Abstract:
A funnel for introducing and dispensing a material may include a first hollow frusto-conical structure including an intake port and a first exit port, where the diameter of said first exit port is smaller than the diameter of the intake port. The funnel may include a second hollow structure including a sealing element for sealing the first exit port. The second structure may mate with the first structure for forming a passage from the first structure through the second structure. Rotating the second structure with respect to the first structure may bridge a gap between the sealing element and the first exit port for sealing the passage. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to a funnel for directing the flow of material such as liquids, powders, or granular solids for example from a first container to a second container. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    When cooking, it is often necessary to measure materials or pour materials from one container to another container, or to pour material from one large container, requiring two hands to manipulate, into a small opening. Although methods exist to perform these tasks, none are ideal. One such method is to first pour the material from the first container into a measuring cup to ensure the proper amount of material and to then pour the material from the measuring cup into a second container. Even if the measuring cup has a spout, it is difficult to ensure that all of the material flows into the second container without spilling. This is especially true if the second container has a narrow opening. A second method further improves the first method by employing a funnel which is inserted into the second container. Instead of pouring the material directly from the measuring cup, the material may be poured from the measuring cup to the funnel thus ensuring that none of the material spills. However, this method requires the purchase, storage, and cleaning of two separate pieces of equipment. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A funnel or funnel system may include a first hollow frusto-conical structure including an intake port and a first exit port, where the diameter of the first exit port is smaller than the diameter of the intake port. The funnel may further include a second hollow structure including a sealing element or stopper for sealing the first exit port. The second structure may be adapted for mating with the first structure for forming a passage from the first structure through the second structure. Rotating the second structure with respect to the first structure may bridge a gap between the sealing element and the first exit port for sealing the passage. 
         [0004]    A funnel may include a first hollow frusto-conical structure including an intake port and a first exit port. The funnel may further include a second hollow structure including a stopper or sealer. The second structure may be adapted for connecting with the first structure for forming a passage allowing material to flow from the intake port through the second structure. Rotating the second structure with respect to the first structure may move the stopper between a position spaced from the first structure for opening the passage and a position against the first exit port for sealing the passage. 
         [0005]    A funnel may include an intake port and an exit port. The width of the intake port may be larger than the width of the exit port. The funnel may further include a hollow structure including a sealing structure. The width of the sealing structure may be smaller than the smallest width of the hollow structure. The sealing structure typically does not seal the hollow structure. The sealing structure may close the exit port when the hollow structure is rotated in a first direction. The sealing structure may allow material to flow out of the exit port and through the hollow structure when the hollow structure is rotated in a second direction. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    Various embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the following drawings, which are meant to be exemplary only and are not limiting on the scope of the present invention, and in which 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a side view drawing of a funnel in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a front view drawing of the funnel of  FIG. 1 , rotated 90 degrees from  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a top view drawing of the funnel of  FIGS. 1-2 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view drawing of the funnel of  FIGS. 1-3 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5   a  is a side view drawing of a funnel having a reference axis, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5   b  is a cross-sectional view drawing of the funnel of  FIG. 5   a  taken along the reference axis of  FIG. 5   a,  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5   c  is a top view drawing of a structure of the funnel of  FIG. 5   b,  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6   a  is an exploded view of the parts of an embodiment a funnel, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 6   b  is a cutaway view of parts of the funnel of  FIG. 6   a,  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0016]    It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the drawings have not necessarily been drawn accurately or to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity or several physical components included in one functional block or element. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the drawings to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Moreover, some of the blocks depicted in the drawings may be combined into a single function. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0017]    In the following description, various aspects of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details presented herein. Furthermore, well known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the present invention. 
         [0018]    Reference is made to  FIGS. 1-4 , which are side, front, top, and isometric view drawings, respectively, of a funnel  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Other views of funnel  100  are shown in  FIGS. 5   a,    5   b,    6   a  and  6   b.  Funnel  100  may include structures, possibly separable, for example, a first hollow frusto-conical structure  130  and a second hollow structure  110 . First hollow frusto-conical structure  130  may include side walls  142 , for example, which taper from an intake port  132  and which lead to an exit port  134  (visible in  FIGS. 3 ,  5   b,    6   a,  and  6   b ). The diameter, width, and/or size of exit port  134  may be smaller than that of intake port  132 . Second hollow structure  110  may include side walls  122 , for example, which taper from an intake port  112  and which lead to an exit port  114 . The diameter, width, and/or size of exit port  114  may be smaller than that of intake port  112 ; however in other embodiments this need not be the case. Second hollow structure  110  may also include a depending cylindrical member  116  which may lead from exit port  114 . 
