Abstract: An interlock assembly is provided for a vehicle having a body with a selectively openable slidable door and a selectively openable fuel filler door mounted thereto. The fuel filler door is operatively connected with the interlock assembly. The interlock assembly includes a bracket member and a bell crank member pivotably mounted with respect to the bracket member. A pin is slidably disposed with respect to the bracket member and is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The bell crank member is operable to urge the pin into the extended position when the fuel filler door is open and the retracted position when the fuel filler door is closed. The pin operates to engage a bore defined by the slidable door when in the extended position to substantially lock the slidable door. Preferably, the interlock assembly is mounted with respect to a rear jamb formed by the body.

Abstract: A utility vehicle with space utilization features is disclosed. The space utilization features provide storage and access to components.

Abstract: A control method of a sliding door of a vehicle. A first step engages a clutch of the sliding door if an obstacle is detected during manipulation of the sliding door, and waits for a sliding door manipulation signal to be input. A second step determines whether a fuel door is open. A third step determines whether the signal is input again if the fuel door is open at the second step. A fourth step disengages the clutch if the signal is input again at the third step.

Abstract: A vehicle with a cover member of a simple structure includes a flexible cover body section arranged to cover at least a portion of an on-the-vehicle part. The cover member includes bendable elongated sections extending outward from the edge portions of the cover body section. The vehicle also includes a leg shield for covering a driver's leg in front thereof and an on-the-vehicle part disposed inside the leg shield. The on-the-vehicle part is disposed along the inside surface of the leg shield, and the outside surface of the on-the-vehicle part opposite from the leg shield side is covered by the cover member.

Abstract: A fuel lid open-close mechanism includes a fuel lid open sensor for detecting an opening of a fuel lid, and the fuel lid is automatically closed by a fuel lid controller when the opening of the fuel lid is detected. The close operation of the fuel lid is performed when a predetermined condition of fuel lid closure absence is fulfilled. The fuel lid is closed by driving shutter members from an open position to a close position.

Abstract: A fuel filler door unit for a motor vehicle is provided that includes, but is not limited to a hinged arm embodied for mounting a fuel filler door, which is supported about a pivot axis so as to be pivotable, a locking section moved together with the fuel filler door and a locking element, which can be moved for locking and unlocking the fuel filler door by means of a control unit between a locking position, in which the locking element engages with the locking section, and a release position, in which the locking element does not engage with the locking section. The locking element and/or the locking section comprise a beveled surface, which is arranged in such a manner that the locking element and the locking section glide along one another in response to a closing motion of the fuel filler door during a state, in which the locking element is in the locking position.

Abstract: A cap device having a tether mechanism which is used to link a fuel cap to a fueling lid. The tether mechanism includes an elongate tether having on one end a detent and on the opposite end a vehicle attachment component and an engaged component adjacent the attachment component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for making accessible and closing an opening in a vehicle body, especially a filler neck compartment. According to the invention, a closing part is first displaced out of the body plane and then parallel to the vehicle body via two moving devices in order to make accessible a filler neck, for example.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at a liner for a cargo area of a vehicle comprising a first portion; a second portion, and a living hinge, connecting the first portion and the second portion and in a same material as the first and second portions.

Abstract: A body frame of a straddle-type vehicle includes a frame extending along an outer side surface of a fuel tank. A first vibration isolating member is sandwiched between the frame and the fuel tank. Vibration transmitted to the fuel tank through the body frame is damped by the first vibration isolating member. A second vibration isolation member may be sandwiched between a seat of the vehicle and an upper surface of the fuel tank to further damp vibrations. The vibration members may be integrated with a cover of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A shield member comprises an outer shield portion, an inner shield portion, and a connecting portion. The outer shield portion and the inner shield portion have annular shapes. The connecting portion connecting the outer shield portion with the inner shield portion has a cylindrical shape. The shield member has a cylindrical shape as a whole. A top potion of the outer shield portion has a dam portion which protrudes in an axial direction of the outer shield portion and elongates in a peripheral direction of the outer shield portion. A surface of the dam portion and a surface of the outer shield portion form a gutter-like guiding portion. The shield member shields an outer opening of a outer side member, and shields at least one of an inner opening of an outer wheel housing and an outer periphery of an inlet filler pipe.

