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GB2450763A - A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly - Google Patents

A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2450763A
GB2450763A GB0720447A GB0720447A GB2450763A GB 2450763 A GB2450763 A GB 2450763A GB 0720447 A GB0720447 A GB 0720447A GB 0720447 A GB0720447 A GB 0720447A GB 2450763 A GB2450763 A GB 2450763A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
dispensing nozzle
fuel dispensing
fuel
body portion
intake pipe
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0720447A
Other versions
GB0720447D0 (en
Inventor
Edwin Michael Stephenson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB0712854A external-priority patent/GB0712854D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0715314A external-priority patent/GB0715314D0/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of GB0720447D0 publication Critical patent/GB0720447D0/en
Publication of GB2450763A publication Critical patent/GB2450763A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K15/04—Tank inlets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/32—Arrangements of safety or warning devices; Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
    • B67D7/34—Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
    • B67D7/344—Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid by checking a correct coupling or coded information
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
    • B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
    • B60K15/04—Tank inlets
    • B60K2015/0458—Details of the tank inlet
    • B60K2015/0483—Means to inhibit the introduction of too small or too big filler nozzles

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)

Abstract

A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly for preventing a fuel dispensing nozzle having a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter comprises a body portion 140 having inhibitor means, the body portion may have an external thread 160. An internal thread 162 may be formed around an inner surface of a deformable sleeve 150, which has a compressed condition to allow insertion into a fuel intake pipe and an expanded condition engaging the fuel intake pipe. Consequently, by engagement of external thread 160 of body portion 140 with internal thread 162 of deformable sleeve 150 the body portion 140 can be screwed into the deformable sleeve 150 after the deformable sleeve 150 has been mounted in a fuel intake pipe.

Description

FUEL DISPENSING NOZZLE INHIBITOR ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF
MOUNTING A FUEL DISPENSING NOZZLE INHIBITOR ASSEMBLY IN A
FUEL INTAKE PIPE
The present invention relates to a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly for preventing a fuel dispensing nozzle having a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter from being inserted into a fuel intake pipe. The present invention also relates to a method of mounting a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly in a fuel intake pipe.
Fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitors are devices for preventing the insertion of an unleaded petrol fuel dispensing nozzle into the intake pipe of a diesel fuel tank. If unleaded petrol is inadvertently put into a diesel fuel tank, damaqe can be caused to a diesel engine such that it is desirable to prevent insertion of an unleaded petrol fuel dispensing nozzle into the fuel intake pipe of a diesel fuel tank.
Unleaded petrol fuel dispensing nozzles usually have a smaller diameter than diesel fuel dispensing nozzles. For example, in the United Kingdom an unleaded petrol fuel dispensing nozzle is generally 0.807 to 0.840 inches in diameter whereas a diesel fuel dispensing nozzle is generally 0.929 to 0.937 inches in diameter. Consequently, it is easy for an unleaded petrol fuel dispensing nozzle to be inserted into the intake pipe of a diesel fuel tank because the unleaded petrol fuel dispensing nozzle is narrower than the diesel fuel intake pipe.
EP1319545 and US2006/0032549 propose solutions to this problem. However, the devices described in these documents must be mounted in the diesel fuel intake pipe of a vehicle during manufacture of the vehicle and are not suitable for retro-fitting to an existing. Also, if the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitors described in these documents malfunction, a user can be prevented from putting fuel into the vehicle to which the malfunctioning inhibitor is mounted.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention seek to
overcome the above disadvantages of the prior art.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly for preventing a fuel dispensing nozzle having a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter from being inserted into a fuel intake pipe, the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly comprisinq: a deformable sleeve arranged to be mountable in a fuel intake pipe, the deformable sleeve having a compressed condition enabling insertion into the fuel intake pipe and an expanded condition engaging the fuel intake pipe; and a body portion mountable in the deformable sleeve and defining an aperture for receiving a fuel dispensing nozzle, the body portion further comprising inhibitor means adapted to prevent a fuel dispensing nozzle having a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter from passing through the aperture.
This provides the advantage that the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly can be retro-fitted into a fuel intake pipe. The deformable sleeve can be compressed and inserted into a fuel intake pipe and then allowed to expand such that the body portion comprising the inhibitor can be inserted into the sleeve. This also provides the advantage that should the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor malfunction, it can be easily removed for replacement or repair and a user will therefore not be prevented from putting fuel into the fuel tank to which the inhibitor assembly is attached.
The deformahie sleeve and the body portion may comprise correspondLng threaded portions to enable the body portion to be screwed into the deformable sleeve.
This provides the advantage of facilitating mounting, removal and replacement of the body portion to the deformable sleeve and also provides the advantage of providing a relatively straightforward method of retaining the body portion in the deformable sleeve.
The body portion may compromise at least one notch arranged to receive a tool for screwing the body portion to the deformable sleeve.
This provides the advantage of facilitating mounting, removal and replacement of the body portion.
The body portJ.on may be slidably mountable in the deformable sleeve and the deformable sleeve may compromise at least one stop member arranged to hold the body portion in the deformable sleeve.
This provides the advantage of facilitating mounting, removal and replacement of the body portion to the deformable sleeve.
One of the deformable sleeve and the body portion may comprise at least one resilient lug and the other of said deformable sleeve and said body portion may compromise at least one slot arranged to receive at least one corresponding resilient lug to hold the body portion in the deformable sleeve.
This provides the advantage of facilitating mounting, removal and replacement of the body portion to the deformable sleeve and also provides the advantage of providing a relatively straightforward method of holding the body portion in the deformable sleeve.
The deformable sleeve may comprise a horseshoe shaped piece of resilient material.
