AU780028B2 - A fuel nozzle lever, a fuel nozzle and a method of operating a fuel nozzle - Google Patents

Description

-1-

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name of Applicant/s: Actual Inventor/s: Address for Service: Invention Title: Graeme Harrison Graeme Harrison and Owen Wuillemin BALDWIN SHELSTON WATERS MARGARET STREET SYDNEY NSW 2000 'A FUEL NOZZLE LEVER, A FUEL NOZZLE AND A METHOD OF OPERATING A FUEL NOZZLE' Details of Associated Provisional Application No. PQ3114 dated 27 September, 1999 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- File: 25410AUP01 The present invention relates to the dispensing of fuel and in particular to a fuel nozzle lever, a fuel nozzle and a method of operating a fuel nozzle.

The present invention has been developed primarily for use when dispensing fuel from a self-serve fuel station and will be described with reference to this application.

However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

The vast majority of prior art fuel nozzles share some basic design features. They generally have a hand piece which is gripped by the user's palm, allowing the user's fingers to squeeze a trigger toward the hand piece to actuate a fuel flow. Typically the trigger is biased toward the closed position. Hence, if a user wishes to maintain fuel flow for an extended period, for example to fill up the tank of a car, it is necessary to 15 maintain the squeezing pressure on the trigger for an extended period.

It has been appreciated by the inventor that the prior art nozzles and the above described method of operation can present significant difficulties for those with reduced hand strength, for example the elderly and people with hand related disabilities such as rheumatoid or osteoarthritis or broken bones. Indeed, even people with merely a smaller 20 than average hand span can experience difficulties. Such people can experience problems such as cramping, discomfort and pain when continuously squeezing a fuel S"nozzle trigger for an extended time. Further, people who are particularly susceptible to these types of problems may be unable to effectively operate fuel bowsers at all.

A partial solution to this problem is provided by some prior art nozzles which include a latch which can be used to maintain the trigger in the open position without the necessity of exerting any force. The latch can subsequently be disengaged once the -3required amount of fuel has been dispensed. However many jurisdictions have passed laws banning the used of latches, especially in self serve fuel stations where the customer is entrusted with the operation of the fuel nozzle. An example, of such a restriction is provided by Australian Standard AS 1940 1993 6.4.2. This provision effectively restricts the use of latches, including objects such as fuel caps or keys, which keep the nozzle in an open state to fuel stations which are not of the "self serve" variety.

The inventor has further appreciated that the prior art design of fuel nozzles S* encourages the user to grip and actuate the nozzle using a power grip. This is the type of "i grip that involves holding an object between the flexed fingers and the palm. Such a grip is not well suited to those suffering from a lack of hand strength or a hand related disability.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of •the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention provides a lever for use with a fuel 15 nozzle having a trigger disposed intermediate a hand piece and a hand guard, said trigger being laterally displaceable toward said hand piece so as to actuate a fuel flow, said lever including: an elongate member having a handle disposed adjacent a distal end and a fulcrum disposed adjacent a proximate end, said fulcrum being adapted to engage said hand guard; and nozzle engagement means connected to said elongate member, said nozzle engagement means including a bearing disposed for engagement with said trigger such -4that, in use, the handle is rotatable about said fulcrum so as to displace said trigger toward said hand piece.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a lever for use with a fuel nozzle having a trigger disposed intermediate a hand piece and a hand guard, said trigger being laterally displaceable toward said hand piece so as to actuate a fuel flow, said lever including: an elongate member having a handle disposed adjacent a distal end and nozzle •engagement means disposed adjacent a proximate end, said nozzle engagement means i including a bearing disposed for engagement with said hand guard; and a fulcrum connected to said elongate member intermediate said distal and proximate ends, said fulcrum being engagable with said trigger such that, in use, the handle is rotatable about said fulcrum so as to displace said trigger toward said hand •piece.

Both of the above arrangements advantageously reduce the stresses associated with continuously maintaining a nozzle trigger in an open position. Desirably, the lever allows a user to operate the nozzle using a precision grip rather than a power grip. A precision grip involves pinching an object between the flexor aspect of the fingers and that of the opposing thumb and is a type of grip which is often more suited to people suffering hand impairment and lack of strength.

