Abstract:
A baffle device, configured to be disposed near an outlet of a fuel tank, includes a fitting having an aperture therethrough and a first baffle. The first baffle includes a passageway in fluid communication with the aperture and a first baffle aperture configured to permit entry of fuel vapor into the passageway and exit of fuel vapor from the passageway. The baffle device also includes a second baffle overlying at least a portion of the first baffle aperture.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/969,221 filed on Aug. 31, 2007, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to internal combustion engines, and more particularly to fuel systems for internal combustion engines. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Fuel systems for internal combustion engines often include a canister containing activated carbon that is connected to a fuel tank by a tube. Vapor vented from the fuel tank is routed to the canister to remove or adsorb hydrocarbons and other vapor emissions from the vapor before the vapor is vented to the atmosphere. 
         [0004]    However, during operation of the engine or the equipment with which the engine is utilized, vibration of the engine or movement of the vehicle may cause fuel in the fuel tank to splash or slosh against the walls of the fuel tank. Excessive splashing or sloshing of fuel in the fuel tank may cause some fuel in the fuel tank to pass through the tube and leak into the canister. Once saturated with liquid fuel, activated carbon may become less efficient in removing or adsorbing hydrocarbons from the vapor vented from the fuel tank. Liquid in the venting system or carbon canister can adversely affect the operation of the fuel tank ventilation system. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention provides, in one aspect, a baffle or liquid fuel barrier device configured for use with a fuel tank. The device substantially prevents liquid fuel from entering a carbon canister that absorbs fuel vapor. 
         [0006]    The present invention provides, in one aspect, a baffle device configured to be disposed near an outlet of a fuel tank. The baffle device includes a fitting having an aperture therethrough and a first baffle. The first baffle includes a passageway in fluid communication with the aperture and at least one first baffle aperture configured to permit entry of fuel vapor into the passageway and exit of fuel vapor from the passageway. The baffle device also includes a second baffle overlying at least a portion of the first baffle aperture. The second baffle preferably includes a second baffle aperture that is misaligned with the first baffle aperture. 
         [0007]    The present invention provides, in another aspect, a fuel tank assembly including a fuel tank having a wall at least partially defining a fuel-containing space, a fitting coupled to the wall, the fitting having an aperture therethrough, and a first baffle. The first baffle includes a passageway in fluid communication with the aperture and at least one first baffle aperture configured to permit entry of fuel vapor into the passageway and exit of fuel vapor from the passageway. The fuel tank assembly also includes a second baffle overlying at least a portion of the first baffle aperture. 
         [0008]    The present invention provides, in yet another aspect, a baffle device including a fitting with an aperture therethrough. The aperture has an inlet end and an outlet end. The baffle device also includes a first baffle coupled to the fitting. The first baffle defines a first passageway in fluid communication with the inlet end of the aperture in the fitting. The first baffle includes a longitudinal slot. The baffle device further includes a second baffle coupled to the fitting. The second baffle defines a second passageway receiving at least a portion of the first baffle. The second baffle includes a longitudinal slot misaligned with the longitudinal slot in the first baffle. It is understood that the fitting, the aperture, and the baffles may be molded integrally as one piece with the wall of a plastic fuel tank. Alternatively, other constructions of the baffle device may incorporate both plastic and metal components that are separate from one another. 
         [0009]    In each of the embodiments, the baffles preferably comprise one or more concentric, curved or arc-shaped members having slots in them or gaps between them to reduce the splashing of liquid fuel into or near the inlet end of the aperture in the fitting. 
