US20240409272A1

US20240409272A1 - Liquid transport hi-flow spout & system

Info

Publication number: US20240409272A1
Application number: US18/739,813
Authority: US
Inventors: Travis Lambert
Original assignee: Trl Automotive LLC
Current assignee: Trl Automotive LLC
Priority date: 2023-06-12
Filing date: 2024-06-11
Publication date: 2024-12-12

Abstract

A liquid transport spout design having a pyramid-shaped backstop. The backstop has at least 3 outward facing sides, wherein an apex of the backstop is coupled to a hollow fill neck and a base of the backstop is coupled to a hollow tube-fitting end. The backstop contains an interior liquid transport channel bridging the fill neck and tube-fitting end. The spout design enables easier fitment across different tank opening configurations and is well suited for fuel filling operations using a portable supply tank connected to the spout.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/507,515, filed Jun. 12, 2023, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The invention is in the field of filling systems using a portable container. More specifically, the invention is directed to new spout design and system for more efficient fitting of portable liquid supply containers to tanks.

BACKGROUND

When attempting to manually fill a tank or receptacle container with a liquid from an externally hand held supply, the spout entry, angle, fitment into the receptacle container's opening is often challenging. This is particularly so if the opening to the receptacle container's opening is facilitated with a channel or tube. If the target container's entry “tube” is angled or narrow, the fitment of the supply container's spout can be cumbersome and restricted due to conflicting entry-to-tube size, angles, etc. The rate of the fluid ingress is dependent on the depth of the spout, the width of the spout, angles of entry, receptacle opening size, depth, angle, and also handling characteristics.
In view of the difficulties noted above, this invention details a new spout configuration with various physical alterations to the spout's shape and/or size that enable more efficient filling operations. Additional aspects and features of the invention are further detailed below.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
For example, in one aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a liquid transport spout is provided, comprising: a pyramid-shaped backstop having at least 3 outward facing sides, an apex of the backstop is coupled to a hollow fill neck and a base of the backstop is coupled to a hollow tube-fitting end, wherein the backstop contains an interior liquid transport channel bridging the fill neck and tube-fitting end.
In another aspect of the disclosed embodiments, the above spout is provided, wherein a junction between the apex and fill neck is ribbed to form an increased diameter at the junction; and/or further comprising, cutouts at a base of the at least 3 outward facing sides, to form wing-like edges at corners of the backstop; and/or further comprising threads disposed in at least one of an interior and exterior of a terminal end of the fill neck; and/or a threaded end cap coupled to the at least one threads of the fill neck; and/or further comprising a hollow flexible tube coupled to the tube-fitting end; and/or wherein the tube is transparent; and/or wherein the fill neck is removable from the backstop; and/or wherein the tube-fitting end is recessed into the backstop; and/or wherein the tube-fitting end is ribbed; and/or wherein the spout is manufactured as a single integral device; and/or wherein the spout is formed from at least one of CNC'ing, casting, and molding; and/or wherein the backstop is rotatable around an axis of the channel; and/or wherein faces of the backstop are asymmetric.
In yet another aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a liquid transport spout is provided, comprising: a 3-faced truncated trapezoidal backstop, an apex of the backstop is coupled to a hollow fill neck and a base of the backstop is coupled to a hollow tube-fitting end, wherein the backstop contains an interior liquid transport channel bridging the fill neck and tube-fitting end.
In yet another aspect of the disclosed embodiments, the above spout is provided, wherein a junction between the apex and fill neck is ribbed to form an increased diameter at the junction; and/or further comprising, cutouts at a base of the faces, to form wing-like edges at corners of the backstop; and/or comprising threads disposed in at least one of an interior and exterior of a terminal end of the fill neck; and/or a threaded end cap coupled to the at least one threads of the fill neck; and/or further comprising a hollow flexible tube coupled to the tube-fitting end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a side/cut-away view of an exemplary spout in an “upside down” configuration.