Abstract: A filler neck housing assembly is disclosed that includes a reinforcement bracket having a ring-shaped portion and a reinforcement flange. The reinforcement bracket is assembled to a housing panel that defines a recessed area inside a body outer panel. The reinforcement bracket includes door stop flanges and hinge attachment flanges to which a fuel door is attached by a hinge and hinge bracket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic fuel inlet compartment which can be inserted into an opening in the bodywork of a motor vehicle. The invention is characterized by a two-hole embodiment for bivalent tanking whereby the second through hole can also be selectively covered. A controllable closing device can also be easily inserted in a recess in an outer wall of the housing, thereby enabling the fuel inlet compartment valve to be controlled by a motor and to be manually actuated. The fuel inlet compartment can be inserted into an opening of the bodywork in a self-locking manner.

Abstract: A control method of a sliding door of a vehicle. A first step engages a clutch of the sliding door if an obstacle is detected during manipulation of the sliding door, and waits for a sliding door manipulation signal to be input. A second step determines whether a fuel door is open. A third step determines whether the signal is input again if the fuel door is open at the second step. A fourth step disengages the clutch if the signal is input again at the third step.

Abstract: The tank flap of an automobile is locked via a wire spring with which an extension connected to the tank flap will cooperate. A spring-biased locking body keeps the wire spring in the releasing position when the tank flap initially is forced inwards.

Abstract: A housing apparatus of a fuel neck includes a main housing with a first connecting portion connected to a vehicle body, and a hole with a door connected thereto; and a sub housing with a second connecting portion connected to the main housing by an elastic force. The sub housing is elastically connected to the fuel neck. The first connecting portion is elastically connected to the vehicle body, and includes a first protruding portion secured to the vehicle body; and a second protruding portion at a lower portion of the first protruding portion. The second connecting portion includes a connecting hole to which the main housing is inserted; and at least one protrusion securing the main housing to the sub housing. The main housing further includes a third protruding portion inserted to the connecting hole.

Abstract: A panel having active material based segments, wherein the segments define a hinge location that can be selectively stiffened or folded on demand. The active material based segments include an active material such that activation of the active material by an activation device can allow folding of the panel, can effect self-folding of the panel, or can serve to lock the panel into a fixed position when not activated. In this manner, the panel that can be variously stiffened or folded on demand. Other embodiments include forming the panel of the active material such that the panel can be compacted and stowed upon activation of the active material to change the modulus properties thereof.

Abstract: In a filler pipe assembly, a holder member (13. 15) secured to an inner wall of a filler pipe (2) is provided with an outer profile of a circular cross section substantially conforming to an inner peripheral wall of the filler pipe and an inner profile defining a bore (17) of a circular cross section eccentric to the outer profile thereof. A relief valve (30) is provided in a part of the holder member defined between the outer profile thereof and the bore owing to an eccentricity of the bore relative to the outer profile. Owing to the eccentric relationship between the outer profile and inner bore of the holder member, a space for a relief valve can be provided in the area where the distance between the inner wall of the bore and the outer profile is the greatest, and this allows the relief valve to be mounted without complicating the structure.

Abstract: A device for closing an access opening in a motor vehicle outer skin, especially a tank access opening, having a closure flap that swivels from a closed position into an access position. The closure flap closes essentially flush with the motor vehicle outer skin in the closed position and the closure flap is mounted in such a manner as to be displaceable essentially orthogonally with respect to the motor vehicle outer skin and swivelable about a swivel axis that is essentially orthogonally oriented with respect to the motor vehicle outer skin.

