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.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to the field of apparatus used to assist the transfer of fluids from one reservoir into another. In particular, the invention relates to funnels used to transfer fluids from a portable reservoir into a fixed reservoir, such as the fuel reservoir of a motor vehicle. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     The vast majority of motor vehicles in the world today are powered by the combustion of a petroleum-based fluid inside the combustion chamber of an engine. When in operation, the engine draws an amount of petroleum-based fluid from a fuel reservoir and then compresses the fluid to start the internal combustion process. As the combustion process continues, more fluid is drained from the fuel reservoir. Eventually, the fuel reservoir will be depleted of petroleum-based fluid and the engine will stop operating on account of the lack of fuel. 
     Accordingly, it is necessary to periodically replenish the fuel reservoir so that the engine continues to operate for as long as the user desires. With respect to automobiles, users typically monitor the amount of petroleum-based fluid remaining in the fuel reservoir with a gauge and replenish the fuel reservoir, when necessary, at a fueling station. Fueling stations are equipped with fuel dispensers designed to pump petroleum-based fluids directly into the fuel reservoir located inside the automobile. 
     There are times when a fueling station is not available. Perhaps the driver of the automobile failed to monitor the gauge indicating that the fuel reservoir was nearly empty which results in the cessation of the engine&#39;s operation due to a lack of fuel. Alternatively, the driver may realize he or she is about to exhaust the petroleum-based fluid in the fuel reservoir, but is not near a fueling station when the fuel reservoir is ultimately depleted. As a result, the driver typically finds him or herself stranded on a public road in need of a means to replenish the fuel reservoir in the automobile. 
     Replenishing the fuel reservoir in an automobile is difficult without a fueling station fuel dispenser. The difficulty stems from the spring-loaded valve located at the external end of the filler neck typically found in modern automobiles. The spring-loaded valve prevents vapor loss from the fuel reservoir. In addition to the spring-loaded valve, the circumference of the filler neck opening is typically quite small to further insure against vapor loss. When using a fuel dispenser, the nozzle attached to the end of the dispenser depresses the spring-loaded valve when it enters the filler neck to allow for the filling of the fuel reservoir. Without the fuel dispenser, the driver must figure out a way to depress the spring-loaded valve in such a way that petroleum-based fluids can enter the narrow circumference of the filler neck and then be passed through the filler neck. 
     The typical solution to this problem involves the use of a funnel. A typical funnel is a hollow cylinder with a wide conical mouth and a narrow stem. The stem can be inserted into the filler neck to depress the spring-loaded valve. Petroleum-based fluid is then poured into the conical mouth. This allows the user to pour the fluid through a receiving end of the funnel that has a larger circumference than the filler neck, while at the same time provides for the flow of fluid into the automobile&#39;s filler neck by keeping the spring-loaded valve depressed. 
     However, a simple funnel does not eliminate all difficulty associated with filling the fuel reservoir of an automobile. The user must figure out the best way to keep the funnel as level along a horizontal plane as possible in order to avoid, as much as possible, spilling any of the petroleum-based fluid being poured into the mouth of the funnel. In addition, if the user&#39;s automobile has become inoperable at night, the user must ensure that he or she is able to see the funnel so as to avoid pouring the fluid outside of the funnel mouth&#39;s circumference. An additional problem that the user may encounter is the need to support the funnel against the filler neck opening; otherwise the funnel may fall out of the filler neck because the filler neck&#39;s opening is tilted predominantly towards a vertical plane. 
     Attempts have been made to solve of the aforementioned problems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,270,159 to Burns discloses a spilless funnel comprising adjustable legs that stabilize the funnel apparatus and a mounting collar allowing the funnel to be mounted to the reservoir being filled. U.S. Pat. No. 6,715,647 to Ivins discloses a funnel apparatus comprising a holster and stand to stabilize the funnel above the reservoir being filled. U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,246 to Cummins, et al. discloses a funnel with appendages affixed to the body of the funnel that allows the funnel body to stand upright when positioned within the opening of the reservoir to be filled. U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,140 to Joboin discloses an oil drain funnel comprising a magnetic means for attaching the funnel to the automobile from which oil is being drained. U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,004 to Cope discloses a funnel apparatus comprising a plurality of clamping members that position the funnel in place vis a vis the reservoir to be filled. 
