Fuel transducer module protective cover

Abstract

A fuel sending unit protective cover assembly is disclosed, for protecting the fuel transducer module mounted to a fuel tank. The protective cover is associated with a locking ring. The locking ring engages the E-ring permanently secured to a fuel tank, by rotational engagement of the locking ring with one or more tabs protruding from the E-ring. The cover body with a plurality of descending legs is configured to engage ascending legs on the E-ring. The cover body is configured to permit installation and removal of the protective cover from the fuel tank without removal or disconnection of fluid conduits and electrical wiring.

1 . In a fuel tank equipped with an embedded mounting ring for securing a transducer to said tank, a fuel transducer module protective cover assembly comprising:
 a locking ring removably engageable with said mounting ring, said locking ring comprising a plurality of slots oriented in a common circumferential direction in relation to the circumference of said ring;   a plurality of spring clips adjacent to said slots; and   a cover element comprising a body portion and a plurality of legs dependent from said body portion, each of said legs having a foot element dependent therefrom, whereby one of each said foot elements is engageable with one of each said slots, and whereby said cover element and said locking ring are secured in engagement by said spring clips.   
     
     
         2 . The invention of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of legs further comprises a first leg, a second leg and a third leg, said first and said second legs being substantially diametrically opposed on said body and said third leg disposed on said body between said first and said second legs. 
     
     
         3 . The invention of  claim 2 , wherein said body further comprises a socket whereby an engaging tool is removably attachable to said cover element. 
     
     
         4 . The invention of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said foot elements comprises a ridge, wherein said at least one of said spring clips comprises a detent, and wherein said ridge engages said detent when said cover element is engaged with said locking ring. 
     
     
         5 . A cover for attachment to an annular fuel transducer locking ring having a first circumference, said cover comprising a substantially circular body and a substantially cylindrical side wall having a second circumference and a substantially circular lower edge, further comprising at least one opening formed in at least one section of said side wall, said opening extending through said edge. 
     
     
         6 . The invention of  claim 5 , further comprising attachment means for removably securing said cover to said locking ring. 
     
     
         7 . The invention of  claim 6 , wherein said attachment means are spring clips engaging said lower edge and said locking ring circumference.