This provides the advantage of a relatively straightforward method of enabiing the sleeve to be resiliently deformed, such that it can be compressed to be mounted into a fuel intake pipe and then released to allow it to expand and retain its original shape to frictionally engage the walls of the fuel intake pipe.
Said deformable sleeve may comprise a deformable spring.
This provides the advantage of a relatively straightforward method of enabling the sleeve to be resiliently deformed, such that it can be compressed to be mounted into a fuel intake pipe and then released to allow it to expand and retain its original shape to frictionally engage the walls of the fuel intake pipe.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a deformable sleeve for a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly for preventing a fuel dispensing nozzle having a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter from being inserted into a fuel intake pipe, the deformable sleeve arranged to be mountable in a fuel intake pipe, the deformable sleeve having a compressed condition enabling insertion into the fuel intake pipe and an expanded condition engaging the fuel intake pipe, wherein the deformable sleeve is adapted to hold a body portion comprising fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor means in a fuel intake pipe.
This provides the advantage that the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly can be retro-fitted into a fuel intake pipe. The deformable sleeve can be compressed and inserted into a fuel intake pipe and then allowed to expand such that the body portion comprising the inhibitor can be inserted into the sleeve. This also provides the advantage that should the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor malfunction, it can be easily removed for replacement or repair and a user will therefore not be prevented from putting fuel into the fuel tank to which the inhibitor assembly is attached.
The deformable sleeve may further comprise a threaded portion adapted to engage a corresponding threaded portion of a body portion to hold the body portion in the deformable sleeve.
This provides the advantage of facilitating mounting, removal and replacement of a body portion to the deformable sleeve and also provides the advantage of providing a relatively straightforward method of retaining a body portion in the deformable sleeve.
The deformable sleeve may further comprise at least one stop member arranged to hold a body portion in the deformable sleeve. --6-
This provides the advantage of facilitating mounting, removal and replacement of a body portion to the deformable sleeve.
The deformable sleeve may further comprise at least one resilient lug or at least one slot arranged to engage at least one corresponding slot or lug disposed on a body port.ion to hold the body portion in the deformable sleeve.
This provides the advantage of facflitating mounting, removal and replacement of a body portion to the deformable sleeve and also provides the advantage of providing a relatively straightforward method of holding a body portion in the deformable sleeve.
The deformable sleeve may further comprise a horseshoe shaped piece of resilient material.
This provides the advantage of a relatively straightforward method of enabling the sleeve to be resiliently deformed, such that it can be compressed to be mounted into a fuel intake pipe and then released to allow it to expand and retain its original shape to frictionally engage the walls of the fuel intake pipe.
The deformable sleeve may comprise a deformable spring.
This provides the advantage of a relatively straightforward method of enabling the sleeve to be resiliently deformed, such that it can be compressed to be mounted into a fuel intake pipe and then released to allow it to expand and retain its original shape to frictionally engage the walls of the fuel intake pipe.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a body portion mountable in a deformable sleeve, the deformable sleeve being mountable in a fuel intake pipe, the body portion defining an aperture and comprising inhibitor means adapted to prevent a fuel dispensing nozzle having a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter from passing through the aperture.
This provides the advantage that the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly can be retro-fitted into a fuel intake pipe. A deformable sleeve can be compressed and inserted into a fuel intake pipe and then allowed to expand such that the body portion comprising the inhibitor can be inserted into the sleeve. This also provides the advantage that should the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor malfunction, it can be easily removed for replacement or repair and a user will therefore not be prevented from putting fuel into the fuel tank to which the inhibitor assembly is attached.
The body portion may further comprise a threaded portion adapted to engage a corresponding threaded portion of a deformable sleeve to hold the body portion in the deformable sleeve.
This provides the advantage of facilitating mounting, removal and replacement of the body portion to a deformable sleeve and also provides the advantage of providing a relatively straightforward method of retaining the body portion in a deformable sleeve.
The body portion may further comprise at least one notch arranged to receive a tool for screwing the body portion to the deformable sleeve.
This provides the advantage of facilitating mounting, removal and replacement of the body portion.
The body portion may further comprise at least one resilient lug or at least one slot arranged to engage at least one corresponding slot or lug disposed on a deformable sleeve to hold the body portion in the deforrnable sleeve.
This provides the advantage of facilitating mounting, removal and replacement of the body portion to a deformable sleeve and also provides the advantage of providing a relatively straightforward method of holding the body portion in a deformable sleeve.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of mounting a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly in a fuel intake pipe, the method comprising: compressing a deforrnable sleeve to reduce the diameter thereof; inserting the deformable sleeve in a fuel intake pipe and allowing the deformable sleeve to expand and engage the wall of the fuel intake pipe; and mounting a body portion in the deformable sleeve, the body portion defining an aperture for receiving a fuel dispensing nozzle and comprising inhibitor means adapted to prevent a fuel dispensing nozzle having a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter from passing through the aperture.
This provides the advantage of a relatively straightforward method of mounting a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly into a fuel intake pipe. This also provides the advantage that a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor can be retro-fitted to a fuel intake pipe such that the inhibitor does not have to be manufactured and installed at the same time as the fuel intake pipe is manufactured. This also provides the advantage that if the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly malfunctions, the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly can be easily removed and replaced.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor for preventing a fuel dispensing nozzle having a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter from being inserted into a fuel intake pipe, the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor comprising: a body portion mountable in a fuel intake pipe and defining an aperture for receiving a fuel dispensing nozzle; inhibitor means adapted to prevent a fuel dispensing nozzle having a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter from passing through the aperture; the body portion further comprising at least one moveable gripping portion having a retracted condition enabling insertion of the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor in a fuel intake pipe and an expanded condition wherein at least one said moveable gripping portion engages a wall of the fuel intake pipe to hold the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor in place.
