A fuel cipher apparatus and method of use thereof

Abstract

A reconfigurable cipher apparatus for labelling is provided. The apparatus includes a base component having concentric rings that define circular gaps, and a plurality of rotatable options components positioned in the gaps and restricted to rotation. A top cover component encases the base component and includes windows through which selected indicia on the options components are visible to indicate a selected category and associated time-related information. In some embodiments, the options components include detent features comprising compliant springs with protrusions that engage corresponding slots to releasably lock the options components at discrete positions. In some embodiments, a closure alignment mechanism inhibits full closure of the top cover component unless one or more options components are aligned with corresponding windows. The apparatus may include a hinge and pull feature for opening, and may be attached using an adhesive and / or tether. One or more drain holes may be provided to discharge liquid from the apparatus.

Description

1 Patent Application of Randy Gill For A FUEL CIPHER APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] This disclosure relates to fuel storage in general, and more particularly to, apparatuses and methods for tracking a type of fuel and an expiration of the fuel. BACKGROUND

[0002] The shelf life of fuel is limited, and using expired fuel can damage combustion engines. It is also crucial to use the type of fuel specified by the engine manufacturer. However, the fuel stored in Portable Fuel Containers (PFCs)—commonly known as gas cans, jerrycans, diesel cans, or kerosene cans—often lacks clear identification regarding its type, stability, or age, making its use risky. Similarly, machines with built-in fuel storage, such as riding lawn mowers and electric generators, require careful monitoring of when fuel was last added to prevent the engine from running on expired fuel. To mitigate these risks, both PFCs and machine fuel storage should be labeled with a reconfigurable system that clearly identifies the fuel type and its age.

[0003] Several labeling systems exist for PFCs, but each has significant limitations in usability, accuracy, and durability. Single-use labels require manual marking, such as writing or punching, to indicate fuel type and date on which the fuel was added. These labels degrade quickly due to exposure to fuel spills, weather, and handling, and they cannot be updated once marked, making them ineffective for containers that are refilled with different fuel types. Preprinted non-reconfigurable labels display static fuel types and are attached to the PFC or mounted over the spout. However, they must be replaced whenever the fuel type changes and do not indicate the fuel age, increasing the risk of using expired or incorrect fuel. Some PFCs CA 3301226 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-08 2 incorporate dial or rotating labels that allow users to select from preset fuel types or mix ratios. While this system offers a degree of configurability, it is mechanically limited, typically providing only a few preset options, such as 40:1, 32:1, or 50:1 fuel mixes, without the ability to track fuel age. These systems also lack safeguards against accidental reconfiguration, leading to potential misidentification.

[0004] Another common method is color-coded fuel containers, where for example, red is used for gasoline, yellow for diesel, and blue for kerosene. While this provides quick identification, it does not account for fuel age and can lead to confusion when refilling. Some users attach tags or stickers to their PFCs to indicate fuel type or purchase date, but these labels often fade, peel, or become illegible due to environmental exposure. More advanced solutions, such as digital or smart labeling, use Near-Field Communication or Quick Response codes linked to a fuel management system. However, these systems require additional equipment, such as smartphones or scanners, making them impractical for everyday users and a more expensive solution.

[0005] Despite these available options, none provide a fully effective solution. Many fail to accommodate both fuel type and age, while others degrade quickly, require frequent replacement and / or are impractical for everyday users. These limitations often result in PFC contents being misidentified—or not identified at all—leading to potential engine damage and operational risks. To ensure fuel safety and proper engine operation, a more robust, reconfigurable labeling system is needed—one that reliably tracks both fuel type and age while resisting environmental wear and accidental reconfiguration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0006] Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements.

[0007] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C-1E illustrate an exploded, a sectional, and an assembled view, respectively, of an example of an apparatus for reconfigurable labelling of PFCs and machines with built-in fuel storage, according to some embodiments. CA 3301226 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-08 3

[0008] FIGS. 1F-1I and 1J-1N illustrate a base component and a top cover component, respectively, of the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1E.

