Abstract:
A labyrinth box can include a housing that has an open end, a closed end, and defines two cavities. A cover is configured to cover the opening and can include a divider that extends into one of the two cavities of the housing to define first and second chamber passageways in that cavity. An inlet port is located in the bottom closed end of one of the cavities and an outlet port is located in the other of the cavities. The surfaces that define the chambers can be configured such that the box can be oriented in different positions and still work, namely, in horizontal and vertical positions. When in the vertical position, the divider can include surfaces that are angled off of the horizontal plane and towards the inlet port such that water and debris will return to the inlet port via gravity. The labyrinth box can be used in applications that require separation between fluids and/or debris, such as in a fuel tank pressure sensor system in which rainwater, backsplash, or other debris, should be kept clear from a pressure sensor that has a portion exposed to atmospheric pressure for sensor reference purposes.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     This application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/017,951 filed on Dec. 31, 2007, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     1. Field 
     The presently disclosed subject matter relates to a labyrinth box structure that can prevent unwanted substance(s) from intruding into a hose or conduit, in particular, a port leading to a pressure sensor for a vehicle fuel system, breathers for differentials, etc. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Existing vehicle fuel systems can employ a tank pressure sensor to monitor the vapor pressure in the fuel tank. Typically, the tank pressure sensor is exposed to the atmosphere via a port to provide the sensor with a pressure reference. The vehicle may pass through debris and fluid that can enter the port and adversely affect the pressure sensor. Conventionally, small joints or complex box arrangements are employed to protect the port leading to the tank pressure sensor from unwanted debris and fluid. Typically, these small joints or boxes are mounted underneath the body of the vehicle, where exposure to unwanted debris and fluid can be excessive. 
     One example of a conventional small joint arrangement is illustrated in  FIGS. 5A  and B. This small joint arrangement can include a joint that has a ninety degree bend with the opening pointing down toward the surface upon which the vehicle is travelling. The joint can be made of plastic and mates into a stay or a frame member. 
       FIGS. 6A-C  illustrate a conventional complex box arrangement. Typically, this design is mounted under the floor of the vehicle and can protect the port that is in fluid communication with the tank pressure sensor from water splashed up by the vehicle. 
     When driving along paved roads, either of these conventional arrangements offer sufficient protection to the tank pressure sensor from unwanted debris and fluids. However, because these structures are usually mounted underneath the vehicle body, they may not provide sufficient protection to the tank pressure sensor from unwanted debris and fluid when driving off-road and/or through deep water and/or snow, etc. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, a labyrinth box can include a single unitary piece housing structure having an open end spaced from a substantially closed end by at least one side wall, the housing structure defining a first cavity having a first longitudinal length extending from the substantially closed end to the open end of the housing structure and a second cavity having a depth extending substantially parallel with the longitudinal length of the first cavity and from the substantially closed end to the open end of the housing structure, the housing structure having an inlet port located at the substantially closed end of the first cavity and an outlet port located in the second cavity. The box can also include a cover located adjacent and sealing the open end of the housing structure, the cover including an inner surface facing the housing structure, the cover further including a divider extending from the inner surface of the cover into the first cavity of the housing structure to divide the first cavity into a first chamber and a second chamber, the divider extending along a substantial portion of the longitudinal length of the first cavity such that a longitudinal axis of the first chamber and a longitudinal axis of the second chamber are each substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the first cavity. The housing structure can be configured such that the second cavity forms a third chamber that is in fluid communication with the second chamber at a location opposed to the inlet port and closer to the cover than the inlet port. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the labyrinth box can include a housing structure and cover that are configured such that the first chamber forms a dead end closure adjacent the cover and is open to the inlet port at a location opposed to the dead end closure. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the labyrinth box can include an outlet port located in the closed end of the housing structure. The outlet port can also include a tubular structure extending from the closed end of the housing structure. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the cover inner surface can extend substantially perpendicular to the divider, and the closed end of the housing structure that defines the first cavity includes a bottom surface portion that extends substantially parallel with the cover inner surface, the bottom surface portion that extends substantially parallel also terminates at a location defining an inner perimeter of the inlet port. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the housing structure can include a side wall that includes a first cavity side surface located adjacent to the bottom surface portion, the first cavity side surface extending substantially perpendicular to the cover inner surface and combining with the bottom surface portion to define the inner perimeter of the inlet port. The divider extending from the inner surface of the cover into the first cavity can include at least one surface that is positioned at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first chamber such that when the box is oriented in a configuration in which the cover extends vertically and the longitudinal axis of the first chamber extends horizontally, fluid will drain off of the divider due to the action of gravity and the angle of the divider surface. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the inlet port can be exposed to atmospheric pressure and the outlet port configured for attachment to a fuel tank pressure sensor structure. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the labyrinth box can include an inlet port, an outlet port, a plurality of first surfaces located adjacent the inlet port and defining a first chamber that extends along a first chamber longitudinal axis from a first chamber primary end located adjacent the inlet port to a first chamber distal end spaced from the inlet port and sealed by an end surface to form a dead end, a plurality of second surfaces located adjacent the inlet port and defining a second chamber that extends along a second chamber longitudinal axis from a second chamber primary end located adjacent the inlet port to a second chamber distal end spaced from the inlet port and in fluid communication with a third chamber, a plurality of third surfaces located adjacent the plurality of second surfaces and defining the third chamber, the third chamber located adjacent at least a portion of the second chamber and the outlet port defined by at least one of the plurality of third surfaces in the third chamber, the plurality of second surfaces and the plurality of third surfaces being configured such that fluid that enters the outlet port via the third chamber and second chamber must turn at least 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the second chamber during travel from the second chamber primary end to the outlet port. 