         [0010]    Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a fuel tank assembly including a fuel tank, and a baffle device of the present invention coupled to the fuel tank. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the baffle device of  FIG. 1   
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the baffle device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is an assembled, end perspective view of the baffle device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is an assembled side view of the baffle device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is an assembled side view of the baffle device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is an assembled side view of the baffle device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is an assembled end view of the baffle device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the baffle device of  FIG. 1 , taken along line  9 - 9  in  FIG. 8 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a side perspective view of a second construction of a baffle device of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a side perspective view of the baffle device of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is an exploded, end perspective view of the baffle device of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is an end perspective view of the baffle device of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the baffle device of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is an end view of the baffle device of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is an exploded, end perspective view of a third construction of a baffle device of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  is an assembled, end perspective view of the baffle device of  FIG. 16 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the baffle device of  FIG. 16 , taken along line  18 - 18  in  FIG. 17 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  is a side view of the baffle device of  FIG. 16 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  is an end view of the baffle device of  FIG. 16 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of the baffle device of  FIG. 16 , taken along line  21 - 21  in  FIG. 20 . 
       
    
    
       [0032]    Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]      FIG. 1  illustrates a fuel system  10  including a fuel tank assembly having a fuel tank  14  and a baffle device  18  coupled to the tank  14 . The fuel system  10  also includes a canister  22  containing activated carbon and a tube  26  fluidly connecting the canister  22  and the baffle device  18 . The canister  22  may be similar to the canister shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,159,577, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. The fuel system  10  may be used to provide fuel for internal combustion engines incorporated in outdoor power equipment (e.g., walk-behind lawn mowers, lawn tractors, generators, snow-throwers, and other non-hand held or hand-held outdoor power equipment). 
         [0034]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-9 , the baffle device  18  includes a fitting  30  having an aperture  34  defining a central axis  36 . In the illustrated construction of the baffle device  18 , the aperture  34  is configured as a stepped aperture  34 , including an inlet end  38  and an outlet end  42  having different diameters. Specifically, the inlet end  38  of the aperture  34  has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the outlet end  42  of the aperture  34  to reduce the amount of liquid fuel that could flow through the aperture  34  and control the amount of vapor allowed to exit the tank  14  during refueling. In alternative constructions of the baffle device  18 , the inlet end  38  of the aperture  34  may have a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the outlet end  42  of the aperture  34 . Alternatively, the aperture  34  may have a substantially constant diameter from the inlet end  38  to the outlet end  42 . The fitting  30  preferably also includes a barb  46  configured to be inserted into the tube  26  that fluidly interconnects the baffle device  18  and the canister  22  or other ventilation system components. As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  9 , the aperture  34  passes through the barb  46 . 
         [0035]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-9 , the baffle device  18  also includes nested baffles  50   a,    50   b,  each having a longitudinal axis coaxial with the central axis  36 , coupled to the fitting  30 . Alternatively, one or both of the nested baffles  50   a,    50   b  may be non-collinear with the central axis  36 . As shown in  FIGS. 1-3  and  9 , the baffle  50   a  includes respective ends  54 ,  58  and defines a passageway  62  between the respective ends  54 ,  58  of the baffle  50   a.  Likewise, the baffle  50   b  includes respective ends  66 ,  70  and defines a passageway  74  between the respective ends  66 ,  70  of the baffle  50   b.  The fitting  30  includes a cylindrical groove  78 , at least partially defined by an inner peripheral wall  82 , that is concentric with the aperture  34  (see  FIG. 3 ). The baffle  50   a  is received within the groove  78  to fluidly communicate the passageway  62  and the aperture  34  in the fitting  30 . In the illustrated construction of the baffle device  18 , the outer diameter OD a  of the baffle  50   a  and the outer diameter of the groove  78  are sized to provide an interference fit between the end  58  of the baffle  50   a  and the inner peripheral wall  82  (see  FIG. 7 ). In alternative constructions of the baffle device  18 , the baffle  50   a  may be coupled to the fitting  30  in any of a number of different ways to fluidly communicate the passageway  62  of the baffle  50   a  and the aperture  34  in the fitting  30 . In yet other alternative constructions of the baffle device  18 , the baffle  50   a  may be integrally formed as a single piece with the fitting  30 . 
