Abstract:
A funnel for pouring liquid into a receptacle is collapsible and is stored in the receptacle when not in use. The funnel is automatically unfolded upon opening a receptacle lid. The funnel has no risk of unfolding in the receptacle. A tube fixed to a base plate includes displaceable means that are fastened to the lid. The tube is terminated at the top with an arrester for securing the displaceable means. The foldable funnel is disposed inside the existing receptacle, and the funnel is unfolded as soon as the lid is lifted. The opened lid is disposed at the side of the funnel completely outside the funnel circumference so as not to interfere with filling. Placing the lid upon the tube, centering the lid on the funnel and pushing downward closes the receptacle and folds the funnel, which disappears downward into the receptacle.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of Danish Application No. PA 2003 01537 filed Oct. 20, 2003 and PCT/DK2004/000715 filed Oct. 19, 2004, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention concerns a funnel for placing in a receptacle for pouring liquid into the receptacle, primarily in connection with pouring liquids from cans or bottles, where the funnel is collapsible, where the funnel is stored in the receptacle when not in use, where the funnel is unfolded at the opening of a receptacle lid, where the receptacle lid is connected with means for pulling up the funnel from the receptacle causing the funnel to be automatically unfolded, where the means for pulling up is connected with a base plate. 
     Such a funnel is known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,504, disclosing a collapsible funnel with associated movable rod extending inside the funnel and is connected to a screwcap, where the movable rod is pushed down into the receptacle through a filling stub when the funnel is not in use. The folding funnel is to be pulled out of the receptacle before use for automatic unfolding for use with the spout of the receptacle for filling liquid, particularly if the movable rod together with the lid exposes the funnel opening for facilitating liquid filling. 
     The movable rod, however, has a length greater than the funnel itself, whereby the length of the rod determines how great depth there is to be in the receptacle in order that the funnel can be used. In many receptacles, a liquid filter is provided under the filling stub, and this filter is perhaps to be removed due to the long rod. As the funnel is disposed freely in a receptacle, there is a possibility that the funnel itself will slide down under the lower edge of the stub, whereafter the funnel can be unfolded in the receptacle. A subsequent removal of the funnel may be impossible. Another drawback may be that by loading an e.g. can supported at the edge of the funnel, the funnel may be pushed down into the receptacle and liquid may be spilled, causing a fire hazard if the liquid is flammable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the purpose of the invention to provide a collapsible funnel that may be placed in a receptacle and readily used, where there is no risk that the funnel is unfolded in the receptacle, and where the funnel is part of a unit which is simultaneously a liquid filter. 
     This may be achieved with a funnel as that described in the introduction, if the means for pulling up are formed by a tube fixed to the base plate, the tube including displaceable means that are fastened to the lid, and that tube is terminated at the top with arrester means for securing the displaceable means. 
     Hereby may be achieved a very efficient collapsible funnel that may be used advantageously for filling e.g. petrol on lawn mowers or windshield washer fluid on cars, where this foldable funnel may efficiently be disposed inside the existing receptacle, and where the funnel may be unfolded effectively as soon as the lid is lifted off. Since the lid is connected with the displaceable means, the lid maybe disposed on the side of the funnel and thereby completely outside the circumference of the funnel, whereby the lid will not in any way interfere with filling liquid. Closing of the receptacle will occur by the lid being placed upon the tube at the centre of the funnel and subsequent pushing downwards with the lid, whereby the funnel is folded together and disappears down into the receptacle. 
     The displaceable means may be formed by a weight contained in the tube, where a pliable or bendable connecting member is fastened to the weight and to the lid. Hereby is achieved that the pliable or bending connecting member allow complete removal of the lid while filling occurs, while the pliable or bending connecting member ensures that the lid does not disappear but stays close by. The pliable connecting member may advantageously be formed of e.g. a piece of steel wire, or maybe a piece of nylon cord, where the weight provided in the tube ensures retracting of cord or wire when the lid is put on. 
     The displaceable means may alternatively be formed of a rod that is contained in the tube, where the rod is terminated with a hinge member, where the hinge member interacts with the top end of the tube. Hereby is achieved a more rigid connection in the shape of a rod, where the hinge member allows that this rod is laid down to the side in the completely drawn out condition, whereby the lid again comes outside the circumference of the funnel itself. 
