Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED DOCUMENTS 
   This application is based in part on provisional application Ser. No. 60/585,190 filed Jul. 1, 2004 entitled “Motorcycle Fuel System Petcock Valve,” and provisional application Ser. No. 60/602,426 filed Aug. 17, 2004 and 60/662,153 filed Mar. 15, 2005, both entitled “Remote Fuel Supply Valve For Motorcycles,” all of which are incorporated by reference herein. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This present invention is directed to a multi-position fuel line valve particularly adapted for use on a motorcycle including a “chopper.” 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Petcock or selector valves provide a motorcyclist with the ability to switch from an “on” or running position to a “reserve” position (i.e. allowing in fuel from the bottom of the tank (or possibly from a separate tank), typically while the motorcycle is traveling), as well as a fuel line shut “off” position. The Golan U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,338 is illustrative of the state-of-the-art in petcock valves for motorcycles. The device described therein has certain disadvantages, however, in that the polymeric material from which the piston is made is subject to wear over time caused by small particles found in the fuel. Additionally, without establishing close visual contact with the valve it is sometimes difficult to tell exactly what position the valve is in. Petcock valves are usually located on the underside of the gas tank. 
   Minimalist-style motorcycles became popular in the United States after World War II as bikers removed or shortened fenders and chopped off other unnecessary components to reduce weight and make the bikes look better. This trend accelerated after release of the seminal movie Easy Rider in 1969 as riders wanted a bike like Peter Fonda in the movie. Bikers started raking the front end (decreasing the angle of the fork to the ground), raising the handlebars, decreasing the size of the gas tank and headlight, and the like to achieve the “chopper” look. Again, anything deemed unnecessary was removed or hidden, thereby simplifying and streamlining the appearance of the bike including the underside of the gas tank. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,661 issued to Waters discloses a partitioned fuel tank such that upon refueling the user need not switch the valve from “reserve” back to “on” as either side of the lower portion of the tank can operate as the reserve. Instead of an associated valve having a “reserve” position there are a pair of open or “on” positions. In using such a fuel tank it is important that in the “off” position there be no fluid flow between the partitioned parts of the fuel tank. Otherwise, when the user switched between lower portions of the tank the “reserve” fuel might already be largely depleted. 
   OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-position fuel line valve that may be quickly and positively rotated between full on and off positions, and a position for using the reserve fuel supply. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a valve that is simple, miniature in size, sturdy, and a highly reliable and durable construction. 
   It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a valve that may be quickly disassembled, cleaned and/or repaired, and easily put back together again. 
   It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a valve that can be mounted remote from the gas tank to improve the appearance of the motorcycle. 
   It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a valve with inlets that may vary in position so as to accommodate various routings of fuel lines or hoses. 
   It is a still further object of the invention to provide a valve that prevents any leakage and stops any flow in the off position. 
   These and other objects and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A multi-position fuel valve includes a main body defining an enclosed chamber having a number of inlet ports and an outlet port, each of the ports having an associated seat in the chamber. Disposed inside the chamber is a revolving rotor that is connected to a selector handle located outside the chamber. The rotor is configured to provide a possible passageway between each of the inlet ports and the outlet port, and the selector handle is preferably a lever located for convenient access. 
   Preferably a pair of balls are positioned in the rotor and sized to lodge in the plurality of seats or elsewhere in the chamber. When this occurs a certain portion of the passageway is cut off meaning there is no fluid flow from at least one of inlet ports through the outlet port. A compression spring with opposing ends bearing against the balls maintains the balls lodged in the seats and fixes the position of the rotor and handle. 
   The main body has a number of detents such that a substantial force is required to rotate the selector handle and revolve the rotor inside the chamber and move the balls between the seats. Preferably, the chamber has a circumferential groove in which the balls travel as being revolved between the seats. Further, the seats are preferably configured to lie below the circumferential groove such that the compression spring expands forcing the ball into the seat, and then compresses as the handle is rotated and rotor revolved thereby forcing the ball out of the seat and into the circumferential groove. 
   The valve further includes a number of extension sections connected to the ports for inlet or outlet hoses such that the valve can be mounted remote from the fuel supply and/or carburetor. Preferably the extension sections swivels relative the chamber to provide additional flexibility for routing of fluid lines to the valve. Each swiveling extension section has a tubular portion sized for going into one of the ports of the chamber and has a circumferential slot for housing a locking ring. The main body of the valve has a corresponding slot proximate the port for receiving the locking ring such that the extension section is retained to the valve. Further, each extension tubular portion preferably has a circumferential slot that accepts an o-ring for providing an effective seal. 