FIG. 1B is a closeup view of the multi-sided “pyramidal” transition section of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a top perspective view of an exemplary spout.

FIG. 1D is a “bottom-up” view of an exemplary spout.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary spout in an operational configuration.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a nearly straight insertion of an exemplary spout inside a “straight” intake tube.

FIG. 4A displays a fuel door hinge, top of an intake tube and tube door.

FIG. 4B shows an exemplary spout with its pyramid-shaped backstop seated in the top of an intake tube.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a nearly straight insertion of an exemplary spout inside a fuel tank's “straight” intake tube.

FIG. 6A displays a fuel tube opening and tube opening cap.

FIG. 6B shows an exemplary large diameter spout with its larger sized pyramid-shaped backstop seated in the top of intake tube.

FIG. 7A is an illustration of a tank's intake opening in a nearly vertical orientation.

FIG. 7B is an illustration of an exemplary pyramid spout with attached transparent feed hose inserted into the fuel tank opening of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel tank with an inserted exemplary spout as compared to a conical backstop.

FIG. 9A is an external view of the tank arrangement described in FIG. 8 without an inserted spout.

FIG. 9B is an external view of the tank arrangement described in FIG. 8 with an inserted exemplary spout.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exemplary spout design with a backstop having a “pyramidal” shape is described that allows for greater flexibility in use than conventional spouts. For example, the pyramid shape helps prevent the spout from being over-inserted. In contrast, conventional spouts with conical shaped backstops work well for capless-style fuel fill openings, but some of the cap-style openings can have indirect entry geometries that prevent easy insertion or use. In these circumstances, the exemplary pyramid-style spout can be rotated to fit into areas where a conical shape will not fit. As compared to conventional spouts with a straight cylinder-shaped opening, the exemplary “pyramid” backstopped spout provides a superior flow rate.
Also, it is understood that a curved spout can fit basically most any vehicle. However, straight spouts are usually favored for gravity fed utility cans due to the hose being above the fill opening, and the straight spouts are also cheaper to manufacture. Notwithstanding the above, in some commercial embodiments of the invention, a CNC machining process may be utilized, if so desired.
In various exemplary embodiments, the “pyramid-like” backstop provides a resting surface when filling from a can, since a portion of the weight will be held by the backstop. It also prevents over insertion. For example, when a conventional spout is attached to a hose with an external clamp, over-insertion becomes a problem because the conventional spout can snag as it's retracted (mostly because of jamming by the external clamp). This problem is particularly bad on capless style fuel fills, with spring-loaded closures. Further, prior art cone shaped backstops themselves may also interfere with an interior edge of the tank neck. However, in the exemplary design, extra clearance can be obtained by rotating the exemplary spout so a flat (narrower) side of the pyramidal shape rests on an edge of the tank neck.
As evident in the below description, the exemplary spout, if used for diesel vehicle tanks, should have a maximum backstop diameter larger than the fuel input tube diameter. As described below, a recessed or cutout area for the supply hose allows for shorter overall length while maintaining a larger diameter backstop. As seen in the below FIGS., a larger diameter rib at the pyramid shape junction to fill neck (nose) can operate to prevent force from the spring-loaded closures on capless fuel fills from ejecting the exemplary spout. For example, if a conventional spout is placed into a capless fuel fill and when the hand is removed, the spring pressure from the internal doors can actually push the conventional spout out of the fuel fill opening. This is particularly important if the spout were used with a longer supply hose where a person may not be able to apply sufficient pressure to hold the spout into place.
In various embodiments, the exemplary spout is contemplated in consideration of an optimal overall spout length. That is, the length may be designed to be short enough to work with the steep angle of some fill necks placed inside small openings. Also, the length may be designed to be long enough to engage interior spring-loaded closure on capless style fill necks (these systems have two doors). For example, an exemplary spout may range between 120 mm-140 mm, noting that these lengths are not limiting but provided as typical lengths. In a commercial embodiment, the overall length was approximately 132 mm.
