Retrofittable filler neck insert TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a retrofittable filler neck insert. Particularly, the invention relates to a retrofittable filler neck insert for a truck. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Retrofittable filler neck inserts for filler necks of fuel tanks of motor vehicles are known in the art. DE 36 41 274 A1 discloses a filler neck insert which can be inserted into a filler neck having a smaller diameter at its opening than inside the filler neck. The smaller diameter is caused by a threaded section to which a filler cap is attached. At the same time, the filler neck provides a sealing surface for the filler cap at its front surface. The filler neck insert comprises a conical portion with an elastomeric collar or with resilient spreading tongues being compressible in a radial direction when inserted in the filler neck. When passing by a protrusion which decreases the diameter of the filler neck, the conical portion can be compressed by the protrusion and expands again after passing the protrusion. Such filler neck inserts can be used for fuel tanks of passenger cars which usually have diameters in the range of 40 mm to 60 mm. The difference in the diameters between the threaded section having the smaller diameter and the filler neck having the larger diameter is comparably small. The sealing surface of the filler neck for the filler cap should be maintained. At the same time, the retrofittable filler neck insert must provide a fuel tight connection to the filler neck. This remains a problem for filler necks with large diameters and larger diameter differences, for instance for fuel tanks of commercial vehicles such as busses, trucks or construction equipment. A typical diameter of a filler neck in such cases is in the range of 100 mm to e.g. 150 mm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION - I -

It is an object of the invention to provide a filler neck insert which is easily installed after the tank is completed and which is particularly useful for large filler neck diameters and large differences of diameters within the filler neck. The object is achieved by the features of claim 1. The other claims, the drawing and the description disclose advantageous embodiments of the invention.

A filler neck insert designed for being retrofittable in a filler neck of a tank is proposed, having a rim portion provided for contacting an inner wall of the filler neck, the rim portion being expandable from a first cross section for being inserted into the filler neck to a second cross section in an expanded state after being inserted in the filler neck. The rim portion is expandable to a cylindrical ring having its second cross section adjusted to a cross section of the inner wall of the filler neck and being frictionally engageable and/or engageable by a clamping force with the inner wall of the filler neck.

Favourably, the cylindrical rim portion can provide a secure connection to the inner wall of the filler neck. The cylindrical rim portion can be used as basis for attaching further elements of the filler neck insert such as a lid, a filter, a seal, anti-theft devices and the like. Particularly, the rim portion can be used to attach a self- closing lid so that the filler neck of the fuel tank is always closed except when the lid is pushed open, e.g. when a fuel nozzle is inserted into the filler neck. The lid closes automatically when the fuel nozzle is retracted from the filler neck. The filler neck insert can be mounted after the tank is completely manufactured. The rim portion is inserted with a smaller cross section and expanded for safe connection to the inner wall of the filler neck after insertion into the filler neck.

By providing a cylindrical rim portion the retention forces keeping the rim portion in place are high enough to provide a long-time stable connection to the inner wall of the filler neck even when additional components are attached to the rim portion so that the rim portion has to carry the weight of the additional components. An advantageous height of the rim portion may be in the range of more than 10 mm, preferably at least 20 mm, more preferably at least 25 mm, for instance about 30 - J - mm. Of course, a reasonable height of the rim portion can be selected as required by a concrete mounting place and geometry.

Expediently, the rim portion of the filler neck insert keeps the filler neck insert at the desired position and as carrier for additional components. The rim portion may comprise means for attaching and securing elements to the rim portion.

