With Additional Support Patents (Class 141/340)
  • Patent number: 11912555
    Abstract: A container and system therefor is provided herein, wherein the containers are configured to store and transport user chosen contents therein, such as supplements or powders for mixing with liquids in a secondary container. A removable upper lid of the container is configured to form a stand when frictionally engaged to a lower lid engaged to the body. In use, the containers having a funnel shape that are positionable to a funneled engagement with the secondary container for depositing of the contents thereof into a fluid or other container. The containers are configured for a nesting engagement of a kit having multiple container bodies to nest in a compact stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Inventor: Tommy Raymus
  • Patent number: 11667506
    Abstract: A low-profile fluid transfer device has an annular base with a top and a bottom, and an annular peripheral wall defining an enclosed interior of the base. A plurality of spaced apart straight ridges are formed within the enclosed interior of the base and define respective flow channels. Each flow channel slopes downward from a first end proximate an inside of the annular peripheral wall towards an open second end away from the annular peripheral wall. A catchment area is located adjacent the open second end of each of the flow channels. A drain hole is formed within the catchment area and extends through the base from the top to the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Inventor: Michael R. Beland, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11440510
    Abstract: A disposable liquid disposal tool is provided for collecting liquids and for changing engine oil or other hydrocarbon containing products whereby the liquid, spent oil, or hydrocarbon is encapsulated in a non-biodegradable substance rendering the kit safe for disposal in a non-hazard or controlled substance landfill. A disposable container insert tray may be composed of rows separating conical shaped depressions that are used to channel the liquid to all levels of the container so that liquids can be exposed to the maximum volume of the non-biodegradable substance for total encapsulation. In embodiments, the top of the liquid disposal container may be covered with an open weave fabric material that acts as a diffuser whereby the liquid materials are spread more equally throughout the confines of the container and on to the surface of the tray insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventor: William Boroughf
  • Patent number: 10959563
    Abstract: An apparatus for layering fluids in a container is provided. The apparatus may include a first component and a second component. The first component may include a first extension, a second extension, and a support portion disposed between the first extension and the second extension. When the first extension and the second extension are supported by the top of the drinking container, the support portion may be disposed at a vertical opening into the drinking container. The second component may include an upper portion defining a basin and a plurality of apertures extending between the basin and an exterior of the upper portion, a middle portion, and a lower portion. The lower portion or the middle portion may be configured to be coupled with the support portion of the first component to suspend the second component at the vertical opening into the drinking container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventor: Clayton Hunt
  • Patent number: 10433561
    Abstract: A food wrapper filling system for use with edible or non-edible food wrappers. The system includes a funnel device portion and a stand portion. The stand portion is placed over the food wrapper item and the funnel device is inserted into a receiver within the stand. Food ingredients are placed into the funnel device through a throat and opening through the funnel device, and the ingredients are stacked neatly without spillage or mess within the food wrapper. Sizing plates or funnel inserts can be used to limit the amount of space within the funnel device that ingredients may be added into for use with smaller sized food wrappers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Inventor: Todd N. Allison
  • Patent number: 10131373
    Abstract: A utility cart system for a motor vehicle includes a support frame, a base, a folding wall assembly and a folding leg assembly. A method of transporting goods to and from a motor vehicle utilizing a utility cart system is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kyle David Ness, Eric Joseph Hausman
  • Patent number: 9845233
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to funnels, specifically, funnels made to supportably adapt to containers with varying neck opening dimensions and configurations. Disclosed herein is a funnel that can be used to both funnel substances into varying sized containers as well as used to neatly pour the substances within the container back out, wherein the particular dimensions and configurations of the neck opening of that container is unimportant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Gabor Alex Stibinger
  • Patent number: 9790836
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment device, which includes an outer layer, an inner layer that is at least in part disposed within the outer layer, and a loose-fill insulation disposed in the volume between the outer layer and the inner layer, where a piece of fiber mat is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer and forms a barrier that at least partially prevents the loss of the loose-fill insulation from the volume between the outer layer and the inner layer and a manufacturing method that includes placing a loose-fill insulation into the volume of space between an inner layer and an outer layer and positioning a piece of fiber mat between the outer layer and the inner layer to form a barrier that at least partially prevents the loss of the loose-fill insulation from the volume of space between the outer and inner layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Ruth Ann Latham, William V. Alcini, Michael A. Golin, Michael Joseph Torzewski, Steven A. Freis, Mark Ernest Kluesner, Gabriel S. Salanta, Stephen Joe Myers