By providing a body portion comprising at least one moveable gripping portion having a retracted condition enabling insertion of the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor in a fuel intake pipe and an expanded condition wherein at least one said moveable gripping portion engages a wall of the fuel intake pipe to hold the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor in place, this provides the advantage of a relatively straightforward method of enabling a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor to be mounted and a fuel intake pipe. This also provides the advantage that the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor can be retro-fitted into existing fuel intake pipes and means that the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor doesn't need to be mounted in the fuel intake pipe at the time of manufacture of the fuel intake pipe. This also provides the advantage that the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor is easily removable and replaceable in case of malfunction such that a user will not be prevented from putting fuel into the fuel intake pipe should the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor malfunction.
The body portion may have a first end and a second end and the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor may further comprise: a tongue portion projecting from a first end of the body portion; and adjustable gripping means mounted on the second end of the body portion, the adjustable gripping means arranged to grip the tongue portion, wherein the tongue portion can move through the adjustable gripping means to change the extent to -ii-which the tongue portion extends through the adjustable gripping means thereby changing the outer circumference of the body portion; wherein at least one said moveable gripping portion comprises the outer surface of the body portion such that the tongue portion can be moved through the adjustable gripping means until the outer surface of the body portion engages a wall of the fuel intake pipe in the expanded condition to hold the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor in place.
This provides the advantage of a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor that is relatively straightforward to mount into a fuel intake pipe. This means that the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor can be retro-fitted to an existing fuel intake pipe and can be easily removed and replaced in the case of malfunction.
The adjustabJe gripping means may compromise a toothed member rotatably mounted to the second end of the body portion and wherein the tongue portion may comprise a plurality of teeth arranged to engage the toothed member such that rotation of the toothed member changes the extent to which the tongue portion extends through the adjustable gripping means.
This provides the advantage of a reliable method of moving the tongue portion through the adjustable gripping means.
The fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor may further comprise locking means for locking the toothed member to prevent rotation thereof.
Said locking means may comprise a locking pin arranged to fit between a pair of teeth of the toothed member to prevent rotation thereof.
Said locking means may comprise a ratchet having a biased pawl arranged to prevent movement of the t:ongue portion through the adjustable gripping means in a first direction.
This provides the advantage of a means for ensuring that the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor remains in place when fitted to the fuel intake pipe.
The fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor may further comprise at least one tang disposed adjacent the outer surface of the body portion to increase the grip between the body portion and a wall of a fuel intake pipe.
This provides the advantage of increasing the friction between the outer surface of the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor and a wall of the fuel intake pipe to ensure that the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor remains in place in the fuel intake pipe.
The body portion and inhibitor means may be unitarily formed from a single piece of material.
This provides the advantage of making the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor relatively straightforward to manufacture which results in reduced cost.
At least said one moveable gripping portion may comprise at least one lever having a retracted condition enabling insertion of the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor in a fuel intake pipe and an expanded condition wherein at least one said lever engages a wall of the fuel intake pipe to hold the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor in place.
This provides the advantage of a relatively straightforward method of fitting a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor in a fuel intake pipe. This means that the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor can be retro-fitted to existing fuel intake pipes and also provides the advantage that the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor is easy to remove and replace in case of ma 1 funct ion.
AL least one said lever may be biased into the expanded condition.
This provides the advantage of ensuring that the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor remains in place when mounted to a fuel intake pipe.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of mounting a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor as defined above, the method comprising: inserting the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor into a fuel intake pipe when at least one moveable gripping portion is in the retracted condition; and moving least one said moveable gripping portion to the expanded condition to engage a wall of the fuel intake pipe to hold the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor in place.
This provides the advantage of a relatively straightforward method of mounting a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor to a fuel intake pipe. This also provides the advantage that the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor can be retro-fitted to an existing fuel intake pipe and the fuel dispensing nozzle Inhibitor can be easily removed and replaced in case of malfunction.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor for preventing a fuel dispensing nozzle having a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter from being inserted into a fuel intake pipe, the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor comprising: a body portion mountable in a fuel intake pipe and defining an aperture for receiving a fuel dispensing nozzle; inhibitor means adapted to prevent a fuel dispensing nozzle having a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter from passing through the aperture; and at least one flange portion arranged to project from the body portion and abut the sides of the opening of a fuel intake pipe such that the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor can be placed on the opening of a fuel intake pipe and removed after use.
This provides the advantage of a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor that can be mounted to a fuel intake pipe by a user of the fuel intake pipe and then removed once the correct fuel has been inserted into the fuel intake pipe. This also provides the advantage that the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor does not have to be manufactured and mounted in place in the fuel intake pipe at the same time that the fuel intake pipe is manufactured.
Said inhibitor means may comprise at least one deflectable blocking member arranged to project into said aperture a first distance such that insertion of a fuel dispensing nozzle having a diameter larger than said predetermined diameter deflects at least one said blocking member to enable insertion of the fuel dispensing nozzle into the fuel intake pipe.
The fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor may further comprise biasing means arranged to bias at least one said deflectable blocking member into said aperture.
At least one said flange portion may comprise an annular disc.
In a preferred embodiment, the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor is unitarily formed from a single piece of material.
The fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor may be formed from injection moulded plastics material.
