WO1997049633A1

WO1997049633A1 - Apparatus and method for proctecting a filler gun

Info

Publication number: WO1997049633A1
Application number: PCT/NO1997/000163
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stein Alvern; Øyvind ALVERN
Original assignee: Alvern Asa
Priority date: 1996-06-24
Filing date: 1997-06-24
Publication date: 1997-12-31
Also published as: NO986077L; AU730442B2; EP0918732A1; AU3278097A; JP2001513055A; CA2259192A1; NO986077D0

Abstract

A protective apparatus for use with a filler gun (1) having in sequence a barrel (2), a head (3), and a handle (4), includes a protective body (11). The protective body includes an outer shell (13) surrounding at least a portion of the filler gun (1). The outer layer or shell (13; 80) is made of a hard material so as to resist scratching, absorb the initial impact, and distribute the forces away from the filler gun. A pair of arcuate ribs (79) are provided between the filler gun (1) and outer shell (80) to assist in the distribution of impact forces, absorb direct impacts, and act as spacers between the outer shell (13; 80) and the filler gun (1).

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROTECTING A FILLER GUN

The present invention relates to protection devices, and more particularly to a protection apparatus having an energy absorbing inner layer, a harder outer layer surrounding the inner layer, and being attachable to filler gun for, e.g., a fuel pump, an oil pump, a windshield washer pump, an antifreeze pump, or the like. The protection apparatus absorbs and distributes impact forces otherwise received directly by the filler gun when dropped or hit against an object.

Related art devices are known to have the head of a filler gun covered by a thin boot of rubber or plastic material. The boot prevents a bare filler gun head from making scratches on a car's paint, and to a limited degree protects the head from damage. Even with a boot covering the head, however, impact forces caused by the filler guns being dropped upon the ground, or being hit against the pump, automobiles, and other objects, results in damaged filler guns. Repairing and replacing filler guns are one of the direct costs of such damage. The gas station operator also may lose business as a result of having certain pumps out of order while awaiting repair.

A need exists for a protection apparatus which may be readily attached to all configurations of filler guns, whether or not the filler gun has a boot covering the head. The protection apparatus should be readily attachable to the head of a filler gun, or to a boot covering the head of a filler gun, to provide significant protection to the filler gun, thereby avoiding the costs associated with pump downtime, and filler gun repair and replacement.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to protection apparatus as well as methods that overcome the limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An advantage of the present invention is its simple design that is nevertheless capable of providing protection apparatus that may be readily attached to all existing configurations of filler guns for protection from damage otherwise resulting from impact forces.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the protection apparatus particularly pointed out in the written description, as stated in the attached patent claims as well as shown in the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the following detailed description is exemplary only, and are not restrictive of the invention.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incoφorated in and constitute a part of the specification. The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional filler gun;

Figs. 2 and 3 are perspective views of fitting a lower member of a protective body of a protective apparatus onto a filler gun according to one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of fitting an upper member of the protective body onto the filler gun through engagement with the lower member of Figs. 2 and 3;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the protective body of Figs. 2-4 fully installed on the filler gun;

Fig. 6 is a perspective inside view of a side of a lower member according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figs. 7-9 are perspective views of fitting of the lower member of the protective body onto the filler gun when the lower member at its front end region has its side panels integrally joined according to another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a protective apparatus slidably engaged with a filler gun or a boot according to yet another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 1 1 is a perspective view of separate side panels of the lower member of the protective apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the invention; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a protective apparatus attached to a filler gun or a boot according to yet another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a protective apparatus attached to a filler gun or a boot according to another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view depicting a variation on the embodiment shown in Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 depicts another embodiment of the invention including an aperture for applying the energy absorbing inner layer;

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional front view of a filler gun and protective apparatus, with an enhanced section depicting a bottom spring in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the bottom spring shown in Fig. 16;

Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional front view of a filler gun and protective cover, depicting a "mattress" protective pad in the upper section of the protective cover;