In various embodiments, the fill neck (nose) can have internal threads as external threads can snag on the spring-loaded closure doors. Some spouts use a threadless end plug, but threaded is more secure, so the exemplary design accommodates an end plug with external threads that mates to the internal threads of the fill neck (nose). This is important for when the air inside the utility jug expands in the heat, etc. and the resulting increased pressure can build and eject a threadless plug. Notwithstanding, some embodiments may utilize external threads, according to design preference.
The outer diameter of the fill neck may vary but a commercial version was fabricated to be 0.84″ which is by convention the largest size for commercial gas pump spouts. Vehicle manufacturers always make their fuel openings at least this large. The inner diameter can be maximized based on the strength of the fill neck material.
In various embodiments, the exemplary spout may be fabricated as a single device, being either CNC'd, cast, mold-formed, or otherwise. Also, a non-metal version can be developed without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.
In one embodiment, the pyramid shaped backstop can be fixed with the orientation matching the rest of the spout. In other embodiments, the pyramid shape backstop could rotate independently (from the fill neck and/or tube-fitting end) and may be beneficial for ease of use, etc. The geometry of the pyramid backstop base and the angles of the pyramid backstop sides can be made to be in balance to maximize fitment across a variety of vehicles. Several 3D-printed model iterations were attempted with field testing to arrive at this exemplary form(s). A cutout in the base of the pyramid is described to assist in accommodating tubing fitment, which helps to shorten the overall length of the spout without sacrificing the pyramid base dimensions or increasing the overall length. A too small pyramidal backstop can cause the spout to be over-inserted into many diesel vehicles as the fuel fill openings are commonly quite large. A longer overall length addresses this by a natural increasing of the width, but this increases production costs as well as prevents proper insertion into vehicles with nearly vertical fuel fill openings. Therefore, after much testing with different fuel fill openings, the exemplary spout(s) having the listed dimensions was designed for commercial efficacy. As noted herein, the dimensions described are not to be considered limiting but as a best mode.
FIGS. 1A-D are various views of an exemplary spout 100. FIG. 1A illustrates a side/cut-away view of an exemplary spout 100 in an “upside down” configuration, having ribbed tube-fitting end C, a multi-sided trapezoidal transition section B (also referred to as backstop) and a hollow cylindrical fill neck A. Of course, the exemplary spout 100 is hollow or has a central channel to facilitate the movement of fluids therein, having openings on both ends. In a commercial embodiment, the tube-fitting end C was “recessed” into the base of the transition section B, to enable an attached tube (not shown) to fit deeper into the transition section B. In some embodiments these end-to-end openings can be funnel-shaped (either internally or externally) to maximize flow. In embodiments designed to fit into fueled vehicles, the opening's outer diameter is limited by U.S. (and/or commercial) regulation to 0.84″. In the example shown here, the opening for the end-to-end channel is approximately 0.84.″
FIG. 1B is a closeup view 50 of the multi-sided “pyramidal” transition section B of FIG. 1A. The spout's fill neck 55 joins the transition section B at junction rib 56 which may be formed as an integral part of the transition section B, or be separate and one or more of press-fitted joint, welded, bonded, screwed, etc. so as to allow, if so desired, different lengths of fill necks 55 to be formed to the transition section B, either removably so or permanently. In some embodiments the junction's rib 56 may be greater in diameter from the fill neck 55 as shown or may be smooth (same diameter) or even reduced, according to design preference. With a larger diameter junction rib 56, the exemplary spout 100 can be better secured within a fuel fill lip having a spring biased door, as discussed above.
Transition section B has sides that transition from a “top” 57 narrow width to a “bottom” 59 larger width. Therefore, the diameter of the transition section B increases section 57 to section 59 to form a varying width “obstruction” to a tank's opening (not shown). The general shape of the transition section B can be considered analogous to a truncated 3-sided pyramid. It is contemplated however that a 4-sided truncated pyramid can be an alternative embodiment. Of note is cutout(s) 61 at section 59 which serve to reduce the “obstruction” diameter right before the terminal end of section 59. This enables any attached tube or hose to not “bump” into the inner sides of transition section B. That is, the tube (not shown) can be pushed further into transition section B than without the cutout(s) 61. In addition, cutout(s) 61 in concert with the transition section B's widening shape, can serve as an additional tank opening size-to-spout fitment degree of freedom, as by tilt-rotating the transition section B (e.g., spout) will produce different diameters of fitment. Thus, there are multiple degrees of diameter freedom produced by the exemplary spout: narrow-to-wider per the pyramid cross-section variation; diameter change based on orientation selection of the 3-sided pyramid and/or tilting; and fitment to match the cutout diameter reduction. Cutout(s) 61 can be short (< 1/10 the height of the transition section B) or can be longer (> 1/10th), being principally limited by the diameter of tube-fitting end C. Tube-fitting end C can be smoothly surfaced or multiply ribbed 58, 60 (as shown) so as to allow secure coupling to a supply tube (not shown).
