Patent Application
20230140355
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for operation of a fuel pump nozzle to dispense fuel into a vehicle or container without touching the fuel pump nozzle.
Automobiles provide an important mode of transportation for individuals and businesses. Automobiles enable an individual to travel to their place of work, a favorite retail establishment or restaurant, their kid's school events, the homes of friends and family, a medical facility, a vacation destination, and almost anywhere the individual desires to go. Work vehicles, such as delivery vans, construction vehicles, buses, and public service vehicles, are similarly important to the performance of critical services and the functioning of the entire economy. For any of the foregoing types of activities, the operation of an automobile is a common activity for many individuals. In fact, many individuals will operate an automobile multiple times in a week or even in a single day.
An important responsibility of an individual operating an automobile is to verify that the automobile has enough fuel to reach a chosen destination or to complete a desired objective. For example, the individual may determine whether the automobile's fuel gauge indicates that the automobile's fuel tank contains enough fuel to reach the destination or complete the objective. It is a common occurrence that the individual will need to add fuel to the fuel tank of the automobile before or during a given outing to prevent running out of fuel and becoming unable to proceed or return.
Due to the regular need to obtain additional fuel at various points in a journey, fuel stations are conveniently located along commonly used roadways. The individual may simply drive their automobile up to the side of a fuel pump, provide a form of payment, and pump fuel into the automobile's fuel tank without much delay. In fact, the operation of the fuel pump and the fuel dispensing nozzle is substantially standardized for safety and practicality. After inputting a form of payment and selecting a fuel type, the individual simply grasps the fuel nozzle by a handle, lifts the fuel nozzle from a hook on the pump housing, inserts the end of the fuel nozzle into the fuel tank filler pipe, and manually actuates a trigger that is adjacent to the handle.
Filling an automobile with fuel is not a difficult task, but it is a manual process that requires grasping the handle and trigger areas of the fuel nozzle. Unfortunately, a given fuel nozzle may be used by many individuals every day and the fuel nozzle may become dirty with grease and grime and/or contaminated with germs, viruses, or hazardous materials. The individual that operates the fuel nozzle may get one hand or both hands dirty or contaminated during this common and regular task. A hand washing facility might be provided inside a fuel station building adjacent to the fuel pump area, but many individuals may prefer to avoid going inside or may prefer to simply avoid putting their hands in contact with a dirty or contaminated fuel nozzle.
Some embodiments provide an apparatus comprising a cover forming an open channel that includes a curved grip portion and first and second sides extending from the curved grip portion. The open channel is receivable onto a fuel pump handle of a fuel pump nozzle such that the curved grip portion fits closely over a top surface of the fuel pump handle and the first and second sides extend downwardly along opposing sides of the fuel pump handle. The apparatus further comprises a trigger guard including a first end that is connected to the first side of the cover by a hinge and a second end that is selectively connectable to the second side of the cover. The trigger guard is rotatable about the hinge from an open position in which the second end is disconnected from the second side to a closed position in which the trigger guard extends under a fuel pump trigger of the fuel pump nozzle and the second end is connected to the second side.
Some embodiments provide an apparatus comprising a cover forming an open channel that includes a curved grip portion and first and second sides extending from the curved grip portion. The open channel is receivable onto a fuel pump handle of a fuel pump nozzle such that the curved grip portion fits closely over a top surface of the fuel pump handle and the first and second sides extend downwardly along opposing sides of the fuel pump handle. The apparatus further comprises a trigger guard including a first end that is connected to the first side of the cover by a hinge and a second end that is selectively connectable to the second side of the cover. The trigger guard is rotatable about the hinge from an open position in which the second end is disconnected from the second side to a closed position in which the trigger guard extends under a fuel pump trigger of the fuel pump nozzle and the second end is connected to the second side. Furthermore, the second end of the trigger guard includes a first latch member and the second side of the cover includes a second latch member, wherein the first and second latch members selectively connect the second end of the trigger guard to the second side of the cover. The first and second latch members disconnect under a force of the fuel pump trigger being released in response to the fuel pump nozzle being automatically shut off.
Some embodiments provide an apparatus comprising a cover forming an open channel that includes a curved grip portion and first and second sides extending from the curved grip portion. The open channel is receivable onto a fuel pump handle of a fuel pump nozzle such that the curved grip portion fits closely over a top surface of the fuel pump handle and the first and second sides extend downwardly along opposing sides of the fuel pump handle. The apparatus further comprises a trigger guard including a first end that is connected to the first side of the cover by a hinge and a second end that is selectively connectable to the second side of the cover. The trigger guard is rotatable about the hinge from an open position in which the second end is disconnected from the second side to a closed position in which the trigger guard extends under a fuel pump trigger of the fuel pump nozzle and the second end is connected to the second side.
