Abstract: A collapsible funnel and a method for making a collapsible funnel is disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the collapsible funnel may be provided with a screen for filtering fluids placed into the funnel. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a funnel is provided which includes multiple adjacent panels and a glue strip adjacent to one end, which enables the funnel to be manufactured with conventional process machines.

Abstract: A funnel for pouring liquid into a receptacle is collapsible and is stored in the receptacle when not in use. The funnel is automatically unfolded upon opening a receptacle lid. The funnel has no risk of unfolding in the receptacle. A tube fixed to a base plate includes displaceable means that are fastened to the lid. The tube is terminated at the top with an arrester for securing the displaceable means. The foldable funnel is disposed inside the existing receptacle, and the funnel is unfolded as soon as the lid is lifted. The opened lid is disposed at the side of the funnel completely outside the funnel circumference so as not to interfere with filling. Placing the lid upon the tube, centering the lid on the funnel and pushing downward closes the receptacle and folds the funnel, which disappears downward into the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for containing aircraft fuel. According to some embodiments the apparatus includes a structural connector comprising an open shape, a first surface and a second surface, a seal defining a suction area disposed in the first surface, and a boot extending from the structural connector. The boot may comprise a lateral opening. The boot includes first and second ends, such that the first end of the boot may be attached to the structural connector and the second end may be spaced from the structural member. According to some embodiments the second end comprises a center offset laterally from the center of the structural connector.

Abstract: A collapsible funnel and a method for making a collapsible funnel is disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the collapsible funnel may be provided with a screen for filtering fluids placed into the funnel. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a funnel is provided which includes multiple adjacent panels and a glue strip adjacent to one end, which enables the funnel to be manufactured with conventional process machines.

Abstract: A collapsible funnel may be removably secured to a container, label or provided independently. In another aspect of the invention, a business method is disclosed in which a funnel blank or collapsed funnel is used as a substrate for printed indicia and incorporated into or used as a printed publication, such as a sports program, catalog or advertisement and formed as a funnel. Lastly, a funnel blank is provided with optional perforations and for printed indicia which enable an end user to vary the size of the funnel nozzle.

Abstract: A system provides a shaped access path to a bag within a receptacle or can. The system comprises a funnel-providing system of a neck portion and a funnel portion. The funnel-providing portion comprises a flexible material that forms a leading edge of the funnel portion that curves back onto itself to form a funnel having a wide leading edge and a narrower base of the funnel portion. The narrower base of the funnel portion is connected to the neck portion. A gripping element extends over at least a length of the neck portion, the gripping portion capable of gripping an element (such as the end of a plastic bag) placed between the gripping element and the neck portion.

Abstract: A funnel having a hose with positionable rigidity, wherein the structural configuration of the hose may be selectively positionably manipulated for facilitating the introduction, guidance and maneuverability of same through, between and/or around the parameters, boundaries and/or obstacles presented within a spatially-constrained work space, and wherein the funnel and communicating hose of the present invention may be configurationally manipulated to prevent or minimize undesirable drainage or leakage of residual liquid therefrom following a fluid transfer process. Also disclosed is a method of use of the apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: A container has a first and a second opening formed in a lid that releasably closes the container. A first base surrounds the first opening and a second base surrounds the second opening. The narrow end of a retractable, self-deploying funnel engages the first opening and the wide end of a retractable, self-deploying pour spout engages the second opening. Both funnel and pour spout are retracted when the first and second caps engage the first and second bases, respectively. The funnel facilitates charging of a liquid into the container and the pour spout facilitates pouring of a liquid from the container. Each cap includes a vent opening formed in a top wall and a nipple formed in depending relation to an interior surface of the top wall. The nipple plugs the narrow end of the pour spout when the pour spout is in its fully retracted configuration.