   In operation, rotation of the selector handle causes the rotor and the balls and the spring to revolve inside the chamber between the plurality of seats. This provides control of the fluid flow between the plurality of inlet ports and the outlet port. One or more o-rings disposed in one or more of the seats in the chamber provide leak-proof seals. 
   Preferably the valve has a pair of inlet sections and three-positions, with an “off” position approximately midway between the other two positions. Preferably the rotor is configured such that the handle can rotate a maximum 180 degrees. This may be accomplished by the rotor having a protruding stop that rides in a semi-circular slot in the main body. The rotor is preferably made of a metallic material. 
   Preferably the valve is configured such that in an “off” position no fluid flow is possible between the inlet ports. This may be accomplished with the rotor having an upper passageway for receiving fluid through the inlet ports, the passageway extending inside the rotor to a lower passageway for passing fluid out the outlet port. The passageway is laid out such that when the rotor is revolved and the fluid flow is cut off to the outlet port, and the upper passageway is not aligned with any of the inlet ports. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an overall perspective view of an overall assembled view of a first-preferred embodiment valve (with an inlet extension). 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the first-preferred embodiment (without an inlet extension) with the lower valve portion disassembled. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the first-preferred embodiment with the upper inlet portion and extension disassembled. 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the first-preferred embodiment with the valve in the “off” position. 
       FIG. 5  is another cross-sectional view of the first-preferred embodiment with the valve in the “off” position and the ball seated against the o-ring seal. 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the first-preferred embodiment with the valve in the “reserve” position and arrows indicating the possible fuel flow. 
       FIG. 7  is another cross-sectional view of the first-preferred embodiment with the valve in the “reserve” position. 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the first-preferred embodiment with the valve in the “on” position and arrows indicating the possible fuel flow. 
       FIG. 9  is another cross-sectional view of the first-preferred embodiment with the valve in the “on” position. 
       FIG. 10  is another cross-sectional view of the first-preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the housing of the first-preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 12  is a cross sectional view of the first-preferred embodiment (with the inlet extension) as installed in a fuel tank. 
       FIG. 13  is a cross sectional view of the first-preferred embodiment (without the inlet extension) as installed in a narrow aft portion of a fuel tank. 
       FIG. 14  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first-preferred embodiment showing the outlet o-ring seal. 
       FIG. 15  is a bottom view of the housing of the first-preferred embodiment showing a semicircular groove, the position of the handle shown in phantom lines. 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a second-preferred embodiment selector valve of the present invention. 
       FIG. 17  is a reverse perspective view of the second-preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the valve stem or rotor of the second-preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view through the second-preferred embodiment valve stem or rotor. 
       FIG. 20  is an exploded, disassembled view of the parts and components of the second-preferred embodiment valve. 
       FIG. 21A  is an elevation view of the second-preferred embodiment valve in the “ON” position. 
       FIG. 21B  is an elevation view of the second-preferred embodiment in the “OFF” position. 
       FIG. 21C  is an elevation view of the second-preferred embodiment in the “RESERVE” position. 
       FIG. 22  is an elevation view of the end cap of the second-preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 23  is an elevation view of the main body or housing of the second-preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view through the second-preferred embodiment valve. 
       FIG. 25  is another cross-sectional view through the second-preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 26  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 25 . 
       FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a third-preferred embodiment valve of the present invention. 
       FIG. 28  is another perspective view of the third-preferred embodiment valve. 
       FIG. 29  is a yet another perspective view of the third-preferred embodiment. 
       FIG. 30  is an exploded, disassembled view of the parts and components of the third-preferred embodiment valve. 
       FIG. 31  is a cross-sectional view through the third-preferred embodiment valve in the “ON” position. 
       FIG. 32  is another cross-sectional view through the third-preferred embodiment in the “ON” position. 
       FIG. 33  is a top perspective view of the fourth-preferred embodiment valve of the present invention. 
       FIG. 34  is reverse angle top perspective view of the fourth embodiment valve. 
       FIG. 35  is a bottom view of the fourth embodiment with the inlet sections  314 ,  315  swiveled 180 degrees. 
       FIG. 36  is an exploded, disassembled bottom perspective view of the fourth embodiment. 
