Patent Publication Number: US-9902536-B2

Title: Surge tank and cap

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The field to which the disclosure generally relates to includes vehicle operational systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Vehicle operational systems may include various fuel operations. 
     SUMMARY OF ILLUSTRATIVE VARIATIONS 
     A number of variations may include a tank which may include a fluid portion and an expansion portion disposed below the fluid portion. Moreover, the tank may further include a three seal pressure relief cap which may be constructed and arranged to allow a user to safely remove the pressure relief cap at any temperature. 
     A number of other variations may include a product which may include a fluid inlet and a fluid portion which may be disposed adjacent to the fluid inlet. A fluid may flow from the inlet through the fluid portion. The product may further include an expansion portion which may be disposed below the fluid portion. The fluid may expand and once the fluid portion is full the fluid may flow downward into the expansion portion. Moreover, a pressure relief cap may be disposed at the end of the expansion portion. The pressure relief cap may be constructed and arranged to allow a user to safely remove the pressure relief cap at any temperature. 
     Yet another variation may include a method which may include flowing fluid from an inlet into a top portion of the tank, and then expanding the fluid until the top portion is full and the fluid flows down into an expansion portion. Next, the fluid may expand upwards in the expansion portion toward a pressure relief cap. The pressure relief cap may be safely removed at any temperature. Moreover, the pressure relief cap may include a top seal, a middle seal and a bottom seal. 
     Other illustrative variations within the scope of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while disclosing variations within the scope of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Select examples of variations within the scope of the invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows a tank according to a number of variations; 
         FIG. 2  shows the tank according to a number of variations; 
         FIG. 3  shows the tank according to a number of variations; 
         FIG. 4  shows a relief cap according to a number of variations; 
         FIG. 5  shows the relief cap according to a number of variations; 
         FIG. 6  shows the tank and the relief cap according to a number of variations; 
         FIG. 7A  shows a schematic view of the tank and relief cap; 
         FIG. 7B  shows a schematic view of the tank and relief cap; 
         FIG. 7C  shows a schematic view of the tank and relief cap; and 
         FIG. 7D  shows a schematic view of the tank and relief cap. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE VARIATIONS 
     The following description of the variations is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention, its application, or uses. 
     Referring now to the variations illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7 , a tank  10  may be provided and may include a fluid portion  12  and additionally may include an expansion portion  14  which may be disposed below the fluid portion  12 . Moreover, a three seal pressure relief cap  16  may be included and may be constructed and arranged to allow a user to safely remove the pressure relief cap  16  at any temperature. 
     Referring now to the variation illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the tank  10  may be comprised of aluminum, steel, a plastic polymer material, or any other material as desired by one of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, the tank  10  may include at least one inlet  18  which may be covered by a fill cap  20  when not in use. Additionally or alternatively the fill cap  20  may be disposed adjacent to the inlet  18  or any other location as desired by one of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, the tank  10  may include at least one outlet  22 . The outlet  22  may be configured to allow fluid to flow from the inlet  18  to the outlet  22 . As illustrated in the variation shown in  FIG. 1 , the inlet  18  and the outlet  22  may be disposed in the fluid portion  12  of the tank  10 . The tank  10  may be of any size and shape as desired by one of ordinary skill. More specifically, the tank  10  may be designed to fit into a vehicle hood or other vehicle location and may be constructed and arranged in an optimal shape as known by one of ordinary skill in the art. It is contemplated that the tank  10  may be fixed to the vehicle using at least one fixation device  24 . Moreover, it is also contemplated that the pressure relief cap  16  may be disposed on a side of the tank  10 . It is also contemplated that the pressure relief cap  16  may be disposed at the end of the expansion portion  14 . The pressure relief cap  16  may additionally be disposed anywhere as desired by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Referring now to the variation illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the tank  10  may be separated into the fluid portion  12  and the expansion portion  14 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the expansion portion  14  may be disposed directly below the fluid portion  12 . Moreover, both the fluid portion  12  and the expansion portion  14  of the tank  10  may include a variety of chambers  26 . Moreover, the tank  10  may additionally include at least two channels  28  which may be disposed between the fluid portion  12  and the expansion portion  14  in order to move fluid and/or air pressure. Additionally, the tank  10  may further include a sensor portion which may be constructed and arranged to detect fluid level. 
     Referring now to the variation illustrated in  FIG. 3 , in operation, fluid may flow in the inlet portion  18  and into the fluid portion  12 . During operation, the fluid may expand until the entire fluid portion  12  may be full. Once the entire fluid portion  12  is full, any expansion fluid may flow downward through at least one of the channels  28  and down into the expansion portion  14 . It is contemplated as illustrated in  FIG. 3  that the fluid may begin at the bottom most portion of the expansion portion  14 , once expanded from the fluid portion, and then may flow upwards. It is contemplated that the fluid may expand upward toward the pressure relief cap  16 . When desired by a user, the pressure relief cap may be slowly removed and pressure may be released into the atmosphere. 
