FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a cap assembly, more specifically relates to a cap assembly for fuel tanks of vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[002] A fuel tank is a specialized container made to store fluids like gasoline (or other fuels). Generally, a fuel tank is provided with a filler orifice (also known as ‘neck’) for pouring fuel inside the fuel tank. Since fuels are volatile and flammable fluids, the filler orifice is provided with a pressure regulating cap to safely store gasoline or other fuels.
[003] Most automobiles with a combustion engine are provided with the fuel tank that stores fuel for the engine. Once the fuel depletes, the tank is refuelled by removing the fuel cap from the filler orifice of the fuel tank. Once refuelled, the cap is again secured to the filler orifice of the fuel tank. Therefore, the cap should be easily removable and securable without compromising safety.
[004] Furthermore, the cap of the fuel tank helps to eliminate release of fumes and/or gas vapours from the fuel tank into the atmosphere by providing a tight seal at the filler orifice. Further, the cap prevents water, dirt, debris from entering the fuel tank thereby, eliminating any chance of contamination of the fuel.
[005] Conventionally, fuel tank cap includes a plurality of components which are aligned and arranged with respect to each other at the time of manufacturing. Thereafter the components are all coupled to each other. Few of the said components include a stator, a lock and key assembly, few sealing members, valve(s), etc.
[006] More often than not, the components of the conventional fuel tank cap misalign with each other thereby making the assembly difficult. Misaligned components further lead to compromise in the sealing property of the fuel tank cap. The said lack of effective sealing property is further aggravated due to presence of only one sealing layer (or means) leading to improper pressure regulation of the fuel tank and fuel leakage after vehicle mishaps.
[007] Therefore, there exists a need for an improved cap assembly for fuel tanks that overcomes the limitations of the existing caps.
SUMMARY
[008] The present invention relates to a cap for a fuel tank of a vehicle including a first section and a second section. The first section is coupled to a filler port of a fuel tank. The second section is operationally coupled to the first section. The second section including a stator, a gasket, a sealing plate, a sealing member, a holder, a plurality of second fasteners, and a plurality of third fasteners. The stator includes a plate and a jacket. The gasket is disposed around the jacket. The sealing plate is disposed around the jacket such that the gasket is disposed between the plate and the sealing plate. The sealing plate is provided with one or more first channels. The sealing member is disposed around the jacket such that the sealing plate is disposed between the gasket and the sealing member. The sealing member is provided with a cavity. The holder includes a top section that is at least partially disposed within the cavity of the sealing member. The top section is provided with one or more second channels corresponding to the first channels such that each of the second channels partially encircles the corresponding first channel. The second channel is provided with a ball. The plurality of second fasteners couples the gasket to the plate of the stator. The plurality of third fasteners couples the top section of the holder and the sealing member to the plate of the stator via the gasket and the sealing plate. The cavity of the sealing member is configured to expand corresponding to a rise in pressure of the fuel tank. The cavity of the sealing member is configured to shrink up to a predefined threshold pressure corresponding to a fall in pressure of the fuel tank. The ball is configured to seal the first channel thereby preventing leakage of fuel via the first channel when the vehicle is tilted or overturned.
[009] The foregoing features and other features as well as the advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.
BREIF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[010] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the apportioned drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary, constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.
[011] Fig. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a cap 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[012] Fig. 1a illustrates a cross-sectional view of the cap 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[013] Fig, 1b illustrates a sealing plate 117 of the cap 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[014] Fig. 2a illustrates a method 200 to operate the cap 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[015] Fig. 2b illustrates a method 300 to operate the cap 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[016] Prior to describing the invention in detail, definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms "include" and "comprise", as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "coupled with" and "associated therewith", as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have a property of, or the like; Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.
[017] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.
[018] Although the operations of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed method may be described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments can encompass an order of operations other than the particular, sequential order disclosed. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Further, descriptions and disclosures provided in association with one particular embodiment are not limited to that embodiment, and may be applied to any embodiment disclosed herein. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed system, method, and apparatus can be used in combination with other systems, methods, and apparatuses.
[019] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments. These features and advantages of the embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and apportioned claims, or may be learned by the practice of embodiments as set forth hereinafter.
[020] In accordance with the present disclosure, a fuel tank cap (or cap) is disclosed. The cap may be mounted over a filler port of a fuel tank provided with automobiles (vehicles). The automobiles may include any motor vehicle, for example, minibuses, pickup trucks, three-wheeler vehicles, two-wheeler vehicles, etc.