Advantageously, in case of a circular cross section, the diameter difference before insertion and after expansion of the rim portion can be at least 10%, preferably at least 15%, more preferably at least 20%. The filler neck insert is of advantage for big volume fuel tanks as used in trucks, busses, construction equipment or the like which have to be filled in reasonable time and need an adequate large diameter of the filler neck. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a spring element may be provided at an inner surface of the rim portion in its expanded state, wherein preferably the spring element is designed to cut away mounting brackets of the rim portion; preferably an adjustment element is provided for aligning the spring element to the rim portion in its expanded state. The spring element forces the rim portion outward so to make a secure contact to the filler neck.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rim portion may comprise an elastomeric body, particularly an elastomeric ring. The elastomeric body can be compressed for inserting and expands after insertion when released at the desired location inside the filler neck.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rim portion may comprise a strap being coiled up when the rim portion has its first cross section, wherein the strap comprises a detent for engaging with a recess in the strap for closing the ring when the rim portion is in its expanded state. The strap can be made of a spring steel or another, preferably resilient, material.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rim portion may comprise tw<-> or more segments interconnected by one or more joints, for instance pivot joints. The joints allow for an easy adjustment of the cross section of the rim portion before and after insertion into the filler neck.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rim portion may comprise two or more segments being moveable in a cross-sectional plane of the ring when the rim portion is expanded from the first cross section to the second cross section. Preferably, the two or more segments may comprise first segments and second segments, wherein, when the rim portion has its first cross section, the first segments constitute an outer ring and the second segments are arranged radially inside the outer ring and, when the rim portion is in its expanded state, the first and second segments are alternatingly arranged along the circumference of the cylindrical ring. Particularly, the first and/or second segments can be provided with pins and corresponding grooves which allow a sliding movement of the second segments and the first segments in radial and circumferential directions for expansion of the rim portion as well as for decreasing the cross section of the rim portion.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the two or more segments may be insertable in an axial direction into the two or more segments. The segments can be fixed by bolts. When the bolts are applied, a control surface forces the segments to move in a radially outward direction thus increasing the outer diameter of the rim portion formed by the segments.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rim portion in its expanded state may be arranged to receive one or more accessories, particularly one or more of a lid, a cover, a seal, a filter, an anti-theft device. The lid may be preferably a self closing lid which must be forced open e.g. with a fuel nozzle for filling the tank but is closed otherwise. The cover may preferably provide an end stop for the fuel nozzle and/or a control surface for guiding or securing the fuel nozzle to a desired position. Expediently, the lid and the cover may be integrated in a single mounting unit and the mounting unit may be connected to the rim portion in its expanded state, for instance hooked into the rim portion, latched to the rim portion or the like. The cover may be hinged into an assembly of spring and rim portion in its expanded state, wherein the cover preferably overlaps - D - at least partially an interface between the rim portion and the spring. For instance, the cover may be provided with brackets which rest on the front surface of the rim portion. The cover may also be equipped with one or more notch elements which snap into corresponding recesses in the rim portion or in the spring securing the rim portion which locks the cover against rotation in the rim portion.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, a filler pipe may be connected to the cover and may be arranged to be movable between a neutral position and a filling position for filling the tank. The extractable pipe allows for a better accessability of the filler neck, particularly for rigid trucks with a low support frame. According to the art, such trucks require a cut-out in the frame for providing access for the filler nozzle to the filler neck.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, a seal may be provided having an annular shape and one or more studs for engaging with the cover and/or with the rim portion.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, in case the rim portion has a round cross section for inserting into the filler neck, its diameter may be not more than 85%, preferably not more than 80% of the diameter in its expanded state, wherein preferably the diameter increases by at least 15 mm. the rim portion can compensate large diameter differences in the filler neck. The conventional bayonet lock of the filler cap on the filler neck can be maintained which is cost efficient. The design of the filler neck can also be maintained.

Particularly in large fuel tanks as used in trucks, busses, construction equipment and the like, the placement and height of the filler neck - including the filler cap - is restricted and a redesign undesirably.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention together with the above-mentioned and other objects and advantages may best be understood from the following detailed description of the - b - embodiments, but not restricted to the embodiments, wherein is shown

schematically:

Figure 1 a-1 d various views of an example embodiment of a filler neck insert according to the invention with a cut view of the filler neck insert installed in the filler neck (Figure 1a) and a nozzle inserted in the filler neck (Figure 1b), a top view of a filler neck (Figure 1c), and a cut view of the filler neck insert (Figure 1d);

Figure 2a-2l various details of the example embodiment of a filler neck insert of Figure 1 with a rim portion in its compressed state (Figure 2a) and in its expanded state (Figure 2b), a perspective view of a rim portion with a spring (Figure 2c) and details of the connection of spring and rim portion (Figures 2d, 2e), a cut view of a cover (Figure 2f) and a perspective top view of the cover (Figure 2g), a perspective top view of an assembly of parts of the filler neck insert (Figure 2h, a cut view of the assembly with a seal attached (Figure 2i), a cut view of the seal (Figure 2k) and a perspective view of a bottom side of the seal (Figure 21);