         [0036]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 1-3  and  9 , the fitting  30  also includes a second groove  86 , at least partially defined by an inner peripheral wall  94 , that is concentric with the first groove  78  and the aperture  34  (see  FIG. 3 ). The baffle  50   b  is received within the groove  86 , and at least a portion of the baffle  50   a  is positioned within the passageway  74  of the baffle  50   b.  In the illustrated construction of the baffle device  18 , the outer diameter ODb of the baffle  50   b  (see  FIG. 5 ) and the outer diameter of the groove  86  are sized to provide an interference fit between the end  70  of the baffle  50   b  and the inner peripheral wall  94 . In alternative constructions of the baffle device  18 , the baffle  50   b  may be coupled to the fitting  30  in any of a number of different ways to receive at least a portion of the baffle  50   a  within the passageway  74  of the baffle  50   b.  In yet other alternative constructions of the baffle device  18 , the baffle  50   b  may be integrally formed as a single piece with the fitting  30 . Further, the baffle  50   a  may be coupled to the fitting  30  in any manner described above, and the baffle  50   b  may be directly coupled to the baffle  50   a  in any number of different ways (e.g., fastening, welding, using adhesives, integrally forming, etc.). Likewise, the baffle  50   b  may be coupled to the fitting  30  in any manner described above, and the baffle  50   a  may be directly coupled to the baffle  50   b  in any number of different ways (e.g., fastening, welding, using adhesives, integrally forming, etc.). 
         [0037]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-9 , the fitting  30  further includes a cylindrical outer portion  90  sized to provide an interference fit with a peripheral surface defining an aperture  92  in the fuel tank  14  (see  FIG. 1 ). The fitting  30  may also be welded to the fuel tank  14  or adhesives may be utilized to further secure the baffle device  18  to the fuel tank  14 . Alternatively, at least a portion of the baffle device  18  (e.g., the fitting  30 ) may be integrally formed with a portion of the fuel tank  14  (e.g., a wall of the fuel tank  14  that at least partially defines a fuel-containing space). Further, the respective baffles  50   a,    50   b  may be integrally formed as a single piece with the fitting  30 , or the baffles  50   a,    50   b  may be integrally formed as a single piece with the fitting  30  and a portion of the fuel tank  14 . As a further alternative, other structure (e.g., a grommet) may be utilized to secure the baffle device  18  to the fuel tank  14 . 
         [0038]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , the baffle  50   a  is sized such that a ratio of the length La of the baffle  50   a  to the inner diameter IDa of the baffle  50   a  is at least about 3:1. Generally, increasing the ratio of the length La of the baffle  50   a  to the inner diameter IDa of the baffle  50   a  also steepens the angle at which fuel within the baffle  50   a  or fuel below the baffle  50   a  must splash to reach the aperture  34  through the passageway  62 . With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , the baffle  50   b  is sized such that a ratio of the length Lb of the baffle  50   b  to the inner diameter IDb of the baffle  50   b  is at least about 2:1. 
         [0039]    With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the baffle  50   a  includes a first baffle aperture preferably configured as a longitudinal slot  98  extending between the respective ends  54 ,  58  of the baffle  50   a.  In the illustrated construction of the baffle device  18 , the width Wa of the slot  98  is between about one-fourth of an inch and about one-sixteenth of an inch (see  FIG. 7 ). The baffle  50   b  also includes a second baffle aperture preferably configured as a longitudinal slot  102  extending between the respective ends  66 ,  70  of the baffle  50   b.  In the illustrated construction of the baffle device  18 , the width Wb of the slot  102  is at least about one-sixteenth of an inch (see  FIG. 5 ), and is about equal to the width Wa of the slot  98 . The widths Wa,Wb of the respective slots  98 ,  102  are sized small enough to reduce the amount of liquid fuel entering the passageway  62  through the baffles  50   a,    50   b  in a direction substantially transverse to the central axis  36  of the aperture  34 , yet large enough to allow sufficient vapor venting from the fuel tank  14  at high fill levels and tilt angles of fuel in the fuel tank  14 . The widths Wa,Wb of the respective slots  98 ,  102  are also sized large enough to allow substantially uninhibited movement of air through the slots  98 ,  102  to allow replacement air to enter the fuel tank  14  when the fill level in the tank  14  decreases. Further, the widths Wa,Wb of the respective slots  98 ,  102  are sized large enough to substantially prevent liquid fuel in the fuel tank  14  from coalescing or bridging the widths Wa,Wb of the respective slots  98 ,  102  due to the effects of surface tension, viscosity, and surface energy that may otherwise inhibit the flow of vapor through the slots  98 ,  102 . Alternatively, each of the baffles  50   a,    50   b  may include one or more longitudinally-spaced apertures rather than the slots  98 ,  102 . 