Abstract: A funnel assembly includes a collapsible funnel mounted to a base. The funnel is formed by consecutive windings of spring steel wire. Each winding has a reduced diameter so that the windings collectively form a funnel having a conical shape and an inherent bias. The funnel is confined into a relatively small storage space and the funnel is compressed when a cap releasably engages the base. Upon disengaging the cap from the base, the bias unloads and fully deploys the funnel. A downspout depends from the base and engages the fill spout of an oil crankcase so that the funnel assembly is mounted to the fill spout. A user therefore does not hold the funnel assembly while pouring oil from a can into the deployed funnel. By holding the base in one hand and the cap in the other, a user may deploy the funnel and return it to storage without touching the funnel.

Abstract: The bag insert of the present invention is an apparatus for aiding in the management of a waste collection bag during waste collection. In one embodiment, the bag insert is placed inside the waste collection bag and then expanded. Once expanded, the bag insert maintains the bag in an upright and open position. Further, the bag insert forms a hollow rectangular tube such that waste can be placed inside the bag by dropping the waste through the open top of the bag insert. The waste collection bag may be placed inside the expanded bag insert, wherein the bag insert maintains the bag in an upright and substantially open position. After waste collection is complete, the bag insert is capable of being folded along several axes such that the size of the bag insert is reduced for storage.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler water catching apparatus includes a funnel member which has a funnel top portion, a funnel bottom portion, a funnel drain portion connected to the funnel bottom portion, and a pole-reception fitting. A drain hose is connected to the funnel drain portion. The end of a support pole is received in the pole-reception fitting. The fire sprinkler water catching apparatus of the invention is used to catch and carry away unwanted water that is sprayed from a fire sprinkler when the fire sprinkler is spraying water at an unwanted time, such as when a fusible link on the fire sprinkler is accidentally broken. Preferably, a flexible funnel cover is fitted onto the top of the funnel top portion. The flexible funnel cover includes a plurality of flexible and resilient funnel cover flaps.

Abstract: A collapsible funnel may be removably secured to a container, label or provided independently. In another aspect of the invention, a business method is disclosed in which a funnel blank or collapsed funnel is used as a substrate for printed indicia and incorporated into or used as a printed publication, such as a sports program, catalog or advertisement and formed as a funnel. Lastly, a funnel blank is provided with optional perforations and for printed indicia which enable an end user to vary the size of the funnel nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus for a fuel tank filling and level monitoring device. The apparatus 10 provides an inexpensive and simple means of monitoring the fuel level in a tank 14 while it is being filled. A translucent cylinder 22 threaded on both ends 34, 36 is attached to the inlet 12 of the fuel tank 14. The operator 24 then inserts the nozzle 18 of the filling apparatus 20 into the end of the translucent cylinder and begins to fill the tank 14. When the tank 14 is filled to capacity the level begins to rise into the translucent cylinder 22 indicating the tank is full. The operator 24 then stops filling the tank 14, removes the nozzle 18 of the filling device 20 and applies the original cap from the fuel tank inlet to the end of the cylinder. Also disclosed are embodiments with a rigid body, a flexible body and as a component of a fuel tank.

Abstract: An elastic tube having at least one end formed as a rolled elastic ring. The opposite end of the tube may be fashioned with a rolled elastic ring or may hang free depending on the perceived usage. The tube is fabricated from a thin latex material having a stretchability of up to 1,000%. The tube is tapered from top to bottom so as to form an unobstructed, funnel-shaped passage. The wall of the tube is fluid-impervious so that liquids can flow there through without leaking. The rolled elastic end of the tube is adapted for frictional attachment to the outlet of a liquid-filled container. The other end of the tube may be frictionally attached to the inlet of a second container to be filled. Alternatively, the other end of the tube may hang freely within the second container.

Abstract: A funnel set includes a large funnel and a small funnel nestable therein and a strainer which can be seated in either funnel. The large funnel has lugs to retain the strainer and the strainer has an upstanding central handle stem. When the strainer is seated in the large funnel and the small funnel is nested in the large funnel, the narrow outlet end of the small funnel receives the strainer's handle stem and the tip of a handle on the small funnel fits within an aperture in the handle of the large funnel. Both funnels have longitudinal, circumferentially spaced, elastomeric strips on the outer surfaces thereof, and elastomeric grip portions on the handles.