FIG. 1C is a top perspective view of an exemplary spout 100, showing a full-length fill neck 105 coupled to joint 56 which joins transition section B. Fill neck 105's end contains optional threads 103 to allow an end plug (not shown) to be threaded thereto. Moreover, in other embodiments extension fill neck/noses can be added on (not shown) or for other purposes. The optional threads 103 may be internal (as shown) and/or external (not shown). Planar-like face 107 is on a side of the top of transition section B's and expands downward until cutout(s) 61 and continues to the edges/corners 109. It is noted that while the exemplary embodiments show the cutout(s) 61 as an explicit feature, it is understood that in some embodiments these cutout(s) 61 may be a design choice and therefore not implemented.
Moreover, it is contemplated that the faces of the transition section B may not be equal in shape or dimension. That is, in some embodiments, the transition section B's shape may not be symmetrical so that some faces may be angled slightly different than other faces, or some faces may be larger than other faces. Of course, this variation offers a skewed or irregular pyramidal backstop which can offer additional degrees of freedom, depending on which face is selected to rest on a tank's entry tube's lip.
FIG. 1D is a “bottom-up” view and illustrates the extent of the smooth edged “wings” 159 at the terminal end of the transition section B by virtue of the cutout(s) 61 (easier seen in FIG. 1C) not extending across the entire bottom width of the transition section B.
The dimensions of the embodiment of FIGS. 1A-D may vary according to design preference. For example, in one commercial embodiment designed for a 1″ diameter tank opening, an outer diameter of the fill neck A was approximately 21 mm, with wall thickness of approximately 2 mm, with length of approximately 65 mm. Threads 103 were approximately 15 mm in depth. Width of the junction 56 was approximately 25 mm and outer diameter of ribs 58, 60 was approximately 25 mm. A maximum diameter of the transitional section B was approximately 47.5 mm, wherein the maximum edge-to-edge width was approximately 42 mm. As stated above, this is simply one possible example of suitable dimensions, noting different tanks may have different opening sizes and therefore an appropriately sized exemplary spout may be utilized.
FIG. 2 is an illustration 200 of an exemplary spout 210 in an operational configuration, coupled to a filling tube 215 that may be flexible and/or transparent, if so desired, that is coupled to a portable tank (not shown) attachment 220 coupler. If supply or filling tube 215 is transparent, then a visual indication of fuel transfer can be obtained. If supply or filing tube 215 is flexible then it allows more freedom for a filling person to “guide” the exemplary spout 210 into a tank's opening, etc. Filling tube 215 can be secured to the ribbed end of the spout/transition section 207 via ring sleeve/clamp 217 or the like, if so desired. Similarly, filling tube 215 can be secured to the portable tank attachment 220 by a ring sleeve/clamp 219 or the like. Also shown here is an attached fill neck end cap 209. In some instances, the fill neck end cap 209 may operate as a removable cap or pressure sensitive valve, may be of a different material, and/or contain a sensor, and/or a one-way valve, etc.
The following FIGS. show the exemplary spout used for filling motorized vehicles or the sort, that require liquid fuel. While the examples are for fueling vehicles, the invention can be used in any system where a liquid's transfer by “hand” is needed to be done faster and more securely than conventional methods or systems. Below are illustrations of somewhat of the nominal use case for the exemplary spout design. Typical receiver tanks are shown here as capless fuel fill with double spring-loaded closure doors. This requires a rigid spout with sufficient length to push open the internal door. It also requires a backstop to prevent over-insertion and snagging on the spring-loaded closures inside.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view 300 of a nearly straight insertion of an exemplary spout 310 inside a “straight” intake tube 350 with overflow/air tube 355 of a receiving tank (not shown). Fuel tube spring biased door 352 is forced open by entry of the fill neck 305. Exemplary backstop's widest end 309 is larger than the intake tube's top opening (obscured from view). Additional aspects of this view 300 are understood to be self-explanatory.
