Cross-reference to related application

This application claims the benefit of US provisional application -no. 61/115,272, filed 17 November 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a fluid storage tank inlet device for inhibiting, theft of fluid, typically, fuel from a storage tank. Such devices may typically, but not always, be fitted to the storage tanks of vehicles, boats, plant and machinery.

Background of the Invention

Storage tank inlet devices which inhibit theft of fluid from a storage tank to which the device is fitted are known to those skilled in the art. For example, such devices have been described in WO2006/106283, WO2006/048659 and WO2007/110640. Such devices do not readily resist loss of liquid fuel from the tank in the event of an accident, should the filler cap be removed from the storage tank or seriously damaged in an accident. The resulting spillages of large amounts of liquid fuel in a relatively short period of time can be hazardous.

Summary of the Invention

The storage tank inlet device of the present invention seeks to mitigate the problem of the prior art. In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an anti-siphon inlet device for fitting to an inlet aperture of a storage tank, the device comprising:

an inlet for the introduction therethrough of a filling conduit;

one or more outlets for passage of fluid into the storage tank from the device; and

a blocking valve, the valve being operable between a first operating condition in which, in use, the valve inhibits passage of fluid from the said one or more outlets to the inlet and a second operating condition in which, in use, the valve facilitates the introduction of fluid into the storage tank.

Such a device facilitates the fuelling of a storage tank to which the device is fitted, whilst inhibiting the rapid loss of large amounts of fluid in the event of an accident.

It is preferred that in the absence of a filling conduit, the valve is in the first operating condition and the valve is operable into the second operating condition by the presence of the filling conduit.

Such a device ensures that, in the absence of the filling conduit, the valve is closed, providing a safer, more secure device .

Those skilled in the art will realise that the storage tank and filling conduit are not part of the device of the present invention.

The storage tank may be a tank suitable for storing liquids, such as a tank for the storage of fuel, typically liquid fuel. In this case, the valve may be operable into the second operating condition by the presence of a fuel nozzle. It is preferred that the blocking valve comprises a valve member. The blocking valve may also comprise a valve seat, wherein in the first operating condition, the valve member abuts the valve seat. The valve member may be in the form of a plate (such as a flap) . Alternatively, the valve member may be in the form of a ball.

The blocking valve may comprise a bias means for urging the valve into the first operating condition. For example, the bias means may comprise a spring (such as a leaf spring, a helical spring or a torsion spring) .

If the blocking valve comprises a valve member and a valve seat, the bias means may urge the valve member into abutment with the valve seat. A filling conduit may, in use, contact the valve member, urging the valve member away from the valve seat, allowing the filling conduit into a position for delivering fuel to the storage tank. When the filling conduit is withdrawn, the bias means may urge the valve member into abutment with the valve seat.

It is preferred that the valve member is pivotally movable so that the valve may be operated between the first operating condition and the second operating condition.

It is preferred that the blocking valve is associated with the inlet. This is preferred because operators often fill storage tanks to a very high level. For example, the valve may be located in proximity to the inlet. The device may typically have a first end associated with the inlet and a second end remote from the first end. In this case, it is preferred that the valve is located nearer to the first end than the second end.

It is preferred that, in the absence of a filling conduit, the valve is in the first operating condition irrespective of the orientation of the storage tank. The device may comprise an outlet valve in addition to the blocking valve mentioned above. Such an outlet valve may be a float valve.

The device of the present invention is an anti-siphon device. Anti-siphon devices permit the ingress of fluid into a storage tank to which the device is fitted but resist siphoning of fluid from a storage -tank. Those skilled in the art will realise that such siphoning generally takes place by inserting a siphon tube into the storage tank. Such a device typically has one or more walls which extend away from the inlet. Such walls may form a tubular arrangement. A blocking arrangement may be provided in the space defined by the one or more walls, the blocking arrangement resisting ingress of a siphon tube into the storage tank. Alternatively or additionally, the device may be provided with an end portion which co-operates with the one or more walls to form a cage, the cage permitting ingress of fluid into the storage tank, but resisting passage therethrough of a siphon tube. The walls and/or end portion may be provided with one or more outlet apertures which permit fluid to enter the storage tank from the device. The apertures are of such a size to resist passage therethrough of a siphon tube. Such siphon tubes typically have an external diameter of about 10-15mm.