       FIG. 37  is a cross-sectional view through the fourth embodiment valve in an open or on position. 
       FIG. 38  is another cross-sectional view through the fourth embodiment in the open or on position for the inlet section  315 . 
       FIG. 39  is a top view of the end cover portion of fourth embodiment. 
   

   LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS FOR FIRST-PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   
       
       main body or housing  20   
       screen filter  22   
       outlet section  24   
       inlet section  26   
       inlet extension  28   
       large spring  30   
       elongate screen filter  32   
       inlet port  34   
       reserve port  36   
       main chamber or cavity  38   
       left hand threads  40   
       nut  42   
       washer  44   
       nipple  46   
       selector handle  50   
       flange or end cap  52   
       pin  54   
       rotary piston  56   
       inlet neck  58   
       inlet port  60   
       reserve port  62   
       outlet ports  64   
       grooves  66 ,  68   
       snap lock ring  70   
       o-ring  72   
       small spring  74   
       ball  76   
       circumferential slot  80   
       shoulders or steps  82 ,  84   
       o-ring  86   
       vertical slot  88   
       semi-circular slot  90   
       mounting bracket  92   
     
  
   LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS FOR SECOND-PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   
       
       main body or housing  120   
       end cap  122   
       selector handle  124   
       port  126   
       nipple  128   
       fastener  134   
       fastener hole  136   
       rotary valve stem  140   
       pivot pin  142   
       swing arm  144   
       retaining pin  146   
       compression spring  148   
       ball  150   
       o-ring  152   
       o-ring  154   
       large o-ring  156   
       raised land  158   
       cavity  160   
       hole  161   
       indentation  162   
       shoulder  164   
       stop  166   
       fastener hole  168   
       fastener  170   
     
  
   LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS FOR THIRD-PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   
       
       main body or housing  210   
       handle  212   
       inlet sections  214   
       outlet section  216   
       threaded holes  218   
       tooling holes  220   
       housing slots  222   
       large opening  223   
       rotary piston  224   
       neck portion  226   
       top hole  228   
       fastener hole  230   
       fastener  232   
       circumferential groove  234   
       o-ring  236   
       middle portion  238   
       ports  240   
       ball port  241   
       small spring  242   
       ball  244   
       pivot pin  246   
       end cap  248   
       cavity  250   
       circumferential groove  252   
       o-ring  254   
       locking ring  256   
       circumferential groves  258   
       o-rings  260   
       lock ring  262   
       o-rings  264   
     
  
   LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS FOR FOURTH-PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   
       
       main body or housing  310   
       chamber or inner cavity  312   
       inlet sections  314 ,  315   
       outlet section  316 . 
       nipples  318   
       selector or lever handle  320   
       end cover  322   
       two-stage rotor  324   
       rotor upper portion  326   
       rotor lower portion  328   
       rotor cap  330   
       circumferential groove  332   
       valve seats  334   
       protruding pins  336   
       pin holes  338   
       conventional fasteners  340   
       fastener holes  342 ,  344   
       protruding stop  346   
       end cover slot  348   
       handle opening  350   
       conventional fastener  352   
       threaded holes  354   
       fastener hole  356   
       circumferential groove  358   
       o-rings  360 ,  362   
       recessed area  364   
       spring washer  366   
       protruding pin  368   
       pin hole  370   
       pivot pin  372   
       end cover opening  374   
       mounting holes  376   
       stepped hole  378   
       tubular portion  380   
       circumferential grooves  382   
       o-rings  384   
       locking ring  386   
       side slot  388   
       passageway  390   
       balls  392   
       compression spring  394   
       curved vertical slot  396   
       o-ring  398   
     
  
   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The detailed descriptions set forth below in connection with the appended drawings are intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The descriptions set forth the structure and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent structures and steps may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1-13 , the first-preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. Primarily referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , the present embodiment petcock valve includes a main body or housing  20  including a screen filter  22 , an inlet section  26 , and an outlet section  24  extending orthogonally from the main body or housing  20 , all with generally hollowed-out interiors. Optionally, the present embodiment may include an inlet extension  28 , a large spring  30  and elongate screen filter  32 . The inlet section  26  includes an inlet port  34  and a reserve port  36 . Inside the main body or housing  20  is a main chamber or cavity  38 , the shape and configuration of which will be described in detail below. The top of the outside of the main body or housing  20  includes left hand threads  40  that engage the left hand threads (not shown) found on the bottom inside of a nut  42 , and in combination with a washer  44  secure the upper part of the petcock assembly together. The outlet portion  24  includes a nipple  46  that engages a conventional 5/16 inch diameter hose (not shown) to the motorcycle engine. The outlet portion  24  is available in other nipple  46  sizes for larger or smaller diameter hoses. Also, rather than the right angle, 90 degree outlet port  24 , a straight outlet port (not shown) is also available. 
