AU2016222408C1

AU2016222408C1 - Protective cover for a service unit of a service station, method for producing a protective cover and method for arranging a protective cover on a service unit of a service station

Info

Publication number: AU2016222408C1
Application number: AU2016222408A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Joerg Peter Strasburger; Sven Wucherpfennig
Original assignee: ALVERN MEDIA GmbH
Current assignee: ALVERN MEDIA GmbH
Priority date: 2016-08-31
Filing date: 2016-08-31
Publication date: 2023-06-08
Anticipated expiration: 2036-08-31
Also published as: AU2016222408A1; AU2016222408B2

Abstract

Protective cover for a service unit of a service station, method for producing a protective cover and method for arranging a protective cover on a service unit of a service station. In various embodiments a protective cover (50) for a service unit (20) of a service station is provided, with the service unit (20) comprising a housing (22) with given dimensions, at least one resource supply extending through the housing (22) at a given position of the housing (22), wherein the protective cover (50) is formed for fitting on the service unit (20) and has a recess which is arranged for accommodating at least a part of the resource supply. (Figure 1) 2/6 FIG 3 5 42 40 20 26 22 58-39 38 46 48 3 3438 5 2 32 30 36 44 I 50 I 62 48I 3 53 38 IL .1 - FIG 4 20--, 44_ 50 62 48 -39 53 38 60 '34 32 30 36 30--

Description

2/6

FIG 3 5 42 40 20 26

22 58-39

46 48 38 3 3438 52 32 30 36

IL .1 - 50 44 I FIG 4 I 62 20--, 53 38 48I 3

44_ 50 62 48 -39

53 38 60 '34 32

30-- 30 36

PROTECTIVE COVER FOR A SERVICE UNIT OF A SERVICE STATION, METHOD FOR PRODUCING A PROTECTIVE COVER AND METHOD FOR ARRANGING A PROTECTIVE COVER ON A SERVICE UNIT OF A SERVICE STATION FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention concerns a protective cover for a service unit of a service station, a method for producing a protective cover for a service unit of a service station, and a method for arranging a protective cover on a service unit of a service station.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] 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.

[0003] Service stations, for example gas stations, fuel stations, servos, current stations, or motor vehicle cleaning stations provide resources for motor vehicles like cars, trucks, and/or motor bikes. For example, fuel stations provide gasoline, diesel, gas, and/or other kinds of fuels for motor vehicles by corresponding service units, for example fuel pumps. Additionally or alternatively, service stations provide additional or other resources and/or services for the motor vehicles like water for cleaning the motor vehicles, for example the windows of the motor vehicles, or for refueling a cooler of the vehicle, and/or air under high pressure for pumping up, in other words inflating, the tyres of wheels of the motor vehicle, a vacuum for cleaning the interior of the motor vehicles, and/or current for charging a battery of the motor vehicle, in particular the battery of an electric car or a hybrid car. Further, there are service stations, in particular cleaning stations only providing resources like water and/or vacuum for cleaning the motor vehicles, or current stations only providing current for charging the battery of an electric car or hybrid car.

[0004] Service units comprising a fuel supply for providing fuel, a water supply for providing the water, an air supply for providing the air under high pressure, a current supply for providing energy, and/or a vacuum supply for providing a vacuum get standardized more and more. This increasing standardizations have several reasons. Firstly, there are only a few companies in each country and sometimes over several countries which provide corresponding service units and normally each company has only a few different kinds of service units for sale. In Australia for example, there is a big company selling mainly one kind of a service unit, which is used at several different gas stations providing that service. Secondly, an increasing number of fuel companies standardize their gas stations, in particular with respect to the designs and the positions of the service units. Therefore, these companies prefer to have the same kinds of service units all over their gas stations. Thirdly, there are some existing rules or at least some considerations in some countries to standardize the designs and the positions of the service units of gas stations by an official standard and/or by law. Therefore, looking on one special country, there are only a few, down to a single, kind of a service unit for providing water and air at a gas station present.

[0005] Normally, the fuel pumps are arranged under a roof of the gas station, wherein the roof can protect the fuel pumps against some environmental impacts, in other words environmental influences, in particular some weather influences, like for example rain and/or sun, in order to reduce a corrosion of the fuel pumps. In contrast to that the service units providing air, water, vacuum, and/or current often are not arranged under such roofs. Therefore, normally, there is no protection against rain and/or sun for these service units. Additionally, the fuel pumps and the other service units suffer from further environmental impacts, like for example wind, which would also be critical, if a roof would be arranged for protecting the service units against rain and/or sun. This is particularly crucial, if the fuel pumps or the other service units are arranged in regions or countries in which there are often strong winds and/or in which the wind often carries a substantial amount of sand, like for example in Australia or Africa. In that cases, the wind, in particular carrying the sand, grinds the surfaces of the fuel pumps and the other service units. This may lead to a partial or complete removal of a varnish for protecting the surfaces of these service units. These factors lead to an increased and accelerated corrosion of the service units.

[0006] Regarding the fuel pumps, it is known to cover them by a loose sack-like cover, if they are out of order. Such a cover has one open side at the bottom and is completely closed otherwise and does not enable to use the covered fuel pump.

[0007] Further, it is known to provide advertising surfaces on fuel nozzles of fuel pumps by arranging hoods over the fuel nozzles, with the hoods providing the advertising surfaces. It is highly probable that advertisements on these advertising surfaces are seen and recognized by the people refueling their motor vehicles, because the refueling process needs a few minutes during which the advertisement is presented to the driver, what leads to an increase of the sales of the advertised products, for example in a small supermarket of the gas station. This effect may be increased, if the product to which the advertisement refers has a direct relation to the motor vehicle, driving the motor vehicle, and/or the refueling process. Additionally, the hood enables to easily exchange the advertisement which are placed on the surfaces. In this way various advertisements can be placed over various time periods on the fuel nozzles, what enables to offer the advertising surfaces within a huge price range to interested companies. These facts contribute to that the advertising surfaces are very attractive for companies. However, in general, fuel pumps and other service units do not comprise any corresponding advertising surfaces, because it is not known how to easily arrange and to easily remove corresponding advertisements on the housings of the fuel pumps and, respectively, the service stations.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a to overcome or substantially ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention in at least one embodiment to provide a protection cover for a service unit of a gas station, which enables to protect the service unit against environmental impacts while providing the full functionality of the service unit, which can be easily attached to the service unit, which can be easily and/or completely detached from the service unit, and/or which creates an easily exchangeable advertising surface.

[0010] It is an object of the present invention in at least one embodiment to provide a method for producing a protection cover for a service unit of a gas station, which is cheap and can be carried out quickly and which contributes to that the protection cover enables to protect the service unit against environmental impacts while providing the full functionality of the service unit, that the protection cover can easily be attached to the service unit, and/or that the protection cover can easily and/or completely be detached from the service unit.