         [0040]    With reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  8 , the respective slots  98 ,  102  of the baffles  50   a,    50   b  are misaligned with one another such that the slot  98  in the baffle  50   a  is not in facing relationship with the slot  102  in the baffle  50   b  to provide a straight-line path through the baffles  50   a,    50   b  in a direction substantially transverse to the central axis  36  of the aperture  34 . Specifically, in the illustrated construction of the baffle device  18 , the slot  98  in the baffle  50   a  is misaligned with the slot  102  in the baffle  50   b  by about 180 degrees. In alternative constructions of the baffle device  18 , the slot  98  in the baffle  50   a  may be misaligned with the slot  102  in the baffle  50   b  by at least about 30 degrees. In yet other alternative constructions of the baffle device  18 , the baffle  50   b  need not comprise a complete cylinder, but rather may comprise a portion of a cylinder (i.e., a curved or an arc-shaped portion) that is sufficiently long enough (e.g., about 60 or more degrees) to at least partially shield the slot  98  in the baffle  50   a.    
         [0041]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , the fitting  30  provides a gap G between the outer diameter ODa of the baffle  50   a  and the inner diameter IDb of the baffle  50   b  through which fuel vapor must flow to reach the passageway  62  of the baffle  50   a  and the aperture  34  in the fitting  30 . The gap G is sized large enough for the same reasons as discussed above with respect to the widths Wa,Wb of the respective slots  98 ,  102 , i.e., to substantially prevent liquid fuel from adhering or coalescing between the outer wall of the baffle  50   a  and the inner wall of the baffle  50   b  due to the effects of surface tension, viscosity, and surface energy that may otherwise inhibit the flow of vapor through the gap G. 
         [0042]    With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , the end  54  of the baffle  50   a  is spaced from the end  66  of the baffle  50   b  by a length dimension ΔL along the central axis  36 . Spacing the respective ends  54 ,  66  of the baffles  50   a,    50   b  in this manner substantially reduces coalescence of fuel between the ends  54 ,  66  of the respective baffles  50   a,    50   b.  The length dimension ΔL is sized large enough for the same reasons as discussed above with respect to the widths Wa,Wb of the respective slots  98 ,  102 , i.e., to substantially prevent liquid fuel from adhering or coalescing between the ends  54 ,  66  of the respective baffles  50   a,    50   b  due to the effects of surface tension, viscosity, and surface energy that may otherwise inhibit the flow of vapor between the baffles  50   a,    50   b  and through the gap G. In the illustrated construction of the baffle device  18 , the length dimension ΔL is greater than the gap G. Alternative constructions of the baffle device  18  in which the length dimension ΔL is decreased may also include an increased gap G to provide sufficient spacing between the ends  54 ,  66  of the respective baffles  50   a,    50   b  to substantially prevent liquid fuel from coalescing between the ends  54 ,  66  of the respective baffles  50   a,    50   b.  Alternative constructions of the baffle device  18  in which the gap G is decreased may also include an increased length dimension ΔL to provide sufficient spacing between the ends  54 ,  66  of the respective baffles  50   a,    50   b  to substantially prevent liquid fuel from coalescing between the ends  54 ,  66  of the respective baffles  50   a,    50   b.  In yet other alternative constructions, the baffle device  18  may, however, incorporate a length dimension ΔL at least as large as the gap G. 