Abstract: There is described an improved fuel door assembly. In one preferred embodiment, the fuel door comprises a housing that defines an axis of rotation and has a biasing element that is at least partially surrounded by a second interface that forms a cavity that narrows between the ends of the second interface. The fuel door has a first interface that contacts the second interface such that the biasing element urges the fuel door toward the closed position when the fuel door is at the closed position, and urges the fuel door toward the open position when the fuel door is at the open position.

Abstract: A fuel door actuated ignition cut off includes a switch that is electrically coupled to the circuit for selectively opening or closing the circuit. An actuator is mechanically coupled to the switch for selectively actuating the switch. The circuit is open when the actuator is in an open position and the circuit is closed when the actuator is in a closed position. The switch is mounted on an inner surface of a vehicle wall. The switch is positioned generally adjacent to a fuel door of the vehicle. An arm is attached to an inner surface of the door and is adapted for engaging the actuator such that the actuator is moved to the open position when the door is opened.

Abstract: A fuel door housing for the fueling of an automobile including a tub-like body, a flap which is hingely linked to the body, a thrust spring biasing the flap toward an opened position, a locking element having a locking and an unlocking position, and an actuating element for placing the locking element into the unlocking position. The locking element is moved towards the unlocking position through a one-way transmission of the actuating element upon a movement of the flap into its closed position or beyond thereof, respectively, and the locking element completely engages the catching element upon arrival of the flap at its closed position. A casing is formed at the inner side of the body. The locking element and parts of the actuating elements are accommodated by the casing, and a locking portion of the locking element is sealingly extended through a wall portion of the casing facing the catching element.

Abstract: In a vehicle wherein a functional part arranged in a body cover is supported by a body frame and a lid which makes it possible to lock a closed state covering the functional part can be openably fitted to the body cover in a position matching the functional part. Thus, the risk of undesirable tampering with the unlocking member is to be minimized and the risk for the unlocking member to be influenced by external disturbance such as unfavorable weather is to be avoided as far as possible. A cover member in which a lid is arranged in a secluded position is openably disposed on a body cover, and an unlocking member for releasing the lid from the locked state is disposed on the body cover so as to be covered by a cover member in a closed state.

Abstract: An adjustable assembly of a first structural part and a second structural part, in particular for automobiles having a flap and a pivotable arm for the flap, is such that the first structural part is displaceable along two orthogonal axis with respect to the second structural part and is fixed against movement along a third axis extending perpendicular to the first and second axis. A first adjusting element is moveably supported on the second structural part. Actuation of this first adjustable element moves the first structural part along the first axis. A second adjustable element is movably supported on the second structural part. Actuation of the second adjustable element moves the first structural part along the second axis. Devices are associated with the first and second adjustable elements for releasable fixation thereof in selected positions.

Abstract: A hood lift mechanism for reversibly increasing the energy absorption capability at appropriate force levels of a vehicle hood includes a vehicle hood; an active material in operative communication with the vehicle hood, wherein the active material comprises a shape memory alloy, a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy, a shape memory polymer, a magnetorheological fluid, an electroactive polymer, a magnetorheological elastomer, an electrorheological fluid, a piezoelectric material, an ionic polymer metal composite, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing active materials; and an activation device in operative communication with the active material, wherein the activation device is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a reversible change in a property of the active material, wherein the reversible change results in an increased clearance distance between the vehicle hood and an underlying component.

Abstract: A fuel lid apparatus for an automotive vehicle having a slide door. The fuel lid apparatus includes a push rod displaceable in a first direction by opening a fuel lid under the action of the first biasing device and in a second direction by closing the fuel lid. A link is connected to a stopper for the slide door and capable of moving the stopper to an engaging position by being rotationally moved in a third direction and to a non-engaging position by being rotationally moved in a fourth direction under the action of a second biasing device. In the fuel lid apparatus, the push rod and the second biasing device are in a locational relationship to increase a component force of a biasing force of the second biasing device in the first direction as the push rod is displaced in the first direction.