Abstract: An elastic tube having at least one end formed as a rolled elastic ring. The opposite end of the tube may be fashioned with a rolled elastic ring or may hang free depending on the perceived usage. The tube is fabricated from a thin latex material having a stretchability of up to 1,000%. The tube is tapered from top to bottom so as to form an unobstructed, funnel-shaped passage. The wall of the tube is fluid-impervious so that liquids can flow there through without leaking. The rolled elastic end of the tube is adapted for frictional attachment to the outlet of a liquid-filled container. The other end of the tube may be frictionally attached to the inlet of a second container to be filled. Alternatively, the other end of the tube may hang freely within the second container.

Abstract: Self-supporting and/or adjustable funnel device includes a funnel to which is attached or has integrally with the funnel a support for holding the device in place. As an alternative or in addition, the device may be adjustable, for instance, by having a contrivance added to or incorporated with the support to make it able to have its orientation vary from a first orientation.

Abstract: A powder feeding container is made from paper, resin film, or a synthetic film made with paper and resin film, the container containing powder within, and having a peak at one end, which is formed from an incline that starts from a middle of one edge of the container. The peak end is cut to form a first opening that releases the inside powder, whereas a change proximity area that starts forming an inclined edge is cut, and the rear area from the incision is folded inward, so that air is sent into the first opening along the inner wall of the inclined edge, forming a second opening.

Abstract: The bottle filling device may be used to aid in the filling of a small fluid bottle container from an external liquid source. An inlet fitting that is expansible allowing a friction fit on a variety of spouts of varying sizes may be fitted to a spout. An outlet end of the bottle filling device has a funnel spout with an opening sized for dispensing fluids within the diameter of a mouth of a small water bottle. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a search or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A liquid diverter system comprising a plastic panel with the collector panel portion angled downward from all corners and sides to a circular recessed drain mounting land to divert liquids to a suitable storage container or disposal area. A perpendicular flange formed at outer edge creates a reservoir capable of holding liquids when immediate drainage is not possible. A non-woven plastic mesh pad in the collector panel prevents debris from clogging the drain, absorbs sound made by falling water and eliminates splashing.

Abstract: A powder feeding container is made from paper, resin film, or a synthetic film made with paper and resin film, the container containing powder within, and having a peak at one end, which is formed from an incline that starts from a middle of one edge of the container. The peak end is cut to form a first opening that releases the inside powder, whereas a change proximity area that starts forming an inclined edge is cut, and the rear area from the incision is folded inward, so that air is sent into the first opening along the inner wall of the inclined edge, forming a second opening.

Abstract: A telescoping funnel which allows a user to pour oil into an engine. The funnel features spring ball latches allowing the funnel to lock into place when it is expanded or compressed. When the funnel is not in use, the funnel compresses into a small size to fit in a vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for collecting urine samples. The method and apparatus comprise a reservoir and funnel. The bottom portion of the funnel is attached to the top portion of the reservoir. The funnel has ridges lying along the long axis of the funnel. The funnel has an expanded and unexpanded position. When unexpanded the funnel folds inward along the ridge about the lip of the reservoir, towards the bottom of the reservoir. When expanded, the funnel folds upwardly and unfolds outwardly.

Abstract: A concrete wall hopper comprising: a front board having hook tabs, a rear board having hook tabs, two sideboards having slots capable of receiving the hook tabs to allow firm connection between the front board, rear board and two sideboards when the slots receive the hook tabs, wherein each of two sideboards forms a notch at the bottom of the sideboard, the notches shaped to receive and straddle the top of a wall, wherein the front board and the rear board form an angle less than 90 degrees capable of funneling concrete flow into the hollow portion of a wall, wherein the notches can screed concrete at the height of the wall when a user moves the hopper along the wall.

Abstract: A versatile pouring system (10) reducible to constituent components having independent and combinatorial functionality. The pouring system (10) comprises a funnel (12), including a removable filter (26); a first spout (14); a second spout (16); and a cap (18). The funnel (12) is semi-rectangular with an offset neck (24) to securely receive and support common one quart fluid containers. The removable filter (26) is operatively positioned within the funnel neck (24) to trap and retain residue or debris. The spouts (14, 16) are of different lengths and are coupleable with the funnel (12), with one another, or with common wide or small-mouthed fluid containers. The cap (18) fits both spouts (14, 16). All four constituent components can be assembled into a single coherent unit for convenient storage.

