Abstract:
A fuel tank filler port cap assembly having an adapter for use with a vapor recovery dispensing nozzle to aid in filling a fuel tank of a motorcycle such as to allow complete filling of the tank while reducing spills and allowing the safety and environmental features of the vapor recovery dispensing nozzle to work is herein disclosed. The adapter includes a cylindrical cover base that engages the opening on the fuel tank and forms a vapor tight seal. A tubular inner sleeve is extendably from the cover base and has a top having an opening which engages the accordion-like collar on the fuel dispenser nozzle equipped with vapor recovery or vapor conservation nozzles. In such a manner, the tank and nozzle connection remain intact, but the nozzle remains mostly out of the tank allowing the fuel tank to be completely filled.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Feb. 22, 2008, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to fuel tank filler cap assemblies, and in particular, to a motorcycle fuel tank filler cap having a nozzle adapter for use with fuel dispensing nozzles. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In order to reduce atmospheric pollution, fumes displaced from an automobile gasoline tank during filling at a filling station are often recovered. In order for the vapor recovery process to work reliably, it is important that a good seal be made between the vapor recovery shroud of the nozzle and the opening of the fill tank. While this is typically easy to accomplish on a motor vehicle with a long fill neck, it is difficult on a motorcycle fuel tank due to the fact that the opening is on the surface of the vessel with no neck. As such, the nozzle must be pushed a considerable way inside the tank body for the shroud to seal against the tank. However, the nozzle then senses the rising fuel during filling and shuts off the flow long before filling is complete. This means that the interval between tank fill ups is decreased and trip range is decreased as well. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor has therefore recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for a device and method by which the proper operation of vapor recovery nozzles on gasoline dispensers can be provided while still allowing the tank to be completely filled. In accordance with the invention, it is an object of the present disclosure to solve these problems. 
     The inventor recognized these problems and has addressed this need by developing a fuel tank filler port cap with nozzle adapter that allows for the complete filling and physical protection of a motorcycle gas tank and complies with the intent and functionality of vapor recovery nozzles in a manner which is quick, easy and efficient. The inventor has thus realized the advantages and benefits of providing a cover base having an internal thread on a lower end to matingly attach to a threaded exterior of the fuel tank, an external thread on an upper end, and a central opening to access an interior of the fuel tank. An inner tubular sleeve is slidably coupled within the cover base central opening and has an outwardly protruding upper flange surface for contact with a top surface of the cover base. A cover cap having an internal thread to matingly attach to the cover base external thread is removably attached to the cover base to cover the central opening. A twist and lift locking mechanism is provided to move the inner tubular sleeve relative to the cover base. The upper end of the inner sleeve is slidable between a lowered position which is generally flush with a top of the cover base and a raised position which extends outwardly from the cover base top surface. The twist and locking mechanism retains the inner tubular sleeve when it is in the raised position. The inner tubular sleeve upper flange surface limits the downward movement of the inner tubular sleeve relative to the cover base when it is in the lowered position. 
     In at least one embodiment the twist and lift mechanism includes a plurality of curved receiving slots disposed at least partially through a bottom portion of an exterior side surface of the inner tubular sleeve. A plurality of pins each protrudes inwardly from an interior surface of the cover base superjacent to the internal thread. Each of the pins insertably engages a respective slot and is slidable therewithin between the lowered position and the raised position. Each of the pins is stationarily supported within its respective slot when the inner tubular sleeve is in the raised position. 
     Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the disclosure may be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The disclosure can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in a particular embodiment. 
     Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a fuel tank filler port cap with nozzle adapter, depicted as being utilized with a motorcycle according to a preferred embodiment in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the fuel tank filler port cap with nozzle adapter, according to the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the fuel tank filler port cap with nozzle adapter as viewed from the bottom, according to the preferred embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view of a motorcycle fuel tank as shown along section line I-I of  FIG. 1 , according to the preferred embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 10 
                 fuel tank filler port cap with nozzle adapter 
               
               
                 15 
                 motorcycle 
               
               
                 20 
                 fuel tank opening 
               
               
                 25 
                 fuel tank 
               
               
                 30  
                 vapor recovery dispensing nozzle 
               
               
                 35  
                 protective shield 
               
               
                 40  
                 cover base 
               
               
                 45  
                 inner sleeve 
               
               
                 50  
                 fuel cap 
               
               
                 55  
                 knurled area 
               
               
                 60  
                 logo area 
               
               
                 65  
                 bottom portion 
               
               
                 70  
                 receiving slots 
               
               
                 75  
                 matching pins 
               
               
                 80  
                 first direction arrow 
               
               
                 85  
                 second direction arrow 
               
               
                 90  
                 first distance “d1” 
               
               
                 95  
                 upper flange surface 
               
               
                 100 
                 fastener 
               
               
                 105 
                 collar 
               
               
                 110 
                 second distance “d2” 
               
               
                 115 
                 lower fuel nozzle tip 
               
               
                 120 
                 third distance “d3” 
               