         [0019]    Funnel  100  may include some features disclosed in application serial number 11/703,842, filed on Feb. 8, 2007, entitled “Funnel System”, incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
         [0020]    Second hollow structure  110  may be adapted for mating with first hollow frusto-conical structure  130 . In some embodiments second hollow structure  110  is non-removably connected to hollow frusto-conical structure  130 ; in other embodiments the parts may be removable from one another. In one embodiment of the invention, side walls  122  of second hollow structure  110  may conform to the outer dimensions of side walls  142  of first hollow frusto-conical structure  130 . For example, side walls  122  may have a frusto-conical shape. In some embodiments, first structure  130  may fit within second structure  110  so that exit port  134  of first structure  130  sits within exit port  114  of second structure  110 . 
         [0021]    When second structure  110  and first structure  130  are mated, a passage  160  may be created through second exit port  114  and first exit port  134 . When mating, second hollow structure  110  may rotate with respect to first hollow frusto-conical structure  130  for opening and closing passage  160 . In one embodiment, first structure  130  and second structure  110  have complementary threaded surfaces so that when the structures are rotated relative to one another, structure  110  moves axially towards or away from structure  130 , moving a sealing structure or stopper (e.g., a sealing element or structure  118 , discussed below) to open or close an opening. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when mated, intake port  132  of first structure  130  may extend beyond intake port  112  of second structure  110  in a direction distal to exit ports  134  and  114 . In another embodiment of the present invention, intake port  132  of first structure  130  may not extend beyond intake port  112  of second structure  110 . 
         [0022]    A locking mechanism  170  shown in  FIG. 1  may be used to lock first and second structures  130  and  110  in a mated position so that the two structures are affixed. However, even in embodiments of the invention that include a locking mechanism  170 , second hollow structure  110  is free to rotate with respect to first hollow frusto-conical structure  130 . In some embodiments, lock  170  may be formed as a stop, latch, or hook that may only prevent the relative movement or rotation of first and second structures  130  and  110  in a specific direction. For example, when rotating second structures  110  relative to first structure  130  in a first direction for sealing exit port  134 , lock  170  may only prevent rotating in the first direction beyond the point of sealing passage  160 . In such embodiments, second structure  110  may be free to rotate relative to first structure  130  in a second direction for example, for opening passage  160 . A locking mechanism need not be used. 
         [0023]    Reference is made to  FIG. 5   a,  which is a side view drawing of funnel  100  having a reference axis A-A  138  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Reference axis A-A  138  may be an axis of symmetry of funnel  100 . For example, reference axis A-A  138  may be a center axis equidistant from walls  122  and/or  142 , exit ports  114  and/or  134 , and/or other structures. Axis A-A  138  may be an axis of rotation for the relative rotation of first and second structures  130  and  110 . 
         [0024]    Reference is made to  FIG. 5   b,  which is a cross-sectional view drawing of funnel  100  taken along reference axis A-A  138  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Funnel  100  may include a sealing element or structure  118 .  FIG. 5   b  shows sealing element  118  in one of a possibly continuous range of positions in which sealing element  118  is adapted to move (e.g., in a position sealing exit port  134 ). When second structure  110  is moved along axis A-A relative to structure  130 , sealing element  118  may seal, close, stop, or plug exit port  134  and passage  160  (e.g., in the position shown in  FIG. 5   b ) for preventing the flow of material therethrough and containing the material in funnel  100 . Sealing element  118  may be or include a seal, a block, a bung, a stopper, a plug, a disk, or any other structure to seal funnel  100  (e.g., at a bottom opening such as exit port  134 ). In other positions (not shown in  FIG. 5   b ) sealing element  118  may be spaced from exit port  134  and passage  160  may be open. 
         [0025]    Reference is made to  FIG. 5   c,  which is a top view drawing of second structure  110  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Second structure  110  includes sealing element  118  held by or suspended from (e.g., along a center axis of) exit port  114  by one or more extensions, rods, or protruding structures  124 . Sealing element  118  and/or protruding structures  124  may be formed integral to exit port  114  or may alternately be removable. The diameter, width and/or size of sealing element  118  may be smaller than the smallest width of second structure  110 . 