     The plurality of first surfaces and the plurality of second surfaces can share a common wall divider structure that extends from the first chamber distal end and the second chamber distal end towards the inlet port along a substantial length of the first chamber and second chamber. The divider structure can include at least one surface that is positioned at an angle with respect to the first chamber longitudinal axis and toward the inlet port such that when the box is oriented in a configuration in which the first chamber longitudinal axis is horizontally oriented, fluid will drain off of the divider structure due to the action of gravity and the angle of the divider structure surface. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the plurality of second surfaces and the plurality of third surfaces can share a common division wall. The divider and the division wall can extend substantially parallel with each other. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the plurality of second surfaces and the plurality of third surfaces can share a common division wall such that a first surface of the division wall forms one of the plurality of second surfaces that define the second chamber and a second surface of the division wall is substantially opposed to the first surface of the division wall and forms one of the plurality of third surfaces that define the third chamber, the first surface of the division wall extending substantially parallel with the second surface of the division wall. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the plurality of third surfaces can form a third chamber inlet located adjacent the second chamber distal end, and the outlet port can be located in the third chamber at a position opposed to the third chamber inlet such that fluid must turn at least ninety degrees as it passes from the second chamber primary end via the second chamber distal end and third chamber inlet to the outlet port. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the divider structure can include a longitudinal central axis and the plurality of second surfaces that define the second chamber can include a second inlet defining surface that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the divider structure. The longitudinal central axis of the divider structure can be configured to intersect the second inlet defining surface and the second inlet defining surface can be configured to define an inner perimeter of the inlet port. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the labyrinth box can include a first housing member including a plurality of first inner surfaces extending along different planes, the first inner surfaces defining a cavity and an opening extending across a portion of the cavity. A second housing member can have a plurality of second inner surfaces extending along different planes, one of the second inner surfaces extending across the opening of the first housing member to close the opening, the second surfaces cooperating with the first surfaces to define a circuitous passageway. An inlet can be located at a first position in the circuitous passageway, and an outlet can be located at a second position in the passageway. The passageway can include at least one dead end branch that extends from the inlet and terminates at a location spaced from the inlet such that fluid cannot pass through the dead end branch, and the passageway can also include a throughway branch that extends from the inlet to the outlet. The throughway branch can be circuitous and configured such that fluid can pass through the throughway branch via the inlet and outlet. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the inlet can be exposed to atmospheric pressure and the outlet can be configured for connection to a fuel tank pressure sensor structure. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the second housing member can include a cover portion and a divider structure extending along a divider longitudinal axis substantially perpendicularly from the cover portion. The divider structure can extend into the cavity of the first housing member to define two adjacent passageway portions on either side of the divider structure. A first of the adjacent passageway portions can be the dead end branch. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the first inner surfaces of the first housing member can include a bottom surface portion extending substantially perpendicular to the divider longitudinal axis and intersecting with the divider longitudinal axis while being spaced from the divider structure, the bottom surface portion terminates at a location to define an inner perimeter of the inlet. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the first housing member can include a mounting member wall that extends from the first housing member in a substantially perpendicular manner with respect to a longitudinal axis of the dead end branch of the circuitous passageway. An outside surface of the mounting member wall can be configured to intersect with at least one of the plurality of first inner surface walls to form a portion of an inner perimeter of the inlet. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosed subject matter of the present application will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, given by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a labyrinth box in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the labyrinth box of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a similar cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of  FIG. 1  showing geometric relationships between features of the labyrinth box and permissible and obstructed paths through the labyrinth box. 
         FIGS. 5A  and B are an isometric and cross sectional view, respectively, of a conventional small joint arrangement configured to protect a port for a tank pressure sensor. 
         FIGS. 6A-C  are a side, top, and cross-sectional view, respectively, of a conventional complex box arrangement configured to protect a port for a tank pressure sensor. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate an embodiment of a labyrinth box  10  made in accordance with the principles of the disclosed subject matter. The labyrinth box  10  can include a housing  20 , a cover  30  extending over the housing  20 , a port  40  ( FIG. 2 ) for connection to a conduit (not shown) that leads to a component whose accessibility to certain substance(s) is desired and whose accessibility by other substance(s) is unwanted, and a mounting member  50  for securing the labyrinth box  10  to a support structure (not shown). 
     As viewed in  FIG. 3 , the cover  30  can cooperate with the housing  20  to define a maze-like chamber  60  having an inlet  61  adjacent the mounting member  50  and an outlet  62  in communication with the inlet  41  of the port  40 . As will be discussed in further detail below, the maze-like chamber  60  can permit certain substance(s) entering the chamber inlet  61  to pass through to the outlet  62  and into the port inlet  41  and can prevent unwanted substance(s) from passing through to the port inlet  41 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the housing  20  can have a generally L-shape, with one leg  21  extending generally perpendicular to the other leg  22 . The mounting member  50  can connect to and extend from the one housing leg  21  and the port  40  can connect to and extend from the other housing leg  22 . 