The cover and trigger guard may each be independently formed with many common plastic compositions, such as polyester. One suitable polyester is referred to as polylactic acid (PLA). Accordingly, the cover may be a substantially rigid and strong component but may have a small range of flexibility as afforded by the plastic. The plastic may include any suitable polymers, such as nylon, acrylic, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride, with or without additives, such as colorants, fillers, reinforcing fibers, plasticizers, stabilizers and the like. Other suitable thermoplastics may also be used. The cover and/or trigger guard may be manufactured using various technologies, such as using three-dimension printing or injection molding. Furthermore, the cover and trigger guard may be coating with materials having various desirable properties, such as an antimicrobial coating.
Some embodiments of the cover include an open channel that is a substantially U-shaped channel. During use, the open end of the U-shaped channel is directed over the fuel pump handle until the fuel pump handle reaches the base of the U-shape channel with the sides of the U-shaped channel extending along the sides of fuel nozzle. For example, the open channel may have an interior surface that is complementary to the top surface of the fuel pump handle.
The trigger guard is rotationally coupled to the cover with a hinge. The first end of the trigger guard may form one half of the hinge and the first side of the cover may form another half of the hinge. For example, the hinge may be a barrel hinge with one or more sections of the barrel formed at the first end of the trigger guard and one or more section of the barrel formed by or secured to the first side of the cover. The sections of the barrel may be aligned and a hinge pin or element, such as a bolt or screw and nut, may be secured through all of the barrel sections to securely couple the trigger guard to the cover and define an axis of rotation therebetween.
In some embodiments, an individual may rotate the trigger guard about the hinge and until the trigger guard extends under the fuel nozzle trigger. Furthermore, rotation of the trigger guard may then cause the fuel nozzle trigger to rise toward the fuel nozzle handle and initiate dispensing of fuel from the fuel nozzle into the fuel tank of the automobile. In some options, the trigger guard may be further rotated so that a second end of the trigger guard may be engage the second side of the cover. The second end of the trigger guard may include a first latch member and the second side of the cover may include a second latch member, such that the first and second latch members may selectively connect the second end of the trigger guard to the second side of the cover. Accordingly, the trigger guard may be “latched” or otherwise “secured” in a closed position. The use of such selectively connectable latch members may enable hands-free dispensing of fuel into the fuel tank.
In some embodiments, the cover and the trigger guard are both sufficiently rigid that rotation of the trigger guard about the hinge from the open position toward the closed position aligns the first latch member with the second latch member for engagement therebetween. The automatic alignment of the first second latch members simplifies latching of the trigger guard in the closed position and reduces the level of hand and finger dexterity required of the individual. A wide variety of latching mechanisms may be incorporated but are preferably simple frictional connections or catches.
In some embodiments, the first latch member may be a slot formed in the second end of the trigger guard and the second latch member may be a tab formed on the second side of the cover, wherein the slot is selectively connectable to the tab by slidably engaging the slot about the tab. The size and shape of the slot and tab may vary so long as a releasable connection is formed. In one example, the slot and tab have complementary dovetail shapes. In a further option, the slot may be formed on the second side of the cover and the tab may be formed on the second end of the trigger guard. Furthermore, the slot and/or the tab may be tapered to facilitate entry of the tab into the slot or to provide a gradual increase in frictional engagement between the tab and slot.
In some embodiments, engagement of the slot about the tab results in static friction between the slot and tab to resist disengagement of the second end of the trigger guard from the second side of the cover. In one option, the amount of the static friction between the slot and the tab may be sufficient to secure the trigger guard in a closed position during hands-free operation of the fuel pump nozzle, yet the amount of the static friction between the slot and the tab may be overcome by a force of the fuel pump trigger being released in response to the fuel pump nozzle being automatically shut off.
In some embodiments, the second end of the trigger guard may further include a latch release tab that extends laterally away from the fuel pump nozzle with the trigger guard in the closed position. The latch release tab is preferably positioned for operation with a user's thumb when the user is gripping the cover. Specifically, the individual's palm may rest against the cover with the four fingers extending along the right-hand side of the cover to engage the trigger guard and the thumb may extend along the left-hand side of the cover. With the latch release tab on the left-hand side of the cover, the thumb can be easily moved into a position to push the latch release tab and cause disengagement of the latch members. It should be recognized that the foregoing discussion describes a right-handed apparatus and it is possible to form a left-handed apparatus that is a mirror image of any of the right-handed embodiments described herein. Accordingly, some embodiments may include a hinge on the left-hand side of the cover and a latch member on the right-hand side of the cover.
Some embodiments may be characterized in that a user may temporarily position the cover over the fuel pump handle and cause the trigger guard to actuate the fuel pump trigger without touching any portion of the fuel pump handle and the fuel pump trigger. Specifically, the individual's hand only contacts the outer surfaces of the cover and trigger guard while only the inner surfaces of the cover and trigger guard only contact the pump nozzle hand and trigger. The width of the trigger guard may be increased to allow a greater number of fingers of the individual's hand to be used in rotating the trigger guard to cause actuation of the fuel nozzle trigger and/or latching of the trigger guard. Furthermore, the individual may further return the fuel pump nozzle to a stowed position on the fuel pump and remove the cover from the fuel pump handle with the trigger guard in the open position, yet still avoid touching any portion of the fuel pump nozzle.
