TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of automobiles.
Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a fuel tank cap for mounting on a fuel tank to cover a fuel filler of the fuel tank of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Vehicles such as, but not limited to, two-wheelers such as scooters,
motorcycles, etc., are provided with a fuel system for supplying fuel to an engine of the vehicle. The fuel system includes a plurality of components, such as a fuel tank, a fuel pump, a fuel carburetor/injector, and a fuel level gauge etc. The fuel tank is adapted to store fuel therein, which is supplied to the engine, for driving the vehicle.
[0003] The fuel tank includes a fuel filler and a fuel tank cap. The fuel filler is
adapted to fill fuel in the fuel tank. The fuel tank cap is adapted to cover and uncover the fuel filler of the fuel tank, as per requirements. The fuel tank cap has a lock mechanism that is configured to lock/ unlock the fuel tank cap. The lock mechanism comprises a lever. The lever is coupled to a locking plate at one end and coupled with an actuator at the other end. The lever is configured to be actuated by the actuator to move the locking member for unlocking the fuel tank cap.
[0004] The lever is slidably coupled to a cylindrical body of the fuel tank cap.
The lever is extended radially from a side portion of the cylindrical body. The lever is movable in a linear direction, upon actuation of the actuator, to move the locking member for unlocking the fuel tank cap. For such linear movement, the lever acquires large space within the fuel tank cap. A compression spring is coupled along a length of the lever to retain the lever to its original position after releasing the actuation. For

installation of the compression spring along the length of the lever, a large space is required within the fuel tank cap.
[0005] Often, to cover all components of the lock mechanism and their
respective movements within the fuel tank cap, there is always a requirement to make the fuel tank cap larger in size, thereby, the fuel tank cap becomes heavier and incurs more cost.
[0006] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations
stated above or any other limitations associated with the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0007] The one or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by the
system/assembly as claimed, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the system/assembly as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
[0008] Pursuant to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in an aspect, a fuel
tank cap is disclosed. The fuel tank cap is configured for mounting on a fuel tank to cover a fuel filler of the fuel tank of the vehicle. The fuel tank cap comprises a body. The body is adapted to be coupled with the fuel tank. The fuel tank cap comprises a lid, a lever, and a locking plate. The lid is pivotally coupled to the body. The lid is adapted to be moved for covering and uncovering the fuel filler of the fuel tank. The lid comprises a locking member that is adapted to facilitate locking and unlocking of the lid. The lever is pivotally coupled to the body at a pivot end via a biasing member. The lever is adapted to be moved about the pivot end of the lever between a first position and a second position. The locking plate is coupled with the lever. The

locking plate is configured to move with the lever for locking and unlocking the lid. The locking plate is adapted to be engaged with the locking member of the lid, to lock the lid, for covering the fuel filler, and the locking member is to be disengaged with the locking member of the lid, to unlock the lid, for uncovering the fuel filler.
[0009] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking plate
is disengaged from the locking member of the lid, to unlock the lid, for uncovering the fuel filler of the fuel tank, in the first position of the lever.
[00010] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking plate
is engaged with the locking member of the lid, to lock the lid, for covering the fuel filler of the fuel tank, in the second position of the lever.
[00011] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the lever is
adapted to be actuated by an actuator to move from the second position to the first position.
[00012] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the lever and the
locking plate are integrated with one another.
[00013] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the biasing
member is coupled with the body at one end and coupled with the lever at the other end, to bias the lever towards the second position.
[00014] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking plate
comprises a first end coupled with the lever and a second end adapted to be received on the locking member for engagement of the locking plate with the locking member.
[00015] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking plate
comprises a first face and the locking member comprises a third face, wherein the first face of the locking plate is adapted to be received on the corresponding third face of the locking member.

