A FUEL CONTAINER

Abstract

A fuel container comprises: a body defining a volume for receiving fuel. The body has an inlet and optionally a vent. The inlet extends upwards as a spout and has a threaded collar which is closed by a threaded cap. A gas expansion pathway is provided between the inlet and the vent.

The spout has a guide for receiving and locating a dog-leg portion of a fuel dispenser nozzle. A restriction in the throat of the spout prevents the fuel dispenser nozzle being inserted beyond a preselected distance into the container thereby preventing backwash and spillage.

Claims

1. A fuel container comprises: a body for receiving fuel, the body has a handle and an inlet with a neck that extends upwards and is arranged at an angle with respect to an upper surface of the body and has a threaded collar which is closable by a threaded cap, the length of the neck from its opening to the upper surface of the body defines a guide for receiving and orienting a dog-leg part of a fuel dispenser nozzle in order to prevent the fuel dispenser nozzle from twisting when fully inserted in the neck; and a shoulder, defined by a junction with the material forming the handle and a throat region where the neck narrows, is provided to define an end stop, against which the dog-leg nozzle rests when inserted in the neck; the guide and the shoulder orient and locate the dog-leg part of the nozzle, at a preselected distance within the neck, so that an upper surface of liquid fuel dispensed in the container causes a Venturi shutoff mechanism to trigger at a predefined volume of dispensed fuel.

2. A container according to claim 1 wherein the angle at which the neck extends upwards is between 35° and 75° with respect to an upper surface of the body.

3. A container (for diesel) according to claim 1 wherein the length of the neck from its opening, to the upper surface of the body, is between 5.5 and 11.0 centimetres.

4. A container (for diesel) according to claim 3 wherein the length of the neck from its opening, to the upper surface of the body, is between 6.0 and 10.0 centimetres.

5. A container (for petrol) according to claim 1 wherein the length of the neck from its opening, to the upper surface of the body, is between 5.5 and 11.0 centimetres.

6. A container (for petrol) according to claim 5 wherein the length of the neck from its opening, to the upper surface of the body, is between 7.0 centimetres and 9.5 centimetres.

7. A container according to claim 1 wherein the handle is located adjacent the neck and extends lengthwise along the top of the container.

8. A container according to claim 1 wherein a gas expansion pathway opens into a throat region of the neck.

9. A container according to claim 8 wherein the gas expansion pathway is provided in a hollow within the handle.

10. A container according to claim 1 wherein the guide includes one or more ribs disposed on an inner surface of the neck.

11. A container according to claim 1 wherein the body has a larger base surface area than its upper surface area.

12. A container according to claim 1 wherein the body comprises an inclined face which inclines rearwards from the base towards the inlet.

13. A container according to claim 11 wherein sides of the container taper in the form of a trapezoidal prism.

14. A container according to claim 8 wherein the gas expansion pathway comprises between 10% to 15% of the total available volume for fuel in the container.

15. A container according to claim 1 wherein a restriction in the throat region is defined by a reduction in diameter of the throat.

16. A container according to claim 15 wherein the restriction in the throat region of the neck is defined by material that connects the handle to the body.

17. A container according to claim 1 includes a closable vent.

18. A container according to claim 17 wherein the vent is a Chilton valve or cap.

19. A container according to claim 1 includes an insert adapted to be placed in a throat region of the neck of the container for converting a fuel container, intended for use with diesel (derv), for use with a petrol (gasoline) dispensing fuel nozzle.

20. A container according to claim 1 has an inlet which includes fluting or rifling to assist in venting of air as fuel pours from the container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0051] FIG. 1 shows an overall view of one embodiment of the fuel container;

[0052] FIG. 2 shows an overall view of one embodiment of the fuel container with an Archimedean screw in its spout to assist in pouring contents from the fuel container;

[0053] FIG. 3 shows an overall view of one embodiment of the fuel container with a grip on its upper handle to assist gripping the container during filling;

[0054] FIG. 4A shows a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

[0055] FIG. 4B shows an end view from the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

[0056] FIG. 5 shows an under plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

[0057] FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, with lids removed;

[0058] FIG. 7 shows a reverse isometric view of a second embodiment of the container according to the present invention;

[0059] FIG. 8 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7;

[0060] FIG. 9 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7;

[0061] FIG. 10 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7;

[0062] FIG. 11 show end views of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7;

[0063] FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C show views of an adaptor for insertion in inlets of some embodiments of the container to convert it for use from diesel to petrol; and

[0064] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of the container wherein the handle is connected at distal ends to the body and the inlet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0065] With reference to the Figures there are shown different embodiments of a fuel container 99 with a body 3 that defines an internal volume 71 for receiving and storing fuel. The body 3 of the container shown in FIG. 1 is substantially cuboid. The embodiments shown in the Figures are formed from a robust, rigid thermoplastics material that is formed by way of a blow moulding process.