[0011] It is an object of the present invention in at least one embodiment to provide a method for arranging a protection cover on a service unit of a gas station, which can be easily, quickly, and/or cheaply carried out, which contributes to protect the service unit against environmental impacts by the protection cover while providing the full functionality of the service unit, which enables to easily and/or completely detach the protective cover from the service unit, and/or which enables to use outer surfaces of the protective cover as easily exchangeable advertising surfaces.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention a protective cover for a service unit of a gas station is provided. The service unit comprises a housing with given outer dimensions, at least one resource supply extending through the housing at a given position of the housing. The protective cover is formed for fitting on and/or over the service unit by folding around the service unit such that a front side, a back side, a right side, and a left side of the service unit are substantially covered and such that inner surfaces of the folded protective cover are in direct contact with substantially the whole outer surfaces of the front side, the back side, the right side, and the left side, respectively, of the service unit. The protective cover has a recess which is arranged for accommodating at least a part of the resource supply.

[0013] The protective cover enables to protect the service unit against environmental impacts, in other words against environmental influences, for example against rain, sun, wind and/or sand, while providing the full functionality of the service unit by the recesses providing full access to the resource supply. The protective cover can be easily attached to the service unit and can be easily and/or completely detached from the service unit, if necessary. Optionally, the protective cover creates an easily exchangeable advertising surface. For example, if the protective cover is already arranged over the service unit for a certain duration, the protective cover may already be worn out by the sun, wind, rain and/or sand. Then, the protective cover may be easily detached from the service unit and substituted by a new protective cover while the service unit stays the same and is still in a good condition. According to another example, if an advertisement is printed on an outer surface of the protective cover and if the advertisement should be changed to a new advertisement, for example of the same company or another company, the protective cover may be easily detached from the service unit and may be substituted by a new protective cover comprising the new advertisement on its outer surface, while the service unit stays the same.

[0014] The advertising effect of the advertisement on the outer surfaces of the very protective cover is very strong, because the person using the service unit normally has a good view on the outer surface of the protective cover and because the use of the service unit normally takes a few minutes during which the corresponding advertisement can be seen by the user, for example if the tank of the motor vehicle is refueled, if the motor vehicle, in particular the windows of the motor vehicle are washed with the help of the water, if the interior of the motor vehicle is cleaned by the vacuum, if the battery of the electric or hybrid car gets charged, and/or if the tyres of the motor vehicle are inflated with the help of the air of the service unit. This advertising effect may be increased, if the advertisement relates to a product which has a direct relation to motor vehicles, to driving motor vehicles and/or to the use of the water, the vacuum, the current, and/or the air of the service unit. For example, motor vehicle suppliers, motor vehicle equipment suppliers, rent a car providers, cleaning equipment suppliers, energy suppliers, and/or beverage suppliers may use this form of advertisements. Alternatively or additionally, cleaning and/or tuning products and/or drinks and snacks may be promoted by corresponding advertisements on the protective cover.

[0015] The housing may comprise a front side, a backside, a right side, a left side, a top side, and, optionally, a bottom side. The sides of the housing may be flat and/or may comprise surfaces, in particular flat surfaces. The surfaces of the housing are arranged at the outside of the housing and are therefore defined as outer surfaces of the housing. The outer dimensions of the housing correspond to dimensions of the outer surfaces. The housing comprises several edges and corners connecting the sides of the housing. The resource supply normally is arranged at the front side and, optionally, at the right side, and, in some cases, at the left side or the back side of the service unit. So, the front side of the housing is defined as that side which is normally directed to a person who wants to use the service unit and who approaches the service unit and/or which comprises at least in part the main service elements of the service unit. The top side and the bottom side are defined as the corresponding sides of the housing, if the service unit is arranged and installed ready for use at the corresponding gas station. The left side and the right side are defined by standing in front of the service unit and looking on the front side of the service unit.

[0016] The resource supplied by the resource supply is for example fuel, for example gas, gasoline and/or diesel, water, air under high pressure, air under low pressure, for example vacuum, and/or current, for example normal current, power current or high voltage current. Correspondingly, the resource supply may comprise a fuel supply, a water supply, an air supply, a vacuum supply, and/or a current supply, respectively. The water supply may comprise a terminal fixed to the housing, a pipe fixed to the terminal and/or the housing, and/or a water tap fixed to the housing, the terminal, and/or the pipe. The water supplied by the water supply may be used to clean a motor vehicle, in particular windows of the motor vehicle, and/or for filling up a cooler of the motor vehicle. The air supply may comprise an air terminal fixed to the housing, an air hose fixed to the air terminal and/or the housing, and/or an air nozzle fixed to the air hose. The air supplied by the air supply may be used for inflating, i.e. filling air under high pressure in, one or more tyres of the motor vehicle. The vacuum supply may comprise a vacuum terminal fixed to the housing, a vacuum hose fixed to the vacuum terminal and/or the housing, and/or a handle fixed to the vacuum hose. The vacuum supplied by the vacuum supply may be used for cleaning, i.e. vacuuming, the interior of the motor vehicle. The fuel supply may comprise a fuel terminal fixed to the housing, a fuel hose fixed to the fuel terminal and/or the housing, and/or a fuel nozzle fixed to the fuel hose. The fuel supplied by the fuel supply may be used for refueling the fuel tank of the motor vehicle. The current supply may comprise a current terminal fixed to the housing, a cable fixed to the current terminal and/or the housing, and/or a plug fixed to the cable. The current supplied by the current supply may be used for charging the battery of the corresponding motor vehicle, for example the electric car or the hybrid car, by plugging the plug into a socket of the car.

[0017] The protective cover may comprise several flat sides corresponding to the flat sides and/or flat surfaces of the housing. For example, the protective cover may comprise a front side, a backside, right side, and a left side, and, optionally, a top side and/or bottom side. The protective cover comprises outer surfaces and inner surfaces. If the protective cover is arranged on the service unit, the inner surfaces of the protective cover face the outer surfaces of the service unit and are not visible from outside, and the outer surfaces of the protective cover face away from the service unit and are visible from outside.

[0018] That a parameter like a dimension, a height, a width, a depth, and/or a position, for example the first position and/or the second position, is given means in this application, that the corresponding parameter is known to the corresponding person skilled in the art and/or the public, because the corresponding device comprising the parameter, for example the service unit, is widely known to the person skilled in the art and/or the public, for example because the corresponding device is widely used in the technical field, is publically available, is standardized and/or because the parameter of the device is given by law. For example, in Australia one kind of a service unit ("FEP 1005") having given dimensions (320 mm width, 1400 mm height, 320 mm depth) is widely used over different gas stations. The dimensions of this service unit can be measured on every gas station providing such service unit or can be read on the homepage of the company selling the service unit (http://www.airtecaustralia.com.au/products/fep-customised- freestanding-digital-tyre inflator/).

[0019] That the housing of the service unit comprises given outer dimensions means in this application, that the housing has a given height, a given width, and/or a given depth, and/or, in case the housing comprises different heights, different width and/or given depth at different positions, that these heights, width and depth, respectively, are given, and/or, in case the housing comprises legs, that the position and/or the dimensions of the legs are given.

[0020] That the protective cover is formed for fitting on and/or over the service unit for example means in this application that the dimensions of the protective cover are determined by the dimensions of the service unit which should be protected by the protective cover and/or that the inner dimensions of the protective cover are the same or at least nearly the same as the corresponding outer dimensions of the service unit. For example, if the housing of the service unit comprises several flat sides, edges and corners, the protective cover also comprises flat sides corresponding to the flat sides of the housing, edges corresponding to the edges of the housing and corners corresponding to the corners of the housing, at least if the protective cover is in a state where it covers the service unit. Alternatively or additionally, that the protective cover is formed for fitting on the service unit for example means in this application that, if the protective cover is arranged on the service unit, basically the whole inner surface of the protective cover is in direct contact with the outer surface of the housing. For example, if the whole service unit is covered by the protective cover, then the whole inner surface of the protective cover is in direct contact with the whole or nearly the whole outer surface of the service unit.

