Abstract:
A replacement fuel intake device is provided that is removably mountable within a base portion of a vehicle and contains a housing that is pivotal from a closed position to an open position. While in the closed position, the fuel intake passage to the fuel tank is sealed. While in the open position, the fuel intake passage is able to receive fuel from a fuel nozzle. The fuel intake device can be combined with a condensation capture apparatus that provides multiple coils in communication with a fume tube. The coils are cooled during fueling by the fuel passing around them from their placement inside the fuel intake pipe and act to condense fuel fumes into fuel for return to the fuel tank as the fumes rise toward the fume tube. The replacement fuel intake device can also include a pressurization and depressurization valve.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to, U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 10/609,177, filed Jun. 26, 2003, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/434,148, filed Dec. 17, 2002, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/449,690, filed Feb. 24, 2003, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/457,537, filed Mar. 25, 2003; all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention generally relates to automotive accessories, and more particularly to a replacement vehicle fuel intake device for opening and closing a fuel intake passage for a vehicle that eliminates the need for a removable gas cap.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Typically, to pump gas into most cars, boats or other vehicles, the operator generally must remove a locking seal cap covering a fuel intake passage to open the intake passage for entry of a fuel nozzle therein. The opening of the gas intake pipe cover and the subsequent removal of the fuel cap is a two-step process that is not as convenient or as efficient as merely opening the cover and inserting the gasoline hose. Often, especially with many older cars, the operator must either hold on to the cap or lay it down on top of the car or somewhere else close to the vehicle while they pump the gas. A problem with this is that often times after pumping the gas, especially in inclement weather, the operator will forget to retrieve and replace the cap over the gas intake, often simply driving off and leaving the cap or having it roll away to become lost or destroyed. As a result, the gas intake for the car is left unsealed, enabling release of gasoline vapors and potential introduction of contaminants into the fuel tank, and the owner/operator must go to either the dealership or a specialty automotive store to find a gas cap of the particular size and configuration required for his or her vehicle.  
         [0004]     More recently, vehicle gas caps have begun to be equipped with a tether or strap, which allows the caps to simply hang or swing down below the fuel intake. The edges of the caps, however, can scratch the vehicle finish when allowed to drop or swing down, and if the straps become broken, the caps still can be lost. Another problem is that over time the fuel caps typically become covered with grease, fuel, dirt and dust and thus become somewhat messy and unsanitary to remove.  
         [0005]     Additionally, on average, there are over 16,000,000 vehicles sold in the United States every year and over 200,000,000 total vehicles on the road. Over the course of a year, it has been estimated that vehicles lose as much as 150,000,000 gallons of fuel a year because of a damaged or missing fuel cap. It is further estimated that upwards of over 200,000,000 gallons of fuel are lost every year through the forcing out of fumes of fuel that are in the fuel tank during the filling of the tank. These fumes are forced out of the fuel tank because the tank is a closed system that exchanges the fuel tank fumes with fuel during filling and draws those replaced fumes out of the tank into the recapture system of the fueling station. These escaping fumes are both a safety and environmental hazard. Fueling stations have been the site of numerous explosions caused by escaping fumes from fuel tanks. Additionally, the fumes aspirate the air and create environmental hazards in the air for humans, plants, and animals.  
         [0006]     It can therefore be seen that a need exists for an automobile fuel intake device that addresses these and other related and unrelated problems in the art.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     A fuel intake device is provided that presents a pivotally mounted body moveable between an open position and a closed position. When the fuel intake device is in the open position, an intake opening is provided that communicates with a fuel intake passage of the vehicle. When the fuel intake device is in its closed position, the fuel intake passage is sealed to prevent access or escape therefrom of the fuel. In the closed position, a pressurization/depressurization valve can be positioned over the fuel intake passage (as either a fixed or removable part of the device). A locking system can also be provided to provide additional security for the fuel intake device while in the closed position. The locking system could include a lock for the outer cover and/or for the fuel intake device. The fuel intake device lock/locks could restrict the device from untwisting and from flipping to the open position.  
         [0008]     A system and method for recovering escaping fumes from the fuel tank of a vehicle is also provided. This system and method works either in coordination with the fuel intake device as described herein or can be mounted within a traditional fuel tank to condense the fumes into fuel to be retained and used in the vehicle. The condensation system generally includes multiple coils in communication with a fume tube aligned along the fuel intake pipe. The coils have intake holes at their base that receive fumes rising to the top of the fuel tank. The coils spiral through the fuel intake pipe and dispense any fumes that are not condensed during travel through the coils into the fume tube. The fume tube can be in communication with the fuel intake device described above to discharge the fumes into the receiving jacket of the fuel nozzle provided for receipt of such fumes. In addition, the coils are cooled during a fueling operation by the passage of the liquid fuel through the fuel intake pipe about which the coils are extended and act to condense the fumes into liquid, condensed fuel as the fumes rise upwardly through the intake pipe toward the fume tube. The condensed fuel will then drain down the coils into the fuel tank to be used by the vehicle. Alternatively, or in addition to the cooling from the fuel flow, the coils can be cooled by connection to the air conditioning unit of the vehicle or by some other method.  