[0009] FIGS. 1O-1R, 1S-1V, and 1W-1Z illustrate a fuel type options component, a month options component, and a year options component, respectively, of the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1E. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The present inventions will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present inventions. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and / or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. Further, it should be emphasized that several inventive techniques are described, and embodiments are not limited to systems implanting all of those techniques, as various cost and engineering trade-offs may warrant systems that only afford a subset of the benefits described herein or that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0011] Embodiments provide a cipher apparatus for reconfigurable labelling of portable containers and machines. In some embodiments, the label identifies a selected category (e.g., a fuel type) and a date (e.g., month and year) associated with the contents of the portable container or a machine with built-in storage (e.g., built-in fuel storage).

[0012] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a circular base component including a first concentric ring, a second concentric ring, and a third concentric ring; a fuel type options component; a month options component; a year options component; and a top cover component including a fourth concentric ring, a fifth concentric ring, and a sixth concentric ring. In such embodiments, the first concentric ring and the second concentric ring define a first circular gap within which the fuel type options component is positioned, the second concentric ring and the third concentric ring define a second circular gap within which the CA 3301226 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-08 4 month options component is positioned, and the year options component is positioned within the third concentric ring. When the apparatus is assembled, the fourth concentric ring, the fifth concentric ring, and the sixth concentric ring align with the first concentric ring, the second concentric ring, and the third concentric ring, respectively, restricting movement of the fuel type options component, the month options component, and the year options component to rotation relative to both the base component and the top cover component.

[0013] In some embodiments, a plurality of fuel types are indicated on a top surface of the fuel type options component. In some embodiments, 12 different fuel types are indicated on the top surface of the fuel type options component. In other embodiments, any other number of different fuel types are indicated on the top surface of the fuel type options component. Examples of fuel types include, but are not limited to, regular grade; regular grade, stabilized; mid-grade; mid-grade, stabilized; premium grade; premium grade, stabilized; diesel; diesel, stabilized; marked / dyed diesel; kerosene; fuel and oil mixed ratio of 50 parts fuel to 1 part oil; fuel and oil mixed ratio of 40 parts fuel to 1 part oil; and fuel and oil mixed ratio of 32 parts fuel to 1 part oil. In embodiments, each fuel type is indicated on the top surface of the fuel type options component using an abbreviation. For instance, the following abbreviations may be used: R (regular grade); Rs (regular grade, stabilized); M (mid-grade); Ms (mid-grade, stabilized); P (premium grade); Ps (premium grade, stabilized); D (diesel); Ds (diesel, stabilized); Dm (marked / dyed diesel); K (kerosene); 50:1 (fuel and oil mixed ratio of 50 parts fuel to 1 part oil); 40:1 (fuel and oil mixed ratio of 40 parts fuel to 1 part oil); and 32:1 (fuel and oil mixed ratio of 32 parts fuel to 1 part oil). In some embodiments, a list including different fuel types and their corresponding abbreviations is provided with the apparatus. The different fuel types may be indicated using alphabetic, numeric, and / or visual encoding in different embodiments. For example, different numbers may correspond to different fuel types, such as 1 for regular grade, 2 for regular, stabilized, and so on.

[0014] In some embodiments, a user selects the different fuel type indicated on the fuel type options component. For example, stickers corresponding to different fuel types may be provided with the apparatus and the user may access the fuel type options component by opening the top cover component beneath which the fuel type options component is disposed, CA 3301226 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-08 5 peel and stick the stickers corresponding to the different fuel types desired onto the fuel type options component and close the top cover component.

[0015] In some embodiments, indicia options for a category are indicated on a top surface of a first options component (e.g., a fuel type). In other embodiments, the category and / or the number and form of category indicia options may vary and may be represented using alphabetic, numeric, and / or visual encoding. In some embodiments, 12 numeric options for the month, 1 through 12, representing January through December, respectively, are indicated on a top surface of a month options component. In some embodiments, numeric options for the year are indicated on a top surface of the year options component, such as 0 through 9, wherein the number represents a last number of the year. For example, selecting 3 for the month and 5 for the year translates to March 2025. In another example, selecting 7 for the month and 2 for the year translates to July 2022. In other embodiments, the number and / or form of indicia options on any options component may vary and may be represented using alphabetic, numeric, and / or visual encoding, and one or more options components may indicate information other than month and year.

