Fuel filler neck assembly

A fuel filler neck assembly is provided for use in a vehicle including a gas cap and housing assembly and a fuel tank. The vehicle has a plurality of predetermined final vehicle dimensions dictating a predetermined variety of final filler neck dimensions. The fuel filler neck assembly extends between the gas cap and housing assembly and the fuel tank for transferring fuel into the fuel tank. The filler neck assembly includes at least one axially elongated fill pipe having an axial length and including a plurality of raised, annular beads thereon. The beads are axially spaced along the fill pipe at predetermined distances each corresponding to respective predetermined final filler neck dimensions. The fill pipe is severable adjacent to each of the beads for permitting adjustment of the length of the fill pipe to each of the corresponding predetermined final filler neck dimensions such that upon severance of the fill pipe, the fuel filler neck assembly is adjustable to accommodate the various predetermined final vehicle dimensions. Preferably, the annular beads are irregularly spaced along the axial length of the fill pipe. Also, preferably the fill pipe is made of a metallic material for reduction of hydrocarbon permeation through the filler neck assembly.

TECHNICAL FIELD 
This invention relates to a fuel filler neck assembly for use in a motor 
vehicle, the fuel filler neck assembly being adjustable for fitting in 
vehicles having variable dimensions. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
It is well known in the prior art to provide a gas cap and housing 
assembly. The gas cap and housing assembly is connected to a fuel filler 
neck assembly which in turn is attached to a fuel tank. A gas cap may be 
removed from the assembly and gasoline may be inserted into the fuel 
filler neck assembly by a gasoline pump nozzle for transfer into the fuel 
tank. The gas cap and housing assembly provides structure to which the 
fuel filler neck assembly is attached. The fuel filler neck assembly 
typically includes at least one fill hose and at least one vent hose which 
are relatively long flexible pieces made entirely of rubber through which 
the gas is transferred from the housing assembly to the fuel tank. 
Preferably, the fill and vent hoses are flexible for permitting curved 
routing paths between the housing assembly and the fuel tank. 
It is also known in the prior art to have vehicles, especially trucks, 
which are modified or upfitted for different vehicle applications to a 
predetermined range of final vehicle wheelbases (lengths) and widths. 
These modifications are often performed after initial assembly of the 
vehicle frame with the fuel tank and fuel filler neck assembly and the 
final dimensions may not be known at the time of initial assembly. To 
accommodate these various vehicle dimensions, it is known in the prior art 
to provide extra long lengths of fill hose and vent hose or extra pieces 
of fill and vent hose during initial assembly which will accommodate the 
longest and widest possible vehicle dimensions. 
However, this has the disadvantage of having to measure and cut the fill 
and vent hoses to a particular size at the time of the upfitting while 
discarding the remainder of the fill and vent hoses which are unused. 
Alternately, the extra fill and vent hoses will need to either be 
connected to the base hoses or will be discarded if not needed. The fill 
and vent hoses are typically fairly expensive rubber hoses and large 
portions of these are discarded by the upfitters when the vehicles are not 
completed with the maximum set of predetermined vehicle dimensions. In 
addition, any elastomeric hoses will have a certain degree of hydrocarbon 
permeability. It is desirable to minimize the length of elastomeric hoses 
in the fuel filler neck assembly to reduce evaporative emissions as much 
as possible. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention provides alternatives and advantages over the prior 
art by providing a fuel filler neck assembly for use in a vehicle 
including a gas cap and housing assembly and a fuel tank. The vehicle has 
a plurality of predetermined final vehicle dimensions dictating a 
predetermined variety of final filler neck dimensions. The fuel filler 
neck assembly extends between the gas cap and housing assembly and the 
fuel tank for transferring fuel into the fuel tank. The filler neck 
assembly includes at least one axially elongated fill pipe having an axial 
length and including a plurality of raised, annular beads thereon. The 
beads are axially spaced along the fill pipe at predetermined distances 
each corresponding to respective predetermined final filler neck 
dimensions. The fill pipe is severable adjacent to each of the beads for 
permitting adjustment of the length of the fill pipe to each of the 
corresponding predetermined final vehicle dimensions such that upon 
severance of the fill pipe, the fuel filler neck assembly is adjustable to 
accommodate the various predetermined final vehicle dimensions. 