The preferred embodiment is designed to ensure that the biasing of the trigger pushes the lever to a retracted position if continuous pressure is not applied to the handle whilst in operation, thereby stopping fuel flow. This is aided by the use of a bearing on the nozzle engagement means by minimising the friction associated with rotating the lever between the extended and retracted positions. Hence, the invention is more likely to meet the requirements of Australian Standard AS 1940 1993 as mentioned above. The minimisation of friction provided by the bearing also assists in the use of the lever by those with lesser hand strength.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of operating a fuel nozzle having a trigger disposed intermediate a hand piece and a hand guard, said trigger being laterally displaceable toward said hand piece so as to actuate a fuel flow, said method including the steps of: providing a lever in accordance with either the first or second aspects of the invention; ensuring that the nozzle engagement means is in a retracted position; engaging the fulcrum with the nozzle; rotating the handle such that the nozzle engagement means engages the nozzle; rotating the handle such that the nozzle engagement means is in an extended position, thereby causing fuel to flow through said nozzle; and rotating the handle such that the nozzle engagement means returns to the retracted position, thereby stopping the fuel flow.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of operating a fuel nozzle having a trigger disposed intermediate a hand piece and a hand 20 guard, said trigger being laterally displaceable toward said hand piece so as to actuate a o.

fuel flow, said method including the steps of: S°providing a lever having an elongate member, a fulcrum and nozzle engagement means; engaging the lever with the hand guard; engaging the lever with the trigger; rotating the elongate member with respect to said fulcrum such that the trigger is displaced toward the hand piece, thereby causing fuel to flow through said nozzle; and rotating the elongate member such that the trigger is displaced away from the hand piece, thereby stopping the fuel flow.

30 According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a lever for use with a fuel nozzle having a trigger disposed intermediate a hand piece and a hand guard, said trigger being laterally displaceable toward said hand piece so as to actuate a fuel flow, said lever including: an elongate member having a proximate end and a distal end, said elongate member forming an axle at said proximate end; nozzle engagement means disposed adjacent said proximate end of said elongate member; and a fulcrum disposed on said elongate member and configured to be positioned between said hand guard and said trigger, said fulcrum comprising a support for said axle; wherein said lever is configured to contact said hand guard and said trigger so as to displace said trigger toward said hand piece upon rotation of said elongate member about said fulcrum.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a lever for use with a fuel nozzle having a trigger disposed intermediate a hand piece and a hand guard, said trigger being laterally displaceable toward said hand piece so as to actuate a fuel flow, said lever including: an elongate member having a proximate end and a distal end; nozzle engagement means disposed adjacent said proximate end of said elongate member; and 20 a fulcrum disposed on said elongate member and configured to be positioned *o between said hand guard and said trigger, said fulcrum being rotatable with respect to said elongate member; wherein at least a portion of said lever is configured to reside between said hand guard and said trigger such that said trigger is disposed within reach of said nozzle engagement means such that movement of said elongate member causes said nozzle engagement means to engage said trigger so as to displace said trigger toward said hand ***piece.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a lever for use with a fuel nozzle having a trigger disposed intermediate a hand piece and a hand guard, said 30 trigger being laterally displaceable toward said hand piece so as to actuate a fuel flow, o said lever including: 6a an elongate member having a handle disposed adjacent a distal end of said elongate member and a fulcrum disposed adjacent a proximate end of said elongate member, said fulcrum being adapted to engage said hand guard; nozzle engagement means connected to said elongate member, said nozzle engagement means including a bearing disposed for engagement with said trigger; wherein said nozzle engagement means includes a swing arm which, in use, extends from said fulcrum to said trigger; wherein said bearing is disposed adjacent an end of the swing arm; wherein said elongate member is a substantially cylindrical rod having a bend adjacent the proximate end to define an axle at said proximate end, said axle forming an axis of rotation of said elongate member; wherein said bearing is mounted for rotation about an axis substantially parallel to said axle; wherein said fulcrum comprises a frame and wherein said axle is rotatably mounted to said frame; wherein said frame includes a base connecting two spaced apart opposing side walls, said base adapted to engage said hand guard; wherein said side walls respectively define apertures adapted to rotatably mount said axle to said frame; 20 wherein said handle is rotatable with respect to said frame so as to rotate said o.

