Description:FUEL STORAGE APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] This invention generally relates to a field of fuel storage apparatus safety system and, in particular, relates to a fuel storage apparatus and a method for theft-proof fuel storage.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.
[0003] Fuel tanks, particularly in vehicles, are susceptible to fuel theft, tampering, and accidental fuel spills, and poses significant safety risks and financial losses. Unauthorized access to the fuel storage apparatus can lead to the fuel theft, creating dangerous conditions and contributing to environmental harm. Additionally, the accidental fuel spills during refuelling or tampering can result in safety hazards, including fire risks and contamination. Traditional locking mechanisms are often not designed to securely prevent unauthorized access of the fuel storage apparatus or ensure proper sealing of the fuel storage apparatus during non-operational periods, leaving the fuel storage apparatus vulnerable to breaches. Moreover, inadequate sealing systems of the fuel storage apparatus can lead to leakage, contributing to environmental pollution and safety concerns.
[0004] According to a patent application “CN204452013U” titled as “A kind of pilfer proof closure for drain plug of fuel storage apparatus, fuel storage apparatus and vehicle” which discloses a utility model which further discloses a kind of pilfer proof closure for drain plug of fuel storage apparatus, fuel storage apparatus and vehicle, wherein, described pilfer proof closure comprises the lid for cover cap drain screw, this lid is at least provided with the first pilfer proof closure mount pad and the second pilfer proof closure mount pad, wherein said first pilfer proof closure mount pad can be locked with the first matching seat on fuel storage apparatus by the first lock, the second matching seat that described second pilfer proof closure mount pad can be hinged to described fuel storage apparatus is gone up or locks onto on this second matching seat by second. Also by lock, pilfer proof closure is locked on fuel storage apparatus by the drain screw upper cover pilfer proof closure at fuel storage apparatus; can prevent drain screw from optionally being opened by lawless person and steal fuel oil; and drain screw can be protected not by the scraping of road obstacle, prevent fuel leakage.
[0005] According to another patent application “CN87203456U” titled as “Anti-thief oil tank for automobile” which discloses a utility model which further discloses an anti-thief oil tank for an automobile and belongs to the fuel feeder of the automobile, comprising an oil tank body, an oil tank cap, a partition board, a bending oil filling pipe with an exhaust pipe and a partition web, an extending oil filling pipe, an oil gauge sensor and the lock device thereof, an oil drain screw plug and the lock device thereof, and an oil outlet switch and a safety ring and a safety pin on the oil outlet switch. The anti-thief oil tank for an automobile overcomes the disadvantage that the fuel of the existing oil tank with a straight pipe type oil filling pipe is easy to be extracted from the oil filling pipe. The utility model prevents the fuel being extracted and drawn off by removing the oil gauge sensor, the oil drain screw plug, the oil outlet switch and the oil outlet pipe, so compared with the existing oil tank, the anti-thief performance of the anti-thief oil tank is enhanced.
[0006] However, the disclosed inventions do not disclose a system for prevention of oil from accidental spills. Further, the disclosed inventions do not disclose a unified locking mechanism for prevention of oil from theft. Therefore, there is a growing need for a more secure, durable, and tamper-resistant solution that not only prevents unauthorized access to the fuel storage apparatus but also ensures that fuel is safely contained in the fuel storage apparatus to avoid accidental spills. 
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The objective of present invention is to provide a secure seal fuel plug system and a method to prevent unauthorized access and accidental fuel spills in a fuel storage apparatus.
[0008] Further, the objective of the present invention is to prevent fuel theft in vehicles, specifically trucks and buses.
[0009] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to secure a fuel storage apparatus drain plug, reducing the risk of unauthorized access of the fuel storage apparatus and theft of fuel.
[0010] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to prevent accidental fuel spills during non-operational periods by securely sealing an inlet and an outlet of the fuel storage apparatus, protecting both the vehicle and environment.
[0011] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to provide an added layer of security to the fuel storage apparatus by utilizing a unique key-operated locking mechanism, making unauthorized tampering and access significantly more difficult.
[0012] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to ensure that the secure seal fuel plug system remains functional and effective even under challenging environmental conditions by utilizing corrosion-resistant and high-strength materials.
[0013] Furthermore, the objective of the present invention is to design the secure seal fuel plug system in a way that it can be easily integrated into a variety of fuel storage apparatus during manufacturing of the fuel storage apparatus.
 
