GB2255816A

GB2255816A - Lockable fuel valve

Info

Publication number: GB2255816A
Application number: GB9115959A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Graham Patrick Coleman
Original assignee: OKEEFFE JOHN
Current assignee: OKEEFFE JOHN
Priority date: 1991-05-15
Filing date: 1991-07-24
Publication date: 1992-11-18
Also published as: GB9110476D0; GB9115959D0

Abstract

A lockable in-line fuel valve is mounted outside the operator compartment in a secure or inaccessible location, eg. under the compartment floor or behind a bulkhead, but is activated by means of a removable key to allow isolation of the vehicle engine from the fuel supply and so render the vehicle inoperative. A closure member 18 of the valve is pushed off its seat by a plunger 17 which is moved by a rotatable cam 16 on actuation of a locking mechanism with the key. <IMAGE>

Description

LOCKABLE FUEL VALVE.

This invention relates to a lockable fuel valve.

Although there are many different methods by which vehicles can be immobilised to prevent theft or misuse, they are mainly concerned with the locking or disconnection of electrical circuits which prevent the engine from being activated. Reports show that almost all of the currently available methods designed to prevent the unlawful use of a vehicle can be over-ridden, by-passed or otherwise neutralised so allowing the theft or misuse of the vehicle.

This invention ams to allow the complete isolation of the vehicle engine from the source of fuel by means of a mechanically operated lockable valve inserted into the fuel line which typically runs under the floor of the vehicle from the fuel tank to the engine. The shut-off valve can only be opened or closed by means of a key which is inserted into the valve through a hole in the floor inside the vehicle to activate the valve which is secured outside the vehicle under the floor.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a typical installation on a passenger car.

Figure 2 shows a view of the valve installed.

Figure 3 shows top, side and end views of a lockable valve.

Figure 4 shows an isometric view of the lockable valve.

Figure 5 shows a top view section of the lockable valve.

Figure 6 shows a side view section of the lockable valve.

Refering to the drawings, Fig. 1. shows the lockable valve 7 inserted into the fuel line 2 running under the vehicle floor 5 between the fuel tank 1 and the carburettor/fuel injection system 4 and the engine 6. The fuel pump 3 is usually installed at the engine on'carburettor equipped vehicles and adjacent to the fuel tank on fuel injected vehicles. The location of the fuel pump does not effect operation of the lockable valve.

Fig. 2 shows the lockable valve 7 secured under the floor 5 by bolts 12 with the removable key 9 inserted into the locking mechanism 8 which projects through the floor 5, underfelt 10 and carpet 11 if these are fitted. The body of the valve is designed to accomodate a range of different sized fuel lines 2 with suitable adaptors.

Fig. 3 shows a top, side and end view of the lockable valve where 7 is the body of the valve and 8 is the locking mechanism which projects through the floor or bulkhead of the vehicle and into which is inserted the key to operate the shut-off valve. A carpet retainer 13 screws onto the locking mechanism 8 and incorporates a dust seal. An adaptor 14 couples the fuel pipe from the fuel tank to the body of the lockable fuel valve 7. Another adaptor 15 couples the valve to the fuel pipe running to the engine of the vehicle. Holes 12 are provided to connect the valve to the floor or bulkhead of the vehicle by means of bolts or other fixings.

Fig. 4 shows an isometric view of the lockable fuel valve.

Fig. 5 shows a top view section of the valve where fuel is supplied to the valve from the tank via an adaptor 14 to a stop valve shown typically as a ball 18 held against a seat by a spring 19 to prevent the flow of fuel to the engine via a further adaptor coupled to the fuel pipe at 15.

A cam 16 is connected to the lock and shown in the closed position such that the piston assembly allows the stop valve, shown as a ball 18 to seat firmly on a reduced orifice.

Leakage of fuel past the piston assembly 17 is prevented by a seal 20. Holes in the valve body 20 allow the valve to be bolted to the floor or bulkhead.

Fig. 6 shows a side view section of the lockable fuel valve where the cam 16 is in the open position whereby the piston assembly 17 is advanced to push the stop valve, shown as a ball 18, off the seat of the reduced orifice against the spring 19 and so allow fuel to pass freely from the entry point 14 to the exit point 15. The cam 16 is shown attached to the locking mechanism 8 which projects above the valve body to pass through the floor of the vehicle and be accessible for key operation from within the vehicle.

Refering to Fig. 5 and 6 it should be noted that the locking mechanism 8 can be installed into the valve body from either the top or bottom of the valve body so allowing the fuel inlet 14 and outlet 15 to be offset either to the left or right of the locking mechanism 8 when viewed in plan in order to facilitate installation.

Claims

CLAIMS.

1. A lockable valve inserted into a fuel line between a fuel supply and an engine.

2. A valve as claimed in Claim 1 whereby the valve is secured in an in an inaccessible location, typically under a floor or behind a bulkhead.

3. A valve as claimed in Claims 1 & 2 whereby the valve is operated by a key or other means through an access in the floor or bulkhead.

4. A valve as claimed in Claims 1, 2 & 3 such that the operation of the valve is by mechanical means.

5. A valve as claimed in Claims 1, 2, 3 & 4 such that a retaining collar can be attached to that part of the valve or locking mechanism which projects from the valve body.

6. A valve as claimed in Claim 1 whereby adaptors can be secured to the valve body to accomodate various sizes of fuel pipe connecting the fuel pipe to the engine.

7. A valve as claimed in claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 such that the valve is opened by means of a cam attached to a key operated mechanical lock.

8. A valve as claimed under Claims 1 to 7 such that a cam advances a plunger which disturbs a positive spring activated seal thereby allowing the flow of liquid or gas through the valve.

9. A lockable fuel valve substantially described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.