[0021] That a parameter, a position, a surface, a side, an edge, and/or a corner of the protective cover corresponds to a parameter, a position, a surface, a side, an edge, and/or a corner of the service unit for example means in this application that the parameter, the form of the surface, the size of the surface, the form of the side, the size of the side, the form of the edge, and/or the length of the edge are the same or nearly the same. Alternatively or additionally, that a parameter, a position, a surface, a side, an edge, and/or a corner of the protective cover corresponds to a parameter, a position, a surface, a side, an edge, and/or a corner of the service unit for example means in this application that, if the protective cover is arranged over the service unit, the surface, the side, the edge, and/or the corner of the protective cover are arranged next and/or parallel to the corresponding surface, side, edge, and/or, respectively, corner of the service unit.

[0022] That the recess is arranged for accommodating at least a part of the resource supply, for example that the first recess is arranged for accommodating at least a part of the water supply, that the second recess is arranged for accommodating at least a part of the air supply, and/or that, in the following, any recess of the protective cover is arranged and/or formed for accommodating any other element of the service unit for example means in this application, that the position and size of the corresponding recess are such that, if the protective cover is arranged on the service unit, the corresponding element or at least a part of the corresponding element of the service unit extends through, is arranged in, and/or is visible through the corresponding recess.

[0023] In various embodiments the protective cover is formed such that it tightly fits on and/or over the service unit. The tight fit of the protective cover on the service unit contributes to a very good protection of the services unit and/or are proper fixation of the protective cover on the service unit. For example, if there are outer impacts on the protective cover on the service unit, for example mechanical impacts and/or impacts from wind, rain, and/or sun the tight fit contributes to that the protective cover does not allow a direct contact of such impact to the service unit and/or does not allow a movement of the protective cover relative to the service unit. That the protective cover is formed such that it tightly fits on the service unit means in this application for example that all inner surfaces of the protective cover are in direct contact with the corresponding surfaces of the service unit, if the protection cover is arranged on the service unit. Additionally or alternatively, that the protective cover is formed such that it tightly fits on the service unit means in this application for example that there is a clearance fit, for example if the protective cover is made from stiff material, or an interference fit or press fit, for example if the protective cover is made from an elastic material, between the protective cover and the service unit.

[0024] In various embodiments the protective cover comprises inner dimensions corresponding to the outer dimensions of the housing, if the protective cover is arranged on the service unit. This enables the tight fit of the protective cover on the service unit in an easy way. That the inner dimensions of the protective cover correspond to the outer dimensions of the housing for example means in this application that the widths, lengths, and heights of the inner surfaces of the protective cover are the same or at least nearly the same as the corresponding widths, lengths, and, respectively, heights of the outer surfaces of the housing. That the widths, lengths, and heights of the inner surfaces of the protective cover are nearly the same as the corresponding widths, lengths, and heights of the outer surfaces of the housing for example means that the widths, lengths, and heights of the inner surfaces are such that there is the clearance fit, the interference fit, and/or the press fit between the housing and the protective cover, if the protective cover is arranged on the housing. Alternatively or additionally, that the widths, lengths, and heights of the inner surfaces of the protective cover are nearly the same as the corresponding widths, lengths, and heights of the outer surfaces of the housing for example means that the widths, lengths, and heights of the inner surfaces are a little bit larger than the corresponding widths, lengths, and/or heights of the outer surfaces of the housing such that it is possible to arrange the protective cover on, over, and/or around the service unit while still having a good, in particular a tight, fit, in particular the clearance fit, of the protective cover on the housing, in particular, if the protective cover is made from a stiff material. In contrast to that, if the protective cover is made from an elastic material, that the widths, lengths, and heights of the inner surfaces of the protective cover are nearly the same as the corresponding widths, lengths, and heights of the outer surfaces of the housing for example means that the widths, lengths, and heights of the inner surfaces are a little bit smaller than the corresponding widths, lengths, and/or heights of the outer surfaces of the housing such that it is still possible to arrange the protective cover on, over, and/or around the service unit by expanding and/or stretching the elastic material of the service unit while having a good, in particular a tight, fit, in particular the interference fit and/or press fit, of the protective cover on the housing because of the elasticity and/or elastic force of the material of the protective cover.

[0025] In various embodiments the service unit comprises: a water supply extending through the housing at a first given position of the housing; an air supply extending through the housing at a second given position of the housing; a display for displaying an air pressure provided by the air supply, the display being arranged at a third given position of the housing; a first button for decreasing the air pressure, the first button being arranged at a fourth given position of the housing; a second button for increasing the air pressure, the second button being arranged at a fifth given position of the housing; a third button and/or a fourth button for entering a desired air pressure, the third and/or the fourth button being arranged at a sixth and, respectively, seventh given position of the housing; a holder for holding the air hose of the air supply, a vacuum hose of the vacuum supply, or a cable of current supply, the holder being arranged at an eighth given position of the housing; the vacuum supply extending through the housing at a ninth given position of the housing; a fuel supply extending through the housing at a tenth given position of the housing; and/or the current supply extending through the housing at an eleventh given position of the housing; with the protective cover comprising: a first recess corresponding to the first given position of the housing and being formed for accommodating at least a part of the water supply; a second recess corresponding to the second given position of the housing and being formed for accommodating at least a part of the air supply; a third recess corresponding to the third position, the fourth position, and/or the fifth position and being formed for providing a view on the display, for accommodating the first button and/or for accommodating the second button, respectively; a fourth recess corresponding to the sixth position and/or the seventh position and being formed for accommodating the third button and/or the fourth button; a fifth recess corresponding to the eighth position and being formed for accommodating at least a part of the holder; a sixth recess corresponding to the ninth position and being formed for accommodating at least a part of the vacuum supply; a seventh recess corresponding to the tenth position and being formed for accommodating at least a part of the fuel supply; and/or an eighth recess corresponding to the eleventh position and being formed for accommodating at least a part of the current supply. Generally speaking, for every resource and corresponding service element or service elements of the service unit which can be used by a person using the service unit a corresponding recess may be formed in the protective cover to enable free access to the corresponding resource and service element. This contributes to providing the full functionality of the service unit, even if it is protected by the protective cover.

[0026] In various embodiments, if the protective cover is arranged on the service unit, the first recess is formed and arranged such that the part of the water supply extends through the first recess; the second recess is formed and arranged such that the part of the air supply extends through the second recess; the sixth recess is formed and arranged such that the part of the vacuum supply extends through the sixth recess; the seventh recess is formed and arranged such that the part of the fuel supply extends through the seventh recess; and/or the eighth recess is formed and arranged such that the part of the current supply extends through the eighth recess. For example, the water terminal, the pipe, or the water tap of the water supply extends through the first recess; the air terminal or the air hose of the air supply extends through the second recess; the vacuum terminal or the vacuum hose of the vacuum supply extends through the sixth recess; the vacuum terminal or the vacuum hose of the vacuum supply extends through the seventh recess; and/or the current terminal or the cable of the current supply extends through the eighth recess.