   Primarily referring to  FIG. 2 , the lower part of the petcock assembly may be described. A generally cylindrically-shaped selector handle  50  with rounded edges projects from an end flange or cap  52 . On the upper surface of the end flange  52  is a small pin  54 , the function of which will be addressed below. Above the end cap  52  is a piston  56  of varying diameters and having a number of orifices or ports. The piston or rotor  56  is generally a cylindrical tube open on one end, with an inlet neck  58 , an inlet port  60 , a reserve port  62  and four (4) outlet ports  64 . Just above the reserve inlet port  60  is a groove for a snap lock ring  70 , and just below the outlet ports  64  is a groove  68  for an o-ring  72 . A small spring  74  is seated inside the piston or rotor  56  between two of the outlet ports  64  and a pair of balls  76  are seated in those outlet ports and inside the main chamber or cavity  38 . 
   Now also referring to  FIGS. 4-10 , the petcock valve may be further described.  FIGS. 4 ,  5  show the petcock valve in the “off” position, with the handle  50  rotated 180 degrees relative the outlet section  24 , such that the balls  76  are also in that line. As best shown in  FIG. 14 , the main body or housing  20  is made with a pair of shoulders or steps  82 ,  84  to act as a stop for the location of the outlet section  26  and such that a space is created to retain an o-ring  86 . When the handle  50  and piston or rotor  56  are in this “off” position the balls  76  are pushed apart by the spring  74  such that the one ball  76  seats in the outlet port  64  and against the o-ring  86 , creating a highly effective seal and preventing any fuel from passing. Also note the o-ring  72  that prevents fuel from passing between the piston or rotor  56  and main body of housing  20  (See  FIG. 4 ). 
     FIGS. 6 ,  7  show the petcock valve in the “reserve” position with the selector handle  50  rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from the “off” position. As shown by the arrows, fuel may flow through the aligned reserve ports  36 ,  62 , into the inlet neck  58  and through the outlet port  64 , and into the outlet section  24  and the attached hose (not shown). Finally,  FIGS. 8 ,  9  show the valve in the “on” position with the selector handle  50  rotated clockwise. Again as shown by the arrows, the fuel may flow in through the inlet port  60  and into the inlet neck  58  and through the outlet port  64  into the outlet section  24  and out. 
   Now also referring to  FIGS. 10 ,  11 , other details of the main chamber or cavity  34  can be described. It is made with a circumferential, curved slot  80  for encapsulating the balls  70  inside the main body or housing  20  and generally inside the two select outlet ports  64 . Further, as best shown in  FIG. 6 , the outlet section  24  is in fluid communication with the main chamber or cavity  34  by a hole bored therein. This hole also allows the ball  76  to travel further outboard under forces of the spring  74  and seat against the o-ring  86  as described above in conjunction with  FIG. 14 . 
   Additionally, around the inside of the main chamber or cavity  34 , at 90, 180 and 270 degrees from the outlet section  24 , machined into the circumferential slot  80  are three vertical, curved slots  88 . The curve of the slots  88  approximately matches the curve of the balls  76 , being greater than the curve of the slot  80 . These slots  88  similarly allow the balls  76  to move slightly outboard at these positions, which tends to retain the valve in those positions until sufficient rotary force is applied to the selector handle  50  to force the balls  76  inward and into the circumferential slot  80 . Additionally, as the selector handle  50  is being rotated between the “on”, “off” and “reserve” positions, the user feels in his fingers and hears a “click” sound as the balls  76  jump into the vertical slots  88  and/or against the o-ring  86 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 15 , yet another feature of the first-preferred embodiment of the present invention may be described. On the bottom side of the main body or housing  20  is a semi-circular slot  90 . This slot  90  is sized to receive the fixed, small pin  54  protruding from the top side of the flange  52 , that serves to limit rotation of the valve and handle  50  to 180 degrees. Thus, when the user rotates the valve all the way counterclockwise it will be in the “reserve” position, whereas when rotated all the way clockwise it will be in the “on” position. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 12 ,  13 , the first-preferred embodiment of the present invention are shown installed in a pair of fuel tanks, in  FIG. 12  into a larger tank or deeper section of the tank, and in  FIG. 13  into a smaller tank or shallower section of the tank. On the top inside portion of the nut  42  are right-hand threads which engage a mounting bracket  92  the bottom of the fuel tank. The plastic washer  44  serves to prevent fuel from leaking outside the valve. The overall height of the petcock valve without the inlet extension  28  and not counting the screen filter  22  or  32  is less than about 2.25 inches. 