This provides the advantage of a relatively low cost and straightforward method of manufacturing the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-Figure la is a cross sectional view of a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor into which a correctly sized fuel dispensing nozzle is being inserted; Figure lb is a cross-sectional view of a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor of Figure la in which a correctly sized fuel dispensing nozzle has been inserted; Figure ic is a cross-sectional view of a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor corresponding to Figures la and lb in which an undersized fuel dispensing nozzle has been inserted and blocked; Figure 2a is a cross-sectional view of an alternative design of a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor; Figure 2b is a cross-sectional view taken through a plane rotated through 90 degrees from that of Figure 2a of the alternative design of fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor of Figure 2a; Figure 3a is a perspective view of a body portion of a fuel dispensing nozzie inhibitor assembly of a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3b is a top view of the body portion of Figure 3a; Figure 4a is a perspective view of a deformable sleeve of a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly of the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4b is a top view of the deformable sleeve of Figure 4a; Figure 5a is a cross-sectional view of the body portion of Figure 3a comprising a back pressure plate and showing an undersized fuel dispensing nozzle being inserted; Figure 5b is a cross-sectional view of the body portion of Figure 5a showing a correctly sized fuel dispensing nozzle being inserted; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the body portion of Figures 3a and 3b mounted in the deformable sleeve of Figures 4a and 4b; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the body portion of Fiqures 3a and 3b mounted to the deformable sleeve of Figures 4a and 4b; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly of a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9a is a perspective view of a threaded body portion of a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly of a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9b is a top view of the threaded body portion of Figure 9a; Figure lOa is a perspective view of a threaded deformable sleeve of the third embodiment of the present; Figure lOb is a top view of the deformable sleeve of Figure lOa; Figure ha is a cross-sectional view showing the body portion of Figure 9a mounted in the deformable sleeve of Figure lOa and showing the inhibitor in the closed condition; Figure hlh is a view corresponding to Figure ha showing the inhibitor in the open condition; Figure 12a is a side view of a tool for compressing a deformable sleeve of a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly; Figure 12b is a deformable sleeve having inner slots into which the tool of Figure 12a can be inserted; Figure 12c is a close up cross-sectional view of the slot of Figure 12a; Figure 13a is a side view of an alternative design of a tool for deforming a deformable sleeve of the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly; Figure 13b is a perspective view of a deformable sleeve to be deformed by the tool of Figure 13a; Figure 14a is a cross-sectional view of a deformable sleeve of a fourth embodiment of the present invention formed from spring wire; Figure 14b is a perspective view of the spring wire deformable sleeve of Figure 14a; Figure 14c is a cross sectional view of the sleeve of Figure 14a in a wound condition for insertion or removal from a fuel intake pipe; Figure 14d is a perspective view of the spring wire deformable sleeve of Figure la also showing a key for winding the sleeve; Figure 15a is a cross sectional view of a deformable sleeve of a fifth embodiment present invention formed from spring wire and shaped differently to the embodiment of Figures l4a and 14b; Figure 15b is a perspective view of the spring wire deformable sleeve of Figure l5a; Figure l5c is a cross sectional view of the sleeve of Figure 14a in a deformed condition for insertion or removal from a fuel intake pipe; Figure 15d is a cross sectional view of the spring wire deformable sleeve of Figure 15a also showing a tool for deforming the sleeve; Figure l6a is a cross-sectional view taken along line a-a of Figure 16b of a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor of a sixth embodiment of the present invention comprising sprung levers for engaging a wall of a fuel intake pipe; Figure l6b is a partial cross-sectional top view of the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor of Figure 16a; Figure 17a is a perspective view of a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor of a seventh embodiment of the present invention comprising a toothed tongue and roller adapted to change the outer circumference of the body portion of the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor; Figure 17b is a top view of the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor of Figure 17a; Figure 17c is a cross-section of the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor of Figure 17a taken through the deflectable members and showing deflectable members in the closed condition; Figure 17d as a cross-section corresponding to Figure 17c showing the deflectable members in the open condition; Figure 17e is a partial cross-section of the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor of Figure l7a showing the roller and tongue; Figure 17f is a cross-sectional view of the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor of Figure 17a taken through a portion of the body portion showing the tangs; Figure 17g is a top view of the toothed roller of the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor of Figure 17a showing a locking pin for preventing rotation of the toothed roller; Figure 17h is a partial cross sectional view corresponding to Figure 17g showing the locking pin; Figure 17i is a top view of the toothed roller of the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor of Figure 17a showing a ratchet mechanism for preventing rotation of the toothed roller; Figure 17j is a partial cross sectional view corresponding to Figure 17i showing the ratchet mechanism; Figure 18a is a cross-sectional view of a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor of an eighth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 18b is a top view of the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor of Figure 18a; Figure 19a is a cross-sectional view of an alternative design of a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor; and Figure 19b is a partial cross-sectional view form the top of the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor of Figure 19a.
Referring to Figures la to lc, a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor 2 comprises a body portion 4 for mounting in a fuel intake pipe 6. The fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor 2 is intended to prevent insertion of an unleaded petrol fuel dispensing nozzle into a diesel fuel intake pipe. Diesel fuel dispensing nozzles generally have a larger diameter than unleaded fuel dispensing nozzles such that it is difficult to preventunleaded fuel dispensing nozzles being inserted into diesel fuel intake pipes. In the United Kingdom, an unleaded petrol fuel dispensing nozzle is generally 0.807 to 0.840 inches in diameter whereas a diesel fuel dispensing nozzle is generally 0.929 to 0.937 inches in diameter. If unleaded petrol is inadvertently used to fill a diesel fuel tank, damage to the diesel engine can occur.
It should be understood that the present invention can be used to prevent any nozzle having a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter being inserted into a fuel intake pipe. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to preventing unleaded petrol fuel dispensing nozzles being inserted into diesel fuel intake pipes. Also, although the present invention primarily relates to diesel fuel intake pipes of motor vehicles, the present invention can also relate to any type of engine, for example yacht and aircraft engines and also any other situation in which it is desirable to prevent insertion of a nozzle having a diameter tess than a predetermined diameter into an intake pipe, for example fuel cans, lawnmower engines and other types of power tool engine.
