Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Bodies – Access cover for gas tank filler pipe
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-12
2001-05-15
Pape, Joseph D. (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Bodies
Access cover for gas tank filler pipe
C220S086200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06231107
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention pertains generally to gas tank doors for motor vehicles, and in particular to a gas tank door having a cover which moves outwardly, and may then be rotated to obtain access to the gas tank filler cap.
BACKGROUND ART
Gas tank doors for motor vehicles are well known in the art. Typically these devices comprise a simple hinged door that may be selectively opened to expose the gas tank filler cap. In another less common type of gas tank door, the door is completely removable from the vehicle.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a gas tank door which mounts on the body of a motor vehicle, over the gas tank filler cap, and which may be opened to permit access to fill the gas tank. The present invention both provides a novel gas tank door structural design, and the aesthetic look of gas tank doors which are utilized on racing vehicles. The present invention may be installed in motor vehicles of all types either as original equipment, or on a retrofit basis.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a gas tank door includes a frame and a cover which is generally located inside the frame. In the closed position, the frame and the cover define a first plane, which in a preferred embodiment is substantially coplanar with the body surface of the motor vehicle. The cover is outwardly movable a predetermined distance to a second plane.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, when moved to the second plane, the cover may be rotated or swung out of the way in the second plane to obtain access to the gas tank filler cap. The predetermined distance is selected so that when the cover is rotated, it will not interfere with the body or surface of the motor vehicle.
In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, an actuator is connected between the frame and the cover. When activated, the actuator moves the cover outward to the second plane.
In accordance with another feature of the invention, the actuator contains a mechanical stop which cooperates with a recess in the cover to limit the rotation of the cover.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover pivots in a third plane which is substantially perpendicular to the second plane, and may be pivoted upward to expose the gas tank filler cap.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
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Freilich Hornbaker & Rosen
Masters Ted
Pape Joseph D.
Patel Kiran B.
Tyson Timothy Thut
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