[021] The fuel tank cap of the present invention includes a plurality of components that are coupled together to facilitate effective sealing of the cap over a filler port of the fuel tank of the automobile. The fuel tank cap of the present invention is easy to assemble and provides enhanced sealing effect via at least two layers of sealing. The at least two layers of sealing are separately provided by coupling a gasket and a sealing member to a stator of the fuel tank cap.
[022] Furthermore, the fuel tank cap of the present invention includes a ball channel structure (or arrangement) to prevent fuel leakage in case of a vehicular mishap without compromising on pressure regulating property of the fuel tank cap.
[023] Now referring to the figures, Fig. 1 depicts an exploded view of a cap 100 of the present invention. And, Fig. 1a depicts an assembled of the cap 100 of the present invention. For easy understanding of the disposition of a plurality of components of the cap 100, reference to both the Figs. 1 and 1a has been made in the following paragraphs. The cap 100 includes a plurality of sections including but not limited to a first section 100a and a second section 100b. The second section 100b may be operationally coupled to the first section 100a. The said coupling enables a user to flip open and close the second section 100b with respect to the first section 100a (described below).
[024] In an exemplary embodiment, the first section 100a is permanently coupled to a filler port of a fuel tank (not shown). In an alternate embodiment, the first section 100a is removably coupled to the filler port of the fuel tank.
[025] The first section 100a includes at least an outer body 101 and an inner body 103. The outer body 101 and the inner body 103 may have a shape and a size corresponding to the filler port of the fuel tank. In an embodiment, the outer body 101 and the inner body 103 are ring shaped. The outer body 101 and the inner body 103 may have a diameter. In an embodiment, the diameter of the outer body 101 is greater than the inner body 103. The outer body 101 may be made of a material including but not limited to Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Fluro-Elastomer (FKM), Hydrogenated Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR), etc. The inner body 103 may be made of a material including but not limited to Aluminium Alloy (ADC), plastic, ZAMAK, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer body 101 and the inner body 103 is made of NBR and ADC respectively.
[026] The outer body 101 may include at least one outer flange 101a1 (Fig. 1a) and at least one inner flange 101a2 (Fig. 1a). In an exemplary embodiment, the outer body 101 includes two outer flanges 101a1 and one inner flange 101a2. The outer flanges 101a1 may extend away from the cap 100 and the inner flange 101a2 may extend towards a centre of the cap 100. The outer flanges 101a1 may be disposed at a predefined distance from each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer flanges 101a1 are disposed at a top periphery and a bottom periphery of the outer body 101. The predefined distance between the outer flanges 101a1 may depend on a thickness of filler port of the fuel tank. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer body 101 is inserted inside the filler port of the fuel tank such that the filler port is sandwiched between the outer flanges 101a1 thus securing the cap 100 to the filler port of the fuel tank. The outer body 101 prevents metal to metal contact between the fuel tank and the inner body 103 of the fuel tank cap 100 (described below) thereby dampening any vibrations being transferred to the cap 100.
[027] The outer body 101 may surround the inner body 103 such that the inner body 103 is disposed over the inner flange 101a2 of the outer body 101. Therefore, the inner flange 101a2 helps to couple the outer body 101 and the inner body 103.
[028] The inner body 103 may include one or more legs 103a having a predefined shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more legs 103a are either I-shaped or L-shaped. The one or more legs 103a may be provided with threads to receive one or more fasteners 103b. In an exemplary embodiment, the I-shaped legs 103a are provided with fasteners 103b that helps to removably couple the inner body 103 to the filler port of the fuel tank.
[029] At least one leg 103a may be provided with one or more sealing bushes 103c. In an exemplary embodiment, the L-shaped leg 103a is provided with one sealing bush 103c. The sealing bush 103c may be provided with at least one orifice which enables passage of fuel and/or gas to and from the fuel tank. In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing bush 103c is made of rubber.
[030] Further, the inner body 103 may include means to operationally couple the second section 100b to the first section 100a (described below). The inner body 103 acts as a backbone structure for the cap 100 thereby maintaining integrity of the cap 100.
[031] The second section 100b may include one or more of, a stator 111, a lock barrel 113, a gasket 115, a sealing plate 117, a sealing member 119, a holder 121, a cover 123, etc. The second section 100b of the cap 100 may be actuated to open and/or close the fuel tank.
