FUEL EQUALIZATION LINE FOR VEHICLES AND METHODS OF USING SAME

Abstract: A fuel equalization line (8) couples in fluid communication vehicle tanks (12, 14) and has two conduits (25, 27) joined together by a removable coupling device (40), which provides for fluid communication between the conduits (25, 27) when engaged to equalize fuel levels within the tanks (12, 14), and enables the fuel equalization line (8) to be separated into two parts (25, 27) to free the tanks (12, 14) from the vehicle frame during a tank removal operation. A pair of shutoff valves (32, 34) enables the fuel to be retained in the tanks (12, 14) when they are removed from the frame.

Description: Description FUEL EQUALIZATION LINE FOR VEHICLES AND METHOD OF USING SAME Technical Field The present invention relates, in general, to a new and improved fuel equalization line for vehicles and method of using it. It more particularly relates to a fuel equalization line that enables a user to remove rapidly and safely a fuel tank, or multiple fuel tanks, from a vehicle, such as a motorcycle. Background Art Motorcycle fuel tanks are commonly configured in one of two ways. Either there are two separate fuel tanks, one on each side of a central upper frame member, or there is one fuel tank having a pair of lower lobes on either side of the central upper frame member. ith either fuel tank configuration, a fuel equalization line is required. A fuel equalization line is a tube or conduit that extends between two ports in the bottom portion of the fuel tank or tanks. In the case where two separate fuel tanks exist, the fuel equalization line allows for fluid communication between the two separate fuel tanks. In this way, the fuel level will remain uniformly constant in the two fuel tanks. This facilitates the uniform draining of fuel from both tanks as fuel is consumed by operation of the engine. Likewise, in the case where one fuel tank is used, the fuel equalization line allows the fuel level within the two lower lobes of the fuel tank to remain uniformly constant, essentially facilitating the uniform draining of fuel from the fuel tank as fuel is consumed. Because the fuel equalization line commonly extends through a small opening in the frame, it makes it difficult, if not impossible, to remove the tank or tanks from the frame without draining or losing fuel stored in the tanks. In this regard, the fuel equalization line traps or captures the tank on the frame. When this is the case, the only technique to remove completely the tank or tanks from the vehicle frame is to remove initially the fuel equalization line from the tank or tanks. In this manner, they become free of the frame, and can then be dismounted therefrom. However, there is a problem. When the fuel equalization line is removed, fuel spills from the tanks. For this reason, fuel within the tanks must first be drained prior to removing the fuel equalization line, and subsequently disassembling the tanks from the frame. Depending on the level of fuel within the tank, draining the tanks can be time consuming and can take about 15 minutes to drain completely the retained fuel. From a maintenance service provider's prospective, such a delay can be inconvenient and interfere with orderly business procedures. Therefore, it would be desirable to have an arrangement whereby the fuel is safely retained within the tanks for removal, o the fuel tanks can be more rapidly drained, so that the maintenance procedure can begin promptly. Additionally, when a motorcycle first comes in for cleaning, repair or maintenance, the engine may still be quite hot from recent operation. When the engine is still hot, it may present a serious danger to the draining of the highly combustible fuel from the tanks. Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have a technique for enabling the fuel to be safely retained within the fuel tanks or quickly removed therefrom, and at the same time for facilitating the rapid removal of those fuel tank or tanks from the motorcycle. At the present time, one way to drain fuel from a motorcycle fuel tank is to open the petcock in the fuel supply line to the carburetor. The fuel can be directed into a holding vessel by either allowing the fuel to freely drain by gravity, or by connecting a length of hose below the petcock and directing the draining fuel into the vessel.. Following the draining step, the conventional fuel equalization line is disconnected from one or both fuel tanks, thereby allowing the fuel tanks to be removed from the vehicle. This process is time consuming and certain tools are required to accomplish the task. Given the number of times motorcycles are disassembled for cleaning, maintenance, or repair operations, this conventional approach to removing the fuel tank or tanks becomes a major inconvenience. Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have a new and improved device and method for removing rapidly and safely a fuel tank or tanks from vehicles, such as motorcycles, in an efficient and cost effective manner. piselosurβ of Invention Therefore, the principal object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved device and metho of using it to enable a fuel tank or multiple fuel tanks to be rapidly and efficiently removed from a vehicle to permit for cleaning, maintenance, or repair of the vehicle in a cost effective manner. Another object of the present invention is to provide such a new and improved device and method of using it to enable a user to retain fuel within a vehicle fuel tank, or tanks, and, at the same time, permit the safe removal of th fuel tank, or tanks in a fast and convenient manner. Briefly, the above and further objects of the present invention are realized by providing a new and improved fuel equalization line device and method of using it, to enable the fuel tank, or tanks, to be removed from a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, in a rapid, safe, efficient and cost effective manner. The fuel equalization line device couples in fluid communication vehicle tanks and includes one or two conduit joined together by a removable coupling device, which provides for fluid communication between the conduits when engaged to equalize fuel levels within the tanks, and enables the fuel equalization line to be separated into two parts to free the tanks from the vehicle frame during a tan removal operation. pair of shutoff valves enable the fuel to be retained in the tank or tanks when they are being removed from the frame. Brief Description of Drawings The above mentioned and other objects and features of this invention and the manner of attaining them will become apparent, and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following description of the embodiment of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is a partially diagrammatic elevational view of a fuel equalization line device, constructed in accordance with the present invention; and FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of another fuel equalization line device, constructed in accordance with the present invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a new fuel equalization line device 8, which is constructed in accordance with the present invention. The fuel equalization line device 8 is connected in fluid communication between a pair of conventional motorcycle fuel tanks 12 and 14 via their respective ports 16 and 18 to help maintain a uniform fuel level within the fuel tanks 12 and 14. The device 8 extends through an opening in a motorcycle frame (not shown) under the tanks 12 and 14. While the invention is shown and described herein for use with motorcycles, ' it may be used in connection with other vehicles such as motor scooters, opeds, and all terrain vehicles. The fuel equalization line device 8 generally comprises a pair of conduits 25 and 27 having hose ends 21 and 23, respectively, which facilitates a firm attachment to the fuel tank ports 16 and 18, extending from fuel tanks 12 and 14, respectively. Centrally disposed between the pair of conduits is a coupling assembly 10 to enable the fuel equalization line device 8 to be separated into two ports in order to free the fuel tanks 12 and 14 from the motorcycle frame (not shown) . A pair of valve assemblies 32 and 34 interconnected by coupling 40, enable the fuel to be retained in the tanks 12 and 14 while they are being removed from the frame (not shown) . In operation, when the valves 32 and 34 are both in the open position, the conduits 25 and 27 are in fluid communication, and fuel is allowed to freely flow through the coupling assembly 10 between the conduits 25 and 27 and thus, between fuel tanks 12 and 14. In this manner, fuel levels within fuel tanks 12 and 14 remain substantially equal. In order to remove the fuel tanks 12 and 14 from the motorcycle (not shown) , both valves 32 and 34 are closed off manually, thereby retaining the fuel upstream from the valve gates (not shown) within valves 32 and 34. Next, the threaded coupling is unthreaded manually from one or both of the threaded valve stems 36 and 38 thereby disconnecting the valves 32 and 34. The fuel tanks 12 and 14 can now be disassembled from the motorcycle (not shown) quickly and efficiently without draining the fuel from each tank beforehand. This results in a safe work environment, especially when one considers that the engine may still be hot due to recent operation. Another approach would be to drain the fuel tanks 12 and 14 via the fuel equalization line device 8. To accomplish this task, valves 32 and 34 would be left in the open position. The valves 32 and 34 would then be disengaged from each other by