[0016] In some embodiments, the top cover component encases the base component, the fuel type options component, the month options component, and the year options component, protecting against debris entering the apparatus. In some embodiments, an exterior surface of the first concentric ring includes a plurality of recesses. In such embodiments, an interior surface of the top cover component includes a plurality of protrusions corresponding to the plurality of recesses. The top cover component may be secured to the base component by engaging each protrusion of the top cover component with a corresponding recess in the first concentric ring of the base component. In some embodiments, the plurality of recesses includes six recesses and the plurality of protrusions includes six protrusions.

[0017] In some embodiments, a top surface of the top cover component includes a first window, a second window, and a third window positioned such that one fuel type, one month, and one year indicated on the fuel type options component, the month options component, and the year options component, respectively, are visible to the user through the first window, the second window, and the third window, indicating the fuel type and the month and the year the CA 3301226 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-08 6 fuel was last added to the PFC or the built-in fuel storage. In some embodiments, the top cover component includes a living hinge and a top cover pull, whereby the protrusions disposed on a first portion of the top cover component may be manually forcibly disengaged from the corresponding recesses disposed on the first concentric ring using the top cover pull such that the first portion of the top cover component may be rotated relative to a second portion of the top cover component to open the top cover component. The top cover component may be opened to provide access to the fuel type options component, the month options component, and the year options component such that the fuel type options component, the month options component, and the year options component may be rotated relative to the base component until a desired fuel type and month and year fuel was last added to the PFC or the built-in fuel storage lines up with the first window, the second window, and the third window disposed on the top cover component, respectively. After selecting the desired fuel type and the month and the year fuel was last added to the PFC or the built-in fuel storage, the first portion of the top cover component may be closed by engaging the protrusions disposed on the first portion of the top cover component with the corresponding recesses disposed on the first concentric ring of the base component. In embodiments, the top cover component, when closed, protects against accidental rotation of the fuel type options component, the month options component, and the year options component relative to the base component. In some embodiments, labels of fuel type, month, and year are disposed adjacent to the first window, the second window, and the third window, respectively, for user identification. In some embodiments, the labels of fuel type, month, and year are integrated into the top surface of the top cover component.

[0018] In some embodiments, an interior surface of each the first concentric ring, the second concentric ring, and the third concentric ring include a plurality of slots. In some embodiments, each of the fuel type options component, the month options component, and the year options component include at least one compliant spring integrated along an exterior circumference of the respective component. In some embodiments, each of the fuel type options component, the month options component, and the year options component includes three compliant springs spaced equally apart from one another. In such embodiments, each compliant spring of the fuel type options component includes a protrusion configured to CA 3301226 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-08 7 engage with a slot of the plurality of slots of the first concentric ring to lock the fuel type options component in position, each compliant spring of the month options component includes a protrusion configured to engage with a slot of the plurality of slots of the second concentric ring to lock the month options component in position, and each compliant spring of the year options component includes a protrusion configured to engage with a slot of the plurality of slots of the third concentric ring to lock the year options component in position. In some embodiments, each the first concentric ring and the second concentric ring include 12 slots corresponding with 12 options for fuel type and month, respectively, and the third concentric ring includes a plurality of slots corresponding with options for year. The number of slots may vary for each of the first concentric ring, the second concentric ring, and the third concentric ring in different embodiments. Further, the first concentric ring, the second concentric ring, and the third concentric ring may each have a different number of slots in different embodiments.

