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

FUEL TANK OF 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 is directed to a fuel tank of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Fuel tanks are provided with either protruded type cap or a flush type cap. Over the years, the external projection requirements are becoming more and more stringent. Thus, while some of the fuel tank having protruded type cap may have met earlier versions of external projection requirement, the same may not meet with the stringent versions of the external projection requirement. A fuel tank having protruded type cap is said not to meet with external projection requirements if some part(s) of the protruded type cap is protruding or extending beyond the acceptable limits.

[003] Typically, when a fuel tank having protruded type cap does not meet with stringent external projection requirement, the protruded type cap is replaced by a flush type cap. However, such an approach is adopted, the cost of the fuel tank increases substantially for the simple reason that the flush type cap is much costlier than the protruded type cap. Another alternative to address the aforesaid would be to make substantial modifications to the protruded type cap, which also involves substantial cost.

[004] Thus, there exists a need to make modifications to a fuel tank having protruded type cap which does not meet with external projection requirement such that the fuel tank meets with stringent norms of external projection requirement.

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 of a vehicle, comprising: a tank member adapted to store fuel, the tank member comprising a fuel filler opening disposed on a first top surface of the tank member. The fuel tank comprises a cap member comprising at least body member and a holding part, the holding part being located above the first top surface of the tank member and the body member being located below the first top surface of the tank member and at least partly within the fuel filler opening; and a gasket member disposed between the cap member and the first top surface of the tank member.

[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the cap member comprises a second top surface and the gasket element comprises a third top surface such that the second top surface of the cap member being spaced apart from the first top surface of the tank member by a first distance (L1); the third top surface of the gasket element being spaced from the second top surface of the cap member by a second distance (L2); and the second distance (L2) being less than the first distance (L1).

[008] In another embodiment of the invention, the cap member comprises the body member that fits snugly into the fuel filler port; the holding part adapted to be held by a user for assisting in movement of the cap member; a sealing element located so as to surround the body member, the sealing element compresses against the fuel filler opening during a closed state of the cap member; a locking mechanism located at least partly within the body member and at least partly outside the body member, the locking mechanism preventing un-authorized access to an internal portion of the tank member; and a ventilation mechanism formed as part of the body member, the ventilation mechanism allowing air to enter and exit the tank member while preventing fuel vapors from escaping from the tank member.

[009] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the cap member comprises a retention mechanism that connects the cap member to a predetermined part of the vehicle that ensures that the cap member remains attached to the predetermined part of the vehicle even when the cap member is in open state.

[0010] In still another embodiment of the invention, the tank member comprises a fuel level detector located within the tank member for detecting a level of fuel contained in the tank member; a fuel filter and fuel pump assembly located within the tank member, the fuel filter and fuel pump assembly being configured to supply fuel free of impurities and debris to an engine of the vehicle; and at least one mounting structure located on an external surface of the tank member for securely mounting the tank member to a frame of the vehicle.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the gasket element comprises a third top surface; a bottom surface spaced apart from the third top surface; an inner wall connecting a first portion of the third top surface to a second portion of the bottom surface, the inner wall being substantial perpendicular to the top surface and the bottom surface; and an outer wall connecting a second portion of the third top surface to a second portion of the bottom surface, the outer wall being substantially inclined with respect to the third top surface and the bottom surface.

[0012] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the gasket element having a structure selected from a group comprising a frusto-conical structure, a cylindrical structure, and a dome structure.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the gasket element being integrated with the cap member.

[0014] The invention furthermore provides a vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine generating power; at least one ground engaging member receiving for power from the internal combustion engine; and a fuel tank adapted to store fuel and supply the same to the internal combustion engine. In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank comprises a tank member adapted to store fuel, the tank member comprising a fuel filler opening disposed on a first top surface of the tank member; a cap member comprising at least body member and a holding part, the holding part being located above the first top surface of the tank member and the body member being located below the first top surface of the tank member and at least partly within the fuel filler opening; and a gasket member disposed between the cap member and the first top surface of the tank member.

[0015] An advantage of the invention is the protruded type cap is not modified to meet with the stringent external projection requirements. Thus, the cost of redevelopment is substantially avoided.

[0016] Another advantage of the invention is that the protruded type cap is not is replaced by a flush type cap. Since the cost of the protruded type cap is substantially lesser than the cost of the flush type cap, the cost of constructing a fuel tank having a protruded type cap which is meeting the stringent external projection requirements is substantially lower.

[0017] Yet another advantage of the invention is that by providing the gasket element, an amount of foreign elements which may inadvertently enter into the fuel tank is substantially reduced. Thus, the overall performance of the vehicle and more particularly, the engine is substantially improved. Also, the life of the fuel filter and fuel pump assembly disposed within the tank member is substantially increased.

[0018] 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:
[0019] 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:

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the vehicle constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0021] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the fuel tank constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0022] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the fuel tank constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the cap member constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] Figure 5 illustrates a partial sectional view of the fuel tank constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0025] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the gasket member constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0026] Figure 7 illustrates a sectional view of the gasket member constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] 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:
[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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 Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the Figures.