[00016] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking plate
comprises a second face and the locking member comprises a fourth face, wherein the second face of the locking plate is adapted to be engaged with the corresponding fourth face of the locking member.
[00017] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the biasing
member is a torsion spring.
[00018] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure
described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[00019] 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 by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[00020] The invention itself, together with further features and attended
advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[00021] Figure 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary fuel tank cap,
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00022] Figure 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the fuel tank cap of
Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[00023] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the fuel tank cap of Figure 1
illustrating components such as a body, a lid, etc., according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00024] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as
being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[00025] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and
alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here 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 the scope of the invention.
[00026] The term "comprises", comprising, or any other variations thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or structure or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[00027] For better understanding of this disclosure, reference would now be
made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures and description here below, further, in the following Figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.
[00028] While the present disclosure is illustrated in the context of a vehicle,
however, modular vehicle and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type 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 vehicle, and the like.
[00029] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, an exemplary fuel tank cap (100) according
to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. The fuel tank cap (100) (hereinafter alternatively referred to as the cap) is a cap, which is adapted to be used in the vehicles such as two-wheeled vehicles or three-wheeled vehicles etc. Alternatively, the fuel tank cap (100) may be used in four wheeled vehicles, without limiting the scope of the invention. The fuel tank cap (100) is configured for mounting on a fuel tank (not shown) of the vehicle to cover a fuel filler (not shown) of the fuel tank.
[00030] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the fuel tank cap (100) comprises a body
(50). The body (50) is adapted to be coupled with the fuel tank of the vehicle. The body (50) is further adapted to include various components of the fuel tank cap (100) for mounting on the fuel tank of the vehicle. The body (50) may have different shapes, as per design of the fuel tank of the vehicle, without limiting scope of the invention.
[00031] Referring to Figures 2, 3 and 4, the fuel tank cap (100) comprises a lid
(10). The lid (10) is pivotally coupled to the body (50). The lid (10) is adapted to be moved for covering and uncovering the fuel filler of the fuel tank.

[00032] Referring to Figures 2, the lid (10) has a sealing member (14) that is
adapted to sealing effect at an opening of the fuel filler of the fuel tank, when the fuel tank cap is in locked condition. The sealing member (14) may comprise a sealing plate, a gasket, a rubber pad etc. The sealing member (14) is disposed at a bottom end of the lid and coupled to a base plate (15) of the lid (10). The base plate (15) of the lid (10) is configured to support the sealing member (14).
[00033] Referring to Figure 2, the lid (10) comprises one or more springs (16).
The springs (16) are adapted to bias the lid (10) for uncovering the fuel filler of the fuel tank. The springs (16) are coupled on the base plate (15) at one end and supported at the other end by supports (17) defined at the lid (10). The supports (17) extend towards to a top end of the lid (10) to couple with a main plate (18). The main plate (18) is positioned at the top end of the lid (10). The main plate (18) is adapted to be actuated by a user to push down the lid to facilitate locking of the lid (10) for covering the fuel filler of the fuel tank.
[00034] Referring to Figure 4, the lid (10) comprises a locking member (11). The
locking member (11) is adapted to facilitate locking of the lid (10) to cover the fuel filler of the fuel tank. In an illustrating example, the locking member (11) is defined at a side portion of the lid (10) to engage or disengage with other members of the fuel tank cap (100) for locking or unlocking the lid (10).
[00035] Referring to Figure 2, the fuel tank cap (100) comprises a lever (20). In
the illustrated example, the lever (20) is pivotally coupled to the body (50) at a pivot end (21) via a biasing member (40). The lever (20) is adapted to be moved about the pivot end (21) between a first position and a second position. The lever (20) has an angular movement about the pivot end (21), by which an angle may be formed between the first position and the second position. The first position of the lever (20) refers to define an unlocked condition of the lid (10) and the second position refers to define a locked condition of the lid (10).

