Fluid handling – With casing – support – protector or static constructional... – Vehicle
Reexamination Certificate
2001-04-12
2002-11-26
Chambers, A. Michael (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
With casing, support, protector or static constructional...
Vehicle
C137S553000, C137S590000, C251S297000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06484746
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to fuel control valves and more particularly relates to fuel control valves for small vehicles such as motorcycles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Motorcycles generally have a gas tank just forward of the saddle and fuel is delivered to the engine by gravity feed. A fuel valve having fuel OFF and ON positions and an intermediate Reserve (RES) is located at the bottom of the tank. The valve is actuated by a finger toggle or lever. The valves have small standpipes extending upwardly into the tank. When the fuel level falls below the top of the standpipe the engine will begin to sputter and the cyclist must reach down and move the valve toggle to an intermediate fuel RES position to permit the fuel below the top of the standpipe to be utilized until there is opportunity to refuel. The fuel valve is not visible by the cyclist when the cyclist is in the saddle and the valve must be repositioned by the cyclist bending forward to reach the valve while setting the valve only by feel and estimation of the valve toggle position while steering with only one hand. If not accurately positioned in the RES position, an insufficient supply of fuel will be delivered to the engine and poor performance of the motorcycle will result. This will lead to the cyclist again bending over to reach the valve toggle until the valve is correctly positioned to supply the fuel demand of the engine. This introduces an unsafe factor into the riding and operation of the motorcycle.
The present invention overcomes the difficulties presented when it becomes necessary for a cyclist to switch the fuel valve to the RES position and contributes to the safety of operation of a motorcycle. This invention provides a positive indication when a fuel valve is correctly moved to the RES position.
An object of this invention is to provide a new and improved manually operated fuel valve for a vehicle operating on gravity fuel feed.
Another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved manually operated fuel valve for a motorcycle, which provides a positive audible indication when the valve is correctly positioned in the RES position, and which further provides a positive feel to the cyclist when the valve is moved into the RES position.
A further object of this invention is to provide a new and improved gravity feed valve, which contributes to safer operation of a vehicle when the valve must be moved to the RESERVE fuel position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly stated, the invention, in one form thereof comprises a manually operated fuel valve having OFF, ON and RESERVE positions which comprises a valve body with a standpipe extending therefrom for receiving fuel from a fuel tank and supplying fuel to an engine when the valve is in an ON position. the valve body defines a first passage therethrough in communication with the standpipe for permitting passage of fuel to a fuel exit port when the valve is in the ON position. The valve body defines a second passage therethough for fuel to said exit port when the valve is in a RESERVE position. A rotatable fuel regulator member is positioned in the valve body for blocking the second passage when the regulator member is in a valve ON position and permitting passage of fuel through the standpipe and the first passage. The regulator member is effective to block passage of fuel from passing through both of the passages when rotated to an OFF position. The regulator has a third positive RES position intermediate the ON and OFF positions for permitting passage of fuel from the tank to the exit port through the second passage when the level of fuel in the tank falls below the top of the standpipe, and means are coupled to the regulator member for rotation therewith and arranged to provide a positive indication when the regulator is in the third position.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1605619 (1926-11-01), Schreiner
patent: 4250921 (1981-02-01), Pingel et al.
patent: 4890644 (1990-01-01), Hoeptner, III et al.
patent: 5368058 (1994-11-01), Gold et al.
patent: 6129338 (2000-10-01), Golan
patent: 4347777 (1948-07-01), None
Chambers A. Michael
Montgomery Robert H.
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