With Additional Support Patents (Class 141/340)
  • Publication number: 20110011488
    Abstract: A funnel including a receiving chamber for receiving a fluid, a spout depending from a bottom portion of the receiving chamber and adapted to be placed at least partially in an opening of a receiving container for transferring the fluid from the receiving chamber to the receiving container, and a flexible support leg extending from the receiving chamber and configured to be at least partially placed in the opening of the receiving container to more securely position the spout in the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Hopkins Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Vicki Sickler
  • Publication number: 20100154929
    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: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Martin Makowiec, Emil Stola
  • Publication number: 20100132836
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices facilitating the addition of items into containers. In particular, the present invention relates to devices configured to assist in supplying food items into mixing containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Tim Kulas
  • Patent number: 7721774
    Abstract: A filling device is disclosed for allowing substances to fill a beverage container. The filling device may direct a flow of liquid into a container. The filling device may have a bowl with a round and a flat portion, a neck, a wall dividing the bowl into sections, and a plurality of fingers at the terminal end of the neck. One section of the filling device may allow the substance to fill the beverage container while the other section allows air to escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: LBP Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew R. Cook, John Schwan, Paul Petriekis
  • Patent number: 7690521
    Abstract: A beverage bottle nipple adapter and funnel apparatus includes a perimeter wall that has a first edge and a second edge positioned opposite of each other. A peripheral lip is attached to and is coextensive with the first edge. The peripheral lip extends away from the perimeter wall. The peripheral lip has an exterior surface and an interior surface each being threaded. The interior surface has a size configured for receiving and threadably coupling to the threaded neck. The perimeter wall may be positioned in funnel position extending upwardly from the threaded neck or in a nipple receiving position extending downwardly from the threaded neck. A nipple is positioned in a threaded nipple coupler and the threaded nipple coupler is threadably coupled to the exterior surface of the peripheral lip when the perimeter wall is in the nipple receiving position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: John W. Herrera
  • Patent number: 7665492
    Abstract: The fuel nozzle support funnel comprises a top conical section and a bottom smaller opening neck section. The top conical section has a top rim configured to seat over the fuel inlet opening of a truck fuel tank with the top conical section extending into the fuel tank. The bottom smaller opening neck section depends into the tank from a bottom smaller opening edge of the top conical section and has an inner sleeve therein made of a frictional material non reactant with diesel fuel. The inner sleeve and surrounding smaller opening neck section are of a diameter sufficient to allow passage therethrough of a fuel nozzle of a fuel pump. The top conical section has a plurality of openings therein through which air can escape during fueling to maintain the pressure within the tank constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Justin Burstein, Steven A. Huber, Katie Strausser, John P. Thornton, Matthew T. Ware
  • Publication number: 20100032058
    Abstract: A manual apparatus for dividing drug powders and encapsulating the divided drug powders into capsules is provided. According to the present invention, drug powders are loaded in vertical slots. Then, a partitioning plate is drawn to expose holes configured thereunder, so that the drug powders fall down from the drug loader into the capsule bodies previously provided in the channels. Then the capsule caps are manually provided onto the capsule bodies, so as to apply a downward pressure onto the capsule bodies. Correspondingly, the sticks provide counterforces in response to the downward pressures to upwardly push the capsule bodies so that the capsule bodies and the capsule caps can be more solidly assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Yutsun Lin
  • Publication number: 20100032057
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a pipe threading machine comprising a cutter, a reamer and a threader. The pipe threading machine further comprises a releasably attached funnel. One embodiment of the funnel comprises angled sidewalls joined to form a leak proof funnel shaped receptacle, a continuous upper rim disposed about the upper opening of the leak proof funnel shaped receptacle, and a drain hole located at the bottom of one or more angled sidewalls. The funnel further comprises a connection arm extending from the funnel and adapted for mating with the pipe threading machine such that the leak proof funnel shaped receptacle suspends upright. A drain pipe extends from the drain hole for redirecting fluid draining from the pipe threading machine into a fluid repository. The funnel optionally comprises a horizontal stabilizing latch extending from the upper rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Harvey Multer
  • Publication number: 20090229707
    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: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: ROYCE INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Trevor Royce
  • Publication number: 20090188581
    Abstract: A fluid receptacle and adapter assembly for use in fluid addition at different ones of alternatively configured fill ports of internal combustion engines is disclosed. In one embodiment, any one of a plurality of adapters may be releasably secured at one end of a receptacle having a selected volume utilizing a retainer ring. Each adapter has an adapter end that is differently configured from others for secured releasable engagement with differently designed engine fill ports, a central fluid passage therethrough remaining unobstructed after engagement of a selected one of the adapters with the receptacle. Seals are mounted for sealing between the receptacle and the selected adapter and at the engine fill port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Assemacher
