Pole weight and method for filling the same
OwnerThomas F. Votel, Adria Rae Ensrudinventors
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Abstract
Disclosed are a pole weight device and method of filling a weighting enclosure, comprising an integrated funnel structure to assist in filling the enclosure. In one aspect, the device comprises a body defining a first chamber. The first chamber includes a closed bottom, closed sides and an upwardly facing open top. The funnel can extend outwardly from the open top in a deployed position and can fold inside of the chamber in the retracted position. A closure can be disposed at the interface of the funnel and open top. A single or a plurality of chambers can be defined in the body, each with its own integral funnel. The chambers can be of any desired shape and size. A closure can be provided to the opening in the chamber.
Claims20
A container apparatus, comprising:
- a body defining a first chamber, the chamber including a closed bottom, closed sides and an open top;
- a funnel extending outwardly from the open top, the funnel configured to fold inside of the chamber;
- and
- a closure disposed at the interface of the funnel and open top.
A tent pole weight, comprising:
- A body defining at least two generally cylindrical chambers, each generally vertically oriented, and each chamber including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is closeable and the second end is closed;
- and
- a collapsible funnel integrated on the closeable first end of each chamber and configured in a deployed state to allow particle communication between the funnel and chamber in an open position;
- the collapsible funnel further configured to be contained within the chamber when not deployed and when the first end is in a closed position.
A method of weighting down a tent pole, comprising
- introducing fill material through a first funnel portion of a container body;
- transmitting the fill material through the first funnel into a first chamber in the body through an opening in the chamber;
- folding the first funnel into the first chamber through the opening in the first chamber without removing the first funnel from the body;
- and
- closing the first chamber by actuating a first closure provided to the opening in the first chamber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.