TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to the construction and mechanism of an improved fuel tank cap. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an improved fuel tank cap for vehicles that provides improved sealing, thereby preventing fuel vapours from leaking into the atmosphere.
BACKGROUND
The information in this section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s).
Generally, vehicles such as, but not limited to, two wheelers are provided with a fuel tank cap to cover the fuel tank of the vehicle. Such fuel tank caps are conventionally made of a sturdy metallic material to limit the accessibility of the fuel tank inlet of the vehicle. However, a major limitation of such metallic fuel tank caps is the vaporization of fuel from minute gaps between the fuel tank cap and the neck of the fuel tank.
With the ongoing efforts in the field of automobiles, researchers have come up with multiple solutions to address the above-mentioned problem. One such solution is providing a sealing ring (A) around the peripheral edges of the fuel tank cap as shown in Figure 1. Such sealing rings are generally made from rubber that is mechanically formed with the metallic fuel tank cap. However, a major disadvantage of such sealing rings is that rubber has a tendency to get hardened over time, which causes the movement of the entire assembly if there is an obstruction on one side. Additionally, the rubber sealing ring becomes excessively hard due to sheet metal peripheral portion of the fuel tank cap being formed inside it. Accordingly, the sealing ring provides ineffective sealing. One more major shortcoming of the existing sealing rings is that since the sealing ring is bonded mechanically to the peripheral edges of the fuel tank cap, there is a tendency that the sealing ring detaches from the sheet metal surface, causing improper sealing of the fuel tank inlet. Further, the process of mechanical bonding may adversely affect the physical properties of the rubber sealing ring, thereby making it less effective.

Therefore, the researchers have developed a technically improved fuel tank cap that overcomes the one or more disadvantages associated with the conventional fuel tank caps. More specifically, an improved fuel tank cap for vehicles (two wheelers, three wheelers and the like) that provides improved sealing and overcomes the one or more drawbacks stated above.
SUMMARY
One or more drawbacks of conventional fuel tank caps as described in the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided by the improved fuel tank cap as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the technicalities of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered to be a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided improved fuel tank cap for vehicles. The fuel tank cap is removably configured with an opening of the fuel tank of the vehicle. The fuel tank cap comprises a locking mechanism for securing the fuel tank cap with the fuel tank of the vehicle. A sealing ring assembly comprises a plurality of projections formed along a periphery of the cover. A sealing ring is sealably securable with the cover. The sealing ring comprises a plurality of slots for receiving the plurality of projections of the cover.
In an embodiment, the sealing ring is bound to a flat portion on the periphery of the cover.
In an embodiment, the plurality of projections of the cover are snaps being engageable with the slots of the sealing ring.
In an embodiment, the cover comprises a crimped portion formed on a lower side of the periphery of the cover.
In an embodiment, the sealing ring comprises annular threads formed on an upper side of the sealing ring.