[0027] In various embodiments the protective cover is formed by a flexible material. This enables, to form the protective cover with the interference fit or the press fit with respect to the service unit. For example, the protective cover is formed from a stretchable material. For example, the material of the protective cover comprises neoprene, spandex, lycra, and/or elastane.

[0028] Alternatively, the material of the protective cover is stiff, in other words rigid. This enables to form the protective cover with the clearance fit with respect to the service unit. For example, the material of the protective cover comprises paper, paperboard, synthetic foil, and/or plate, for example metal sheet.

[0029] In various embodiments the protective cover is formed such that it covers all sides of the service unit, if the protective cover is arranged on the service unit. This contributes to a very good protection of the service unit against environmental influences and/or to a very good fixation of the protective cover on the service unit.

[0030] In various embodiments the protective cover is formed of one piece. This may contribute to an easy handling and/or simple production of the protective cover and/or to an easy assembly of the protective cover on the service unit.

[0031] In various embodiments the housing of the service unit comprises the front side, the back side, the right side, the left side, and edges connecting the sides, as defined above. The protective cover comprises several flat sides corresponding to the sides of the housing and several folds connecting the flat sides and corresponding to the edges of the housing. The flat sides and the folds of the protective cover are arranged such that, if the protective cover is arranged on the service unit, the flat sides are folded against each other such that the flat sides are arranged next and parallel to the corresponding sides of the housing and that the folds are arranged next and parallel to the corresponding edges of the housing. For example, the flat sides of the protective cover are formed and folded such that the protective cover forms a cuboid.

[0032] In various embodiments the protective cover comprises overlapping sections which are connected to some of the flat sides via corresponding folds and which are formed for being fixed to others of the flat sides, if the protective cover is arranged on the service unit. The overlapping sections contribute that the protective cover can easily be arranged on the service unit. The overlapping sections enable to arrange the protective cover on the service unit without fixing the protective cover directly to the service unit. In other words, the protective cover can hold itself at the service unit, for example with the help of the overlapping sections. Therefore, no provision has to be made at the service unit in order to be able to arrange the protective cover on it. Further, no adhesive has to be brought in contact with the housing of the service unit. For example, the overlapping sections of the protective cover are fixed to the inner surfaces of the neighboring sides of the protective cover, for example by an adhesive. Additionally or alternatively, the overlapping sections are fixed to the corresponding flat sides of the protective cover by a positive-fit connection between an overlapping section connected to one flat side and an overlapping section connected to a neighboring flat side of the protective cover or between an overlapping section connected to one flat side and a neighboring flat side of the protective cover.

[0033] In various embodiments the protective cover provides information about the service unit and/or other information at its outer surfaces. The information about the service unit may comprise a guide or one or more tips of how to use the service station, in particular the water supply and the air supply. The other information may comprise one or more advertisements. The easy way of attaching, detaching and exchanging the protective cover enables to easily update and/or exchange the information on it. Thus, if the manufacturer of the service unit or the owner of the gas station think that it is necessary to change the information regarding the service unit, for example adding some information or reducing the information, they simple exchange the protective cover without any modification of the service unit. Alternatively or additionally, if the owner of the service unit wants to rent the outer surface of the protective cover to any companies for making advertisement, they are able to simply design the corresponding advertisement on the protective cover and to leave the protective cover on the service unit as long as it is rented. Afterwards, the protective cover may easily be detached from the service unit without having any debris on the service unit. Further, if the protective cover is still in good condition, it may be used to provide the corresponding information at another gas station and/or service unit.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present invention a method for producing the protective cover is provided. The protective cover is formed for protecting the service unit of the gas station. The service unit comprises the housing with the given dimensions, the at least one resource supply extending through the housing at the given position. The protective cover is formed for fitting over the service unit by folding around the service unit such that a front side, a back side, a right side, and a left side of the service unit are substantially covered and such that inner surfaces of the folded protective cover are in direct contact with substantially the whole outer surfaces of the front side, the back side, the right side, and the left side of the service unit. The recess is formed in the protective cover for accommodating at least a part of the resource supply.

[0035] The method for producing the protection cover for the service unit of the gas station contributes to that the protection cover enables to protect the service unit against environmental impacts while providing the full functionality of the service unit, that the protection cover can be easily attached to the service unit, and/or that the protection cover can be easily and/or completely detached from the service unit. Additionally, the method for producing the protective cover is cheap and can be carried out quickly.

[0036] The advantages and embodiments of the protective cover explained above can be transferred to advantages and embodiments of the method for producing the protective cover. Therefore, a repetitive explanation of those advantages and embodiments is omitted.

[0037] In various embodiments the protective cover is formed of one piece. For example, the protective cover is cutted or punched from a single, one piece sheet-like workpiece and folded afterwards. Alternatively, the sides of the protective cover may be cutted or punched from one or more sheet-like workpieces and may be fixed together afterwards. Alternatively, the protective cover is made from a one piece fabric.

[0038] In various embodiments the housing of the service unit comprises the front side, the back side, the right side, the left side, and the edges connecting the sides. The protective cover is formed such that it comprises several flat sides corresponding to the sides of the housing and several folds connecting the flat sides and corresponding edges of the housing. The flat sides and the folds are arranged such that, if the protective cover is arranged on the service unit, the flat sides are folded against each other such that the flat sides are arranged next and parallel to the corresponding sides of the housing and that the folds are arranged next and parallel to the corresponding edges of the housing. Afterwards, some of the flat sides of the protective cover may be fixed to one each other in order to attach the protective cover to the service unit without directly fixing the protective cover to the service unit.

[0039] In various embodiments the protective cover is formed such that it comprises the overlapping sections which are connected to some of the flat sides via the corresponding folds and which are formed for being fixed to inner surfaces of others of the flat sides, if the protective cover is arranged over the service unit. The overlapping section may be made of the same piece as the flat sides of the protective cover.

[0040] According to another aspect of the present invention a method for arranging the protective cover on the service unit of the gas station is provided. The service unit comprises the housing having the given outer dimensions, the at least one resource supply extending through the housing at the given position. The protective cover has the inner dimensions corresponding to the given outer dimensions of the service unit and comprises the recess for accommodating at least a part of the resource supply, the flat sides being at least in part connected to each other by the folds, and the overlapping sections, which are connected to some of the flat sides via corresponding folds. The protective cover is folded around the service unit such that the recess accommodates at least a part of the resource supply and the overlapping sections are fixed to some of the flat sides of the protective cover which, in the folded state, are arranged next to the flat sides to which the overlapping sections are connected.

[0041] The method for arranging the protection cover on the service unit of the gas station contributes to protect the service unit against environmental impacts by the protection cover while providing the full functionality of the service unit. The method for arranging the protection cover on the service unit can be easily, quickly, and/or cheaply carried out. The method for arranging the protection cover on the service unit enables to easily and/or completely detach the protective cover from the service unit. The method for arranging the protection cover on the service unit creates an easily exchangeable advertising surface.