unthreading them from coupler 40. When disengaged, fuel freely flows through the conduits 25 and 27 and the valves 32 and 34, and can be directed into a holding vessel (not shown) . In this way, the draining of fuel from the fuel tanks can be accomplished much more rapidly than when draining occurs via the petcock. To do this, coupler 40 is unthreaded from the threaded portions 36 and 38 of one or both valves 32 and 34, to separate the fuel equalization line device 8. The distal ends of the separated fuel equalization line 8 are then lowered to allow the fuel within fuel tanks 12 and 14 to drain, quickly by gravity, directly into a fuel holding vessel (not shown) . As a result, the fuel draining operation is accomplished in a rapid and efficient manner. Moreover, a safe working environment is preserved as spilled fuel is kept to a minimum by the controlled draining of the fuel tanks via the conduits 25 and 27 and valves 32 and 34. Considering now the valves in greater detail, each valve includes a valve stem with hose barbs (not shown) and an opposing threaded valve stem. The valve 32 has a stem 43 which is directly connected to conduit 25 via hose barbs (not shown) , and an opposing threaded stem 41 for connection removably to the coupler 40. Likewise, the valve 34 includes a stem 47 connected to the conduit 27 via hose barbs (not shown) , and an opposing threaded stem 45 for connection removably to the other end of the coupler 40. The valves 32 and 34 are interconnected with threaded portions 36 and 38 adjacent to each other,..and in fluid communication, by threaded coupling 40. Each valve 32 and 34 has a manual control knob 49 and 50, respectively, to control opening and closing off the valve manually. Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown another fuel equalization line device 60 which is constructed in accordance with the present invention, and which is similar to the fuel equalization line device 8 in FIG. 1, except that fuel equalization line device 60 includes a quick connect/disconnect valve assembly 80 in place of the coupling assembly 10 are shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 illustrates in phantom lines the positional location of a fuel tank 62 with respect to a motorcycle frame member 63. Fuel tank 62 is a singular vessel with dual lower portions, both of which include ports 64 and 66. One end of conduits 75 and 77 are affixed to the fuel tank ports 64 and 66, respectively, using hose ends 71 and 73. It should be understood by one skilled in the art that these hose ends could be hose clamp devices, clamps, or other types of hose crimping or fastening means. The other end of conduits 75 and 77 are affixed to the quick connect/disconnect valve assembly 80 via similar hose crimping arrangements as previously described. In-line quick connection coupling valve assemblies suitable for this purpose are sold by Colder Products Company located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Hose end 83 connects conduit 75 to the female coupling member 82, while hose end 85 connects conduit 77 to the male coupling member 84. In order to disengage..the female coupling member 82 from the male coupling member 84, a clip spring member 91 is compressed, thereby releasing the male coupling member 84 from the female coupling member 82. In operation, the female coupling member 82 and male coupling member 84 are engaged. When engaged, the quick connect/disconnect valve assembly 80 defines a path for fluid flow therethrough. Thus, when engaged, there is fluid communication between conduits 75 and 77 and thereby between both lower portions of fuel tank 62. In this regard, when the male and female coupling members of the valve assembly 80 are engaged, the fuel levels in both lower portions of the fuel tank 62 remains equal. Compressing the clip spring member 91 on the outer surface of the female coupling member 82 allow the male coupling member 84 to be disengaged from the female coupling member 82. Poppet valve members (not shown) within both coupling members halt the flow of fuel through the coupling members when the coupling members are disengaged. In this way, after the male coupling member 84 is disengaged from the female coupling member 82, fuel within fuel tank 62 is retained within the conduits 75 and 77, and the fuel tank 62 can be rapidly and safely disassembled from the motorcycle. It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing-description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. While particular embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed, it is to be understood that various different modifications are possible and are contemplated within the true spirit and scope of the appended claims. There is no intention, therefore, of limitations to the exact abstract or disclosure herein presented.