       FIG. 3  shows the inlet  61  can be formed in the one housing leg  21  adjacent the one housing leg end surface  21   a  and adjacent to the mounting member  50 . The chamber inlet  61  can be positioned adjacent to and possibly inward with respect to the mounting member  50 . The chamber inlet  61  exposes a portion of the maze-like chamber  60  that is furthest from the port inlet  41 . The chamber inlet  61  can be located adjacent the one housing leg surface  21   a  of the housing  20 . 
     The port  40  can provide an outlet for fluid passing through the labyrinth box  10 . Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the port  40  can be elongated and extend perpendicular to the other housing leg  22 . The port  40  can also extend generally parallel to the one housing leg  21  and can and can be slightly angled to facilitate manufacture and molding of the product. The port  40  can be positioned on the other housing leg  22  closer to the end  22   a  of the other housing leg  22  than to the junction of the other housing leg  22  and the one housing leg  21 . 
     With continuing reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the port  40  can be cylindrical in shape with an outer diameter less than the length of the other leg  22  as measured perpendicular to the one leg  21 . The port  40  can include an inlet  41  near the first end  42 , an outlet  43  near the second end  44 , and a passage  45  in communication with and extending from the inlet  41  to the outlet  43 . The port  40  can further include a raised circumferential ridge  46  extending around its outer surface  47  near the port second end  44 . The circumferential ridge  46  can be engaged by an inner surface of a conduit or sensor port/conduit (not shown) in an interference fit in a manner that is known in the art to secure a conduit to the port  40 . The port second end  44  can be positioned co-planar with the end  21   a  of the one housing leg  21 . 
     Turning now to details of the housing  20 , in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the housing  20  can include two side walls  23 . (Only one side wall  23  is visible in FIG.  2 —the other side wall can be a mirror image of the side wall  23  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The inside of the other side wall is viewable in  FIG. 3 .) The housing  20  can also include first and second parallel walls  24 ,  25 , first and second perpendicular walls  26 ,  27  and an inclined wall  28 . The first and second parallel walls  24 ,  25  can extend generally parallel to the port  40 . The first and second perpendicular walls  26 ,  27  can extend generally perpendicular to the port  40 . The inclined wall  28  can extend obliquely relative to the port  40 . 
     The first parallel wall  24 , the first perpendicular wall  26 , and the inclined wall  28  can cooperate with the two side walls  23  to define the one housing leg  21 . The second parallel wall  25  and the second perpendicular wall  27  can cooperate with the side walls  23  to define the other housing leg  22 . 
     In  FIG. 3 , each of the walls  24 ,  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28  can extend between and connect to the two side walls  23  to define a cavity  29  that extends within each of the housing legs  21 ,  22 . The maze-like chamber  60  can be formed within/by the cavity  29 . 
     As evident from a comparison of  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the cavity  29  can have an opening (not numbered) that can be closed off by the inner surface  31  of the cover  30 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , the side walls  23  and the first and second parallel walls  24 ,  25  can terminate at respective ends  23   a ,  24   a ,  25   a  that can abut the cover inner surface  31 . These wall ends  23   a ,  24   a ,  25   a  can cooperate with one another to define the opening (not numbered) that can be closed off by the cover inner surface  31 . 
     The first and second parallel walls  24 ,  25  can connect to opposite ends (not numbered) of the side walls  23 . The first and second parallel walls  24 ,  25  can extend generally parallel to one another and generally perpendicular to the mounting member  50 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , the first parallel wall  24  can have a length that is less than the distance between the cover inner surface  31  and the inner surface  26   a  of the first perpendicular wall  26 . Thus, the first parallel wall  24  can terminate at an other end  24   b  that can be positioned intermediate the cover inner surface  31  and the inner surface  26   a  of the first perpendicular wall  26 . In particular, the other end  24   b  can be closer to the first perpendicular wall inner surface  26   a  than to the cover inner surface  31 . The other end  24   b  can also be co-planar with the bottom surface  51  of the mounting member  50  located at the bottom of the mounting member  50 , as oriented in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the second parallel wall  25  extending from the cover inner surface  31  to the second perpendicular wall  27 . The second parallel wall  25  can have a length that is less than the length of the first parallel wall  24 . As such, the other end  25   b  of the second parallel wall  25  can be at a position intermediate, in a y-axis direction, to the cover inner surface  31  and the other end  24   b  of the first parallel wall  24 . 
     Further in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the inclined wall  28  can connect to the side walls  23  at a position spaced from and intermediate, in an x-axis direction, from the first and second parallel walls  24 ,  25 . The inclined wall  28  can be angled away from the first parallel wall  24  and toward the second parallel wall  25 . The inclined wall  28  can extend obliquely relative to the first and second parallel walls  24 ,  25  and obliquely relative to the first and second perpendicular walls  26 ,  27 . The inclined wall  28  can include a first end  28   a  connected to the first perpendicular wall  26  and a second end  28   b  connected to the second perpendicular wall  27 . The length of the inclined wall  28  can be less than the length of the first parallel wall  24  and greater than the length of the second parallel wall  25 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 3 , the first and second perpendicular walls  26 ,  27  can extend generally parallel to the mounting member  50 . The first and second perpendicular walls  26 ,  27  can be spaced from one another and can extend generally parallel to one another. 
