FIBER-OPTICS ILLUMINATED FUEL DISPENSER

Abstract: A panel assembly is disclosed including a translucent panel and a fiber-optic graphics panel disposed behind the translucent panel for imparting illumination through at least part of the translucent panel where the illumination of the fiber-optic graphics panel by a light source results in illumination of the fiber-optic graphics panel and at least part of the translucent panel.

Description: DESCRIPTION FIBER-OPTICS ILLUMINATED FUEL DISPENSER Technical Field The invention relates to a system for illuminating a graphic and translucent panel, especially a graphic and panel which are part of a retail gasoline dispenser. Background Art Gasoline dispenser pumps are used in gasoline service stations to transfer gasoline from a gasoline reservoir to a fuel tank of a customer's vehicle. Since gasoline is a flammable liquid, safety regulations or precautions limit the type of lighting that may be used in and around the dispenser. These regulations protect customers and employees from unsafe lighting systems which could ignite the gasoline in normal service or if a leak develops in the dispenser. The limitations on such lighting constricts the type of lighted advertising graphics which may be used on and around the gasoline dispenser. Fluorescent or incandescent light fixtures could light graphics on portions of the dispenser. It would be difficult, however, to meet all of the safety regulations with such lighting sources. The safety regulations include limits on the maximum voltage used in lighting advertising graphics. Another problem with these lighting sources is size. The lower door of the gasoline dispenser is a prime area for applying advertising graphics such as the company name and/or company trade or service mark. Yet, there is only a very limited area behind the lower door of the dispenser for installing such lighting apparatus. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have a safe and space-conserving lighting apparatus for use in applying lighted advertising graphics to the lower door of a gasoline dispenser pump, to the exterior side end panels, to the valance at the top of the dispenser and on and around the meter readout area. Disclosure of the Invention The invention relates to a panel assembly, including a graphics panel, and a number of fiber-optic strands disposed to illuminate at least part of the graphics panel. The illumination of the light-receiving portions of the fiber-optic strands by a light source results in illumination of the light-emitting portions of the fiber-optic strands. The panel assembly is affixed to a gasoline dispenser's lower door on one or more sides of the dispenser, to the dispenser's exterior side end panels, to the valance at the top of the dispenser and/or on or around the meter readout area. Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the panel assembly where utilization is made of fiber-optic strands having light-emitting side portions. Fig. 2A is an exploded view of another embodiment of the panel assembly where utilization is made of fiber¬ optic strands having light-emitting end portions. Fig. 2B is a blow-up view of a portion of Fig. 2A. Fig. 2C is a side view of Fig. 2B. Figs. 3A and 3B depict a front view and a side view of one embodiment of the panel assembly affixed to the lower door of a gasoline dispenser pump. Figs. 4A and 4B depict front and side views, respectively, of the panel assembly affixed to a front access panel and a light-receiving portion of the fiber¬ optic strands remotely located in a control box on a side portion of a gasoline dispenser pump. Figs. 5A and 5B depict a front and side view, respectively, of one graphics panel assembly affixed to a front lower door and another graphics panel assembly affixed to a top portion of an upper hollow portion of a gasoline dispenser, where the graphics panel attached to the lower door has light-receiving ends of the fiber-optic strands remotely located in a control box depicted in Fig. 6B. Figs. 6A and 6B depict a front and side view, respectively, of one graphics panel assembly affixed to a front lower door and another graphics panel assembly affixed in the center of an upper hollow portion of the gasoline dispenser, where the graphics panel attached to the lower door has light-receiving ends of the fiber-optic strands remotely located in a control box depicted in Fig. 6B. Figs. 7A and 7B depict a front and side view, respectively, of one graphics panel assembly affixed to a front lower door and another graphics panel assembly affixed to a side portion of the gasoline dispenser, where both graphics panels have light-receiving ends of the fiber-optic strands remotely located in a control box depicted in Fig. 7A. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment A. Panel Assembly In Fig. 1, graphic 105 is layered behind translucent panel 110 so as to impose the partly translucent, partly opaque graphic 105 on translucent panel 110. Alternatively, graphic 105 is applied on the front of translucent panel 110 which requires another translucent panel (not shown) in front of the graphic for protection. Graphic 105 is applied by any conventional graphic application means such as a label or silkscreen. Silkscreening is the most common and economical means of applying a graphic. Where the graphic is applied to a label, the label is layered on translucent panel 110 by conventional securement means, such as by an adhesive. Translucent panel 110 is made of plastic, but preferably is a very strong material such as a polycarbonate plastic, such as sold by General Electric under the trade name "LEXAN." Disposed behind graphic 105 is fiber-optic strip 115. Fiber-optic strip 115 is comprised of one or more fiber-optic strands. Fiber-optic strip 115 can be of the type having side cuts in the fiber-optic strands for release of light. An example of a fiber-optic strip can be acquired from Fiberstars of Freemont, California, U.S.A. Alternatively, fiber-optic strip 115 can be a mat having numerous light-emitting end portions distributed along the surface of the mat, which is available from Lu itex of Ohio, U.S.A. Where layering is used to apply fiber-optic strip 115 to the back of the graphic, the strip is layered on the back of graphic 105 by means such as an adhesive. The fiber¬ optic strip optionally is disposed behind the graphic, but is not directly attached to the graphic. The number of fiber-optic strips used can be one or more and will vary depending on the type of graphic being illuminated. Fiber-optic strips are optionally made of fiber-optic cable or strands or tubing arranged closely together, such as on a support material, to substantially provide an illuminated strip. Fig. 2A is an exploded view of another embodiment of a panel assembly where utilization is made of fiber-optic strands having light-emitting end portions. In Fig. 2A, fiber-optic strands or cable are used directly instead of in the form of fiber-optic strips. Fiber-optic strands or cable are exemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,689. In Fig. 2A, graphic panel 105 is layered on the front of panel 131. Where layered on the front, panel 131 is optionally translucent or opaque. Optionally, panel 131 is translucent and graphic panel 105 is layered on the back of panel 131. Fiber-optic strands 134 protrude from fiber¬ optic bundle 137. Individual fiber-optic strands 134 are positioned in channels (139 in Fig. 2C) drilled into or through panel 131 and graphic panel 105. Where graphic panel 105 is on the front of panel 131 or on the back of panel 131 but the fiber-optic strands 134 protrude through the panel 131 and graphic panel 105, a protection translucent panel 110 is provided. Individual letters such as the letter "1" 130 or "F" 133 optionally make up at least a portion of graphic panel 105. Fig. 2B is an enlarged view of the letter "F" portion 133 of Fig. 2A. Optionally, letters such as "1" 130 or the entire graphic panel 105 is coated with a resin containing micron-size glass beads dispersed therein. Such "microbeads" are useful for dispersing the light emitted by light-emitting ends (138 in Fig. 2C) for wide-angle viewing. Such icrobead coatings are taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,689. Individual fiber-optic strands 134 are positioned in channels (139 in Fig. 2C) in graphic panel 105 and panel 131. Strands 134 are positioned in any position so as to illuminate, e.g., the letter "F". Strands 134 can be positioned on the periphery of the letter "F" or scattered along the whole area of the letter "F" if the letter is in a block letter script or other sign script having some thickness. Fig. 2C is a side view of Fig. 2B. As shown, the individual fiber-optic strands 134 protrude through channels 139 in graphic panel 105 to form graphic portion 133. Light emitted from the light-emitting end portions 138 of fiber¬ optic strands 134 illuminate graphic portion 133. Fiber- optic strands are available commercially from Prism Fiber Optics, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. When used in a gasoline dispenser pump, the use of light sources is typically governed by U.L. Specification No. 913 (or corresponding regulations, if any) safety regulations. Very significantly, this U.L. Specification is either met or inapplicable for the present invention, since the fiber-optic strands utilized carry no current into the gasoline pump assembly's lower cavity. Thus, they do not pose a risk of being a source for igniting gasoline vapors if present in the lower cavity of the pump assembly. Other safety regulations or concerns may, however, be applicable. For example, to prevent any build-up of gasoline vapors in the case of a gasoline leak in the lower cavity of the gasoline pump assembly, the entrance of such vapors to fiber-optic bundle (137 of Fig. 2A) is prevented by use of an air gap