[0019] To rotate the fuel type options component, the month options component, or the year options component, the user must apply enough force to the respective component to deform (or otherwise bend) each compliant spring of the respective component such that the protrusion of each compliant spring may be disengaged from a current slot with which it is engaged. Once the protrusion of each compliant spring is disengaged from the current slot with which it is engaged, the respective component is rotated until the protrusion of each compliant spring of the respective component meets and engages with a next slot, at which point each compliant spring at least partially undeforms and locks the respective component in position. The fuel type options component, the month options component, and the year options component are each individually rotated until the protrusion of each compliant spring of the fuel type options component, the month options component, and the year options component engages with a slot disposed on the first concentric ring, the second concentric ring, and the third concentric ring, respectively, that results in the desired fuel type, month, and year being visible through the first window, the second window, and the third window of the top cover component, respectively. Other means for locking the fuel type options component, the month options component, and the year options component in position may be used in other embodiments. CA 3301226 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-08 8

[0020] In some embodiments, the top surface of each of the fuel type options component, the month options component, and the year options component include a plurality of ridges. The user may use one or more fingers to grip one or more ridges of the fuel type options component, the month options component, or the year options component to help in rotating the respective component. Other means for providing grip to any of the fuel type options component, the month options component, and the year options component may be used in other embodiments.

[0021] In some embodiments, the top cover component includes an alignment mechanism comprised of two or more ridge pockets and two or more corresponding stoppers. In some embodiments, two ridge pocket and stopper pairs are disposed on an internal surface of the top cover component between the first concentric ring and the second concentric ring, the ridge pocket of each pair being positioned between the stopper of each pair, to ensure any fuel type indicated on the fuel type options component is aligned with the first window prior to closing the first portion of the top cover component. In some embodiments, two ridge pocket and stopper pairs are disposed on the internal surface of the top cover component between the second concentric ring and the third concentric ring, the ridge pocket of each pair being positioned between the stopper of each pair, to ensure any month indicated on the month options component is aligned with the second window prior to closing the first portion of the top cover component. When any fuel type indicated on the fuel type options component aligns with the first window, two ridges of each of the plurality of ridges on the top surface of the fuel type options component are each seated in a different one of the two ridge pockets disposed on the internal surface of the top cover component between the first concentric ring and the second concentric ring. When any month indicated on the month options component aligns with the second window, two ridges of each of the plurality of ridges on the top surface of the month options component are each seated in a different one of the two ridge pockets disposed on the internal surface of the top cover component between the second concentric ring and the third concentric ring. Once each of the two ridges on the top surface of the fuel type options component or on the top surface of the month options component is seated in its respective ridge pocket, the corresponding stoppers prevent the fuel type options component CA 3301226 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-08 9 or the month options component, respectively, from rotating clockwise and counterclockwise. Should no fuel type indicated on the fuel type options component be aligned with the first window, two ridges of each of the plurality of ridges on the top surface of the fuel type options component come into contact with stoppers as the first portion of the top cover component is closing and prevents the first portion of the top cover component from fully closing. Similarly, should no month indicated on the month options component be aligned with the second window, two ridges of each of the plurality of ridges on the top surface of the month options component come into contact with stoppers, preventing the first portion of the top cover component from fully closing.

[0022] In some embodiments, two ridge pocket and stopper pairs are disposed on an internal surface of the top cover component between the third concentric ring and a center of the top cover component, the ridge pocket of each pair being positioned between the stopper of each pair, to ensure any year indicated on the year options component is aligned with the third window prior to closing the first portion of the top cover component. When any year indicated on the year options component aligns with the third window, two ridges of each of the plurality of ridges on the top surface of the year options component are each seated in a different one of the two ridge pockets disposed on the internal surface of the top cover component between the third concentric ring and the center of the top cover component. Once each of the two ridges on the top surface of the year options component is seated in its respective ridge pocket, the corresponding stoppers prevent the year options component from rotating clockwise and counterclockwise. Should no year indicated on the year options component be aligned with the third window, two ridges of each of the plurality of ridges on the top surface of the year options component come into contact with stoppers as the first portion of the top cover component is closing and prevents the first portion of the top cover component from fully closing.