The term "in the presence of a filling conduit" includes the situation in which the filling conduit may open the valve by contacting the valve member and thus moving the valve member, for example, by moving the valve member away from a valve seat. ^' ,

Alternatively, it is not required for the filling conduit to contact the valve in order for the valve to be put into the second operating condition. For example, the device may comprise one or more sensors for detecting the presence of a filling conduit. The sensor may be operable so that in the presence of a filling conduit, the sensor communicates with the valve (for example, either directly or via an electronic processor unit, the valve being operable from first to second operating conditions dependent on a signal received from the sensor. For example, if a filling conduit is placed in proximity to the valve (and in proximity to the sensor) , the sensor may cause the valve to be put into the second operating condition (for example, cause a valve member to move away from a valve seat, thus permitting insertion of a filling conduit) .

There are further alternative arrangements in which it is not reguired for the filling conduit to contact the valve in order for the valve to be put into the second operating condition. For example, the device may comprise one or more actuators for operating the valve into the second operating condition. The actuators may be operable so as to put the valve into the second operating condition by contact with the filling conduit. For example, the device may comprise one or more movable valve members, at least one of which is provided with an actuator for moving the valve member, movement of the at least one valve member causing the valve to be operable between the first and second operating conditions. The actuator may comprise a lever which is associated with the valve member (typically attached to the valve member) .

The device may comprise one or more cords for operating the valve into the second operating condition. The device may comprise the device may comprise one or more movable valve members, at least one of which is associated with a cord which is operable (typically by applying a tension to a cord) to move the at least one valve member, thus causing the valve to be operable between the first and second operating conditions. The cord may be in the form of a chain, for example. The device (preferably in a region proximate to the inlet) may be configured to mate with a filler cap. Such filler caps are well known to those skilled in the art. The device (preferably in a region proximate to the inlet) may be provided with a first configuration (such as a female part of a bayonet fitting) and the filler cap may be provided with a second configuration (such as a male part of a bayonet fitting) complementary to the first configuration so that the filler cap may be secured (preferably removably secured) to the first configuration.

It is preferred that there is substantially no fluid communication between the one or more outlets and the inlet except via the blocking valve.

It is preferred that, in use, there is substantially no fluid communication between the interior of the storage tank and the exterior of the storage tank except via the blocking valve. To this end, it is preferred that any venting apertures (which are often provided in a storage tank inlet device) , are provided in one or more walls, each of which extends away from a first end of the device associated with the inlet to a second end of the device remote from the first end of the device. It is preferred that the sole fluid communication path between the venting apertures and the inlet is defined via the valve. The venting apertures are typically located proximate to the inlet and are typically not covered by liquid fuel when the storage tank is in a normal (i.e. a usual) orientation, even in the event that the storage tank is substantially full.

Those skilled in the art will realise that it is well known that a storage tank aperture may be provided in a main tank body or in a filler neck.

The blocking valve may comprise a plurality of (and preferably two) movable valve members. At least one and preferably each valve member may be biased into the first operating condition by one or more bias means. In the first operating condition, it is preferred that each of the plurality of valve members contacts at least one other of the plurality of valve members. The presence of a filling conduit may cause at least one (and preferably each) of -the plurality of valve members to move. It is preferred that at least one (and preferably each) of the valve members is pivotally movable from a first position in which the valve is in the first operating condition and a second position in which the valve is in the second operating condition. It is preferred that at least one (and preferably each) of the valve members is slidably movable from a first position in which the valve is in the first operating condition and a second position in which the valve is in the second operating condition.