or a suitable sealing compound. The casing of the bundle is also optionally vented to further avoid any such build-up of gasoline vapors. The dimensions of the fiber-optic strips vary depending on their application. The panel assembly operates by illuminating the free end of fiber-optic strip 115 by a light source (not shown) . The light source is typically an incandescent, halogen, or fluorescent lamp, or laser light emitting diode. The lamp is powered by a conventional power source (not shown) . The strip is optionally layered on the back of graphic 105, for imparting illumination to at least part of graphic 105 and translucent panel 110. The illuminated fiber-optic strip 115 causes light to pass through graphic 105 and translucent panel 110. In Fig. 1, graphic 105 forms letters of the alphabet ("Formula Shell") and horizontal line 125. The light passes from strip 115 and through graphic 105 and panel 110, thus illuminating the letters and line of the graphic. Optionally, a protective container 135 is positioned by conventional means behind fiber-optic strip 115 which serves to safeguard fiber-optic strands 134 or fiber optic strip 115 from dust and/or moisture or other contaminants present in cavity 330 (see Fig. 3B) . Protective container 135 is made of any conventional material suitable as a protective dust layer, such as metal, vinyl or other plastic material. Protective container 135 is optionally fixedly attached to portions of lower door 310 (see Fig. 3A-B) . Protective container 135 can have a varying depth sufficient to accommodate the fiber-optic strip or tubing or cable. For example, the depth of protective container 135 is optionally from 0.635 cm to 7.62 cm. B. Panel Assembly Affixed to Gasoline Dispenser Pump 1. Affixed to Lower Door In Figs. 3A and 3B, a panel assembly is affixed to a lower door of a gasoline dispenser pump. In Fig. 3A, gasoline dispenser pump 300 houses lower door 310. Panel assembly 320 is affixed to lower door 310 by conventional means. Panel assembly 320 is optionally recessed from, or substantially flush with, the outer surface of lower door 310. When recessed, the amount of recess is limited to the available space behind lower door 310 since the pump apparatus occupies most of cavity 330 (Fig. 3B) behind lower door 310. Typically, as indicated in Fig. 3B, pump 300 will have two lower doors 310 mounted on opposite sides. As a result, panel assembly 320 is optionally removably mounted on one or two sides of gasoline dispenser pump 300. The sides of a lower portion of gasoline dispenser pump lower doors 310, and other side portions, define sides of cavity 330. The panel assembly is removably mounted on a lower portion of gasoline dispenser pump 300, i.e., lower door 310. Thus, a back portion of panel assembly 320 defines one side of cavity 330. The panel assembly is maintained either by rear or frontal access. Where a metal protective container 135 is used (see Fig. 1 or 2) , rear access is possible where it is removably attached to lower door 310. Frontal access is possible where translucent panel 110 is removably mounted. The panel dimensions are adjusted as necessary to fit the particular gasoline dispenser pump. When used in gasoline dispenser pump 300, the panel assembly dimensions are as follows (reference Fig. 2A) : (1) Translucent panel 110 is from 12.70 cm to 50.80 cm in height, from 50.80 cm to 182.88 cm in length, and from 2.54 cm to 15.24 cm in thickness, including protective container 135. It is preferable to maximize the depth of protective container 135 so as to avoid bending the fiber optic strands any more than necessary. The depth of protective container 135 is limited by the particular gasoline pump assembly in which the panel assembly is installed. The height and length of graphic 105 and protective container 135 correspond to the height and length of translucent panel 110. Where fiber-optic strip 115 is a mat, it typically has dimensions of from 2.54 cm to 25.40 cm in height and from 12.70 cm to 91.44 cm in length. 2. Affixed to Side Portion or TOP Portion Figs. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 7A, and 7B show embodiments of the graphics panel affixed to side and top portions of the dispenser. Where explosive gases could be present at the portion of the pump assembly where the graphics panel is affixed, the light-receiving ends of the fiber-optic strands are located remotely from the graphics panel and remotely from the portion of the pump assembly on which the graphics panel is affixed. Where explosive gases can not be present, the light-receiving end portions of the fiber-optic strands are optionally housed together with the graphics panel and light-emitting end portions of the fiber-optic strands. a. Figs. 4A and 4B; Figs. 4A and 4B depict a front and side view, respectively, of one graphics panel assembly 510 affixed to a front lower door 540, another graphics panel assembly 498 affixed to a front portion