         [0009]     A replacement fuel intake device is also provided that presents a body portion that contains a pivotal housing moveable between an open and a closed position. The replacement fuel intake device can be inserted into the fuel intake pipe of the vehicle through a pipe fitting extension of the body portion. The pipe fitting extension can be threaded or force fit into or onto the fuel intake pipe to receive a fuel flow from a fuel nozzle into the tank of the vehicle. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]      FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a vehicle intake device of the present invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle fuel intake device in a closed position.  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the fuel intake device rotated to an open position.  
         [0013]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective illustration schematically illustrating an alternative design of the fuel intake device in an open position for receiving a fuel nozzle of a gas pump.  
         [0014]      FIG. 4B  is a side view schematically illustrating the fuel intake device of  FIG. 4A  in a closed position with a valve between the vehicle fuel intake passage being closed.  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  is a side view illustrating an additional embodiment of the vehicle fuel intake device of the present invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of another alternative design of the vehicle fuel intake device.  
         [0017]      FIGS. 7A-7B  are perspective views of still a further embodiment of the vehicle fuel intake device of the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are perspective views of the embodiment of the vehicle fuel intake device of  FIGS. 7A-7B , illustrated schematically with parts broken away.  
         [0019]      FIGS. 9A-9C  are perspective illustrations of a further alternative embodiment of the vehicle fuel intake device.  
         [0020]      FIG. 10  is a side view of a fuel tank with the coil condensation system.  
         [0021]      FIG. 11  is a schematic illustration of a coil of  FIG. 10 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle fuel intake device in the closed position and with pressurization and depressurization valves in a removable cap.  
         [0023]      FIG. 13  is a detailed view of the removable cap with the valves of  FIG. 12 .  
         [0024]      FIGS. 14-16  show various views of an intake pipe for an additional embodiment of the vehicle fuel intake device.  
         [0025]      FIG. 17  is a detailed view of the intake pipe of  FIGS. 14-16  in a hollow chamber of a cylinder shell.  
         [0026]      FIG. 18A  is a perspective illustration schematically illustrating an alternative design of the fuel intake device in an open position for receiving a fuel nozzle of a gas pump.  
         [0027]      FIG. 18B  is a side view schematically illustrating the fuel intake device of  FIG. 18A  in a closed position. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0028]     The present invention generally comprises a fuel intake device  10  for a fuel intake system of a vehicle such as an automobile, boat, etc. As shown in the attached drawings,  FIG. 1-4B , the fuel intake device  10  generally includes a cylindrical or tubular intake body or pipe  12 , generally formed from a metal material such as aluminum or other types of corrosion resistant material such as various synthetics or plastic materials. As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the pipe  12  generally is cylindrical, although other shapes and configurations also can be used, and typically is mounted within a larger cylindrical base portion  13  that will be pivotally mounted within a recess or well  14  ( FIG. 1  and  4 A) of a vehicle, by a pivot pin or rod  16 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the base  13  can be of a reduced size sufficient to support the intake pipe  12  so as to define a valve  15  ( FIG. 2 ) between the intake pipe  12  and a vehicle fuel inlet pipe  17 . As a result, the intake pipe  12  of the fuel intake device  10  is enabled to pivot from a closed position, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 B, to an open position as illustrated in  FIGS. 1, 3  and  4 A, by being rotated in the direction of arrows  18  and  18 ′ ( FIGS. 3 and 4 A).  
         [0029]     As indicated in  FIGS. 1-4B , the intake pipe or body  12  of the fuel intake device  10  defines an intake or flow passage  20 , through which fuel can be pumped from a fuel pump nozzle  22 , as indicated in  FIG. 4A . In addition, the intake pipe  12  generally includes a forward or proximal end  24  having an intake opening  26  that generally includes a biased closure element  27  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 A) as is commonly included with the fuel intakes for most vehicles. The intake pipe further includes a distal end  28  ( FIG. 4B ) that communicates with a proximal end  34  of the fuel inlet pipe  17  of the vehicle so as to define a reclosable valve between the proximal and distal ends of the intake pipe  12  and vehicle fuel inlet pipe  17 , respectively.  
         [0030]     When the intake pipe  12  of the fuel intake device  10  is pivoted in the direction of arrow  18  to its open position shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 A, the internal valve  15  within the cylindrical base  13  is opened so that the fuel intake or flow passage  20  through the intake pipe  12  is in open communication with the passage of the vehicle fuel inlet pipe  17  to allow fuel to be pumped therethrough. Once a fueling operation has been completed and the fuel pump nozzle  22  has been removed from the fuel flow passage  20  of the intake pipe  12 , the fuel intake device can then be pivoted downwardly in the direction of arrow  18 ′ ( FIG. 4A ) to move the body to its closed position whereupon the proximal and distal ends of the body and vehicle fuel inlet pipe  17 , respectively, are moved out of registration so as to close off and substantially seal the passage therebetween, as indicated in  FIG. 4B .  