  • Publication number: 20090107582
    Abstract: A detachable funnel apparatus for use with a container has an open wide end, an open narrow end, and sidewalls connecting the open wide end to the open narrow end whereby materials poured into the open end pass through the sidewalls and out the open narrow end when the detachable funnel apparatus is coupled to the container. The funnel is configured to removably affix to the container when stored by a coupling mechanism on the inside of the funnel such as a ring snap to create a snap connection between the funnel and a neck ring on the container or threads to connect to the threads on the container normally used by the cap of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Larry Sayage
  • Patent number: 7503142
    Abstract: The insertable pest catching device is an invention that because of its unique geometry and design provides for the simple and cost effective catching of pests such as hornets and yellow jackets. The device is principally intended for use in combination with an empty plastic two-liter volume soda pop bottle. In practice, an attractant such as a predetermined amount of sugar water is placed into a capped plastic bottle and the funnel shaped device is retentatively pressed into the side of the bottle. The device in combination with the bottle creates an attraction to pests. The pests are guided into the bottle through the funnel and subsequently die within the bottle. After a predetermined quantity of pests are trapped within the bottle, the bottle, with the device still inserted may be discarded as an entire assembly. Thus the disassembly, mess, and washing common with prior art pest catching devices are avoided. In certain embodiments, multiple devices may be inserted into a single bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: Michael A. Uhl
  • Patent number: 7472727
    Abstract: A stand to which a sandbag can be easily and quickly, yet securely, attached and which includes a funnel portion that directs sand into the attached sandbag. The stand includes legs that are foldable for storage and a clip system for quickly and securely attaching and detaching sandbags to the funnel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Ryan N. Sherrard
  • Publication number: 20090001101
    Abstract: A powder dispensing device is disclosed according to various embodiments. The powder dispenser includes a gravity bin configured to contain powder with a top opening and a smaller bottom opening. A housing coupled with and located beneath the gravity bin includes a top portion with a dosage portal. The dosage portal of the housing and the bottom opening of the gravity bin are substantially vertically misaligned. A slider that includes a dosage chamber with an opening in both the top surface and the bottom surface is included. The slider is configured to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position the dosage chamber is substantially aligned with the dosage portal of the housing and in the second position the dosage chamber is substantially aligned with the bottom opening of the gravity bin. An actuator moves the slider between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: ezstella, LLC
    Inventors: Erin Zahradka, Robert J. Prince
  • Patent number: 7464735
    Abstract: A funnel stand that includes a housing supporting an internal funnel connected to a fuel hose that can be folded or rolled up for storage inside the housing and extended through a hose opening for placement in a fuel tank opening. The funnel stand may also include a ballast to stabilize it as a free-standing device or a base plate configured for permanently or semi-permanently affixing the funnel stand to a loading surface. In addition, the funnel stand may include a lid covering the funnel opening, a door covering the hose opening, and handles to facilitate carrying the device by hand. The funnel stand is designed to be suitable for delivering fuel from a hand-held gas can into the fuel tanks on small watercraft, such as small boats and personal watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Kelcamax Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Chad Shultz
  • Patent number: 7426946
    Abstract: A pipe structure of a windshield washer fluid feeding device for a vehicle includes a refill pipe which is used for the feeding of windshield washer fluid into a windshield washer fluid reservoir tank and has a multiply-curved form ensuring a sufficient working space between the refill pipe and a head lamp unit of the vehicle, and an auxiliary pipe connected at both ends thereof to certain portions of the refill pipe. With the combined configuration of the refill pipe and auxiliary pipe, even if the windshield washer fluid freezes, a joint region between the windshield washer fluid reservoir tank and the refill pipe is protected from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sook-kie Kim
  • Patent number: 7404420
    Abstract: A portable sprayer includes a tank and a measuring device in selective fluid communication with the tank. The measuring device may be located adjacent to a funnel at the top of the tank and a valve provided to selectively control the flow of fluid from the measuring device into the funnel. The measuring device may include a plurality of surfaces extending from the internal wall of the measuring device to provide indicia of the amount of fluid within the measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rick L. Leer, Douglas Burnworth
  • Publication number: 20080142114
    Abstract: A filling device is disclosed for allowing substances to fill a beverage container. The filling device may direct a flow of liquid into a container. The filling device may have a bowl with a round and a flat portion, a neck, a wall dividing the bowl into sections, and a plurality of fingers at the terminal end of the neck. One section of the filling device may allow the substance to fill the beverage container while the other section allows air to escape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Matthew R. Cook, John Schwan, Paul Petriekis
