Patent Publication Number: US-2009223597-A1

Title: Fuel fill cuff fuel nozzle attachment with floatation capability

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of fuel filling accessories, and more specifically to an apparatus that allows non-traditional vehicles, such as watercraft, to fill their fuel tanks without overflow. 
     Watercraft have many uses in business, industry, tourism and for recreation. Watercraft, are used for economical transportation, racing and for fun. Watercraft, such as small boats and personal watercraft, can even be found in the military. Since most watercraft have internal combustion engines, they also have a gasoline tank that must periodically be refilled. Gasoline is a mixture of the lighter liquid hydrocarbons used chiefly as a fuel for internal-combustion engines. It is produced by the fractional distillation of petroleum; by condensation or adsorption from natural gas; by thermal or catalytic decomposition of petroleum or its fractions; by the hydrogenation of producer gas or coal; or by the polymerization of hydrocarbons of lower molecular weight. Gasoline has many unfavorable characteristics that necessitates care when handling the flammable liquid. Thus, when refilling a motorcycle gas tank it is important not to let the gas tank overflow. Gasoline will be absorbed by clothing and other cloth like material, rendering the material flammable. For the careless driver that forgets about gas soaked clothing this could spell disaster at a later time, such as when the person is standing around a campfire or lighting a cigarette. Gasoline also has caustic characteristics. If it is splashed on the outside of a motorcycle&#39;s gas tank it will eventually cause fading of the paint and finish of the gas tank. Gasoline also has a caustic effect on skin. An overflow during filling could cause gas to be splashed on the hands or other parts of the person doing the filling. If the affected area of skin is not washed immediately the person will experience a burning sensation. Further, unwashed hands and fingers with gasoline residue on them could cause burning and irritation of the eyes if the person later uses his fingers to rub his eyes or eyelids. Finally, not to be forgotten is the unpleasant odor of gasoline. Spilling and overflow of gasoline on any item will leave the item with a smell of gasoline that is harmful to the person and the environment. 
     In an attempt to capture and otherwise limit the fumes and smell that are emitted during the filling of gas tanks, gas pump manufacturers have instituted the use of a corrugated rubber nozzle that surrounds the gasoline dispensing nozzle. This rubber nozzle is intended to fit around the outside of a gas tank inlet while the metal nozzle is inserted down and into the gas tank inlet. During filling of the tank, any fumes that try to escape from the gas tank are prevented by a seal the rubber nozzle forms around the outside of the gas tank inlet. Many gas pumps will not even allow the flow of gasoline to begin until the rubber hose is pushed back a sufficient distance from the tip of the metal nozzle. Almost all gas pump systems also have an auto shut-off feature whereby the gas pump detects when the gas tank is full based on pressure that is felt by the gas coming out of the gasoline dispensing nozzle. Such an automatic shut-off feature works well with automobile gas tanks where the gasoline must travel some distance down a fill tube before it ultimately reaches the gas tank. The fill tube acts as a safety overflow device allowing the gas pump time to realize the gas tank is full and automatically stop before an overflow occurs. Watercraft generally do not have a tube leading to the gas tank. Rather, the gasoline dispensing nozzle is inserted directly into the gas tank itself. Therefore, no extra time is provided between the filling of the gas tank and the initiation of the automatic shut-off feature, leading to unwanted overflows. One can understand how this happens by imagining a situation where a person filling a car&#39;s gas tank wishes to “top off” the gas tank; fill the car&#39;s tank so that the gasoline level can be seen at the tank inlet. In such a situation, the person doing the filling lets the automatic shut-off feature stop the filling of the gas tank at its regular time. However, since the person wishes to fill not only the gas tank but the fill tube also, he starts filling the tank again. When the auto shut-off feature stopped the gas flow the first time, there was no overflow. However, on the second occurrence of the auto shut-off feature, gasoline overflows from the gas tank. This is because the fill tube was already partially filled during the first filling and during the second subsequent filling there is not enough empty space in the fill tube to hold all of the gasoline that continues to be dispensed even though the auto shut-off feature has been initiated. Such is the situation with motorcycle gas tanks. Many times motorcycle drivers will hold the rubber nozzle up and out of the way so that they can see the level of gas in the gas tank as it start to rise. This method allows the rider to stop filling before an overflow occurs, however, it also requires the motorcycle rider to soil his fingers with soot and gas residue from the rubber hose. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to prevent unwanted overflows when filling gas tanks of vehicles such as boats and personal watercraft. It is also an object to provide a device that allows drivers of these vehicles to fill their gas tanks without getting their fingers dirty from the rubber fume catching tubes and gasoline residue. It is further an object to let watercraft riders take advantage of the auto shut-off feature of gasoline pumps, wherein the auto shut-off feature stops the flow of gasoline before any overflow of gasoline occurs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The purpose of the present invention is to provide a new Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device that has many novel features not offered by the prior art apparatus that result in a new Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability which is not apparent, obvious, or suggested, either directly or indirectly by any of the prior art apparatus 