Preferably, the annular beads are irregularly spaced along the axial 
length of the fill pipe. Also, preferably the fill pipe is made of a 
metallic material for reduction of hydrocarbon permeation through the 
filler neck assembly. 
In accordance with other aspects of the invention, first and second fill 
pipes may be provided. One of the fill pipes is used for the adjustment of 
filler neck widths and another of the fill pipes is used for the 
adjustment of filler neck lengths. The fuel filler neck assembly also 
preferably includes flexible fill hoses extending between and connecting 
the gas cap and housing assembly to the fill pipes, the fill pipes to each 
other, and the fill pipes to the fuel tank. Advantageously, the flexible 
hoses allow movement and positioning of the filler neck assembly for 
shipping and assembly. 
The filler neck assembly may further include one or more axially elongated 
vent pipes having axial lengths and including a plurality of raised, 
annular vent beads thereon which are axially spaced along the vent pipe at 
predetermined distances each corresponding to respective predetermined 
filler neck lengths and widths. The vent pipes are also severable adjacent 
to each of the vent beads for permitting adjustment of the length and 
width of the vent pipes to each of the corresponding predetermined filler 
neck lengths and widths. The closest fill and vent beads are left on the 
pipes after being severed for secure connection of the flexible hoses to 
the pipes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Referring to FIG. 2, a vehicle 10 includes a vehicle frame 12 including 
longitudinally extending side rails 11 and laterally extending forward and 
rearward cross rails 14, 15. The vehicle 10 further includes a side body 
panel 16, preferably being formed of stamped sheet metal or fiberglass. 
The side body panel 16 includes an access opening 17. The access opening 
17 provides access to a gas cap and housing assembly 20 and a filler neck 
assembly 40 used for transferring gas into a fuel tank 24, as described 
further hereinafter. 
The fuel tank 24 is preferably a hollow structure designed for storing fuel 
therein. The fuel tank 24 is suitably attached to the vehicle 10, such as 
to the vehicle frame 12, in any suitable manner. The fuel tank 24 is 
preferably shown as a forward-positioned fuel tank 24 in the vehicle 10. 
The forward-positioned fuel tank 24 may be the only fuel tank 24 provided 
in the vehicle 10 or may be part of a dual fuel tank system which also 
includes a rearward-positioned fuel tank (not shown) having its own 
separate filler neck assembly. For dual fuel tank systems, the 
forward-positioned fuel tank 24 and the rearward-positioned fuel tank are 
connected to each other by a connector hose (not shown) for transferring 
fuel from the rearward-positioned fuel tank to the forward-positioned fuel 
tank 24 as the fuel is consumed from the forward-positioned fuel tank 24. 
The vehicle 10 preferably includes a plurality of predetermined final 
vehicle dimensions to which the vehicle 10 may be modified or upfitted for 
use in various applications, as is well known in the industry. This 
especially occurs when the vehicle 10 is used for commercial trucks which 
have a wide variety of body styles for various functional uses. The 
vehicle 10 typically has a variety of predetermined vehicle lengths 
determined by the vehicle wheelbases. Accordingly, each vehicle 10 
includes a plurality of predetermined final filler neck lengths, such as L 
shown in FIG. 1, depending upon the predetermined vehicle length and upon 
the use of a single or dual fuel tank system. The predetermined vehicle 
lengths are typically within certain predetermined ranges for each vehicle 
manufacturer such that there are a variety of predetermined final filler 
neck lengths for each vehicle 10. These filler neck lengths are typically 
spaced at predetermined irregular intervals which are not in any 
particular pattern. For example, a vehicle 10 may have three possible 
wheelbases each with an option of single or dual tank systems for a total 
of six possible final predetermined filler neck lengths which need to be 
accommodated by the filler neck assembly 40. The final filler neck lengths 
for the vehicle 10 may not yet be known during initial assembly of the 
vehicle 10. Advantageously, the filler neck assembly 40 is provided to the 
upfitter such that it is adjustable to accommodate all of the possible 
predetermined filler neck lengths, as described further below. 