  • Patent number: 7377210
    Abstract: A grease receiving and holding system includes a sink that has a peripheral flange having an opening extending therethrough. A housing is mounted below a plane of the peripheral flange. The housing has a bottom wall, a top wall and a peripheral wall extending between and is attached to the top and bottom walls. A pipe has a first end and a second end. The first end is fluidly coupled to the housing. A funnel is fluidly attached to the second end of the pipe. The funnel has an upper edge that has a diameter that is substantially equal to a diameter of the opening. A peripheral lip is attached to and extends around the upper edge. The peripheral lip is abuttable against the flange when the funnel is positioned in the opening. Grease may be poured down the funnel and into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Geno A. Franco
  • Publication number: 20080099100
    Abstract: A weight for supporting a funnel in an upstanding orientation, the weight comprising a periphery defining an internal void, the void receiving the neck of the funnel, and also having a filler housed within the periphery, the filler providing mass to the weight. Other embodiments include a funnel with a weight incorporated therein, and a funnel system comprising a funnel, a removable weight and indicator means operatively coupled with the funnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Joe Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20080099099
    Abstract: Apparatus that manually slides over building and construction forms that redirects the direction of liquid building materials such as concrete into building forms. The apparatus breaks down the speed of the incoming material with the specially designed back wall. The front wall lower constructed part of the sliding funnel makes an easier access for cement truck chutes and or wheel barrels. The bottom part of the sliding funnel fills and simultaneously levels the height of the liquid concrete. The storage area of the apparatus (when to much concrete is poured towards the form) can store a large amount of material that normally would have gone over the building form edge as spill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Ben Verduin
  • Patent number: 7322386
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Jens Peder Holm
  • Publication number: 20070256755
    Abstract: A connector is provided for use with an orifice with internally-retained cap. Unlike conventional connectors, the invention provides a passage for the restraint that retains the associated cap internal to the orifice and a fitting which engages the method used for the cap to seal the orifice. As a result the invention may be used to safely engage any neck, whether threaded, keyed or otherwise sealable, of any vessel, whether by threading, being keyed, or having a press-fit connection. The connector may also be eccentrically constructed so that it may be aligned nonconcentrically to the orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventor: Michael Sawyer King
  • Patent number: 7284581
    Abstract: A funnel having a receiving chamber, a neck portion, a valve and a coupler connected to the neck portion, the coupler having a housing having an axial bore formed therethrough and a cam body received therein, the cam body having an axial bore formed there through, where the cam body cams the walls of the housing radially outward between a first diameter and a second diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Easco Hand Tools, Inc
    Inventor: Paul S. Steinweg
  • Patent number: 7270159
    Abstract: A funnel apparatus for aiding in filling containers, such as gasoline tanks on lawnmowers and similar items, with a liquid material. The funnel apparatus comprises a main body member having a first predetermined shape. There is a throat member having a second predetermined shape and connected to a bottom portion of the main body member for insertion into such container to be filled. A pair of adjustable stabilizing legs are engageable with the main body member for preventing the funnel apparatus from tipping over during filling. The adjustable stabilizing legs are disposed in spaced apart relationship. There is also an indicating means engageable with at least one of the main body member and the throat member for indicating what level such liquid being added to such container is at.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Lawrence C. Burns
  • Patent number: 7237582
    Abstract: A 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: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Travis Harvey
  • Patent number: 7219705
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Tim Wallek
  • Patent number: 7156136
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices facilitating the addition of items into containers. In particular, the present invention relates to devices configured to assist in supplying food items into mixing containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Tim Kulas
  • Patent number: 7137419
    Abstract: An oil filtering and storage apparatus comprising housing containing a cooking oil storage receptacle therein with a hingedly attached door providing access to said storage receptacle with the receptacle serving as containment of oil that has been filtered for reuse or unfiltered for disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: Dylan Reeves
  • Patent number: 7089976
    Abstract: A device for adding solvent to a pneumatic system comprises an inlet structure to receive solvent from a supply and a reservoir to hold solvent from the inlet structure. An outlet structure, which is in fluid communication with the reservoir, is designed to connect the reservoir to a pneumatic system. A first stop valve is disposed between the inlet structure and the reservoir, and a second stop valve is disposed between the reservoir and the outlet structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Roy Bargy
  • Patent number: 7013934