Claims: What is claimed is: 1. A fuel equalization device for connection in fluid communication between a pair of ports in a tank means mounted removably on a vehicle to help maintain a uniform fuel level therewithin, comprising: conduit means adapted to be connected in fluid communication between the ports for receiving fuel therewith to help provide a uniform fuel level within said tank means; a coupling assembly connected in fluid communication with said conduit means for separating the device into two separate portions to facilitate removal of the tank means from the vehicle; said assembly having a pair of shut-off valves for individually and selectively sealing off each one of the ports; said assembly further including coupling means connected in fluid communication between said valves for separating said valves after they seal off the ports so that the tank means can be readily removed from the vehicle without draining the fuel from the tank means. 2. A fuel equalization device for connection in fluid communication between a pair of ports in a tank means mounted removably on a vehicle to help maintain a uniform fuel level therewithin, comprising: first conduit means having a pair of ends, with one end connected in fluid communication to one of the ports; second conduit means having a pair of ends, with one end connected in fluid communication to the other port; wherein said conduit means are substantially the same length; and coupling means for connecting in fluid communication the other ends of said conduits. 3. A fuel equalization device according to claim 2, wherein said coupling means includes a pair of shut-off valves connected in fluid communication between said other ends of said conduit means. 4. A fuel equalization device according to claim 3, wherein said coupling means includes a quick connect/disconnect coupling valve assembly having a male coupling member and a female coupling member defining a path for flow of fluid therethrough. 5. A fuel equalization device according to claim 1, wherein said coupling assembly includes a quick connect/disconnect coupling valve having a male coupling member and a female coupling member defining a path for flow of fluid therethrough. 6. A fuel equalization device according to claim 1, wherein said coupling means includes a pair of shutoff valves and a coupler interconnecting the shutoff valves in fluid communication and said coupler comprises a sleeve with axially separated internal threads reversed relative to one another. 7. A fuel equalization device according to claim 2, wherein said coupling means includes a pair of shutoff valves and a coupler interconnecting the shutoff valves in fluid communication and said coupler comprises a sleeve with axially separated internal threads reversed relative to one another. 8. A method of disassembling a fuel tank equipped with the fuel equalization line of claim 4, comprising the steps of: (a) disengaging the male coupling member from the female coupling member, thereby preventing the flow of fuel through the disengaged coupling members; and (b) removing the fuel tank from the vehicle. 9. A method of disassembling a fuel tank equipped with the fuel equalization line of claim 5, comprising the steps of: (a) disengaging the male coupling member from the female coupling member, thereby preventing the flow of fuel through the disengaged coupling members; and (b) removing the fuel tank from the vehicle. 10. A method of disassembling a fuel tank equipped with the fuel equalization line of claim 6, comprising the steps of: (a) closing off the gate of each valve assembly to halt the flow of fuel through the pathway defined by the coupled valve assemblies; (b) unthreading and disengaging the threaded coupling member from at least one of the valve assembly threaded stem ends; and (c) removing the fuel tank from the vehicle. 11. A method of disassembling a fuel tank equipped with the fuel equalization line of claim 7, comprising the steps of: (a) closing off the gate of each valve assembly to halt the flow of fuel through the pathway defined by the coupled valve assemblies; (b) unthreading and disengaging the threaded coupling member from at least one of the valve assembly threaded stem ends; and (c) removing the fuel tank from the vehicle. AMENDED CLAIMS [received by the International Bureau on 15 Ouly 1995 (15.07.95); original claims 1-11 replaced by amended claims 1-13 (4 pages)] 1. A fuel equalization device for connection in fluid communication between a pair of ports in a fuel tank means that is removably mounted on a vehicle for holding fuel, the device serving to help maintain a uniform fuel level within the tank means, the device comprising: a conduit means adapted to be connected in fluid communication between the ports for receiving fuel therethrough to help provide a uniform fluid level within the fuel tank means, a pair of shut-off valves in the fluid communication path of the conduit means, each valve for individually selectively sealing off a corresponding one of the pair of ports,- and a coupling means, connected in the fluid communication path of the conduit means in position between the valves, selectively uncoupling so as to permit separating the conduit means into two separate portions in order to facilitate removal of the fuel tank means from the vehicle; wherein the valves serve to seal off the ports so that the fuel tank means can be readily removed from the vehicle without draining fuel from the fuel tank means when the coupling means is uncoupled. 