[0042] The advantages and embodiments of the protective cover and/or the method for producing the protective cover explained above can be easily transferred to advantages and embodiments of the method for producing the protective cover. Therefore, a repetitive explanation of those advantages and embodiments is omitted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0044] Figure 1 shows a front view of a service unit of a gas station;

[0045] Figure 2 shows a side view of the service unit according to figure 1;

[0046] Figure 3 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a protective cover on the service unit according to figure 1;

[0047] Figure 4 shows a side view of the protective cover on the service unit according to figure 3;

[0048] Figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a protective cover after its production and before arranging it on the service unit of a gas station;

[0049] Figure 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a protective cover after its production and before arranging it on the service unit of a gas station;

[0050] Figure 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a protective cover after its production and before arranging it on the service unit of the gas station;

[0051] Figure 8 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a protective cover on a service unit;

[0052] Figure 9 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a protective cover on a service unit;

[0053] Figure10 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a protective cover on a service unit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0054] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific details and embodiments in which the invention may be practiced.

[0055] Fig. 1 shows a front view of a service unit 20 of service station, for example a gas station or a petrol station, a servo, a cleaning station, or a charging or current station, and Fig. 2 shows a side view of the service unit 20 according to figure 1.

[0056] The service unit 20 is arranged at the service station, for example in an area of the service station, as a fuel pump, next to fuel pumps of the gas station or with a given distance of for example several meters to the fuel pumps of the gas station. The service unit 20 is arranged for providing fuel, water, vacuum, current and/or air, in particular high pressure air, for motor vehicles, such as cars, trucks, and/or motorbikes. In particular, the fuel may be used for driving the vehicles, the vacuum may be used for cleaning the interior of the motor vehicle, the current may be used for charging a battery (not shown) of the motor vehicle, the water may be used for cleaning the motor vehicle, for example one or more windows and/or mirrors of the motor vehicle, or for refueling a water tank of a cooler of the corresponding motor vehicle and the air under high pressure may be used for pumping up and/or inflating one or more tyres of the motor vehicle. The service unit 20 may be used by a driver of the corresponding motor vehicle and/or by an employee of the gas station.

[0057] The service unit 20 comprises a housing 22. The housing 22 comprises a front side 24, a back side (not shown in the figures) opposite to the front side 24, a right side 25, a left side (not shown in the figures) opposite to the right side 25, a top side (not shown in the figures), and a bottom side (not shown in the figures). The sides 24, of the housing are connected to each other at edges 26 of the housing 22. Corners of the housing 22 are formed at the positions where the edges 26 come together.

[0058] For convenience and for an accurate description, these sides of the housing 22 are named as they are arranged in figure 1 and as they would be arranged at a real service unit 20 arranged ready to use at the gas station, wherein the viewer is standing in front of the service unit and has the front view according to figure 1. For example, in figure 1 front side 24 is facing the viewer, the right side 25 is on the right side of the housing 22, the left side is on the left side of the housing 22, the top side is on top of the housing 22, the bottom side is at the bottom of the housing 22, and the back side is behind the front side 24.

[0059] In the embodiment according to figure 1, all the sides 24, 25 of the housing 22 are flat and comprise flat rectangular surfaces. However, in an alternative embodiment one or more of the sides 24, 25 may not be flat, may not have flat surfaces, and/or may not be rectangular, but have for example spherical, for example circular, oval, convex, concave, and/or any kind of polygon surfaces. Further, in the embodiment of figure 1 the service unit 20 has the form of a cuboid. However, in an alternative embodiment the service unit 20 for example may be shaped as an egg or a sphere or for example has the form of any polyhedron, for example the form of a frustum, for example a right frustum, wherein the smaller base of the frustum can form the upper side or the bottom side of the housing 22 (see for example figure 8). Further, the service unit 20 may have a more complex form, for example the form of any common thing, like for example a bottle or a tin.

[0060] The service unit 20 comprises at least one resource supply. In the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 4, the resource supply comprises a water supply 30 for supplying water. The water supply 30 comprises a water tap 32 and a water terminal, wherein the water tap 32 is connected to the housing 22 via a waterterminal. The water tap 32 may be rotated in order to supply water or to stop the supply of water by the water supply 30. Instead of the water tap 32 one or more buttons may be arranged in order to start or to stop the supplying of water by the water supply 30. The water supply 30 exits the housing 22 at a first given position of the housing 22. For example, the water terminal is arranged at the first given position.

[0061] In the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 4, the resource supply comprises an air supply 34 for supplying air, in particular under high pressure. The air supply 34 comprises an air hose 36, an air nozzle 38, and an air terminal (not shown). The air terminal is arranged at the housing 22. A first end of the air hose 36 is connected to the housing 22 at via the air terminal. The air nozzle 38 is arranged at a second end of the air hose 36 distal from the first end of the air hose 36. The air nozzle 38 is arranged for fixing the air hose 36 to a valve of a tyre to be pumped up.

[0062] A holder 39 for holding the air hose 36 is arranged at an eighth given position at the housing 22. In particular, the holder 39 is arranged at the right side 25 of the housing 22, for example above the air terminal. Alternatively, the holder 39 may be omitted or may be arranged at another position of the housing 22. The air hose 36 may be rolled up and may be hung up on the holder 39.

[0063] A display 40 is arranged at the front side 24 of the housing 22. A first button 42 is arranged at a fourth given position of the housing 22 at the front side 24 and on the left side of the display 40. A second button 44 is arranged at a fifth given position of the housing 22 on the front side 24 of the housing 22 and on the right side of the display 40. A third button 46 and/or a fourth button 48 arranged at a sixth and, respectively, seventh given position at the front side 24 of the housing 22 and are arranged under the display 40, the first button 42 and/the second button 44.

[0064] The display 40 is arranged for displaying information regarding the service unit 20 and/or regarding the use of the service unit 20. For example, an air pressure of the air supply 34 is shown on the display 40. The shown air pressure may be a desired air pressure, which should be given in a tyre to be inflated, or an actual and/or a current air pressure in a tyre to which the air nozzle 38 is currently connected. The internal air pressure of the tyre may decreased by pressing the first button 42 or may be increased by pressing the second button 44, if the air nozzle 38 is connected to the valve of the tyre. The third and/or the fourth button 46, 48 are optionally arranged for enabling the user of the service unit 22 to input a desired air pressure. If the desired air pressure is input via the third and/or the fourth button and if the air nozzle 38 is properly connected to the valve of the tyre, the service unit 20 can automatically provide the air such that the desired air pressure is set after a short while.

[0065] The service unit 20 may have less or further service elements as the water supply 30, the air supply 34, the display 40, the buttons 42, 44, 46, 48, and/or the holder 39. For example, the service unit 20, in particular the resource supply alternatively or additionally comprises a vacuum supply, a fuel supply, and/or a current supply.

[0066] The service unit 20, in particular the housing 22 of the service unit 20, has given outer dimensions. The service unit 20 for example has a given height from the bottom side to the top side in a range between 1000 mm and 2000 mm, for example between 1100 mm and 1500 mm. The service unit 20 may have a given width from the left side to the right side 25 in a range between 300 mm and 400 mm, for example between 315 mm and 395 mm. The service unit 20 may have a given depth from the front side 24 to the back side in a range between 200 mm and 500 mm, for example between 215 mm and 445 mm. For example, the service unit 20 may have a given width of 355 mm, a given depth of 225 mm, and a given height of 1170 mm. Alternatively, the service unit 20 may have a given width of 390 mm, a given depth of 440 mm, and a given height of 1400 mm. Alternatively, the service unit 20 may have a given width of 320 mm, a given depth of 320 mm, and a given height of 1400 mm.

