Bungee stirrup to keep diesel fuel pump handle from falling out of fuel tank on semi-trucks during fueling

Abstract

A removable fuel handle retainer is provided, comprising: a circular bungee strap, of a size to fit snugly around the neck of the fuel tank opening on a semi truck; a U shaped bungee strap or stirrup of the same material, molded of a piece with the circular bungee strap; and a circular bungee finger hole, molded of a piece with the U shaped bungee strap or stirrup, of the same material, at the apex of the U shaped bungee strap or stirrup to be used for leverage when activating the device.

The three components, the circular part that fits around the tank opening, the U shaped strap or stirrup, and the finger hole part, are molded of a piece, of the same bungee material, and lie flat against the tank when at rest, except the finger hole, which is molded perpendicular to the U shaped strap or stirrup, for easier finger access.

Claims

1. A removable fuel handle retainer, comprising: a circular bungee strap, of a size to fit snugly around the neck of the fuel tank opening on a semi truck; a U shaped bungee strap or stirrup of the same material, molded of a piece with the circular bungee strap; a circular bungee finger hole, molded of a piece with the U shaped bungee strap or stirrup, of the same material, at the apex of the U shaped bungee strap or stirrup

2. The fuel handle retainer of claim 1, wherein the three components are molded of a piece.

3. The fuel handle retainer of claim 1, wherein the three components are molded of the same bungee material.

4. The fuel handle retainer of claim 1, wherein the finger hole part is perpendicular to to the U shaped part and molded of the same bungee material.

5. A method of forming a fuel handle retainer, comprising the steps of: forming a circular bungee strap, of a size to fit snugly around the neck of the fuel tank opening on a semi truck; forming a U shaped bungee strap or stirrup of the same material, molded of a piece with the circular bungee strap; forming a circular bungee finger hole, molded of a piece with the U shaped bungee strap or stirrup, of the same material, at the apex of the U shaped bungee strap or stirrup

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the three components are molded of a piece of the the same bungee material

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the finger hole part is perpendicular to the U shaped strap or stirrup

8. A method of using a fuel handle retainer to secure a fuel hose nozzle in the fill tube opening of a truck fuel tank, comprising the steps of: stretching the circular bungee strap around the neck of the fill tube opening; placing the fuel hose nozzle into the fill tube opening; beginning the flow of fuel; and stretching the U shaped bungee strap or stirrup over the knob on top of the fuel hose handle; whereby: the U shaped bungee strap or stirrup, molded of a piece with the circular bungee strap prevents the handle from moving backwards away from the fill tube opening.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a fuel tank with the invention in place, with the circular part stretched around the neck of the fuel tank opening.

[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the invention alone.

[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a fuel tank with the invention in place. The nozzle goes into the opening, and the U shaped bungee strap or stirrup is stretched over the knob on top of the fuel pump handle.

[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates a slight side view of the invention, which lies flat and out of the way against the tank when not stretched into place over the knob on top of a fuel pump handle.

[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates prior art of a bungee cord stretched over a fuel pump handle and hooked through holes in the top step.

[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates prior art of a bungee cord threaded through the fuel pump handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0012] The described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a removable device for securing a fueling hose nozzle in a diesel fuel tank opening. The device includes a circular bungee strap; a U shaped bungee strap or stirrup; and a circular finger hole. All molded of a piece, that lies flat and out of the way against the fuel tank when not in use.

[0014] The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.