nozzle engagement means between a retracted position in which said nozzle engagement means is substantially parallel with said base and an extended position in which said nozzle engagement means is rotated towards an angle perpendicular to said base; S: °wherein the nozzle engagement means makes an angle of between 30 degrees and 80 degrees with the base when in said extended position; wherein said base includes one or more formations adapted to promote secure .engagement between said base and said hand guard; wherein said formations include one or more longitudinally extending ribs spaced so as to releasably mate with a channel defined by the hand guard; 30 wherein said frame includes a stop adapted to restrain said nozzle engagement means from rotating beyond said extended position; 6b wherein said stop is a formation extending from at least one of said side walls; wherein the ratio of the length of the elongate member inclusive of the handle to the length of the nozzle engagement means inclusive of the bearing exceeds 2:1; wherein the nozzle engagement means is offset by between 1 degree and degrees from the elongate member; wherein said lever is portable and is adapted for use with any one of a plurality of said fuel nozzles; wherein the handle is shaped to encourage a user to adopt a precision grip when gripping the handle; wherein the handle is rotatable with respect to said fulcrum so as to displace said trigger toward said hand piece.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a partial front view of the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a partial side view of the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a sectioned view of the preferred embodiment taken through line 44 of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1; 20 Figure 6 is an underside view of the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 7 is a side view of the preferred embodiment prior to actuation of a trigger; Figure 8 is a side view of the preferred embodiment during actuation of a trigger; o 9Figure 9 is a plan view ofa preferred handle in accordance with the invention; Figure 10 is a plan view of the handle shown in Figure 9; 0:60 Figure 11 is a plan view of a swing arm for use in the preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 is a side view of the swing arm shown in Figure 11; 000.4: Figure 13 is an end view of the swing arm shown in Figure 11; 30 Figure 14 is a plan view of a frame for use in the preferred embodiment of the 0 present invention; Figure 15 is a side view of the frame shown in Figure 14; -7- Figure 16 is an end view of the frame shown in Figure 14; and Figures 17 to 20 are plan and side views of spacers used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The dimensions marked on Figures 9 to 20 are expressed in millimetres and are shown for the purposes of example only. It is to be understood that embodiments of the invention having dimensions differing from those shown in all of the figures, and particularly figures 9 to 20, may nevertheless still fall within the scope of the claims.

The preferred lever 10 is for use with a fuel nozzle 11 shown in ghost in Figures 7 and 8. The fuel nozzle 11 has a trigger 12 disposed intermediate a hand piece 13 and a 10 hand guard 14. The trigger 12 is laterally displaceable toward the hand piece 13 so as to actuate a fuel flow out of nozzle aperture

*CCC

The preferred lever 10 has an elongate member 16 which includes a handle 'e g disposed adjacent a distal end 18 and a fulcrum 19 disposed at a proximal end 20 and 6@S* adapted to engage the hand guard 14. In the illustrated embodiment the handle takes the 15 form of a cylinder of diameter suitable to promote ergonomic comfort for the user. In other embodiments (not illustrated) the handle may take other forms, for example loops or other handle fittings suitable for use by severely disabled users, amputees, etc.

The lever 10 also includes nozzle engagement means 21 connected to the elongate member and adapted to engage the trigger 16 such that, in use, the handle 17 is rotatable about the fulcrum 19 so as to displace the trigger 12 towards the hand piece 13.

This arrangement advantageously provides a user with alternative means to actuate the trigger of pre-existing fuel nozzles.

-8- In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated and hereinafter referred to as "the reversed embodiment") the fulcrum 19 is disposed intermediate the distal 18 and proximate 20 ends and is adapted to engage the trigger. In such an embodiment the nozzle engagement means 21 is adapted to engage the hand guard 14. The reversed embodiment provides for a different lever type to that utilised by the illustrated preferred embodiment.

In some embodiments the handle is not a separate part of the elongate member, *but rather the handle is formed by, or is an integral part of, the elongate member.

In the illustrated preferred embodiment the nozzle engagement means 21 eeeee o10 includes a swing arm 22 which, in use, extends from the fulcrum 19 to the trigger 12, as shown in Figure 8.