One or more valve members may be shaped so as to facilitate one or both of insertion and withdrawal of the filling conduit. For example, one or more valve members may be provided with one or more sloping surfaces to facilitate one or both of insertion and withdrawal of the filling conduit. It is preferred that one or more valve members is provided two sloping surfaces, one of which facilitates insertion of the filling conduit and one of which facilitates withdrawal of the filling conduit.

The blocking valve may comprise a slit va.lve which is elastically deformable so as to permit the introduction therethrough of a filling conduit. Once the nozzle is removed, the valve returns to the first operating condition, the slit valve being closed so as to resist passage of fuel from the storage tank to the inlet of the device.

It is preferred that the device is provided with a support for supporting the blocking valve. The support may be integral with the blocking valve, or the blocking valve and support may be modular. In the event that the device comprises one or more walls which extend away from a first end of the device associated with the inlet, then the support may abut with one or more surfaces of one or more walls and/or the support may be located in a seat formed by the one or more of said walls.

The support and blocking valve may be in the form of a valve insert which may be incorporated into a known anti-siphon fuel inlet device to produce an anti-siphon fuel inlet device in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

The support may be provided with a lip or flange for abutting with one or more surfaces of one or more walls. The support may have a generally regular perimeter. For example, the perimeter of the support may be generally circular.

The device may be provided with one or more means for fixing the device to a storage tank, the support, when in place, inhibiting access to the one or more means for fixing the device to a storage tank. For example, the one or more means for fixing the device to a storage tank may comprise fixing means (such as a screw) which extends through a wall of the device and which may be operated (in the case of a screw, inserted or withdrawn) by accessing the fixing means through the interior of the device. Once the fixing means is in a fixing position (for example, the screw is engaged with the storage tank) , the support may be introduced into the device via the inlet and placed in position. When the support is in position, the support may inhibit access to the fixing means (for example, inhibits access to the head of the screw) .

The support may be provided with at least one formation for engaging with a corresponding formation provided by a wall of the device. The support may be provided with a plurality of such formations, each of such formations for engaging with a corresponding formation provided by a wall of the device. At least one (and preferably most, and further most preferably each) corresponding formation provided by a wall is in the form of a recess or aperture. At least one of the formations provided on the support may comprise a male or female formation. In this case, at least one of the formations provided by the wall may be a female or male formation, respectively. A male formation typically comprises a projection, typically in the form of a button or hemisphere. A female formation is typically in the form of a recess or aperture.

Engagement of the formations provided by the wall and those provided by the support facilitate reproducible and satisfactory location of the support within the device. Said engagement may also resist removal of the support from the rest of the device.

It is preferred that at least one of the formations provided by a wall is in the form of a recess or aperture. At least one of the formations may be provided by a vent aperture provided in a wall. If this is the case, it is preferred that the number of formations provided on the support for engaging with corresponding formations provided by a wall is lower than the number of vent apertures provided in the device, since it may be undesirable to block all of the vent apertures in the device .

It is preferred that at least one of the formations provided by the support is in the form of a projection. A projection may be in the form of a stud or button, for example.

In use, at least one of the formations provided on the support and at least one of the formations provided by a wall may be biased into engagement with one another.

The support may comprise a support main body (which may be annular), and at least one finger projecting away from the support main body, said finger being provided with a formation for engaging with a corresponding formation provided by a wall. The support may comprise a plurality of such fingers. Most, and preferably each, of the plurality of said fingers may be provided with a formation for engaging with a corresponding formation provided by a wall. At least one (preferably most, and more preferably each) of the formation (s) provided on the finger (s) may be in the form of a projection. Most, and preferably each, of said plurality of fingers may project to the same side of the support main body. Most, and preferably each, of said plurality of fingers may project in a direction parallel to the axis of the support main body (said support main body preferably being annular and the axis of the main body being the axis of the annulus) .

The device may be provided with a security member which in use, inhibits access to the support and, preferably, inhibits access to that part of the support adjacent to a wall. If the device is provided with one or more means for fixing the device to a storage tank (such as grub screws), the security member may also inhibit access to the means for fixing the device to a storage tank.