2. The fuel equalization device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling means comprises: a quick connect/disconnect coupling assembly having a male coupling member and a female coupling member defining a path for flow of fluid therebetween. 3. A method of disassembling a fuel tank means equipped with the fuel equalization device of claim 2, comprising the steps of: (a) disengaging the male member from the female coupling member, therein preventing the flow of fuel through the disengaged coupling members; and (b) removing the fuel tank means from the vehicle. 15 4. The fuel equalization device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling means comprises: a coupler interconnecting the pair of shutoff valves in fluid communication, the coupler including a sleeve with axially separated threads reversed relative to one another. 5. A method of disassembling a fuel tank means equipped with the fuel equalization device of claim 4, comprising the steps of: (a) closing off each of the pair of valves to halt the flow of fluid through a flow path defined by the coupler; (b) unthreading and disengaging the threaded sleeve of the coupler at at least one of its threaded ends; and (c) removing the fuel tank means from the vehicle. 6. An equalization device for connection in fluid communication between a pair of ports in one or more tanks mounted removably on a vehicle in order to help maintain a uniform fluid level within the one or more tanks, the device comprising: a first conduit having a first end and a second end, with a first end connected in fluid communication to one of the pair of ports; a second conduit having a first end and a second end, with a first end connected in fluid communication to the other one of the pair of ports; a first valve connected in fluid communication to the second end of the first conduit; a second valve connected in fluid communication to the second end of the second conduit; and a detachable coupling connected in fluid communication between the first valve and the second valve; wherein the first valve and the second valve can be closed, the coupling detached, and the one or more tanks removed from the vehicle with a minimum spillage of fluid from the one or more tanks . 7. The equalization device according to claim 6 wherein the coupling comprises: a quick connect/disconnect coupling assembly having a male coupling member and a female coupling member defining a path for flow of fluid therebetween. 8. ' The equalization device according to claim 6, wherein the coupling means comprises; a pair of shutoff valves; and a coupler interconnecting the shutoff valves in fluid communication, the coupler including a sleeve with axially separated threads reversed relative to one another. 9. A method of disassembling a tank equipped with the equalization device of claim 7, comprising the steps of: (a) disengaging the male coupling member from the female coupling member, therein preventing any flow of fluid through the disengaged coupling members; and (b) removing the tank from the vehicle. 10. A method of disassembling a tank equipped with the equalization device of claim 8, comprising the steps of: (a) closing off the first and the second valves to halt any flow of fluid through a flow path defined by the coupler; (b) unthreading and disengaging the threaded sleeve of the coupler from at least one of the first and the second valves; and (c) removing the tank from the vehicle. 11. A connect/disconnect device for use in an equalization line between one or more fuel tanks of a vehicle, the device comprising: a plural-port fluid coupling selectively connectable and disconnectable so as to respectively provide and break fluid flow communication between its plurality of ports; a plurality of valves each of which is flow connected to a ΛMEIrø S T (ARTICLE W port of the fluid coupling, each one of the plurality of valves being susceptible of being selectively activated so as to enable or disable fluid flow communication to the fluid coupling; and a plurality of conduits each of which is flow connected between one of the plurality of valves and the one or more fuel tanks of the vehicle. 12. The connect/disconnect device according to claim 11 wherein the plural-port fluid coupling comprises: a quick connect/disconnect coupling. 13. The connect/disconnect device according to claim 11 wherein at least one of the plurality of valves comprises : a poppet valve that is closed by act of disconnecting the coupling. STATEMENT UNDER ARTICLE 19 The present invention concerns a connect/disconnect device for use in an equalization line between one or more fuel tanks of a vehicle, typically a motorcycle. The preferred device includes a plural-port fluid coupling, preferably a two-port quick connect/disconnect coupling, that is selectively connected and disconnected so as to respectively provide and break fluid flow communication between its ports. A valve is flow connected to each port of the fluid coupling, Each valve is susceptible of being selectively activated so as to enable or disable fluid flow communication to the fluid coupling, typically manually or by action of a poppet valve upon disconnection of the coupling. A conduit, normally a simple hose, is flow connected between each of valves and the one or more fuel tanks of the vehicle. During use to avoid spillage of fuel upon removal of the fuel tank(s) of the vehicle, the valves are shut either before, or coincident with, the disconnection of the coupling.

Inventors: HELM CHARLES BRADFORD, HELM, CHARLES, BRADFORD
Applicants: HELM CHARLES BRADFORD, HELM, CHARLES, BRADFORD
Application year: 1996
Main classification: F17D1
IPC codes: B62J35, F02M37