  • Patent number: 9783362
    Abstract: An extender for a receptacle to increase a storage capacity of a typical garbage receptacle is provided. The extender may be inserted into a receptacle, or may be placed on the receptacle. A method for collecting garbage is also provided, including providing a receptacle for storing waste materials, the receptacle configured to be lifted and inverted by a mechanical means of a garbage collection vehicle to empty the waste materials, providing an extender for use with the receptacle, the extender cooperating with the receptacle to increase a storage capacity of the provided receptacle, wherein the extender is disposable along with the waste materials, and at the same time, collecting the waste materials and the extender using the mechanical means of the garbage collection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher E. Boyea
  • Patent number: 9365404
    Abstract: A universal refueling funnel for a capless refueling system is provided. In one example approach the refueling funnel comprises a funnel body with a first opening at a first end and a second opening at a second end opposing the first end, the first opening larger than the second opening, and cross-sections of the funnel body decreasing from the first end towards the second end; and at least two opposing tabs at the second end, the opposing tabs deformable from a first position to a second position, a distance between outer surfaces of the opposing tabs at the second end being a first amount in the first position, the distance being a second, smaller amount, in the second position. Such a universal funnel may be used for both petrol and diesel size capless inserts, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mike Terrence Zitkovic, Brian Thomas Aitken
  • Patent number: 9357176
    Abstract: A program guide printing device receives program information and generates program guide print data from the received program information. The program guide printing device prints a program guide. In a program frame of a program guide, a blank region may occur. In the blank region, the program guide printing device can print program information of another program or additional information such as advertisement information, program topics, weather forecast, text and images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Kusaba, Tatsuaki Mitsumata
  • Patent number: 9334768
    Abstract: The fluid collection assembly includes a pan that may be positioned beneath a vehicle. A funnel is coupled to the pan. The funnel is positionable between an extended position and a collapsed position. The funnel collects the fluid. The fluid is directed into the pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Inventor: Douglas M. Gould
  • Publication number: 20150136274
    Abstract: A funnel with the ability to receive and secure one or more inverted source containers for transferring fluids to a receiving container, without requiring the assistance of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph Nkwantabisa
  • Publication number: 20150136275
    Abstract: A shower water collection device configured to capture pre-shower water which once full may easily be sealed to prevent contamination of the collected water until the water can be used for another purpose. A shower water collection device further including an inverted umbrella type funnel for increased surface area and enhanced water collection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: William Field Wales
  • Patent number: 9027610
    Abstract: A funnel has a cylindrical upper first section with a first axial height and a first diameter, a cylindrical lower second section with a second axial height and a second diameter, and a frusto-conical intermediate section coupling the upper and lower sections and having a third axial height. Each of a plurality of similarly configured housings has a hollow cylindrical configuration forming cylindrical chambers, a housing axial height, a housing diameter, an upper end coupled to the intermediate section closer to the second section than to the first section, and a housing lower end at an elevation beneath the intermediate section laterally spaced from an upper extent of the second section. Each housing is adapted to removably receive and frictionally retain a magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Angelo Padovan
  • Patent number: 8998152
    Abstract: A portable barrier installation system and release mechanism is provided. A support frame comprising a first support arch is coupled on each end to a first and second support base. A second support arch, parallel to the first support arch, is coupled on each end to the first and second support base. A hopper assembly is coupled to the support frame. Rotation of the hopper assembly causes the hopper assembly to be in a fill or storage position. A release mechanism facilitates the release and placement of filled bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Landmark Earth Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Barton Wade Daniel, Timothy Charles Stamps
  • Patent number: 8991442
    Abstract: A rotary filling machine includes a magnetic funnel attachment that can be easily installed, removed, and reinstalled into the machine for cleaning, changing the size of the funnel, inspecting, or replacing a damaged funnel. The magnetic funnel attachment includes a fill plate segment for receiving one or more funnels, and a funnel for attachment to the fill plate. The fill plate and funnel have mating alignment mechanisms to assist in the correct positioning of the funnel on the fill plate segment, and magnets to assist in the coupling of the funnel to the fill plate segment. This is especially helpful in creating a quick and easy method for funnel installation and removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Spee-Dee Packaging Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: David Navin, Mark D. Green
