GTank-LC & Mini-GTank-LC

Abstract

The GTank-LC & Mini-GTank-LC ‘GTank’ is a supplemental fuel storage/delivery system that connects to and becomes an integral part of the existing fuel storage/delivery system of the Suzuki Intruder 1500 LC, increasing its capacity by between 2.0 and 2.5 gallons all the while not disrupting the normal fuel flow or intended operation of the ‘motorcycle’. This invention allows the operator to select fuel from either the existing fuel storage tank/cell or the new fuel storage tank/cell from either ‘GTank’ during normal operation of the ‘motorcycle’ without disruption or adversely affecting its use.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

A variety of new and older models of motorcycles have less than adequate fuel capacities that adversely limit their ability to be utilized for extended distances or in somewhat remote areas under certain conditions.

This limited storage capacity can also affect choice of planned routes based on limitations of available refueling locations and can even be dangerous due to miscalculations causing fuel shortages on busy roads.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The installation and use of this supplemental fuel storage/delivery system, GTank-LC & Mini-GTank-LC, will greatly extend the usable range of the Suzuki Intruder 1500 LC, ‘motorcycle’, and allow for a greater and more diverse usage of the same.

This invention adds to the storage capacity of the ‘motorcycle’ by either 2.0 or 2.5 gallons. Effectively increasing its usable range by a minimum of 40% up to 61%, depending on which tank/cell is installed, the Mini-GTank-LC at 40%, or GTank-LC at 61%.

This invention also adds to and becomes an integral part of the ‘motorcycle's fuel system without affecting emissions and/or normal usage and is designed to be used at the riders will without adversely affecting the originally designed operational parameters of the fuel system of the ‘motorcycle’.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1: Top Plan View of the GTank-LC and Mini-GTank-LC noting locations of the vent, fill and draw or fuel nipples, mounting brackets and overall shape and dimensions.

FIG. 2: Rear Elevation of the GTank-LC and Mini-GTank-LC noting locations of the vent, fill and draw or fuel nipples and overall shape and dimensions.

FIG. 3: Bottom Plan View of the GTank-LC and Mini-GTank-LC noting overall shape and dimensions.

FIG. 4: Front Elevation of the GTank-LC and Mini-GTank-LC noting locations of the vent, fill and draw or fuel nipples and overall shape and dimensions

FIG. 5: Left Side Elevation of the GTank-LC and Mini-GTank-LC noting locations of the vent, fill and draw or fuel nipples, overall shape, dimensions and relational differences between the GTank-LC and the Mini-GTank-LC.

FIG. 6: Right Side Elevation of the GTank-LC and Mini-GTank-LC noting locations of the vent, fill and draw or fuel nipples, overall shape, dimensions and relational differences between the GTank-LC and the Mini-GTank-LC.

FIG. 7: A schematic of the complete supplemental fuel storage/delivery system, all relative components, new and existing, and their relationship to the invention and each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The GTank-LC & Mini GTank-LC, here-after referred to as ‘GTank’ are Supplemental Fuel Storage Cell/Tanks for the Suzuki Intruder 1500 LC, here after referred to as ‘Motorcycle’. The ‘GTank’ is located between and above the bottom of the lower frame rails, in front of the rear tire, under the rear swing arm and behind and beside the rear shocks' lower connection point and is incorporated into and becomes an integral part of the stock fuel system of the ‘Motorcycle’ by the installation of this New Supplemental Fuel Storage Cell/Tank, Additional Fuel Lines/Couplers/Fuel Valve/Fuel Filter and Revised Fuel System as Designed/Drawn and Included here-in and as described in this Invention to enable its use as a an integral part of the ‘Motorcycle’ fuel supply and operation.

Clarification

The only distinguishing difference between the GTank-LC and Mini-GTank-LC is the shortening of the ‘ends’ on the ‘Rear Side’ of the Mini-GTank-LC. The larger, GTank-LC, has a 2.5 gallon capacity, while the smaller Mini-GTank-LC has a 2.0 Gallon capacity, due to the shortened ends. All other aspects, use, locations, layout, parts and panels, except for the shortened end pieces are identical between the two versions.

Fuel Line Routing

First Fill Line 1 routes from the GTank Fill Line to the first ‘L’ coupler tapped into the existing fill line.

First Vent Line routes from the GTank Vent Line to the first ‘Y’ coupler tapped into the existing vent line.