The body portion 4 comprises a plurality of deflectable members 8. Each deflectable member 8 comprises an abutment surface 10 and a blocking portion 12. The fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor 2 can be formed from injection moulded plastics material such as PTFE. It is generally desirable to form the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor 2 from a softer material than the material from which the fuel dispensing nozzle is formed in order to prevent damage to the fuel dispensing nozzle. Alternatively, the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor 2 can be formed from a metal and coated with a softer plastic.
Figures la and lb show insertion of a correctly sized diesel fuel dispensing nozzle 14. Deflectable members 8 define an aperture 18 through which the diesel fuel dispensing nozzle 14 is to be inserted. Initially, as shown in Figure la the edges of the diesel fuel dispensing nozzle 14 contact abutment surfaces 10 of deflectable members 8. The deflectable members 8 are biased into the position shown in Figure la but are resilient such that when diesel fuel dispensing nozzle 14 is pushed against the deflectable members 12 they deflect into the condition shown in Figure lb. In this position, the blocking members 12 are positioned such that they do not project into the region of aperture 18 and allow the fuel dispensing nozzle 14 to be inserted into the fuel intake pipe.
Referring to Figure ic, an unleaded petrol fuel dispensing nozzle 16 is shown inserted in and blocked by the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor 2. Unleaded petrol fuel dispensing nozzles generally have a smaller diameter than diesel fuel dispensing nozzles. Consequently, unleaded petrol fuel dispensing nozzle 16 is not wide enough to contact abutment services 10 of deflectable members 8 and the deflectable members 8 therefore do not deflect when the unleaded petrol fuel dispensing nozzle 16 is inserted into the inhibitor 2. As a result of this, blocking members 12 prevent the unleaded fuel dispensing nozzle 16 from passing through aperture 18.
Figures 2a and 2b show an alternative design of fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor 20. Defiectable members 28 comprise abutment surfaces 30 and latch portions 29.
Abutment surfaces 30 project through notches 31 formed in body portion 24. A back pressure plate 32 serves as a blocking member for an undersized fuel dispensing nozzle and also prevents incorrect fuel being inserted into intake pipe 26 past the inhibitor 20. For example, if an attempt is made to insert incorrect fuel into the intake pipe 26, the back pressure plate 32 will at least partially stop the fuel from entering the intake pipe such that a pressure build up will occur in the fuel dispensing nozzle and the automatic cut-out of the fuel dispensing nozzle system will operate preventing further insertion of fuel.
Each deflectable member 28 is spring biased into the closed condition in which latch 29 engages spring biased back pressure plate 32. Consequently, even if a user inserts an undersized fuel dispensing nozzle and moves one of the deflectable members 28 by virtue of moving abutment surface 30, another of the deflectable members 28 will remain in the closed condition preventing opening of back pressure plate 32. Also, it is very difficult to open back pressure plate 32 by moving an undersized fuel dispensing nozzle (not shown) around in the inhibitor 20 because as soon as one deflectable member 28 is opened, another will close as the undersized nozzle is moved around.
Figures 19a and 19b show an alternative design of fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor 1020. A single latch portion 1029 is connected to two deflectable members 1028 which serve as levers for opening latch portion 1029. Latch portion 1029 is arranged to hold back pressure plate 1032 closed. Strong springs 1031 bias deflectable members 1028 and therefore latch portion 1029 into the closed condition.
A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly of a first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 3a to 7.
Referring to Figures 3a, 3b, 5a, 5b and 6, a body portion 40 comprises a plurality of deflectable members 42. Either a single or double back pressure plate 43 can also be incorporated into the body portion 40. The back pressure plate 43 is biased into the closed condition shown in Figure 5a. The outer surface 44 of the body portion 40 comprises a plurality of small lugs 46. The body portion 40, deflectable members 42 and lugs 46 can be unitarily formed from a single piece of material. For example, this assembly can be formed from injection moulded plastics material or formed from a single piece of metal suitably punched, rolled and welded. A plastic coating can be applied to the metal in order to soften the outer surface of the inhibitor assembly.
Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, a deformable sleeve 50 comprises a single sheet of material formed into a horseshoe shape and comprising a gap 52. A plurality of stops 54 are disposed around the base of deformable sleeve 50. The shape of the deformable sleeve 50 enables it to be compressed to define a smaller circumference in order to allow the deformable sleeve 50 to be inserted into a fuel intake pipe.
The deformable sleeve 50 can then be released to take up its original shape and frictionally engage the wall of the fuel intake pipe to hold the deformable sleeve 50 in place in the fuel intake pipe.
Referring to Figures 6 and 7, once the deformnable sleeve 50 has been mounted in a fuel intake pipe (not shown) the body portion 40 can be inserted into the deformable sleeve 50 to form the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly. Lugs 46 of the body portion engage slots 56 of the deformable sleeve and the underside of body portion 40 rests against stops 54 of the deformable sleeve 50 to hold the body portion 40 in the deformriable sleeve 50. This configuration also enables the body portion to be removed should the inhibitor malfunction, for example by the back pressure plate 43 becoming stuck.
A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly of a second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 8. This embodiment comprises the alternative design of inhibitor shown in Figures 2a and 2b in which a plurality of deflectable members 28 hold a back pressure plate 32 in a closed condition. Furthermore, in this embodiment deformable sleeve 50 comprises resilient lugs 57 to grip edge portions of body portion 41.
A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly of a third embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 9a to lib with parts common to the embodiment of Figures 3a to 7 denoted by like reference numerals but increased by 100.
Body portion 140 comprises back pressure plate 143 which is adapted to be held in a closed condition by deflectable members 142. An external thread 160 is formed around the outer surface of body portion 140. An internal thread 162 is formed around an inner surface of deformable sleeve 150.