         [0031]     As further indicated in  FIGS. 2-4B , a lid or cover  36 , such as typically found on most vehicles, further generally will be provided attached to the base portion  13  ( FIGS. 2-3 ) or to the intake pipe itself ( FIGS. 4A-4B ) of the fuel intake device  10  of the present invention, for enclosing the fuel intake well or recess  14  ( FIG. 4A ). When the fuel intake device is in its closed position as shown in  FIG. 4B , the cover will be lowered to a closed and covering position, enclosing the recess  14 . In addition, a lock (not shown) can be provided so as to secure the cover in a closed and locked position and prevent access to the fuel intake device and fuel inlet pipe of the vehicle when the fuel intake device is in its closed and locked position, which lock can be remotely actuated, such as by a button within the vehicle, or electronically for added security.  
         [0032]     Still further alternative embodiments or designs of the fuel intake device  10  are illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . In each of these embodiments, the cover  36  includes a stopper  38  ( FIG. 5 ) or a sleeve  40  adapted to engage and close/seal the open end  42  of the vehicle fuel inlet pipe  17 . The stopper  38  ( FIG. 5 ) and/or sleeve  40  ( FIG. 6 ) can be formed from a flexible sealing material such as a rubber, plastic, or other corrosion-resistant, synthetic material that will either engage and fit within the opening  42  of the vehicle fuel inlet pipe  17  as indicated in  FIG. 5 , or alternatively, engage and fit over the open end  42  of the vehicle fuel inlet pipe  17  as shown in  FIG. 6 . Alternatively, the stopper  38  ( FIG. 5 ) or sleeve  40  ( FIG. 6 ) can be formed from a substantially rigid, corrosion resistant material and include a gasket or sealing ring formed from a sealing material such as rubber or other synthetic material, and which is adapted to engage and fit tightly about, mate to, or fit within the open end of the vehicle fuel inlet pipe to form a substantially air tight seal therebetween. As indicated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the cover can simply be pivoted in the direction of arrows  18  and  18 ′ between its open and closed positions for unsealing and sealing the vehicle fuel inlet pipe.  
         [0033]      FIGS. 7A-8B  illustrate yet a further embodiment of the fuel intake device  50 . In this embodiment, the fuel intake device includes a body portion typically formed as a cylinder  51  ( FIGS. 7A, 8A , and  8 B) that is pivotally received within an inner housing or well  52  ( FIGS. 7B and 8B ) mounted within the vehicle. The cylinder  51  typically is pivotally attached to the housing by pins or axles  53  ( FIG. 8B ) received within openings  54  formed in the end walls  56  and  57  of the housing as indicated in  FIG. 8B . As discussed above, the cylinder  51  can be formed from a durable, lightweight, corrosion resistant material such as aluminum, steel or other metals, or can be formed from a synthetic material such as various plastics, and typically is approximately 3-4 inches in diameter, although other size cylinders can be used sufficient to enable ease of access of the nozzle of the gasoline pump to fit therewithin, while at the same time enable the cylinder to easily rotate between an open, operative position and a closed, non-operative position.  
         [0034]     As shown in  FIGS. 7A and 8A , the cylinder  51  generally includes a body  58  having opposed ends  59  and  61  at which the hinge pins  53  are mounted, and a cover portion  62  formed or mounted along an upper side portion thereof. The cover portion  62  is adapted to close and seal the housing when the cylinder is in a non-operative, closed position, and can include a sealing material such as a rubberized or silicone gasket applied about the edge of the cover so as to form a substantially airtight seal with the edges of the housing. As indicated in  FIGS. 7A  and  8 A, the cylinder body further includes a recessed or cut-away portion  63  having a nozzle passage or port  64  formed at one end thereof. As the cylinder is rotated with the raising of the lid, the nozzle port  64  is moved into registration or communication with the inlet end  66  ( FIG. 8B ) of the vehicle fuel inlet pipe.  
         [0035]     The nozzle port or passage  64  generally has a diameter sufficient to facilitate the receipt of a gasoline nozzle or pipe and has an approximately ⅛-{fraction (1/16)} inch rim or seat  67  ( FIG. 8A ) formed about its upper end and which extends into the cut-away portion of the cylinder body to facilitate the seating of a sealing material or gasket of the gasoline nozzle to fit over and bear against the rim to prevent escape of gas vapors, etc. In addition, a gasket or sealing material also can be provided around the inlet end of the vehicle fuel pipe and/or about the bottom end of the nozzle port of the cylinder so that these ported openings are substantially sealed against air, water, and other debris or fluids flowing into the vehicle fuel inlet pipe when the cylinder is in its closed, non-operative position, such as indicated in  FIG. 8B .  
         [0036]     When the lid is opened, the cylinder is rotated upwardly until the portion extending below the cylinder will contact or engage the top opening of the housing, which will prevent further pivoting movement of the cylinder with its nozzle port or passage being aligned with the inlet opening of the vehicle fuel inlet pipe. At this point, the gasoline nozzle can be received within the nozzle port  64  ( FIG. 7A, 8A ) for input of fuel into the vehicle. Upon completion of the fueling operation, the nozzle will be removed and the lid closed, causing the cylinder  51  to be rotated to its non-operative position and closing off the inlet end of the fuel inlet pipe. In addition, a spring or similar biasing mechanism can be provided for urging or biasing the cylinder to its closed, non-operative position. The cylinder further can be locked in place, such as by conventional gas compartment locking mechanism that requires a remote access or opening or can simply be biased to its closed, locked position as desired. The cylinder can be oriented in any alignment desired, such as diagonal, though horizontal and vertical are envisioned to be typical.  
