Abstract:
A method for fabricating a funnel, a tool for carrying out the method, and a funnel of flat material, more particularly of plastic-coated paper. A receptacle for a pulverulent and/or liquid medium includes a funnel disposed in a pouring or discharging region. A blank of flat material is shaped to a funnel-shaped sleeve having an outlet opening, an inlet opening, and an opening angle, and the funnel-shaped sleeve is swaged in at least one subregion to effect enlargement of the opening angle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a divisional of prior U.S. application Ser. No. 13/199,479, filed Aug. 31, 2011, which claims the benefit of German Application No. 10 2010 045 176.2, filed Sep. 3, 2010, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/461,440, filed Jan. 18, 2011, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to a method for fabricating a funnel, to a tool for carrying out said method, and to a funnel made of flat material, more particularly plastic-coated paper. The invention further relates to a receptacle intended for a pulverulent and/or liquid medium and comprising a funnel disposed in a pouring or discharging region. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A receptacle that is intended for a pulverulent or liquid medium and comprises a funnel disposed in a pouring or discharging region, also referred to as the outlet region, is disclosed in JP 2009-262957 A, for example. The receptacle disclosed is in the form of a substantially circularly cylindrical tube, into which the funnel is inserted. The inserted funnel serves to improve pouring or discharging the medium. According to JP 2009-262957 A, the funnel is molded from a plastics material. Molding of a funnel of this kind is carried out, for example, by an injection-molding procedure allowing for the production of complex shapes. 
         [0004]    In the case of nonreturnable packaging, in particular, it is required to reduce the use of plastics materials in such packaging, in order to achieve more cost-effective and environmentally acceptable production. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for fabricating a funnel, a tool for carrying out said method, and a funnel made of flat material, more particularly of plastic-coated paper, and a receptacle intended for a pulverulent and/or liquid medium and comprising a funnel disposed in a pouring or discharging region. 
         [0006]    In particular, the object is achieved by a method for fabricating a funnel from a flat material, in which method a blank of flat material is shaped to a funnel-shaped sleeve comprising an outlet opening, an inlet opening, and an opening angle, and the funnel-shaped sleeve is swaged, at least over a portion thereof, to effect enlargement of the opening angle. 
         [0007]    For the purposes of the present invention, the term “funnel-shaped sleeve” refers to a sleeve, the diameter of which diminishes in the axial direction from an inlet opening toward an outlet opening or vice versa. In the conventional use of a finished funnel, the inlet opening is larger than the outlet opening. For the purposes of this invention, the outlet opening therefore refers to that opening of the funnel-shaped sleeve that has the smaller diameter. The inlet opening refers to that second opening of the funnel-shaped sleeve that is opposite the outlet opening. In advantageous embodiments, the funnel-shaped sleeve has a substantially conical shape. Such a substantially axially symmetrical shape permits simple further processing. In other embodiments, provision is made for the sleeve and the funnel formed therefrom to have a rectangular basic shape. The shape of the sleeve is in principle arbitrary and is determined by the shape of the receptacle into which the funnel is to be inserted. It is possible to place a funnel in arbitrarily shaped cans. 
         [0008]    In the fabrication of a funnel-shaped sleeve, for example, by means of a wrapping or rolling process, the maximum opening angle is limited by manufacturing considerations. Large opening angles can be achieved only when the overall height of the funnel is increased accordingly. By means of a method of swaging the sleeve, it is possible to create a funnel which has, at least in certain regions, a flatter, that is, a larger, opening angle and in which the ratio of diameter to height is thus increased. Thus, when the funnel is used in a receptacle, the usable space for a pulverulent or liquid medium in the receptacle is increased. In one embodiment, an opening angle of the sleeve is enlarged over the entire height thereof. In one embodiment, the opening angle of the undeformed sleeve is small, for example less than 10°. Preferably, however, the opening angles are greater than 10°. 
         [0009]    According to one embodiment of the method of the invention, provision is made for constriction of the region adjoining the outlet opening by a swaging procedure such that a substantially cylindrical outlet region is achieved. This produces a funnel shape providing good flow conditions for a medium guided through the resulting funnel. 
         [0010]    In advantageous embodiments, the sleeve is swaged by means of a tool comprising at least two components. According to one embodiment of the method of the invention, provision is made for fixing the funnel-shaped sleeve between two complementary tool components that are capable of moving relatively to each other in the axial direction of the funnel-shaped sleeve, and for swaging the sleeve in the axial direction by means of an advancing movement of at least one tool component, for the purpose of swaging the sleeve. Preferably, the tool components are in the form of a stationary die and a plug that can be moved relatively thereto. The outside contour of the die corresponds to the contour of the swaged sleeve. The plug is moved in the direction extending from the outlet opening toward the die. The funnel-shaped sleeve is thus pressed into a desired shape. The shape of the tools used can be such as correspond to the desired final shape of the peripheral surface of the funnel in the swaged region. If plastic-coated paper is used as the flat material, provision is made, in advantageous embodiments, for at least partial warming, more particularly heating, of at least one of the two tool components. 