Some embodiments may be characterized in that a user may, with a single hand, position the cover over the fuel pump handle and cause the trigger guard to actuate the fuel pump trigger without touching any portion of the fuel pump handle and the fuel pump trigger. Single-handed operation of the fuel pump nozzle using the apparatus is not necessary but may be helpful to the individual whose current practice is to use only one hand for this purpose.
In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include a wrist guard extending from a proximal end of the rigid cover and covering a portion of the fuel pump nozzle that is proximal of the fuel pump handle. The wrist guard may be useful to further protect the individual's wrist or sleeve from contacting the fuel pump nozzle. In addition, the wrist guard may also serve a helpful alignment purpose to assist the individual in positioning and seating the cover over the handle portion of the fuel pump nozzle. The wrist guard may be integrally formed with the cover but may or may not extend along the sides of the fuel pump nozzle as does the cover.
In some embodiments, the cover may have an outward-directed surface that is textured or coated to improve a grip of a user's hand on the cover. Similarly, an outward-directed surface of the trigger guard may be textured or coated.
Some embodiments provide an apparatus comprising a cover forming an open channel that includes a curved grip portion and first and second sides extending from the curved grip portion. The open channel is receivable onto a fuel pump handle of a fuel pump nozzle such that the curved grip portion fits closely over a top surface of the fuel pump handle and the first and second sides extend downwardly along opposing sides of the fuel pump handle. The apparatus further comprises a trigger guard including a first end that is connected to the first side of the cover by a hinge and a second end that is selectively connectable to the second side of the cover. The trigger guard is rotatable about the hinge from an open position in which the second end is disconnected from the second side to a closed position in which the trigger guard extends under a fuel pump trigger of the fuel pump nozzle and the second end is connected to the second side. Furthermore, the second end of the trigger guard includes a first latch member, and the second side of the cover includes a second latch member, wherein the first and second latch members selectively connect the second end of the trigger guard to the second side of the cover. The first and second latch members disconnect under a force of the fuel pump trigger being released in response to the fuel pump nozzle being automatically shut off. Optionally, the apparatus may be characterized in that an individual user may, without touching any portion of the fuel pump handle and the fuel pump trigger, temporarily position the cover over the fuel pump handle, cause the trigger guard to actuate the fuel pump trigger, and remove the cover from the fuel pump handle with the trigger guard in the open position.
The trigger guard 30 is illustrated as an arced member that curved out and down from the hinge 40. A second end of the trigger guard 30 forms a first latch member 60 that includes a slot 62. The slot 62 of the first latch member 60 cooperates with a second latch member (see
The wrist guard 50 extends from the curved top portion 26 of the cover 20 in a proximal direction with an optional flared neck 52 allowing the wrist guard 50 to have a larger dimension and/or different shape than the cover 20.
The second side 24 forms or secured the second latch member 64. In the illustrated embodiment, the second latch member 64 is a dovetail/trapezoidal shaped tab that extends laterally outward from the surface of the second side 24. The second latch member 64 has a profile or shape that is receivable in the slot 62 of the first latch member 60 formed at the second end of the trigger guard 30. The alignment and engagement of the first and second latch members is shown in greater detail in reference to
Notice that the trigger guard 30 is hanging down from the hinge 40 as was shown in
Again, notice that the trigger guard 30 is hanging down from the hinge 40 (not shown), and that the fuel trigger 112 is in a resting position where no fuel is being dispensed from the fuel pump nozzle 100. In this position, the second (lower/distal) end of the trigger guard 30 reaches a point that is lower than the fuel trigger 112. Accordingly, upon rotation of the trigger guard 30 (out of the page as shown in
In the closed position shown, the individual may remove their hand from the apparatus 10 and the fuel pump nozzle 100 may continue to dispense fuel. However, when the fuel pump nozzle 100 senses a full tank, the fuel pump nozzle will automatically shut off and release the fuel trigger 112. Accordingly, after returning the fuel pump nozzle 100 to a stowed position on the fuel pump (not shown), the individual may then use their thumb or other hand to press down on the
The apparatus may be used by individuals at standard fuel pumps, allowing them to operate the pump and fuel their vehicle without directly touching the fuel pump. Accordingly, the apparatus may be used in a manner to ensure sanitary operation of the fuel pump to prevent transmission of biological and chemical contaminates from the pump to the user's hand. The apparatus functions as an attachable and removable apparatus that fits over the top of a standard fuel pump handle to protect the user's palm. The user can then close a trigger guard that will allow them to pull the fuel trigger to begin dispensing fuel without touching the fuel trigger, protecting their fingers from contamination. This trigger guard may be latched onto the other side of the cover to form an enclosed ring around the fuel pump handle and fuel trigger. This feature also allows the individual dispense fuel hands free, just as they would be able to normally.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The terms “preferably,” “preferred,” “prefer,” “optionally,” “may,” and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition or step being referred to is an optional (not required) feature of the embodiment.
The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or steps plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but it is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading this disclosure. The disclosed embodiments were chosen and described as non-limiting examples to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand these embodiments and other embodiments involving modifications suited to a particular implementation.