     Referring now to the variations illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the pressure relief cap  16  may be comprised of aluminum, steel, a plastic polymer or any other material as desired by one of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, the pressure relief cap  16  may include a cap portion  30  which may be constructed and arranged to fit a user&#39;s hand to allow ease of removability of the pressure relief cap  16 . Moreover, the pressure relief cap  16  may include a top seal  32 , a middle seal  34 , and a bottom seal  36 . It is contemplated as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5  that the top seal  32 , the middle seal  34  and the bottom seal  36  may be O-ring seals. It is additionally contemplated that portions between the top seal  32  and the middle seal  34 , and the bottom seal  36  and the middle seal  34  may include a cut out portion  38  which may extend completely around a circumference of the pressure relief cap  16 . It is additionally contemplated that one or more of the bottom seal  36 , the middle seal  34 , or the top seal  32  may include a tapper. 
     As illustrated in the variations shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , it is contemplated that the top seal  32  may have a larger diameter than the middle  34  seal. Moreover, it is contemplated that the middle seal  34  may have a larger diameter than the bottom seal  36 . It is also contemplated that each of the top seal  32 , middle seal  34  and bottom seal  36  may have similar diameters as desired by one of ordinary skill in the art. It is additionally contemplated that the middle seal  34  and the bottom seal  36  may have the same or similar diameter while the top seal  32  may include a larger diameter. It is contemplated that the top seal  32 , middle seal  34  and bottom seal  36  may be comprised of a rubber or other polymer material which may be designed to securely seal the pressure relief cap  16 . 
     Referring now to the variation illustrated in  FIG. 6 , it is contemplated that the tank  10  may further include an expansion vent  40 . The expansion vent  40  may be disposed integrally on the tank  10  and may be disposed adjacent to the pressure relief cap  16 . It is contemplated that the expansion vent  40  may be constructed and arranged to allow pressure to exit the tank  10  and into the atmosphere when desired by a user. It is also contemplated that when the pressure relief cap  16  is fully sealed, no air is released through the expansion vent. 
     Referring now to the variations illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-7D , it is contemplated that the pressure relief cap  16  may be moved from a completely closed position  50  and then to a first intermediate position  52 , and then to a second intermediate position  54  and then finally to an open position  56 . When the pressure relief cap  16  is disposed in the closed position  50 , as illustrated in  FIG. 7A , each of the top seal  32 , the middle seal  34  and the bottom seal  36  may be completely sealed in the tank  10  such that no air may be released into the ambient through the expansion vent  40  or elsewhere. When the pressure relief cap  16  is in the first intermediate position  52 , as illustrated in the variation shown in  FIG. 7B , the top seal  32  and the bottom seal  36  remain in a completely sealed position. The middle seal  34  may disengage from the tank  10  and may allow pressurized air which may come up from the expansion portion  14  of the tank  10  out into the ambient. The pressurized air may be removed through the expansion vent  40  while the pressure relief cap  16  remains sealed on the top  32  and bottom seal  36 . Next, the middle seal  34  and the bottom seal  36  may be disengaged, as illustrated in the variation shown in  FIG. 7C . When the middle and bottom seals  34 , 36  are disengaged, the pressure relief cap  16  may be disposed in the second intermediate position  54 . In the second intermediate position  54 , additional air may come up from the expansion portion  14  and out into the atmosphere. The air may be released through the expansion vent  40  while the top seal of the pressure relief cap  16  remains completely sealed. Finally, the pressure relief cap  16  may be moved into the completely opened position  56  as illustrated in  FIG. 7D , in the open position  56 , the pressure relief cap  16  including each of the top seal  32 , the middle seal  34  and the bottom seal  36  may be completely disengaged from the tank which may allow pressurized air to be removed from the tank through a pressure relief opening  58  and additionally through the expansion vent  40 . It is contemplated that by opening the pressure relief cap  16  through the steps shown in  FIGS. 7A-7D , a user may be able to open the pressure relief cap  16  safely regardless of the temperature, pressure, or other conditions of the tank. 
     The following description of variants is only illustrative of components, elements, acts, product and methods considered to be within the scope of the invention and are not in any way intended to limit such scope by what is specifically disclosed or not expressly set forth. The components, elements, acts, product and methods as described herein may be combined and rearranged other than as expressly described herein and still are considered to be within the scope of the invention. 