     None of the funnels described above individually solve the problems of (i) indicating to the user when the funnel is level and (ii) allowing the user to observe the funnel in dark conditions. Moreover, none of the funnels described above individually solve the aforementioned problems and support the funnel to ease the transport of fluid. Accordingly, there is a need for a funnel apparatus that can solve some or all of the aforementioned problems. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention is directed to a funnel apparatus that satisfies this need of a funnel capable of solving the problems of stability and illumination. A funnel having features of the present invention comprises a funnel body, with a conical mouth and narrow stem, and a lighting means that automatically turns on when the top rim of the funnel body is parallel with the ground. In a preferred embodiment, the funnel apparatus having features of the present invention further comprises a means for temporarily attaching the funnel to a surface so that the funnel is held in an upright position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of a funnel device embodying features of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of a funnel device embodying features of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the handle of a funnel device embodying features of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the handle of a funnel device embodying features of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the handle of a funnel device embodying features of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the handle of a funnel device embodying features of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a funnel device embodying features of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a side elevation view of another version of a funnel device embodying features of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a holding device embodying features of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a holding device and a funnel device embodying features of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the Summary above, and in the Detailed Description and the claims below, reference is made to particular features of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all appropriate combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular embodiment or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent appropriate, in the context of other particular embodiments and claims, and in the invention generally. 
     DEFINITIONS 
     Where the definition of terms departs from the commonly used meaning of the term, applicant intends to utilize the definitions provided below. For purposes of the present invention, the term “upright position” refers to an orientation of the funnel apparatus wherein the conical mouth (as identified below) is oriented above the narrow stem (as identified below) and the rim of the conical mouth is oriented in a position that is or is nearly parallel to the ground. For purposes of the present invention, the term “downward position” refers to any orientation of the funnel apparatus that is not the upright position. 
     DESCRIPTION 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a funnel apparatus comprises a handle  1  attached to a funnel  2 . The handle  1  is preferably U-shaped and attached to the funnel  2  at the handle&#39;s  1  first end  3  and second end  4 , preferably by any permanent means of attachment. The handle  1  can be made of any solid material, and is preferably made of plastic. The funnel  2  comprises a conical mouth  5  and a narrow stem  6 . The funnel  2  can be any shape that will allow a fluid to be poured into the conical mouth  5  and drained through the narrow stem  6 . In a preferred embodiment, the narrow stem  6  has a threaded opening  7 , as is shown in the embodiment in  FIG. 1 . The threaded opening  7  allows for tools, such as a hose, to be attached to the narrow stem  6 . The funnel  2  can be made of any solid material, and is preferably made of plastic. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the handle  1  has a first chamber  8  and a second chamber  9 . The first chamber  8  and the second chamber  9  are separated by a barrier  10 . In a preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the first chamber  8  and the second chamber  9  are each ¼″ wide, but the chambers  8 ,  9  can be any width. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the first chamber  8  comprises a first lighting means  11 , a power means  12 , and a switch  13 . In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the first lighting means  11  comprises a 5 mm white LED, the power means  12  comprises four 3V lithium batteries, and the switch  13  comprises a standard microswitch  14  (e.g., Honeywell® ZV Series, Subminiature Basic Switch, product #ZV10B10E01) and a weight  15 . As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the weight  15  comprises a 18 gram solid lead weight. The weight  15  is shaped to fit the internal dimensions of the first chamber  8  in such a way that allows the weight  15  to move up and down inside the first chamber  8  in response to a gravitational force. Moreover, the weight  15  is substantially shaped as a rectangular prism and shaped in such a way that creates a small amount of friction at the point of contact between the weight  15  and the walls of the first chamber  8 . In a preferred embodiment, the first chamber  8  further comprises a plastic stopper  16 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the second chamber  9  comprises a second lighting means  17 , a power means  12 , and a switch  13 . In the preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the second lighting means  17  comprises a 5 mm white LED, the power means  12  comprises two 3V lithium batteries that pierce the barrier  10  of the first chamber  8  and second chamber  9 , and the switch  13  comprises a standard microswitch  14  that also pierces the barrier  10  between the first chamber  8  and second chamber  9 . In a preferred embodiment, the second chamber  9  further comprises wires  18  that connect the power means  12 , the micro switch  14 , the first lighting means  11 , and the second lighting means  17  in a series circuit. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , in a preferred embodiment of the handle  1 , the first chamber  8  and the second chamber  9  are separated by the barrier  10 . The first lighting means  11  and the second lighting means  17  are permanently positioned at the first end  3  of the handle  1 . The power means  12  pierces the barrier  10  and is positioned at the second end  4  of the handle  1 . The micro switch  14  also pierces the barrier  10  and is located at the base of the handle  1  toward the second end  4 . The wires  18  are connected to the micro switch  14  and threaded through the second chamber  9  where they are connected to the first lighting means  11  and to the second lighting means  17 . The plastic stopper  16  is positioned in the first chamber  8  towards the first end  3  of the handle  1 . 
