Funnel to counter out-splashing of a fluid being poured through it

Abstract

A conventional funnel that has a rimmed open bowl atop a spout, to guide a fluid flow poured in from a fluid-contributing source or container into a fluid-receiving container, is improved by the provision of a curved-in lip around the bowl rim. The curved-in lip intercepts any fluid seeking to splash out of the funnel for a variety of reasons, and redirects it back into the bowl to counter undesirable splash-out. The curved-in rim, even when of very small span, is effective in countering splash-out of true liquids, mixtures of non-sticking solid particulates in a liquid, dry flowing particulates and even small sized objects like peanuts. The provision of a perforated collar at the junction of the bowl and the spout, a flexible portion provided to the spout adjacent the same junction, and a plurality of outwardly extending vanes provided outside the spout, and flutes formed in the bowl to promote Coriolis-acceleration-influenced flow, added individually or in selected combinations, variously improve the funnel further by making it more securely locatable with respect to the receiving container, facilitating venting of displaced air therefrom, and promoting fluid throughflow via the funnel.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to improvements to a conventional funnel, of the kind commonly used to help guide a fluid flow from a fluid-contributing container into a fluid-receiving container, to counter out-splashing from the funnel as the fluid is being poured through it. More particularly, it relates to simple structural improvements to a conventional funnel that significantly reduce the natural tendency of a fluid being poured through it to splash away from the intended transfer flow and out of the funnel due to factors such as: (a) the funnel not being held upright during the pour; (b) unevenly oriented or pulsating flow out of the contributing container, (c) inertial forces that tend to bounce back fast-pouring fluid from the inner surface of the funnel and over the funnel rim, (d) upward blowback of air and / or vapor from the receiving container, or (e) inadvertently caused instability of the funnel body during the pouring operation.BACKGROUND OF THE REL...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018]a smoothly curved-in lip provided at the bowl rim, to prevent the flowing fluid from splashing out of the bowl by redirecting any fluid that reaches the curved-in lip inwardly from the rim back into the bowl.

[0020]a smoothly curved-in lip provided at the bowl rim, to prevent the flowing fluid from splashing out of the bowl by redirecting any fluid that reaches the curved-in lip inwardly from the rim back into the bowl,

[0023]a smoothly curved-in lip provided at the bowl rim, to prevent the flowing fluid from splashing out of the bowl by redirecting any fluid that reaches the curved-in lip inwardly from the rim back into the bowl; and

[0026]a smoothly curved-in lip provided at the bowl rim, to prevent the flowing fluid from splashing out of the bowl by redirecting any fluid that reaches the curved-in lip inwardly from the rim back into the bowl; and

[0028]In another aspect of this invention there is provided a method for improving the guided flow of a fluid poured from a contributing source thereof into a receiving container without undesirable splash-out of the fluid from the funnel during use.

Problems solved by technology

All such “fluids” are known to suffer “splash-out” during their flow through conventional funnels.

This is where the initial problem is encountered: some of the arriving flow will often tend to continue going forward and right over the top of rim directly in front of it.

However, the requisite slowdown may not be possible or practical; and the problem is best addressed by improvements to the funnel structure.

Circumstances sometimes make it difficult to dispose and maintain a conventional funnel upright during use.

For example, in an emergency one might have to pour gasoline or diesel fuel, from a spare fuel can that lacks its own nozzle, into an automobile fuel tank through an intake that does not have a horizontal opening and so will not allow the conventional funnel to be used upright.

This can easily lead to some fuel splashing out over the lower edge of the bowl of the necessarily tipped funnel; especially when a person is operating alone and perhaps under awkward circumstances, e.g., in a poorly lit area or in inclement weather.

However, because of their relatively long bodies, they are not convenient for use outside garages or auto repair shops where the funnels can be set aside between uses so that residual fluid that drips from them can be routinely collected after each use.

These oppositely directed flows can cause incoming air bubbles to interrupt fluid outflow and make it irregular and pulsatile in nature, especially if the contributing container has thin flexible walls.

Such a fluid flow typically is gurgling, uneven, and at times randomly directed out of the contributing container.

Such an impact-induced flow reversal, and its inertial effects, can cause some of the bounced fluid to splash upward over the funnel rim and right out of the funnel.

One known solution to deal with such problems is to add a contiguous cylindrical upper section to raise the rim above the conical portion of the bowl, but this may make the funnel too large for it to be portable for most users.

Sometimes, as in canning jellies, the fluid flow may be hot, and it may heat the air being displaced out of the receiving container.

If the funnel spout is sized to closely fit into the mouth of that container, air cannot easily escape out of the receiving container as it fills up with fluid, and so there might be temporary and abrupt increases of air back-pressure acting upward on the fluid flowing down through the spout.

These air pressure changes can cause unsteady blowback of air into the funnel, often as powerful bubble-bursts in the fluid still in the funnel bowl; and such flow disruption also could cause fluid to splash out of the funnel.

The person pouring fluid into the funnel might get momentarily distracted or feel weak or tired, and might then unintentionally bump the funnel with the fluid-contributing container or nozzle.

This could cause an otherwise steady and upright funnel to rock to and fro or incline rapidly (or in the worst case scenario entirely tip over and out of the mouth of the receiving container), and this might cause the pouring fluid to splash out of the funnel bowl.

Unintentional splash-out of the fluid being funneled might be merely embarrassing, if the fluid is not potentially harmful.

However, serious harm could result if the splashed fluid comprises a strong acid or alkali, or is hot, poisonous, biohazardous, corrosive, flammable, penetrating, adhesive, a liquefied gas, or a slick substance likely to cause slip-and-fall accidents in a high-traffic area.

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