Fig. 19A is a bottom view of the "mattress" protective pad provided in the upper section of the protective cover shown in Fig. 18;

Fig. 19B is a cross-sectional side view of the upper section and "mattress" protective pad shown in Fig. 19A;

Fig. 20 is a top view of a lower portion of a protective shell, depicting yet another embodiment of a protective cover including a series of ribs;

Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional front view of the ribbed embodiment of Fig. 20;

Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the lower portion of a protective shell as shown in Fig. 20;

Fig. 23 is another perspective view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 22;

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of an upper portion of an outer shell having energy- absorbing pads on an inner surface thereof; Fig. 25 is a partial end view of a lower portion of an outer shell having energy- absorbing pads on an inner surface thereof; and

Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional front view of a filler gun and protective apparatus, depicting energy-absorbing pads in an upper and lower section of an outer shell.

Fig. 27 is a top view of the lower portion of the protective body, having a pair of arcuate ribs projecting from an inner surface;

Fig. 28 is a side view of one side of the lower portion of Fig. 27, depicting one arcuate rib; and

Fig. 29 is a top view similar to Fig. 27, depicting the arcuate ribs bearing against the sides of a filler gun.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

By way of background, a conventional filler gun for discharging, e.g., fuel, oil, windshield washer fluid, antifreeze, or the like, is illustrated in Fig. 1 , designated generally by the reference numeral 1. As shown in Fig. 1 , the filler gun 1 includes a barrel 2, a gun head 3, and a handle 4. The head 3 has a front end 5 where it joins at a junction with the barrel 2, and a rear end 6. The handle 4 has a front end 7 which joins at a junction with the rear end 6 of the head 3. The handle 4 has a lever 8 which is operatively connected to an internally located valve to control the flow of fuel from a fuel hose 9. The head 3 may be unprotected, or it may be covered by a boot 10 of rubber or plastic material.

A protective apparatus attachable to a filler gun according to the present invention comprises a protective body having an outer layer surrounding an energy absorbing inner layer.

One exemplary embodiment of the protective apparatus of the present invention is shown in Figs. 2-5 and designated generally by reference numeral 1 1. As broadly embodied herein, and referring to Figs. 2-5, the invention according to the embodiment comprises an energy absorbing inner layer 12 surrounding a portion of the filler gun 1 to protect the filler gun 1 from impact forces. An outer layer 13 surrounds at least a portion of the inner layer 12 to distribute impact forces over the inner layer 12. The outer layer 13 is harder than the inner layer 12 so as to resist scratching, absorb the initial impact, and distribute the forces over the softer inner layer 12.

The invention may includes attachment means for attaching the inner and outer layers 12, 13 to the filler gun 1. The attachment means may include straps, adhesives, anchors and screws, pins, or hooks. These attachment means may be used to connect multiple parts of the protective apparatus together to surround a portion of the filler gun 1, or to secure the protective apparatus to the filler gun by, for example, pushing pins contained within the protection apparatus into a boot 10 covering a head 3. A preferred attachment means utilized with either a bare head or head covered with a boot may be integrally formed into one or both of the inner and outer layers.

In one embodiment, the protective apparatus 1 1 is configured for use with a filler gun 1 having a boot 10 covering at least a portion of the head 3. In this embodiment, the attachment means preferably attaches the protective apparatus 1 1 to the boot 10. However, the invention is not limited to use only with filler guns 1 protected by a boot 10. The protective apparatus 11 of the present invention permits attachment either to the head 3 of a filler gun 1, or to a boot 10 covering the head 3 of the filler gun 1.

The inner and outer layers 12, 13 form a protective body 14, which may be formed from various materials, and the attachment means can be any substance or device for securing the protective body 14 to the filler gun 1. Preferably, the outer layer 13 is made of molded plastic or a substantially hard plastic. The preferred hard plastic is either polyamide or polycarbonate. Suitably, the polycarbonate could be e.g. of the make LEXAN®, MAKROLON®, GR1LIAMID® or other suitable make. The outer layer 13 is configured to withstand the initial impact and to distribute the impact forces over the softer inner layer 12.

