Gas cap with built-in funnel for small engines

Abstract

The invention is directed to a gas cap with built-in funnel for small engines. The gas cap provides a compact funnel of sufficient size to speed the refueling process and prevent spills, and may further provide a valve to prevent the escape of gasoline fumes from the fuel tank.

Claims

1. A gas cap with built-in funnel for small engines, which is in most respects identical to a conventional gas cap on a small engine, secured to the top surface of the fuel tank with screw threads, and is further comprised of a funnel which is permanently affixed to the center of the top surface of the cap, such that when fuel is poured into the funnel, the fuel empties out through the gas cap and into the fuel tank of the small engine.

2. The gas cap of claim 1, wherein optionally, the gas cap may further provide a valve to prevent the escape of gasoline fumes from the fuel tank, and to protect the contents of the fuel tank from being contaminated by rainwater.

3. The gas cap of claim 1, wherein the user installs the gas cap 10 and fills the fuel tank by pouring fuel into the funnel. The fuel flows downward through the funnel and the gas cap, into the fuel tank.

4. The gas cap of claim 1, wherein the gas cap, the funnel, and the valve are preferably manufactured from rigid, durable materials, such as plastic, steel, and aluminum alloy.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the gas cap 10, and the funnel 11.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the gas cap 10, and the funnel 11.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a top view of the first exemplary embodiment, displaying the funnel 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Referring now to the invention in more detail, the invention is directed to a gas cap 10 with built-in funnel 11 for small engines.

[0020] It is intended for the invention to be installed as an after-market modification by the owner of a lawnmower or other device with a small engine. An alternate embodiment, intended for installation as original equipment by the manufacturer of the device, is also contemplated.

[0021] The first exemplary embodiment is comprised of a gas cap 10 which is in most respects identical to a conventional gas cap on a small engine, secured to the top surface of the fuel tank with screw threads. This specification will focus on the ways in which the invention differs from and improves upon a conventional gas cap design.

[0022] The first exemplary embodiment is further comprised of a funnel 11 which is permanently affixed to the center of the top surface of the cap 10, such that when fuel is poured into the funnel 11, the fuel empties out through the gas cap 10 and into the fuel tank of the small engine. Optionally, the gas cap 10 may further provide a valve to prevent the escape of gasoline fumes from the fuel tank, and to protect the contents of the fuel tank from being contaminated by rainwater.

[0023] To use the first exemplary embodiment, the user installs the gas cap 10 and fills the fuel tank by pouring fuel into the funnel 11. The fuel flows downward through the funnel 11 and the gas cap 10, into the fuel tank.

[0024] The gas cap 10, the funnel 11, and the valve are preferably manufactured from rigid, durable materials, such as plastic, steel, and aluminum alloy. Components and methods listed above are preferable, but artisans will recognize that alternate components and methods could be selected without altering the scope of the invention.

[0025] While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.