First Draw Line routes from the existing fuel storage tank to the top nipple of the first fuel valve.

Second Draw Line routes from the lower nipple of the first fuel valve to the GTank fuel nipple.

Third Draw Line, first half, routes from the first fuel filter to the existing fuel pump.

Third Draw Line, second half, routes from the center nipple of the first fuel valve to the first fuel filter.

Couplers 2ea

The ‘L’ coupler connects the ‘GTank’ fill hose to the existing filler hose allowing for simultaneous fuel cell/tank filling from the stock fill location and is made from materials not affected by contact with fuel or fuel fumes, predominantly nylon.

The ‘Y’ Connector ties the ‘GTank’ vent hose into the existing vent system to allow for simultaneous venting of both tanks utilizing the stock venting system and is made from materials not affected by contact with fuel or fuel fumes, predominantly nylon.

Fuel Valve

The fuel valve is a 2-way valve allowing the rider to manually direct fuel flow from either the ‘GTank’ or the stock fuel tank/cell to the stock fuel pump at the discretion of the operator. The fuel valve is secured to the ‘Motorcycle’ in the area of the stock ignition switch and is accessible by the operator at any time before or during normal motorcycle operation.

Operation

The operator fills the ‘GTank’ simultaneously and in the same fuel filler location as the stock fuel tank. The ‘GTank’ requires slightly longer fill times due to its smaller ½′ filler line, thus filling speed should be reduced after the main tank is filled to reduce the potential for spillage. The filling process is complete when the fuel visible in the stock filler neck no longer drains down into either tank/cell. Always perform the filling operation while standing next to the ‘Motorcycle’ with it on its kickstand and all power shut off.

The stored fuel of the ‘GTank’ should be utilized first due to the lack of a fuel gauge, then the rider/operator can redirect the fuel by moving the valve handle 180 degrees directing fuel to be drawn from the main tank/cell, while operating the ‘motorcycle’ under normal conditions. Operation of the motorcycle continues, uninterrupted, while fuel consumption is being tracked through the stock fuel gauge on the stock fuel tank/cell.

Claims

1) A supplementary fuel storage/delivery system added to the existing fuel system of a motorcycle comprising: a supplemental fuel storage cell/tank added to said motorcycle; a first fill line coupled to fill line of said existing system; a first vent line coupled to vent line of said existing system; a first draw line coupled to first fuel valve; a second draw line coupled to said first fuel valve; a first fuel filter coupled to third draw line coupled to said first fuel valve; a said first fuel valve controlling fuel flow between said existing fuel system and said supplementary fuel storage/delivery system.

2) The supplementary fuel storage/delivery system of claim 1 wherein: said motorcycle is Suzuki Intruder 1500 LC, all years, all sub models, all variations, all adaptations there-of.

3) The supplementary fuel storage/delivery system of claim 2 wherein: said fuel storage cell/tank is welded aluminum with exterior coating of spray-on epoxy.

4) The supplementary fuel storage/delivery system of claim 3 wherein: said fuel storage cell/tank is formed, fitted and secured in position under said motorcycle between and above lower portion of frame rails, in front of rear tire.

5) The supplementary fuel storage/delivery system of claim 2 wherein: said capacity of storage cell/tank can be either 2.0 US gallons or 2.5 US gallons.

6) The supplementary fuel storage/delivery system of claim 1 further comprising: said fill line coupler is ‘L’ shaped fuel resistant, secured to said existing fill line and said first fill line.

7) The supplementary fuel storage/delivery system of claim 1 further comprising: said vent line coupler is ‘Y’ shaped fuel resistant, secured to said existing vent line and said first vent line.

8) The supplementary fuel storage/delivery system of claim 1 further comprising: said first draw line couples to said first fuel valve, said second draw line couples to said first fuel valve, said third draw line couples to said first fuel valve.

9) The supplementary fuel storage/delivery system of claim 8 wherein: said first fuel valve diverts fuel through three nipples, one for said first draw line, one for said second draw line, one for said third draw line, with diverter handle to select fuel flow from between said draw lines coupled to said three nipples.

10) The supplementary fuel storage/delivery system of claim 1 further comprising: said first fuel filter couples to said third draw line, filtering fuel entering said existing fuel pump.

11) The supplementary fuel storage/delivery system of claim 1 further comprising: said first fill line, said first vent line, said first draw line, said second draw line, said third draw line are reinforced fuel rated lines intended for automotive fuel usage.