[0066] Handle 5 has one end 66 that is connected to the body 3 and the other handle end 67 is connected to the neck 4. The handle 5 is shaped so as to enable the user to grasp their hand around the handle when carrying the container.

[0067] In some embodiments the handle 5 is hollow and defines a fluid pathway which acts as a gas expansion volume which may typically be between 10% to 15% of the internal volume of the container.

[0068] An inlet 1 is defined at the end of a neck 4 that extends upwards and away from the body 3 of the fuel container 99 at an angle between 35° and 75° with respect to an upper surface of the body 3.

[0069] The inlet 1 and neck 4 are dimensioned and shaped to receive a first tubular portion 82 of a fuel dispenser nozzle 85 so that fuel can be pumped into the body 3. The inlet 1 is shaped, for example it is fluted or has rifling, so that air may vent as fuel enters the container 99.

[0070] The body 3 has a base 43 which rests on the ground as the container 99 is being filled. A vent 2 is located on an opposite side of the top face of the body 3 to the inlet 1. The body has a larger base surface area than the surface area of its upper surface to improve the stability of the container.

[0071] The neck 4 has a collar 9A with thread 10A for receiving a cap 6A. The vent 2 also has a thread 10B on its collar 9B for receiving a cap 6B. In an alternative embodiment a one-way valve may replace the cap 6B as described below. Threaded collars 9A and 9B enable the connection of lids or caps 6A and 6B respectively.

[0072] The lids or caps 6A and 6B are respectively connected to the collars by way of tethers 8A and 8B which ensure the caps do not get lost.

[0073] The inlet 1 comprises a neck 4 angled upwards from the top face of the body 3. In this way a fuel dispenser nozzle 85 may be inserted into the neck and located therein as described below, without requiring the user to lift or tip the fuel container 99, as was the case with previous fuel containers.

[0074] Optionally the neck 4 is supported below by way of a fillet or a perforated brace 11 which provides strength and prevent the neck from collapsing. A lanyard attachment point, for example for an identification tag (not shown) or for hanging on a hook for storage purposes, may be formed in the brace 11.

[0075] The neck 4 is angled between 35° and 75° with respect to the top of the fuel container 99. This enables the Venturi effect to trigger a shut off valve (not shown) in the fuel nozzle 85 when liquid fuel reaches a maximum filling level in the container, as described below.

[0076] In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 to 11B and FIG. 13, the neck 4 is arranged at substantially 45° with respect to the top surface 46 of the container 99. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is a fuel container with an Archimedean screw in its spout to assist in pouring contents from the fuel container and enable air to vent into the container, thereby ensuring a smooth discharge of the liquid contents. The Archimedean screw also assists in locating the fuel dispensing nozzle and helps immobilise the fuel dispensing nozzle when inserted in the neck of the container.

[0077] The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is a fuel container with a grip on its upper handle to assist gripping the container during filling.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 9 and 13, the neck 4 supports the fuel dispenser nozzle (not shown) in the neck 4. The dog-leg in the junction of the container and neck 4 ensures the fuel dispenser nozzle is located at the precise position where the level of the maximum fuel level distance Venturi effect to trigger the automatic shutoff valve in the fuel dispenser nozzle when the level of liquid inside the container volume 3 reaches full level 91. This is shown in greater detail in FIG. 13.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 13, the length of the neck 4 is slightly less than the total length of a standard fuel dispenser nozzle. The total length of the fuel dispenser nozzle includes a first tubular portion 82 extending from handle 85 and a second tubular portion 81 extending from the first tubular portion.

[0080] Typically, for a petrol dispenser, these portions are between 5.5 centimetres and 11.0 centimetres and preferably between 7.0 centimetres and 9.5 centimetres in length. When fully inserted nozzle 84 is positioned and retained by the angled neck 4 and the shoulder 61. When oriented and located in this way the nozzle 84 is presented to dispense fuel to a limit defined by an upper fuel level indicator 91 of the container 99. The fuel dispenser nozzle is retained and prevented from twisting by the cooperation of the shoulder 61 and narrowing of the inlet in the neck 4.

[0081] In use the heavy fuel gun 85 rests on threaded lip portion 10A of the neck 4. To help prevent the weight of the fuel nozzle tipping over the container body 3 sides 44 of the body 3 taper to a wider footprint or base 43, thereby helping to ensure stability of the fuel container or can when resting on the ground.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 13, the top surface of liquid in the interior volume 71 of the body 3 is level and parallel with the base 43 of the body when placed on a lever surface. The neck 4 is shown supporting the fuel dispenser nozzle 84 in the neck 4. This enables the fuel dispenser nozzle Venturi shutoff mechanism (not shown) to operate to shut off flow when the fuel liquid top surface rises to impinge on the dispenser nozzle tip. So advantageously, the container is filled without overflowing.