[032] The stator 111 is the structural backbone of the second section 100b of the cap 100. The stator 111 may be made of a material including but not limited to ADC, plastic, ZAMAK, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the stator 111 is made of aluminium. The stator 111 may include one or more components including at least a plate 111a, a jacket 111b and a wing 111c. The stator 111 may be an integral structure formed by permanently or removably coupling the components of the stator 111. Alternatively, the stator 111 may be manufactured as a singular assembly. The stator 111 may be dimensioned such that the plate 111a of the stator 111 is disposed within the inner body 103.
[033] The wing 111c helps to operationally couple the stator 111 to the inner body 103. In an exemplary embodiment, the wing 111c is coupled to the inner body 103 via a pin 111c1. In other words, the pin 111c1 passes through the wing 111c of the stator 111 and is coupled to the inner body 103. The pin 111c1 acts as an axis that allows the stator 111 to be flipped with respect to the inner body 103. Hence, the pin 111c1 enables a user to lift up the second section 100b to open the filler port of the fuel tank and thereafter flip back down the second section 100b to close the filler port of the fuel tank.
[034] Alternatively, the second section 100b may be modified by including a plurality of threads (not shown) such that the second section 100b may be screw caped within the first section 100a. In an embodiment, the stator 111 of the second section 100b and the inner body 103 of the first section 100a are provided with corresponding threads to enable a user to fix the second section 100b by screwing the stator 111 within the inner body 103 of the first section 100a.
[035] The jacket 111b of the stator 111 may be coupled to the plate 111a such that the jacket 111b receives the lock barrel 113 through a hole 111a1 of the plate 111a. The jacket 111b may have a shape and a size corresponding to the lock barrel 113. Therefore, the jacket 111b helps to maintain the structural integrity of the cap 100 when the lock barrel 113 is rotated for locking and unlocking the cap 100 (described below). In an exemplary embodiment, the jacket 111b is a hollow cylindrical structure.
[036] The lock barrel 113 includes at least one orifice 113a, a plurality of slots 113b, a plurality of key plates 113c and one or more projections 113d. The orifice 113a may be disposed at a first end 113e of the lock barrel 113. In an exemplary embodiment, the orifice 113a is coaxially placed at the first end 113e of the lock barrel 113 such that they share a common axis (not shown). The orifice 113a may be reinforced with a metallic case 113a1 to make it more durable. The orifice 113a may align with the hole 111a1 of the stator 111. The orifice 113a facilitates insertion of a key (not shown). The key may be used to actuate the lock barrel 113 to either lock or unlock the cap 100 (described below). In an exemplary embodiment, the key is inserted in the orifice 113a through the hole 111a1 and rotated in a clockwise direction to unlock the cap 100. Similarly, the key may then be rotated in an anti-clockwise direction to lock the cap 100.
[037] The plurality of slots 113b may be disposed between the first end 113e and a second end 113f of the lock barrel 113. The slots 113b may be disposed perpendicular to the common axis shared by the lock barrel 113 and the orifice 113a. The slots 113b may be arranged in one or more columns. In an exemplary embodiment, the slots 113b are arranged in two diametrically opposite columns. Each of the slots 113b may be provided with the key plates 113c. The slots 113b and the key plates 113c allow only a pre-defined key to actuate the lock barrel 113 thereby securing the contents of the fuel tank from theft.
[038] The projection(s) 113d may be disposed at the second end 113f of the lock barrel 113 as shown in FIG. 1a. The projection 113d may rotate along with the lock barrel 113 when the lock barrel 113 is actuated with the key. The projection 113d may translate the rotation of the key to other components of the cap 100 (described below).
[039] Additionally or optionally, a flap 111d may be disposed over the plate 111a of the stator 111 such that the flap 111d covers the orifice 113a of the lock barrel 113. The flap 111d may be made of a material including but not limited to ADC, plastic, ZAMAK, etc. In an embodiment, the flap 111d is made of aluminium. The flap 111d may be a swivel-type flap or a flip-able type flap. In an embodiment, the flap 111d is a flip-able type flap. The user may flip the flap 111d upwards to insert the key within the lock barrel 113 via the orifice 113a. The flap 111d helps to protect the lock barrel 113 from water, dirt, debris, etc.