    Abstract: An adapter is shown for use with a funnel having an upper tapered section and a lower tapered section and a container having a top surface with an opening therein. The adapter has a housing having a top, a bottom, a longitudinal axis, a tapered opening is disposed through the inside housing about the longitudinal axis and an outside portion, the tapered opening being larger at the top thereof than at than at the bottom for telescopically receiving the lower tapered section of the funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Gaylen E. Hicok
  • Patent number: 6901976
    Abstract: A device is positioned on the top of a beverage can for receiving saliva expectorated by a tobacco chewer and directing the saliva into the can. The device incorporates structure making the combination of container and can spill resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventors: Anthony Bautista, Brian Goodell
  • Patent number: 6874550
    Abstract: Gravity fill line vent fitting includes a body member having a water fill opening and vent opening adapted to be connected to the elevated ends of a water fill line and surrounding air vent line, respectively, of a potable water storage tank. An inner tubular extension and surrounding hose fitting may be connected to the inner/bottom side of the body member for use in attaching the water fill line and air vent line, respectively, to the body member. An outer tubular extension and surrounding service fitting may be connected to the outer side of the body member. A cap is insertable over the service fitting for sealing off both the water fill opening and vent opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Steven C. Brooker
  • Patent number: 6863099
    Abstract: A funnel assembly to be mounted on a fluid intake pipe such as for a vehicle engine includes a funnel body connected to a valve that is in communication with the intake pipe. The funnel body is moveable between an operative position in which the valve is opened for receiving a fluid flow and directing the flow into the fluid intake pipe, and a non-operative position for closing the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Paraphase, Inc.
    Inventor: Kirk W. Watkins
  • Patent number: 6845794
    Abstract: Disclosed is a filling system for loading one or more paintball reservoir tubes with paintballs. The system is made of a paintball fill funnel and a support for at least one, and preferably a plurality of reservoir tubes. The fill funnel is dimensioned to fit within the reservoir tube and rest on the rim of the reservoir tube. A support shoulder, rim, or plurality of support shoulders on the outside of the fill funnel form a stable plane atop the tube rim. Each funnel can have more than one spout that communicates with a central funnel chamber for filling a plurality of paintball reservoir tubes simultaneously. The tube support can take a variety of configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Lance G. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040159368
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a quick fill cap for a toy gun capable of discharging an output stream of liquid. The toy gun may have a liquid reservoir for storing a quantity of liquid and fill port for depositing liquid in to the liquid reservoir. The quick fill cap may include a cap portion having a throughbore, wherein the cap portion may be adapted to demountably attach to the fill port of the toy gun and to form a substantially airtight and watertight seal with the fill port. The quick fill cap may further include a hollow funnel having a lower surface connected to an upper surface of the cap portion such that a substantially airtight and watertight seal is formed between the lower surface of the hollow funnel and the upper surface of the cap portion. The hollow funnel may be substantially aligned with the throughbore of the cap, and the hollow funnel may be disposed external to the liquid reservoir when the cap portion is demountably attached to the fill port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Fred D. Eddins, Robert L. Brown
  • Patent number: 6752183
    Abstract: A waste funnel system for pouring liquids into a container. The waste funnel system has an adapter with a closure that can be mounted to an opening of the container. A funnel body has a cover that is pivotally connected to the funnel body and is used to open and close an inlet end of the funnel. The funnel body is also assembled in the adapter, thereby permitting different size funnel bodies to be assembled with the same container closure. A ventilation path extends between the funnel body and the adapter to permit vapors to be displaced from an interior of the container. In addition, a screen disposed in a liquid path between inlet and outlet ends of the funnel body prevents objects from passing through the funnel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Nalge Nunc International Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Leoncavallo
  • Patent number: 6739363
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: WKI Holding Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen Walter, Anne Schloesser, Benjamin Beck, David Harting
  • Patent number: 6715647
    Abstract: A funnel with support assembly for pouring paint from a can, having a funnel and a funnel support having a holster and a stand upon which the holster is supported. The funnel may be supported upon the funnel support. The funnel has a large opening located in proximity to the funnel top, a small opening located in proximity to the funnel bottom, and a cap for sealing its small opening. In use, the holster and stand are positioned above a paint tray. The user seals the small opening of the funnel with the cap and attaches the large opening of the funnel to the top of an open can of paint. The can of paint and the attached funnel are then inverted and positioned within the holster. The user begins the flow of paint by removing the cap from the funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Todd Ivins
  • Patent number: 6688347
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Theodore W. Selby
  • Patent number: 6644366