of the gasoline dispenser, and another graphics panel assembly 485 affixed in, or in place of, one of two front access panels 480 of the gasoline dispenser. Optionally, both front access panels 480 are affixed to or replaced by graphics panels 485. Two graphics panels 510 are optionally attached to the lower doors 540 on both the front and back of the gasoline pump dispenser assembly. Light-receiving ends (not shown) of the fiber-optic strands 545 for graphics panels 510 and graphics panel 485 are remotely located in control box 530. b. Figs. 5A and 5B: Figs. 5A and 5B depict a front and side view, respectively, of one graphics panel assembly 510 affixed to a front lower door 540 and another graphics panel assembly 520 affixed in a top portion 515 of an upper hollow portion of the gasoline dispenser. Two graphics panels 510 are optionally attached to the lower doors 540 on both the front and back of the gasoline pump dispenser assembly. Light- receiving ends (not shown) of the fiber-optic strands 545 are remotely located in control box 530 as depicted in Fig. 5B. c. Figs. 6A and 6B: Figs. 6A and 6B depict a front and side view, respectively, of one graphics panel assembly 510 affixed to a front lower door 540 and another graphics panel assembly 620 affixed in the center of an upper hollow portion 610 of the gasoline dispenser, where the graphics panel attached to the lower door has light-receiving ends of the fiber¬ optic strands 545 remotely located in a control box 530 as depicted in Fig. 6B. Except for graphics panel 620 located in hollow 610, the elements are numbered the same as in Figs. 5A and 5B. Graphics panel 620 is optionally self- contained, i.e., the light-receiving ends of the fiber-optic strands are not located remotely but are housed proximate to the graphics panel. Optionally, graphics panel 620 is two-sided, i.e., having a front and a back graphics panel with each having the same or different advertising or informational copy. d. Figs. 7A and 7B: Figs. 7A and 7B depict a front and side view, respectively, of one graphics panel assembly 510 affixed to a front lower door 540 and another graphics panel assembly 790 affixed to a side portion of the gasoline dispenser, where both graphics panels have light-receiving ends of the fiber-optic strands 545 remotely located in a control box 530 depicted in Fig. 7A. Optionally, the side graphics panel assembly 790 is configured to appear as a standard side panel except when illuminated. The advertising copy and/or informational graphics are not visible unless the fiber-optic strands are illuminated.

Claims: C AIMS 1. A gasoline dispenser pump panel assembly comprising: (a) a graphics panel having a graphic image thereon for depicting illuminated advertising or instructional copy, said graphics panel adapted to be removably mounted on a portion of said gasoline dispenser pump assembly; (b) a plurality of fiber-optic strands having light-receiving end portions and light-emitting side or end portions, fixedly attached to said graphics panel adapted to illuminate at least a portion of said graphic image on said graphics panel; and (c) a protection translucent panel for protecting said graphics panel and said light-emitting ends of said fiber optic strands, said protection translucent panel being removably layered on said graphics panel. 2. The panel assembly of claim 1 wherein said graphics panel is mounted in an area of said dispenser subject to explosive vapors and wherein said light-receiving portions of said fiber-optic strands are located remotely from said graphics panel. 3. The panel assembly of claims 1 or 2, wherein said graphics panel has a plurality of channels for receipt of said light-emitting end portions of said fiber-optic strands. 4. The panel assembly of claim 3, wherein said light-emitting end portions are disposed within said channels. 5. The panel assembly of any one of claims 1-4, wherein said light-emitting side or end portions are coated with a resin containing microbeads to facilitate wide-angle light dispersal. 6. The panel assembly of any one of claims 1-5, wherein at least a portion of said graphic image forms a letter which is illuminated by said fiber-optic strands. 7. The panel assembly of any one of claims 1-6, wherein said panel assembly is removably mounted on a side portion of said gasoline dispenser. 8. The panel assembly of any one of claims 1-7, wherein said gasoline dispenser pump assembly comprises a removably mounted access door. 9. The panel assembly of any one of claims 1-8, wherein said gasoline dispenser comprises a hollow area in an upper portion thereof for advertising displays, and wherein said panel assembly is removably mounted in a portion of said hollow.

Inventors: BUONICONTI RALPH ROBERT JR, TRYON JOHN FREDERICK, BUONICONTI, RALPH, ROBERT, JR., TRYON, JOHN, FREDERICK
Applicants: SHELL OIL CO, SHELL OIL COMPANY
Application year: 1995
Main classification: G09F9
IPC codes: G09F9