The vehicle 10 typically has a variety of predetermined vehicle widths 
generally determined by the spacing of the side body panel 16 from the 
fuel tank 24. Accordingly, each vehicle 10 includes a plurality of 
predetermined final filler neck widths, such as W shown in FIG. 1, 
depending upon the predetermined vehicle width. The predetermined vehicle 
widths are typically within standardized ranges within the industry such 
that there are a variety of predetermined filler neck widths for each 
vehicle 10. These predetermined filler neck widths are typically spaced at 
irregular intervals. For example, a vehicle 10 may have four possible 
filler neck widths which need to be accommodated by the filler neck 
assembly 40. The final filler neck width required for a given vehicle is 
typically not known during initial assembly of the vehicle 10 since it 
depends on the final body design. Advantageously, the filler neck assembly 
40 can be provided to the after-market upfitter such that it is adjustable 
to accommodate all of the possible predetermined final filler neck widths, 
as described further below. 
A gas cap and housing assembly 20 includes the gas cap 21 and the filler 
neck housing 22. The filler neck housing 22 is generally cup-shaped and 
preferably formed from a generally rigid material, such as a rigid plastic 
or metal, for providing support structure onto which a filler neck 
assembly 40 can be mounted. The filler neck housing 22 includes a flange 
portion 23 which is attached to the side body panel 16 when the vehicle 10 
is fitted with its final body configuration. As best shown in FIG. 1, the 
gas cap and housing assembly 20 includes a filler attachment 28 and a vent 
attachment 29 to which the fill and vent pipes 53, 60 of the filler neck 
assembly 40 are attached, respectively, as described further below. 
When it is desired to load fuel into the vehicle 10, the gas cap 21 may be 
removed such that fuel may be delivered into the filler neck assembly 40 
by a gasoline pump nozzle as is well known in motor vehicles. The filler 
neck assembly 40 transfers gas between the filler neck housing 22 and the 
fuel tank 24. 
The filler neck assembly 40 includes the fill and vent pipe assembly 50 
including a flexible first fill hose 51 and a flexible first vent hose 52. 
The first fill and vent hoses 51, 52 are axially elongated and are 
preferably made of an elastomeric material, such as rubber. The rubber 
material preferably has as great a resistance to permeation by fuel 
hydrocarbons as possible for flexible hose material. The first fill hose 
51 has one end attached to the filler attachment 28 of the gas cap and 
housing assembly 20 and an opposite end attached to a first fill pipe 53. 
The first vent hose 52 has one end attached to the vent attachment 29 of 
the gas cap and housing assembly 20 and an opposite end attached to a 
first vent pipe 60. The ends of the first fill and vent hoses 51, 52 are 
secured in place by first clamps 54. 
The filler neck assembly 40 may also include a flexible second fill hose 84 
and a flexible second vent hose 85. The second fill and vent hoses 84, 85 
are axially elongated and are preferably made of an elastomeric material, 
such as rubber. The rubber material preferably has as great a resistance 
to permeation by fuel hydrocarbons as possible for flexible hose material. 
The second fill hose 84 has one end attached to the first fill pipe 53 and 
an opposite end attached to a second fill pipe 73. The second vent hose 85 
has one end attached to the first vent pipe 60 and an opposite end 
attached to a second vent pipe 80. The ends of the second fill and vent 
hoses 84, 85 are secured in place by first clamps 54 and second clamps 86. 
The fill and vent pipe assembly 50 of the filler neck assembly 40 includes 
a first fill pipe 53 and a first vent pipe 60. The first fill and vent 
pipes 53, 60 are each adjustable for accommodating various predetermined 
fuel filler neck widths corresponding to various predetermined vehicle 
widths. The axially elongated first fill pipe 53 has an axial length. The 
first fill pipe 53 includes a plurality of raised, annular first fill 
beads 55, 56, 57 thereon. The first fill beads 55, 56, 57 are axially 
spaced along the first fill pipe 53 at predetermined distances each 
corresponding to respective predetermined final filler neck widths based 
on the vehicle widths. For example, the first fill pipe 53 is shown in 
FIG. 2 installed at its longest length for accommodating the greatest 
predetermined filler neck width. 