[0067] Fig. 3 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a protective cover on the service unit 20 according to figure 1, and Fig. 4 shows a side view of the protective cover 50 on the service unit 20 according to figure 3. The protective cover 50 covers the service unit 20, in particular the housing 22 of the service unit 20. Therefore, the housing 22 of the service unit 20 is shown with the help of dashed lines in figures 3 and 4. The protective cover 50 protects the service unit 20 against environmental impacts and/or environmental influences while providing the full functionality of the service unit 20. The protective cover 50 can be easily attached to the service unit 20 and can be easily and/or completely detached from the service unit 20 afterwards.

[0068] The protective cover 50 comprises several flat sides corresponding to the flat sides of the housing 22. In particular, the protective cover 50 comprises a front side 52 which is arranged next and parallel to the corresponding front side 24 of the housing 22. The protective cover 50 comprises a right side 53 which is arranged next and parallel to the corresponding right side 25 of the housing 22. The protective cover 50 comprises a left side 65 (see figures 5, 6, 7) which is arranged next and parallel to the corresponding left side of the housing 22. The protective cover 50 comprises a back side 63 (see figures 5, 6, 7) which is arranged next and parallel to the corresponding back side of the housing 22. The protective cover 50 comprises a bottom side 80 (see figure 6) which is arranged next and parallel to the corresponding bottom side of the housing 22. The protective cover 50 comprises a top side 70 (see figure 6) which is arranged next and parallel to the corresponding top side of the housing 22.

[0069] The protective cover 50 comprises a first recess 54 which is arranged in correspondence with the first given position of the housing 22 such that at least a part of the water supply 30, for example the water terminal and/or a part of the water tap 32, extend through the first recess 54. The first recess 52 enables access to and full functionality of the water supply 30, although the protective cover 50 is arranged on the service unit 20.

[0070] The protective cover 50 comprises a second recess 60 which is arranged in correspondence with the second given position of the housing 22 such that at least a part of the air supply 34, for example the air terminal and/or a part of the air hose 36, extend through the second recess 60. The second recess 60 enables access to and full functionality of the air supply 34, although the protective cover 50 is arranged on the service unit 20.

[0071] The protective cover 50 comprises a third recess 56 which is arranged in correspondence with the third, fourth and/or fifth given position of the housing 22 such that at least a part of the first button 42, the second button 44, and/or the display 40 are arranged in the third recess 56 or are exposed in the third recess 56. The third recess 56 enables access to and full functionality of the first button 42, the second button 44, and/or the display 40, although the protective cover 50 is arranged on the service unit 20.

[0072] The protective cover 50 comprises a fourth recess 58 which is arranged in correspondence with the sixth and/or seventh given position of the housing 22 such that at least a part of the third button 46 and/or the fourth button 48 are arranged in the fourth recess 58 or are exposed in the fourth recess 58. The fourth recess 58 enables access to and full functionality of the third button 46 and/or the fourth button 48, although the protective cover 50 is arranged on the service unit 20.

[0073] The protective cover 50 comprises a fifth recess 62 which is arranged in correspondence with the eighth given position of the housing 22 such that at least a part of the holder 39 is arranged in the fifth recess 62. The fifth recess 62 enables access to and full functionality of the holder 39, although the protective cover 50 is arranged on the service unit 20.

[0074] If the service unit 20 has less or further service elements like the water supply , the air supply 34, the display 40, the buttons 42, 44, 46, 48, and/or the holder 39, for example a vacuum supply, a fuel supply and/or a current supply, the protective cover 50 may correspondingly have less or further recesses 30, 56, 58, 60, 62 for providing full access to and/or full functionality of the corresponding service elements.

[0075] The protective cover 50 fits on the service unit 20. In other words, the protective cover 50 does not wobble on the service unit 20 and/or the inner surfaces of the protective cover 50 are in direct contact to the outer surfaces of the housing 22. The inner dimensions of the protective cover 50 correspond to the other dimensions of the housing 22. The protective cover 50 is made of on elastic material or of a rigid material. The protective cover 50 may be made of one piece.

[0076] The protective cover can be made of a flexible material, for example of a stretchable material. For example, the material of the protective cover 50 comprises neoprene, spandex, lycra, and/or elastane. If the protective cover 50 is made of the elastic material, the protective cover 50 may have an interference fit with respect to the housing 22. This means that the inner dimensions of the protective cover 50 are a little bit smaller than the corresponding outer dimensions of the housing 22. In particular, the width, the depth, and/or the height of the protective cover 50 are a little bit smaller than the width, the depth, and/or the height of the housing 22. In this way, the elastic material of the protective cover 50 gets stretched, when the protective cover 50 is slipped over the housing 22 of the service unit 20. The stretched material of the protective cover 50 causes a resilience force on the housing 22, which fixes the protective cover 50 to the housing 22 by traction and/or a force fit. So, the stretched elastic material of the protective cover 50 tightly fits to the housing 22 and the resilience of the stretched elastic material fixes the protective cover 50 to the housing 22.

[0077] Alternatively, the material of the protective cover is rigid, or in other words stiff. For example, the material of the protective cover comprises paper, paperboard, synthetic foil, and/or plate, for example metal sheet. If the protective cover 50 is made of the rigid material, the protective cover 50 may be folded and/or wrapped around the service unit 20. If the protective cover 50 is made of a rigid material, the protective cover 50 may have a clearance fit with respect to the housing 22. This means that the inner dimensions of the protective cover 50 are a little bit larger than the outer dimensions of the housing 22. In particular, the inner width, the inner depth, and/or the inner height of the protective cover 50 are a little bit larger than the outer width, the outer depth, and/or the outer height of the housing 22. For example, each inner dimension of the protective cover 50 is larger than the corresponding outer dimension of the housing 22 by a value in a range between 0.1 mm and 10 mm, for example between 0,5 mm and 5 mm, for example between 1 mm and 2 mm.

[0078] Fig. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a protective cover 50, for example of the protective cover 50 explained above, after its production, and before its arrangement on the service unit 20. In particular, figure 5 shows the protective cover 50 in an unfolded state. Further, figure 5 shows outer surfaces of the protective cover 50. In the embodiment of figure 5, the protective cover 50 comprises the front side 52, the right side 53, the left side 65 and the backside 63. The protective cover 50 does not comprise the bottom side and the top side of the protective cover 50. The backside 63 is arranged at the left side of the left side 65, because the protective cover 50 is in the unfolded state.

[0079] The right side 53 is connected to the front side 52 by a fold 64. The front side 52 is connected to the left side 65 by another fold 64. The left side 65 is connected to the backside 63 by another fold 64. The folds 64 are formed and arranged in parallel to each other. First overlapping sections 66 are connected to the backside 63. First fixation areas 68 are provided at the inner surface of the right side 53 of the protective cover 50.

[0080] The protective cover 50 may be folded along the folds 64 such that the backside 63 comes in direct contact with or at least close to the right side 53 and that the folds 64 form edges of the protective cover 50. In the folded state, the first overlapping sections 66 can be fixed to the first fixation areas 68 on the inner surfaces of the right side 53 of the protective cover 50, for example with the help of an adhesive and/or by a positive fit. In the folded state, the protective cover 50 tightly fits over the housing 22 of the service unit 20. If the protective cover 50 is arranged on the service unit 20, the inner surfaces of the protective cover 50 face the outer surfaces of the housing 22 and the folds 64 and edges of the protective cover extend in parallel to the corresponding edges 26 of the housing 22.