[0023] The alignment mechanism also ensures the protrusion of each compliant spring is engaged with a slot, at which point each compliant spring at least partially undeforms, otherwise the first portion of the top cover is prevented from fully closing. This allows for each compliant spring to rest in its most uncompressed state, easing the stress from each CA 3301226 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-08 10 compliant spring.

[0024] In some embodiments, another mechanism different than the alignment mechanism described herein is used to achieve the same functions as the alignment mechanism described herein.

[0025] In some embodiments, the apparatus is attached to the PFC or the machine including the built-in fuel storage using an adhesive. For example, a first side of a double-sided adhesive may be attached to a bottom surface of the base component and a second side of the doublesided adhesive may be attached onto the PFC or the machine with the built-in fuel storage. In some embodiments, the top cover component includes a tethering point that may be used to tether the apparatus to the PFC or the machine with the built-in fuel storage. Other means for attaching the apparatus to the PFC or the machine with the built-in fuel storage may be used in other embodiments.

[0026] In some embodiments, the base component further includes one or more drain holes through which liquid may drain should it enter the apparatus. The one or more drain holes may be disposed on the bottom surface of the base component adjacent an inner circumference of the first concentric ring. One or more drain holes may be further disposed on the second concentric ring and the third concentric ring along their respective inner circumference and adjacent to an interface between the respective concentric ring and the base component. In some instances, any of the one or more drain holes may be aligned with a slot. In some embodiments, liquid drains through the one or more drain holes disposed on the third concentric ring, towards and through the one or more drain holes disposed on the second concentric ring, and finally, towards and through the one or more drain holes disposed on the bottom surface of the base component directly to the outside.

[0027] In some embodiments, one or two of the fuel type options component, the month options component, and the year options component are omitted from the apparatus. In some embodiments, the apparatus is expanded to include one or more components similar to the fuel type options component, the month options component, and the year options component such that additional information is tracked using the apparatus.

[0028] In some embodiments, the apparatus described herein is used for other applications. CA 3301226 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-08 11 In some embodiments, information different from fuel types, months, and years is indicated on the top surface of the fuel type options component, the month options component, and the year options component, respectively.

[0029] Some embodiments include a method for using the above-described apparatus to label a PFC or a machine with a built-in fuel storage with a fuel type of a fuel and a month and a year in which the PFC or built-in fuel storage was last filled with the fuel. In some embodiments, the method includes opening the first portion of the top cover component using the top cover pull to access the fuel type options component, the month options component, and the year options component, whereby the protrusions disposed on the first portion of the top cover component are disengaged from the corresponding recesses disposed on the first concentric ring when the top cover component is open. In some embodiments, the method further includes rotating at least one of the fuel type options component, the month options component, and the year options component using one or more of the ridges disposed on the respective component being rotated until the protrusion of each compliant spring of the fuel type options component, the month options component, and the year options component engages with a slot disposed on the first concentric ring, the second concentric ring, and the third concentric ring, respectively, resulting in the desired fuel type, month, and year being visible through the first window, the second window, and the third window of the top cover component, respectively. Enough force must be applied to deform each compliant spring of the respective component being rotated such that the protrusion of each compliant spring of the respective component being rotated is disengaged from a current slot with which it is engaged. In some embodiments, the method includes closing the first portion of the top cover component, whereby the protrusions disposed on the first portion of the top cover component are engaged with the corresponding recesses disposed on the first concentric ring when the top cover component is closed.

[0030] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C-1E illustrate an exploded, a sectional, and an assembled view, respectively, of an example of an apparatus for reconfigurable labelling of PFCs and machines with built-in fuel storage. The apparatus includes a base component 100; a fuel type options component 101; a month options component 102; a year options component 103; and a top CA 3301226 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-08 12 cover component 104. FIGS. 1F-1I and 1J-1N illustrate the base component 100 and the top cover component 104, respectively. FIGS. 1O-1R, 1S-1V, and 1W-1Z illustrate the fuel type options component 101, the month options component 102, and the year options component 103, respectively. The apparatus may operate in a similar manner as the apparatus described throughout herein, as such only the components of the apparatus are described in the FIGS. 1A-1Z.

