Abstract:
A fuel information system, e.g., for use in conjunction with fuel storage containers, is provided. The fuel information system will include a separate or stand alone system that can be fastened to, disposed about, or affixed, to the fuel storage container that is capable of providing data to a user of the container relating to the contents and/or characteristics of the fuel contained within the fuel storage container. The data on the fuel information system can include, without limitation: (1) the type of fuel being stored (e.g., leaded, unleaded, grade (e.g., regular, mid-grade, premium); (2) the fuel/oil mixture ratio, if applicable; (3) whether or not a stabilizing agent has been added to the fuel; (4) the date the fuel was added to the container; and (5) a location or place for “where used” information indicating the type(s) of equipment the particular fuel is intended to be used in.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The instant application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/889,689, filed Feb. 13, 2007, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/942,693, filed Jun. 8, 2007, the entire specifications of both of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention generally relates to fuel storage containers and more particularly to a fuel information system for use with fuel storage containers. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    In use today are literally millions of containers designed to hold fuel products, e.g., gasoline, gasoline/oil mixtures, kerosene, and the like. By far the most common of these are the typically red colored containers that are intended for storing gasoline and/or gasoline/oil mixtures. Some of these containers are designed to be no more than storage and transport vessels, while others are designed to be integrated or connected to particular pieces of equipment, e.g., an outboard motor. All of them have one thing in common and that is that the gasoline stored within them can take a number of forms. For example, the gasoline can be premium unleaded, mid-range unleaded, regular unleaded, and/or regular leaded. The fuel can also be a mixture of gasoline and oil in a particular ratio of 50/1, 40/1, 32/1, 24/1, 16/1, or some other ratios. Unfortunately, one can not tell from the outside of the gasoline container which of the above formulations is within, and because it is extremely important that the appropriate fuel formulation be used with the appropriate equipment, most people use markers or other writing instruments to write on the fuel containers or they note the type of fuel on a piece of paper and then tape it to the container. Because gasoline can, over time, become “stale” and clog up the inner workings of engines, the date on which the container was filled with the gasoline is also noted so that, in those instances where the fuel is not used frequently, the user can know when to discard the fuel and buy a fresh batch. Also, due to the tendency of gas to become stale, some consumers add a stabilizing agent, e.g., STA-BIL®, to prolong the life of the gasoline and note that fact on the gas container as well. This marking on the container or taping of the information onto the container does provide a method of “storing” the information about the gas container&#39;s contents but it severely limits one&#39;s flexibility in the use of containers once the markings have been added and in the case of the taped on information, the “data” is frequently torn off or somehow altered during the course of storing or using the product so as to make it illegible or otherwise unreadable. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there exists a need for a new and improved fuel information system for use with fuel storage containers that overcome at least one of the aforementioned problems. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In accordance with the general teachings of the present invention, a fuel information system, e.g., for use in conjunction with fuel storage containers, is provided. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the fuel information system will include a separate or stand alone system that can be fastened to, disposed about, or affixed to, the fuel storage container that is capable of providing data to a user of the container relating to the contents and/or characteristics of the fuel contained within the fuel storage container. 
         [0008]    The data can be recorded on or entered into (e.g., by selectively manipulating information bearing or depicting dials, buttons, and/or the like) the fuel information system dynamically (e.g., able to be changed as circumstances warrant thus allowing the same fuel information system to be used over and over again). 
         [0009]    By way of a non-limiting example, it is envisioned that the fuel information system can be attached to the fuel storage container using sticky-back tape (e.g., double-sided adhesive tape) or some other similar methods. By way of another non-limiting example, it is envisioned that the fuel information system can be incorporated into a fob-like member that can be loosely attached about a portion (e.g., the handle) of the fuel storage container using a small chain loop, rope, twine, plastic zip tie, or some other similar methods. 
         [0010]    The major data elements that will be stored on or contained on the fuel information system include, without limitation: (1) the type of fuel being stored (e.g., leaded, unleaded, grade (e.g., regular, mid-grade, premium, and/or the like); (2) the fuel/oil mixture ratio, if applicable; (3) whether or not a stabilizing agent (e.g., STA-BIL®) has been added to the fuel; (4) the date the fuel was added to the container; and (5) a location or place for “where used” information indicating the type(s) of equipment the particular fuel is intended to be used in. 
