Description:
FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

FUEL TANK CAP OF A VEHICLE

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to a fuel tank cap of a fuel tank of a vehicle and a vehicle incorporating the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] A fuel tank is a crucial component of a vehicle's fuel system for storing fuel that is to be utilized by the vehicle. The fuel tank comprises a fuel filler port for allowing fuel filling operation. Conventionally, the fuel tank is covered by at least one cover with an aperture positioned around the fuel filler, which provides access to the fuel filler port.

[003] Further, the fuel filler port is sealed with a fuel tank cap to prevent fuel leakage, evaporation, and contamination. The fuel tank cap is surrounded by a rear body cover mounted either on the frame or any of the components of rear structure of the vehicle. Due to practical constraints, there is always a formation of an unavoidable circumferential gap in between the rear body cover and the fuel tank cap. The formation of the unavoidable circumferential gap leads to ingress of water towards the fuel filler port in certain weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or during vehicle washing, which tends to accumulate over a sealing member of the fuel tank cap coming in direct contact with the fuel filler port.

[004] During fuel filing operation or other situations which require opening of the fuel tank cap, the water accumulated over the sealing cap enters inside the fuel tank. Ingress of the accumulated water inside the fuel tank lead to significant issues, including engine misfires, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential damage to fuel system components. Thus, there is a need to provide a solution to the aforesaid problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[006] Accordingly, the present invention provides a fuel tank cap of a fuel tank of a vehicle for sealingly covering a fuel filler port of the fuel tank, the fuel tank cap comprising a lid member; a sealing member connected to the lid member; and a cap member positioned between the lid member and the sealing member.

[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the sealing member being located at a distance “X” from the lid member as measured in a first direction; and the cap member having a height “H” and a value for H being one of equal to and less than a value for X.

[008] In another embodiment of the invention, the cap member being connected to the sealing member by means of adhesive, fasteners, and a combination thereof.

[009] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the cap member comprises a first portion, a second portion and a wall; the first portion being located proximate to the lid member, the second portion being located proximate to the sealing member and the wall connecting the first portion and the second portion.

[0010] In still another embodiment of the invention, a circumference of the second portion being one of substantially equal to and greater than a circumference of a top surface of the sealing member; and a circumference of the first portion being lesser than the circumference of the second portion.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one peripheral wall comprises a first portion and a second portion facing the first portion, the first part being connected to the first portion.

[0012] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the cap member and the sealing member being formed as a single part.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the lid member comprises a pivotable connecting part, a lockable part and an intermediate part for receiving the sealing member and the cap member.

[0014] In another embodiment of the invention, the cap member made from a material selected from a group comprising rubber and plastic.

[0015] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle, a head pipe supporting a front fork in a steerable manner ;a main frame connected to the head pipe, the main frame extending in a rearward and downward direction of the vehicle; a first rear tube and a second rear tube extending from the main frame in a rearward direction of the vehicle ;a fuel tank coupled to the first rear tube and the second rear tube; a first cover and a second cover at least partially covering the fuel tank; a fuel tank cap for sealingly covering a fuel filler port of the fuel tank; the fuel tank cap comprising: a lid member a sealing member connected to the lid member; and a cap member positioned between the lid member and the sealing member .

[0016] One of the advantages of the present invention includes changing a direction of flow of water ingressing towards the sealing member via an unavoidable circumferential gap between the lid member of the fuel tank cap and a rear body cover surrounding the fuel tank cap. Further, one of the advantages of the present invention includes effectively preventing accumulation of water coming through the unavoidable circumferential gap over the sealing member. By effectively preventing the accumulation of water on the sealing member, the present invention eliminates any potential for water coming through the unavoidable circumferential gap to enter the fuel tank during fuel filling or other scenarios that requires opening the fuel tank cap.

[0017] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0018] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a fuel tank cap and a fuel tank in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of a cap member and a sealing member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of the cap member and the sealing member formed as a single part in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0023] Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of the fuel tank cap in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0024] It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description of the Invention:
[0025] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0026] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0027] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0028] Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0029] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0030] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, and “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0032] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

[0033] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims. Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows F, R, U, D in the Figures.

[0035] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[0036] Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a side view of a vehicle (10) that comprises a front end structure (12), a rear end structure (14), and a footboard (16). The front end structure (12) forms the front portion of the vehicle (10). The rear end structure (14) forms the rear portion of the vehicle (10). The footboard (16) lies between the front end structure (12) and the rear end structure (14). The footboard (16) provides footrest for a rider riding the vehicle (10).