     The present invention generally comprises a principally cylindrical upper portion, a generally cylindrical, substantially hollow inner core that runs the length of the device and a generally cylindrical lower portion that temporarily removeably attaches to the gas tank opening. The generally cylindrical, substantially hollow inner core can have flexible membranes that permanently attach to the inner wall surface of the core to prevent gas fumes from escaping out of the gas tank and into the atmosphere. The lower portion is specifically designed to meet the connective device interface requirements for each different type of fuel containment tank opening, including but not limited to, flush mounted or indented gas tank inlets, on each different type of fuel operated vehicle. The present invention can be made of a variety of different materials including but not limited to, hydrocarbon polymers (or rubber), polypropylene plastic, polyurethane foam, styrofoam, composite foams, composite plastics, pvc, wood, cardboard, paper, steel, aluminum, platinum, cast iron, and any general use plastic, or metal alloy not referred to herein. 
     The present invention provides a device that is used to prevent the overflow of liquid, such as, but not limited to, fuel for various types of gasoline consuming vehicles during the transference of such liquid from a holding container to the gas or fuel tank of the gasoline consuming vehicle. The present invention also allows the user to fill the gas or fuel tank of the gasoline consuming vehicle without getting his hands soiled. 
     Accordingly several advantages and objects of the present invention are: 
     A principal object of the present invention is to provide a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability that will overcome the deficiencies of the prior art devices. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability that prevents the overflow of fuel when filling a gasoline or fuel tank. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability that allows the user to completely fill the gasoline or fuel tank without the user&#39;s hands getting soiled. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability that is adaptable to any type of fuel tank opening for any type of gasoline or fuel consuming vehicle. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability wherein, the lower portion is adapted to fit flush mounted fuel tank openings. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability wherein, the lower portion is adapted to fit recessed fuel tank openings. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability wherein, the inner core has a general funnel shape and an area between an outer wall of the apparatus and the inner core is solid. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability is to provide a method for preventing an automatic shut-off feature of a standard fuel pump from activating prematurely. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability that is more universally functional in today&#39;s market than the prior art devices. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention of the present application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, given only by way of example, in which: 
         FIG. 1 . is a perspective view of a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2 . is a perspective bottom view of a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 3 . is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 4 . is a perspective bottom view of an alternate embodiment of a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 5 . is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 6 . is a perspective bottom view of another alternate embodiment of a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 7 . is a perspective view of still another alternate embodiment of a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 8 . is a perspective bottom view of still another alternate embodiment of a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 9 . is a perspective view of yet a different embodiment of a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 10 . is a perspective bottom view of yet a different embodiment of a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 11 . is a top view of a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 12 . is a bottom view of a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 13 . is a cross sectional view of the present invention seen in  FIG. 11 , taken along line A-A of that drawing of a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 14 . is a cross sectional view of the present invention seen in  FIG. 9 , taken along line B-B of that drawing of a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability according to the present invention. 
         FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention that is designed to be used with fuel pumps that do not have a corrugated rubber hose. 
         FIG. 17  is a detailed view of inner core with a membrane that extends across the interior of core and is substantially cut in half by a slit. 
         FIG. 18  shows a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment with Floatation Capability that is designed to be used on vehicles that have an indented fuel tank opening. 
         FIG. 19(   a ) shows a collapse-able embodiment of the present Fuel Nozzle Attachment in the extended position. 