               
                 125 
                 fuel 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4 . However, the disclosure is not limited to a single described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only one particular configuration may be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 4 , depicting a fuel tank filler port cap with nozzle adapter (herein described as a “device”)  10 , where like reference numerals represent similar or like parts. In accordance with the invention, the present disclosure describes a device  10  to aid in filling fuel tanks  25  of motorcycles  15  that is intended to allow for complete filling of the tank  25  with fuel  125  while reducing spills and allowing the safety and environmental features of a vapor recovery dispensing nozzle  30  to work properly. 
       FIG. 1  shows an isometric view of the device  10  in a utilized state on the motorcycle  15 . The device  10  is attached to a fuel tank opening  20  of the fuel tank  25  of the motorcycle  15 . Further details concerning the attachment of the device  10  to the fuel tank opening  20  will be provided herein. The device  10  is used when filling the fuel tank  25  with fuel  125 , preferably gasoline, by the vapor recovery dispensing nozzle  30 , as provided as part of a conventional fuel dispensing system. The operation of the vapor recovery dispensing nozzle  30  functions in a manner as normally expected with no modifications. 
     A protective shield  35  is provided around the fuel tank opening  20  and is connected to the device  10 . The protective shield  35  is preferably made of neoprene or a similar material that is not affected by the corrosive effects of the fuel  125 . The protective shield  35  lays flat against an exterior surface of the fuel tank  25  and protects the surrounding area of the fuel tank  25  from accidental spills and drips when the vapor recovery dispensing nozzle  30  is inserted and removed. It is preferred that the protective shield  35  is left in place at all times, although is can be easily lifted and removed for washing or waxing of the exterior of the fuel tank  25 . 
     The device  10  includes a fixed cover base  40 , a movable inner sleeve  45 , and a fuel cap  50 . Further information of the exact configuration and operation of the movable inner sleeve  45  with respect to the cover base  40  and along with the fuel tank opening  20  and the fuel cap  50  will be provided herein. In the depicted orientation, the vapor recovery dispensing nozzle  30  is sealed against the movable inner sleeve  45  and thus the fuel tank opening  20  and fuel tank  25  in a generally airtight manner. Such operation is critical to the performance of the accordion-like collar  105  of most vapor recovery dispensing nozzle  30  by reducing any escaping fuel vapors in a manner which protects the environment. 
       FIG. 2  shows a side view of the device  10  and more clearly depicts the cover base  40  and the fuel cap  50 . The fuel cap  50  is a standard fuel cap substantially similar to standard fuel tank caps currently used on motorcycles  15 . The fuel cap  50  can also be provided as part of the device  10  in a kit format as well. As such, the exact configuration and origination of the fuel cap  50  should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present disclosure. 
     The fuel cap  50  is provided with a knurled area  55  around a side peripheral surface to facilitate application and removal of the device  10 . Additionally, a logo area  60  is provided on a top surface of the fuel cap  50  for commercial or advertising indicia. It is preferred that a mechanical locking device be installed in the same area as the logo area  60  if desired. This figure also depicts a bottom portion  65  of the movable inner sleeve  45  as shown extending below the cover base  40 . This configuration depicts the movable inner sleeve  45  in a lowered or stowed state. Such a configuration is utilized at all times when fuel  125  is not being added to the fuel tank  25 . When fuel is being added by the vapor recovery dispensing nozzle  30 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , the movable inner sleeve  45  is raised upwardly in a raised and utilized state prior to beginning of pumping of fuel  125  and then is lowered back to the stowed state immediately afterwards. 
     This raising and lowering is accomplished manually with the use of three (3) equally-spaced receiving slots  70  and matching pins  75  (see  FIG. 3 ). The three (3) receiving slots  70  are disposed on outer side portions of the movable inner sleeve  45  and are preferably machined into the movable inner sleeve  45  approximately one-half (½) of the wall thickness and arranged at one hundred twenty degrees (120°) from each another. Only one (1) receiving slot  70  is visible in  FIG. 2  due to illustrative limitations. The matching pins  75  (neither of which are visible in this figure due to illustrative limitations) are permanently affixed to an inside surface of the cover base  40  and ride within the receiving slots  70  in an expected manner. Further detail on the usage and functionality of the receiving slots  70  and the matching pins  75  will be described herein. 
       FIG. 3  shows an isometric view of the device  10  as viewed from the bottom and more clearly depicts the functionality and operation of the movable inner sleeve  45  relative to the cover base  40  by the use of the receiving slots  70  and the matching pins  75 . It can be seen that a lift and twist motion of the movable inner sleeve  45  with respect to the cover base  40  in one direction will raise and secure the movable inner sleeve  45  as depicted by a first direction arrow  80 . When finished, the movable inner sleeve  45  is twisted and lowered as depicted by a second direction arrow  85 . Each receiving slot  70  is a generally “G”-shaped channel which allows the corresponding respective pin  75  to slide therewithin. The arcuate, generally vertical portion of each slot  70  allows the pin  75  to slide and move upwardly and downwardly to move the inner sleeve  45  between the lowered state and the raised state. The generally horizontal portion of each slot  70  holds the pin  75  in position to retain the inner sleeve  45  in the raised state. Such action results in a total height differential matching the total overall offset distance of the receiving slots  70  as depicted by a first distance “d1”  90 . The movable inner sleeve  45  provides an upper flange surface  95  capable of accepting the vapor recovery dispensing nozzle  30 . The upper flange surface  95  is formed as an integral component which accepts and retains the vapor recovery dispensing nozzle  30  and prevents the movable inner sleeve  45  from passing through the opening defined by the cover base  40 . 