FIGS. 4A-B are views from the prospective of a fuel tank intake without (400) and with (480) an exemplary spout inserted therein, respectively. The features of automotive fuel tank intakes are well known but briefly outlined. FIG. 4A displays a fuel door hinge 425, top of intake tube 456 and springed tube door 452.
FIG. 4B shows an exemplary spout with its pyramid-shaped backstop 487 seated in the top of intake tube 456, with a transparent filling tube 415 connected to the backstop 487 via a coupler 489.
Many diesel trucks have no fuel tank tube internal closures (e.g., spring door), as well as having larger openings, so a conventional spout can snag on the outer rim. Therefore, the following embodiments are demonstrative of the potential use of larger diameter backstops to address this concern. It is noted, however, that the above exemplary embodiment's dimensions sufficed for many diesel tank scenarios. Further, as a general benefit to the backstop not fully penetrating the tank's fuel tube opening, it can take some of the weight of the utility jug making it easier to hold up while pouring.
FIGS. 5 and 6A-B are illustrations showing the implementation of an exemplary large diameter backstop.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view 500 of a nearly straight insertion of an exemplary spout 510 inside a “straight” intake tube 550 with overflow/air tube 555 of a diesel receiving tank (not shown). Exemplary backstop's widest end 509 is larger than the intake tube's top opening (obscured from view). Additional aspects of this view 500 are understood to be self-explanatory.
FIGS. 6A-B are views from the prospective of a diesel fuel tank intake without (600) and with (680) an exemplary spout inserted therein, respectively. The features of automotive diesel fuel tank intakes are well known but briefly outlined. FIG. 6A displays a fuel tube opening 656 and tube opening cap 615. Removed from view is the vehicle's fuel door.
FIG. 6B shows an exemplary large diameter spout with its larger sized pyramid-shaped backstop 689 seated in the top of intake tube 656, with a transparent filling tube 615 connected to the backstop 689.
FIGS. 7A-B show scenarios (700 without spout and 780 with spout) where the fuel fill neck is nearly vertical, so as to make a conventional conical spout impractical to use.
FIG. 7A's tank intake opening 756 is oriented in a nearly vertical manner so as to be limited to the use of a curved spout. However, FIG. 7B illustrates an exemplary pyramid spout 789 with attached transparent feed hose 715 inserted into fuel tank opening 756. The hose 715 is touching the vehicle's body even with the exemplary spout design. If the hose attachment 777 were further from the fuel tank opening 756, it would further exacerbate the problem with the vehicle's body interference at the top. In this example, the cutouts 716 enable the hose 756 to be “bent” closer to the backstop 789 than in a typical non-cutout backstop and is considered a best compromise for this tank opening geometry.
FIGS. 8 and 9A-B are illustrations of examples of a fuel fill neck with odd “internal” geometry where rotating the exemplary spout provides better fitment.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel tank with an inserted exemplary spout 850, its end 858 being guided by a tank spout guide 855 wherein one planar face 815 of the pyramidal backstop is shown in dashed lines. In contrast, a face 820 of a comparative conical spout is shown (overlaid) in solid line. Examining the two, it is apparent the exemplary spout 850 (with face oriented as shown) will provide an alternate entry angle (as well as shallower width) as compared to an equivalent conical spout.
Because the tank contains a spout guide 855 that forces the tip of the inserted spout upwards and the hose end downward, a conical shape backstop will bind at a single engagement point before the spout is fully inserted. The exemplary pyramid design, when rotated with a flat side down, provides the additional clearance at the bottom. As the backstop of the exemplary spout is pyramidal in shape, its “widest” geometry will vary along the axis of the backstop and also upon the rotation angle of the spout (exposing a shallower flat face or the wider edge of the pyramid). This variability allows the exemplary spout to fit more easily into tank tube necks that would otherwise be too difficult for a typical conical spout. Further, the pyramidal sides and edges joining the sides offer a pressure or friction point for the exemplary spout in the tank's fill neck, to allow easier securing (less movement) of the exemplary spout to the tanks' fill neck.
FIGS. 9A-B are externals views of the tank arrangement described in FIG. 8 and show scenarios (900 without spout and 980 with exemplary spout 989). Details of these scenarios are understood to be self-explanatory in view of the explanation given in FIG. 8 .
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, modifications, changes, and the sort that fall within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art are understood to be within the scope of this disclosure. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A liquid transport spout, comprising:

a pyramid-shaped backstop having at least 3 outward facing sides, an apex of the backstop is coupled to a hollow fill neck and a base of the backstop is coupled to a hollow tube-fitting end, wherein the backstop contains an interior liquid transport channel bridging the fill neck and tube-fitting end.

2. The spout of claim 1, wherein a junction between the apex and fill neck is ribbed to form an increased diameter at the junction.

3. The spout of claim 1, further comprising, cutouts at a base of the at least 3 outward facing sides, to form wing-like edges at corners of the backstop.

4. The spout of claim 1, further comprising threads disposed in at least one of an interior and exterior of a terminal end of the fill neck.

5. The spout of claim 4, a threaded end cap coupled to the at least one threads of the fill neck.

6. The spout of claim 1, further comprising a hollow flexible tube coupled to the tube-fitting end.

7. The spout of claim 6, wherein the tube is transparent.

8. The spout of claim 1, wherein the fill neck is removable from the backstop.

9. The spout of claim 1, wherein the tube-fitting end is recessed into the backstop.

10. The spout of claim 1, wherein the tube-fitting end is ribbed.

11. The spout of claim 1, wherein the spout is manufactured as a single integral device.

12. The spout of claim 1, wherein the spout is formed from at least one of CNC'ing, casting, and molding.

13. The spout of claim 1, wherein the backstop is rotatable around an axis of the channel.

14. The spout of claim 1, wherein faces of the backstop are asymmetric.

15. A liquid transport spout, comprising:

a 3-faced truncated trapezoidal backstop, an apex of the backstop is coupled to a hollow fill neck and a base of the backstop is coupled to a hollow tube-fitting end, wherein the backstop contains an interior liquid transport channel bridging the fill neck and tube-fitting end.

16. The spout of claim 15, wherein a junction between the apex and fill neck is ribbed to form an increased diameter at the junction.

17. The spout of claim 15, further comprising, cutouts at a base of the faces, to form wing-like edges at corners of the backstop.

18. The spout of claim 15, further comprising threads disposed in at least one of an interior and exterior of a terminal end of the fill neck.

19. The spout of claim 18, a threaded end cap coupled to the at least one threads of the fill neck.

20. The spout of claim 15, further comprising a hollow flexible tube coupled to the tube-fitting end.