         FIG. 19(   b ) shows the collapse-able embodiment of the present Fuel Nozzle Attachment in the closed, or collapsed, position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now descriptively to the drawings, the attached figures illustrate a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability according to the present invention, 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a device  10  that is placed over an inlet of a fuel tank for such apparatus including but not limited to Automobiles, Trucks, Motorcycles, Watercraft, Airplanes, Helicopters, Industrial Equipment, Farm Vehicles, Military Vehicles, and any other Gasoline or Fuel Powered Machine not mention herein, that prevents the overflow of fuel during the filling of the fuel tank on the afore mentioned gasoline or fuel consuming vehicles as well as allows the user to completely fill the gasoline or fuel tank on said vehicles without getting hands soiled. The device  10 , referred to herein as the “Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability” comprises an upper portion  11  that accepts a fuel pump nozzle, an inner core  13  that captures fuel fumes and provides for pressure build up inside the fuel tank, and a lower portion  12  that is designed to mesh with the fuel tank opening for such apparatus including but not limited to Automobiles, Trucks, Motorcycles, Watercraft, Airplanes, Helicopters, Industrial Equipment, Farm Vehicles, Military Vehicles, and any other Fuel Powered Machine not mention herein. The upper portion  11  and inner core  13  are basically the same on each model of the Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability. The lower portion  12  of the Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability is specifically designed to adapt to different types of fuel tank openings including but not limited to, flush mounted or indented gas tank inlets, on each different type of fuel operated vehicle. The Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment Device with Floatation Capability gives the operator of Automobiles, Trucks, Motorcycles, Watercraft, Airplanes, Helicopters, Industrial Equipment, Farm Vehicles, Military Vehicles, and any other Gasoline or Fuel Powered Machine not mention herein, the same fuel filling advantages of filling their tanks to a desired full level, as those enjoyed by car operators, by working in conjunction with the automatic shut-off feature available in most fuel pumps. 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate an alternate embodiment of a device  10  having a flexibly rigid barrier gasket  16  placed around the beveled surface  12  and flat against the underside surface  14  of upper portion  11 , with said gasket  16  acting as a barrier seal when the device  10  is placed into position against the opening of a fuel or gasoline tank, thus preventing the leaking of fuel liquid or fumes at the connection point thus allowing pressure to build up inside the fuel tank. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate an alternate embodiment of a device  10  having an extended or elongated lower portion  12  as well as a more narrow diameter of the inner core  13  where it terminates at the lower portion  12 . This optional embodiment serves to extend the lower portion  12  and inner core surface  13  down into the fuel tank of various types of vehicles for a more secure interface between the device  10  and the tank opening. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate an alternate embodiment of a device  10  having an extended or elongated lower portion  12 . This optional embodiment serves to extend the lower portion  12  and inner core surface  13  down into the fuel tank of various types of vehicles for a more secure interface between the device  10  and the tank opening. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  illustrate an alternate embodiment of a device  10  having a generally cylindrical hole running substantially perpendicular to the center line of inner core  13 , and creating a generally cylindrical opening through the upper portion  11 . This optional embodiment serves to allow for fuel fumes to vent, thus preventing the build up of fumes when the condition of elevated pressure within inner core  13  is not desired. 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate a top and bottom view respectively of the preferred embodiment of the Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment with Floatation Capability. Outer surfaces  11 ,  12  and  14 , define the basic shape of the cuff and inner core surface  13  defines the cone shaped nozzle receiving region. Lower portions  12 , and  14  are preferably made of materials including but not limited to, a semi-hard rubber with floatation capabilities that maintains its shape but allows some flexibility. The inner circumference  13  of lower portion  12  is slightly smaller than the outer circumference of a standard Automobile, Truck, Motorcycle, Watercraft, Airplane, Helicopter, Farm Equipment, Fuel Powered Machine fuel tank inlet, so that a snug frictional attachment occurs when the cuff is pushed or twisted onto the fuel tank inlet. In operation, the fuel pump&#39;s metal or other composition nozzle is inserted through inner core  13  so that it protrudes approximately ½ inch into the fuel tank. 
       FIG. 13  is a section through the preferred embodiment of the device  10  having a tapered, generally cone shaped inner core  13  that is narrower at the lower portion  12  and wider at the upper portion  11 , with the surface of the lower portion  12  having a generally tapered shape that is narrower at the bottom and wider where lower portion  12  meets upper portion  11 . 
       FIG. 14  is a section through an alternate embodiment of the present invention  10  whereby a vent shaft  17  runs perpendicular to the centerline of inner core  13  as well as the outer wall of upper portion  11 , with vent shaft  17  allowing for fumes to escape when a build up of pressure within inner core  13  is not desirable. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention  10 . The embodiment of  FIG. 15 and 16  is designed to be used with fuel pumps that do not have a corrugated rubber hose that surrounds the metal or other composition nozzle. This embodiment still has upper portion  11 , inner core  13 , outer wall and lower portion  12 . In this embodiment, the main difference is the overall height of the device. Outer wall  11  is now substantially shorter than in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . It logically follows that inner core  13  is also shorter. The device can be made shorter for fuel pumps that do not have a rubber hose surrounding the metal or other composition nozzle because there is no longer a need to “push” the rubber hose back a specified distance before the flow of fuel can begin. The fuel pump that this embodiment is used with has no rubber hose. So the user need only insert the metal or other composition nozzle through inner core  13  so that it protrudes approximately ½ inch past the device and into the fuel tank, and then squeeze the fuel pump handle to initiate the flow of fuel. Thin flaps, or membranes, in core  13  prevent fuel from splashing back up through the device and also provide sufficient pressure build up to trigger the auto shut-off feature of the fuel pump when the tank is full. 
