Funnel with on/off valve

Abstract

An on/off valve for a funnel having a tapered funnel outlet tube which has a substantially circular cross-section and which has a larger diameter inlet end and a smaller diameter outlet end, and features a substantially spherical occluding element in the tapered outlet tube. The diameter of the occluding element is such that the occluding element rests against the inner wall of the tapered outlet tube to close the funnel outlet tube to prevent passage of liquid therethrough and to permit the sealing at a variety of angular displacements of the spherical occluding element. The occluding element's position in the tapered outlet tube is determined by a wire-like element protruding from the occluding element out of the outlet tube's outlet end, and the protruding element extends substantially parallel to the outlet tube's axis and then bends to form a transverse arm which contacts a rim of a vessel being filled by the funnel to start flow therefrom. A method of making the funnel assembly enables attachment of the occluding element to the actuator rod before introducing the occluding element/actuator rod assembly into the funnel body.

Claims aren’t available for this document.