         [0037]      FIGS. 9A-9C  illustrates yet a further embodiment  80  of the fuel intake device of the present invention. In this embodiment, the fuel intake device  80  is oriented substantially vertically and includes an inner chamber or housing  81  ( FIGS. 9A and 9B ) having a substantially cylindrical side wall  82  that terminates at a substantially flat wall  83 , a portion of which, indicated at  84  in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , extends or projects outwardly and typically is flush with the surface of the vehicle. The inner housing includes upper and lower end walls  86  and  87  that, together with side walls  82  and  83 , define an open nozzle receiving area  88  therein. A nozzle receiving opening port  89  is formed in the bottom end wall  87  of the inner housing for receiving the nozzle of a gas pump therein. The nozzle opening port  89  can be formed with a rim  91  or can have a sealing or gasket material applied thereabout to form the rim, which provides a seat and bearing surface against which a rubber skirt or cover of a gasoline nozzle can bear, so as to seal the port or opening against the escape of fumes.  
         [0038]     As illustrated in  FIG. 9C , the fuel intake device  80  of this embodiment further includes an outer housing  92  having a substantially cylindrical side wall  93  with upper and lower end walls  94  and  96  defining an open ended chamber or recess  97  in which the inner housing  81  ( FIG. 9A ) is received. Openings  98  and  99  ( FIG. 9A ) are formed in the upper and lower end walls  94  and  96  of the outer housing and receive hinge pins  101  attached to the upper and lower end walls of the inner housing to enable pivoting movement of the outer housing with respect to the inner housing. The outer housing further includes a nozzle opening  102  formed in the lower end wall thereof, which typically will include a gasket or other flexible, rubberized sealing material about its upper and lower edges thereof.  
         [0039]     The outer housing is rotatable with respect to the inner housing to move the outer housing between a closed, non-operative position and an open, operative position, wherein its nozzle opening  102  is moved into communication with the nozzle opening port  89  ( FIG. 9A ) formed in the lower end wall of the inner housing and with an inlet end of a vehicle fuel inlet pipe. As a result, a passage between the nozzle opening port of the inner housing and inlet opening of the vehicle fuel inlet pipe and enable the nozzle of the fuel pump to be inserted therein for inputting fuel. When the outer housing is in its closed, non-operative position, the inlet opening of the vehicle fuel inlet pipe will be substantially sealed (other than a pressurization valve and a depressurization valve) to prevent escape of fumes or the passage of water, debris or other materials into the vehicle fuel inlet pipe. Still further, a biasing member, such as a spring, can be provided to bias the outer housing toward its closed, non-operative position to maintain the outer housing in its closed, non-operative position until a fueling operation has commenced.  
         [0040]     In addition, while the present invention has generally been illustrated with the cover being pivotable upwardly so as to open and permit access to the vehicle fuel intake device of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the cover also can be mounted and opened in other orientations or directions, such as being opened laterally toward either side of the vehicle well, or further pivoted downwardly as necessary or desired. The present invention therefore is not intended to be, nor should it be limited to a specific orientation or direction of opening of the cover.  
         [0041]     Still further, in order to try to help reduce static discharge when pumping gas, the vehicle fuel intake device of the present invention can be subjected to being weighed or biased toward its closed position, such as by a spring or similar biasing element. Accordingly, an operator generally will be required to grasp and hold the cover of the vehicle fuel intake device in its open position to insert the fuel/gas pump nozzle therein. As a result, any static electricity built up between the operator and the vehicle likely will be discharged before the fueling operation can be started to reduce the risk of accidents from static discharges.  
         [0042]     Additionally, the vehicle fuel intake device of the present invention also can be utilized with a fuel vapor reclamation system shown in  FIGS. 10-11  that will generally include a condenser coil or unit mounted about the vehicle fuel inlet pipe. The condenser coil extends along the fuel inlet pipe from a first or vapor inlet end positioned within the vehicle fuel tank, to an upper, distal end outside of the fuel tank and adjacent the upper end of the vehicle fuel inlet pipe that is in communication with the vehicle fuel intake device ( FIGS. 1-9B ) of the present invention as discussed above. As fuel is received in the fuel tank, the fuel tends to displace fuel vapors that have built up within the fuel tank as the fuel tank was emptied during operation of the vehicle. Such vapors are received at the open inlet end of the condenser unit and are passed about the vehicle fuel inlet pipe toward the upper end thereof. As a result, the vapors generally will be caused to condense into a liquid state. The now liquid fuel can then be fed back into the vehicle fuel inlet pipe at the upper, distal end of the condenser coil for reintroduction into the fuel tank. The amount of vapors being released into the surrounding environment thus can be reduced, as well as at least a portion of the fuel lost via the escape of such vapors, reclaimed.  