A preferred inner layer 12 is selected from at least one of rubber, foam, plastic, a bladder containing liquid, and a bladder containing gas. These materials absorb the impact forces transferred from the outer layer 13, thereby protecting the filler gun 1 from damage. For an embodiment having a bladder containing liquid, the preferred liquid would not freeze at low temperatures encountered in the region of installation. For an embodiment having a bladder containing gas, the preferred gas is air due to it being inexpensive, safe, and readily accessible at most service stations. In either embodiment having a bladder, a valve for adding or releasing the liquid or gas is preferably included. The bladder design also permits the protection apparatus to readily mold to or fit around various designs of filler guns 1.

In an alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the inner layer 12 includes at least two layers 15, 16 each selected from one of the above preferred materials. In this alternative embodiment the preferred two layers 15, 16 of the inner layer 12 are made of different materials.

As shown in Figs. 2-5, the protective apparatus 11 comprises a lower member 17 and an upper member 18 releasabiy engageable with the lower member 17. The lower member 17 has two side panels 19, 20, a bottom element 21 and device, such as film hinges 22 or the like, integrally connecting side panels 19, 20 with the bottom element 21. As shown in Fig. 3, the lower member 17 with its side panels 19, 20 and bottom element 21 are brought to lie against the gun head 3 substantially fitting around a lower part of the gun head 3. At the top region of the side panels 19, 20 there are first interlocking elements 23, 24 and 25, 26 on the respective panels 19 and 20. The first interlocking elements 23, 24, 25, 26 are suitably formed as male elements in the form of snap hooks.

As shown in Fig. 4, the upper member 18 is formed as a cap to fit over an upper part of the gun head 3. The upper member 18 has second interlocking elements 27, 28 and 29, 30 for releasabiy engaging the first interlocking elements 23, 24 and 25, 26, respectively, on the lower member 17. The second interlocking elements 27, 28, 29, 30 are formed as female elements having a ledge or set-off. Fig. 2 shows that the panels 19, 20, bottom element 21, hinge 22, and first interlocking elements 23, 24, 25, 26 are formed as an integrally made structure, e.g. through an injection molding process.

As illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, side panels 19, 20 may be provided with a plurality of integrally made studs 31 , which are both for compensating for any tolerances in the space between the panels 19, 20 and the gun head 3 as well as being able to penetrate partly into any boot 10 provided on the gun head 3. Thus, when fitted around the gun head 3, the lower member 17 may obtain an improved contact with the gun head 3. Similarly, as shown in Fig. 4, the upper member 18 may have similar or technically equivalent space compensating studs 31. The studs should be so dimensioned that they will easily yield and/or penetrate into the soft boot 10 covering the gun head 3 if so provided.

In connection with the description of Figs. 2 and 3, it should be noted that the side panels 19, 20 at front region have edges which mate when the panels are brought to lie against the gun head 3. Until such moment, the edges are spaced apart. However, in a modified embodiment of the lower member 17, denoted by reference numeral 32 in Figs. 7-9, the two side panels 19, 20 may be integrally joined at a front region thereof. Suitably, the front region of the two side panels lies above, as indicated by reference number 32a, and below, as indicated by reference number 32b a front opening 33, in the lower member 32, through which the barrel 2 extends when the lower member 32 is brought into engagement with the gun head 3 on the filler gun 1, as illustrated in Fig. 7.

When the lower member 32 is to be fitted onto gun head 3 of filler gun 1 , the rear portions of the side panels 19, 20 may be pushed slightly away from each other to more easily push and enter the lower member 32 onto the filler gun 1. Although the outer layer 13 of the lower member 32 is made of a substantially hard plastic material, the inner and outer layers 12, 13 of the lower member 32 may be designed such that the manipulation of the side panels is possible.