It is preferred that the valve is located off-centre with respect to the support. This eases introduction of the nozzle through the valve.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a valve insert suitable for use in the device of the first aspect of the present invention. In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a valve insert suitable for use with an anti- siphon liquid inlet device, the valve insert comprising a support and a blocking valve, the blocking valve being operable between a first operating condition in which, in use, the valve inhibits passage of liquid from a storage tank, through the valve and a second operating condition in which, in use, the valve facilitates the introduction of liquid into the storage tank, wherein in the absence of a filling conduit, the valve is in the first operating condition and the valve is operable into the second operating condition by the presence of a filling conduit.

The valve insert may be a valve insert suitable for use with an anti-siphon fuel inlet device, the valve insert comprising a support and a blocking valve, the blocking valve being operable between a first operating condition in which, in use, the valve inhibits passage of liquid fuel from a storage tank, through the valve and a second operating condition in which, in use, the valve facilitates the introduction of liquid fuel into the storage tank, wherein in the absence of a filling conduit, the valve is in the first operating condition and the valve is operable into the second operating condition by the presence of a filling conduit.

The valve and support of the valve insert of the second and third aspects of the present invention may comprise those features described above with reference to the device of the first aspect of the present invention.

The present invention is now described by way of example only with reference to the following figures are which:

Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a side-on view of an example of an embodiment of a storage tank inlet device in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view through an example of an embodiment of a storage tank device in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view through an example of an embodiment of a storage tank device in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, with a fuel nozzle being inserted into the device;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the insert used in the device of Figures 1 to 3, with the valve in a closed position;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the insert used in the device of Figures 1 to 3, with the valve in an open position, with a filling conduit in the form of a fuel nozzle deployed for delivery of fuel;

Figure 6 is an exploded view of an example of an alternative storage tank device in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention;

Figure 7 is an exploded view of the valve insert of the device of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is an exploded view of an example of an alternative valve insert for use in a device in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed Description

Figures 1 shows a side-on view of an example of a fuel tank inlet device in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. The device is denoted generally by reference numeral 1 and is based on the device disclosed in WO2006/106283. The teaching of WO2006/106283 in relation to the general structure and operation of the inlet device (which is without reference to the blocking valve) is incorporated by reference, but a general overview of the device is provided herein for convenience. The device 1 comprises a head portion 2 which, in use, enables the device to be mounted onto the free end of the inlet neck of a fuel tank and a cage-like structure 5 which extends away from the head portion 2. The cage-like structure 5 comprises a cylindrical wall 7 and an end wall 9. The end wall 9 has a generally conical shape for the reasons disclosed in WO2006/106283. Fuel outlet apertures 1Oa-IOe are provided in the cylindrical wall 7 adjacent to the end wall 9. The fuel outlet apertures facilitate fuel to be delivered into the fuel tank to which the device is fitted. The shape of the fuel outlet apertures 10a-e is described in more detail in WO2006/106283. A Circlip (RTM) 11 is placed around the external perimeter of the device as shown in Figure 1. The Circlip 11 inhibits passage of a siphon tube through fuel outlet apertures 1Oa-IOe into the fuel tank. Further outlet apertures 8 are provided in the wall 7 to permit fuel to enter the fuel tank. The end wall 9 is provided with outlet apertures (not visible in Fig. 1, but visible as reference numerals 14 in Fig. 2) .

Venting apertures 6 are provided to allow vapour to vent from the fuel tank to which the device is fitted. The device 1 comprises male parts 3a, 3b of a bayonet fitting. These male parts 3a, 3b enable the device to be secured to a standard fuel tank inlet fitting which comprises a female part of a bayonet fitting. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that fittings other than bayonet fittings may be used (e.g. screw threads). Three blunt-ended screws (two of which [4a, 4b] are visible in Figure 1) are provided to secure the device to a fuel tank filler neck. The operation of these screws is described in detail in WO2006/106283, but is described briefly now. In Figure 1, the screws 4a, 4b are shown in an extended position in which, in use, the ends of the screws would abut the inner surface of a fuel tank filler neck, thus securing the device to the filler neck. In order to secure the device to the tank, the device is introduced onto the filler neck, with the screws at least partially retracted inside the device. The screws are then turned to move them to the extended position shown in Figure 1 so that the ends of the screws abut the surface of the filler neck.