   The screen filter  22 ,  32  material is preferably a metal or metal alloy suitable for use in gasoline or other fuel environments. The mesh size of the screen  22 ,  32  should be chosen for the particular application, to provide the filtering function without overly restricting the flow through of fuel from the tank into the engine, e.g. providing at least 70 ounces per minute. The other parts of the petcock valve are machined from 360 solid brass and show-chromed for a lifetime shiny finish. The o-ring  86  provides a no leak seal through the outlet  24  of the petcock valve, while the o-ring  72  prevents fuel from leaking out the bottom. 
   The petcock valve is also easily uninstalled and disassembled for occasional maintenance. The nut  42  is loosened and the petcock valve removed from the fuel tank, such that the screen filter  22 ,  32  can be removed and cleaned. Then, if necessary, to service the o-rings  72 ,  86 , the snap lock ring  70  is removed from the inlet neck  58  such that the piston  58  can be pulled through the inlet port  34  and separated from the main body or housing  20 . This will also release the balls  74  and spring  76  and thus care should be taken that those parts are not lost upon disassembly. The petcock valve is reassembled and reinstalled by reversing the above steps. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 16-26 , the second-preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described. First primarily referring to  FIGS. 16 ,  17 , the second-embodiment petcock valve includes a main body or housing  120 , an end cap  122  and a selector handle  124 . The end cap  122  includes three (3) ports  126 , two outlet sections and an inlet section, each having a nipple  128  sized to engage a conventional 5/16 inch diameter hose (not shown) to the gas tank(s) or carburetor. The ports  126  (or inlet/outlet sections) are available in other sizes as needed, and a 90 degrees port is also available in addition to the straight line ports  126  shown. Four (4) conventional fasteners  134  hold the end cap  122  onto the main body or housing  120 . 
   Now also referring to  FIGS. 18-20 , further parts and components of the second-preferred embodiment valve may be described. Inside the hollowed-out main body or housing  120  is a valve stem or rotor assembly  140  including a pivot pin  142  and a swing arm  144 . As best shown in  FIG. 19 , the pivot pin  142  and swing arm  144  are secured together by a retaining pin  146  so that they cannot rotate relative one another. The swing arm  144  has a longitudinal through hole that houses a compression spring  148  and a pair of balls  150  at each end. Still further included are a number of o-rings,  152  in a circumferential groove in the pivot pin  142 , and  154  seated in the three (3) ports  126  and a large o-ring  156  around a raised land  158  on the inside of the end cap  122 . The pivot pin  142  includes a pair of holes  168  that are approximately 180 degrees apart from one another, and the selector handle  124  includes a similarly-sized hole to receive a conventional fastener  170  to fixedly attach the valve stem  140  to the handle  124 . Note that this allows the selector handle  124  to be installed pointed up or pointed down as preferred by the user. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 22 ,  23  further details and features of the main body or housing  120  and end cap  122  may be described. In the raised land  158  of the end cap  122  is a cylindrical shaped cavity  160  sized to receive the forward end of the pivot pin  142  although allowing a small clearance between. Similarly in the main body or housing  120  is a through hole  161  for the opposing end of the piston pin  142  and its connection with the handle selector handle  124 . Inside the main body or housing  120  are a set of three (3) bowl-shaped indentations  162  each sized to receive the ball  150 . Referring to  FIG. 26 , the end cap  122  is machined to include a shoulder  164  in combination with port  126  including a stop  166 , such that each port  126  can only be pushed in so far thereby creating a space for encapsulating and retaining the o-ring  156 . 