         [0043]     As shown in detail in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the fuel vapor reclamation system includes a series of coils  1035  mounted or formed within or along the fuel intake pipe  1012  that extend along the fuel intake pipe  1012  as it travels at a slightly downward angle from where an upper, intake end  1020  through which a fuel nozzle inputs a fuel flow  1021  to where the fuel flow  1021  is dispensed into the fuel tank  1015  of the vehicle. As further shown in  FIG. 10 , the upper, intake portion  1020  of the fuel intake pipe  1012  generally is of a conventional size and includes an expanded or wider size segment or section  1013  extending from the point of abutment of the intake pipe  1012  abutment with the fuel tank  1015  (shown for reference at numeral  1016 ) to a lower or discharge end  1017 . This increased size or volume of the fuel intake pipe  1012  is included to accommodate, without an appreciable reduction in the input of the fuel flow, a series of spaced coils  1035  as indicated in  FIG. 10 .  
         [0044]     As shown in further detail in  FIG. 11 , the coils  1035  generally are of a size and spacing to permit the fuel flow  1021  to easily pass between the coils  1035  to not interfere with the fuel flow. The coils  1035  connect to a fume tube  1030  that runs along the top of the fuel intake pipe  1012  and wraps or is coiled about the intake pipe adjacent the upper end  1020 . The coils  1035  receive fuel fumes  1025  from the fuel tank  1015  through an intake hole  1031  at the bottom of coils  1035  and which opens the fuel tank  1015 . The fuel fumes  1025  generally are urged into and travel along the coils  1035  and to a tube outlet hole  1032  and into fume tube  1030  as a fuel flow fills the tank, which accordingly displaces the fumes in the tank. At the same time, the incoming fuel flow will cool the coils to promote condensation of the fumes passing therethrough.  
         [0045]     The coils  1035  channel and permit condensed fuel/fumes  1037  to flow in an opposite direction to the fuel fumes  1025  and reenter the fuel tank  1015  as fuel. The fume tube  1030  runs along the fuel intake pipe  1012  to point  1016 , where the intake pipe turns and proceeds upwardly to its upper end  1020  as shown in  FIG. 10 . The fume tube  1030  can proceed in any manner up the remainder of the fuel intake pipe  1012 , but will typically wrap or coil about the outside of the fuel intake pipe  1012  as shown. The fume tube  1030  also can be resident within the fuel intake pipe  1012 , either being integrally formed as a separate channel within the intake pipe or otherwise mounted or positioned therein, to further provide cooling from the fuel flow to enhance condensation of the fuel fumes  1025 . Regardless of whether the fume tube  1030  is wrapped on the inside or outside of the fuel intake pipe  1012 , the fume tube  1030  generally will be cooled by the incoming fuel flow  1021 . Alternatively, or in addition to the cooling provided by the incoming fuel flow  1021 , the coils and fume tube can be cooled by attachment to the air conditioning unit of the vehicle or some other method (not shown). Such cooling by the air conditioner or other method would provide an additional measure to maintain or create a desired temperature differential to facilitate condensation of fuel fumes in the coils or fume tube.  
         [0046]     The expanded section  1013  of the fuel intake pipe  1012  extends along the fuel tank  1015  until the fuel intake pipe  1012  extends into the fuel tank  1015  to disperse the flow of fuel into the fuel tank. This transition from a wider sized fuel intake pipe  1013  to a more conventional or reduced sized fuel intake pipe  1012  can vary per fuel tank  1015  and vehicle. The fuel intake pipe  1012  generally returns to a regular or narrower sized fuel intake pipe  1012  toward its discharge end  1017  so that the fumes do not rise up the pipe and circumvent the coils  1035 . As also shown in  FIG. 10 , a splash plate  1045  can be inserted near the end of the fuel intake pipe  1012 , mounted on a support  1046 .  
         [0047]     The coils  1035  are formed of a shape and size to remove the fuel fumes  1025  from the tank  1015  and to not impede the fuel flow  1021  proceeding along the fuel intake pipe  1012  and entering the fuel tank  1015 . Although some fuel fumes  1025  will inherently escape initially upon fueling, as the fuel intake pipe  1012  becomes filled with fuel during a fueling operation, the displaced/escaping fuel fumes  1025  generally will be directed to and pass through the coils  1035 . The coils  1035  are dispersed at varying locations along the fuel intake pipe  1012  to promote more even distribution of the fumes through the coils  1035  as the fuel flow  1021  fills the fuel tank  1015 . Although  FIG. 10  shows only two coils along the fuel intake pipe  1012 , the coils  1035  typically will extend from point  1016  to the end of the fuel intake pipe  1012 . The coils  1035  are cooled by the fuel flow to cause the fuel fumes  1025  in the coils and fume tube  1030  to condense as the fuel tank  1015  fills. The condensed fuel  1037  can either pass back into the tank from the coils or from the upper end of the fume tube after the filling operation is ended. As the fuel tank  1015  level rises during filling, some of the coils  1035  will be taken out of operation because they will become below the fuel level.  
