Fuel dispenser skin/panel and related methods

Abstract

A polycarbonate material for retrofit or “like item” replacement of a fuel dispenser pump skirt, riser, and/or valance and related methods is described herein. In one embodiment, a substantially clear polycarbonate material is used that is capable of supporting graphics that are printed on the material's second surface (i.e., that surface opposite the first surface that is directly exposed to damage) thereby protecting the graphics from scratching and similar types of damage.

1 . A substantially clear polycarbonate material having a first side surface and a second side surface; 
 wherein the polycarbonate material is constructed for retrofit or replacement of a portion of an existing fuel dispenser.    
   
   
       2 . The polycarbonate material of  claim 1 , wherein the portion of the existing fuel dispenser is a pump skirt.  
   
   
       3 . The polycarbonate material of  claim 1 , wherein the portion of the existing fuel dispenser is a riser.  
   
   
       4 . The polycarbonate material of  claim 1 , wherein the portion of the existing fuel dispenser is a valance.  
   
   
       5 . The polycarbonate material of  claim 1 , wherein information is applied to the second side surface of polycarbonate material.  
   
   
       6 . A method for retrofitting or replacing a portion of an existing fuel dispensing, comprising the steps of: 
 providing the clear polycarbonate material of  claim 1;  and    retrofitting or replacing a portion of an existing fuel dispenser with the clear polycarbonate material.    
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the step of retrofitting or replacing a portion of an existing fuel dispenser further includes the step of retrofitting or replacing a dispenser pump skirt.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the step of retrofitting or replacing a portion of an existing fuel dispenser further includes the step of retrofitting or replacing a dispenser riser.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the step of retrofitting or replacing a portion of an existing fuel dispenser further includes the step of retrofitting or replacing a dispenser valance.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 6 , further including the step of applying information to the second side surface of the polycarbonate material.  
   
   
       11 . A replacement cover portion for a gasoline pump, including a polycarbonate element having a first surface and a second surface, said polycarbonate element including connection means to permit attachment to an existing fuel dispenser.  
   
   
       12 . A polycarbonate skin element for a fuel dispenser, including a skin element formed from polycarbonate, said skin element being configured to cover at least a portion of the fuel dispenser, said skin element having an exposed first surface configured to form at least a portion of the exterior of the assembly after the skin element is assembled with the fuel dispenser.  
   
   
       13 . The skin element of  claim 12 , in which said skin element is at least substantially clear, and said skin element includes a second surface configured to be positioned interior from said first exterior surface after the skin element is assembled with the fuel dispenser.  
   
   
       14 . The skin element of  claim 13 , further including graphic elements positioned further interior of said second interior surface, so that said graphics are visible from said first exterior surface side of said skin element.