     The hinge member may contain a ball fastened to the rod, where the ball interacts with the end of the tube, and where the end of the tube includes slots for accommodating the rod. Hereby is achieved that the rod may be turned in any direction and may interact with one of the slots of the tube, whereby the rod may be laid entirely down to the side. 
     In the folded state, the funnel may be pushed down into a liquid filter that may be provided in the receptacle. Hereby may be achieved complete control of as to where the funnel is disposed when folded in the receptacle, and at a functional failure of the funnel, the entire internal liquid filter may be removed, thus removing the funnel from the receptacle at the same time. Using the liquid filter is particularly required if a previously fitted liquid filter is to be removed for making space for the funnel. Hereby may be ensured that the same filter function is continued, but now by means of the filter surrounding the funnel on all side and at the bottom. 
     The liquid filter may be designed with sealing means interacting with the stub of the receptacle which is designed with a collar, and where liquid filter forms or is provided with an annular sealing around the collar of the stub of the receptacle. Hereby may be achieved than the liquid filter forms its own sealing against the receptacle collar. This will be suitable if the receptacle e.g. includes a very volatile liquid like petrol, as evaporation is hindered thereby. 
     The liquid filter may include an annular recess at the top end of the filter, where the recess can engage corresponding projections on the funnel, whereby the funnel may be secured during use. Hereby may be attained that the funnel is unmoved in unfolded state, and that the funnel can e.g. withstand a can bearing on it during pouring without the funnel thereby being pushed down into the receptacle. 
     In a first alternative embodiment, close to its top end, the liquid filter may include an annular bayonet socket that may engage a corresponding bayonet joint on the funnel, whereby the funnel is secured during use. Hereby is achieved a stable locking of the funnel implying elimination of a risk that a funnel may capsize or fold and petrol may possibly be spilled and ignited, in the worst case. 
     In another alternative embodiment, close to its top end, the liquid filter may include an internal thread that may engage a corresponding external thread on the funnel, whereby the funnel may be secured during use. Also, hereby may be achieved a stable locking, where a person manipulating the funnel by tightening the thread is provided great safety for the funnel being secured before filling is commenced. 
     The top of the liquid filter may form a collar that may engage the lid of the funnel when the funnel is contained in folded state in the liquid filter. Hereby may be achieved an efficient closing of the receptacle, whereby evaporation of volatile liquids is achieved. 
     The filter might contain a central partly through going rod, which rod is placed partly in the tube, where the rod under the filter is connected to floating means, where the top of the rod indicates the liquid level of the receptacle. Hereby, may be achieved an efficient indication of the liquid level during the filling of liquid into the receptacle. The rod will also during faulting the funnel into the filter by pressing it down, the rod will govern the base plate in direction of the centre of the filter, and as such when the funnel reaches the bottom of the filter ensure that the base plate discentrally placed inside the filter which by the next opening of the filter assures an efficient and uncomplicated opening of the funnel 
     The funnel can comprise spokes, which spokes support plumes between, where the spokes are hinged to the base plate by hinging means. Hereby, can be achieved a very effective funnel which might be light weight because the spokes and the plumes could be made of a plastic material. The spokes might be hinged to the base plate. It can be assured that the spokes are correctly placed during folding and unfolding of the funnel, and where the unfolding takes place by a turning of the hinging means. By producing the hinging means as a plastic film directly by the production of spokes and base plate, the hinging means can be a plastic film placed between the base plate and the spoke. Hereby, is achieved a very cheap and very effective production method for most of the components for the funnel. 
     The spokes might contain extensions, which extensions are folded towards the wall of the filter, which filter at the top comprises a surrounding constriction, which constriction cooperates with the spokes extensions by forcing the extensions in radial direction towards the central axis of the filter for unfolding the funnel by pulling the funnel upwards. Hereby, is achieved a very effective unfolding and folding method for the funnel. The necessary forces for unfolding the funnel is only needed for pulling the funnel the last few millimeters to the top of the filter. This means that it could be ensured that the spokes are outside the filter before they start opening. The use of the constriction in the top of the filter is also securing the funnel in the unfolded position where a folding can be started after the funnel has started its movement downwards into the filter, so the extensions of the spokes are no longer in contact with the constriction. 
