Fuel dispensing nozzle construction

• US 20040221920A1
• Filed: 06/17/2004
• Published: 11/11/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/01/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Directcast Network, LLC
• Original Assignee: Directcast Network, LLC
• Inventors: McKinley, Mark J, Ferguson, James D, Baker, Glwynn R, Ambrose, Alan S, Mishler, Timothy
• Application Number:
  US10/476,913
• Publication Number:
  US 20040221920A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 141/392
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/3236 relating to electrostatic charges
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/425 including components powered by electricity or light
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/426 including means for displaying information, e.g. for advertising B67D7/425 takes precedence

Abstract

Nozzles (6) for fuel dispensing devices are equipped with system that enable anyone fueling a vehicle to participate in an interactive activity. Those nozzles (6) can have those systems (54) integrally incorporated therein, or those systems can be incorporated into boots (40) that are designed to fit over standard nozzles (6). The systems (54) include a power source (84), an on-off switch, and one or more of the following systems: identifying the user, conveying information from the user to a remote location, sensing and communicating current environmental conditions, an interactive game, conducting a survey, coupon dispensing, delivering a sound or an audio message, providing visual information, a counting mechanism and/or an illumination system. As such, games, quizzes, surveys, and passage of information and promotional materials can be carried out in conjunction with the use of the nozzle assembly. A nozzle also can include a spout composed primarily of a plastic material.

Claims

1. a boot adapted for fit over at least a portion of a vehicular fuel dispensing nozzle, the boot comprising means for providing an interactive game:

2. The boot of claim 1 further comprising means for providing illumination.

3. The boot of claim 2 wherein the means for providing illumination is a means for providing graphic display.

4. The boot of claim 1 further comprising means for conveying a sound or an audio message.

5. The boot of claim 2 further comprising means for conveying a sound or an audio message.

6. The boot of claim 1, further comprising means for permitting a user of the nozzle to input information.

7. The boot of claim 1, further comprising a means for delivering coupons.

8. A boot adapted for fit over at least a portion of a vehicular fuel dispensing nozzle, the boot comprising a counting mechanism.

9-10. -10. (Canceled)

11. A boot adapted for fit over at least a portion of a vehicular fuel dispensing nozzle, the boot comprising a means for delivering coupons.

12-22. -22. (Canceled)

23. A vehicular fuel dispensing nozzle assembly comprising means for providing an interactive game.

24. The nozzle assembly of claim 23 further comprising means for providing illumination.

25. The nozzle assembly of claim 24 wherein the means for providing illumination is a means for providing graphic display.

26. The nozzle assembly of claim 23 further comprising means for permitting a user of the nozzle to input information.

27. The nozzle assembly of claim 23 or 24 further comprising means for conveying a sound or an audio message.

28. The nozzle assembly of claim 23 further comprising a means for delivering coupons.

29. A vehicular fuel dispensing nozzle assembly comprising a counting mechanism.

30. (Canceled)

31. A vehicular fuel dispensing nozzle assembly comprising a means for delivering coupons and means for conveying an audio message.

32-40. -40. (Canceled)

41. A method for providing a user of a self service fuel pump with reason to travel to a location remote from the pump, the method comprising:

(a) providing a self service fuel pump possessing a nozzle assembly;

(b) providing the pump with means for providing the user with an ability to engage in an interactive activity;

(c) providing a prompt for the user to engage in an interactive activity provided through the pump;

(d) providing a message to the user encouraging the user to travel to an identified location remote from the pump to receive information concerning an incentive; and

(e) providing a user that travels to that location with information associated with such incentive.

42-48. -48. (Canceled)

49. A nozzle assembly for dispensing fuel from a vehicular fuel pump through a hose, the nozzle assembly comprising a generally tubular spout composed primarily of a plastic material.

50-51. -51. (Canceled)