Abstract: The present invention is directed toward various embodiments of a funnel device and methods of using the same. Funnel devices of the present invention employ the use of an actuator gauge which is positioned within the conical and stem portion of the funnel and extends into the fill space of a collection container. The actuator gauge is designed to allow a user pouring materials into the funnel to fill the container to a desired volume. The funnel devices described herein reduce the chance of spilling the materials or overfilling the container.

Abstract: A bumper for a boat dock is provided which is durable, resilient and visible at night. The bumper is constructed of an expanded polymer such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The bumper is preferably made of translucent polyethylene foam with a density of between 2 and 4 pounds per cubic foot. When polyethylene foam is subjected to impact, it absorbs the force of the impact and returns to its original shape. The present invention includes a light for illumination of the bumper itself or illumination of an area immediately adjacent the bumper. A slot in the bumper is provided for accepting the illumination source. If the bumper is translucent, as with white polyethylene foam, the illumination source may be inserted into the back of the bumper such that light is emitted through the front of the bumper. If the bumper is opaque, the illumination source may be inserted into a slot in the bottom of the bumper so that the light is emitted from the bottom of the bumper.

Abstract: A material spacer is disclosed for stacking warehouse materials such as sheets of drywall or other construction materials. The material spacer is basically an elongated member formed of an expanded high density polystyrene material having a density of approximately 2.5 to 6.0 pounds per cubic foot. Preferably, the material spacer is a rectangular block-shaped member having first and second ends with a pair of opposed support surfaces extending therebetween. The material spacer is at least approximately four feet in length between the first and second free ends. A black or dark resin is preferably used to form the material spacer. In a first embodiment, the material spacer has parallel support surfaces, while in a second embodiment, the material spacer has its bottom support surface angled to accommodate the slope of the bed or deck of a vehicle, e.g., the deck of a rail car.