  • Patent number: 8973625
    Abstract: An oil filling device includes an oil filling funnel, an extendable tube assembly, a direction adjustment assembly, and a coupling assembly. The oil filling funnel is mounted to a first end of the extendable tube assembly. The extendable tube assembly has a second end mounted to the direction adjustment assembly. The direction adjustment assembly is mounted to the coupling assembly that is attachable to an oil filling hole of an engine. The direction adjustment assembly enables adjustment of the direction of the extendable tube assembly and the oil filling funnel with respect to the engine, while the extendable tube assembly allows the oil filling funnel to be selectively moved toward or away from the oil filling hole. Thus, the oil filling device may accommodate various heights and angles of oil filling hole of engine and allows filling of oil into the engine to be conducted in a smoother manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Lih Yann Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Po Lin Liao
  • Patent number: 8887770
    Abstract: Methods and systems for filling a container with material to a desired level are provided. In particular, a container to be filled is associated with a funnel. The funnel occupies a selected or reserved amount of the container volume. Moreover, the volume of the funnel is less than the reserved volume of the container. Accordingly, by filling the container and the attached funnel to the top of the funnel, and then removing the funnel, the container is filled to less than a maximum level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald D. Shippert
  • Patent number: 8875751
    Abstract: A storage and dispensing container includes: a housing having a bottom plate with a feed opening defined therein, and a generally cylindrical outer wall extending around an outer periphery of the bottom plate; a funnel disposed at a lower end of the housing, in flow communication with the feed opening; a drum having an outer wall defining an interior that is partitioned into at least two chambers which are open at upper and lower ends thereof, the wall including a cylindrical portion which is coupled to the outer wall of the housing, such that the drum is rotatable relative to the housing; and a removable cap which closes off the upper end of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventors: Moses Nueman, Jr., Wayne Grubaugh, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8857481
    Abstract: The application provides a funnel, funnel assembly, and a system for eliminating splash from drain pipes that discharge from an elevation above a floor drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Franklin Machine Products
    Inventors: Josue V. Aviles, Bernard Parisi
  • Patent number: 8839831
    Abstract: A method for winterizing boat engines and a system with components designed for performing the method comprising an air-pressure-supply means that can be used to pressurize the system and thereby force water out the inlet port, an anti-freeze supply means that will supply anti-freeze liquid into the system when the component that is to be winterized is operated to draw water, and means for coupling these components to the water system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: John Gregal
  • Patent number: 8826949
    Abstract: A canning funnel includes an upper bowl that tapers downward to form a relatively narrower neck to direct the food items into a jar. A lower skirt surrounds the neck, forming a seat between the skirt and the neck. The skirt includes a cutaway portion with markings to allow a user to see headspace remaining in the jar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Progressive International Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Kent
  • Publication number: 20140144547
    Abstract: A funnel for pouring a substance into and out of a canning jar having an externally threaded mouth which includes a hollow conical member having a large top end and a small bottom end. A collar is formed about the small bottom end of the hollow conical member. The collar has internal threads that screw onto the externally threaded mouth of the canning jar, thereby allowing the substance to be poured through the hollow conical member and into the canning jar. A pour spout is formed onto and extends downwardly from the large top end to the small bottom end of the hollow conical member, thereby allowing the substance to be poured easily out of the canning jar via the pour spout into a container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: LAURA ROSEMAN
  • Patent number: 8726949
    Abstract: A funnel system having a funnel with a side wall with a top edge and a bottom edge, a first hook and a second hook each on an outer surface of the side wall of the funnel, the hooks are aligned along an axis parallel to the top edge of the funnel, the hooks are spaced a first distance apart, the first distance is an arc length formed between the hooks, a stabilizer bar on the outer surface of the side wall of the funnel, the stabilizer bar having a horizontal bar connected to a vertical bar at a first angle, the first angle is about 90 degrees, wherein a top end of the vertical bar is attached to the side wall of the funnel and a second end of the horizontal bar is attached to the side wall of the funnel below the top end of the vertical bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventors: Robert J. Poire, Lynda Niles-Poire
  • Patent number: 8726948