Figure 3a, 3b an exploded view of another example embodiment of a filler neck insert from the bottom (Figure 3a) and form above (Figure 3b);

Figure 4a-4c in an exploded view from above the assembly of the filler neck insert according to Figure 3 with a rim portion in its compressed state (Figure 4a), with the rim portion mounted in the filler neck (Figure 4b), and with the cover inserted (Figure 4c);

Figure 5a, 5b a perspective view of another example embodiment of a rim

portion (Figure 5a) and a detail as cut view (Figure 5b);

Figure 6a, 6b a cut view of another example embodiment of a rim portion

comprising chain segments mounted in a filler neck (Figure 6a) and a perspective view of chain segments (Figure 6b);

Figure 7a-7c various views of another example embodiment of a rim portion consisting of a strap in an elongated state (Figure 7a), coiled for insertion (Figure 7b), and in its mounted state (Figure 7c); Figure 8a, 8b a top view of another example embodiment of a rim portion comprising an elastomeric body in its compressed state (Figure 8a) and in its mounted state (Figure 8b); and

Figure 9 in a longitudinal cut view a further embodiment of a filler neck insert according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In the drawings, equal or similar elements are referred to by equal reference numerals. The drawings are merely schematic representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. Moreover, the drawings are intended to depict only typical embodiments of the invention and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention.

Various views of an example embodiment of a filler neck insert 200 according to the invention are schematically depicted in Figures 1a-1d. Figure 1a shows with a cut view of the filler neck insert 200 installed in the filler neck 10 of a fuel tank (not shown). In Figure 1b the fuel nozzle 50 is inserted into the filler neck 10.

The filler neck 10 is normally closed with a filler cap 20 which is connected to the filler neck 10 via a bayonet lock located at the upper end of the filler neck 10 and protrudes with a peg 22 into the filler neck 10. The upper part of the filler neck 10 has an inward protruding part 14 (which is part of the bayonet lock) which limits the diameter d12 of the opening 12 of the filler neck 10 compared to the diameter d10 inside the filler neck 10.

The filler neck insert 200 is designed for being retrofittable in the filler neck 10 and has a first cross section for being inserted into the filler neck 10 to a second cross section in an expanded state after being inserted in the filler neck 10. In this embodiment, the filler neck insert 200 comprises a rim portion 100, a spring element 160, a cover 120 with a lid 150 pivotably attached to the bottom of the cover 120, and a seal 170 on top of the filler neck insert 100. The filler neck insert 200 may be arranged in vicinity of an opening 16 in the inner side wall 18 of the filler neck 10 which is provided for ventilation of the tank. A corresponding feedthrough for ventilation may be provided in the filler neck insert 200. The rim portion 100 is provided for contacting an inner wall 18 of the filler neck 10 and is in its expanded state a cylindrical ring R100 having its second cross section adjusted to a contour of the inner wall 18 of the filler neck 10.

The rim portion 100 is being frictionally engaged with and/or by ways of a clamping force connected to the inner wall 18 of the filler neck 10. The rim portion 100 has a round cross section for inserting into the filler neck 10, its diameter d1 is not more than 85%, preferably not more than 80% of the diameter d2 in its expanded state, wherein preferably the diameter increases by at least 15 mm. The first diameter d1 for inserting the rim portion 100 must be smaller than the clearance or diameter d12 of the opening 12 and in the expanded state the diameter d2 must fit to the clearance d10 of the filler neck 10 at the mounting location in the filler neck 10.

The rim portion 100 comprises segments 110 which are explained in detail in Figures 2a and 2b.

When the fuel nozzle 50 is pushed into the filler neck 10, it is guided by a control surface 122 of the cover 120. An end portion 152 of the lid 150 contacts a counter surface at the bottom of the cover 120 and provides a tight connection to the cover 120 so that fuel cannot leak or slosh out of the fuel neck 10. The front end 52 of the fuel nozzle 50 pushes open the lid 150 when coming in contact with a nose 154 of the lid 150 which is protruding in the clearance of the cover 120. The cover 120 provides an end stop 124 for the fuel nozzle 50.