As shown in Figure 1, a bearing 23 is disposed adjacent an end 24 of the swing arm 22. The bearing 23 is engagable with the trigger 12 and helps to reduce friction as the bearing 23 rolls along the trigger 12 as the handle is rotated. The bearing 23 is rotatably disposed upon the end 24 of the swing arm 22 by means of a bolt 25 and a pair .i of spacers 26. The spacers 26 are best shown in Figures 17 and 18 and are disposed upon a shaft 27 which extends between the two opposing side walls 28 of the swing arm 22 so as to maintain the bearing 23 generally central of the swing arm side walls 28. To further minimise friction the spacers 26 are preferably fabricated from brass or other materials having low friction properties. In the reversed embodiment the bearing 23 is engagable with the hand guard 14 The elongate member 16 is a substantially cylindrical rod having a bend 29 adjacent the proximal end 20 to define an axle 30 at the proximate end. The axle -9forms an axis of rotation of the fulcrum 19. In other words, both the elongate member 16 and the nozzle engagement means 21 rotate as one about the axis of rotation given by axle 30. This axis of rotation is shown diagrammatically on Figure 5 by line 31-31. The bearing 23 is mounted for rotation about an axis which is substantially parallel to axle 30. The axis of rotation of the bearing 23 is shown diagrammatically on Figure 5 as line 32-32.

The axle 30 is rotatably mounted to a frame 33 that includes a base 34 which is adapted to engage the hand guard 14. The base 34 connects two spaced apart opposing side walls 35 and 36. The side walls respectively define apertures 37 and 38 adapted to ooooo 10 rotatably mount the axle 30 to the frame 33.

The handle 17 is rotatable with respect to the frame 33 so as to rotate the nozzle engagement means 21 between a retracted position (as shown in Figure 7) in which the nozzle engagement means 21 is substantially parallel with the base 34 and an extended S.position (illustrated in Figure 8) in which the nozzle engagement means 21 is rotated towards a normal of the base 34. This normal is shown diagrammatically by line 39-39.

As illustrated in Figure 7, the retracted position provides sufficient clearance for the fulcrum 19 and associated frame 33 to be inserted between the trigger 12 and the hand guard 14. During rotation of the nozzle engagement means 21 into the extended position shown in Figure 8, the end of the nozzle engagement means travels through an arc which causes bearing 23 to roll along the trigger 12. This also has the affect of laterally displacing the trigger 12 so as to actuate a fuel flow from aperture 15 of the fuel nozzle 11. It will be appreciated that in the reversed embodiment the bearing 23 rolls along the hand guard 14.

When in the extended position, the nozzle engagement means 21 preferably makes an angle between 30 degrees and 80 degrees with the base 34. More preferably the angle is the range of 60" to 700 and, in the preferred embodiment, this angle is approximately 65 The frame 33 includes a stop 40 adapted to restrain the nozzle engagement means 21 from rotating beyond the extended position. In the illustrated preferred embodiment the stop 40 is in the form of a formation extending between the frame side walls 35 and 36. In other embodiments the stop 40 is a formation extending from one or other of the frame side walls 35 or 36. In the illustrated preferred embodiment the formation takes the form of a cylindrical rod. The stop 40 ensures that S- 10 the nozzle engagement means 21 does not go "over centre". This ensures that the trigger 12 cannot be inadvertently locked in the open position which would effectively cause the lever 10 to function as a latch. Rather, the biasing of the trigger 12 toward the closed position transfers a force to the nozzle engagement means 21 tending to push it towards S.the retracted position. In other words, the lever 10 only functions to maintain the trigger 12 in the open position whilst a force is being exerted upon the handle by a user. Once .i such a force is removed, the biasing of the trigger 12 is sufficient to rotate the nozzle engagement means 21 out of the way to enable the trigger 12 to automatically close, thereby halting the fuel flow.

The base 34 includes one or more formations 41 adapted to promote secure engagement between the base 34 and the hand guide 14. In the illustrated preferred embodiment the formations 41 take the form of one or more longitudinally extending ribs spaced so as to releasably mate with a channel 42 defined by the hand guard 14. In the reversed embodiment the base 34 is adapted to securely engage the trigger 12.

-11- The relative lengths of the elongate member 16 (inclusive of the handle 17) and the nozzle engagement means 21 (inclusive of the bearing 23) are preferably selected to confer a mechanical advantage to the user when using the lever 10 to actuate the trigger 12. In particular, the ratio of the length of the elongate member (inclusive of the handle) to the length of the nozzle engagement means 21 (inclusive of the bearing) preferably exceeds 2 1. More preferably, said ratio exceeds 4 1 and in the preferred embodiment illustrated the ratio is approximately 6 1. In the illustrated preferred embodiment the elongate member 16 has an effective length of approximately 24 centimetres and the •nozzle engagement means 21 has an effective length of approximately 4 centimetres.