SUMMARY
[0014] According to an aspect, the present embodiments discloses a fuel storage apparatus. The fuel storage apparatus comprises a body. The fuel storage apparatus further comprises a first cavity fabricated on a first portion of the body, and a first locking arrangement coupled to the first cavity. The fuel storage apparatus further comprises a second cavity fabricated on a second portion of the body, and a second locking arrangement coupled to the second cavity. The first portion is opposite to the second portion. The first cavity is configured to be enclosed by the first locking arrangement when the first locking arrangement is pressed in a first position. The second cavity is configured to be enclosed by the second locking arrangement when the second locking arrangement is pressed in the first position. The fuel storage apparatus further comprises a locking unit monolithically coupled on the first portion of the body at a predefined angle and is configured to operate the first locking arrangement and the second locking arrangement from the first position to a second position.
[0015] In some embodiments, the first cavity corresponds to a fuel inlet and the second cavity corresponds to a fuel tank drain plug.
[0016] In some embodiments, the first portion corresponds to a top portion of the body and the second portion corresponds to a bottom portion of the body.
[0017] In some embodiments, the first locking arrangement and the second locking arrangement corresponds to a push-fit type locking flap.
[0018] In some embodiments, the first position corresponds to a locked position of the first locking arrangement and the second locking arrangement.
[0019] In some embodiments, the second position corresponds to an unlocked position of the first locking arrangement and the second locking arrangement.
[0020] In some embodiments, the locking unit comprises at least a key slot configured to receive a corresponding key. The key is configured to be rotated in a first direction to operate the first locking arrangement in the second position and in a second direction to operate the second locking arrangement in the second position. The first direction and the second direction corresponds to a left direction and a right direction respectively.
[0021] In some embodiments, the locking unit and the first cavity are aligned along a common axis over the first portion of the body. The locking unit is protruded at a predefined height from a surface of the body.
[0022] In some embodiments, the first locking arrangement, the second locking arrangement and the locking unit are made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials.
[0023] According to an aspect, the present embodiments, discloses a method for operating a fuel storage apparatus. The method comprising the steps of enclosing, via a first locking arrangement, a first cavity when the first locking arrangement is pressed in a first position. The first cavity is fabricated on a first portion of a body, and is coupled to the first locking arrangement. The method further comprising the steps of enclosing, via a second locking arrangement, a second cavity when the second locking arrangement is pressed in the first position. The second cavity (106) is fabricated on a second portion of the body, and is coupled to the second locking arrangement. The method further comprising the steps of operating, via a locking unit monolithically coupled on the first portion of the body at a predefined angle, the first locking arrangement and the second locking arrangement from the first position to a second position.
 