Figure 1 does not show the blocking valve. This is shown more clearly in the cross-sections through the device in Figures 2 and 3, and in Figures 4 and 5. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the device 1 comprises an inlet 101 for the introduction of a fuel nozzle. The device 1 comprises a blocking valve 102. The blocking valve 102 comprises a valve support 103 which supports valve member 104, which is in the form of a flap. The blocking valve further comprises a bias means 105 in the form of a torsion spring. The torsion spring is arranged to urge the valve member 104 into engagement with the valve seat 106. The valve member is pivotally mounted on an axle 107. The support is provided with a lip 108 which enables the support to be positioned in a seat provided by the wall 7.

The purpose of the blocking valve 102 is to inhibit passage of fuel from the fuel tank to the inlet 101. This is especially desirable in an accident situation, when it is relatively common for any filler cap to be removed from the fuel tank by the impact of an accident and for the fuel tank to be in a non-normal orientation. In this case, the blocking valve will inhibit loss of fuel from ^' the fuel tank. In particular, the blocking valve will help prevent loss of large amounts of fuel over relatively short periods of time. As can be seen from Figure 4, the blocking valve does not necessarily provide an absolute bar to liquid passing out of the fuel tank in the event of an accident. The blocking valve 102 enables fuelling of the fuel tank as now described with reference to Figures 3 and 5. When a fuel nozzle F is introduced into the fuel tank the nozzle contacts valve member 104, and urges the valve member away from the valve seat. The valve member pivots about axle 107 as shown in Figures 3 and 5. Once fuelling has taken place, the fuel nozzle F is removed, and bias means 105 urges valve member 104 back into contact with the valve seat. The valve member 104 is shaped to enable the fuel nozzle to be inserted into the device as shown in Figure 5. In particular, side portions 108, 109 shown in dotted lines in Figure 5 have been removed from the valve member to allow full insertion of the fuel nozzle.

The valve has a secondary purpose in that, once in place, it inhibits access to the screws 4a, 4b used to secure the device to a fuel tank filler neck. The device (without the blocking valve) is fitted to the filler neck of a fuel tank (the top portion of the filler neck [not shown] being inserted into the annular gap 50) . Once the device is sited on the filler neck, screws 4a, 4b are turned so that the screws project outwardly of the device, eventually engaging with the inner surface of the filler neck. When the screws are in this engaging position, the heads of the screws do not protrude into the interior of the device. The valve may then be introduced into the device. Lip 108 abuts with a corresponding surface [not labelled] of the wall 7. The support 103 of the valve is sized so that the support engages resiliently with the inner surface of the wall 7 so as to resist removal of the valve. Furthermore, once the valve is in position, access to the heads of the screws 4a, 4b is inhibited. Both of these factors (effective covering of the screw heads and resilient engagement of the support with the wall) make it more difficult to remove the device from the fuel tank to which it is fitted. ^"

Figure 6 shows an exploded view of an alternative example of a fuel tank inlet device in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. Figure 7 shows a more detailed exploded view of the valve insert used in the device of Figure 6. Like the device of Figure 1, the device of Figure 6 is based on the device disclosed in WO2006/106283. The teaching of WO2006/106283 in relation to the general structure and operation of the inlet device (which is without reference to the blocking valve) is incorporated by reference. The device of Figure 6 is denoted generally by reference numeral 301. Many of the features of the device 301 are essentially the same as those described above with reference to the device of Figure 1, and those features shown in Figure 6 which are the same as in the device of Figure 1 have the same reference numerals as in Figure 1. No further description of those features will be given.