S 10 The nozzle engagement means 21 is preferably off-set from the elongate member 16 by between 1 and 60*. This angle is marked in figure 3 as x and, in the illustrated embodiment, is approximately 40' In an alternative preferred embodiment (not illustrated) said angle is approximately 10'. This off-set angle can be adjusted as necessary to ensure that the handle 17 does not foul against a vehicle receiving petrol as 15 the nozzle engagement means 21 is rotated between the retracted and extended positions.

oeeo .i Additionally, the side of the frame from which the elongate member 16 extends can be swapped either to ensure that there is sufficient clearance from the vehicle or to adapt the lever 10 for use by left or right handed users.

The preferred lever 10, as shown in the figures, is portable and is adapted for use with any one of a plurality of fuel nozzles. Hence, a motorist can store the lever 10 in their car, and then when the time comes to fill the tank of their vehicle with fuel they can use the lever 10 in conjunction with one of the nozzles at whatever service station they -12happen to visit. Alternatively, self service fuel stations can make levers 10 available for any members of the public who may find them to be of assistance.

The handle 17 is shaped to encourage a user to adopt a precision grip when gripping the handle. More particularly, it can be seen in Figures 7 and 8 that the natural grip that would be assumed by a user when rotating the handle 17 into the extended position is to clasp the handle between the tips of the fingers and the thumb. As discussed above, this type of grip is more appropriate for people suffering from hand disabilities.

Another embodiment (not illustrated) of the invention is a fuel nozzle adapted to selectively control a flow of fuel from a reservoir and out of an aperture provided in the nozzle, the flow being regulated by a valve which is, in turn, regulated by the position of an elongate member rotatably mounted to the nozzle. Thus, this arrangement provides an easily actuated lever which forms an integral part of the mechanisms controlling the flow of the nozzle. In such a fuel nozzle, the length of the elongate member is greater than 12 centimetres and preferably greater than 15 centimetres. The elongate member preferably includes a handle disposed on a distal end. Alternatively, the elongate member can itself function as a handle. The handle is preferably shaped to encourage a user to adopt a precision grip when gripping the handle.

With reference to the illustrated embodiment, the preferable method of operating a fuel nozzle includes the following steps: providing a lever 10 in accordance with either of the preferred embodiments; ensuring that the nozzle engagement means 21 is in the retracted position; engaging the fulcrum 19 with the nozzle; -13rotating the handle 17 such that the nozzle engagement means 21 engages the nozzle; rotating the handle 17 such that the nozzle engagement means is in the extended position, thereby causing fuel to flow through the nozzle; and, once sufficient fuel has been obtained, rotating the handle such that the nozzle engagement means 21 returns to the retracted position thereby stopping the fuel flow. If using a portable lever 10, the method preferably includes the further step of detaching the lever from the nozzle 11. In another aspect of the preferred method the user assumes a precision grip when operating .:o.oi 10 the handle 17.

#eo° Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

#o

Claims (29)

1. A lever for use with a fuel nozzle having a trigger disposed intermediate a hand piece and a hand guard, said trigger being laterally displaceable toward said hand piece so as to actuate a fuel flow, said lever including: an elongate member having a handle disposed adjacent a distal end and a fulcrum disposed adjacent a proximate end, said fulcrum being adapted to engage said hand guard; and nozzle engagement means connected to said elongate member, said nozzle engagement means including a bearing disposed for engagement with said trigger such S10 that, in use, the handle is rotatable about said fulcrum so as to displace said trigger toward said hand piece.

2. A lever according to claim 1 wherein said nozzle engagement means includes a swing arm which, in use, extends from said fulcrum to said trigger. e*

3. A lever according to claim 2 wherein said bearing is disposed adjacent an end of 15 the swingarm.

4. A lever according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said elongate member is a substantially cylindrical rod having a bend adjacent the proximate end to define an axle at said proximate end, said axle forming an axis of rotation of said fulcrum. A lever according to claim 4 wherein said bearing is mounted for rotation about an axis substantially parallel to said axle.

