Fuel filler waring indicator

• US 20050000589A1
• Filed: 07/02/2004
• Published: 01/06/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/03/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Richard J. Dillon
• Original Assignee: Richard J. Dillon
• Inventors: Dillon, Richard J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,051,772 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 141/94
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 15/04 Tank inlets B60K15/077 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2015/03361 for checking the quality or quantity of fuel during filling of fuel tank
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2015/0483 Means to inhibit the introduction of too small or too big filler nozzles

Abstract

The present invention provides a fuel filler warning indicator for warning or reminding a user about to add fuel to a tank that only a particular type of fuel is to be used. It includes a flap portion or panel, which may include indicia, that is normally biased or disposed into a position that requires it to be manually displaced before the fuel filler cap can be removed or a fuel nozzle inserted.

Claims

1. A fuel filler cap warning indicator for use with a fuel tank comprising:

a warning flap for covering said fuel filler cap;

a retention ring for securing said indicator to a vehicle; and

a hinge portion connecting said warning flap and said retention ring.

2. A fuel filler cap warning indicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said warning flap further comprises visible indicia of the type of fuel required for said fuel tank.

3. A fuel filler cap warning indicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said warning flap is biased toward said fuel filler cap by said hinge portion, thereby requiring displacement of said warning flap for access to said fuel filler cap.

4. A fuel filler cap warning indicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said warning flap, said retention ring, and said hinge portion therebetween are comprised of a flexible material that is resistant to petroleum distillates and other solvents.

6. A fuel filler cap warning indicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said hinge portion comprises a hinge and a central spring arranged to bias said warning flap toward said fuel filler cap, thereby requiring displacement of said warning flap for access to said filler cap.

7. A fuel filler cap warning indicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said retention ring is adapted to be placed over a fuel filler tube.

8. A fuel filler cap warning indicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said warning flap further includes visible indicia of a fuel type.

9. A fuel filler cap warning indicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said warning flap further includes tactile indicia of a fuel type.

5. A fuel filler cap warning indicator as claimed in claim wherein said warning flap, said retention ring, and said hinge portion therebetween are a unitary item produced by injection molding a flexible material that is resistant to petroleum distillates and other solvents.

10. A fuel filler cap warning indicator for use with a fuel tank comprising:

a warning flap for covering said fuel filler cap;

a retention clip for securing said indicator to a vehicle; and

a hinge portion connecting said warning flap and said retention clip, wherein said warning flap, said retention clip, and said hinge portion are unitary.

11. A fuel filler cap warning indicator as claimed in claim 10 wherein said warning flap further comprises visible indicia of the type of fuel required for said fuel tank.

12. A fuel filler cap warning indicator as claimed in claim 10 wherein said warning flap is biased toward said fuel filler cap by said hinge portion, thereby requiring displacement of said warning flap for access to said fuel filler cap.

13. A fuel filler cap warning indicator as claimed in claim 10 wherein said warning flap, said retention ring, and said hinge portion therebetween are comprised of a flexible material that is resistant to petroleum distillates and other solvents.

14. A fuel filler cap warning indicator as claimed in claim 10 wherein said retention ring is adapted to be placed over a fuel filler tube.

15. A fuel filler cap warning indicator as claimed in claim 10 wherein said warning flap further includes visible indicia of a fuel type.

16. A fuel filler cap warning indicator as claimed in claim 10 wherein said warning flap further includes tactile indicia of a fuel type.

17. A fuel filler cap warning indicator for use with a fuel tank comprising:

a warning flap for covering said fuel filler cap; and

a hinge portion for biasing said warning flap toward a fuel filler cap, including a mounting extension depending therefrom for connecting said hinge portion to said fuel tank.