Abstract: A fuel gas filling system for a vehicle having a supply section and a fuel lid, which includes an opening operation section to which an opening operation for the fuel lid is applied, an operation wire, which is provided between the opening operation section and the fuel lid, for making the fuel lid respond to the opening operation applied to the opening operation section, and a locking device having a movable element, a fixed element, a lock pin, and an actuator. The actuator is adapted to make the lock pin to be engaged with the fixed element and the movable element when the vehicle is not in a stationary state.

Abstract: First pivot lever is connected to a fuel-lid opening rod, and a sensor is connected to the first pivot lever for detecting a projected state and retracted state of the opening rod. Second pivot lever connected to a slide-door locking member is pressed against the first pivot lever via a tension spring. As the opening rod is retracted by closing movement of the fuel lid, the second pivot lever is pressed by the first pivot lever, while, as the opening rod is projected, the second pivot lever is caused to pivot together with the first moving member by a biasing force of the tension spring.

Abstract: A simple, multifunction structure is provided for opening fuel filler door and for detecting the open position of the fuel filler door. Further, an elastic member furnishes a force for opening the fuel filler door and is protected from the external environment. Accordingly, the manufacturing process is simplified.

Abstract: A fuel door assembly includes an annular support seat, a torsion spring, and a pivot cover. Thus, the fuel door assembly that, when being opened, can be positioned rigidly without collapse, thereby facilitating the fuel filling operation. In addition, when the pivot cover is pivoted relative to the support seat to move to the opened position, the operation section of the torsion spring is urged on the comer of the press block of the pivot base of the pivot cover by the restoring force of the torsion spring, so that the pivot cover is positioned on the support seat rigidly and stably without collapse and detachment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a two-piece capless fuel-filling device and method of attaching the same to a vehicle. The capless fuel-filling device includes two primary components, an exterior housing member and an interior housing member. The exterior housing member is first placed within an opening formed in a vehicle body panel and attached thereto. Next, the interior housing member is attached to the exterior housing member or the interior side of the body panel. Either the internal housing member or the external housing member includes a valve for enabling and restricting insertion of a refueling nozzle.

Abstract: A petrol-tank flap arrangement for a motor vehicle has a pivotably mounted petrol-tank flap which is retained in its closed position by a locking device. The petrol-tank flap is assigned a driving device which enables the petrol-tank flap to automatically swing open into its refuelling position after the locking device is released.

Abstract: A fuel filler door assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. A simple, multifunction structure is provided for opening the fuel filler door and for detecting the open position of the fuel filler door. Further, the elastic member furnishes the force for opening the fuel filler door is protected from the external environment. Accordingly, the manufacturing process is simplified.

Abstract: A rigid inverted insert for mounting on the top panel of a rigid cowing of an engine welder, which cowing has a cut away opening in a top panel for allowing access to the top opening of a fuel filler tube extending from a low fuel tank to a position adjacent the rigid cowing. The novel insert has a lower wall generally to the top panel, but substantially below the top panel wherein the lower rigid wall has a central opening surrounding the filler tube to define a peripheral gap around the tube and a soft grommet or seal is mounted in the central opening and fixed to the insert.

Abstract: A filler neck closure assembly (30) includes a closure apparatus (32) formed to include a pump nozzle-receiving opening (36) and adapted to be mounted on an open mouth of a filler neck 24. A cover 40, pivotally mounted to the closure apparatus (32), is movable between a first position covering the nozzle-receiving opening (36) to seal the filler neck (24) and a second position uncovering the nozzle-receiving opening (36) to allow access thereto. An overcenter leaf spring (42) normally biases the cover (40) toward its first closed position. A tether (94) coupled to the cover (40) has its other end (96) coupled to a filler neck access door (90) so that as the access door (90) is moved from a closed position blocking access to the filler neck (24) to an open position unblocking access to the filler neck (24), the cover (40) is moved from the first position covering the nozzle-receiving opening (36) to the second position uncovering the nozzle-receiving opening (36).

