Fuel filler warning indicator

• US 7,051,772 B2
• Filed: 07/02/2004
• Issued: 05/30/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/03/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Richard J. Dillon
• Original Assignee: Richard J. Dillon
• Inventors: Dillon, Richard J.
• Primary Examiner(s): MAUST, TIMOTHY LEWIS
• Application Number:
  US10/884,599
• Publication Number:
  US 20050000589A1
• Time in Patent Office: 697 Days
• Field of Search: 2202543-2549, 220/86.2, 141/94, 141/97
• US Class Current: 141/97
• 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 warning indicator for use with a fuel tank having a fuel filler cap, comprising:

a warning flap for at least partially covering said fuel filler cap, moveable separately from said filler cap and positioned such that the flap must be displaced for access to 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,

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.

2. A warning indicator for use with a fuel tank having a fuel filler cap, comprising:

a warning flap for at least partially covering said fuel filler cap, moveable separately from said filler cap and positioned such that the flap must be displaced for access to 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 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.