Abstract: A collapsible funnel and a storage case therefor, the collapsible funnel having a base and an upper portion, the upper portion being formed of a plurality of segments divided by fold lines to permit the segments to be folded inwardly, the base portion being formed of at least first and second base portion sections, the storage case having a polygonal cross sectional configuration corresponding to the polygonal configuration of the upper portion.

Abstract: A telescoping funnel apparatus for directing fluid from a container. The telescoping funnel apparatus includes a funnel that includes an open top extending into a channel. The channel extends through an open bottom of the funnel allowing fluid to be directed through the funnel. A longitudinal axis of the funnel extends between the open top and bottom. A cover is provided for selectively closing the open top of the funnel.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a disposable funnel. The disposable funnel is comprised of a planar annular-segment substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface. A first radial edge and a second radial edge bound the substrate. The substrate has a strip of repositionable adhesive disposed on the bottom surface proximate the first radial edge. The substrate is operatively arranged to be formed into a conical-shaped funnel, where the repositionable adhesive disposed on the bottom surface proximate the first radial edge is detachably secured to the top surface proximate the second radial edge. The invention also includes a pad of disposable funnels.

Abstract: A receptacle for catching and containing coins being disgorged by a slot machine or similar gaming apparatus is disclosed. The receptacle eliminates the necessity of transferring coins from a disbursement pan into a container. The receptacle includes a bucket having a mouth and a lid having a flexible conduit extending therefrom. The conduit has an inner diameter suitable for the passage of gaming tokens or coinage upon the receptacle being positioned within the disbursement pan of the slot machine. The lid is secured to the bucket. The receptacle is optionally modified to include a handle or a strap to facilitate conveyance thereof.

Abstract: A versatile pouring system (10) reducible to constituent components having independent and combinatorial functionality. The pouring system (10) comprises a funnel (12), including a removable filter (26); a first spout (14); a second spout (16); and a cap (18). The funnel (12) is semi-rectangular with an offset neck (24) to securely receive and support common one quart fluid containers. The removable filter (26) is operatively positioned within the funnel neck (24) to trap and retain residue or debris. The spouts (14, 16) are of different lengths and are coupleable with the funnel (12), with one another, or with common wide or small-mouthed fluid containers. The cap (18) fits both spouts (14, 16). All four constituent components can be assembled into a single coherent unit for convenient storage.

Abstract: A collector unit to be attached to a ceiling to collect leaking water and falling debris is formed by a sheet of water impervious material, preferably foldable and flexible, and having a generally concave shape with an outlet drain at a lower part. A net is fastened to the sheet across its open top. The unit is fastened to a ceiling and leaking water passes through the net, flows in the sheet to the outlet drain and it is conveyed away from the collector unit through a drain line connected to the outlet drain. Debris falling from the ceiling is caught by the net so that it does not reach the sheet and clog the outlet drain. The sheet and net are preferably of a material such that the collector unit can be folded into a package.

Abstract: A funnel for convenient storage and usage of a funnel. The funnel includes a panel. The panel has a front side, a back side, and a peripheral edge extending between the front and back sides. The panel has a hole therethrough. The hole is positioned in a medial portion of the panel. The panel has a slit therein. The slit extends from the peripheral edge to the hole. A securing means removably secures the panel to a magnetically receptive material for storage of the panel. The securing means comprises a magnetically active material. The securing means is securely attached to the back side of the panel. The slit allows the panel to be folded upon itself to form a funnel.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle remote fill fluid reservoir is provided. In a preferred embodiment the fluid reservoir includes a main body to contain the fluid. A neck is fluidly connected with the main body and is inclined toward a region of the engine compartment which is more readily accessible. An extendable funnel is also provided which has flanges along its extreme ends to prevent the funnel from falling into the fluid reservoir or being inadvertently pulled out of the fluid reservoir. The funnel is flexible and has an outwardly flared upper end to prevent fluid spills.