The seal 170 is attached to the cover 120 by one or more studs 172 which are pressed into recesses 128 in the top surface of the cover 120. - y -

Figure 1c shows a top view of a filler neck 10 which illustrates the diameter d12 which is available for inserting the rim portion 100 through the opening 12 and the diameter d10 which has to be met by the rim portion 100 when expanded after insertion into the filler neck 10. The inward protruding part 14 of the opening 12 has two opposing recesses 14a which are part of the bayonet lock of the filler cap 20 providing a diameter d3.

Figure 1d illustrates a cut view of the filler neck insert 200 composed of a rim portion 100, a spring element 160, a cover 120 with a lid 150 pivotably attached to the bottom of the cover 120, and a seal 170 on top of the filler neck insert 100. In this Figure, the nose 154 of the lid 150 is smaller compared to the example shown in Figure 1a and 1b.

The spring element 160 has an upper rim 162 and a lower rim 164 pointing outward in radial direction and which overlap the upper and lower inner edges of the rim portion 100.

The seal 170 has a groove 184 at its backside which is used to position the seal 170 on the cover 120 in a desired orientation.

Figures 2a-2k show various details of components of the example embodiment of the filler neck insert 200 of Figures 1a, 1b.

Figure 2a depicts a rim portion 100 in its compressed state and Figure 2b shows the rim portion 100 in its expanded state. In the compressed state the rim portion 100 has a cross section C1. The rim portion 100 in this embodiment comprises two or more segments 110a, 110b, wherein the two or more segments 110a, 110b comprise first segments 110a and second segments 110b. The second segments 110b are shorter than the first segments 110a.

In the compressed state the first segments 110a constitute an outer ring with a diameter d1 and the second segments 110b are arranged radially inside the outer ring. The diameter d1 may be, by way of example, 80 mm. Two opposing brackets 104 may be attached to the first segments 110a for correct positioning and better - ιυ - handling of the rim portion 100 during insertion into the filler neck 10. In case the segments 110a in the compressed state do not have a circular cross section d1 is reasonably to be understood as the largest extension of the cross section. In the present example embodiment, four first segments 110a and four second segments 110b are provided. Of course two, three or more than four first and second segments 110a, 110b can be used, depending on the size of the filler neck 10. In the expanded state the rim portion 100 has a cross section C2 (Figure 2b) and constitutes a cylindrical ring R100. For expanding the compressed ring portion 100, the second segments 1 10b are moved between the first segments 110a. The first and second segments 110a, 1 10b are arranged alternatingly in succession so that between two first segments 110a a second segment 1 10b is arranged and vice versa. The first segments 110a are provided with one or more grooves 112 while the second segments 110b have corresponding pins 114 which can slide in the groves 112. By forcing the second segments 110b between the first segments 110a, the first and second segments 110a, 110b are moving in a cross-sectional plane of the ring R100 and the rim portion 100 is expanded from the first cross section C1 to the second cross section C2. When the rim portion 100 is in its expanded state, the spring element 160 can be inserted in the rim portion 100.

One segment 110d of the first segments 1 10a is arranged in a way to provide a strut 1 10c at each side of the segment 110d for the spring element 160 as can be seen in Figure 2c. The segment 110d is higher than the other first and second segments 1 10a and 1 10b and the struts 110c are arranged in the section of the segment 1 10d surmounting the other first and second segments 110a, 110b. The spring element 160 can be positioned with a desired orientation in the expanded rim portion 100. The spring element 160 is operated like a snap ring cut open with two end portions 166 which can be manipulated with a corresponding tool in a way known to a skilled person. When released, the spring element 160 expands and engages the rim portion 100 and the struts 110c of the segment 110d. The spring element 160 has an upper collar 162 and a lower collar 164 pointing outward in radial direction and which overlap the upper and lower inner edges of the rim portion 100.

Figures 2d and 2e show details of the spring element 170. The upper collar 162 can be used to cut away the brackets 104 which were used for inserting the rim portion 100 into the filler neck 10 (Figure 2d). Figure 2e shows how the end portions 166 are stopped by the struts 110c of the segment 110d. The upper collar 162 of the end section 166 of the spring element 160 engages the strut 110c with its bend 166a and the spring element 160 is locked in this position.

