Patent ID: 7549694
Filing Date: 2009-06-23
Classification: B60K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A filler neck housing assembly for a vehicle having a gas tank filler neck defining a fuel fill opening through which fuel is provided to a fuel tank, a body outer panel defining an access opening, a hinge is connected to a fuel door that is movable on the hinge between an open position in which the access opening in the body outer panel is uncovered, and a closed position in which the access opening in the body outer panel is covered, the assembly comprising: a housing having an attachment flange at an open end that is assembled about the access opening in the body outer panel of the vehicle, the housing receiving the filler neck through a wall of the housing that is recessed relative to the open end of the housing, the fuel fill opening being accessible in the housing; and a support bracket having a ring that is assembled to the attachment flange of the housing adjacent to the open end of the housing, the support bracket being disposed between the housing and the body outer panel wherein the fuel fill opening is accessed through the ring, and wherein the hinge is attached to the support bracket that reinforces the housing and body outer panel.