Funnel

Abstract

An improved funnel allows for easier filling of containers. The funnel allows containers to be filled more completely and to be more easily filled with viscous or granulated material. The funnel is also stabilized during use to minimize the risk of spilling.

1 . A funnel comprising:
 a body having a first end having a first opening and a second end having a second opening smaller than the first opening; and   threads formed about the second opening to allow releasable attachment of the second opening to an opening of a container.   
   
   
       2 . The funnel of  claim 1 , further comprising a shoulder formed adjacent the threads and configured for contacting a rim of the container. 
   
   
       3 . The funnel of  claim 1 , wherein the shoulder forms a lip configured for extending into the opening of the container. 
   
   
       4 . The funnel of  claim 1 , further comprising gripping means formed on the second end. 
   
   
       5 . The funnel of  claim 1 , wherein the body is conical. 
   
   
       6 . The funnel of  claim 1  wherein the threads formed in the second opening are configured to receive a 38-400 standard thread opening. 
   
   
       7 . The funnel of  claim 1 , wherein the funnel has an upper end defining the first opening, the first opening having at least one corner. 
   
   
       8 . The funnel of  claim 7 , wherein the opening is polygonic. 
   
   
       9 . A structure for receiving and holding material, the structure comprising:
 a container, the container having an opening defined by a threaded collar; and   a funnel the funnel having a first, upper opening and a second, lower opening, the second opening having a threaded collar, and wherein the threaded collar of the funnel is configured to engage the threaded collar of the container to thereby secure the funnel to the container.   
   
   
       10 . The structure of  claim 9 , wherein the funnel has a generally circular first, upper opening and a generally circular second, lower opening. 
   
   
       11 . The structure of  claim 9 , wherein the first, upper opening has at least one corner. 
   
   
       12 . The structure of  claim 9 , wherein the first, upper opening is generally square. 
   
   
       13 . The structure of  claim 9 , wherein the first, upper opening is polygonic. 
   
   
       14 . The structure of  claim 9 , wherein the threaded collar of the container has a top wherein the funnel has a shoulder disposed adjacent the second, lower opening for engaging the top of the collar of the container. 
   
   
       15 . The structure of  claim 9 , wherein the funnel comprises a lip configured for extending into the collar of the container. 
   
   
       16 . A method for filling a container comprising:
 selecting a container having a opening defined by a threaded collar;   selecting a funnel having a threaded collar which mates with the threaded collar of the container; and   attaching the funnel to the container.   
   
   
       17 . The method for filling a container of  claim 16 , wherein the method comprises selecting a container having a collar with male threads and a funnel having a collar with female threads. 
   
   
       18 . The method for filling a container of  claim 17 , wherein the method comprises tightening the funnel on the container until a shoulder in the funnel engages a top of the collar of the container.