Abstract: A female urinary device for allowing a female to urinate without splattering and without having to sit upon a toilet.

Abstract: The urine tube has a neck which in use holds itself open and in stowage is flat, has an attachment fixture at the neck, has a sheath which is attached around the neck and which has an output end distal the neck, and has a weighted ring which holds the output end open and secures the output end in a receptacle.

Abstract: A Retractable Funnel is shown. Also shown is a funnel that includes a base that is insertible within an existing reservoir and a plurality of fins extending outwardly from the base. The fins are configured so that they will collapse to form a tube such that the funnel can be slid into the reservoir. Each of the tips of the fins include lip segments provided to form a continuous lip ring when the fins are collapsed into the tube. The preferred lip ring prevents the funnel from falling into the reservoir, while still permitting the lid of the reservoir to be attached over the funnel. The funnel's base further includes a ridge running around its periphery in order to restrain the funnel from being inadvertently removed from the reservoir when extending the funnel for use.

Abstract: A bag support for a paper or plastic trash bag such as are commonly used to gather lawn and garden waste for disposal. The bag support has a funnel connected to a nozzle with a nozzle outlet. The funnel and the nozzle are rectangular in cross-section with opposing side walls and end walls. Slots are provided in the opposing side walls or the end walls or both of the nozzle. The funnel and nozzle are integral and the bag support is preferably formed in two identical sections with complementary male and female couplings for releasably joining the sections.

Abstract: Sandbag filling apparatuses and methods of forming sandbag filling apparatuses are described. In one embodiment, a light-weight sandbag filling apparatus includes a base which is placable on the ground proximate a pile of sand. A support member is connected with the base and extends away therefrom. A pair of spaced-apart, sand-intake funnels are supported on opposite sides of the support member. The funnels include respective inlets and outlets and are positioned by the support member above the ground a distance which is sufficient to enable both (a) a person standing on the ground proximate the sand pile to shovel amounts of sand directly into the inlets, and (b) a person or persons to hold a sandbag adjacent one or both of the outlets to receive sand amounts which are shoveled directly into the associated inlet. In another embodiment, a sandbag filling apparatus includes a base, a support post connected with the base and extending away therefrom along a long axis.

Abstract: A funneling apparatus for selectively directing the flow of materials out of a container. The funneling apparatus has a funnel with an inlet having a device for detachably securing the funnel to the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting, storing and dumping used motor oil includes an oil container having a top, a bottom and sides and having at least one funnel connector opening sized and configured to removably receive a mating funnel connector member therein; and, at least one funnel having a funnel cup and a funnel connector member connected to and in communication with said funnel cup, said funnel connector member having a size and shape which is removably lockably receivable into the at least one funnel connector opening.

Abstract: A collecting device for collecting a viscous fluid comprising a base having a front panel, a back panel and an interior area located therebetween. A lower portion of the base further includes an outlet port. This outlet port is adapted to be located into a holding container. Located on the front panel and/or back panel are a plurality of apertures which extend into the interior area. A holding receptacle is secured in front of each aperture. Accordingly, utilization of the device occurs once bottles are inverted into the apertures. The holding receptacles maintain the bottles in a fixed and inverted position. Residue of the viscous fluid located within the bottle flow from the bottles to the side walls of the interior area. Gravity forces the residue to the outlet port and into the holding container. This collected material can be stored for later use.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in filling a container from a hopper containing a supply of powder is provided. The apparatus includes a conduit flexibly connected to the hopper and extending downwardly therefrom. The conduit is adapted to permit a flow of powder therewithin. The conduit defines a longitudinal axis thereof and the hopper defines a longitudinal axis thereof. The conduit is flexibly connected to the hopper so that the hopper and the conduit may be arranged in a first position with the longitudinal axis of the hopper and the longitudinal axis of said conduit being coincident and may be arranged in a second position with the longitudinal axis of the hopper and the longitudinal axis of the conduit being skewed with respect to each other.