Some recesses 163 are arranged in the spring element 160 which are provided for securing the cover 120 in the rim portion 100. The cover 120 is shown in Figures 2f and 2g as cut view and perspective top view and in Figure 2h connected to the rim portion 100 and the spring element 160.

The cover 120 has an annular shape with an opening 126 and two notches 134 for the end sections 166 of the spring element 160. It has an inclined control surface 122 so that the fuel nozzle 50 (Figure 1b) can be inserted with a defined

inclination. At the bottom side, a lid 150 is attached via a pivot joint. The lid 150 can be attached to the cover 120 before the cover 120 is connected to the rim portion 100, forming a single mounting unit which then is connected to the rim portion 100 in its expanded state. At its upper side, the cover 120 is provided with resilient snappers 132 which correspond to the recesses 163 of the spring element 160. The snappers 132 lock the cover 120 in the spring element 160 in a defined position.

The cover 120 is provided with two opposing brackets 130 which rest on the rim portion 100 and the spring element 160, respectively. The brackets 130 snap over the upper rim 162 of the spring element 160.

In the top surface recesses 128 are provided in which the seal 170 can be secured to the cover 120. This can be seen in Figures 2i, 2k and 2I. The seal 170 is preferably made of an elastomeric material, e.g. rubber. - ΓΖ -

The seal 170 has a flat body and a larger diameter than the rim portion 100 so that an outer section 180 of the seal 170 contacts the inner wall 8 of the filler neck 10 smoothly. The outer section 180 is thin compared to the main portion 178 of the seal 170 to provide a high flexibility for the outer portion 180. The opening 182 of the seal 170 is adapted to the opening 126 of the cover 120. At its bottom side the seal 170 has one or more studs 172 arranged in its main portion 178 for engaging with recesses 128 in the cover 120.

Two gutters 186 are provided which overlay the end sections 166 of the spring element 160. One of the naps 172 is arranged between the two gutters 186. A groove 184 is provided which corresponds to the bracket 104 of the cover 120 and which helps to adjust the position of the seal 170.

Figures 3a and 3b depict filler neck insert 200 in an exploded view of another example embodiment from the bottom of the filler neck insert 200 in its

compressed state (Figure 3a) and form above in its expanded state (Figure 3b). The rim portion 100 comprises a duct 11 1 protruding from the outer shell of the rim portion 100 which corresponds to the ventilation opening 16 in the filler neck 10 (Figure 1a, 1b) and which is provided to protrude into the opening 16.

As can be seen in Figure 3a, the rim portion 100 has a cross section C1 and constitutes a cylindrical ring with a diameter too small for inserting the cover 120 and the lid 150. After expansion of the rim portion 100 to a cylindrical ring R100 with its desired cross section C2 and diameter d2 in the filler neck, the clearance inside the rim portion 100 provides enough space for the cover 120 and the lid 150. It is evident that the lid 150 and the cover 120 may be assembled as a single mounting unit and connected to the rim portion 100. The cover 120 and the lid 150 can easily be inserted into the clearance of the expanded rim portion 100. Figure 4a-4c in an exploded view from above the assembly of the filler neck insert 200 according to Figures 3a, 3b with the rim portion 100 in its compressed state (Figure 4a), with the rim portion 100 mounted in the filler neck 10 (Figure 4b), and with the assembly of cover 120 and lid 150 inserted (Figure 4c). The duct 11 1 of the rim portion 100 protrudes from the filler neck 10 after mounting of the rim portion 100 and allows for a precise positioning to the rim portion 100 in the filler neck 10. Another example embodiment of the rim portion 100 is depicted in Figures 5a and 5b in a perspective view (Figure 5a) and a detail as sectional view (Figure 5b).

The rim portion 100 in its expanded state comprises four ring segments 112a, 112b, 112c and 1 12d forming a cross section C2 wherein the ring segments 112a and 112b can be inserted in an axial direction into the basis segments 112c, 112d. The segments 112c, 112d can be inserted separately into the filler neck 10 and hold in place with an appropriate tool. The basis segments 112c, 1 12d may be arranged opposite to each other. Of course, another number of segments 112a, 112b, 112c and 1 12d can be used for building the rim portion 100.

