Pole weight and method for filling the same

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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . 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.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the body further defines a second chamber disposed adjacent the first chamber, the second chamber including a closed bottom, closed sides and an open top. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second chambers are laterally spaced apart by a separation distance. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a hook extending upwardly beyond the open top. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the closure is an elastic drawstring. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a flexible nylon fabric. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an attachment strap disposed on the body. 
     
     
         8 . 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.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein each chamber is laterally spaced apart from an adjacent chamber by a uniform distance. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , further comprising a drawstring provided each of the first ends of the compartments, the drawstring configured to at least partially close each respective compartment when drawn outward from the body. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , further comprising a hook extending upwardly beyond the first end. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , further comprising an elastic closure disposed generally at the first end, the elastic closure configured to selectively close or open the first end to the flow of particles. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the body comprises a flexible nylon fabric. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , further comprising an attachment strap disposed on the body. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the attachment strap is generally horizontally oriented. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the attachment strap includes a hook and loop fastener. 
     
     
         17 . 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.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 introducing fill material through a second funnel portion of the container body;   transmitting the fill material through the second funnel into a second chamber in the body through an opening in the second chamber;   folding the second funnel into the second chamber through the opening without removing the second funnel from the body; and   closing the second chamber by actuating a second closure provided to the opening in the second chamber.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 Spacing the first chamber apart from the second chamber to define a separation distance so that a pole can be at least partially captured between the first and second chambers; and   restraining the movement of the first chamber with respect to the second chamber.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising drawing a drawstring outwards to close the opening in the first chamber.