         [0011]    In a development of the invention, provision is made for at least one of the two tool components, preferably the plug, to have recesses, into which the flat material can flow during the swaging procedure. This prevents excess material from wrinkling up when the funnel-shaped sleeve is swaged or compressed. 
         [0012]    According to a further embodiment of the method, provision is made for stiffening an edge of the outlet opening. The stiffening process reduces the risk of damage to the region of the outlet opening. For the purpose of stiffening, provision is made, in advantageous embodiments, for turning the flat material over at the outlet opening, more particularly inwardly toward the interior of the funnel-shaped sleeve, for example. With certain applications, it may alternatively be advantageous to turn the flat material over outwardly at the outlet opening. This is likewise possible. In doing so, the flat material undergoes deformation. For the purposes of the present invention, the deformed flat material is also referred to as flat material. Preferably, the method of turning the flat material over is carried out in at least two work steps. The turnover may also be accomplished in a single work step and the flat material, particularly paper, may be pressed through the opening itself by means of a plug. Shaping of the funnel-shaped sleeve by means of rolling or wrapping procedures does not always ensure that the outlet opening is circular. In the procedure for creating a turnover of the flat material in a number of steps, the outlet opening is therefore initially caused to assume a desired circular shape. For this purpose, in advantageous embodiments, a tool is used which comprises a plug that has a conical outside contour and that is placed in the outlet opening. The shape of the plug simplifies the insertion thereof into the outlet opening. In a further step, a final procedure for creating a turnover of the flat material is carried out, for which purpose a plug having a substantially circularly cylindrical outside contour is inserted into the pre-formed outlet opening. This plug determines the final shape of the outlet opening. In advantageous embodiments, the tool is likewise at least partially heated. Compression and also sealing of the outlet opening can alternatively be accomplished using a rotary tool, more particularly a rolling tool, 
         [0013]    In advantageous embodiments, the funnel-shaped sleeve is swaged following the procedure for stiffening the outlet opening, because in this way the complexity of the shapes of the required tools can be kept low. 
         [0014]    In another advantageous embodiment, the procedure for creating a turnover of the flat material at the outlet is carried out, at least in part, together with the procedure for swaging the funnel-shaped sleeve, in a common work step. As a result, the overall number of work steps can be minimized. Minimization of the necessary work steps is also advantageous, inter alia, for matching the number of machining steps to the number of work stations in a manufacturing plant. 
         [0015]    In an advantageous development of the method of the invention, recesses are provided at the edge forming the outlet opening of the funnel-shaped sleeve after the latter has been shaped, which recesses relieve stresses occurring when turning the flat material over. In one embodiment, the recesses are provided prior to shaping the funnel-shaped sleeve. For example, the recesses are provided when stamping out the blank of flat material. In other embodiments, the recesses are made in the wrapped or rolled sleeve. The recesses have a shape that is suitable or relieving stresses occurring when shaping the flat material. The recesses can extend away from the edge and have parallel side edges pointing in the direction of peripheral lines of the cone shape and have a circular base or the edge may alternatively be wavy. Thus it is possible to avoid cracks in the plastic coating of a plastic-coated paper used as the flat material. Such types of cracks result in an increase in the oxygen permeability of the paper and are deleterious, particularly when the funnel is used in the outlet of a receptacle. 
         [0016]    Alternatively or additionally, provision is made, in advantageous embodiments of the method of the invention, to seal the outlet opening. This step likewise improves protection of the outlet opening from damage. In advantageous embodiments, the sealing procedure is carried out by means of a sealing mandrel and/or expanding sealing jaws. 
         [0017]    Preferably, a connecting region is formed on the funnel in order to make it possible to insert the funnel fabricated by the method of the invention into a receptacle. In advantageous embodiments, the flat material is turned over, more particularly outwardly, in the region of an inlet opening for this purpose, so that a substantially cylindrical edge, more particularly a substantially cylindrical outside edge, is produced. By means of the outside edge produced in the region of the inlet opening, it is possible to join, more particularly glue, or seal, the funnel thus fabricated to a receptacle. 