     The first perpendicular wall  26  can extend from the inclined wall first end  28   a  generally toward the first parallel wall  24  and away from the port  40 . The first perpendicular wall  26  can extend generally parallel to the cover inner surface  31  and generally parallel to the bottom surface  51  of the mounting member  50 . The first perpendicular wall  26  can include an inner surface  26   a  that extends generally parallel to the cover inner surface  31  and the bottom surface  51  of the mounting member  50 . The length of the first perpendicular wall  26  can be less than the distance from the inclined wall inner surface  28   c  to the inner surface  24   c  of the first parallel wall  24 . As such, the first perpendicular wall  26  can terminate at an end  26   b  that can be at a position intermediate the inner surface  28   c  of the inclined wall  28  and the inner surface  24   c  of the first parallel wall  24 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the end  26   b  of the first perpendicular wall  26  can cooperate with the other end  24   b  of the first parallel wall  24  and the two side walls  23  to define the chamber inlet  61 . Specifically, the chamber inlet  61  can lie in a plane I ( FIG. 4 ) that contains the junction of the inner surface  26   a  and the end  26   b  of the first perpendicular wall  26  and the junction of the inner surface  24   c  and the other end  24   b  of the first parallel wall  24 . The inlet plane I extends at an obtuse angle relative to a plane B that represents a surface against which the labyrinth box can be mounted. The inlet plane I can also extend at an oblique angle with respect to the first and second parallel walls  24 ,  25 , the first and second perpendicular walls  26 ,  27 , and the inclined wall  28 . 
     In  FIG. 3 , the second perpendicular wall  27  can extend from the other end  25   b  of the second parallel wall  25  to the other end  28   b  of the inclined wall  28 . The chamber outlet  62  can extend through the second perpendicular wall  27  at a position near the second parallel wall  25 . In particular, the chamber outlet  62  can be closer to the junction of the second perpendicular wall  27  and the second parallel wall  25  than it is to the junction of the second perpendicular wall  27  and the inclined wall  28 . The port  40  can extend from the second perpendicular wall  27  coaxially with the chamber outlet  62 . The second perpendicular wall  27  can extend at a position intermediate the cover inner surface  31  and the inner surface  26   a  of the first perpendicular wall  26 . The second perpendicular wall  27  can also extend at a position intermediate the cover inner surface  31  and the mounting member bottom surface  51 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the cavity  29  can be defined by the inner surface  24   c  of the first parallel wall  24 , the cover inner surface  31 , the inner surface  25   c  of the second parallel wall  25 , the inner surface  27   a  of the second perpendicular wall  27 , the inner surface  28   c  of the inclined wall  28  and the inner surface  26   a  of the first perpendicular wall  26 , and the side walls  23 . 
     A chamber division wall  70  can extend into the cavity  29  to divide the cavity  29  into two sections  29   a ,  29   b . The chamber division wall  70  can extend from the junction of the second perpendicular wall  27  and the inclined wall  28  toward the cover inner surface  31 . The chamber division wall  70  can terminate at an end  72  that can be spaced from the cover inner surface  31 . The space or gap is set up to be large enough such that a water drop&#39;s surface tension will not allow the drop to stretch and block the passage way. The chamber wall end  72  can be arcuate, as is depicted in  FIG. 3 . The chamber division wall  70  can include first and second surfaces  74 ,  76  that can converge toward one another as they approach the chamber wall end  72 . The first convergent surface  74  can be co-planar and continuous with the inclined wall inner surface  28   c . The second convergent surface  76  can extend obliquely from the inner surface  27   a  of the second perpendicular wall  27  and can extend obliquely at a narrow angle relative to the port  40 . Thus, the chamber division wall  70  can have a tapered cross-section that narrows from the junction of the second perpendicular wall  27  and the inclined wall  28  toward its end  72 , as viewed in  FIG. 3 . 
     The first cavity section  29   a  can be generally elongated in a direction parallel to the port  40  and generally elongated in a direction perpendicular to the mounting member  50 , as viewed in  FIG. 3 . The first cavity section  29   a  can be bounded by the inner surface  24   c  of the first parallel wall  24 , the cover inner surface  31 , the inclined wall inner surface  28   c , and the inner surface  26   a  of the first perpendicular wall  26 . The chamber inlet  61  can be in communication with the first cavity section  29   a.    
     With continuing reference to  FIG. 3 , the cover  30  can include a divider  32  that can extend into the first cavity section  29   a . The divider  32  can separate the first cavity section  29   a  into three chamber passages  63 ,  64 ,  65 . These three passages  63 ,  64 ,  65  can be continuous with one another. The divider  32  can extend generally perpendicularly from the cover inner surface  31  toward the first perpendicular wall  26 . 