[040] The gasket 115, the sealing plate 117 and the sealing member 119 may each include a first central opening 115a, a second central opening 117a and a third central opening 119a respectively. The central openings 115a, 117a and 119a may be concentric to each other. In an embodiment, the jacket 111b of the stator 111 may pass though the central openings 115a, 117a and 119a of the gasket 115, the sealing plate 117 and the sealing member 119 respectively. In other words, the gasket 115, the sealing plate 117 and the sealing member 119 may be disposed around the jacket 111b of the stator 111.
[041] The gasket 115, the sealing plate 117 and the sealing member 119 may be sized and shaped corresponding to the plate 111a of the stator 111. In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing plate 117 is disposed between the gasket 115 and the sealing member 119.
[042] The gasket 115 may be disposed between the plate 111a of the stator 111 and the sealing plate 117. The sealing plate 117 and the gasket 115 may be coupled to the plate 111a of the stator 111 via a plurality of second fasteners 117b. The gasket 115 may be made of a material including but not limited to Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR), Hydrogenated Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR), NBR with high Acrylonitrile (ACN), Fluro-Elastomer (FKM), etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the gasket 115 is made of NBR. The gasket 115 acts as a first sealing layer of the cap 100.
[043] The sealing plate 117 may be made of a material including but not limited to nylon, aluminium, ZAMAK, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the sealing plate 117 is made of nylon. The sealing plate 117 may be provided with one or more first channels 117c. The first channel 117c may extend from within the holder 121 to the gasket 115 (described below). In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1 and 1a, the sealing plate 117 includes a single first channel 117c. The first channel 117c may be sealed by the gasket 115. The first channel 117c may enable passing of gas/vapours when the vehicle is upright (described below).
[044] Additionally or optionally, the sealing plate 117 may be provided with one or more crevices 117e (as shown in Fig. 1b). The crevices 117e may be used to channelize the gas/vapours coming from the first channel 117c to other parts of the cap 100 as required.
[045] The sealing member 119 may be a partially closed structure with a cavity 119b. The cavity 119b of the sealing member 119 helps to operationally couple the holder 121 and the cover 123 (described below). The sealing member 119 acts as a second sealing layer of the cap 100 thereby helping to seal the fuel tank after the cap 100 is secured and locked.
[046] The sealing member 119 may be made of an elastic material. In an embodiment, the sealing member 119 is made of rubber. Due to elastic construction of the sealing member 119, the sealing member 119 is configured to regulate internal pressure of the fuel tank. In other words, if the internal pressure of the fuel tank rises, the cavity 119b of the sealing member 119 expands to accommodate the rise in the pressure. Similarly, the cavity 119b shrinks in response to decrease in internal pressure of the fuel tank up to a predefined threshold pressure. In an exemplary embodiment, the predefined threshold pressure corresponds to a volume of the cavity 119b under pressure of one atmosphere. In other words, the cavity 119b may not shrink beyond the volume of the cavity 119b observed under 1 atm. The said property of the sealing member 119 helps to safely store fuel in the fuel tank across a wide temperature range.
[047] Alternately, the sealing member 119 may be configured to expand and shrink (as explained above) under a diverse range of pressure as required.
[048] In an exemplary embodiment, as depicted in fig. 1, the holder 121 may include a top section 121a and a bottom section 121b. The top section 121a may have a cup-shaped structure. The top section 121a may include a flange 121a1. The flange 121a1 may be disposed within the cavity 119b of the sealing member 119 such that the flange 121a1 provides structural reinforcement to the sealing member 119. The top section 121a may be at least partially inserted within the cavity 119b of the sealing member 119 such that the jacket 111b of the stator 111 is completely enclosed by the top section 121a of the holder 121.
[049] Further, the top section 121a of the holder 121 may be provided with one or more second channels 121a2 (Fig. 1a) corresponding to the first channels 117c of the sealing plate 117. The second channel 121a2 may be in fluidic communication with the first channel 117c and the fuel tank. The second channel 121a2 may have a diameter bigger than a diameter of the first channel 117c such that the second channel 121a2 may partially encircle the first channel 117c.
[050] The second channel 121a2 may be provided with a ball 117d. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1a, the second channel 121a2 is provided with a single ball 117d made of stainless steel (SS). The ball 117d may have a diameter less than a diameter of the second channel 121a2 but greater than a diameter of the first channel 117c such that the ball 117d may be movable only within the second channel 121a2 under the influence of gravity. The aforesaid ball-channel arrangement enables flow of gas/vapor when the vehicle is upright. But, in case of mishap such as overturned and/or tilted vehicle, the said ball-channel arrangement prevents spillage of fuel from the fuel tank. For example, when the vehicle is upright, the ball 117d is disposed away from the first channel 117c thereby enabling passage of gas/vapours through the first channel 117c. When the vehicle is not upright, the ball 117d seals the first channel 117c thereby preventing leakage of fuel from the first channel 117c.
