TITLE: FUEL TANK LID ASSEMBLY
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a lid for fuel tank of a motorcycle. In particular,
present invention relates to a lock protection system for a lid of the fuel tank of 5 a
motorcycle.
Background
Generally, motorcycles include a fuel tank for storing and supplying a liquid fuel
10 such as gasoline, to an engine. The fuel tank includes a lid to facilitate refilling of
the fuel tank and the lid includes a lock to prevent unintended opening of the lid or
to prevent unintended escaping or theft of fuel from the fuel tank. Various kinds of
locking mechanisms may be used to lock the lid on the fuel tank in closed position.
Generally, a cylinder lock incorporated in the lid is used to lock the lid in a closed
15 position on the fuel tank.
The lock along with the lid is generally exposed to the environment. Environmental
factors such as dust, water, sunrays etc. may damage the lock on the fuel lid. For
example, the dust or water may enter through a keyhole of the cylinder lock and
20 damage the inner components of the cylinder lock by causing rusting or choking
of moving parts in the lock. Also, the flying objects like stone, gravel etc. may
damage the outer components or covering of the lock. Therefore, a cover is used
to cover the lock in order to protect it from the environmental factors. The cover
may be a flap disposed on the lid such that it covers the lock when the lock is not
25 being operated.
Generally, the flap is fitted rotatably on the lid using a pin that hinges the flap on
the lid. The pin is generally press fitted into a bore in the lid or the cover, which
makes assembling of the lid cumbersome. The press fitting operation may also lead
30 to damage to the cover or other components of the lid assembly. The components
of assembly including the lock and the cover, may deteriorate over time and use,
3
and may need servicing, repair or replacement of components in course of time.
For servicing or repair of the lid assembly, the pin that hinges the cover on the lid
is required to be pushed out using excessive force from the bore by using a tool
such as hammer in order to disengage the cover from the lid. This may lead to
damage to the lid assembly or to other components on the motorcycle if the lid i5 s
fixed to the fuel tank when the repair or service is carried out. Moreover, often the
pin is rendered unfit for reuse once it is pushed out of the bore.
Additionally, the cover 14 is biased in an open or closed position using springs,
10 which may lead to increase in overall number of components and complexity of
the assembly. Therefore, overall time, cost and effort required for assembly,
service and repair is higher in such assembly.
Summary
15 A fuel tank lid assembly (hereinafter referred to as lid assembly) is provided. The
lid assembly has a lid to close or open a fuel tank. The lid defines a first opening
configured to receive a lock for locking the lid in closed position. The lid assembly
further has a cover has a first end configured to cover the opening and a second
end configured to be hinged to the lid. A pin is coupled on the second end and is
20 configured to be received in a corresponding pin slot provided on the lid. The pin
hinges the second end to the lid such that the cover is movable between a closed
position and an open position. A pressure plate is mounted on the lid and the
pressure plate is configured to bias the lid towards the closed position, and a
retaining plate is removably attached to the lid, the retaining plate is configured to
25 retain the pressure plate on the lid and the pin in the pin slot.
In an aspect, the lid is provided with a second opening to receive the second end of
the cover through the lid.
30 In an aspect, the retaining plate is removably attached to the lid using fasteners.
4
In an aspect, the pressure plate is sandwiched between the lid and the retaining
plate.
In an aspect, the pressure plate is made of a resilient material.
5
In an aspect, the pressure plate has a plate section and two legs extending parallelly
from the plate section.
In an aspect, the lid defines a guide and the pressure plate and/or the retaining plate
10 define corresponding guide slots to mount the pressure plate and/or the retaining
plate on the lid.
In an aspect, the second end is provided with a cam surface, the cam surface
configured to engage with the pressure plate to bias the cover in closed position.
15
In an aspect, the cam surface and the pressure plate are additionally configured to
bias the cover in the open position.
In an aspect, the guide and/or the pin slot are defined on the bottom surface of the
20 lid.
In an aspect, the pin, the pin slots, the pressure plate and the retaining plate are
positioned towards a bottom of the lid.
25 Further a method for assembly of the lid assembly is provided. The the method
includes locating the second end on the lid, inserting the pin in the pin slots, placing
the pressure plate on the lid, and removably attaching the retaining plate to the lid.
Brief Description of Drawings
30
5
FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded top perspective view of the lid assembly 10 in
accordance with an embodiment.
FIG. 2 illustrates and exploded bottom perspective view in accordance with an
embodiment.
FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section side view of the lid without cover assemble5 d.
FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section side view of the lid with cover assembled.
Detailed Description
FIG. 1 illustrates a lid assembly 10 for a fuel tank (not shown) of a motorcycle (not
10 shown) in accordance with an embodiment. The lid 12 may be either hinged to a
fuel tank near an opening of the fuel tank, or the lid assembly 10 may be configured
for placing and locking on the fuel tank opening for retaining the lid on the fuel
tank opening as known in the art.
15 The lid assembly 10 may include a lid 12, a cover 14, a pin 16, a retaining plate 18,
a pressure plate 20, and fasteners 22. There may be other components on the lid
assembly 10 which are not shown, for example the lid assembly may include a lock
for locking the lid 12 on the fuel tank opening in closed position and a seal ring for
sealing the fuel tank opening and other components as required.
20
The lid 12 may be used for covering the opening of the fuel tank in order to protect
the fuel or fuel vapours from escaping the fuel tank. The lid 12 may be of any
suitable shape as needed and may be made of any material suitable for the purpose.
Further, referring to FIG. 1, 2 and 3, the lid 12 may have a first opening 24 and a
25 second opening 26. The first opening 24 may be configured for receiving and
fitting the lock on the lid 12. The lock may be a cylinder lock or any other lock as
known in the art. The second opening 26 may be configured for mounting the cover
14 for assembly. The lid 12 may have a pair of pin slots 28 positioned proximate
to the second opening 26 towards a bottom surface 35 of the lid 12. The pin slots
30 28 are configured for receiving ends 17 of the pin 16 for hinging the cover 14. The
pin slots 28 may be designed such that when the pin 16 is inserted laterally from
6
the bottom 30, the ends 17 of the pin 16 are received in the pin slots 28 to block
further upward movement of the pin 16. The pin slots may also be designed to
avoid any movement of the along a longitudinal axis of the lid 12.
Further, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the lid 12 may have two threaded holes 32 5 for
receiving fasteners 22 and a guide 34 for guiding the pressure plate 20 and the
retaining plate 18 during assembly. The guide 34 may be configured to align the
retaining plate 18 and the pressure plate 20 in position for assembling of the
retaining plate 18 and the pressure plate 20 on lid 12. Further, it may be understood
10 that in the embodiment illustrated, the guide 34 is shown as a protrusion extending
from the bottom surface 35 of the lid 12. Any other guiding mechanism may be
provided that performs a similar function.
Referring to FIG. 1-4, the cover 14 may have a first end 36 and a second end 38.
15 The first end 36 may be configured for receiving in the second opening 26 of the
lid 12. The second end 38 may be of any suitable shape and size required for
effectively covering the lock on the lid 12 when the cover is in a closed position.
Further, the first end 36 may have a bore 39 oriented laterally and configured for
receiving the pin 16. The bore 39 is a through bore 39 allowing passing of the pin
20 16 through the bore 39. The bore 39 may be configured for receiving the pin 16 in
order to hinge the cover 14 on the lid 12. The relative length of the bore 39 and the
pin 16 may be such that on insertion of the pin 16 through the bore 39, both ends
17 of the pin 16 may be positioned outside the bore 39 for receiving in the pin slots
28 in order to hinge the cover 14 on the lid 12. This way the cover 14 may be
25 moved between a closed position and an open position on rotating the cover 14
about the longitudinal axis of the pin 16. The cover 14 may be configured to cover
14 the lock when in closed position and the cover 14 may be moved to open
position from the closed position to access the lock fitted on the lid 12.
30 In addition, the first end 36 of the lid 12 may have a cam surface 40 for biasing the
cover 14 in closed position and/or the open position as needed. The cam surface 40
7
may be shaped and designed depending on the corresponding biasing mechanism
used for biasing the cover 14 in closed/open position. In the embodiment
illustrated, the cover 14 is biased using a pressure plate 20 configured to abut the
cam surface 40. The cam surface 40 is illustrated as an arcuate surface with an
interval 60 in between the arcuate surface. It may be understood that any shape 5 of
the cam surface 40 may be used depending on the requirement. The functioning of
the cam surface 40 is discussed further later in the description.
The cover 14 may include other features as required, for example, in the
10 embodiment as illustrated, the cover 14 has a bent flange 44 on the second end 38
of the cover 14 for facilitating opening of the cover 14 using a hand. Further, it
may be understood that the cover 14 may be made of any suitable material, for
example metal, plastic, etc.