[0037] The front end structure (12) comprises a front ground engaging member (18), and a steering mechanism (20). The front ground engaging member (18) is operatively connected to the steering mechanism (20). In the illustrated example, the front ground engaging member (18) embodies a wheel. Alternatively, the front ground engaging member (18) embodies a track, without limiting the scope of the invention. The steering mechanism (20) comprises a head pipe (22) receiving a front fork (24) in a steerable manner, and a handlebar (26) connected to the front fork (24) for steering the front fork (24). The handlebar (26) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) further comprises a main frame (28) supporting the front end structure (12), the footboard (16), and the rear end structure (14).

[0038] Further, the front end structure (12) comprises a front cover assembly (30) and a leg shield (32). The front cover assembly (32) and the leg shield (32) at least partially cover the head pipe (22) and the front fork (24). The leg shield (32) provides protection for the feet of the rider of the vehicle (10). The front end structure (12) may further comprise additional components such as headlight, dash assembly, handle cover, windscreen, mirror(s), front turn indicator(s), etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0039] The rear end structure (14) comprises a seat (38) and a rear ground engaging member (40). The seat (38) provides seating for a rider of the vehicle (10). In the illustrated example, the rear ground engaging member (40) embodies a wheel. Alternatively, the rear ground engaging member (40) embodies a track, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0040] The seat (38) is supported between a first rear tube (42) and a second rear tube (44) extending from the main frame (28) in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10). Further, a fuel tank (46) coupled to the first rear tube (18) and the second rear tube (20). The fuel tank (46) comprises a fuel filler port (48) for allowing a fuel filing operation of the fuel tank (46). Further, the rear end structure (14) comprises a first cover (50) and a second cover (52) at least partially covering the fuel tank (46) such that forming an aperture (Not Shown) for allowing access to the fuel filler port (48).

[0041] Further, the vehicle (10) comprises a fuel tank cap (100) of the fuel tank (46) positioned in the aperture for sealingly covering the fuel filler port (48). The fuel tank cap (100) is surrounded by a rear body cover (54) mounted either on the first rear tube (42) and a second rear tube (44) or any of the components of rear end structure (14) of the vehicle (10).

[0042] The vehicle (10) may comprise additional components such as taillight, rear turn indicator(s), and cushioning elements, cover assembly, etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0043] Referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated the fuel tank cap (100) comprising a lid member (102) and a sealing member (104) connected to the lid member (102). Further, a cap member (106) positioned between the lid member (102) and the sealing member (104). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sealing member (104) completely covers the fuel filler port (48).

[0044] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the cap member (106) made from a material selected from a group comprising rubber and plastic.

[0045] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the sealing member (104) being located at a distance “X” from the lid member (102) as measured in a first direction; and the cap member (106) having a height “H” and a value for H being one of equal to and less than a value for X. The variation in the value of the height “H” with respect to the value of distance “X” allows variation in size of the cap member (106) with respect to the lid member (102) and the sealing member (104) in accordance with a specific requirement.

[0046] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, if the value of the height “H” is equal to the value of “X”, the cap member (106) directly connects the lid member (102) with the sealing member (104).

[0047] Referring to Figure 3, the cap member (106) comprises a first portion (108), a second portion (110) and a wall (112); the first portion (108) being located proximate to the lid member (102), the second portion (110) being located proximate to the sealing member (104) and the wall (112) connecting the first portion (108) and the second portion (110).

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a circumference of the second portion (110) being one of substantially equal to and greater than a circumference of a top surface (114) of the sealing member (104). According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, equality between the circumference of the second portion (110) and the circumference of a top surface (114) of the sealing member (104) meets the minimum requirement for effectively preventing accumulation of water over the sealing member (104).

[0049] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the second portion (110) makes a surface contact with a top surface (114) of the sealing member (104).

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is a distinct variation in circumference between the first portion (108) and the second portion (110). Specifically, a circumference of the first portion (108) being lesser when compared to the circumference of the second portion (110).

[0051] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the wall (112) tapers from the first portion (108) to the second portion (110).

[0052] According to yet other embodiment of the present invention, the cap member (106) being connected to the sealing member (104) by means of adhesive, fasteners, and a combination thereof. In still other embodiment of the present invention the cap member (106) and the sealing member (104) being formed as a single part as illustrated in Figure 4.

