Patent Publication Number: US-7581570-B1

Title: System and method of supporting fuel nozzles in a fueling position

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   Fuel delivery devices, typically having a fuel nozzle and hose coupled with a pump that is associated with a storage tank, can be found in countless commercial and private locations. Commonly, individuals use fuel delivery devices to fill fuel tanks associated with a vehicle. While fueling the vehicle, many individuals will take advantage of devices associated with the fuel nozzle for locking the lever on the fuel nozzle in an open position. While the fuel is being deposited within the fuel tank, the individual is then free to perform other tasks related to servicing the vehicle, paying for the fuel, and the like. It is not uncommon, however, for the fuel nozzle to accidentally fall from within the fill opening of the fuel tank. This can have disastrous results due to the fact that the fuel nozzle lever remains locked in an open position, spilling fuel on and around the vehicle. Clearly, such an accident poses serious dangers to surrounding individuals and property, let alone the environment. Where no such damage occurs, fuel spills of these types can be time-consuming and expensive to clean. 
   The over-the-road trucking industry is particularly susceptible to fuel spills caused by locked fuel nozzles falling from fuel tanks. The typical over-the-road vehicle is provided with fuel tanks on both sides of the vehicle. These fuel tanks oftentimes have oversized fill openings. Over the years, individuals have tried to develop systems and methods for retaining fuel nozzles within these fuel tanks. Some individuals turn the fuel nozzle upside down as it is passed through the fill opening of the fuel tank. In this position, the spout of the fuel nozzle engages the upper portion of the fuel tank. While such a position may experience a limited success in securing the fuel nozzle with respect to the fuel tank, its position is precarious and fails to adequately remedy the problem at hand. 
   Another prior art attempt at resolving the present problem provides an elongated, hook-shaped structure that extends outwardly from the upper end portion of the fuel nozzle, adjacent the spout. In many instances, the fill opening of over-the-road vehicle fuel tanks will be sufficiently sized to simultaneously receive the spout and hook structure of such fuel nozzles. In these instances, the spout of the fuel nozzle is positioned at the lower end of the fill opening and the hook extends through the fill opening and engages an upper portion of the fuel tank. This system is certainly an improvement over the simple method of turning the fuel nozzle upside down while it is being used. Unfortunately, the system works all too well when the user forgets that the fuel nozzle is coupled with the fuel tank. This may frequently happen when an over-the-road vehicle operator is simultaneously filling the two fuel tanks and accidentally leaves one of the fuel nozzles engaged with one of the fuel tanks. As the operator drives away from the fuel delivery device, the fuel nozzle remains coupled with the fuel tank and the hose of the fuel delivery device is detached from the fuel pump. Clearly, this instance is far more dangerous than the problem of having the fuel nozzle accidentally fall from the fuel tank. Moreover, such solutions require the owners of fuel delivery devices to retro-fit or upgrade every fuel nozzle within their service. This can become costly to implement and maintain. Moreover, various liabilities may arise for such owners when the aforementioned accidents occur. 
   Accordingly, what is needed is a novel system and method of supporting fuel nozzles in a fueling position that substantially prevents fuel nozzles from unintentionally falling from fuel tanks. However, such a system and method should be provided with safety designs that substantially prevent fuel nozzles from being detached from associated fuel delivery devices when an operator forgets that the fuel nozzle is associated with the delivery device and drives away. 
   SUMMARY 
   This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
   The system and method of supporting a fuel delivery device in a fueling position with respect to a vehicle is provided with an elongated retaining member having opposite first and second end portions. The first end portion of the retaining member is provided with a coupling structure for releasably connecting the retaining member with the fuel delivery device. The second end portion of the retaining member is operatively coupled with the vehicle. In use, the fuel delivery system may be positioned adjacent the vehicle&#39;s fuel tank and the fuel nozzle may be operatively associated with the fill opening of the fuel tank to dispose fuel therein. The coupling device may then be engaged with a portion of the fueling system to ensure that the fuel nozzle remains associated with the fuel tank. 
   One aspect of the system wraps at least a portion of the first end portion of the retaining member around one of various different structures associated with the fuel delivery device. In one example, openings are formed along a length of the retaining member that are sized and shaped to securably receive a post member, which is secured to the retaining member. Accordingly, as the second end portion is wrapped around the fuel delivery device, the user may easily secure the system. In another example, a coupling block is associated with the first end portion of the retaining member. The retaining block is provided with a locking arm that is moveable between open and closed positions. In use, the operator positions a portion of the fuel delivery device adjacent the coupling block and secures the locking arm in a closed position, securing the fuel delivery device between the coupling block and the locking arm. 
   Another aspect of the system may provide a retaining member that is adjustable in length to allow the user to customize the mounting of the system and provide greater flexibility in its use. In one example, the retaining member is provided in at least two separate lengths that are operatively and releasably securable with one another along their respective lengths. Various structural features may be provided for securing the separate lengths with respect to one another. 
   Still another aspect of the present system provides a mounting bracket that may be operatively coupled with the second end portion of the retaining member to secure the system to the vehicle. Various different embodiments of the mounting bracket may be provided as well as various methods of securing the same to the vehicle and/or the retaining member. Some methods of securing the mounting bracket with the vehicle permit the bracket to be easily detached therefrom in the event that an operator begins to drive away from the fuel delivery device with the fuel nozzle coupled with the system and the fuel tank. Other methods may provide detachable structural features between the mounting bracket and the retaining member. 
   It is therefore a principle object of the present invention to provide a system and method of safely supporting a fuel delivery device in a fueling position with respect to a fuel tank on a vehicle. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a method of supporting a fuel delivery device in a fueling position with respect to a vehicle using an elongated retaining member that is coupled at one end with the vehicle and coupled with a portion of the fuel delivery device at an opposite end. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method of supporting a fuel delivery device in a fueling position with respect to a vehicle that provides various structural devices for coupling a retaining member with a portion of the fuel delivery device in order to provide a system that is relatively easy to use. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method of supporting a fuel delivery device in a fueling position with respect to a vehicle that uses a length-adjustable retaining member that is operatively associated at one end with the vehicle and at an opposite end with a portion of the fuel delivery device. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a system and method of supporting a fuel delivery device in a fueling position with respect to a vehicle that provides one or more various structural arrangements that render the system removably engaged with the vehicle such that the system will be removed from the vehicle before damage could occur to the fuel delivery device when an operator drives away without disengaging the fuel delivery device from the vehicle. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method of supporting a fuel delivery device in a fueling position with respect to a vehicle that is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture. 
   These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent after consideration of the Detailed Description and Figures herein. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of one preferred manner in which the method of supporting a fuel delivery device may be used with a vehicle and a fuel delivery device; 
       FIG. 2  depicts an isometric view of another preferred manner in which the method of supporting a fuel delivery device may be used to help retain the fuel nozzle of a fuel delivery device adjacent the fuel tank of a vehicle; 
       FIG. 3  depicts a partially exploded, isometric view of one preferred retaining assembly that may be used with the method of supporting a fuel delivery device; 
       FIG. 4  depicts the retaining assembly of  FIG. 3  as it may be used to help retain the fuel nozzle of a fuel delivery device adjacent the fuel tank of a vehicle; 
       FIG. 5  depicts one preferred embodiment of the retaining assembly in a travel position, coupled with a vehicle; 
       FIG. 6  depicts another preferred embodiment of the retaining assembly in an alternate travel position, coupled with a vehicle; 
       FIG. 7  depicts an isometric view of another preferred retaining assembly that may be used with the method of supporting a fuel delivery device; 
       FIG. 8  depicts a side elevation view of one embodiment of a mounting bracket that may be used as a portion of a retaining assembly. in the method of supporting a fuel delivery device; 
       FIG. 9  depicts a top plan view of the mounting bracket of  FIG. 8 ; and 
       FIG. 10  depicts a partially exploded view of still another preferred embodiment of the retaining assembly in an alternate travel position, coupled with a vehicle. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense in that the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims. 
   A retaining assembly  10  is provided for supporting a portion of a fuel delivery device  12  in a fueling position with respect to a vehicle  14 . Many different vehicles are contemplated for use with the retaining assembly  10 . However, the vehicle  14  will at least be provided with a fuel tank  16  having a fill opening  18 . Likewise, various fuel delivery devices  12  are contemplated for use with the retaining assembly  10 . Such fuel delivery devices  12  will commonly be provided with a fuel nozzle  20 , having a spout  22 , a handle  24 , an actuating lever  26  and a lever guard  28 . The fuel nozzle  20  will typically be associated with a pump  30  via a hose  32 . 
   In a preferred embodiment, the retaining assembly  10  is provided with an elongated retaining member  34 , having a first end portion  36  and a generally opposite second end portion  38 . While it is contemplated that the retaining member  34 , or a portion thereof, may be formed from a rigid or semi-rigid material, it will be preferred that the retaining member be comprised of a generally flexible material in order to promote greater adaptability and ease of use. 
   The first end portion  36  of the retaining member  34  is preferably provided with a coupling means for releasably connecting the retaining member  34  with a portion of the fuel delivery device  12 . In one embodiment, the coupling means may be provided by simply wrapping at least a portion of the first end portion  36  of the retaining member  34  around a portion of the fuel delivery device  12 . In one embodiment, depicted in  FIG. 1 , the first end portion  36  may be wrapped around the handle  24  of the fuel nozzle  20 , adjacent the actuating lever  26 . In another embodiment, depicted in  FIG. 2 , the first end portion  36  may be wrapped around a proximal end of the spout  22 , adjacent the handle  24 . Likewise, it is contemplated that the first end portion  36  may be wrapped around a distal end portion of the hose  32 , adjacent the fuel nozzle  20  or, alternately, a portion of the lever guard  28 . 
   In order to secure the first end portion  36  of the retaining member  34  around a portion of the fuel delivery device  12 , the coupling means may be provided with various securement means. One preferred embodiment provides the securement means with one or more openings  40 , along a length of the retaining member  34  and a post member  42 , secured to the retaining member  34 , that is shaped and sized to be passed through the one or more openings  40  so that the first end portion  36  of the retaining member  34  may be secured to a point along the retaining member  34  between its first end portion  36  and its second end portion  38 . One example of the shape in which the post member  42  may be formed is depicted in  FIG. 3  as a generally hook-shaped member. Other mechanical fasteners, such as snaps, hooks-and-eyes, and the like are contemplated. Alternately, the securement means may be provided in the form of hook-and-loop fastening material  44 , such as that depicted in  FIG. 10 , but disposed along the retaining member  34  in place of the openings  40  and post member  42  or other mechanical fasteners. 
   In another preferred embodiment, the coupling means may be provided with a coupling block  46 , such as that depicted in  FIG. 7 . A locking arm  48  having a first end portion  50  and a second end portion  52  is preferably associated with the coupling block  46 . In one preferred embodiment, the first end portion  50  of the locking arm  48  is pivotably coupled with the coupling block  46  so that it is moveable between open and closed positions with respect to the coupling block  46 . The coupling block  46  and the locking arm  48  should be shaped and sized to securably receive a portion of the fuel delivery system between the coupling block  46  and the locking arm  48  when the locking arm  48  is in the closed position. For example,  FIG. 7  depicts the coupling block  46  as having a recess  54  formed therein that is shaped to receive a portion of the fuel delivery system, such as the spout  22 , handle  24 , lever guard  28  or hose  32 . The locking arm  48  is positioned to enclose the recess  54  when the locking arm is in its closed position. While it is contemplated that the locking arm  48  may be comprised of a rigid or semi-rigid material, it may be preferable to form the locking arm  48  from a resiliently deformable material, so that it may be easily pulled taut and secured in its closed position while slightly deforming around any portion of the fuel delivery device  12  that may protrude outwardly from the recess  54 . A securing post  56  may be provided at the second end portion  52  of the locking arm  48  for releasable engagement with a lock recess  58  that is formed within the coupling block  46 . An optional grappling post  60  may extend outwardly from the securing post  56  or a portion of the locking arm  48  to provide a user with an easy manual means of securing the locking arm  48  in its closed position and moving the same into its open position. 
   In a preferred embodiment, a mounting bracket  62  is operatively coupled with the second end portion  38  of the retaining member  34 . While this connection may be static, a preferred embodiment, such as depicted in  FIG. 3  pivotably couples the second end portion  38  of the retaining member  34  with the mounting bracket  62 . This should provide greater ease of use and flexibility of the retaining assembly  10 . A rearward surface  64  of the mounting bracket  62  should be secured to the vehicle  14  in a location that will permit the first end portion  36  of the retaining member  34  to extend to, but not significantly beyond, the fill opening  18  of the fuel tank  16 .  FIG. 2  depicts one such example, wherein the mounting bracket  62  is secured in a generally horizontal position to the lower surface of the cab of the vehicle  14 . In such an instance, it may be advantageous to utilize an adhesive of various types, including a pressure-sensitive adhesive pad  66 , to secure the rearward surface  64  of the mounting brackets  62  to the vehicle  14 , due to the restrictive space of the mounting location. Alternately, when desirable, fasteners of various types, such as the screws  68  depicted in  FIG. 8  may be used to secure the mounting bracket  62  to the vehicle  14 . To that end, one or more openings  70  may be formed through the mounting bracket  62  for ease of final assembly. While the mounting bracket  62  is generally depicted as being mounted in a generally horizontal position to the body of the vehicle  14 , it is contemplated that the mounting bracket  62  may also be mounted in a generally vertical position to the body of the vehicle  14 , as well as other structures associated with the vehicle  14 , such as the frame, and the like. In some instances, it is contemplated that the mounting bracket  62  may even be coupled with the fuel tank  16  itself. 