         [0026]    Typically sealing element  118  does not seal second structure  110 . Sealing element  118  may be positioned for fitting exit port  134 , but not blocking passage  160  and the flow of materials therethrough. Sealing element  118  may partially cover exit port  114  and may be moved (e.g., in a direction along reference axis A-A  138 ) to completely cover exit port  134  of funnel  100 . Sealing element  118  may be a convex cap or stopper which may seal or cover exit port  134  to a sufficient degree without the use of a flexible (e.g., rubber) covering used in other sealers. Alternately element  118  may include flexible material. 
         [0027]    In one embodiment, rotating second structure  110  with respect to first structure  130  may move sealing element  118  between a position spaced from first structure  130  and exit port  134  for opening passage  160  and a position against exit port  134  for sealing or stopping passage  160 . When used herein, in some embodiments, a seal using element  118  may not produce a watertight seal, but rather a seal preventing powder from flowing. In alternate embodiments, a watertight seal may be created. When second structure  110  is rotated in a first direction relative to first structure  130 , sealing element  118  may close exit port  134  and passage  160 . When second structure  110  is rotated in a second direction relative to first structure  130 , sealing element  118  may allow material to flow out of exit port  134  and second structure  110 . For example, rotating second structure  110  with respect to first structure  130  may widen a gap between first and second structures  130  and  110  for opening passage  160 . Rotating second structure  110  with respect to first structure  130  (e.g., in a different or opposite direction) may bridge or lessen a gap between sealing element  118  and exit port  134  for sealing passage  160 . During such rotations, sealing element  118  may cause passage  160  created between exit ports  114  and  134  to change between a substantially open and a substantially closed position. 
         [0028]    In one embodiment of the present invention, sealing element  118  may be formed as a concave structure comprising an outer surface for mating or fitting with exit port  134 . In other embodiments, sealing element  118  may be formed into alternate shapes which close or seal exit port  134 . In various embodiments, sealing element  118  may be formed as a cylinder, cone, truncated cone, rectangular prism, flat surface, or other shape. In such embodiments, exit port  134  may have a shape complementary to sealing element  118  to be closed thereby. In other embodiments, when first and second structures  130  and  110  are rotated relative to each other sealing element  118  may expand and contract (e.g., by a telescoping structure) or open and close. In this way, sealing element  118  may cause passage  160  to throttle between a substantially open and a substantially closed position. 
         [0029]      FIG. 6   a  shows an exploded view and  FIG. 6   b  shows a cutaway view of the parts of an embodiment of funnel  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. First structure  130  may include outer attachment surface  120  and structure  110  may include a complimentary inner attachment surface  158  (shown only in  FIG. 6   b ), respectively, for joining, mating, attaching, or bonding to each other. In one embodiment, first and second hollow structures  130  and  110  may attach in a permanent or integral way. In another embodiment, the structures may be detachably affixed so that they may be used, stored, and/or cleaned as multiple and separate pieces. 
         [0030]    In one of such embodiments, outer attachment surface  120  and inner attachment surface  158  may be threaded (e.g., having threading oriented in a helical or inclined planar pattern) with complementarily grooved surfaces for enabling the rotation of first structures  130  with respect to second structure  110 . For example, when force or torque is applied (e.g., by rotating) in a direction along the threaded curve, the force may be translated to move sealing element  118  (not shown) in a different direction, for example, along the axis of rotation  138 , described in reference to  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b.  Thus, rotating second structures  110  with respect to first structure  130  may move sealing element  118  between a position away or spaced from exit port  134  for opening passage  160  and a position towards or against exit port  134  for sealing passage  160 . Rotating second structure  110  with respect to first structure  130  may press sealing element  118  with some force against exit port  134 . In some embodiments, when sufficient force (e.g., torque) is applied, sealing element  118  may form a sufficiently tight seal with exit port  134  for preventing the flow of liquids through passage  160 . In another embodiment, only one of outer attachment surface  120  and inner attachment surface  158  includes a continuously threaded groove, while the other surface includes intermittent or discontinuous threaded segments having spaces therebetween. The continuous threaded groove may hinge on the discontinuous threaded segments. For example, there may be approximately three discontinuous threaded segments on one of the threaded surfaces, approximately an inch in length and spaced approximately ¼ inch apart. In one embodiment, outer attachment surface  120  may include three partial threads, each extending less than 120 degrees around the circumference of the opening. Other numbers or types of discontinuous threads may be used, and a discontinuous thread need not be used. 