To accommodate shorter filler neck widths, the first fill pipe 53 is 
severable adjacent to each of the first fill beads 55, 56, 57 for 
permitting adjustment of the axial length of the first fill pipe 53 to 
each of the corresponding predetermined filler neck widths required for 
body variations in the vehicle 10. For example, the first fill pipe 53 may 
be severed adjacent to the first fill bead 55, such that first fill bead 
55 remains on the used portion of the first fill pipe 53. The unused 
length of the first fill pipe 53, designated as approximately A in FIG. 1, 
may be discarded. Then the second fill hose 84 is slid back over the first 
fill pipe 53 and the first fill bead 55 such that the first fill bead 55 
provides a tight fit for the second fill hose 84 and one of the clamps 54 
can be placed on the second fill hose 84 past the first fill bead 55 to 
securely attach the second fill hose 84 to the first fill pipe 53. Since 
the first fill beads 55, 56, 57 are advantageously, in predetermined 
positions corresponding to the predetermined filler neck widths, the 
upfitter knows where to sever the first fill pipe 53 and also is 
automatically provided with the first fill beads 55, 56, 57 in the proper 
position for secure re-attachment of the second fill hose 84. Thus, it 
will be appreciated that the first fill pipe 53 is also severable at first 
fill beads 56 or 57 in a similar manner as described with respect to first 
fill bead 55. Accordingly, the first fill pipe 53 can be easily adjusted 
to accommodate a variety of predetermined filler neck widths required for 
predetermined vehicle widths. It will also be appreciated that the second 
fill hose 84 could also be severed prior to reattachment to the first fill 
pipe 53 to provide fine adjustments to the length of the filler neck 
assembly 40. 
Also advantageously, the first fill pipe 53 is preferably made of a 
metallic material, such as steel. The metallic material cannot be 
permeated by fuel hydrocarbons. Thus, the first fill pipe 53 provides 
reduced hydrocarbon emissions for the filler neck assembly 40. 
Advantageously, the length of rubber first fill hose 51 is reduced but is 
still sufficient to provide flexibility to the filler neck assembly 40 for 
adjusting the position of the gas cap and housing assembly 20 relative to 
the side body panel 16 during assembly and shipping, as described further 
below. 
Similar to the first fill pipe 53, an axially elongated first vent pipe 60 
is provided having an axial length. The first vent pipe 60 includes a 
plurality of raised, annular first vent beads 61, 62, 63 thereon which are 
preferably spaced along the first vent pipe 60 at the same intervals at 
which the first fill beads 55, 56, 57 are spaced along the first fill pipe 
53. The first vent beads 61, 62, 63 are axially spaced along the first 
vent pipe 60 at predetermined distances each corresponding to respective 
predetermined final filler neck widths based on the vehicle widths. For 
example, the first vent pipe 60 is shown at its longest length for 
accommodating the greatest predetermined filler neck width. 
To accommodate shorter filler neck widths, the first vent pipe 60 is 
severable adjacent each of the first vent beads 61, 62, 63 for permitting 
adjustment of the axial length of the first vent pipe 60 to each of the 
corresponding predetermined filler neck widths. For example, the first 
vent pipe 60 may be severed adjacent the first vent bead 61, such that 
first vent bead 61 remains on the used portion of the first vent pipe 60. 
The unused length of the first vent pipe 61, designated as approximately B 
on FIG. 1, would be discarded. Then the second vent hose 85 is slid over 
the first vent pipe 60 and the first vent bead 61 such that the first vent 
bead 61 provides a tight fit for the second vent hose 85 and one of the 
clamps 54 can be placed on the second vent hose 85 past the first vent 
bead 61 for secure attachment of the second vent hose 85 to the first vent 
pipe 60. Since the first vent beads 61, 62, 63 are advantageously in 
predetermined positions for the predetermined filler neck widths, the 
upfitter knows where to sever the first vent pipe 60 and also is 
automatically provided with the first fill beads 61 or 62 or 63 in the 
proper position for secure attachment of the second vent hose 85. Thus, it 
will be appreciated that the first vent pipe 60 is severable at first vent 
beads 62 or 63 in a similar manner as described with respect to first vent 
bead 61. Accordingly, the first vent pipe 60 can be easily adjusted to 
accommodate a variety of predetermined filler neck widths required for 
predetermined vehicle widths. It will also be appreciated that the second 
vent hose 85 could also be severed prior to reattachment to the first vent 
pipe 60 to provide fine adjustments to the length of the filler neck 
assembly 40. 