         [0018]    In advantageous embodiments, for the purpose of turning the flat material over in the region of the inlet opening, the funnel-shaped sleeve is secured between two complementary tool components capable of moving relatively to each other in the axial direction of the funnel-shaped sleeve and compressed to the desired shape. Alternatively, one of the tool components can be stationary. In some embodiments, the procedure for creating an edge turnover on the funnel-shaped sleeve in the region of the inlet opening is carried out as the last work step. In other embodiments, this procedure for creating an edge turnover on the funnel-shaped sleeve is carried out prior to the procedure for swaging the sleeve and/or stiffening the outlet opening. In advantageous embodiments, the flat material is shaped to a sleeve and is turned over in the region of the inlet opening over the entire periphery of the sleeve concurrently. For this purpose, in one embodiment, a plug is provided which has a conical outside contour and by means of which the flat material is turned over outwardly. In one embodiment, the procedure for further shaping the outside edge so that a cylindrical outside contour is achieved is carried out by means of a second plug. In advantageous embodiments, the first plug additionally has an annular groove, the shape of which is configured so as to match the cylindrical outside contour and the opening angle of the sleeve to be created. As a result, it is possible to shape the edge by means of a tool which is advanced accordingly. Alternatively, the creation of an edge turnover at the inlet opening or the outlet opening is carried out in only one step by means of a flat plug whose plug surface is at right angles to the direction of advance. In advantageous embodiments, the tool components are heated. In other embodiments, shaping is carried out at room temperature. 
         [0019]    In one embodiment, at least one of the tool components performs a rotary movement about the longitudinal axis of the funnel-shaped sleeve. 
         [0020]    In one advantageous embodiment, provision is made for the use of a pre-fabricated ring segment-shaped blank of flat material that is wrapped around a wrapping mandrel for the purpose of shaping the funnel-shaped sleeve and is joined, more particularly sealed, at the ends thereof. Preferably, the ends of the blank overlap each other following the wrapping or rolling procedure. The ends are joined together, for example adhesively and/or by sealing. 
         [0021]    The object of the invention is also achieved by means of a tool for carrying out the method of the invention. 
         [0022]    The object of the invention is further achieved by means of a funnel made of flat material, more particularly plastic-coated paper, the funnel comprising a substantially cylindrical outlet region. Provision is made, in advantageous embodiments, for the peripheral region of the funnel to exhibit a discontinuous change in diameter. The funnel is configured so as to be flatter than conventional funnels and it has an optimized ratio of diameter to height. 
         [0023]    Finally, the object of the invention is achieved by a receptacle that is intended for pulverulent and/or liquid media and that comprises a funnel of the invention disposed in the interior of the receptacle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    Additional advantages of the invention are revealed in the subordinate claims and in the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention illustrated diagrammatically in the drawings. The same reference numerals or characters are used for identical or similar components in the drawings. Features described or illustrated as part of an exemplary embodiment can also be used in another exemplary embodiment in order to obtain a further embodiment of the invention. 
           [0025]    In the drawings: 
           [0026]      FIG. 1  shows a ring segment-shaped blank of flat material for fabricating a funnel; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  shows a ring segment-shaped blank of flat material for producing a funnel that is similar to that shown in  FIG. 1  and comprises recesses at one edge thereof; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  shows a funnel-shaped sleeve formed from the ring segment-shaped blank of flat material shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  shows a funnel-shaped sleeve formed from the ring segment-shaped blank of flat material shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 5  illustrates a procedure for sealing the ends of the ring segment-shaped blank of flat material shown in  FIG. 1  after it has been shaped to form to a funnel-shaped sleeve; 
           [0031]      FIG. 6  shows a first work step for stiffening an outlet opening in a method of the invention according to a first embodiment; 
           [0032]      FIG. 7  shows a second work step for stiffening an outlet opening in a method of the invention according to the first embodiment; 
           [0033]      FIG. 8  shows a work step for sealing the outlet opening in a method of the invention according to the first embodiment; 
           [0034]      FIG. 9  shows an alternative work step for sealing the outlet opening shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 10  shows a work step for swaging the funnel-shaped sleeve by a method of the invention according to the first embodiment; 
           [0036]      FIG. 11  shows a work step for creating an edge turnover on an inlet opening of the funnel-shaped sleeve by a method of the invention according to the first embodiment in a first state; 
           [0037]      FIG. 12  shows the work step illustrated in  FIG. 11  in a second state; 
           [0038]      FIG. 13  shows a finished funnel shape in a first embodiment; 
           [0039]      FIG. 14  shows a finished funnel shape in a second embodiment; 
           [0040]      FIG. 15  illustrates a work step for creating an edge turnover on an inlet opening of the funnel-shaped sleeve by a method of the invention according to a second embodiment in a first state; 
           [0041]      FIG. 16  illustrates the work step shown in  FIG. 15  in a second state; 
           [0042]      FIG. 17  illustrates a first work step for stiffening an outlet opening by a method of the invention according to a second embodiment; 
           [0043]      FIG. 18  illustrates a second work step for stiffening an outlet opening by a method of the invention according to the second embodiment; 
           [0044]      FIG. 19  illustrates a work step for sealing the outlet opening by a method of the invention according to the second embodiment; 
           [0045]      FIG. 20  illustrates an alternative work step for sealing the outlet opening shown in  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 21  illustrates a work step for swaging the funnel-shaped sleeve by a method of the invention according to the second embodiment; 
           [0047]      FIG. 22  illustrates a work step for swaging the funnel-shaped sleeve by a method of the invention according to a third embodiment; 
           [0048]      FIG. 23  illustrates a work step for sealing the outlet opening by a method of the invention according to the third embodiment; 
           [0049]      FIG. 24  illustrates an alternative work step for sealing the outlet opening shown in  FIG. 23 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 25  illustrates a work step for creating an edge turnover on an inlet opening of the funnel-shaped sleeve by the method of the invention according to the third embodiment in a first state, and. 