       FIG. 17  is a detailed view of inner core  13 . Membrane  5  extends across the interior of core  13  and is substantially cut in half by slit  6 . A circular opening can optionally be left in the middle of membrane  5 , so as to conform to the metal or other composition nozzle that is inserted there through. Preferably, more than one membrane is used in core  13  with each membrane being spaced some distance apart. Also, it is preferred that the slits of different membranes run perpendicular to one another so as to optimally prevent fuel from splashing out of the fuel tank and allow the required build up of pressure in the fuel tank that will trigger the automatic shut-off of fuel flow when the fuel tank is full. In an alternative embodiment, two slits are made across the length of membrane  5  so that the membrane is divided into four equal parts. In both embodiments, membrane  5  can have a hole left in its center, or no hole can be left in the center. In a further embodiment, the membrane(s) that extend across the interior of inner core  13  can be manufactured so that the “halves” or “quarters” slightly overlap each other. Of course other membranes or flaps can be designed and used with the present invention with the only limitation being that they prevent splashing of fuel back up through the inner core and that the required pressure to trigger the automatic shut-off of the pump be allowed to build up. For embodiments that do not include flexible membranes, the inner core is sufficiently small so as to form a loose seal with the metal or other composition nozzle. 
       FIGS. 18  shows a Fuel Fill Cuff Fuel Nozzle Attachment with Floatation Capability that is designed to be used on Automobile, Truck, Motorcycle, Watercraft, Airplane, Helicopter, Farm Equipment, Fuel Powered Machines that have an indented fuel tank opening. The device is designed to fill the space of the indentation that surrounds the fuel tank inlet and is designed to be used with fuel pumps that do not have a rubber hose around the metal or other composition nozzle. The cuff can be made shorter because with the pump that it is designed for there is no rubber hose to push back. The metal or other composition nozzle is simply inserted through inner core  13 , and subsequently the membrane(s) that are housed therein, until the nozzle extends approximately ½ inch into the fuel tank. Then filling can begin in the standard manner. The above embodiments are preferably made of synthetic rubber foam that allows the Attachment to float, which is especially beneficial when being to used to fill boats and other water craft. The above Fuel Nozzle Attachments are preferably produced using the well known injection molding method. Other embodiments can be make of other materials including a sponge material that would not only float, but also be easy to clean. Other materials that can be used to produce embodiments of the present invention include hydrocarbon polymers (or rubber), polypropylene plastic, polyurethane foam, styrofoam, composite foams, composite plastics, pvc, wood, cardboard, paper, steel, aluminum, platinum, cast iron, and any general use plastic or metal alloy. 
       FIG. 19(   a ) shows a collapse-able embodiment of the present Fuel Nozzle Attachment in the extended position. The side  11  of this embodiment includes multiple small rings that are able to interlock with each other and form seams  19  when in the extended position. After being extended, the Nozzle Attachment is used in the same manner as the other embodiments, with the fuel nozzle passing through the top  10  of the Attachment and protruding through the bottom  12  of the Attachment. This collapse-able embodiment can be made of any semi-rigid material including plastic and metal. 
       FIG. 19(   b ) shows the collapse-able embodiment of the present Fuel Nozzle Attachment in the closed, or collapsed, position. After being used to precisely fill a gas tank without overflow, the operator removes the fuel nozzle, grabs the top  10  of the Attachment, taps the bottom  12  on the ground and the multiple seams  19 , which were held in place by friction, disengage and the multiple rings collapse into the bottom ring. The result is a compact Fuel Nozzle Attachment that can be stored almost anywhere. 
     It is further intended that any other embodiments of the present invention that result from any changes in application or method of use or operation, method of manufacture, shape, size, or material which are not specified within the detailed written description or illustrations contained herein yet are considered apparent or obvious to one skilled in the art are within the scope of the present invention. 
     The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology of terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.