     The divider  32  can extend substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cavity section  29   a  and along a substantial portion of the longitudinal length of the cavity section  29   a . The term substantial taking on its ordinary meaning of at least more than half. 
     The divider  32  can include two convergent surfaces  32   a ,  32   b  and an end  32   c . The convergent surfaces  32   a ,  32   b  can extend obliquely from the cover inner surface  32  to the end  32   c . The end  32   c  can be spaced from the inner surface  26   a  of the second perpendicular wall  26 . The first convergent surface  32   a  can extend at a narrow oblique angle relative to the inner surface  24   c  of the first parallel wall  24  and at a narrow oblique angle relative to the port  40 . The first convergent surface  32   a  can extend away from the inner surface  24   c  and toward the inclined wall inner surface  28   c . The second convergent surface  32   b  can extend at a narrow oblique angle relative to the inner surface  24   c  of the first parallel wall  24  and at a narrow oblique angle relative to the port  40 . The second convergent surface  32   b  can extend toward the inner surface  24   c  and away from the inclined wall inner surface  28   c . Thus, the divider  32  can have a tapered cross-section that narrows as the divider  32  extends into the first chamber section  29   a  and toward the inner surface  26   a  of the first perpendicular wall  26 , as viewed in  FIG. 3 . 
     The first chamber passage  63  can be in direct communication with the chamber inlet  61  and the second chamber passage  64 . The first chamber passage  63  can extend generally parallel relative to the port  40  and can be elongated in a direction generally parallel to the port  40 . The first chamber passage  63  can be in fluid communication with the chamber inlet  61  and the second chamber passage  64 . The first chamber passage  63  can be bounded by the inner surface  24   c  of the first parallel wall  24 , the cover inner surface  31 , the first convergent surface  32   a , the second chamber passage  64 , the inner surface  26   a  of the first perpendicular wall  26 , and the inlet  61 . The first chamber passage  63  can be a dead end passage that terminates at the cover inner surface  31 . The dead end passage can be configured such that fluid cannot escape therefrom and is trapped therein. Thus, any fluid that enters into the dead end passage typically exits the box structure back through the inlet  61 . 
     The second chamber passage  64  can extend generally perpendicularly relative to the port  40 . The second chamber passage  64  can extend between and can be in direct communication with the first chamber passage  63  and the third chamber passage  65 . The second chamber passage  64  can be bounded by the first chamber passage  63 , the divider end  32   c , the third chamber passage  65 , and the inner surface  26   a  of the first perpendicular wall  26 . 
     The third chamber passage  65  can extend obliquely relative to the port  40 , the first chamber passage  63  and the second chamber passage  64 . The third chamber passage  65  can also extend between and be in direct communication with the second chamber passage  64  and a fourth chamber passage  66 . The third chamber passage  65  can be bounded by the second chamber passage  64 , the second convergent wall  32   b , the cover inner surface  31 , the fourth chamber passage  66 , the inclined wall inner surface  28   c , and the inner surface  26   a  of the first perpendicular wall  26 . 
     The second cavity section  29   b  can be bounded by the cover inner surface  31 , the inner surface  25   c  of the second parallel wall  25 , the inner surface  27   a  of the second perpendicular wall  27 , the second chamber wall convergent surface  76 , and the chamber wall end  72 . The second cavity section  29   b  can be in direct communication with the chamber outlet  62  and the first cavity section  29   a.    
     As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the cross-sectional area of the second cavity section  29   b  can be less than approximately one-half of the cross-sectional area of the first cavity section  29   a . The second cavity section  29   b  can have a width, as measured perpendicular to the elongate port  40 , that can be approximately equal to the width of the first cavity section  29   a , as measured perpendicular to the port  40 . The second cavity section  29   b  can have a length, as measured parallel to the port  40 , that can be less than approximately one-half of the length of the first cavity section  29   a , as measured parallel to the port  40 . 
     The second chamber section  29   b  can include fourth and fifth chamber passages  66 ,  67 . The fourth chamber passage  66  can extend between and can be in direct communication with the third chamber passage  65  and the fifth chamber passage  67 . The fourth chamber passage  66  can be bounded by the third chamber passage  65 , the cover inner surface  31 , the fifth chamber passage  67 , and the chamber wall end  72 . 
     The fifth chamber passage  67  can extend between and be in direct communication with the fourth chamber passage  66  and the chamber outlet  62 . The fifth chamber passage  67  can be bounded by the fourth chamber passage  66 , the cover inner surface  31 , the inner surface  25   c  of the second parallel wall  25 , the inner surface  27   a  of the second perpendicular wall  27 , the chamber outlet  62 , and the second convergent surface  76 . 
     Thus, the chamber passages  63 - 67  can cooperate with each other to form the maze-like chamber  60 . The labyrinth box  10  can be oriented such that at least two of the chamber passages  63 - 67  can be elongate in a y-axis vertical orientation. As such, a substance in the maze-like chamber  60  must overcome gravity in order to pass from the chamber inlet  61 , through the maze-like chamber  60 , and out the chamber outlet  62 . Moreover, the path through the box  10  is indirect: a line that contacts two of the corners will intersect the wall preventing any straight intrusion into the innermost chamber (cavity  29   b ). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , the first and third chamber passages  63 ,  65  are vertically oriented. Alternately, the labyrinth box  10  can be rotated to the right ninety degrees so that the second and fourth chamber passages  64 ,  66  are vertically y-axis oriented with the port  40  extending at a level above all of the chamber passages  63 - 67 , except for a portion of the fifth chamber passage  67 . 