           [0051]      FIG. 26  illustrates the work step illustrated in  FIG. 25  in a second state. 
           [0052]      FIG. 27  shows an annular segment-shaped blank of flat material for the production of a funnel and having recesses along one edge. 
           [0053]      FIG. 28  illustrates a first work step for stiffening an outlet opening in a method of the invention according to a fourth embodiment. 
           [0054]      FIG. 29  illustrates a work step for sealing the outlet opening in the method of the invention according to the fourth embodiment. 
           [0055]      FIG. 30  illustrates a work step for the creation of an edge turnover at the inlet opening of the funnel-shaped sleeve in the method of the invention according to the fourth embodiment in a first state. 
           [0056]      FIG. 31  illustrates the work step shown in  FIG. 30  for turning over an inlet opening of the funnel-shaped sleeve in a second state. 
           [0057]      FIG. 32  illustrates the procedure of pressing grooves into the edge turnover at the inlet opening following on the work step illustrated in  FIG. 31 . 
           [0058]      FIG. 33  shows a completed funnel according to the fourth embodiment of the invention. 
           [0059]      FIG. 34  is a sectional view of a receptacle of the invention with a fitted funnel as shown in  FIG. 33 , and. 
           [0060]      FIG. 35  shows the receptacle shown in the  FIG. 34  in a sectional view taken obliquely from above. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0061]      FIGS. 1 to 12  diagrammatically illustrate various steps and intermediate products for fabricating a funnel  1  of the invention from plastic-coated paper, as shown in its finished form in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . 
         [0062]    The funnel  1  shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14  comprises an outlet opening  10  and an inlet opening  11 . An outlet region  12  that adjoins the outlet opening  10  has a substantially cylindrical shape. A peripheral region  13 ,  14  of the funnel  1  has two different opening angles, the opening angle of the region  13  adjoining the outlet region  12  being larger than the opening angle of the region  14  adjoining the inlet opening  11 . The inlet opening  11  has a cylindrical outside edge  15  that serves for establishing a connection between the funnel and a receptacle (not illustrated) having a complementary cylindrical inner contour. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14 , ribs  16  protruding in the radial direction are provided in the peripheral region  13 . 
         [0063]    According to the method illustrated in  FIGS. 1 to 12 , a funnel-shaped sleeve  3  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  is first produced from a prefabricated blank of flat material  2  which is in the form of a ring segment, as illustrated diagrammatically in  FIGS. 1 and 2 .  FIGS. 1 and 2  show alternative embodiments of a blank of flat material  2 , the blank of flat material  2  in the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  comprising, at one edge thereof, recesses  21 , the purpose of which is described below. 
         [0064]    As illustrated diagrammatically in  FIG. 5 , a shaping procedure is carried out in advantageous embodiments, by means of a tool  4  comprising a wrapping mandrel  40 . The blank of flat material  2  shown in  FIG. 1 or 2  is placed around the wrapping mandrel  40  for the purpose of shaping the funnel-shaped sleeve  3 . Preferably, the blank of flat material  2  is of plastic-coated paper. The blank of flat material  2  may be caused to better assume the shape of the wrapping mandrel  40  by means of an additional optional thermal treatment. As further illustrated diagrammatically in  FIG. 5 , the overlapping ends of the blank of flat material  2  shown in  FIG. 1  are sealed, glued, or joined together in some other way, by means of a tool  41  after the blank has been rolled or wrapped onto the mandrel. By rolling and joining their ends, the funnel-shaped sleeves  3  illustrated diagrammatically in  FIGS. 3 and 4  are shaped to have an inlet opening  31 , an outlet opening  30  and an opening angle α, half the opening angle α/2 being drawn in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The outlet opening  30  has a smaller diameter than the inlet opening  31 . 