   In order to promote safety in the event that a user should drive away from the fuel delivery device  12  with the fuel nozzle  20  in its fueling position with respect to the fueling tank  16  and the retaining assembly  10 , it may be desirable to have the retaining assembly  10 , or a portion thereof, be automatically detachable from the vehicle  14 . In one example, the use of the adhesive pad  66  to secure the mounting bracket  62  with the vehicle  14  will provide an acceptable level of detachability. In such an instance, the mechanical connection between the adhesive pad  66  and the vehicle  14  will likely be the weakest structural link along the retaining assembly  10  and throughout the fuel delivery device  12 , such that, as more than moderate pressure is applied along the retaining assembly  10 , the adhesive pad  66  will detach from either or both of the mounting bracket  62  and the vehicle  14 . 
   Another preferred embodiment associates a socket  72  and post connector  74  with the second end portion  38  of the retaining member  34 .  FIG. 7  depicts the socket  72  as extending outwardly from the mounting bracket  62 , while the post connector  74  extends from the second end portion  38  of the retaining member  34 . However, it is contemplated that the two structures may be reversed in position. Preferably, the post connector  74 , is shaped and sized to be removably received within the socket  72 . While a tight tolerance, friction fit may be provided between the two structures, one or more pins  76  and a channel  78  may be provided to mate with one another when the post connector  74  is disposed within the socket  72  in order to secure the structures with one another. In the event that a user drives the vehicle  14  away from the fuel delivery device  12  with the fuel nozzle  20  operatively coupled with the fuel tank  16 , it is contemplated that the connection between the socket  72  and the post connector  74  will be the weakest link along the retaining assembly  10  and the fuel delivery device  12 , separating with minimal force being applied thereto. 
   It is contemplated that when the vehicle  14  drives away from the fuel delivery device  12 , that the retaining member  34  may be pulled at an angle with respect to the mounting bracket  62 , increasing the force required to separate the post connector  74  from the socket  72 . In such an instance (and even when an adhesive pad  66  is used in place of the socket and post connector) the socket  72  and post connector  74  should be positioned so that a long axis extending therethrough is positioned to generally point in the direction of the fill opening  18  in the fuel tank  16 . This may be accomplished by forming the socket  72  to extend outwardly from the mounting bracket  62  at an angle or to provide one or more shims  80  along the rearward surface  64  of the mounting bracket  62 . In an alternate embodiment, which may be combined with the angular relationship of the long axis extending through the socket  72  and the post connector  74 , the socket  72  may be formed to have one or more vertical separations  82  that form a plurality of opposing segments within the body of the socket  72 . These opposing segments will bias outwardly in a preferred embodiment when angular pressure is applied to the post connector  74 . Where such structural devices, such as the shim  80  or the vertical separations  82  are utilized, it may be advantageous to display verbal or symbolic instructions, such as depicted in  FIG. 9 , on the mounting bracket  62  so that the user correctly orients the mounting bracket  62  when coupling the same with the vehicle  14 . 
   When the retaining assembly  10  is not in use with the fuel delivery device  12  it will be desirable to place the retaining assembly  10  in one of various storage positions, such as those depicted in  FIGS. 5 ,  6  and  7 . Specifically, the means disposed adjacent the second end portion  38  of the retaining member  34  for securing the retaining assembly  10  with the fuel delivery device  12  should be able to be secured with a portion of the retaining assembly  10 , adjacent the second end portion  38 . The modifications and additional structures that will enable such a storage position are limited only by the imagination and those depicted are for example purposes only. 
   According to the application in which the retaining assembly  10  is used and the structural details presented by the vehicle  14  on which the retaining assembly is disposed, it may be desirable to provide the retaining member  34  in a length-adjustable form. In one preferred embodiment, the retaining member  34  is comprised of at least two separate lengths, as depicted in  FIG. 10 , and provided with length adjustment means for removably securing the two separate lengths with one another in different positions so that the length of the retaining member  34  may be selectively adjusted. Various structural configurations may be provided for use as the adjustment means. One preferred embodiment simply utilizes hook-and-loop material  44  disposed on the opposing surfaces of the two separate lengths of retaining member  34 . In another embodiment, where greater structural strength is required, a plurality of openings  84  may be formed in one of the separate lengths while one or more post members  86  extend outwardly from the opposite length of the retaining member  34 . The openings  84  and post members  86  should be shaped and sized to be releasably secured with one another. One example may provide the openings  84  in a keyhole-shape and the post members  86  with a generally spherical bulb at their distal ends. Providing the length adjustment to the retaining member  34  will permit a greater array of mounting locations for the mounting bracket  62  and provide a greater adaptability of the retaining assembly  10  with various different styles of fuel delivery devices. 
   Although the invention has been described in language that is specific to certain structures and methodological steps, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures and/or steps described. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing the claimed invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.