6. A lever according to claim 4 or 5 wherein said axle is rotatably mounted to a frame.

7. A lever according to claim 6 wherein said frame includes a base adapted to engage said hand guard, the base connecting two spaced apart opposing sidewalls or channels forming part of the guard.

8. A lever according to claim 7 wherein said side walls respectively define apertures S-adapted to rotatably mount said axle to said frame.

9. A lever according to claim 7 or 8 wherein said handle is rotatable with respect to said frame so as to rotate said nozzle engagement means between a retracted position in which said nozzle engagement means is substantially parallel with said base and an S"extended position in which said nozzle engagement means is rotated towards a normal of ~said base. A lever according to claim 9 wherein the nozzle engagement means makes an :angle of between 30 degrees and 80 degrees with the base when in said extended position.

11. A lever according to any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein said base includes one or more formations adapted to promote secure engagement between said base and said hand guard.

12. A lever according to claim 11 wherein said formations include one or more longitudinally extending ribs spaced so as to releasably mate with a channel defined by the hand guard. -16-

13. A lever according to claim 9 wherein said frame includes a stop adapted to restrain said nozzle engagement means from rotating beyond said extended position.

14. A lever according to claim 12 wherein said stop is a formation extending from either or both of said side walls.

15. A lever according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the ratio of the length of the elongate member inclusive of the handle to the length of the nozzle engagement means inclusive of the bearing exceeds 2 1.

16. A lever according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the nozzle engagement means is offset by between 1 degree and 60 degrees from the elongate member. "17. A lever for use with a fuel nozzle having a trigger disposed intermediate a hand piece and a hand guard, said trigger being laterally displaceable toward said hand piece so as to actuate a fuel flow, said lever including: o an elongate member having a handle disposed adjacent a distal end and nozzle engagement means disposed adjacent a proximate end, said nozzle engagement means including a bearing disposed for engagement with said hand guard; and a fulcrum connected to said elongate member intermediate said distal and proximate ends, said fulcrum being engagable with said trigger such that, in use, the handle is rotatable about said fulcrum so as to displace said trigger toward said hand piece. -17-

18. A lever according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said lever is portable and is adapted for use with any one of a plurality of said fuel nozzles.

19. A lever according to any one of claims 1 to 18 wherein said lever is formed integrally with said nozzle.

20. A lever according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the handle is shaped to encourage a user to adopt a precision grip when gripping the handle.

21. A method of operating a fuel nozzle having a trigger disposed intermediate a hand piece and a hand guard, said trigger being laterally displaceable toward said hand piece so as to actuate a fuel flow, said method including the steps of: providing a lever in accordance with any one of claims 1 to ensuring that the nozzle engagement means is in a retracted position; engaging the fulcrum with the nozzle; o. •1 rotating the handle such that the nozzle engagement means engages the nozzle; rotating the handle such that the nozzle engagement means is in an extended position, thereby causing fuel to flow through said nozzle; and rotating the handle such that the nozzle engagement means returns to the retracted position, thereby stopping the fuel flow.

22. A method of operating a fuel bowser nozzle according to claim 21 including the further step of detaching the lever from the nozzle. 20 23. A method of operating a fuel bowser nozzle according to claim 21 or 22 wherein the user assumes a precision grip when operating said handle.

24. A method of operating a fuel nozzle having a trigger disposed intermediate a hand piece and a hand guard, said trigger being laterally displaceable toward said hand piece so as to actuate a fuel flow, said method including the steps of: providing a lever having an elongate member, a fulcrum and nozzle engagement means; engaging the lever with the hand guard; engaging the lever with the trigger; -18- rotating the elongate member with respect to said fulcrum such that the trigger is displaced toward the hand piece, thereby causing fuel to flow through said nozzle; and rotating the elongate member such that the trigger is displaced away from the hand piece, thereby stopping the fuel flow.

25. The method of operating a fuel nozzle according to claim 24 including the further step of detaching the lever from the nozzle.

26. The method of operating a fuel nozzle according to claim 24 or 25 wherein the user assumes a precision grip when operating said elongate member.

27. The method of operating a fuel nozzle according to any one of claims 24 to 26 wherein engaging the lever with the hand guard further includes engaging the fulcrum with the hand guard.

28. The method of operating a fuel nozzle according to any one of claims 24 to 27 wherein engaging the lever with the trigger further includes engaging the nozzle engagement means with the trigger.