         [0065]      FIGS. 6 to 12  illustrate a first embodiment of the actual procedure for producing a funnel  1  of the invention. 
         [0066]    Firstly, the outlet opening  30  of the sleeve-shaped funnel  3  is stiffened. In the embodiment shown, in order to stiffen the outlet opening  30 , the edge  20  of the flat material shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is turned over and sealed following the shaping procedure for the funnel-shaped sleeve  3 . 
         [0067]      FIGS. 6 and 7  diagrammatically illustrate a procedure for creating an edge turnover on the flat material in the region of the outlet opening  30  by means of a tool  5  comprising a die  50  and two plugs  51 ,  52 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the edge  20  is turned over in the direction of the interior of the funnel-shaped sleeve  3 . The procedure for creating an edge turnover on the flat material is carried out in two stages, for which purpose the two plugs  51 ,  52  are employed in succession. The funnel-shaped sleeve is placed on the stationary die  50  and shaped by means of the plugs  51 ,  52 . 
         [0068]    Shaping of the funnel-shaped sleeve  3  by means of rolling or wrapping does not always ensure that the outlet opening  30  is circular. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the outlet opening is therefore initially forced into a circular shape. For this purpose, the first plug  51  shown in  FIG. 6  has a conical region, which is inserted into the outlet opening  30 . Thus the plug  51  is self-centering. 
         [0069]    The second plug  52  shown in  FIG. 7  has a substantially circularly cylindrical outside contour and serves to determine the final shape of the outlet opening  30 . 
         [0070]    The recesses  21  shown in  FIG. 2  are advantageous for preventing the blank of flat material  2  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  from tearing at the edge  20  when being turned over, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . These recesses  21  are shaped so as to relieve the stresses occurring in the blank of flat material when its edge is turned over. 
         [0071]    In a subsequent step of the method according to the first embodiment, the flat material is sealed at the outlet opening.  FIGS. 8 and 9  diagrammatically show possible alternative procedures for sealing the outlet opening  30  by means of a tool  6 . 
         [0072]    The tool  6  shown in  FIG. 8  comprises a die  60  and a sealing mandrel  61  inserted into the funnel-shaped sleeve  3  from the direction of the inlet opening  31 . The sealing mandrel  61  and the die  60  have conical surfaces, which are complementary to each other and between which the outlet opening  30  is sealed. 
         [0073]    In the alternative embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , there is provided a tool  6  that comprises sealing jaws  62  that are movable relatively to each other in the radial direction. A plurality of sealing jaws  62  is provided, and these are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the tool  6 . The sealing procedure is effected by means of the sealing jaws  62  in at least two steps, during which the sealing jaws  62  are displaced in the peripheral direction such that the outlet opening is sealed over its entire circumference. 
         [0074]    In a subsequent method step illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the funnel-shaped sleeve  3  is swaged in a region  32  adjoining the outlet opening  30 . A tool  7  comprising components in the form of a die  70  and a plug  71  is provided for this purpose. The funnel-shaped sleeve  3  is secured between the die  70  and the plug  71 , and the plug is advanced in the axial direction A for the purpose of swaging the funnel-shaped sleeve. Furthermore, a stop member  72  is provided for securing the funnel-shaped sleeve between the die and the plug. 
         [0075]    An outside contour of the die  70  corresponds to the desired contour of the swaged sleeve  3 . The plug  71  is moved from the direction of the outlet opening  30  toward the die  70 . Thus the funnel-shaped sleeve  3  is pressed into the desired shape. The shape of the tool  7  used can be such as to correspond to the desired final shape of the peripheral surface  13  of the funnel  1  as shown in  FIGS. 13, 14  in the swaged region  32 . If plastic-coated paper is used as the flat material, provision is made, in advantageous embodiments, for at least one of the two tool components  70 ,  71  to be heated. 
         [0076]    Preferably, recesses (not visible in the figure) are provided at least on the tool component disposed on the exterior of the funnel-shaped sleeve  3 , in this case the plug  71 , into which recesses the excess material can flow during the swaging and compressing procedures. This causes the outside contour of the funnel  1  in the region  13  to have ribs  16 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0077]    An outside edge  15  of the funnel  1  shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14  is produced in a final work step of the method according to the first embodiment. When the funnel  1  is used, this outside edge  15  serves, for example, to position the funnel  1  in a receptacle, more particularly in a pre-fabricated sleeve or a can, and to secure it therein. 