   Now also referring to  FIGS. 21A-21C  and  24 - 26 , the operation, function and use of the valve of the second-preferred embodiment will be discussed. The handle  124  and valve stem or rotor assembly  140  revolve up to approximately 180 degrees inside the main body or housing  120  to one of three (3) positions, Tank  1 , Carburetor or Tank  2 . When the swing arm  140  is rotated over the Tank  1  port  126  as shown in  FIG. 21A , the ball  150  seats against the o-ring  154  thereby preventing fuel from flowing in from the Tank  1  (see also  FIGS. 25 ,  26 ) while fuel flows freely from Tank  2  to the Carburetor. The Tank  1  port  126  may be connected by a flexible hose (not shown) to the main portion of the gas tank (usually called the “on” position) while the Tank  2  port  126  may be connected to the bottom or reserve portion of the tank (called the “reserve” position), or vice versa, while the “C” port  126  is connected to the carburetor. Similarly, when the handle  124  and swing arm  144  are rotated over the Carburetor or Tank  2  ports  126  ( FIGS. 21B , C), those ports  126  are closed and fuel flows between the other two open ports  126 . 
   On the other side of the arm  144  is a second ball  150  that sits between the compression spring  148  and the inside surface of the main body or housing  120 . As the handle  124  and valve stem  140  are rotated between the three positions described above, this other ball  150  travels between the three bowl-shaped indentations  162 . When the swing arm  144  is positioned over one of the ports,  126 , the compression spring  148  causes the ball  150  to jump into the indention  162  and lodge itself therein and create a “click” action (see  FIG. 25 ). This indicates to the user that the handle  124  is properly positioned at one of the three positions, and tends to keep the handle  124  at that position until sufficient force is applied to turn the selector handle  124  and force the ball  150  out of the indention  162  (along with the other ball  150  out of its seat on the o-ring  154  in the port  126 ) and back inside the swing arm  144 . Additionally, the main body or housing  120  is configured such that at the tank  1  and tank  2  positions ( FIGS. 21A ,  211 C) movement in only one direction is possible, so the user knows moving the selector handle  124  all the way one way is the “on” position while moving it all he way the opposite way is the “reserve” position. 
   The pair of holes  136  in the end cap  122  are mounting means for conventional fasteners for securing the petcock assembly to a motorcycle frame (not shown). The petcock assembly is installed below the gas tank and above the carburetor, as the fuel system is gravity fed, and preferably with the two inlet ports above the single outlet port. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 27-32 , the third-preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. First primarily referring to  FIGS. 27-29 , the present embodiment petcock valve includes a main body or housing  210 , a selector handle  212 , a pair of swivel inlet sections  214  and a fixed outlet section  216 , each of which are sized to accept a conventional fuel hose or line (not shown). The housing  210  includes four (4) threaded holes  218  sized to receive fasteners (not shown) to mount the housing  210  against a plate-like structure (also not shown) on the motorcycle or other vehicle. The housing  210  includes two (2) other smaller, tooling holes  220  used only in machining the housing  210 . Note the slots  222  in the side of the housing  210  and large opening  223  in the bottom which facilitate access to the inside and the components therein for cleaning and maintenance purposes. 
   Now also referring to  FIGS. 30-32 , the parts and components inside the housing  210  may be described. A rotary piston  224  includes a top or neck portion  226  that interfaces with the selector handle  212  through a hole  228  in the housing  210 , and a fastener hole  230  is sized to receive a fastener  232  to secure the rotary piston  224  and selector handle  212  together. Upon assembly to prevent any fuel from leaking through the hole  228  in the housing  210 , the rotary piston  224  has a circumferential groove  234  sized to accept an o-ring  236 . A middle portion  238  of the rotary piston  224  has two orthogonal through bores that create three (3) ports  240  and a fourth port  241  (which correspond to ports in the main body or housing  210  that lead to the inlet  14  and outlet  16  sections). The port  241  aligned with the handle  224  is made a slightly larger diameter to accept a small spring  242  and a ball  244 . 
   On the bottom of the rotary piston  224  is a pivot pin  246 , and beneath the rotary piston  224  is an end cap  248  with a cavity  250  sized to accept the pivot pin  246 . The end cap  248  has a circumferential groove  252  sized to accept an o-ring  254  that prevents fuel from leaking out the bottom opening  223  in the housing  210 . A locking ring  256  is used to secure the end cap  248  inside the housing  210 . Each of the inlet sections  214  has three (3) circumferential groves  258 , two of which are for o-rings  260  that prevent fuel from leaking out the side of the housing  210 , and the last groove  258  for a lock ring  262  that retains the inlet section  214  inside the housing  210 , although the inlet sections  214  are still freely able to pivot (360 degrees) to any desired position. There are three (3) additional o-rings  264  in small steps in the housing  210  adjacent the interface with the inlet  214  and outlet  216  sections. The outlet section  214  is preferably an interference press fit and permanently set into the housing  210 . 
