Patent ID: 8070187
Filing Date: 2011-12-06
Classification: F02M

Abstract:
1. A flange structure for a fuel supply unit of a vehicle, the flange structure comprising: at least one electrically conductive fuel port having an inner periphery, an outer periphery, and first and second ends, the first end including first barb structure, the inner periphery being constructed and arranged to contact fuel such that electrostatic energy caused by fuel flowing through the fuel port can be dissipated by grounding due to the conductive fuel port, the second end being a generally cylindrical tube constructed and arranged to be accessible to be connected at an engine side of a vehicle, a non-electrically conductive plastic flange overmolded on at least a portion of the outer periphery of the fuel port between the first and second ends such that both the first and second ends of the fuel port have no outer periphery covered by the overmolded flange, the flange having a first surface and an opposing second surface such that the first surface is constructed and arranged to be exposed to an interior of a fuel tank of a vehicle with the second end of the fuel port being accessible outside of the second surface of the flange and at an exterior of the fuel tank and the first end of the fuel port being generally adjacent to the first surface of the flange and constructed and arranged to extend into the interior of the fuel tank, a portion of the flange overmolded on the portion of the outer periphery of the fuel port near the first end being constructed and arranged to extend into the interior of the fuel tank and defining fitting structure having second barb structure, and a hose coupled with the first end of the fuel port and with the fitting structure with the first and second barb structures engaging the hose thereby preventing fuel or fuel vapor from passing between the periphery of the fuel port and the overmolded flange.