[051] A plurality of third fasteners 123d may couple the top section 121a of the holder 121 and the sealing member 119 to the stator 111 via the gasket 115 and the sealing plate 117. As described above, the gasket 115 and the sealing member 119 are coupled to the stator 111 of the cap 100 separately via the second fasteners 117b and the third fasteners 123d respectively. The said coupling via the second fasteners 117b and the third fasteners 123d enables easy assembly of the cap 100 without compromising the sealing property of the cap 100.
[052] The bottom section 121b of the holder 121 may include a lateral passage 121b1. The lateral passage 121b1 may include one or more lock bars 121b2. The bottom section 121b may include a shape corresponding to the lock bars 121b2. In an exemplary embodiment, the lateral passage 121b1 includes a pair of lock bars 121b2.
[053] The lock bars 121b2 may be actuated by the rotation of the lock barrel 113 via the projections 113d. The projections 113d of the lock barrel 113 may be operationally coupled to the lock bars 121b2 such that the projection 113d translates the rotation of the lock barrel 113 to a linear motion of the lock bars 121b2.
[054] Actuation of lock bars 121b2 (or linear movement of the lock bars 121b2) within the lateral passage 121b1 facilitates locking and unlocking of the cap 100. For example, the lock bars 121b2 are actuated to protrude out of the lateral passage 121b1 to interact (or engage) with the fuel tank and thereby, lock the cap 100. Conversely, the lock bars 121b2 are actuated to be pulled inside the lateral passage 121b1 thereby, disengaging with the fuel tank and unlocking the cap 100.
[055] In an alternate embodiment, the lock bars 121b2 may have a first resilient member 121b3 between them to create tension between the lock bars 121b2 such that they are pushed out of the lateral passage 121b1.
[056] Furthermore, the lock bars 121b2 may be operationally coupled to each other to prevent the lock bars 121b2 to be completely pushed out of the lateral passage 121b1. In an embodiment, the lock bar 121b2 is provided with an arm 121b4. The arms 121b4 of the lock bars 121b2 engage with each other only when the lock bars 121b2 protrude out of the lateral passage 121b1 by a predefined length. The predefined length may depend upon the dimensions of the filler port of the fuel tank.
[057] Further, the lock bars 121b2 may include tapered ends. The tapered ends of the lock bars 121b2 may physically interact with the filler port of the fuel tank such that they are automatically pushed inside the lateral passage 121b1 when the stator 111 is flipped back down to close the filler port of the fuel tank. Hence, the user may not be required to rotate the key to lock the cap 100 to the filler port of the fuel tank.
[058] Due to the first resilient member 121b3 and the tapered ends of the lock bars 121b2, the user may only actuate the lock bars 121b2 when the lock bars 121b2 is pulled inside the lateral passage 121b1 while unlocking the filler port of the fuel tank.
[059] The cover 123 may be shaped and sized according to the sealing member 119 and the holder 121. The cover 123 may be at least partially disposed inside the cavity 119b of the sealing member 119 such that the cover 123 encloses the top section 121a of the holder 121. The cover 123 may be made of a material including but not limited to nylon, ZAMAK, POM, etc. In an embodiment, the cover 123 is made of nylon.
[060] The cover 123 may include a first flange 123a and a second flange 123b. The first flange 123a may be disposed inside the cavity 119b of the sealing member 119 such that the cover 123 is coupled to the sealing member 119.
[061] The second flange 123b may be provided with a second resilient member 123c. The second resilient member 123c may be disposed between the second flange 123b and the flange 121a1 of the holder 121. The second resilient member 123c provides tension between the holder 121 and the cover 123 within the sealing member 119.
[062] Additionally or optionally, the cover 123 may be coupled to the holder 121 via the plurality of third fasteners 123d. In an embodiment, the third fasteners 123d couples the cover 123 to the top section 121a of the holder 121.
[063] The fuel tank cap 100 may be operated by a user to open the fuel tank of a vehicle and close the fuel tank of the vehicle. Fig. 2a depicts a method 200 to open the fuel tank of a vehicle via operating the cap 100. The method 200 begins at step 201 by inserting the key within the orifice 113a of the lock barrel 113 and rotating the key in a predefined direction. In an embodiment, the key is rotated in an anti-clockwise direction. The lock barrel 113 may mimic the rotation of the key.