[0031] The base component 100 includes a first concentric ring 105, a second concentric ring 106, and a third concentric ring 107 and the top cover component 104 includes a fourth concentric ring 108, a fifth concentric ring 109, and a sixth concentric ring 110. The first concentric ring 105 and the second concentric ring 106 define a first circular gap 111 within which the fuel type options component 101 is positioned. The second concentric ring 106 and the third concentric ring 107 define a second circular gap 112 within which the month options component 102 is positioned. The year options component 103 is positioned within the third concentric ring 107. When the apparatus is assembled, the fourth concentric ring 108, the fifth concentric ring 109, and the sixth concentric ring 110 align with the first concentric ring 105, the second concentric ring 106, and the third concentric ring 107, respectively, restricting movement of the fuel type options component 101, the month options component 102, and the year options component 103 to rotation relative to both the base component 100 and the top cover component 104.

[0032] 12 fuel type options 113 are indicated on a top surface of the fuel type options component 101. 12 numeric options 114 for the month, 1 through 12, representing January through December, respectively, are indicated on a top surface of the month options component 102. Numeric options 115 for the year, such as 0 through 9 wherein the number represents a last number of the year, are indicated on a top surface of the year options component 103.

[0033] The top cover component 104 encases the base component 100, the fuel type options component 101, the month options component 102, and the year options component 103. An exterior surface of the first concentric ring 105 includes a plurality of recesses 116 and an interior surface of the top cover component 104 includes a plurality of protrusions 117 CA 3301226 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-08 13 corresponding to the plurality of recesses 116. The top cover component 104 is secured to the base component 100 by engaging each of the plurality of protrusions 117 of the top cover component 104 with a corresponding recess of the plurality of recesses 116 in the first concentric ring 105 of the base component 100.

[0034] A top surface of the top cover component 104 includes a first window 118, a second window 119, and a third window 120 positioned such that one fuel type, one month, and one year indicated on the fuel type options component 101, the month options component 102, and the year options component 103, respectively, are visible to a user through the first window 118, the second window 119, and the third window 120, indicating the fuel type and the month and the year the fuel was last added to a PFC or a built-in fuel storage of a machine. The top cover component 104 includes a living hinge 121 and a top cover pull 122, whereby one protrusion of the plurality of protrusions 117 disposed on a first portion 123 of the top cover component 104 may be manually forcibly disengaged from a corresponding recess of the plurality of recesses 116 disposed on the first concentric ring 105 using the top cover pull 122 such that the first portion 123 of the top cover component 104 may be rotated relative to a second portion 124 of the top cover component 104 to open the first portion 123 of the top cover component 104. The first portion 123 of the top cover component 104 may be closed by engaging the one protrusion of the plurality of protrusions 117 disposed on the first portion 123 of the top cover component 104 with the corresponding recess of the plurality of recesses 116 disposed on the first concentric ring 105 of the base component 100. Labels of fuel type 125, month 126, and year 127 are disposed on the top surface of the top cover component 104 adjacent to the first window 118, the second window 119, and the third window 120, respectively.

[0035] An interior surface of each the first concentric ring 105, the second concentric ring 106, and the third concentric ring 107 include a plurality of slots 128a, 128b, and 128c, respectively. Each of the fuel type options component 101, the month options component 102, and the year options component 103 include compliant springs 129a, 129b, and 129c, respectively, integrated along an exterior circumference. Each of the compliant springs 129a of the fuel type options component 101 include a protrusion 130a configured to engage with a CA 3301226 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-08 14 slot of the plurality of slots 128a of the first concentric ring 105 to lock the fuel type options component 101 in position. Each of the compliant springs 129b of the month options component 102 include a protrusion 130b configured to interface with a slot of the plurality of slots 128b of the second concentric ring 106 to lock the month options component 102 in position. Each of the compliant springs 129c of the year options component 103 include a protrusion 130c configured to interface with a slot of the plurality of slots 128c of the third concentric ring 107 to lock the year options component 103 in position. Each the first concentric ring 105 and the second concentric ring 106 include 12 slots 128a and 128b corresponding with 12 options for fuel type and month, respectively, and the third concentric ring 107 includes a plurality of slots 128c corresponding with options for year. Each of the first concentric ring 105, the second concentric ring 106, and the third concentric ring 107 may include any number of options disposed thereon in various embodiments.