   Having described the structure of the third-preferred embodiment, it is now possible to discuss its operation, function and use. The valve of the third-preferred embodiment is configured for the main body or housing  210  to be mounted to a generally flat, plate-like structure and secured with conventional fasteners (not shown) through the four (4) mounting holes  218 , and conventional hoses or fuel lines from a the gas or reserve tank or other fuel sources are attached to the inlet sections  214 . Advantageously, the inlet sections  214  can freely pivot 360 degrees all the way around, providing great flexibility in the routing of the hoses or fuel lines thereto. That is, the inlet sections  214  can be positioned pointing forward as shown in the  FIGS. 27-32 , or alternatively can individually or both be pivoted to point downward, backward, upward or anywhere in between, while being retained by the lock rings  262 . 
   With the selector handle  212  in the position aligned with the outlet section  216 , the ball  244  is seated against the o-ring  264  in the step in the housing  210  adjacent the outlet section  216  and thus no fuel can flow through the outlet section  216  and to the carburetor or other destination (not shown) for the fuel. With the selector handle  212  aligned over either of the inlet sections  214 , the ball  244  similarly closes that inlet section  214  and allows fuel to flow only through the other inlet section and the rotary piston  224  and the outlet section  216 . With the ball  244  seated in any of the inlet  214  or outlet  216  section, as the user begins to turn the handle  212  this tends to force the ball  244  (compressing the spring  242 ) inside the rotary piston  224 , and when it reaches the desired inlet  214  or outlet section  216  the ball  244  jumps (the spring  242  is released from a compressed state) into the seat provided by the o-ring  264 . This makes a clicking sound and is positive engagement of the selector handle  212  and valve in the new position, and the selector handle  212  and valve tend to stay in that position until forcibly moved to another position. 
   Disassembling of the third-preferred embodiment for cleaning, replacement of o-rings  236 ,  254 ,  260  or  264 , or the like is easily accomplished. The lock rings  256  or  262  are removable to gain access inside the housing  210  to every part and component of the petcock valve, and then merely reversing one&#39;s steps to reassemble the valve. Preferably in disassembling either of the inlet sections  214 , the selector handle  212  should be in the “OFF” position aligned with the outlet section  216 , such that the ball  244  will not be propelled out of the housing  210  and possibly lost. 
   Finally, referring to  FIGS. 33-39 , the fourth-preferred embodiment may be described. Initially primarily referring to  FIGS. 33 ,  34 , this valve has a main body or housing  310  defining a chamber or inner cavity  312  (see  FIG. 36 ), and a pair of swiveling inlet sections  314 ,  315  and a fixed outlet section  316 . On the ends of the inlet sections  314  and outlet section  316  are nipples  318  for connecting conventional fuel hoses (not shown). A selector or lever handle  320  connects to the inner workings of the valve, and an end cover  322  closes out the valve and also serves to provide an interface for a two-fastener mount to a flat surface (not shown). 
   As best shown in  FIG. 36 , housed inside the chamber  312  is a two-stage rotor  324  having an upper portion  326  and a lower portion  328  and a rotor cap  330 . The inside of the chamber  312  also has a circumferential groove  332  between one or more seats  334 , the function of which is explained below. The bottom side of the main body  310  has a pair of protruding pins  336  and the interfacing side of the end cover  322  has a pair of corresponding holes  338  for mating these two parts together. The main body  310  and end cover  322  are secured together by four conventional fasteners  340  through the holes  342 ,  344 . The rotor cap  330  has a protruding stop  346  that rides in the slot  348  in the end cover  322 . 
   Continuing to refer to  FIG. 36  and also  FIGS. 38 ,  39 , the top of the rotor  324  extends through an opening in the main body  310  and into an opening  350  in the selector handle  320 , and is fixedly connected to the handle  320  by a conventional fastener  352  through threaded holes  354  and  356 . A circumferential groove  358  in the rotor  324  houses an o-ring  360  to seal the top portion of the valve body  310 . 
