Fuel pump nozzle lever holding device

Abstract

A fuel pump nozzle lever holding device is claimed that allows a user to pump fuel without applying constant hand pressure to the fuel pump nozzle lever. The device works by either clamping or wedging the nozzle lever in the compressed or “open” position. Embodiments of the invention include a clamp that closes and latches to compress the nozzle lever to the nozzle handle; a spring tension clamp that clamps over the nozzle lever and handle; and a bracing bar that wedges the nozzle lever closed from inside of the nozzle handle.

1 . A fuel pump nozzle lever retention device, comprising: 
 a female rigid member with a first end and a second end comprising 
 an interlocking portion on the first end,  
 a compressing portion between the first and second ends, and  
 a release latch;  
   a male rigid member with a first end and a second end, comprising 
 an interlocking portion on the first end configured to rigidly mate with the interlocking portion of the female rigid member, and  
 a compressing portion between the first and second ends;  
   wherein the interlocking portions of the male and female members are mateable and lockeable when fitted over the fuel pump nozzle lever and    wherein the mating and locking of the male and female members together causes the compressing portions of the members to retain the fuel pump nozzle lever until the release latch is triggered to release the male member from the female member.    
   
   
       2 . The fuel pump nozzle lever retention device of  claim 1 , wherein the female member further comprises a magnet.  
   
   
       3 . The fuel pump nozzle lever retention device of  claim 1 , wherein the male interlocking portion further comprises serrated teeth and the female interlocking portion further comprises at least one catch for catching the serrated teeth.  
   
   
       4 . The fuel pump nozzle lever retention device of  claim 1 , wherein the interlocking portions of the male and female members are substantially perpendicular to the interlocking portions of the respective male and female members.  
   
   
       5 . The fuel pump nozzle lever retention device of  claim 1 , wherein the compression portions of the male and female members are straight.  
   
   
       6 . The fuel pump nozzle lever retention device of  claim 1 , wherein the second ends of the male and female members are curved.  
   
   
       7 . The fuel pump nozzle lever retention device of  claim 1 , wherein the compression portions of the male and female members are curved.  
   
   
       8 . The fuel pump nozzle lever retention device of  claim 1 , wherein the male and female members are generally arcuate.  
   
   
       9 . The fuel pump nozzle lever retention device of  claim 8 , wherein the second ends of the male and female members are pivotally connected together.  
   
   
       10 . A fuel pump nozzle level retention device, comprising: 
 a first clamping element comprising a clamping end and a grip portion, wherein the first clamping element is pivotally connected to    a second clamping element comprising a clamping portion and a grip portion; and    a spring element contacting the grip portions of the first and second clamping elements, whereby the spring element forces the clamping portions of the clamping elements toward one another until the force is overcome by compression of the grip portions of the clamping elements.    
   
   
       11 . A fuel pump nozzle lever retention device, comprising: 
 a substantially U-shaped upper brace adjustably connected to a substantially U-shaped lower brace, whereby the upper brace is wedgeable against the lever and the lower brace is wedgeable against the inner surface of the fuel pump nozzle handle in order to maintain the lever in the fully depressed position.