Consequently, by engagement of external thread 160 of body portion 140 with internal thread 162 of deformable sleeve 150 the body portion 140 can be screwed into the deformable sleeve 150 after the deformable sleeve 150 has been mounted in a fuel intake pipe. The body portion 140 may also comprise a plurality of notches (not shown) to enable a screwing tool to engage with body portion 140 to enable removal and replacement of body portion 140 for cleaning or repair.
Referring Figures 12a to 12c, a tool 180 for use in deforming deformable sleeve 150 is shown. Tool 180 comprises two arms 180a and 180b pivotally interconnected at pivot 182.
Gripping members 184 are disposed on the ends of arms 180a and 180b and are shaped to engage a pair of recesses 151 formed in opposite sides of the inner part of deformable sleeve 150. Consequently, a user can mount gripping portions 184 in recesses 151 and push arms 180a and 180b together to compress deformable sleeve 150. The deformable sleeve 150 can then be mounted in the fuel intake pipe and the tool 180 released to mount the deformable sleeve in the fuel intake pipe. This also facilitates removal of the deformable sleeve for replacement or cleaning.
An alternative embodiment of the tool 190 is shown in Figure 13a. Gripping members 194 are shaped to slide under an underside of sleeve 150 such that opposing recesses 151 are not required.
A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly of a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 14a and l4b with parts common to the embodiment of Figures 3a to 7 denoted by like reference numerals but increased by 200.
Deformable sleeve 250 is formed from spring wire. The spring wire can be compressed in order to enable it to be inserted in fuel intake pipe 200. Body portion 240 comprises a plurality of recesses 241 formed in an outer surface of the body portion 240 to engage an upper part 250a of the spring wire deforrnable sleeve 250.
A key 270 is provided for winding up the sleeve 250 in order to enable fitting and removal of the sleeve 250 from a fuel intake pipe. The sleeve in a wound state is shown in Figure 14c. Key 270 comprises a hole 272 for gripping the lower end 250b of sleeve 250. In order to wind sleeve 250, a user would attach key 270, grip the upper end 250a of the sleeve 250 and wind the spring up. This enables insertion and removal of the sleeve 250. A mounting sleeve 274 can also be used to aid insertion and removal of sleeve 250. Sleeve 250 can be wound up and then inserted in to the mounting sleeve 274. Mounting sleeve 274 can then be removed to mount sleeve 250 in a fuel intake pipe.
A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly of a fifth embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 15a and 15b with parts common to the embodiment of Figures 14a and 14b denoted by like reference numerals but increased by 100.
Deformable sleeve 350 is formed from spring wire but a lower part 350b of the deformable sleeve 350 is shaped differently to that of the embodiment of Figures 14a and l4b. Body portion 340 comprises recesses 341 into which the upper spirals 350a of spring wire deformable sleeve 350 grip the body portion 340.
Referring to Figure 15d, a tool 370 comprises gripping portions 372 for pulling upwardly on and enabling the lower end 350b of sleeve 350 to be deformed for insertion in or removal from a fuel intake pipe. A mounting sleeve 374 can also be used to aid insertion and removal of sleeve 350.
Sleeve 350 can be compressed and then inserted in to the mounting sleeve 374. Mounting sleeve 374 can then be removed to mount sleeve 350 in a fuel intake pipe.
A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor of a sixth embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures l6a and 16b. Body portion 400 comprises deflectable members (not shown) to hold back pressure plate 402 in a closed condition. A plurality of levers 404 are biased by springs 406 into an outwardly deployed condition (shown in phantom in Figure l6a) . A tool 408 is slidable over body portion 400 to move levers 404 into the inward condition to enable insertion into a fuel intake pipe 410. Once the body portion 400 is inserted in the fuel intake pipe 410, tool 408 can be removed and levers 404 will therefore spring outwardly and grip the wall of the fuel intake pipe 41.0 to retain the body portion in place. Tool 408 can be used to move levers inwardly to enable removal of the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor from the fuel intake pipe.
A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor of a seventh embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 17a to l7f. Fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor 500 comprises a body portion 502 and a plurality of deflectable members 504. A plurality of tangs 506 are disposed around an outer surface of body portion 502. Tangs 506 are arranged to grip a wall of a fuel intake pipe. The body portion 502, deflectable members 504 and tangs 506 are unitarily formed from a single piece of material. For example, a sheet of steel can be punched and rolled and the deflectable members 504 bent into shape in order to form the inhibitor.
A tongue portion 510 comprises a plurality of teeth 512. A toothed roller 514 is rotatably disposed in a sleeve 516 and square shaped keyway 518 is formed in toothed roller 514 in order to enable a key to be inserted into toothed roller 514 to rotate the roller 514. Alternatively, the keyway can have any non-circular shape to engage a corresponding non-circular key. An aperture (not shown) is formed in sleeve 516 to enable tongue portion 510 to project into sleeve 516 and engage toothed roller 514. -30-.
Consequently, rotation of toothed roller 514 causes the tongue portion 510 to be pulled through or fed out of sleeve 516 in order to change the outer circumference of body portion 502. In order to mount inhibitor 500 in a fuel intake pipe, toothed rofler 514 is wound to pull tongue 510 through sleeve 516 and reduce the outer dimensions of body portion 502. Once the inhibitor 500 has been inserted to a fuel intake pipe (not shown) toothed roller 514 can be wound in the opposite direction to feed tongue portion 510 out of sleeve 516 to increase the outer circumference of body portion 502 and engage tangs 506 against the wall of the fuel intake pipe to hold the inhibitor 500 in place. The toothed roller configuration enables easy removal and replacement of the inhibitor in a fuel intake pipe for cleaning or repair.
It should be understood that the engagement between the roller and tongue could use friction alone instead of teeth.
