Abstract: An assembly for flexibly securing the fuel filler pipe of a vehicle to the body of the vehicle. The assembly includes a flexible support member which is designed to provide a "break-away" connection to a housing which is attached rigidly to the body of the vehicle. Thus, in the event that the vehicle is involved in an accident, the filler pipe connector is permitted to move relative to the body thereby reducing the chance of breakage between the fuel filler pipe and the fuel tank of the vehicle. In addition a rigid connector plate is rigidly attached to the fuel filler pipe. This connector plate serves to connect the filler pipe to the flexible support member and in the event of an accident, it serves to protect the open end area of the filler pipe so as to reduce the chance of damage thereto, and also serves to lessen the change of damage or disengagement of a fuel cap attached to the filler pipe.

Abstract: A fuel vapor recovery system for a vehicle includes a charcoal canister connected to the fuel tank for collecting fuel vapors from the tank as it is being refilled. After the tank is filled and the engine started, the charcoal canister is purged of accumulated vapors. As the canister is being purged, it receives atmospheric air to fill the purged volume. A filter is remotely connected by a hose to the air inlet of the canister. The filter assembly removes dirt, dust, and water from the incoming air.

Abstract: An improved saddle tank for a car fits into the space between the splash apron and a frame member of the car. The saddle tank includes at least one attachment bracket having bolt holes which may be aligned with the bolt holes in a running board bracket. Thus, the fasteners for the running board bracket also pass through the holes in the attachment bracket to hold the tank against the frame member when the attachment bracket is interposed between the frame member and the running board bracket. In addition, the tank is sized so that its top surface lies closer to the top of the frame member than prior art tanks to maximize tank capacity.

Abstract: An enclosed fluid storage tank for a fold-down trailer or similar vehicle which is mounted on the vehicle frame and extends into the vehicle chassis. Preferably, the fluid storage tank is mounted over the vehicle axle member to minimize the effect of varying fluid level and weight on the towing characteristics of the vehicle. In certain preferred embodiments, the fluid storage tank is mounted entirely below the top surface of the vehicle chassis and below the vehicle floor. The fluid storage tank can be secured to the vehicle chassis along two longitudinally extending ledges between a floor covering and two removable secodary longtiudinal support members. A vertically offset portion in the bottom surface of the fluid storage tank provides clearance for the vehicle axle member and a clearance channel provides clearance for lifting mechanism cables which extend through the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel utilization system for a truck having multiple tanks, an above-tank crossover line coupling the two tanks, a draw line coupled only to a primary tank, and a return line coupled to the crossover line or to either of the tanks separately.

Abstract: A flame cutoff plate is disposed between an exhaust pipe of an engine and a side wall of the fuel tank to cover a pinch-off portion of the fuel tank without contacting the wall of the fuel tank.

Abstract: Separate valve bodies (16, 18) are connected by a sleeve (24). The joint (26) between the first body (16) and the sleeve (24) is detachable by bending forces and resistant to tension forces. The joint (32) between the second body (18) and the sleeve (24) is detachable by tension forces and resistant to bending forces. Each joint (26, 32) includes an annular groove (28, 34) on the valve body (16, 18) and portions (30, 36) of the sleeve (24) extending radially into the groove (28, 34). Each valve body (16, 18) has a valve element (44) that moves axially inwardly to close the flow passage (42) when one of the joints (26, 31) is detached. The valve element (44) is normally retained in an open position by a ball detent (84). A projection (82) carried by the confronting valve body (16, 18) holds the ball (84) in a groove (62) on the element's shaft portion (56).

Abstract: A blow molding process is disclosed for making the products having at least one substantially solid attachment projection unitary with and projecting outwardly from an exterior wall. The process comprises the steps of:(A) forming a molten plastic parison;(B) enclosing the parison within a cavity formed by cooperating blow molding die parts, a void in fluid communication with such cavity and having a configuration corresponding to that desired for the attachment projection being provided at a parting line between one and another of the die parts;(C) introducing fluid pressure into the parison to expand it outwardly within the cavity and to flow molten plastic into the void; and(D) opening the blow mold and removing the product.

