Patent ID: 8381928
Filing Date: 2013-02-26
Classification: B60K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A multi-layer fuel tank comprising: a wall defining an enclosure in which a hydrocarbon fuel is stored and having an EVOH polymeric hydrocarbon vapor permeation barrier layer which is discontinuous at a seam and at least one HDPE polymeric structural layer outboard of and adhered to the EVOH polymeric vapor barrier layer and the outboard structural layer having a smooth and continuous outer surface of the seam over the discontinuous portion of the barrier layer; a separate overlay of a relatively thin and relatively flat preformed strip carried by the wall, disposed over the seam and spanning the discontinuous portion of the barrier layer of the seam and having, a hydrocarbon fuel and fuel vapor permeation barrier layer composed of a continuous polymeric or metal barrier material resistant to hydrocarbon fuel vapor permeation therethrough and an HDPE polymeric structural layer adhered throughout to the permeation barrier layer of the overlay and adhered and heat bonded throughout to the outboard HDPE structural layer of the wall by having heated to a temperature of at least about 200° C. the HDPE structural layer of the overlay and the adjoining HDPE structural layer of the wall and applied pressure to urge into engagement throughout the heated HDPE layer of the overlay and a confronting heated portion of the HDPE layer of the wall to adhere and bond them together throughout the HDPE structural layer of the overlay to provide a continuous outboard structural layer of the wall over the discontinuous portion of the barrier layer of the wall and inhibit hydrocarbon fuel and hydrocarbon fuel vapor permeation through the discontinuous barrier layer of the seam of the wall.