Fluent material handling – with receiver or receiver coacting mea – Processes
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-30
2001-08-28
Maust, Timothy L. (Department: 3751)
Fluent material handling, with receiver or receiver coacting mea
Processes
C141S392000, C251S090000, C074S526000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06279621
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to gas pumping devices and, more specifically, to a hands-free gas pumping device having the characteristics of portability and ease of use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
All vehicle owners who have had occasion to use a self-service gas pump are well familiar with the mechanics of filling a gas tank. Where the pump activation lever has to be manually held in position by the vehicle owner, the process of filling the gas tank can be time-consuming and uncomfortable, and can result in the inhalation of harmful vapors. If not for the need to keep his or her hand on the activation lever, a person pumping gas could otherwise engage in more useful activities, such as cleaning the vehicle's windows, going to the bathroom, purchasing something to drink or eat, using a phone, or the like.
Some gas stations equip the gas pump handle with an integral latch or other device which can be used to maintain the activation lever in an activated position without the continued use of a person's hand. However, the constant use of these devices causes many of them to become unreliable. Additionally, many gas stations are not equipped with these devices at all.
A need therefore existed for a portable hands-free gas pumping device which can be carried by the driver from gas station to gas station and used to keep the activation lever in an activated position without the continued use of a person's hand.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a portable hands-free gas pumping device capable of providing the user with the hands-free ability to pump gas into his or her vehicle at various gas stations.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for pumping gas allowing for hands-free operation and portability.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a portable device for hands-free pumping of gas is disclosed, comprising, in combination: a portable, detached elongated body having a top portion and a bottom portion; wherein the portable, detached elongated body is dimensioned to be interposed between a bottom portion of a gas pump handle frame and a bottom surface of a gas activation lever when the activation lever is in an activated position, so as to maintain the activation lever in the activated position.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for hands-free pumping of gas is disclosed, comprising, in combination, the steps of: providing a portable, detached elongated body having a top portion and a bottom portion; wherein the portable, detached elongated body is dimensioned to be interposed between a bottom portion of a gas pump handle frame and a bottom surface of a gas activation lever when the activation lever is in an activated position, so as to maintain the activation lever in the activated position; activating the activation lever by pulling it in a direction toward the top portion of the gas pump handle frame; and interposing the elongated body between the bottom portion of the gas pump handle frame and the bottom surface of the activation lever so as to maintain the activation lever in an activated position.
The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4175595 (1979-11-01), Noe
patent: 4334560 (1982-06-01), Lockwood
patent: 6095173 (2000-08-01), Perry
Maust Timothy L.
Weiss Harry M.
Weiss Jeffrey
Weiss & Moy P.C.
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