15 The lid assembly 10 further includes a pressure plate 20. The pressure plate 20 may
be made of a resilient material, for example plastic or a metal. The pressure plate
20 is configured for providing a corresponding surface for functioning of the cam
surface 40 on the first end 36 of the cover 14. In the embodiment as illustrated, the
pressure plate 20 has plate like shape having two legs 46 and a plate section 48.
20 The legs are bent at an angle with respect to the plate section 48 for facilitating
abutment of the legs 46 on the cam surface 40.
The legs 46 may have an abutment surface 50 configured to abut the cam surface
40. In an assembled state, the plate section 48 may be held rigidly against a guide
25 base 52 on the lid 12. The guide base 52 may be a surface of the lid 12, which
surrounding the guide 34 for providing a support surface for supporting the
pressure plate 20 and retaining plate 18 against the fasteners 22. The plate section
48 may be sandwiched between the retaining plate 18 and the guide base 52 rigidly
and the legs 46 may abut the cam surface 40 resiliently for creating a bias in
30 open/closed position in cooperation with the cam surface. The overall design and
positioning of the pressure plate 20 and the cam surface 40 may be achieved such
8
that, when in assembled state, the cover 14 may be biased in closed and /or open
position by the legs 46 of the pressure plate 20.
In the embodiment as illustrated, the cam surface 40 includes a first surface 58, the
interval 60 and a second surface 62. The first surface 58 is configured for 5 biasing
the cover 14 in the open position and the second surface 62 is configured for biasing
the cover 14 in the closed position. The legs 46 remain in abutment against the cam
surface 40 resiliently as a result of pressure applied by legs 46 resulting from the
fastening of the pressure plate 20 against the guide base 52. Further, the pressure
10 plate 20 may have a first guide slot 64 for guiding the pressure plate 20 in position
during assembly of the lid assembly 10.
Further, the lid assembly 10 includes the retaining plate 18. The retaining plate 18
is configured to retain the pressure plate 20, and the pin 16 against the lid 12 with
15 the help of the fasteners 22. The retaining plate 18 also provides support to the legs
46 of the pressure plate 20 for biasing the cover 14 in open/closed position.
Accordingly, the retaining plate 18 may have two fastener openings 68 and a
retaining section 70. The fastener openings are configured for receiving fasteners
22 for fastening the retaining plate 18 on the lid 12 and the retaining section 70
20 provides for a surface that abuts the pressure plate 20 and supports the pressure
plate 20 against the guide base 52 when the fasteners 22 are inserted through the
fastener openings into the threaded holes 32 for fastening the retaining plate 18.
The retaining plate 18 is removably fixed using fasteners 22 such that on opening
or closing of the cover 14 the retaining plate 18 is kept in position against the
25 pressure applied on the pressure plate 20 by the cam surface 40. The retaining plate
18 may have a second guide slot 72 in the retaining section for guiding the retaining
plate 18 in position on the lid 12.
For mounting the cover 14 on the lid 12 along with other components of the lid
30 assembly 10, the following method may be utilized. The cover 14 is positioned in
the second opening 26 such that the first end 36 of the cover is positioned towards
9
the bottom 30 of the lid 12. The pin 16 may be inserted in the bore 39 of the cover
14 such that the ends 17 of the pin 16 are received in the pin slots 28 to retain and
hinge the cover 14 on the lid 12. After placing the cover 14 in position, the pressure
plate 20 may be placed on the guide base 52 with the first guide slot 64 receiving
the guide 34. Subsequently, the retaining plate 18 may be placed over the pre5 ssure
plate 20 with the guide 34 received in the second guide slot 72. After placing the
retaining plate 18, the retaining plate 18 may be tightly fastened on the lid 12 using
fasteners 22. Washers may be used along with the fasteners 22 as required. In
addition, the retaining plate 18 may include two retaining portions 74 for retaining
10 the pin 16 in the pin slots 28. The retaining portions 74 on the retaining plate may
be designed such that when the retaining plate 18 is mounted on the lid 12, the
retaining portions 74 block the pin 16 from moving out of the pin slots 28. The
retaining plate may be made of any rigid material that serves the functions as
described above.
15
For disassembly of the components, the fasteners 22 may be loosened. On
loosening the fasteners 22, the retaining plate 18 and the pressure plate 20 may be
disassociated from the lid 12 and the cover 14 along with the pin 16 may be
removed from the lid 12. Subsequently, the pin 16 and the cover 14 may also be
20 separated by pulling the pin 16 out of the bore 39. Thus, easy mounting and
unmounting of the cover 14 is facilitated.