     The device  10  is coupled to the fuel tank opening  20  by a fastener  100  provided on an interior surface of the cover base  40 . The fastener  100  is shown as a threaded connection for purposes of illustration. However, it can be appreciated that other fastening means such as friction fit, cam lock, bolted flange, pressure lock and the like can be used with equal effectiveness and as such, should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 4  shows a sectional view of the fuel tank  25  as shown along a section line I-I of  FIG. 1  and more clearly shows the benefits provided by the device  10  during refueling operations. The movable inner sleeve  45  of the device  10  is shown in the raised and utilized state during the refueling operation. The device  10  is connected to the fuel tank opening  20  of the fuel tank  25  as previously described and the vapor recovery dispensing nozzle  30  is provided in a fueling position. As such, the accordion-like collar  105  of the vapor recovery dispensing nozzle  30  engages the upper flange surface  95  of the movable inner sleeve  45  at a higher location in relation to the fuel tank  25  than if the device  10  were not present. The engagement point of the collar  105  with the use of the device  10  compared to when the device  10  is not present is depicted by a second distance “d2”  110 . While the exact length of the second distance “d2”  110  will vary per specific model of fuel tank  25  as well as differences in collar  105 , the typical second distance “d2”  110  is approximately two (2) to three (3) inches. Such engagement of the second distance “d2”  110  is required for proper fuel dispensing procedures as well as forming a relatively airtight seal against the fuel tank  25 . This delta difference afforded by second distance “d2”  110  results in a lower fuel nozzle tip  115  of the vapor recovery dispensing nozzle  30  being displaced in the same manner as shown by a third distance “d3”  120 . This third distance “d3”  120  translates to a greater amount of gasoline  125  that is able to be placed in the fuel tank  25  before the fuel dispenser automatically shuts off. Thus, it can be seen that the use of the device  10  allows for a greater amount of fuel  125  to be placed in the fuel tank  25  at any given fill-up thus resulting in greater cruising range and increased miles between fill-ups. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     In accordance with the invention, the preferred embodiment can be utilized by the user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. It is envisioned that the device  10  be constructed in general accordance with  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4 . The device  10  is preferably manufactured in multiple specific models and styles to fit all specific makes and models of motorcycles  15 . It is envisioned that various materials such as steel, plastic, brass and the like be used as materials of construction following well-known manufacturing techniques. It is also envisioned that the device  10  be provided as a standard or optional factory supplied accessory on new motorcycles  15  or provided as an aftermarket add-on for existing motorcycles  15 . 
     After procurement of the device  10  it is installed by removing the factory supplied fuel cap and applying the device  10  in its place. It connects to the fuel tank opening  20  by use of the fastener  100  on the cover base  40 . With it in place, the original supplied fuel cap is applied to the top of the device  10  if so designed or the fuel cap  50  as supplied with the device  10  is applied. At the same time the protective shield  35  is applied to the fuel tank  25  and connected to the cover base  40  using a suitable fastener. At this point in time the device  10  is ready for regular use. 
     At the time in which the motorcycle  15  requires refilling, the following procedure at the fueling station would be followed. First the fuel cap  50  is removed from the device  10  using the knurled area  55  as needed for assistance. Next, the movable inner sleeve  45  is lifted upwardly approximately two (2) to three (3) inches away from the cover base  40 . In this lifting process, the movable inner sleeve  45  is also twisted approximately 10 degrees to engage the matching pins  75  with the lower portion of the receiving slots  70 . Such action places the upper flange surface  95  of the movable inner sleeve  45  approximately two (2) to three (3) inches above the top surface of the fuel tank  25 . 
     Next, the user places the vapor recovery dispensing nozzle  30  into the fuel tank  25  while engaging the collar  105  of the vapor recovery dispensing nozzle  30  upon the upper flange surface  95  of the movable inner sleeve  45 . Filling with fuel  125  then takes place in a normal manner. However, it should be noted that a greater amount of fuel  125  can be placed in the fuel tank  25  due to the fact that the lower fuel nozzle tip  115  is held out of the fuel  125  at a greater height, yet still allows the vapor recovery feature of the vapor recovery dispensing nozzle  30  to function. Thus, a greater amount of fuel  125  is placed in a fuel tank  25  at any given fill-up thus resulting in greater cruising range and increased miles between fill-ups. 
     Upon completion of a fill-up, the vapor recovery dispensing nozzle  30  is removed, the movable inner sleeve  45  is lowered by reversing the above mentioned procedure, and the fuel cap  50  replaced thus completing the cycle and returning the device  10  to the lowered and stowed state. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit to the precise forms disclosed and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain principles and practical application to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.