Except in so far as it relates to the nature of the valve insert 201, device 301 is very similar to the device 1 of

Figure 1, with the exception that device 301 comprises four (not three) blunt-ended screws (4a-d). Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the valve insert 201 comprises a support 210 comprising an annular support main body 202 from which projects four fingers (203a-d) , each of which is provided with a projection (204a-d) . In use, each of the projections 204a-d is inserted into a venting aperture 6. Each projection is shaped so that it resiliently engages the portion of the wall defining each respective venting aperture 6. The provision of four (and no more) projections 204a-d on the support 210 ensures that many venting apertures 6 are unplugged, even when the support is inserted into the device. The support main body 202 is provided with a mount 207 which facilitates the mounting of valve member 205 using the valve member mount 206. A pin 208 is used to attach the valve member 205 to the support 202. As in Figure 1, the valve member is in the form of a plate. The valve insert 201 further comprises a torsion spring 209. The pin 208 is inserted through the aperture 220 formed in the torsion spring 209, with the ends 221, 222 of the torsion spring 209 being arranged so that it urges the valve member 205 into engagement with a valve seat 225 provided by the support 210.

The valve of the device of Figure 6 operates in substantially the same way as that described above with reference to the device of Figure 1. In the absence of a filling nozzle (not shown) , valve member 205 is urged into engagement with valve seat 225. A nozzle may be used to urge the valve member away from the valve seat for the purpose of filling the storage tank to which the device is fitted. Support main body 202 is made by stamping stainless steel.

The device of Figure 6 is further provided with a security member 401 which is described in detail in WO2006/106283. Security member 401 is generally annular, and is inserted into the rest of the device to inhibit access to the blunt-ended screws 4a-d when the screws have been used to secure the device 301 in place in a storage tank to which the device is fitted. The security member 401 also inhibits access to the region of valve support 210 adjacent to the wall of the device .

Those skilled in the art will realise that the valve insert 201 may be retro-fitted into existing anti-siphon devices, such as the device of WO2006/106283.

Figure 8 shows an exploded view of an example of an alternative valve insert in accordance with the present invention. The valve insert comprises a support 150 to be sited in a device as shown in relation to the support of Figures 1 to 5. The support '150 is provided with a bore 151 therethrough for the passage of a fuel nozzle. A valve 152 in the form of two slidably-mounted valve members 124a, 124b is provided. The valve members (which are approximately hemi-disk shaped) are mounted in a recess (not shown) in support 150. The front edges of the valve members are urged towards each other by two compression springs 125a, 125b. In the absence of a fuel nozzle, the front edges of the valve members abut one another, urged into engagement by the springs. When fuel is to be delivered to a fuel tank, the end of a fuel nozzle (not shown) is brought into contact with sloping surfaces 130a, 130b provided on the valve members. The sloping surfaces are shaped so that the application of a pressure by the fuel nozzle on these surfaces causes the valve members to move apart, against the force of the springs, so that the fuel nozzle may be introduced through the valve into a position for the delivery of fuel. Sloping surfaces 131a, 131b similar to those provided on the upper surface of the valve members are also provided on the lower surface of each of the valve members to facilitate withdrawal of the fuel nozzle through the valve. When the fuel nozzle is removed, the springs urge the valve members into contact with one another.

Figures 1 to 8 show a device wherein the valve is part of a component which is subsequently fitted into an existing, known fuel tank inlet device to produce a device in accordance with the present invention. Those skilled in the art will realise that the valve may be integral with the fuel tank inlet device.

Figures 1 to 7 show a device generally as described in

WO2006/106283. Those skilled in the art will realise that other types of anti-siphon inlet device may be used. Figures 1 to 8 show two particular valve arrangements. Those skilled in the art will realise that other valve arrangements may be used. For example, a slit valve may be used.

Figures 1 to 8 describe a fuel "tank inlet device. Those skilled in the art will realise that the teaching of the present application relates to other storage tank inlet devices. For example, the device of the present invention may be for fitting to a dye tank which, in use, holds a fuel dye, such as diesel blue.

Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional.