Gas cap cover

• US 20050096984A1
• Filed: 12/08/2004
• Published: 05/05/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Albert S. Thompson III
• Original Assignee: Albert S. Thompson III
• Inventors: Thompson, Albert S. III
• Application Number:
  US11/007,416
• Publication Number:
  US 20050096984A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/14.49
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 15/0406 Filler caps for fuel tanks
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0251 Targeted advertisements

Abstract

A gas cap cover device for an automotive vehicle gas cap includes a shell configured to be disposed over a portion of a gas cap. A connector is supported on the shell and is configured to engage the gas cap and cause the gas cap to rotate when the cover device is rotated. A message-bearing element is supported on the cover device and is configured to display a message formulated to influence a vehicle operator to take some action. In addition, a method for reducing emissions from automotive vehicles includes replacing old leaking gas caps with new gas caps that each include a message advertising a product or service or encouraging participation in activities related to automotive emissions reduction. The message may be included on the message-bearing element of the gas cap cover device.

Claims

1-6. -6. (canceled)

7. A gas cap cover device for an automotive gas cap;

the cover device comprising;

a shell configured to be removably installed over a portion of a gas cap;

a connector supported on the shell and configured to rotationally engage the gas cap and cause the gas cap to rotate when the cover is rotated;

a message-bearing element supported on the shell and configured to display a message formulated to influence the vehicle operator to take some action; and

a hole in an upper surface of the cover device configured to align with and leave uncovered a refueling receptacle in a gas cap to be covered;

8. A gas cap cover device as defined in claim 7 including an electromagnetic energy transmitter supported on the shell and configured to aid in directing a robotic fueling device.

10-20. -20. (canceled).