     In order to overcome gravity, a sufficient pressure differential should exist between the inlet  61  and the port outlet  43  to cause a substance to flow through the vertically oriented portions of chamber passages  63 - 67 . If the pressure differential is insufficient, any substance entering the chamber inlet  61  will not be able to flow upward through the vertically oriented ones of the chamber passages  63 - 67 . Thus, undesired substance(s) can be prevented from traveling completely through maze-like chamber  60 . The box  10  is designed so that even if the box is submerged, liquid shouldn&#39;t leak into the port at the exit. This can be achieved in one embodiment by having the lid cover  30  overlap the base portion by at least 1 mm in all areas. The overlap creates a liquid seal that traps all of the internal air and prevents liquid leakage at least in the short term. 
     The inlet  61  can be formed as a port that is defined by an inner perimeter made up the corner  26   c  (which represents the junction of the inner surface  26   a  with wall  26   b ) and also the intersection of the surface  24   c  with the surface  24   b  and  51  of the mounting member  50 . As can be seen, the divider  32  can be seen through the inlet  61  and has a longitudinal axis that, if extended, intersects with inner surface  26   a  of the wall  26  in this embodiment. 
     For example, if the labyrinth box  10  were to be used in the environment of a vehicle fuel system, it may be desirable to permit atmospheric air to enter the chamber inlet  61 , pass through the maze-like chamber  60 , and then exit the chamber outlet  62  into the port  40 . Also in such an environment, it may be desirable to prevent liquid water, oil, mud, dirt, etc. that may enter the chamber inlet  61  from passing through the maze-like chamber  60  and into the port inlet  41 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , the relative placement, configurations and dimensions of the housing walls  24 ,  25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  28 , the divider  32 , and the chamber division wall  70  can define a serpentine path S within the maze-like chamber  60  that can extend between the chamber inlet  61  and the chamber outlet  62 . 
     In order to force a substance entering the labyrinth box to follow the serpentine path S, the first perpendicular wall  26 , the divider  32 , and the chamber division wall  70  can be configured and dimensioned to each have a corner that lies along a common line L. However, in another embodiment, the path can be indirect, such that a line that contacts two of the corners will intersect the wall preventing any straight intrusion into the innermost chamber. As  FIG. 4  illustrates, line L represents the only straight line path that extends from the chamber inlet  61  to the fourth chamber passage  66 . This straight line path has a width that is equal to the thickness of a line as represented by the line L. Thus, a substance should be of a size less than or equal to the thickness of a line in order to directly pass through the maze-like chamber  60  along the line L. As such, most unwanted substances, such as liquid water, oil, mud, dirt, etc. should follow the serpentine path S through the maze-like chamber  60  in order to reach the port inlet  41 . However, as indicated above, the disclosed subject matter contemplates that the walls of the box  10  can be configured such that no straight line exists that would allow for transmission straight from the port inlet  61  to the innermost chamber (cavity  29   b ). 
     Moreover, the surrounding structures can be configured such that straight line path L does not exist, and only substances that pass through a path similar to the serpentine path S can enter chamber passage  66  and eventually reach port  40 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the line L can be defined by a corner  26   c  of the first perpendicular wall  26 , a corner  32   d  of the divider  32 , and a tangential point  78  on the chamber division wall  70 . The corner  26   c  represents the junction of the inner surface  26   a  with wall  26   b , and also represents the end  26   c  of the first perpendicular wall  26 . The corner  32   d  represents the junction of the second convergent surface  32   b  and the end  32   c  of the divider  32 . And, the tangential point  78  represents the arcuate junction of the inclined wall inner surface  28   c  and the arcuate chamber wall end  72 . 
       FIG. 4  also illustrates several linear flow paths F 1 , F 2 , F 3  that are blocked by the maze-like chamber  60  such that a substance that enters the chamber inlet  61  cannot travel to the port inlet  41  without a sufficient pressure differential between the chamber inlet  61  and the port outlet  43 . Specifically, the divider  32  and the first perpendicular wall  26  can direct any substance that enters the inlet  61  in a direction parallel to arrow F 1  away from the serpentine path S and into the dead end first chamber passage  63 . The first perpendicular wall  26  extends beyond the junction of the first convergent surface  32   a  of the divider  32  with the end  32   c  of the divider  32 . In other words, the first convergent surface  32   a  can be positioned to lie intermediate a plane P containing the inclined wall inner surface  28   c  and the end  26   b  of the first perpendicular wall  26 . Described in another way, the end  26   b  can extend beyond the first convergent surface  32   a  of the divider  32  such that the plane P lies intermediate the first convergent surface  32   a  and the inner surface  24   c  of the first perpendicular wall  24 . Thus, wall  26  effectively blocks direct access to the chambers  65  and  66  of the cavity  29  from substances outside the labyrinth box  10 . 