         [0078]      FIGS. 11 and 12  show two states when creating an edge turnover on the funnel-shaped sleeve  3  in the region of the inlet opening  31 . A tool  8  for creating an edge turnover on the outside edge comprises a die  80 , a plug  81 , and a mandrel  82  disposed in the interior of the funnel-shaped sleeve  3 , which prevent further deformation of regions of the sleeve  3  that have already undergone deformation. The funnel-shaped sleeve  3  is secured between the die  80  and the mandrel  82 . The plug  81  is capable of being moved relatively thereto in the axial direction A. 
         [0079]    The plug  81  has a conical outside contour  810  and it is first inserted into the inlet opening  31 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . Thus the flat material in the region of the inlet opening  31  is deformed outwardly. The plug  81  further has an annular groove  812  that determines the final shape of the inlet opening  31 . The shape of the annular groove  812  is configured so as to match the cylindrical outside contour and the opening angle of the sleeve  3 . 
         [0080]    The die  80  comprises a projection  800  that is configured so as to be complementary to the annular groove  812  and moves into the annular groove  812  when the distance between the die  80  and the plug  81  is less than a pre-determined minimum. In doing so, the material located between the projection  800  and the annular groove  812  is bent over. Thus the substantially circularly cylindrical outside edge  15  shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14  is produced by means of a continued advancing movement of the plug. 
         [0081]    In advantageous embodiments, the plug  81  is moved only in the axial direction A. Furthermore, an additional rotary movement of the plug  81  is feasible. In advantageous embodiments, the tool components  80 ,  81 ,  82  are heated. In other embodiments, shaping is carried out at room temperature. 
         [0082]      FIGS. 15 to 21  show an alternative procedure for shaping the funnel-shaped sleeve  3  shown in  FIG. 4  to form a funnel  1  as shown in  FIG. 13 or 14 . In the procedure illustrated in  FIGS. 15 to 21 , the material in the region of the inlet opening  31  is first turned over. In the subsequent work steps, the outlet opening  30  is processed, and the funnel-shaped sleeve  3  is swaged. The tools used for this procedure are similar or identical to those employed for the procedure illustrated in  FIGS. 6 to 12 , and the same reference numerals or characters are used for identical or similar components. Components already described above are not explained in detail below. 
         [0083]      FIGS. 15 and 16  diagrammatically show two states when creating an edge turnover on the flat material in the region of the inlet opening  31 . At the start of this procedure, the peripheral surface of the funnel-shaped sleeve  3 , as shown in  FIG. 15 , has not yet been processed further. The tool  8  for creating an edge turnover on the flat material in the region of the inlet opening  31  corresponds substantially to the tool  8  shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . The tool  8  comprises a die  80 , a plug  81 , and a mandrel  82 , the plug  81  having been provided with a conical outside contour  810  and an annular groove  812 . The shape of the die  80  and of the mandrel  82  is configured so as to match that of the yet to be shaped funnel-shaped sleeve  3 . In order to avoid repetition, reference is made to statements made above, more particularly to the description of  FIGS. 11 and 12 , for a description of the mode of operation of the tool  8 . 
         [0084]      FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate a procedure for creating an edge turnover on the flat material in the region of the outlet opening  30  for the purpose of stiffening the same. The procedure for creating an edge turnover on the flat material is carried out by means of a tool  5  that is shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  and comprises a first plug  51  having a conical outside contour and a second plug  52  which has a substantially cylindrical outside contour and which is advanced in a second work step. Reference is made to  FIGS. 6 and 7  above for a detailed description. 
         [0085]    Subsequently, an edge in the region of the outlet opening  30  is sealed.  FIGS. 19 and 20  show two alternative embodiments of a tool  6  used for sealing purposes. Reference is made to the description of  FIGS. 8 and 9  above for the description of the tool  6 . 
         [0086]    Finally,  FIG. 21  shows the procedure for swaging the funnel-shaped sleeve  3  so as to enlarge the opening angle of a portion  32  of the peripheral surface. The distance between the plug  71  and the stop member  72  is shorter than in the case of the tool  7  shown in  FIG. 10 . For the remaining description of this method step, reference is made to the description of  FIG. 10 . Thus the completion of the swaging procedure illustrated in  FIG. 21  produces the funnel shown in  FIG. 13 or 14 , in which ribs  16  are optionally formed in the region  32  that undergoes deformation during the swaging process shown in  FIG. 21 . 
         [0087]      FIGS. 22 to 26  show a third embodiment of a method of the invention for shaping a funnel-shaped sleeve  3  shown in  FIG. 4  to a funnel  1 , as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . 