[0036] The top surface of each the fuel type options component 101, the month options component 102, and the year options component 103 further includes a plurality of ridges 131a, 131b, and 131c, respectively, for gripping onto the respective component to rotate. The top cover component 104 further includes an alignment mechanism comprised of ridge pockets 132a and 132b and stoppers 133a and 133b that ensure any fuel type and any month indicated on the fuel type options component 101 and the month options component 102 are aligned with the first window 118 and the second window 119, respectively, prior to closing the first portion 123 of the top cover component 104. When any fuel type and any month indicated on the fuel type options component 101 and the month options component 102 align with the first window 118 and the second window 119, respectively, two ridges of each of the plurality of ridges 131a and 131b are seated in ridge pockets 132a and 132b, respectively. Once the two ridges of each of the plurality of ridges 131a and 131b are seated in ridge pockets 132a and 132b, respectively, the stoppers 133a and 133b prevent the fuel type options component 101 and the month options component 102 from rotating clockwise and counterclockwise. Should no fuel type and no month indicated on the fuel type options component 101 and the month options component 102 be aligned with the first window 118 and the second window 119, respectively, two ridges of each of the plurality of ridges 131a and 131b come into contact CA 3301226 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-08 15 with the stoppers 133a and 133b, respectively, as the first portion 123 of the top cover component 104 is closing and prevents the first portion 123 of the top cover component 104 from fully closing. The top cover component 104 also includes a tethering point 134 that may be used to tether the apparatus to the PFC or the machine with the built-in fuel storage. The base component 100 further includes drain holes 135 disposed on the bottom surface of the base component 100 adjacent an inner circumference of the first concentric ring 105 through which liquid may drain should it enter the apparatus. Drain holes 136 and 137 are also disposed on the second concentric ring 106 and the third concentric ring 107, respectively, along their respective inner circumference and adjacent to an interface between the respective concentric ring 106 and 107 and the base component 100. Liquid drains through the drain holes 137, towards and through the drain holes 136, and finally, towards and through the drain holes 135 directly to the outside.

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart depicting an example of a method for using the abovedescribed apparatus to label a PFC or a machine with a built-in fuel storage with a fuel type of a fuel and a month and a year in which the PFC or built-in fuel storage was last filled with the fuel. The exemplary method includes: (200) opening the first portion of the top cover component using the top cover pull to access the fuel type options component, the month options component, and the year options component; (201) rotating each of the fuel type options component, the month options component, and the year options component using one or more of the ridges disposed on the respective component being rotated until the protrusion of each compliant spring of the fuel type options component, the month options component, and the year options component engages with a slot disposed on the first concentric ring, the second concentric ring, and the third concentric ring, respectively, resulting in a desired fuel type, month, and year being visible through the first window, the second window, and the third window of the top cover component, respectively; and (202) closing the first portion of the top cover component.

[0038] It should be understood that the various embodiments described herein are presented by way of example, and that numerous variations, modifications, or combinations of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In CA 3301226 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-08 16 some instances, certain features of one embodiment may be used in combination with features of another embodiment, or multiple embodiments may be integrated together to achieve a desired result. Additionally, certain elements or steps of the described embodiments may be omitted, substituted, or altered depending on the specific implementation or application.

[0039] In various embodiments, certain components, methods, or functionalities described herein may be modified or adapted to fit specific use cases or design constraints. These modifications may be made in view of particular user requirements, environmental conditions, or regulatory considerations.

[0040] Alternative configurations of the embodiments described herein are also possible. In some cases, a particular feature described with reference to one embodiment may be utilized in other embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. Similarly, the order of steps in a process / method or the arrangement of components in a system or apparatus may be altered, provided that the underlying principles of the invention are maintained.