    
    
     
       In the following, the invention is explained from the drawings where: 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows section through a first possible embodiment, 
         FIG. 2  shows a section through a second possible embodiment, 
         FIGS. 3 and 4  show enlarged details of  FIG. 2 , 
         FIG. 5  shows a section through a third possible embodiment, 
         FIG. 6  shows a top view of the same embodiment as  FIG. 5 , 
         FIG. 7  shows a section of a possible embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , 
         FIG. 8  shows a section through a fourth possible embodiment for a folded funnel, 
         FIG. 9  shows the same embodiment as  FIG. 8  but partly opened, 
         FIG. 10  shows the same embodiment as  FIG. 9  unfolded, 
         FIG. 11  shows the embodiment as in  FIG. 10  seen from the top, 
         FIG. 12   a  shows an embodiment of a funnel according to the invention, equipped with a ring, 
         FIG. 12   b  shows a cross sectional view of the same embodiment as shown in  FIG. 12   a , 
         FIG. 12   c  shows the same embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 12   a  and  12   b  in perspective, 
         FIG. 13  shows a cut through of the same embodiment of a funnel as shown in  FIG. 12 , but without the ring, 
         FIG. 14  shows the same embodiment of a funnel as shown in  FIG. 13 , where the funnel is displayed fully opened, and 
         FIG. 15  shows the same embodiment of a funnel as shown in  FIG. 14 , but here viewed from a different angle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  shows a possible embodiment of the invention with a funnel  2  interacting with a receptacle  4 , where the funnel includes a tube  6  fixed on a base plate  7 , where the funnel is connected to a lid  8 , where the funnel has mechanical reinforcing elements  10 , and where the lid  8  is connected to the tube  6  via a connecting member  12 . The funnel  2  interacts with a liquid filter  14  interacting with a receptacle collar  16  at the top, as the liquid filter has a collar  18  fitting tightly around the receptacle collar  16 . Also, the upper edge of the receptacle includes a clearance  20  that interact with a projection  22  on the funnel, whereby the funnel becomes fixed in the unfolded condition. At the top, the filter  14  has a collar  24  interacting with closure edge  26  on the lid  8 . Simultaneously, the lid has a central projection  28  interacting with upper edge  32  of the tube  6 . Inside the tube  6  is provided a weight  30  performing retracting of the connecting member  12  if the lid is put on. The connecting member  12  may be provided as a cord, e.g. a steel wire, or a nylon cord or other pliable material. 
     Placing the lid  8  over the tube  6  will imply that the funnel  2  is folded and pressed down into the liquid filter  14 . Hereby the funnel  2  is secured in the liquid filter, and there is no possibility that the funnel can be unfolded down in the receptacle, a situation arising if the connecting element  12  is broken, as the funnel may then be freely pushed down into the receptacle. Simultaneously, the liquid filter  14  has the advantage that if a liquid filter has already been mounted in the receptacle, and this is necessarily to be removed for providing space for the funnel  2 , the filter  14  can take over this function automatically. If the receptacle has space enough for accommodating the funnel at the outset, it will only be an advantage to introduce an extra liquid filter. Irrespectively whether the liquid that is to be stored in the receptacle is petrol for e.g. a lawn mower or windshield washer liquid for a car, or, if the case is pouring liquid from one receptacle to another, it is suitable that contaminating particles are prevented from access to the receptacle to the greatest possible extent. 
     On  FIG. 2  is shown an alternative embodiment for a funnel  102  that interacts with a receptacle  104 , where an internal tube  106  is fastened to a base plate  107 , where the tube  106  is mechanically connected with a lid  108  by a connecting rod  112 , and where the funnel includes reinforcing elements  110 . Inside the receptacle  104  there is shown a liquid filter  114 . This liquid filter interacts with the upper edge  116  of the receptacle with a turned-in collar  118 . Also, the liquid filter has a clearance  120  for receiving a projection  122  provided at the lower circumference of the funnel for securing the latter. At the top, the liquid filter  114  has a collar  124  interacting with the lid  108 , where the lid has a closure edge  126 . 