As broadly embodied herein, and referring to Fig. 10, an alternative embodiment includes a protective sleeve to slidably engage a filler gun 1 in a similar manner to lower member 32 of Fig. 7. The invention includes an energy absorbing inner layer 12, adapted to slidably engage the head 3, having two respective ends, one end to receive the barrel 2 and the other end to receive the handle 4. An outer layer 13 surrounds at least a portion of the inner layer 12 to distribute impact forces over the inner layer 12.

The lower member 34 (see Fig. 1 1) of the protective apparatus 11, in its further modified version, comprises two side panels 35 and 36. Side panel 35 has a number of first interconnecting elements 37, 38, and 39. The number of such elements could possibly be fewer, e.g. two or be higher, for example, four. Side panel 36 has corresponding second interconnecting elements 40, 41 , and 42. The first interconnecting elements 37, 38, and 39 are suitably male snap-locks. The second interconnecting elements 40, 41, and 42 are suitably female snap-locks. Apertures (not shown) may be provided next to the respective interconnecting elements for inserting conventional self-locking straps in case any of the snap-locks become defective. At the rear region of the lower member, additional apertures (not shown) may be provided for engagement with conventional self-locking straps, if so required. Rear transversely protruding members 43 are intended for engaging a rear edge region of the gun head 3. Further reference should also be given to previously described Fig. 6.

In yet another embodiment, and referring to Fig. 12, a protective body 44 has a first body portion 45 and a second body portion 46 hingedly connected together. The attachment means include a first member 47 connected to the first body portion 45 and a second member 48 connected to the second body portion 46. The first member 47 releasabiy engages the second member 48 to secure the protective body 44 to the filler gun 1.

According to another embodiment, and referring to Fig. 13, a protective body 49 is divided into at least two parts 50, 51 configured to cover impact points on the filler gun 1 , or to extend above the impact points. The filler gun 1 impact points are first to contact when the filler gun 1 is dropped at various angles. This embodiment offers the additional advantage of lighter weight and a lower cost. A variation on this embodiment of the invention is depicted in Fig. 14, in which parts 50 and 51 of Fig. 13 are disposed in a criss-cross configuration as parts 52, 53 to cover impact points. Additional patterns are also possible.

Another embodiment of the invention can be seen in Fig. 15. As embodied herein, fuel pump filler gun 1 is shown broadly in cross-section, surrounded by outer layer 54 and inner layer 55. In this embodiment, outer layer 54 includes lower member 56 and upper member 57. Lower member 56 is penetrated by a sealable aperture 58. Aperture 58 is provided to allow insertion of tube 59 of spray can 60. Spray can 60 preferably is filled with a foamed plastic material, which is sprayed beneath outer layer 54 to form the impact absorbing inner layer 55.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is depicted in Fig. 16. In addition to an outer shell configured to surround at least a portion of the filler gun and to distribute impact forces away from the filter gun, this alternative embodiment further comprises a spring disposed between the outer layer and the filler gun to absorb direct impacts to the outer shell.

As broadly embodied in Fig. 16, outer shell 54 includes lower member 56 and upper member 57, configured to be joined together by respective interlocking elements 61 , 62, and 23, 25 (other interlocking elements not shown in Fig. 16). A spring 63 is mounted between an inner surface of outer shell 13 and the filler gun 1. As shown in Figs. 16 and 17, spring 63 includes a base portion 64 and resilient spring members 65 and 66. Lip portions 67 are molded into the inner surface of the outer shell to grip the base portion 64. As embodied in Fig. 16, spring 130 is provided in the bottom portion 46 of the outer shell. However, the invention is not limited to any precise position for the spring, or to any particular number of springs. Multiple springs can be provided at a plurality of locations.

In this embodiment, the outer shell 13 serves to broadly distribute impact forces and to protect the filler gun from scratches and the like. Spring 63, on the other hand, is provided to resiliently absorb direct impacts, such as point loads or blows, that might otherwise damage the outer shell and the filler gun.