Abstract: The fuel filler door catch includes a catch body mounted to a fuel filler housing, a rotary unit mounted on the catch body and rotating as a driver manipulates a cable, and a catch slide performing a rectilinear sliding movement as the rotary unit is operated, and released from a hook plate provided on a fuel filler door to open the fuel filler door. The present invention is directed to provide a fuel filler door catch, which is operated without applying a great force, in addition to an improvement of durability and a facilitation of maintenance due to a modular structure.

Abstract: In a cap device, a long, flexible coupling member is coupled at one end to a cap for opening and closing an inlet, and it is slidably mounted at the other end to a guide member located near the inlet. A rotary ring is rotatably mounted around the cap, and the coupling member is coupled to a part of the rotary ring at one end thereof. Slanted blocks for removing foreign materials are provided on a portion of the rotary ring which slides with respect to the circumferential outer surface of the cap. A slide support member formed another end of the coupling member is guided by a guide member disposed on the back side of the oil filler lid. The guide member guides the slide support member in such a direction that the slide support member slides apart from a hinge.

Abstract: A petrol-tank flap arrangement for a motor vehicle has a pivotably mounted petrol-tank flap which is retained in its closed position by a locking device. The petrol-tank flap is assigned a driving device which enables the petrol-tank flap to automatically swing open into its refuelling position after the locking device is released.

Abstract: A fuel filler door assembly is provided for a motor vehicle facilitating rapid and inexpensive installation. Installation is accomplished by passing a tubular sleeve main body portion of a housing of the fuel filler door assembly through an aperture in a lip in an outer panel of the vehicle to pass circumferentially spaced keys on the sleeve through circumferentially spaced keyways provided in the lip, pass an aperture in an inner end wall of the housing over the free end of the filler tube of the vehicle fuel tank to seat the inner wall on a flange carried by the filler tube, and seat a flange provided on an outer end of the housing on the outer panel lip; turning the housing to move the keys under the panel lip and trap the lip between the flange and the keys; and passing a screw fastener through the end wall of the housing for engagement with the filler tube flange.

Abstract: A system is provided in order to automatically close a filler inlet compartment lid of a car when the lid is in an unintended open position. When predefined signals which are considered to indicate the termination of a refueling operation occur, the system activates a filler inlet compartment lid closing mechanism so that the filler inlet compartment lid is automatically closed and locked. This can take place when the filler inlet compartment lid is completely open or when the lid is in an only slightly lifted intermediate position. The filler inlet compartment lid may reach such a slightly lifted intermediate position, for example, in a drive-through car wash when triggered by the pressure of the car wash brushes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closure for a refueling tank of a motor vehicle. Said closure has a closure cap which can be fixed to a filler neck in a liquid and gas-tight manner. The upper cap part rests against the pipe surface of the filler neck via an annular seating surface equipped with a flat packing. The entry part axially protrudes from the cap part and can be fixed to the filler neck in an axial direction. The aim of the invention is to provide a simple structure, in terms of movement, for reliably achieving an axial connection between the cap part of such a closure and the filler neck. To this end, the entry part is provided with a contacting element which can be reciprocated in relation to an under cut or counter-profile of the filler neck.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fuel filler door catch for vehicles. The fuel filler door catch includes a catch body mounted to a fuel filler housing, a rotary unit mounted on the catch body and rotating as a driver manipulates a cable, and a catch slide performing a rectilinear sliding movement as the rotary unit is operated, and released from a hook plate provided on a fuel filler door to open the fuel filler door. The present invention is directed to provide a fuel filler door catch, which is operated without applying a great force, in addition to an improvement of durability and a facilitation of maintenance due to a modular structure.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved fuel door assembly and methods for assembling same. In one preferred embodiment the fuel door assembly comprises a housing that defines an axis of rotation and has a moveable retaining surface that is biased toward the axis of rotation, and a fuel door received in the housing and rotatable about the axis of rotation between a closed position and an open position. The fuel door has a first cam surface and a second cam surface. The retaining surface contacts the first cam surface and urges the fuel door toward the closed position when the fuel door is at the closed position, and contacts the second cam surface and urges the fuel door toward the open position when the fuel door is at the open position.