    Abstract: Disclosed is a filling system for loading one or more paintball reservoir tubes with paintballs. The system is made of a paintball fill funnel and a support for at least one, and preferably a plurality of reservoir tubes. The fill funnel is dimensioned to fit within the reservoir tube and rest on the rim of the reservoir tube. A support shoulder, rim, or plurality of support shoulders on the outside of the fill funnel form a stable plane atop the tube rim. Each funnel can have more than one spout that communicates with a central funnel chamber for filling a plurality of paintball reservoir tubes simultaneously. The tube support can take a variety of configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Lance G. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030106609
    Abstract: A waste funnel system for pouring liquids into a container. The waste funnel system has an adapter with a closure that can be mounted to an opening of the container. A funnel body has a cover that is pivotally connected to the funnel body and is used to open and close an inlet end of the funnel. The funnel body is also assembled in the adapter, thereby permitting different size funnel bodies to be assembled with the same container closure. A ventilation path extends between the funnel body and the adapter to permit vapors to be displaced from an interior of the container. In addition, a screen disposed in a liquid path between inlet and outlet ends of the funnel body prevents objects from passing through the funnel system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: Nalge Nunc International Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Leoncavallo
  • Patent number: 6539989
    Abstract: An oil and liquid manifold drain system is provided as an apparatus that allows plastic oil containers to be drained completely before disposal. A plurality of ports are provided that hold oil cans or bottles in an upside down condition for a long period of time, envisioned to be hours. The ports can be hydraulically connected to a common manifold that would drain by gravity, back to a common container where the contents could be reused, recycled or disposed of properly. While specifically designed for motor oil, the invention could also be used for other liquids that are commonly sold in small size plastic containers and a percentage of the liquid remains clinging to the inside of the can or bottle after pouring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Fred C. Walden
  • Patent number: 6460581
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventors: Kenneth Gene Marshall, David Prom Smith
  • Patent number: 6460582
    Abstract: A funnel (1) designed for providing accommodations for the the consumer, especially the disabled. By adapting the funnel at the base with a cut-out wedged end (3) and drilling a hole (4) through the center of gas cap (2) the funnel can now be put together and attached permanently with epoxy glue that is non-soluble. A user of this funnel can now screw it onto the gas spout of their vehicle and with it's special design, the gas goes right into the tank without any back splash. Also their hands are free to hold the container they are using to carry the gas in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventors: Billy W. Smith, Joyce Smith
  • Patent number: 6425424
    Abstract: A series of multi use funnels are designed to attach by threads or pressure fit to a variety of threaded or non threaded fill openings of bottles or containers. Two or more concentric female threaded or friction engaging connectors are located at the discharge opening of the funnel. The innermost connector is the smaller or smallest and each size is graduated outward therefrom. A secondary funnel is located inside of the innermost female threaded connector to direct fluid into the attached container below the junction of the top of the bottle of container and the first threads. A sealing annular ring or step is located at each connector portion. Single diameter versions are shown as well as slip-on versions for use with threaded, snap-on or straight sided bottle filling openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventors: Janet H. Ellis Calvo, Rafael A. Calvo
  • Patent number: 6415826
    Abstract: A container that is filled from one end with mortar includes a flexible tube at the other end that is elongated in cross section and open at one end. A shoulder on the container is spaced from the opening about the distance of the height of an opening between facing surfaces of adjacent masonry units that is to be filled with the mortar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Michael A. DellaVecchia
  • Patent number: 6405765
    Abstract: A wall mounted device for recovering oil or other fluids from at least one open mouthed container in its inverted position comprising a funnel with one or more inlets at its upper portion for retaining the neck of a container, and an outlet port at its lower end. The outlet port has a pivoting threaded nozzle for receivably adapting a container so that the device can be mounted in close proximity to a wall and provide the ability to view a sight strip that is commonly used on plastic containers. The upper portion includes closures for the inlet(s) when they are not in use preventing contamination. The device is made of a transparent plastic material allowing constant random inspection of the interior. The upper and lower portions may be easily disconnected for cleaning by releasing a snap from its catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Rickie Michael Handrick
  • Patent number: 6401770
    Abstract: A fluid shielding and collection tool for use in temporarily protecting a vehicle's components while maintaining the vehicle. The shielding and collecting tool includes a collecting planar surface, the collecting planar having a raised border and a downspout extending from the raised border. Additionally, a mounting mechanism adapted for mounting on the vehicle's components to be shielded and to support the collecting planar surface at the needed orientation to cause the fluids to be collected and diverted towards a final collecting device is attached to the device to support the planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Robert L. Eimer
  • Patent number: 6397907
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: John E. Heintz