[064] At step 203, the projection 113d of the lock barrel 113 actuates the lock bars 121b2 by translating the rotational motion of the lock barrel 113 to a linear motion of the lock bars 121b2. In an embodiment, the lock bars 121b2 are linearly pushed inside the lateral passage 121b1 of the holder 121 thereby disengaging the lock bars 121b2 from the fuel tank.
[065] At step 205, the user is able to flip open the second section 100b with respect to the first section 100a of the cap 100 thereby opening the fuel tank of the vehicle.
[066] Fig. 2b depicts a method 300 to close the fuel tank of a vehicle via operating the cap 100. The method begins at step 301 by flipping down the second section 100b with respect to the first section 100a of the cap 100.
[067] At step 303, the user may push down upon the second section 100b to cause the lock bars 121b2 to linearly be pushed inside the lateral passage 121b1 of the holder 121. The said linear movement of the lock bars 121b2 may be caused by a sliding interaction of the tapered ends of the lock bars 121b2 over the filler port of the fuel tank thereby causing the lock bars 121b2 to completely enter inside the fuel tank.
[068] At step 305, the lock bars 121b2 are pushed outside of the lateral passage 121b1 of the holder 121 because of the tension provided by the first resilient member 121b3. This leads to engagement of the lock bars 121b2 with the fuel tank thereby closing and locking the fuel tank.
[069] The scope of the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used.

WE CLAIM

1. A cap (100) for a fuel tank of a vehicle, the cap (100) comprising:
a. a first section (100a) coupled to a filler port of a fuel tank;
b. a second section (100b) operationally coupled to the first section (100a), the second section (100b) including:
i. a stator (111) having a plate (111a) and a jacket (111b);
ii. a gasket (115) disposed around the jacket (111b);
iii. a sealing plate (117) disposed around the jacket (111b) such that the gasket (115) is disposed between the plate (111a) and the sealing plate (117), the sealing plate (117) provided with one or more first channels (117c);
iv. a sealing member (119) disposed around the jacket (111b) such that the sealing plate (117) is disposed between the gasket (115) and the sealing member (119), the sealing member (119) provided with a cavity (119b);
v. a holder (121) having a top section (121a) at least partially disposed within the cavity (119b) of the sealing member (119), the top section (121a) provided with one or more second channels (121a2) corresponding to the first channels (117c) such that each of the second channels (121a2) partially encircles the corresponding first channel (117c), the second channel (121a2) provided with a ball (117d);
vi. a plurality of second fasteners (117b) coupling the gasket (115) to the plate (111a) of the stator (111); and
vii. a plurality of third fasteners (123d) coupling the top section (121a) of the holder (121) and the sealing member (119) to the plate (111a) of the stator (111) via the gasket (115) and the sealing plate (117);
wherein, the cavity (119b) of the sealing member (119) is configured to expand corresponding to a rise in pressure of the fuel tank;
wherein, the cavity (119b) of the sealing member (119) is configured to shrink up to a predefined threshold pressure corresponding to a fall in pressure of the fuel tank;
wherein, the ball (117d) is configured to seal the first channel (117c) thereby preventing leakage of fuel via the first channel (117c) when a vehicle is tilted or overturned.
2. The cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first section (100a) includes an inner body (103) provided with one or more sealing bushes (103c).
3. The cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wing (111c) of the stator (111) is coupled to an inner body (103) of the first section (100a) via a pin (111c1).
4. The cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stator (111) of the second section (100b) and the inner body (103) of the first section (100a) include a plurality of corresponding threads.
5. The cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the jacket (111b) is provided with a lock barrel (113) through a hole (111a1) of the plate (111a).
6. The cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a flap (111d) is disposed over the plate (111a).
7. The cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top section (121a) includes a flange (121a1) disposed within the cavity (119b) of the sealing member (119).
8. The cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ball (117d) includes a diameter less than a diameter of the second channel (121a2) but greater than a diameter of the first channel (117c).
9. The cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holder (121) includes a bottom section (121b) having one or more lock bars (121b2) disposed within a lateral passage (121b1).
10. The cap (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a cover (123) is at least partially disposed inside the cavity (119b) thereby enclosing the top section (121a) of the holder (121).