         [0088]    In a work station shown in  FIG. 22 , the procedure for swaging a portion  32  of the peripheral surface for the purpose of expanding an opening angle of the funnel-shaped sleeve  3  and, at the same time, of stiffening the outlet opening  30  by creating an edge turnover on the flat material in the appropriate region are carried out by a tool  9  comprising a die  90  and a plug  91 . Before processing the funnel-shaped sleeve  3  by means of the tool  9 , shown in  FIG. 22 , provision is made, in one embodiment, to pre-shape an edge of the outlet opening  30  by means of a tool  5  comprising the plug  51  shown in  FIG. 6 . This ensures that the region of the outlet opening  30  has a circular opening, into which the tool component  91  can be inserted. The tool component  91  has an annular groove  910  that cooperates with a complementary projection  900  on the die  90 , and the flat material in the region of the outlet opening  30  is turned over between the annular groove and the projection. 
         [0089]    The outlet opening  30  is sealed in a subsequent work step. 
         [0090]      FIGS. 23 and 24  each show a tool  6  for sealing the outlet opening. The tool  6  corresponds to the tool  6  shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , to which reference is made for a detailed description of this step. 
         [0091]    In a final step for the fabrication of the funnel  1 , as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the material in the region of the inlet opening  31  is turned over by means of a tool  8  comprising a die  80 , a plug  81 , and a mandrel  82 . Before being processed, the sleeve  3  is converted by the tool  8  to a shape that corresponds to the shape prior to processing of the sleeve shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . Therefore, processing of the sleeve  3  is carried out as described with reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 . 
         [0092]    The method of the invention makes it possible to fabricate funnels of different shapes that can be distinguished from each other based on the size of the opening angle, on the number and/or position of locations at which an opening angle varies, and on the diameter and/or shape of the ribs  16  shown in  FIG. 14 . At all events, a funnel is achieved that has an optimized ratio of diameter to height and can thus be placed in the interior of a receptacle in a space-saving manner. 
         [0093]    All tools used for shaping the flat material, more particularly plastic-coated paper, are configured so as to be heatable in advantageous embodiments. The application of heat during processing reduces the tendency of the flat material to wrinkle or tear. In some embodiments, provision is made for intermediate cooling of the flat material between the individual work steps. 
         [0094]    Referring to  FIGS. 27 to 35 , a fourth embodiment of the method of the invention and also of a funnel produced by the method of the invention, a receptacle containing such a funnel, and also the tools for carrying out the method are described. 
         [0095]      FIG. 27  shows a blank of flat material  100  in the form of a ring segment. The blank of flat material  100  is wrapped around a cone-shaped mandrel, cf.  FIG. 5 , to form a sleeve having the shape of a truncated cone and is then sealed or glued in the region of an overlap  102  The region of the overlap is provided with a cutout  104  at its top edge of smaller diameter, as shown at the top of  FIG. 27 , such that in the region of said cutout  104  only a single thickness of material is present after the flat material has been glued to form a sleeve having the shape of a truncated cone. The cutout is rectangular in shape and is disposed at the corner between the turned-over edge of smaller radius and the straight side edge of the annular segment-shaped blank of flat material  100 . This cutout facilitates the creation of the edge turnover at the outlet opening to be described below. The top edge  106  of the blank of flat material  100  shown in  FIG. 27  and having the smaller radius is of a wavy design, in order to obviate the formation of cracks when the edge turnover is created at the outlet opening. 
         [0096]    The individual steps for the production of a funnel from the blank of flat material  100  are as described above and include the provision of the blank of flat material  100  and shaping of the blank of flat material  100  on a conical mandrel to form a sleeve, and sealing or gluing the same in the region of an overlap  102 . 
         [0097]    There follows a description of the creation of an edge turnover at the outlet opening, cf.  FIG. 28 . The turnover at the outlet opening is then heated and the turnover at the outlet opening is sealed, cf.  FIG. 29 . Sealing of the turnover can be effected in two steps using a rotary tool or by means of a displaceable mandrel, in which case the mandrel is turned through 45 degrees between the two steps. 
         [0098]    There follows the creation of the turnover of the inlet opening by means of a flat plate-like plug, cf.  FIGS. 30 and 31 . The turnover is then post-shaped by means of an embossing ring and the embossing ring presses grooves into the turned-over edge by which means an irregular curve of the turned-over edge is avoided The embossing ring is divided into three parts to make it possible to open the same. 
         [0099]    Subsequently or previously, constricting or embossing of the funnel shape is carried out, as already described with reference to  FIGS. 10 and 21 and 22 . 
         [0100]    The removal of the finished funnel can then take place, cf.  FIG. 33  The finished funnel can then be placed in a receptacle, cf.  FIG. 34  and  FIG. 35 , and, for example, be sealed or glued to the inside wall of the receptacle. 
         [0101]    The work steps: shaping the inlet opening and shaping the outlet opening and forming the funnel angle by embossing/constricting the material, can be carried out in any order. 
