Pipe joints or couplings – Nonmetal to metal – Internal member
Reexamination Certificate
2000-11-29
2003-09-02
Bochna, David (Department: 3679)
Pipe joints or couplings
Nonmetal to metal
Internal member
C285S226000, C220S086200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06612621
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1) Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a modular fuel filler system for an automotive vehicle incorporating a stainless steel filler pipe. In particular, this invention relates to a modular fuel filler system which can incorporate a flexible stainless steel filler pipe having a series of formed convolutions, optionally in conjunction with an onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) system.
2) Description of the Related Art
Currently available fuel filler systems as illustrated at
10
in the prior art
FIG. 1
, use a carbon steel filler pipe
12
with an integrally formed fill head
14
. The filler pipe
12
is bent to a desired contour to fit within the space available in the vehicle. The filler pipe
12
is connected to a spud
16
of a fuel tank
18
by a flexible jumper hose
20
. Clamps
21
attach the jumper hose
20
to the respective ends of the spud
16
and filler pipe
12
.
In recent years, the diameter of the filler pipe
12
has been reduced in response to changes in government regulations to mandate ORVR. However, the size of the filler head
14
has not significantly changed. As a result, the filler head
14
must be formed and mandrel expanded from a relatively heavy gage pipe which must be carried through the length of the pipe.
Additionally, carbon steel tubing must be coated to resist the corrosive environment of the fuel fill system. Steel tubing is strong yet ductile, has low permeation, and is conductive for electrostatic discharge dissipation. However, a fill system incorporating carbon steel tubes must utilize relatively expensive elastomeric multi-layered hose to provide sufficient flexibility for installation tolerance, vehicle body movement, and crash integrity.
Alternatively, multilayer plastic tubing has also been proposed to eliminate the need for a jumper hose. However, plastic tubing does not meet fire tests and pull force retention tests.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The disadvantages of the prior art may be overcome by providing a modular fuel filler system incorporating a stainless steel filler pipe.
The subject invention relates to a modular fuel filler system incorporating a stainless steel filler pipe having a series of formed convolutions for increasing the flexibility of the filler pipe to allow easy installation and provide crash integrity.
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Gruber Herbert
Oberheide G. Clarke
Bochna David
Clark Hill PLC
Tesma International Inc.
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