         [0011]    Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposed of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a fuel information system, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a fuel container having an area for receiving a fuel information system, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a front view of a fuel type indicator wheel of the fuel information system depicted in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a front view of a fuel/oil mixture indicator wheel of the fuel information system depicted in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a front view of a fuel stabilizer presence indicator wheel of the fuel information system depicted in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a front view of a month indicator wheel of the fuel information system depicted in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a front view of a year indicator wheel of the fuel information system depicted in  FIG. 1 , in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0020]    The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various Figures. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, or uses. Referring generally to the Figures, and specifically to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a fuel information system, generally at  50 . In this embodiment, there are a plurality of moveable (e.g., rotatable) data dials  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 , and  60 , respectively, attached (e.g., via rivets  52   a ,  54   a ,  56   a ,  58   a , and  60   a , respectively) to a substantially planar base member  62  that has index markers (e.g., an arrow head or other indicia)  64 ,  66 ,  68 ,  70 , and  72 , respectively, corresponding to each of the data dials  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 , and  60 , respectively. Additionally, there is selected printing on the surface of the base member  62 . The data dials  52 ,  54 ,  56 ,  58 , and  60 , respectively, have preprinted information on them that pertain to the fuel stored inside the container, e.g., type of fuel being stored (e.g., leaded, unleaded, grade (e.g., regular, mid-grade, premium, and/or the like), shown at  52 ; (2) the fuel/oil mixture ratio, if applicable, shown at  54 ; (3) whether or not a stabilizing agent (e.g., STA-BIL®) has been added to the fuel, shown at  56 ; (4) the month the fuel was added to the container, shown at  58 ; and (5) the year the fuel was added to the container, shown at  60 . Additionally, a location or place for “where used” information indicating the type(s) of equipment the particular fuel is intended to be used in can be provided, shown at  74 . Area  74  can be comprised of a durable surface wherein ink written thereon can be relatively easily erased, so that new information can be recorded thereon. The user simply turns the respective data dials to align the information on the data dials with the corresponding index markers on the base member  62  to indicate the information status of the fuel within the fuel storage container. The data dials can be stiffly or tightly mounted via the rivets so as to resist inadvertent rotation once the correct orientation is set. By way of a non-limiting example, a ball and socket arrangement can be used to ensure that once the correct portion of the data dial is aligned with the index marker, unintended movement of the data dials is prevented. 
         [0022]    In use, the user would simply rotate the data dials to the appropriate locations, and write or mark on the pertinent areas of the base member  62  the “where used” information, expose the sticky side of the tape  76 , and then attach the base member  62  (via the tape  76 ) to the fuel storage container. When new fuel is added to the fuel storage container, the data would be updated (e.g., by rotating the data dials as appropriate) or a new base member  62  would be appropriately positioned, marked and placed on the fuel storage container. 
         [0023]    It should also be noted that other methods for securing the respective fuel information systems to the fuel storage container can be employed. By way of a non-limiting example, a small chain loop, rope, twine, plastic zip tie, or some other similar methods, can be employed, e.g., by placing these instruments through an aperture  62   a  formed in the member  62 . These apertures can be formed on any of the embodiments described herein. 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a fuel storage container  200  having an area  202  for receiving a fuel information system  204 . In this embodiment, instead of taping the fuel information system  204  to the fuel storage container  200 , a system is provided for accepting or receiving the fuel information system  204  in a secure manner. This will necessitate a change or modification in currently available fuel storage containers. By way of a non-limiting example, the fuel storage container could be modified so as to provide mounting studs or holes for pop-rivets, and/or the like, such that, e.g., the data dials can be attached to the fuel storage container and subsequently rotated to provide the appropriate data setting. In addition, the fuel storage container would need a set of index markings for the data dials to be aligned to when data is to be presented. This can be done by modifying the current fuel storage container mold to add the index markings (and associated index names) or it can be done by simply placing a sticky tape label that has the index markings and associated index names printed on it on to the fuel storage container. A variety of aspects of this change/addition can be employed in order to implement this data storage capability (e.g., including simply physically attaching the fuel information system to the fuel storage container) into the fuel storage container but all would provide the same basic information, namely the type of fuel being stored, the fuel/oil mixture ratio, whether a stabilizing agent had been used, the date when the fuel was acquired and where the fuel is intended to be used. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a front view of a fuel type indicator wheel  500  suitable for use with the fuel information system  50  depicted in  FIG. 1 . The circumferential surface of the wheel  500  is provided with a series of alternating divots, dimples, or depressions  502  to provide an uneven surface. An area defining an aperture  504  can be provided at the center of the wheel  500  to receive a rivet, axle or spindle for permitting rotation of the wheel  500 . A series of outwardly radiating dividers or fingers  506  can be provided to form divisions between the various indicia  508  formed on the wheel  500 . On a rear surface of the wheel  500 , there can be provided a series of sockets  510 , each socket  510  corresponding to each indicium  508  on the opposed face (e.g., each socket  510  being centrally located with respect to each indicium  508 ). Each socket  510  can be configured to selectively mate with a ball member (not shown) formed on the face of the base member  62  in proximity to the index marker  64 . In this manner, once the correct indicium  508  is positioned with respect to the index marker  64 , the ball member (not shown) is allowed to slip into the socket  510  and thereby hold the wheel  500  in place at the desired position. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a front view of a fuel/oil mixture indicator wheel  600  suitable for use with fuel information system  50  depicted in  FIG. 1 . As previously noted, the circumferential surface of the wheel  600  is provided with a series of alternating divots, dimples, or depressions  602  to provide an uneven surface. An area defining an aperture  604  can be provided at the center of the wheel  600  to receive a rivet, axle or spindle (not shown) for permitting rotation of the wheel  600 . A series of outwardly radiating dividers or fingers  606  can be provided to form divisions between the various indicia  608  formed on the wheel  600 . On a rear surface of the wheel  600 , there can be provided a series of sockets  610 , each socket  610  corresponding to each indicium  608  on the opposed face (e.g., each socket  610  being centrally located with respect to each indicium  608 ). Each socket  610  can be configured to selectively mate with a ball member (not shown) formed on the face of the base member  62  in proximity to the index marker  66 . In this manner, once the correct indicium  608  is positioned with respect to the index marker  66 , the ball member (not shown) is allowed to slip into the socket  610  and thereby hold the wheel  600  in place at the desired position. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a front view of a fuel stabilizer presence indicator wheel  700  suitable for use with the fuel information system  50  depicted in  FIG. 1 . As previously noted, the circumferential surface of the wheel  700  is provided with a series of alternating divots, dimples, or depressions  702  to provide an uneven surface. An area defining an aperture  704  can be provided at the center of the wheel  700  to receive a rivet, axle or spindle (not shown) for permitting rotation of the wheel  700 . An outwardly radiating divider or finger  706  can be provided to form a division between the various indicia  708  formed on the wheel  700 . On a rear surface of the wheel  700 , there can be provided a series of sockets  710 , each socket  710  corresponding to each indicium  708  on the opposed face (e.g., each socket  710  being centrally located with respect to each indicium  708 ). Each socket  710  can be configured to selectively mate with a ball member (not shown) formed on the face of the base member  62  in proximity to the index marker  68 . In this manner, once the correct indicium  708  is positioned with respect to the index marker  68 , the ball member (not shown) is allowed to slip into the socket  710  and thereby hold the wheel  700  in place at the desired position. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a front view of a month indicator wheel  800  suitable for use with the fuel information system  50  depicted in  FIG. 1 . It should be noted that the first letter of each month of the year is shown in chronologically correct sequence, as opposed to the entire name of the month. As previously noted, the circumferential surface of the wheel  800  is provided with a series of alternating divots, dimples, or depressions  802  to provide an uneven surface. An area defining an aperture  804  can be provided at the center of the wheel  800  to receive a rivet, axle or spindle (not shown) for permitting rotation of the wheel  800 . A series of outwardly radiating dividers or fingers  806  can be provided to form divisions between the various indicia  808  formed on the wheel  800 . On a rear surface of the wheel  800 , there can be provided a series of sockets  810 , each socket  810  corresponding to each indicium  808  on the opposed face (e.g., each socket  810  being centrally located with respect to each indicium  808 ). Each socket  810  can be configured to selectively mate with a ball member (not shown) formed on the face of the base member  62  in proximity to the index marker  70 . In this manner, once the correct indicium  808  is positioned with respect to the index marker  70 , the ball member (not shown) is allowed to slip into the socket  810  and thereby hold the wheel  800  in place at the desired position. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a front view of a year indicator wheel  900  suitable for use with the fuel information system  50  depicted in  FIG. 1 . It should be noted that only the last digit of the year would be displayed, thus making the wheel  900  suitable for multi-decade use. As previously noted, the circumferential surface of the wheel  900  is provided with a series of alternating divots, dimples, or depressions  902  to provide an uneven surface. An area defining an aperture  904  can be provided at the center of the wheel  900  to receive a rivot, axle or spindle (not shown) for permitting rotation of the wheel  900 . A series of outwardly radiating dividers or fingers  906  can be provided to form divisions between the various indicia  908  formed on the wheel  900 . On a rear surface of the wheel  900 , there can be provided a series of sockets  910 , each socket  910  corresponding to each indicium  908  on the opposed face (e.g., each socket  910  being centrally located with respect to each indicium  908 ). Each socket  910  can be configured to selectively mate with a ball member (not shown) formed on the face of the base member  62  in proximity to the index marker  72 . In this manner, once the correct indicium  908  is positioned with respect to the index marker  72 , the ball member (not shown) is allowed to slip into the socket  910  and thereby hold the wheel  900  in place at the desired position. 
         [0030]    While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.