Two-sided automobile fuel filling system

Abstract

An automobile fuel tank fill system has a single fuel tank, a first fill tube having a first end that is adapted to be positioned on a left side of an automobile and a second end positioned at the fuel tank, and a second fill tube having a first end that is adapted to be positioned on a right side of an automobile and a second end positioned at the fuel tank.

Description

RELATED CASES

This application is related to Provision Application No. 61/062,768 filed Jan. 29, 2008, whose entire disclosure is incorporated by this reference as though set forth fully herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to automobiles, and more particularly to automobile fuel fill systems.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Currently, most contemporary automobiles have their fuel fill access points located on one side of the automobile body. Some are located on the left side of the vehicle; others on the right. The current exceptions to this are found in some older model Jaguars, certain Chevy truck models, and the Ford F-250. All of these automobiles have two fuel tanks, and subsequently, two corresponding fill-tubes with two fuel-fill access ports. There also remain a few rare vintage model automobiles with one single access port centrally located behind the rear license plate.

All motor vehicles currently produced with the standard single fuel tank utilize a single fill tube with its access point located on one specific side of the vehicle.

The problems associated with this arrangement are:

• • 1) The choice of available filling pumps at a filling station is limited to only those orientated to the same side that the vehicle has its fill tube access on.
  • 2) Often the operator forgets or does not know (e.g., for rental cars) which side of the automobile the access panel is located when driving into a filling station, creating a pump selection dilemma.
  • 3) Emergency situations that require on-road access to the fuel-fill access port can result in the driver or other individual being placed in a dangerous, even life-threatening position, if safe-side accessibility is unavailable.
    Of the above, the first problem is most practically significant because of its common and frequent occurrence and substantial inconvenience to the driver. The driver often finds himself/herself wasting much time at a filling station waiting for the appropriate filling pump to become available. The driver may also be required to perform multiple driving maneuvers often within the small confines of the filling station, so as to approach and align himself/herself with the appropriate pump as a result of unilateral fuel-fill access limitations.

Therefore, there remains a need to overcome the concerns set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

To accomplish the objectives set forth above, the present invention provides an automobile fuel tank fill system that has a single fuel tank, a first fill tube having a first end that is adapted to be positioned on a left side of an automobile and a second end positioned at the fuel tank, and a second fill tube having a first end that is adapted to be positioned on a right side of an automobile and a second end positioned at the fuel tank. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a “Y” connector, connects the second ends of the first and second fill tubes to the fuel tank.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a rear view of an automobile illustrating a fuel fill system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a rear view of an automobile illustrating a fuel fill system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 1B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

The present invention provides a single fuel tank with two fuel fill tubes, with the access end of each fill tube located on opposite sides of the automobile to create Right and Left fuel access panels for fuel filling convenience and versatility. As used herein, the term “automobile” is intended to include all motor vehicles. The present invention provides two embodiments.

FIGS. 1A and 2A illustrate a system 10A according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The system 10A includes a single fuel tank 12A with a first fill tube 14A and a second fill tube 16A separately attached to the body of the tank 12A at any desired location, and by any desired attachment method which is deemed appropriate by the vehicle manufacturer to correspond to the structure of that particular make and model vehicle. For simplicity, the fill tube 14A is shown as being attached to the left side of the tank 12A, and the fill tube 16A is shown as being attached to the right side of the tank 12A. As such, the fill tube 14A would be accessed by a left access panel 18A on the body 22A of the vehicle, and the fill tube 16A would be accessed by a right access panel 20A on the body 22A of the vehicle.

FIGS. 1B and 2B illustrate a system 10B according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The system 10B includes a single fuel tank 12B with single connecting fill tube 13B extending from the tank 12B. A first fill tube 14B and a second fill tube 16B branch off, or extend from, the connecting fill tube 13B to form a “Y” connector or similar assembly. These two fill tubes 14B and 16B can actually be joined anywhere along their course towards the fuel tank 12B that would most appropriately achieve the desired result of joining them together for the given vehicle make and model. For simplicity, the connecting fill tube 13B is shown as being attached to the center of the tank 12B. As such, the fill tube 14B would be accessed by a left access panel 18B on the body 22B of the vehicle, and the fill tube 16B would be accessed by a right access panel 20B on the body 22B of the vehicle.

In both embodiments, the size, shape, and location of the tank and fill-tube assembly will be unique to each vehicle model for which they are to be applied and will subsequently be crafted to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications just as fuel tanks are currently.

In constructing these systems in either embodiment, existing standards of fill-tube and gas tank configuration and construction would be utilized to safely and effectively facilitate the production of this new system. This would include, but is not limited to: variations in fuel tank and fill tube construction materials (i.e., steel, plastic, composite, etc.); various methods of tank and tube attachment to both each other and also to the vehicle (i.e. welding, clamps, hoses, gaskets, etc.); and any accessories necessary for the safe installation in a vehicle according to existing standards (i.e., vapor release systems, fluid backflow valves, etc.).

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automobile, comprising:

an automobile body having a left side and a right side, with a left fuel access panel positioned on the left side and a right fuel access panel positioned on the right side;

a single fuel tank positioned inside the body;

a first fill tube having a first end at the left fuel access panel and a second end at the fuel tank; and

a second fill tube having a first end at the right fuel access panel and a second end at the fuel tank.

2. The automobile of claim 1, further including a “Y” connector that connects the second ends of the first and second fill tubes to the fuel tank.

3. An automobile fuel tank fill system, comprising:

a single fuel tank;

a first fill tube having a first end that is adapted to be positioned on a left side of an automobile and a second end positioned at the fuel tank; and

a second fill tube having a first end that is adapted to be positioned on a right side of an automobile and a second end positioned at the fuel tank.

4. The system of claim 3, further including a “Y” connector that connects the second ends of the first and second fill tubes to the fuel tank.

5. The system of claim 3, further including a connection that joins the second ends of the fill tubes to a single tube that is connected to the fuel tank.