         [0043]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , assuming the level of fuel within the tank  14  is below the end  54  of the baffle  50   a,  fuel vapor in the tank  14  may exit the tank  14  by flowing directly through the passageway  62  of the baffle  50   a  (upwardly as shown in  FIG. 1 ) and through the aperture  34  in the fitting  30  to reach the canister  22  via the tube  26 . The nested baffles  50   a,    50   b,  however, reduce the amount of liquid fuel, as it is splashed or sloshed against the walls of the fuel tank  14 , that reaches the aperture  34  in the fitting  30  and the canister  22 . Specifically, the misaligned slots  98 ,  102  in the baffles  50   a,    50   b  provide a tortuous path that reduces the amount of liquid fuel that splashes through the baffles  50   a,    50   b,  in a direction substantially transverse to the central axis  36 , and into the passageway  62  of the baffle  50   a  or the aperture  34  in the fitting  30 . 
         [0044]    Should the fuel tank  14  be filled such that the fuel level is above the lower ends  54 ,  66  of the respective baffles  50   a,    50   b,  fuel vapor in the tank  14  may exit the tank  14  by flowing through the tortuous path created by the misaligned slots  98 ,  102  in the baffles  50   a,    50   b,  in a direction substantially transverse to the central axis  36 . Upon reaching the passageway  62  of the baffle  50   a,  the fuel vapor may flow through the aperture  34  in the fitting  30  to reach the canister  22  via the tube  26 . However, the nested baffles  50   a,    50   b  reduce the amount of liquid fuel, as it is splashed or sloshed against the walls of the fuel tank  14 , that reaches the aperture  34  in the fitting  30  in substantially the same manner as described above when the level of fuel in the fuel tank  14  is below the respective lower ends  54 ,  66  of the baffles  50   a,    50   b.    
         [0045]      FIGS. 10-15  illustrate a second construction of a baffle device  106  configured for use with the fuel tank  14 , the tube  26 , and the canister  22  of  FIG. 1 . Like the baffle device  18 , the baffle device  106  includes a fitting  108  having an aperture  112  therethrough and a cylindrical outer portion  113 . With reference to  FIGS. 10-12 , the baffle device  106  also includes a spiraled baffle  110  having respective ends  114 ,  118  and defining a passageway  122  between the respective ends  114 ,  118  of the baffle  110 . The spiraled baffle  110  includes nested windings  126   a,    126   b  that define a spiraled tortuous path about a central axis  120  of the aperture  112  (see  FIG. 12 ). In the illustrated construction of the baffle device  106 , the interior winding  126   a  is engaged with the cylindrical outer portion  113  of the fitting  108  by an interference fit to secure the baffle  110  to the fitting  108  (see  FIG. 13 ). In alternative constructions of the baffle device  106 , the baffle  110  may be coupled to the fitting  108  in any of a number of different ways to fluidly communicate the passageway  122  of the baffle  110  and the aperture  112  in the fitting  106 . 
         [0046]    As previously stated, the baffle device  106  may be utilized with the fuel tank  14 , the tube  26 , and the canister  22  of  FIG. 1 . Assuming the level of fuel within the tank  14  is below the end  114  of the baffle  110 , fuel vapor in the tank  14  may exit the tank  14  by flowing directly through the passageway  122  of the baffle  110  and through the aperture  112  in the fitting  108  to reach the canister  22  via the tube  26 . The nested windings  126   a,    126   b,  however, reduce the amount of liquid fuel, as it is splashed or sloshed against the walls of the fuel tank  14 , that reaches the aperture  112  in the fitting  108  and the canister  22 . Specifically, the nested windings  126   a,    126   b  provide a tortuous path that reduces the amount of liquid fuel that splashes through the nested windings  126   a,    126   b  of the baffle  110 , in a direction substantially transverse to the central axis  120 , and reaches the passageway  122  of the baffle  110  or the aperture  112  in the fitting  108 . 