   Sealing the bottom of the main body  310  is a second o-ring  362  that rides around the perimeter of a recessed area  364  in the end cover  322 . In that recessed area  364  there is also a spring washer  366  that maintains a sliding gap between the revolving rotor  324  and rotor cap  330  and fixed end cover  322 . A second protruding pin  368  and corresponding hole  370  are for tying the rotor  324  and rotor cap  330  so they revolve together. The rotor end cap  330  also includes a pivot pin  372  that rides in an opening  374  in the end cover  322 , and as shown in  FIG. 6  the pivot pin  372  extends on the upward side of the rotor cap  33  as well to fill the opening in the bottom of the rotor  324 . Finally, the end cover  322  includes a pair of holes  386  for mounting to a flat surface (not shown). 
   The side portions of the main body  310  include a stepped hole  378  sized to accept a tubular portion  380  of the inlet sections  314 ,  315 . On the tubular portion  380  are a pair of circumferential grooves  382  for a pair of o-rings  384 , and a third circumferential groove  382  for a locking ring  386  that slides into a slot  388  in the side of the valve body  310 . This configuration and assembly secures the inlet sections  314 ,  315  and seals the sides of the main body  310  while still allowing the inlet sections  314 ,  315  to freely swivel in either direction.  FIG. 36  shows the inlet sections  314 ,  315  swiveled to align with the outlet section, whereas  FIGS. 33 ,  34  show the inlet sections  314 ,  315  swiveled to the opposite direction as the outlet section  316 . 
   Now also referring to  FIG. 37 , the inner workings of the valve can be described. The rotor  324  is in the approximate shape of a bowling pin and revolves inside the chamber  312  of the main body  310 . Inside the rotor  324  is a passageway  390  including a pair of intersecting horizontal through holes in the lower portion  328 , a vertical hole through the bottom extending upwards past the intersecting through holes to a horizontal exit hole in the upper portion  326  of the rotor. A pair of balls  392  separated by a compression spring  394  and mounted in the lower portion  328  through hole that aligns with the through hole in the upper portion  326 . A curved vertical slot  396  is machined into the interior circumferential grove at three places. Where the outlet section  316  meets the main body  310  a space is created to retain an o-ring  398 . See  FIG. 14  for an enlarged view of this same valve seat structure found in the first embodiment. 
   The fourth embodiment operates as follows. The valve is mounted to a flat surface remote from the fuel supply and carburetor (all not shown), and fuel hoses (not shown) are connected to the valve. The inlet sections  314 ,  315  freely swivel ( FIGS. 33-35 ) offering flexibility in routing of the fuel lines. When the selector handle  320  is in the “off” or middle position the balls  392  are seated against the o-ring  394  and in the vertical slot  396  180 degrees opposite, and the outlet section  316  is sealed and no fuel is able to pass through the valve. Also while in the “off” position, the rotor  324  is oriented such that the hole in the upper portion  326  of the passageway  390  is misaligned with the inlet sections  314 ,  315  such that no significant amount of fuel is able to pass into the valve from either of the inlet sections  314 ,  315 . 
   When the selector handle  320  is rotated 90 degrees counter-clockwise (looking down at the top of the valve), the rotor  324  revolves 90 degrees in the same direction, moving the ball out of the seat and away from the o-ring  398  and the upper portion  326  now being oriented such that the hole aligns with the inlet section  315  (see,  FIG. 38 ). Fuel is able to flow readily into the inlet section  315 , through the passageway  390  and out the outlet section  316 . If the handle is now rotated 180 degrees clockwise (not shown), fuel is able to enter through the other inlet section  314  and pass though the outlet section  316 . The valve is configured such that there is a hard stop at the two open or “on” positions, and a detent to indicate and hold the rotor/handle at the midway “off position.” 
   The fourth embodiment valve is also easily disassembled for maintenance purposes. The hoses (not shown) would be disconnected and the valve removed from the mounting surface (not shown). The inlet sections  314 ,  315  are easily removable by sliding out the locking ring  396 . After the bottom fasteners  350  and end cover  322  are removed, as well as the handle fastener  352  and selector handle  320 , then the rotor cap  330  and rotor  324 , balls  392  and spring  394  can be removed from inside the body  310 . When removing the rotor  324  from inside the body  310 , one should put his or her hand around the rotor  324  to catch and avoid losing the loose balls  392  AND SPRING  394 . This provides access to replace all the o-rings, e.g.  360 ,  362 ,  398 , etc. as well as for cleaning of the rotor  324  and chamber  312  inside the body  320 . Merely reversing these steps will reassemble the valve. 
   While the present invention has been described with regards to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations of the present invention may be devised without departing from the inventive concept.

Technology Category: 4