Abstract: A flexible elongated tubular neck having an accordion shape that is rigidly mounted to a container containing liquids, and having an upper opening, that permits a user to readily pour out the content into a reservoir without the need of a funnel and without the risk of spillage. This elongated tubular accordion shaped neck has a threaded tubular end to cooperatively receive a threaded cap thereto, and also has sufficient length so that a user can extend it and locate the threaded tubular end next to a reservoir so that the liquid content can be transferred from the container to another reservoir. The elongated tubular accordion shaped neck includes locking means mounted to its internal wall, wherein the locking means includes a plurality of plates radially and inwardly extended, and at least one protuberance and a cavity in coaxial alignment with respect to each other. When the accordion shaped neck is in compressed position, the protuberances engage within the cavities located in another adjacent plate.

Abstract: A bag filler which is particularly suited for filling of yard waste bags. The bag filler has a top funnel with a descending collapsible loading nozzle. The loading nozzle is inserted within a waste bag and waste is loaded into the funnel to channel it into the bag. The wide inlet of the funnel increases the effective mouth area of the bag, making the bag easier to fill. The loading nozzle is preferably configured to allow it to be selectively locked into various lengths between fully extended and fully collapsed lengths. The length of the loading nozzle can thus be configured to fit bags of varying depths. Bag-retaining structure may be provided on the funnel and/or loading nozzle to allow attachment of a bag rim about the bag filler so that a bag is held in an open state with the nozzle resting therein.

Abstract: A disposable female urination device having a main body portion with two openings. One opening is adapted to fit over a female vulva, while the other opening is used to discharge urine. The urination device of the present invention allows a female user to urinate while in the standing position.

Abstract: An integrated packaging system, including a funnel, for containers of motor oil or other pourable materials. The packaging system is formed into a box out of a sheet of material, such as corrugated cardboard. One or more walls of the cardboard are partially die cut to allow selective removal of a section, with fold lines pre-stamped, which when folded form a funnel. The funnel is convenient, included as a part of the box, storable within the box and recyclable with the box when discarded.

Abstract: The invention is a small funnel that is adapted to engage the oil filler port on and internal combustion engine. The funnel is intended to be permanently installed and includes a cover for preventing the entry of dirt into the engine. The small diameter end is shaped to replace the manufactures cover. The walls of the funnel near the small diameter end are pleated to allow the wide mouth end of the funnel to tip to pressure and make adding oil to the sump more convenient and eliminate oil spillage.

Abstract: A remote fill receptacle device is provided comprising (1) a receptacle body and (2) a receptacle conduit, the device being employed in conjunction with a tree stand including a water reservoir for conveniently filling/refilling the tree stand's water reservoir in the invention process by receiving water additions via an inlet opening in the upper portion of the body and permitting said water to gravity discharge from the body via an outlet opening in the lower portion of the body through the receptacle conduit which directs the discharged water from the outlet opening to the water reservoir.

Abstract: A funnel and a sleeve for covering all or substantially all of the funnel's pouring spout. The funnel includes a progressively narrowing top portion having a broad intake end and a narrow discharge end with a pouring spout connected thereto. The sleeve is adapted to receive the pouring spout and preferably securely engages the narrow discharge end of the funnel's top portion. Once the pouring spout is received inside the sleeve, the interior and exterior surface areas of the spout are protected from contamination. Preferably, the funnel further comprises a cap for securely engaging and covering the broad intake end of the funnel. This cap serves to keep contaminants out of the internal surface areas of the progressively narrowing portion of the funnel.

Abstract: A waste oil collection apparatus for collecting used oil from an engine and dispensing the oil into bottles, such as those in which replacement oil is provided. The apparatus includes a container having a raised cylindrical opening through which waste oil from an engine may be received into the container. A plurality of threaded couplers facilitate an attachment of the bottles to apertures in a sidewall of the container. A plurality of valves allow oil to be selectively dispensed from the container into the bottles from which new oil is supplied. The collector further includes an extensible funnel assent ply and a debris removal assembly having a magnet for removing metal particles from the waste oil.