Fuel overflow prevention device and method
First Claim
1. A fuel overflow device for a boat having a fuel inlet, a vent port and an internal fuel tank having an entry port and an outlet port, and a fuel conduit connecting said fuel tank entry port to said fuel inlet, said device comprising:
- a means, connected to said fuel tank, for collecting excess fuel overflowing from said fuel tank, said means including;
a means for returning said collected fuel to said fuel tank; and
a means for connecting said fuel tank outlet port to said boat vent port through said means for collecting excess fuel.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device for preventing spillage of fuel during fueling of a boat or similar vessel includes a reservoir within the fuel system for collecting any overflowing fuel and returning such fuel to the boat'"'"'s fuel tank. The reservoir is located intermediate the fuel tank vent tube through which the excess fuel is expelled. The reservoir collects the fuel while allowing air displaced in the fuel tank to escape. In a first embodiment, the reservoir surrounds the boat'"'"'s fuel filler tube and the tube is perforated to allow fuel in the reservoir to enter. In a further embodiment, the reservoir is separated from the filler tube but is connected to the fuel line entering the fuel tank.
25 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A fuel overflow device for a boat having a fuel inlet, a vent port and an internal fuel tank having an entry port and an outlet port, and a fuel conduit connecting said fuel tank entry port to said fuel inlet, said device comprising:
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a means, connected to said fuel tank, for collecting excess fuel overflowing from said fuel tank, said means including; a means for returning said collected fuel to said fuel tank; and a means for connecting said fuel tank outlet port to said boat vent port through said means for collecting excess fuel.
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- 2. A device as claimed in claim I wherein said means for collecting excess fuel comprises a reservoir.
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10. A fuel overflow device for a boat having a fuel inlet, a vent port, an internal fuel tank and a fuel conduit connecting said fuel tank entry port to said fuel inlet, said fuel tank having an entry port and an outlet port, said device comprising:
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a reservoir having a fuel inlet, a fuel outlet and a vent port; a first conduit connecting said fuel tank outlet port to said reservoir fuel inlet whereby excess fuel overflowing from said fuel tank is collected in said reservoir; a passage from said reservoir fuel outlet to said fuel tank entry port whereby said excess fuel is returned to said fuel tank; and a second conduit connecting said reservoir vent port to said boat vent port whereby fumes from said reservoir are vented.
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Specification