Also advantageously, the first vent pipe 60 is preferably made of a 
metallic material, such as steel. The metallic material cannot be 
permeated by fuel hydrocarbons. Thus, the first vent pipe 60 provides 
reduced hydrocarbon emissions for the filler neck assembly 40. 
Advantageously, the length of rubber first vent hose 52 is reduced, but is 
still sufficient to provide flexibility to the filler neck assembly 40 for 
adjusting the position of the gas cap and housing assembly 20 relative to 
the side body panel 16. 
It will be appreciated that the first fill pipe 53 and the first vent pipe 
60 are each preferably severed to similar lengths to accommodate a certain 
predetermined filler neck width. For example, when the first fill pipe 53 
is cut at the first fill bead 55, then the first vent pipe 60 is severed 
at the first vent bead 61. Also, a plurality of connector clips 65 may be 
used to attach the first fill pipe 53 and the first vent pipe 60 to each 
other for ease of shipping and assembly. 
Advantageously, the second fill and vent hoses 84, 85 provide a flexible 
connection between the first and second fill pipes 53, 73 and the first 
and second vent pipes 60, 80 such that the filler neck assembly 40 can be 
freely bent and rotated at this juncture. Thus, the fill and vent pipe 
assembly 50 with the gas cap and housing assembly 20 can be shipped in a 
shipping position (not shown) in which the fill and vent pipe assembly 50 
is rotated approximately 90 degrees about the second fill and vent hoses 
84, 85 such that the filler neck assembly 40 is generally parallel with 
the vehicle side rail 11 for a more compact shipping arrangement. 
The filler neck assembly 40 also includes the second fill pipe 73 and the 
second vent pipe 80. The second fill and vent pipes 73, 80 are each 
adjustable for accommodating various predetermined final filler neck 
lengths corresponding to various predetermined vehicle lengths and single 
or dual fuel tank systems. The axially elongated second fill pipe 73 has 
an axial length. The second fill pipe 73 includes a plurality of raised, 
annular second fill beads 74, 75 thereon. The second fill beads 74, 75 are 
axially spaced along the second fill pipe 73 at predetermined distances 
each corresponding to respective predetermined final filler neck lengths. 
The second fill pipe 73 includes second fill beads 74, 75 which correspond 
to variations in the vehicle length or wheelbase only. So for example, the 
second fill pipe 73 is shown at its longest length for accommodating the 
longest vehicle length with either a single or dual fuel tank system. The 
second fill bead 74 will accommodate the second longest vehicle length 
with either a single or dual fuel tank system. The second fill bead 75 is 
used to accommodate the third longest vehicle length with either a single 
or dual fuel tank system. 
To accommodate shorter filler neck lengths for shorter vehicle lengths, the 
second fill pipe 73 is severable to adjacent each of the second fill beads 
74, 75 for permitting adjustment of the axial length of the second fill 
pipe 73 to each of the corresponding predetermined vehicle filler neck 
lengths. For example, the second fill pipe 73 may be severed adjacent to 
the second fill bead 74, such that second fill bead 74 remains on the used 
portion of the second fill pipe 73. The unused length of the second fill 
pipe 73, designated as approximately C in FIG. 1, may be discarded. Then 
the second fill hose 84 is slid over the second fill pipe 73 and one of 
the second clamps 86 can be placed on the second fill hose 84 past the 
second fill bead 74 to securely attach the second fill hose 84 to the 
second fill pipe 73. Since the second fill beads 74, 75 are advantageously 
in predetermined positions for the predetermined filler neck lengths, the 
upfitter knows where to sever the second fill pipe 73 and also is 
automatically provided with the second fill beads 74, 75 and does not need 
to fabricate them separately. It will further be appreciated that the 
second fill hose 84 could also be severed prior to reattachment to the 
second fill pipe 73 to provide fine adjustment of the length of the filler 
neck assembly 40. 