Fig. 18 depicts yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, inner layer 12 includes an upholstery material or mattress pad 68 provided inside the upper portion 57 of the outer shell.

Referring to Figs. 19A and 19B, and as discussed above, upper portion or member 18; 57 is formed as a generally arcuate and oval-shaped cap to fit over the upper part of gun head 3. Upholstery material 68 is attached to the inner surface of upper member 57 to have the same arcuate and generally oval configuration as the upper member.

Another embodiment of the invention is depicted in Figs. 20-23. In this embodiment, in addition to an outer shell configured to surround at least a portion of the filler gun and to distribute impact forces away from the filler gun, a plurality of ribs are provided extending away from an inner surface of the outer shell toward the filler gun.

As broadly embodied in Fig. 20, a plurality of ribs 70 project away from the inner surface of a lower portion 71 of outer shell 13. Ribs 70 preferably are molded of the same material as outer shell 13. Alternatively, ribs may be molded separately and inserted, although this option is less practical. The ribs 70 serve multiple purposes.

First, the ribs serve to assist the outer shell in absorbing and distributing impact forces away from the filler gun. Second, the ribs serve to strengthen and support the outer shell 13. Finally, the ribs can serve to position the outer shell correctly around the filler gun, by acting as spacers between the filler gun and the outer shell. As shown in Fig.

20, the ribs 70 may have different lengths, in order to work with filler gun heads of different sizes. Also, a wall thickness of the ribs will determine the "softness" of the ribs when the outer shell is subjected to an impact. In the embodiments of Figs. 20, 22, and 23, ribs 70 extend over a substantial part of the lower portion 71. Referring to Fig. 21 , ribs 72 also can be provided on an upper portion 73, although this is not required in all cases.

In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for protecting a filler gun includes an outer shell configured to surround at least a portion of the filler gun and to distribute impact forces away from the filler gun, and a plurality of energy-absorbing pads disposed between the outer shell and the filler gun to absorb direct impacts to the outer shell.

As broadly embodied in Figs 24-26, protecting apparatus 1 1 comprises an outer shell 13, including a lower member 17; 74 and an upper member 18; 75. Upper member 18; 85 is releasabiy engageable with lower member 17; 74. A plurality of interlocking elements 23, 24, 25 and 26 project from lower member 17; 74 as male elements in the form of snap hooks. A plurality of interlocking elements 27, 28, 29 and 30 in the form of channels or female elements are provided in upper member 18; 75. These channels preferably include ledges or set-offs. The upper member 18; 75 and lower member 17: 74 can be releasabiy engaged by insertion of the snap hooks into the channels.

As broadly shown in Fig. 24, a plurality of energy-absorbing pads 76 are provided on the outer surfaces of the interlocking elements or channels 27, 28, 29 and 30 in upper member 18. These energy-absorbing pads 76 preferably are made of a soft, resilient material, such as soft plastic or rubber.

As broadly shown in Fig. 25, an energy-absorbing pad 77 is provided on a lower inner surface of lower member 17; 74. Energy absorbing pad 77 also preferably is made of soft, resilient plastic or rubber. Furthermore, it is preferred that energy absorbing pad 77 have a corrugated surface comprising a plurality of protruding elements or knobs 78.

The energy absorbing pads 76 and 77 provided on the inner surface of the outer shell 13 absorb energy applied to and distributed over the outer shell, thereby preventing damage to the filler gun. Preferably, the energy-absorbing pads are strategically placed at the primary impact points between the outer shell 13 and the filler gun head. Accordingly, the filler gun head can be protected without having an inner layer on the entire inside surface of the outer shell. The knobs 78 on energy-absorbing pad 77 provide additional resilience to this pad, and increased impact protection to the filler gun head.