     The remaining linear flow paths F 2 , F 3  can be blocked by the inclined wall inner surface  28   c . Thus, a substance that enters the chamber inlet  61  should follow the serpentine flow path S from the chamber inlet  61  to the port inlet  41  in order to exit through the port outlet  43  when the labyrinth box  10  is not completely submerged in the substance. 
     In the event that the labyrinth box  10  becomes partially submerged or pressure is great enough, the chambers  63 - 65  can hold a volume of at least 3 cc before the substance can spill into the port inlet  41 . Of course, the labyrinth box  10  could be sized differently to allow a greater volume be held by chambers  63 - 65  depending on a particular application or intended working environment for a vehicle. 
     It should be noted that the surfaces of the box can be defined relative to the required fluid flow within the chambers that make up the labyrinth box. For example, most of the fluid that enters the box through inlet  61  and exits through outlet  62  takes two substantial turns during its journey. The first turn is around the divider  32 , and the second turn is about a division wall  70 . In this embodiment, most of a fluid that travels from a lower portion of chamber  65  (i.e., from a primary end of a second chamber defined by the divider  32 ) and located adjacent the inlet  61  will make a 180 degree turn around the division wall before reaching and traveling through the outlet  62 . 
     Turning now to the structural details of the cover  30 , the cover  30  can be removably secured to the housing  20  by a plurality of resilient tabs  33  that can extend from the cover  30  and engage a respective one of a plurality of locking tabs  20   a  that can be provided on the housing  20 . 
     The top  30  can have six sides—a pair of parallel lateral sides  34   a ,  34   b , a pair of parallel transverse sides  35   a ,  35   b  and a pair of convergent sides  36   a ,  36   b . The lateral sides  34   a ,  34   b  can extend perpendicular to the transverse sides  35   a ,  35   b  and from respective ends of the front transverse side  35   a . The convergent sides  36   a ,  36   b  can extend from respective ends of the lateral sides  34   a ,  34   b  to respective ends of the rear transverse side  35   b  at an oblique angle relative to the rear transverse side  35   b  and the lateral sides  34   a ,  34   b.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the cover  30  can include the inner surface  31 , the plurality of resilient tabs  33 , a flat top surface  37 , and a flange  38 . Only one resilient tab  33  is viewable in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . Two resilient tabs  33  are viewable in  FIG. 2 . It is noted that the opposite side of the labyrinth box  10  not viewable in  FIG. 2  can be configured as a mirror image of the side shown in  FIG. 2 . A third resilient tab  33  can be located on the side of the cover  30  that is not viewable in  FIG. 2 . 
     The flange  38  can have a polygonal shape like that of the cover  30  and can extend from the inner surface  31  at a position inward from the edge of the inner surface  31 . The flange  38  can extend along the outer surfaces of the side walls  23  and the parallel walls  24 ,  25  at their respective ends  23   a ,  24   a ,  25   a . Two of the resilient tabs  33  can extend from respective portions of the flange  38  that are parallel to the lateral sides  34   a ,  34   b  of the cover  30  and the third resilient tab  33  can extend from a portion of the flange  38  that is parallel to the rear transverse side  35   b  of the cover  30 . Each of the resilient tabs  33  can be cantilevered to the flange  38  and can include a lock window  33   a  and a sloped surface  33   b . Each lock window  33   a  can be positioned between the sloped surface  33   b  and the flange  38 . Each lock window  33   a  can receive a respective one of the lock ramps  20   a  of the housing  20 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , each of the three lock ramps  20   a  can have a sloped surface  20   b  and an engagement surface  20   c . As the cover  30  is placed onto the housing  20 , the tab sloped surfaces  33   b  contact and slide along the respective sloped surfaces  20   b  of the lock ramps  20   a . This interaction causes the resilient tabs  33  to deflect away from the housing  20  until the bottoms  33   c  of the windows  33   a  pass below the engagement surfaces  20   c  of the respective lock ramps  20   a . Then, the resilient tabs  33  can snap back toward the housing  20  such that the bottoms  33   c  of the windows  33   a  contact the engagement surfaces  20   c  of the respective lock ramps  20   a , thereby locking the cover  30  to the housing  20 . 
     The structural details of the mounting member  50  will now be discussed with reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 . The mounting member  50  can extend from and be angled and/or substantially perpendicular to the one housing leg  21  along the first parallel wall  24 . The mounting member  50  can extend generally parallel relative to the other housing leg  22  in a direction opposite to which the other housing leg portion  22  extends from the one housing leg  21 . The mounting member  50  can be approximately centered on the one housing leg  21  and offset relative to the other housing leg  22 . The mounting member  50  can be hollow, open at one end and approximately square in cross-section. 
     The mounting member  50  can include a pair of locking arms  52 ,  54  that extend into respective openings  56 ,  58  formed in opposite sides of the mounting member  50 . One of the locking arms  52  and its respective opening  56  can be viewed in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and the other locking arm  54  and its respective opening  58  can be viewed in  FIG. 3 . The locking arms  52 ,  54  can be generally co-planar with the respective openings  56 ,  58 . Each of the locking arms  52 ,  54  is cantilevered at one end to the mounting member  50 . The locking arms  52 ,  54  each include a ramp (only the ramp  59  of the locking arm  54  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). The ramps  59  can project outward beyond the openings  56 ,  58  and the respective sides of the mounting member  50 . 