[0053] Referring to Figure 5, the lid member (102) comprises a pivotable connecting part (116), a lockable part (118) and an intermediate part (120) for receiving the sealing member (104) and the cap member (106).

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate part (120) accommodates the sealing member (104) and cap member (106), ensuring they are securely attached to the lid member (102). Further, the sealing member (104) and cap member (106) may connected to the intermediate part (120) with help of fasteners.

[0055] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate part (120) may include features such as grooves, channels, or recesses that align with corresponding elements on the sealing member (104) and the cap member (106), facilitating their proper alignment and attachment.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pivotable connecting part (116) allows the movement of the fuel tank cap (100) form an open position to a closed position or from the closed position to the open position. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the pivotable connecting part (116) comprises a hinge mechanism for allowing the lid member (102) to perform pivotal motion with respect to the fuel tank (46).

[0057] According to one other embodiment of the present invention the pivotable connecting part (116) connects the fuel tank cap (100) to the fuel tank (46) or to the first cover (50) and the second cover (52).

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lockable part (118) helps in restricting the lid member (102) in the closed position. The lockable part (118) being capable of interacting with a locking mechanism present in proximity to the fuel tank (46).

[0059] Since, the wall (112) tapers from the first portion (108) to the second portion (110), one of the advantages of the present invention includes changing a direction of flow of water ingressing towards the sealing member via an unavoidable circumferential gap between the lid member (102) of the fuel tank cap (100) and the rear body cover (54) surrounding the fuel tank cap (100), in certain weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or during vehicle washing. Due to change in the direction of flow of the water away from the sealing member (104), one of the advantages of the prevent invention includes preventing accumulation of water coming through the unavoidable circumferential gap over the sealing member (104).

[0060] By effectively preventing the accumulation of water on the sealing member (104), the present invention eliminates any potential for water coming through the unavoidable circumferential gap to enter into the fuel tank (46) through the fuel filler neck (48) during fuel filling or other scenarios that necessitate opening the fuel tank cap (100).

[0061] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0062] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims. , Claims:We Claim:
1. A fuel tank cap (100) of a fuel tank (46) of a vehicle (10) for sealingly covering a fuel filler port (48) of the fuel tank (46), the fuel tank cap (100) comprising:
a lid member (102);
a sealing member (104) connected to the lid member (102) ; and
a cap member (106) positioned between the lid member (102) and the sealing member (104).

2. The fuel tank cap(100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing member (104) being located at a distance “X” from the lid member (102) as measured in a first direction; and the cap member (106) having a height “H” and a value for H being one of equal to and less than a value for X.

3. The fuel tank cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cap member (106) being connected to the sealing member (104) by means of adhesive, fasteners, and a combination thereof.

4. The fuel tank cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cap member (106) comprises a first portion (108), a second portion (110) and a wall (112); the first portion (108) being located proximate to the lid member (102), the second portion (110) being located proximate to the sealing member (104) and the wall (112) connecting the first portion (108) and the second portion (110).

5. The fuel tank cap (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein circumference of the second portion (110) being one of substantially equal to and greater than circumference of a top surface (114) of the sealing member (104); and circumference of the first portion (108) being lesser than circumference of the second portion (110).

6. The fuel tank cap (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the wall (112) tapers from the first portion (108) to the second portion (110).

7. The fuel tank cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cap member (106) and the sealing member (104) being formed as a single part.

8. The fuel tank cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lid member (102) comprises a pivotable connecting part (116), a lockable part (118) and an intermediate part (120) for receiving the sealing member (104) and the cap member (106).

9. The fuel tank cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cap member (106) made from a material selected from a group comprising rubber and plastic.

10. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a head pipe (22) supporting a front fork (24) in a steerable manner ;
a main frame (28) connected to the head pipe (22), the main frame (28) extending in a rearward and downward direction of the vehicle(10);
a first rear tube (42) and a second rear tube (44) extending from the main frame (28) in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10);
a fuel tank (46) coupled to the first rear tube (42) and the second rear tube (44);
a first cover (50) and a second cover (52) at least partially covering the fuel tank (46);
a fuel tank cap (100) for sealingly covering a fuel filler port (48) of the fuel tank (46), the fuel tank cap (100) comprising:
a lid member (102);
a sealing member (104) connected to the lid member (102); and
a cap member (106) positioned between the lid member (102) and the sealing member (104).