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of systems, methods, and embodiments of various other aspects of the disclosure. Any person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the illustrated element boundaries (e.g. boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) in the figures represent one example of the boundaries. It may be that in some examples one element may be designed as multiple elements or that multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some examples, an element shown as an internal component of one element may be implemented as an external component in another, and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale. Non-limiting and non-exhaustive descriptions are described with reference to the following drawings. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles.
[0025] FIG. 1A illustrates an isometric view of a fuel storage apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 1B illustrates a front view of the fuel storage apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of the fuel storage apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 1D illustrates a side view of the fuel storage apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0029] FIG. 1E illustrates a bottom view of the fuel storage apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0032] Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the preferred, systems and methods are now described. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the several figures, and in which example embodiments are shown. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.
[0033] The present invention discloses a fuel storage apparatus and a method for storing fuel and preventing the fuel from theft and accidental fuel spills. The fuel storage apparatus aims to provide enhanced security to the fuel by preventing unauthorized access to the fuel storage apparatus.
[0034] FIG. 1A illustrates an isometric view of a fuel storage apparatus (100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B illustrates a front view of the fuel storage apparatus (100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1C illustrates a top view of the fuel storage apparatus (100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1D illustrates a side view of the fuel storage apparatus (100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1E illustrates a bottom view of the fuel storage apparatus (100), according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] In some embodiments, the fuel storage apparatus (100) is configured to store and supply fuel required to power an engine of a vehicle. The vehicle may correspond to a truck or a bus. The fuel storage apparatus (100) corresponds to a fuel tank in the vehicle. Size of the fuel storage apparatus (100) is large in the bus and the truck. The fuel storage apparatus (100) is made from a group of materials, comprising at least steel, aluminum, or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The fuel storage apparatus (100) is made from a group of materials that is corrosion resistant. The fuel storage apparatus (100) is securely attached to a chassis of the vehicle. The fuel storage apparatus (100) is attached using brackets to handle vibrations and shocks. In some embodiments, the fuel storage apparatus (100) may be cuboidal. The cuboidal fuel storage apparatus (100) is used for efficient space utilization.
[0036] In some embodiments, the fuel storage apparatus (100) is further configured to prevent unauthorized access to the fuel present inside the fuel storage apparatus (100). The fuel storage apparatus (100) may be interchangeably termed as an apparatus (100). The apparatus (100) protects the fuel from theft. The apparatus (100) also minimize risk of accidental spills of the fuel.
[0037] In some embodiments, the apparatus (100) comprises a body (102), a first cavity, a first locking arrangement (114), a second cavity (106), a second locking arrangement (108), and a locking unit (112).
[0038] In some embodiments, the body (102) corresponds to a main container configured to store the fuel. The body (102) is fabricated from a high-strength and a corrosion-resistant material. The body (102) is configured to withstand environmental stress and operational stress. The body (102) is further configured to provide structural support to the apparatus (100). In some embodiments, the body (102) is configured to house the locking unit (112), the first cavity, the first locking arrangement (114), the second cavity (106), and the second locking arrangement (108).
[0039] In some embodiments, the first cavity is fabricated on a first portion (110) of the body (102). The first portion (104) corresponds to a top portion of the body (102). The first cavity corresponds to a fuel inlet. The locking unit (112) and the first cavity are aligned along a common axis over the first portion (110) of the body (102). The locking unit (112) and the first cavity are on a same plane. The first cavity corresponds to an entry point of the fuel in the apparatus (100). The fuel is introduced into the apparatus (100) through the first cavity. The fuel is transferred from a refueling device to the apparatus (100) via the first cavity. The refueling device comprises at least a gas station pump and a manual filler.
[0040] In some embodiments, the first locking arrangement (114) is coupled to the first cavity. The first cavity is configured to be enclosed by the first locking arrangement (114) when the first locking arrangement (114) is pressed in a first position. The first position corresponds to a locked position of the first locking arrangement (114). The first cavity is closed by the first locking arrangement (114) once filling of the fuel in the apparatus (100) is completed. The first locking arrangement (114) corresponds to a push-fit type locking flap. The first locking arrangement (114) is configured to seal the first cavity after refuelling of the apparatus (100) is completed. The first locking arrangement (114) is further configured to prevent evaporation of the fuel, and entry of dirt, water, or other contaminants to the apparatus (100) by enclosing the first cavity.
[0041] In some embodiments, during the refuelling of the apparatus (100), the first cavity is open, and allow the fuel to flow into the apparatus (100). The first cavity ensures an unobstructed path for quick transfer of the fuel into the apparatus (100). Once the desired amount of the fuel has been introduced into the apparatus (100), the first locking arrangement (114) is pressed in the first position to seal the first cavity.
[0042] In some embodiments, the second cavity (106) is fabricated on a second portion (104) of the body (102). The second portion (104) corresponds to a bottom portion of the body (102). The first portion (110) is opposite to the second portion (104). The second cavity (106) corresponds to a fuel outlet of the apparatus (100). The fuel outlet further corresponds to a fuel tank drain plug. The second cavity (106) is configured to discharge or remove the fuel from the apparatus (100). In one example, the second cavity (106) is designed for maintenance purpose, emergency discharge of the fuel, or servicing of the apparatus (100).