         [0047]    Should the fuel tank  14  be filled such that the fuel level is above the lower end  114  of the baffle  110 , fuel vapor in the tank  14  may exit the tank  14  by flowing through the tortuous path created by the nested windings  126   a,    126   b  along a path spiraled about the central axis  120 . Upon reaching the passageway  122  of the baffle  110 , the fuel vapor may flow through the aperture  112  in the fitting  108  to reach the canister  22  via the tube  26 . However, the nested windings  126   a,    126   b  reduce the amount of liquid fuel, as it is splashed or sloshed against the walls of the fuel tank  14 , that reaches the aperture  112  in the fitting  108  in substantially the same manner as described above when the level of fuel in the fuel tank  14  is below the lower end  114  of the baffle  110 . 
         [0048]      FIGS. 16-21  illustrate a third construction of a baffle device  130  configured for use with the fuel tank  14 , the tube  26 , and the canister  22  of  FIG. 1 . Like the baffle device  18 , the baffle device  130  includes a fitting  132  having a stepped aperture  133  therethrough, with an inlet end  135  and an outlet end  136 , and a cylindrical outer portion  137  (see  FIG. 18 ). With reference to  FIGS. 16 ,  17 , and  20 , the baffle device  130  includes a two-piece baffle  134  including opposed J-shaped baffles  138  defining a passageway  142  between the respective baffles  138 . Each J-shaped or other curved baffle  138  includes a substantially curved or cylindrical portion  146  and a straight portion  150  extending from the curved or cylindrical portion  146 . In the illustrated construction of the baffle device  130 , the respective arced, curved, or cylindrical portions  146  of the J-shaped baffles  138  engage the cylindrical outer portion  137  of the fitting  132  by an interference fit to secure the respective baffles  138  to the fitting  132  (see  FIG. 20 ). In alternative constructions of the baffle device  130 , the two-piece baffle  134  may be coupled to the fitting  132  in any of a number of different ways to fluidly communicate the passageway  142  defined by the baffles  138  and the aperture  133  in the fitting  132 . 
         [0049]    As previously stated, the baffle device  130  may be utilized with the fuel tank  14 , the tube  26 , and the canister  22  of  FIG. 1 . Assuming the level of fuel within the tank  14  is below the lower end of the two-piece baffle  134 , fuel vapor in the tank  14  may exit the tank  14  by flowing directly through the passageway  142  defined between the baffles  138  and through the aperture  133  in the fitting  132  to reach the canister  22  via the tube  26 . The curved or cylindrical portions  146  of the baffles  138  and the straight portions  150  of the baffles  138 , however, reduce the amount of liquid fuel, as it is splashed or sloshed against the walls of the fuel tank  14 , that reaches the aperture  133  in the fitting  132  and the canister  22 . Specifically, the J-shaped baffles  138  provide tortuous paths between the curved or cylindrical portion  146  of one baffle  138  and the straight portion  150  of the other baffle  138  to reduce the amount of liquid fuel that splashes through the two-piece baffle  134 , in a direction substantially transverse to a central axis  140  of the aperture  133  (see  FIG. 16 ), and reaches the passageway  142  defined between the baffles  138  or the aperture  133  in the fitting  132 . 
         [0050]    Should the fuel tank  14  be filled such that the fuel level is above the lower end of the two-piece baffle  134 , fuel vapor in the tank  14  may exit the tank  14  by flowing through the tortuous paths created between the curved or cylindrical portion  146  of one baffle  138  and the straight portion  150  of the other baffle  138 . Upon reaching the passageway  142  defined between the respective baffles  138 , the fuel vapor may flow through the aperture  133  in the fitting  132  to reach the canister  22  via the tube  26 . However, the two-piece baffle  134  reduces the amount of liquid fuel, as it is splashed or sloshed against the walls of the fuel tank  14 , that reaches the aperture  133  in the fitting  132  in substantially the same manner as described above when the level of fuel in the fuel tank  14  is below the lower end of the two-piece baffle  134 . 
         [0051]    Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.