Another embodiment of the present invention is depicted in Figs. 27-29. In this embodiment a rib 79 projects from the inner surface of each respective lower side portion 80 of outer shell 13. Ribs 79 preferably are molded of the same material as outer shell 13. Alternately, the ribs 79 may be molded separately and inserted into the lower portion 46.

As shown in Figs. 27 and 28, each rib 79 projects away from the inner surface of lower portion 80, then curves, providing the rib with an arcuate cross-section, ending in a distal edge 81.

Referring to Fig. 29, the distal edges 81 of the arcuate ribs 79 bear against the side surfaces of filler gun 1. Depending on the size and design of the filler gun 1 , distal edges 81 may simply contact the sides of the filler gun, or may press tightly against the sides of the filler gun, compressing the arcuate ribs 79 inwardly toward the lower portion 81 of outer shell 13. For this reason, the ribs preferably are made to be sufficiently flexible, in order to compress and accommodate various sizes of filler guns, but still be capable of springing back into position upon removal of the outer shell 13 from the filler gun.

The arcuate ribs 79 serve two purposes. First, the arcuate ribs assist the outer shell in absorbing and distributing impact forces away from the filler gun. When the filler gun is large enough to compress the arcuate rib inwardly, the rib acts like a spring, and is capable of absorbing impact force applied directly to the outer shell. Secondly, the arcuate ribs serve to position the outer shell correctly around the filler gun by acting as spacers between the filler gun and the outer shell.

While there has been illustrated and described what is at present considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the true scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that this invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein, but that the invention include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS:

1.

An apparatus for protecting a filler gun, the apparatus comprising: an outer shell configured to surround at least a portion of the filler gun and to distribute impact forces away from the filler gun; and an arcuate rib disposed between the outer shell and the filler gun to assist in the distribution of impact forces away from the filler gun.

2.

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the outer shell includes an upper portion and a lower portion, and means to connect the upper portion and the lower portion.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the arcuate rib is disposed in the lower portion of the outer shell.

4.

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the arcuate rib projects from an inner surface of the outer shell and includes a distal edge positioned to bear against a side of the filler gun.

5.

The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the arcuate rib is made of the same material as the outer shell.

6.

An apparatus for protecting a filler gun, the apparatus comprising: an energy absorbing inner layer surrounding a portion of the filler gun to protect the filler gun from impact forces; and an outer layer surrounding at least a portion of said inner layer to distribute impact forces over said inner layer, said outer layer having a hardness greater than a hardness of said inner layer.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising attachment means for attaching said inner and outer layers to said filler gun.

8.

A protection apparatus attachable to a fuel pump filler gun including in sequence a barrel, a head, and a handle, the protection apparatus comprising: a protective body having an outer layer surrounding an energy absorbing inner layer, said inner layer being between said outer layer and the filler gun, said outer layer having a hardness greater than a hardness of said inner layer; and attachment means for attaching said protective body to the filler gun.

9. A protective body adapted to be fitted onto a filler gun, the filler gun including in sequence a barrel, a head, and a handle, the protective body extending over at least a portion of the head, the head of the filler gun having an upper surface, a bottom surface, and opposite side surfaces, the protective body comprising: an energy absorbing inner layer surrounding a portion of the filler gun to protect the filler gun from impact forces; an outer layer surrounding at least a portion of said inner layer to distribute impact forces over said inner layer, said inner layer being between said outer layer and the filler gun, said outer layer having a hardness greater than a hardness of said inner layer, said inner and outer layers forming a layered shield, said layered shield being divided into a first member and a second member; and means for releasabiy interconnecting said first and second members, said first and second members being shaped to generally conform, when so interconnected, to enclose the sides, bottom, and upper portions of the head of the filler gun.

10.