[0043] In some embodiments, the second locking arrangement (108) is coupled to the second cavity (106). The second cavity (106) is configured to be enclosed by the second locking arrangement (108) when the second locking arrangement (108) is pressed in the first position. The first position corresponds to a locked position of the second locking arrangement (108). The second cavity (106) is sealed by the second locking arrangement (108). The second locking arrangement (108) corresponds to the push-fit type locking flap The second locking arrangement (108) ensures that the fuel do not leak out of the apparatus (100) unintentionally. The second locking arrangement (108) includes a sealing mechanism that prevents fuel leakage from the apparatus (100). When an authorized access to the second cavity (108) is required, an authorized user uses a key corresponding to the locking unit (112) to unlock the closure unit (108), and exposes the second cavity (108) for drainage of the fuel.
[0044] In some embodiments, the locking unit (114) is monolithically coupled on the first portion (110) of the body (102) at a predefined angle. The locking unit (114) is operable via a key. The locking unit (114) is physically integrated into the body (102) of the apparatus (100) during manufacturing of the apparatus (100). The locking unit (114) is fixed to the apparatus (100) and cannot be easily removed from the apparatus (100). The locking unit (112) is protruded at a predefined height from a surface of the body (102).
[0045] In some embodiments, the locking unit (114) is configured to operate the first locking arrangement (114) and the second locking arrangement (108) from the first position to a second position. The second position corresponds to an unlocked position of the first locking arrangement (114) and the second locking arrangement (108). The locking unit (114) is configured to control locking and unlocking of the first locking arrangement (114) and the second locking arrangement (108) to prevent the accidental spill of the fuel or to prevent the unauthorized access of the fuel.
[0046] In some embodiments, the locking unit (114) comprises at least a key slot. The key slot is configured to receive a corresponding key. The first locking arrangement (114) and the second locking arrangement (108) is operated from the first position to the second position using the key corresponding to the key slot of the locking unit (114). The key corresponding to the key slot of the locking unit (114) ensures that only authorized user with a correct key can operate the first locking arrangement (114) and the second locking arrangement (108) from the first position to the second position.
[0047] In some embodiments, the locking unit (114) is further configured to prevent fuel theft from the apparatus (100) by securing the first cavity and the second cavity (106) against an unauthorized access. The locking unit (114) is configured to provide a theft-proof and a tamper-resistant arrangement for the apparatus (100) by requiring the key to operate the first locking arrangement (114) and the second locking arrangement (108) from the first position to the second position.
[0048] In some embodiments, the key is configured to be rotated in a first direction to operate the first locking arrangement (114) in the second position and in a second direction to operate the second locking arrangement (108) in the second position. The first direction and the second direction corresponds to a left direction and a right direction respectively.
[0049] In some embodiments, the key slot is mechanically coupled to the first locking arrangement (114) and the second locking arrangement (108). The key is configured to operate the first locking arrangement (114) and the second locking arrangement (108) to the second position and allow access to the first cavity and the second cavity (106) upon insertion and rotation of the key in the first direction and the second direction respectively in the corresponding key slot. Each key is uniquely designed for the corresponding key slot of the locking unit (112). In some embodiments, the first locking arrangement (114), the second locking arrangement (108) and the locking unit (112) are made of the high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials.
[0050] In some embodiments, a method for operating the fuel storage apparatus (100) is disclosed. The method comprises steps of enclosing, via the first locking arrangement (114), the first cavity when the first locking arrangement (114) is pressed in the first position. The first locking arrangement (114) is configured to enclose the first cavity when the first locking arrangement (114) is pressed in the first position. The first cavity is fabricated on the first portion (110) of the body (102), and is coupled to the first locking arrangement (114). The first cavity corresponds to the fuel inlet of the apparatus (100). The first cavity is designed to allow the fuel to be introduced into the apparatus (100).
[0051] The method further comprises steps of enclosing, via the second locking arrangement (108), the second cavity (106) when the second locking arrangement (108) is pressed in the first position. The second cavity (106) is fabricated on the second portion (104) of the body (102), and is coupled to the second locking arrangement (108). The first portion (110) and the second portion (104) of the body (102) are parallel aligned. The first portion (110) is opposite to the second portion (104). The second cavity (106) serves as the fuel outlet for the apparatus (100). The second cavity (106) corresponds to the fuel tank drain plug. The second cavity (106) enables the controlled fuel discharge during the maintenance or the drainage process.
[0052] The method further comprises steps of operating, via the locking unit (112) monolithically coupled on the first portion (110) of the body (102) at the predefined angle, the first locking arrangement (114) and the second locking arrangement (108) from the first position to the second position. The locking unit (112) is operable via the key. The locking unit (112) ensures that the apparatus (100) is secure and tamper-resistant. The locking unit (112) allows only the authorized user to operate the first locking arrangement (114) and the second locking arrangement (108) from the first position to the second position. The second position corresponds to the unlocked position of the first locking arrangement (114) and the second locking arrangement (108).
[0053] It should be noted that the fuel storage apparatus and the method for operating the fuel storage apparatus in any case could undergo numerous modifications and variants, all of which are covered by the same innovative concept; moreover, all of the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the components used, as well as the numbers, shapes, and sizes of the components can be of any kind according to the technical requirements. The scope of protection of the invention is therefore defined by the attached claims.

