Fuel cap contoured cover

Receptacles – Closures – Combined or convertible

Reexamination Certificate

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Details

C220S694000, C081S003090, C081S003400

Reexamination Certificate

active

06216902

ABSTRACT:

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to fuel cap contoured covers for fuel caps on motor and other vehicles.
Conventionally, motor vehicles include a fuel tank providing a reservoir of fuel for the engine of the vehicle, and the fuel tank attaches to a filling pipe extending from the fuel tank to a convenient location easily accessible on the outside of the vehicle. Often, many vehicles have such a fuel tank filling pipe which terminates at or near the rear fender of the vehicle. The filling pipe terminates, in many vehicles, in a recessed compartment on the outside of the vehicle, the compartment being closed off by a fuel door mounted on a hinge, which can open and close to provide access to the end of the filling pipe. Within the compartment or recess, the filling pipe is closed by a fuel cap to prevent spillage and to also prevent the escape of fuel vapors which are flammable and therefore potentially dangerous.
A typical fuel cap comprises a circular head portion, from which extends a cylindrical threaded member. The cylindrical threaded member engages with corresponding threads within the fuel tank filling pipe at the end thereof so that the fuel cap can be securely tightened. Rubber or other seals or gaskets may be provided to ensure an airtight seal between the fuel cap and the end of the filling pipe.
In conventional fuel caps, the head portion has a somewhat flat upper surface. In order to make it easier for the user to remove and replace the fuel cap, the head portion may include ridges or projections on the outer periphery to facilitate engagement and a firm grip. Alternatively, or in addition, the fuel cap may have on its somewhat flat surface a ridge which can be twisted so as to turn the fuel cap in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, as needed.
A problem with many existing fuel caps relates to the difficulty in removing and replacing the fuel cap when refueling the vehicle. A firm connection between the fuel cap and the end of the filling pipe is essential, but this often makes it difficult to remove the fuel cap, especially where the nature of access to the fuel cap may be limited by the size of the compartment or recess. Further, some operators may, due to age or other circumstances, not be strong enough to provide the necessary torque to remove the fuel cap from the end of the filling pipe.
In one aspect, the present invention therefore relates to an accessory which can be attached to existing fuel caps in order to make it easier to remove and/or replace the fuel cap during fueling of the vehicle.
The prior art shows tools and accessories in somewhat related areas. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,025 (Keller) shows a radiator cap tool for removing radiator caps. The tool has a hollow handle and a flanged hollow face with a recess. Opposed rectangular indentations at the perimeter of the recess facilitate the removal only of a radiator cap.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,699,701 (Cotten) describes a tool for removing a vehicle fuel tank cap. The tool has a cradle for engaging the lug on a conventional fuel tank cap. A handle is pivotally connected as part of the tool, and is pivotable between a stored position and various angular positions to facilitate turning of the fuel cap and to accommodate the strength of a particular user. This tool is claimed to be useful for the elderly and physically handicapped. The tool is, however, somewhat cumbersome, and the fuel door cannot be closed until the tool has been removed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,896,785 (Shaw) also shows an automobile fuel cap removal tool having a bell shape with channels formed by wall segments on the inside of the bell. A shaft extends from the top of the bell to a handle. However, the handle exceeds the width of the fuel cap and, as with some of the previous prior art mentioned above, the fuel door will not close with the tool in place.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the present invention is for a fuel cap contoured cover which may be part of the gas cap or is an adaptor or an accessory for a motor vehicle fuel cap which makes it easier for individuals to remove and replace the fuel cap tightly, even where access thereto is somewhat limited, or the operator may find it difficult due to age or weakness to operate the fuel cap.
A particular advantage of one embodiment of the invention is the fact that the fuel cap contoured cover can be relatively permanently, although releasably, fixed to the fuel cap. Thus, the fuel cap contoured cover is able to attach to the fuel cap such that it can remain there permanently, enabling removal and re-attachment thereof, and also enabling the fuel door to be opened and closed without obstruction.
An advantage of the present invention is its ability to attach to an existing fuel cap to facilitate the application of leverage by applying additional torque. The invention provides improved gripping means, and a longer horizontal finger protrusion on the top of the fuel cap to facilitate this greater leverage. Since the invention effectively enlarges slightly and lengthens the finger protrusion already on the fuel cap, in the vast majority of cases, the fuel cap contoured cover of the invention can simply remain on the fuel cap at all times, even during non-fueling and when the fuel door is closed.
The fuel cap contoured cover of the invention may be snapfitted or otherwise attached to the existing fuel cap. In another embodiment, the fuel cap contoured cover can be located on the fuel cap so as to be pivotable or slidable thereon in a direction away from the fuel cap, and return to its closed position when not in use.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a fuel cap contoured cover for use on a motor vehicle fuel cap, the contoured cover comprising: a contoured body defining a substantially flat base portion and a rounded portion extending upwardly therefrom, the body having an elongate configuration and including a pair of lateral portions; and a pair of recesses located on each lateral portion, each of the pair of recesses being at substantially opposite ends of the lateral portion.


REFERENCES:
patent: D. 175721 (1955-10-01), Glenn
patent: D. 364789 (1995-12-01), Degyansky
patent: D. 374383 (1996-10-01), Malak
patent: D. 387255 (1997-12-01), Rhoton
patent: 1998649 (1935-04-01), Arden
patent: 2731056 (1956-01-01), Anson
patent: 3048067 (1962-08-01), Miles et al.
patent: 4846025 (1989-07-01), Keller et al.
patent: 5741003 (1998-04-01), Segien, Jr.
patent: 5896785 (1999-04-01), Shaw et al.

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