    Abstract: A drink layering portion machine reliably creates undisturbed air bubble free multiple drink layers. The portion machine includes a flat bottom hollow structure, a top with a pouring cup that is shaped as a bowl having a hemispherical or semi-circular basin and having a central aperture at its bottom base. A thin rod, preferably textured, passes through the aperture with a small clearance. A second aperture displaced from the first aperture supports the thin rod providing wobble free movement. The bottom end of the thin rod carries a float, preferably textured. The drink layering portion machine is placed with a hollow structure encircling or hovering over a glass and stabilizing it from tilting. The float rests on the liquor in the interior of the glass as liquor is poured into the pouring cup. The liquor runs down at a slow volumetric rate through the small clearance, down the thin rod, over the float external surface into the glass forming layered undisturbed drink free from air bubble entrapment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventors: Christopher C. Haramis, Matthew N. Haramis
  • Patent number: 8689987
    Abstract: A container adapter for use in feeding human infants and animal infants is shown. The container adapter has an internal threaded portion that can comprise a set of thread segments sized and configured to match the external threads of a commercially available soda or bottled liquid container, and can have an external threaded portion sized to match the internal threads of a standard nipple ring for an infant feeding bottle. The container adapter includes a funnel that provides a user with assistance in inserting infant feeding ingredients into the liquid container by placing the container adapter on the liquid container to use the funnel of the container adapter to place infant feeding ingredients into the liquid container. The container adapter is then inverted and installed onto the liquid container. A nipple within a collar is attached to the container adapter thus converting the liquid container to an infant feeding bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Linda A. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8567456
    Abstract: An attachable funnel with internal strainer is used to transfer and strain fluids, such as used cooking oil, from one container to another container for storage and reuse. The funnel includes an insertable screen strainer to filter out food particles and other contaminants from the contaminated fluid. The base of the funnel includes a collar having a plurality of threaded attachment rings to allow the funnel to be screwed onto a storage container. The threaded attachment allows the funnel to remain securely in place on a mouth of the container without risk of tipping or spilling. Integral vent tubes are provided to allow air to escape from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Michael D. Francis
  • Patent number: 8485234
    Abstract: A funnel for filling a container with liquid through an aperture in a side wall of the container includes a panel that has a fill spout. A rim is disposed on a lower edge of the panel and adapted to engage a lower inner surface of the side wall. A tab extends from the panel and is adapted to engage an outer surface of the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Pfaff, Kevin R. Krueger, Anthony J. Nicosia, James S. Graham, Jonathan N. Barber
  • Patent number: 8469064
    Abstract: A drainage assembly for a faceting machine splash pan including a drain for draining slurry, a funnel for capturing the slurry including a basin mounted upon a tubular neck, the basin defining a rim having a sealing member circumferentially disposed thereon, the funnel further including a hose fitting positioned within the neck, and a drain hose received within the neck and removably attached to the hose fitting and in fluid communication with the basin, wherein a mechanical disconnect is provided between the drain and the drain hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Gabriel William Dobo
  • Patent number: 8430138
    Abstract: A funnel (1) comprising a funnel body (2) defining an upper inlet opening and a lower discharge opening, the inlet being of greater diameter or width than the discharge opening, at least a portion of the funnel body being define by or having mounted thereon an attachment means (16) permitting the funnel to be attached to a substantially vertically arranged body panel of a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment said attachment means comprises one or more regions or portions of a magnetic material (16) for attachment to steel body panels of the vehicule or other ferromagnetic objects. In an alternative embodiment said attachment means may comprise one more suction cups. Preferably at least a portion of the funnel body is formed from a flexible or callapsible material whereby the funnel can be manipulated between an in use configuration and a collapsed or folded configuration to enable the funnel to stored in a compact form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: John McGeary
  • Patent number: 8371483
    Abstract: A lid for use with containers having a peripherally disposed edge with a rolled inside edge positioned around the container opening. The lid has a flange with a first rim projecting downwardly therefrom. The first rim has an edge engaging section with a plurality of concentrically positioned snap rings that each have a concavely shaped contact surface facing outward from the first rim to engage a curved surface on the rolled inside edge. The first rim is tapered inwardly such that the lower snap rings have a smaller diameter than the upper snap rings to allow the container to select which snap ring provides the best fit for snap engagement with the curved surface. The snap rings are made out of a material that deforms to the shape of the curved surface. A second rim projecting downward from the flange outwardly of the first rim provides a dust shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Peter B. Sanford
  • Publication number: 20130019995
    Abstract: A bag stand includes a funnel having an inner surface, an outer surface, a top end, a bottom end, and at least one attachment portion; and at least one leg support connectable to the funnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: Pratt Industries (U.S.A), Inc.