Dated this 04th Day of February, 2025
Ishita Rustagi (IN-PA/4097)
Agent for Applicant
, Claims:1. A fuel storage apparatus (100), comprising:
a body (102);
a first cavity fabricated on a first portion (110) of the body (102);
a first locking arrangement (114) coupled to the first cavity;
a second cavity (106) fabricated on a second portion (104) of the body (102), wherein the first portion (110) is opposite to the second portion (104);
a second locking arrangement (108) coupled to the second cavity (106),
wherein the first cavity is configured to be enclosed by the first locking arrangement (114) when the first locking arrangement (114) is pressed in a first position;
wherein the second cavity (106) is configured to be enclosed by the second locking arrangement (108) when the second locking arrangement (108) is pressed in the first position,
a locking unit (112) monolithically coupled on the first portion (110) of the body (102) at a predefined angle and configured to operate the first locking arrangement (114) and the second locking arrangement (108) from the first position to a second position.

2. The fuel storage apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first cavity corresponds to a fuel inlet and the second cavity (106) corresponds to a fuel tank drain plug.

3. The fuel storage apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion (104) corresponds to a top portion of the body (102) and the second portion (104) corresponds to a bottom portion of the body (102).

4. The fuel storage apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first locking arrangement (114) and the second locking arrangement (108) corresponds to a push-fit type locking flap.

5. The fuel storage apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first position corresponds to a locked position of the first locking arrangement (114) and the second locking arrangement (108).

6. The fuel storage apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second position corresponds to an unlocked position of the first locking arrangement (114) and the second locking arrangement (108).

7. The fuel storage apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking unit (108) comprises at least a key slot configured to receive a corresponding key, wherein the key is configured to be rotated in a first direction to operate the first locking arrangement (114) in the second position and in a second direction to operate the second locking arrangement (108) in the second position, wherein the first direction and the second direction corresponds to a left direction and a right direction respectively.

8. The fuel storage apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking unit (112) and the first cavity are aligned along a common axis over the first portion (110) of the body (102), and wherein the locking unit (112) is protruded at a predefined height from a surface of the body (102).

9. The fuel storage apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first locking arrangement (114), the second locking arrangement (108) and the locking unit (112) are made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials.

10. A method comprising:
enclosing, via a first locking arrangement (114), a first cavity when the first locking arrangement (114) is pressed in a first position, wherein the first cavity is fabricated on a first portion (110) of a body (102), and is coupled to the first locking arrangement (114);
enclosing, via a second locking arrangement (108), a second cavity (106) when the second locking arrangement (108) is pressed in the first position, wherein the second cavity (106) is fabricated on a second portion (104) of the body (102), and is coupled to the second locking arrangement (108); and
operating, via a locking unit (112) monolithically coupled on the first portion (110) of the body (102) at a predefined angle, the first locking arrangement (114) and the second locking arrangement (108) from the first position to a second position.

Dated this 04th Day of February, 2025
Ishita Rustagi (IN-PA/4097)
Agent for Applicant