Nonuse Patents (Class 141/342)
  • Patent number: 10271678
    Abstract: This invention relates to a cup sleeve structure with hanging ears, which comprises a cup sleeve which has an annular wall body having a top opening and bottom opening on the two sides of the annular wall body, and at least two hanging ears, which can be bent and combined to the outer surface of the annular wall. By the implementation of the present invention, the cup sleeve structure having hanging ears can completely take up the least space while being stored, and can also be conveniently carried, and can support the filter cup body in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: BE RICH LIMITED
    Inventors: Hsien-Jen Lin, Tzu-Chi Lin
  • 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
  • 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: 8631841
    Abstract: A funnel having a collection area disposed at one end of the funnel. A base surface of the collection area is flat. A flange surrounding an inlet opening is positioned spaced from the collection area. When the funnel is placed in a vertical orientation with the base surface of the collection area contacting a horizontal surface, a lowermost edge of the flange surrounding the inlet opening is aligned with the base surface of the collection area. The funnel is thereby supported in a vertical orientation on the horizontal surface by two contact points. In this position, the residual fluid in the funnel is transferred by gravity to collect within the collection area. No residual fluid is allowed to escape from the interior of the funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Navajo Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon Levy, Ming Shan, David L. Martin
  • Patent number: 8622100
    Abstract: A funnel and drain hose are interengaged in a specific orientation. The drain hose is positioned on the funnel with the opposed ends of the drain hose vertically positioned when the funnel is properly hung on a wall. The opposed ends of the drain hose face upwardly so that any residual oil trapped in the drain hose collects at the bottom of a U-shaped portion of the drain hose positioned on the funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Navajo Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon Levy, Yen-Iun Lai, Ming Shan
  • Publication number: 20120152408
    Abstract: A funnel and drain hose are interengaged in a specific orientation. The drain hose is positioned on the funnel with the opposed ends of the drain hose vertically positioned when the funnel is properly hung on a wall. The opposed ends of the drain hose face upwardly so that any residual oil trapped in the drain hose collects at the bottom of a U-shaped portion of the drain hose positioned on the funnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Gordon Levy, Yen-lun Lai, Ming Shan
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100084042
    Abstract: A combination fluid collector and parts washer includes a collector mounted on a base supported stanchion to receive fluid for selectively discharging the fluid through a valve into a container. A tray is removably mounted in the collector for supporting parts to be washed by the fluid in the collector and includes ridges on the bottom for drainage purposes and holes for draining the fluid from the tray into the collector. A device for collecting fluid from each of a plurality of containers is detachably attachable to the stanchion for discharging the collected fluid into a vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Donald G. Bonnell
  • 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: 6318422
    Abstract: A funnel structure with different cross-sectional shaped bowl and spout for transferring viscous food materials from one vessel to another, to eliminate the problem of entrapped air causing splashing. The funnel has a circular bowl and a spout with a square cross-section which can be offset from the circular bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventors: Robert N. Woratyla, Joseph B. Soisson
  • Patent number: 5921292
    Abstract: An oil change kit apparatus includes a cylindrically-shaped pan that supports a bracket at its upper annular surface. The bracket has a threaded bushing that receives an externally threaded stem of a funnel, the stem having a hollow open ended flow bore. The funnel adjusts in elevation relative to an underlying support surface, floor, etc. by rotation of the funnel relative to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Jerry N. Fouts
  • Patent number: 5385180
    Abstract: A spill inhibiting funnel system is described that has stepped fins and blades extending, respectively, from the outer and inner surfaces of a tapered funnel body. The fins allow the funnel to be variably positioned with respect to a receiving container's opening in a secure fashion to prevent spills. Likewise, the stepped blades allow a pouring container to be securely placed inside the funnel and remain there in an inverted upright or angled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Empak, Inc.
    Inventor: Boyd Wittman
  • Patent number: 5297596
    Abstract: A dispensing assembly in combination with a beverage brewing apparatus for controllably dispensing and directing a cleaning material into a brewing chamber of the beverage brewing apparatus. The brewing chamber has a receiving mouth through which the cleaning material is dispensed. The dispensing assembly includes a hinge part, a funnel body, and components to finding a hinge joint. The funnel body is generally conically shaped, having a pouring port at one end and a dispensing port at the opposite end. The pouring port is enlarged relative to the dispensing port forming the conical shape of the funnel body and facilitating ease and accuracy in dispensing a cleaning material into the brewing chamber. The funnel body is attached to the hinge part and is hingedly associated with the hinge joint for movably positioning the funnel body into and out of communication with the receiving mouth of the brewing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: James H. Anson
  • Patent number: 4832095
    Abstract: A device for collecting viscous fluid from a plurality of vessels includes a funnel member, a plurality of vessel retainer elements disposed in the open top portion of the funnel member for holding the vessels in inverted positions, and an open-mouthed receptacle demountably attached to the bottom of the funnel member for receiving the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Inventor: Donald G. Bonnell
  • Patent number: 4789017
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to funnels; more specifically it relates to funnels intended for use with fluids used in engine compartments, such as in transportation vehicles. Examples of such fluids are crankcase oil, transmission fluid, anti-freeze or other coolant fluids, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. The invention is a liquid transfer system including a funnel with a dust cover that may be stored on a funnel support while the funnel is in use and that may include a piercing tool on its inner surface capable of puncturing the lids of containers used with the funnel. Also claimed is such a liquid transfer system including a support that holds the funnel in a vertical position during storage, a drip catcher, and an axially extendible and compressible spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Inventors: Anton Panasewicz, Dale Panasewicz
  • Patent number: 4286634
    Abstract: A plastic sample container with an attached collapsible funnel comprising several frusto-conical rings which interlock with one another in a raised position to form a funnel attached to an upright neck of the container. The funnel may be collapsed into the form of separate rings which rest upon radially extending upstanding support members attached to the top of the container. When the funnel is collapsed, the upper surfaces of the supporting members, the upper edges of the individual frusto-conical rings, and the top of a removable cap for the neck of the container all fall within a plane generally parallel with the bottom of the container, allowing several of the containers to be stacked one upon another. Graduations are provided on the side of the container, which is preferably constructed of tough translucent material, permitting visual ascertainment of the volume of a sample contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1981
    Inventor: Elizabeth M. Wisner