Filler neck insert

The insert of the invention is designed for installation in a gasoline filler neck so that the neck is restricted to a size allowing filling only by unleaded gasoline-size nozzles. The insert is designed for situations where the original restrictor has been removed and/or altered so that regular gas may be used. The insert is designed with locking teeth around the perimeter to allow the insert to be placed into the neck and yet provide that the insert is difficult to remove.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
In recent years for various reasons, most automobiles are required to use 
unleaded gasoline. In order to accomplish this restriction, pumps which 
dispense unleaded gasoline have a smaller sized nozzle than those pumps 
which dispense various leaded types of gasoline. Cars requiring unleaded 
gasoline typically have a filler neck having a restrictor located in the 
neck sized to accept only the smaller unleaded nozzle. As leaded gasoline 
has typically remained cheaper than unleaded gasoline, many motorists have 
altered the unleaded filler necks by means of chiseling, punching or the 
like to remove the restriction and allow the introduction of leaded 
gasoline into a vehicle designed for unleaded gasoline. Such alteration 
and tampering, in addition to being illegal, can cause deleterious effects 
on vehicle performance. 
Various state and Federal laws require the restrictor located in the filler 
neck to remain intact at all times and particularly upon resale of such a 
vehicle. In states with inspection laws, the insert must remain intact in 
order for a vehicle to be registered. Due to the original construction of 
tanks and filler necks by vehicle manufacturers, restoration of the 
original restricted filler neck can be an expensive and time-consuming 
proposition requiring in many cases replacement of the complete neck 
assembly or even the entire gas tank as the tank often is produced 
integrally with the filler neck. 
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a filler neck 
restrictor which may be easily inserted into a vehicle filler neck and yet 
which is highly resistant to removal therefrom. It is further an object of 
this invention to provide a restrictor which will comply with the 
applicable statutes and regulations and yet may be inexpensively and 
easily installed. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The insert of the instant invention is designed for use with a gasoline 
filler neck which has been altered to accept a larger, leaded 
gasoline-type nozzle. Typically, such alteration is accomplished by 
chiseling or otherwise opening up the smaller, unleaded sized opening. Due 
to the construction of the filler neck, this often leaves a small shelf or 
rim around the edge of the filler neck upon which the instant invention 
may rest. The invention itself is formed from a generally circular disk 
ideally made of spring steel. A generally circular central panel is 
provided which is slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the filler 
neck. Located in the central panel is a smaller opening sized to accept 
only an unleaded sized filler nozzle. An angled flange extends radially 
outwardly and upwardly from the central panel and has located about the 
periphery thereof a number of sharp teeth. Preferably, slots are provided 
to separate segments of the flange so as to allow flexing when the device 
is installed. 
The device is generally installed with the teeth angled outwardly; that is, 
toward the exterior of the car and the central panel placed in first and 
pressed downwardly until it seats upon the remaining ridge of the original 
restrictor plate. Because the teeth are angled upwardly and outwardly, any 
attempt to remove this plate merely results in the teeth imbedding 
themselves further into the cylindrical inner surface of the filler neck. 
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear more 
fully from the following description made in conjunction with the 
accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to the same 
or similar parts throughout the several views.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
The instant invention, generally designated 10, is designed for use in a 
vehicle 12 having a filler assembly 14. Filler assembly 14 is generally 
comprised of a neck 16 which may have threads 18 therein for retention of 
a screw-on cap. Filler assembly 16 is generally provided with an original 
restrictor assembly 20 which has had the original hole therein chiseled 
out or otherwise opened up to form a new, unrestricted opening 22. 
Sometimes, a small shoulder or ledge 24 remains of the original restrictor 
assembly 20. 
The restrictor assembly of the instant invention 10 is shown by itself in 
FIG. 3 and in the preferred emodiment is stamped from a single piece of 
spring steel. The restrictor 10 is formed having a generally circular 
central portion 28 with a hole 30 therein, hole 30 being sized to accept 
only an unleaded filler nozzle. Extending radially outwardly and at an 
angle from the plane of central portion 28 is a flange 34 which is 
separated from the central portion 28 by a crease 32. Generally, circular 
flange 34 has extending therefrom a plurality of teeth 36. A number of 
slots 38 are preferably provided in flange 34 and the outer portion of 
central portion 28 to enhance flexibility and ease of insertion. 
For insertion, the restrictor 10 is simply inserted into the filler neck 16 
with the teeth 36 facing outwardly until the edge of central protion 28 
seats upon the remaining ledge 24 of the original restrictor 20. 
While the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described, 
it should be understood that various changes, adaptions and modifications 
may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and 
the scope of the appended claims.