[0081] Fig. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a protective cover 50, for example of the protective cover 50 explained above, after its production and before arranging it on the service unit 20 of the gas station. In particular, figure 6 shows the protective cover 50 in an unfolded state. Further, figure 6 shows outer surfaces of the protective cover 50. The protective cover 50 according to figure 6 may widely correspond to the protective cover 50 according to figure 5.

[0082] The protective cover 50 comprises a top side 70 of the protective cover 50 and a bottom side 80 of the protective cover 50. The top side 70 of the protective cover is connected to the front side 52 of the protective cover 50 by a fold 64. The bottom side 80 of the protective cover 50 is connected to the front side 52 of the protective cover 50 by another fold 64. The bottom side 80 has a smaller width than the front side 52 and the back side 83 such that. Therefore, if the protective cover 50 is folded, gaps are created between the bottom side 80 and the right side 53 and the bottom side 80 and the left side65 of the protective cover. If the service unit 20 comprises legs, these legs may extend through the gaps created at the folded protective cover 50. A second overlapping section 72 is arranged at the top side 70. A third overlapping section 82 is arranged at the bottom side 80. The backside 63 comprises a second fixation area 74 and a third fixation area 84 at its inner surfaces.

[0083] The protective cover 50 may be folded along the folds 64 such that the backside 63 comes in direct contact with or at least close to the right side 53, that the top side 70 comes in direct contact with or at least close to the backside 63, the right side 53, and the left side 65, that the bottom side 80 comes in direct contact with or at least close to the backside 63, the right side 53, and the left side 65, and that the folds 64 form edges of the protective cover 50. In the folded state, the second overlapping section 72 can be fixed to the second fixation area 74 on the inner surface of the back side 63 of the protective cover 50, for example with the help of an adhesive and/or by a positive fit. In the folded state, the third overlapping section 82 can be fixed to the third fixation area 84 on the inner surface of the back side 63 of the protective cover 50, for example with the help of an adhesive and/or by a positive fit. In the folded state, the protective cover 50 tightly fits over the housing 22 of the service unit 20. If the protective cover 50 is arranged on the service unit 20, the protective cover 50 nearly completely covers the service unit 20 and the inner surfaces of the protective cover 50 face the outer surfaces of the housing 22.

[0084] Fig. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a protective cover 50, for example of the protective cover 50 explained above, after its production and before arranging it on the service unit 20 of the gas station. Figure 7 shows the protective cover 50 in an unfolded state. The protective cover 50 widely corresponds to the protective cover 50 explained with respect to figure 5. The protective cover 50 comprises a fourth overlapping section 84 which is connected to the right side 53 of the protective cover by another fold 64. The fourth overlapping section 84 may be connected to the first overlapping sections 66 by a positive fit in the folded state of the protective cover 50.

[0085] The protective cover 50 has the width A, the depth B, and the height D. In the unfolded state, the protective cover 50 has the overall width C.

[0086] Fig. 8 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a protective cover on a service unit 20. The protective cover 50 and/or the service unit 20 may basically correspond to one of the protective covers 50 and/or, respectively, service units 20 explained above.

[0087] The service unit 20 has the form of a right frustum with the smaller base being arranged at the bottom. The service unit 20 comprises a vacuum supply 90. The vacuum supply 90 comprises a vacuum terminal (not shown) arranged at the housing 22 of the service unit 20, a vacuum hose 92 fixed to the vacuum terminal at one end of the vacuum hose 92, and a handle 94 at the other end of the vacuum hose 92. The vacuum terminal is arranged at a ninth given position at the housing 22. The vacuum hose 92 may be rolled up and hang up on the holder 39. The service unit 20 may further comprise a slot 96 for throwing in coins for starting the vacuum supply 90.

[0088] The protective cover 50 comprises a sixth recess (not shown) corresponding to the ninth position. The vacuum terminal and/or the vacuum hose 92 extend through the sixth recess of the protective cover 50. The protective cover 50 may comprise a slot recess 98 in which the slot 96 is exposed such that the coins may be inserted in the slot 96 when the protective cover 50 is arranged on the service unit 20.

[0089] Fig. 9 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a protective cover on a service unit 20. The protective cover 50 and/or the service unit 20 may basically correspond to one the protective covers 50 and/or, respectively, service units explained above.

[0090] The service unit 20 comprises a fuel supply 100. The fuel supply 100 comprises a fuel terminal 106 arranged at the housing 22 of the service unit 20, a fuel hose 102 fixed to the fuel terminal at one end of the fuel hose 102, and a fuel nozzle 104 at the other end of the fuel hose 102. The fuel terminal is arranged at a tenth given position at the housing 22. The fuel nozzle 104 may be hang up in the fuel terminal 106. The service unit 20 may further comprise the display 40 for showing the price and/or the amount of fuel supplied by the fuel supply 100. The service unit 20 may comprise further fuel supplies, for example for other kinds of fuels and/or next to the fuel supply 100 and/or on the backside of the service unit 20.

[0091] The protective cover 50 comprises a seventh recess (not shown) corresponding to the tenth position. The fuel terminal and/or the fuel hose 102 extend through the seventh recess of the protective cover 50. The protective cover 50 may comprise the third recess 56 in which the display 40 is exposed such that the display 40 may be seen, even if the protective cover 50 is arranged on the service unit 20.

[0092] Fig. 10 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a protective cover on a service unit 20. The protective cover 50 and/or the service unit 20 may basically correspond to one the protective covers 50 and/or, respectively, service units explained above.

[0093] The service unit 20 comprises a current supply 110. The current supply 110 comprises a current terminal (not shown) arranged at the housing 22 of the service unit , a cable 112 fixed to the current terminal at one end of the cable 112, and a plug 114 at the other end of the cable 112. The current terminal is arranged at an eleventh given position at the housing 22. The cable 112 may be rolled up and hang up at the holder 39. The service unit 20 may further comprise the display 40 for showing the price and/or the amount of current supplied by the current supply 110.

[0094] The protective cover 50 comprises an eighth recess (not shown) corresponding to the eleventh position. The current terminal and/or the cable 112 extend through the eighth recess of the protective cover 50. The protective cover 50 may comprise the third recess 56 in which the display 40 is exposed such that the display 40 may be seen, even if the protective cover 50 is arranged on the service unit 20.

[0095] One or more advertisements may be placed and/or printed and/or adhered to the outer surfaces of the protective cover according to one of figures 3 to 10. With respect to the service unit 20 itself, the protective cover 50 may be produced and/or arranged very cheaply. This enables to easily exchange the protective cover 50 on a regular basis. For example, an old protective cover 50 may be substituted by a new protective cover 50, if the old protective cover 50 is already worn out. Alternatively or additionally, the old protective cover 50 may be substituted by the new protective cover 50, if an old advertisement on the old protective cover 50 should be removed and/or if a new advertisement on the new protective cover 50 should be presented to the public.

