Title of Invention

A FUEL FILLER NECK ASSEMBLY WITH AN ANTITHEFT DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE AND METHOD THEREOF

Abstract

Fuel filling necks of fuel tanks are conventionally provided with locking arrangements to prevent theft of valuable fuel. These antitheft devices are liable to breach or compromised. In the improved antitheft device for fuel tanks as per this invention a cylindrical mesh is fitted to the fuel filling neck which cannot be breached from outside. This device can be retro-fitted onto existing fuel tanks and can also be integrated with the body of the fuel filling neck. A unique feature can also be incorporated to prevent tampering or theft of fuel.

Full Text

FORM 2 THE PATENTS ACT 1970 (39 of 1970) & THE PATENTS RULES, 2003 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See Section 10; rule 13) TITLE OF THE INVENTION A Fuel Filler Neck Assembly For a Vehicle, An Antitheft Device and Method of Retrofitting An Antitheft Device APPLICANTS TATA MOTORS LIMITED, an Indian company Having its registered office at Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001 Maharashtra, India INVENTOR Vinay Hari Todkar An Indian National Of TATA MOTORS LIMITED an Indian company Having its registered office at Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001 Maharashtra, India PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed. FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to a fuel filler neck assembly with an anti theft device used to prevent theft of liquids and other flowable fluids and more particularly this relates to anti theft device, which prevents the tampering, or theft of fuel. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Conventionally fuel-filling neck is provided to facilitate the transfer of the fluid from the dispenser to fuel tank. The filler neck extends into the interior of the fuel tank. In order to fill the fuel tank one must remove the fuel cap from the filler neck to expose an upper end. The fuel cap closes the filler tube at times other than when fuel is being admitted to the fuel tank. The fuel cap is used to cover the open upper end of the filler neck and also prevents the flow of fuel out the tank in case of accident. The cap also helps to reduce the chances of fuel leaks and their associated dangers and substantially prevents the leakages of fuel vapors from the filler neck, which is a major source of hydrocarbon emission. Fuel tank caps are available with or without locking system. Unfortunately even lockable fuel caps may be breached or compromised permitting fuel theft by siphoning, pumping or the like. In some instances, the theft is only an inconvenience, however in other, such as where hydrocarbon fuel added to power implement or automotive vehicles, the theft of fuel has become a great concern with the rising cost of the fuel causing financial loss to user. During the process, the spill results in environmental contamination and is also a source of tremendous waste of natural resources. 2 Accordingly there has been a need for a novel improvement in filler neck, which is of simple construction, inexpensive to manufacture and effective to prevent tampering or theft of the fuel from fuel tank. The present invention fulfills these needs. The transfer of fluids or flowable materials is not restricted to any areas, such as automotive equipment. Theft of hazardous material such as chemicals, caustic fluids, hot liquids and the like are transferred, utilizing siphon tubes and similar devices. Spills of such material could be hazardous or dangerous to individuals. It is therefore important to provide a means which will insure that unauthorized transfer of liquids is prevented, thereby not only reducing theft of the costly material being transferred but also preventing possible damage to the environment and/or injury to individuals. Fig 1 shows conventional fuel filling neck with external locking arrangement. The neck (A) and tank body (B) are welded together on periphery. Fuel cap (D) is hinged to the said neck at one end and other end is provided with a locking arrangement to lock to said neck at other end through its locking means (C). Fuel cap (D) consists of sealing ring (E) and a spring-loaded closer member (F). After closer of cap (D) sealing ring (E) rests on surface (H) of said neck and closer member (F) rests on sealing race (G) and prevents fuel spillage from tank. Fig. 2 shows another conventional fuel filling neck arrangement with integral locking means usually fixed within the fuel cap. It consists of a filling tube commonly known as filler neck in cylindrical shape. The neck (A) and tank body (B) are welded together on periphery. Fuel cap (D) consists of sealing ring (E) and a spring-loaded closer member (F). After closer of cap (D) sealing ring (E) rests on surface (H) of said neck and closer member (F) rests on sealing race (G) and prevents fuel spillage from tank. Fuel tank cap (D) is locked to the neck by its integral locking arrangement (I). The drawback associated with said conventional type of fuel filling necks are that these are not fool proof to prevent theft of fuel as locked fuel caps may be breached or compromised easily and permitting fuel theft by siphoning, pumping or the like. 3 OBJECTS OF INVENTION The main object of this invention is to provide a fuel filler neck assembly with an antitheft device, which can prevent pilferage of fuel by siphoning and other means from tank. Yet another object of this invention is to provide antitheft device for fuel filler necks, which can be easily retrofitted to conventional fuel filler necks. Yet another object of this invention is to provide fuel filler neck along with integrated antitheft device. Yet another object of this invention is to provide antitheft device for fuel tanks or fuel filler neck along with integrated antitheft device which is simple in construction, easy to manufacture and cost effective. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION According to the present invention the fuel filler neck assembly for a vehicle comprises a fuel filling neck fixed to a tank body; a cap hingedly fixed to the said neck at a first end; a locking arrangement provided at a second end to lock the fuel cap to said neck; a spring loaded closer member for firmly closing the fuel cap; and a sealing ring mountable on a sealing race in the closed position of the fuel cap provided in the inner surface of the fuel cap to prevent spillage; wherein said assembly further comprises: an antitheft device having a perforated mesh integrally provided in the said fuel filling neck, such that upper end of the said perforated mesh is provided to be firmly fixed to said sealing race; and partially opened louvers are provided in the said perforated mesh. 4 Preferably, the said perforated mesh is a cylindrical perforated mesh. Also, the diameter of the said perforated mesh is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the said sealing race. Preferably, a substantially circular disc is fixed to the bottom end of the perforated mesh. Alternately, the antitheft device can be retrofitted onto the existing fuel tanks. According to a second embodiment of the present invention, an antitheft device is provided for fuel filler neck assembly , said fuel filler neck is fixed to a tank body; a cap hingedly fixed to the said neck at a first end; a locking arrangement provided at a second end to lock the fuel cap to said neck; a spring loaded closer member for firmly closing the fuel cap; and a sealing ring mountable on a sealing race in the closed position of the fuel cap provided in the inner surface of the fuel cap to prevent spillage; wherein said antitheft device comprises: a perforated mesh retrofitted onto said fuel filling neck by means of a plurality of mounting brackets and fastening means to fasten said mounting brackets onto the walls of the fuel filler neck; and partially opened louvers are provided in the said perforated mesh. Louvers are provided as additional measure to prevent siphoning or pumping or other illegitimate removal of fuel from the fuel tanks. Preferably, at least three mounting brackets that are substantially L-shaped is provided as mounting means for the perforated mesh inside the fuel filler neck. The vertical member of the said substantially L-shaped mounting brackets being inwardly tapered at its top end. 5 Preferably, fasteners are provided on the L-shaped members in desired locations for holding the perforated mesh and the said mounting brackets in its fixed position inside the fuel filler neck. Preferably, a washer with a fastener insertable hole is provided at the base of the said perforated mesh. Preferably, the diameter of the said perforated mesh is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the said sealing race and said mesh is tightly held with the sealing race of the fuel tank. Preferably, the said perforated mesh is a cylindrical perforated mesh. Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention only, and not for the purpose of limiting the same BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Figure 1 - Shows Conventional Fuel filling neck with an external locking arrangement. Figure 2 - Shows Conventional Fuel filling neck with an integral locking arrangement within the cap. Figure 3 - Shows Two types of mounting brackets and the figure also shows assembly of all three brackets when assembled in the filler neck. Figure 4 - Shows cylindrically shaped perforated mesh. One end of the cylindrical mesh is closed with a washer having a hole. Figure 5 - Shows the Anti theft device, an assembly of cylindrical mesh fixed above the mounting brackets and . Figure 6- Shows Antitheft device assembled in Fuel neck with help of three brackets. 6 Figure 7 - Shows another embodiment of the antitheft device integrated to the filler neck, while manufacturing the fuel tank. Figure 8 - Shows cylindrical body with partially opened louvers from inside. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Referring to fig 3 the brackets (5) are preferably "L" shaped with a slight inward taper at the top end of the vertical member (5a) of the "L" shaped brackets. The brackets (5) are provided with a hole (6) in the horizontal member (5b) . At the vertical member end, nuts (3) are welded. Similarly bracket (1) is preferably "L" shaped with a slight inward taper at the top end of the vertical member (la) of the "L" shaped bracket. Screws and nuts (2, 3, 4 and 11) are provided at both the horizontal member (lb) and the vertical member (la) of the "L" shaped bracket (1). The assembly of these brackets is done by inserting the screw (2) through the holes (6) of brackets (5). The assembly can also be done in the filler neck during retrofit. Referring to fig 4, a perforated mesh (7) is rolled in cylindrical shape. One end of said mesh (7) is closed by a washer (8) having a hole. The diameter of the mesh cylinder is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the sealing race (G) in the filler neck. Referring to fig (5) the closed end of the cylindrical mesh (7) is placed over the screw (2) while assembling in the filler tube. Figure 6 shows the assembly of the ami theft device in the filler neck. Holes and depressions (J) are made to accommodate the counter sunk screws (4) which are fixed from outside of the filler neck and their heads may be damaged so that they cannot be removed once assembled. A nut (11) is tightened on screw (2) to fix the cylindrical mesh. 7 In an alternate embodiment illustrated in figure 7, the cylindrical mesh (7) is integrally provided in the said neck, thereby eliminating the requirement of mounting brackets (5,1). Referring to fig (8) Fixed louvers (10) are provided in a cylindrical mesh (9). Said louvers assist to provide additional measure to prevent tampering or theft of fuel. During fitment the holes on the filler tube are drilled at suitable location. Then a depression (J) at the drilled hole is made to accommodate the screw head (4). First the bracket (1) is inserted in the filler neck and loosely fixed by screw (4). Then two bracket (5) are inserted such a way that the screw (2) of bracket (1) passes through hole (6). These brackets (5) are also loosely fixed to the filler tube by screws (4). After this assembly the cylindrical mesh (6) is pressed to fix over the screw (2). The upper end of the Mesh (7) is tightly fixed in sealing race (G). After this assembly all the screws are fully tightened to fix the Anti theft device in its position then the screw heads are flattened such that they become damages to avoid unauthorized screw loosening. Said antitheft device can be easily retrofitted on existing vehicle fuel filler necks. For new fuel tanks even we can integrate the said mesh with the body of fuel filler neck and there is no need for the mounting brackets in that case. Thereby the requirement of various mounting brackets can be avoided. The foregoing description is a specific embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that this embodiment is described for purpose of illustration only, and that those skilled in the art may practice numerous alterations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come within the scope of the invention as claimed or the equivalents thereof 8 WE CLAIM 1. A fuel filler neck assembly for a vehicle, said assembly comprising: a fuel filling neck fixed to a tank body; a cap hingedly fixed to the said neck at a first end; a locking arrangement provided at a second end to lock the fuel cap to said neck; a spring loaded closer member for firmly closing the fuel cap; and a sealing ring mountable on a sealing race in the closed position of the fuel cap provided in the inner surface of the fuel cap to prevent spillage; wherein said assembly further comprises: an antitheft device having a perforated mesh integrally provided in the said fuel filling neck, such that upper end of the said perforated mesh is provided to be firmly fixed to said sealing race and lower end is provided with a substantially circular disc . 2. The fuel filler neck assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said perforated mesh is a cylindrical perforated mesh and the diameter of the said perforated mesh is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the said sealing race. 3. The fuel filler neck assembly as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein said perforated mesh is provided with partially opened louvers from inside. 4. An antitheft device for tanks, said fuel tank comprising: a fuel filling neck fixed to a tank body; a cap hingedly fixed to the said neck at a first end; a locking arrangement provided at a second end to lock the fuel cap to said neck; a spring loaded closer member for firmly closing the fuel cap; and a sealing ring mountable on a sealing race in the closed position of the fuel cap provided in the inner surface of the fuel cap to prevent spillage; wherein said antitheft device comprises: 9 a perforated mesh retrofitted onto said fuel filling neck by means of a plurality of mounting brackets and fastening means to fasten said mounting brackets onto the walls of the fuel filler neck; and lower end of said perforated mesh is provided with a substantially circular washer with a fastener insertable hole, said perforated mesh is provided with partially opened louvers from inside. 5. The antitheft device as claimed in claim 4, wherein it comprises at least three mounting brackets that are substantially L-shaped and the vertical member of the said substantially L-shaped mounting brackets being inwardly tapered at its top end. 6. The antitheft device as claimed in claim 4, wherein fasteners are provided on the L-shaped members in desired locations for holding the perforated mesh and the said mounting brackets in its fixed position inside the fuel filler neck. 1. The antitheft device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the said perforated mesh is a cylindrical perforated mesh and the diameter of the said perforated mesh is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the said sealing race. 8. A fuel tank assembly of a vehicle comprising an antitheft device as claimed in claims 4 to 7. 9. A method of retrofitting an antitheft device as claimed in claims 4 to 7 comprising the steps of: machining holes and depressions on the body of the fuel filler neck in desired locations to accommodate fasteners; mounting a first L-shaped bracket into the filler neck and loosely fastening the said first L-shaped bracket; 10 inserting the remaining L-shaped brackets such that a fastener is able to pass through the hole provided in a horizontal member of each of the remaining re¬shaped brackets and loosely fastening said L-shaped brackets; mounting the perforated mesh onto the L-shaped brackets such that the hole provided in the washer at the base of the perforated mesh coincides with the fastener passing through the hole provided in a horizontal member of each of the remaining L-shaped brackets; fixing the top end of the perforated mesh onto the sealing race of the fuel filler neck; tightly fastening all the fasteners to hold the device in its rigid position. 10 The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein heads of all fasteners are preferably flattened to avoid unauthorized loosening. 11 The fuel filler neck assembly and method of retrofitting antitheft device onto a fuel filler neck substantially as herein described with reference to figures 3 to 8 of the accompanying drawings. Dated this 15th day of July 2008 TATA MOTORS LIMITED By their Agent & Attorney (Karuna Goleria) of DePENNING & DePENNING 11