A protective apparatus attachable to a filler gun including in sequence a barrel, a head, and a handle, the head having an upper surface, a lower surface, and opposite side surfaces, the protection apparatus comprising: a protective body adapted to be fitted onto the filler gun and to extend from over at least a portion of the head; said protective body comprising a lower member and a upper member for releasabiy engaging with said lower member; said lower member having two side panels and means for interconnecting said side panels, said lower member, when the two side panels are brought to lie against the head of the filler gun, substantially fitting around the lower surface of the gun head, and said side panels having at a top region thereof first interlocking means; and said upper member being formed to fit over the upper surface of the head of the filler gun, and having second interlocking means for releasabiy engaging first interlocking means on said lower member.

11.

A protective sleeve to slidably engage a filler gun including in sequence a barrel, a head, and a handle, the protective sleeve comprising: an energy absorbing inner layer, adapted to slidably engage the head, having respective ends, one end to receive the barrel and the other end to receive the handle; and an outer layer surrounding at least a portion of said inner layer to distribute impact forces over said inner layer, said outer layer having a hardness greater than a hardness of said inner layer.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said energy absorbing inner layer includes at least two sublayers.

13.

The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said at least two sublayers of said inner layer are made of a material selected from at least one of rubber, foam, plastic, a bladder containing liquid, and a bladder containing gas.

14.

The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said at least two sublayers of said inner layer are made of different materials.

15.

The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said attachment means include one of straps, adhesives, anchors and screws, pins, and hooks.

16.

The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said attachment means is integrally formed into said outer layer.

17.

The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said attachment means is integrally formed into said inner layer.

18.

The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said attachment means is integrally formed into said inner and outer layers.

19.

The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said protective body has a first body portion and a second body portion, said body portions being hingedly connected together, said attachment means including a first member connected to said first body portion and a second member connected to said second body portion, said first member being releasabiy engageable with said second member to secure said protective body to the filler gun.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said first member is formed as a male element in the form of snap hooks, and said second member is formed as a female element having means for receiving and releasabiy engaging said hooks.

21. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the filler gun has impact points, which are first to contact when the filler gun is dropped at various angles, said protective body being divided into at least two body portions, said body portions being configured to cover the impact points.

22. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said protective body has a portion adapted to accommodate a close conforming fit over barrels of various lengths.

23.

The apparatus of claim 6, 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein the filler gun has a boot covering at least a portion of the filler gun and said inner layer surrounds at least a portion of the boot.

24.

The apparatus of claim 6, 8,9 or 1 1, wherein said outer layer is made of molded plastic.

25.

The apparatus of claim 6, 8, 9, 10 or 1 1, wherein said outer layer is made of a substantially hard plastic.

26.

The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said hard plastic is polyamide.

27.

The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said hard plastic is polycarbonate.

28.

The apparatus of claim 6, 8, 9 or 11 , wherein said energy absorbing inner layer is made of a material selected from at least one of rubber, foam, plastic, a bladder containing liquid, and a bladder containing gas.

29.

The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said two side panels are integrally joined at a front region thereof.

30.

The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said front region is above and below a front opening in said lower member through which the barrel extends.

31. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said interconnecting means include snap-locks.

32.

The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said interconnecting means includes a bottom element attached to said panels by hinges, and said panels, said bottom element, said first interlocking means, and said lower member are formed as an integrally made structure.

33.

The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said lower member and upper member define an outer layer made of molded plastic.

34.

The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said lower member and upper member define an outer layer made of a substantially hard plastic.

s

35.

The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said hard plastic is polyamide.

36.

The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said hard plastic is polycarbonate. 0

37.

The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising an energy absorbing inner layer made of a material selected from at least one of rubber, foam, plastic, a bladder containing liquid, and a bladder containing gas.

38.

The apparatus of claims 6, 8, 9 or 11, further comprising a sealable aperture provided in said outer layer for insertion of a foam material defining said inner layer.

39.

The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising an aperture provided in said lower member for insertion of a foam material defining an energy absorbing inner layer between said protective body and the filler gun.

40. An apparatus for protecting a filler gun, the apparatus comprising: an outer shell configured to surround at least a portion of the filler gun and to distribute impact forces away from the filler gun; and a spring disposed between the outer shell and the filler gun to absorb direct impacts to the outer shell.

