Back to results
US 11,629,039 B2Granted
Funnel
AssigneeEmbedded Steps LLC
InventorsEdward Terrana, Sebastian Thomas Terrana
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A funnel compatible with recreational vehicle fill ports. The funnel including: a) an input section having an inlet portion which is tapered; b) an output section having: i) an outlet portion in fluid communication with the inlet portion and adapted to engage with a fill port; and ii) an adapter portion not in fluid communication with the input section and adapted to engage with a support member.
Claims16
A funnel comprising:
- a) an input section formed as a single uninterrupted piece of material having:
- i) an inlet portion which is tapered and has a conical shape, wherein the inlet portion includes a wall which is free of any openings and defines a wider opening tapering toward a narrower opening, wherein the inlet portion includes a single rim continuous about and defining the wider opening, wherein the single rim is integral with and defines an edge of the wall, wherein tapering from the wider opening to the narrower opening commences at the single rim;
- ii) a first mating portion adjacent to and integral with the inlet portion which is cylindrical and configured for a friction fit connection;
- b) an output section formed as a single uninterrupted piece of material having:
- i) a second mating portion which is received via the friction fit connection by the first mating portion such that the output section is in fluid communication with the input section;
- ii) an outlet portion in fluid communication with the input section via the second mating portion and adapted to directly engage with a fill port;
- and
- iii) an adapter portion blocked from fluid flow from the input section and adapted to engage with a support member;
- iv) one or more reinforcements between the outlet portion and the adapter portion, wherein the one or more reinforcements include one or more gussets integrally connected to and extending between the outlet portion and the adapter portion;
- wherein the second mating portion bifurcates to the outlet portion and the adapter portion such that the outlet portion and the adapter portion are integral with the second mating portion;
- wherein the outlet portion is angled relative to the second mating portion at an angle of about 90 degrees to about 160 degrees;
- wherein the outlet portion is angled relative to the adapter portion at an angle of about 40 degrees to about 110 degrees;
- wherein the first mating portion has a friction fit with the second mating portion such that the input section mates to and is engaged with the output section;
- wherein the inlet portion, the first mating portion, and the second mating portion are aligned and concentric with one another;
- wherein the first mating portion, the second mating portion, or both are configured to engage with an end fitting of a hose;
- and
- wherein the first mating portion, the second mating portion, or both have an interior diameter, a threaded fitting, or both which allows for mating engagement with the end fitting of the hose.
14 more elements
A funnel comprising:
- a) an input section formed as a single uninterrupted piece of material having:
- i) an inlet portion which is tapered and has a conical shape, wherein the inlet portion includes a wall which is free of any openings and defines a wider opening tapering toward a narrower opening, wherein the inlet portion includes a single rim continuous about and defining the wider opening, and wherein the single rim is integral with and defines an edge of the wall, wherein tapering from the wider opening to the narrower opening commences at the single rim;
- ii) a first mating portion adjacent to and integral with the inlet portion which is cylindrical, wherein the inlet portion tapers toward and is adjacent to the first mating portion and configured for a friction fit connection;
- iii) one or more reinforcements formed as one or more ribs, wherein the one or more ribs are integral with and connect the inlet portion to the first mating portion;
- b) an output section formed as a single uninterrupted piece of material having:
- i) a second mating portion which is received via the friction fit connection by the first mating portion such that the output section is in fluid communication with the input section, wherein the inlet portion, the first mating portion, and the second mating portion are aligned and concentric with one another;
- ii) an outlet portion in fluid communication with the input section via the second mating portion and adapted to directly engage with a fill port;
- iii) an adapter portion blocked from fluid flow from the input section and adapted to engage with a support member;
- iv) one or more other reinforcements between the outlet portion and the adapter portion, wherein the one or more other reinforcements include one or more gussets integrally connected to and extending between the outlet portion and the adapter portion;
- v) one or more stops formed as one or more annular protrusions integrally formed about an outlet diameter of the outlet portion, wherein the one or more stops are configured to prevent further insertion of the outlet portion into the fill port;
- wherein the second mating portion bifurcates to the outlet portion and the adapter portion, such that the outlet portion and the adapter portion are integral with the second mating portion;
- wherein the outlet portion is angled relative to the adapter portion;
- wherein the first mating portion, the second mating portion, or both are configured to engage with an end fitting of a hose;
- and
- wherein the first mating portion, the second mating portion, or both have an interior diameter, a threaded fitting, or both which allows for a mating engagement with the end fitting of the hose.
12 more elements
A funnel assembly comprising:
- a) an input section formed as a single uninterrupted piece of material having:
- i) an inlet portion which is tapered and has a conical shape free of any additional openings;
- ii) a first mating portion adjacent to and integral with the inlet portion which is cylindrical and configured for a friction fit connection, wherein the inlet portion tapers toward and is adjacent to the first mating portion;
- b) an output section formed as a single uninterrupted piece of material having:
- i) a second mating portion which is received via the friction fit connection by the first mating portion such that the output section is in fluid communication with the input section, wherein the inlet portion, the first mating portion, and the second mating portion are aligned and concentric with one another;
- ii) an outlet portion in fluid communication with the input section via the second mating portion and adapted to directly engage with a fill port;
- and
- iii) an adapter portion blocked from fluid flow from the input section and at least partially hollow;
- iv) one or more reinforcements between the outlet portion and the adapter portion;
- v) one or more stops formed as one or more annular protrusions integrally formed about an outlet diameter of the outlet portion, wherein the one or more stops are configured to prevent further insertion of the outlet portion into the fill port;
- c) a support member which is received in the adapter portion so as to be wedged between a support surface and the output section by being partially retained within the adapter portion;
- wherein the second mating portion bifurcates to the outlet portion and the adapter portion, such that the outlet portion and the adapter portion are integral with the second mating portion;
- and
- wherein the outlet portion is angled relative to the adapter portion.
11 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.