         [0048]     The coils  1035  further will gradually fill with fuel as the fuel level continues to rise. The wider sized portion of the fuel intake pipe  1013  will thus provide extra room for the fuel to flow a bit slower in the middle of the intake pipe  1012  while the fuel continues to pour out the discharge end of the fuel intake pipe  1012  and while the fuel fumes  1025  continue to rise through the coils  1035 . The coils  1035  are also generally formed of a size to promote condensation and can be included in any number and arrangement along the fuel intake pipe  1012  with the number and size dependent upon the type of fuel, length of intake pipe  1012 , and type of tank  1015  used in the vehicle. The fume tube  1030  extends up the fuel intake pipe  1012  and spirals around the inlet portion of the intake pipe  1012  to further provide a condensation path for the fumes before they are vented into the vapor collector of the fuel nozzle.  
         [0049]     The coils  1035  in this embodiment also have been shown in the figures as round in shape, but can be formed in any desired shape. For example, the coils  1035  may be elliptical or rectangular, have a flattened slot-like center, be rounded only on the ends, or be merely a slit. Additionally, the coils  1035  may be provided with multiple chambers therein to encourage condensation of the fuel from the fuel fumes  1025 . Still further, although the condensation devices provided herein have been shown as coils, any other configuration that permitted or encouraged recycling of fumes into usable fuel could be utilized. For example, one could utilize fins such as seen in radiators in place of the coils.  
         [0050]     The intake and outlet holes  1031  and  1032  in the coils  1035  closer to the upper end of the intake pipe can be larger than the holes  1031  and  1032  in the coils  1035  closer to the lower section or end of the intake pipe to further aid in evenly distributing the fuel fumes  1025  along the array of coils  1035 . Additionally, selected ones of the tube outlet holes  1032  also could house a valve that would open an even larger outlet opening once the fuel within the tank has reached a certain point that those valved holes (not shown) were the only ones receiving fuel fumes  1025 . The use of such a valve could provide a further release mechanism to let out additional fumes as needed. Thus, the fuel tank  1015  could be filled to capacity without having the fuel nozzle shut off prematurely.  
         [0051]     The coils  1035  of the present embodiment can be integrated with the other embodiments detailed above. For example, with the cylinder  51  of  FIGS. 1-4  and  7 - 9 , a separate hole (not shown) could be included that aligns with the body or pipe portion  12  of the fuel intake device  10 . As the cylinder  51  turns, the pipe  12  would allow any fuel fumes  1025  that have not condensed to escape. This design will ensure that the fuel fumes  1025  will not escape when the fuel intake device is placed in a closed position. Additionally, this design will meet the current environmental standards for fueling stations by allowing a nozzle vapor collector, typically on the outside of the fuel nozzle, to collect the fuel fumes  1025  escaping from the nozzle and from the fume tube  1030 .  
         [0052]     As further shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , a pressurization/depressurization valve  1201  can be placed in the base portion  1213  of a fuel intake device  1210  to rotate over the vehicle fuel inlet pipe  1217  when the fuel intake device  1210  is in the closed, non-operative position. The pressurization/depressurization valve  1201  generally includes pressurization and depressurization passages or ports  1202  and  1203 , respectively, that communicate with a relief passageway  1204  to facilitate the pressurization or depressurization of the valve  1201  as required by the fuel tank  1215  and/or movement of the fuel intake device  1210 . The pressurization/depressurization valve  1201  can be recessed into the base portion of the fuel intake device to an extent sufficient to not interfere with the fuel intake device  1210  or the vehicle fuel inlet pipe  1217  during rotation from closed to open or open to closed positions. Typically, the pressurization/depressurization valve  1201  is formed in or mounted on a removable cap  1205 , and is received in an end of the relief passageway  1204 , or in an alternative unsealed area, to allow communication with the pressurization valve  1201  and depressurization valve  1202 . The removable cap  1205  is typically screw-threaded into the base portion  1213 , but can be attached to the base portion in any manner that permits an airtight seal.  
         [0053]     As shown in detail in  FIG. 13 , the removable cap  1205  includes indentations  1207  capable of receiving a removal tool (not shown). The indentations  1207  are shown in  FIG. 13  as substantially oval-shaped, but can be of any configuration capable of receiving and engaging a removal tool for removal of the removable cap  1205  from the base portion  1213  of the fuel intake device. The removable cap  1205  thus will allow for testing of the pressurization/depressurization valve  1201  to enable the fuel intake device  1210  of the present invention to meet current emissions and environmental requirements of several states for testing of the vehicle&#39;s fuel and emissions control system.  
         [0054]     The removable cap  1205  can also include a lock mechanism (not shown) for securing the removable cap  1205  within the base portion  1213 . Such a lock mechanism can include any system capable of retaining the removable cap  1205  in place, including locking pins. The lock mechanism can also interact with the removal tool to allow the removal tool to disengage the lock upon insertion of the removal tool into the indentations  1207  and/or to engage the lock upon removal of the removal tool. For example, the engaged lock mechanism could operate with a spring operable by the removal tool to disengage a pin or pins holding the removable cap securely in place. The removal tool could operate to release the spring for removal/release of the removable cap  1205  from the base portion  1213 . To replace the removable cap  1205 , the removal tool could also compress the spring and engage the pin or pins for locking the removable cap  1205  in place. In this manner, a tester could remove the cap for environmental testing and receive a positive indication that the cap was replaced in the proper position upon reinstallation.  