    Inventor: John Richard Muse
  • Patent number: 8336585
    Abstract: A concrete funnel and placement system comprising a funnel-type apparatus removably securable to a concrete chute having a retainer element coupled to a funnel element. The funnel element includes a downwardly sloping base forming an aperture for concrete to flow through. The aperture may be any shape or size, and one or more interchangeable discharge plates may be included in order to selectively change the shape and/or size of the aperture. Further, the aperture of the funnel element may be selectively opened or closed. Bearings, sprockets, rollers or other rotatable mechanisms may be included to allow the funnel element to rotate 360° with respect to the retainer element. The retainer element may include a gasket forming a seal with the funnel element to prevent concrete from impeding rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Royce Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Trevor Royce
  • Patent number: 8336584
    Abstract: A kitchen storage bag filling device including a resilient sheet of water-resistant material having an interior portion and an exterior portion, separated by a pre-scored arc. A user grips and squeezes the interior portion of the sheet to bend the sheet along the pre-scored arc, thereby creating a free-standing funnel-like structure. The interior portion is inserted into a plastic bag and the plastic bag is held open to increase the ease of filling the bag with liquid or solid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Edison Nation, LLC
    Inventor: David Belmonte
  • Patent number: 8296992
    Abstract: A stripping basket for use in fly fishing from surf or a jetty having a smooth interior surface free of protrusions and having a converging lower end and adapted to be mounted to one side of an angler below the waistline slightly tilted forward for facilitating line stripping and casting during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Blair H. Caviness
  • Patent number: 8127807
    Abstract: A guide piece having a guide surface is integrally formed in a body portion so as to protrude from an inner circumferential wall surface of a pour passage toward the center thereof. A gas guide portion is formed in a portion of the pour passage in which the guide piece is formed. The gas guide portion is defined by a lower surface of the guide piece and the inner circumferential wall surface of the pour passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignees: Tokai Kogyo Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ito, Tadashi Kojima, Yujirou Ishikawa, Takahiro Goto
  • Patent number: 8109399
    Abstract: A drink bottle funnel for attaching securely to a drink bottle to facilitate pouring flavoring into the drink bottle includes a main portion formed by a circumferential wall having a top opening and a bottom opening. A tubular connection portion extends from the main portion around the bottom opening. An interior surface of the connection portion has interior surface threads. Thus, the connection portion is designed for threadably engaging the threaded neck of a drink bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventors: William R. Sheffield, Laura K. McBrayer-Sheffield
  • Patent number: 8083253
    Abstract: A folding shopping cart assembly having a basket with a bottom surface and side walls. A plurality of rollers are coupled to the basket. A framework is provided for supporting the basket at an elevated height. The basket is capable of moving on rollers relative the framework between a retracted position, where most of the rollers are in contact with the framework, and a cantilevered position, where most of the rollers are not in contact with the framework. Wheels are coupled to the framework so that the framework and the basket can be rolled together as a cart. The framework can be rotated about the basket to a stowed position that enables the cart assembly to be placed in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Jill Butler
  • Publication number: 20110308667
    Abstract: A canning funnel may comprise a funnel portion; the funnel portion may comprise a conical mouth portion, and a stem portion, and an annular ring, in which the stem portion and annular ring define a channel, and in which the channel is configured to fit a plurality of diameters of container openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Gallegos
  • Patent number: 8011396
    Abstract: An improved multipurpose funnel system for filling a container, which prevents liquid from overflowing, is self venting and is capable of filling hard to reach container locations. The system has a funnel removably coupled to a bottle cartridge which holds bottles therein. A pair of parallel rods hingedly connected to the bottle cartridge and having at least one hollow cone shaped spike extending outwardly therefrom. The funnel has a downspout having venting tubes, and a cap having an elongated threaded tip. The cap and downspout each include semi-circular plates which work in conjunction together as a check valve mechanism for controlling the flow of liquid therethrough. The check valve mechanism includes a closed first position, intermediate second position, and opened third position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Travis Carl Harvey
  • Patent number: 7997305