     Variation 1 may include a tank which may include a fluid portion and may additionally include an expansion portion which may be disposed below the fluid portion. Moreover, a three seal pressure relief cap may be constructed and arranged to allow a user to safely remove the pressure relief cap at any temperature. 
     Variation 2 may include the tank as set forth in Variation 1 and may further include a plurality of chambers which may be disposed in both the fluid portion and in the expansion portion. Moreover, the chambers may be constructed and arranged to move fluid and/or air volume through the plurality of chambers. 
     Variation 3 may include the tank as set forth in any of Variations 1-2 wherein the pressure relief cap may be configured to move from a closed position, to a first intermediate position, to a second intermediate position, and to an open position. 
     Variation 4 may include the tank as set forth in any of Variations 1-3 wherein the pressure relief cap may include a top seal, a middle seal and a bottom seal. 
     Variation 5 may include the tank as set forth in any of Variations 1-4 wherein the top seal, the middle seal and the bottom seal may be completely sealed when the pressure relief cap is in the closed position. 
     Variation 6 may include the tank as set forth in any of Variations 1-5 wherein the pressure relief cap is in the first intermediate position when the middle seal is disengaged and the top seal and the bottom seal remain completely sealed. 
     Variation 7 may include the tank as set forth in any of Variations 1-6 wherein the pressure relief cap may be in the second intermediate position when the middle seal and the bottom seal may be disengaged and the top seal may remain completely sealed. 
     Variation 8 may include the tank as set forth in any of Variations 1-7 wherein in the open position, each of the top seal, the middle seal and the bottom seal may be disengaged. 
     Variation 9 may include a product which may include a fluid inlet and a fluid portion which may be disposed adjacent to the fluid inlet. A fluid may flow from the inlet through the fluid portion. Further, the product may additionally include an expansion portion which may be disposed below the fluid portion. The fluid may expand and once the fluid portion is full, the fluid may flow down into the expansion portion. Moreover, the product may include a pressure relief cap which may be disposed at an end of the expansion portion. The pressure relief cap may be constructed and arranged to allow a user to safely remove the pressure relief cap at any temperature. 
     Variation 10 may include the product as set forth in Variation 9 wherein the pressure relief cap may be configured to move from a closed position to a first intermediate position to a second intermediate position and to an open position. Moreover, the pressure relief cap may include a top seal, a middle seal and a bottom seal. 
     Variation 11 may include the product as set forth in any of Variations 9-10 wherein the top seal, the middle seal and the bottom seal may be completely sealed in the closed position and the top seal, the middle seal and the bottom seal may be completely disengaged when the pressure relief cap is in the open position. 
     Variation 12 may include the product as set forth in any of Variations 9-11 wherein the pressure relief cap may be in the first intermediate position when the middle seal is disengaged and the top seal and the bottom seal remain completely sealed. 
     Variation 13 may include the product as set forth in any of Variations 9-12 wherein the pressure relief cap may be in the second intermediate position when the middle seal and the bottom seal may be disengaged and the top seal may remain completely sealed. 
     Variation 14 may include a method which may include flowing fluid from an inlet into a top portion of the tank. The fluid may expand until the top portion is full and fluid may flow down into an expansion portion. The fluid may continue expanding in the expansion portion upward towards the pressure relief cap. The pressure relief cap may be safely removed at any temperature. Additionally, the pressure relief cap may include a top seal, a middle seal and a bottom seal. 
     Variation 15 may include the method as set forth in Variation 14 wherein the step of safely removing the pressure relief cap at any temperature may include moving the pressure relief cap from a closed position to an intermediate position, to a second intermediate position, and to an open position. 
     Variation 16 may include the method as set forth in any of Variations 14 or 15 wherein the top seal, the middle seal and the bottom seal may be completely sealed in the closed position. 
     Variation 17 may include the method as set forth in any of Variations 14-16 wherein the pressure relief cap may be in the first intermediate position when the middle seal is disengaged and the top seal and the bottom seal remain completely sealed. 
     Variation 18 may include the method as set forth in any of Variations 14-17 wherein the pressure relief cap may be in the second intermediate position when the middle seal and the bottom seal may be disengaged and the top seal remains completely sealed. 
     Variation 19 may include the method as set forth in any of Variations 14-18 wherein the open position, each of the top seal, the bottom seal and the middle seal may be completely disengaged. 
     Variation 20 may include the method as set forth in any of Variations 14-19 wherein when the pressure relief cap is in the first intermediate position, hot and pressurized air may come up from the expansion portion and out to ambient through a hose. 
     The above description of select variations within the scope of the invention is merely illustrative in nature and, thus, variations or variants thereof are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.