         [0055]     Additionally, the other elements herein can be replaced with elements that perform similar functions, but that are arranged in different configurations. For example, the fume tube has been shown mated with the vehicle fuel intake pipe, but could be formed independently and aligned along the top of the vehicle fuel intake pipe. In addition, the splash plate is shown as attached to the wall of the fuel tank, but could be attached to and extend from the vehicle fuel intake pipe.  
         [0056]     In an alternative embodiment, an internal valve is provided to fit into an existing gas intake pipe (as original equipment or to replace an existing gas cap). The internal valve is housed in a chamber that can be spherical or cylindrical, but that has been shown in  FIGS. 14-18B  as cylindrical for simplicity. The fuel intake device  1410  of  FIGS. 14-18B  utilizes corresponding numbering for corresponding features from other embodiments; including fuel intake device  1410 , intake body or pipe  1412 , pivot pins  1416 , and fluid flow passage  1420  defined through the intake body or pipe  1412  and which communicates with the vehicle intake flow pipe  1417 . The fuel intake body  1412  is generally formed from a metal material such as aluminum or other types of corrosion resistant materials such as various synthetic or plastic materials.  
         [0057]      FIGS. 14-15  show the vehicle fuel intake device  1410 . In  FIG. 14 , the fuel intake body  1412  generally includes flow passage  1420  with a forward or proximal end  1424 , an intake opening  1426 , and a distal end  1428 . The fuel intake body  1412  is allowed to pivot on pins  1416 , as shown in  FIG. 15 , to move between open and closed positions using a body handle or lip  1409 . The fuel intake body  1412  can also include a stop  1411  to arrest the rotation from the closed to open position. Although the stop  1411  is shown in the  FIGS. 14-18B  as an edge that will engage the base portion  1413 , the stop  1411  could be a bracket, lip, or any arrangement that will enable the passage  1420  to be aligned with the vehicle fuel inlet pipe  1417 . The fuel intake body  1412  can also include any of the features of the embodiments detailed above. As indicated in  FIGS. 14 and 18 B, the lower portion  1408  of the intake body completely covers the opening of the fuel intake pipe  1417  when the fuel intake device  1412  is in the closed position.  
         [0058]     As shown in  FIG. 14 , pressurization/depressurization valves  1401 ,  1402  can be provided in a lower portion  1408  of the fuel intake body  1412 . The valves are aligned with the intake pipe  1417  when the device is in the closed position with respect to the vehicle fuel inlet pipe  1417 . The pressurization/depressurization valves  1401 ,  1402  generally include pressurization and depressurization passages or ports that communicate with a relief passageway  1403  to facilitate the pressurization or depressurization of the valves  1401 ,  1402  as required by the fuel tank and/or movement of the fuel intake device  1410 . The pressurization/depressurization valves  1401 ,  1402  also could be recessed into the base portion of the fuel intake device to an extent sufficient so as to not interfere with the fuel intake device  1410  or the vehicle fuel inlet pipe  1417  during rotation of the fuel intake body  1412  between its closed and open or open and closed positions. The pressurization/depressurization valves  1401 ,  1402  also could be formed in or mounted on a removable cap  1405  that would be receivable into an end of the relief passageway  1403 , or in an alternative unsealed area. The pressurization/depressurization valves  1401 ,  1402  also could be formed as an integral part of the body  1412  of the fuel intake device  1410 . As an integral unit, the pressurization/depressurization valves  1401 ,  1402  would render themselves to testing in an analogous manner as traditional fuel caps that are removed and placed in a testing apparatus for pressurization/depressurization.  
         [0059]     As shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the fuel intake body  1412  typically is pivotally mounted within a larger cylindrical base portion  1413  and can be pivoted through the use of pivot pins or rods  1416  from a closed position that occludes or seals the vehicle flow intake pipe  1417  to an open position in alignment with vehicle flow intake pipe that opens the intake pipe to allow fuel to flow therethrough. As a result, the intake pipe  1412  of the fuel intake device  1410  is enabled to pivot from a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 18B , to an open position as illustrated in  FIG. 18A , by being rotated in the direction of arrow  1418 . The base portion  1413  generally is formed from a metal, synthetic, or plastic material and will be secured within a recess or well  1414  of the vehicle ( FIGS. 18A and 18B ). The base  1413  further can be of a reduced size sufficient to support the intake pipe  1412  and define a valve between the intake pipe  1412  and a vehicle fuel inlet pipe  1417 . The intake pipe or body  1412  of the fuel intake device  1410  defines the intake or flow passage  1420  through which fuel can be pumped from a fuel pump nozzle  1422 , as indicated in  FIG. 18A . With reference to  FIG. 18A , the distal end  1428  of the fuel intake body  1412  communicates with a proximal end  1434  of the extension  1433  to define a closable valve between the proximal and distal ends of the intake pipe  1412  and the extension  1433 . The extension  1433  then communicates with fuel inlet pipe  1417  after being received therein.  