     In use, the funnel apparatus identifies when the funnel apparatus is in the upright position and allows a user to observe the operation of the funnel in dark conditions. 
     When the funnel apparatus is oriented in the upright position as is shown in  FIG. 1 , gravity forces the weight  15  to fall and close the micro switch  14  as is shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 . The small amount of friction created at the point of contact between the weight  15  and the walls of the first chamber  8  keeps the weight  15  from sliding down the first chamber  8  until the funnel apparatus is substantially in the upright position. The closing of the micro switch  14  completes the series circuit that includes the wires  18 , the power means  12 , the micro switch  14 , the first lighting means  11 , and the second lighting means  17 . Accordingly, the power means  12  introduces an electrical current to the series circuit that is carried up through the second chamber  9  by the wires  18  causing the first lighting means  11  and the second lighting means  17  to light up. 
     In contrast, when the funnel apparatus is oriented in the downward position as shown in  FIG. 6 , gravity forces the weight  15  toward the plastic stopper  16  and away from the micro switch  14  causing the micro switch  14  to open. The opening of the micro switch  14  breaks the series circuit which causes the first lighting means  11  and the second lighting means  17  to turn off. 
     A user will store the funnel apparatus in the downward position. As explained above, the downward position forces the weight  15  away from the micro switch  14  which causes the first lighting means  11  and the second lighting means  17  to be turned off. When the user needs to use the funnel apparatus, he will turn the funnel apparatus towards the upright position. When the funnel apparatus has been turned far enough to where the small amount of friction between the weight  15  and the wall of the first chamber  8  is overcome, the weight  15  slides down the first chamber  8  of the handle  1  and closes the micro switch  14  thereby completing the series circuit in the handle  1 . Since the funnel apparatus can only be efficiently used to funnel fluid from one reservoir into another when the funnel apparatus is in the upright position, the user will only need the funnel apparatus illuminated when it is in the upright position. Moreover, because the small amount of friction will cause the weight  15  to only close the micro switch  14  when the conical mouth  5  is oriented in the upright position, the activation of the first lighting means  11  and the second lighting means  17  will inform the user of when the rim of the conical mouth  5  is oriented in a position that is or is nearly parallel to the ground, as is shown in  FIG. 7 . This is the position of the funnel apparatus that provides maximum protection against spilling fluid over the rim of the conical mouth  5 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a preferred embodiment of the funnel apparatus that comprises a threaded cap  19  and a lid  20 . The threaded cap  19  is shaped like a standard threaded cap found on plastic 20 oz. bottles and is dimensioned to fit over the threaded opening  7  of the narrow stem  6  of the funnel  2 . The lid  20  is preferably constructed of plastic and is dimensioned to fit snuggly over the conical mouth  5  of the funnel  2 . The top of the threaded cap  19  is permanently attached to the top of the lid  20 . As is shown in  FIG. 7 , when the threaded cap  19  is attached to the narrow stem  6 , the lid  20  allows the funnel  2  to stand upright with the conical mouth  5  open. In addition, the threaded cap  19  can be removed from the narrow stem  6  and the lid can then cover the conical mouth  5 , preventing fluid from entering the funnel  2  via the conical mouth  5 . 
     A preferred embodiment of a funnel apparatus embodying features of the present invention further comprises a holding means, such as the one shown in  FIG. 9 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the holding means may comprise a handle  24  permanently attached to a magnet  21  and a plate  22 . The plate  22  comprises a hole  23 . The magnet  21  can be any industrial strength magnet (e.g., a 2″ by ⅞″ ceramic magnet). The magnet  21  is attached to the handle  24  by any permanent means of attachment, such as welding. The handle  24  may be constructed from any solid material and is preferably constructed out of metal. The plate  22  is attached to the handle  24  by any permanent means of attachment. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , the plate  22  is welded  26  to the handle  24  and the magnet  21 . In a preferred embodiment of the holding means, a rubber cover  25  is attached to the magnet  21 . 
     As is shown in  FIG. 10 , when in use, the funnel  2  is threaded through the hole  23  of the plate  22 . The plate  22  thereby holder the funnel  2  in the upright position. Using the handle  24 , a user may attach the holding means to a metal surface using the magnet  21 . The rubber cover  25  protects the metal surface from being damaged by the magnet  21 .