Also advantageously, the second fill pipe 73 is preferably made of a 
metallic material, such as steel. The metallic material cannot be 
permeated by fuel hydrocarbons. Thus, the second fill pipe 73 provides 
reduced hydrocarbon emission for the filler neck assembly 40. 
Advantageously, the length of rubber second fill hose 84 is reduced, but 
is still sufficient to provide flexibility to the filler neck assembly 40, 
as described above for shipping and for adjusting the position of the gas 
cap and housing assembly 20 relative to the side body panel 16 during 
final body assembly. 
Similar to the second fill pipe 73, the fuel filler neck assembly 40 
includes an axially elongated second vent pipe 80 having an axial length. 
The second vent pipe 80 includes a plurality of raised, annular second 
vent beads 81, 82, 83, 88 thereon which are preferably spaced along the 
second vent pipe 80 at different intervals than are found on the second 
fill pipe 73. Instead, the second vent pipe 80 is designed to accommodate 
an even greater number of variations including both the vehicle widths and 
single or dual fuel tanks systems. For example, the second vent pipe 80 is 
shown at its longest length for accommodating the longest predetermined 
filler neck length for the longest predetermined vehicle length with a 
single fuel tank system. The second vent bead 81 is used to accommodate 
the longest vehicle length with a dual fuel tank system. Second vent bead 
82 is used to accommodate the second longest vehicle length with a single 
fuel tank system and so on for the second vent beads 83 and 88. While many 
variations are possible, it is only important that the second fill and 
vent beads 74, 75, 81, 82, 83, 88 be spaced to provide filler neck lengths 
that accommodate the predetermined set of filler neck lengths required for 
the predetermined set of vehicle lengths or wheelbases and fuel tank 
systems available for a given vehicle 10. 
To accommodate shorter filler neck lengths, the second vent pipe 80 is 
severable adjacent to each of the second vent beads 81, 82, 83, 88 for 
permitting adjustment of the axial length of the second vent pipe 80 to 
each of the corresponding predetermined vehicle lengths. For example, the 
second vent pipe 80 may be severed adjacent to the second vent bead 81, 
such that second vent bead 81 remains on the used portion of the second 
vent pipe 80. The unused length of the second vent pipe 81, designated 
approximately as D in FIG. 1, may be discarded. Then the second vent hose 
85 is slid over the second vent pipe 80 and the second vent bead 81 and 
one of the second clamps 86 can be placed on the second vent hose 85 past 
the second vent bead 81 for secure attachment of the second vent hose 85 
to the second vent pipe 80. It will be appreciated that the second vent 
pipe 80 is also severable at second vent beads 82, 83, 88 in a similar 
manner as described with respect to second vent bead 81 to accommodate a 
variety of predetermined filler neck lengths required for predetermined 
vehicle lengths. It will also be appreciated that the second vent hose 85 
could also be severed prior to reattachment to the second vent pipe 80 to 
provide a fine adjustment of the filler neck assembly 40. 
Also advantageously, the second vent pipe 80 is preferably made of a 
metallic material, such as steel. The metallic material cannot be 
permeated by fuel hydrocarbons. Thus, the second vent pipe 80 provides 
reduced hydrocarbon emissions for the filler neck assembly 40. 
Advantageously, the length of rubber second vent hose 85 is reduced and 
partially replaced by the second vent pipe 80, but is still sufficient to 
provide flexibility to the filler neck assembly 40 for adjusting the 
position of the gas cap and housing assembly 20 and fill and vent pipe 
assembly 50 relative to the side body panel 16 during shipping and 
assembly. 
The filler neck assembly 40 may also include a flexible third fill hose 90 
and a flexible third vent hose 91. The third fill and vent hoses 90, 91 
are axially elongated and are preferably made of an elastomeric material, 
such as rubber. The third fill hose 90 has one end attached to the second 
fill pipe 73 and an opposite end attached to the fuel tank 24. The third 
vent hose 91 has one end attached to the second vent pipe 80 and an 
opposite end attached to the fuel tank 24. The ends of the second fill and 
vent hoses 90, 91 are secured in place by third clamps 92. Advantageously, 
the second fill and vent hoses 90, 91 provide a flexible connection 
between the second fill and vent pipes 73, 80 and the fuel tank 24 such 
that the filler neck assembly 40 can be freely bent and rotated at this 
juncture. It will be appreciated that the fuel tank 24 preferably includes 
outwardly protruding fill and vent connector tubes, such as 93, to which 
the third fill and vent hoses 90, 91 are connected at the fuel tank 24. 