[0041] While particular embodiments have been described, it is to be understood that alternative embodiments may be employed in place of the specifically described forms. In some cases, specific components may be replaced with functionally equivalent alternatives, and in others, operational steps may be rearranged or omitted, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. CA 3301226 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-08

Claims

1 CLAIMS I Claim:

1. A cipher apparatus for reconfigurable labelling, comprising: a base component comprising a first concentric ring, a second concentric ring, and a third concentric ring; a first options component positioned in a first circular gap defined by the first concentric ring and the second concentric ring; a second options component positioned in a second circular gap defined by the second concentric ring and the third concentric ring; a third options component positioned within the third concentric ring; and a top cover component encasing the base component and the first, second, and third options components, the top cover component including a first window, a second window, and a third window positioned such that selected indicia on the first options component, the second options component, and the third options component, respectively, are visible through the first window, the second window, and the third window, respectively; wherein the selected indicia are configurable to indicate different categories and time-related information.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first options component indicates a selectable category and the second and third options components indicate time-related indicia.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the time-related indicia comprise month indicia and year indicia.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is for portable fuel containers (PFCs) and built-in fuel storage, and the first options component indicates a fuel type.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top cover component comprises a fourth concentric ring, a fifth concentric ring, and a sixth concentric ring aligning with the first concentric ring, the second concentric ring, and the third concentric ring, respectively, restricting movement of the first, second, CA 3301226 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-08 2 and third options components to rotation relative to both the base component and the top cover component.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an exterior surface of the first concentric ring includes a plurality of recesses, an interior surface of the top cover component includes a plurality of protrusions corresponding to the plurality of recesses, and the top cover component is secured to the base component by engaging each protrusion with a corresponding recess.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top cover component comprises a living hinge and a top cover pull, whereby protrusions disposed on a first portion of the top cover component are manually forcibly disengaged from corresponding recesses using the top cover pull such that the first portion of the top cover component is rotated relative to a second portion of the top cover component via the living hinge to open the top cover component.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an interior surface of at least one of the first concentric ring, the second concentric ring, and the third concentric ring includes a plurality of slots, and at least one of the first options component, the second options component, and the third options component includes at least one compliant spring integrated along an exterior circumference of the respective component, the compliant spring including a protrusion configured to engage with a slot to lock the respective component in position.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein to rotate the respective options component, a user applies force to deform the compliant spring such that the protrusion disengages from a current slot and subsequently engages a next slot to lock the respective options component in a next position.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top cover component includes an alignment mechanism configured to prevent a first portion of the top cover component from fully closing unless one or more of the first options component, the second options component, and the third options component are aligned with a corresponding one of the first window, the second window, and the third window.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the alignment mechanism is configured to prevent the first CA 3301226 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-08 3 portion of the top cover component from fully closing unless the first options component is aligned with the first window and the second options component is aligned with the second window.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the alignment mechanism is configured to prevent the first portion of the top cover component from fully closing unless the first options component is aligned with the first window, the second options component is aligned with the second window, and the third options component is aligned with the third window.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein once ridges on a top surface of an options component are seated in corresponding ridge pockets, corresponding stoppers prevent the options component from rotating clockwise and counterclockwise.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is attached using an adhesive and / or includes a tethering point for tethering.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base component includes one or more drain holes through which liquid drains should it enter the apparatus.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein one or two of the first options component, the second options component, and the third options component are omitted from the apparatus, or the apparatus is expanded to include one or more additional options components to track additional information.

17. A method for reconfigurable labelling using the apparatus of claim 1, comprising: rotating the first options component, the second options component, and the third options component such that selected indicia are visible through the first window, the second window, and the third window, respectively; and closing a first portion of the top cover component.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising closing the first portion of the top cover component such that protrusions disposed on the first portion of the top cover component are engaged with corresponding recesses disposed on the first concentric ring when the top cover component is closed. CA 3301226 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-08