41.

An apparatus for protecting a filler gun, the apparatus comprising: an energy absorbing inner layer of upholstery material configured to surround a portion of the filler gun to protect the filler gun from impact forces; and an outer shell surrounding at least a portion of the inner layer to distribute impact forces over the inner layer, the outer shell having a hardness greater than a hardness of the inner layer.

42.

An apparatus for protecting a filler gun, the apparatus comprising: an outer shell configured to surround at least a portion of the filler gun and to distribute impact forces away from the filler gun; and a plurality of ribs projecting away from an inner surface of the outer shell toward the filler gun.

43. An apparatus for protecting a filler gun, the apparatus comprising: an outer shell configured to surround at least a portion of the filler gun and to distribute impact forces away from the filler gun; and a plurality of energy absorbing pads disposed between the outer shell and the filler gun to absorb direct impacts to the outer shell.

44.

The apparatus of claim 40, 41, 42 or 43, wherein the outer shell includes an upper portion and a lower portion, and means to connect the upper portion and the lower portion.

45.

The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the spring is disposed in the lower portion of the outer shell.

46.

The apparatus of claim 40, further comprising attachment means for attaching the spring to an inner surface of the outer shell.

47. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the upholstery material is attached to an inner surface of the upper portion of the outer shell.

48.

The apparatus of claim 43, wherein at least one of the pads is disposed in the lower portion of the outer shell.

49.

The apparatus of claim 43, wherein at least two of the pads are attached to an inner surface of the upper portion of the outer shell.

50.

The apparatus of claim 48, wherein said at least one pad has on the side thereof facing the filler gun a corrugated surface formed by protruding elements.

51. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein said pads are made of a soft, resilient material.

52.

The apparatus of claim 43, further comprising means for releasabiy attaching the outer shell to the fuel pump filler gun.

53.

The apparatus of claiml, 40, 41, 42 or 43, wherein the outer shell is made of molded plastic.

54.

The apparatus of claims 1, 40, 41, 42 or 43, wherein the outer shell is made of a substantially hard plastic.

55. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein said hard plastic is polyamide.

56.

The apparatus of claim 53, wherein said hard plastic is polycarbonate.

57.

A method for protecting a filler gun, comprising the steps of: surrounding at least a portion of the filler gun with an outer shell configured to distribute impact forces away from the filler gun; and disposing a spring between the outer shell and the filler gun configured to absorb direct impacts to the outer shell.

58.

The method of claim 57, wherein the step of disposing includes attaching the spring to the outer shell.

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59.

A method for protecting a filler gun, comprising the steps of: surrounding at least a portion of the filler gun with an outer layer; and filling a space between the outer layer and the filler gun with a foamed material to form an impact absorbing inner layer.

60.

The method of claim 59, wherein the step of filling includes spraying the foamed material.

61.

The method of claim 60, further comprising the step of inserting a tube for moving the foamed material through the outer layer and into the space between the outer layer and the filler gun prior to the step of spraying.

62.

The method of claim 61, wherein the step of surrounding includes providing the outer layer with a sealable aperture for receiving the tube.

63. The method of claim 61 , further comprising the step of removing the tube from the outer layer after the step of spraying.

64.

A method of protecting a filler gun comprising the steps of: surrounding at least a portion of the filler gun with an outer shell to distribute impact forces away from the filler gun; and disposing at least one energy-absorbing pad at a selected location between the outer shell and the filler gun.

5 65.

The method of claim 64, wherein the step of disposing includes the step of attaching the at least one energy-absorbing pad to the outer shell.

66.

The method of claim 64, wherein the step of surrounding includes the step of providing an outer shell having an upper portion and a lower portion, and means to connect the upper portion and the lower portion.

67.

The method of claim 66, wherein the step of disposing includes attaching at least one energy-absorbing pad to each of the upper portion and the lower portion of the outer shell.