Referring to Figures 17g and 17h, locking means for preventing rotation of the toothed roller 514 may comprise a locking pin 590 for insertion between a pair of teeth 512.
Locking pin 590 comprises an eye 592 for easy insertion and removal.
Alternatively, Referring to Figures 17i and 17j, locking means for preventing rotation of the toothed roller 514 may comprise a ratchet mechanism 592. A pawl 594 is biased by a spring 596 to engage teeth 512 to prevent tongue portion 510 being pulled through sleeve 516.
A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor of an eighth embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 18a and 18b. Fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor 600 comprises a body portion 602 having a plurality of deflectable members 604. A flange portion 608 is disposed around the outside of the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor. Flange portion is shaped to rest against the opening 610 of a fuel intake pipe 612. Fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor 600 is unitarily formed from a single piece of material. For example, the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor 600 can be entirely formed from ln]ection moulded plastics material to reduce cost. Spring members 614 can be inserted after manufacture of the inhibitor 600 in order to increase the resilience of deflectable members 604.
The fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor 600 can therefore be easily mounted and removed from the entrance to fuel intake pipe 612. The type of inhibitor is therefore very easy to retro-fit to a fuel intake pipe by a person intending to fill a tank with fuel.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiments have been described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, and that various alternations and modifications are possible without departure from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (39)

1. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly for preventing a fuel dispensing nozzle having a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter from being inserted into a fuel intake pipe, the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly comprising: a deformable sleeve arranged to be mountable in a fuel intake pipe, the deformable sleeve having a compressed condition enabling insertion into the fuel intake pipe and an expanded condition engaging the fuel intake pipe; and a body portion mountable in the deformable sleeve and defining an aperture for receiving a fuel dispensing nozzle, the body portion further comprising inhibitor means adapted to prevent a fuel dispensing nozzle having a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter from passing through the aperture.
2. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the deformable sleeve and the body portion comprise corresponding threaded portions to enable the body portion to be screwed in to the deformable sleeve.
3. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor according to claim 2, wherein the body portion comprises at least one notch arranged to receive a tool for screwing the body portion to the deformable sleeve.
4. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the body portion is slidably mountable in the deformable sleeve and the deformable sleeve comprises at least one stop member arranged to hold the body portion in the deformable sleeve.
5. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly according to claim 1, wherein one of the deforrnable sleeve and the body portion comprises at least one resilient lug and the other of said deformable sleeve and said body portion comprises at least one slot arranged to receive at least one corresponding resilient lug to hold the body portion in the deformable sleeve.
6. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deformable sleeve comprises a horseshoe shaped piece of resilient material.
7. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly according to claim 1, wherein said deformable sleeve comprises a deformable spring.
8. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
9. A deformable sleeve for a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly for preventing a fuel dispensing nozzle having a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter from being inserted into a fuel intake pipe, the deformable sleeve arranged to be mountable in a fuel intake pipe, the deformable sleeve having a compressed condition enabling insertion into the fuel intake pipe and an expanded condition engaging the fuel intake pipe, wherein the deformable sleeve is adapted to hold a body portion comprising fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor means in a fuel intake pipe.
10. A deformabie sleeve according to claim 9, further comprising a threaded portion adapted to engage a corresponding threaded portion of a body portion to hold the body portion in the deforrnable sleeve.
11. A deformable sleeve according to claim 9, further comprising at least one stop member arranged to hold a body portion in the deformable sleeve.
12. A deformable sleeve according to claim 9, further comprising at least one resilient lug or at least one slot arranged to engage at least one corresponding slot or lug disposed on a body portion to hold the body portion in the deformable sleeve.
13. A deformable sleeve according to claim 9, wherein the deformable sleeve comprises a horseshoe shaped piece of resilient material.
14. A deformable sleeve according to claim 9, wherein said deformable sleeve comprises a deformabie spring.
15. A deformable sleeve for a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly, the deformable sleeve substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
16. A body portion mountable in a deformable sleeve, the deformable sleeve being mountable in a fuel intake pipe, the body portion defining an aperture and comprising inhibitor means adapted to prevent a fuel dispensing nozzle having a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter from passing through the aperture.
17. A body portion according to claim 16, further comprising a threaded portion adapted to engage a corresponding threaded portion of a deformable sleeve to hold the body portion in the deformable sleeve.
18. A body portion according to claim 17, further comprising at least one notch arranged to receive a tool for screwing the body portion to the deformable sleeve.
19. A body portion according to claim 16, further comprising at least one resilient lug or at least one slot arranged to engage at least one corresponding slot or lug disposed on a deformable sleeve to hold the body portion in the deformable sleeve.
20. A body portion mountable in a deformable sleeve, the deformable sleeve being mountable in a fuel intake pipe, the body portion substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
21. A method of mounting a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly in a fuel intake pipe, the method comprising: compressing a deformable sleeve to reduce the diameter thereof; inserting the deformable sleeve in a fuel intake pipe and allowing the deformable sleeve to expand and engage the wall of the fuel intake pipe; and mounting a body portion in the deformable sleeve, the body portion defining an aperture for receiving a fuel dispensing nozzle and comprising inhibitor means adapted to prevent a fuel dispensing nozzle having a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter from passing through the aperture.
22. A method of mounting a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly in a fuel intake pipe, the method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
23. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor for preventing a fuel dispensing nozzle having a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter from being inserted into a fuel intake pipe, the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor comprising: a body portion mountable in a fuel intake pipe and defining an aperture for receiving a fuel dispensing nozzle; inhibitor means adapted to prevent a fuel dispensing nozzle having a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter from passing through the aperture; the body portion further comprising at least one moveable gripping portion having a retracted condition enabling insertion of the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor in a fuel intake pipe and an expanded condition wherein at least one said moveable gripping portion engages a wall of the fuel intake pipe to hold the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor in place.
24. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor according to claim 23, wherein the body portion has a first end and a second end, the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor further comprising: a tongue portion projecting from a first end of the body portion; and adjustable gripping means mounted on the second end of the body portion, the adjustable gripping means arranged to grip the tongue portion, wherein the tongue portion can move through the adjustable gripping means to change the extent to which the tongue portion extends through the adjustable gripping means thereby changing the outer circumference of the body portion; wherein at least one said moveable gripping portion comprises the outer surface of the body portion such that the tongue portion can be moved through the adjustable gripping means until the outer surface of the body portion engages a wall of the fuel intake pipe in the expanded condition to hold the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor in place.
25. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor according to claim 24, wherein the adjustable gripping means comprises a toothed member rotatably mounted to the second end of the body portion and wherein the tongue portion comprises a plurality of teeth arranged to engage the toothed member such that rotation of the toothed member changes the extent to which the tongue portion extends through the adjustable gripping means.
26. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor according to claim 25, further comprising locking means for locking the toothed member to prevent rotation thereof.
27. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor according to claim 26, wherein said locking means comprises a locking pin arranged to fit between a pair of teeth of the toothed member to prevent rotation thereof.
28 A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor according to claim 26, wherein said locking means comprises a ratchet having a biased pawl arranged to prevent movement of the tongue portion through the adjustable gripping means in a first direction.
27. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor according to any one of claims 23 to 26, further comprising at least one tang disposed adjacent the outer surface of the body portion to increase the grip between the body portion and a wall of a fuel intake pipe.
28. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the body portion and inhibitor means are unitarily formed from a single piece of material.
29. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor according to claim 23, wherein at least one said moveable gripping portion comprises at least one lever having a retracted condition * enabling insertion of the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor in a fuel intake pipe and an expanded condition wherein at least one said lever engages a wall of the fuel intake pipe to hold the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor in place.
30. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor according to claim 29, wherein at least one said lever is biased into the expanded condition.
31. A method of mounting a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor according to any one of claims 23 to 30 to a fuel intake pipe, the method comprising: inserting the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor in to a fuel intake pipe when at least one moveable gripping portion is in the retracted condition; and moving least one said moveable gripping portion to the expanded condition to engage a wall of the fuel intake pipe to hold the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor in place.
32. A method of mounting a fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor to a fuel intake pipe, the method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
33. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor for preventing a fuel dispensing nozzle having a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter from being inserted into a fuel intake pipe, the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor comprising: a body portion mountable in a fuel intake pipe and defining an aperture for receiving a fuel dispensing nozzle; inhibitor means adapted to prevent a fuel dispensing nozzle having a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter from passing through the aperture; and at least one flange portion arranged to project from the body portion and abut the sides of the opening of a fuel intake pipe such that the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor can be placed on the opening of a fuel intake pipe and removed after use.
34. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor according to claim 33, wherein said inhibitor means comprises at least one deflectabte blocking member arranged to project into said aperture a first distance such that insertion of a fuel dispensing nozzle having a diameter larger than said predetermined diameter deflects at east one said blocking member to enable insertion of the nozzle into the fuel intake pipe.
35. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor according to claim 34, further comprising biasing means arranged to bias at least one said deflectable blocking member into said aperture.
36. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor according to any one of the claims 33 to 35, wherein at least one said flange portion comprises an annular disc.
37. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor according to any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor is unitarily formed from a single piece of material.
38. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor according claim 37, wherein the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor is formed from injection moulded plastics material.
39. A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor for preventing a fuel dispensing nozzle having a diameter smaller than a predetermined diameter from being inserted into a fuel intake pipe, the fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
GB0720447A 2007-07-03 2007-10-19 A fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor assembly Withdrawn GB2450763A (en)

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GB0712854A GB0712854D0 (en) 2007-07-03 2007-07-03 Fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor
GB0715314A GB0715314D0 (en) 2007-08-07 2007-08-07 Fuel dispensing nozzle inhibitor

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GB2450763A true GB2450763A (en) 2009-01-07

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WO2011086344A1 (en) * 2010-01-15 2011-07-21 William Lee Steadman Incorrect filling prevention
GB2499677A (en) * 2012-02-27 2013-08-28 Timothy Charles Harker Preventing incorrect fuelling of a vehicle
WO2014172087A1 (en) * 2013-04-16 2014-10-23 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Improper fuel nozzle insertion-inhibiting system
DE102013114804B4 (en) 2013-09-06 2023-06-15 Hyundai Motor Company Device for preventing misfuelling of a vehicle

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US4635813A (en) * 1984-11-07 1987-01-13 Peickert Marlin W Filler neck insert
DE3641274A1 (en) * 1985-12-11 1987-06-19 Volkswagen Ag Filler lock for the filler neck of a tank, especially a fuel tank
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WO2011086344A1 (en) * 2010-01-15 2011-07-21 William Lee Steadman Incorrect filling prevention
GB2489380A (en) * 2010-01-15 2012-09-26 William Lee Steadman Incorrect filling prevention
GB2499677A (en) * 2012-02-27 2013-08-28 Timothy Charles Harker Preventing incorrect fuelling of a vehicle
WO2014172087A1 (en) * 2013-04-16 2014-10-23 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Improper fuel nozzle insertion-inhibiting system
CN105121206A (en) * 2013-04-16 2015-12-02 伊利诺斯工具制品有限公司 Improper fuel nozzle insertion-inhibiting system
US9522594B2 (en) 2013-04-16 2016-12-20 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Improper fuel nozzle insertion-inhibiting system
DE102013114804B4 (en) 2013-09-06 2023-06-15 Hyundai Motor Company Device for preventing misfuelling of a vehicle

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