         [0060]      FIGS. 16 and 17  show the intake pipe  1412  of  FIGS. 14-15  in further detail, illustrating the intake pipe communicating with a pipe fitting extension  1433  that is formed to fit into the gas intake pipe  1417  to install the intake device  1410  in the vehicle. The pipe fitting extension  1433  is designed to fit snugly within the gas intake pipe  1417  and can be threaded to allow removal from the vehicle or can be permanently mounted within the gas intake pipe  1417 . The pipe fitting extension  1433  can be of any length necessary to extend into the pipe and securely hold the fuel intake device  1410  therein. Typically, the pipe extension  1433  will not extend into the manufacturer&#39;s valve resident in the gas intake pipe  1417 . Additionally, since the pipe fitting extension  1433  could be affixed over or extend forwardly from the gas intake pipe  1417 , the present embodiment should not be limited to encompass only internal fittings. As the intake device is pivoted, the intake pipe will be moved into the open position with the flow passage  1420  aligned within the extension  1433  for receipt of fuel into the gas intake pipe  1417 .  
         [0061]     In order to ensure exact placement of the fuel intake device  1410  into the recess  1414  and fitting into the pipe  1417 , the lid should be facing a driver standing outside the vehicle and should open toward the inside of the vehicle. This desired placement will likely result in different size or configurations of the fuel intake device as needed to fit different model vehicles, depending upon how the fuel inlet systems/components are designed. Since fuel intake pipes are not identical between manufacturers, washers, gaskets, rings, or other sealing devices also could be used to help fit and secure the fuel intake device over the fuel intake pipe or pipe fitting extension to ensure proper alignment with the threads for a tight fit and seal when the fuel intake device  1410  is installed. For example, the fuel intake device could include three gaskets that could be added or removed individually as desired to align the fuel passage in a preferred orientation during installation.  
         [0062]      FIGS. 18A and 18B  show the fuel intake device  1410  received into the vehicle well  1414  and pipe fitting extension  1433  inserted into the gas intake pipe  1417 .  FIG. 18A  shows the fuel intake device  1410  in an open position with intake passage  1420  aligned with gas intake pipe  1417  after rotation of the fuel intake device  1410  and a cover  1436  in the direction of arrow  1418 . As a result, when the intake pipe  1412  of the fuel intake device  1410  is pivoted in the direction of arrow  1418  to its open position, the fuel intake or flow passage  1420  through the intake pipe  1412  is placed in open communication with the passage of the vehicle fuel inlet pipe  1417  to allow fuel to be pumped from the nozzle  1422  therethrough.  
         [0063]     Once a fueling operation has been completed and the fuel pump nozzle  1422  has been removed from the fuel flow passage  1420  of the intake pipe  1412 , the fuel intake device  1410  can then be pivoted downwardly with handle  1409  in the direction of arrow  1418 ′ ( FIG. 18A ) to its closed position whereupon the proximal and distal ends of the intake pipe and vehicle fuel inlet pipe  1417 , respectively, are moved out of registration so as to close off and seal the passage therebetween, as indicated in  FIG. 18B .  
         [0064]     As further indicated in  FIGS. 18A and 18B , a lid or cover  1436 , such as typically found on most vehicles, generally will be provided for enclosing the fuel intake well or recess  1414 . When the fuel intake device is in its closed position as shown in  FIG. 18B , the cover  1436  will be lowered to a closed and covering position, enclosing the recess  1414 . The lid  1436  could alternatively be formed as a part of, or connected to, the outer cylinder or base  1413  so as to rotate with the base or can be independently moveable as desired. Additionally, to facilitate the pressurization/depressurization valve  1401 , the lid  1436  can include a small hole therethrough (not shown). In addition, a locking system (not shown) could be provided so as to secure the cover in a closed and locked position and prevent access to the fuel intake device and fuel inlet pipe of the vehicle when the fuel intake device is in its closed and locked position. The locking system could include a lock for the cover  1436  and/or a lock for the fuel intake device  1410  for additional security. The fuel intake device  1410  lock would prevent the device from untwisting and from flipping to the open position. The locks could be remotely or electronically actuated, such as by a button within the vehicle or by a key chain device, for added security.  
         [0065]     The fuel device  1410  of the present embodiment can be formed of any necessary dimensions to fit within a recess of a vehicle. For example, the fuel intake body  1412  can be about 1-1.4 inches in width and about 1-2 inches in diameter with passage  1420  having a diameter of approximately 0.75 to 1.5 inches, and about 0.1-0.2 inches on each side of the passage  1420 , though greater or lesser dimensions also can be used as needed. The pivot rods or pins  1416  each can be about 0.18 inches in diameter and extend approximately 0.1 inch or more from the side of the fuel intake body  1412 . Further, the outer cylinder typically can be about 2-3 inches in diameter, and the pipe extension  1433  typically will be formed with a hole or passage of a sufficient size to match and align with the fuel intake passage  1417 .  
         [0066]     The embodiment of  FIGS. 14-18B  has been described herein for use as a fuel intake device, but it is contemplated that such device could be used in several applications, especially for use as a device for inputting oil for the engine, for inputting water for the radiator or washer reservoir, or for inputting other fluids.  
         [0067]     It will be understood by those skilled in the art that while the present invention has been discussed with regard to preferred embodiments, various changes, additions, and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.