Structure and Method for Using a Funnel
A device (100, 200) for transferring material (11, 211) into a bag (40, 240) including a funnel (10, 210) having a sidewall (58, 258) with a step (13, 213), and the funnel (10, 210) includes an outlet end (52, 252). The bag (40, 240) having an opening (45, 245) receives the outlet end (50, 252) of the funnel (10, 210) and the step (13, 213). Further, the device (100, 200) includes a support (20, 220) for receiving the funnel (10, 210) in combination with the bag (40, 240). The support (20, 220) includes a top surface (12, 212). The step (13, 213) rests generally above a portion of the top surface (12, 212) to substantially secure the bag (40, 240) between the funnel (10, 210) and the support (20, 220).
This non-provisional application claims the benefit of the prior filed provisional application reference No. 61/550,443.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates, in general, to a funnel and, more particularly, using a funnel in the process of transferring material.
Transferring liquids and solid particles, referred to as material, into a non-rigid container such as a bag generally requires using both hands. One hand is normally used to hold the bag to receive the material, and a second hand is typically needed for gripping a source container referred to as a source. A lack of coordination of handling the source and receiving container can result in spillage of a portion of the material intended for transfer. This is especially true if the opening of the receiving container is small or flexible. For this reason, when transferring material to a flexible container or a container having a small opening, the user may employ a funnel to reduce spillage.
In situations where the receiving container lacks rigidity, such as a bag, a funnel may not be adequate to preclude spillage in transferring the material. Spillage can be due to the bag not sufficiently conforming with the funnel in order to substantially receive the material. As a consequence, a portion of the material can inadvertently not transfer into the bag or can bypass the bag opening completely. Furthermore, the bag can slip away from the funnel resulting in spillage because the user is unable to sufficiently couple the bag to the funnel.
Hence, in using a funnel, there is a need to improve the transfer of material from a source to a non-rigid receiving container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn one general aspect of the invention, a method of transferring a material into a bag includes forming a funnel-bag combination by disposing a portion of a funnel having a step into the bag. Next, a support is positioned generally around the funnel-bag combination, and the bag is anchored at least between the step and the support. Finally, the funnel-bag combination is suspended and the material is conveyed from a source through the funnel and into the bag.
In yet another general aspect of the invention, a device for transferring material into a bag includes a funnel with a sidewall having upper and lower portions separated by a step. A support is provided for receiving the funnel, and the support has a top surface and an inner edge. The bag is securely interposed between the step and the top surface and between the lower portion and the inner edge.
Generally, the invention is a device and method for improving the transfer of material into a non-rigid container or bag. The device comprises a funnel and a support, which are coupled together in a particular combination with a bag. The funnel consists of inlet (wide) and outlet (narrow) ends. The support includes a handle and at least two arms separated by an opening or space. First, the bag is opened. A portion of the narrow end of the funnel is placed within the bag. The funnel and bag combination is now positioned within the opening between the arms of the support, thereby securing the bag between the funnel and the support. Once the bag is secured in position with the device, the device and bag can be suspended to allow the bag to fully extend for receiving material. To transfer material, the device can be held by griping one hand on the handle portion of the support. The other hand can be used for gripping a source container to transfer the material into the funnel. Optionally, the bag can be suspended by mounting the support near the edge of an open space or cavity. By mounting the support, the device can be used without any hands. This provides the advantage of freeing up the hands to better control placement of material into the bag. For example, repeatedly filling bags can be a mundane task resulting in spillage costing time and money. Thus, by having no direct contact with the funnel and bag, the opportunity for spillage can be reduced. The user can simply use at least one hand to hold and transfer material from the source through the funnel and into the bag.
The present invention will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction, with the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numbers designate like elements and in which:
The funnel 10, as shown in
The support 20 as illustrated in
A space between the arms 23 is called a support opening 28. As shown in
In
The process of configuring the device 100 or positioning the bag 40 between the support 20 and the funnel 10, as shown in
In an alternate embodiment, the process of configuring the device 100 can include opening the bag 40 and positioning the outer surface 46 of the bag 40 on the inner edge 24 of the support 20. Next, the funnel 10 can be received by the bag 40 via the bag opening 45, thereby pinning the bag 40 between the funnel 10 and the support 20.
