Vented Non-Spill Fuel Cap Assembly

Abstract

A vented non-spill fuel cap assembly includes a self-sealing, releasable fluid coupling and a visible fill indicator. The fuel cap assembly permits transfer of fuel from a storage vessel such as a gas canister to a fuel tank equipped with the cap assembly in a manner which prevents escape and spillage of liquid fuel and vapors. Fuel is introduced from a supply canister or other source via a hose and coupling releasably matable with the self-sealing coupling on the cap assembly, without removal of the cap assembly. The indicator visibly indicates when the tank is full.

1 . A fuel cap assembly for a fuel tank with a filler neck, said cap comprising a lid coupled to a collar, said collar being adapted to engage the filler neck of the fuel tank, said lid including an exterior and interior side, a first fluid coupling on the exterior side of the lid, a port on the interior side of the lid in fluid communication with the first coupling, said first coupling including a releasable valve biased into a closed position when the first coupling is not engaged by a compatible mating coupling. 
   
   
       2 . The fuel cap assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a protective cover configured to releasably engage the first fluid coupling when not in use. 
   
   
       3 . The fuel cap assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a protective cover configured to releasably engage the first fluid coupling when not in use, said protective covering being tethered to the cap assembly by a strap. 
   
   
       4 . The fuel cap assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first fluid coupling is a male quick disconnect coupling member. 
   
   
       5 . A fuel cap assembly for a fuel tank with a filler neck, said cap comprising a lid coupled to a collar, said collar being adapted to engage the filler neck of the fuel tank, said lid including an exterior and interior side, a first fluid coupling on the exterior side of the lid, a port on the interior side of the lid in fluid communication with the first coupling, said first coupling including a releasable valve biased into a closed position when the first coupling is not engaged by a compatible mating coupling, and said releasable valve biased into an open position when the first coupling is engaged by the compatible mating coupling, and allowing fuel to flow through the compatible mating coupling and through the first fluid coupling and through the port and into the fuel tank without spillage when the first coupling is engaged by the compatible mating coupling. 
   
   
       6 . The fuel cap assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the first fluid coupling is a quick disconnect coupling member. 
   
   
       7 . The fuel cap assembly of  claim 5 , wherein the first fluid coupling is a male quick disconnect coupling member. 
   
   
       8 . A fuel refilling system for a fuel tank with a filler neck, said system comprising:
 a fuel cap assembly including a lid coupled to a collar, said collar being adapted to engage the filler neck of the fuel tank, said lid including an exterior and interior side, a first fluid coupling on the exterior side of the lid, a port on the interior side of the lid in fluid communication with the first coupling, said first coupling including a releasable valve biased into a closed position when the first coupling is not engaged by a compatible mating coupling; and   a fuel supply including a fuel supply line terminating with the compatible mating coupling.   
   
   
       9 . The fuel refilling system of  claim 10 , further comprising a protective cover configured to releasably engage the first fluid coupling when not in use. 
   
   
       10 . The fuel refilling system of  claim 10 , further comprising a vent for allowing gaseous communication between the atmosphere and fuel tank. 
   
   
       11 . The fuel refilling system of  claim 10 , further comprising a vent for allowing gaseous communication between the atmosphere and fuel tank, said vent comprising a venting disc with an unsealed perimeter in communication with at least one air passage.