In an embodiment, the sealing ring is made from a fuel-resistant elastomeric material having a high low-temperature elasticity.
In an embodiment, the sealing ring is made from a material having multiple vapor retaining layers.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent with reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a conventional fuel tank cap identified in prior art.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of an improved fuel tank cap according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 depicts a perspective view of a sealing ring of the improved fuel tank cap according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the sealing ring fitted with the fuel tank cap according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of the sealing ring along section AA in accordance with the present disclosure.
Figure 6 illustrates an isometric view of the cover in accordance with the present disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the assemblies and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the invention is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Before describing in detail, the various embodiments of the present disclosure it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with an improved fuel tank cap for vehicles. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present disclosure and can perform various modifications. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, setup, system, device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system or device or setup. In other words, one or more elements in the system or apparatus or device proceeded by "comprises a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly or system or apparatus. The following paragraphs explain present disclosure. The invention in respect of the same may be deduced accordingly.
Accordingly, it is an aim of the present disclosure is to provide an improved fuel tank cap that provides adequate sealing of the fuel tank of the vehicle.
Another aim of the present disclosure is to provide an improved fuel tank cap that has an enhanced life cycle and is economical.
One more aim of the present disclosure is to provide an improved fuel tank cap having a sealing ring that is replaceable, thereby making it serviceable.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided improved fuel tank cap for vehicles. The fuel tank cap is removably configured with an opening of the fuel tank of the vehicle. The fuel tank cap comprises a locking mechanism for securing the fuel tank cap with the fuel tank of the vehicle. A sealing ring assembly comprises a plurality of projections formed along a periphery of the cover. A sealing ring is sealably securable with the cover. The sealing ring comprises a plurality of slots for receiving the plurality of projections of the cover. The sealing ring is bound to a flat portion on the periphery of the cover. The plurality of projections of the cover are snaps being engageable with the slots of the sealing ring. The cover comprises a crimped portion formed on a lower side of the periphery of the cover. The sealing ring comprises annular threads formed on an upper side of the sealing ring. The sealing ring is made from a fuel-resistant elastomeric material having a high low-temperature elasticity. The sealing ring is made from a material having multiple vapor retaining layers.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 2 to 6. In the figures the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.
Now referring to the figures, in which Figure 2 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure depicted an improved fuel tank cap (100) for vehicles. As shown in Figure 2, the improved fuel tank cap (100) is securable to a neck portion (not shown) of the fuel tank of the vehicle. The fuel tank cap (100) is adapted to be mounted at an inlet of the fuel tank of the vehicle. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fuel tank cap (100) is mounted on the fuel tank by means of a hinge (H). However, the configuration of the cap may vary depending on the requirement of the manufacturer, make of the vehicle etc. Accordingly, the cap (100) can be completely removable from the fuel tank in an unlocked/open condition. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the improved fuel tank cap (100) has, but is not limited to, a circular shape. The fuel tank cap (100) may be configured with a locking mechanism (101) for limiting access to the fuel tank by securing the fuel tank cap (100) with the fuel tank of the vehicle.
Now referring to figures 3 to 6, the improved fuel tank cap (100) comprises a sealing ring assembly (10) having a generally circular configuration corresponding to a shape of the inlet of the fuel tank. The sealing ring assembly (10) comprises a cover (1) configured with a sealing ring (2). In an embodiment, the sealing ring (2) is usually bound to the cover (1). The cover (1) may be provided with projections (la) formed along the periphery of the cover (1). The sealing ring (2) comprises a plurality of slots (2a) for receiving the plurality of projections (la) of the cover (1). In one embodiment, the plurality of projections (la) may be securing means such as snaps such that are engageable with the slots (2a) of the sealing ring.
In the mounted condition, the annular portion (2b) rests on the flat portion (lb) of the cover (1). It is understood by a person skilled in the art, that the sealing ring (2) can be secured with the sealing ring assembly (1) sealing ring assembly (1) by any other locking mechanism as well. Any such modification thereof shall be within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

The sealing ring (2) may be made from a a fuel-resistant elastomeric material having a high low-temperature elasticity. In one embodiment, the sealing ring (2) consists of a Fluorelastomer or other material having multiple vapor retaining layers.
During assembling of the sealing ring (2) with the cover (1) with the sealing ring (2), it may be ensured that the periphery of the cover (1) and sealing ring (2) are not excessively compressed. In the mounted condition, the sealing ring (2) forms a sealing surface between the sealing ring (2) and the neck of the fuel tank. As a result, the vapours of the liquid fuel are prevented from escaping the fuel tank. Fuel vapours which manage to escape may be collected in a vapor chamber in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure.
List of reference numerals;
Equivalents;
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is

intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

We claim:
1. An improved fuel tank cap (100) for vehicles; the fuel tank cap (100) being removably
configured with an opening of the fuel tank of the vehicle;
the fuel tank cap (100) comprising;
a locking mechanism (101) for securing the fuel tank cap (100) with the fuel tank of the vehicle;
a sealing ring assembly (10) comprising a plurality of projections (la) formed along a periphery of the cover (1)
and
a sealing ring (2) being sealably securable with the cover (1), wherein the sealing ring (2) comprises a plurality of slots (2a) for receiving the plurality of projections (la) of the cover (1).
2. The improved fuel tank cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing ring (2) is bound to a flat portion (lb) on the periphery of the cover (1).
3. The improved fuel tank cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of projections (la) of the cover (1) are snaps being engageable with the slots (2a) of the sealing ring (2).
4. The improved fuel tank cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover (1) comprises a crimped portion (lc) formed on a lower side of the periphery of the cover (1).
5. The improved fuel tank cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing ring (2) comprises annular threads (2b) formed on an upper side of the sealing ring (2).
6. The improved fuel tank cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing ring (2) is made from a fuel-resistant elastomeric material having a high low-temperature elasticity.

7. The improved fuel tank cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sealing ring (2) is made from a material having multiple vapor retaining layers.