Documents:

1485-MUM-2008-ABSTRACT(15-7-2008).pdf

1485-MUM-2008-AMENDED PAGES OF SPECIFICATION-200215.pdf

1485-MUM-2008-CLAIMS(AMENDED)-(29-7-2013).pdf

1485-MUM-2008-CLAIMS(AMENDED)-200215.pdf

1485-mum-2008-claims.doc

1485-mum-2008-claims.pdf

1485-MUM-2008-CORRESPONDENCE(15-7-2008).pdf

1485-MUM-2008-CORRESPONDENCE(17-10-2014).pdf

1485-MUM-2008-CORRESPONDENCE(28-7-2008).pdf

1485-mum-2008-correspondence.pdf

1485-mum-2008-description(complete).doc

1485-mum-2008-description(complete).pdf

1485-MUM-2008-DRAWING(29-7-2013).pdf

1485-MUM-2008-DRAWING-200215.pdf

1485-mum-2008-drawing.pdf

1485-mum-2008-form 1.pdf

1485-MUM-2008-FORM 13(29-7-2013).pdf

1485-MUM-2008-FORM 18(28-7-2008).pdf

1485-mum-2008-form 2(title page).pdf

1485-mum-2008-form 2.doc

1485-mum-2008-form 2.pdf

1485-MUM-2008-FORM 3-200215.pdf

1485-mum-2008-form 3.pdf

1485-MUM-2008-FORM 8(28-7-2008).pdf

1485-MUM-2008-FORM 9(28-7-2008).pdf

1485-MUM-2008-GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY(29-7-2013).pdf

1485-MUM-2008-MARKED COPY(29-7-2013).pdf

1485-MUM-2008-MARKED COPY-200215.pdf

1485-mum-2008-power of attorney.pdf

1485-MUM-2008-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT(29-7-2013).pdf

1485-MUM-2008-REPLY TO HEARING-200215.pdf

1485-MUM-2008-SPECIFICATION(AMENDED)-(29-7-2013).pdf

abstract1.jpg

FORM9.TIF