[0096] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, the service units 20 and/or protective covers 50 shown in figures 3 to 7 may have the form and/or shape of the service units 20 and/or protective covers 50 shown in figures 8, 9, or 10. Further, the service units 20 and/or protective covers 50 shown in figures 8 to 10 may have the form and/or shape of the service units 20 and/or protective covers 50 shown in figures 3 to 7. Further, all shown service units 20 may comprise further or alternative service elements and/or resource supplies. Further, the protective covers 50 shown in the figures 8 to 10 may be made of an elastic material and may be stretched over the service unit 20 to fit to the service unit 20 by an interference fit or may be made of a stiff material and/or may be folded around the service unit 20, as explained in context with the protective cover 50 shown in figures 3 and 4. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.

[0097] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

service unit 20 housing 22 front side of the housing 24 right side of the housing 25 edge 26 water supply 30 water tap 32 air supply 34 air hose 36 air nozzle 38 holder 39 display 40 first button 42 second button 44 third button 46 fourth button 48 protective cover 50 front side of the protective cover 52 right side of the protective cover 53 first recess 54 third recess 56 fourth recess 58 second recess 60 fifth recess 62 back side of the protective cover 63 fold 64 left side of the protective cover 65 first overlapping sections 66 first fixation areas 68 top side of the protective cover 70 second overlapping section 72 second fixation area 74 bottom side of the protective cover 80 third overlapping section 82 third fixation area 84 vacuum supply 90 vacuum hose 92 handle 94 slot 96 slot recess 98 fuel supply 100 fuelhose 102 fuel nozzle 104 nozzle holder 106 seventh recess 108current supply 110 cable 112 plug 114 width A depth B overall width C height D

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. Protective cover for a service unit of a service station, with the service unit comprising a housing with given outer dimensions, at least one resource supply extending through the housing at a given position of the housing, wherein the protective cover is formed for fitting on the service unit by folding around the service unit such that a front side, a back side, a right side, and a left side of the service unit are substantially covered and such that inner surfaces of the folded protective cover are in direct contact with substantially the whole outer surfaces of the front side, the back side, the right side, and the left side, respectively, of the service unit, and has a recess which is arranged for accommodating at least a part of the resource supply.

2. Protective cover according to claim 1, being formed such that it tightly fits over the service unit.

3. Protective cover according to claim 2, comprising inner dimensions corresponding to the outer dimensions of the housing.

4. Protective cover according to one of the preceding claims, with the service unit comprising a water supply extending through the housing at a first given position of the housing, an air supply extending through the housing at a second given position of the housing, a display for displaying an air pressure provided by the air supply, the display being arranged at a third given position of the housing, a first button for decreasing the air pressure, the first button being arranged at a fourth given position of the housing, a second button for increasing the air pressure, the second button being arranged at a fifth given position of the housing, a third button and/or a fourth button for entering a desired air pressure, the third and/or the fourth button being arranged at a sixth and, respectively, seventh given position of the housing, a holder for holding an air hose of the air supply, an vacuum hose of a vacuum supply, or a cable of a current supply, the holder being arranged at an eighth given position of the housing, the vacuum supply extending through the housing at a ninth given position of the housing, a fuel supply extending through the housing at a tenth given position of the housing, and/or the current supply extending through the housing at an eleventh position of the housing, and with the protective cover comprising a first recess corresponding to the first given position of the housing and being formed for accommodating at least a part of the water supply, a second recess corresponding to the second given position of the housing and being formed for accommodating at least a part of the air supply, a third recess corresponding to the third position, the fourth position, and/or the fifth position and being formed for providing a view on the display, for accommodating the first button and/or for accommodating the second button, respectively, a fourth recess corresponding to the sixth position and/or the seventh position and being formed for accommodating the third button and/or the fourth button, a fifth recess corresponding to the eighth position and being formed for accommodating at least a part of the holder , a sixth recess corresponding to the ninth position and being formed for accommodating at least a part of the vacuum supply, a seventh recess (corresponding to the tenth position and being formed for accommodating at least a part of the fuel supply, and/or an eighth recess corresponding to the eleventh position and being formed for accommodating at least a part of the current supply.

5. Protective cover according to claim 4, wherein, if the protective cover is arranged on the service unit, the first recess is formed and arranged such that the part of the water supply extends through the first recess ,

the second recess is formed and arranged such that the part of the air supply extends through the second recess, the sixth recess is formed and arranged such that the part of the vacuum supply extends through the sixth recess, the seventh recess is formed and arranged such that the part of the fuel supply extends through the seventh recess, and/or the eighth recess is formed and arranged such that the part of the current supply extends through the eighth recess.

6. Protective cover according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cover is formed of a flexible material.

7. Protective cover according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cover is formed such that it covers all sides of the service unit, if the protective cover is arranged on the service unit.

8. Protective cover according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cover is formed of one piece.

9. Protective cover according to one of the preceding claims, with the housing of the service unit further comprising edges connecting the sides, wherein the protective cover comprises several flat sides corresponding to the sides of the housing and several folds connecting the flat sides and corresponding to the edges of the housing and the flat sides and the folds are arranged such that, if the protective cover is arranged on the service unit, the flat sides are folded against each other such that the flat sides are arranged next and parallel to the corresponding sides of the housing and that the folds are arranged next and parallel to the corresponding edges of the housing.

10. Protective cover according to claim 9, comprising overlapping sections which are connected to some of the flat sides via corresponding folds and which are formed for being fixed to others of the flat sides, if the protective cover is arranged on the service unit.

11. Protective cover according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cover provides information about the service unit and/or other information at its outer surfaces.

12. Method for producing a protective cover according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cover is formed for protecting a service unit of a service station, with the service unit comprising a housing with given outer dimensions, at least one resource supply extending through the housing at a given position, wherein the protective cover is formed for fitting over the service unit by folding around the service unit such that a front side, a back side, a right side, and a left side of the service unit are substantially covered and such that inner surfaces of the folded protective cover are in direct contact with substantially the whole outer surfaces of the front side, the back side, the right side, and the left side of the service unit, and a recess is formed in the protective cover for accommodating at least a part of the resource supply.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the protective cover is formed of one piece.

14. Method according one of claims 12 or 13, with the housing of the service unit comprising the front side, the back side, the right side, the left side, and edges connecting the sides, wherein the protective cover is formed such that it comprises several flat sides corresponding to the sides of the housing and several folds connecting the flat sides and corresponding to the edges of the housing, wherein the flat sides and the folds are arranged such that, if the protective cover is arranged on the service unit, the flat sides are folded against each other such that the flat sides are arranged next and parallel to the corresponding sides of the housing and that the folds are arranged next and parallel to the corresponding edges of the housing.

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein the protective cover is formed such that it comprises overlapping sections which are connected to some of the flat sides of the protective cover via corresponding folds and which are formed for being fixed to others of the flat sides the protective cover, if the protective cover is arranged over the service unit.

16. Method for arranging the protective cover according to one of claims 1 to 11 and/or the protective cover being formed by the method according to one of claims 12 to 15 on a service unit of a service station, with the service unit comprising a housing having given outer dimensions, at least one resource supply extending through the housing at a given position, and with the protective cover having given inner dimensions and comprising a recess for accommodating at least a part of the resource supply, flat sides being at least in part connected to each other by folds , and overlapping sections, which are connected to some of the flat sides via corresponding folds, wherein the protective cover is folded around the service unit such that a front side, a back side, a right side, and a left side of the service unit are substantially covered and such that the recess accommodates at least a part of the resource supply and the overlapping sections are fixed to some of the flat sides of the protective cover which, in the folded state, are arranged next to the flat sides to which the corresponding overlapping sections are connected.