[00036] Referring to Figure 2, in the illustrated example, the lever (20) comprises
a movable end. The movable end of the lever is coupled to an actuator (not shown). The lever (20) is adapted to be actuated by the actuator to move from the second position to the first position. In the illustrated example, the lever (20) is coupled to the actuator by a cable (not shown) to actuate the lever (20). Alternatively, the lever (20) may be coupled with the actuator by other mechanical linkages such as a spring, an arm, a rod, a beam etc., without limiting the scope of the invention.
[00037] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, as shown above, the lever (20) comprises
the biasing member (40). The biasing member (40) is disposed at the pivot end (21) of the lever (20) to bias the lever (20) towards the second position. The biasing member (40) is coupled to the lever (20) at one end and coupled to the body (50) at the other end. In the illustrated example, the biasing member (40) is a torsion spring.
[00038] Referring to Figure 2, as shown above, the lever (20) comprises the pivot
end (21) and the movable end (22). The pivot end (21) and the movable end (22) of the lever (20) are positioned opposite to one another so the lever (20) can be moved with less amount of actuation force by the actuator. The lever (20) is coupled with the body (50) at the pivot end (21) via a screw mechanism. Alternatively, the lever (20) may be coupled to the body (50) using different types of fasteners, without limiting the scope of the invention.
[00039] Referring to Figure 2, the movable end (22) of the lever (20) has one or
more grooves. The grooves are adapted to hold the cable of the actuator. Alternatively, the movable end (22) of the lever (20) may have different shapes to hold the cable, without limiting the scope of the invention.
[00040] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the fuel tank cap (100) comprises a locking
plate (30). The locking plate (30) is coupled to the lever (20). The lever (20) and the locking plate (30) are integrated with one another. The locking plate (30) is configured

to move with the lever (20). The locking plate (30) is adapted to be engaged with the locking member (11) of the lid (10) to lock the lid (10) for covering the fuel filler of the fuel tank. The locking member (11) is further adapted to be disengaged with the locking member (11) of the lid (10), to unlock the lid (10) for uncovering the fuel filler of the fuel tank.
[00041] Referring to Figure 4, the locking plate (30) comprises a first end (31)
and a second end (32). The first end (31) of the locking plate (30) is coupled with the lever (20) and the second end (32) of the locking plate (30) is adapted to be engaged and/or disengaged to the lid member (11) for locking and/or unlocking the lid (10).
[00042] Referring to Figure 2, in the illustrated example, the body (50) has a slot
(51). The slot (51) is defined to facilitate movements of the locking plate (30) for engaging and/or disengaging with the lid member (11), to lock and/or unlock the lid (10).
[00043] Referring to Figure 4, the locking plate (30) has a first face (33) and a
second face (34). The first face (33) of the locking plate (30) is defined at the second end (32) of the locking plate (30). In the illustrated example, the first face (33) has inclined shape. Alternatively, the first face (33) may have curved shape, without limiting the scope of the invention. The second face (34) of the locking plate (30) is also defined at the second end (32) of the locking plate (30). The first face (33) and the second face (34) are positioned at faces opposite to one another for locking with the locking member (11) of the lid (10).
[00044] Referring Figure 4, the locking member (11) comprises a third face (12)
and a fourth face (13). The third face (12) and the fourth face (13) are positioned at faces opposite to one another. The first face (33) of the locking plate (30) is adapted to be received on the corresponding third face (12) of the locking member (11). The second face (34) of the locking plate (30) is adapted to be engaged with the

corresponding fourth face (13) of the locking member (11). During engagement of the locking plate (30) with the locking member (11), the first face (33) of the locking plate (30) is received on the third face (12) of the locking member (11) and is slidably moved over the third face (12) of the locking member (11) to reach at the fourth face (13) of the locking member (11) for locking the lid (10).
[00045] The locking plate (30) is disengaged from the locking member (11) of
the lid (10), to unlock the lid (10), for uncovering the fuel filler of the fuel tank, in the first position of the lever (20).
[00046] The locking plate (30) is engaged with the locking member (11) of the
lid (10), to lock the lid (10), for covering the fuel filler of the fuel tank, in the second position of the lever (20).
[00047] When the fuel filler of the fuel tank is required to be uncovered, a user
has to operate the actuator. The actuator actuates the lever (20), by the pulling the cable coupled to the movable end (22) of the lever (20). Subsequently, the lever (20) moves about the pivot end (21) from the second position to the first position, thereby the lever (20) moves the locking plate (30) away from the locking member (11) of the lid (10). By such movement of the locking plate (30), lid (10) of the fuel tank cap (100) gets unlocked for uncovering the fuel filler of the fuel cap.
[00048] When the fuel filler of the fuel tank is required to be covered, the user
has to press the main plate (18) of the lid (10). Due to pressing force, the lid (10) moves down, thereby the third face (12) of the locking member (11) receives the first face (33) of the locking plate (30) and the second face (34) of the locking plate (30) gets engaged with the fourth face (13) of the locking member (11) to lock the lid (10) of the fuel tank cap (100) for covering the fuel filler of the fuel tank.
[00049] The present disclosure discloses the fuel tank cap (100) which is
configured for mounting on the fuel tank to cover the fuel filler of the fuel tank cap