         [0031]    Each of outer attachment surface  120  and inner attachment surface  158  may have relatively complementary threaded regions defined by a measure, such as for example, threads per inch (TPI), which is a count of the number of threads along an inch of the threaded region, and/or thread pitch, which is a distance (e.g., in millimeters) between threads (e.g., each measured in a direction along reference axis A-A  138 ). A higher density of threads along the length of outer attachment surface  120  and/or inner attachment surface  158  may correspond to higher TPI and lower thread pitch measurements. Other measurements may be used, such as, the total length of a thread or threaded area, the length of a thread segment spiraling 360°, the length of a thread segment along which second structure  110  rotates by a full turn or 360° relative to first structure  130 , a rotational angle of the helical pattern of the threaded area, and the width, diameter, radius, and/or surface area of the threaded regions (e.g., outer attachment surface  120  and/or outer attachment surface  120 ) or any complementary, mated, or adjacent structures. In one exemplary embodiment, each of outer attachment surface  120  and inner attachment surface  158  have a thread count of approximately 1-10 TPI. In one exemplary embodiment, the thread count is approximately 4 TPI. In one exemplary embodiment, the length (e.g., measured in a direction along reference axis A-A  138 ) and diameter (e.g., measured in a direction perpendicular to reference axis A-A  138 ) of outer attachment surface  120  and outer attachment surface  120  are approximately 11/16 inches and 1¼ inches, respectively. In one exemplary embodiment, the angle of the threading grooves (e.g., measured relative to the direction perpendicular to reference axis A-A  138 ) is approximately 5 degrees. Other dimensions or measurements may be used. 
         [0032]    The second hollow frusto-conical structure  130  may include one or more measuring scale(s)  136 . An embodiment of the measuring scale  136  is shown in  FIG. 3 . The measuring scale  136  may be for example a volumetric scale useful for determining the quantity of material within funnel  100 . The measuring scale(s)  136  may be a liquid scale with labels such as teaspoons, tablespoons, ounces, cups, pints, quarts, milliliters, liters, or the like. The measuring scale(s)  136  may alternately or additionally be a solid (or dry) scale with labels such as ounces, pounds, grams, kilograms, or the like in which the scale is based on the density of a specific solid (or dry) material to be measured. Other measurement scales or devices may be used. 
         [0033]    First hollow frusto-conical structure  130  or second structure  110  may include one or more handle(s)  140 . Handle  140  may be used to ease rotating second hollow structure  110  with respect to first hollow frusto-conical structure  130 . Handle  140  may also be used for transporting funnel  100 . Handle  140  may be solid or may have a through-hole which may be used to hang funnel  100  on a hook. The through-hole may also be sized for the finger or fingers of a user. Two handles—one on each structure  110  and  130 —may be used. First hollow frusto-conical structure  130  may have a spout (not shown), for example, positioned on the brim of intake port  132 , that may be used for pouring materials from funnel  100 . 
         [0034]    In some embodiments of the present invention, funnel  100  may include one or more attachments, such as a hollow exit port attachment  150  (e.g., a third hollow structure) adapted for mating with exit port  114  of the second hollow structure  110 . Hollow exit port attachment  150  is shown in FIGS.  2  and  4 - 6 . Attachments need not be used. Hollow exit port attachment  150  may include an intake port  152 , an exit port  154 , and a depending cylindrical member  156 . The diameter, width, and/or size of exit port  154  may be smaller than that of exit port  114 . In some embodiments, depending cylindrical member  156  may be narrower than exit port  114  of second structure  110  in order to allow funnel  100  to be used with containers having a narrower opening. In other embodiments of the present invention, the depending cylindrical member  156  may be wider than the exit port  114  of the first frusto-conical structure  110  in order to allow funnel  100  to be used with containers having a wider opening. In yet another embodiment, the diameter, width, and/or size of exit port  154  may be altered. For example, exit port  154  may include a telescoping truncated conical structure that may be raised or lowered, rotated inward or outward or adjusted using other motions to expand or contract exit port  154 . For example, exit port  154  may be fitted to approximately the same size as a container to which material is being dispensed for funnel  100  to form a seal with the container. Such a seal may prevent, for example, highly volatile materials from escaping into a surrounding area or atmosphere. The telescoping structure may expand or contract the dimensions of exit port  154  using a rotation mechanism similar to the mechanism for moving sealing element  118 . In one embodiment, the same rotating motion that moves sealing element  118  may change the size of exit port  154 . 
