Abstract:
A fluid dispensing system for providing improved freestanding capabilities and improved automatic shutoff of the system upon returning a nozzle to a nozzle holster after use. The fluid dispensing system includes a portable stand and self-contained power source. The system further includes a holster switch using a sliding panel to ensure shutoff of the system upon placement of the dispensing hose in a dispensing hose holster.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   The present application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/965,010 filed Sep. 27, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,997. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to fluid dispensing systems and more particularly pertains to a new fluid dispensing system for providing improved freestanding capabilities and improved automatic shutoff of the system upon returning a nozzle to a nozzle holster after use. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   Known prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,366 issued to Cason; U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,329 issued to Kenney et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,645 issued to Zinsmeyer; U.S. Pat. No. 4,880,144 issued to Shea; U.S. Pat. No. 3,318,732 issued to French; U.S. Pat. No. 3,570,644 issued to Booth; U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,914 issued to Maltsis; U.S. Pat. No. 3,845,848 issued to Robbins; U.S. Pat. No. Des. 272,628 issued to Monigle et al.; U.S. Pat. No. Des. 273,790 issued to Monigle et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 1,913,128 issued to May et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 3,895,268 issued to May et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,070,074 issued to Rohme; U.S. Pat. No. 4,726,492 issued to Komukai; U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,435 issued to Picioccio et al; U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,989 issued to Trivedi et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,229,448 issued to Bennett et al.; and Foreign WIPO reference WO 00/71464 A1 issued to Willecke et al. 
   While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the need remains for a system that provides superior portability by removing reliance on a power outlet. Further, there is a need to maximize the efficiency of the system by prolonging power source life regardless of the power source being used. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention generally comprises a housing, pump assembly, dispensing hose, tank, portable stand and self-contained power source. The system further includes a holster switch assembly using a sliding panel to ensure shutoff of the system upon placement of the dispensing hose in a dispensing hose holster. 
   There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
   The objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of a new fluid dispensing system according to the present invention mounted to a pillar. 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of the present invention with the cover member in an open position. 
       FIG. 3  is a front view of the present invention with the cover member removed. 
       FIG. 4  is a side exploded view of the present invention mounted to a pillar. 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is an enlarged side view of the cover member of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  is a top view of the present invention mounted to a pillar. 
       FIG. 8  is a top view of the present invention mounted to an alternate pillar. 
       FIG. 9  is a top view of alternate embodiment of the mounting bracket of the present invention mounted to a pillar. 
       FIG. 10  is a schematic view of the cover member of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  is a schematic view of the control assembly of the present invention. 
       FIG. 12  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 13  is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention with the cover member removed. 
       FIG. 14  is a schematic view of the operation of the present invention. 
       FIG. 15  is an enlarged view of the spindle lock of the present invention. 
       FIG. 16  is a top view of the cover member of the present invention. 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the dispensing hose inserted into the holster of the present invention. 
       FIG. 18  is a rear view of the cover member showing the holster switch assembly in a use position. 
       FIG. 19  is a rear view of the cover member showing the holster switch assembly in a shutoff position. 
       FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the portable freestanding base assembly of the present invention. 
       FIG. 21  is a front view of the housing with the cover member removed to show the self-contained power source. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to  FIGS. 1 through 21  thereof, a new fluid dispensing system embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral  10  will be described. 
   As best illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 21 , the fluid dispensing system  10  generally comprises a housing  12 ; a tank  14  for holding a vehicle fluid  2  such as windshield washing fluid, hydraulic brake fluid, antifreeze, soap solutions, or power steering fluid; a dispensing hose  16 ; and a control assembly  20 . The dispensing system  10  is designed for permitting desired automatic dispensing of the vehicle fluid at a desired location of a fuel filling station. The vehicle solutions could also be any other known fluids typically used in association with automotive, farm or aviation vehicles. 
   The tank  14  is positioned in the housing and has an interior space designed for holding the vehicle fluid  2 . The housing  12  is structured to have an opening  18  in a forward face  19  of the housing  12 . 
   The dispensing hose  16  is part of a dispensing hose assembly  30  that is coupled to the tank  14 . The dispensing hose  16  has a first end  14 A in environmental communication with the interior space of the tank  14 . Thus, the dispensing hose  16  is designed for dispensing the vehicle fluid  2  through the dispensing hose  16 . 
   A pump assembly  40  includes a pump  42  and is coupled to the dispensing hose  16  for pumping the vehicle fluid  2  through the dispensing hose  16 . The pump assembly  40  includes a filter  44  positioned between the tank  14  and the pump  42  for removing debris from the vehicle fluid  2 . Thus, the filter  44  removes debris from the vehicle fluid  2  before the vehicle fluid  2  enters the pump  42 . In an embodiment, the pump assembly  40  also includes a flow meter  46  for monitoring flow of the vehicle fluid  2  through the pump assembly  40 . 
   The control assembly  20  is operationally coupled to the pump assembly  40  for selectively activating the pump  42 . Thus, the pump  42  dispenses the vehicle fluid  2  only upon activation by the control assembly  20 . 
   A cover member  32  is couplable to the housing  12  for covering the opening  18  in the forward face  19  such that the control assembly  20  is covered to prevent unauthorized access to the control assembly  20 . A currency collection assembly  50  is operationally coupled to the control assembly  20  such that the control assembly  20  dispenses the vehicle fluid only upon reception of a pre-determined initial value of currency collected by the currency collection assembly  50 . Preferably, the currency collected can be in the form of either bills or coins. 
   The currency collection assembly  50  includes a currency collection bin  52  coupled to the cover member  32 . The currency collection bin  52  is positionable beneath a main portion  54  of the currency collection assembly  50  when the cover member  32  is engaged to the housing. Thus, currency passing through the main portion  54  of the currency collection assembly  50  is collected in the currency collection bin  52 . 
   In a most preferred embodiment, the control assembly  20  utilizes a computer controller  59  for crediting a pre-determined number of pulses upon accumulation of a pre-determined amount of currency. Each pulse is associated with a given amount of fluid such that a desired amount of fluid can be purchased by insertion of sufficient currency. As an additional feature, the computer controller  59  is operationally coupled to the currency collection assembly to prevent acceptance of currency when the level of fluid in the tank is below a pre-determined level, thus preventing acceptance of money in excess of an amount available to be dispensed. 
   Alternately, the control assembly  20  may include an accumulating timer  56  for permitting dispensing of the vehicle fluid  2  for a pre-determined period of time upon reception of the initial value of currency collected by the currency collection assembly  50 . In an embodiment, the currency collection assembly  50  is operationally coupled to the control assembly  20  such that the vehicle fluid  2  is dispensable for an additional pre-determined period of time upon reception of additional currency in excess of the initial value of currency collected by the currency collection assembly  50 . 
   The opening  18  in the housing  12  has a channel  62  extending along a bottom  64  of the opening  18  for receiving a bottom  66  of the cover member  32 . 
   In an embodiment, the cover member  32  includes a holster assembly  68  for receiving a free end of the dispensing hose  16 . Typically, the free end of the dispensing hose  16  will have a pistol style attachment or other comparable nozzle with a trigger mechanism to permit a user to regulate flow of the vehicle fluid  2  through the dispensing hose  16 . 
   A holster switch  65  is operationally coupled to the control assembly  20  for preventing dispensing of the vehicle fluid  2  upon return of the free end of the dispensing hose  16  to the holster portion  68  after use. This may be by zeroing the credited pulses when the computer controller  59  is used or by zeroing an amount of time on the accumulating timer  56 . 
   The holster assembly  68  includes a holster opening  22  for receiving the free end of the dispensing hose  16 . The holster assembly  68  also includes a sliding panel  24  movable between a receiving position and a blocking position. The blocking position is for at least partially blocking the holster opening  22 . Thus, insertion of the free end of the dispensing hose  16  is prevented until the sliding panel  24  is moved from the blocking position. 
   The free end of the dispensing hose  16  supports the sliding panel  24  in the receiving position when the free end of the dispensing hose  16  rests in the holster opening  22 . 
   The sliding panel  24  is vertically oriented such that gravity urges the sliding panel  24  into the blocking position. 
   The sliding panel  24  is coupled to an interior of the cover member  32 . In an embodiment, the sliding panel  24  has an arcuate edge  26  extending across the holster opening  22  such that the sliding panel partially blocks the holster opening  22  when the sliding panel  24  is in the blocking position. Thus, insertion of the free end of the dispensing hose is made easier in that partial obstruction of the holster opening prohibits total insertion of the free end into the holster opening but permits use of an edge of the free end to move the sliding panel to permit full insertion of the free end. 
   The holster switch includes a main portion  67  positioned adjacent to the sliding panel  24 . A switch arm  69  extends from the main portion  67 . The switch arm  69  is operationally coupled to the sliding panel  24  such that movement of the sliding panel  24  between the receiving position and the blocking position moves the switch arm  69  between a use position and a shutoff position. The switch arm  69  is in the use position when the sliding panel  24  is in the blocking position to permit activation of the pump assembly  40  and use of the dispensing hose  16  when the sliding panel  24  is in the blocking position. A guide member  71  is statically positioned on an interior face of the cover member and the sliding panel  24  is secured to slide within a medial cutout portion  79  of the guide member. 
   A display panel  70  is coupled to the cover member  32  and is operationally coupled to the control assembly  20  for displaying either remaining amount of fluid dispensable or remaining time for dispensing the vehicle fluid  2 . 
   A spindle lock  72  is coupled to the cover member  32  proximate a top  63  of the cover member  32 . The spindle lock  72  has a threaded interior end portion  73  selectively engageable to a brass socket  82  coupled to an interior wall  74  of the housing  12  for locking the cover member  32  to the housing  12 . In use, the spindle lock  72  secures the top portion of the cover member  32  while the bottom  66  of the cover member  32  is held within the channel  62  to prevent the cover member  32  from being removed. 
   In an embodiment, the cover member  32  has orthogonal side portions  60  for seating in a recessed lip  61  of the housing  12  to prevent prying of the cover member  32  from the housing  12  when the cover member  32  is secured to the housing  12 . The orthogonal side portions  60  can be provided by bending edges of the cover member  32  forwardly to a 90 degree angle with respect to an interior portion of the cover member  32 . 
   In an embodiment, the channel  62  in the opening  18  of the housing  12  has a protrusion  75 . The bottom  66  of the cover member  32  has a notch  76  for receiving the protrusion  75  when the cover member  32  is coupled to the housing  12 . The notch  76  extends upwardly into the cover member  32  such that an upper portion  77  of the notch  76  receives the dispensing hose  16  therethrough when the cover member  32  is coupled to the housing  12 . 
   In an embodiment, a transmitter  78  is operationally coupled to the control assembly  20  for transmitting status data to a remote location for monitoring use of the fluid dispensing system  10 . 
   A tank fluid level sensor  23  is coupled to the tank  14  for monitoring a level of the vehicle fluid  2  in the tank  14 . The tank level sensor  23  is operationally coupled to the control assembly  20  such that the transmitter  78  transmits a refilling signal to the remote location upon detection of a pre-determined level of fluid in the tank  14 . 
   The tank  14  has a fill opening  15  positioned on a top surface  17  of the tank  14 . A perimeter edge of the fill opening  15  is molded to engage a cap member  25  that is selectively engageable to the fill opening  15  for covering the fill opening  15 . In an embodiment, the cap member  25  has a locking mechanism  27  for preventing removal of the cap member  25  for facilitating access to the tank  14  only by authorized persons for maintenance of the fluid dispensing system  10 . 
   In an embodiment, the control assembly  20  includes an electronic connection port  53 . A wire  55  is coupled between the pump assembly  40  and the control assembly  20 . Thus, the pump  42  is activatable by the control assembly  20 . The wire  55  has a first end  57  removably insertable into the electronic connection port  53  for facilitating replacement of the control assembly  20  in the event the control assembly  20  breaks down. Most preferably parts as shown in  FIG. 4  are coupled to the cover member  32  to permit replacement these parts as a single unit to facilitate replacement of these parts. Typically, other parts or combinations of parts may also be coupled to the cover member to permit easy replacement. 
   In a first free standing embodiment utilizing attachment to an outside power source, a base portion  13  is integrally coupled to the housing  12  for supporting the housing  12  above a surface on which the base portion  13  rests. The base portion  13  includes a channeled rib  29  extends upward from a bottom of the base portion  13 . An electrical wire conduit  35  for enclosing electrical wiring is positioned substantially within the channeled rib  29  and has an upper end  29 A extending into the housing  12 . The base portion  13  may also be an integral portion of the tank to provide additional fluid holding capacity. 
   In another portable freestanding embodiment as shown in  FIG. 20 , the housing  12  and tank  14  are self-contained. The power source  33  includes a 12 volt direct current battery  34  is provided on a shelf  36  within the housing  12 . The power source  33  is operationally coupled to the control assembly  20  and the pump assembly  40 . The housing is attached to a portable stand member  38  having a base section  37  and an elevated portion  39 . The housing is attached to the elevated portion of the stand member  38  using a main mounting bracket  43 . 
   The main mounting bracket  43  is designed for coupling to the stand member  38  or to an existing surface to provide maximum flexibility in use. The housing  12  is coupled to the main mounting bracket  43 . The main mounting bracket  43  includes a medial portion  45  designed for coupling to an outer surface of a structure. The main mounting bracket  43  further includes a pair of outer portions  47  extending from the medial portion  45 . The outer portions  47  are coupled to the housing  12 . 
   In an embodiment, the medial portion  45  of the main mounting bracket  43  includes a pair of planar outside portions  49  and a recessed central portion  51  between the planar outside portions  49 . The central recessed portion  51  includes a pair of spaced vertical parallel structure bracket walls  56  extending from the planar outside portions  49 . Thus, the central recessed portion  51  is designed for receiving a generally rectangular shaped structure. In another embodiment, the recessed central portion  51  has an arcuate curvature. Thus, the central recessed portion  51  is designed for receiving a generally arcuately shaped outer face of the structure. The elevated portion  39  of the stand member  38  may be shaped to provide either of the described shapes to permit attachment of the main mounting bracket  43  to the elevated portion  39  of the stand member  38 . 
   Although a spray can be provided, a flow restrictor or other conventional means may be provided to limit the flow of fluid through the dispensing hose to prevent overspray or other misuse resulting from forceful spraying of the vehicle fluid. 
   In use, the user inserts currency into the currency collection assembly which activates the timer for a time remaining or the computer controller for a number of pulses associated with an amount of vehicle fluid. The time remaining or amount remaining is displayed so that the user is aware of amount of time or fluid left for dispensing. The control assembly also activates the pump assembly upon the insertion of currency. The user then uses the dispensing hose to dispense the vehicle fluid, for example filling the windshield washer fluid reservoir. The user can then add more currency to the currency collection assembly for additional time or replace the dispensing hose in the holster portion of the cover member, thus deactivating the system. 
   With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
   Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.