         [0102]    According to  FIG. 28 , the sleeve  108  produced from the blank of flat material  100  and having the shape of a truncated cone is positioned on a mandrel  110  having the shape of a truncated cone The sleeve  108  rests with its large-radius edge against stop members  112  at the perimeter of the mandrel  110 . Due to the conical form of the mandrel  110  and the sleeve  108  the stop members may be omitted. The region of the small-radius outlet opening extends beyond the mandrel  110 , and this edge of the outlet opening is turned over by means of a plug  114 . The turnover is forced into a cylindrical recess  116  in the mandrel  110 . The plug  114  has a slightly larger diameter than the small-diameter end of the sleeve  108 . First of all, a flat plate  118  in which the plug  114  is guided is advanced toward the bottom edge of the sleeve shown in  FIG. 28 , such that this is thus approximately parallel to the plate  118 . The plug  114  is then advanced toward the mandrel  110  and moved into the recess  116 , by which means the edge of the outlet opening is simultaneously turned over. The plate  118  and the plug  114  may also be arranged in separate stations. The plate  118  may then be flat and without any through hole. Alternatively, the turnover may be performed in a single work step and exclusively be means of the plug  114 . In this case, the plug  114  is a little wider than shown in  FIG. 28 . The cylindrical recess  116  is adapted to the dimensions of the plug  114  and the edge of the outlet opening is turned over by a movement of the plug  114  into the recess  116 . 
         [0103]    The illustration shown in  FIG. 29  demonstrates the procedure of sealing the turnover on the outlet opening to the sleeve  108  To this end, there is provided a pressure roller  120 , which applies pressure from inside against the edge turnover on the outlet opening of the sleeve  108  and rolls along its internal perimeter Since the turnover on the outlet opening has been previously, or is simultaneously, heated, the sealable coatings on the turnover and the interior surface of the sleeve bond together. During the movement of the pressure roller  120 , the turned-over region of the sleeve  108  is positioned in a cavity  122 . 
         [0104]    The illustration provided in  FIG. 30  shows the sleeve  108  while constricting and embossing of the funnel shape has already been carried out as shown in  FIG. 10  or  FIG. 20  and  FIG. 21  The sleeve  108  is now held by means of an inside plug  124  and an outside die  126  such that only an edge of the inlet opening intended to be turned over projects beyond the plug  124  and the cavity  126 . A plug  126  having a flat plug surface is now moved toward this projecting edge. The plug  126  causes the edge at the inlet opening to turn over, cf.  FIG. 31 , and to assume the state shown in  FIG. 31 . Turning the edge of the inlet opening can take place in a single step by simply moving the plug  126  against the free edge of the sleeve  108 . 
         [0105]    Following the turnover of the edge, grooves are then impressed into the turned-over edge of the sleeve  108 , as illustrated in  FIG. 32  These grooves prevent the turned-over edge from assuming a shape deviating from the circular shape or from a given shape. 
         [0106]    Embossing the grooves is effected by means of an embossing ring  130 , on the internal perimeter of which the groove arrangement to be impressed is provided The embossing ring  130  is circumferentially divided into, say, three parts, by which means it can be opened or placed over the turned-over edge of the sleeve  108 . While the grooves are being impressed by means of the embossing ring  130 , the sleeve  108  is held in the cavity  126  from the inside by means of a plug  132 . 
         [0107]    Following the impression of the grooves into the sleeve  108 , the funnel  134  is complete, as may be seen from  FIG. 33 . In the region of its inlet opening  136 , the funnel  134  displays the turned-over edge  138  provided with the grooves. At its outlet opening  140 , the funnel  134  is provided with a turned-over edge  142 . A center region  144  of the funnel is constricted and embossed for achieving the funnel shape. By means of the constriction, the typical funnel shape is achieved, and by means of the embossment, grooves  146  are formed which accommodate the material escaping during constriction to prevent the funnel  134  from deviating from circularity or from a given shape and to prevent the general formation of irregular waves in the material. 
         [0108]    The finished funnel  134  is then pushed into a receptacle  148 , cf.  FIG. 34  and  FIG. 35 . The receptacle  148  in the illustrated embodiment is of a circularly cylindrical shape and is provided with a reversed pot-type base. The funnel  134  can then be placed via its turned-over edge  138  against the interior surface of the cylindrical wall of the receptacle  148  and, for example, sealed thereto. 
         [0109]    The receptacle  148  can by this means be emptied in a convenient manner via the funnel  134 . The receptacle  148  can, in the empty state, be first of all filled via the outlet opening of the funnel  134 , as shown at the top of  FIG. 34 , and the outlet opening can then be provided with, say, closure means, which are then, for example, sealed thereto. Following removal of the closure means, the receptacle  144  is then ready for emptying.