         [0035]    Intake port  152  may be adapted for attachment with second hollow structure  110 . For example, second structure  110  and intake port  152  may have complementary threaded surfaces for joining. In some embodiments of the present invention, a locking mechanism (not shown but similar to locking mechanism  170 ) may be used to lock hollow exit port attachment  150  and second hollow structure  110  in a mated position so that the two cannot be separated. Another mechanism, such as a friction fit mechanism, may be used to attach port  152  and structure  110 . 
         [0036]    First hollow frusto-conical structure  130 , second hollow structure  110 , and hollow exit port attachment  150  may be made from a wide variety of materials such as glass, plastic, ABS, stainless steel, or the like. The material may be non-reactive and/or non-volatile, and food-safe. Further, not all of the components of funnel  100  need be made from the same materials. For example, first structure  130  may be made of glass and second structure  110  may be made of plastic. Second structure  110  may be made of one unitary structure, without any additional material (e.g., rubber); alternately, multiple parts and materials may be used. Clear materials may be preferred in order to view the volume of the material within funnel  100  with measuring scale(s)  136 . 
         [0037]    Funnel  100  may be used both to measure or load a volume of material from a first container and to dispense the material into a second container. In such an embodiment, first hollow frusto-conical structure  130  is first rotated with respect to second hollow structure  110 . The rotation may move or secure sealing element  118  to a position against exit port  134  for sealing or closing passage  160 . Once the passage  160  is substantially closed, a material such as a liquid or a granular or melting solid (e.g., sugar, flour, soil, or other materials) may be introduced into intake port  132  of the first hollow frusto-conical structure  130 . Since passage  160  is substantially closed, the material will remain within funnel  100 . In some embodiments, the material may then be measured using measuring scale(s)  136 ; measuring need not be performed. Material may then be removed or added to funnel  100  based upon whether too much or too little material has been introduced into funnel  100 . Once the desired measure of material is within funnel  100 , the exit port  114  of second hollow structure  110  may be aligned with the opening of a second container. Optional depending cylindrical member  116  or optional hollow exit port attachment  150  may be used to aid in the alignment of funnel  100  if the material contained therein is to be discharged into a container. Once aligned, second hollow structure  110  is rotated with respect to first hollow frusto-conical structure  130 . The rotation may move sealing element  118  from a position against exit port  134  for sealing passage  160  to a position spaced from first structure  130  (e.g., or exit port  134 ) for opening passage  160 . This rotation may be in the same direction as the first rotation or in a different direction. During this second rotation, passage  160  created between exit ports  114  and  134  is changed from the substantially closed condition to a substantially open condition. As passage  160  is opened, the material within funnel  100  may be discharged therefrom. For example, the material may be introduced into a container by way of exit port  114  of second hollow structure  110 . 
         [0038]    Various structures or elements (not shown) which alter the material as it is introduced into the second container may be incorporated into funnel  100 . Such structures may be a permanent part of funnel  100  or may be optionally attached or interchangeably exchanged. The physical location of these structures will depend upon the structure, but they may be incorporated in or attached to exit port  114  or  134 , sealing element  118 , hollow cylindrical depending member, hollow exit port attachment  150  or other members of funnel  100 . An exemplary embodiment of such an element is an aerator which introduces air into a material as it exits funnel  100 . Such an element may be useful for wines or other beverages. Another exemplary embodiment of an additional structure may be a strainer which only allows material of a certain dimension to pass through funnel  100 . Such a structure may be useful for creating a sieve or for removing sediment from a liquid. In one embodiment, rotating second structure  110  with respect to first structure  130  may force a clamp or sieve to press against a material held in first hollow frusto-conical structure  130  for extracting liquid through passage  160 . Another exemplary embodiment of such an element is a sifter which may be useful for both aerating a material and allowing material of only a certain dimension to pass through funnel  100 . Other structures may also act upon material exiting funnel  100 . Alternately, structures may be employed which act upon the material while still within funnel  100 . Such structures may include mixers or separators. 
         [0039]    Funnel  100  need not be used for measurement, and measuring marks (e.g., such as measuring scale  136 ) need not be included. 
         [0040]    While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made. Embodiments of the present invention may include other apparatuses for performing the operations herein. Such apparatuses may integrate the elements discussed, or may comprise alternative components to carry out the same purpose. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.