(100). The fuel tank cap (100) is compact and economical. The orientation of the lever (20) and the torsion spring, requires less space within the fuel tank cap (100), thereby reducing the cost.
[00050] While few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described
above, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[00051] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular
features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

Sr. No. Description
100 Fuel tank cap
10 Lid
11 Locking member
12 Third face
13 Fourth face
14 Sealings
15 Base plate
16 Springs
17 Supports
18 Main plate
20 Lever
21 Pivot end
22 Movable end
30 Locking plate
31 First end
32 Second end
33 First face
34 Second face

40 Biasing member
50 Body
51 Slot

EQUIVALENTS
[00052] 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.
[00053] 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).
[00054] 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. A fuel tank cap (100) configured for mounting on a fuel tank to cover a fuel
filler of the fuel tank of the vehicle, the fuel tank cap (100) comprising:
a body (50) adapted to be coupled with the fuel tank;
a lid (10) pivotally coupled to the body (50) and adapted to be moved for covering and uncovering the fuel filler of the fuel tank, the lid (10) comprises a locking member (11) adapted to facilitate locking and unlocking of the lid
(io);
a lever (20) pivotally coupled to the body (50) at a pivot end (21) via a biasing member (40), wherein the lever (20) is adapted to be moved about the pivot end (21) of the lever (20) between a first position and a second position;
a locking plate (30) coupled with the lever (20), wherein the locking plate (30) is configured to move with the lever (20) for locking and unlocking the lid (10), wherein the locking plate (30) is adapted to be engaged with the locking member (11) of the lid (10) to lock the lid (10), for covering the fuel filler and to be disengaged with the locking member (11) of the lid (10) to unlock the lid (10), for uncovering the fuel filler.
2. The fuel tank cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking plate (30) is
disengaged from the locking member (11) of the lid (10), to unlock the lid (10),
for uncovering the fuel filler of the fuel tank, in the first position of the lever
(20).
3. The fuel tank cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking plate (30) is
engaged with the locking member (11) of the lid (10), to lock the lid (10), for
covering the fuel filler of the fuel tank, in the second position of the lever (20).

4. The fuel tank cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lever (20) is adapted to be actuated by an actuator to move from the second position to the first position.
5. The fuel tank cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lever (20) and the locking plate (30) are integrated with one another.
6. The fuel tank cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biasing member (40) is coupled with the body (50) at the one end and coupled with the lever (20) at the other end, to bias the lever (20) towards the second position.
7. The fuel tank cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking plate (30) comprises a first end (31) coupled with the lever (20) and a second end (32) adapted to be received on the locking member (11) for engagement of the locking plate (30) with the locking member (11).
8. The fuel tank cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking plate (30) comprises a first face (33) and the locking member (11) comprises a third face (12), wherein the first face (33) of the locking plate (30) is adapted to be received on the corresponding third face (12) of the locking member (11).
9. The fuel tank cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking plate (30) comprises a second face (34) and the locking member (11) comprises a fourth face (13), wherein the second face (34) of the locking plate (30) is adapted to be engaged with the corresponding fourth face (13) of the locking member (11).
10. The fuel tank cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biasing member (40) is a torsion spring.