Vehicle fuel storage system, and methods of use and manufacture thereof
AssigneeHonda Motor Co., Ltd.
InventorShawn L. BOWERS
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Some embodiments are directed to a cover assembly for a fuel filler pipe that is disposed adjacent vehicle suspension components. The cover assembly can include a first cover portion that includes a first extension that extends in a first direction and a second extension that extends in a second direction that intersects the first extension at an angle, the first cover portion forming a channel defined by a first cover portion wall that is configured to wrap around a portion of an outer perimeter of the fuel filler pipe so as to leave a section of the outer perimeter of the fuel filler pipe exposed so as to permit movement of the exposed outer perimeter section, the first cover portion being configured to extend more than half a length of the fuel filler pipe.
Claims20
A cover assembly for use with a fuel filler pipe that is disposed adjacent vehicle suspension components, the cover assembly comprising:
- a first cover portion that includes a first extension that extends in a first direction and a second extension that extends in a second direction that intersects the first extension at an angle, the first cover portion forming a channel defined by a first cover portion wall that is configured to wrap around a portion of an outer perimeter of the fuel filler pipe so as to leave a section of the outer perimeter of the fuel filler pipe exposed so as to permit movement of the exposed outer perimeter section, the first cover portion being configured to extend more than half a length of the fuel filler pipe;
- and
- a pair of mounts that includes a first mount defining a first mount aperture and a second mount defining a second mount aperture, an axis of the first mount aperture being substantially perpendicular to an axis of the second mount aperture.
A vehicle fuel storage system, comprising:
- a fuel tank;
- a fuel filler pipe attached at one end to the fuel tank;
- a first cover portion that includes a first extension that extends in a first direction and a second extension that extends in a second direction that intersects the first extension at an angle, the first cover portion forming a channel defined by a first cover portion wall that is configured to wrap around a portion of an outer perimeter of the fuel filler pipe so as to leave a section of the fuel filler pipe exposed so as to permit movement of the exposed outer perimeter section, the first cover portion being configured to extend more than half a length of the fuel filler pipe;
- and
- a pair of mounts that includes a first mount defining a first mount aperture and a second mount defining a second mount aperture, an axis of the first mount aperture being substantially perpendicular to an axis of the second mount aperture.
A method for limiting movement of a fuel filler pipe that is disposed adjacent suspension components in a vehicle, the method comprising:
- providing a cover assembly having a first portion that extends along a majority of a length of the fuel filler pipe and wraps around a portion of an outer perimeter of the fuel filler pipe so as to leave a section of the fuel filler pipe exposed so as to permit movement of the exposed outer perimeter section;
- mounting a cover assembly to the vehicle in a first direction;
- and
- mounting the cover assembly to the vehicle in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.