     The ramps  59  deflect the locking arms  52 ,  54  inwardly of the mounting member  50  as the mounting member  50  is inserted into an aperture (not shown) provided in a support structure (not shown—for example, a vehicle body panel or frame member) until the ramps  59  align with corresponding mating structure of the aperture (not shown). At which point, the locking arms  52 ,  54  snap back into their original position within the openings  56 ,  58  to secure the mounting member  50  within the aperture (not shown). The open end of the mounting member  50  can include a chamfer  57  to facilitate insertion into the aperture (not shown). 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , the mounting member  50  and the port  40  can be integrally formed with the housing  20 . Alternatively, the mounting member  50  and the port  40  can be formed separately and secured to the housing  20  by any known method, such as, threaded fastener(s), retainer clip(s), interference fit, adhesive, and/or welding, etc. 
     Similarly, the divider wall  32  and the tabs  33  can be formed integrally with the cover  30 . Alternatively, the divider wall  32  and the tabs  33  can be formed separately and secured to the cover  30  by any known method, such as, threaded fastener(s), retainer clip(s), interference fit, adhesive, and/or welding, etc. 
     The tapers of the chamber wall  74  and the divider  32  can facilitate the manufacturing process used to produce the main housing  20 , such as molding, stamping, or machining. 
     The divider  32  and the chamber division wall  70 ,  74  can also be tapered so that unwanted debris and fluids that enter to the perpendicular chamber portion can drain out of the maze-like chamber  60  and exit through the inlet  61  if the labyrinth box  10  is oriented with the hollow port  40  extending generally horizontally and above the first through fourth chamber passages  63 ,  64 ,  65 ,  66  (rotated  90  degrees clockwise from the view shown in  FIG. 3 ). In this orientation, the second and fourth chamber passages  64 ,  66  can extend generally vertically, the chamber passage  63  can extend generally horizontally, and the third channel passage  65  can extend generally at a narrow acute angle relative to horizontal. The second convergent surface  32   b  of the divider  32  and the second convergent surface  76  of the chamber division wall  70  can extend at a narrow acute angle relative to horizontal in this orientation. As such, gravity will assist draining water, oil, mud, dirt, etc. from the maze-like chamber  60  and out of the labyrinth box  10  via the chamber inlet  61 . 
     The disclosed labyrinth box  10  can be used in a fuel system for a vehicle. Specifically, the labyrinth box  10  can be connected to a tank pressure sensor used to monitor evaporative emissions of fuel vapor in the fuel tank where it is desired to admit atmospheric air into the tank pressure sensor through the inlet  61  of the labyrinth box  10  and prevent other substances, such as water, oil, mud, and dirt from entering the tank pressure sensor via the inlet  61  of the labyrinth box  10 . 
     The labyrinth box  10  can alternatively be used with other vehicle components where exposure to atmospheric air is desired and water and/or debris intrusion is unwanted, such as a breather for a vehicle differential. Further still, the labyrinth box  10  can be used in a system where fluid or other substance(s) flows under a controlled applied pressure such that the controlled pressure is sufficient to push certain substance(s) through the labyrinth box  10  and insufficient to push other substances through the labyrinth box  10 . 
     While certain embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are described above, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter can be embodied and configured in many different ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter. For example, the various walls of the housing  20  need not be perpendicular or parallel to the port  40 . That is, the housing walls can extend at any oblique angle relative to the port  40  in order to accommodate packaging and/or other consideration(s) while maintaining a maze-like configuration for the chamber  60 . The box  10  of  FIG. 3  is merely one example of an application of the disclosed subject matter. Similarly, the side walls  23  and the sides  34   a ,  34   b ,  35   a ,  35   b ,  36   a ,  36   b  of the cover  30  can have other geometric configurations to meet packaging and/or other consideration(s). 
     The cover  30  and housing  20  are contemplated as single one piece plastic structures that are injection molded, blow molded, or otherwise constructed. However, it is possible that these components can be made from other materials and methods. For example, the cover  30  and housing  20  can be made from a metal material if the box is intended for a high heat environment or other application that requires the strength and/or heat requirements suited to metal materials. The port  40  can be a separate structure that is added or mounted to the housing  20 . Likewise the mounting member  50  can also be a separate structure that is mounted to or added onto the housing after manufacture of each of the components. 
     A method of using the box can include mounting the box such that the top surface of the cover  30  is located in a substantially horizontal relationship to ground. The method can also include mounting the box such that the cover is vertically oriented with respect to ground and such that the divider is oriented substantially horizontally with respect to ground. In this orientation, the slight downward slope of the divider surface  32   b  allows fluids to drain back towards the inlet  61  due to action of gravity. 
     A method of the disclosed subject matter can include providing various of the structures described above and shown in the drawings, and then causing fluid to enter both a dead end passageway and a circuitous throughway passageway to prevent the fluid from entering a port. 
     While the subject matter has been described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalents employed, without departing from the scope of the invention. All related art references discussed in the above Description of the Related Art section are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.