Each segment 112a, 112b, 112c, 1 12d has a groove 113a, 113b, 1 13c, 113d at its outer circumference which is provided for receiving a collar portion 121a of a cover ring 121 when inserted. The collar portion 121a has a control surface 121c interacting with a counter surface 100c. The cover ring 121 may consist of as many pieces as segments 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d are provided. Bolts 121 b are used to fix the single pieces of the cover ring 121 on each segment 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d. When the bolts 121 b are applied, the control surfaces 121c and 100c force a movement of the segments 1 12a, 112b, 112c, 1 12d in a way to increase the diameter R 100 of the rim portion 100 formed by the segments 1 12a, 112b, 1 12c, 1 12d thus producing a radial clamping force of the rim portion 100 in the filler neck.

Figures 6a and 6b illustrate a cut view of another example embodiment of a rim portion 100 comprising chain segments 114 mounted in a filler neck 10 (Figure 6a) and a perspective view of the chain segments 1 14 (Figure 6b). The chain segments 1 14 are connected by pivot joints 116 formed by pins. Two segments 114a, 114b of the chain segments 1 14 are not connected before inserting the rim portion 100 in the filler neck 10 so that the chain formed of the chain segments 114 can be folded to have a smaller cross section than in the cross section C2 of - ι ¾ - the chain in its expanded state and inserted in the filler neck 10. After arranging the chain segments 114 in the filler neck 10 on its desired position, the two segments 114a, 114b are connected by a pin forming a joint 116a. Small protrusions 115 arranged at the outside of the chain segments 114 are provided for better contact to the filler neck wall when the rim portion 100 is expanded at its desired position in the filler neck.

A cover 120 and a lid 150 can be mounted in the clearance of the rim portion 100. The cover 120 is provided with resilient snappers 132 which correspond to recesses of the chain segments 114. The snappers 132 lock the cover 120 in the rim portion 100 in a defined position.

Figures 7a-7c show various views of another example embodiment of a rim portion 100 made preferably of a resilient material. The rim portion 100 consists of a strap 102 in an elongated state (Figure 7a). The strap 102 has a recess 102b on one side and a protrusion 102a at the opposite side. For inserting the rim portion 100, the strap 102 is coiled to provide a cross section C1 which is small enough to pass the opening of the filler neck (Figure 7b). In its mounted state (Figure 7c), the protrusion 102a is locked in the recess 102b so that the strap 102 forms a cylindrical ring R100 having the cross section C2.

Figures 8a and 8b display a top view of another example embodiment of a rim portion 100 comprising an elastomeric body 108 in its compressed state (Figure 8a) and in its mounted state (Figure 8b) in the filler neck 10.

For inserting the rim portion 100 through the narrow opening 12 with the inward pointing rim 14 into the filler neck 10 the elastomeric body 108 is deformed to have a small cross section C1 which can pass the rim 14 of the filler neck 10. Inside the filler neck 10 the elastomeric body 108 can be released and expand to its larger cross section C2.

Figure 9 in a longitudinal cut view a further embodiment of a filler neck insert 200 according to the invention. - 13 -

A filler pipe 190 is connected to the cover 120 and can be moved between a neutral position in which the filler pipe 190 is arranged inside the filler neck 10 and tank 60 and a filling position 190f for filling the tank where the filler pipe 190 is partially pulled out of the filler neck 10. The filler pipe 90 can be attached to the filler cap, e.g. by ways of a chain, so that the filler pipe 190 can be pulled out when the filler cap is removed from the filler neck 10.

The filler pipe 190 has a front section 192 and an end section 194 which are inclined to each other. Each front and end section 192, 194 has an outward pointing collar as end stop so that the filler pipe 190 cannot be completely pulled out from the filler neck 10 or does not drop into the tank 60. The filler pipe 190 is secured by the cover 120 in both directions. The filler pipe 190 can be made in one piece or can consist of two or more pieces joined together. Of course, combinations of two or more of the example embodiments of the rim portions 100 can be provided in a single rim portion 100, for instance, a one or more of the first and second segments 110a, 1 10b shown in Figure 2a-2l can be replaced by one or more chain segments 114, an elastomeric portion or the like. The rim portion 100 in its expanded state is arranged to receive one or more accessories, particularly one or more of a lid 150, a cover 120, a seal 170, a filter (not shown) for preventing dirt entering the tank 60, an anti-theft device (not shown) for preventing unauthorized removal of fuel from the tank 60.