[0039] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a side view of a two-wheeled vehicle (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (10) comprises, inter-alia, a head pipe (12), a front fork (14), a front fender (16), a front ground engaging member (18), a headlight (20), a steering handle bar (22), an internal combustion engine (24), an exhaust pipe (26), a rear ground engaging member (28), a rear fender (30), a tail light (32), a seat (34), a tool box (36), a body frame (38), and a fuel tank (100). The body frame (38) supports the internal combustion engine (24) and the fuel tank (100). It may be noted that the vehicle (10) is shown to have included above stated parts, however, those skilled in the art would appreciate that the vehicle (10) includes other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence are not shown and described.

[0041] Now referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3, it can be observed that in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank (100) comprises a tank member (102). The tank member (102) is adapted to store fuel. The tank member (102) comprises a fuel filler opening (104) disposed on a first top surface (106) of the tank member (102). The fuel tank (100) further comprises a cap member (108) that restricts access to an internal portion of the tank member (102). The cap member (108) is preferably a protruded type cap member (108). In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank (100) comprises a gasket member (110) disposed between the cap member (108) and the first top surface (106) of the tank member (102).

[0042] Now referring to Figure 4, in an embodiment of the invention, the cap member (108) comprises at least body member (116) and a holding part (118). In another embodiment of the invention, the holding part (118) is located above the first top surface (106) of the tank member (102) and the body member (116) is located below the first top surface (106) of the tank member (102) and at least partly within the fuel filler opening (104). In particular, the body member (116) fits snugly into the fuel filler port (104). In yet another embodiment of the invention, the holding part (118) being adapted to be held by a user for assisting in movement of the cap member (108).

[0043] In still another embodiment of the invention, the cap member (108) further comprises a sealing element (120) located so as to surround the body member (116). The sealing element (120) compresses against the fuel filler opening (104) during a closed state of the cap member (108). In a further embodiment of the invention, the cap member (108) further comprises a locking mechanism (122) located at least partly within the body member (116) and at least partly outside the body member (116). The locking mechanism (122) is adapted to prevent un-authorized access to an internal portion of the tank member (102). In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the cap member (108) further comprises a ventilation mechanism (124) formed as part of the body member (116). The ventilation mechanism (124) is adapted to allow air to enter and exit the tank member (102) while preventing fuel vapors from escaping from the tank member (102).

[0044] In another embodiment of the invention, the cap member (108) comprises a retention mechanism (126) that connects the cap member (108) to a predetermined part of the vehicle (10). Thus, the retention mechanism (126) ensures that the cap member (108) remains attached to the predetermined part of the vehicle (10) even when the cap member (108) is in open state.

[0045] Referring back to Figure 3, in an embodiment of the invention, the cap member (108) is a protruded type cap member (108) and comprises a second top surface (112). In an embodiment of the invention, the gasket element (110) comprises a third top surface (114). In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank (100) having the protruded type cap member (108) is said not to meet with external projection requirements or in other words, some part of the protruded type cap member (108) is protruding or extending beyond the acceptable limits. In particular, the second top surface (112) of the cap element (108) is spaced apart from the first top surface (106) of the tank member (102) by a first distance (L1) such that the protruded type cap member (108) is protruding or extending beyond the acceptable limits.

[0046] However, since the gasket member (110) is disposed between the cap member (108) and the first top surface (106) of the tank member (102), the third top surface (114) of the gasket element (110) is spaced from the second top surface (112) of the cap element (108) by a second distance (L2). In an embodiment of the invention, the second distance (L2) being less than the first distance (L1). Since the second distance (L2) is less than the first distance (L1), the fuel tank (100) having the protruded type cap member (108) meets with the external projection requirements.

[0047] Referring now to Figure 5, in an embodiment of the invention, the tank member (102) comprises a fuel level detector (128) located within the tank member (102) for detecting a level of fuel contained in the tank member (102). The tank member (102) further comprises a fuel filter and fuel pump assembly (130) located within the tank member (102). In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel filter and fuel pump assembly (130) is configured to supply fuel free of impurities and debris to an engine (24) of the vehicle (10). In a further embodiment of the invention, the tank member (102) further comprises at least one mounting structure (132) located on an external surface of the tank member (102) for securely mounting the tank member (102) to the body frame (38) of the vehicle (10).

[0048] Now referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7, in an embodiment of the invention, the gasket element (110) comprises a third top surface (114); a bottom surface (138) spaced apart from the third top surface (114); an inner wall (144) connecting a first portion (134) of the third top surface (114) to a second portion (140) of the bottom surface (138), the inner wall (144) being substantial perpendicular to the top surface (114) and the bottom surface (138); and an outer wall (146) connecting a second portion (136) of the third top surface (114) to a second portion (142) of the bottom surface (138), the outer wall (146) being substantially inclined with respect to the third top surface (114) and the bottom surface (138).

[0049] In an embodiment of the invention, the gasket element (110) having a structure selected from a group comprising a frusto-conical structure, a cylindrical structure, and a dome structure.

[0050] While in Figure 2, the gasket element (110) is shown as being separate from the cap member (108), in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the gasket element (110) is integrated with the cap member (108). By integrating the gasket element (110) with the cap member (108), an ease of locating the gasket element (110) at the desired location is substantially increased.

[0051] An advantage of the invention is that the protruded type cap is not modified to meet with the stringent external projection requirements. Thus, the cost of redevelopment is substantially avoided.

[0052] Another advantage of the invention is that the protruded type cap is not replaced by a flush type cap. Since the cost of the protruded type cap is substantially lesser than the cost of the flush type cap, the cost of constructing a fuel tank having a protruded type cap which is meeting the stringent external projection requirements is substantially lower.

[0053] Yet another advantage of the invention is that by providing the gasket element, an amount of foreign elements which may inadvertently enter into the fuel tank is substantially reduced. Thus, the overall performance of the vehicle and more particularly, the engine is substantially improved. Also, the life of the fuel filter and fuel pump assembly disposed within the tank member is substantially increased.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A fuel tank (100) of a vehicle (10), comprising:
a tank member (102) adapted to store fuel, the tank member (102) comprising a fuel filler opening (104) disposed on a first top surface (106) of the tank member (102);
a cap member (108) comprising at least body member (116) and a holding part (118), the holding part (118) being located above the first top surface (106) of the tank member (102) and the body member (116) being located below the first top surface (106) of the tank member (102) and at least partly within the fuel filler opening (104); and
a gasket member (110) disposed between the cap member (108) and the first top surface (106) of the tank member (102).

2. The fuel tank (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cap element (108) comprises a second top surface (112) and the gasket element (110) comprises a third top surface (114); such that:
the second top surface (112) of the cap element (108) being spaced apart from the first top surface (106) of the tank member (102) by a first distance (L1);
the third top surface (114) of the gasket element (110) being spaced from the second top surface (112) of the cap element (108) by a second distance (L2); and
the second distance (L2) being less than the first distance (L1).

3. The fuel tank (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cap element (108) comprises:
the body member (116) that fits snugly into the fuel filler port (104);
the holding part (118) adapted to be held by a user for assisting in movement of the cap element (108);
a sealing element (120) located so as to surround the body member (116), the sealing element (120) compresses against the fuel filler opening (104) during a closed state of the cap element (108);
a locking mechanism (122) located at least partly within the body member (116) and at least partly outside the body member (116), the locking mechanism (122) preventing un-authorized access to an internal portion of the tank member (102); and
a ventilation mechanism (124) formed as part of the body member (116), the ventilation mechanism (124) allowing air to enter and exit the tank member (102) while preventing fuel vapors from escaping from the tank member (102).

4. The fuel tank (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cap element (108) comprises a retention mechanism (126) that connects the cap element (108) to a predetermined part (___) of the vehicle (10) that ensures that the cap element (108) remains attached to the predetermined part (___) of the vehicle (10) even when the cap element (108) is in open state.

5. The fuel tank (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tank member (102) comprises:
a fuel level detector (128) located within the tank member (102) for detecting a level of fuel contained in the tank member (102);
a fuel filter and fuel pump assembly (130) located within the tank member (102), the fuel filter and fuel pump assembly (130) being configured to supply fuel free of impurities and debris to an engine (___) of the vehicle (10); and
at least one mounting structure (132) located on an external surface of the tank member (102) for securely mounting the tank member (102) to a frame (38) of the vehicle (10).

6. The fuel tank (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gasket element (110) comprises a third top surface (114); a bottom surface (138) spaced apart from the third top surface (114); an inner wall (144) connecting a first portion (134) of the third top surface (114) to a second portion (140) of the bottom surface (138), the inner wall (144) being substantial perpendicular to the top surface (114) and the bottom surface (138); and an outer wall (146) connecting a second portion (136) of the third top surface (114) to a second portion (142) of the bottom surface (138), the outer wall (146) being substantially inclined with respect to the third top surface (114) and the bottom surface (138).

7. The fuel tank (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gasket element (110) having a structure selected from a group comprising a frusto-conical structure, a cylindrical structure, and a dome structure.

8. The fuel tank (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gasket element (110) being integrated with the cap member (108).

9. A vehicle (10) comprising:
an internal combustion engine (24) generating power; at least one ground engaging member (18, 26) receiving for power from the internal combustion engine (24);
a fuel tank (100) adapted to store fuel and supply the same to the internal combustion engine (24); the fuel tank (100) comprising:
a tank member (102) adapted to store fuel, the tank member (102) comprising a fuel filler opening (104) disposed on a first top surface (106) of the tank member (102);
a cap member (108) comprising at least body member (116) and a holding part (118), the holding part (118) being located above the first top surface (106) of the tank member (102) and the body member (116) being located below the first top surface (106) of the tank member (102) and at least partly within the fuel filler opening (104); and
a gasket member (110) disposed between the cap member (108) and the first top surface (106) of the tank member (102).