29. The method of operating a fuel nozzle according to any one of claims 24 to 28 further including placing the nozzle engagement means in a retracted position prior to *engaging the lever with the hand guard.

30. The method of operating a fuel nozzle according to claim 29 wherein rotating the S•elongate member such that the trigger is displaced toward the hand piece places the nozzle engagement means in an extended position.

31. A lever for use with a fuel nozzle having a trigger disposed intermediate a hand piece and a hand guard, said trigger being laterally displaceable toward said hand piece so as to actuate a fuel flow, said lever including: an elongate member having a proximate end and a distal end, said elongate 6 O 25 member forming an axle at said proximate end; nozzle engagement means disposed adjacent said proximate end of said elongate member; and -19- a fulcrum disposed on said elongate member and configured to be positioned between said hand guard and said trigger, said fulcrum comprising a support for said axle; wherein said lever is configured to contact said hand guard and said trigger so as to displace said trigger toward said hand piece upon rotation of said elongate member about said fulcrum.

32. A lever for use with a fuel nozzle having a trigger disposed intermediate a hand piece and a hand guard, said trigger being laterally displaceable toward said hand piece so as to actuate a fuel flow, said lever including: an elongate member having a proximate end and a distal end; nozzle engagement means disposed adjacent said proximate end of said elongate member; and a fulcrum disposed on said elongate member and configured to be positioned between said hand guard and said trigger, said fulcrum being rotatable with respect to said elongate member; wherein at least a portion of said lever is configured to reside between said hand guard and said trigger such that said trigger is disposed within reach of said nozzle engagement means such that movement of said elongate member causes said nozzle *engagement means to engage said trigger so as to displace said trigger toward said hand o• 20 piece. i 33. -A lever for use with a fuel nozzle having a trigger disposed intermediate a hand piece and a hand guard, said trigger being laterally displaceable toward said hand piece so as to actuate a fuel flow, said lever including: an elongate member having a handle disposed adjacent a distal end of said elongate :oo: 25 member and a fulcrum disposed adjacent a proximate end of said elongate member, said fulcrum being adapted to engage said hand guard; nozzle engagement means connected to said elongate member, said nozzle oo o engagement means including a bearing disposed for engagement with said trigger; S •wherein said nozzle engagement means includes a swing arm which, in use, extends from said fulcrum to said trigger; wherein said bearing is disposed adjacent an end of the swing arm; wherein said elongate member is a substantially cylindrical rod having a bend adjacent the proximate end to define an axle at said proximate end, said axle forming an axis of rotation of said elongate member; wherein said bearing is mounted for rotation about an axis substantially parallel to said axle; wherein said fulcrum includes a frame and wherein said axle is rotatably mounted to said frame; wherein said frame includes a base connecting two spaced apart opposing side walls, said base adapted to engage said hand guard; wherein said side walls respectively define apertures adapted to rotatably mount said axle to said frame; wherein said handle is rotatable with respect to said frame so as to rotate said nozzle engagement means between a retracted position in which said nozzle engagement means is substantially parallel with said base and an extended position in which said nozzle engagement means is rotated towards an angle perpendicular to said base; wherein the nozzle engagement means makes an angle of between 30 degrees and degrees with the base when in said extended position; wherein said base includes one or more formations adapted to promote secure engagement between said base and said hand guard; o 20 wherein said formations include one or more longitudinally extending ribs spaced so as to releasably mate with a channel defined by the hand guard; wherein said frame includes a stop adapted to restrain said nozzle engagement means from rotating beyond said extended position; wherein said stop is a formation extending from at least one of said side walls; wherein the ratio of the length of the elongate member inclusive of the handle to •the length of the nozzle engagement means inclusive of the bearing exceeds 2:1; wherein the nozzle engagement means is offset by between 1 degree and degrees from the elongate member; wherein said lever is portable and is adapted for use with any one ofa plurality of S• 30 said fuel nozzles; wherein the handle is shaped to encourage a user to adopt a precision grip when gripping the handle; -21- wherein the handle is rotatable with respect to said fulcrum so as to displace said trigger toward said hand piece.

34. A lever for use with a fuel nozzle substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this 3 0 t h day of December 2004 Shelston IP Attorneys for: GRAEME HARRISON *e