Abstract: A fuel tank of blow molded plastic which has an elongated bottom needing reinforcement, the reinforcement including an elongated groove or channel molded in the tank bottom and an elongated tubular plastic reinforcement member, both member and channel having complimentary shapes with narrowed mid portions cooperative together to retain the tubular member in the channel thereby forming a composite structure.

Abstract: The fuel tank of a motorcycle or other similar vehicle contains an immersible fuel pump unit arranged to effectively pass fuel from the fuel tank regardless of reduced levels of fuel therein. Also, the fuel pump unit and other elements of the fuel supply system are organized to lower the center of gravity of the vehicle and to improve operation of the engine by more effectively exhausting air bubbles from the fuel flow stream and reducing the amount of heat capable of being transferred from the engine to the fuel supply pipe, thus to prevent expansion of any air bubbles that may migrate through the fuel supply pipe.

Abstract: A pickup truck bed with a vertically hinged passenger door mounted in a side panel thereof. The door permits passenger ingress and egress to the bed area, and conceals a gas cap behind the door and under the bed. Access to the gas cap and ingress and egress is controlled by a locking mechanism operatively associated with the door.

Abstract: A fuel tank with a sheet metal outer enclosure and an inner resilient liner overlying the outer enclosure with the upper surface of the liner being mold formed into a configuration suitable to act as a movable bladder to thus separate the tank interior into a variable volume fuel space and air space.

Abstract: A fuel system for vehicles having two gasoline or diesel fuel tanks includes a single filler port fitting having a Y-junction located close to the mouth of the filler, so that, when the user is at the gas pump, the spout of the fuel filling hose may be directed into either of the branch channels to fill either one tank or the other tank, selectively, or may be employed to fill both of the two fuel tanks. In addition, venting arrangements from each of the tanks are coupled to the filler port fitting to accommodate smog reduction requirements.

Abstract: A plastic fuel tank comprises a large main tank (1) and a small collecting tank connected to the main tank (1) by a flow-through opening (7). The collecting tank (3) is completely pulled into the underside (11) of the main tank (1), and includes vaulted lateral walls (31) which are symmetrical in all directions and expand into a bottom part (32) with an enlarged surface. The collecting tank (3) is partly surrounded by a connecting channel (8) opening from the main tank (1). The connecting channel (8) communicates with the collecting tank (3) via an admission bore (10). A nozzle (12) from the fuel return line (6) opens into the connecting channel (8) at a point opposite admission bore (10) to help propel fuel from the connecting channel (8) into the collecting tank (3).

Abstract: A motorcycle frame structure is provided with means for mounting a fuel tank in a lower region of the structure and a storage container thereabove thereby to improve operating performance of the vehicle by lowering its center of gravity. The elevated disposition of the storage container facilitates access to the container whereby articles stored in the container can more readily be deposited therein or retrieved therefrom.

Abstract: A motorcycle body frame structure made of an aluminum-based alloy, and suitable for off-road jumping and landing due to its increased rigidity and toughness, and the large stroke of its shock absorber. Maintenance is facilitated because the upper frame member is detachable from the head pipe and from the coupling member connecting the rear portions of the upper and lower frame members. The strength of the engine hanger is enhanced by securing it to a member connecting the front and rear frame portions. A large-size fuel tank is accommodated in a space defined between the upper frame member and left and right lower frame members.

Abstract: A vent arrangement for fuel tanks of motor vehicles which includes an expansion tank, with which is connected an expansion line extending horizontally in the vehicle transverse direction which includes two line sections extending in mutually opposite directions, of which one terminates in the atmosphere and prevents an outflow of fuel in the turned-over head position of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A fuel supply system in an off-road vehicle including front and rear wheels having wide tires, respectively, an engine mounted on a rear portion of a vehicle frame, and an exhaust pipe extending from the engine and disposed on one side of the engine transversely of the vehicle frame. The fuel system comprises a fuel tank assembly disposed on the other side of the engine transversely of the vehicle frame, and an air cleaner case disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank assembly. The vehicle frame comprises a plurality of welded pipe members. The fuel tank assembly has an outer peripheral flange supported at plural locations thereon by at least two of the pipe members of the vehicle frame. The fuel tank assembly has a cap for detachably closing a fuel inlet hole, the cap including a resiliently biased cover swingably mounted on an upper surface for covering a key slot from above.