The present disclosure provides for a lid assembly 10 that is easy to assemble and
disassemble for facilitating mounting or unmounting of the cover 14 on the lid 12.
25 The lid assembly 10 in accordance with the present disclosure also facilitates easy
service, repair or replacement of parts in the lid assembly 10. The components of
the lid assembly may be disassembled by mere loosening of the fasteners for
separating different components. Thus, decreasing the total number of tools
required for the disassembly. Further the lid assembly 10 may be assembled and
30 disassembled and reassembled without rendering any component unusable during
the process.
10
Moreover, the lid assembly 10 in accordance with present disclosure eliminates
risks of injury to the servicemen and risk of damage to the components involved in
press fitting of the pin 16 for hinging the cover 14 on the lid 12. In addition, the lid
assembly 10 of present disclosure reduces the overall complexity of the assembl5 y
by eliminating use of springs for biasing the cover 14 in an open or closed position,
and thus reducing overall number of components in the assembly. Thus, the lid
assembly 10 in accordance with the present disclosure leads to reduction in time,
efforts and costs for assembly and service of the lid assembly 10.
10
11
List of Reference Numerals
Lid assembly 10
Lid 12
Cover 5 r 14
Pin 16
Ends 17
Retaining plate 18
Pressure plate 20
10 Fasteners 22
First opening 24
Second opening 26
Pin slots 28
Bottom (lid) 30
15 Threaded holes 32
Guide 34
Bottom surface 35
First end (cover) 36
Second end (cover) 38
20 Bore 39
Cam surface 40
Bent flange 44
Legs (pressure plate) 46
Plate section 48
25 Abutment surface 50
Guide base 52
First surface 58
Interval 60
Second surface 62
30 First guide slot 64
Fastener openings 68
12
Retaining section 70
Second guide slot 72
Retaining portions 74

WE CLAIM:
1. A fuel tank lid assembly (10) comprising:
a lid (12) to close or open a fuel tank, the lid defining a first ope5 ning
(24) configured to receive a lock for locking the lid (12) with the fuel tank
in closed position;
a cover (14) having a first end (36) configured to cover the opening
and a second end (38) configured to be hinged to the lid (12);
10 a pin (16) coupled to the second end (38) and configured to be
received in a corresponding pin slot (28) provided on the lid (12), the pin
(16) hinging the second end (38) to the lid (12) such that the cover (14) is
movable between a closed position and an open position;
a pressure plate (20) mounted on the lid (12), the pressure plate (20)
15 configured to bias the lid (12) towards the closed position; and
a retaining plate (18) removably attached to the lid (12), the
retaining plate (18) configured to retain the pressure plate (20) on the lid
(12) and the pin (16) in the pin slot (28).
20 2. The fuel tank lid assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lid (12)
is provided with a second opening (26) to receive the second end (38) of
the cover (14) in the lid (12).
3. The fuel tank lid assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retaining
25 plate (18) is removably attached to the lid (12) using fasteners (22).
4. The fuel tank lid assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressure
plate (20) is sandwiched between the lid (12) and the retaining plate (18).
30 5. The fuel tank lid assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressure
plate (20) is made of a resilient material.
14
6. The fuel tank lid assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressure
plate (20) has a plate section (48) and two legs (46) extending parallelly
from the plate section (48).
5
7. The fuel tank lid assembly (10) as claimed in claims 1 to 6, wherein the lid
(12) defines a guide (34), and the pressure plate (20) and/or the retaining
plate (18) define corresponding guide slots (64, 72) to mount the pressure
plate (20) and/or the retaining plate (18) on the lid (12).
10
8. The fuel tank lid assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second
end (38) is provided with a cam surface (40), the cam surface (40)
configured to engage with the pressure plate (20) to bias the cover (14) in
closed position.
15
9. The fuel tank lid assembly (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the cam
surface (40) and the pressure plate (20) are additionally configured to bias
the cover (14) in the open position.
20 10. The fuel tank lid assembly (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the guide
(34) and/or the pin slot (28) are defined on the bottom surface (35) of the
lid (12).
11. The fuel tank lid assembly (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pin (16),
25 the pin slots (28), the pressure plate (20) and the retaining plate (18) are
positioned towards a bottom (30) of the lid (12).
12. A method for assembly of the lid assembly as claimed in claims 2-11, the
method comprising:
30 locating the second end on the lid;
inserting the pin in the pin slots;
15
placing the pressure plate on the lid; and
removably attaching the retaining plate to the lid.