Fuel dispensing nozzle construction

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.

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 . (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 . (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 . (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 . (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 . (Canceled)