    Abstract: A drink layering potion machine reliably creates undisturbed air bubble free multiple drink layers. The potion machine includes a flat bottom hollow cylinder, a top with an integral conical pouring cup having a central aperture at its bottom tip. A thin rod passes through the aperture with a small clearance. A second aperture displaced from the first aperture supports thin rod providing wobble free movement. The bottom end of the thin rod carries a float. The drink layering potion machine is placed with a hollow cylinder encircling a glass and stabilizing it from tilting. The float rests on the liquor in the interior of the glass as liquor is poured into the conical pouring cup. The liquor runs down at a slow volumetric rate through the small clearance, down the thin rod, over the float external surface into the glass forming layered undisturbed drink free from air bubble entrapment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher C. Haramis, Matthew N. Haramis
  • Patent number: 7992602
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, kits and methods to aid the home owner in the transport of salt to their cellar-based water softening system. The device of the present invention uses rectangular piping because of the greater ease of supporting the piping and greater stability during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Robert F. Guenther
  • Patent number: 7987816
    Abstract: The dual function bowl lifting and filling apparatus of the present invention allows a user to clean or fill a surface laying bowl with fluid or food, or to lift or move the apparatus without bending. Specific designs are utilized to enable the dual function bowl lifting and filling apparatus to be used by people with special needs. The bowl-filling apparatus also allows excess fluid to be stored in the apparatus. A method of filling a surface-laying bowl is disclosed as well as a method for storing excess fluid in a bowl-filling apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Marjorie S. Walsh
  • Publication number: 20110169243
    Abstract: A funnel for filling a container with liquid through an aperture in a side wall of the container includes a panel that has a fill spout. A rim is disposed on a lower edge of the panel and adapted to engage a lower inner surface of the side wall. A tab extends from the panel and is adapted to engage an outer surface of the side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Pfaff, Kevin R. Krueger
  • Patent number: 7975734
    Abstract: A lighted funnel, particularly a lighted funnel used to fill the fuel reservoir of an automobile, comprises (a) a funnel, (b) a handle, and (c) a means of automatically illuminating the funnel, such as a micro switch that is closed by the gravitational force on a weight. When the funnel is oriented in the upright position, the illumination means automatically lights the funnel and indicates to the user that the funnel is in a substantially level position. When the funnel is oriented in the downward position, the illumination means is automatically switched off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventors: Martin Makowiec, Emil Stola
  • Patent number: 7946317
    Abstract: A funnel assembly includes a perimeter wall that has a frusto-conical shape and has an upper edge and a lower edge wherein a diameter of an interior bounded by the perimeter wall decreases from the upper edge to the lower edge. Each of the upper and lower edges defines openings into the interior. The perimeter wall has an aperture extending therethrough. A tool is extendable through the aperture to engage a drain bolt of an oil pan. The aperture is spaced from the upper and lower edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas M. Organ
  • Publication number: 20110094622
    Abstract: An assembly for storing a funnel and draining a residue therefrom is presented. The device comprises a tubular base portion that can be affixed to a vertical surface and a tubular holding member coupled to the base portion, where the holding member can hold a funnel. The assembly further comprises a catch releasably affixed thereto such that a residue in the funnel can flow through the holding member and into the catch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Robert J. McLoy
  • Patent number: 7886782
    Abstract: A telescoping funnel and container assembly comprises a container member including an opening with a neck portion, which has a circular base member extending perpendicularly therefrom. The base member includes an outer, circumferential, upstanding wall portion extending opposite the container member. The neck portion has an inner shoulder section encircling the container member opening. A plurality of concentric, annular ring members, each of a selected diameter, surrounds the container member opening, with an innermost, annular ring member secured to the neck portion of the container member. The selected diameter of each annular ring member increases with distance from the neck portion. The plurality of concentric, annular ring members is contained within the upstanding wall portion of the base member and is extendable upwardly to form a funnel. A cover member is removably fastened to the upstanding wall portion of the base portion for covering the annular ring members in a collapsed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventor: Tony Curtis
  • Patent number: 7874326
    Abstract: An improved multipurpose funnel system for filling a container which prevents overflow during filling is self venting and is capable of filling hard to reach container locations. The system has a funnel removably coupled to a bottle cartridge which holds bottles therein. A pair of parallel rods hingedly connected to the bottle cartridge and having at least one hollow cone shaped spike extending outwardly therefrom. The funnel has a downspout having venting tubes, an elongated tip and a ball and socket mechanism. The elongated tip includes a check valve having an inside sleeve having an opening, and a spring. The inside sleeve extends outwardly and inwardly from the elongated tip, which opens and closes the opening. The elongated tip has an exterior lip extending outwardly therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Travis Harvey