Patent ID: 7967041
Filing Date: 2011-06-28
Classification: B60K

Abstract:
1. A fuel-dispensing nozzle inhibitor comprising a nozzle conduit positionable on a fuel fill tube, wherein the fuel fill tube is constructed to direct fuel to a fuel tank, and wherein the nozzle conduit defines a nozzle-receiving passageway for receiving a fuel-dispensing nozzle with at least one of a first diameter selected for a first fuel type and a second diameter for a second fuel type, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter, a closure positioned adjacent to a bottom portion of the nozzle conduit, wherein the closure has an opened position to permit insertion of the fuel-dispensing nozzle past the closure if the fuel-dispensing nozzle has the first diameter, and wherein the closure has a closed position to prevent insertion of the fuel-dispensing nozzle past the closure if the fuel-dispensing nozzle has the second diameter, a lock to retain the closure in a closed position if the fuel-dispensing nozzle has the second diameter and to release the closure if the fuel-dispensing nozzle has the first diameter, and lock opening means for actuating the lock, wherein the lock opening means is disposed within the nozzle conduit, wherein the lock opening means is adapted to contact the fuel-dispensing nozzle when inserted into the nozzle-receiving passageway, wherein the lock opening means cooperates with the lock to release the closure if the fuel-dispensing nozzle has the first diameter, and wherein the lock opening means cooperates with the lock to maintain the lock in the closed position if the fuel-dispensing nozzle has the second diameter, wherein the lock comprises a variable-circumference band, operable with the lock opening means and the closure, to bias the lock to retain the closure in the closed position and permit release of the closure if the fuel-dispensing nozzle has the first diameter.