicle. Consequently, if the automotive vehicle (not shown) operates on unleaded gasoline, the port 22 is sufficiently small to prevent the insertion of a fuel nozzle for diesel fuel. Conversely, if the vehicle utilizes diesel fuel, the port 22 is large enough to accommodate the larger diameter funnel 16 for diesel fuel and thus is necessarily larger than the diameter of a nozzle funnel 16 for unleaded gasoline.
With reference now to FIGS. 1-3, a nozzle valve assembly 24 having a plurality of valve segments 26 is mounted within the funnel assembly 12 so that the nozzle valve assembly 24 is fluidly positioned in series between the funnel inlet 14 and outlet 18 and preferably at or immediately downstream from the funnel port 22. As illustrated in the drawing, the nozzle valve assembly 24 includes four segments 26 (see FIG. 3), but it will be understood that fewer or more nozzle valve segments may be employed without deviation from either the spirit or scope of the invention.
Referring now particularly to FIG. 3, each nozzle valve segment 26 is generally pie shaped and is pivotal between its lowest position, illustrated in FIG. 3, and an open position, illustrated in FIG. 2.
With reference now particularly to FIGS. 3 and 5, a cam 28 is attached to each nozzle valve segment 26 so that the cams 28 face outwardly through the inlet 14 of the funnel assembly 12. The cams 28 are configured such that, upon insertion of the larger diesel nozzle 16, the nozzle 16 pivots the valve segments 26 open and creates a clearance between the hooks 30 and the end of the nozzle 16. Conversely, upon insertion of the smaller nozzle 16′, the coaction between the end of the nozzle 16′ and the cams 30 does not sufficiently spread the valve segments open to create a clearance between the nozzle end and the hooks 30.
With reference now particularly to FIG. 5, each nozzle valve segment 26 also includes a hook 30 at its radially inner end. The ability to resist insertion of undersized nozzles is enhanced if the hooks engage the inner diameter of the nozzle tip as shown in FIG. 5. Rocking the nozzle may sequentially disengage less aggressive hooks. Additionally, preferably the nozzle valve segment 26, cam 28 and hooks 30 are all of a one-piece construction. Furthermore, any conventional means, such as a spring 32, is used to urge the nozzle valve segments 26 to their closed position as illustrated in FIG. 1.
With reference now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, a flapper valve 40 is contained within and fluidly in series with the funnel assembly 12 and movable between a closed position, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, and an open position, illustrated in FIG, 2. The flapper valve 40 is mounted downstream from the nozzle valve assembly 24 and in alignment with the nozzle valve assembly 24. A spring 42 (FIG. 4) urges the flapper valve 40 towards its closed position.
When the valve segments 26 are in their closed position, the valve assembly 24 seals the port 22 and protects the flapper valve 40 from dust and debris.
With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, upon insertion of the properly sized fuel nozzle 16 from the position shown in FIG. 1 and to the position shown in FIG. 2, the free end of the fuel nozzle 16 engages all of the cams 28 on the nozzle valve segments 26 and thus pivots the nozzle valve segments 26 from their closed position, illustrated in FIG. 1, and to an open position, illustrated in FIG. 2. In doing so, the fuel nozzle 16 is movable to a fully inserted position, illustrated in FIG. 2, in which the free end of the fuel nozzle 16 engages and moves the flapper valve 40 from its closed and to its open position. At that time, normal fueling of the automotive vehicle may proceed.
Conversely, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, in the event that a smaller diameter fuel nozzle 16′ for the improper fuel is inserted into the port 22 of the fuel nozzle, the free end of the fuel nozzle 16′ engages all of the cams 28 on the nozzle valve segments 26, but not sufficiently to create clearance between the tip of the nozzle and the hooks. Consequently, upon an attempt to further insert the fuel nozzle 16′ into the funnel assembly 12, the hooks 30 on the nozzle valve segments 26 which were not sufficiently opened by the nozzle 16′ engage the free end of the fuel nozzle 16′ and prohibit the further insertion of the fuel nozzle 16′ into the funnel assembly 12. At this time, the flapper valve 40 remains in a closed position thus preventing fueling of the automotive vehicle with the improper fuel.
From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present invention provides a simple and yet highly effective mechanism which prevents the fueling of an automotive vehicle with an improper smaller diameter nozzle. Having described my invention, however, many modifications thereto will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains without deviation from the spirit of the invention as defined by the scope of the appended claims.
Patent Application
20080041492