Abstract: A removable cover for the exterior surface of an automotive vehicle's fuel door. The cover has a securing means, such as one or more straps or fasteners, and a center portion, such as a fabric. Preferably, the cover is secured using a substantially circumferential elastic strap secured within one or more channels formed by folding and sewing the edges of the cover. The cover is designed to substantially cover the outwardly exposed exterior coated surface of the fuel door while avoiding interference with the operation of the fuel door hinges and locks. The cover is further suitable for displaying a message, symbol, logo or other visual display at a noticeable and highly visible location on the vehicle.

Abstract: An inlet filler pipe comprises a pipe main body having a fuel passage for fueling fuel through an inlet into a fuel tank, and a flange formed on the pipe main body, for attachment to an outer wheel housing. A reinforcing element comprising a plurality of first ribs and second ribs arranged so as to surround the pipe main body is formed on the flange. The portion along the outer periphery of the pipe main body between first ribs and second ribs serves as a fragile portion, ensuring breaks at a load over a predetermined level.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a filler neck of a vehicle includes a filler neck access door adapted to be coupled to a side wall of the vehicle, a filler neck closure that is adapted to be coupled to an open mouth of the filler neck to close the open mouth and includes a first seal configured to block fuel and fuel vapor from flowing from the filler neck to atmosphere, and a cover configured to cover the filler neck closure upon closure of the filler neck access door. The cover includes a second seal and a seal support coupled to the second seal and the filler neck access door. The seal support yieldably biases the second seal into engagement with the filler neck closure upon closure of the filler neck access door.

Abstract: There is described an improved fuel door assembly and methods for assembling same. In one preferred example the fuel door assembly comprises a housing that defines an axis of rotation and has a moveable retaining surface that is biased toward the axis of rotation, and a fuel door received in the housing and rotatable about the axis of rotation between a closed position and an open position. The fuel door has a first cam surface and a second cam surface. The retaining surface contacts the first cam surface and urges the fuel door toward the closed position when the fuel door is at the closed position, and contacts the second cam surface and urges the fuel door toward the open position when the fuel door is at the open position.

Abstract: A filler neck closure assembly (30) includes a closure apparatus (32) formed to include a pump nozzle-receiving opening (36) and adapted to be mounted on an open mouth of a filler neck 24. A cover 40, pivotally mounted to the closure apparatus (32), is movable between a first position covering the nozzle-receiving opening (36) to seal the filler neck (24) and a second position uncovering the nozzle-receiving opening (36) to allow access thereto. An overcenter leaf spring (42) normally biases the cover (40) toward its first closed position. A tether (94) coupled to the cover (40) has its other end (96) coupled to a filler neck access door (90) so that as the access door (90) is moved from a closed position blocking access to the filler neck (24) to an open position unblocking access to the filler neck (24), the cover (40) is moved from the first position covering the nozzle-receiving opening (36) to the second position uncovering the nozzle-receiving opening (36).

Abstract: A system is provided in order to automatically close a filler inlet compartment lid of a car when the lid is in an unintended open position. When predefined signals which are considered to indicate the termination of a refueling operation occur, the system activates a filler inlet compartment lid closing mechanism so that the filler inlet compartment lid is automatically closed and locked. This can take place when the filler inlet compartment lid is completely open or when the lid is in an only slightly lifted intermediate position. The filler inlet compartment lid may reach such a slightly lifted intermediate position, for example, in a drive-through car wash when triggered by the pressure of the car wash brushes.

Abstract: In a cap device, a long, flexible coupling member is coupled at one end to a cap for opening and closing an inlet, and it is slidably mounted at the other end to a guide member located near the inlet. A rotary ring is rotatably mounted around the cap, and the coupling member is coupled to a part of the rotary ring at one end thereof. Slanted blocks for removing foreign materials are provided on a portion of the rotary ring which slides with respect to the circumferential outer surface of the cap. A slide support member formed another end of the coupling member is guided by a guide member disposed on the back side of the oil filler lid. The guide member guides the slide support member in such a direction that the slide support member slides apart from a hinge.