It will be appreciated that the lengths of the rubber fill and vent hoses 
51, 52, 84, 85, 90, 91 are reduced and largely replaced by the metallic 
fill and vent pipes 53, 60, 73, 80 such that the overall permeation of 
hydrocarbons for the filler neck assembly 40 can be reduced while 
maintaining the flexibility of the filler neck assembly 40 needed for 
shipping and assembly. It will further be appreciated that a single filler 
neck assembly 40 can be used to accommodate all predetermined variations 
in length and width of the vehicle 10 so that numerous filler neck 
assemblies need not be provided. Additionally, fabrication of extra beads 
after shipping the filler neck assembly 40 with the vehicle 10 does not 
need to be done by the upfitters. Furthermore, the predetermined placement 
of the beads 55, 56, 57, 61, 62, 63, 74, 75, 81, 82, 83, 88 ensures that 
there will be a tight connection with all of the hoses 51, 52, 84, 85 for 
further minimization of hydrocarbon permeation through the filler neck 
assembly 40. It will also be appreciated that it is more desirable to 
discard portions of the metallic pipes 53, 73, 60, 80 than portions of 
rubber hoses as in the prior art, for both economic reasons and 
recyclability or reuse of the discarded portions. 
It will be understood that a person skilled in the art may make 
modifications to the preferred embodiment shown herein within the scope 
and intent of the claims. Although the filler neck assembly 40 is shown as 
adjustable for both predetermined filler neck widths and filler neck 
lengths, it will be appreciated that any combination of final filler neck 
dimensions corresponding to a predetermined final set of vehicle 
dimensions may be accommodated. For example, the filler neck assembly 
could accommodate variations in predetermined filler neck widths only or 
variations in predetermined filler neck lengths only. It will also be 
appreciated that annular beads (not shown) are also included adjacent the 
clamps 54, 86 and 92 as the filler neck assembly 40 is originally 
provided. It will further be appreciated that while the pipes 53, 73, 60, 
80 are severable at the beads 55, 56, 57, 61, 62, 63, 74, 75, 81, 82, 83, 
88 to provide major adjustments for the final vehicle dimensions, the 
hoses especially the second fill and vent hoses 84, 85 may also be severed 
for minor adjustments to fit the final vehicle dimensions. 
FIG. 3 shows an alternate embodiment of the invention similar to that of 
FIGS. 1 and 2, but showing a filler neck assembly 40' for use with a 
rearward-positioned fuel tank 24'. Similar components having similar 
descriptions to those of FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by similar numerals 
with a prime added. The rearward-positioned fuel tank 24' may be used 
alone or preferably in combination with a forward-positioned fuel tank 24 
and filler neck assembly 40 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The main difference 
is that the filler neck assembly 40' shown for the rearward-positioned 
tank 24' is only adjustable for variations of filler neck widths based on 
variations in vehicle widths. Thus, the filler neck assembly 40' includes 
the parts of a first fill hose 51', a first vent hose 52', a first fill 
pipe 53' including first fill beads 55', 56', 57', and a first vent pipe 
60' including first vent beads 61', 62', 63'. The width adjustment of the 
first fill pipe 53' and the first vent pipe 60' operates in a similar 
manner as described above for first fill and vent pipes 53, 60. The second 
fill hose 84' has one end connected to the first fill pipe 53' and has 
another end operatively connected to the fuel tank 24'. The second vent 
hose 85' has one end connected to the first vent pipe 60' and has another 
end operatively connected to the fuel tank 24'. Thus, the second fill and 
vent hoses 84', 85' are operatively connected to the fuel tank 24' and the 
remaining components, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 for the adjustment of 
filler neck lengths, are not necessary. 
While the present invention has been described as carried out in specific 
embodiments thereof, it is not intended to be limited thereby but is 
intended to cover the invention broadly within the scope and spirit of the 
appended claims.