     The connecting member  112  is fastened onto a hinge member  130  which is designed as a ball, where the ball and the hinge member  130  interact with the end  132  of the tube  106 . 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  show in details the design of the end  132  of the tube  106 , consisting of four projections that are separated by slots  134 , where the slots are designed to accommodate the connecting member  112  so that the tube  106  can be laid down on the side of the funnel  102 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a section through a third possible embodiment of the funnel  202  where an internal tube  206  is fastened to a base plate  207  where the tube  206  is mechanically connected with a lid  208  by a connection rod  202 . And where the funnel includes spokes  210 , which spokes  210  support plumes  211 . The funnel  202  comprises a liquid filter  204 . The connection rod  212  is fastened into a hinge member  230  which is designed as a ball where the ball and the hinge member  230  interact with the end  232  of the tube  206 . Inside the tube  206 , is placed a central rod  240  which rod is through going through the filter  214 . The rod  240  might be slidable in the tube  206  and through an opening at the bottom of the filter  214 . Underneath the filter  214 , the rod  240  might be connected to not-shown buoyancy members which buoyancy member will pull the rod  240  upwards depending of the liquid level in the surrounding receptacle. 
     The rod  240  might in be placed in a not central opening in the bottom of the filter  214 , without cooperating with the tube  206 . The rod  240  might be connected by special connection means to buoyancy means placed beside or around the filter  214 , in order to let the top of the rod  240  indicate the correct liquid level in the receptacle. 
     In operation, the funnel shown in  FIG. 5  will be easy to fold by help of the lid  208  and the connection means  212  which can be pushed downwards into the tube  206 . Pressing the lid further downwards will at a certain moment influence the base plate  207  and move that base plate  207  downwards. The constriction  244  interacts with the outside of the spokes  210  which are pressed simultaneously towards the centre of the funnel which is folded with a reduction of the diameter so that the whole funnel now can be pressed downwards into the filter  214 . By pressing down the funnel, their connection means  212  and ball means  230  will interact with the rod  240  and press this rod downwards. This will press a buoyancy element down under the liquid level and as such and upwards acting force will act on rod  240 . At the end, the lid  208  can be connected to the opening of the filter  214  by connecting means. 
       FIG. 6  shows the funnel from  FIG. 5  seen from a top view. In the center is shown the top of the tube  206 , and also the base plate  207  is seen from this top view. Spokes  210  are connected to the base plate  207  by hinging means  246 , and between spokes  210  are placed plumes  211 . The plumes  211  may for example be manufactured from a nylon-based material. 
     On  FIG. 6   a  is shown a side view of the funnel from  FIG. 6 . Spokes  210  and extensions  242  are seen together with hinging means  246  connected to a base plate  207 . The base plate  207  is connected to a tube  206 . The connection between the spokes  210  and the hinging means might comprise a snap functions that is activated by unfolding the funnel for keeping the funnel unfolded until a central force at the tube  206  the base plate  207  is pressing the funnel  202  downwards for folding. The spokes  210  might have a curved form for keeping the funnel  202  unfolded in use. 
       FIG. 7  shows spokes  210  and extensions  242  and alternative plumes  211  now in a curved form. 
       FIG. 8  shows a cut through a fourth possible funnel  302  which funnel is folded and placed totally inside a filter  314 . Inside the filter  314  is seen the tube  306  and the ball member  330  is seen at the bottom. The lid  308  is seen at the top which lid  308  is connected to the connecting means  312 . Spokes  310  is also seen inside the filter  314  and the spokes&#39; extensions  342  are seen at the bottom. The extensions  342  are in close contact to the base plate  307 . 
       FIG. 9  shows the same embodiment but now partly opened. The primary difference is now that the lid is pulled upwards and the connection means  312  are now pulled out from the tube  306 . Also the ball member has been moved from the bottom of the filter  314  till a top position. The spokes  310  and the extensions  342  and the base plate  307  are still in the same position as in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 10  shows the same embodiment as in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 , but now fully opened. The lid  308  and the connection rod  312  are now bent to the side by rotating the ball member  337  inside the top  332 . The slits are not shown inside the top element  332  for the connection rod  312 . The spokes  310  are unfolded, they are connected to the base plate  307  by hinging means  346 . The spokes have extensions  342  cooperating with the constriction  344  where the contact between the extension  342  and their constriction  334  leads to unfolding of the spokes  310 . 