[0083] The length of the neck 4 from its opening into the body 3 to its open end of the neck 10A is preselected for filling the interior volume 71 automatically. The preselected length is between 99% and 50% of the length of a petrol or diesel fuel nozzle length. For example in FIG. 13, the neck 4 is shown about 90% the length of the nozzle. So when the fuel nozzle is fully inserted into the inlet 1, the fuel dispenser nozzle tip extends past the upper surface 46 of the body 3. The body may then be filled while resting on the base 43 until the liquid surface level 91 rises to just below the upper surface 46 of the body 3. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 13 the interior volume 71 is full of the surface level 91 of the liquid just below upper surface of the body.

[0084] Smooth pouring of fuel is ensured by opening vent 2. However, in some embodiments the gas pathway and ridges or a similar means are provided on an inner surface of the neck 4 which a passage for air to enter the container as fuel is being poured from it.

[0085] In this way the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 and 13 are easier to use than existing fuel containers as well as providing a more secure inlet to the internal volume as the aperture provides an internal elongated neck.

[0086] The top fluid pathway 5 and the neck 4 separate towards the body 3, such that the user can insert their hand between these fluid pathways as a handle to carry the embodiment.

[0087] The body of the embodiment is inclined rearwards from the second end B in an inclined outer face 44, below the inlet 1, so as to limit toppling, for example when the nozzle is inserted in the inlet 1 and weight placed on the neck, inlet.

[0088] The body further comprises an indented base 43 and bumper edge 45, to aid in placement on the ground, and further discourage toppling, respectively.

[0089] With reference to FIG. 13 there is shown a container wherein the handle 5 is connected to the body of the container at a rearward end 66 and a forward end 67. At the forward end 67 the handle is also formed integrally with the neck 4. The first distal end 66 of the handle is connected to the body 3.

[0090] The fuel dispenser nozzle which comprises a first tubular portion 82 connected in series to a second tube 81. The first and second tubes are straight. The fuel dispenser nozzle has a bend 83 where the first tubular portion 82 is connected to the second tube 81. The first tubular portion 82 has a distal end from the bend 83 which is connected to the handle 85 of the fuel nozzle. The second tube 81 has a distal end 84 from the bend 83. This distal end 84 is the fuel discharge opening of the fuel nozzle.

[0091] The result is that when the fuel dispenser nozzle 84 is inserted into the neck 4 the tip of the nozzle 81 is oriented to face upper surface of the fuel and the each part of the nozzle 81, 82 and 83 are prevented form twisting when fully inserted in the neck 4 by way of a shoulder 61 defined by a junction with the material forming the handle and a throat portion where the neck 4 narrows. The shoulder 61 against which the dog-leg nozzle portion 83 rests, helps locate and orient the fuel dispenser nozzle 84 at a preselected distance in the neck, so that its tip touches an upper surface 91 of dispensed liquid fuel.

[0092] The connection of the handle 5 to the neck 4 forms a restriction 61 in the inlet 1. The restriction 61 places a bend in the neck 4. The bend in the neck 4 is about the same angle as the bend 83 in the fuel nozzle. So the restriction 63 in the neck 4 blocks the fuel dispenser nozzle at the bend 83. The discharge end 84 of the nozzle is conveniently located to the just below the surface level 91 of fuel when the inner volume 71 of the container 3 is full of fuel. For example, the correct full capacity of the fuel container may be 5, 10, or 25 litres. This can be seen in FIG. 13.

[0093] With reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, there are shown views of an adaptor insert 55. The purpose of the adaptor insert 55 is to enable a fuel dispenser nozzle, from a petrol (gasoline) fuel pump, to be used with a fuel container, that was originally intended for use with diesel (derv), to be converted into a container for use with a petrol (gasoline) dispensing fuel nozzle. The adaptor insert 55 is arranged to be placed in a throat region of the inlet 1 of the neck 4.

[0094] In one embodiment when filling different embodiments of the container with petrol, the filling hose stops at the ‘knuckle’ of the hose. This allows for substantially filling the container to 5, 10, 15 or 25 litres of fuel into the fuel container before a Venturi effect causes the pump to shut off. Due to the different diameter of diesel hoses, such hoses can be pushed further into the container, thus causing much earlier shut-off (approx. 3 litres which is 2 litres earlier than 5 litres for example).

[0095] In this way the adaptor insert may stop the diesel hose from entering any further into the containers to allow for exactly 5 litres to be pumped without splashback or spillage.

[0096] The invention has been described by way of examples only, and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the protection as defined by the claims.