Patent ID: 6019348
Filing Date: 2000-02-01
Classification: B29K,B60K,F16L

Abstract:
A quick-connect coupling assembly adapted for connecting a fuel fill pipe to a fuel tank made of a plastic material subject to fuel absorption induced adverse effects of swelling and/or creep under load and having a fill opening formed through a wall of the tank, said assembly comprising a mounting bracket subassembly comprising a base molded of the same type of material as the fuel tank in the form of an annular flange adapted to be sealably affixed to the exterior surface of the tank wall so as to surround the tank fill opening, said base having a cylindrical sleeve extending coaxially from said base flange, a fuel supply conduit coupling comprising a hollow cylindrical coupling core made of fuel-resistant material and having an outlet end adapted to be inserted coaxially and telescopically removably assembled into said base sleeve and having an inlet end adapted to protrude therefrom away from the tank wall and adapted to be sealably coupled to a fuel fill conduit, annular seal means disposed between and slidably engaged with the exterior of said core and an interior surface of said base sleeve when said core and base sleeve are in telescopic assembly, said bracket subassembly further comprising a circumferentially continuous reinforcing member also made of fuel-resistant material and encircling said bracket base sleeve and at least coextensive axially with the region containing said annular seals when said core is assembled in said base sleeve, and a coupling clip adapted for movable interengagement between said conduit coupling and said mounting bracket for releasably retaining said fuel pipe in coupled relation to said fuel tank for fuel flow thereinto via said quick-connect coupling assembly.