       FIG. 11  shows the same invention as  FIGS. 8 ,  9  and  10  but here seen as a top view. Spokes  310  are by hinging means  346  connected through a base plate  307 . Between spokes  310  are shown glooms  311 . Between the hinging means, the spokes  310  and the base plate  307  are openings for letting your fluids flow downwards into the filter  314  as shown on  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 12   a  shows a possible embodiment of the invention where the liquid filter  1214  is equipped with a ring  1250 . The liquid filter  1214  has a protrusion  1260 , which interacts with the upper edge  1251  of the ring  1250 . 
       FIG. 12   b  shows a cross sectional view of the same embodiment as shown in  FIG. 12   a . The ring  1250  is provided with a recess  1252 , which interacts with a projection  1261  on the liquid filter  1214 . 
     The ring  1214  may be manufactured in different sizes in order to fit any given opening of a receptacle. The ring may further be exchangeable. It is, hereby, achieved that the funnel may be manufactured in a standard size and shape. If the liquid filter  1214  has a smaller cylindrical radius than the opening of the receptacle, then the liquid filter  1214  may be provided with a ring  1250  of a suitable size. The rings may be shaped in such a way that they can be mounted on the liquid filter  1214  at an oblique angle with respect to the cylinder axis of the liquid filter  1214 . In this way, the funnel may be adapted to any given opening. 
     A funnel according to the invention may for example be used for filling windshield washer fluid on a car. However, since the different types and brands of cars have different types of receptacles for windshield washer fluid, the collapsible funnel may be sold together with a set of rings so that the funnel may be adapted to any given receptacle. Due to the low manufacturing cost of the rings  1250 , this will not lead to a notable increase in the price of the finished product. 
       FIG. 12   c  shows the same embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 12   a  and  12   b  in perspective. At the bottom of the liquid filter  1214 , a meshed filter  1270  is provided. It is, hereby, achieved that possible contaminants, for example small particles, may be collected and thus an eventual destruction of the liquid pump may be avoided. In another embodiment, the liquid filter  1214  may be a pipe with no filter at the bottom. Instead, the pipe may be provided with a stop-ring at the bottom, which will prevent the funnel from sliding down in the receptacle in which it is stored. Additionally, the rings  1250  may have an outer perimeter that is not ring-shaped, but instead have a polygonal edge. 
       FIG. 13  shows a cut through of the same embodiment of a funnel as shown in  FIG. 12 , but without the ring  1250 . The funnel is displayed fully opened. The lid  1308  is connected to the tube  1306  with a connection rod (of which only the bottom is shown). The spokes  1310  are by hinging means  1346  connected to the base plate  1307 . The upper part of the liquid filter  1314  comprises a protrusion  1313  that interacts with the extensions  1342  of the spokes  1310 . The extensions  1342  cooperate with the constrictions  1344  where the contact between the extensions  1342  and their constriction  1344  leads to an unfolding of the spokes  1310  and a fixing of the spokes  1310  in the unfolded position. The liquid filter additionally contains air holes  1377 . The air holes  1377  ensure that liquid may be filled into a receptacle using a funnel according to the invention at a higher rate because air may escape the receptacle while filling it with liquid. An additional air hole  1358  may be placed at the top of the tube  1306 . 
       FIG. 14  shows the same embodiment of a funnel as shown in  FIG. 13 . The funnel is displayed fully opened. The lid  1308  is connected to the tube  1306  with a connection rod  1437 . Between the hinging means, the spokes  1310  and the base plate  1307 , there are openings  1348  for letting fluids flow downwards into the filter  1314 . 
       FIG. 15  shows the same embodiment of a funnel as shown in  FIG. 14  where the funnel is displayed fully opened, but here viewed from a different angle so that the meshed filter  1570  at the bottom of the liquid filter  1314  can be seen. The meshed filter  1570  ensures that possible contaminants in the liquid are prevented from entering the receptacle. 
     A funnel according to the invention may be manufactured from a material that is particularly suitable for usage in conjunction with any given liquid. A funnel for filling gasoline on for example a lawn mower may be manufactured from a different kind of material than a funnel that is used in a receptacle for wind shield washer liquid. The funnel may in an alternative embodiment be equipped with a special filter, which is specially designed for filtering of gasoline.