In
Anchoring the device 100 can include at least a couple of methods: First, the device 100 can be anchored or stabilized by the user grasping one hand on the handle 25 such that the support 20 is maintained in a level position or extended horizontally. The support 20 held at one end acts like a beam cantilevering the funnel-bag combination 41. The other hand can be used for gripping a source container or source 90 (see
In another embodiment (not shown) the device 100 can be used in combination with a support or stand to help maintain the position of the device 100.
In
The support 220, as illustrated in
An outer surface 246 of the bag 240 contacts the inner edge 224 of the support 220. Hence, similar to the embodiment depicted in
As depicted in
As shown in
The process of coupling the bag 240 to the device 200 is similar to the methods described under
In another embodiment (not shown) the device 200 can be used in combination with a support or stand to help maintain the position of the device 200.
Although certain preferred embodiments and methods have been disclosed herein, it will be apparent from the foregoing disclosure to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications of such embodiments and methods may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is intended that the invention shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and the rules and principles of applicable law.
Claims
1. A method of transferring a material into a bag, comprising:
- forming a funnel-bag combination by disposing a portion of a funnel having a step into the bag;
- positioning a support generally around the funnel-bag combination and anchoring the bag at least between the step and the support; and
- suspending the funnel-bag combination and conveying the material from a source through the funnel and into the bag.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein disposing the portion of the funnel into the bag includes opening the bag and inserting the portion of the funnel though an opening of the bag.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein positioning the support generally around the funnel-bag combination includes inserting the funnel-bag combination between arms of the support.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein positioning the support generally around the funnel-bag combination includes positioning a closure mechanism of the bag above the step.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising forming at least one point of attachment between the support and a surface.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein suspending the funnel-bag combination includes grasping a handle of the support with a hand and cantilevering the funnel-bag combination from the support.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein suspending the funnel-bag combination includes attaching the support to a surface and cantilevering the funnel-bag combination from the support.
8. A device for transferring material into a bag, comprising:
- a funnel having a sidewall with a step, and the funnel includes an outlet end, wherein the bag having an opening receives the outlet end of the funnel and the step; and
- a support for receiving the funnel in combination with the bag, and the support includes an top surface, wherein the step rests generally above a portion of the top surface to substantially secure the bag between the funnel and the support.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the sidewall comprises upper and lower portions separated by the step.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the bag is secured to the support at least by an interference fit between the support and the lower portion of the funnel.
11. The device of claim 8, wherein the support further includes a handle and at least two arms.
12. The device of claim 11, further comprising an attachment mechanism connected to the handle.
13. A device for transferring material into a bag, comprising:
- a funnel with a sidewall having upper and lower portions separated by a step;
- a support for receiving the funnel and the support having a top surface and an inner edge, wherein the bag is securely interposed between the step and the top surface and between the lower portion and the inner edge.
14. The device of claim 13, wherein the step rests generally above a portion of the top surface
15. The device of claim 13, wherein the top surface and the inner edge of the support are substantially transverse with respect to each other.
16. The device of claim 13, further comprises an attachment mechanism connected to a portion of the support.
17. The device of claim 13, further comprises a plurality of attachment mechanisms connected to portions of the support.
18. The device of claim 13, wherein the securely interposed bag substantially forms a first right angle in transitioning from generally along the upper portion to along the step.
19. The device of claim 13, wherein the securely interposed bag substantially forms a second right angle in transitioning from along the step to along the lower portion.
20. The device of claim 13, wherein the support extends completely around the funnel.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 8, 2012
Publication Date: Apr 10, 2014
Inventors: John Kalember (Glendale, AZ), Scott A. Brauer (Glendale, AZ)
Application Number: 13/647,357
International Classification: B65B 1/06 (20060101); B65B 3/06 (20060101);